tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73551241348663577742011-11-28T00:53:39.226ZThe rugby union news blog.Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.comBlogger2311100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-85283524667025386262011-06-21T14:07:00.000+01:002011-06-21T14:11:19.434+01:00

Martin Johnson has warned Manu Tuilagi and Delon Armitage they will have to keep their tempers in check if they are to be picked in the final 30-man squad for the World Cup. 45-man training squad Both players have been included in Johnson's 45-man training squad despite serving suspensions for high-profile incidents of violent conduct last season. Tuilagi received a five-week ban for landing a

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-42523140761776338512011-06-20T15:44:00.000+01:002011-06-21T14:15:53.841+01:00

England 7s legend Ben Gollings has been forced to call time on his representative career after failing to win a new contract from the Rugby Football Union. The 31-year-old, the all-time leading points scorer in the IRB Sevens Series, brings the curtain down on a 12-year career that has also included three Commonwealth Games. His remarkable tally of 2,652 points in 70 Series events is more than

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-43027645844791361032011-06-20T14:58:00.000+01:002011-06-21T14:15:37.213+01:00

Veteran England lock Simon Shaw has set his sights on winning this year's Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. The soon-to-be 38-year-old, included in Martin Johnson's 45-man training squad for this year's tournament, is closing in on his third World Cup having been an unused replacement during England's run to the title in 2003 and a key figure in their 2007 defence. That campaign ended in defeat

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-21648930991576957972011-06-19T14:07:00.000+01:002011-06-21T14:10:40.302+01:00

Former Rugby Football Union chief executive Francis Baron believes the English game's governing body is in "meltdown" in the wake of John Steele's short-lived rein as his successor. Baron, RFU chief from 1998 until last year, claims the organisation is in a "dysfunctional" state following recent controversies surrounding Sir Clive Woodward's possible return to the still vacant performance

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-33008692730393002172011-06-18T14:07:00.000+01:002011-06-21T14:09:48.287+01:00

England Saxons clinched the final Churchill Cup title with a dominant 37-6 victory over Canada at Sixways. Two tries from winger Miles Benjamin and further scores from fellow speedster Charlie Sharples, flanker James Gaskell and replacement flanker Jamie Gibson propelled the Saxons to their sixth Churchill Cup crown in the last ever staging of the development competition. And the Saxons never

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-32124374841825328082011-06-17T14:07:00.000+01:002011-06-21T14:08:22.548+01:00

The Wales management team will take time to consider circumstances surrounding recent allegations about the player’s behaviour in public while on an agreed holiday period from pre-Rugby World Cup training. Phillips, whose former girlfriend is the Welsh soul singer Duffy, was pictured being restrained by security staff after an alleged early morning incident in Cardiff City centre. Bayonne-bound

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-11020148666536220472011-06-16T14:07:00.000+01:002011-06-21T14:06:22.813+01:00

 Sir Clive Woodward has ruled out a return to English rugby immediately after the World Cup by signing up for the Winter Youth Olympics.Woodward has accepted the post of Chef de Mission for the British team at the inaugural Games in Innsbruck, Austria, from 13-22 January 2012.His appointment comes hot on the heels of John Steele being removed as chief executive of the Rugby Football Union.Many

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-87409482196296734642011-06-13T14:07:00.000+01:002011-06-21T14:08:48.244+01:00

Melville, who is currently president and chief executive of USA Rugby, was apparently unaware that his declaration would be able to be read by the wider public and it is understood he spent on Monday morning having to explain his comments to his employers in Denver. In an exchange with RFU council member Andrew Sarek, the former England scrum-half who also had coaching spells at Wasps and

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-13160404445040925422011-06-11T14:07:00.000+01:002011-06-21T14:07:44.512+01:00

Martyn Thomas has issued a public apology to Sir Clive Woodward over the RFU 'Performance Director' shambles.Rugby Union chairman Thomas emerged from the Twickenham meeting that ousted CEO John Steele determined to set the record straight with the World Cup-winning hero.He said: "I am not happy about the way Clive (above) was treated. He is the only man who has won a World Cup for England and

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-37453579675994357122011-05-30T03:21:00.000+01:002011-05-30T03:21:00.493+01:00

While the likes Of Paul O’Connell, Brian O’Driscoll and man of the match David Wallace still made massive contributions to proceedings at Thomond Park, there were a galaxy of other lesser-known players who stepped up and underlined their growing reputations. Exciting young Munster backs Felix Jones and Danny Barnes and their powerfully built scrum-half, Conor Murray, all had stand-out games,

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-85907106366404425182011-05-30T02:43:00.000+01:002011-05-30T02:43:00.667+01:00

Farrell started the season on loan at Championship side Bedford Blues but ended it by securing a place in Saracens’ folklore, kicking 17 points in a faultless kicking display during the 22-18 victory over Leicester Tigers in Saturday’s Aviva Premiership final at Twickenham. The 19 year-old seized his chance when former Springbok fly-half Derick Hougaard suffered a season-ending Achilles injury

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-9255295396020549332011-05-30T01:56:00.000+01:002011-05-30T01:56:00.260+01:00

England Saxons coach Stuart Lancaster insisted the 38-32 defeat to the Barbarians at Twickenham had been a "valuable experience" for his young side. The shadow England team surged into a 17-point lead with tries from Henry Trinder, Ugo Monye and James Simpson-Daniel but the Barbarians staged a comeback either side of the interval. Tim Visser, George Smith and Joe Van Niekerk added to the

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-16638070741386577382011-05-30T01:10:00.000+01:002011-05-30T01:10:01.010+01:00

