London Sevens: England edged out by Fiji

Posted on May 13, 2012 in England Sevens

England were edged out of a quarter final thriller 21-14 by Fiji after succumbing to an injury time score on the second morning of the Marriott London Sevens.

World Player of the Year nominee Mat Turner’s two tries had put England on the front foot and they were pushing for the winning score until they were penalised at the breakdown. Fiji then went the length of the field for Jamilai Naikadawa to clinch victory.

The result puts Fiji into the semi finals against New Zealand, who clinched a 10thHSBC Sevens World Series title when they thumped South Africa 36-0. Argentina meet Samoa in the other half of the draw.

Third-placed England now take on South Africa in the semi finals of the Plate competition.

On day one, England had beaten France 28-0 and the USA 15-5 before a 14-7 defeat against Samoa halted their progress.

Against Fiji – who will finish the series in second place – England produced their most incisive attacking work of the weekend.

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Robinson: England’s Dan the man to light up sevens world

Posted on May 11, 2012 in England Sevens

World Cup winner Jason Robinson loves to be entertained and hailed England’s Dan Norton as the man who has lit up this season’s HSBC Sevens World Series.

Norton is the leading global try-getter going into the final leg at the Marriott London Sevens at Twickenham Stadium this weekend. No Englishman – in a list including Ugo Monye and David Strettle – has scored more heavily in a single season.

The 24 year-old from Bristol has touched down 35 times on big stages everywhere from Hong Kong to Las Vegas on a world tour in which the eight tournament titles have been shared by five different teams so far.

Former England wing Robinson – their try scorer in the 2003 World Cup final victory – admits he wants to see ‘speed, good feet and skills’ more than scrums and lineouts these days.

And the likes of England’s Norton and Mat Turner, and New Zealand’s Lomu-like wing Frank Halai, have provided exactly that since the series kicked off on the Gold Coast in Queensland six months ago.

The single snapshot highlight? Norton’s astonishing try in Hong Kong against Australia, starting from behind his own line before he beat three opponents to go the length of the field and snatch victory on the final play, might just be the best of the lot.

“When you’re playing 15s you are aware of sevens because everyone loves playing it but what I’ve seen this season has been amazing,” said Robinson, an HSBC Ambassador.

“I’ve been astonished going to the different legs as to how much interest has been generated. For guys like Norton, who’s just re-signed for England, it’s fantastic. The best players love big stages and the HSBC Sevens World Series gives them that worldwide.

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BBC Alba to screen Leinster vs Glasgow LIVE

Posted on May 11, 2012 in Pro12

BBC ALBA SCREEN LIVE COVERAGE OF LEINSTER V GLASGOW PRO12 PLAY-OFF SEMI-FINAL

Leinster v Glasgow Warriors

BBC ALBA – Saturday 12th May 19:30 – 21:25

BBC ALBA will this weekend screen live coverage of RaboDirect PRO12 semi-final showdown between Leinster and Glasgow Warriors.

Coverage from the Royal Dublin Society will begin on Saturday at 7.30pm. The match itself will begin at 7.35pm and commentary will be provided by Hugh Dan MacLennan.

Saturday’s clash will see Warriors and the Leinstermen bid to secure a place in the end of season PRO12 showpiece final.

Sean Lineen’s side will enter the game in a positive mood following last weekend’s comprehensive 24-3 win over Connacht and Warriors will be hoping they can progress one step further than they did in 2010 when they lost away to Ospreys at the semi-final stage.

The match will see Warriors come up against a formidable Leinster side who are aiming for a European and PRO12 double and who have reached the play-offs for the last three seasons.

However, Glasgow will take confidence from their unbeaten PRO12 record against Leinster this season.

Their first league meeting was in September when tries from Peter Horne and Nick Campbell, plus kicks from Duncan Weir and Scott Wight, helped Warriors to a famous 23-19 win in Dublin.

