League trumps rugby in charity boxing

Updated December 16, 2012 08:20:37

Plenty of punches landed but there was no serious damage as rugby league came out 3-1 winners in its rivalry with rugby union in a charity boxing event in Auckland.

NRL players Paul Gallen, Greg Bird and Manu Vatuvei all won their bouts over three two-minute rounds at the Fight for Life for prostate cancer awareness on Saturday night.

Former All Black Carlos Spencer got one back for rugby, while Willie Mason and another ex-All Black, Troy Flavell, fought out a draw in the battle of the big boys.

NSW skipper Gallen proved the surprise packet with a unanimous decision against All Blacks hooker Hika Elliot.

At the weigh-in, Gallen had talked down his abilities against an opponent who boasted a 62-0 record in karate.

But the Cronulla forward picked his moment to throw his punches and was able to find his mark with a series of combinations.

Gallen said he had privately backed himself, even if all the talk about Elliot's ability had made him nervous.

"I didn't want to be over-confident, to be honest," he said.

"I heard so much about the bloke and how good a fighter he was, I just wanted to go out there and do what my trainer told me."

Despite his clear-cut victory, he won't be hurrying back into the ring.

"I've got no plans to be a boxer."

Gallen won despite carrying an elbow injury from training a couple of weeks ago and for which he will have surgery on Thursday.

He said the rehabilitation period was only a fortnight, so he would be 100 per cent for the new NRL season.

Vatuvei also got all the judges' votes against London Games rowing gold medallist Eric Murray.

The Warriors winger could not quite tag Murray with a big shot, his opponent managing mostly to keep himself out of range, but he was buzzing after the fight.

"It was an awesome feeling," he said.

"I'm happy I jumped in. Eric and I went in to put on a good show and hopefully everyone enjoyed it."

Bird won an incident-filled contest over Blues back Rene Ranger via a split decision.

Bird was caught flush with a right hand in the second round and dropped to the canvas.

But Ranger was docked two points for throwing the punch after the referee had called for the fighters to break.

"I've copped bigger hits than that on the footy paddock," Bird said.

"I'll be right. The head's pretty solid."

Spencer got a majority verdict over former Kiwi Jarrod McCracken.

The bout developed some feeling, with Spencer unhappy with some of McCracken's tactics, including a couple of punches thrown when Spencer's back was turned.

"A win's a win," he said.

"It was more like a league match than a boxing match."

Mason and Flavell provided plenty of entertainment with a mix of big punches and occasional wrestling, and could not be separated by the judges.

In a six-round women's lightweight professional bout, New Zealander Daniella Smith's aggressiveness paid dividends as she beat Australian Lauryn Eagle by unanimous decision.

AAP

Tags: boxing, rugby-league, rugby-union, new-zealand, australia

First posted December 16, 2012 08:07:28

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Cooper puts rugby on hold for boxing

Updated November 26, 2012 23:57:10

Controversial Wallabies playmaker Quade Cooper has announced he has put his rugby union career "on hold" while he pursues a stint in boxing.

Cooper, who is unhappy with a downgraded, incentive-based contract offered by the Australian Rugby Union, will feature on the undercard of the Sonny Bill Williams fight at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.

The fight is expected to be held on February 8.

Cooper's manager Khoder Nasser said the ARU has given the Queensland fly half no choice but to make a career change.

"I think the ARU has made its point and let that be known," Nasser said.

"The way they value Quade gives Quade no choice."

Cooper said boxing had been a release for him during his time out recovering from knee surgery and this new career direction is an opportunity he would love to take.

"Boxing has been used as a bit of a release, a bit of a way to work on my cardio," Cooper said.

"As it stands now, I'm still contracted until the end of December.

"I don't really have an option to continue with rugby at the moment, so for now I'm just focussing on getting my body right.

"I'm still training with the Reds, I'm still contracted with them. I'm just putting my full focus on getting my body right for the upcoming boxing fight."

With speculation mounting ahead of Monday's announcement that Cooper would be walking away from rugby, the Reds fly half turned up to preseason training with his Queensland team-mates.

Cooper's participation at Reds training at Ballymore looked to be a sign that he would remain playing Super Rugby with Queensland, whose 2013 season kicks off on February 16 against the Brumbies.

Recovering from knee surgery, Cooper underwent physiotherapy before taking part in a weights session at the Ballymore gym.

Despite putting his union career on standby, Cooper says his heart remains with the code and was thankful for the support from his Super Rugby side.

"Rugby's the game I love. I was brought up playing rugby union and rugby league. It's something I hold very close to my heart," he said.

"I've got great support [at the Reds], great mates, I very much value that. Every time there's been something, an issue I've had, they've come to help and work things out right away.

