Rabo Direct Pro12 final venue permutations

Posted on May 11, 2012 in RaboDirect Pro 12

As the RaboDirect PRO12 Play-Off semi-finals get ready to kick-off in Swansea tonight (Friday, 11 May) RaboDirect PRO12 Chief Executive John Feehan has confirmed the arrangements for the Final on the weekend of 26/27 May.

As stated at the start of the season, and in accordance with the way the final venues were determined in the previous two seasons, the top ranked team from the regular campaign will enjoy home advantage.

The final rankings from the 22 rounds of RaboDirect PRO12 matches were as follows:

1. Leinster

2. Ospreys

3  Munster

4  Glasgow Warriors

This means the three possible venues for the RaboDirect PRO12 Final at RDS, home of Leinster, the Liberty Stadium, home of the Ospreys, and Thomond Park, home of the reigning champions Munster.

One of the three venues will be ruled out after the first semi-final in Swansea tonight, when the Ospreys host Munster. Whichever team wins will still have a chance of hosting the Final.

However, if Leinster beat Glasgow Warriors at the RDS on Saturday night then they will host the Final due to their No1 ranking.

“Ever since we introduced the Play-Off system at the start of the 2009/10 season we have wanted to reward the team finishing in the top two positions in the regular season. This means they get home advantage in the semi-finals and then, possibly, in the Final,” explained Feehan.

“We have enjoyed full houses at both previous Finals – 19,500 for Leinster v Ospreys in 2010 and 26,100 for Munster v Leinster in 2011 – and look forward to another world class, capacity occasion at the end of this month. Each team will be able to ask for up to 50% of the tickets for the Final.

“Due to the Republic of Ireland international football match against Bosnia at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, 26 May, PRO12 decided, after discussions with both Leinster and our TV partners, to avoid any potential clash and switch a Dublin Final to Sunday, 27 May.

“It was also felt by all parties that due to the tight turn-around between the semi-finals and Final, it would be better to confirm the RDS as Leinster’s home venue, rather than consider a possible switch to the Aviva Stadium, to help with the ticketing, policing, travel and administration of the Final.”

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Semi-final Attention Turns From the ‘Mennaye’ To The ‘Mem’

Posted on May 11, 2012 in Bristol, Cornish Pirates

Following last Monday’s RFU Championship first leg semi-final match played at the Mennaye Field, Penzance, which saw the Cornish Pirates defeat Bristol Rugby 45-24, the attention now turns to the second leg, scheduled for Sunday at the Memorial Stadium, Bristol (ko 12.45pm).

The Pirates will carry a healthy 21 points lead into this return encounter, but they will be mindful that their job is not yet complete. This is, in effect, only half-time, and in the knowledge that Bristol have an unbeaten record at home in the Championship this season, it will also be noted that they have also registered some hefty victories along the way.

Recording such an emphatic result in the first leg certainly drew extra attention to the Pirates, and to the Championship competition in general, as nobody but nobody would have predicted a 45-24 outcome. Besides ‘Sky’ television, who had their best ever ratings for the Championship for this game, national press coverage was also unprecedented, not forgetting also that supporters of Newcastle Falcons quite understandably followed the match with added interest, as they will again this coming weekend.

For Sunday’s game Kyle Marriott continues at No. 8 for the Cornish Pirates, having been a second half replacement on Monday for the injured Ben Maidment, and lock Matt Smith is named on the bench. The full selection is as follows:-

Cornish Pirates: R. Cook, G. Pointer, S. Hill, A. Suniula, D. Doherty, C. Thomas, G. Cattle (capt), K. Marriott, P. Burgess, C. Morgan, I. Nimmo, L. McGlone, A. Paver, D. Ward, C. Rimmer.

Replacements: R. Storer, R. Elloway, R. Brits, M. Smith, D. Ewers, T. Kessell, M. Evans.

Phil Davies “very humbled” at receiving Cardiff call

Posted on May 11, 2012 in Cardiff Blues

By MARTYN WINTERS. Cardiff new boy, Phil Davies, can’t wait to get stuck into running the region.

The ex-Worcester forwards coach was commenting on his appointment as Director of Rugby at the troubled capital city regional outfit. The former Scarlet outlined his plans for the region and his aim to stem the tide of poor results that have stricken the club in recent months.

Davies said: "There are a lot of good jobs in rugby but when you get offered the role of being the Director of Rugby for Cardiff Blues, which is one of the most recognised teams in Europe, then I didn’t have to think twice."

