Tag: Rugby

Connacht Rugby have announced historic redevelopment plans for their home venue, the Sportsground Stadium, in Galway at a cost of €30 million.

The project will deliver a modern, fit for purpose rugby stadium in addition to a new high-performance training centre for Connacht while also retaining existing greyhound racing facilities.

The redevelopment plan has been made possible following an arrangement reached between the Irish Greyhound Board and the freehold owners of the Sportsground, the Galway Agricultural and Sports Society, with respect to a shared vision for the future of the Sportsground.

The announcement comes on the back of a rigorous process to identify the optimum location, composition and design of the proposed new redevelopment in addition to an independent cost benefit analysis.

The development will cost in the region of €30m and will have a capacity of 12,000 spectators. It is intended that the development will be funded through a combination of public funds, most notably through the Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund, and private funding.

The arrangement with the Irish Greyhound Board will ensure that rugby fixtures and greyhound racing events will continue to be staged at the venue. The multi-use facility will also be made available for the hosting of other sporting fixtures and events where such demand arises.

The strategic benefits of the project to the entire region are also closely aligned with the Government’s National Planning Framework, Project Ireland 2040 as well as the recently launched National Sports Policy, all of which highlight the need for a regional spread of capital investment throughout the country.

Making the announcement, CEO of Connacht Rugby, Willie Ruane said: “A key pillar of the vision for Connacht Rugby, Grassroots to Green Shirts, is to deliver facilities that match our ambition.

“The arrangement we have reached with the IGB, paves the way for the delivery of modern fit for purpose facilities to sustain the Sportsground as the home of club and professional rugby in the province.

“The plans for the stadium redevelopment also include a high-performance training centre to provide both our existing professional players as well as our emerging talent access to appropriate facilities to enable them to fulfil their potential and go on to perform at the highest level.

“We have already been in contact with local residents on our plans and will be hosting a full public consultation in the coming weeks. In tandem with the planning process we will be submitting an application under the Government’s Large-Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund. Independent economic research carried out in 2016, found that Connacht Rugby contributes €34.4 million to the regional economy.

“The delivery of this project will increase that contribution and provide a beacon for regional development in the West of Ireland. Our vision is to ensure that the province has a stadium which future generations of sports stars, supporters and all the people of the West of Ireland can be immensely proud of.”

Commenting on the announcement, CEO of the Irish Greyhound Board, Ger Dollard said: “The proposed development by Connacht Rugby will deliver state of the art facilities in the Sportsground which will greatly enhance the experience of our customers and also benefit dog owners and breeders.

“The schedule of greyhound racing activity will be maintained within the new development. The ambition of the IGB continues to be the delivery of a commercially viable, well-regulated greyhound and breeding industry as well as a customer-centred, exciting and value-led entertainment experience. The proposed development by Connacht Rugby will make a significant contribution to that overall objective.”

Endorsing the development plans, Anthony Ryan President of the Galway Agricultural and Sports Society added: “The Galway Agricultural and Sports Society is an organisation entrusted with the responsibility of making the Sportsground facilities available to sporting organisations on a long-term basis.

“The arrangement between Connacht Rugby and the IGB, allows for the delivery of improved facilities for both organisations.

“The policy of making the facility available to a range of sporting bodies and community groups is perfectly aligned with our core purpose. We welcome the spirit of co-operation between the organisations which enables the project to proceed.”

The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) are also fully supportive of the redevelopment plans. Commenting on the announcement, CEO of the IRFU Phillip Browne said: “The Sportsground has been the home of rugby in Connacht since 1927 and it is fitting that as the team develops the ground does too.

“The province has made huge progress on and off the field, and the development of these facilities will sustain Connacht Rugby into the future.

“A high-performance training centre and a modern stadium are important for the future of rugby in the West of Ireland and the IRFU is fully supportive of, and looks forward to, the development of this exciting project.”

Photo credit: Official Connacht Rugby website

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All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen has revealed that he will take a 51-man squad to Japan ahead of their end-of-year tour to Europe.

Hansen said an extended squad of players will go to Yokohama where the world champions will face Australia in their third and final Bledisloe Cup Test on October 27.

The All Blacks will then take on Japan in Tokyo on November 3 before starting their European tour against England at Twickenham on November 10. New Zealand will also play Tests against Ireland and Italy.

“We’ll take 32 players to Europe, and we’ll take 32 initially to Japan, then an extra 19 players will come over for the Japan week,” Hansen told TVNZ.

While in Japan, the All Blacks plan to fly 22 players early to London to prepare for the Test against England.

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Inside centre Matt Toomua could have played his final Test of 2018 as Michael Cheika mulls whether to pick the playmaker and hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau in the Wallabies squad for their November Tests.

The Leicester Tigers duo have flown back to England to return to their club after the conclusion of the Rugby Championship and will not be eligible to play in the final Bledisloe Test in three weeks under World Rugby’s Regulation Nine.

They are both eligible to play in the November end-of-year tour but with their heavy workloads Cheika said he was contemplating giving them a break.

Toomua was shifted back to the bench for Australia’s clash with the Pumas after three consecutive starts, with Cheika preferring Bernard Foley in the 10 role.

Polota-Nau’s position could be the more curious, with Cheika left to contemplate his front-row group as the end of the year nears.

Though Polota-Nau is not a prop, Cheika said the loss of Tom Robertson for the better part of a year with a suspected ACL injury would be a factor in his overall front-row picks.