"My desire for rugby will never fade. I very much love it, but it's out of my hands at the moment."

Cooper has a three-year deal with Queensland Rugby, but is yet to sign a deal with the ARU.

The press conference had already been scheduled to announce the rearranged date for fighting Francois Botha in a heavyweight boxing contest.

Cooper has a long-held interest in boxing and has often been seen at bouts in the company of Anthony Mundine, who until recently was represented by Cooper and Williams' manager Khoder Nasser.

Once his ARU contract expires, Cooper could have his pick of opportunities from both rugby codes, with European unions and rugby league clubs both potentially interested.

While Cooper said he will have a lot to reacquaint himself since last playing league as a 17-year-old, Williams backed the fly half to make a splash in the NRL if he chose to do so.

"I've been one of his big supporters even before we joined up as a team," Williams said.

"I've got no doubt that he's got that ability to succeed in the 13-man game.

"I'll probably go as far as to say I'd give him half my pay packet [at the Sydney Roosters] to get him across, because I think that he'd be great not just for the game but great for our club as well."

ABC/AAP

Tags: boxing, rugby-union, sport, brisbane-4000, qld, australia

First posted November 26, 2012 13:23:11

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Ten named rugby free-to-air broadcaster

Updated October 23, 2012 10:54:50

Network Ten will broadcast Wallabies Test matches for the next three years after taking over the free-to-air rights from Channel Nine, the Australian Rugby Union announced on Tuesday.

Ten have assumed the rights from original holder Channel Nine due to "programming conflicts" according to ARU chief executive John O'Neill.

Ten will broadcast each Wallabies Test live, including the British and Irish Lions Tests next year and all June internationals, Bledisloe Cup matches and Rugby Championship games from 2013-2015.

The network will also show a weekly Super Rugby highlights show as part of the deal.

"We are delighted to welcome Ten as the new free-to-air home for rugby from 2013 to 2015," O'Neill said in a statement.

"We look forward to working with them knowing rugby will be the primary football code in the network's programming stable."

Network Ten were the first commercial TV partner for rugby between 1992 and 1995, including the 1995 Rugby World Cup. For the past two seasons Channel Nine have broadcast rugby union to a mixed response from fans.

Ten now joins Fox Sports as broadcast rights holders for Wallabies Test matches until 2015.

"We know there were programming conflicts for Nine over that period," O'Neill said of the past two seasons.

"We also appreciate that Nine not only understood this but the frustration it was causing for many in the rugby community, and this resolution is certainly a beneficial one from that perspective."

In a thinly veiled swipe at Channel Nine, Channel Ten said in a statement trumpeting the deal: "With Ten as the Wallabies free-to-air broadcaster from 2013, Australian rugby union fans can now look forward to getting consistent free-to-air television coverage across the country, which, in turn, will help the code thrive and develop."

AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, australia

First posted October 23, 2012 10:54:50

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ARU shakes up rugby governance

Updated October 30, 2012 16:39:52

Australian Rugby Union (ARU) has implemented 15 recommendations made by former federal sports minister Mark Arbib as it looks to keep pace with rival codes.

Two of the key recommendations enacted from the corporate governance review conducted by Arbib are changes to the ARU voting structure and a requirement that all directors on the ARU board are to be independent.

Under the current system, there are 14 member votes for the ARU constitutionally, and that will be increased to 16.

The current votes are mostly controlled by New South Wales and Queensland, who have eight votes between them, but under the new implementations each territory and state get a vote.

ARU chairman Michael Hawker admitted it was time for an overhaul and to have a governance that fairly represented the modern game.

"Our original constitution was in 1949 and we really (only) had New South Wales and Queenslanders," Hawker said.

"Since then, the game has evolved quite considerably from an amateur code to a professional code from New South Wales to Queensland to a code that spans across Australia."

AAP

Tags: rugby-union, sport, australia

First posted October 30, 2012 16:39:52

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Evergreen Thorn set for another Super Rugby season

Updated October 10, 2012 12:54:02

Evergreen dual international Brad Thorn is reportedly set to write a final chapter in his remarkable playing career by returning to Super Rugby with New Zealand franchise the Highlanders.

The former All Blacks lock, who played for Brisbane, Queensland and Australia in rugby league, has been playing rugby union in Japan and Ireland since helping New Zealand win last year's Rugby World Cup.

But the Otago Daily Times reports Thorn, who will turn 38 in February, has met with Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph and is believed to have agreed to play for the Dunedin-based franchise next season.

Thorn previously played Super Rugby for the Crusaders between 2001 and 2011, before returning to rugby league for a second stint with the Brisbane Broncos from 2005 to 2007.

