England Women’s team named to take on Italy in RBS 6 Nations

Posted on Feb 7, 2012 in England, English Rugby, Women's Rugby

England Women’s Head Coach Gary Street has rung the changes ahead of Sunday’s Six Nations clash against Italy, kick off 2pm GMT, at the Centro Sportivo in Parabiago, Milan.                                             

On the back of England’s opening nine try, 47-0, victory against Scotland, England head to Italy in confident spirits. Lichfield Number 8 Sarah Hunter will skipper England with captain Katy McLean rested on the bench. There are also first Six Nations starts this season for Worcester’s Rochelle Clark, Darlington Mowden Park Sharks’ Tamara Taylor, Wasps’ La Toya Mason and Bristol’s Kim Oliver.

Hooker Amy Tuner and prop Laura Keates come off the bench to form a new front row partnership with Clark, whilst Ceri Large and Mason are the half backs for this match. Wing Georgina Roberts is also called off the bench to start alongside Kay Wilson whilst Lichfield’s Emily Scarratt moves to full back.

Street, whose side are gunning for a seventh consecutive title and another Grand Slam, said: “I am delighted to welcome back some of our more experienced players for our game against Italy. They will bring calmness and experience to our squad and help to take our performance up another level, whilst some of our younger players; Ceri Large, Laura Keates and Izzy Noel-Smith will have the chance to stake their claim for the shirt as they start.

“We had a good result against Scotland to kick start our campaign, but there is a lot to improve on, including our execution and I will be looking for the team to do that this weekend. Italy had a good second half against an on-form French side last weekend, conceding only one try in that period, so we are expecting an even tougher game this Sunday.”

England

15        Emily  Scarratt          (Lichfield)

14        Georgina       Roberts          (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)

13        Rachael         Burford (VC)(Richmond)

12        Kimberley      Oliver  (Bristol)

11        Kay     Wilson            (Bristol)

10        Ceri     Large  (Worcester)

9          La Toya          Mason            (Wasps)

1          Rochelle        Clark   (Worcester)

2          Amy    Turner            (Richmond)

3          Laura  Keates            (Worcester)

4          Rowena         Burnfield       (Richmond)

5          Tamara           Taylor(Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)

6          Isabelle          Noel-Smith    (Bristol)

7          Marlie Packer            (Bristol)

8          SarahHunter (C)     (Lichfield)

Replacements:                               

16        Victoria           Fleetwood     (Lichfield)

17        Claire             Purdy  (Wasps)

18        Emily  Braund           (Lichfield)

19        Hannah         Gallagher      (Saracens)

20        Georgina       Rozario          (Lichfield)

21        Katy    McLean          (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)

22        Katherine      Merchant       (Worcester)

England’s Six Nations Fixtures:

February 5th 2012, Scotland v England, Lasswade, Edinburgh, WON 47-0

February 12th 2012, Italy v England, Parabiago, Nr Milan, KO 2pm GMT

February 25th, 2012, England v Wales, Twickenham Stadium, KO 615pm

Live on the BBC Red Button and on www.bbc.co.uk/sport. Free entry to the stadium after the men’s Six Nations match.

March 11th, 2012, France v England, Stade Charlety, Paris, KO 1245pm GMT

Live on Sky Sport HD2 Red Button.

March 17th 2012 England v Ireland, Esher RFC, KO 2pm.

Ireland team to play Italy shows 8 changes

Posted on Sep 30, 2011 in Ireland, Irish Rugby, Rugby News, Rugby World Cup

The Ireland team to play Italy in the final Rugby World Cup Pool C match against Italy this Sunday shows eight changes and one positional switch to the starting side that played Russia in the last game.

Tommy Bowe comes onto the right wing in place of Fergus McFadden. Captain Brian O’Driscoll and Gordon D’Arcy are named as the centre pairing in place of Paddy Wallace and Keith Earls, who retains his place in the side and moves to the left wing. Conor Murray is named at scrumhalf in place of Isaac Boss.

