Chiefs sign Horstmann

Posted on May 4, 2012 in Exeter Chiefs, Premiership

Exeter Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter says he is looking forward to working with new recruit Kai Horstmann after the back-row forward today completed his move from Aviva Premiership rivals Worcester Warriors.

The 30-year-old, who has agreed a two-year deal with the Chiefs, has become Baxter’s sixth new capture ahead of the 2012/13 campaign, linking up next term with fellow newcomers Dean Mumm, Ian Whitten, Will Chudley, Alex Brown and Jack Yeandle.

Horstmann arrives at Sandy Park having previously played for both Harlequins and Worcester, the latter of whom he has been with since 2005.

Welcoming the Harare-born forward to the Chiefs, Baxter said: “We are a team that is looking to improve and keep strengthening all the time and we feel Kai is a very experienced Premiership performer.

“He is a guy who I have had a very close look at and I like the way he plays. I think he will fit in very well for us; he’s mobile and athletic; reads the line-out well and the basics of his game stand up very well.”

Having closely monitored Horstmann, who has previously represented both England Saxons and England Sevens, Baxter admitted he was impressed by the player’s all-round capabilities, particularly in a number of his displays earlier this season.

“We’ve had a good look at him and we think he is a guy with a lot still to give,” said the coach. “He’s 30, but that is not that old for a back-row forward. His experience, especially going into the Heineken Cup, is also a big factor for us as is his ability to play in a similar way to the back-row forwards we like.

“As I said, he’s athletic and mobile; a good ball handler; a good distributor; he’s also a good line-out athlete, so those are all things we like in our players. For us we saw this as a good fit all around, especially as Kai was coming to an end of his contract at Worcester, plus we were looking to bring some more experience into what is already a very strong back-row unit.”

(more…)

Scottish Exiles’ James Brown to retire from the game

Posted on May 3, 2012 in Championship, London Scottish

James Brown, London Scottish player/backs coach, has announced his retirement from the game.

Brown has been part of both the coaching and playing set up at London Scottish for the past four years after spells with Coventry, London Irish and Worcester Warriors.

He won the Powergen Cup with London Irish in 2002, and also represented England at ‘A’ level and England 7s. He also appeared for the Barbarians in the annual Mobbs Memorial Match in 2010.

An integral part of the team both on and off the pitch that brought London Scottish up to the Championship, ‘Brownie’ now feels the time is right to take the next step in his career.

Brown: “I’ve had an amazing 4 years playing and coaching at London Scottish and have memories I will never forget; two promotions in 3 years, the last minute try at Barking and the last game of the season decider v Esher to name a few.

After fulfilling my promise to Rod Lynch and Malcolm Gillespie when I first joined to get Scottish to the Championship in 4 years, I feel it’s time to work out what’s next for me.

(more…)

John Muldoon looks forward to the challenge

Posted on May 2, 2012 in Connacht, Irish Rugby

As Connacht head to Glasgow for the final RaboDirect PRO12 game of the season, recently crowned Connacht Rugby’s Mazda Player of the Year John Muldoon spoke about the challenges the Warriors pose:

"It’s a massive game for us, it’s the end of the season and we are determined to finish on a high. We’ve had some great recent results and some of our performances of late have been exceptionally high so we’re looking to build on that and finish well for the season. It’s been an up and down year but it’s also been a bit of a breakthrough for the club regards the Heineken Cup and we’re delighted to be back in there again. I think everyone appreciates and understands how big the Heineken Cup really is and we’re no different and we’re looking forward to it being bigger and better next season but for now we’re concentrating on this weekend."

"Glasgow are riding high in the league at the moment, their coach is leaving, they’re leaving Firhill and they are also gunning for a top four position so we know the pressure’s on them and they’ll be coming out all guns blazing but at the same time we’re looking to cause an upset and finish a record 8th, that would be a very good return for us this season."

(more…)

Edinburgh sign two new second rows

Posted on May 2, 2012 in Edinburgh, Scottish Rugby

Edinburgh Rugby continued to power up their playing squad for next season with the signing of a pair of quality second-row forwards, both on two year deals.

Following the confirmed departure of Esteban Lozada, the club has acted swiftly to bolster the boiler house with the capture of Perry-John Parker from English Championship side, Esher, and elite development player and Scotland under-20 cap Robert McAlpine, who will join the 2012 Heineken Cup semi-finalists until 2014.

Parker and McAlpine join six other new faces making their way to Murrayfield next season, including South African prop WP Nel; All Black back and former Junior World Player of the Year, Ben Atiga; and Welsh caps John Yapp (prop) and Richie Rees (scrum-half), while 19 of the club’s top performing players have extended contracts.

Head coach Michael Bradley, said: “It’s very exciting for Edinburgh Rugby to have secured two very promising young locks at crucial stages of their respective careers.

“While we’ll continue to refine the expansive, attacking play for which the club is famous, we’re keen to introduce a harder, more aggressive edge to our play, and believe this pair will work tirelessly to lay the platform from which our back division can play.

“Both players have real quality, are exceptionally committed, and will develop into top-class second-rows for Edinburgh Rugby.”

At 6’8” and 118kg, 24-year-old Parker is a fast, dynamic ball-carrying second-row, renowned for his pace, contact skills and deft touch in the lineout.

In his early 20s, he captained Haywards Heath before making a big impression with Esher in his debut championship season, before looking to progress his career at a higher level.

The big lock explained that when the call came, he jumped at the chance to pull on the black and red of Edinburgh Rugby.

He said: “I knew that the Edinburgh Rugby coaches had seen some of my tapes so I was delighted to get the chance to meet them and talk about the club’s achievements, ambitions and off-field culture.

“It’s a massive opportunity for me. To be in the mix with a club like Edinburgh Rugby is really exciting.

“The club’s quarter-final win over Toulouse was inspirational and I can’t wait to be part of that next season.”

(more…)

Agulla lands Leicester Tigers awards double

Posted on May 2, 2012 in Leicester Tigers, Premiership

Horacio Agulla was a double winner at the Leicester Tigers Supporters’ Annual Awards.

More than 400 supporters joined the Tigers coaching staff and players for Tuesday night’s awards dinner in the Premiership Suite in the Caterpillar Stand at Welford Road.

Agulla won the fans’ vote for the Player of the Year and Try of the Season for his dramatic late score against Northampton Saints at Welford Road.

The Argentina international wing, who has scored six tries in 23 appearances this season, said: “I would like to thank the supporters for voting for me. Leicester Tigers is a special club and it is an honour to be named player of the year.”

George Chuter, the Premiership’s record appearance-maker, took home an Omega watch courtesy of sponsors Goldsmiths, after winning the Outstanding Service award.

Chuter said: “This is a great place to be. It is full of history and you can see that every match day at Welford Road.

“The club, the coaches, the set-up and the fans are fantastic and it is all conducive to a really great rugby club. That makes people come here and stay here.”

Back rower Julian Salvi, who has scored five tries in 28 appearances, won the Best Newcomer award and said: “It means everything to be part of this rugby club and to receive the award.

“I am aware of the quality of the Tigers players who have worn the No 7 shirt in the past. It spurs you on and makes you want to strive to be better.”

(more…)