Paki's Corner

USA TO HOST IRB JUNIOR WORLD RUGBY TROPHY 2012!

2012-01-30T01:00:00.000-08:00

Photo from left to right: USA Eagle star, Paul Emerick; IRB General Manager Development, Morgan Buckley; USA Rugby CEO, Nigel Melville; USA Eagles vice-captain, Mike Petri. Credit: Edward Zeltser/USA Rugby

Hosting reflects massive growth in Rugby in USA
Salt Lake City hosts key age grade event
IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy set to leave lasting legacy for Rugby in America

The International Rugby Board has announced that USA Rugby will host the IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy (JWRT) 2012 from 18-30 June in Salt Lake City.

The announcement, which was made at the 2012 USA Rugby Youth Development Conference in Atlanta on Saturday, reflects the ongoing committment of both the IRB and USA Rugby to grow the Game within one of the world's major markets.

Rugby is taking off in the States with participation rates making the sport one of the fastest growing team sports in the country. Olympic re-inclusion has further boosted interest and growth and the hosts will be looking to build on the hugely successful HSBC Sevens World Series event in Las Vegas and growing support for the national team as demonstrated at Rugby World Cup 2011.

Hosts USA join Canada, Chile, Georgia, Japan, Russia, Tonga and Zimbabwe as they attempt to emulate 2011 champions Samoa by winning the title and with it promotion to the IRB Junior World Championship 2013 in France.

The eight participating teams will be split into two pools of four, with double headers played across four match days.

The tournament will aim to exceed the record-breaking event in Georgia, and provide compelling and entertaining Rugby whilst leaving a lasting legacy for the Game in the host nation.

“The IRB is committed to the development of the Game around the world and the USA is a very important and exciting market for Rugby. We now have a 10 year tours and test schedule that will see major international teams touring north America starting this year, while Sevens is really taking off. Schools are increasingly looking to Rugby as a force for social and sporting integration and USA Rugby is reaching out to more men, women and children than ever before," said IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset.

"The IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy has consistently proven that it is a major tournament on the global Rugby calendar. It's blend of entertaining, high-quality matches always captures the imagination and I am sure that USA 2012 will be no different. The legacy for Rugby in the Host Union and participating teams is proven and long lasting.

“As well as providing teams with a platform to test themselves on the international stage at this key age grade level, the tournament also provides an opportunity to take Rugby to new and expanding territories, and enables Unions to adopt best-practice techniques across areas as diverse as High Performance strategies, event hosting and Referee development.”

“I would like to thank USA Rugby for their commitment, enthusiasm and passion in the delivery of what, I am sure, will be a world-class event and for using the opportunity to continue their great work in growing the Game.”

USA Rugby will seek to build on the outstanding tournament hosted in Tbilisi last year, which saw record fans and increased broadcast coverage coupled with some of the world’s best young players. Russia’s Denis Simplikevich became one of the latest of the 82 JWRT graduates to grace the world stage when he made his Test debut at Rugby World Cup 2011.

Tai Enosa, Scott LaValla and Shawn Pittman who now play regularly for the Eagles at fifteens and Sevens, also cut their teeth on the world stage at IRB age grade tournaments.

“We are very proud to be hosting the JWRT,” said USA Rugby CEO and President of Rugby Operations, Nigel Melville. “I know the American rugby community will embrace this great tournament and I’m confident that we at USA Rugby will deliver an impressive event.”

Melville added, “Hosting a JWRT is the first step to positioning the USA to host larger tournaments with the end goal of one day hosting a Rugby World Cup.”

Speaking in Atlanta, IRB Development Manager Morgan Buckley reiterated the success USA Rugby has enjoyed in the promotion of its development initiatives, particularly the record-breaking Rookie Rugby programme which introduces boys and girls to the sport.

“I am delighted to present USA Rugby with their IRB Development Award 2011 on home soil for their hugely successful Rookie Rugby programme which has seen more than two million children take up the sport,” said Buckley.

“Together with their existing High Performance programmes and commitment to both Sevens and Women’s Rugby, the Game is in great shape here as the Union continues to build for the future. These are very exciting times for Rugby here in USA.”

HSBC 7s WORLD SERIES: THE STORY SO FAR!

2012-01-29T02:00:00.000-08:00

2012 COLLEGIATE RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP!

2012-01-28T02:30:00.000-08:00

All set for the 2012 edition of the highly anticipated Collegiate Rugby Championship (CRC) featuring 16 of the top universities in the United States, played at PPL Park in Philadelphia on June 2 & 3!

Poster boy is none other than the UT Longhorn Texas flyhalf sensation Eric Allen Luikens - you slippery EEL!

HEYNEKE MEYER IS THE NEW SPRINGBOK RUGBY COACH!

2012-01-28T01:00:00.000-08:00

The South African Rugby Union on Friday put the entire world out of its misery by confirming the worst-kept secret - Heyneke Meyer is the new Springbok coach.

At a media briefing in Cape Town they confirmed that the Bulls supremo, Meyer, has replaced Peter de Villiers as the national team's mentor.

His contract is for a period of four years.

It has been widely speculated in the media that Meyer, SARU's preferred candidate, had beaten off the challenge of Ireland forwards coach Gert Smal.

The Blue Bulls Company let the cat out of the bag earlier this week when they confirmed that SARU vice-President James Stoffberg and SARU CEO Jurie Roux had met with the company's board in Pretoria.

SARU, in a later dispatch from Newlands, also confirmed that they intended to employ Meyer as the new Springbok mentor, effectively pre-empting Friday's announcement.

This followed months of speculation regarding the favoured candidates for the position.

Meyer and Ireland forwards coach Gert Smal were tipped as the frontrunners to replace De Villiers, who led the Springboks to the quarterfinals of last year's World Cup in New Zealand. Allister Coetzee, who was also linked to the SARU shortlist, and De Villiers were never really in the race.

Meyer was the favourite out of four shortlisted candidates four years ago to succeed World Cup-winning mentor Jake White, but lost out to De Villiers at the 11th hour.

SARU President Oregan Hoskins said at the time that transformation had played an important role in the appointment of De Villiers.

Meyer guided the Bulls to South Africa's second Super Rugby title in 2007 and won four Currie Cup titles with the union, lifting the Blue Bulls from the doldrums and making them one of the most successful provincial teams in the rugby world.

Source: Rugby365.com

EAGLES 7s: USA NAME TEAM FOR HSBC WELLINGTON & VEGAS SEVENS!

2012-01-27T02:00:00.000-08:00

CHULA VISTA, Calif. – USA Men’s Eagles Head Coach, Al Caravelli, announced today the 12-player squad selected to travel to the New Zealand and USA legs of the 2011-2012 HSBC Sevens World Series.

Only three changes have been made to the team that travelled to Australia, Dubai, and South Africa in late 2011 for the first three stops of the Series, providing a core group of experienced and capable players.

Maka Unufe, a highly recruited former wide receiver from Provo, Utah, joins the squad after missing out on the first three legs. Unufe played in three National Championships in 2011 at the Under-19, Men’s Club, and All-Star levels and his performance earned him a spot on the 2011 Pan American Games squad. He helped his team win a Bronze in the Games.

Roland Suniula returns to the squad after recovering from an injury in the Pan Ams. Suniula was the first-choice flyhalf for the Eagles in the 2011 Rugby World Cup, showing his versatility at the fifteen and seven-a-side versions of the game.

The third addition to the squad is Andrew Durutalo. Durutalo got his first taste of international sevens last December after joining the squad in South Africa to provide cover for the team that played three tournaments in as many weekends. Durutalo fit right in on the sevens field and scored his first international try against Canada.

The young up-and-coming players Miles Craigwell and Andrew Durutalo join veteran forwards Mark Bokhoven, Mike Palefau, and Matt Hawkins. Craigwell has been on every leg of the Series since December 2010.

The backs are packed with pace and experience and led by captain Shalom Suniula. Peter Tiberio, Maka Unufe, and Folau Niua represent the new blood in the backline.

Utility players Zack Test (vice-captain) and Colin Hawley are handy all over the field and are among the most consistent performers at the international level.

USA Rugby announced in November 2011 that 15 full-time training contracts would be offered to sevens athletes, lending momentum to the USA Rugby sevens program. Of the 12 traveling players, seven are full-time residents. The remaining five players are from the taxi squad.