Hooker Rory Best and prop Mike Ross return to the starting front row with Paul O’Connell coming into the second row in place of Leo Cullen.  The final change sees Stephen Ferris named in the back row instead of Donnacha Ryan who moves into the replacements.

IRELAND Team & Replacements (v Italy, 2011 Rugby World Cup Pool C, Otago Stadium, Sunday, October 2, kick-off 8:30pm local time/8:30am Irish time):

15 – Robert Kearney (UCD/Leinster)
14 – Tommy Bowe (Ospreys)
13 – Brian O’Driscoll (UCD/Leinster) Captain
12 – Gordon D’Arcy (Lansdowne/Leinster)
11 – Keith Earls (Young Munster/Munster)
10 – Ronan O’Gara (Cork Constitution/Munster)
9 – Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster)
1 – Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster)
2 – Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster)
3 – Mike Ross (Clontarf/Leinster)
4 – Donncha O’Callaghan (Cork Constitution/Munster)
5 – Paul O’Connell (Young Munster/Munster)
6 – Stephen Ferris (Dungannon/Ulster)
7 – Sean O’Brien (Clontarf/Leinster)
8 – Jamie Heaslip (Naas/Leinster)

Replacements:
16 – Sean Cronin (Leinster)
17 – Tom Court (Malone/Ulster)
18 – Donnacha Ryan (Shannon/Munster)
19 – Denis Leamy (Cork Constitution/Munster)
20 – Eoin Reddan (Lansdowne/Leinster)
21 – Jonathan Sexton (St. Mary’s College/Leinster)
22 – Andrew Trimble (Ballymena/Ulster)

New RaboDirect Pro12 kicks off

Posted on Aug 24, 2011 in RaboDirect Pro 12

The RaboDirect PRO12, rugby’s premier professional club competition in Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales, was today formally launched at a Media Conference in Dublin’s Conrad Hotel.
Players and coaches from all 12 participating teams were joined by rugby legend Andy Irvine, Chairman of RaboDirect PRO12, Roel van Veggel, General Manager of RaboDirect in Ireland, Gert Bouwman, Global Head of Rabobank International Direct Banking and John Feehan, Chief Executive of RaboDirect PRO12 to formally launch the new RaboDirect PRO12 by unveiling the new competition Trophy and welcoming the new title sponsor, RaboDirect.

Speaking at the launch John Feehan, Chief Executive of RaboDirect PRO12 stated that the competition now has a new name , the PRO12, and a new key title sponsor, RaboDirect. He said: ‘We are delighted to formally welcome RaboDirect as our new title sponsor alongside our new brand the PRO12. The PRO12 is clearly more than a league, as it also involves Play Off Semi Finals and a showpiece Final, and as such we needed a name that encapsulates both the structure and nature of the competition, more in keeping with the extraordinary growth it has experienced over the last 5 years.

We are thrilled to secure the support of an international business with the global reputation of the Rabobank Group as this will raise the profile of the RaboDirect PRO12 and enhance the investment in the competition. We look forward to working with Roel and his team in RaboDirect to further develop and grow the RaboDirect PRO12 competition for many years to come.’

Roel van Veggel, General Manager of RaboDirect in Ireland said ‘We’re absolutely delighted to be embarking on this high profile sponsorship. Rabobank Group, throughout its 100 year history, has always sought to put down firm roots in the communities where it operates. At RaboDirect, the online banking arm of Rabobank – now 6 years in Ireland, we believe that our values of passion, honesty, commitment and responsibility echo the values of this professional competition and the game of rugby union itself and so we’re very confident that we’ve achieved an exceptional fit in securing this sponsorship.

We’re very excited about getting involved in rugby union, a sport that ignites so much passion not only in Ireland but in communities in Italy, Scotland, Wales and around the World. But this isn’t our first foray into rugby by any means. Last week we welcomed the RaboDirect Melbourne Rebels, a new team that we sponsor in the Super 15, to Dublin and they are hoping to progress further in that competition next season.’

