Thursday, March 11, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
UCT RUGBY LETS TIGER LOOSE IN STREETS!
Ikey Tigers @ Tiger Tiger - it was inevitable!
Be there in Blue and White - wear your Intervarsity / Varsity Cup battle gear and only pay R10. This money will go straight back to the club and its players!
The team, the Tiger and a thousand friends will be there for a HUGE night in blue and white.
Don't miss it!
Thursday 11th March - kick off 21.30
Ikey Tigers @ Tiger Tiger - official Blue and White party
The University of Cape Town (UCT) official rugby mascot - the Ikey Tiger - pictured here charming the ladies on campus, has been on fire this year! Ikey Tiger has been voted most eligible bachelor of 2010 and has caused chaos where ever he goes. More photos to follow soon.2010 TRY OF THE YEAR!
What a brilliant finish from the Springboks in this cliff hanger of a series against the British and Irish Lions. Jaque Fourie you little beautiiiiiiii.
Thanks to RugbyDump.Com for the footage.
Thanks to RugbyDump.Com for the footage.
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
VARSITY CUP: MATIES HOLD OFF UCT IN THRILLER!
USA Eagle JJ Gagiano had a storming match.
FNB Maties held off a second-half UCT onslaught to earn a 23-17 victory in front of a jam-packed Danie Craven Stadium on a sweltering Monday Night in Stellenbosch.
It was a breathtaking match; one which showcased the best that the FNB Varsity Cup, has to offer and one which certainly lived up to its billing as the premier fixture in student rugby in South Africa - it was also a match that saw the visiting Ikeys outscore Maties by three tries to two.
UCT produced some thrilling moments in a game that could have gone either way, but in the end it was a clinical Maties team that capitalised on a some crucial Ikeys errors to hang on and maintain their unbeaten record in this year's tournament.
The opening quarter was as you would expect in a derby battle between the tournament's top two sides. The players, clearly buoyed by the tremendous atmosphere at a near capacity Danie Craven Stadium, flew into rucks with ferocity, and defensive markers were laid down early as the respective attacks tested each other in the early going.
Maties though, kicked with more distance and purpose than their UCT counterparts and much of the first twenty minutes play took place in UCT's half.
Maties fullback Adnaan Oesman found some space on the left hand touchline, and found scrumhalf Johan Herbst on his inside. A great cover tackle by Ikeys No.14 Pete Haw snuffed out the possibility of a try, but UCT defenders went offside in their scramble to get back and flyhalf André Kemp had an opportunity to open the scoring for the home side. He duly obliged and it was 3-0 to Maties after 11 minutes.
Another straightforward penalty by the blonde-haired No.10 made the score 6-0, before a 20th min breakaway try by lock Andrew Prior gave the home side a 13-0 at the quarter mark.
UCT had been trying their best to create something with ball in hand, but were met by an almighty Maties defensive line. The visitors struggled to make any ground and were getting knocked back in the tackle by the well-structured and often vicious gang tackling by the Maties men. Flyhalf Matt Rosslee telegraphed an inside pass, and big Stellenbosch No. 4 Andrew Prior intercepted on the halfway line. Showing incredible speed for a man his size, Prior streaked away to score the first try of the game and send the maroon masses into delirium.
It was clear that UCT coach John Dobson had identified No.13 and beyond as the area which his side could hold the edge over their more fancied opponents, and they looked to attack out wide, with outside centre Marcel Brache – one of the finds of this year's Varsity Cup – the man who looked most likely to break the sturdy Maties defensive line.
Even after going down 13-0 after Prior's try, UCT stuck to their adventurous tactics, and it finally paid dividends in the 34th minute with a try to dangerous No.11 Marcello Sampson.
It may have been Sampson who finished off the move, but it was that man Brache who inspired the score - with his easy, gliding style of running once again asking questions of the otherwise staunch Maties defence.
He broke down the right, and quick recycled ball moved down the line via some slick handling by Rosslee, fullback Therlow Pietersen and flank Sam Peter - who put Sampson away to score in the corner. That score got UCT back in the game – both psychologically and on the scoreboard (13-5), but a blatant hand at the bottom of a ruck by the otherwise brilliant JJ Gagiano allowed Maties to extend their lead and make it 16-5 at the break. The nine-point deficit could have been smaller had the usually reliable Rosslee been more accurate off the tee.