The Barbarians snatched a dramatic 38-32 victory over England in an entertaining non-cap clash at Twickenham. A last-gasp try from Dutch winger Tim Visser - his second in the game - saw the world-famous select side edge out a largely experimental England side who had looked on course for victory having weathered an extremely physical challenge that took its toll. Tries from centre Henry Trinder

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-74263506274276622872011-05-29T03:34:00.000+01:002011-05-29T03:34:00.795+01:00

England will face New Zealand in the Edinburgh Sevens quarter-finals on Sunday after defeat to Wales in the pool stages at Murrayfield on the opening day. Ben Ryan's side recorded comfortable victories over Portugal (24-5) and Spain (22-12) after their disastrous time at Twickenham last weekend in the London Sevens. But they followed up those victories with a 19-12 loss to Wales in the final Pool

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-44986588386981140002011-05-29T02:55:00.000+01:002011-05-29T02:55:00.338+01:00

They decided “not to take any action in relation to allegations that they abused match officials or otherwise acted in a way which was prejudicial to the interests of the Game of Rugby Union”. In the course of his judgment Blackett said that he had asked the RFU’s Disciplinary Manager Bruce Reece-Russell, through the RFU’s Corporate Communications Manager, to acquire “statements from members of

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-8721853280403785982011-05-29T02:04:00.000+01:002011-05-29T02:04:00.264+01:00

Mixing lager and cider normally ends in tears as Leinster discovered on Saturday when they attempted the first ever Heineken-Magners double. It wasn’t to be and Munster emerged as deserving winners of the Magners Grand Cup Final. Thomond was at its noisiest as both teams embarked on the frantic opening exchanges. Jonny Sexton, faultless in Cardiff a week before, barely got the ball off the

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-70069021652050326332011-05-29T01:26:00.000+01:002011-05-29T01:26:00.066+01:00

Toby Flood endured a horrid four minutes early in the second half when he missed two kickable penalties when his side were 19-12 adrift, but the Tigers were not able to summon the cutting edge to get around or through a remarkable defensive effort from Saracens. That was the story of the match, that and the exhaustion which saw both teams crawling around the pitch in a haze of fatigue from 50

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-27370146402027385502011-05-27T11:02:00.001+01:002011-05-27T11:02:17.637+01:00

Just a wee post to let you know I've got a new site Learn Guitar 365.

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-37055639139035561722011-05-26T23:20:00.000+01:002011-05-26T23:20:00.869+01:00

The Premiership Rugby board has agreed that, from the start of the 2012-13 season, clubs will be able to exclude one marquee player from their salary cap, opening up the potential to sign world-class players of the stature of All Blacks fly-half Dan Carter. The move is an attempt to appease clubs such as Leicester, Saracens and Bath who wanted the salary cap raised significantly from its current

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-18686873427141281332011-05-26T22:33:00.000+01:002011-05-26T22:33:00.296+01:00

Morris’s declaration less than a week after Sir Clive Woodward turned his back on the job following the controversy over the post’s job description, which has prompted an internal review by the RFU board. While England Saxons head coach Stuart Lancaster has confirmed that he has applied for the job, Morris insisted on Thursday that he has had no contact with the RFU and would be remaining in his

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-41982618519853586322011-05-26T21:47:00.000+01:002011-05-26T21:47:01.038+01:00

Tom Croft is ready to impose himself after a long injury-enforced lay-off. The injury ruled the Leicester back-row forward out of the early part of England’s Six Nations campaign, and he returned only to the replacement bench for the latter stages; forced to play second fiddle to Northampton’s Tom Wood. One man’s misfortune is another’s opportunity. However, if there were any sense that Wood is

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-24457757945569070722011-05-20T20:30:00.000+01:002011-05-20T20:30:00.648+01:00

Leinster have been buoyed by news that talismanic centre Brian O'Driscoll has been passed fit to tackle Northampton in the Heineken Cup final. The Ireland skipper had been a doubt for the mouth-watering finale at the Millennium Stadium, after suffering a knock in the Magners League play-off semi-final victory over Ulster.However O'Driscoll has been named in the Leinster midfield - with the

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-20182715794853333992011-05-20T19:36:00.000+01:002011-05-20T19:36:00.313+01:00

London Wasps head coach Shaun Edwards has dismissed reports he is poised to quit the club to return to rugby league. An article in The Sun had said Edwards was set to be reunited with the Wigan Warriors, where the 44-year-old enjoyed a trophy-laden career as a player."I am fully committed to Wasps and I am more determined than ever to get us back into play-off contention next season." Shaun

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-6413960686371591002011-05-20T18:57:00.000+01:002011-05-20T18:57:00.206+01:00

Leeds have confirmed skipper Marco Wentzel has left the club by mutual consent - just three months after signing a new deal. The former Leicester second row had agreed a two-year deal in February and appeared set to honour his contract despite the club's relegation."Having spoken with Gary Hetherington, I understand the position that the club is in and whilst it is still a tough decision to leave

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-4094871993164710222011-05-20T18:19:00.000+01:002011-05-20T18:19:00.282+01:00

Former England coach Dick Best has criticised the Rugby Football Union after Sir Clive Woodward ruled himself out of the running to be the organisation's performance director on Thursday. Woodward, who coached England to World Cup glory in 2003, had been linked with a return to the RFU but after "informal conversations" with senior figures within the union he has decided to remain in his current

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-8366998362715830072011-05-20T17:32:00.000+01:002011-05-20T17:32:00.544+01:00

Melbourne Rebels insist troubled fly-half Danny Cipriani will be staying with the Super Rugby franchise despite reports that he is seeking a move away from Australia. The former England fly-half, who is contracted to the Rebels until 2012, has endured a difficult first season with the Rebels, encountering disciplinary problems off the pitch and fluctuating form on it. And in recent days he has

