Andrew Hore: Welsh rugby's salary cap could have to rise in future seasons

WELSH rugby’s salary cap may have to rise to help the regions keep pace with their European rivals, believes Andrew Hore.

Each of the four professional sides spends a maximum of £3.5 million on Heineken Cup and Amlin Challenge squad members.

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   Andrew Hore

   
   

Ospreys chief executive Hore stresses that it is too soon to change the figure.

But he feels that in the seasons ahead the cap could be adjusted for certain regions.

 

He said: “At the moment the cap is set at the same level for all, but I believe there could come a point when we need to look at it again and decide whether it needs to change. If some businesses can show they can generate more income and manage their books effectively, then it may have to rise.

“That’s the beauty of what we have in place: we can wind it up as well as wind it down. There are companies such as ours who have a lot of Welsh representatives, so our wage bill will be high because we have to contract more players to cover for the ones we lose to the Welsh national cause.

“We wholeheartedly support the salary-cap concept, because if we don’t have a limit in place there is a risk that we will lose one or two entities in the future.

“But my argument would be we might need to start reviewing it on an individual basis in the seasons ahead.”

The regions introduced the cap last summer amid an economic malaise that posed a huge threat to some of the regions.

Hore stresses there will be no going back to the days of the professional sides living beyond their means.

And he also believes the Ospreys, Scarlets, Blues and Dragons can be competitive under the current arrangements.

“There is still the opportunity for a team to do extremely well in Europe on what we are on,” he said.

“The Irish get just about £1 million more than us and they’ve been successful, repeatedly winning the Heineken Cup. They’d argue their £4.5 million per annum is still a hell of a lot less than the French budgets of 22 or 23 million euros.

“But that is where the concept of a team overrides how much you spend on your squad.

“We were spending £3 million more a few years ago. Would people say there is that much difference in our outcomes? People have bought into the fact that these players are giving every thing they can and are often over-achieving.

“They are recognising that these kids are loving the jersey and representing the region fantastically.

“In comparison to Italian, Irish and Scottish teams we are about a £1 million to £1.5 million shy in terms of funding.

“But it isn’t just about money.

“Most of the teams who have been successful in Europe have decent levels of funding but they are also big on the concept of team.

“That is what we have to continue to progress.”

Andrew Hore: Welsh rugby"s salary cap could have to rise in future seasons

Plumtree joins Irish coaching team

Plumtree has been head coach at Super 15 outfit the Natal Sharks since 2008, overseeing triumphant Currie Cup seasons in 2008 and 2010.

The 48-year-old Kiwi also has experience of the Welsh League with Swansea and guided the Wellington Lions to play-off finals in 2003, 2004 and 2006 in New Zealand’s NPC.

“I’m really looking forward to becoming part of the Irish coaching set-up,” said Plumtree, who was named South African coach of the year in 2012.

“Having watched a number of recent Test matches there are some really positive challenges in front of us.

“I’m conscious of the responsibility we have and will be working hard to play my part in driving the team forward.”

Plumtree will arrive in Dublin in early September and will work beneath new Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt, who replaced Declan Kidney in the wake of the RBS 6 Nations.

“It’s great to have John joining us as part of the Irish coaching team,” Schmidt said.

“His proven success and broad experience across a number of competitions along with his ability to provide quality direction will add real value to the team.”

Plumtree joins Irish coaching team

The Irish Rugby 2013/14 Season Calendar Confirmed

Samoa and Australia will be facing the men in green at the home of Irish Rugby during the primetime Saturday evening slots commencing at 5:45pm. This will be the first time the Wallabies have played Ireland since that memorable 2011 Rugby World Cup meeting, which resulted in a 15-9 win for Ireland.

World champions New Zealand will complete Ireland’s line-up of international matches during November with a Sunday afternoon kick off at 2pm, with all fans hoping for a resulting score being much closer than the last time the two teams met.

That first weekend of the 2014 Six Nations will take place on Saturday, February 1 and Sunday, February 2, 2014. Wales kick off their title defence against Italy in Cardiff, with England travelling to France and Ireland entertaining Scotland in their opening fixtures.