The second half started in Maties' favour after another intercept, this time by centre Charl Weideman. A superman-style cover tackle by Brache stopped the No.12 from scoring, but the ball found its way to new Maties right wing Wilhelm Loock, who dived over on the right-hand touchline. A superb touchline conversion by Kemp made it 23-5 to the home side and seemingly out of sight of the Ikeys. While that may have spelt the end of the road for any other team in the Varsity Cup, it only served to inspire this dogged UCT outfit. The men from Cape Town struck back immediately with a try of their own, this time by replacement back Mark Esterhuizen, who finished strongly after some well worked phase play by the Ikeys.
That score turned the visitors from a side who thought that they may have a chance at winning into a side that believed they could, and man for man, the Ikeys started to take on their opponents. Pacey right wing Pete Haw did so and won, breaking a tackle and putting Pietersen over to make it 23-17 and ensure a breathless final quarter.
Although no points were scored in the final twenty minutes, it was the most exciting period of the match, with UCT in particular producing some spectacular moments with ball in hand. Waves and waves of attack from the men in blue and white were repelled by the Maties, and in the end UCT could just not find the telling pass to break the stubborn resistance of the double defending champions. The final whistle blew to raptures form the 18,000 strong crowd, but UCT can be proud of their part in a game that will go down as one of the most exciting in the tournament's history.
It would certainly not be a surprise to see this fixture repeated when final time rolls around at the end of the month, and if this game is anything to go by, we may be in for a treat.
The FNB Maties team: 15 Adnaan Oesman, 14 Wilhelm Loock, 13 Danie Poolman, 12 Charl Weideman, 11 Tythan Adams, 10 André Kemp, 9 Johan Herbst, 8 Tertius Daniller, 7 Jonathan Adendorf, 6 Josh Strauss, 5 Hugo Kloppers, 4 Andrew Prior, 3 Lourens Adriaanse (captain), 2 Matthew Dobson, 1 Mike De Neuilly-Rice. Replacements: 16 Andrew Crausaz, 17 Johan Roets, 18 Marinus Pretorius, 19 Cameron Peverett, 20 Johan Laker, 21 Hayden Groepes, 22 Jonathan Francke, 23 Buhle Mxunuywa. Head coach: Chean Roux
The FNB UCT team: 15 Therlow Pietersen, 14 Pete Haw, 13 Marcel Brache, 12 Sean van Tonder, 11 Marcello Sampson, 10 Matt Rosslee, 9 Stu Commins (captain), 8 JJ Gagiano (vice-captain), 7 Mike Morris, 6 Sam Peter, 5 Donovan Armand, 4 Mike Ledwidge, 3 Grant Kemp, 2 Dayne Jans, 1 Ash Wells. Replacements: 16 Mark Goosen, 17 Chris Heiberg, 18 Levi Odendaal, 19 Greg Mallett, 20 JP Robert, 21 Douglas Mallett, 22 Mark Esterhuizen, 23 Wesley Chetty. Head coach: John Dobson
Source: UCTRFC.co.za
It was a breathtaking match; one which showcased the best that the FNB Varsity Cup, has to offer and one which certainly lived up to its billing as the premier fixture in student rugby in South Africa - it was also a match that saw the visiting Ikeys outscore Maties by three tries to two.
UCT produced some thrilling moments in a game that could have gone either way, but in the end it was a clinical Maties team that capitalised on a some crucial Ikeys errors to hang on and maintain their unbeaten record in this year's tournament.
The opening quarter was as you would expect in a derby battle between the tournament's top two sides. The players, clearly buoyed by the tremendous atmosphere at a near capacity Danie Craven Stadium, flew into rucks with ferocity, and defensive markers were laid down early as the respective attacks tested each other in the early going.
Maties though, kicked with more distance and purpose than their UCT counterparts and much of the first twenty minutes play took place in UCT's half.
Maties fullback Adnaan Oesman found some space on the left hand touchline, and found scrumhalf Johan Herbst on his inside. A great cover tackle by Ikeys No.14 Pete Haw snuffed out the possibility of a try, but UCT defenders went offside in their scramble to get back and flyhalf André Kemp had an opportunity to open the scoring for the home side. He duly obliged and it was 3-0 to Maties after 11 minutes.