In a nod to the recent run, and his hopes for the future, he commented: "There’s a lot of work to be done but it’s a chance and an opportunity for the next generation to come through and keep the Blues region at the top of the game."

The severe financial restrictions afflicting all the regions in Wales was uppermost in his thoughts when he said: "The salary cap will focus the mind and I genuinely believe we have to work through the change, there maybe growing pains but we can become competitive again."

"There’s a lot of history that goes with the Blues region from the great Pontypridd teams from the 80′s and 90′s when Lynn Howells and Dennis John were coaching and Neil Jenkins was kick goals and Dale McIntosh charging everywhere, to the Cardiff RFC teams of Gareth Davies, Gareth Edwards and Terry Holmes. The heritage is massive and the passion is there."

"We need to get the region to understand that we are proud of that history but embrace it and move forward."

"I’m very humbled and privileged to have this role and will work as hard as I can to make sure it’s successful."

England call up Vilk and Williams for Marriott London Sevens

Posted on May 11, 2012 in England Sevens

England have called newcomer Jeff Williams and former captain Andy Vilk into their squad for this weekend’s Marriott London Sevens.

Head coach Ben Ryan had needed to make one change for the final leg of the HSBC Sevens World Series after former England U20 wing Mark Odejobi fractured a bone in his foot last weekend.

But half back John Brake is suffering from concussion caused by a blow to the head in the Glasgow final against New Zealand, so both the powerful Vilk and France-based Williams join the group.

England face France (12:42), the USA (16:00) and Samoa (19:28) in tomorrow’s Pool B matches with Fiji or Wales their potential opponents if they reach the quarter finals.

Former Northampton Saints and Sale Sharks centre Vilk, 30, captained England Sevens in 2007-08 before moving to Treviso and has been playing under Neil Back at Rugby Lions this season.

Williams, 23, is a centre with RC Chateaurenard in the Federale 1 division in France this season who previously played for the Hamiltons club and the Sharks Academy in South Africa.

“We’re lucky to be able to call on two quality players who’ve spent a lot of time with the squad,” said England head coach Ben Ryan.

“Andy’s very experienced with more than 30 tournaments under his belt at this level while Jeff’s got a good pedigree, has impressed us in training and by the way he’s fitted into our group so well.

“We feel we’re on an upward curve at the moment and we played some great rugby in Glasgow so we’re eager to finish on a high on what should be a fantastic occasion at Twickenham.”

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Ireland’s Gert Smal back at work

Posted on May 11, 2012 in Ireland

By MARTYN WINTERS. Ireland forwards coach, Gert Smal has been passed fully fit by his medical team following  his departure from the Irish coaching team in the middle of the 6 nations because of sight problems brought on by a pre-existing eye condition.

His illness caused him to leave the coaching team to be replaced by Munster assistant coach Anthony Foley, but now the former Western Transvaal flanker is back at work and has been attending games since early April.

South African, Smal commented: "I’m looking forward to getting back to working with the players again and it was great to meet up with them last week at our squad get together for the first time since I had to take time off.

"It was a worrying time for my family when I was getting these symptoms affecting my eyesight, but it was clear that I was not going to be able to fully function and deliver the guidance the players needed. We needed to get to the bottom of what was going on and was advised to take some rest, so it is at times like these that you reluctantly have to listen to the advice.

“Anthony Foley did a superb job when he stepped in at such short notice as did Paul (O’Connell) and also Rory (Best) and Donnacha Ryan to give that little bit of leadership along with the other forwards. I’m feeling really good and fit at the moment and really excited about stepping back onto the training field, which is where you want to be as a coach, and looking forward to the tour to New Zealand.

"It is one of the toughest places on earth to tour, so we have to be well prepared, but the opportunity to play the World Champions three times in a row does not come along very often and is something that I think everybody is excited about."

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London Welsh claim Premiership eligibility “satisfied”.

Posted on May 11, 2012 in emb, London Welsh

By MARTYN WINTERS. The board of London Welsh have issued a statement claiming they would be “eligible for promotion”  to the Aviva Premiership if they win the championship.

Even though Welsh have never played in the Premiership, they have experienced a revival in their fortunes under the guidance of former Ospreys coach Lyn Jones and now look to return to the former glory days when the likes of JPR Williams played for them and they were one of the most feared sides in Europe.

