Liam Messam re–signs with the New Zealand Rugby

Posted on Apr 11, 2011 in Latest Rugby News

All Blacks, Chiefs and Waikato loose forward Liam Messam has re–signed with the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) and Chiefs franchise and will play his rugby in New Zealand through until the end of 2013, it was announced today.

27–year–old Messam is in the midst of an outstanding rugby career, which has so far included six All Blacks Tests, captaining his New Zealand Māori, Chiefs and Waikato teams, and winning two Commonwealth Games gold medals with New Zealand Sevens.

“I’m happy to be re-signing with New Zealand rugby as my family and I love New Zealand and there is nowhere else in the world I want to be playing right now,” Messam said.

“While doing well for the Chiefs is the immediate goal and the All Blacks is the obvious goal for everyone later in the year, I’m keen to continue beyond this year and that was why I have re-committed to New Zealand rugby,” Messam added.

Messam joins a large group of 2010 All Blacks who have re-committed to New Zealand rugby beyond this year, including hooker Hikawera Elliot, props Tony Woodcock and Ben Franks, locks Anthony Boric, Tom Donnelly and Sam Whitelock, loose forwards Jerome Kaino, Kieran Read, Daniel Braid and Victor Vito, and backs Jimmy Cowan, Conrad Smith, Israel Dagg and Aaron Cruden.

The Rotorua–raised Messam made his first–class rugby debut in 2003, his Super Rugby debut in 2006 and All Blacks Test debut in 2008 against Scotland.

He played his 70th Super Rugby match ten days ago and has been in fine form this year following on from his excellent 2010 season, in which he captained New Zealand Māori in the Sealord New Zealand Māori Centenary Series, won a Sevens gold medal at the Delhi Commonwealth Games, helped Waikato to the final of the ITM Cup provincial rugby competition and added to his All Blacks Test tally with three appearances, including a starring role in the All Blacks 49–3 win over Scotland on the Grand Slam Tour.

NZRU CEO Steve Tew said:  “Players like Liam are invaluable to New Zealand rugby and we shouldn’t underestimate his decision to stay in New Zealand.  He is an outstanding young man with proven leadership qualities and real mana and we are delighted that he will continue to play his rugby here.”

Chiefs CEO Gary Dawson said: “We are excited he has re-signed with us as he has been a huge part of the Chiefs for the last five years. He is a fantastic leader and a key part of the Chiefs going forward and we are thrilled that he has signed with us for a further two seasons.”

South Africa to Host IRB Junior World Championship 2012

Posted on Apr 7, 2011 in Latest Rugby News

Rugby’s premier age grade competition will be played in South Africa next year after the International Rugby Board awarded the hosting rights to the IRB Junior World Championship 2012 to the South African Rugby Union (SARU).

Cape Town and Stellenbosch, both steeped in rich Rugby heritage, will play host to 312 of the world’s finest Under 20 players over the three-week tournament as 12 international teams seek to claim the greatest prize in age grade Rugby at an event that will provide a significant legacy for the sport in South Africa.

The announcement continues SARU’s strong commitment to hosting IRB events and showcasing the world’s best young talent having previously hosted record IRB Under 19 Championships in 2004 and 2005 and the U21 World Championship in 2002.

“The International Rugby Board is delighted that the IRB Junior World Championship 2012 has been awarded to South Africa. Rugby is such an integral part of the fabric of the nation, and I have no doubt that teams and travelling fans will be treated to a high-quality tournament set against a backdrop of outstanding passion and atmosphere,” said IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset.

“This is a huge boost for the Championship which has grown to be a highlight of the Rugby calendar and is essential in the development of the next generation of stars to showcase their skills on the international stage. South Africa certainly has all the facilities, infrastructure and outstanding Rugby supporters to ensure that the tournament will be organised to a very high standard and shown around the world, which is vital for its ongoing success."

More than 80 players have graduated from the tournament since its inauguration in 2008 to win full international caps, including Patrick Lambie who mixed with stars at the official launch at the Cape Town Planetarium today.

SARU President Oregan Hoskins said his organisation is thrilled at the prospect of hosting another international Rugby tournament in South Africa.

“SARU will work closely with the Western Province Rugby Union and the IRB to make this a truly unforgettable tournament for the players and the spectators. We are looking forward to hosting the IRB Junior World Championship next year and to welcome the best young rugby players in the world to South Africa," said Hoskins.

“It is my firm belief that the Junior World Championship tournament will help SARU in its vision to promote, help to educate and grow the Game at grassroots level. Part of the overall tournament strategy is the implementation of a comprehensive Legacy Programme and our intention is to use the Junior World Championship as a platform to further raise the levels of awareness amongst our various township communities and to introduce the Game to non-rugby environments in the greater Cape Town area.”

The IRB Junior World Championship 2011 kicks off in Italy on June 10 with the final being played in Padova on June 26. The current world champions are New Zealand, having defeated Australia to lift the prestigious title in Argentina last summer for the third year in succession. South Africa again finished third, as they have in all previous IRB Junior World Championships to date.