He has played 200 top grade rugby league games for the Broncos, 14 for Queensland and eight matches for Australia.

In rugby union Thorn has played 92 Super Rugby games for the Crusaders and 60 Tests for the All Blacks.

However a move to the Highlanders would be a fitting career finale for Thorn, who was born in Mosgiel just outside Dunedin where the team is based.

He would add experience and steel to a Highlanders forward pack that already includes new signing All Blacks prop Tony Woodcock and All Blacks hooker Andrew Hore.

Thorn left for Japan last year on a two-year deal to play for the Fukuoka Sanix Blues and that deal is due to expire in late February, paving his way to play in Super Rugby.

Earlier this year, he signed a three-month contract with Irish club Leinster and helped them to win Europe's Heineken Cup.

It added another honour to Thorn's long list, having tasted success at virtually every level in both codes.

AAP

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, new-zealand, brisbane-4000, qld, australia

First posted October 10, 2012 12:54:02

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All Blacks down Pumas to win Rugby Championship

Updated September 30, 2012 11:51:49

Winger Cory Jane scored three of New Zealand's seven tries as the world champion All Blacks beat Argentina 54-15 to lift the inaugural Rugby Championship title on Sunday morning (AEST).

The other New Zealand winger, Julian Savea, also scored two tries in an open match in which the Pumas also crossed the All Blacks line twice, most notably with scrum half Martin Landajo's opening try of the match.

A noisy 45,000 full house at the Etadio Unico were treated to some exciting, if often error-riddled, running from both back lines with the All Blacks enjoying a clear edge when it came to finishing.

New Zealand took its winning run to 15 since last year's World Cup and travel to Johannesburg for its final match of the tournament next weekend against South Africa, which beat Australia 31-8 earlier on Sunday.

It was a return to regional dominance for the All Blacks, who won 10 of the 16 Tri-Nations titles but lost out to the Wallabies in last year's final version of the competition before it was replaced to allow the addition of the Pumas.

"We wanted to win the championship from day one and to do it so early is a reflection of how hard the boys have worked and how well they've played," New Zealand coach Steve Hansen said in a pitchside interview.

Argentina, whose former prop Omar Hasan - now an opera singer - sung both anthems, showed their intent to run the ball at every opportunity and went ahead within nine minutes.

The Pumas won a lineout on the left inside their own half, the ball was passed inside to full-back Lucas Gonzalez Amorisino, who rode two tackles and set off on a diagonal run towards the right.

He was tackled inside the New Zealand 22 but laid off to Landajo, who darted between two players to touch down. Fly half Juan Martin Hernandez missed the conversion.

New Zealand hit back eight minutes later with the first try conceded by the Pumas in the first half of their championship matches.

Centre Ma'a Nonu broke through the defence at a ruck in the middle and raced for the posts before passing out of the tackle to scrum half Aaron Smith, who touched down.

Carter converted to put the All Blacks ahead and then put over a penalty for a 10-5 lead at the halfway point of the first half.

The All Blacks then scored a second try through Jane in the left corner after a break by number eight Kieran Read, with Carter again converting.

Fly half Hernandez and Carter exchanged penalties before a brief tale of two interceptions.

First the Pumas snapped up a loose ball and moved play out right where wing Gonzalo Camacho dropped the ball to allow Savea to kick ahead, chase and touched down.

Savea scored his second try in the corner as the half was winding down after several phases of All Blacks attacks and, with Carter's conversion, New Zealand went in at half-time 32-8 ahead.

Argentina pinned New Zealand back into their half from the restart and after several phases of attack won a penalty. They chose to run and were rewarded when Camacho picked up from a ruck and scurried over to score their second try.

Again, New Zealand hit right back with Jane's second try at the end of a move that began on the far side after a lineout.

A lot more running of the ball by both teams, amid a myriad of replacements in the final quarter, failed to deliver another try for the home side but Nonu crossed and Jane secured his hat-trick for New Zealand.

New Zealand: 54 (C Jane 3, J Savea 2, A Smith, M Nonu tries; D Carter 3/5 cons, A Cruden 2/2 cons; D Carter 2/3 pens, A Cruden 1/1 pen)

Argentina: 15 (M Landajo, G Camacho tries; J Martin Hernandez 1/2 cons, 1/1 pen)

Reuters

Tags: sport, rugby-union, argentina

First posted September 30, 2012 11:28:28

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Super Rugby rookies to debut in Perth

Updated September 21, 2012 16:32:40

An all-Australian opening round will kick off the 2013 Super Rugby competition which includes a new team from South Africa.