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-36511733429176907782011-05-20T16:46:00.000+01:002011-05-20T16:46:00.717+01:00

The Rugby Football Union's disciplinary supremo Judge Jeff Blackett says he has no regrets over the five-week ban he handed down to Leicester centre Manu Tuilagi. Tuilagi received the suspension, which rules him out of Tigers' Aviva Premiership final clash with Saracens and next month's Churchill Cup, after his brutal three-punch assault on Northampton winger Chris Ashton. The 20-year-old, a

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-5197370061636364032011-05-15T17:49:00.000+01:002011-05-15T17:49:00.094+01:00

Owen Farrell kicked four penalties as Saracens booked their place in the Aviva Premiership final after a scrappy 12-10 victory over Gloucester. The hosts built a narrow lead at Vicarage Road through the boot of Farrell as both sides struggled to find any real attacking impetus for the majority of the match.But Nick Robinson sparked the contest into life with a breakaway try in the second half to

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-63431196600312595262011-05-15T16:58:00.000+01:002011-05-15T16:58:00.612+01:00

England's rugby World Cup winner Ben Cohen has announced his retirement from the sport. The 32-year-old has been released by Sale Sharks and has decided to hang up his boots despite offers from clubs in both England and France.The former Northampton and Brive wing will now focus his future on heading up the Ben Cohen Stand Up Foundation, an organisation set up to tackle bullying and

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-40163162453544250362011-05-15T04:44:00.001+01:002011-05-15T17:01:45.135+01:00

In any case, many of the hard hitters in the RFU had got who and what they wanted, the return of Sir Clive Woodward. Woodward, currently employed by the British Olympic Association, had never formally applied for the job but had been told over a number of telephone calls and informal get-togethers, instigated by RFU chairman Martyn Thomas, that it was his for the taking. The wheels came off a

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-63817551762394061512011-05-15T04:06:00.001+01:002011-05-15T17:01:27.296+01:00

Northampton boss Jim Mallinder believes that Manu Tuilagi should have been sent off during his side's Aviva Premiership semi-final with Leicester. The Tigers centre escaped with a yellow card for a punch on Chris Ashton in the first half of the Saints' 11-3 defeat at Welford Road. Ashton was also sent to the sin bin for his part in the incident but Mallinder insists that the card should have been

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-50602507788809734542011-05-15T03:15:00.000+01:002011-05-15T03:15:00.207+01:00

Munster will meet Irish rivals Leinster to decide the Magners League title after claiming an 18-11 victory in their play-off semi-final with the Ospreys at Thomond Park. The hosts dominated the first half and took an 8-3 lead into the break after Danny Barnes' first senior try for the Irish province.Barnes then crossed again to extend the lead in the second-half, while a late try from Richard

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-49985799618597673832011-05-15T02:28:00.000+01:002011-05-15T02:28:00.111+01:00

Leicester remain on course for a hat-trick of Premiership titles after a hard-fought 11-3 semi-final win over Northampton. Winger Alesana Tuilagi's try with just less than 10 minutes to go finally settled a ferocious East Midlands derby at Welford Road.Toby Flood had kicked the home side into a 3-0 lead at the break after a first half that saw both Leicester's Manu Tuilagi and Chris Ashton of

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-7428056669051972582011-05-15T01:42:00.001+01:002011-05-15T01:42:16.957+01:00

Montpellier became with first team to win in Castres this season as they recorded a stunning 18-17 victory in the Top 14 play-offs. The underdogs caused an almighty upset at Stade Pierre Antoine to book a semi-final showdown with big-spending Racing-Metro.The visitors were outscored two tries to none, but six penalties from Argentine Martin Bustos Moyano proved enough as Castres full-back Romain

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-62537842652733552072011-05-10T00:03:00.000+01:002011-05-10T00:03:00.750+01:00

The Melbourne Rebels have a view on him, leaving Danny Cipriani out of their 26-man squad on Monday for the two match Super 15 trip to South Africa with this stinging rebuke. “The playing group and management have lost confidence in Danny after the latest in a series of off-field breaches,” said Rebels’ chief executive Ross Oakley. “Danny chose to stay out late again after the incident in Sydney

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-44173465162541548692011-05-09T23:12:00.000+01:002011-05-09T23:12:00.446+01:00

There is no place in Gatland’s squad for former Wasps No 8 Andy Powell, however, who left the Premiership club after being suspended for his role in an altercation with football fans in a west London pub that resulted in him being knocked unconscious and requiring 10 stitches for a head wound. Powell however is expected to receive more positive news on Tuesday, when it is understood he is likely

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-41277776372708091392011-05-08T21:35:00.000+01:002011-05-08T21:35:00.851+01:00

There was a long period on Saturday afternoon, with Leicester trailing to London Irish, when it looked as if they might have been going back to Welford Road, and the scene of a recent 41-41 thriller. Around the Kingsholm fringes the rather bizarre consensus, given that Leicester might be stumbling a little but they are not yet exactly allowing all-comers up unmanned ladders into their fortress,

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-6721199030836717712011-05-08T20:44:00.001+01:002011-05-08T20:44:28.521+01:00

England attack coach Brian Smith was in the stands at the Stoop on Saturday to see Farrell, son of dual code England international Andy, guide Saracens to their 11th successive victory, which secured second place in the league and a play-off against Gloucester at Vicarage Road on Sunday. It was Farrell’s second-half try, after the Saracens pack had stolen a Harlequins scrum against the head with

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-85518264783925973552011-05-07T03:38:00.000+01:002011-05-07T03:38:00.204+01:00

