Damian Hopley, Chris Malone, Richard Blaze, Maggie Alphonsi on the podcast

Posted on Dec 16, 2010 in Rugby News

Preparing for life after rugby and celebrating a life-changing year are the themes of this week’s RFU Podcast.

We speak to Damian Hopley and Chris Malone, the chairman and vice chairman of the Rugby Players Association, about the impact their new funding agreement will make on the future health and welfare of the game’s professional players.

Former Leicester Tigers and England Saxons lock Richard Blaze reflects on his own injury-shortened career and England Women’s flanker Maggie Alphonsi looks back on a life-changing year that has brought her recognition on and off the pitch.

The £2.7million funding agreement with the RFU and Premiership Rugby will enable the RPA to put more player development managers in place working directly with players to provide education and vocational training.

Malone told the RFU Podcast: "I worked before playing professional rugby but most guys have come straight out of school without thinking too much about the future. As far as they see it the future is gaining recognition, playing for England and making a fortune. The reality is that rugby careers don’t last forever."

For the full interviews, check out today’s RFU Podcast. Here you can listen to the weekly podcast or subscribe to itunes and have it delivered straight to your inbox each week.

The RFU Podcast takes you inside English rugby from the grassroots to the elite.

Download the RFU Podcast here

RFU Podcast: Shaw returns

Posted on Nov 20, 2009 in Rugby News

Simon Shaw returns to the international stage on Saturday to take on the All Blacks at Twickenham in the Investec Challenge Series.

Winning his 53rd cap at the age of 36 the Wasps lock is relishing his comeback “I had lots of fun on the Lions tour and I can’t wait to get back to playing international rugby.” Shaw tells this week’s rfu.com podcast.

Shaw is one of three changes in the starting line-up for Saturday along with flanker Joe Worsley (London Wasps) and Biarritz centre Ayoola Erinle and there is a positional switch at full back where Mark Cueto (Sale Sharks) trades places with Ugo Monye (Harlequins).

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England Women must now wait for Twickenham to conquer Ferns

Posted on Nov 17, 2009 in Rugby News

England 3 New Zealand 16

England Women will have to wait until Saturday November 21st to have a second chance of conquering the reigning world champions New Zealand after today (Saturday) succumbing to a 16-3 defeat at Esher RFC.

In their first meeting against the Black Ferns since the 2006 Rugby World Cup final England produced a determined and gutsy performance but were let down by ill discipline in the first half which then left them playing catch-up in the second half.

England, however, will not get a better stage than Twickenham Stadium to reek their revenge when they compete in the Investec Challenge Double Header in a week’s time. The rematch kicks off immediately after the men’s match at 445pm, with entry to the stadium free at 415pm.

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England Women’s team announced for New Zealand test

Posted on Nov 4, 2009 in Rugby News

The England Women’s team to face world champions New Zealand for the first of three tests in November has today (Tuesday) been announced.

The reigning RBS 6 Nations and Nations Cup champions take on the Black Ferns for the first time since the 2006 IRB Women’s Rugby World Cup final on November 14th at Esher RFC, kick off 4pm.

England narrowly lost their last encounter 25-17 but will be hoping to turn the tables ahead of the 2010 IRB Women’s Rugby World Cup in London which is just nine months away.

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