The Port Elizabeth-based Kings franchise has replaced the 2012 wooden-spooners, the Lions from Johannesburg, following several years of political lobbying for a team in the south.

The 2013 draw was unveiled on Friday with the Kings scheduled to make their debut against the Western Force in round two at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on February 23.

Due to the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia, the home-and-away season extends to 20 weeks which will include two weekends of Australian derbies and two other rounds only involving South African and Kiwi sides.

The Melbourne Rebels will host the Force in the season-opener on February 15 while the Brumbies will be at home to the Queensland Reds the following night.

The NSW Waratahs have a first-round bye before meeting arch-rivals Queensland in round two at Lang Park in Brisbane.

The Waratahs, keen for more day-time matches at Allianz Stadium, will host the Blues and Force in back-to-back Sunday afternoon encounters in round six and seven.

The Force will be early-season travellers and must wait until round six before their first home game against the Cheetahs on March 23.

All five Australian sides will play against the touring Lions before the Wallabies three-Test series, which isn't aligned with the All Blacks and Springboks internationals.

It makes for staggered rest periods and a disrupted draw with the Australian sides breaking from Super Rugby when the Wallabies-Lions clash from June 22 to July 6.

"The Lions tour to Australia presented some unique challenges in preparing the 2013 Super Rugby draw," SANZAR chief executive Greg Peters said.

"The 2012 Super Rugby season was the most watched season of Super Rugby ever, both in terms of those attending matches live and also viewing on television. The 2013 draw will hopefully see us grow those numbers again."

The defending champion Chiefs begin their campaign in Dunedin against the Highlanders in round two while the Bulls and Stormers kick off the season for the South African conference.

The six-team finals series starts on July 19 with the final scheduled for August 3.

AAP

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, perth-6000, australia, wa

First posted September 21, 2012 16:00:53

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Cooper out of Rugby Championship

Updated September 18, 2012 19:33:50

Australian five-eighth Quade Cooper will miss the rest of the Rugby Championship due to a knee injury.

Cooper underwent scans on his right knee in Brisbane on Tuesday which revealed a small chip of articular cartilage which will require surgery.

It is the same knee which was operated on after last year's World Cup but, according to a Wallabies statement, the injury is not long-term and the enigmatic Cooper is expected to be available for Australia's spring tour of France, England, Italy and Wales in November.

The injury compounds an already troublesome season for Cooper.

He put in one of his worst Test efforts of his 38-cap career in the Wallabies' come-from-behind win over Argentina last Saturday night on the Gold Coast.

The Queensland playmaker made a string of errors that contributed to Australia trailing 19-6 before they rallied late to win 23-19.

Cooper also missed the Reds' Super Rugby qualifying final defeat in July due to suspension.

Ironically, Wallabies coach Robbie Deans said after the win over the Pumas that injury worries within the squad were likely to spare Cooper the axe following his below-par performance.

Australia's squad for their final two Rugby Championship Tests in South Africa and Argentina will be named on Wednesday.

AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, australia

First posted September 18, 2012 19:33:50

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Net cast for Olympic rugby talent

Jen Browning

Updated September 17, 2012 16:29:08

The next Olympics in Rio may seem a long way down the track, but with the introduction of rugby to the program, preparations have already started.

Men's and women's Rugby Sevens will debut at the Games in 2016 and some countries are already spending millions on developing their teams.

Over the next two months the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) will host a series of talent camps aimed at finding potential Olympians for its women's squad.

Current Australian captain Rebecca Tavo says she is privileged to be part of the preparation towards Rio de Janiero.

"It's so exciting and more so now it's an Olympic sport, like that's the dream come true for everyone," she said.

"Not many people get to do it and I'm very privileged and honoured to be able to do that."

And Tavo is more than prepared to make the sacrifices to represent her country at the Olympic Games.

When she is not in the north of Western Australia driving trains on the mines, the Sevens skipper travels back to Brisbane to train with her team-mates.

"I work two weeks out in the mines and I could start anytime between 2:00am or 10:00pm at night and I work 12 hours," she said.

"Obviously it is very challenging, out in the heat by myself, but it is just something that I'm prepared to do."

One of Tavo's team-mates, Emma Gillogly, was plucked by the ARU to make the switch to Sevens from touch football.

"It's always been a dream of mine to go to the Olympics. I never thought it would be for rugby though and to have this opportunity, I'll definitely take it with both hands," she said.

Gillogly's meteoric rise is similar to that of Emilee Cherry, who until she started playing Sevens had only travelled to New Zealand.

"If you'd asked me a year ago there's no way I would have ever thought I would have had the opportunity to go to the Olympics playing a sport like Rugby Sevens," she said.

"Now it gives me that opportunity and yeah, it's quite unbelievable really."