The final round of matches – ‘Super Saturday’ – next year will see Italy hosting England, Wales welcoming Scotland and, in the third game, Ireland taking on France in Paris.

Of course, the clashes between Ireland, Italy and France will have some added spice over the next season as the countries have been drawn to face each other in the pool stages of the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England.

Ireland have a single Sunday date in the 2014 Championship, with afternoon kick-offs for the most part. Their only evening fixture is the game against les Bleus – the 2014 tournament will conclude with a 6pm Paris kick-off for France v Ireland.

 

2013 GUINNESS SERIES MATCHES:

Ireland v Samoa, Aviva Stadium, Saturday, November 9 2013, kick-off 5.45pm

Ireland v Australia, Aviva Stadium, Saturday, November 16 2013, kick-off 5.45pm

Ireland v New Zealand, Aviva Stadium, Sunday, November 24 2013, kick-off 2pm

 

2014 RBS 6 NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIP FIXTURES:

Ireland v Scotland, Aviva Stadium, 3pm, Sunday, February 2, 2014

Ireland v Wales, Aviva Stadium, 2.30pm, Saturday, February 8, 2014

England v Ireland, Twickenham, 4pm, Saturday, February 22, 2014

Ireland v Italy, Aviva Stadium, 2.30pm, Saturday, March 8, 2014

France v Ireland, Stade de France, 6pm local time/5pm Irish time, Saturday, March 15, 2014

Ticket prices and packages will be announced in the coming weeks and will include apriority sale for members of the Irish Rugby Supporters Club. See www.irishrugby.ie for more information.

The Irish Rugby 2013/14 Season Calendar Confirmed

Limerick ladies rugby player retires from international duty

One of the best Irish women’s rugby players of the last decade – Joy Neville – has announced her retirement from the international game.

Limerick native Joy won 70 caps for Ireland and was part of the Irish team that achieved the historical Grand Slam title earlier this year.

Looking back on a career which began with her club UL Bohs at the age of 19 Joy said: “I announce my retirement from a sport that has given me endless challenges, great entertainment and amazing achievements none more memorable than our latest grand slam victory which was 11 years in the making.

“Throughout my years involved with the Irish team I can categorically state that I would not have had dedicated the last decade of my life to this sport if it were not for those whom I had the pleasure to play alongside.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone and most importantly past players who laid the foundation. All who fought for the women’s team through thick and thin which provided us with our strong platform that we currently attain. I would also like to thank the current players who I have shared so many emotions with, all the management, medical staff, my wonderful family who were always there to support me both on and off the pitch, my friends who always understood when I could not celebrate their big moments, our wonderful supporters who always stuck in there with the Irish team through good times and hard.”

Ireland’s Ladies Rugby team coach Philip Doyle acknowledged Joy’s outstanding contribution to the sport.

“Joy Neville is an exceptional rugby player and her talent and ability had a huge impact on every game. Her selfless playing style was always for the good of the team. She has left a lasting impression not only to the squad but to women’s rugby in general. She will be sorely missed and we wish her all the best in her career as coach and an incredible ambassador for the sport.”

“While it will take some time to adjust to my new role in the squad as a supporter I would like to wish you all the very best of luck in the coming years,” added Joy. 

“So many unternational sides have commented on the great camaraderie, morale and craic that the Irish women’s team portrays. I am proud to have been associated with a team that has achieved so much and attained such a wonderful reputation. Now I look forward to the next chapter of my life which I hope to continue as Director of Rugby in Limerick Institute of Technology and an Ambassador for Irish Ladies Rugby with Euro Rugby tours.

I hope to look back in 10 years’ time and see a vibrant and healthy women’s Rugby Scene, with the ultimate aim of witnessing Irish Women’s Rugby becoming professional.”

Joy will play with her club team UL Bohs next Thursday in UL Bohs RFC Annacotty against Canadian side Red deer Titans in a friendly pre-season game organised by Euro Rugby Tours.

