NZ Rugby mourns the passing of Jock Hobbs

Posted on Mar 13, 2012 in NZ, SANZAR

Mike Eagle, New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) Chairman has issued a statement:

“It is with a heavy heart that we acknowledge the passing of an incredible New Zealander. 

“Our hearts and love go out to Jock’s wife Nicky, his children Emily, Michael, Penny and Isabelle, as well as his wider family.

“New Zealand has lost an inspirational leader with an incredible passion for the game of rugby and the part it plays in our lives.

“I know many New Zealanders will join us in expressing their sorrow at his passing.”

NZRU Chief Executive Steve Tew added:

“Rugby has lost a great friend.  We will all miss his integrity, dogged determination and incredible sense of justice.”

The NZRU also issued a statement from Jock’s family:

“Our family would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of support we have received over the last week and in particular, express our gratitude to all the staff at Wellington Hospital that were involved in Jock’s care.”

The IRB has also issued a statement:

“The International Rugby Board is extremely saddened to learn that Jock Hobbs has passed away aged 52.

A great ambassador for the Game as a player and administrator, Hobbs played 21 times for his country – four as captain – between 1983 and 1986, scoring four tries. He later became Chairman of the New Zealand Rugby Union and, in that role, he played a major role in securing the hosting rights for last year’s Rugby World Cup.

He served on the IRB Council as a New Zealand Rugby Union representative from 2002-2007. During his time on Council he was a member of the IRB Executive Committee and Chairman of the IRB Regulations Committee.

In all, he was Chairman of the NZRU from 2002 to 2010, as well as being Chairman of Rugby New Zealand 2011. He stood down from both roles in May 2010 due to illness.

Hobbs was present at the Rugby World Cup Final in Eden Park to witness Richie McCaw lifting the Webb Ellis Cup and, the following day, he won the prestigious Vernon Pugh Award for Distinguished Service at the 2012 IRB Awards ceremony in Auckland.

IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: “Jock’s contribution to New Zealand Rugby as a player and Chairman of the New Zealand Rugby Union and to world Rugby as an IRB Council Member has been exceptional.”

“Among numerous highlights, he provided the vision, passion and leadership that secured New Zealand the right to host RWC 2011 and as Chairman of RNZ 2011 those qualities laid the foundations for a hugely successful tournament of which New Zealanders and the global Rugby family can be proud.”

“On behalf of the IRB and the global Rugby family, I would like to extend my sincere condolences to Jock’s wife Nicky, his family and friends at this sad time.”

Michael James "Jock" Bowie Hobbs, CNZM (15 February 1960 – 13 March 2012) was a New Zealand rugby union player who was an All Blacks flanker who played in 21 tests between 1983 and 1986, with four tests as captain. In recent years he has been prominent in rugby administration. Between 2002 and 2010 he was chairman of the New Zealand Rugby Union before standing down due to illness.

Jock Hobbs was born in Christchurch. He played in the first XV at Christ’s College in Christchurch, and was a regular first choice for Canterbury during from the 1981 season onwards, playing in the failed Ranfurly Shield challenge against Waikato. His test debut came in 1983 against the British and Irish Lions, where he was successor to Graham Mourie. Others that were possible replacements were Bruce Middleton, and Auckland captain at the time, Alwyn Harvey, but Hobbs played so well against the Lions that he was an automatic selection as All Blacks number seven for the next few seasons.

Hobbs was All Black captain on the short tour of Fiji late in 1984 when Andy Dalton was unavailable, and in the tour of Argentina in 1985 when Dalton was again unavailable. He took part in the 1986 Cavaliers tour to South Africa, before retiring in 1987 after a succession of concussions.

In 2005 Hobbs led New Zealand’s successful bid to host the 2011 Rugby World Cup and in the same year was named the Herald’s New Zealander of the year. Jock is the longest serving Chairman in NZRU history and his service to the game was recognized at the 2011 IRB and Steinlager Rugby awards where he received the Vernon Pugh award for Distinguished service and the Steinlager Salver award respectively.