The Olympic dream could become a reality for a lot more young Australians with the Pathway to Gold program about to start.

Trials will be held in Perth on the weekend of September 15 followed by Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

Australia's head coach Chris Lane is encouraging every female athlete to come along and give it a try.

"We're looking to really broaden our base, broaden our talent pool as such and anyone from any sport please come and give it a try," Lane said.

And even Tavo knows there is always a chance of unearthing a diamond in the rough.

"You might have speed, fitness, strength, ball skills, anything that another sport might have that we might not have and you could be helping your country out," she said.

"You could be representing Australia next year in Vegas some time."

Australia's women's sevens are the current world champions and most recently they won the Asia Pacific Sevens championships in Malaysia.

But nothing keeps the team focused more than the lure of an Olympic gold medal.

"The big picture for Australia is 2016, so if we can get some younger girls, get some experience at World Cups and three or four years later, they're going to dominate," Tavo added.

Tags: rugby-7, rugby-union, sport, olympics-summer, australia

First posted September 13, 2012 13:14:17

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Rugby Is a Great Contact Sport On and Offline

Net cast for Olympic rugby talent

Jen Browning

Updated September 13, 2012 21:41:34

The next Olympics in Rio may seem a long way down the track, but with the introduction of rugby to the program, preparations have already started.

Men's and women's Rugby Sevens will debut at the Games in 2016 and some countries are already spending millions on developing their teams.

Over the next two months the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) will host a series of talent camps aimed at finding potential Olympians for its women's squad.

Current Australian captain Rebecca Tavo says she is privileged to be part of the preparation towards Rio de Janiero.

"It's so exciting and more so now it's an Olympic sport, like that's the dream come true for everyone," she said.

"Not many people get to do it and I'm very privileged and honoured to be able to do that."

And Tavo is more than prepared to make the sacrifices to represent her country at the Olympic Games.

When she is not in the north of Western Australia driving trains on the mines, the Sevens skipper travels back to Brisbane to train with her team-mates.

"I work two weeks out in the mines and I could start anytime between 2:00am or 10:00pm at night and I work 12 hours," she said.

"Obviously it is very challenging, out in the heat by myself, but it is just something that I'm prepared to do."

One of Tavo's team-mates, Emma Gillogly, was plucked by the ARU to make the switch to Sevens from touch football.

"It's always been a dream of mine to go to the Olympics. I never thought it would be for rugby though and to have this opportunity, I'll definitely take it with both hands," she said.

Gillogly's meteoric rise is similar to that of Emilee Cherry, who until she started playing Sevens had only travelled to New Zealand.

"If you'd asked me a year ago there's no way I would have ever thought I would have had the opportunity to go to the Olympics playing a sport like Rugby Sevens," she said.

"Now it gives me that opportunity and yeah, it's quite unbelievable really."

The Olympic dream could become a reality for a lot more young Australians with the Pathway to Gold program about to start.

Trials will be held in Perth on the weekend of September 15 followed by Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

Australia's head coach Chris Lane is encouraging every female athlete to come along and give it a try.

"We're looking to really broaden our base, broaden our talent pool as such and anyone from any sport please come and give it a try," Lane said.

And even Tavo knows there is always a chance of unearthing a diamond in the rough.

"You might have speed, fitness, strength, ball skills, anything that another sport might have that we might not have and you could be helping your country out," she said.

"You could be representing Australia next year in Vegas some time."

Australia's women's sevens are the current world champions and most recently they won the Asia Pacific Sevens championships in Malaysia.

But nothing keeps the team focused more than the lure of an Olympic gold medal.

"The big picture for Australia is 2016, so if we can get some younger girls, get some experience at World Cups and three or four years later, they're going to dominate," Tavo added.

Tags: rugby-7, rugby-union, sport, olympics-summer, australia

First posted September 13, 2012 13:14:17

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Reds clean up at Super Rugby awards

Updated July 28, 2012 08:31:34

Queensland half-back Will Genia has been rewarded for his dominant form in a Reds jersey, winning Australia's Super Rugby player of the year award for the second season running.

And his team-mates' performances did not go unnoticed with the Reds also claiming the Australian team of the year award for winning the Australian conference.

Genia claimed the award by a single vote from Reds backrower Scott Higginbotham after starring in Queensland's final three regular season matches, before the defending champions were dumped from the first week of the finals by South African side the Sharks.

Genia joins former Wallabies flanker George Smith and ex-Reds full-back Chris Latham as the third player to win back-to-back player of the year awards.

Despite failing to defend their Super Rugby crown, coach Ewen McKenzie was also named coach of the year after leading the Reds to a shock finals berth.

