Scots bowl hopes end in the semis

Posted on Apr 3, 2011 in Latest Rugby News

Scotland 7s were knocked out of the Adelaide Sevens Bowl semi-final by the USA today with just one tournament (London) separating them from the eight-leg HSBC Sevens World Series finale at Murrayfield, Edinburgh at the at the end of May (28/29).

After a tough start to the tournament on day one, with consecutive defeats to Cup semi-finalists England (45-7) and seventh-placed Argentina (22-7), a 19-14 win over Papua New Guinea set up today’s Bowl quarter-final with the Cook Islands.

A comfortable clean sheet win over the Islanders (28-0) put the Scots through against the USA where a poor start was their ultimate undoing, despite a gutsy comeback (29-19).

Scotland 7s head coach Graham Shiel, said: “The players took a lot of confidence from the Cook Islands match into the USA game and ultimately we put ourselves in a position to win the semi-final.

“In the second half we were pushing really hard and were accurate for that period to change the momentum of the match but we couldn’t sustain that level of performance and eventually relinquished possession and ultimately the scores.

“At the moment we’re making small advances but without consistency in the squad we take steps backwards which is the frustrating part of our performances.

“Differences in core skills are highlighted most under pressure, especially on a world stage, which is frustrating for the players who work really hard but when the accuracy isn’t there they’re punished, and rightly so at this level.”

Two tries in either half put Scotland through to the semis without conceding a single point.

Andrew Turnbull and Fraser Harkness crossed the line in the first period followed by a second Turnbull score after the break before Andrew Skeen made it four with a minute remaining.

Skeen’s competence to convert remained throughout the match as he slotted four from four to make for a comfortable scoreline against the relatively inexperience Islanders (28-0).

The win lined the Scots up with the USA in the penultimate round, their opponents earning the right to play for a place in the final with a hard-fought quarter-final win over Shield winners Japan (22-19).

Crucial to the Scot’s undoing was their start to the match, as the United States ran in three tries with no reply to make for a daunting half-time score, 19-0.

However, after the interval, it took Scotland just 40 seconds to get their first try with Mike Adamson registering the unconverted effort before Ross Miller added another, two minutes later.

Skeen’s conversion meant that a single converted score separated the teams (19-12) however, despite the Scottish revival, the USA bit back with two unconverted tries to put them all but through to the final (29-12) though the Scots refused to throw in the towel and held on to the ball for a minute and a half after the hooter until Andrew Turnbull crossed for the consolation try which Skeen converted, 29-19.

Elsewhere in the competition, New Zealand extended their lead at the top of the Series table with a tense 28-20 Cup final victory over South Africa to go 13 points clear of England with two HSBC Sevens World Series tournaments remaining, London and then Edinburgh for the Series finale at Murrayfield stadium on 28 and 29 May 2011.

Day two of the Adelaide Sevens
Bowl quarter-final: Scotland 28-0 Cook Islands
Bowl quarter-final: USA 28-19 Scotland

Day one of the Adelaide Sevens
England 45-7 Scotland
Argentina 22-7 Scotland
Scotland 19-14 Papua New Guinea

Scotland squad for Hong Kong and Adelaide Sevens: Mike Adamson (Glasgow Hawks), Tom Bury (Boroughmuir), Graham Fisken (West of Scotland), Michael Fedo (Team Northumbria), Finlay Gillies (Glasgow Warriors elite development/Currie), Fraser Harkness (Selkirk), James Johnstone (Glasgow Warriors elite development/Currie), Jonny Macdonald (Cardiff University), Ross Miller (Glasgow Hawks), Ross Samson (Edinburgh Rugby), Andrew Turnbull (Edinburgh Rugby), Andrew Skeen (Watsonians)

2010/11 HSBC Sevens World Series schedule
Dubai, UAE – 3-4 December 2010
George, South Africa – 10-11 December 2010
Wellington, New Zealand – 4-5 February 2011
Las Vegas, USA – 12-13 February 2011
Hong Kong – 25-27 March 2011
Adelaide, Australia – 2-3 April 2011
London, England – 21-22 May 2011
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – 28-29 MAY 2011

Scrivener to leave Edinburgh

Posted on Mar 29, 2011 in Latest Rugby News

Nick Scrivener, who took on the role of Edinburgh interim head coach following Rob Moffat’s departure in January, has decided to return to his homeland at the end of the season for personal reasons.

The Australian today announced that, as a consequence, he has withdrawn as a candidate for the position of head coach.

Scrivener’s departure will bring to an end a two-year association with the capital club, where he initially acted as an assistant coach specialising in defence.

Explaining his decision, Scrivener said: “This has been a massively difficult call to make, because I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at Edinburgh and feel I’ve progressed as a coach through working with different people and in different competitions.

“I’ve met some great individuals both among the squad and the management team, and I’ve got faith in their ability to take the club forward.

“I’m a rugby man, but first and foremost I’m a family man. My wife and daughters have made huge sacrifices to support me in the last couple of years, and having had the chance to further discuss our future with them, I’ve chosen to withdraw my application and head back to Australia."

“My focus now is on helping Edinburgh follow up Saturday’s great result against the Ospreys by winning our last four Magners League games.”

Craig Docherty, the club’s chief executive, said: “We respect Nick’s decision and his desire to be closer to his young family. The process of identifying and appointing a permanent head coach is ongoing, and we’re working extremely hard to bring in an individual who will ensure the club keeps progressing.”

Steve Meehan to move on from Bath Rugby

Posted on Mar 29, 2011 in Latest Rugby News

Bath Rugby have announced that Steve Meehan will be leaving the Club at the end of the season, by mutual agreement.

