Bath Rugby appoint Tarquin McDonald as new managing director

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Bath Rugby have appointed Tarquin McDonald as their new managing director.

McDonald had previously served as the club’s finance and strategy director since December 2012 and will take up his new role with immediate effect.

The move coincides with Bath owner Bruce Craig’s recently announced title change to executive chairman and will follow the departure of chief executive Nick Blofeld, who is stepping up to a wider group role.

McDonald said: “It is an honour to take on this new position within Bath Rugby.

“The club has a fantastic heritage, passionate and loyal supporters, and is an important part of the local community.

“The club remains focused on both becoming one of the best rugby clubs in Europe and keeping Bath Rugby playing at its spiritual home, The Rec.

“I am excited about continuing to build a business which supports success on the pitch, and which will enable the club to remain in the heart of the City.”

Craig added: “I’m delighted that Tarquin has stepped up to become the managing director of Bath Rugby.

“In his previous position he made significant progress in moving forward our ambitions for re-developing The Rec, and worked closely with Nick and myself in developing the business.

“We are all incredibly excited about the season ahead and I would like to thank all our supporters for their continued support both on and off the pitch.”

The rugby side of the business will continue to be managed by head coach Mike Ford and his team, together with performance director David Thompson.

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Bath Rugby appoint Tarquin McDonald as new managing director

Gloucester Rugby statement on James Simpson-Daniel

James Simpson-Daniel forced to retire from professional rugby

It is with regret that Gloucester Rugby can today confirm that James Simpson-Daniel has had to retire with immediate effect due to injury.

The 32 year old winger has been sidelined since last November when he suffered an horrific ankle injury in an LV= Cup fixture against Newcastle Falcons at Kingsholm.

Sinbad, as he is affectionately known by all connected with Gloucester Rugby, has battled bravely in an attempt to regain full fitness but has reluctantly been forced to admit defeat.

Despite the desperately disappointing news, Simpson-Daniel preferred to dwell on the positives when he spoke to the club website.

“When I was given the diagnosis by the specialist, they were obviously the last words I wanted to hear. But I know that I’ve given it everything and I can’t praise the Gloucester Rugby medical staff highly enough.

“I don’t think it’s really sunk in yet to be honest. But I’ve had a really good trot, I can’t have any complaints. It would have been nice to have won more trophies with Gloucester, but I’ve got so many fantastic memories from my time in the game.

“I’ve loved every minute of my time with the club, played and worked with so many great people, made so many friends and, of course, played my home games at the best home ground in club rugby, Kingsholm.

“That’s what I’ll miss the most. That roar as you exit the tunnel and run on to the pitch. The Gloucester supporters have always been fantastic to me and I’ll always be grateful.

“But it’s now time to start on a new chapter, I’ll take my time and consider my options. But, whatever I do, Gloucester Rugby will always be a huge part of my life.”

Simpson-Daniel joined Gloucester Rugby as a teenager straight from Sedbergh School, and quickly gave a glimpse of things to come, scoring a try on debut against Rotherham in 2001.

He proceeded to light up grounds all over the country with his dazzling talent, a sensational score for England against the Barbarians when he outfoxed Jonah Lomu living long in the memory.

He won 10 England caps, untimely illness and injury robbing him of what should have been many more appearances for his country, but he will be remembered primarily for wearing the Cherry and White of Gloucester.

Across 14 seasons, he made more Premiership appearances for the club than any other player, scoring 118 tries from 250 starts.

Director of Rugby David Humphreys spoke of his regret at not being able to see Simpson-Daniel in competitive action.

“He was a unique talent. I played against him and, even though he was an opponent who could really hurt you on the pitch, he was a joy to watch.

“It’s a real blow for him and, personally, I’m disappointed that he’s had to retire before I had the opportunity to enjoy seeing him play as a colleague.

“But his influence on this Gloucester Rugby side will continue to be felt. He’s helped to develop and mentor the likes of Jonny May and Charlie Sharples, both international wingers in their own right. And he will have inspired countless others to play the game.

