Changes to New Zealand Sevens trialists

Posted on Jan 17, 2012 in NZ, Sevens

New Zealand Sevens Coach Gordon Tietjens has made five changes to his trial squad that will assemble in Mount Maunganui today.

Manawatu’s Rob Thompson, Waikato’s Steve Ketu, Tasman’s Shane Christie, Wellington’s George Tilsley and Auckland’s Ben Paltridge have been called into the trial squad as replacements.

Counties Manukau’s Ahsee Tuala, North Harbour’s Ken Pisi, Tasman’s James Lowe and Auckland’s Nathan Hughes are all now unavailable for the trial.

Waikato’s Frank Halai will not attend the trial due to a bereavement.

The sevens trialists are:

Toby	Arnold	Bay of Plenty
Tomasi	Cama	Manawatu
Shane	Christie	Tasman
Frazier	Climo	Taranaki
Scott	Curry	Bay of Plenty
Matt	Faddes	Otago
DJ	Forbes	Counties Manukau
Bryce	Heem	Auckland
Joe	Hill	Otago
Mark	Jackman	Hawke’s Bay
Steve	Ketu	Waikato
Solomon	King	North Harbour
Warwick	Lahmert	Taranaki
Jono	Malo	Waikato
Tim	Mikkelson	Waikato
Kieran	Moffat	Otago
Waisake	Naholo	Taranaki
Kylem	O’Donnell	Taranaki
Ben	Paltridge	Auckland
Charles	Piutau	Auckland
Lote	Raikabula	Wellington
Glen	Robertson	Waikato
Ardie	Savea	Wellington
Ben	Souness	Taranaki
George	Tilsley	Wellington
Rob	Thompson	Manawatu
Nafi	Tuitavake	North Harbour
Lolagi	Visinia	Auckland
Joe	Webber	Waikato
Jack	Wilson	Bay of Plenty

Sailor Stuart sets inspiring standard for Scotland

Posted on Sep 30, 2011 in Scotland, Scottish Rugby

Indomitable spirit, courage and perseverance will be required by Scotland in tomorrow’s crucial and historic Rugby World Cup Pool B meeting with England in Auckland.

But those very qualities have been personified by one supporter whose epic journey to the match has set an inspiring tone for the Scotland team, who must win the match and deprive England of a bonus point to have the best chance of sustaining their interest in the competition through to next week’s knockout stages.

Stuart MacDonald, an experienced sailor from Largs, set out on the River Clyde in his 38ft boat Beyond in May 2010. In the 16 months since his departure he has crossed the Atlantic and the Pacific, undertaking the vast majority of the trip single-handed.

His motivation, since he navigated the Panama Canal earlier this year, was to get to Auckland in time for Saturday 1 October, as a friend had secured him a ticket for the Scotland v England Rugby World Cup match.

Today, Stuart duly arrived in Auckland and was congratulated on his voyage in person by Scotland captain Alastair Kellock.

Kellock said: “We have enjoyed fantastic support while we have been in New Zealand, whether from those who have travelled here or from fans in the country itself.

“But to travel 12,000 miles the hard way is a monumental effort. It’s very humbling and I know the players will be inspired by Stuart’s amazing dedication.”

Stuart explained: “I had set out with the idea of getting to New Zealand for Rugby World Cup and it was about the time that I was approaching the Panama Canal when I knew for sure that I had a ticket for the Scotland v England game.

“It became pretty important to get down here in time for the game! In actual fact the normal boats do not leave the islands to come down here for another month or so because it’s too early in the southern hemisphere spring.

“One or two people said ‘What are you going now for?’ but I just had to get down.”

The last leg of his journey was the 1,000 miles from Tonga. His first attempt he had to about turn as the weather just wasn’t right but he got the break he needed and duly reached Whangerei, north of Auckland on Thursday.