In Wellington, the Eagles will face Pool B opponents South Africa, England, and the Cook Islands, a firm challenge but a great test for the squad.

Source: USA Rugby

USA Men’s Eagle Sevens | 2012 New Zealand and USA Sevens

1. Mark Bokhoven (Denver Barbarians; Ames, Iowa)

2. Mike Palefau (Utah Warriors; Salt Lake City, Utah)

3. Miles Craigwell (Old Puget Sound Beach; Boston, Mass.)

4. Shalom Suniula (USA Rugby; San Diego, Calif.)

5. Zack Test (USA Rugby; Palo Alto, Calif.)

6. Matt Hawkins (Belmont Shore; San Diego, Calif.)

7. Maka Unufe (USA Rugby; Provo, Utah)

8. Andrew Durutalo (Old Puget Sound Beach; Seattle, Wa.)

9. Folau Niua (USA Rugby; East Palo Alto, Calif.)

10. Peter Tiberio (USA Rugby; Naperville, Ill.)

11. Colin Hawley (USA Rugby; Trowbridge, Calif.)

12. Roland Suniula (USA Rugby; Boston, Mass.)

Congrats to the 12 players that will be representing the United States!

Follow them on Facebook here.

HEINEKEN CUP: ROUND 6 - BIARRITZ vs OSPREYS!

2012-01-27T01:30:00.000-08:00

HEINEKEN CUP: ROUND 6 - CLERMONT vs ULSTER!

2012-01-27T01:00:00.000-08:00

EAGLES XV: COACHES DOWN TO FINAL 4!

2012-01-26T01:00:00.000-08:00

The USA Men’s National Team Head Coaching job seems to be down to a short list of …

(In alphabetical order)

Les Cusworth

Dave Hodges

Paul Keeler

Mike Tolkin

All four are apparently going to meet with the USA Rugby Board in Las Vegas during the USA 7s February 10-12, and will give a presentation on how they will tackle the job.

Les Cusworth, 57, is a former England flyhalf who played for Leicester back when they had letters instead of numbers on their jerseys. Cusworth coached at Leicester and also with the Argentina national team, where he was also Director of Rugby. If he were to be hired, he is expected to at least consult with former Argentina Head Coach Marcelo Loffreda.

Dave Hodges, 43, was a rugby and football All American at Occidental College and played 54 times for the USA, 27 as captain. During his professional career at Llanelli he also served as the team’s strength and conditioning coach, and was Head Coach of the Collegiate All Americans and the Denver Barbarians. He has been an assistant with the USA Men’s National Team since 2009 in charge of the forwards and performance analysis.

Paul Keeler, 40, is the Director of Rugby at San Francisco Golden Gate, where he led the club to appearances in the last three Super League finals, winning two. Before that he was Head Coach of Old Blue in New York City. His elite-level coaching includes several union all-star teams at the senior and collegiate level. He also coached the USA Selects in the first incarnation of the Americas Rugby Championship.

Mike Tolkin, 44, is the Head Coach of Xavier High School, where he also teaches, Head Coach of the New York Athletic Club men’s team, and assistant coach for the USA MNT, in charge of defense. In 2010 Tolkin coached Xavier and NYAC to national titles. He was also a national champion for Xavier as a student.

Source: RugbyMag.com

Photo Credits: Getty Images

VEGAS 7s 2012: ELITE 7s POOLS SET!

2012-01-25T09:26:00.000-08:00

The Elite 7s bracket has grown tremendously this year to include not only some of the best American clubs, but several true National Teams and international touring sides. The level of competition is of such quality, the final will be played Saturday inside Sam Boyd Stadium for IRB World Series fans to watch.

Chile and Guyana are teams who've played inside the stadium in the real deal before, and both are capable of knocking off core teams. At the 2011 London tournament, Spain upset the Eagles. And Romania regularly competes in the European Sevens Championship. Those four internationals headline their pools.

The Chicago Lions won the Cup Championship Series at the 2011 LVI and are routinely one of the best 7s sides in America. They're joined by fellow American 7s sides the Denver Barbarians, Tiger Rugby and Columbus (1823). Tiger Rugby is coached by Belmont Shore skipper James Walker, and most recently competed in Kenya, winning the Bowl at Safaricom 7s, a tournament which included Kenya and Samoa.

This rousing competition is worth a peek, even before its final is played inside the stadium.

Source: RugbyMag.com

TIGER RUGBY will feature several Eagles 7s players - including Pakis Corner - and are set to cause a stir in Vegas. Hopefully on the field...

Photo Credit: Dobson Images

RBS 6 NATIONS 2012: ON BBC AMERICA!

2012-01-25T09:14:00.000-08:00

The RBS 6 Nations Rugby Championship, one of Europe’s biggest annual sporting events, will once again broadcast live on BBC AMERICA. The legendary rugby tournament features England, France, Ireland, Scotland, Italy and Wales as they vie for the championship over seven weeks. BBC AMERICA’s first match sees Scotland facing off against last year’s champion, England.

6 NATIONS 2012 - BBC AMERICA’s schedule:

Scotland v England - Saturday, February 4, 12:00pm ET on BBC AMERICA

France v Ireland - Saturday, February 11, 3:00pm ET on BBC AMERICA

England v Wales - Saturday, February 25, 11:00am ET on BBC AMERICA

Wales v Italy - Saturday, March 10, 9:30am ET on BBC AMERICA

England v Ireland - Saturday, March 17, 1:00pm ET on BBC AMERICA

FIND YOUR LOCAL CHANNEL – BBCAmerica.com has a local channel finder at the top of its homepage

HIGHLIGHTS: SANTA MONICA vs OMBAC!

2012-01-24T11:29:00.001-08:00

PAKIS CORNER SUITS UP FOR OXY OLDE BOYS!

2012-01-24T02:00:00.000-08:00

A fantastic venue for rugby - the home of the Occidental College Men & Women's sides - as well as the Olde Boys!

OC Bucks flyhalf Shawn Jefts and his opposite number at the Oxy Olde Boys - Dallen Stanford - share a cold one!

The Occidental Olde Boys have enjoyed the first three matches of the 2012 Division 3 season - coming away with a 45-0 win at home against the OC Bucks on Saturday evening.

The Oxy Tigers enjoyed their best season in 2005 in Division 2 under the guidance of coach James Walker. Several players then transferred to Belmont Shore to play in the Super League competition, with Shore winning the prestigious title in 2007.

Since then the Oxy Tigers have regrouped and entered the Division 3 league - hoping that 2012 could a year to remember!

2012 Results

Oxy Olde Boys 43 Santa Monica 20

Oxy Olde Boys 14 Temecula 12

Oxy Olde Boys 45 OC Bucks 0

Fixtures

Jan 28 Rhinos Away

Feb 4 Gators Home

Feb 11 Bye for 7's

Feb 18 SLO Home

Feb 25 LB Wave Home

Mar 3 OMBAC Away

Mar 10 Bye

Mar 17 Ravens Home

Mar 24 Sin City Home

Mar 31 Beaumont Away

TOP FRENCH TRIES OVER THE LAST DECADE!

2012-01-23T03:00:00.000-08:00

OCCIDENTAL RUGBY PREPARE FOR 2012 SEASON!

2012-01-23T01:00:00.000-08:00

The Occidental Men's College Team pictured during their 2012 rugby camp.

Occidental Men's College Head Coach Dallen 'Paki' Stanford instructing the troops.

Matt Brown works on the technical aspects of the scrum with the Occidental Women's College Team

Coaching rugby has always been a passion for Pakis Corner, and it's superb to be fully involved with the Occidental Blackshirts. The 2012 season kicks off next Friday evening - and it should be a great season for both the Men's and Women's squads!

Both teams were put through the paces during the recent 3-day training camp (above photos).

Visit the Blackshirt Men on Facebook here!

HEINEKEN CUP: ROUND 5 - AIRONI vs CLERMONT!

2012-01-22T11:01:00.000-08:00

HEINEKEN CUP: ROUND 5 - BIARRITZ vs SARACENS!

2012-01-22T10:59:00.000-08:00

HEINEKEN CUP: ROUND 6 - TOULOUSE vs GLOUCESTER!

2012-01-22T02:00:00.000-08:00

HEINEKEN CUP: ROUND 5 - ULSTER vs LEICESTER - BIG HIT!