Gert Bouwman, Global Head of Rabobank International Direct Banking said ‘Rabobank Group’s expertise in executing sponsorships globally will allow RaboDirect to take this competition to even greater heights. We’re looking forward to generating more enthusiasm for the competition, connecting with an even larger audience of people through their love of rugby, strengthening our ties with local communities and demonstrating RaboDirect’s firm commitment to our growing number of customers, here in Ireland. We also look forward to using the possibilities to enhance our Rabobank brand in Italy and the UK were we have substantial corporate banking franchises.’

Following the unveiling of the new RaboDirect PRO12 Trophy, 61 cms high and with 8.3 kilos of sterling silver used in its making, Andy Irvine, Chairman of the RaboDirect PRO12, commented that he was particularly glad to see the unique contemporary design of the new Trophy as it will be clearly identifiable as THE trophy in Celtic & Italian rugby which will go ‘on tour’ to supporters through the 12 clubs and around the 4 countries. He said: ‘Our new partnership with RaboDirect marks the start of another big step forward in the growth of this competition. We look forward to working with RaboDirect as well as our existing sponsors – Rhino and Specsavers, with all 12 teams in the 4 countries, with the match officials and with all the media so as to ensure that rugby supporters experience the very best of an ever improving competition.’

Fans given the chance to get close to Scotland Team ahead of Italy match

Posted on Aug 19, 2011 in Latest Rugby News

Supporters will have the chance to kick-start their weekend of all-action EMC Test rugby by getting up close and personal with members of the Scotland squad in one of Edinburgh’s most iconic locations tomorrow evening.

As a thank you to fans for their fantastic backing in the victory over Ireland in the first EMC Test a fortnight ago and to get the ball rolling ahead of the visit from Italy on Saturday (Murrayfield Stadium, kick-off 5pm), some of Andy Robinson’s players will spend around an hour out and about in Princes Street Gardens from 5.10pm on Friday night. Who knows, they might even bring a ball with them!

The players will be basing themselves in the portion of the gardens beneath the National Galleries of Scotland, opposite the Scott Monument, and supporters are encouraged to come on down to collect autographs and wish the team well ahead of their clash with the Azzurri. Fans are asked to wear their Scotland colours, with a nice surprise in store for some who do!

The game against the Italians is Scotland’s last encounter ahead of their departure for the IRB Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

Turnstiles open at 3pm on Saturday.  Tickets can be collected at the Scottish Rugby Ticket Centre from 9am on Saturday.  We encourage all supporters to come to the ground early and enjoy the big-match build-up including special features on Scotland’s largest permanent big screens at a sports ground.

Tickets for the EMC Test against Italy are on sale now from www.scottishrugby.org or from the 24 hour credit card hotline 0844 335 3933. They cost from £5 for children and students and from £10 for adults.  You can also buy tickets on the day. Full details on www.scottishrugby.org

Morrison sole survivor as Kellock returns to lead Scots

Posted on Aug 18, 2011 in Glasgow, Scotland, Scottish Rugby

Graeme Morrison (pictured), the Glasgow Warriors centre, is the lone survivor from the starting line-up of Scotland’s EMC Test victory against Ireland earlier this month for the second and final segment in this year’s series – against Italy at Murrayfield on Saturday (kick-off 5pm).

Head coach Andy Robinson has told his players that the contest against the Azzurri represents the last chance to influence the composition of the 30 man Scotland squad for the IRB Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand.  That squad will be announced on Monday.

“We have made 14 changes from the team that started against Ireland as we want to give those players who have been working very hard in training the opportunity to put that into practice in Saturday’s Test match against Italy.

“Historically Scotland have found Italy very tough opponents and it was no surprise to us that they achieved one of the results of the RBS 6 Nations Championship earlier this year when they accounted for France in Rome.”

