NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS defensive back Nate Ebner was named today to the US rugby sevens team for the Rio Olympics, making him the only NFL player with a chance to capture gold in Brazil.
Ebner, who also worked on special teams to help the Patriots capture last year’s Super Bowl crown, was given permission by the team last March to chase his Olympic dream, an opportunity he called “humbling” and “amazing”.
Ebner will miss about two weeks of pre-season workouts for New England coach Bill Belichick while with the American squad.
“I’m going to miss a few things I don’t want to but at the end of the day it’s a really big opportunity for me,” Ebner said.
“I think Bill understands rugby is a passion of mine and that’s where my background lies.”
Ebner was the youngest US Sevens player at age 17 before going to Ohio State, where he split time with rugby and American football until he started his NFL career, never losing his love for rugby.
“Even though he will be away from our team during an important period of our off-season, he will still be getting excellent physical training,” Belichick said.
The Americans, who won gold when rugby was last played in the Olympics back in 1924 in the 15-a-side format, will be captained by Madison Hughes, the all-time US scoring leader in the IRB Sevens Series, and USA Sevens regulars Zack Test, Folau Niua, Danny Barrett, Garrett Bender and Maka Unufe.
Carlin Isles, dubbed “the fastest man in rugby”, and Perry Baker, the second-highest try-scorer from the 2015-16 series, are also selected along with Andrew Durutalo and Chris Wyles, who won the European Champions Cup and English Premiership double with Saracens this past season.
© AFP 2016
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FORMER LEINSTER MAN Colm O’Shea has been named at inside centre in Munster’s XV for their first pre-season game against Zebre at the Waterford RSC on Friday evening [KO 7pm].
O’Shea is hoping to secure a contract at Munster.
The 26-year-old, who played for an Ireland XV against the Barbarians last year, has been on trial with Munster for pre-season and will be hoping to secure a full-time contract ahead of the 2016/17 campaign.
O’Shea features in a Munster backline that will be guided by Ian Keatley and Duncan Williams from the halfback positions, with Cian Bohane starting at 13.
Academy man Stephen Fitzgerald is at fullback, with Ronan O’Mahony and Darren Sweetnam completing the back three.
Waterford native Jack O’Donoghue will be a big draw for local fans, while fellow Déise man Steven McMahon could play off the bench.
Dave O’Callaghan and ex-Leinster underage openside Conor Oliver join O’Donoghue in the back row, as captain Billy Holland and John Madigan form the second row. John Ryan, Niall Scannell and Stephen Archer complete the XV.
Off the bench, sub-academy out-half Conor Fitzgerald – brother of Stephen – could make his first Munster appearance, as could back row Gavin Coombes and wing Calvin Nash. All three of the youngsters received their Leaving Cert results today.
There are further possible first Munster appearances for Brian Scott, Ollie Lyons, Dan Goggin, and Cork Con scrum-half John Poland, while new signings Darren O’Shea and John Andress are set to make their debuts.
Munster (v Zebre):
15. Stephen Fitzgerald
14. Darren Sweetnam
13. Cian Bohane
12. Colm O’Shea
11. Ronan O’Mahony
10. Ian Keatley
9. Duncan Williams
1. John Ryan
2. Niall Scannell
3. Stephen Archer
4. John Madigan
5. Billy Holland (captain)
6. Dave O’Callaghan
7. Conor Oliver
8. Jack O’Donoghue
Replacements:
Kevin O’Byrne
Peter McCabe
John Andress
Brian Scott
Darren O’Shea
Dave Foley
Ollie Lyons
Gavin Coombes
John Poland
Conor Fitzgerald
Dan Goggin
David Johnston
Calvin Nash
Steven McMahon
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Trimble and Herring take over Ulster captaincy from Rory Best26-year-old Connacht centre McSharry forced to retire due to concussion
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IRISH RUGBY HAS lost another talented, young player to early retirement as Munster today confirmed that Johnny Holland’s playing days are over.
The out-half has been battling with an ongoing hamstring problem initially picked up during a Munster ‘A’ game against Nottingham in November 2014.