2012-01-21T02:30:00.000-08:00

HEINEKEN CUP: ROUND 5 - ULSTER vs LEICESTER!

2012-01-21T02:00:00.001-08:00

EAGLES 7s: USA RUGBY SIGN OLYMPIC TRAINING CONTRACTS!

2012-01-20T01:00:00.000-08:00

CHULA VISTA, Calif. – USA Rugby officially announced the list of men’s rugby sevens athletes that have signed full-time training contracts for 2012. These 11 are the first-ever players to receive full-time residency training contracts from USA Rugby.

Since the announcement in November 2011 that USA Rugby would provide full-time training contracts to sevens players, Nigel Melville, USA Rugby CEO and President of Rugby Operations has worked closely with Al Caravelli (USA Men’s Sevens Coach) to secure athletes for the program.

The selected athletes were offered contracts based on the current needs of the team, but also with a focus on the 2016 Olympics and the qualification process leading up to the 2016 Games.

The players will live nearby the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista and will train as a team year round at the OTC alongside fellow Olympic hopefuls and Olympians.

The residents will be joined by a ‘taxi squad,’ a group of players that will attend pre-tournament camps and compete for spots on the squad of players selected to travel and represent the USA in international competitions.

The residents and taxi squad will enter camp on Friday January 20, 2012 to begin their preparations for the New Zealand and USA legs of the HSBC Sevens World Series.

Andrew Durutalo and Miles Craigwell have been offered contracts, but have not yet signed their respective deals. If those two sign their contracts, there will be two spots that need to be filled in order to round out the residency squad.

Source & Photo Credit: USA Rugby

Men’s Residents:

Garrett Bender (Minneapolis, Minn.)

Tai Enosa (San Diego, Calif.)

Colin Hawley (Trowbridge, Calif.)

Rocco Mauer (Cleveland, Ohio)

Folau Niua (East Palo Alto, Calif.)

Blaine Scully (Sacramento, Calif.)

Roland Suniula (Boston, Mass.)

Shalom Suniula (San Diego, Calif.)

Zack Test (Palo Alto, Calif.)

Peter Tiberio (Naperville, Ill.)

Maka Unufe (Provo, Utah)

EAGLES 7s: WOMEN SIGN OLYMPIC TRAINING CENTER CONTRACTS!

2012-01-19T17:57:00.000-08:00

CHULA VISTA, Calif. – USA Rugby is proud to announce that seven women’s national team players have signed full-time training contracts with the union. The seven female athletes make history as the first-ever USA Women’s National team players to be contracted by USA Rugby.

One player has yet to sign her contract, but as soon as the last contract is signed, all of the eight full-time residency squad spots will be filled.

The eight resident athletes will leave nearby the Olympic Training Center (OTC) in Chula Vista and have full-time access to the facilities and staff at the OTC including trainers, nutritionists, sports psychologists, and the coaching staff.

The players that Head Coach Ric Suggitt and USA Rugby CEO and President of Rugby Operations, Nigel Melville, selected address the current needs of the team, but there is always an eye on the 2016 Olympic Games and the qualification tournaments leading up to 2016.

Suggitt prioritized getting the right eight players on contracts before he looked to expand the squad and his selection indicates an emphasis on youth and developing young players. The average age of the contracted players is 25, so many of the athletes will be in their athletic prime in 2016.

A typical sevens team traveling squad consists of 12 players, so pre-tournament camp rosters will be supplemented by a ‘taxi squad’ to help fill the 12-player roster. The eight residents are not guaranteed a spot on the traveling team and the taxi squad will be able to compete for an opportunity to represent the USA in international competition.

The residents are presently making their way to Chula Vista and once they arrive, they will immediately begin preparing for the 2011 USA Women’s International Sevens Invitational in Las Vegas in February.

Women’s Residents:

Bui Baravilala (Honolulu, Hawaii)

Katie Dowty (San Ramon, Calif.)

Kelly Griffin (Oakland, Calif.)

Kaelene Lundstrum (Bird Island, Minn.)

Vanesha McGee (Ewing, N.J.)

Devin Owsiany (Royersford, Pa.)

Kimber Rozier (Chapel Hill, N.C.)

HITS IN EUROPE!

2012-01-18T02:00:00.000-08:00

LAS VEGAS 7s 2012: BOOK YOUR HOTEL NOW!

2012-01-17T23:30:00.000-08:00

The Las Vegas IRB Sevens Tournament and LVI are around the corner - click here to secure your hotels for one of the best sporting events in North America!

RUGBY SEVENS WORKOUT - WITH PAUL HOLMES - PART 13!

2012-01-17T23:00:00.000-08:00

HEINEKEN CUP: ROUND 5 - TOULOUSE vs CONNACHT!

2012-01-17T11:29:00.000-08:00

TOP 14: ROUND 14 - STADE FRANCAIS vs CASTRES!

2012-01-16T23:33:00.001-08:00

TOP 14: ROUND 14 - BRIVE vs MONTPELLIER!

2012-01-16T23:31:00.000-08:00

BEHIND THE BADGE - SARACENS!

2012-01-15T20:08:00.000-08:00

SUNSET IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA!

2012-01-14T03:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday the 13th!

VEGAS 7s 2012: WARMING UP - JAMES GILLENWATER!

2012-01-14T01:00:00.000-08:00

VEGAS 7s 2011: During Halftime of the USA v. JAPAN game - Paki's Corner interviews former Eagle, James Gillenwater - More Videos have been posted from the Rugby Athletic, Tackling Cancer & Pakis Corner Mobile Interview booth during the Las Vegas 7s Tournament.

Visit Tackling Cancer online or fan them on Facebook

Visit Rugby Athletic online or fan them on Facebook

HSBC 7s WORLD SERIES: TIETJENS NZ SQUAD OF 30!

2012-01-13T02:00:00.000-08:00

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Ahead of the fourth and fifth rounds of the 2011/12 HSBC Sevens World Series New Zealand Sevens Coach Gordon Tietjens has named 30 players to assemble in Mount Maunganui for the national squad trials starting on 17 January.

New Zealand are currently joint Series leaders with Fiji on 51 points after their Cup victory at the Nelson Mandela Bay South Africa Sevens in Port Elizabeth in December, and are now preparing for their home leg in Wellington on 3-4 February.

The players were named following the Pub Charity National Sevens in Queenstown which was was won by Auckland who beat Otago 36-24 in the Final.

Tietjens, who is searching for a 10th title in 13 years, said the trial camp was an important part of identifying and developing future talent.

“The players know they are competing for contracts for the 2012 season but they also know we have an eye on talent for the Olympics in Rio de Janerio in 2016.

“This is a really exciting time to be involved with Sevens rugby. With fulltime Sevens contracts up for grabs in the future there are some talented young players coming into this trial that could put their hands up as Olympic medal hopefuls in Rio in four years’ time,” he said.

A national contracted squad of 15 will be named on 20 January at the conclusion of the trial and will assemble in Wellington on 26 January ahead of the Hertz Sevens tournament in the city on 3 and 4 February.

The hosts and defending Series and New Zealand Sevens champions will face pool matches against Samoa, Scotland and Japan on day one at the Westpac Stadium.

New Zealand: Toby Arnold, Tomasi Cama, Frazier Climo, Scott Curry, Matt Faddes, DJ Forbes, Frank Halai, Bryce Heem, Nathan Hughes, Joe Hill, Mark Jackman, Solomon King, Warwick Lahmert, James Lowe, Jono Malo, Tim Mikkelson, Kieran Moffat, Waisake Naholo, Kylem O'Donnell, Ken Pisi, Charles Piutau, Lote Raikabula. Glen Robertson, Ardie Savea, Ben Souness, Ahsee Tuala, Nafi Tuitavake, Lolagi Visinia, Joe Webber, Jack Wilson

Source: IRBsevens.com

OMBAC: COMPETITION & CAMARADERIE!

2012-01-13T01:00:00.000-08:00

One player, the scrum half, sings tenor and performs in operas. A teammate, the lock, works construction. Specifically, he’s a glazier, helping tote 300-pound panes of glass. The Old Mission Beach Athletic Club’s Division I men’s rugby team includes a bouncer, a doctor pursuing a cure for Alzheimer’s and a civil engineer. They range in age from a 19-year-old college student to a 42-year-old father of two. There’s a South African, a Tongan, African Americans, Samoans, Englishmen and an Aussie.