“On behalf of everyone at Gloucester Rugby, I’d like to thank him for everything he’s done for the club and wish him all the very best for the future.”

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Gloucester Rugby statement on James Simpson-Daniel

Rugby League - Wane backs O"Loughlin for England

The 31-year-old Wigan skipper is the early favourite to succeed Leeds’ Kevin Sinfield, who announced on Monday night his retirement from the international game.

O’Loughlin is in England coach Steve McNamara’s 34-strong training squad and a certainty to make the cut ahead of the Four Nations Series in Australia and New Zealand at the end of the season.

“I rate him very, very highly and, if I was Steve, I wouldn’t look anywhere else,” Wane said.

“He has the respect of all of his team-mates and whoever he plays against, overseas as well as in this country, it’s a no-brainer for me.

“Lockers is very patriotic. But he needs to consider his Wigan career as well. That’s a decision for him to make, I wouldn’t put any pressure on him.”

O’Loughlin, who made his 11th England appearance in last November’s World Cup semi-final defeat by New Zealand, would have considerably more caps to his name but for a series of injuries and he missed 14 matches for the Warriors in 2013.

Wane admits the combative nature of his inspirational captain leaves him susceptible to injury but insists that is part of his make-up.

“The way he plays, you can never say his injuries are behind him,” Wane said. “If you try to make him protect his body a bit, he’s not the same player.

“I look after him off the field with his recovery but, when he plays, he throws his body in. He is what he is. I would never want to change him.”

Other candidates that could be in the running include former St Helens skipper James Graham, who led England in the absence of Jamie Peacock and Adrian Morley on the 2010 Four Nations tour down under, and former Wigan full-back Sam Tomkins, now with New Zealand Warriors.

O’Loughlin is the clear favourite from the Super League-based players who held a get-together in Leeds on Monday night and he would have the backing of former England coach Tony Smith.

“He’d be the obvious one if he’s available,” said Warrington head coach Smith. “I think he’s a tremendous player. He’s a good leader and a good style of person off the field, too, which is very important to that sort of position.

“It’s not just about what you do on the rugby field, it’s about how you present yourself and what sort of character you’ve got.

“I’m sure, if he’s called upon, he’d be honoured to do it and would do a fantastic job for his country.”

Like Peacock before him, Sinfield stood down in order to prolong his club career and Smith believes it was a brave decision.

“I’ve always had the greatest admiration for him and I know that would have been a difficult decision for him because I know how much he loves playing for his country and how much pride he has doing that,” Smith said.

“It’s not just a brave but an honourable decision to step down.”

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Rugby League - Wane backs O"Loughlin for England

Rugby stars Rob and Dave Kearney, Jamie Heaslip and Sean O"Brien open new ...

Ireland and Leinster rugby stars Rob and Dave Kearney, Jamie Heaslip and Sean O’Brien have opened a new bar in Dublin.

The Bridge 1859 has been revealed as the new name of the boozer in Ballsbridge, south Dublin, formerly known as Bellamy’s.

The pub was recently acquired by Noel Anderson, who also owns The Grafton Lounge in the capital, and will be open for business by the end of September.

It has been completely redesigned with a longer bar counter and a new back bar.

Noel Anderson said: “I’m obviously over the moon to have gone into business with the four lads.

“I can see us having some great days ahead in The Bridge 1859.

“The highs and lows of the last few months will all be worth it when we open the doors and pull that highly anticipated first pint!”

Full-back Rob Kearney said: “We are all thrilled at how the bar is looking.

“We’re working with some great architects and designers, and I think people are going to be really surprised at how the place has been transformed.”

Ireland captain Jamie Heaslip said: “For all of us it was important to get a name that paid homage to the history of the building and the area.

“We feel that The Bridge 1859 captures both – we’re located in Ballsbridge, and the building was first used as a pub in 1859.

“We also wanted a name that was easy to roll off the tongue standing in the RDS or the Aviva – ‘let’s go to The Bridge for one’.”

