Jamie Roberts involved in the Under Armour Combine

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.

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

Nick Evans: a Quin for two more years

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.”

John Steele CE of 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: necessary surgery

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.

“Given that movement in my foot is being affected, it’s obviously in my best interests to have the surgery now.  I’ve been in this situation before and understand what is involved so will get through the surgery and rehab and then look forward to getting back into rugby,” he said.

Dr Robinson said Carter would initially be in a cast to allow the ankle joint to settle before he could resume rugby training, with a recovery period of up to eight weeks required.

All Blacks Coach Graham Henry said:  “Dan is the ultimate rugby professional when it comes to injury rehabilitation and, with the help of the All Blacks medical staff, he will be getting the best treatment possible and we look forward to his return to rugby.”

Henry said if the rehabilitation timeframe went to plan Carter would be available for selection for the All Blacks end of year tour to Hong Kong and the United Kingdom.

“Looking ahead to the Sydney Test, the selectors will look at a replacement player for Dan so we will be watching a bit of ITM Cup rugby over the next two weekends and confirm the player in due course,” Henry added.

Meanwhile, a number of the All Blacks squad have again been made available for ITM Cup games, if required by their provinces, over the next two weekends ahead of the All Blacks departure to Australia on Sunday 5 September.

The matches and players available for selection (in brackets) are as follows:

ITM Cup Week 5

• Waikato (Liam Messam) v Counties Manukau, Hamilton, Sat 28 Aug.
• Wellington (Victor Vito) v Northland (Rene Ranger), Wellington, Sat 28 Aug.
• Canterbury v Auckland (John Afoa, Benson Stanley), Christchurch, Sat 28 Aug.
• Manawatu (Aaron Cruden) v Hawke’s Bay (Israel Dagg), Palmerston North, Sun 29 Aug.
• Bay of Plenty v North Harbour (Anthony Boric), Rotorua, Sun 29 Aug.

ITM Cup Week 6

• Counties Manukau v Tasman (Ben Franks), Pukekohe, Thurs 2 Sept.
• Canterbury (Corey Flynn, Owen Franks, Sam Whitelock) v Bay of Plenty, Fri 3 Sept.
• Manawatu v Wellington (Victor Vito), Palmerston North, Sat 4 Sept.
• Northland (Rene Ranger) v Southland, Whangarei, Sat 4 Sept.
• North Harbour (Anthony Boric) v Waikato (Liam Messam), North Shore City, Sat 4 Sept.

Onwards and upwards for England

Rob Andrew has saluted the leadership of Steve Borthwick and hailed the arrival of England’s new generation. On the day the England Elite Player Squads were announced, the RFU’s Elite Rugby Director told the RFU Podcast, “Steve’s done a fantastic job in a difficult period of rebuilding. “He carried himself and the England team well and it was a very tough call (to leave him out of the senior squad).”

With Borthwick recovering from injury, the door opened for the likes of Dave Attwood and Courtney Lawes to shine and Andrew added, “We’ve tried hard to create real competition and strength in depth. With so many young players coming through, all the players know they have to perform to hang on to their shirt.”

There have been 11 changes to the EPS announced in January, including the elevation of Attwood and Dan Cole and addition of Lawes, whilst Borthwick has been included in the England Saxons EPS.

England’s five-match Australasia tour included three midweek matches. “Those midweek matches were just as important – if not more so – that the Test matches because they gave that next level of player the chance to play in some very competitive games,” added Andrew.

The England Podcast can be downloaded here

The squad will be led by co-captains Sonia Green and Michaela Staniford. Both are experienced 7s specialists with Wasps wing Staniford involved in last year’s Rugby World Cup 7s campaign in Dubai, which saw England win the Plate.

Co-Captain Michaela Staniford

England will be coached by Barry Maddocks and Susie Appleby. Head Coach Maddocks said: “We have got a nice blend of experience and up and coming players in this squad. Both Sonia and Michaela are proven 7s players and they will lead the team well while the likes of Fran Matthews and Kim Oliver are England regulars. This will also be a great opportunity for the likes of Hannah Field and Rose Fong from the England Under 20s. Although this is our one and only 7s tournament of the season we are determined to retain our title.”

In the pool stages, England will play Sweden, Italy and Germany on Saturday July 10th. They will also play France on Sunday 11th in the final pool match before the knock out stages commence that day.

England 7s

• Sonia Green ~ Saracens
• Gemma Sharples ~ Worcester
• Michaela Staniford ~ Wasps
• Hannah Field ~ Wasps
• Sarah Guest ~ Worcester
• Georgina Roberts Darlington ~ Mowden Park Sharks
• Jennifer Edwards Darlington ~ Mowden Park Sharks
• Francesca Mathews ~ Richmond
• Kimberley Oliver ~ Bristol
• Rose Fong Darlington ~ Mowden Park Sharks

Winn rejoins Pirates

The Cornish Pirates have confirmed that centre Steve Winn will be making a quick return to the club, having been offered and having signed a new contract.