Speculation that the Exiles are looking at a ground share with Quins at the Twickenham Stoop is gaining ground in the media, but both parties are remaining tight lipped. Harlequins are the only Premiership “London” club to actually play in the Greater London area, with London Irish, Saracens and Wasps sharing football grounds near the capital (respectively Reading, Watford and High Wycombe) and it seems more likely that Welsh would seek a similar arrangement outside the GLA.

Bleddyn Phillips (pictured), Chairman of the club, says the Exiles have co-operated fully with the consultants appointed by the RFU and Premiership Rugby and have given them every assistance to conduct an audit on the two grounds they are considering for use next season in the event of them winning the Championship.

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Nottingham pay tribute to “Captain Fantastic”

Posted on May 11, 2012 in Championship, Nottingham

Nottingham Rugby’s most decorated captain is leaving the club for the opportunity of a life-time in Hong Kong.

After a decade-long career with the Green and Whites, skippering the side a record 227 times, Craig Hammond has accepted a job as player-coach of Hong Kong Scottish.

Until the 33-year-old lock got a phone call out of the blue from the Oriental rugby hot-bed, he was considering a contract extension to stay with Nottingham and was busy planning his testimonial year with the RFU Championship club.

But when invited to tour the facilities of the Premiership club in the City-State last week, Hammond simply couldn’t resists taking the bold step into management and penned a two-year deal with the outfit.

Having recently guided Midlands One East club Ilkeston to Derbyshire Cup glory, the New Zealander clearly indicated that he was thinking hard about life after playing.

“It’s been an emotional decision to come to, leaving a club, a city and people that have been so good to me for so long for an exciting chance to further my career in an amazing place like Hong Kong,” said Hammond, who will be relocating with his wife and three children in June.

“Sure, I could see myself playing at Nottingham for a few more seasons, but this opportunity is just too good to knock back.

“I’ll be mentored in coaching at a high level, working with both the Hong Kong Rugby Union and an ambitious side like Scottish.

I’ve just turned 33 so it’s a perfect time to transition from playing to coaching, which is what I’ve always wanted.”

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London Welsh and Bedford Blues team News

Posted on May 11, 2012 in Bedford, Championship, London Welsh

London Welsh welcome Bedford Blues to Old Deer Park for the 2nd leg of their Championship semi-final knowing that anything less than a ten-point defeat will be good enough to take the Exiles through to the final.

Hudson Tonga’uiha’s try and eight points from the boot of full back Alex Davies gave Welsh a 13-3 win at Goldington Road seven days ago, with James Pritchard replying for the Blues.

The Exiles’ win made it two wins a piece between the sides this season.

The sides’ previous meeting at Old Deer Park saw the home side run out 25-24 winners in December. The Blues, though, nearly snatched victory with the last kick of the game, only for Jamie Lennard’s drop goal to slip wide.

Bedford’s only visit to Old Deer Park in 2010/11 also produced another tight affair, with Gordon Ross’ 79th minute penalty giving the Exiles a 25-22 win.

The 2009/10 season also produced another home win for Welsh over the Blues, 28-17, thanks to tries from Errie Claassens (2) and Paul Sampson.

Bedford’s last win at Old Deer Park came in September 2008 when they came out on top 32-23.

London Welsh:

15. Alex Davies, 14. Nick Scott, 13. James Lewis, 12. Hudson Tonga’uiha*, 11. Joe Ajuwa, 10. Seb Jewell, 9. Jack Moates, 1. Billy Moss, 2. Dan George, 3. James Tideswell, 4. Adam Brown, 5. Matt Corker, 6. Jon Mills ©, 7. Mike Denbee, 8. Ed Jackson.

Replacements: 16. Vili Ma’asi*, 17. Shawn Pittman*, 18. Greg Bateman, 19. Gary Johnson, 20. Lee Beach, 21. Rob Lewis, 22. Simon Whatling.

* Denotes full international

Bedford Blues have named the starting XV which will take on London Welsh in Sunday’s all important second leg of the RFU Championship Semi-Final.

Having lost 3-13 at Goldington Road last Friday, the Blues know that they have it all to do as they visit Old Deer Park needing to overturn a ten point deficit to reach the final of the Championship play offs.

Bedford Blues Director of Rugby Mike Rayer is picking from an almost fully fit squad but does make six changes from the team which started last week. Jamie Lennard replaces Jake Sharp – who took a knock last Friday – at fly half while Neil Cochrane, Phil Boulton, Gregor Gillanders, Sacha Harding and Jon Fisher all start up front in place of Chris Locke, Ben Cooper, Alex Rae, Darren Fox and Don Barrell while Ian Vass comes on to the replacements bench.