Another straightforward penalty by the blonde-haired No.10 made the score 6-0, before a 20th min breakaway try by lock Andrew Prior gave the home side a 13-0 at the quarter mark.
UCT had been trying their best to create something with ball in hand, but were met by an almighty Maties defensive line. The visitors struggled to make any ground and were getting knocked back in the tackle by the well-structured and often vicious gang tackling by the Maties men. Flyhalf Matt Rosslee telegraphed an inside pass, and big Stellenbosch No. 4 Andrew Prior intercepted on the halfway line. Showing incredible speed for a man his size, Prior streaked away to score the first try of the game and send the maroon masses into delirium.
It was clear that UCT coach John Dobson had identified No.13 and beyond as the area which his side could hold the edge over their more fancied opponents, and they looked to attack out wide, with outside centre Marcel Brache – one of the finds of this year's Varsity Cup – the man who looked most likely to break the sturdy Maties defensive line.
Even after going down 13-0 after Prior's try, UCT stuck to their adventurous tactics, and it finally paid dividends in the 34th minute with a try to dangerous No.11 Marcello Sampson.
It may have been Sampson who finished off the move, but it was that man Brache who inspired the score - with his easy, gliding style of running once again asking questions of the otherwise staunch Maties defence.
He broke down the right, and quick recycled ball moved down the line via some slick handling by Rosslee, fullback Therlow Pietersen and flank Sam Peter - who put Sampson away to score in the corner. That score got UCT back in the game – both psychologically and on the scoreboard (13-5), but a blatant hand at the bottom of a ruck by the otherwise brilliant JJ Gagiano allowed Maties to extend their lead and make it 16-5 at the break. The nine-point deficit could have been smaller had the usually reliable Rosslee been more accurate off the tee.
The second half started in Maties' favour after another intercept, this time by centre Charl Weideman. A superman-style cover tackle by Brache stopped the No.12 from scoring, but the ball found its way to new Maties right wing Wilhelm Loock, who dived over on the right-hand touchline. A superb touchline conversion by Kemp made it 23-5 to the home side and seemingly out of sight of the Ikeys. While that may have spelt the end of the road for any other team in the Varsity Cup, it only served to inspire this dogged UCT outfit. The men from Cape Town struck back immediately with a try of their own, this time by replacement back Mark Esterhuizen, who finished strongly after some well worked phase play by the Ikeys.
That score turned the visitors from a side who thought that they may have a chance at winning into a side that believed they could, and man for man, the Ikeys started to take on their opponents. Pacey right wing Pete Haw did so and won, breaking a tackle and putting Pietersen over to make it 23-17 and ensure a breathless final quarter.
Although no points were scored in the final twenty minutes, it was the most exciting period of the match, with UCT in particular producing some spectacular moments with ball in hand. Waves and waves of attack from the men in blue and white were repelled by the Maties, and in the end UCT could just not find the telling pass to break the stubborn resistance of the double defending champions. The final whistle blew to raptures form the 18,000 strong crowd, but UCT can be proud of their part in a game that will go down as one of the most exciting in the tournament's history.
It would certainly not be a surprise to see this fixture repeated when final time rolls around at the end of the month, and if this game is anything to go by, we may be in for a treat.
The FNB Maties team: 15 Adnaan Oesman, 14 Wilhelm Loock, 13 Danie Poolman, 12 Charl Weideman, 11 Tythan Adams, 10 André Kemp, 9 Johan Herbst, 8 Tertius Daniller, 7 Jonathan Adendorf, 6 Josh Strauss, 5 Hugo Kloppers, 4 Andrew Prior, 3 Lourens Adriaanse (captain), 2 Matthew Dobson, 1 Mike De Neuilly-Rice. Replacements: 16 Andrew Crausaz, 17 Johan Roets, 18 Marinus Pretorius, 19 Cameron Peverett, 20 Johan Laker, 21 Hayden Groepes, 22 Jonathan Francke, 23 Buhle Mxunuywa. Head coach: Chean Roux
The FNB UCT team: 15 Therlow Pietersen, 14 Pete Haw, 13 Marcel Brache, 12 Sean van Tonder, 11 Marcello Sampson, 10 Matt Rosslee, 9 Stu Commins (captain), 8 JJ Gagiano (vice-captain), 7 Mike Morris, 6 Sam Peter, 5 Donovan Armand, 4 Mike Ledwidge, 3 Grant Kemp, 2 Dayne Jans, 1 Ash Wells. Replacements: 16 Mark Goosen, 17 Chris Heiberg, 18 Levi Odendaal, 19 Greg Mallett, 20 JP Robert, 21 Douglas Mallett, 22 Mark Esterhuizen, 23 Wesley Chetty. Head coach: John Dobson
Source: UCTRFC.co.za
TODD CLEVER TO SIGN FOR AUSTRALIA!
