A former rugby league player has died after falling from a balcony in Ibiza.
Luke Rhoden, 25, fell at the Ibiza Rocks Hotel in San Antonio on Tuesday night, the site confirmed.
Emergency services tended to Mr Rhoden at the scene, but he later died. Police on the island are investigating the circumstances of the incident.
Mr Rhoden played for Wigan Warriors academy in 2007 and 2008 before playing semi-professionally at Oldham Roughyeds.
Kris Radlinski, rugby general manager at Wigan Warriors, said: “We’re devastated to hear of Luke’s passing. He was a good player who always gave 100% whenever he took to the field.”
Ibiza Rocks said it was continuing to assist Spanish police with their investigation.
SYDNEY Aug 4 (Reuters) – Bryan Habana scored a try with his first touch of the ball in international rugby and 99 tests later the South Africa winger remains one of the most lethal finishers in the game.
On Saturday, the 31-year-old will become the fourth Springbok to win 100 caps when he lines up on the left wing in the Rugby Championship test against Australia in Perth.
Among his South African record 56 tries are nine in 19 matches against the Wallabies, including a hat-trick in Pretoria two years ago.
As one of South Africa’s most experienced players, though, Habana feels his input these days needs to be greater than just dotting the ball down over the whitewash.
“It would be pretty awesome to score my 10th try against Australia in my 100th test,” he said this week.
“But, that said, I think the contribution I need to give as a senior player who’s been there and done it, will be more important off the field than on it.”
Blessed with explosive pace, excellent football skills and an unswerving commitment to the cause, Habana has been one of the most prolific try scorers in rugby since making his debut against then world champions England at Twickenham in 2004.
“It’s been a wonderful journey over the last 11 seasons and one I feel very privileged to be a part of,” he added.
“Through the good times and the bad times, the journey has been one that I’ve enjoyed every step of the way.
“Yes, there’s been some trying times but just to get the chance to live out your dream, to be part of a team that represents a country and stands for so much.”
The good times have included a World Cup win and IRB World Player of the Year award in 2007 as well as a British and Irish Lions series triumph and Tri-Nations title in 2009.
The bad followed soon afterwards when he was booed by the crowd during a defeat to Australia at Bloemfontein in 2010 in the midst of the often troubled coaching reign of Peter de Villiers.
Habana said while that was disappointing, he had never lost faith in his own talent or his desire to wear the Springbok jersey.
“The true greats are the ones that bounce back,” he said. “Hopefully when I do hang up my boots, I’ll have left the jersey in a better place than when I received it 11 seasons ago.” (Reporting by Nick Mulvenney, editing by Patrick Johnston)
A Cupar rugby player has been convicted of raping a woman in a garden just hours after playing in a sevens tournament.
Girvin Imrie, 25, an engineer from Cupar, grabbed his 20-year-old victim, who was drunk and incapable of giving consent, from behind and raped her.
The attack took place in a garden at the rear of Howe of Fife Rugby Club, Cupar, on May 5 2013.
He was found guilty at the High Court in Glasgow. He had denied the charges.
He will be sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh on October 1.
The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said in evidence she was at the rugby sevens event at Duffus Park, Cupar, with friends and ended up at the clubhouse.
She told advocate depute Shanti Maguire, prosecuting, after a few drinks she decided to go to the toilet, but, instead, ended up outside.
The woman said: “I was very happily drunk. I remember thinking I had to phone my boyfriend, but I can’t remember if I phoned him.â€
Ms Maguire said: “What happened next?†and she replied: “I just remember somebody being behind me. I know he was quite strong. He was hurting my arm. I was scared. I remember a big dark shadow. He never said a word.â€
She said the only part of him she could see was his hands as he held her in a vice-like grip and raped her before running off.
The court heard the hat Imrie was wearing that night had been found close to where the rape took place.
A DNA sample was taken from his victim, but went missing after Cupar police office closed down the day after the attack.
The sample, which was in a fridge in the CID office, disappeared during the removal process.
However, after hearing police were investigating an incident at the rugby club Imrie told them he had had consensual sex in the garden area that night with the woman.
Judge Lord Kinclaven remanded Imrie in custody and ordered a background report.
Her dad played football for Wales and Gabby was a gymnast for Wales in the Commonwealth Games. But she lives in England and now she’s married to a Scotsman!
I don’t want our twins to have to choose between being Scottish or Welsh. I want them to be both. I want them to be British.
There’s nothing like having kids to make you see how damaging a divorce can be.
It’s always exciting to think about chucking things over and heading off on a new start.
But when you choose to walk out on your family, you are making a very serious decision.
You have to be sure you’re doing the right thing. There can be no turning back.
Over the past two months, I’ve sensed a real divide growing in Scotland. I’m worried, if there is a divorce, that it’s going to be messy. That’s why I hope there won’t be one.