The Kingston Park club’s top-flight rugby union status remains on a knife-edge ahead of Saturday’s visit to Bath, but Tait is bullish about the long-term prospects for the Premiership northern outpost should relegation be averted. “This season might have been tough but we have a young side that will benefit from having another season’s experience of Premiership rugby under their belt,” Tait said

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-36010207012220721692011-05-07T03:08:00.000+01:002011-05-07T03:08:00.415+01:00

"There are degrees of failure. It's like F1 cars on the grid. They don't all have the same funding. That's how I see it. I can sleep at night because I know that I've given it everything I've got, just as I did when I was a player. "There's no difference, no difference at all in that regard. The commitment to the cause is total.” The difference, of course, is in the outcome. For the third time

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-19258616959007253192011-05-07T02:14:00.000+01:002011-05-07T02:14:00.230+01:00

Leicester Tigers: For a seventh successive season, the Premiership title holders are through to the play-offs, booking a semi-final at Welford Road next Saturday. Richard Cockerill's side host London Irish on Saturday and a bonus-point victory means they will be guaranteed to progress as top seeds. Saracens: If last season's beaten finalists are able beat Harlequins at the Twickenham Stoop on

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-74002650626895490712011-05-07T01:35:00.001+01:002011-05-07T01:35:07.951+01:00

Wales boss Warren Gatland has hinted heavily that he will keep faith with misbehaving stars Gavin Henson and Andy Powell.Gatland spoke out after being urged to 'come down hard' on the pair for getting involved in separate drunken pub brawls.British Lions legend JJ Williams insists something must be done to check the declining standards of behaviour in Welsh rugby."The management must be harder on

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-49561463742240076202011-05-02T23:33:00.001+01:002011-05-02T23:33:32.743+01:00

It is safe to surmise that, for their fiercely proud Catalan disciples, a weekend away in Milton Keynes did not constitute quite the same pilgrimage. The trek back to the Pyrenees last night threatened to be long indeed. While the Perpignan pack’s fearsome reputation preceded them, they found themselves flattened by Dylan Hartley and his merry men as the team succumbed to rank indiscipline. Perry

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-75942077648477152512011-04-30T14:35:00.000+01:002011-04-30T14:35:00.166+01:00

HEINEKEN CUP SEMI-FINAL: LEINSTER vs TOULOUSE, AVIVA STADIUM, DUBLIN, TODAY KO 3.30PM It didn't need Brian O'Driscoll turning down his Royal Wedding invitation to confirm Leinster's clash with Toulouse as a massive occasion in its own right.Today's first Heineken Cup semi-final, before another 50,000 sell-out Aviva Stadium crowd, pits two teams with five European crowns between them.Leinster,

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-88699003561506371952011-04-30T13:49:00.001+01:002011-04-30T13:49:23.038+01:00

AMLIN CHALLENGE CUP SEMI-FINAL: MUNSTER vs HARLEQUINS, THOMOND PARK, TODAY KO 1.00PM Danny Care has told Harlequins that the inspiration to beat Munster today lies in their past.England scrum-half Care describes the challenge facing Quins as "rugby's equivalent of climbing Everest".Leicester are the only English club ever to win at Thomond Park in a European tournament.And with a place in the

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-56814174311031222092011-04-29T01:33:00.000+01:002011-04-29T01:33:00.217+01:00

If proposals unveiled by the Scottish Rugby Union’s Season Structure Working Party are accepted at the governing body’s annual meeting in June, national league rugby will be limited to the country’s top 20 clubs, with lower divisions organised on a regional basis. The plan is to be phased in over two seasons. If clubs give the go-ahead at the AGM, the current three-tier premiership system will

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-3088239307160291082011-04-29T00:01:00.000+01:002011-04-29T00:01:20.432+01:00

The incident itself was not noticed at the time but was clear on television footage. A London Irish attack is bearing down on the Northampton try-line with several Exiles following in behind the ball-carrier to try to drive him over. The Northampton defence scrambles and as a pile of bodies crashes into the corner flag, Armitage’s arm can be seen swinging towards Myler. Citing officer Alan

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-63206802253342664882011-04-27T20:28:00.000+01:002011-04-27T20:28:00.471+01:00

The roll call is impressive: 15 years at the coal-face for the Lions, England, Barkers Butts, Coventry, Saracens and Bath. There were 69 England caps and two Lions tours to his name, Grewcock packing down alongside Martin Johnson in all three Tests against the Wallabies in 2001. The 38 year-old also picked up a World Cup winners’ medal in 2003 although he never felt a full part of that triumph as

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-63870089450429531052011-04-27T19:41:00.000+01:002011-04-27T19:41:00.286+01:00

Henson will learn ton Friday if he is to be dismissed by the French Top 14 club Toulon and Cuddy, who stuck by the Welshman during his troubled times at the Liberty Stadium, said the player was welcome to pick up the phone and speak to him at any stage. Cuddy confirmed that a return to the Ospreys has not been spoken about, but said that if he could, he was willing to help. He stated

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-33266619573705960532011-04-27T18:55:00.000+01:002011-04-27T18:55:00.745+01:00

The ruling was handed down by a joint Rugby Football Union and Premiership Rugby panel comprising RFU disciplinary officer Judge Jeff Blackett, RFU board director Jonathan Dance and Premiership Rugby chief executive Mark McCafferty. Premiership clubs are only allowed to include two players from outside Europe, Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific Islands in their 23-man match-day squads, but

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-17556494949521016882011-04-26T20:29:00.000+01:002011-04-26T20:29:00.146+01:00

Bath have announced the signing of Samoan tighthead prop Anthony Perenise on a three-year contract. Currently playing for the Hurricanes in Super Rugby, Perenise will join up with the Bath squad following the 2011 Rugby World Cup.Bath director of rugby Sir Ian McGeechan expressed his delight at capturing the forward, capped seven times by Samoa."Anthony is an experienced international prop, who