Limerick ladies rugby player retires from international duty

Stuart Lancaster to name England elite squad

Ashton’s selection throughout this year’s RBS 6 Nations was based on reputation and a lack of established alternatives with the misfiring Saracens wing’s defence the area of gravest concern.

The 26-year-old was one of five high-profile players rested for the tour to Argentina alongside Chris Robshaw, Brad Barritt, Danny Care and Toby Flood.

The quintet were assured by Lancaster before and after the 2-0 series victory over the Pumas that they would feature in the EPS squad for the autumn internationals.

Only two dedicated wings were included among the 33 named in January, but both could be axed tomorrow as patience has run out with David Strettle while Ashton’s ongoing presence hangs in the balance.

Major pressure is being applied by Marland Yarde and Christian Wade, who excelled in South America last month and have finally provided Lancaster with options in what has been viewed as a problem position.

An indication of how far Ashton’s stock has fallen is evident from the decision by the British and Irish Lions to prefer Wade as an injury replacement midway through their tour to Australia.

Even Shane Williams was favoured by a Lions management that included England assistant coach Andy Farrell when the number of injuries hit crisis point, although the former Wales wing’s presence in Japan was instrumental in his selection.

Lancaster was hugely impressed by Yarde and Wade and must decide whether to promote both at the expense of Ashton and Strettle, or keep faith with Ashton and drop Alex Goode who is out until October after undergoing shoulder surgery.

Other changes to the EPS’ backs are likely to be minimal with Kyle Eastmond potentially replacing Jonathan Joseph, although this would leave Lancaster with three inside centres and only one 13 in Manu Tuilagi.

The forwards, who make up 18 of the 33, could see a handful of changes, among them Matt Kvesic’s promotion to the EPS after he emerged as one of the stars of Argentina.

Kvesic is a more traditional openside than Robshaw and he will compete with the Harlequins back row for the number seven jersey for the forthcoming Tests against Australia, Argentina and New Zealand.

The captaincy will be named closer to the autumn, but Robshaw could lose out to Tom Wood, who filled the post in South America.

It is doubtful that number eight Thomas Waldrom will continue among the 33 with Billy Vunipola likely to make the step up from the Saxons.

Northampton hooker Dylan Hartley may finally have exhausted Lancaster’s patience, potentially creating an opening for Rob Webber who captained England against the Barbarians in May.

Hartley is out until September 1 following his latest brush with the disciplinary authorities which resulted in an 11-week suspension for verbally abusing referee Wayne Barnes in last season’s Aviva Premiership final.

Only three locks – Geoff Parling, Joe Launchbury and Courtney Lawes – were included in January and their number could be bolstered by the addition of Dave Attwood, who was outstanding in Argentina.

Some of those capped this summer could find themselves named as Saxons, but Lancaster has made it clear they could still be involved this autumn.

“I can’t think of a time when I have not been able to promote a Saxon to the senior side when the autumn internationals come around,” he said last month.

“There’s always an injury and there’s always a way. For example if Kyle was in the Saxons and he was on fire, built on the back of his tour and deserved to be playing then we would find a way.”

Stuart Lancaster to name England elite squad

Ospreys new boy Jeff Hassler aims to emulate Wales" best Canadian imports

DAN BAUGH, Rod Snow, John Tait and Gareth Rees became household names during their stints in Welsh rugby.

And there’s another Canadian who has ambitions to match the success of that popular quartet – Jeff Hassler.

The Ospreys new boy turned to former outside-half Rees, who kicked the precious conversion when Canada stunned Wales 26-24 in Cardiff 20 years ago, for advice before signing a three-year deal at the Liberty Stadium.

“Gareth is a legend of Canadian rugby and he told me what a great opportunity this was because the Ospreys are always competing at the top level,” he said.

“Whether I participate straight away or develop, he said the time over here would only be good for me and for Canadian rugby.”

Hassler is only 21, but he has already been capped four times, scoring twice when the Cannucks beat Russia at Colwyn Bay last November.

