So’oialo back as Henry names Tokyo Bledisloe side

Posted on Oct 28, 2009 in Rugby News

All Blacks Coach Graham Henry and his Assistant Coaches Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith have named the All Blacks team to play the Nissui Tokyo Bledisloe Cup Test against Australia at the National Olympic Stadium, Tokyo, on Saturday 31 October.

The starting XV features three changes from the side which beat Australia in Wellington in the final Investec Tri Nations Test last month. 60-Test All Blacks veteran Rodney So’oialo returns to the number eight spot, with Kieran Read moving onto the bench, while in the backs Sitiveni Sivivatu and Conrad Smith have returned from injury to take their positions on the left wing and centre respectively. On the bench, Corey Flynn comes in as reserve hooker, with the uncapped Tamati Ellison covering the outside backs.

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Parma rescued by Vickery

Posted on Oct 23, 2009 in Rugby News

Arriving late into the UK yesterday Italian team Rugby Parma FC were distraught to find their luggage containing their playing kit not on board!

Facing Leeds Carnegie today in the Amlin Challenge Cup match, Parma could have found themselves facing a hefty fine if not able to play in their white strip.

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Scarlets head coach keeps faith with successful Scarlets

Posted on Oct 22, 2009 in Rugby News

Scarlets head coach Nigel Davies has kept faith with the matchday squad which has brought Heineken Cup success as they prepare to face the Newport Gwent Dragons (Parc y Scarlets, Fri Oct 23, 7.05pm).

There will be starts again for try-scoring heroes Daniel Evans (full-back) and skipper Mark Jones (wing) along with British Lions Stephen Jones (outside-half) and Matthew Rees (hooker).

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Gatland preparing to name Welsh squad

Posted on Oct 20, 2009 in Rugby News

Wales coach Warren Gatland announces his squad for the Invesco Perpetual Series ’09 on Sunday and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Lying ahead of his squad is a four match series that will see Wales play three teams who sit above them in the official IRB World Rankings and a fourth who will be rivals in their Rugby World Cup Pool in 2011.

IRB World Rankings

1. SOUTH AFRICA 91.69
2. NEW ZEALAND 89.61
3. AUSTRALIA 85.15
4. IRELAND 83.27
5. FRANCE 81.48
6. ARGENTINA 81.29
7. ENGLAND 81.23
8. WALES 80.74
9. FIJI 76.52
10. SCOTLAND 75.23
11. SAMOA 73.48
12. ITALY 71.23

Bring on the mighty All Blacks, Samoa, Argentina and Australia – the Millennium Stadium is getting ready to serve up a feast of rugby with the games against New Zealand and Australia already sell-outs in the public areas.

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Jake Boer signs for Gloucester

Posted on Oct 19, 2009 in Rugby News

Gloucester Rugby have moved to boost their depleted forward resources with the signing of former skipper and Kingsholm favourite Jake Boer on a short term contract. Missing several first team regulars due to injury at present, Gloucester needed to bring in back row help and have turned to their former captain.

Head Coach Bryan Redpath confirmed today:

“It’s no secret that we’ve had a rough time of it in recent weeks because of injuries and are missing quite a few players.”

“We need someone to come in and do a job for us and we could think of no-one better than Jake. He’s been playing in South Africa so is in great physical condition and is raring to go.”

“He’s well known to a lot of us at the club and loves Gloucester and he’s potentially going to be a very valuable asset.”

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