Robbie Robinson Signs with the Chiefs

Posted on Aug 8, 2011 in NZ

Southland representative Robbie Robinson today announced his move to the Chiefs Super Rugby Franchise for the 2012 campaign. 21 year old Robinson joins former New Zealand under20s teammate Aaron Cruden at the Chiefs along with his New Zealand Maori captain Liam Messam.

Chiefs Head Coach Dave Rennie said “I had the pleasure to work with Robbie during our U20 World Cup campaign in 2009 where he was very influential in the success of that team. He is a good man, has an excellent skill set with the ability to play both 15 and 10. That sort of versatility is crucial for such a demanding campaign”.

In 2008, at the age of 18, Robinson debuted for Southland in the domestic competition against the Hawke’s Bay Magpies and played for the triumphant New Zealand under20s side in the IRB Junior World Cup tournament in 2009. In 2010 he debuted for the Highlanders against the Blues and played all three games for the New Zealand Maori side in the Sealord Centenary series. Robinson plays both first five-eighth and fullback.

Robinson commented “although I’ve really enjoyed my time with the Highlanders the opportunity to move north and push for a starting spot with the Chiefs was too good to let slip by. I’m focused on next year being a big one and am looking forward to getting to Hamilton and getting stuck into it".

Edinburgh announce fixture list for PRO12

Posted on Aug 3, 2011 in Edinburgh

As Edinburgh enter the final stages of their pre-season training the announcement of the 2011/12 RaboDirect PRO12 fixtures, up until Christmas, has allowed the anticipation in camp to start building.

Head coach, Michael Bradley can’t wait to get his men into action after an extended pre-season, which has shaped his side into a strong outfit for the fixtures ahead. Furthermore with six games being played at home before Christmas, all on a Friday night bar one, Bradley believes the home advantage will give Edinburgh the best possible start.

He said: “We are delighted to start the season at home against Cardiff Blues. This is a fantastic opportunity to put our best foot forward and begin the year on a high. 

“In the first half of the season the majority of our games are going to be played at Murrayfield. Therefore if we are able to maintain the home advantage throughout this period it will leave us in a good position going into the second half of the year.”

“The boys have trained extremely hard throughout the summer and they are in good shape to start their campaign.

“The pre-season has been slightly longer this year but I believe it will pay dividends as we stake our claim in the inaugural RaboDirect PRO12. We all can’t wait to start!”

Edinburgh will open their 2011/12 campaign against Cardiff Blues on home turf on Friday 2 September, kick-off 7.30pm. They will then travel to Liberty Stadium to take on Ospreys on Saturday 10 September.

The additional home games up until Christmas will take place on Friday 16 September (v Connacht, kick-off 7.30pm), Friday 30 September (v Munster, kick-off 7.30pm), Friday 28 October (v Leinster, kick-off 7.30pm) and finally against Glasgow Warriors on Boxing Day (Monday 26 December, kick-off 5.35pm).

Fans are reminded that match day logistics at Murrayfield have changed for the 2011/12 season. A number of our games will now be played on Friday evenings and fans will be brought over to the east stand to bring them closer to the action, as well as having the opportunity to cheer on their team from the sidelines with standing areas along the west touchline and behind the posts by the north and south stands.

Michael Bradley is certain that these additions for match day will also play a positive role in Edinburgh’s season. He continued: “We believe that winning these home matches will be helped by the pitch-within-a-pitch initiative that we are running this year. We thank the fans for all their feedback on how to make game days more enjoyable and engaging. We encourage everybody to come down to Murrayfield and get up close to the action by using our new pitch side standing areas.”

Following is Edinburgh’s schedule for the RaboDirect PRO12 2011/12 season, up until Christmas:

Friday 2 September - 7.30pm - Edinburgh v Cardiff Blues - Murrayfield

Saturday 10 September - 6.30pm - Ospreys v Edinburgh -  Liberty Stadium

Friday 16 September -  7.30pm - Edinburgh v Connacht -  Murrayfield

Saturday 24 September - 3pm -  Aironi v Edinburgh -  Stadio Zaffanella

Friday 30 September - 7.30pm - Edinburgh v Munster -  Murrayfield

Friday 28 October -  7.35pm - Edinburgh v Leinster - Murrayfield
(Broadcast on BBC Alba)

