Delport to boost Warriors recruitment

Posted on Jul 19, 2011 in Premiership, Worcester Warriors

Legendary full back Thinus Delport is to rejoin Worcester Warriors to help drive player recruitment and ensure the very best talent in world rugby is attracted to Sixways.

Head Coach Richard Hill has spelt out his vision to develop and reinforce the recruitment strategy as Warriors prepare for a return to the Aviva Premiership this season and Delport has now started work as a Recruitment Consultant with the club.

Fan’s favourite Delport, who made 110 appearances for Worcester between 2004 and 2008, is a hugely respected figure in the global game after a glittering playing career.

Delport made 18 appearances for South Africa and impressed in both Northern and Southern Hemisphere where he featured for the Lions in Super 15, Gloucester and Warriors in the Premiership in England and also Kobelco Steelers in Japan.

The 36-year-old’s knowledge and understanding of the game has also been recognised in recent years with his media commitments and Head Coach Hill believes Delport is the right man to help him develop the squad at Sixways.

“It’s about getting the right group of players together and recruitment is a very serious priority now we are back in the top-flight,” said Hill.

“We have a highly motivated squad and very talented players who are developing well. The likes of Miles Benjamin, Marcel Garvey, Jonny Arr and Oliver Tomaszczyk are outstanding players who have had good seasons and have bright futures.

“It is crucial that on top of that you can pick out two or three high quality players that will keep moving the squad forward to achieve our ultimate ambitions.

“One of the key factors to recruiting a player is doing thorough research. That way you not only know the person is high quality, but also that they have the right qualities to come into this environment, especially if they are from overseas, and fit in and perform at the highest level.

“We needed somebody who was highly respected, is extremely knowledgeable about players and is a fitting ambassador for the club. Thinus is that person and he will be there to watch those players that are identified, to talk to the right people about them and ultimately meet the player to ensure it is the kind of person we want at the Warriors.”

Delport admitted it was fantastic to be involved with a club so close to his heart once again and vowed to leave no stone unturned in a bid to bring the best players to Warriors in the coming years.

He said: “It’s great to be part of the ambition of Worcester Warriors. I want to help reach the vision that the club has set out, both that of Cecil Duckworth and Richard Hill and Phil Davies, in terms of the rugby goals.

“It’s a massive year of rugby, with the World Cup in New Zealand bringing a lot to a rugby calendar, and this new recruitment process will help us identify potential players that will only add to the club.”

Charlie Little, Managing Director at Warriors, revealed that the appointment of Delport was part of a long-term strategy to ensure the playing resources available at Sixways were strengthened year upon year.

“We will be identifying the core values of what makes a Warriors player and ensuring that anyone that comes in meets those criteria,” he said.

“Thinus has a vast knowledge of rugby from his playing career and media work, from National One through to the RFU Championship, Aviva Premiership and Southern Hemisphere rugby. Most importantly he is a Warrior, he knows what it means to pull on the shirt here at Sixways.”

Aaron Cruden and Michael Fitzgerald Sign with Chiefs

Posted on Jul 15, 2011 in Latest Rugby News

Manawatu Turbos representative Aaron Cruden today confirmed his move to the Chiefs Super Rugby Franchise for the 2012 campaign.

Chiefs Head Coach Dave Rennie said “we are absolutely rapt that Aaron has committed to the Chiefs. He’s a top man, a quality player and a leader”.

Chiefs CEO Gary Dawson commented “we are thrilled to welcome a player of Aaron’s ability and potential. He has got a great future ahead of him and we are pleased that the Chiefs will be a part of that future".

At 22 years old Cruden has already achieved a lot in his career including captaining the New Zealand under20’s side that won the IRB Junior World Championship title in 2009 along with being named IRB Junior Player of the Year. He made his Super Rugby debut in 2010 for the Hurricanes in a pre-season match against the Brumbies and was named in the 2010 All Blacks squad.

Aaron commented “it’s been an extremely difficult decision to make, I never wanted to let anyone down but a decision had to be made. It was my long standing relationship with Ren’s that swayed things the Chiefs way. Its going to be a challenge but one I am looking forward to now. I wish the Hurricanes well for the 2012 campaign and beyond".

Turbo’s lock Michael Fitzgerald has also confirmed his move to the Chiefs and will look to debut for the side in the 2012 competition.

“Fitzy was one of the best performing locks in last year’s ITM Cup. He’s a very good athlete, has an outstanding work ethic and is prepared to do a lot of the grunt work” commented Rennie.

Fitzgerald said “I’m really excited about the opportunity to play for the Chiefs but focused on performing well for the Turbos first”.

Louw commits to Bath Rugby

Posted on Jul 13, 2011 in Bath, Premiership

Bath Rugby have officially confirmed the signing of South African flanker, Francois Louw.

Hailing from Cape Town, Louw will join Bath in November, on a three year deal. The flanker has become an integral part of the Super Rugby Stormers side over the last two seasons, and has represented Western Province over 60 times.