You have to work at a relationship. We can fix things so everyone is happy. Scotland can have new powers but stay in the Union.
Alex Salmond has been First Minister for seven years. When he complains that things in Scotland aren’t as good as they should be, he’s basically running against his own record.
He’s like a man trying to sell a car who won’t let you test-drive it. You just have to trust him when he says it will go.
We’ve achieved amazing things in the UK. At a time when things are starting to look really dangerous elsewhere, our country is stable and peaceful.
It’s a place people from across the world want to come to. I’m keen to keep it that way.
We can continue to grow and be better together. That’s why I hope Scotland votes No .
FORMER Scotland rugby players are being encouraged to Âparticipate in a ground-breaking research project into the long-term consequences of concussion, which is expected to Âbenefit future generations.
At a joint press conference at Murrayfield yesterday, ÂWillie Stewart, a consultant neuropathologist at Glasgow’s Southern General Hospital, and James Robson, Scottish Rugby’s Chief Medical Officer, explained why they are urging as many Âex-internationals as possible to participate in the project, which is being conducted by Âresearchers from the University of ÂGlasgow.
“Last weekend I was at a summit in New York attended by medical leaders from a wide range of sports including the International Rugby Board, American Football, Ice-Hockey, Fifa and so on, and I couldn’t believe some of the conversations which were going on in terms of the general acceptance in the room that if you get three or more concussions then you have a higher risk of developing dementia. In fact, there’s no evidence to support that at all,†explained Dr Stewart.
“That’s why this study is incredibly important because it is, for the first time, going to pull together some evidence and data to explain what happens to people who suffer concussion.â€
“While there is a lot of anxiety about how to assess and manage people who have Âsustained the injury on the day of the game, there is relatively Âlittle Âunderstanding of what the implications might be further down the line.
“There is anxiety that there might be an increased risk of a particular form of dementia, but in reality we don’t have real hard science, or facts, or data to base that assumption on, beyond one or two anecdotal cases.
“So, we’ve been inviting former internationalists in to be interviewed. We do some health checks with them, and we do some fairly refined interview assessments to see if there is any evidence that people who have played rugby at the highest level and been exposed to head injury have any issues which need to be looked at seriously.
“It is incredibly important Âbecause it gives us a picture for the first time in rugby union of what the problems may be, if there are any problems. And only then is it possible to have any meaningful change in terms of the rules or the way the game is managed to benefit player welfare.
“The more people we have Âinvolved in the study the more informative it will be. Recruitment is going well.
“We’re Ârunning this for 12 months and we’re on Âtarget at the halfway stage, but that is a minimum number and I’d like to exceed that considerably because the more we get the better we can answer specific questions,†he added.
Meanwhile, Robson was keen to stress that rather than scaring people away from the game, the Scottish Rugby Union’s Âwillingness to address this issue in a Âserious and honest manner should be taken as evidence that the sport in this country takes player welfare seriously.
“We have pledged to make the game as safe as it can be and in Scotland we have introduced a number of safety initiatives at all levels of the game over the last few years with that objective uppermost in our minds. Player welfare has improved significantly but that does not mean we should rest on our laurels,†said Robson, who has served as Scotland and Lions doctor for more than two decades.
“The concern is that we are seen to be putting our head in the sand and ignoring a potential health problem. I’m not prepared to do that. We need to find out if there was a problem with the way our players were managed in the past in order to make it safer in the future.
“You’ve got to remember that concussion can happen in any walk of life so if we can make management of the injury as a whole better through what we are doing in rugby then that’s a good thing for all of society. There is a perception among many doctors that concussion is only concussion if you have been knocked out, but we know that is not true. So there is an education issue for a broad Âspectrum of people here.â€
Stewart then explained that there is no danger of rugby being damaged by concerns over the way concussion is managed in the way that American Football has suffered in recent years.
“The difference here is that Scottish Rugby – and the game globally – has acted very responsibly to the evidence which has come through in respect to the risks of concussion and that goes back several years now. They’ve tried to improve protocols and so on,†he said. “In American Football they were conscious of concussion issues in their game going back to the mid-90s and set up their own enquiry which produced data which they interpreted in a certain light suggesting that head injuries weren’t bad for you at all and in fact sometimes they might actually be good for you, and that is what has really got them in trouble because that clearly wasn’t true.†Any former internationalists wishing to participate in the study can contact a member of the Head Injury Research Group on 0141 211 0651 or by email on linda.mclean@glasgow.ac.uk.
“We have contacted a lot of people and we know that quite a number haven’t yet come forward, so we’re just trying to Âencourage them to reply to that letter or e-mail they received, or follow the links on the website,†Stewart concluded.