Italy were on warm-up duty last weekend at home achieving a narrow victory over Japan but Robinson does not read too much into that match.

“We knew we had to be at our best when we faced them next up after their success against France and I was pleased with the way our forwards in particular fronted up at setpiece back in March,” he explained.

Nick De Luca, the Edinburgh centre, scored Scotland’s first try in that 21-8 victory and he wins a starting berth having impressed off the bench playing a key part in Joe Ansbro’s try against Ireland earlier this month.

Simon Danielli, who made a try scoring debut against Italy eight years ago when another trip to the Antipodes on World Cup business was on the horizon, also returns while Rory Lamont sees his first international duty of the year at full-back.

There’s an experienced look to the pack with Alastair Kellock (pictured) resuming captaincy alongside Nathan Hines in the second-row, while Scott Lawson, who scored a try in Scotland’s opening tie of the 2007 Rugby World Cup against Portugal, is given the opportunity to press his claims at hooker.

On the bench, two players who have been diligent in their fightback from injury alongside the care of the Scotland medical team, Chris Cusiter (calf) and Euan Murray (Achilles,) have satisfied the coaches on their readiness for the fray.

Robinson added: “It was encouraging to emerge with a win against Ireland and also that our defence did not yield a try.  As ever our aim is to improve on that last showing and I believe that Italy will prove ideal opponents ahead of our opening Rugby World Cup matches against Romania and Georgia.”

Scotland team (sponsor RBS) to play Italy in the EMC Test on Saturday 20 August at Murrayfield, (kick-off 5pm)

15 Rory Lamont (Toulon) 24 caps, 6 tries, 30 points

14 Max Evans (Castres) 19 caps, 3 tries, 15 points
13 Nick De Luca (Edinburgh) 25 caps, 1 try, 5 points
12 Graeme Morrison (Glasgow Warriors) 29 caps, 3 tries, 15 points
11 Simon Danielli (Ulster) 27 caps, 6 tries, 30 points

10 Dan Parks (Cardiff Blues) 61 caps, 4 tries, 13 conversions, 45 penalties, 14 drop-goals, 223 points
9 Mike Blair (Edinburgh) VICE-CAPTAIN 71 caps, 5 tries, 25 points

1 Alasdair Dickinson (Sale Sharks) 20 caps
2 Scott Lawson (Gloucester) 27 caps, 2 tries, 10 points
3 Moray Low (Glasgow Warriors) 14 caps
4 Nathan Hines (Clermont Ferrand) 72 caps, 2 tries, 10 points
5 Alastair Kellock (Glasgow Warriors) CAPTAIN 33 caps, 1 try, 5 points
6 Kelly Brown (Saracens) 45 caps, 4 tries, 20 points
8 Richie Vernon (Sale Sharks) 11 caps
7 John Barclay (Glasgow Warriors) 28 caps, 2 tries, 10 points

Substitutes

16 Dougie Hall (Glasgow Warriors) 35 caps, 1 try, 5 points
17 Euan Murray (Newcastle Falcons) 38 caps, 2 tries, 10 points
18 Richie Gray (Glasgow Warriors) 11 caps
19 Ross Rennie (Edinburgh) 7 caps
20 Chris Cusiter (Glasgow Warriors) 52 caps, 3 tries, 15 points
21 Ruaridh Jackson (Glasgow Warriors) 7 caps, 2 conversions, 1 penalty, 1 drop-goal, 10 points
22 Nikki Walker (Ospreys) 23 caps, 6 tries, 30 points

Referee: Dave Pearson (England).  Assistant referees: Peter Fitzgibbon (Ireland) and Robin Goodliffe (England).  TMO: Huw Watkins (Wales)

Turnstiles open at 3pm on Saturday.  Tickets can be collected at the Scottish Rugby Ticket Centre from 9am on Saturday.  We encourage all supporters to come to the ground early and enjoy the big-match build-up including special features on Scotland’s largest permanent big screens at a sports ground.