Tom Rees forced to retire

Posted on Mar 12, 2012 in English Rugby, London Wasps, Premiership

London Wasps flanker Tom Rees has sadly been forced to retire from the game with immediate effect following medical advice on a knee injury.

Rees, 27, suffered the injury during a pre-season game last summer and despite his best efforts in rehab since then, he has been medically advised to stop playing immediately.

The news is extremely sad for everyone associated with London Wasps, with the popular and influential former club captain having had cruel luck with injuries for a number of recent seasons.

Tom Rees said: “I’m gutted that I have been forced to retire at a time when I feel I could have contributed so much more to my club. Whilst I will always think what might have been, I will also look back on my career and what I achieved with a great deal of pride. Over the last nine years I have been privileged to take part in my hobby for a living, and I am extremely grateful for that opportunity. During that time I have met a lot of great people who have played a huge part in my career and to list them here would take far too long, so I would just like to say thank you to all the supporters, coaches, staff, opponents, teammates and everyone else who have made my life in rugby such a wonderful experience. I would especially like to thank everyone at London Wasps, they have given me such tremendous support at all times through my career but particularly of late, and I am sorry that I won’t get to repay them for that. Finally, I would like to thank my friends and family for their constant support through everything I have done.”

London Wasps Director of Rugby Dai Young said: “This is incredibly sad news for Tom and for everyone at the club. His attitude and commitment to the Club remained hugely constant even when he was out injured and I know his presence will be missed around the squad. Reesy though is a very resilient and intelligent man and I have no doubt whatever he does with his career he will make a success of it. On behalf of everyone at Wasps I want to wish him all the best in the future. We will be here to support him in any way we can.”

London Wasps owner Steve Hayes added.“It is very sad news for all of us that Tom has been forced to retire. On and off the pitch he has been a wonderful ambassador for both London Wasps and the game of rugby itself and he will be sorely missed at the Club. Tom can be extremely proud of everything he has achieved in the game in London Wasps colours despite having his career cut short and I speak for everyone when I say I wish him all the very best in the next chapter of his life.”

An outstanding product of the London Wasps Academy, Tom Rees joined Wasps in 2003, bursting onto the scene in the 2004/5 season as a highly talented young back-row forward and his performances impressed enough to earn him a senior contract. He was part of the 2007 Heineken Cup winning team and in 2008 he ended another great season with an opening try in the Premiership final win against Leicester Tigers.

On the international scene, Rees has represented England at almost all levels including U16, U18, U19, U20s and Senior levels as well as playing for England Sevens. He won 15 full senior caps winning his first as a replacement against Scotland in the 2007 RBS 6 Nations and was subsequently named in the 2007 World Cup squad. He also played in the 2008 and 2009 Six Nations though a variety of injuries hampered his chances of adding to his tally.

England Head Coach Stuart Lancaster said: “We all recognise Tom’s qualities as a player and a person and it’s going to be a shame that he will never be able to display his talent on the world stage again. However he has tremendous attributes as an individual and a leader. I am sure he will go on to become very successful in his future career and all the players and management here in the England camp wish him well on that journey.”

Damian Hopley CEO of the RPA said: “It is devastating news that Tom has had to leave the game in the middle of his career. For someone who made such an immediate impact for both Wasps and England to have to walk away from the game he loves at the age of 27 is shattering. Not long ago Tom was tipped to be a future captain of England so this proves just how cruel the game can be that he was never able to fulfil his undoubted potential.

“Tom is an extremely popular player who is hugely respected by his peers and coaches for his attitude, commitment and high standards. He is also a very intelligent young man who we have been working with closely through the Player Development Programme to access further education options and I have no doubt that he has the aptitude and determination to fulfil his ambition of gaining a degree in medicine. On behalf of everyone at The RPA, I would like to wish Tom every success for the future and we look forward to working with him and helping him through these challenging times.”