As diverse as the squad is, the players tend to agree on one thing: “To me,” said Alexis Alfaro, the tenor, “it’s the greatest sport ever.”

The Old Mission Beach Athletic Club opens the 2012 rugby season Saturday with its Division III team hosting Beaumont at the Little Q, west of Qualcomm Stadium. Best known for its bawdy Over-The-Line softball tournament, OMBAC’s rugby program is respected worldwide. OMBAC, which first formed a team in 1966, owns 14 national amateur championships. Multiple OMBAC ruggers have played for the national team, including current members Todd Clever, the captain, and Chris Wyles. “It’s a program that from the day you start playing rugby in America, you hear about and understand OMBAC is always going to be one of the best teams,” said Eric Taber, sponsorship manager for USA Rugby and who played against OMBAC a decade ago. “There’s sort of this aura about them as a club.” To uninformed Americans, rugby is the sport where the oblong ball gets lost amid a tangled mass of bent-over humanity, where players look like they’re auditioning for cheerleader pyramids, standing atop each other’s shoulders for throw-ins.

It’s the sport with the peculiar position names — loose head prop, tight head prop, hooker. But to those who play the game, it’s the sport that requires a rare combination of a linebacker’s muscle, a running back’s agility and Laird Hamilton’s fearlessness. “Everyone tackles,” said Brendan Purcell, a 6-foot-1, 260-pound bouncer. “Everyone carries the ball.” Tim Tebow, with that fullback body and abrasions across his arms, would make a great rugger. Diva wide receivers? Not so much. In many countries — New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, France, England, Ireland, South Africa — rugby is popular and many youths begin playing about the time they start school. Not so in the U.S. Alfaro’s story is typical among Americans. He played soccer and tennis at Scripps Ranch High, attended USD on a choral scholarship, gained 20 pounds as a freshman and wanted a physical outlet. He spotted a student wearing a rugby hat, asked, “What’s up with rugby?” and the guy invited him to a practice that night. Alfaro’s been playing ever since. The football player turned rugger is even more common.

Ask any rugger why they play the sport and typically the first word out of their mouth is “camaraderie.” Like actors who practice on the set for hours, days and weeks, rugby players form bonds because of the shared experience and because what they do is not easy. Rugby tradition dictates that after grabbing and tackling each other for 90 minutes, the teams exchange handshakes, then the host team treats the visitors to a bash, the primary item on the menu being beer. Alfaro remembers when USD’s team traveled to Ireland and promptly got hammered by a local side 99-7. After the match, the Irishmen hosted the Americans at the team pub. When the pub closed at 11, the party shifted locations. The Americans returned to their quarters about 6 a.m. Two hours later, the hosts treated the students to breakfast. “The best time of my life,” said Alfaro.

Partying and rugby go together like rugby and BAND-AIDs. Guy Johnson, the 42-year-old glazier, has been playing half his life. He was a student at LSU, celebrating at a bar, when a teammate hip-checked Johnson’s girlfriend. The girlfriend, who stood about 5 feet 10, returned the favor and hip-checked the guy right through a slidingglass door. Rugby players, too, are responsible. Johnson’s teammate spent the night on the pool table so no one would rob the establishment. Hypochondriacs need not even consider rugby. Johnson took a knee to the head and wound up with 23 stitches, plus a concussion. His lifetime rugby stitch count: an estimated 100. Damien Fotongia sports a slight scar on his face, courtesy of a cheek bone that fractured in three places. And you know the professional athletes who smile, look into the camera and say, “I’d play the game for free.” OMBAC players go one better. They pay $300 dues to pay. Then again, million-dollar pro athletes don’t enjoy the perk of a six-hour Las Vegas bus ride, listening to Alfaro, the scrum half, belt out Italian arias.

Visit OMBAC's website by clicking here!

Source: www.utsandiego.com

VEGAS 7s: WOMEN'S INTERNATIONAL 7s!

2012-01-12T02:00:00.000-08:00

Visit this link to purchase tickets and support the Women's International 7s in Vegas!

EAGLES XV: SAMU MANOA HIT!

2012-01-12T01:00:00.000-08:00

INTRODUCING WILD DOG SPORTS!

2012-01-11T23:10:00.000-08:00

Re-thinking, reshaping and redefining the South African team wear market!

WDS is the first company in SA to combine and fully integrate the traditional team wear market with the more interactive, intuitive and efficient online retail environment. Conceptualised by the apparel Sponsorship Manager for the 2007 World Cup winning Springboks, Wild Dog Sports has developed a unique online design module and virtual retail space allowing you to conceptualize, create and procure custom team wear online, anywhere, any time! Just as the African Wild Dog employs unique strategy, team work, passion and aggression to concur on the plains of the Savannah, so the team at WDShas strategically employed the very best to ensure innovative design, outstanding quality and exceptional service. WDS vision is focused on being the leader of pack, at the fore front of team wear technology and offering the very best in online custom design capability. WDS is a proudly South African company!

Visit Wild Dog Sports!

Website: http://www.wilddogsports.co.za/home/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WildDogSports

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TacklingCancer

TEXAS RUGBY EYES CHAMPIONSHIP, STARTS SCHOLARSHIP!

2012-01-11T22:11:00.001-08:00

Rugby has never enjoyed much popularity in the U.S.—especially in Texas, the land of Friday Night Lights and Longhorn football culture.

That may be changing. A 2009 study identified rugby as the nation’s fastest-growing sport—and it will be played in the 2016 Olympics for the first time since 1924.

Those are big wins for rugby on the national and international stage—and the sport is on rise in Texas, too.

Yes, UT has a rugby team, and a really good one, too. This marks their 26th year on campus, and it may just be their biggest yet.

Texas Rugby is currently riding high at an undefeated first place in the Southwest Rugby Conference (the season goes from fall to spring). Only three more matches lie between them and a trip to the national championships in April.

Last summer, the team placed fifth out of 16 teams in another national competition: the invitation-only College Rugby Championships, which was televised nationally on NBC. UT will play in the same championships again this June.

In addition to these successes on the pitch, the Texas Rugby Alumni Association has started a scholarship endowment with the Texas Exes. Its goal is to award the first scholarship this year.

For a club team staffed by volunteers and funded by players, scholarships will be a vital recruitment tool, says assistant coach and fundraising chair Mickey Johnson.

“We’ve raised about $8,000 toward an initial goal of $25,000,” Johnson says. “We have players who are international and out-of-state students. This will help them put school first.”

“The guys are really passionate, really positive, and are working really hard,” says head coach Butch Neuenschwander. “My team captain last year graduated with a 4.0, and he was pre-med. So these are smart guys. I’m damn proud of them.”

Neuenschwander says rugby’s reputation as a bloody, brutal game belies its true culture—one he calls chivalrous and fun-loving.

“Rugby is intense and full-contact, yes, but not dangerous,” Neuenschwander says. “And you’ll never see yelling or a brawl break out at a rugby match. The players even call the referee ‘sir.’”

Mickey Johnson, an assistant coach with the team, calls rugby “human chess” because, he says, the game requires so much mental acumen.

“In football, you have one play and then that’s it,” Johnson says. “The strategy involved in rugby is more intellectual. You have one play, and then another, and then another, and you have to plan all of those strategically.”

The team plays two very different versions of rugby: 15s and sevens. The more traditional 15s is played with 15 men on each team, and the match lasts for 80 minutes with no time-outs and one five-minute halftime. Sevens has seven men on each side, and the game only lasts 14 minutes: two seven-minute segments with a five-minute break.

“Sevens is fast-paced, perfect for TV,” Neuenschwander says. “Rugby has everything. It’s fun to watch and fun to play. Our team is going places.”

Photos courtesy Mickey Johnson

Source: The Alcalde

RUCKIE THE MOOSE GOES CORPORATE!

2012-01-11T01:00:00.000-08:00

Ruckie the Moose keeps busy in the winter writing out orders, answering phones, stocking the Rugby Athletic warehouse and more! He's still working on his domestic bathroom behavior...

But after all he is just a MOOSE!

http://www.rugbyathletic.com/

TOP 14: ROUND 14 - AGEN vs BIARRITZ!

2012-01-10T10:35:00.000-08:00

TOP 14: ROUND 14 - PERPIGNAN vs RACING METRO!

2012-01-10T02:00:00.001-08:00

TOP 14: ROUND 14 - CLERMONT vs TOULON!