Their last league meeting was at Firhill in February in a match that ended in a 10-10 draw, with Glasgow’s points coming through a converted penalty try plus a penalty from Scotland stand-off Ruaridh Jackson.

As well as all the live action, we’ll have half-time features including interviews with Warriors skipper Al Kellock and departing head coach Sean Lineen.

BBC ALBA has signed an exclusive deal to show live RaboDirect PRO12 rugby in Scotland until the 2013/14 season. The channel is committed to showing at least eight Edinburgh or Glasgow home matches per season, and has teamed up with Irish and Welsh broadcasters to also provide live coverage of selected away matches for both sides.

Sale’s Rob Miller named Aviva Premiership player of the month for April

Posted on May 11, 2012 in Premiership Rugby, Sale Sharks

It’s been a superb individual Aviva Premiership campaign for Miller, who won the panel’s vote for April and will look to take his form to Sale’s new home at Salford City Stadium.

The young full back has scored an impressive 10 tries this campaign, topping the Aviva Premiership Rugby try scoring charts and helping his club secure a place in next season Heineken Cup.

Player of the Month Panel Chairman Paul Morgan commented: “Rob is a game changer and has made a massive impact on the 2011-12 Aviva Premiership Rugby season so his award is deserved and some may say overdue,” said Paul Morgan Communications Director of Premiership Rugby, who chaired the panel.

“He’s a great example of home-grown talent making a big impression in Aviva Premiership Rugby. We all expect him to go on to the next level, sooner rather than later.”

Rob spoke of the pride he felt for being named April’s Player of the Month: I feel honoured to receive this award, getting the recognition for my performances is fantastic. However it would be amiss of me if I didn’t mention the immense contribution that our forwards have given, really allowing us to attack with quick ball.”

Louisa Cheetham, Senior Sponsorship Manager at Premiership Rugby’s title sponsors Aviva added: “This year’s Aviva Premiership has certainly given England fans plenty to be encouraged by. Rob is another young, talented home grown player to receive this award.”

Premiership coaches visit USA

Posted on May 11, 2012 in Premiership Rugby

PREMIERSHIP RUGBY COACHES VISIT THE U.S.A. TO PROMOTE & DEVELOP RUGBY

Premiership Rugby is travelling to the United States of America at the end of May to play a key role in the development and promotion of rugby in the country.

12 coaches, one from each of the Premiership Rugby clubs, will be travelling to New York along with four members of Premiership Rugby’s Community Team to help promote the game.  The visit follows Premiership Rugby’s successful trip to Brazil in March to help in the development of rugby in South America.

The core values of rugby will be used by coaches in their work with young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in New York to help improve self-esteem, community cohesion and other social outcomes.

The visit will run from 28th May to 2nd June and involves the following Premiership Rugby coaches:  Caryl Thomas from Bath Rugby, Marc Dibble from Exeter Chiefs, David Barley from Gloucester Rugby, Thomas Williams from Harlequins, Christophe Ridley from Leicester Tigers, Michael Crump from London Irish, Ian Isham from London Wasps, Gavin Beasley from Newcastle Falcons, Benjamin Mann from Northampton Saints, Richard Spencer from Sale Sharks, Max Malkin from Saracens and Tamara Taylor from Worcester Warriors, alongside Wayne Morris, Sophie Hartley, Helen Clayton and Scott Watson from Premiership Rugby’s Community Department.  

On Thursday 31st May Premiership Rugby coaches will help launch the Great Campaign Sports Festival, a touch tournament in Central Park, and then will be attending an end-of-season awards event in Harlem with youngsters’ friends and family.

On Friday 1st June, the Public School Athletics League High School Rugby 7s Final will be taking place in New York.  During the week leading up to the Final and for the Final itself, two Premiership Rugby coaches and one Play Rugby USA coach will be assigned to mentor each school.

On Saturday 2nd June, Premiership Rugby will be running fan engagement fitness testing sessions in the fans village at the 2012 USA Sevens Collegiate Rugby Championship in Philadelphia, where the Aviva Premiership Rugby trophy will also be on display.