He has been instrumental in developing our style of play over the past few seasons and has taken us to three consecutive Premiership semi-finals and won the Challenge Cup in 2008. 

Commenting on the move, Nick Blofeld, Bath Rugby CEO said “We wish Steve all the best for his future after Bath Rugby and thank him for his contribution and commitment over the past few seasons.  With significant changes at the Club and a new strategy and direction in place we have mutually agreed that it is a good point for Steve to seek a new challenge and we wish him luck wherever he goes.” 

Steve Meehan said “Over the past five years we’ve developed our style of play, played some terrific rugby, won the respect of all the clubs in the Premiership and challenged some of the biggest teams in Europe.  It’s been a challenging yet enjoyable period but the timing is right for me to move on at the end of this season and I wish the team every success in years to come. However, the key part of this season is now upon us and before I leave I will be doing everything I can to ensure we are in the play offs and going for the title.”

England sevens pool resources with swimming star Karen Pickering

Posted on Mar 21, 2011 in Latest Rugby News

England have pooled resources with former swimming World Champion Karen Pickering to boost performance going into the second half of the HSBC Sevens World Series.

England are in the Far East preparing for the Cathay Pacific Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens – a pivotal event as they seek to extend their lead in the race for a first ever series title.

And as well as working on the training ground they’ve been raising fitness levels with work in the pool with guidance from the former World, European and Commonwealth gold medallist.

Pickering contacted head coach Ben Ryan via Twitter last year and now runs regular sessions with physiotherapist and conditioner Brett Davison using her KP SWIM Elite programme.

“I was looking at what various other athletes do as part of their training and lots use swimming as part of their rehab but maybe not enough in terms of general fitness,” said Pickering.

“A load of sports use swimming but probably don’t have enough of a background in it to use it as well as they could.

“I was following some of the players and Ben on Twitter and saw he was taking the guys swimming so I made contact and said ‘are you interested in me looking at the swim programme?’

“Brett has a swimming background so he understands the benefits but even so it’s been great to extend his knowledge and show different ways you can work someone’s arms, work someone’s legs, and if you’ve got a particular injury what you can do so they can still keep fit.

“A lot of it is helping Brett deliver better sessions for the team. I can’t be around all the time, much as I’d like to go to New Zealand and Hong Kong with them! Hopefully they’re getting fitter because they’re able to do another work-out without any impact or pounding or getting the knocks they get in other sports.”

As well as the team’s power and fitness levels, Pickering’s work on breath control could ultimately lead to a competitive advantage in terms of endurance at the end of exhausting games often played in hot and humid conditions.

“The more they can work on that I think at the end of games – and certainly with back-to-back games –  that they should be able to recover their breathing and play for longer without really blowing,” she said.

“We’ve definitely got the jump on everybody,” said Davison.

“Going to places like Hong Kong humidity is a massive issue and Karen’s been able to give us some idea about breathing in the pool. The players have definitely struggled to get to the end and there’s definitely been a big training effect.

“I’d stand there in a full-piece suit if I could poolside but I don’t think I’d cut the same figure as she does. They backchat me all the time but the guys gaze intently at her and just do as she says!”

The new regime has impressed England captain Ben Gollings, still intent on adding new weapons to his armoury as he chases a fifth Hong Kong crown.

“It’s pretty cool being taught to swim by one of the country’s best ever swimmers,” said Gollings.

“The sessions are a real bonus. There is a rehab side and then after big trips you can really get the body moving but they’re also a help towards creating more power, strength work for the legs and to your endurance as well. It’s off your feet and you’re not hammering your body although it is very hard work.”

Baillie to move south after season end

Posted on Mar 11, 2011 in Latest Rugby News

Glasgow Warriors chief executive, Kenny Baillie, is to leave his post at the end of the season due to his relocating to London.

Baillie, who joined the Warriors in December 2009, is moving south for personal reasons and will be pursuing new opportunities.

Remaining in position until the end of the current season, Baillie said of his pending departure: “I’m very sorry to be leaving Glasgow Warriors as I thoroughly enjoy working here.

“I firmly believe in the potential of Glasgow Warriors and it’s only a matter of time before it is fully realised. I’m sorry I won’t be here to see it. We have achieved some great milestones recently, most notably qualifying for the inaugural Magners League play-offs last year, and I believe more success will follow in future seasons.

“Working with the players and staff has been absolutely fantastic. Sean and all the support staff are extremely hard working individuals and are a real credit to Scottish Rugby and the rugby community in Scotland. To see some young players develop into world class athletes has also been a privilege and I will genuinely miss that.

“I am, and always will be, a Warriors fan and hope to return to Firhill to see the team in action when I am back in Glasgow.  I remain fully committed to Glasgow Warriors and will continue as Chief Executive until my successor is in post as I want to ensure a smooth transition for everyone.

“I personally thank the Warriors sponsors – RESPONSE, Canterbury, McCrea Financial Services, David Lloyd and Xscape – for their wonderful support alongside the Glasgow season ticket holders who signed up in record numbers last year and the fans who turn up every week. Their support and that of Scottish Rugby will ensure that the club will continue to go from strength to strength.”

Scottish Rugby chief executive, Gordon McKie, added: “As chief executive of the Warriors, Kenny has made a valuable contribution to Glasgow and the wider organisation at Scottish Rugby.

“We will miss his good nature, sense of humour and knowledge of both the rugby and business communities in Glasgow.

“I know that Kenny will be focussed on ensuring the Warriors have a strong finish to the season and overseeing a smooth transfer to his successor.

"He leaves Scottish Rugby with the best wishes of everyone in the organisation.”