Saturday 5 November - 3pm - Bennetton Treviso v Edinburgh - Stadio Monigo

Saturday 26 November - 8.30pm - Munster v Edinburgh -  Thomond Park

Friday 2 December - 7.30pm -  Edinburgh v Aironi - Murrayfield

Monday 26 December - 5.35pm - Edinburgh v Glasgow Warriors - Murrayfield
(Broadcast on BBC Alba)

TBC – TBC – Glasgow Warriors v Edinburgh – Firhill

Weekend of (W/O) 6 January – Edinburgh v Ulster – Murrayfield

W/O 10  February – Edinburgh v Ospreys – Murrayfield

W/O 17 February – Newport Gwent Dragons v Edinburgh – Rodney Parade

W/O 24 February – Connacht v Edinburgh – Sportsground

W/O 2 March – Ulster v Edinburgh – Ravenhill

W/O 23 March – Edinburgh v Newport Gwent Dragons – Murrayfield

W/O 30 March – Edinburgh v Scarlets – Murrayfield

W/O 13 April – Leinster v Edinburgh – Royal Dublin Society

W/O 20 April – Cardiff Blues v Edinburgh – Cardiff City Stadium

W/O 4 May – Edinburgh v Treviso – Murrayfield

Exciting new era for Black Ferns

Posted on Aug 2, 2011 in NZ, Women's Rugby

New Zealand’s world champion Black Ferns will have a guaranteed annual programme for the next three years to bolster their formidable playing record and already strong international reputation.

The multi-year programme agreed between the RFU (England) and NZRU will guarantee the Black Ferns play a total nine Test matches against England over the next three years.

The new era commences in November 2011 with the Black Ferns travelling to England for a three-Test series against last year’s Women’s RWC runners-up.  England hosts the Black Ferns again for a three Test series in 2012, before New Zealand hosts England in 2013 for three matches including Tests against the Black Ferns.

With RWC Black Ferns Coach Brian Evans taking a break from coaching this year, the NZRU today also announced the appointment of Assistant Coach Grant Hansen as the Black Ferns Head Coach this year, with Otago Women’s NPC coach John Kyle being appointed as his Assistant Coach.

NZRU General Manager Professional Rugby Neil Sorensen said the three year-programme and coaching team provided certainty for the Black Ferns heading into the 2014 Women’s RWC in France where they will be seeking to achieve an astonishing fifth consecutive title.

“This is a huge step forward for us and the Black Ferns.  We have been working for a number of years to find meaningful opportunities and opponents for the Black Ferns and we are grateful to the RFU for making this possible,” Sorensen said.

“To know that we are going to see the world’s two top women’s rugby teams in action for nine internationals over the next three years is really exciting.  It will be hugely beneficial for both teams as they prepare for the Women’s Rugby World Cup,” he said.

Mr Sorensen said following the re-launch of the Women’s NPC in 2011, the confirmation of the Black Ferns programme creates certainty for New Zealand’s aspiring and recognised international players; a pathway for coaches and the NZRU to prepare the team for the next World Cup; and a base on which to build the women’s game and fan base with a view to participation in the 2016 Olympic Games Sevens tournament.

“We have not only achieved a regular programme against quality opposition but we have also been able to create a fantastic touring opportunity for these teams funded in large part by the RFU which demonstrates the respect that is held for our world champions.”

Head Coach Grant Hansen said he was thrilled with the prospect of a three year schedule of Test matches against traditional arch rivals England.

“We’re incredibly proud to have taken out the Women’s RWC in four consecutive tournaments and a three-year programme definitely strengthens the planning for our next RWC campaign.

“We have some very strong and talented women out there and the unavailability of some of our 2010 Black Ferns means there will be an opportunity for new players to put themselves into the frame for selection.  These international fixtures always provide an added incentive for them to excel in their sport.

“It’s great to have John Kyle with us this year – he is a familiar face to many of the players. John has shown great loyalty to the women’s game, having been Otago Women’s Assistant Coach in 2006, then moving into the Head Coach role until this year, and he’ll be a huge asset to our campaign this year,” Hansen said.

Rosie Williams, Managing Director of the Rugby Football Union for Women, said: “We are really excited about this announcement. It is the first time that we have had a three year commitment to play New Zealand and this will do wonders from both a playing and profile perspective.

