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.”

Sixways setting its goals on a world first!

Posted on Jan 25, 2013 in Worcester Warriors

Worcester Warriors could be set to help pioneer a new goal-line technology device called GoalScan that will remove any doubt as to whether a penalty, conversion or drop goal has been successful or not.

GoalScan is the creation of Hereford-based world-class innovative advanced technology company IA Technology Limited.

The company has designed a device which generates an electronic curtain which, when intruded by a rugby ball, transmits a signal to the ref. It will also, if required, activate flashing lights within the bar, LCD units and television monitors.

It is hoped that the technology will eradicate mistakes such as the one which occurred in the match between Wales and South Africa at the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

James Hook’s 14th minute penalty seemed to go through the posts, but it was not given by the touch judges or referee.

Wales lost the match by one point and subsequent replays showed that the penalty had, in fact, been successful.

IA Technology took the concept of GoalScan to CEO of the RFU Francis Barron, who then arranged a meeting at Twickenham and it is now anticipated that GoalScan will be progressed in partnership with the IRB.

The company now hope that their technological breakthrough will make a difference – and it is already being championed by Warriors Chairman Cecil Duckworth.

“We have experienced some doubtful decisions here at Sixways Stadium so when I was approached by IA Technology we immediately thought it was a great idea so I contacted the RFU who were also very impressed,” said Duckworth.

“Hopefully it will be accepted by the IRB and I give the project my wholehearted support.”

Vunipola named in the England Saxons squad

Posted on Jan 10, 2013 in England Saxons

London Wasps back row Billy Vunipola was today named in the England Saxons squad, below is a brief profile of the 20-year-old:

Tries in successive matches against Italy and Wales from Viliami ‘Billy’ Vunipola helped England U18 to extend their victorious run to 19 international matches before the 23-17 defeat by hosts South Africa in the Four Team Tournament in July 2010. He was vice captain to Chris Walker on the tour and appeared in all three games.

Sydney-born Billy was brought into the England U20 squad on May 9 for the 2012 IRB Junior World Championship in South Africa as a replacement for Matt Kvesic, who had undergone surgery on a shoulder injury. Billy went on to play in four matches in the tournament and is part of a distinguished Tongan rugby dynasty, his brother Mako being a former member of the England U20 squad.

Their father Fe’ao, a hooker won 32 caps for his country, figured in the 1995 and 1999 World Cups and played for Pontypool. He was head coach at Marlow, a South West One East club, before deciding to return home at the end of the past season.

Six of Billy’s uncles and his grandfather represented Tonga. The two brothers previously played alongside each other in the England U18 team and their careers have progressed from there.  

Billy, like Mako, qualifies for England through residency and his favourite ground is Twickenham.. He said: “The atmosphere is crazy.” His maiden try for London Wasps was on his debut against Leeds Carnegie in April 2011 and he added a second against Saracens last February.

Educated at the Castle School, Bristol, he went on to Harrow to study Photography, Design Technology, Physical Education and Business with aspirations of becoming a world renowned photographer.

He played for Bristol in 2007-08 and has benefited from the England Under 18 coaching team of John Fletcher and Peter Walton.

Billy added: “Both have shown great belief and brought me through even though I thought I was just average. The players I most admire are those who are humble and hard working such as George Ford, our captain two years ago”

U20 International Record

2012 World Championship It, SA, I(R), A(R)

England connects with grassroots club mascots

Posted on Nov 5, 2012 in England

ENGLAND RUGBY is reinforcing its connection with the grassroots game by inviting young players from the senior squad’s formative clubs to be mascots at the QBE International against South Africa on November 24.

The mascots will run out at Twickenham in their club kit alongside the player if selected as part of the 23-man match day squad to face South Africa. And even if ‘their’ player is injured or not selected in the match day squad they will still be able to watch the game and will enjoy a memorable day at the Home of England Rugby.

And O2, as a long-standing partner of the RFU and keen supporter of grassroots rugby, will also welcome the 30 plus Under-12s to watch training at Pennyhill Park, Surrey on Monday, November 5. 

They will watch the squad train, meet the players afterwards and be given some England memorabilia from O2.

England Head Coach Stuart Lancaster said: “The England players take the responsibility of representing the country very seriously, on and off the field. They feel they represent not just themselves, but also their family, friends and all those that have helped them on their journey, so it was important to offer this opportunity.”

RFU Rugby Development Director Steve Grainger, said: “We are working hard to develop England Rugby at all levels and to strengthen the connections from the grass roots to the England senior team. England players start out their involvement in the game at local clubs across the country – this is a great opportunity to celebrate with those clubs and to raise the profile of where the players have come from – hopefully inspiring the next generation to believe that they too can one day play for England.”

Clubs are also being encouraged to celebrate the occasion on match day to enjoy and reflect on the very real contribution it has made to the success of English rugby by screening the game in its clubhouse.

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Launchbury called up to England training

Posted on Nov 5, 2012 in England

Wasps lock Joe Launchbury will come into the England camp this afternoon as temporary injury cover for Tom Palmer (calf).

Launchbury will spend today in recovery following yesterday’s Aviva Premiership Round 8 match against Saracens and will train with the squad tomorrow.

England Head Coach Stuart Lancaster said: “Tom’s training was limited last week because of a calf injury so we are bring Joe in as a precaution and because of the form he has shown recently.

“We know that he will fit in to the squad well having played in the Barbarians match and  in the preparation for the South Africa tour."