Bridgend born, the former Wales A and Gwent Dragons player, aged 32, has been involved playing rugby since the introduction of professionalism.

An experienced performer, who first joined the Pirates in 2006 and has played over 100 games for the club, Steve joyously touched down the first of two tries scored by the Pirates against Munster in the British & Irish Cup final.

Greg Laidlaw

Greig Laidlaw will captain a new-look Edinburgh side for the trip to Magners League champions Munster on Friday evening (19 February, kick off 8pm, live on Setanta Ireland) and head coach Rob Moffat believes the scrum-half has the right skill-set to lead the side to a positive result.

Laidlaw, 24, signed a new two year contract with Edinburgh on Monday and has been rewarded with the captaincy for the trip to Cork to face the tournament title holders.

Moffat says that his elevation to captain was a logical choice and will lead to a seamless transition should replacement Mike Blair be introduced into the action during the game.

Moffat said: “Greig is playing consistently well and I think he is a natural leader.

“At scrum half, he is in a good position to captain the side and, with Mike on the bench, it means if we make the change then there is a straight swap.”

Laidlaw forms a half-back combination with David Blair, who makes his first appearance for Edinburgh since damaging his ankle against Bath in December.

National Academy stand-off Rory Hutton, who made his Edinburgh debut against Cardiff last month, is named amongst the replacements and Moffat says both playmakers have overcome injury problems to be selected.

He added: “Both David and Rory haven’t had the easiest times recently. David hasn’t played for a while, but he has trained for the past couple of weeks and Rory has been recovering from a broken finger.

“So David starts for the first time since he was man-of-the-match against Scarlets with Rory on the bench and we saw what he can do against Cardiff.”

Moffat says he is pleased to be able to field lock Jim Hamilton for the match at Musgrave Park – even though the big forward featured for 70 minutes for Scotland against Wales.

He said: “I think it is right for Jim to play because he hasn’t played a lot of rugby so far this season. We are delighted he is available and I’m sure he will make an impact.

“Another game under his belt will stand Jim in good stead for Scotland when the Six Nations programme restarts.”

Edinburgh’s back three has been reshuffled with Ben Cairns required to occupy the full-back berth with both Jim Thompson (knee) and Chris Paterson (kidney) ruled out.

Moffat says he is excited about the challenge ahead and believes Edinburgh’s journey towards the Grand Final starts in Cork.

He said: “Now with just seven matches remaining before the play-offs, it is imperative that we get as much as we can from every game and we are looking forward to the challenge of facing Munster.

“We know just how strong Munster are – both home and away – so it will be a thorough test for our players and one we will be prepared for.”

Vice captain Allister Hogg is still expected to be out for a few months after undergoing surgery to repair a hip problem at Spire Murrayfield Hospital in December.

Stand off Phil Godman (head knock) and hooker Sean Crombie (ankle) are unavailable for selection.

Both versatile back Thompson and flanker Ross Rennie are recovering from minor knee injuries while Scott Newlands (eye) is also nearing a return to competitive action.

Long term casualty Simon Cross is still out with a knee injury along with Andrew Easson (knee).

Coach Kingsley Jones wants discipline against Leeds

Kingsley Jones is preparing for Sale Sharks Guinness Premiership match against Leeds Carnegie this Friday by concentrating on discipline.

Jones admits, “Leeds will be hard to beat. They’ve got a good set piece and they’re desperate for a win. It’s a game that a lot of things hinge on so we really need to improve our discipline in our game.”

The Sharks have given away 34 penalties so far this season which puts them in sixth place alongside Harlequins and London Wasps. “Every team is going to give penalties away. That’s life” said Jones. “If you set yourself targets, maybe get four or six for the team, then that’s good. Obviously people get tired and people make mistakes. This week, against Leeds, we can’t afford to give penalties away because of the territory they will gain.”

After a 16 – 22 defeat against London Wasps last weekend, Kingsley identified, “There were a couple of obvious penalties given to Wasps. It feels like three points were dropped, not one point gained to be honest with you. But we’ve come back into training this week and worked hard with the players so they understand the laws.”

“I’ve explained to the players this week exactly what’s required of them in the tackle area etcetera. We work very hard to make sure it’s clear regarding what they’re allowed to do and what they’re not allowed to do. Obviously, that’s in the perfect world, where they’d pick the ball up and score a try every time I told them to, and be disciplined. Unfortunately, that’s not reality. All we can do is keep working, analysing and making sure everybody does their best.”

Jones warns players ahead of this Friday’s match, “There are some stupid penalties that have to stop and we’ve said from the start of the season that we will select a team on discipline as well. Some players are better with discipline than others so they’ll start in front of them. Ultimately, the Premiership is so tight, discipline will cost you games and we cannot afford that against Leeds at home this Friday.”