After a mid-season form slump, the Reds won their last six games of the season to take advantage of the Brumbies' final-game capitulation at the hands of the Blues.

It was the fifth time McKenzie has been crowned coach of the year - a Super Rugby record - after he won three awards with New South Wales before claiming back-to-back gongs with the Reds.

Dom Shipperley made it four wins out of five categories for Queensland when his 80-metre effort against the Melbourne Rebels was named try of the year, while Brumbies outside back Joseph Tomane scooped the rookie of the year award.

Tags: sport, rugby-union, brisbane-4000, qld, australia

First posted July 26, 2012 14:28:58

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Lions replaced by Kings in Super Rugby

Updated August 22, 2012 19:25:14

The South African Rugby Union has relegated the Johannesburg-based Lions from the Super Rugby competition and replaced them with a new side the Southern Kings.

South African Rugby Union (SARU) officials voted 26-3 in Cape Town to promote the Eastern Cape-based Kings in place of the Lions, who finished bottom of the southern hemisphere championship table this year.

Coastal Sharks, who finished runners-up this season to Waikato Chiefs of New Zealand, semi-finalists Western Stormers, three-time champions Northern Bulls and improving Central Cheetahs retain their status.

"All rugby provinces have consistently supported the need for an Eastern Cape team in the competition. That decision was first taken in 2006 but their inclusion has twice been postponed," SARU president Oregan Hoskins said.

"The Kings franchise represents more clubs than any other region - apart from the Stormers - and contains numerous leading rugby schools. It has been starved of top-class competition for a decade-and-a-half.

"Provinces asked for a rugby solution and we believe this was the fairest and most transparent method to respond to what is undoubtedly a less than ideal situation."

The decision to axe the lowest South African team on the table followed months of speculation that included the Lions joining forces with another franchise and the Kings being paid to delay their elevation.

There has been ongoing political pressure to promote the Kings, who are likely to stage home fixtures at the 2010 FIFA World Cup venue Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in coastal city Port Elizabeth.

Eastern Cape boasts the largest number of black rugby players in the country and some officials from the ruling ANC party have expressed unhappiness at what they believed was the neglect of the sport in the region.

New Zealander Matt Sexton was named coach of the Kings last April but the Currie Cup second-tier leaders have not announced any major signings before the big step-up to Super 15 fare.

Softening the blow a little for the Lions, who have denied constant reports of financial problems, is the decision to have a two-leg South African promotion-relegation match at the end of each Super 15 from next year.

South African officials want six franchises in the competition when the television deal is renegotiated after the 2015 tournament and there has also been speculation of Argentine, Japanese and Pacific Islands entrants.

AFP

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, south-africa

First posted August 17, 2012 15:34:20

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Force confirm Foley as Super Rugby coach

Updated August 01, 2012 14:42:44

The Western Force have confirmed the appointment of Michael Foley as head coach for the next three Super Rugby seasons.

Foley quit his post at the NSW Waratahs on Tuesday, and will replace Richard Graham as head coach of the Force.

The appointment ends a drawn-out saga for the Force, who parted ways with Graham in mid-April after it was revealed the former Wallabies assistant had signed a deal to coach the Queensland Reds from next season.

The Force managed just three wins this year, and were dealt a huge blow last week when captain David Pocock defected to the Brumbies.

Foley spent three years as an assistant at the Waratahs before taking on the head role in 2012, where he managed to guide the side to just four wins from 16 games.

The 45-year-old, who represented the Wallabies in two World Cups, said he was excited to link up with the Force.

"This is an important period for the club and, while we're not looking to start from scratch, we're looking to relaunch the team," Foley said.

"There's no doubt the club has had a few setbacks in recent times but there are many people at the club, both on and off the field, that are very determined to see the Force successful.

"While my expectations are realistic, I'm very excited about this challenge.

"The coaching staff will be looking to promote an exciting brand of rugby that captures the imagination of our fans and wins games as well."

Although forwards coach Nick Stiles will remain at the Force, the franchise has begun the search for a new backs coach to replace Phil Blake.

AAP

Tags: rugby-union, sport, perth-6000, wa, sydney-2000, nsw, australia

First posted August 01, 2012 14:42:44

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Beale's Super Rugby season over

Updated July 03, 2012 19:37:53

Star Melbourne Rebels back Kurtley Beale has been ruled out of the last two matches of the Super Rugby season after pulling up sore from last Friday's loss to Queensland.

The Rebels' medical staff announced Beale will not be joining his team-mates in South Africa for matches against the Lions and Stormers after previously saying he was suffering "soreness" following the 32-17 defeat to the Reds at AAMI Park.