The 6ft 4in, 17st 5lb back row player has made seven appearances for South Africa since his debut against Wales in 2010, and he has scored two tries in that short time.

Highly regarded for his defensive and breakdown skills, Louw will provide Bath with a powerful back row option.

Commenting on the signing, Director of Rugby, Sir Ian McGeechan said: “Francois is an outstanding player and character who will add to, and complement, the squad at Bath. We are all very impressed with his qualities and are looking forward to working closely with him.”

Francois added: “Whilst I am hopeful of playing my way into the Springbok squad for the forthcoming Tri Nations and Rugby World Cup, I am very excited to be joining a side with such a prestigious past and exciting future as Bath. I’m looking forward to working hard and competing for a place in the team, in what is a very competitive squad, and helping Bath to become a real force, both in domestic and European competitions.”

Rob Wagner, Managing Director of WP Rugby (Pty) Ltd commented: “Francois has been an integral part of the Stormers and WP squads.  A true modern professional, his athletecism and presence on the pitch has been matched by his commitment and passion for team and brand off the field.  We wish him all the best at Bath and thank him for his loyalty and time in the Western Province.”

Mieres backs Camacho to shine

Posted on Jul 12, 2011 in Exeter Chiefs

Exeter fly-half Ignacio Mieres believes the Chiefs have pulled off a real coup in signing compatriot Gonzalo Camacho from Aviva Premiership rivals Harlequins this summer.

Having both grown up in the Argentinian capital Buenos Aries, Mieres and Camacho are not only international rugby colleagues, but also close friends both on and off the field.

“I have known Gonzalo for a couple of years and he is a really good guy – I know him pretty well,” Mieres said. “It’s really good now to have another Argentinian player in the squad, especially as he’s a great player and a really good lad too.

“I have played with him before and also against him – and he is a quality player. He is fast and strong and he likes to tackle.”

Although Mieres has already reported back to Sandy Park for pre-season, Exeter fans will have to wait until after the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand before getting their first glimpse of the 26-year-old, who made 30 appearances for Harlequins in two seasons at the Twickenham Stoop.

For Mieres, however, his aim right now is to pick up from where he left off last season and look to cement his spot as the club’s first-choice No.10.

“All the boys are excited about the season ahead,” he said. “We know that the clubs in the division will look at us differently and we will have to play even better to beat them. But it is also a challenge we are all looking forward to – we will have to perform even better this season.”

Mieres, 24, arrived at Sandy Park from French giants Stade Francais last October, meaning he missed the Chiefs’ pre-season preparations for their debut season in rugby’s top-flight.

Rob Baxter’s side recorded a fine eighth-placed finish in the Premiership, with Mieres starting the last two games to help earn himself a new 12-month contract.

Despite missing last year’s pre-season training, Mieres says he could not wait to start it this time after hearing about its intensity from his team-mates.

“I heard from the guys that last year’s pre-season was really tough but very useful and an important reason for us having such a good season,” he said. “I was looking forward to it this year, and so I am really happy to be doing it and I think it is going really well.

“I had already been training hard during the off-season in Argentina because I was due to play with the Pumas. Unfortunately I couldn’t play but I have still kept myself in very good shape all throughout the summer, so I feel really fit for the season ahead.”

Josh Beaumont seals Falcons deal

Posted on Jul 8, 2011 in Latest Rugby News

Josh Beaumont is the latest rising star to sign a deal with Newcastle Falcons, ahead of the new Aviva Premiership season.

Son of rugby legend Bill Beaumont, the 19-year-old second rower will be looking to follow in his father’s footsteps, as he embarks on a career with the Kingston Park club.

Beaumont, who already has an impressive CV having been capped by both the Barbarians and England Counties, is said to be relishing the challenge of playing for the North-East’s premier rugby club.

Following his stint with Durham University at the Middlesex 7’s on Saturday, the 6’ 7” 17st 2lb athletic forward will join up with his new teammates at the end of July.

Described as a “powerful athlete” and an “intelligent player” by assistant academy coach Mark Laycock, Beaumont will continue playing for his local club Fylde whilst learning his trade for the Falcons.

“Josh played most of his junior rugby at fly-half for Arnold School in Lancashire so he is very adept with ball in hand,” said Laycock.

He added: “He moved to No.8 and more recently second row before relocating to the North-East to study Geography at Durham University. He is a Fylde RFC boy through and through and won the national BUCS Championships this season with Durham University.

“He is a powerful athlete, who is intelligent in the lineout and confrontational in the contact area. Josh will join up with the Falcons first team squad outside of term time to train because his university commitments take priority at the moment.”

Fylde head coach Mark Nelson is delighted for Beaumont, saying: “Josh is a young player with a great deal of potential. He’s developed through school and with Alan Holmes at the Fylde core he has made a big contribution to the club winning the National 2 Championship last season.

“I am delighted that the Falcons have taken him on board and I am sure that under their expert tuition he will make real progress. This is a great example of Premiership clubs working positively with National League clubs and universities to develop young English players with real potential.”