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Saints team named for Aviva Premiership Rugby semi-final

Posted on May 11, 2012 in Northampton, Premiership

The Northampton Saints team has been named for tomorrow’s Aviva Premiership Rugby semi-final against Harlequins, being played at the Twickenham Stoop at 2:45pm.

After 22 Rounds of intense Aviva Premiership Rugby action the Saints confirmed their semi-final spot with last Saturday’s bonus point win over Worcester.

But while the Saints put five tries past the Warriors director of rugby Jim Mallinder says that the team will have to step up several gears for tomorrow’s trip to table-topping Harlequins.

“Harlequins have led the Premiership pretty much from start to finish, and will no doubt be feeling confident ahead of tomorrow’s game,” he said. “They have won plenty of big games in tough places and have a team which is playing with confidence.

“The forwards have been providing good ball and Nick Easter, Danny Care and Nick Evans have been guiding the rest of the team into the right areas of the field.

“It is going to be a very difficult game for us, but I believe that we have the right mentality and players to be able to get the result we want. Training has been intense and positive this week and everyone has been focused on the challenge in front of them.

“We know we have the team to do well, now it is up to the players to show what they can do.”

Tomorrow’s game sees Ben Foden become the fourth Saint this season to hit his century of appearances in the black, green and gold – the others being Chris Ashton, Lee Dickson and Roger Wilson – and Mallinder paid tribute to the full back.

“We have seen Ben develop his game consistently over the past few years, and he is now one of the important players we have at Franklin’s Gardens,” the Saints boss added. “He has had an outstanding season for us and has shown how good he is at international level as well.

“He is still improving, however, and with the new contract he signed earlier in the season I’m looking forward to seeing him play many more times for the Saints.”

Tickets remain available for tomorrow’s game at the Twickenham Stoop. Supporters who want to travel should contact the Harlequins ticket office directly.

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Leicester Tigers team for Aviva Premiership Rugby semi-final

Posted on May 11, 2012 in Leicester Tigers, Premiership

George Chuter will make his 200th starting appearance for Leicester Tigers in Saturday’s Aviva Premiership Rugby semi-final against Saracens at Welford Road (5.30pm).

England international hooker Chuter became the first player to reach 250 Premiership appearances in the win over Bath last Saturday which secured a home game in the semi-finals and reaches another personal landmark this weekend.

Ben Youngs, George Skivington and Graham Kitchener return to the Tigers squad after missing last Saturday’s Round 22 victory.

Tigers have reached the semi-final stages of the competition for an eighth successive year and face Saracens in a repeat of the last two Premiership Finals.

Tickets for Saturday’s game are available now from the Tigers ticket office. Call in at Welford Road or the Club Store in Market Street, Leicester, or phone the hotline on 0844 856 1880. Or book online at www.leicestertigers.com

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Harlequins team to face Northampton Saints

Posted on May 11, 2012 in Harlequins, Premiership

Harlequins head into this weekend’s home semi-final after finishing at the top of the Aviva Premiership in the regular season.

This week sees only one change to last week’s starting XV and therefore one change to the bench also.

Mike Brown starts at full back alongside Tom Williams and Sam Smith on the wings. Jordan Turner-Hall and George Lowe continue in the centre outside Nick Evans and Karl Dickson. Dickson comes into the starting line up in place of Danny Care who hasn’t recovered from an injury picked up against Sale Sharks last weekend.

The forward pack is unchanged with Joe Marler, Joe Gray and James Johnston in the front row. Olly Kohn and George Robson start in the second row. Maurie Fa’asavalu, Nick Easter and captain Chris Robshaw complete the forwards in the back-row.

The replacements see Rob Buchanan, Mark Lambert, Will Collier, Tomas Vallejos and Tom Guest covering the forward pack. Richard Bolt comes onto the bench alongside Rory Clegg and Matt Hopper who cover the remaining backs.  