(The Corner will have an update from Todd Selleck himself later this week)TODD Clever, the first American to play in the Super 14 competition, has expressed interest in playing in Australia.
Clever, who is the captain of the US national team, is in his second season with the Johannesburg-based Lions and has captured attention with his trademark long hair and dynamic athleticism.
With Australia's four Super rugby teams allowed to recruit two foreigners -- and Super 15 expansion club Melbourne Rebels permitted to sign 10 imports for 2011 -- the US looms as pool of talent as yet untapped here.
There is no professional rugby in the US so international players such as Clever have to travel overseas to make a living from playing the game.
"I think Australia is a great country," Clever said. "Weather-wise, people-wise and especially the rugby. I definitely would show some interest."
A 193cm backrower, Clever grew up in San Jose, California, and took up rugby as a 14-year-old in high school.
"I just followed my brother Chris's footsteps," Clever said. "He played rugby and (American) football and I played soccer. I picked up rugby after I saw him travelling and going on tours and stuff like that.
"I wanted a piece of that action. We played USA under-19s together. Some of my best memories are playing with my brother on the USA under-19 team.
"In 2000 we actually toured Australia. We stayed at the AIS and played nine games from St Josephs all the way to Penrith."
Clever played rugby at the University of Nevada and was a three-time All-American.
While there he made his international debut against Argentina in 2003 at the age of 20.
After graduating from college Clever moved to New Zealand and played for North Harbour in the national provincial championship for two years.
Clever played for the US in the 2007 World Cup in France and then decided to pursue a career as a professional rugby player.
"After the World Cup I played a bit in California, but I wanted to play fulltime rugby," Clever said.
"I put myself on the market basically. It looked like I was going to go to England or France and then I got a call from the Lions. Four days later I signed and I was on a plane to South Africa.
"I'm enjoying it. There are changes in management from last year to this year. We are playing a running style of rugby. That suits me. I enjoy running with the ball and playing open rugby."
While Clever is travelling the world, he is hoping to see the game develop in his homeland. It should receive a boost following the admission of rugby sevens to the Olympics because it will increase funding, especially at the college level.
"Rugby has already made huge leaps and bounds in the states," Clever said. "Once it got introduced (to the Olympics) it was on the front page of every newspaper. Everybody was asking what's rugby sevens? What's rugby 15s?
"USA rugby has a big challenge to spread the knowledge of the game to everybody in America."
One way for rugby to grow in the US would be for an American team to play in an expanded Super 18 series.
"We'd love the opportunity to have a team based in the States," Clever said. "It would be tough on the travel and everything. I grew up watching Tri-Nations and Super 12s. That was the only rugby I got.
"It's popular and people know this tournament. That's one of the reasons I wanted to play Super rugby. I dropped making the pound and euro to make the (South African) rand because I always had a goal to play Super rugby.
"Having my opportunity with the Lions is a dream come true."
Source: The Australian.com
Clever, who is the captain of the US national team, is in his second season with the Johannesburg-based Lions and has captured attention with his trademark long hair and dynamic athleticism.
With Australia's four Super rugby teams allowed to recruit two foreigners -- and Super 15 expansion club Melbourne Rebels permitted to sign 10 imports for 2011 -- the US looms as pool of talent as yet untapped here.
There is no professional rugby in the US so international players such as Clever have to travel overseas to make a living from playing the game.
"I think Australia is a great country," Clever said. "Weather-wise, people-wise and especially the rugby. I definitely would show some interest."