One thing you can be sure of is that Canadians give it everything with flanker Baugh, now a fitness coach with Wales, and lock Tait vital players in their time at Cardiff.

Prop Snow and Rees did the same at Newport and feisty lock Jamie Cudmore has gone on to be European rugby’s most notorious “enforcer” with Clermont Auvergne after starting out at the Scarlets.

“With people like Gareth and the others, there’s a ton of rugby connections between Canada and Wales,” said Hassler.

“Two of the Canadian national team’s coaches, Geraint John and Clive Griffiths, are also Welsh.

“The first game I played for Canada Under-17s was against the Ospreys at the Liberty, so it’s been a full 360 degrees coming back here.”

Hassler is likely to see plenty of early-season action with Hanno Dirksen still sidelined by a long-term knee injury. Both have a similar no-nonsense style.

“I’d say I’m more of a go-forward, direct ball-carrier who likes to be physical and play with power,” said Hassler, who comes from Okotoks, a small town near Calgary in Alberta.

“The Ospreys have some good wings, but I’m assuming that if they brought me over as a power runner, they are looking to be a bit more dynamic out wide.

“Hopefully, I can bring that to them, but I just want to do as well as I can.

“The main goal is to do myself justice and help the team.

“There may be a bit of pressure, but I just want to develop and become a top-level player.

“If I can get to play in a tournament like the Heineken Cup I will feel I have made a big step in my career.

“So far, everyone has been super-good and it’s been an easy transition.

“The Ospreys have quite a young squad with a lot of youth and enthusiasm.”

Hassler admits that Canadian rugby needs players coming to Europe to help the national team develop.

“It’s tough to market yourself because you don’t get much exposure,” he said.

“In Canada I played for a club called Prairie Wolf Pack.

“I’m not sure what kind of standard it is compared to clubs over here, but in Canada it’s the main selection route into the America Rugby Championship, which is one under the international tier.

“It’s not going to hurt my Test chances coming over here.

“We did well in the Pacific Nations this year. We lost to Ireland and Japan, but had big wins over Fiji, Tonga and USA.

“We have New Zealand Maori coming up in November, so we are getting the Tests we want, which is good. If we can knock off a big side it will be huge.”

Ospreys new boy Jeff Hassler aims to emulate Wales" best Canadian imports

Special visitors: Local families billet players

COBOURG - 

It wasn’t your typical local high school rugby game.

For starters, it’s summer and there is no school, but this game was educational for the Cobourg District Collegiate Institute East Comets.

Cobourg East hosted a team from Amman Valley, Wales last Thursday for the third time. The fact that the Welsh squad, from Ysgol Dyffryn Aman school, won by a large margin did not matter. This is a sport they’ve all played since a young age.

“You get really quick on your feet against a team like this because it’s such a high calibre,” said Cobourg East captain Cameron Tinney. “It’s a great experience getting to know their culture and you learn a lot about the game of rugby.”

Visiting players are billeted by the families of the Cobourg East players, which provides that much more of an opportunity for interaction.

“They become really good friends and we keep in touch afterwards for awhile,” said Tinney, who enjoyed the same experience two years ago.

Ceri Rees, the captain of the Welsh visiting team, agreed the experience was much more than just on the rugby pitch. In addition to spending time with the Cobourg players, they also spent time around town, including the beach.

“(People) can’t do enough for you,” Rees said.

Scott Caister, who coaches the Cobourg East Comets with Dean Smith, said the Welsh team was also visiting Lindsay, Ottawa and Brantford during their trip to Ontario. He was pleased to see them back in Cobourg.

“We look forward to it every two years,” he said. “We have a good reputation with the coaches. They know when their kids are billeted out it’s to nice families. It says a lot about the community that they want to keep coming back.”

On the pitch, Caister said his players were sure to benefit from the experience.

“They get to see how the game is supposed to be played,” the coach remarked. “They move the ball faster and it’s a lot smoother game. It’s the kind of game we keep on striving to get to.”

Smith, meanwhile, said he was “extremely proud of how we played.”

jeff.gard@sunmedia.ca

Special visitors: Local families billet players