2012-01-10T02:00:00.000-08:00

AVIVA PREMIERSHIP: ROUND 13 - WORCESTER WARRIORS vs GLOUCESTER RUGBY!

2012-01-10T01:30:00.000-08:00

AVIVA PREMIERSHIP: ROUND 13 - NEWCASTLE FALCONS vs EXETER CHIEFS!

2012-01-10T01:00:00.000-08:00

AVIVA PREMIERSHIP: ROUND 13 - SARACENS vs BATH!

2012-01-09T17:00:00.000-08:00

AVIVA PREMIERSHIP: ROUND 13 - NORTHAMPTON SAINTS vs HARLEQUINS!

2012-01-09T13:00:00.000-08:00

AVIVA PREMIERSHIP: ROUND 13 - LONDON IRISH vs SALE SHARKS!

2012-01-09T12:58:00.001-08:00

OXY TIGERS: START 2012 CAMPAIGN!

2012-01-08T02:00:00.000-08:00

The Occidental Olde Boys RFC - known as the OXY Tigers - was the first club that I joined when arriving in the United States back in 2003. Those were superb times on and off the field!

Eventually several of us moved over to play in the Super League for Belmont Shore in 2006/2007. Hence it's been a while since wearing the Tigers kit - and Saturday's opening match of the 2012 season was a great start for the club. With Brad Speer, Alex Ochoa and Patrick Guthrie all returning, the Stani made a second half appearance in the 43-20 victory over Santa Monica.

Great times you slippery eels!

NIGEL OWENS "THIS IS NOT SOCCER"!

2012-01-07T02:00:00.000-08:00

TOP 5 PLANKS OF 2011!!

2012-01-06T21:49:00.001-08:00

Richard Osborn lifts his daughter, Nadia, for one of the best planks pictured - at the 2011 RWC!

UT 7s captain Stephen Maloney celebrates after scoring a classic at the CRC 7s defeating OU 24-12 on NBC!

Ty Landry catches his daughters Dillon and Daylin during a visit to the local grocery store!

Dillon Wall pulls of one of the planks of the year!

Trent Jones planks in Berlin, Germany, upsetting many locals...

RUGBY SEVENS WORKOUT - WITH PAUL HOLMES - PART 12!

2012-01-05T10:01:00.000-08:00

QUADE COOPER BANNED FROM QLD BARS!

2012-01-04T09:40:00.000-08:00

TOP 14: ROUND 13 - BAYONNE vs TOULOUSE

2012-01-02T11:33:00.000-08:00

TOP 14: ROUND 13 - BIARRITZ vs TOULON!

2012-01-02T11:31:00.001-08:00

TOP 14: ROUND 13 - MONTPELLIER vs RACING METRO!

2012-01-02T11:27:00.000-08:00

JAMES O'CONNOR TRIBUTE!

2012-01-02T01:00:00.000-08:00

NEW YEAR 2012: FOLDED LIKE A DECK CHAIR!

2012-01-01T02:00:00.000-08:00

Richard Tagg - pictured on New Year's Eve 2012 having the Best Night of his Life.

Moments later he was folded like a deck chair...

HAPPY NEW YEAR - 2012!

2011-12-31T01:00:00.001-08:00

The Corner wants to wish everyone a SENSATIONAL New Year with 2012 the best year yet!!

You beautiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiies.

NEW YEAR 2012: THE END OF THE WORLD!

2011-12-31T01:00:00.000-08:00

AVIVA PREMIERSHIP: ROUND 11 - GLOUCESTER vs LONDON WASPS!

2011-12-30T01:30:00.000-08:00

AVIVA PREMIERSHIP: ROUND 11 - SALE SHARKS vs NEWCASTLE FALCONS!

2011-12-30T01:00:00.002-08:00

AVIVA PREMIERSHIP: ROUND 11 - LONDON IRISH vs EXETER CHIEFS!

2011-12-30T01:00:00.001-08:00

AVIVA PREMIERSHIP: ROUND 11 - SARACENS vs HARLEQUINS!

2011-12-30T01:00:00.000-08:00

AVIVA PREMIERSHIP: ROUND 11 - WORCESTER vs LEICESTER!

2011-12-30T00:30:00.000-08:00

CRC 7s 2012: SUPPORT THE TEXAS LONGHORNS!

2011-12-29T02:00:00.000-08:00

Support the TEXAS Longhorns during the 2012 USA SEVENS COLLEGIATE RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP INVITATIONAL on June 2/3 in Philadelphia!

Buy Tickets Online.

AVIVA PREMIERSHIP: ROUND 11 - HIGHLIGHTS!

2011-12-29T01:30:00.000-08:00

VICTOR MATFIELD: MY JOURNEY!

2011-12-29T01:00:00.000-08:00

As the most capped Springbok rugby player ever, Victor Matfield is a national hero who transcends rugby provincialism and has fans across the world. His rugby exploits and achievements are numerous: he was an instrumental part of the team that won the 2007 Rugby World Cup, he helped win two Tri Nations tournaments for the Boks, he has lifted the Super 14 trophy three times with the Bulls and he has enjoyed Currie Cup glory.

In his much-anticipated autobiography, he opens up about his life, from growing up as a shy boy in Pietersburg to moving to Pretoria, where he had to learn the hard way about dealing with the pleasures of life as a talented young rugby player. He talks frankly about his issues with coaches, including his mentor Heyneke Meyer and Jake White, who once tried to physically attack him. Victor also deals with Kamp Staaldraad and other controversies; the challenges rugby poses to his personal life and the sacrifices inherent in the life of a professional sportsman. In this Rugby World Cup year, this is undoubtedly the one book every rugby fan will want to read.

BUY Online at various outlets - such as Amazon.com.

RIP "PAPA" NAQICA

2011-12-28T01:00:00.000-08:00

In loving Memory ofSitiveni "Papa" Naqica.

August 13th, 1951 - December 25, 2011

Born in Vatukoula, Fiji to the late Matai and Mereia Naqica, he grew up in his village of Nawaisomo, Naitasiri, Fiji.

His only sport played was rugby and represented his School (Lelean) from 1965-1969 and his Province (Naitasiri) multiple times from 1969-1982. He was a smart and savvy Scrumhalf. He won the Sportsmanship Award for the Province for a record 8 times for the way he carried himself both on and off the field.

"Papa" is survived by his Wife of 34 years, Colleen, 8 children Litia, Vereniki, Jone, Brian, Mereula, Serevi, Kathryn and Maureen, and 8 grandchildren. His infectious laugh never failed to bring a smile to family and friends, touching the lives of many people with his generosity and sense of humor.

"ISA LEI" Goodbye's are not Forever.

Goodbye's are not the End.

They simply mean I'll miss you

Until we meet again.

Friends and family are invited to attend the funeral service at Burns Memorial United Methodist Church, 1095 Newark St, Aurora, Colorado on Friday, Dec 30th, 2011. Service will begin at 11am.

Papa Naqica - a legend in the American rugby community. Our thoughts are with the entire family.

RUGBY SEVENS WORKOUT - WITH PAUL HOLMES - PART 11!

2011-12-27T01:00:00.000-08:00

NRL: BEST INDIVIDUAL TRIES OF 2011!

2011-12-26T16:46:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS WORLD!

2011-12-25T11:25:00.000-08:00

Wishing Everyone a Superb Xmas and Festive Season with Family & Friends!

From Pakis Corner, The Foodie Girls, Eagles XV, Eagles 7s, Tackling Cancer Foundation, Play Rugby USA, Tiger Rugby and Wild Dog Sports!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM USA RUGBY!

2011-12-24T11:28:00.001-08:00

HSBC 7s WORLD SERIES: SAVE 33% ON LAS VEGAS TICKETS!

2011-12-23T09:58:00.000-08:00

Visit USA Sevens for all the details and discounts!

HSBC 7s WORLD SERIES: PARTY TIME!

2011-12-23T02:00:00.000-08:00

TO TWEET OR NOT TO TWEET!

2011-12-23T01:00:00.000-08:00

Ospreys Director of rugby Scott Johnson has criticised Welsh referee Nigel Owens for his use of Twitter, which has re-opened the debate of the role of the social media website in modern rugby.

Owens, who is described on his Twitter page as a "Welsh International rugby union referee, TV presenter,and do a bit of stand up comedy too", was the victim of some harsh abuse from the controversial Johnson who is not at all impressed with the fact that Owens interacts with players and fans on his Twitter feed.