The Wallabies full-back went into the clash against the defending Super Rugby champions with bruised ribs suffered during the third Test against Wales in Sydney in his first match back from shoulder surgery.

Beale's operation at the start of June forced the 23-year-old to miss one Super Rugby match, the one-off Test against Scotland and the first two fixtures with Wales.

Fellow Wallabies back James O'Connor was also missing from the the 25-player Rebels squad that flew to South Africa on Sunday after straining his hamstring.

James Hilgendorf is most likely to regain the number 10 jersey against the Lions in Johannesburg on Sunday.

AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-rugby, melbourne-3000, vic, australia, south-africa

First posted July 03, 2012 19:37:53

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Samoa takes Pacific rugby cup

Updated June 18, 2012 18:38:58

Samoa stormed back from 16-0 down and survived a late onslaught to beat Pacific Nations Cup defending champions Japan 27-26 on Sunday and clinch the title.

Samoa finished the four-team competition with three straight wins, but it was a disastrous tournament for the reigning champion Japanese, who lost all three of their games.

Full-back Ayumu Goromaru gave Japan a 6-0 lead, scoring two penalties shortly after kick-off, in a taste of things to come in Tokyo.

Right prop Logovii Mulipola's shoulder charge on stand-off Harumichi Tatekawa in the 18th minute handed Japan a one-man advantage, with number eight Hendrik Tui immediately making the Samoans pay.

Tui was on hand following a good run by left winger Hirotoki Onozawa to go over for the first try of the game, giving the hosts an 11-0 lead.

Then left flanker Takashi Kikutani added another unconverted try in the 26th minute following a succession of quick rucks to lead 16-0.

But Samoa closed the gap within minutes of Mulipola's return, with scrum half Kahn Fotualii going over between the sticks after Samoa opted to kick for the corner. Stand-off Ki Anufe duly converted it.

Then lock Faatiga Lemalu went over for Samoa's second try with Anufe cashing in on the conversion, giving Japan a 16-14 lead at half time.

A penalty from Anufe in the 43rd minute put the surging Samoans in the lead for the first time at 17-16.

Some more poor Japanese defence allowed Samoa to penetrate deep and Lemalu powered over for his second try of the day, as Japan wilted badly.

Smelling a Samoa victory, right centre Lolo Lui took over the kicking duties for the visitors.

He made no mistake with the conversion as Samoa led 24-16.

Anufe then scored his second penalty to extend the lead to 27-16 in the 65th minute.

The Japanese, needing a try to stay in the game, nearly closed the gap as a good run by right winger Toshiaki Hirose was stopped just short of the line.

Samoa lost its own line-out and Kikutani finished off with a try in the corner in the 68th minute, but it was too far out for Nicholas Ryan to convert.

Nine minutes later, Hirose made no mistake, the captain finishing after a period of sustained pressure to go over in the corner and put one point between the sides. But Ryan's attempted conversion just drifted wide.

Tonga and Fiji are out of contention but will meet next Saturday for their final match.

ABC/AFP

Tags: rugby-union, japan, samoa, tonga, fiji, pacific

First posted June 18, 2012 13:33:22

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Horwill set to miss rest of Super Rugby season

Updated June 12, 2012 09:46:01

The Queensland Reds are expected to be without captain James Horwill for the remainder of the Super Rugby season.

Horwill has been troubled by a hamstring injury since his side's win over the Brumbies last month.

He will consult a specialist in Melbourne on Wednesday but has told The Australian newspaper he does not expect to play again for the Reds this year.

The Wallabies World Cup captain is hopeful he can play a role for Australia in the later rounds of the Rugby Championship against New Zealand, South Africa and Argentina beginning in August.

The Super Rugby competition resumes on June 29 after a break for international fixtures.

Queensland is in ninth spot with three rounds left to play.

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, brisbane-4000, qld, australia

First posted June 12, 2012 09:46:01

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Muiliana mulls Super Rugby return

Updated June 08, 2012 22:50:55

All Blacks legend Mils Muliaina says he misses the intensity of Super Rugby and would consider a return from Japan to the struggling Blues if he got the call.

The 31-year-old back, who suffered an international career-ending shoulder injury during his 100th Test for New Zealand in last year's World Cup, said he was loving Japan but still wanted to end his career in New Zealand.

"The shoulder's good and the door's always open," Muliaina said at a training session for the BGC Asia-Pacific Barbarians ahead of their match against English team Saracens in Hong Kong on Saturday.

"Being in Japan and not having to go through that physicality stuff, my body feels a lot better than what it has.

"I won't speculate on what's going to happen next year but I'd like to say that hopefully someone gives me a call and I'd go back."