Lee Jones making good progress

Posted on Mar 12, 2012 in Scotland, Scottish Rugby

Lee Jones, the 23-year-old Scotland wing, is making “good progress” in hospital in Dublin today after the head injury he sustained in last night’s RBS 6 Nations Championship against Ireland.

Scotland team doctor James Robson said today: “Lee took a blow to the head which resulted in a severe concussion.  He remained in St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin, overnight in the care of consultant John Ryan.

“He has made good progress overnight and will stay in hospital this morning until the consultant is happy for him to be released.  He is scheduled to travel back to Scotland tomorrow.

“We would like to thank John and his team for the expert help given to us.”

Four other players will require further medical attention and assessment following the game at the Aviva Stadium – back-row forwards John Barclay (ribs) and David Denton (shin bruising), scrum-half Mike Blair (shoulder) and centre Max Evans (dead leg).   In addition a number of other players have what Dr Robson described as “lesser soft-tissue” injuries.

The Scotland party fly back to Edinburgh this afternoon and will be in camp to prepare for Saturday’s final RBS 6 Nations Championship match against Italy in Rome.

Wallace Named in Munster 23

Posted on Mar 9, 2012 in Irish Rugby, Munster, Munsters

David Wallace will make a return to action for Munster when they play Aironi in Parma on Sunday.

Wallace has been named among the replacements while Mike Sherry makes his first start since September having suffered an ankle injury in a club game at that time.

Also included in the starting XV is Simon Zebo who missed the game in Newport through international commitment while Tomas O’Leary’s call up to Ireland side means a place on the bench for Academy player Cathal Sheridan.

Munster: F Jones, D Hurley, S Tokula, L Mafi, S Zebo; S Deasy, D Williams; W du Preez, M Sherry, S Archer; B Holland, M O’Driscoll capt; Dave O’Callaghan, T O’Donnell, P Butler. Replacements: D Fogarty, M Horan, BJ Botha, I Nagle, D Wallace, C Sheridan, I Keatley, L O’Dea.

Premiership Rugby Lands In Brazil

Posted on Mar 9, 2012 in English Rugby, Premiership Rugby

PREMIERSHIP RUGBY landed in Brazil today as it begins a central role in the development of rugby in South America.

Wayne Morris, Premiership Rugby’s Head of Community is accompanied on the trip by the organisation’s Programme Development Manager, Scott Watson and James Coles, Senior Sports Development Officer at Saracens.

The trio are making a flying visit to Rio as Brazil starts to gear up for hosting the 2016 Olympic Games, when Sevens will be a new sport, alongside golf.

Premiership Rugby, the umbrella organisation of the Aviva Premiership Rugby Clubs, has been chosen to make the trip as part of the Great Campaign, which is aimed at maximising the economic potential of London 2012 Games and the Diamond Jubilee.

The campaign is focused in areas of excellency in the UK: Technology and Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Creativity, Knowledge, Sustainability, Heritage, Sports, Shopping, Music and Countryside.

Wayne Morris’ Premiership Rugby Community Department has developed a number of ground-breaking initiatives including the Aviva Premiership Rugby Schools Programme, the award-winning MBNA Tackling Numbers project, the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup, J.P. Morgan Asset Management Premiership Rugby 7s Cup, ESPN Premiership Rugby Master classes and Premiership Rugby’s innovative Social Inclusion programme, Hitz, which has recently welcomed its 1000th participant and is headed up by former England women’s captain Helen Clayton.

“Each season Premiership Rugby and its clubs invest more than £3 million in a variety of community programmes which aim to grow grass roots participation and tackle core social issues,” said Morris.

“In the last year alone, Premiership Rugby clubs delivered 150,000 man-hours of community programming to more than 240,000 participants. Premiership Rugby also provides 600 professional players, each a strong role model within their communities, who are involved in supporting the schemes.

“Our programmes prove we are a world leader when it comes to our Community initiatives, so I was delighted we have been given the chance to come to Brazil and help the country on their Road to Rio 2016.”