"He is on social networks talking to opposition players. He posted the last time we played them apologising to the Scarlets supporters for forward passes. When you start that, you open up a can of worms," the Ospreys boss fumed at a recent press conference.

This may have been an attempt at gamesmanship from Johnson as Owens takes control of his side's clash with Scarlets on Boxing Day, but public sentiment seems to be siding with Owens, if the torrent of well wishes on his Twitter page are anything to go by. One observer even pointed out that the referee enjoys better support than the Ospreys.

"The irony is Nigel Owens has 16 600 followers. Scott Johnson can barely attract 7000 followers for a home game in the H-Cup," tweeted thepaulwilliams.

Owens is no stranger to Twitter-based controversy as he was the victim of an attack from Gloucester's Samoan centre Eliota Sapolu who accused him of racism and bias after the referee oversaw Samoa's loss to the Springboks in their fierce World Cup pool stage encounter.

However, one of the most important qualities a referee can possess is the ability to take criticism in his stride, which Owens proved when he responded to Sapolu.

"@Eliota_Sapolu i hold no grudges whatsoever> I wouldn't be a referee if I did," the tweet read.

This raises the question of how the potential minefield that Twitter represents should be handled by those involved in professional rugby.

Sapolu is probably the most infamous tweeter in world rugby and in the last few months has provided a few textbook examples of how not to use Twitter if you are a professional rugby player, often reacting after the conclusion of a match once he had had a couple of drinks.

Apart from his rant at Owens, Sapolu also saw fit to attack the IRB over the playing schedule at the World Cup, comparing it to apartheid and slavery. All of this eventually resulted in a short-term ban from the game but that did not seem to discourage him and he proceeded to take aim at Saracens flyhalf Owen Farrell who he accused of being "arrogant".

Former All Blacks coach Graham Henry famously banned his players from using Twitter during the World Cup, which had addicts such as wing Corey Jane experiencing withdrawal symptoms, but some believe that as the players are adults they should be treated as such and that means 'trusting' them to use Twitter responsibly.

The reality is that the public are interested in the lives and views of high profile personalities like rugby players, which means that thousands of people worldwide (former Springbok captain John Smit has over 72 000 followers) are exposed to whatever banter the players decide to engage in, whether that is plugging a sponsor or describing what they had for breakfast.

At the end of the day players are professionals who represent a brand, and the people who pay their hefty paycheques surely have some right to regulate which thoughts get posted for all the world to see.

Jane found himself in the thick of the action on Twitter in 2009 when he and All Blacks teammate Neemia Tialata revealed that they would not be part of the All Blacks team to take on England before the squad had been officially announced.

Jane and Digby Ioane were both in hot water during the 2011 Super Rugby season for criticising match officials on Twitter, and both escaped disciplinary action although the incidents did expose the fact that anything on Twitter is treated as public comment which could result in a ban if the tweet is offensive enough.

Another obvious concern is the fact that Twitter could distract players from their rugby, with rumours that Wallabies playmaker Quade Cooper (possibly the most prolific tweeter in world rugby) sent a tweet out seconds before kick-off in a Test match, lending more weight to the suggestion that players should be restricted in their use of the micro-blog.

It is not just the players and officials who have to watch their step on Twitter. Richie McCaw's girlfriend Nicola Grigg found herself at the centre of controversy when she voiced her opinion on the All Blacks' World Cup jersey which was being sold for exorbitant prices by the supplier in New Zealand.

The marketing executive, who has reportedly been seeing the All Blacks skipper since April, swiftly deactivated her account after it created some unwanted bad press for the New Zealand captain who does not have a Twitter account himself.

It is something that media managers will have to take a good hard look at in the future, as finding a balance between completely gagging players and allowing them to post whatever pops into their head must be struck.

A middle ground would surely be in the interests of all concerned, as Twitter can provide positive exposure but by the same token can be harmful in an era in which public opinion is key to getting bums on seats in the stadiums.

Although Twitter may be causing a few ripples in the rugby world, a little perspective is perhaps needed as well. England's South African-born cricket star Kevin Pietersen has over 400 000 followers on Twitter while "model, actress, singer, brand, business woman, fashion designer, author, philanthropist and empire," Paris Hilton has clocked up 5 673 373.

This shows that rugby has a way to go before its Twitter presence starts causing serious waves, but it does not detract from the point that players need to think before they tweet, or in Sapolu's case think before you drink before you tweet.

By Michael de Vries, Rugby365.com

EAGLES XV: PROP MIKE MACDONALD - LIKE YOU'VE NEVER SEEN HIM!

2011-12-22T02:30:00.000-08:00

Legendary USA Eagles prop - Mike MacDonald - was well on his way to becoming a hero in another sport.

Luckily for the world his Green Lantern outfit didn't fit...

USA RUGBY: COLLEGE 7s NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP - LIFE TAKES OVERTIME THRILLER!

2011-12-22T01:00:00.000-08:00

COLLEGE STATION, Texas – In an overtime thriller, the Life University Running Eagles bested Central Washington to win the inaugural USA Rugby Men’s College Sevens National Championship 22-17.

Cornelius Dirksen came screaming out of the gates, scoring inside of a minute to open Life's tally in the championship game. However, Central's Tanner Barnes and Tim Stanfill crossed the line before halftime, and the now-champions found themselves up against it at the half but didn’t let the scoreline affect their game.

“They were pretty calm at the half,” said Life Head Coach Tui Osborne. “They were patient in the second half, just like Paul and I told them to be. Anything can happen in a sevens match and their patience paid off.”

Two tries in the second half from Life and one from Central Washington drew the scores level at 17-17. It wasn't an easy path to overtime for the Running Eagles, and it looked for a time like Central Washington would squeak out a win, but a few crucial turnovers opened the door for Life. Glen Maricelli tied the score and a conversion would have won it for Life, but the attempt missed the mark. Two halves weren’t enough to determine the champion, so five minutes of sudden death overtime were required. Life struck first in overtime and Jamey Penca scored the heroic game-winner. Life Head Coach and former USA Eagle, Tui Osborne, hailed his team’s hard work not just this season, but over the last three years to develop into a national champion. This is the first College National Championship for Life at the college level, marking a huge step forward for the program.

Despite his team's loss in the final, Central Washington's Tim Stanfill earned the honor of tournament MVP by putting on a very impressive display on both days of the Championships. There were a number of other hardware-winners in the championship in the plate, bowl, and shield competitions. St. Mary’s won the plate by defeating Colorado 29-7 and Air Force thrilled the crowd by winning in sudden death in the shield final, finishing off Virginia 22-17. Arkansas State blanked Kutztown 27-0 in the cup consolation game, but didn't get any hardware.

For all results, click here.To watch replays, click here.For photos of the event, click here.

Source: USA Rugby

HEINEKEN CUP 2011/12: BIARRITZ vs TREVISO!

2011-12-21T02:00:00.001-08:00

HEINEKEN CUP 2011/12: TOULOUSE vs HARLEQUINS!

2011-12-21T02:00:00.000-08:00

HEINEKEN CUP 2011/12: LEICESTER vs CLERMONT!

2011-12-21T01:30:00.000-08:00

SARACENS: FLICK PASS OF THE YEAR - BRITS TO WYLES!

2011-12-20T01:00:00.000-08:00

SUNTORY SUNGOLIATH: TODD CLEVER TRYTIME!

2011-12-19T22:04:00.000-08:00

PLAY RUGBY USA: 2012 CALENDAR!

2011-12-18T01:30:00.000-08:00

PRE-SALE of Play Rugby USA's inaugural calendar for 2012 highlighting some inspirational images of youth engagement in the program and PRUSA's core values for each month. A great way to give back to the program while putting a smile on your face every morning!

Click HERE to order your copy online!!

100% of net proceeds benefit Play Rugby USA's mission of "Developing Youth through Rugby".

We will place all orders for this item on December 15th and notify you via email upon shipping.

Website: www.playrugbyusa.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PlayRugbyUSA

Twitter: twitter.com/Play_Rugby_USA

USA RUGBY: COLLEGE 7s RESULTS - DAY 2!

2011-12-17T01:00:00.000-08:00

USA RUGBY: COLLEGE 7s RESULTS - DAY 1!