Holland, a Munster Rugby graduate who also represented Douglas, Sundays Well, UCC and Cork Constitution as a youngster, recovered to play seven times for the province last season and scored his first competitive try against Leinster at the Aviva Stadium.
However, on the week of his 25th birthday, the Cork native has been advised to call time on his career by medical staff after making a total of 11 senior appearances since his debut three years ago.
“This has obviously been a very tough time for me, and ultimately it is a decision that has been taken out of my hands,” Holland told Munster Rugby.
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“It is something that I have tried very hard to overcome but unfortunately it has become impossible for me to win this battle. As much as this is beyond my control, I don’t want to look back on my career with any sadness.”
“Rugby has given me so many opportunities and I have learned so much from the experience, with fantastic memories and friends for life. I am very proud to have represented my home province, especially at the end of last season, and am thankful for the support from underage rugby all the way up.
“I believe this is an exciting time for Munster Rugby and while I am hugely disappointed that my time has come to an end I look forward to supporting from the stands, and to the next chapter.”
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A new seated stand is in place at the Sportsground for Connacht’s upcoming season‘I wanted to stay’ – IRFU rules forcing Ulster star Ruan Pienaar to leave
FORMER IRELAND AND Leinster centre Gordon D’Arcy believes the addition of former England boss Stuart Lancaster to the eastern province’s coaching staff is a welcome boost for his old side, after they struggled for large parts of last season.
“You’ve got to say he brings an awful lot to the table. He has coached at international level with probably the most scrutinised team behind the All Blacks in world rugby, and has proven his ability to do it,” D’Arcy tells the42.
“The best way to look at it is if you take away the last World Cup, which is about 5%-10% of his tenure, he was an incredibly successful coach, and the most successful English coach since Clive Woodward.”
“He has shown amazing strength of character to come in and work under a very young head coach, and again that same compliment goes to Leo Cullen, that he is happy to bring an international head coach to work as a senior coach with him.”
Lancaster left his role with England after they failed to progress from their pool at the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Source: PA Archive/Press Association Images
The 46-year-old is expected to fill the vacated position of the former defence coach Kurt McQuilkin, who departed Leinster to return to New Zealand for personal reasons, but D’Arcy thinks Lancaster will have a much bigger role within the setup.
“I wouldn’t say he is going to be completely pigeonholed (as a defensive coach), he has a wealth of coaching experience.
“He is going to be helping Girvan (Dempsey) with the backs, he will probably helping with the attack too, but he is not just going to be a defensive coach. He will be developing a lot of facets to their game.”
A straightforward opening day victory in the Pro12 for last year’s table toppers over Treviso, was followed by a disappointing away loss to Glasgow on Saturday.
Irish internationals Jamie Heaslip, Devin Toner, Jack McGrath and Sean Cronin were among the province’s standout absentees in Scotland due to the IRFU player management programme, and D’Arcy feels that a lack of experience on the field last weekend proved costly as Leinster lost a 10-point lead in the second-half.
“At the 50th minute mark, they probably needed that old head to say we need a bit of territory, we are going to put these guys under pressure and we are going to play in the right areas of the field.
“The were missing some of their star players but they adapted well with the resources they had at their disposal.”
The three-time Heineken Cup winner thinks the younger players will need to work on being more clinical when they have they lead, as well as their game-management to ensure the team doesn’t leave a game they controlled for large periods empty-handed.
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“The younger players are getting exposure to high-quality games, but this comes at a cost with naivety in a forward pack. Young guys are gaining valuable experience but Leinster were left without any points from that game, but I’d be pretty happy with the start.”
One of the players that has grasped his opportunity with both hands this season is 20-year-old out-half Joey Carbery, and he is a player D’Arcy believes has the potential to get even better.
Carbery claimed the Division 1A title with Clontarf last season. Source: Dan Sheridan/INPHO
“He has all the elements; he can kick, he can tackle, he can pass, he can offload, he can run and he has good decision-making skills. He just needs to get those tactical nuances in games, he has that, but just needs that experience.”
