Nigel Redman to join Worcester Warriors from RFU

Posted on May 22, 2012 in Worcester Warriors

Nigel Redman is to leave the RFU and return to Worcester Warriors as the new forwards coach of the Aviva Premiership club.

The move ends his eight years working for the Union as an RFU National Academy Coach, England Under 20 head coach and Elite Coach Development Manager.

The Cardiff born former Bath and England lock left Sixways to become a National Academy Coach in 2004 and coached the national Under 21 and Under 19 teams before leading England Under 20 to a Six Nations Grand Slam and a Junior World Championship final in 2008.

Since then he has worked with Head of Elite Coach Development Kevin Bowring to support the development of coaches in England teams,  the National Academy, Premiership and Championship clubs, and academies.

Redman, an RFU Level 5 Coach and a graduate of the UK Sport Elite Coach Programme, links up with former Bath and England teammate Richard Hill in July.

Nigel Redman said: “It was a tough decision to make but I’m passionate about coaching people and I’m excited about what is happening at Worcester and want to be part of that process.

“Kevin Bowring, Rob Andrew [Professional Rugby Director] and Nathan Martin [Professional Rugby General Manager] at the RFU have been very supportive in getting me to where I am and in making my decision, and now I’m looking forward to working with Richard Hill, the coaches, players and people at Worcester.

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London Irish’s Kieran Roche to retire at the end of the season

Posted on May 8, 2012 in London Irish

After much thought and discussion with his family, Kieran Roche has decided to call an end to his rugby career at the end of this season. Kieran has enjoyed 14 years as a professional (nine at London Irish) and is excited by the challenges that a new career in a different field will provide.

Kieran joined the club in January 2003 and has since made 179 appearances. A utility forward, playing in both the second and back row, Kieran has been one of the most consistent players of the Premiership era. Along with Bob Casey and Nick Kennedy, Kieran formed one of the most notorious line-out trio’s the Premiership has ever seen.

London Irish head coach, Toby Booth said: “Kieran has been one of London Irish’s greatest servants. A true professional and we thank him for his outstanding dedication and commitment to the Club. We would like to wish him and his family all the very best for the future. We know that he will be successful in his future career and we wish him luck. ”

Kieran Roche said: "I would like to thank everyone who has played a part in my rugby career, from my school days onwards, including the players, coaches and support staff that I have worked alongside both at Saracens and London Irish. I would also like to thank the supporters of both clubs; particularly those at London Irish who have made me feel a real part of such a great club for the last 10 years. A special thank you goes to my family who have given so much in support of my rugby.

“As with all players moving on from the game I will leave having made many lifelong friends and with many great memories of my time playing rugby. I’m looking forward to taking to the field one last time for London Irish at Madejski Stadium this weekend alongside some of those friends and hoping for a victorious send off for everyone who is moving on.”

England Under 20 squad for South Africa

Posted on May 1, 2012 in England, England U20, English Rugby

England Under 20 coaches Rob Hunter and Nick Walshe have named their 28-man squad ahead of the IRB Junior World Championship in South Africa, which kicks off against Italy on June 4.

The squad contains players with a huge amount of Aviva Premiership, A-League and RFU Championship experience, and Head Coach Hunter is pleased with the players at his disposal as they look to better last season’s second place finish.

“Competition for places has been high and some good players have missed out, however we’re very pleased with the 28 selected,” he said. “The games come thick and fast in this tournament, we’ve got a tough group and we’re excited by that challenge.”After Italy, Six Nations winners England face Ireland before coming up against hosts South Africa in Stellenbosch, one year after defeating the southern hemisphere nation 26-20.

Hunter added: “We have two huge games before we come up against South Africa, but that match stands out for the experience of playing them in front of their home support. For now though all our attention is on that first game against Italy, each year they improve and we’ll need to be fully focused.”

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Otago RFU delay liquidation–rescue package discussed

Posted on Mar 2, 2012 in NZ, SANZAR

The Board of the Otago Rugby Football Union (ORFU) has delayed by one week the filing of an application to liquidate the union pending the outcome of discussions around a possible recovery package.

The application was due to be filed late this afternoon, but New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) Chief Executive Steve Tew said the ORFU Board had agreed to defer the application by one week to allow more time to work through the details of a  possible recovery package.