“We can see people at Murrayfield, at the research unit in Glasgow, we’ve been to London to see some of the people down south, and if all else fails and there is no way to get together, we can do a lot of the assessment over the phone. So people don’t have to give up a big chunk of their day to come and see us – we can sort something out.â€
1. Rugby is back, a new peace deal has been signed, so what can we expect from the 2014-15 campaign?
Andy Howell:
A holding operation from the Welsh regions. Yes, a peace deal might have finally been agreed between them and the WRU but it’s come six months too late for them to significantly bolster their squads for this season.
Delme Parfitt:
The Pro12 will be more edgy with increased jeopardy surrounding European qualification. If the early matches are entertaining and Welsh sides can chalk up some good results, then the feel-good factor will return to the game here quicker than most imagine.
2. Let’s start with Wales. Will Warren’s men finally break their southern hemisphere jinx in the November internationals?
AH:
They are good enough to beat South Africa or Australia, even New Zealand, but they have to start believing they can do it. They have only broken that psychological barrier once during coach Warren Gatland’s six-year reign as Wales coach, against Australia in 2008, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if they failed again.
DP:
There is little reason to believe so. Australia, before their heavy defeat to New Zealand last week, have been on an upward curve and have made beating Wales a habit. South Africa will be primed for us after being caught napping in Nelspruit, and New Zealand… they’re still simply too good.
Can Wales get over the line against a southern superpower after throwing away the second Test in South Africa?
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3. What about the Six Nations? Who will win that?
DP:
England. They should have won it last year, they remain the coming team of the northern hemisphere, they are well led, and they will only get better heading towards the World Cup on their own turf. Wales have three away matches and while they’ll contend, I can’t see them winning it.
AH:
Wales. They’ve got England and Ireland at home while France are no longer the force they once were because of the negative effect the foreign legion has had on their club rugby, restricting opportunities for French players.
4: Who do you expect to be Wales’ stand-out player this season?
AH:
Good question and a difficult one to answer. Will it be one of the veterans, one of the established order or one of the young guns? I’m going for wing Alex Cuthbert, who is one of the most lethal finishers in world rugby.
DP:
Jonathan Davies. His season was disrupted by injury last time but having gone to Clermont I’d like to think he can only become a better, more confident player. And he’s already world class.
Watch: Delme Parfitt and Andy Howell discuss the new season
5: Which youngster may become more of a household name by the time the World Cup arrives.
AH:
Gareth Davies. It’s going to be mighty interesting to see how the Scarlets scrum-half performs at regional level this season. He has the ability to raise the tempo and is poised for lift-off with Wales if he can maintain and improve on his form of last season.
DP:
Cory Allen. Already he has made a little mark at Test level but he has it all… pace, skill, power and great awareness. Provided he can somehow break up the Jonathan Davies-Jamie Roberts centre partnership, he can be a superstar.
Gallery: The 30 men to watch out for in regional rugby this season
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6: Should the old guard like Mike Phillips, Gethin and Adam be dropped and Gatland plan for the World Cup with younger players?
DP:
They have to be looked at on an individual basis. All were inconsistent last season, but of the three, perhaps Adam Jones is the most vulnerable at present after what happened to him in South Africa. Warren Gatland has a huge amount of trust in Jenkins and Phillips to come good when it matters, but they didn’t always do it last term, Phillips especially.
AH:
Are you joking? The World Cup is a year away and, if you are good enough, you’re old enough, whether it be 18 or 38. Form and fitness will determine whether all or some of the trio you’ve mentioned have a major role to play.
7: Age-old chestnut. Who will Gatland pick at 10… and who do you believe he should go with?
DP:
Rhys Priestland reportedly looked in great nick for the Scarlets against Gloucester last weekend. If the Scarlets man hits form Gatland will pick him rather than Dan Biggar. Form has to be the key. James Hook and Owen Williams, at Gloucester and Leicester respectively, have to be in the equation. Gareth Anscombe? Impossible to predict how he’ll settle.
AH:
If New Zealand born but Wales-qualified Gareth Anscombe shines at outside-half when he links up with Cardiff Blues, I expect him to get the nod because Gatland is desperate for somebody to seize the most important position of any union team. Personally, on form last season, I’d give Dan Biggar another opportunity.
Huw Evans Picture Agency Dan Biggar had the chance to strut his stuff at No.10 last season, but can he keep the shirt?
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8: Alun Wyn or Sam? Who should be captain?
AH:
If Warburton wasn’t afflicted so often by injuries and didn’t have the equally world-class Justin Tipuric breathing down his neck for the openside flanker’s berth, I’d pick him. But it’s Jones for me because he’s a shoe-in for a place in the team and doesn’t have the same fitness problems.
DP:
Sam Warburton. Both players are warriors and command respect but Warburton ticks every box, he leads by example on the field and the way he handles himself off it, including with the media, is second to none. He also – as Gatland has highlighted – seems to have the ear of the top referees during matches.
9: Can we expect more high profile departures from the Welsh game for riches abroad?