While the former Lions star also feels Garry Ringrose is ready to take his game to the next level after an impressive debut season last year.
“Garry has always been very hungry to get better. He was always asking questions when I was there, looking to become a better footballer. All the things you want to see, and he had a great breakthrough season last year.
“It has been really encouraging to see him in the games so far this year, he took a couple of big physical hits and he can mix with that. The sky is the limit for this guy.”
Ringrose will be hoping another impressive season with Leinster will boost his international credentials. Source: Gary Carr/INPHO
“It is always a little bit harder in the second season, people are more aware of who he is and his footwork. The onus is on him to get better and try not to overplay his hand, just do the simple things well.”
And after a year away from the game, the 36-year-old is more than comfortable with his decision to retire, as he admits to struggling to maintain the physical level required to compete at the highest level, despite having offers on the table to continue playing from the UK and France.
“I’m very glad to be finished with it. Getting towards the end of my career it was a real, real struggle at that level. Physically it was getting harder and harder to play rugby. I’m done, it’s a young man’s game.”
Gordon D’Arcy will be joining a list of sporting stars such as Andy Lee, Olympic silver medalist Annalise Murphy and members of the Irish women’s rugby team, who will take to the stage for live Q&A sessions at the eir Pavilion on-site at the National Ploughing Championships.
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‘He’s thriving at this level’ – Leinster confident of Carbery classLeinster boosted by return of four Ireland internationals for Edinburgh
CJ STANDER SAYS he is gunning for a spot on the Lions tour next summer and he’s launching his run for a slot against Edinburgh this weekend.
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Stander debuted for Ireland in his homeland in June, but an ultimately disappointing tour defeat was a setback for the Munster No 8.
But after watching Lions greats of the past during his youth in George, Stander is keen to rediscover his best form for Munster and force his way into Warren Gatland’s plans.
“Yeah, for sure, he said.
“When I arrived here it wasn’t really in my mind but then everyone started talking about it and it can happen, so it’s a goal for sure. It just depends how much and how good I can perform over the next few months.”
“I always set goals. Firstly I just wanted to get back through pre-season and get my body fit again, get all the niggles gone and then I started thinking about the next goals. Literally the next goals are performing for Munster week in, week out, getting used to the pace again.
“Then at international level, getting onto to that plane to go to Chicago and playing New Zealand. They’re on a good streak now so that will be some match to be involved in.”
The prospect of taking on the All Blacks for Ireland this autumn, and then the Lions next summer, is a massive challenge for Stander and his international teammates.
Unbeaten in 15 consecutive Test matches stretching back to August 2015, New Zealand will be primed when they face Joe Schmidt’s side in Chicago’s Soldier Field this November, and Stander has been doing his homework already.
“They’re just blowing everyone away. I watch all the games to see what they’e doing. I think they’ve got a good game-plan, they use their hands and they’re physical and they’re very fit. They just use their fitness to put teams away in the last 20 minutes.
“I reckon you have to go into the second-half of a game against them leading by at least 12 points otherwise they’re going to make life pretty difficult. So I’ll just keep on watching and see what they do, see if they’re anything we can jump into.”
CJ Stander in training. Source: Morgan Treacy/INPHO
For Munster they will be aiming for a first home win of the season when they welcome Edinburgh to Thomond Park this Saturday.
Their loss to Cardiff by one point in Cork was a real setback, but Stander says they are ready to take on Edinburgh at their strongest point: up front.
“Everybody says about their physicality and that’s what we expect from Edinburgh. Their forward pack are very physical and if your maul is not set or your lineout is not on par they’re going to take your ball away from you.
“They’ve got their physicality but also if you give them space and let them use the ball they’ll use that and make it tough for you.
“The year before last, 13-14 (defeat at Thomond Park), a game like that, if you don’t match them physically you’re going to be in trouble. That first five minutes is big.”
Munster’s new €15m training base could have been a deal-breaker for Rassie Erasmus
IRELAND U18 SCHOOLS coach Peter Smyth has included six returning players in his squad for the U18 Six Nations Festival, which takes place in England from next week.