“The key parties have been talking since Monday and have identified some options  that warrant further examination. It makes sense for the union to delay proceedings to allow these parties more time to undertake proper analysis,” Tew said.

The NZRU, Dunedin City Council, Dunedin Venues Management Ltd and the NZ Rugby Players Association have all been working through details of the package. Potential sponsors have also been consulted.

“Obviously things are at a very delicate stage, so we are not in a position to discuss the shape of any deal. However, we are only considering arrangements that will put the union on a sustainable long term footing. This is complicated and any deal has to be multi-faceted involving input from all of the union’s key partners.

“This doesn’t change the fact that the financial picture remains very bleak, there are some significant hurdles to be overcome, so the outcome is by no means certain, but all parties are working hard on these proposals.”

Meanwhile, the NZRU has continued with efforts to ensure community rugby across the Otago region has the support in place for the upcoming season to continue as normal. NZRU General Manager Community and Provincial Union Rugby Brent Anderson spent Wednesday and Thursday on the ground in the region finalising arrangements and support measures for the community game.

“Regardless of what happens, we have to take steps now to ensure the various  competitions, coaching programmes and other services that are part and parcel of every season carry on as normal,” said Tew.

“Rest assured, kids will still be turning out for their clubs, and club rugby will kick off as planned in a few weeks. We will have people in place to ensure there will be as little disruption as possible.

“What’s been fantastic to see has been the enthusiasm for the game that’s obviously there despite the union’s challenges.”

Shoemark excited by the future

Posted on Feb 16, 2012 in English Rugby, Exeter, Exeter Chiefs, Premiership

Jason Shoemark believes an exciting future lies ahead for the Exeter Chiefs – and the New Zealander insists he is keen to be part of the new vision at Sandy Park.

Alongside compatriot Hoani Tui, the 31-year-old former Highlanders centre this week agreed a new two-year deal with the Devon club, who currently lie fifth in the Aviva Premiership standings.

Having arrived in Exeter in November 2010 following playing commitments back home, Shoemark has quickly settled to life in English rugby’s top flight, consistently producing impressive displays in the Exeter midfield.

His undoubted quality, as well as his leadership skills, have made him a popular figure amongst the Chiefs ranks and his decision to extend his stay with the club has been welcomed not only by head coach Rob Baxter, but the club’s ever-growing support base.

"I’m really pleased to have signed on for another two years," said Shoemark. "Obviously things are going well on the field right now and my partner (Vanessa) and my children have really settled in well, so that all helps when it comes to make decisions like this.

"As I said, the club is in a good place at the moment and you can see they are putting in some really good foundations for the future. It’s exciting times for the Chiefs and I want to be part of that."

However, it is not just the off-field plans which have excited the Whangarei-born back. Inside the Exeter playing camp, Shoemark has also made many good friends and that was another factor in his decision to sign on once again.

"The boys make you feel so welcome and everyone gives 100 per cent on and off the field," he added. "It’s a great club environment to be involved in. You can see we are developing as a group and that there is still a lot more to come from us all.

"Having a few boys from back home, people like Hoani, is another factor that you consider. We are like a little group and have a really close bond. For me, personally, having that connection makes things a lot easier, especially if you are missing home or something. You can hang out together and it makes things not too bad."

With both Shoemark and Tui on board for the next two years, as well as a number of the current squad already penned in for next season at least, the future of the Chiefs is certainly looking in good shape.

"Excuse the cliché, but I think the world is our oyster," said Shoemark when asked as to just how far the club could develop. "We are still learning and there will be times when we get knocked down a peg or two. That said, we are progressing all the time and look at us right now, we’re up there challenging and the semi-finals aren’t out of our
reach by any means.

"Who would have thought that at the start of the season? The club is in a good place and long may they continue."

Shoemark has also paid tribute to the support he and his team-mates receive each week from the now renowned Tribe.

"The support we receive each week is great," he said. "They are certainly a passionate bunch and you can hear them every week out there. It doesn’t matter whether we are here at Sandy Park or even on those long away days like Newcastle, there are not many teams who get that kind of backing.

"As players it does help having that kind of support, it can lift you at times in a game when you are up against it. Again I think it’s another outstanding asset of the club and as we look to get bigger over the next few years, the fan base will only get bigger and bigger and that in itself will make the club really attractive to better rugby players."