A 193cm backrower, Clever grew up in San Jose, California, and took up rugby as a 14-year-old in high school.
"I just followed my brother Chris's footsteps," Clever said. "He played rugby and (American) football and I played soccer. I picked up rugby after I saw him travelling and going on tours and stuff like that.
"I wanted a piece of that action. We played USA under-19s together. Some of my best memories are playing with my brother on the USA under-19 team.
"In 2000 we actually toured Australia. We stayed at the AIS and played nine games from St Josephs all the way to Penrith."
Clever played rugby at the University of Nevada and was a three-time All-American.
While there he made his international debut against Argentina in 2003 at the age of 20.
After graduating from college Clever moved to New Zealand and played for North Harbour in the national provincial championship for two years.
Clever played for the US in the 2007 World Cup in France and then decided to pursue a career as a professional rugby player.
"After the World Cup I played a bit in California, but I wanted to play fulltime rugby," Clever said.
"I put myself on the market basically. It looked like I was going to go to England or France and then I got a call from the Lions. Four days later I signed and I was on a plane to South Africa.
"I'm enjoying it. There are changes in management from last year to this year. We are playing a running style of rugby. That suits me. I enjoy running with the ball and playing open rugby."
While Clever is travelling the world, he is hoping to see the game develop in his homeland. It should receive a boost following the admission of rugby sevens to the Olympics because it will increase funding, especially at the college level.
"Rugby has already made huge leaps and bounds in the states," Clever said. "Once it got introduced (to the Olympics) it was on the front page of every newspaper. Everybody was asking what's rugby sevens? What's rugby 15s?
"USA rugby has a big challenge to spread the knowledge of the game to everybody in America."
One way for rugby to grow in the US would be for an American team to play in an expanded Super 18 series.
"We'd love the opportunity to have a team based in the States," Clever said. "It would be tough on the travel and everything. I grew up watching Tri-Nations and Super 12s. That was the only rugby I got.
"It's popular and people know this tournament. That's one of the reasons I wanted to play Super rugby. I dropped making the pound and euro to make the (South African) rand because I always had a goal to play Super rugby.
"Having my opportunity with the Lions is a dream come true."
Source: The Australian.com
2010 USA SEVENS: NATIONAL BROADCAST!
Another massive step in the right direction for the sport of rugby in the United States with ESPN Classic showing highlights from the Las Vegas IRB World Series Sevens tournament!Monday, March 08, 2010
USA 7s HITS CALIFORNIA AGAIN!
Thumbs down to Williams - who has his wetsuit on backwards...
USA 7s Strength and Conditioning Coach Dave Williams (dressed in a ridiculous wetsuit from the 80s) and team Physio AJ Durfee get ready to hit the high seas in San Diego. The pair enjoyed some free time before the start of the Adelaide & Hong Kong USA 7s rugby camp. Williams did not last long (shouts of 'That's what she said') in the powerful 2 foot waves...CYCLING FROM TWICKENHAM TO RWC 2011!
We featured the legends Jodie and Tom before - but they have recently changed their focus - with sensational results! Read below and click on their website here.Hi everyone, and thank you for visiting our site!
The History: The inaugural world cup of 1987 saw the hosts New Zealand sweep aside the French to become the first world champions. 5 further tournaments have seen the honours shared between Australia (1991 / 1999), South Africa (1995 / 2007) and England (2003).
The Future: The Rugby World Cup 2011 brings to us the 7th world gathering of international sides and promises to be another fantastic spectacle. With scattered successes from the peripheral sides in the Pacific islands, and the emergence of Argentina as a serious challenger in 2007, we have seen the continued development of rugby as a worldwide sport. Will the next powerhouses emerge from Austria, Iran or even Vietnam? Well we are off to find out!
The Mission: To cycle, unassisted, over 20,000 km from Twickenham Stadium, to finish at the 2011 RWC in Auckland, NZ.
To seek out and meet with rugby clubs on our path, tracking the story of rugby across the globe and hopefully squeezing in the odd match!
To raise £10,000 for our two chosen charities, Rays of Sunshine in the UK and David Bland for Organ Donor Awareness in Australia.
Do we need to say more? Rugby, adventure, and our mascot, Gilbert the ball.
We hope you enjoy the ride!