Ben Murphy, the son of Ireland skills and kicking coach Richie, is one of those back from last year, as is Nathan Doak, the son of ex-Ulster and current Worcester attack coach Neil.
Pres College, Bray student Ben Murphy is back again this year. Source: Laszlo Geczo/INPHO
St Mary’s School, Drogheda student Karl Martin, Belfast Royal Academy’s Tom Stewart, PBC Cork forward Alex Kendellen and Chris Cosgrave – who recently helped St Michael’s to the Leinster Schools Senior Cup – are the other returning players in the 26-man squad.
St Michael’s players Lee Barron, Jack Boyle and Will Hickey join Cosgrave in the squad, while CBC Cork – who won the Munster Schools Senior Cup this year – are represented by Cian Whooley, Aaron Leahy, Harry O’Riordan and Mark Donnelly.
Among the six-strong Connacht contingent are Shane Jennings and Diarmuid Kilcommins, who won an All-Ireland minor hurling title with Galway last year.
Jennings was also part of Garbally College’s Connacht Schools Senior Cup title-winning squad this season, along with fellow Ireland Schools call-up Oisin McCormack.
Second row Darragh Murray, the younger brother of Ireland U20s lock Niall, captained the Connacht U18s to trophy success at the IRFU U18 Interprovincial Festival at the start of the season.
Connacht’s Darragh Murray is included. Source: Oisin Keniry/INPHO
Belvedere College’s Alex Soroka, the brother of former Ireland U20 international Ivan, is also included.
Smyth has included seven Ulstermen in his Ireland U18 Schools squad, with five Munster players and eight from Leinster.
Ireland get their U18 Six Nations Festival campaign underway with a meeting against France in Gloucester on Saturday 13 April, before facing England in Worcester four days later. Their run of fixtures concludes with a clash against France in Gloucester on Sunday 21 April.
Ireland U18 Schools squad:
Backs (12):
Ben Carson (Wallace High School/Ulster)
Chris Cosgrave (St. Michael’s College/Leinster)
Nathan Doak (Wallace High School/Ulster)
Shane Jennings (Garbally College/Connacht)
Diarmuid Killcommins (Coláiste Bhaile Chláir/Connacht)
Aaron Leahy (CBC Cork/Munster)
Conor McKee (Sullivan Upper School/Ulster)
Karl Martin (St Mary’s School Drogheda/Leinster)
Ben Murphy (Presentation College Bray/Leinster)
Harry O’Riordan (CBC Cork/Munster)
Jamie Osborne (Naas CBS/Leinster)
Cian Whooley (CBC Cork/Munster)
Forwards (14):
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Lee Barron (St Michael’s College/Leinster)
Jack Boyle (St Michael’s College/Leinster)
Donnacha Byrne (Summerhill College/Connacht)
Reuben Crothers (Wallace High School/Ulster)
Mark Donnelly (CBC Cork/Munster)
Oscar Egan (Coleraine Grammar School/Ulster)
Will Hickey (St Michael’s College/Leinster)
Alexander Kendellen (PBC Cork/Munster)
Diarmuid McCormack (Clongowes Wood College/Connacht)
Oisin McCormack (Garbally College/Connacht)
Darragh Murray (Colaiste Chiaran/Connacht)
George Saunderson (Sullivan Upper School/Ulster)
Alex Soroka (Belvedere College/Leinster)
Tom Stewart (Belfast Royal Academy/Ulster)
U18 Six Nations Festival fixtures:
Saturday April 13, 2.40pm
Ireland v France, Hartpury College, Gloucester
Wednesday April 17, 1.40pm
England v Ireland, Sixways Stadium, Worcester
Sunday April 21, 11.10am
Ireland v Wales, Kingsholm, Gloucester.
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WORCESTER WARRIORS HAVE confirmed Ben Te’o will leave the club at the end of the season.
England international Te’o, who arrived three years ago from Leinster, is the high-profile name among a group of eight players who will depart Sixways.
The centre, 32, has won 20 international caps and also appeared in two Tests for the British and Irish Lions during their series against New Zealand in 2017.