Aironi team announcement

Posted on Mar 9, 2012 in Aironi, Aironi, RaboDirect Pro 12

Sunday at Stadio Zaffanella in Viadana sees Aironi play their third home game in a row hosting Munster in the RaboDirect PRO12 round 14. The match was called off one month ago due to heavy snowfall in Italy. Kick-off scheduled is at 3 pm (2 pm GMT).

Coach Rowland Phillips faces several injuries (Williams, Trevisan, Buso, Denti, Robertson and Viljoen), suspensions (Mauro Bergamasco and Gilberto Pavan) and players away on international duty (ten players are with Italy). There are five changes in the starting line-up. The most important news is Tito Tebaldi starting at fullback, while Matteo Pratichetti is back into action at outside centre alongside Gabriel Pizarro. Riccardo Pavan and Sinoti Sinoti retain their place on the wings.

There’s a new pair of half-backs, where Italian international fly-half Luciano Orquera starts for the first time in a couple of months after returning from injury last week in the game against Leinster. Tyson Keats will play at scrum-half.

The only new face in the pack is Filippo Ferrarini replacing Simone Favaro at flanker in a back row line completed by no.8 Josh Sole and openside flanker Nicola Cattina. Carlo Del Fava is able to play after being hurt against Leinster and plays in the second row with George Biagi. In the front row Matias Aguero and Lorenzo Romano are the props, with hooker Roberto Santamaria skippering the team for the tenth time.

Two permit players from the Italian championship are amongst the replacements: Filippo Cazzola (lock from I Cavalieri Prato, one cap with Aironi) and Emiliano Caffini (back rower from Crociati, who could make his debut in the competition).

AIRONI: 15 Tito Tebaldi; 14 Riccardo Pavan, 13 Matteo Pratichetti, 12 Gabriel Pizarro, 11 Sinoti Sinoti; 10 Luciano Orquera, 9 Tyson Keats; 8 Josh Sole, 7 Nicola Cattina, 6 Filippo Ferrarini; 5 Carlo Del Fava, 4 George Biagi; 3 Lorenzo Romano, 2 Roberto Santamaria, 1 Matias Aguero.

Replacements: 16 Fabio Ongaro, 17 Alberto De Marchi, 18 Salvatore Perugini, 19 Filippo Cazzola, 20 Emiliano Caffini, 21 Giorgio Bronzini, 22 Naas Olivier, 23 Alberto Benettin.

Coach: Rowland Phillips.

Esher side to face London Scottish

Posted on Mar 9, 2012 in Championship, English Rugby, Esher

By MARK BENGOECHEA

MIKE SCHMID is backing revitalised Esher to handle the heat of the relegation play-offs and secure their place in the Championship next season.

Esher take on local rivals London Scottish at home on Saturday in the first play-offs clash brimming with confidence after finishing the regular season with three straight wins.

The showdown is the first of six home and away games between Esher, Scottish, Plymouth and Moseley to determine who drops into National One.

Esher’s injury-ravaged side looked doomed for most of the campaign but the return to fitness of key players has seen them claim four wins in the last seven weeks.

That gives them four points going into the play-offs, just two behind their rivals, but with the momentum firmly behind Schmid’s side.

Now Schmid believes his side can avoid the drop with the psychological advantage of beating both Scottish and Plymouth in recent week.

Director of Rugby Schmid said: “The boys are very positive that we can get through this and be successful and build. They are looking forward to it.

“There is a fantastic mentality within the squad and our leadership and character is reality starting to show.

“We have got six World Cup finals coming at us but the big thing is to keep to the game plan, no matter whether we’re winning or losing. We have just got to keep doing what we know is successful.

“I think virtually for the first time this year we are leaving players out that we actually can’t believe we would be leaving on the bench. We’re at a stage when we are at our healthiest all season so we don’t have any excuses.

“The good thing is we’ve proved what works over the last few weeks but we’ve got to make sure that under pressure we execute properly.

“We haven’t really talked a lot about the pressure. It’s just another game. Everyone knows what’s at stake but we’re just purely looking at process, how we do things and how we can improve, what we need to do to be successful.