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-31697798631294970482011-04-26T19:51:00.000+01:002011-04-26T19:51:00.504+01:00

Gavin Henson has been released by Toulon after playing just twice for the Top 14 club. The former Wales international had been suspended following a breach of discipline earlier this month, when he was involved in a dust-up with team-mates.And now a report in French newspaper L'Equipe says the 29-year-old has been sacked by club president Mourad Boudjellal.The enigmatic Henson joined in February

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-88967498391176057892011-04-26T19:04:00.000+01:002011-04-26T19:04:00.210+01:00

Northampton v Perpignan, Heineken Cup Semi-Final, May 1 Perpignan prepared for physical encounterESPNscrum StaffApril 25, 2011Perpignan prop Nicolas Mas is expecting a bruising contest when his side tackle Northampton in the Heineken Cup semi-finals at stadium:mk on Sunday. The Top 14 giants, the only semi-finalist not to have won the trophy before, are looking to book their only their second

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-60844958020892478212011-04-26T18:18:00.001+01:002011-04-26T18:18:12.795+01:00

Worcester will resume their bid to reclaim their Premiership status this weekend in the RFU Championship semi-finals. The Warriors play host to Bedford Blues in the first semi-final having tackled the same opponents in the last four of the British & Irish Cup on Saturday. Bedford enjoyed a 43-27 win on that occasion although the Warriors held back some of their big guns with one eye firmly on the

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-79953493873558847562011-04-25T23:45:00.000+01:002011-04-25T23:45:00.644+01:00

Laidlaw has been moved from the Edinburgh No 9 berth to fly-half for Saturday's Magners League match against the Ospreys at Murrayfield, but he is strongly of a mind that the arrangement is strictly temporary. Versatility has cursed the careers of many players – just ask Freddie Michalak – but Laidlaw has no intention of being branded as a jack of all trades. "I'm not going to fall into that

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-16469474197215756312011-04-25T22:59:00.000+01:002011-04-25T22:59:00.759+01:00

Andy Powell has agreed in principle to a new deal, which will not start until August to allow him to play a full role in Wales’s World Cup preparations, despite the impasse between the Welsh Rugby Union and Premiership Rugby over the release of players. It is understood Powell received a number of offers from French and English clubs. The 29 year-old, however, will sign his new contract with

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-80069116289429314192011-04-23T18:03:00.000+01:002011-04-23T18:03:00.956+01:00

Last Updated: April 23, 2011 3:09pm Australia wing Drew Mitchell will miss the World Cup later this year after suffering a dislocated ankle in the Waratahs' 19-15 defeat to the Reds on Saturday. The 27-year-old fell awkwardly while chasing a kick in the 19th minute of the Super Rugby clash and was immediately taken from the pitch on a stretcher.It was later confirmed Mitchell also broke a bone in

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-61199620137706644812011-04-23T17:16:00.000+01:002011-04-23T17:16:00.962+01:00

Last Updated: April 23, 2011 11:54am Wales utility back James Hook turned down a £1m offer from Ospreys in favour of a move to Top 14 side Perpignan. Ospreys chief Mike Cuddy said that a three-year deal, worth £1m, was offered to the highly-rated Hook with a sponsor in place to finance the deal.But Hook rejected the proposal, leaving Cuddy to suggest that the entire Welsh international squad

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-88356922199753163182011-04-23T16:30:00.001+01:002011-04-23T16:30:55.746+01:00

The Otago Highlanders produced an upset on Saturday to beat the Canterbury Crusaders 26-18 in their Super rugby match at Trafalgar Park. The Crusaders had romped to a 44-13 win when the sides last met five weeks ago, but this time their opponents produced a superb defensive effort and also made their chances count.Both sides rotated their squads to rest some front-line players, with Highlanders

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-88912353719503399472011-04-22T01:19:00.000+01:002011-04-22T01:19:00.388+01:00

By Jessica Bridge.   Last Updated: April 21, 2011 11:08am Nottingham Rugby have been boosted by Lee Morley's decision to return to the club on a two-year deal. The lock swapped Nottingham for Sydney in 2009 to play for Eastern Suberbs whilst also developing his career as a teacher.Morley had initially arrived at Meadow Lane in the promotion-winning year of 2004 after rising through the Leicester

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-92080036452926828522011-04-22T00:25:00.000+01:002011-04-22T00:25:00.152+01:00

Centre Brad Barritt insists Saracens are determined to make amends for last season's Premiership heartbreak against Leicester. A late Glen Jackson penalty looked to have secured the Premiership title for Sarries at Twickenham, only for the Tigers to snatch the victory when Dan Hipkiss scored a try almost immediately from the restart.England Saxons back Barritt was one of the Saracens players left

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-33754136454008375812011-04-21T23:46:00.000+01:002011-04-21T23:46:00.285+01:00

Senior Wasps officials are understood to be 'angry and frustrated' with No.8 Andy Powell, who has been suspended by the club after suffering a head wound in a bar-room brawl on Monday night. The Wasps board have launched an investigation into the incident and have received a copy of CCTV footage from the Walkabout Pub in Shepherds Bush, where Powell and team-mate Tim Payne became involved in an

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-39911707142301029902011-04-21T23:08:00.000+01:002011-04-21T23:08:00.788+01:00

The 31 year-old Cardiff Blues player had undergone surgery earlier this year in an attempt to cure the problem. But Shanklin, who won 70 Wales caps and toured New Zealand with the 2005 British and Irish Lions, has followed medical advice and will end his playing career. "My knee isn't too bad - it's okay to walk and cycle and to do everyday things," he said. "But with regards to playing rugby -

