Under Armour introduces Welsh youngsters to pro training

Posted on Oct 3, 2010 in Under Armour, Welsh Rugby

Sports performance brand, Under Armour, together with the WRU has given young athletes the opportunity to participate in high level training and testing with American Athletes. Known as a “Combine”, the first ever UK Rugby events took place in Wales when the Under Armour WRU Combine Tour travelled to Cardiff, Ebbw Vale, Swansea, Carmarthen and Colwyn Bay to offer young rugby players a 360 degree approach to training and development.

The programme was developed by Under Armour in partnership with IMG Academies and this is the first time this exciting and revolutionary concept has been used in the field of rugby training.

Each athlete receives elite training performance evaluations from professional Under Armour and WRU personnel, designed to help them reach their full athletic potential. This is measure through a series of rigorous tests, which gauge the aptitude of each participant.

Split into groups of 50 or more, the youngsters were coached by professional representatives from Under Armour, WRU and IMG Academies. Several professional rugby players were also present to lend a hand and provide some tips and insight learned from their own careers. Wales centre, Jamie Roberts; Richie Rees, Cardiff Blues and Wales scrum half; and Will Harries of Newport Gwent Dragons – a recent addition to the Wales International squad – attended to show youngsters their encouragement and support.

Under Armour

Under Armour is a leading developer, marketer, and distributor of branded performance apparel, footwear, and accessories. Born on the American football field, Under Armour is expanding its mission to “make all athletes better” on a global scale through grassroots training and performance initiatives. Under Armour is the official kit supplier of the WRU and recognizes the intense physical demands of rugby.

Under Armour’s commitment to excellence in sport extends to helping athletes from all disciplines achieve their optimum potential. The Combine partnership presents a unique opportunity for the brand to become more involved with world class youth athletes and consolidate its commitment to the sport of rugby.

Harley rewarded with first XV start

Posted on Sep 16, 2010 in Irish Rugby, Magners League, Scottish Rugby

Robert Harley gets a starting slot against Connacht

Head coach Sean Lineen has named the Glasgow Warriors team to play Connacht in the Magners League at Firhill tomorrow night (Friday 17 September, kick-off 7.30pm).

Flanker Robert Harley, who has impressed off the bench in recent weeks, will get his first start of the season when he runs out the Firhill tunnel alongside captain John Barclay.

On the young prospect, Lineen said: “Robert is being rewarded for all his hard work. He’s got a fantastic attitude and has made a big impact every time he’s come on.”

Although the Warriors haven’t lost at home to an Irish side since Ulster on 17 April 2009, they will face a Connacht side that are coming into the encounter off the back of two straight wins.

Speaking about tomorrow night’s opposition, Lineen continued: “Tomorrow night will be a huge physical test.

“Connacht are coming into the game with some momentum, so we know we’re going to have to really front up.”

Glasgow supporters under the age of 18 are reminded that Friday night’s game is a ‘Band of Warriors’ fixture.

Members of Glasgow Warriors’ young supporters club, Band of Warriors, receive two free tickets (an adult and a child) to a game at Firhill and the briefs issued so far this season can be used on Friday night.

Glasgow Warriors team to play Connacht at Firhill on Friday 17 September (kick-off 7.30pm)

15 Bernardo Stortoni

14 DTH van der Merwe
13 Max Evans
12 Graeme Morrison
11 Hefin O’Hare

10 Ruaridh Jackson
9 Colin Gregor

1 Jon Welsh
2 Fergus Thomson
3 Ed Kalman
4 Tom Ryder
5 Richie Gray
6 Robert Harley
7 John Barclay CAPTAIN
8 Richie Vernon

Substitutes
16 Pat MacArthur
17 Kevin Tkachuk
18 Moray Low
19 Aly Muldowney
20 Calum Forrester
21 Henry Pyrgos
22 Duncan Weir
23 Peter Murchie

Quins announce re-signing of Nick Evans

Posted on Sep 10, 2010 in English Rugby, Premiership, Rugby News

Kiwi fly-half, Nick Evans, has signed a 2 year contract extension which will  keep him at the London club until the summer of 2013.

Capped 16 times by the New Zealand All Blacks, and scoring over 100 points, Evans joined Quins in the summer of 2008 from Super 14 side, Aukland Blues.

Going into his third season with Quins, Evans is known for his marshalling of the game, his blistering turn of pace and great vision. He has scored some memorable tries during his time with the London Club and his  last minute drop goal against Stade Francais in the 2008/2009 season will definitely go down as one of the most exciting and memorable moments in Heineken Cup history.

Exciting and electric on the pitch, Nick Evans is a pleasure to watch, and after joining Quins from New Zealand two seasons ago, the All Black seems to be quite at home in his newly adopted capital.

Harlequins Director of Rugby, Conor O’Shea, says:

“Whether you are a coach, player or supporter of Harlequins, this is fantastic news for everyone at the club. Nick is a world class player who fits everything that this club wants to be and is also hugely motivated to win silverware with Quins. I am also sure he will continue to help in the development of the 20-year-old Rory Clegg”

Nick Evans, says:

“Harlequins allow me to play the style of rugby that I believe brings out the best in me as a player. We have a great team here at Quins, right the way down from the International and senior players, to the academy boys who are breaking through, to the coaches. I am happy both on and off the pitch, and am looking forward over the next 2 years to helping the club compete for those top table places and challenge for silverware.”

Man of steele at the top of the RFU

Posted on Sep 9, 2010 in English Rugby, RFU

John Steele took up the top job in English rugby this week as the RFU’s new Chief Executive and spelled out his vision for the long-term future of the game.

The former Northampton Saints fly half and Heineken Cup winning coach joins from UK Sport after overseeing the development of Britain’s Olympic teams and will bring that know-how back into rugby.

At the core is how England will exploit the opportunities generated by hosting Rugby World Cup 2015.

“There are some clear parallels from the Olympics. First how do we put on a great show and how is the investment we put into the event going to help our sport and our game,” said Steele. “The Rugby World Cup in 2015 presents a real opportunity for us to grow the game in all sorts of areas. It’s an event that can really drive positive change.”

Dan Carter to undergo ankle surgery

Posted on Aug 23, 2010 in Rugby News

All Blacks first five–eighth Dan Carter is to undergo ankle surgery ruling him out of rugby for up to eight weeks.

The surgery means Carter will be unavailable for the All Blacks final Investec Tri Nations match against Australia in Sydney on 11 September.

All Blacks Doctor Deb Robinson said Carter had been troubled by niggling pain in his right ankle throughout the year but had still managed to play rugby to his typical high standard.

“However, it’s reached the point now where it is restricting his ankle flexibility and, in turn, affecting his calf muscle strength, so now is the right time to have surgery,” Dr Robinson said.

Dr Robinson said the surgery, which will take place in Christchurch on Tuesday afternoon, would involve removing loose material from the joint at the back of his ankle.  A bone spur would also be removed from the front of his ankle.

Carter said he was remaining positive about the need for surgery and the resulting layoff from rugby.

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