Te’o has been linked with a move to France, though playing for a team in the Top 14 would rule him out of contention for England.
Samoa flanker Alafoti Faosiliva is also moving on from the Warriors, while former South Africa international Dewald Potgieter has announced he will retire from professional rugby at the conclusion of the Premiership campaign.
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“We would like to thank all who are leaving for their contribution to the club and wish them the very best for the future,” said Alan Solomons, Worcester’s director of rugby.
Gavan Casey and Murray Kinsella are joined by Andy Dunne to preview the Champions Cup semi-finals and all the week’s news on the latest episode of The42 Rugby Weekly:
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Ryan Bailey reports from Thomond Park
JOHANN VAN GRAAN says Conor Murray could have played against Connacht this evening but Munster were not prepared to take any unnecessary risks with the scrum-half’s fitness.
Murray appeared to take a knock to his neck during the final stages of Munster’s pre-match warm-up and looked in a degree of discomfort as he made his way off the pitch with head physio Damien Mordan.
Murray on the Munster bench during the game. Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO
After consulting with the medical team, van Graan ‘erred on the side of caution’ by withdrawing Murray from his starting XV minutes before kick-off, with Neil Cronin promoted off the bench and academy nine Craig Casey called up to the 23.
The sight of Murray, who appeared to clip his head off a team-mate at the back of a ruck, holding his neck is a cause for major concern for both Munster and Ireland, given the Ireland international’s recent injury profile.
When asked about Murray’s wellbeing post-match, van Graan said it was too early to say whether he will be fit to face Benetton at Thomond Park next Saturday.
“He literally got a knock with the last breakdown of the warm-up,” the head coach explained. “It was a counter-ruck and he took a knock.
“It happened literally seven or eight metres away from me. I got the medical team involved and we made a decision not to play him. He could have possibly played but we decided to err on the side of caution.
“We’ll give some more info on Monday. It’s just very stiff at this stage, that’s all I can say.”
Cronin was told four minutes before kick-off that he was starting but the Garryowen nine stepped up impressively, producing a lively display to help Munster to a three-try inter-pro win.
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It was also a special night for Ireland U20 Grand-Slam winner Casey, who just so happened to be with the matchday squad as a further learning experience in his development.
The 20-year-old replaced Cronin for his Munster debut in the 76th minute.
“We had to make a quick decision and pulled Conor in, he wanted to play, but I decided not to take a risk,” Van Graan continued.
On the fitness of Joey Carbery and Keith Earls ahead of the Pro14 play-offs, van Graan added: “Joey will take it day-by-day and the same with Earlsy. We’ll give you an update on Monday morning.”
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A SYDNEY TRIBUNAL today ruled that homophobic comments posted to social media by Israel Folau amounted to a “high-level” breach of the sport’s code of conduct, but a sanction has yet to be decided.
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The deeply Christian Folau challenged Rugby Australia’s intention to sack him from his lucrative four-year deal after he posted on social media that “hell awaits” gay people and others he says are sinners.
The governing body declared his actions a “high-level” breach, the only level that allows termination of a contract, and the three-person panel agreed after three days of legal wrangling.
Folau, Rugby Australia chief Raelene Castle and Wallabies coach Michael Cheika all gave evidence.
A decision on his punishment has yet to be made, but it could range from the unlikely scenario of allowing him to return to training and playing with the NSW Waratahs, firing him, or issuing fines or suspensions.
“The panel (John West QC, Kate Eastman SC and John Boultbee SC) has today provided a judgement that Israel Folau committed a high-level breach of the Professional Players’ Code of Conduct with his social media posts on April 10, 2019,” Rugby Australia said.
“The panel will now take further written submissions from the parties to consider the matter of sanction.”
No timescale was given for the sanctions to be handed down.
Folau, Super Rugby’s record try-scorer, has not played since posting a banner on Instagram that read: “Drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolators — Hell awaits you.”
He escaped without sanction for a similar tirade last year before signing a new contract. Folau’s legal team reportedly argued that the governing body did not include a social media clause in the contract, and said his posts were quoting sentiments from the Bible.
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