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-1853817244105654962011-04-21T22:21:00.000+01:002011-04-21T22:21:00.195+01:00

A report in today's Guardian claims the RFU has placed bets totalling around £250,000 via a consortium of bookmakers to cover player and management win bonuses should England be successful in New Zealand during September and October. In doing so, the RFU has not broken any International Rugby Board rules as it is not betting, but rather paying a premium to a broker who guarantees a return on its

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-14746115499946576022011-04-21T21:35:00.001+01:002011-04-21T21:35:58.893+01:00

"Based on the club's initial findings, Tim Payne's suspension has now been lifted. "The investigation involving Andy Powell will continue and the player will remain under suspension until this has concluded. "Until this investigation has been concluded, the club will make no further comment." The Wasps board launched their investigation into the incident and have received a copy of CCTV footage

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-12817011021539546672011-04-20T14:23:00.001+01:002011-04-20T14:23:41.628+01:00

Andy Powell and Tim Payne were suspended by Wasps last night pending an internal inquiry.Wasps were remaining tight-lipped over an alleged incident on Monday night in a west London bar but the pair’s ban is the latest black marks against rugby union. And the decision throws Powell’s future at Wasps into disarray. His contract runs out at the end of the season and he was hoping to nail down a

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-33641652790794974722011-04-19T12:17:00.000+01:002011-04-19T12:17:00.101+01:00

Gloucester have bolstered their scrum-half options ahead of next season with the signing of Nick Runciman from Championship club London Welsh. The 25-year-old Runciman graduated from the Gloucester Rugby Academy at the start of his rugby career and had a spell in the Premiership with Worcester Warriors before moving onto London Welsh. He has been a regular at Old Deer Park, making 65 league

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-87887033908622974022011-04-19T11:31:00.001+01:002011-04-19T11:31:25.682+01:00

Gavin Henson has been suspended by Toulon for one week for a breach of club discipline. The Wales international, who helped Toulon to a 21-9 victory over Toulouse on his second start for the club last weekend, will miss next Saturday's crucial game against Perpignan. Toulon confirmed in a brief statement that Henson would be sidelined for a week following a "non compliance with the code of

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-46818132663769676382011-04-17T18:19:00.000+01:002011-04-17T18:19:00.708+01:00

Paul Sackey scored twice as Toulon beat Top 14 leaders Toulouse 22-9 to keep their play-off hopes alive on Saturday. Toulon might have been knocked out of the Heineken Cup last week but they're still hanging on in the Top 14 by the tips of their fingers.Sackey scored twice in four minutes as Toulon's perfect Top 14 record at French football champions Marseille's Stade Velodrome was maintained

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-50476726251037395372011-04-17T17:32:00.000+01:002011-04-17T17:32:00.986+01:00

 Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall was delighted his side kept the pressure on Aviva Premiership leaders Leicester with a 33-12 at Exeter. The victory, a seventh league success in a row, kept them two points behind the Tigers after their first visit to Sandy Park. The visitors led 13-5 at the interval and after a slightly shaky start to the second period looked to have scored 20 unanswered

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-7570053920468160962011-04-17T16:46:00.000+01:002011-04-17T16:46:00.536+01:00

Bath 19-15 Harlequins, Aviva Premiership, The Rec, April 16 Bath leapfrog Quins to sixthESPNscrum StaffApril 15, 2011Date/Time: Apr 16, 2011, 13:15 GMT, 14:15 Local Venue: Recreation Ground, BathTries: ClaassensCons: JamesPens: James 4Springbok half-back duo Michael Claassens and Butch James scored all the points as Bath held on desperately to leapfrog Harlequins into sixth place in the Aviva

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-81352734205804173642011-04-17T15:55:00.001+01:002011-04-17T15:55:15.812+01:00

Leicester 41-41 Gloucester, Aviva Premiership, April 16 Gloucester snatch a dramatic draw with TigersGraham JenkinsApril 16, 2011Date/Time: Apr 16, 2011, 14:00 GMT, 15:00 Local Venue: Welford Road, LeicesterLeicester Tigers 41 - 41 Gloucester Rugby Tries: Hamilton, AT Tuilagi 3, TwelvetreesCons: Flood 5Pens: Flood 2Tries: Fuimaono-Sapolu 2, Hazell, Molenaar, MorganCons: Burns 5Pens: Burns 

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-56958576447852829892011-04-16T16:05:00.000+01:002011-04-16T16:05:00.481+01:00

Herring leaves Tigers for JapanESPNscrum StaffApril 16, Ben Herring has left his post as Leicester Tigers assistant coach to join NEC Green Rockets in Japan. The 31-year-old will take up a forwards coach role with the Rockets after being released from his contract with the Tigers two months early in order to join the Japanese side's pre-season preparations. The New Zealander played for the Tigers

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-69815863708591048772011-04-16T15:27:00.000+01:002011-04-16T15:27:00.251+01:00

maintained their push for the Aviva Premiership play-off with a 22-15 victory over Newcastle at Kingston Park but the losing bonus point was enough to see the Falcons leapfrog Leeds at the bottom of the table. A last-gasp try from England winger Chris Ashton broke the Falcons' hearts after a gutsy performance and the boot of inspirational fly-half Jimmy Gopperth had taken the home side to the

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-87469161514170797972011-04-16T14:40:00.000+01:002011-04-16T14:40:00.268+01:00

Northampton director of rugby Jim Mallinder admitted he would have liked to offer some of his England stars a rest but was pleased they were able to deliver four Premiership points with a 22-15 win against battling Newcastle at Kingston Park. Newcastle, for whom Jimmy Gopperth scored five penalties, led 6-0 before going 15-9 down but battled back to 15-15 before Chris Ashton's try won it for the