2011-12-16T02:00:00.000-08:00

Photo: Copyright Jon Eilts Jon Eilts/Eilts Photography

TOP 14: ROUND 12 - TOULOUSE vs TOULON!

2011-12-15T03:00:00.002-08:00

TOP 14: ROUND 12 - CLERMONT vs CASTRES!

2011-12-15T03:00:00.001-08:00

TOP 14: ROUND 12 - LYON vs PERPIGNAN!

2011-12-15T03:00:00.000-08:00

VEGAS 7s: 2012 RUGBY SPORTS MEDICINE SYMPOSIUM!

2011-12-15T02:00:00.000-08:00

Sports Medicine Professional –

We would like to invite you to the only 2012 USA Rugby Sports Medicine Symposium – The Only Rugby Sports Conference in North America. This year’s international conference on February 9 & 10 will feature a Thursday evening lecture focusing exclusively on Concussions. We are bringing in some of the most renowned experts in the field to discuss the current standards and what the future has in store. There will be a social gathering on Thursday night for all of us to network and re-connect with old friends. Friday’s session will run from 8-3pm and will again include current topics in sports medicine related to rugby.

Some of the key speakers include Tom Best, MD – President of the ACSM, William Meyer, MD – Renowned Surgeon and Expert in Athletic Pubalgia, Hamish Kerr, MD – Team Physician of USA Rugby, Richard Quincy, PT, ATC – USOC Olympic Trainer Center Medical Director, Mark Lovell – Founder of ImPACT Applications and MANY MORE!!

To learn more and to register for this year’s course please visit our website: http://usarugbysportsmedicinesymposium.wildapricot.org/

The full agenda will be posted shortly – but make sure to register now!

See you in Vegas and Happy Holidays!

MikeMichael Keating,

MS, ATC, CSCS

USA Rugby – Medical Coordinator

www.usarugby.org

FOODIE GIRLS: HUNT FOR BEST FOOD TRUCK IN LA!

2011-12-14T10:48:00.001-08:00

The Foodie Girls are BACK! Their new mission is to find the #1 best food truck in all of Los Angeles and we want to hear from you! We are selecting the top 8 food trucks to review, we have our top 4 and we want to hear from you for the rest!

Go to youtube to cast your vote to see the foodie girls at your favorite food truck! Comments and video responses welcomed! We want to see you LA...

Click HERE to vote!

HSBC 7s WORLD SERIES: PORT ELIZABETH - HIGHLIGHTS DAY 2!

2011-12-13T02:30:00.000-08:00

HSBC 7s WORLD SERIES: ROUND 3 - POINTS TABLE!

2011-12-13T01:00:00.000-08:00

HSBC 7s WORLD SERIES: PORT ELIZABETH - CUP FINAL - SOUTH AFRICA vs NEW ZEALAND!

2011-12-12T02:00:00.000-08:00

HSBC 7s WORLD SERIES: PORT ELIZABETH - CUP SEMI - SOUTH AFRICA vs SAMOA!

2011-12-12T01:30:00.000-08:00

HSBC 7s WORLD SERIES: PORT ELIZABETH - CUP QUARTERS - SOUTH AFRICA vs FRANCE!

2011-12-12T01:00:00.001-08:00

HSBC 7s WORLD SERIES: PORT ELIZABETH - CUP QUARTERS - NEW ZEALAND vs AUSTRALIA!

2011-12-12T01:00:00.000-08:00

HSBC 7s WORLD SERIES: NEW ZEALAND DRAMATIC WIN!

2011-12-11T21:58:00.001-08:00

New Zealand - as Pakis Corner predicted - came back to win the SA 7s.

New Zealand have beaten hosts South Africa in dramatic fashion with the final play of the match to win the Nelson Mandela Bay South Africa Sevens, round three of the HSBC Sevens World Series.

The reigning Series champions won a thrilling final 31-26 in front of 30,000 fans to claim the first South Africa Sevens title to be played at a new home in Port Elizabeth.

In doing so, they draw level with Fiji on 51 points at the top of the World Series with South Africa in third on 48 and England just one more point adrift in fourth.

Twice New Zealand led in the first half through captain DJ Forbes and half back Tomasi Cama, and twice the Boks hit back through Bernardo Botha, but Frank Halai's long-range run-in nudged the reigning Series champions into a 17-14 half time lead.

After the break the hosts built a lead with tries from Steven Hunt and Cecil Afrika, but Halai again answered for the kiwis to cut the deficit to two points and with the final play of the match New Zealand kicked a loose ball upfield to create a match-winning score for Tomasi Cama.

Samoa finished third in the tournament after beating England 17-14 in the bronze final. Wales won the Plate with a comprehensive 48-0 defeat of Fiji, Scotland lifted the Bowl and Zimbabwe beat Kenya to the Shield.

Wales trounce Fiji to win Plate

Reigning RWC Sevens champions Wales proved too strong for Fiji in the Plate final, ending the tournament with an impressive 48-0 win against the Gold Coast Sevens Cup winners.

Owen B Williams scored two of their eight tries in the final, as Paul John's side claimed 13 Series points in what was Fiji's second biggest loss in the history of the World Series.

Wales entered the Plate final after an enthralling semi-final against France. Having trailed 12-0 Williams, Tom Habberfield and Richard Smith gave Wales a 19-17 lead before a Terry Bouhraoua penalty looked to have sealed a 20-19 win for France. But Habberfield scored with the last play of the match to clinch a 24-19 win.

Fiji reached the final after two Nikola Matawalu tries helped the Gold Coast Sevens winners to a 26-7 victory against Australia.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Scotland win another Bowl

Scotland won their second successive Bowl final, beating Pan American Games champions Canada 22-19 thanks to two tries from Peter Horne. It was in fact there fifth successive Bowl final, and they collect eight points for the Series.

Graham Shiel's side reached their fifth successive Bowl final after beating Argentina 21-14 thanks to a try Kerr Gossman after the buzzer had sounded.

Canada reached the final having beaten rivals USA 22-12 thanks to two tries from Sean Duke. Earlier Duke had also scored in their quarter-final 21-0 victory against Morocco whilst a James Fleming hat-trick helped Scotland to a 26-7 win over Kenya.

Argentina booked their place in the semi-finals after a 28-12 victory against Portugal, ensuring Los Pumas are still yet to taste defeat to the European side in 17 matches.

USA progressed to the Bowl semi-finals after beating Zimbabwe for the second week running in the Bowl quarter-finals. Peter Tiberio scored the first try of the day before Mark Bokhoven and Tiberio and Zach Test sealed a 26-0 win for Al Caravelli's side.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Mbanje double secures Shield for Zim

Two tries from Wensley Mbanje helped Zimbabwe beat African neighbours Kenya 19-12 to lift the Shield and claim three Series points in the process.

Tangai Nemadire, Manasah Sita and Mbanje all crossed for Zimbabwe as they beat Morocco 21-14 in the first Shield semi-final whilst Patrice Agunda snatched a 17-12 victory for Kenya against Portugal in sudden death extra time.

HSBC 7s WORLD SERIES: PORT ELIZABETH - NEW ZEALAND vs FRANCE!

2011-12-11T21:27:00.001-08:00

HSBC 7s WORLD SERIES: PORT ELIZABETH - RESULTS DAY 1!

2011-12-09T12:01:00.001-08:00

Hosts South Africa, current Series leaders Fiji, Samoa and New Zealand all reached the Cup quarter-finals of the Nelson Mandela Bay South Africa Sevens with 100% records at the end of day one.

Paul Treu's side also ended day one having not conceded a single point after 33-0, 45-0 and 26-0 victories against Canada, Kenya and Australia respectively.

The 2011 Dubai Sevens champions England reached the last eight following a 19-0 victory against Argentina, and join France, Australia and Wales as pool runners-up.

Pool A - ENG, ARG, USA, SAM

Having entered the Shield competition for the first time last week in Dubai, Samoa came out firing to record three victories on day one after a narrow 14-12 victory against USA ensured they remained unbeaten heading into day two.

The Dubai Sevens Cup winners England joined them as runners-up, beating Argentina 19-0 in their decisive match with Los Pumas thanks to two tries from Dan Norton and they now face Gold Coast champions Fiji in the Cup quarter-finals.

Earlier Paul Perez scored twice for Samoa against England in a 24-14 victory after a 17-5 win in their opener against Argentina.