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Saracens team to face Leicester Tigers

Posted on May 11, 2012 in Premiership, Saracens

All eyes are on Welford Road on Saturday as Saracens face Leicester Tigers in the semi-finals of the Aviva Premiership.

In team news ahead of the game, Charlie Hodgson returns to start at fly half with Owen Farrell named at centre for the knockout clash. Will Fraser returns to the starting line-up while Matt Stevens and Carlos Nieto swap places with the England prop starting and Nieto among the replacements.

Chris Wyles moves to the wing with James Short on the bench along with the likes of John Smit, Richard Wigglesworth and Hugh Vyvyan.

Justin Melck has been ruled out after suffering a knee injury in the final minute of the match against Exeter Chiefs last weekend. The flanker underwent surgery on a damaged ACL on Thursday and is set to be ruled out for up to nine months.

“It’s a massive match,” explained Saracens Director of Rugby Mark McCall. “We’ve had a very good week of preparation but we know it is going to be a very tough game and we will have to be at our best to get the result we want.

“Leicester have a phenomenal semi final record but we have had some excellent performances in recent weeks with wins against London Irish, Newcastle Falcons and Exeter Chiefs so we are really looking forward to the match.”

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Leinster team to face Glasgow Warriors

Posted on May 11, 2012 in Glasgow, Leinster, RaboDirect Pro 12

The Leinster team to face the Glasgow Warriors in Saturday night’s RaboDirect PRO12 Play Off in the RDS (KO: 7.35pm) has been named.

Isa Nacewa will make his 100th appearance for the province as the two sides shape up for their fifth meeting this season.

Nacewa, 29, has to date scored 358 career points for Leinster and he starts at full-back in a back three which features Fergus McFadden – who replaces the injured Luke Fitzgerald – and David Kearney who lines up on the wing.

Rob Kearney (back) and Brian O’Driscoll (knee) picked up niggles in training this week and have been ruled out for this weekend’s game. The Ireland duo will be further assessed by the Leinster medical team over the coming days

Gordon D’Arcy – capped 204 times for the province to date – partners the fit again Eoin O’Malley at centre, with Eoin Reddan linking up at half back alongside Jonathan Sexton.

Jamie Heaslip leads the team and the Naas man is named in an all-Irish back-row alongside Shane Jennings and Sean O’Brien who makes his 70th appearance for the province. Devin Toner forms a second row partnership with All Black Brad Thorn.

Leo Cullen is named amongst a strong replacements bench.

Over 14,000 tickets have been sold for Saturday’s game and tickets are still on sale from www.leinsterrugby.ie, the Leinster Rugby Store (Donnybrook), Spar (Donnybrook) as well as Ticketmaster outlets nationwide. There will also be tickets on sale on the day on both Simmonscourt Road and Anglesea Road from 4pm.

Meanwhile, with a number of events taking place in and around the RDS on Saturday, supporters are advised to use Public Transport. Gates open at 6pm.

LEINSTER:

15: Isa Nacewa

14: Fergus McFadden

13: Eoin O’Malley

12: Gordon D’Arcy

11: David Kearney

10: Jonathan Sexton

9: Eoin Reddan

1: Cian Healy

2: Richardt Strauss

3: Mike Ross

4: Brad Thorn

5: Devin Toner

6: Sean O’Brien

7: Shane Jennings

8: Jamie Heaslip CAPTAIN

REPLACEMENTS:

16: Sean Cronin

17: Heinke van der Merwe

18: Nathan White

19: Leo Cullen

20: Kevin McLaughlin

21: Isaac Boss

22: Ian Madigan

23: Andrew Conway

REFEREE: George Clancy (IRFU), ASSISTANT REFEREES: John Lacey (IRFU), Leo Colgan (IRFU), 4th OFFICIAL: Mark Patton (IRFU), 5th OFFICIAL: Richard Kerr (IRFU), TMO: Marshall Kilgore (IRFU)