Fitzgerald agrees new Leinster deal

Posted on Mar 26, 2013 in Leinster

Leinster Rugby have announced that Luke Fitzgerald has agreed a new two-year deal with the province.

Fitzgerald, 25, has played 108 times for the province to date (scoring 26 tries) and was a key member of Leinster’s Magners League (2007/08) and three Heineken Cup successes (in 2009, 2011 and 2012).

He made his debut for Leinster at the age of 19 and the versatile former Blackrock College back featured in Ireland’s recent Six Nations campaign and was selected for the 2009 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa. To date he has made 26 international appearances.

Commenting on the news of his contract extension Luke Fitzgerald said: “I’m delighted to commit my future here. It is hugely frustrating to miss the run-in to the campaign but I’m looking forward to beginning my rehab over the coming weeks and getting back in a blue shirt next season.”

Leinster Coach Joe Schmidt added: “We are delighted that a player of Luke’s ability has committed his future to the province. At just 25, his best years are ahead of him and hopefully he’ll be back better than ever early next season.”

Leinster announce Nacewa departure

Posted on Mar 21, 2013 in Leinster

Leinster Rugby have today confirmed that Isa Nacewa will leave the province at the end of the season and retire from professional rugby due to family reasons.

Nacewa, 30, joined Leinster in the summer of 2008 and has played a pivotal role in the province’s three Heineken Cup titles.

Capped 116 times to date, the Aucklander has accumulated 375 points in all competitions.

In 2011 Nacewa was named both the Irish Rugby Union Players’ Association (IRUPA) and the Leinster Rugby Bank of Ireland Player of the Year, as well as being chosen as full-back on the ‘PRO12 Dream Team’ for 2011 and was shortlisted for the ERC European Player of the Year.

Leinster expect to announce news of a new signing in the coming weeks.

Commenting on the news, Leinster coach Joe Schmidt said: “I’ve known Isa for a number of years. He’s universally respected due to the quality of his character, his athleticism, skill and commitment.

“He has been great value for us, not just on the field where he has provided a string of highlights but off the field also, where he has contributed enormously to the development of the players around him.”

“He’s hugely popular amongst supporters and hopefully they will enjoy a few more outstanding performances from Isa in the coming weeks."

Albion announce first new signing of the New 2013/2014 season

Posted on Mar 21, 2013 in Plymouth Albion

Plymouth Albion have announced their first new signing for the 2013/2014 season is Eoghan Grace, Back row/ Second Row from Connacht Rugby.

Plymouth Albion can reveal that Eoghan has signed a contract with the Club to start pre-season training with the team in June.

Eoghan has an impressive CV and Rugby back ground, at the age of 25, born in Clonmel Tipperary, he weighs in at 100KGs and is 1.88m in Height.

Eoghan will move with his wife, originally from Devon, to Ivybridge.

Eoghan has represented his country on two occasions internationally for the 7’s and the Ireland Under 20’s

Nat Saumi, Head Coach and Director of Rugby at Plymouth Albion said, "This is a good signing for the club, and he has been playing in Connacht who are in the RaboDirect  PRO12 and also in the Heineken Cup. He was with Exeter Chiefs last season, so has had experience in playing for a Premiership Club. For him to be involved in those two class competitions, I feel proud to have him with Albion next season. "

London Welsh sign Argentina international Gonzalo Tiesi

Posted on Jan 29, 2013 in London Welsh

London Welsh have strengthened their options at centre with the signing Argentina’s Gonzalo Tiesi.

Tiesi, 27, has previously enjoyed spells in the Aviva Premiership with London Irish and Harlequins and joins Welsh after being recalled to the Argentina side for last year’s autumn internationals, following his impressive form for Buenos Aires side San Isidro Club.

He immediately justified that recall by helping the Puma’s to victory over Wales at the Millennium Stadium.

Capped 32 times by Argentina, Tiesi made his international debut in 2004 against South Africa and featured at the 2007 and 2011 World Cups.

Tiesi joined London Irish in 2004 from San Isidro Club before moving to Harlequins in 2008.
In his first season at the Twickenham Stoop he helped the club reach the Premiership semi-finals and the quarter-finals of the Heineken Cup. He joined Stade Francais in 2011.

In all, Tiesi made 40 appearances in the Premiership during his spells at London Irish and Harlequins, while also making 26 appearances in Europe in the Heineken Cup and Amlin Challenge Cup.

London Welsh head coach Lyn Jones said: “The signing of Gonzalo Tiesi is a very significant one by the club. He’s a proven and very experienced Premiership player who has had positive spells at London Irish and Harlequins in the past.

“He’s also a player of true international quality and he proved himself again over the autumn period with Argentina. We look forward to Gonzalo adding a great deal to the playing and training environment at London Welsh.”

Stalwart Swift signs for another year with Connacht Rugby

Posted on Jan 25, 2013 in Connacht

Connacht Rugby is delighted to announce that veteran lock Michael Swift has signed a contract extension keeping him at the club for at least another season.

The longest serving player for Connacht has chalked up a record 157 league appearances and has also played 70 games in the Heineken Cup and Amlin Challenge during his 14 seasons with Connacht.

Born in London in 1977, "Swifty" played for Richmond as flanker before spending a season at Leeds Tykes. He joined Connacht in 2000 and earned his first cap for the province against Ulster that year whilst also playing for Galwegians RFC in the All Ireland League.

He earned his 100th cap for Connacht against Montpellier in December 2006, becoming the 5th Connacht player to do so and in 2009 he earned his 100th league cap against the Cardiff Blues.

In 2010 Michael Swift was honoured with the Galway Bay FM Sports Award for Rugby, the same year he scored one of Connacht Rugby’s most memorable tries in their 27-13 victory over Leinster in the Sportsground.

He became the first player in Connacht’s history to reach the 200th cap milestone when he lined out against Edinburgh in September 2011.

The 6’5", 120kg second row remains a regular fixture, having played in 12 of Connacht´s RaboDirect Pro12 games this season as well as four Heineken Cup games, and shows no sign of slowing down.

He said: "I’m delighted to have signed for another year with Connacht Rugby. It’s an exciting time to be involved with the province and in a squad that is shaping up nicely for next season. I’ve been here a long time now but every season, every game, it’s still so exciting to me and I feel I have a lot more to give."

When Swift was appointed ‘Club Captain’ for the current season, Head Coach Eric Elwood spoke about the loyalty and commitment of his former teammate, saying:

"Swifty is a fantastic ambassador for the club. He plays 100% on and off the field. He acts as a great support to the management, the players and the sponsors. And he is an incredible role model for the younger players coming up through the ranks. There is a lot of respect there for Swifty, both within the club and from the supporters and wider community."

Michael Swift

- DOB: 18th October 1977
- Birthplace: Hammersmith, England
- Height: 1.96m (6’5")
- Weight: 120 kg (18 st 12 lb)
- Position: Lock
- Club Captain 2012/13

In numbers:

- 14 seasons with Connacht
- 234 Connacht caps
- 157 league appearances
- 70 ERC appearances
- Played 16 games this season (out of 19)