“This agreement is the icing on the cake for us. We now have regular tests against the current World Champions, as well against the USA and Canada in the Nations Cup, and of course Europe’s best in the Women’s RBS 6 Nations.”

Black Ferns 2011 – 2013 programme:

2011:              Black Ferns Travel to England for three Tests on 26 and 29 November, and 3 December

2012:              Black Ferns Travel to England for three Tests

2013:              England travels to New Zealand for three Tests

Taulava settling in well at Rotherham

Posted on Aug 2, 2011 in Championship

New recruit Semisi Taulava is loving being at Rotherham and believes consistency will be a key factor in the Titans having a successful season.

Semisi said, "If we can consistently perform to what we believe we are capable of, then I think we can surprise a few teams and give the supporters a very good season. If at times we take a fall we need to get back up quickly and show people what we are about. I’m confident that we can do well this year, all the players have bought in to what the club wants to achieve."

The 28 year-old big Tongan is relishing the challenge of being part of, what he believes are exciting times ahead for the club.

Semisi is no stranger to challenges he left his home at just 15 to take up a rugby scholarship in Wanganui, New Zealand. After spending 3 years at the college he was picked up by local NPC 2nd division side Wanganui.

Then in 2005 he moved to Taranaki in the NPC 1st division, however in early 2007 he suffered a serious neck injury which saw him out of the game for two years. One doctor told Semisi there was a good chance he would not be able play rugby again! Semisi recalls, "This was the lowest time of my life, there was many tears shed in that tough and difficult period."

But through dedication and hard work he was rewarded with the news he had been dreaming of, Semisi recalls, "I even remember the date, June 14 2009, thats when I got the all clear to play rugby again, I was so relieved and so happy!"

With a new lease of life about him, Semisi decided he wanted a new start and a fresh challenge. That saw him arrive in the UK on Christmas day 2009 and he played for Worthing for the remainder of the 09-10 season.

The following season with a number of Championship teams seeking his services, he decided to join his best friend from his younger days in Tonga, Leo Halavatua at Birmingham, believing it would make the transition to Championship rugby easier.

However it was a difficult season for Semisi, as he explained, "It was tough at Bees as I was played out of position in the 2nd row, and I’d never played that position before. But I’m a pretty loyal guy for whatever team I play for, I’m one of those guys that would cut his hand for the team, so I just gave my best in that position."

But when Rotherham came knocking on his door this year, he jumped at the opportunity and explained his reasons for joining the Clifton Lane outfit, "The club is very ambitious and Andres got a vision of where he wants to take Rotherham. I’m an Islander and we are a very loyal bunch, we need someone to crack the whip and Andre is really good at doing that. We like having a taskmaster and we follow and I want to be part of whats happening at Rotherham."

And so far he has no regrets about his move, Semisi added, "It couldnt be going any better at the moment we are loving it here, the old cliche about the people making the place is so true, the people in Rotherham have been so lovely to us, they have made us feel extremely welcome, I cant speak highly enough about how wonderful the people of Rotherham have been."

Piri Weepu signs with the Blues

Posted on Aug 1, 2011 in Latest Rugby News

All Blacks and former Hurricanes halfback Piri Weepu has signed with the Blues

Weepu today announced he is heading north and will join the Blues for the 2012 Investec Super Rugby season.

“I’ve had some great years with the Hurricanes but my contract was up and while I wanted to continue playing in New Zealand, I felt it was time for something different,” said the 27 year-old.  “I have spoken with the Blues about how they see me contributing to their team next year and I‘m really excited about it.”

Blues coach Pat Lam said Weepu’s decision to move to the Blues is great news for the franchise.

“Piri’s ability in both the 9 and 10 jerseys as well as goal-kicking makes him a pretty special player. He is also a strong leader within a team and we’re very much looking forward to him joining us.”

Last season, Weepu suffered a broken leg during a provincial match for Wellington which kept him out of the game for months. However, a successful return to rugby during this year’s Super Rugby season, has seen Weepu named in the All Blacks’ first squad of 2011.

Weepu has played 84 Super Rugby matches (250 points) and 46 Test matches (62 points). He made his provincial debut in 2003 and his Super Rugby and All Blacks debut the following year.  As well as the All Blacks, Weepu has played for the Junior All Blacks and New Zealand Maori.