“You saw us earlier in the season chasing games and playing high-risk rugby at times to get that magical try whereas over the last few weeks we have built scores. We now have the confidence in what we are doing.”

Esher finished ninth in the Championship last season and topped the relegation play-off group with four wins from six but Schmid believes three wins could be enough to survive.

He said: “Anyone who wins four out of six will definitely we through and probably three of the six as well because someone will probably only win two.

“You need a bit of luck with injuries, with the bounce of the ball, with refereeing decisions but you kind of earn that with how you are playing.

“The good thing is we have beaten two out of the other three teams very recently so there is a bit of confidence from that.

“But we have been playing under pressure for months, trying to get our first win and trying to get our game together and trying to get players back off the injury list. But the boys are through that now so I’m not sure of that is going to bother them whether we win or lose our first game.

“You lose your first one you’re not out of it; win and you’re not through it. Having said that, this will be our first chance all year to get off the bottom.

“ It’s at home so we are hoping to get a good crowd here because the guys respond to that and the boys deserve that with the way they have played recently.

“It’s a huge game for me, the players and the club. But if we win it, we’re not done. But what we did really well last year in the play-offs was going away and winning our first game.

“I think by doing that it took the pressure off and these play-offs are about handling pressure, playing with pressure and closing games out when it’s tight and I would expect most games to be tight. “

Esher will lose around £300,000 in RFU funding if they are relegated and Schmid is desperate to avoid the drop so he can keep his best players and strengthen in a bid to avoid the relegation lottery in the future.

He said: “If you want to build and improve you have got to retain your core players and as a part-time club a lot of that is based about financial resources inevitably.

“The club’s vision is to be a sustainable Championship rugby club. If we can keep this group of players healthy and keep them together, and add some key people in key positions, we can achieve that.

“If we are shooting for that vision, it’s massive that we stay in the league. If you go down you lose a huge amount of funding, over £300,000, so for a club like us that’s a huge figure so the repercussions are that you lose a number of players.”

Schmid admits he is grateful to the Esher board for the faith they have shown in him this season despite spending the entire campaign rooted to the foot of the table.

He added: “For me the fantastic thing is that the board are very understanding of what we are able to achieve, what our resources are, both financial and human, and of course all our issues with injuries.

“They have talked to people, myself and players included, just to make sure that everything is on the right track and if anything can be done.

“Is there pressure on me? There is always pressure on me as coach whether you are winning or losing but the board have been brilliant and as supportive as they possibly can be.

“Nobody likes to front a losing side but thankfully they are great rugby people and understand the game and that was one of the reasons I chose this club in the first place. In today’s coaching environment you need that.

“Hopefully the last six years have been very successful for the club with me here, which may or may not buy you a bit more time than otherwise would have been the case.

“I think it goes to the character of the guys who are on the top that they have faith in the players and the coaches. We owe them and the only way we can repay them is by playing our best rugby now.”

Team to play Scottish

15 Ross Chisholm

14 Seb Stegmann

13 Tom Cheeseman

12 Arran Cruickshanks

11 Phil Mackenzie

10 Mark Atkinson

9 Clive Stuart-Smith

1 Dave Millard

2 James Campbell

3 Ingacio Elosu

4 Ian Kench

5 James Inglis

6 Sam Stitcher (Capt.)

7 Peter Synnott

8 Mike Macfarlane

Replacements

16 Will Collier (FR)

17 Tom Alexander

18 Matt Symons

19 Kevin Corrigan (FR)

20 Nicky Little

21 Luke Daniels

22 Patrick O’Grady

Leeds Carnegie unchanged for play off opener

Posted on Mar 9, 2012 in Championship, English Rugby, Leeds Carnegie

Leeds Carnegie Head Coach Diccon Edwards has named an unchanged side for the opening game of the Championship Play offs at Cornish Pirates this Saturday.

Edwards has retained the same team that won at London Welsh on the final day of the regular season however there are four changes on the bench.

David Young replaces Mo Mustafa, whilst Tom Denton returns from suspension and Danny Paul is back from injury. Craig Hampson is the final change as he comes in for Robbie Shaw.