Blues coach Pat Lam has taken charge of the Asia-Pacific Barbarians for the Chartis Cup match this weekend, and Muliaina said it was "nice" to hook up with his old coach again.

"He's a good bloke and a good man," he said.

Only the second All Black after current captain Richie McCaw to play in 100 Tests for New Zealand, Muliaina said he would be an "outstanding spectator" when he retired from international rugby in October.

A star for both the Blues and the Chiefs during his Super rugby career, he signed a two-year deal with Japanese club NTT Docomo knowing that would effectively mean the end of his international career after the World Cup.

"I'm enjoying the rugby in Japan. I'm enjoying the culture and the lifestyle as well. But the rugby's a bit different to what I'm used to in New Zealand," he said.

"I didn't expect to miss it as much as what I have. The first month or so was pretty tough.

"I sort of always thought I'd finish my rugby career in New Zealand."

He said he missed the competitiveness of Super rugby the most.

"It's a stupid thing to say but you kind of miss the feeling that you've just been beaten up," he said.

Saturday's match is a chance for the utility back to reunite in the Barbarians with four other All Blacks in Jerry Collins, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Rico Gear and Troy Flavell.

Muliaina said he was watching developments in New Zealand with interest, as the All Blacks prepare for a tough three-match series against Ireland under new coach Steve Hansen.

Hansen, now at the helm after being assistant coach to Graham Henry for eight years, produced a new-look side for Saturday's opening Test, which is the All Blacks' first since claiming the World Cup eight months ago.

Scrum-half Aaron Smith, lock Brodie Retallick and left wing Julian Savea are the debutants in a side tasked with defending a 107-year history of never losing to Ireland.

"He's got different ideas and you'd hope to see something a little bit different to what (Henry) had," Muliaina said.

On the choice of Sonny Bill Williams ahead of Ma'a Nonu in the midfield, Muliaina said he thought the centres were the best spot for the mercurial Williams even if Nonu should never be written off.

"Ma'a's had a big nine or so months... he'll be looking forward to having that little wee break from the big picture. But he's quality. When you get him at his best, he delivers," he said.

All Blacks captain McCaw is due to play his 104th Test on Saturday, but Muliaina dismissed suggestions the 31-year-old loose forward might be nearing the end of his international career.

"At the moment he's got plenty more to offer. That's why he's been the best player in the world," he said.

AFP

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, new-zealand

First posted June 08, 2012 22:48:40

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Farr-Jones heads NSW Rugby

Updated May 15, 2012 22:47:50

Rugby World Cup-winning Wallabies captain Nick Farr-Jones has been confirmed as chairman of the New South Wales Rugby Union by the board at its May meeting.

Farr-Jones, 50, joined the NSWRU board in June 2010 and has held the position of interim chairman since the retirement of Will Jephcott in December.

His appointment follows last month's election of fellow former Wallaby and ex-Waratahs skipper Tim Gavin as president.

He will head a NSWRU board consisting of Christopher Birch, Geoffrey Garland, Arthur Laundy, Peter Medway, Paul Timmins, Peter Veenstra and Bruce Worboys.

AAP

Tags: rugby-union, sport, sydney-2000, nsw, australia

First posted May 15, 2012 22:47:50

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Welsh rugby star sacked over plane incident

Updated April 11, 2012 16:33:58

Controversial Welsh rugby centre Gavin Henson was sacked by club side Cardiff Blues on Monday after a drunken incident on the team's weekend flight back from Scotland.

Henson had reportedly been drinking the night before after Cardiff's 31-3 loss to Glasgow in the Celtic League on Friday.

A statement issued by the Welsh regional side said: "Following a management meeting on Monday morning, Cardiff Blues can confirm that Gavin Henson has been dismissed with immediate effect."

Blues chief executive Richard Holland said team management had acted swiftly after discussing the incident.

"Gavin admitted himself that his behaviour was totally unacceptable and the immediate termination of his contract sends out a clear message that behaviour like that will not be tolerated at the Blues,'' Holland said.

"We have a duty to our supporters and sponsors to protect the good name of Cardiff Blues and those associated with our brand.

"Gavin Henson is obviously a talented rugby player and it's unfortunate that his career at the Blues has ended this way.

"However, we would like to thank him for his service and wish him the best of luck with his future career."

The 30-year-old Henson was initially suspended by his club side for the incident.

Henson issued a statement of regret on Sunday, saying: "I would like to publicly apologise for drinking on that flight, which is inappropriate behaviour".

But the apology was not enough to save his career at Cardiff and the one-time golden boy of Welsh rugby now faces an uncertain future.

AFP

Tags: rugby-union, sport, united-kingdom, wales

First posted April 03, 2012 10:25:46

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