Sean O’Brien continued: “I’ve always been interested in owning a pub and now that is has become a reality, I can’t wait to get behind the bar and pull a few pints!”

“I’m looking forward to chatting with customers and hearing their thoughts on the place.

“It has been a pleasure of working with the group of lads including Noel – the best in the business.”

Dave Kearney added: “Teaming up with Noel was a no-brainer.

“He has made a huge success out of The Grafton Lounge, and we’re positive that we can do the same with The Bridge 1859.”

The bar is located in the heart of Dublin’s rugby scene, close to both the Aviva Stadium and the RDS.

The Bridge 1859 is also currently recruiting full and part-time bar and waiting staff.

Email jobs@thebridge1859.ie for more information.

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Rugby stars Rob and Dave Kearney, Jamie Heaslip and Sean O"Brien open new ...

SportsTalk: Super League top eight and rugby union preview

Castleford Tigers make strides as the jostling for position in Super League’s play-offs intensifies. Download this Yorkshire Post podcast here or via iTunes.

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Dave Craven joins us to review the weekend’s action and assess the play-off picture.

Plus, with the rugby union season dawning, we preview the Championship season and the prospects of the region’s trio of clubs; Yorkshire Carnegie, Rotherham Titans and Doncaster Knights.

Nick Westby hosts SportsTalk from the Yorkshire Post.

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SportsTalk: Super League top eight and rugby union preview

Strictly Come Dancing: Rugby ace Thom Evans practiced by watching YouTube ...

Rugby ace Thom Evans

prepared for his stint on Strictly

by watching YouTube videos and dancing in front of the mirror.

The former Scottish international joins the show when it returns on Sunday, alongside Tennis coach Judy Murray, Blue’s Simon Webbe and adventurer Steve Backshall.

Thom, now 29, retired from Rugby in 2010 after suffering a severe neck injury. Since then he’s concentrated on acting and modelling.

He said: “I’m so happy to be doing the show, I cannot wait to get started. I’m really looking forward to my Strictly makeover – bring on Strictly and bring on the spandex.”

Who is Thom Evans? Strictly Come Dancing 2014 contestant profile

Why have you signed up?

I’ve watched the show for the last couple of years and everyone involved, from the celebrities, to the dancers and the judges always look like they’re having such an amazing amount of fun and I always said to myself that if the opportunity presented itself, I would always take it.

Have you got any dance experience?

Absolutely no dancing whatsoever. Except that I’ve watched countless videos on YouTube – YouTube is great for that these days – and practised a couple of times in the mirror to get some of the certain styles and gestures!

Have you done any special preparation?

I’m really active so I do try to keep fit. I’ve been doing fewer weights as I don’t want to get too stiff, because it’s not the best thing going into this so I’ve just been doing a lot of body weight stuff. Basically stuff to free me up so I’ve just been quite conscious of that.

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Have you got any particular dances you’re really looking forward to doing?

I think, and I say this reservedly, the salsa will suit me more because my dancing basically consists of hip movement. I’ve never been

taught but from watching those sorts of dancing, I think it might suit me more. And the jive – because it’s quick, like side-stepping in rugby. Austin Healey was great at the jive.

What would you be looking for in an ideal dance partner?

Someone who’s definitely going to push me. I’m going to need a lot of work! But someone who will acknowledge when I’ve done something right and give me some sort of encouragement. Someone who’s driven and wanting to push the boundaries. I’m a pretty driven person as it is so I don’t really need to be kicked up the backside so I’d want someone on the same level.

Have you done much dancing before?

Just out with friends. If I’m out with my rugby friends, I can stand up alcohol free and have a dance. That doesn’t bother me. I’ll give it a good go.

What do you think about the judges?

The judges are great. They just add to the show. They all bring their different personalities and I will obviously be looking for their approval but I’ve played professional sport so I am used to taking criticism and taking it on board and working hard to improve on things and that’s what I’ll be doing with every bit of feedback.