Bedford:

15. James Pritchard (c), 14. Ollie Dodge, 13. Brendan Burke, 12. Henry Staff, 11. Josh Bassett, 10. Jamie Lennard, 9. Luke Baldwin, 1. Ricky Reeves, 2. Neil Cochrane, 3. Phil Boulton, 4. Paul Tupai, 5. Mike Howard, 6. Gregor Gillanders, 7. Sacha Harding, 8. Jon Fisher

Replacements: 16. Chris Locke, 17. Sam Walsh, 18. Alex Rae, 19. Don Barrell, 20. Darren Fox, 21. Darryl Veenendaal, 22. Ian Vass

Glasgow Warriors head to Dublin for semi final challenge

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

Glasgow Warriors head coach Sean Lineen has challenged his players to take their game to the next level in Saturday’s RaboDirect PRO12 semi-final against Leinster at the RDS (kick-off 7.35pm, live on BBC ALBA).

The play-off match will see the Warriors seek to become only the second team to defeat the reigning European champions twice this season, Glasgow having recorded a 23-19 success in the first RaboDirect PRO12 meeting between the teams in Ireland last September.

Leinster have since lost just once in all competitions, with the Warriors one of only two teams to take points off them in the RaboDirect PRO12 this calendar year, courtesy of a 10-10 draw at Firhill back in February.

The Dubliners underlined their class in the Heineken Cup head-to-heads, inflicting a 38-13 defeat on the Warriors at the RDS before edging a tighter affair 23-16 in Glasgow.

Lineen believes it will take “something truly special from all 23 players” to see off a team who have booked another Heineken Cup final date for the following week, but has emphasised the belief underpinning his squad’s approach.

The head coach commented: “We’ve shown great consistency and character to reach the semi-finals, but this is where the hard work really begins.

“We’re not satisfied just to be in the play-offs; we’re absolutely determined to keep our run going, and that means finding a way to beat a side who are the benchmark for every other team in Europe.

“Leinster’s record in both the RaboDirect PRO12 and Heineken Cup these past few years speaks for itself, and you only need to look at the statistics to see how hard it is to beat them.

“But we have confidence in ourselves, our game plan and each other and while we have huge respect for Leinster, we won’t be standing back and admiring them.

“To win, we need every player to be better than they’ve ever been before. That’s a big ask, but it’s what it will take, and we’ve every confidence the players will deliver. They’ve risen to every challenge we’ve put in front of them this season, and this is undoubtedly the biggest yet.”

The Warriors team for Saturday’s match will be confirmed tomorrow morning. Lineen said: “Training has been excellent all week. As you would expect, the hunger and intensity have been right out of the top drawer, with everyone absolutely desperate to get into the 23 for the weekend.

“It promises to be another fantastic occasion, and the players will soak up the experience. But most of all they will be inspired by it and work to show the wider audience just how good a team they are.”

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TEAM NEWS: Bristol Rugby vs Cornish Pirates

Posted on May 11, 2012 in Latest Rugby News

Bristol prepare for the return leg of the semi-finals knowing that nothing less than the performance of the season will see them progress to the RFU Championship final.

Liam Middleton’s men must overturn a 21-point deficit at the Memorial Stadium on Sunday without skipper Iain Grieve and prop Jason Hobson among their ranks (12.45pm KO).

The Head Coach makes four changes from the side that suffered a 45-24 defeat in the first leg. Ben Glynn replaces the injured Glen Townson, while Wayne Thompson and Henry Vanderglas also come into the pack.

Matty James is preferred to Matthew Jones at fly-half and makes his first league start since February.

Will Helu, who has notched five tries during the play-off campaign, retains his place on the wing in an otherwise unchanged backline.

Middleton retains a five forwards and two backs split on the replacements bench, with Tristan Roberts and Mariano Sambucetti included in the 22-man squad.

Bristol Rugby team to face Cornish Pirates at the Memorial Stadium on Sunday, 13 May (12.45pm KO):

Jon Goodridge; Jack Tovey, Fautua Otto, Luke Eves, Will Helu; Matty James, Ruki Tipuna; Mark Irish, Jason Harris-Wright, Wayne Thompson, Ben Glynn, Roy Winters, Henry Vanderglas, James Merriman (c), Dan Montagu.

Replacements: Tom Channon, Mark Lilley, Mariano Sambucetti, Marco Mama, Redford Pennycook, Tom Slater, Tristan Roberts.