England claimed third place at the Hertz Sevens in Wellington after an agonising semi final defeat in sudden-death extra time against New Zealand. Frank Halai’s try condemned them to a 17-12 reverse sending them into the play-off against Samoa. Playmaker Christian Lewis-Pratt touched down twice – converting both his own tries – and Isoa...
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New Zealand Sevens Coach Gordon Tietjens has made five changes to his trial squad that will assemble in Mount Maunganui today. Manawatu’s Rob Thompson, Waikato’s Steve Ketu, Tasman’s Shane Christie, Wellington’s George Tilsley and Auckland’s Ben Paltridge have been called into the trial squad as replacements. Counties Manukau’s Ahsee Tuala, North Harbour’s Ken Pisi,...
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Young English referee Luke Pearce has been appointed to the IRB panel of officials taking charge of matches in this season’s HSBC Sevens World Series. Pearce, 23, will work at six of the nine series tournaments, starting with the New Zealand International Sevens at Wellington on February 3-4 next year. It continues the Devon...
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The waiting is nearly over for Tom Wood as he prepares to win his first cap for England when the RBS 6 Nations kicks off in Cardiff tomorrow. The Northampton Saints flanker was told he’d won his starting spot while England were training in Portugal and he can’t wait to get going. "It was...
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England v Wales (Part One) kicks off on Friday morning on the opposite side of the world from the Millennium Stadium. Ben Ryan’s England Sevens side lead the HSBC Sevens World Series after the first two legs and tackle the Welsh on the opening day of the NZI Sevens in Wellington – 11 hours...
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The Wales Sevens squad has arrived in New Zealand ahead of the next two legs of the HSBC Sevens World Series – Wellington on Friday and Saturday and Las Vegas on February 12 and 13. There are three new caps in the squad – Dragons scrum half Nicky Griffiths, Pontypridd’s Adam Thomas and Aberavon’s...
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England Sevens make just one change to their squad for the next two legs of the HSBC Sevens World Series. Head coach Ben Ryan’s men top the table after a win at last month’s Emirates Airline Dubai Sevens and a second place finish at the Emirates Airline South Africa Sevens in George. Nick Royle...
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Experienced All Blacks halfback Piri Weepu has re-signed with the New Zealand Rugby Union and Hurricanes, extending his commitment to the end of 2011. New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) General Manager of Professional Rugby Neil Sorensen welcomed Weepu’s re-signing as an important retention of valuable experience and skill at the top level of rugby....
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Auckland ITM Cup Head Coach Mark Anscombe has been appointed as Coach of the New Zealand Under 20 team for their 2011 campaign. Anscombe has been part of the highly successful New Zealand Under 20 coaching combination with Dave Rennie, who steps down from the coaching role after three seasons with the team. Anscombe...
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New Zealand Schools Coach Karl Jones and his Assistant Coach Andrew Douglas have named their team to play the one-off international against Australia Schools in Dunedin tomorrow. Following last week’s resounding 65 – 3 win over Tonga Schools in Hamilton, the New Zealand Schools team battled against a solid Otago Under 19 side in...
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