Have you got anyone in particular who’ll be coming along to support you?

Hopefully my brother, who still plays rugby. Matt’s really enthusiastic about dancing. When we were younger we used to learn boy band moves. I should perhaps try to make out that we were slightly busier with our lives back then but we weren’t! Learning moves to impress the girls.

My mum and dad love the show, they’re massive fans. All the family will be fighting to come along.

* Strictly Come Dancing returns on Sunday 7 September at 8pm on BBC One

 

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Article source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/picturegalleries/11069522/Ten-questions-ahead-of-new-rugby-union-season.html

Strictly Come Dancing: Rugby ace Thom Evans practiced by watching YouTube ...

Rugby-Springboks intrigued by All Blacks maul

MELBOURNE, Sept 2 (Reuters) – South Africa have long set the benchmark for using driving mauls to grind down opponents but were impressed by the All Blacks’ execution of the tactic in their humbling of Australia at Eden Park last month.

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw scored two second half tries off rolling mauls from attacking lineouts in quick succession as the world champions handed the Wallabies a stinging 51-20 loss to send them crashing to the bottom of the Rugby Championship after two games.

The Springboks relied on the tactic to help get them out of jail against Argentina in Salta and are likely to employ it liberally if given the chance against an Australian team still licking their wounds from the Eden Park fiasco.

“I think the maul is a big part of the South African game,” assistant coach Johann van Graan told reporters in Perth on Tuesday.

“Definitely if there’s an opportunity we’ll maul but it’s not because of what happened in Auckland.

“If you look at those mauls closely in Auckland, the New Zealanders put quite a few backs into the maul. They did something different.

“I think it might have been a surprise. It’s the first time in a few test matches that I’ve seen that. And they did quite well to put their backs in the blind and I think it made one or two guys unsure.”

The Springboks lead the four-nation tournament by a point from New Zealand after two tight wins over the Pumas and may fancy themselves to continue the Wallabies’ winless start at Subiaco Oval on Saturday.

Though victorious, not all has been rosy in the South Africa camp, with alarm bells ringing at home over the pack’s scrum troubles in the opening matches.

The Wallabies also have their problems, and are now down to their fifth-choice hooker in James Hanson after injuries to Stephen Moore, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Nathan Charles and Tolu Latu.

Belted at set-pieces and smashed at the breakdown at Eden Park, Australia’s pack has been under fire from local media, and coach Ewen McKenzie named a forwards-heavy bench for the Perth test in full expectation of a stiff test against the South Africa forwards.

The Springboks coaching staff have put an emphasis on training in Perth in putting the scrimmaging in order before Saturday, Van Graan said, and he dismissed criticism of the Wallabies’ pack.

“I think we’ve got a lot of respect for the Wallabies,” he said. “Throughout Super Rugby the players showed the kind of rugby they can play.

“I think against the French pack, they played some brilliant rugby earlier this year, and I think in Sydney, that 12-all draw, it was a big clash between two very good packs.

“Even in Auckland I thought they actually played some very very good rugby so (there’s) no soft Wallaby pack.”

South Africa has been buoyed by the return of inspirational lock Victor Matfield and loose forward Willem Alberts, who both missed the opening two tests and should be fit for selection.

But Matfield may not slot straight back into the side, Van Graan suggested, with his 21-year-old replacement Lood de Jager having impressed against Argentina.

“I was very happy with (De Jager). He doesn’t even call lineouts for his franchise,” he said. “The way that he grew in two test matches, made a huge call with about seven or eight minutes to go for that maul, (which) forced … that maul try,” he added of the push that led Marcell Coetzee over the line in Salta.

“Great to have Victor back. I think his influence is huge and I think he can’t wait to play if he gets selected on Saturday night.” (Reporting by Ian Ransom; Editing by Amlan Chakraborty)

Article source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/picturegalleries/11069522/Ten-questions-ahead-of-new-rugby-union-season.html

Rugby-Springboks intrigued by All Blacks maul