Little Bill and Tom
The History: The inaugural world cup of 1987 saw the hosts New Zealand sweep aside the French to become the first world champions. 5 further tournaments have seen the honours shared between Australia (1991 / 1999), South Africa (1995 / 2007) and England (2003).
The Future: The Rugby World Cup 2011 brings to us the 7th world gathering of international sides and promises to be another fantastic spectacle. With scattered successes from the peripheral sides in the Pacific islands, and the emergence of Argentina as a serious challenger in 2007, we have seen the continued development of rugby as a worldwide sport. Will the next powerhouses emerge from Austria, Iran or even Vietnam? Well we are off to find out!
The Mission: To cycle, unassisted, over 20,000 km from Twickenham Stadium, to finish at the 2011 RWC in Auckland, NZ.
To seek out and meet with rugby clubs on our path, tracking the story of rugby across the globe and hopefully squeezing in the odd match!
To raise £10,000 for our two chosen charities, Rays of Sunshine in the UK and David Bland for Organ Donor Awareness in Australia.
Do we need to say more? Rugby, adventure, and our mascot, Gilbert the ball.
We hope you enjoy the ride!
Little Bill and Tom
Sunday, March 07, 2010
SUPER 14 2010: WEEK 4 HIGHLIGHTS PART 2!
The Stormers put a smile on their fans faces with a 33-0 shutout of the Highlanders.
The Reds upset the Chiefs in spectacular fashion.
The Crusaders bounced back and dominated this encounter.
| Week Four | |||||
| 5 March | Chiefs v Reds | 19.35 | 06.35 | Hamilton | 18-23 |
| 5 March | Brumbies v Lions | 19.40 | 08.40 | Canberra | 24-13 |
| 6 March | Crusaders v Blues | 19.35 | 06.35 | Christchurch | 33-20 |
| 6 March | Waratahs v Sharks | 19.40 | 08.40 | Sydney | 25-21 |
| 6 March | Stormers v Highlanders | 17.05 | 15.05 | Cape Town | 33-0 |
| 6 March | Cheetahs v Hurricanes | 19.10 | 17.10 | Bloemfontein | 28-12 |
| Byes - Bulls, Western Force | |||||
Saturday, March 06, 2010
SUPER 14 2010: WEEK 4 HIGHLIGHTS PART 1!
The Brumbies had too much firepower in this encounter against the Lions.
The Cheetahs ended the Wellington Hurricanes unbeaten run with a fine display. Meyer Bosman kicked 4 superb long-range penalties to secure the win.
The Sharks were very unlucky with a penalty try not being awarded in the final two minutes. They played a lot better rugby than in previous weeks.
Friday, March 05, 2010
RUGBY FAMILY NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT!
Albany Knickerbockers Rugby Football Club Established 1973 - Men’s, Women’s, Old Boys and Youth Sides Friends of Michael ‘Jonesy’ Jones.
As you may know Michael Jones ‘Jonesy’ recently suffered a life threading spinal cord injury while playing in the Ft. Lauderdale Rugger Fest, in Florida. This serious and life altering injury left us all of us concerned for his well-being and the long term financial challenges his family will face in years to come. We can only imagine what his wife and family are going through at this time. The overwhelming concern and desire to help by so many speaks volumes about the character of the man that we all know and love. Doctors say the immediate concern, is to stabilize him, then he can be physically moved to a spinal injury center. This might take several weeks.
It is impossible to predict what the future holds but there is no question that an injury of this nature is a drastic life-altering event. Changing daily family life and creating significant financial challenges. Our first concern is to ensure that Michael’s family can be at his side to offer support and comfort, now. The next step is to help in establishing assistance to meet the financial burdens his family will face in the future; these will be significant and most likely for the rest of Jonsey’s life. The team is establishing a supplemental needs “Trust” for Michael and his Family. Funds will be used first to immediately help the family with travel expenses, then ongoing family medical and other supplemental cost that the family will incur beyond what is covered by insurances and other assistance.
The Albany Knickerbockers Rugby Football Club is accepting contributions to be used by Michael’s family to face the challenges ahead. Many initiatives will be forthcoming but we are asking for your generous contributions, now to deal with the already mounting pressures. Contributions can be made payable to: Michael Jones, Supplemental Need Trust and sent to: Albany Knickerbockers R.F.C. P.O. Box 1654 Albany, NY 12201.