Only six players in the starting line up were in the starting XV when Leeds travelled to Cornish Pirates at the start of the season and lost 52-10.

The team in full is:

15. Stevie McColl
14. Michael Stephenson
13. Iain Thornley
12. Scott Barrow
11. Pete Lucock
10. Joe Ford
9. Will Cliff
1. Sam Lockwood
2. Andy Titterrell (c)
3. Halani Aulika
4. Jon Pendlebury
5. Dan Hemingway
6. Ed Williamson
7. Jacob Rowan
8. Ryan Burrows
16. Phil Nilsen
17. Gareth Denman
18 David Young
19 Tom Denton
20 Danny Paul
21 Craig Hampson
22 Jordan Davies

Team News: Welsh face six cup finals, says Jones.

Posted on Mar 9, 2012 in Championship, English Rugby, London Welsh

London Welsh must negotiate their way through six cups finals if they are to advance to the Championship semi-finals for a third consecutive season, according to head coach Lyn Jones.

Welsh get their Pool A play-off campaign underway against Nottingham on Saturday at Old Deer Park (kick-off 12:30pm), and having reached the semi-finals in the last two seasons the club will be hoping that it’s a case of third time lucky.

The Exiles’ fourth place finish to the regular season sees them also pooled with table topping Bristol and Doncaster Knights.

“I don’t have to say anything to the players, it’s six cup finals and they know they have to play,” said Jones. “They know how important it is for the club.

“It’s a huge challenge for us and it’s going to be interesting to see how well we play.
We’ve managed to put some really good rugby together, but it hasn’t been consistent enough to take us to the top of the league where Bristol deserved to be.”

While some have been ticking off the weeks in countdown to the business end of the Championship season, for Jones the months have positively flown by since taking over the Old Deer Park reins in the summer.

The former Ospreys supremo has had to get to grips with the demands of the Championship, as well as acquainting himself with the strengths and weaknesses of his playing squad.

Likewise, the players have had to get to adjust to their new coach. It’s been a learning all round at Old Deer Park this season.

“It’s been very challenging because this is my first Championship season, personally I haven’t found it that long – it’s been a very enjoyable experience and exciting,” he said.

“When you first come into the club you’re getting to know who’s who on the playing staff, and then secondly it’s about improving your stock and applying yourself.

“We’ve had highs and lows as a team and the players have responded very, very positively to new challenges and a new way of playing – some of which has suited them, some hasn’t. It’s been quite a steep learning curve for us all.”

The two-week break since the final round of Championship fixtures has been a welcome one for Jones, and the Welsh coach has noticed a definite step up in intensity on the training pitch over the last two weeks.

“This period has been good for everybody. It’s allowed teams to rest and to study opposition,” he said.

“We’re disappointed not to have Jon Mills back fit, and Martin Purdy. It’s been a difficult year in the fact that one of our main influences and our captain has started less than half a dozen games.

“We’ve had to adapt to that and we’re moving into the Championship play-offs in the best shape that we possibly can.”

It’s one win a piece between Welsh and Nottingham this season, with the Exiles coming out on top at Old Deer Park and the Green and Whites taking their revenge at the Memorial Stadium. Jones is anticipating another tough close encounter on Saturday.

“Nottingham have got some really good players and they’re a very organised team. We’ll need to be on top of our game of we’re to get anything from Saturday,” said Jones, who believes that all eight teams in the promotion play-offs could have a say in the destination of the Championship trophy.

“I think there’s eight sides all with similar ability, there or thereabouts, unlike last year when Worcester were streets ahead,” Jones added.

“You could argue that Bristol are marginally the form side. They’ve made some good signings throughout the year, they’ve strengthened, but everyone has been winning some tough matches and losing some easy matches.

“There are six games to go and anything can happen. It’s all about finishing in the top two and taking it from there.”

Team news

London Welsh get their Championship play-off campaign up and running when they welcome Nottingham to Old Deer Park on Saturday (kick-off 12:30pm).