Scottish Rugby’s Director of Communications and Public Affairs, Dominic McKay, said: “We all know that Scotland has the most resourceful and resilient supporters and Stuart’s fantastic voyage to see the team in tomorrow’s game just sums it up.

“We are delighted that he has arrived in time for the game and was able to pass on some details of his journey to our captain.”

Our picture shows Stuart MacDonald, Scotland captain Alastair Kellock and Scottish Rugby’s Dominic McKay.

Sale Sharks sign flanker ONOSA’I AUVA’A

Posted on Sep 29, 2011 in Latest Rugby News

Sale Sharks have signed flanker ONOSA’I AUVA’A on a short–term deal until February.

Aged 26, Onosa’i has been playing for Auckland Blues since 2006, making his debut against the Bulls.  He has represented New Zealand at Under-19 and Under-21 levels, and was a gold medal winner for his country’s Sevens team in the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games.

Sharks Head Coach Tony Hanks said, "He was a player whom I met when he was about 13 and he’s always been a good player. He’s come through the Auckland system like Sammy Tuitupou and Tasesa Lavea, so he knows those guys and will be familiar with them.

“He’s got a big engine and has played for younger New Zealand teams. He’s played a lot of Super 15 games in an Auckland side where he has been competing with very good All Blacks throughout his career. He comes from good  stock. He’s a leader and a very intelligent player, and his sister is a well known singer in New Zealand.  I think he’s talented musically off the field, too.

“We’re confident he can fit straight in. When you are bringing someone in the middle of a season, you are looking for someone who can slot in seamlessly and that’s what Onosa’i will be able to do.

“It’s good timing for him, too, as he’s had a few niggles over the past couple of years, so he hasn’t had the consistent game time that he would have liked. It’s nice fit for him as much as us, as we’re going to get someone who is really motivated.

“This is not someone who is ending their career, this is someone who is looking at a new opportunity and who is really motivated to do well.”

Have fun with the whole All Blacks squad

Posted on Sep 2, 2011 in Latest Rugby News

All Blacks fans have a chance to get up close and have some fun with the whole team on Sunday.

Fans will get to ‘Stand in Black’ alongside the full All Blacks squad at a free event at Auckland’s Pakuranga Rugby Club.

The public will be able to spend Father’s Day in a carnival type atmosphere with fun activities for all ages.

There will be a chance to show off your rugby skills, get photos and signatures from your favourite players, play video games and go wild on bouncy castles.

On Saturday the All Blacks will receive their official Rugby World Cup 2011 welcome in Auckland’s Aotea Square at 3.30pm. This follows today’s visit to 11 towns across New Zealand from Kaeo to Winton.

On Sunday 18 September the All Blacks will have another Fan Day at Christchurch’s Pioneer Stadium, followed by an event in Wellington on Tuesday 27 September (details still to be confirmed).

This Sunday’s event opens at 3.30pm with players in attendance from 5pm. The Pakuranga Rugby Club is on Bells Road in Pakuranga.

Sharks name Sam as the man

Posted on Aug 15, 2011 in Premiership, Sale Sharks

Sale Sharks announce the appointment of Sam Tuitopu as their captain. The 29-year-old New Zealander, who has played for Munster and Worcester Warriors since moving from Southern Hemisphere rugby, captained his country at Under 19 and Under 21 levels, and has also skippered Auckland.

Sharks’ Executive Director of Sport Steve Diamond said, “Sam joined us in the Summer and has been outstanding at training, leading by example and motivating others. He has captaincy experience from his Auckland days. It was a difficult decision – there were three or four lads who ‘stuck their hands in the air’ and wanted to be captain – but we thought that Sam would be here with us and not be playing in internationals. That was one of the considerations with the new team and the new environment at the club: it’s the right way.

“We’re not having vice captains. If Sam is unavailable, we’ll pick a captain as we go forward. We’ve got two other leaders in the group – Joe Ward and Nick Macleod – who are our ‘governors’. They look after discipline for us and that’s how it works out for the team.”