Thank you for your concern and support.
Albany Knickerbockers Rugby Football Club
Charles I. Colley, President
As you may know Michael Jones ‘Jonesy’ recently suffered a life threading spinal cord injury while playing in the Ft. Lauderdale Rugger Fest, in Florida. This serious and life altering injury left us all of us concerned for his well-being and the long term financial challenges his family will face in years to come. We can only imagine what his wife and family are going through at this time. The overwhelming concern and desire to help by so many speaks volumes about the character of the man that we all know and love. Doctors say the immediate concern, is to stabilize him, then he can be physically moved to a spinal injury center. This might take several weeks.
It is impossible to predict what the future holds but there is no question that an injury of this nature is a drastic life-altering event. Changing daily family life and creating significant financial challenges. Our first concern is to ensure that Michael’s family can be at his side to offer support and comfort, now. The next step is to help in establishing assistance to meet the financial burdens his family will face in the future; these will be significant and most likely for the rest of Jonsey’s life. The team is establishing a supplemental needs “Trust” for Michael and his Family. Funds will be used first to immediately help the family with travel expenses, then ongoing family medical and other supplemental cost that the family will incur beyond what is covered by insurances and other assistance.
The Albany Knickerbockers Rugby Football Club is accepting contributions to be used by Michael’s family to face the challenges ahead. Many initiatives will be forthcoming but we are asking for your generous contributions, now to deal with the already mounting pressures. Contributions can be made payable to: Michael Jones, Supplemental Need Trust and sent to: Albany Knickerbockers R.F.C. P.O. Box 1654 Albany, NY 12201.
Thank you for your concern and support.
Albany Knickerbockers Rugby Football Club
Charles I. Colley, President
USA SUPER LEAGUE: DENVER BARBARIANS PREVIEW!
Dan Power - son of Austin Powers - will be vital to Denver's success this season.
2009: Semi Finalists Lost vs. SFGG
The Club:
One of the foundation clubs that is stooped in tradition and success, formed in 1967 they have been the pinnacle of rugby in the Mile High city. Perennial finalists in the Super League the last time they tasted championship glory was 11 years ago.
The Players:
2009 saw the emergence of Nic Johnson as a star for the Barbarians and USA rugby, it also saw the departure of some key players from the Barbarian club. Notably John Van Der Giessen has joined Albi in the French Top 14, Pat Quinn has given in to a nagging knee injury while Tim Russo and David Yavala have hung up the boots. Joining the Barbos is Eagle fly half Dan Power who has relocated for work, Taylor Howden and Mike Graham from Glendale and they have retained the services of the underrated Justin Stencil and Maximo De Achaval.
The Coaches:
Dave Hodges has stepped down to focus on the USA team replacing him is former coach Stephen Hazel and former Aspen player Robbie Dawes.
The Questions:
Denver has relied on a big physical pack to run through teams, the big thing is how will the likes of Johnson and Stencel respond to not having the size of Quinn and Van Der Giessen on the field with them? On the flip side they could now have the best backline in the Super League, Power is an Eagle, Graham and De Achaval have played USA Selects and Howden has played NA4. Can the forwards lay a platform for this backline to fire, that’s the big question for the Barbos.
The Answers:
I am picturing a more expansive Denver team that in previous years, Nic Johnson and Justin Stencel will revel in the loose open play. Dan Power turned penalties into points in New York, at altitude it could be very costly for any team to infringe.
Player to Watch:
Johnson and Power will lead this team but the real heart beats in Justin Stencel, a hugely respected player from those who have played with or against him. If he can work some quality ball poaching into his game he should feature heavily in Eagle selections.
Prediction and Game to Watch:
Semi – Finals, they don’t have the forwards to win in tight games. Round 1 vs. SFGG will answer any questions about this team.
Eagle Nic Johnson (number 8) stealing someone's lunch.- Written & Directed by Hugh Jaas
Hugh Jaas was born in Egypt, moved to Angola at a young age, lived in Turkey, played his rugby for the suicide bombers RFC in Iraq, relocated to North Dakota, and is now the Corner Super League chief-in-charge for 2010.
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