Young centre gets first pro deal

Posted on Apr 7, 2011 in Latest Rugby News

The Ospreys have handed Wales U20 centre Ben John his first professional contract.

Swansea born John has signed a three-year deal after coming through the development pathway at the region, playing his early rugby at Loughor RFC. He has gained exposure to Welsh Premiership rugby over the last two years with Aberavon, turning out 23 times for the Wizards.

Capped by Wales at all age-grade levels, he featured in the recent U20 Six Nations, starting two games, and will be hoping to make the cut for this summer’s Junior World Championships having been part of the Wales squad that reached fifth place in last year’s competition in Argentina.

Having just turned 20 in February, former Ysgol Gyfun Gwyr pupil John made his Ospreys debut 14 months ago, coming off the bench in the LV= Cup win over Leeds at the Liberty Stadium. He then had to wait until November for his next appearance, his first start, against Newcastle Falcons at Kingston Park in the same competition.

Speaking after signing his first deal, John commented:

“I’m really excited about this. I knew that it was a big year for me as I was coming to the end of my development contract and I wanted to prove a couple of things and earn myself a professional contract.

“It’s a big confidence boost knowing that the coaches are happy with how I’m coming along and I’m really pleased that they think enough of me to give me this new contract. I’ve had a run of games this season for Aberavon and I think I did quite well, and I’ve had a little taste of rugby with the Ospreys in the LV= Cup.

“I have to make the next step up now. There’ll be a lot of boys away at the start of next season with the World Cup, so there will be a lot of opportunities for the younger players. Hopefully, I’ll be able to prove myself good enough to get some games, and then take my chance when it comes.”

Head Coach Sean Holley added:

“We’re delighted to be able to confirm Ben’s first pro contract. We’ve seen some real signs of quality from him, not just for Aberavon, but this year with the Wales U20’s and in our training environment.

“He a local lad, he already has a very professional attitude, he is diligent, and we’ve seen him fitting into the senior environment here quite seamlessly. We’re working hard on his physical and rugby development, but he has the intelligence and mental approach to compliment his obvious rugby ability, which should ensure he has a long and profitable future with the Ospreys.”

Sale Sharks call on Darren Campbell for speed training

Posted on Apr 7, 2011 in Latest Rugby News

Sale Sharks are pulling out all the stops ahead of Saturday’s Aviva Premiership “Big Game” against London Irish at the Reebok Stadium (Sat 16 April, 1730 KO), and will be taking part in a Speed Training Session today arranged by Premiership Rugby and UK Athletics sponsor Aviva, which will be led by former Olympic Gold medallist Darren Campbell.

Sale are currently in 10th place in the Aviva Premiership, but their opponents London Irish are still very much in the hunt for a semi-final place, trailing fourth-placed Northampton by 5 points.

Campbell, who hails from Sale Racecourse Estate, has worked with many top sportspeople including Sharks stars Mark Cueto and Matthew Tait, and is looking forward to working with more members of the team. Campbell said: “It’s always great to work with the local rugby club from where I grew up, and the opportunity to help the Sale Sharks ahead of Saturday’s Big Game is a privilege. Speed is an essential part of rugby, and hopefully the players will be able to put into practice what we do during the session.”

Darren Campbell boasts a remarkable medal collection including: 4 European Golds, one silver, 2 Commonwealth Games Golds, one bronze, 2 World Championship Silvers, 2 Bronze and finally, both an Olympic Gold and Silver medal. Since his retirement from professional athletics in 2006, Darren has worked with Aviva to pass on his experience at grassroots and elite levels of sport.

As sponsors of the Aviva Premiership and having supported British athletes since 1999, Aviva has sought to form closer ties between the two sports – and in December 2010, the Wasps players took part in a ‘job swap’ session with GB heptathlete Jess Ennis.

Heather Smith, Head of Sponsorship at Aviva, said: “There’s no doubt that the importance of speed is shared across the sports of athletics and rugby. The smallest of fractions can make the difference between winning and losing – be it a 100m race or that final dash for the try line. It’s fantastic for Aviva that we can bring our two key sponsorships of rugby and athletics together ahead of this Saturday’s Aviva Premiership’s ‘Big Game’”.

Quins sign Matt Hopper from Pirates

Posted on Apr 4, 2011 in Latest Rugby News

The 26 year old centre will join the London club at the end of the season from Championship side, Cornish Pirates.

Previously with Plymouth, Matt spent a year in Australia after University playing for Manley in the Sydney Premiership.

Matt Hopper, says:

“I like the way Quins play and am looking forward to working with Conor O’shea. I have heard good things about the way Mark Mapletoft coaches and am excited about developing my skills with him and the other coaches.

“There are not only a number of experienced players within the squad, which I am excited about learning from, but also a huge number of young and exciting players.

"I would also like to thank the Pirates for giving me an opportunity to play good rugby this season, and helping me develop into a Premiership player ”

Harlequins Director of Rugby, Conor O’Shea, says:

“We are delighted to announce Matt’s signing. He is a player that has come down a different route to most into professional rugby and has demonstrated an energy and ability in his game that will fit our style perfectly."