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-82205338085334754962011-04-16T13:54:00.001+01:002011-04-16T13:54:47.129+01:00

 Shontayne Hape has hit back at claims he is England's weakest link - by pointing to his Six Nations winners' medal.The Red Rose midfield came in for stick despite the team's success in Hape's first year in Martin Johnson's team.It was accused of lacking the flair, wit and skill to unlock the game's top defences.Former Kiwi rugby league star Hape admitted: "Criticism comes with the territory - as

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-50390979040152098402011-04-15T12:55:00.000+01:002011-04-15T12:55:00.094+01:00

Tincknell boost for battling LeedsESPNscrum Leeds Carnegie will continue their battle to avoid relegation from the Aviva Premiership this weekend, helped by inspiration from centre James Tincknell. The 22-year-old Leeds player was released from hospital last Thursday after being in a coma for several weeks following a car accident. And he met up with his team-mates just 24 hours before Leeds

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-56722266966682587292011-04-15T12:17:00.000+01:002011-04-15T12:17:01.005+01:00

Research reveals demands on pro playersESPNscrum Key new research has been unveiled into the physical demands on professional rugby union players during games. Preliminary findings by researchers from the University of Chester followed detailed work with eight Aviva Premiership clubs - Bath, Exeter, Harlequins, Leicester, London Irish, Wasps, Northampton and Sale Sharks. The Rugby Football

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-85645272131137872202011-04-15T11:30:00.000+01:002011-04-15T11:30:03.026+01:00

The Lions board will assess potential candidates for the most celebrated coaching position in British and Irish rugby within days of the World Cup final in New Zealand on Oct 23, with a view to making an appointment before the end of the year. In recognition of the increasing demands of the position and to ensure the Lions get the best possible candidate, a budget has been set aside to appoint

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-4950874447037773282011-04-15T10:44:00.001+01:002011-04-15T10:44:18.491+01:00

The Rebels signed Australia full-back Kurtley Beale from the New South Wales Waratahs on Thursday amid speculation Cipriani might be off back to Europe after the team's debut season in Super rugby. Although Beale now plays at No 15 for his country, he started his career at fly-half and has been playing in the No 10 shirt for the Waratahs for the last couple of weeks. Cipriani made a slow start

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-84245584904282711942011-04-13T14:07:00.000+01:002011-04-13T14:07:00.398+01:00

The 36-year-old, who missed the 2009 Lions tour after being banned for gouging, has won two Heineken Cup titles and the Magners League crown during his time at Munster.However, after more than 200 games for the province and 27 caps for Ireland, Quinlan has decided to quit at the end of the current campaign.Munster coaching director Tony McGahan said: "Alan Quinlan has been an integral part of the

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-71990088459548261542011-04-13T13:16:00.001+01:002011-04-13T13:16:53.616+01:00

 Mark Cueto's sprint coach Darren Campbell has vowed to return him to rugby 'super, super sharp' ahead of the World Cup.The England wing was handed a nine-week ban on Monday after pleading guilty to making contact with the eye or eye area of an opponent.He will not play again this season and thus will go into England's three World Cup warm-up matches without any match fitness.But former Olympic

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-36663762332708611432011-04-12T01:31:00.000+01:002011-04-12T01:31:00.303+01:00

Ospreys captain Alun Wyn Jones has turned down the chance to move to France by committing his long-term future to the region. Jones has agreed a three-year deal, bucking the trend that has seen James Hook and Lee Byrne join Perpignan and Clermont Auvergne respectively.And the 25-year-old, who has been capped 48 times, has been won over by the plans the Ospreys have."It's flattering to have

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-90145849041102677872011-04-12T00:52:00.000+01:002011-04-12T00:52:00.337+01:00

Sale have confirmed they have agreed a deal with New Zealand centre Sam Tuitupou. The 29-year-old will make the move from Munster, having previously played in the Premiership with Worcester.Tuitupou has been capped by nine times by the All Blacks, while he played for Auckland and the Blues before moving to England.And Sale executive director Steve Diamond is looking forward to see the powerhouse

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-46259488449663623212011-04-12T00:14:00.000+01:002011-04-12T00:14:00.293+01:00

England international Ben Foden has been warned as to his future conduct by the Rugby Football Union after he receiving a police caution for causing criminal damage. Foden met with RFU disciplinary chief Judge Jeff Blackett at his chambers this afternoon to explain the incident, which occured in the early hours of March 28. The 25-year-old was arrested following an altercation with a taxi driver

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-766659725424482072011-04-11T23:27:00.000+01:002011-04-11T23:27:00.104+01:00

England have confirmed their training bases for the forthcoming Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. Martin Johnson's side were forced to alter their plans for the tournament following the devastating Christchurch earthquake, with their proposed base, the Queen Elizabeth II Stadium, declared unsafe. England will now bookend stints in Dunedin and Queenstown with spells in Auckland. They begin their

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-88293257241087463362011-04-11T22:41:00.001+01:002011-04-11T22:41:22.127+01:00

The battle for Aviva Premiership survival is set to go all the way to the end of the season following Leeds' narrow victory over fellow strugglers Newcastle on Saturday. Leeds' battling 30-29 triumph at Kingston Park saw the Yorkshire side leapfrog the Falcons at the bottom of the table and heap pressure on their rivals with just three rounds of the regular season remaining. Newcastle are one

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-13414352650511851672011-04-11T00:42:00.000+01:002011-04-11T00:42:00.291+01:00