Having reached the play-offs for the last two seasons, head coach Lyn Jones will be keen to take the club at least one step further this time around.

There’s more than an element of Deja vu about Saturday’s clash, which is a repeat last season’s high scoring play-off opener between the two clubs, played out in front of the live Sky Sports cameras.

It was the Exiles that came out on top 48-26 at Old Deer Park, thanks to tries from Nick Runciman, Jon Mills, Simon Whatling, Michael Hills, Hudson Tonga’uiha and Waisea Luveniyali, with David Jackson crossing for two of Nottingham’s four tries.

Welsh had already booked their semi-final place by the time they travelled to the Memorial Stadium in round 6, but still came out on top 27-13.

So far this season, it’s one win a piece between the sides. The Exiles won 34-23 at Old Deer Park back in September, but needed a late Ed Jackson try to make sure of the win after David Jackson had crossed at the other end to make for a nervy finish.

But the Green and Whites got their revenge at the Memorial Stadium with a 26-10 victory. James Arlidge kicking 21 points for the home side, while Ed Jackson crossed a late consolation for the Exiles.

Nottingham don’t have to go back too far for their last victory at Old Deer Park. That came in February 2011, when they won 22-13 thanks to intercept try by Cesar Sempere and James Arlidge’s charge down try.

London Welsh: 15. Alex Davies, 14. Nick Scott, 13. James Lewis, 12. Simon Whatling, 11. Ashley Smith, 10. Gordon Ross* ©, 9. Rob Lewis, 1. Shawn Pittman*, 2. Saul Nelson, 3. Greg Bateman, 4. Adam Brown, 5. Gary Johnson, 6. Lee Beach, 7. Mike Denbee, 8. Ed Jackson.

Replacements: 16. Tom French, 17. Dan George, 18. James Tideswell, 19. Matt Corker, 20. Ben Russell, 21. Jack Moates, 22. Will Hurrell.

* Denotes full international

Leeds Are First Up For The Pirates!

Posted on Mar 9, 2012 in Championship, Cornish Pirates, English Rugby

For their opening game in the promotion play-offs the Cornish Pirates will extend a warm welcome to Leeds Carnegie on Saturday (ko 2.30pm).
The two teams played in front of Sky TV cameras at the Mennaye Field last September, when the Pirates put on an exhibition of rugby that showed all but total dominance. Indeed, the 52-10 result, was one that surely nobody would have predicted, and at the end the Yorkshire visitors looked a little shell shocked, and perhaps understandably so.

As for the return match in Stage 1, played at the Headingley Carnegie Stadium in December, everyone knew a much sterner test lay in wait, and so it proved. Despite the Pirates leading 13-9 at the break, in a game that was as closely and physically fought as had been expected, nearing the end there was a sense that Leeds would sneak a victory, and they did, with a try scored by a delighted Michael Stephenson.

Saturday’s play-offs opener promises to be a fascinating encounter and despite the Pirates being hampered by injuries, especially in the back-line, their selection is still a strong one. Speaking ahead of the game, high performance manager Chris Stirling commented:

"We will have to play well to beat Leeds but having had a few days off the boys have come back pretty focused and with their impressive attitude it’s very rare that we play poorly against such good opposition."

The Cornish Pirates line-up is as follows:-

Cornish Pirates: R. Cook, T. Kessell, G. Pointer, T. Cooper, M. Evans, A. Penberthy, G. Cattle (capt), K. Marriott, C. Morgan, D. Ewers, I. Nimmo. M. Smith, A. Paver, D. Ward, C. Rimmer.

Replacements: P. Andrew, T. Cowan-Dickie, L. Fairbrother, P. Burgess, B. Maidment, C. Thomas, A. Suniula.

Referee: Paul Knowles (RFU) Assistants: Michael Tutty & Richard Parker-Sedgemore

Assessor: Jerry Wallis 4th Official: Andy Bickle

Match Day Sponsor: Elite Wealth Management

Match Ball Sponsor: The Cadgwith Singers