Ben Ryan's side also got off to a winning start as they beat Al Caravelli's USA 19-7 thanks to tries from James Rodwell, Marcus Watson, Mat Turner and Nick Royle. USA edged Argentina 21-14 thanks to a last minute try from Mark Bokhoven.

Pool B - FRA, NZL, SCO, MAR

New Zealand ended day one with a 100% record, beating last week's runners-up, France 41-0, as Tomasi Cama added 16 points of his own including two tries and three conversions.

Frank Halai scored four tries as the reigning World Series champions defeated Scotland 45-0 in their second Pool B match - the wing ending day one as the leading try scorer with seven.

Gordon Tietjens' side also proved too strong for Morocco, a side that hasn't competed on the World Series since 2003, scoring seven tries in the 39-7 victory, including one for Kylem O'Donnell on his debut and a hat-trick for Toby Arnold. The biggest cheer however came for Karim Abad who scored the last try of the match for Morocco.

The 2011 Dubai Sevens Cup runners-up France recorded a 31-7 victory in their opening Pool B match, despite conceding the first try to Scotland's Andrew Turnbull.

Terry Bouhraoua scored twice in the match, with Paul Albaladejo, Mathieu Acebes and Julien Jane also crossing following their first Cup final in six years at 7he Sevens, before Jane added two further tries in their 19-7 win against Morocco and will face South Africa in a repeat of last week's Cup quarter-finals.

Scotland finished third in Pool B and enter the Bowl competition after James Fleming's four tries helped them to a 50-0 victory against Morocco.

Pool C - RSA, AUS, CAN, KEN

South Africa ended day one with a 26-0 victory against last week's Plate winners Australia.

Michael O'Connor's side had beaten the 2008/09 Series champions in the final in Dubai but two Mark Richards tries ensured the hosts ended day one with a 100% record and didn't concede a single point.

Steven Hunt scored four tries as they beat Kenya 45-0 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium by beating Kenya 45-0 after Paul Treu's side had begun their campaign by beating Pan American Games champions Canada 33-0 thanks to tries from Branco du Preez, Chris Dry, Hunt, Cornal Hendricks and Richards.

Greg Jeloudev scored twice as Australia defeated Canada 33-10, after last week's Plate winners had earlier defeated Kenya 31-14 and they now face New Zealand in the Cup quarter-finals.

Sean White, Nanyak Dala, Harry Jones and Sean Duke all scored for Canada as Geraint John's side enter the Bowl competition after a 26-5 victory against Kenya.

Pool D - FJI, WAL, POR, ZIM

Current Series leaders Fiji ended day one with a 100% record after coming from 14-0 behind to win 29-14 against Wales in the Pool D decider.

Earlier Osea Kolinisau and Semi Radradra both scored twice in their opening 31-7 victory against Portugal before Josala Lotawa and Watisoni Votu crossed twice each against the Cheetahs in a 42-17 win.

Owen B Williams also scored twice in both of Wales' victories - 42-7 victory against Zimbabwe and 34-7 over Portugal - and they will meet Samoa in the Cup quarter-finals.

Portugal ensured they finished third in Pool D after coming from 7-0 behind to beat Zimbabwe 24-14 thanks to two tries from Aderito Esteves.

Source: IRBsevens.com

HSBC 7s WORLD SERIES: PORT ELIZABETH - FIXTURES DAY 1!

2011-12-09T01:00:00.000-08:00

Photo Credits: Getty Images

Get ready for Round 3 of the HSBC 7s World Series as South Africa host the final leg of the first tour. Read the wrap-up from Sevens Columnist Dallen Stanford on World Rugby Shop - Fiji Top Opening Rounds http://rug.bi/uRqujT - which includes some bold predictions for Port Elizabeth.

Watch the Eagles 7s matches on Friday early morning:

USA vs England[12.21PM Local Time Friday South Africa, 2.21AM PT Friday USA, 5.21AM ET Friday USA]

USA vs Argentina[3.49PM Local Time Friday South Africa, 5.49AM PT Friday USA, 8.49AM ET Friday USA]

USA vs Samoa[6.11PM Local Time Friday South Africa, 8.11AM PT Friday USA, 11.11AM ET Friday USA]

EAGLES 7s: PETER TIBERIO - DAILY UPDATE!

2011-12-08T18:52:00.001-08:00

Mark Bokhoven - attracting Tigers.

Today I'm writing the blog myself, with no help from guys on the teamto throw people under the bus. Unlike the prior blog writer... Coach,who needed Colin "I'll throw my own mother under the bus if it gets meattention" Hawley to help him throw me under the bus with the skinnyjeans comment. For the record Miles "I'm afraid to surf but I'll swimwith sharks" Craigwell is the only known member of the team to own apair of skinny jeans.

This morning we went to the stadium tofamiliarize ourselves with the stadium that we will be playing at thisweekend. The stadium looks great and should be a great venue forSouth African leg of the World Series. After the visit we hadsome time off to relax and get our bodies right for the upcomingtournament. Some of the boys stayed back and got some rest, however,myself and a few others went to a park where we were able to pet andplay with some lions and tigers. It was truly one of the mostincredible experiences of my life seeing some absolutely massiveanimals and then being able to play with some of the younger and muchsmaller ones. I think Mark "I promise I won't throw any more toys outof my sandbox if you just buy me a baby tiger" Bokhoven enjoyed thetrip to the park the most as one of the Tigers seemed to like him abit more then everybody else.

Overall it has been an awesome tour andpersonally a great first trip to South Africa. We're all very excitedfor the weekend and looking to continue improving on our game. Signingoff from Port Elizabeth,Peter Tiberio.

HSBC 7s WORLD SERIES: PORT ELIZABETH - AROUND THE WORLD!

2011-12-08T11:04:00.001-08:00

In the 12-year history of the World Series South Africa has been an ever-present, both as a participating team and as a host venue, but only once have the Springbok Seven emerged victorious on home soil.In December 2008 Paul Treu's side rode a tidal wave of fervant support and passion, jinking and sprinting their way to the Cup title in George. For Treu the success was a long time coming, having competed for South Africa as a player, a captain and coach since the Series began in 1999.Only a smattering of those champion players of 2008 remain in the current squad - scrum half Paul Delport and the giant Frankie Horne two stand-outs - but a new generation has already emerged, hungry to claim a second home title at a new venue in Port Elizabeth.

"To win your home tournament is every country's dream, it's something that you watch and you plan and work towards and we've put in 17 weeks of preparation coming into the new season," said Treu."This is the only opportunity we get to play at home and we can't wait another 10 years to win on home soil again. This is our opportunity and the opportunity is now."

One crucial piece of the jigsaw for Treu and his side is the inclusion of IRB Sevens Player of the Year, Cecil Afrika.Afrika suffered a rib injury at the season-opener in Australia two weeks ago, but sat out the Dubai Sevens to nurse himself to a speedy recovery.Afrika back for the Boks"Cecil is definitely going to play, he passed his fitness test and we would like to get him on the park as soon as possible. We can't wait for him to pull that jersey on and he's also very excited to start here."The South Africa Sevens, to be played at the superb Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, is already the third round of the new season, following quickly off the back of Rounds 1 and 2 in Australia's Gold Coast and Dubai last weekend.So far Fiji have been the most consistent side, having won in Australia and reached the Cup semi finals in Dubai. They top the standings by seven points from Dubai champions England, but there is a raft of teams within easy reach and Treu believes the Series is wide open."At the moment things are pretty even. New Zealand and Fiji set the standard in the first tournament and then neither side made the final in Dubai. We made the semi final in Gold Coast, and now England and France have contested a final in Dubai.

Treu: England, Fiji & France the teams to beat

"For me, France have been playing well for a lot of tournaments and were unlucky at times last season; England always start the new season well; Fiji seem to be hitting the high notes again and hitting their stride, and they may be the teams to beat."For us the important thing is to generate excitement. I want them to go out there and feel the energy, enjoy every single moment. A home tournament might not come again for these players and they have to go out there, live every second and just enjoy it."As for the fans, should they bring the vuvuzelas that caused such an international stir during the FIFA World Cup, from this very stadium and others, or leave them at home?"Yes, the fans should bring them!" insisted Treu. "We are going to need it, we are all going to need the energy. This is the third tournament, they are all a bit tired, so what we all need is for the people to turn up and bring the energy, bring the vibe and inspire our players to better things."

Source: IRBsevens.com