Those fine margins were illustrated early in the second period when Leicester wing Alesana Tuilagi appeared to have crossed Leinster's line, despite a crunching Sean O'Brien tackle, but it was ruled out by the video referee. Cockerill added: "There were millimetres in it, It wasn't a try, but it was a really good break by Alesana to get himself into the position where he got to. Again, we are

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-60334508727281573102011-04-10T23:56:00.001+01:002011-04-10T23:56:07.473+01:00

Yannick Nyanga, the forgotten man of French rugby, reminded everybody of his stunning talent in as sodden San Sebastian with a man-of-the-match performance and winning try in extra time to clinch a pulsating quarter-final that started slowly but then developed into a minor classic. Toulouse let a commanding 17-0 half-time slip after the break and ultimately were lucky to force extra time against

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-8209238303219995942011-04-08T17:58:00.000+01:002011-04-08T17:58:00.317+01:00

Leicester Tigers travel to Dublin for the Heineken Cup quarter-final on Saturday in search of revenge for their final defeat in 2009. Leinster booked their eighth quarter-final appearance by topping Pool 2 with victories home and away against Saracens and Racing Metro and a narrow loss in Clermont. Two-time champions Leicester scraped through as runners-up in Pool 5 after a 22-22 draw with

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-62568736545545991502011-04-08T17:19:00.000+01:002011-04-08T17:19:00.327+01:00

Northampton tackle Ulster in the Heineken Cup quarter-finals at Stadium MK in Milton Keynes on Sunday. The Saints resume their challenge for European club rugby's top prize having powered through the pool stages unbeaten with an away victory against Castres sealing their No.1 seeding. Ulster's progress was almost as impressive with a solitary defeat to eventual Pool 4 winners the only blemish on

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-26036184162089868822011-04-08T16:41:00.000+01:002011-04-08T16:41:00.894+01:00

and Exeter will both be looking to return to winning ways when they go head-to-head in the Aviva Premiership at The Rec on Saturday. The hosts slipped to their third successive Premiership defeat at Saracens last time and they have not lost four in a row since the 2006-07 season. Meanwhile, the Chiefs' only win in their last four matches was a stunning victory over Northampton last month. Bath

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-15236761929611496002011-04-08T15:54:00.000+01:002011-04-08T15:54:00.850+01:00

Northampton v Ulster, Heineken Cup Quarter-Final, April 10 Saints banking on big game experienceESPNscrum StaffApril 8, 2011Northampton boss Jim Mallinder believes last season's Heineken Cup quarter-final exit at the hands of Munster will serve them well for this Sunday's showdown with Ulster at Stadium MK. Saints' lack of big-game experience was exposed when they were dumped out of Europe's

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Wood was one of England’s outstanding performers as Martin Johnson’s side won the Six Nations for the first time since 2003 but missed out on the Grand Slam with their 24-8 defeat by Ireland at the Aviva Stadium on March 19. The Northampton flanker admits England were “caught out” by the sheer intensity and passion of Ireland’s performance and insists the Premiership clubs must “make it personal”

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-56179323952195612872011-04-06T17:14:00.000+01:002011-04-06T17:14:00.625+01:00

Leeds Carnegie head coach Neil Back admits he will start planning for life in the Championship if his side fail to overcome fellow Aviva Premiership strugglers Newcastle Falcons on Saturday. World Cup winner Back takes his side to Kingston Park this weekend with Leeds perilously positioned at the bottom of the table, two points behind Newcastle with just four games remaining.Only a win will do

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-25283301697999704112011-04-06T16:27:00.000+01:002011-04-06T16:27:00.354+01:00

Highly-rated England Under-20s prop Mako Vunipola has agreed a new deal to move to Saracens at the end of the season. Vunipola had come through the academy set-up at Bristol and was being looked at by a number of Premiership sides.However the 20-year old, who has made 33 competitive appearances for Bristol, has opted to move to Vicarage Road.Vunipola said: "I have enjoyed my time at Bristol, but

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-1461564970508591732011-04-06T15:41:00.000+01:002011-04-06T15:41:00.796+01:00

The 25-year-old will make the switch from London Irish after making 78 appearances for the Exiles.Murphy will join Italy A prop Dario Chistolini at Kingsholm and coach Bryan Redpath is pleased with his new signing.Redpath said: "Dan is a guy who has clocked up an impressive amount of experience for a guy who is still only aged 25, and we feel he's still got his best years ahead of him."He is an

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Cueto cited for alleged eye-gougeESPNscrum StaffApril 6, 2011 The England international has been summoned to appear before an Rugby Football Union (RFU) disciplinary panel on Monday to answer a charge of having made contact with the eye or eye area of Saints lock Christian Day. Should he be found guilty, Cueto's World Cup hopes would be put in jeopardy because while the offence carries a minimum

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-31944424716766803492011-04-06T13:59:00.001+01:002011-04-06T13:59:54.956+01:00

The pay-per-view fight will be held on June 6, in Auckland, to coincide with the Canterbury Crusaders' second bye in the Super rugby season, and Williams has revealed he is seeking a step up in class for his next opponent. "I'm not a world beater at this stage. I will definitely be in the ring with someone who could knock me out," said the 25 year-old, who won his last fight against Australian

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06243771872863355506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355124134866357774.post-66686796907497438222011-04-05T22:36:00.000+01:002011-04-05T22:36:00.214+01:00

Cato on his way to NorthamptonESPNscrum StaffApril 5, 2011The 23-year-old England Saxons winger will move to Franklin's Gardens after four years with Sarries, in which he made 63 appearances, in order to compete for a back-three berth alongside England's Ben Foden and Chris Ashton. "It is a positive move for me, moving from one big club to another," he said. "Saracens has been a good place for me

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