AH:
There’s always a possibility because of the huge wages on offer in France but most of those wanted by the French or English have already gone. Never say never but I’m hopeful the dual contract system being introduced by the WRU and the regions will reduce the flow out of Wales.
DP:
Probably, because for all the appeal of dual contracts financially they still won’t match the most lucrative offers in France. The peace deal should stem the tide to a degree but players will always fancy the lifestyle change of a few years across the channel.
10: What about Welsh stars who could return?
AH:
None until their contracts are up in France and England. Gatland is of the opinion there will be a home-coming of players when those deals end. If I had to pick one to make an early return, it would be Dan Lydiate. He hasn’t figured much at Racing Metro and a farmer’s boy living in Paris? It doesn’t strike me he would enjoy it over there much unless he was playing regularly.
DP:
Dan Lydiate may be among the best candidates because he’s not really stamped his mark on Racing Metro. Will Jamie Roberts view two seasons in Paris as enough too? Of the other high profile defectors though, I think they’re gone for the foreseeable.
Dan Lydiate is in his second season at Racing Metro, but could he be the first big-name Welsh rugby star to return?
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11: There’s more optimism for the newly-sponsored Guinness Pro 12. Is that hype justified?
DP:
Let’s hope so because the tournament needs a kick up the backside. It should be. The new European qualification criteria will add some edge, sponsors Guinness lend some credibility and Sky will hype up the games they screen. Already it seems like it matters more and we haven’t seen a ball kicked in anger yet.
AH:
I’ve been a staunch defender of the competition since its inception. Six (four Welsh and two Irish) Six Nations titles, four with Grand Slams, five Heineken Cup titles and supplying the bulk of the players on the last three Lions tours tells me there hasn’t been a lot wrong with it but, yes, I expect the involvement of Sky Sports as a broadcaster to hype it up considerably.
12:Â How will the Welsh regions fare?
AH:
They are rebuilding following the departures of star names so it will be difficult for them. However, Cardiff Blues have assembled a squad which should challenge for honours and Scarlets’ first-choice XV is also pretty useful. Dragons will improve but I’m worried about the fate of record four-time league champions Ospreys.
DP:
The Blues, Ospreys and Scarlets should all be vying for a Guinness Pro12 play-off spot and the Blues could well lead the way. There won’t be any change for the Ospreys and Scarlets in the new Rugby Champions Cup, though the Blues should make the latter stages of the Challenge Cup. The Dragons may surprise a few people and will be stronger, but I think they will fall short across the board.
13: What impact will Mark Hammett and Wayne Pivac have on the Blues and Scarlets?
AH:
Wayne Pivac is highly-rated in New Zealand and came close to orchestrating a Fiji win over Wales at the Millennium Stadium in 2005. He seems a capable and persuasive man-manager and the Scarlets seem set to play flowing rugby. Former All Blacks hooker Hammett is the bigger name and isn’t shy of making changes. Both men are a breath of fresh air and I’m hugely positive about what they will bring to Welsh rugby.
DP:
Hammett can surely only improve the fortunes of the Blues, not just because they were so dire last season but because of his commitment to intensity and fitness. Pivac likewise, and the signs in pre-season have already been there with the Scarlets.          Â
New Blues boss Mark Hammett is all smiles at the moment, but will he be smiling at the end of the season?
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14: What law change would you like the IRB (or whatever the new name is) to introduce?
AH:
IRB? For some unfathomable and illogical reason, it’s been renamed World Rugby. I’d like to see a return to the old days when a player could only call a mark if he had a foot on the ground. It would improve the aerial battle.
DP:
The nonsense surrounding the forward pass has to be addressed. It’s time to do away with scientific interpretations and go back to basics… if a pass looks forward, then it’s forward.
15: Finally, what’s your No1 wish for the 2014-15 campaign?
AH:
For a Welsh region to be crowned winners of the European Rugby Champions Cup, but unfortunately that’s highly unlikely to happen this season. So it has to be Wales doing the hat-trick and beating Australia, New Zealand and South Africa this autumn. Why not? We’ve won four Six Nations titles, three with Grand Slams since 2005, and reached the semi-finals of the 2011 World Cup.
DP:
For Wales to get that southern hemisphere scalp. It would be such a psychological launchpad for Warren Gatland and his squad in the build-up to the World Cup.
But Jones says it comes too late for Welsh sides to compete financially with the teams at the top of the Pro12.
“It’s about 10 months too late to have an influence on this season,” he said.
“A lot of Welsh sides will just drag their heels again.
“Hopefully we can utilise the next twelve months to try and…get our academy right up to be the best in Wales.
“It’s about strengthening when we can.”
The agreement means the regions will all receive a shared £2m increase in overall funding, to £8.7m, from the union as well as a one-off payment of £500,000.
The Dragons have made a number of signings this summer, including
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