“We’ll have to see how we structure the front-row stocks now we’ve lost a loosehead there,” he told Rugby Australia’s official website.

“We’ll see what happens there, what happens with Taf.

“Those guys who are playing in England, him and Matt Toomua, (we) have also got to be mindful of what that looks like, the whole season.

“Whether I decide to go with them in November or not, we’ll see.

“Otherwise they may get a chance to have a bit of a breather in November, because they’ve got Anglo-Welsh games.”

Tolu Latu’s performance, even including a late error, in the win over Argentina was enough to demand his retention in the team and that is a factor that could make Cheika’s decision over Polota-Nau a bit easier.

Latu was a beast when he was injected into the game at half-time and threw a super slick pass that put Israel Folau in for a pivotal try.

“He was excellent. I thought he was outstanding,” said Cheika.

“That shows that guy, how much talent and ability he has.

“Consistency is the thing he needs to bring so he can be there in the spot or competing for the spot every week.

“He shouldn’t be out of the team like he was for that couple of weeks.

“But in the same breath, he went to NRC and got some rugby so a bit of fitness, playing footy helps these guys.

“He got there, played well and the opportunity came for him.”

Cheika all but ruled out a 2018 Test return was for Queensland prop James Slipper, who missed last week’s round of National Rugby Championship (NRC) with an injury but has been in strong form as a tighthead prop for Queensland Country.

The Wallabies coach said he would likely only seriously consider Slipper as a loosehead, though the switches of Allan Alaalatoa and Sekope Kepu to that side of the scrum have made it an even more competitive area.

“We’d be considering him, if he was to come back into contention, as a loosehead,” added Cheika.

“So he probably needs to get a bit of footy on the loosehead side although I think he was injured this week and did not play or something like that.

“We had a look obviously at that. Jermaine Ainsley’s done some good stuff. Now we’ve had both Keps and Allan cross over to the loose, we’ve got a couple of options there.

“I’d rather just let it settle down for a few days and see what we can do from a selection point of view then.”

In the backs, Cheika is hoping that Samu Kerevi will be available for the tour, pending a return to the NRC in coming weeks.

Kerevi’s Brisbane City are just outside of the finals, potentially giving him just one week to get a match under his belt almost four months after injuring his bicep in the Wallabies June Series, but Cheika was optimistic about his chances.

Fellow injured centre Tevita Kuridrani appears less certain of a 2017 return after a pec injury he suffered in the final regular round of Super Rugby.

“Samu Kerevi should be back soon,” said Cheika.

“He’s ideally going to play some football so he can be considered for the tour.

“Kuridrani’s due back around the time we leave for the tour, so whether he’ll have enough footy or any footy under his belt will be an issue.”

The Wallabies arrived back in Australia on Monday night and will have a week off before reconvening in Sydney ahead of the Rugby Australia Awards and the third Bledisloe Test in Japan.

Cheika said that next three weeks would be critical for his team.

“I think there’s a season’s worth of learning in that game for our lads and now it’s up to them to take it,” he explained.

“No-one can force that into their minds, into their conscience or their sub-conscience.

“They’ve got to take the necessary pieces that are going to help them to be standout players going forward.”

The Wallabies leave for Japan on October 21 and head on the end-of-year tour on November 3 with Tests against Wales (November 10), Italy (November 17) and England (November 24) to finish the season.

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Check out highlights from Round Six of Premiership action.

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Check out highlights from Round Seven of Top 14 action.

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With another Rugby Championship now a thing of the past, it is time for us to sit down and select our dream team from this year’s tournament.

Nine players from competition winners New Zealand make our XV, South Africa are next best with four players while Australia and Argentina each provide one representative.

Read on to see who made the cut.

Rugby Championship: Team of the Tournament

15 Ben Smith (New Zealand): Was tight between the Highlanders man and Willie le Roux (South Africa) but we went for the All Black following another outstanding Rugby Championship. Featured in every game, either at full-back or on the wing, and impressed in most matches. He struggled against South Africa on Saturday but that was the 32-year-old’s only blemish in an otherwise excellent tournament for the back three player.

14 Aphiwe Dyantyi (South Africa): There were a plethora of options who stood out in the odd game but they lacked consistency, so we’ve moved Dyantyi, who was clearly the second best wing behind Rieko Ioane, over from the left. Argentina’s Bautista Delguy and New Zealand’s Waisake Naholo came closest to usurping the Springbok but a breakthrough year for the Lions player was capped by a series of impressive displays in the southern hemisphere competition.

13 Jack Goodhue (New Zealand): Missed the final two games but did more than enough to get selected in the outside centre position ahead of Reece Hodge. The youngster was excellent and particularly impressed in the two Bledisloe Cup matches where they comfortably beat their rivals. Despite the presence of Sonny Bill Williams, Ryan Crotty and Anton Lienert-Brown, Goodhue should be first choice during the November series.

12 Ryan Crotty (New Zealand): Played at both inside and outside centre but we went for him at 12 having impressed when available. Went off early on against Australia in the opening match but came back for the final three rounds and did well. Various players had their moments, with Andre Esterhuizen (South Africa), Jeronimo de la Fuente (Argentina) and also Lienert-Brown performing at a decent standard, but Crotty takes it for his consistency.

11 Rieko Ioane (New Zealand): An easy decision this one with the All Blacks flyer back to his best in the final three rounds. Was quiet against Australia and then missed the next two matches, but returned against South Africa and was their standout player in that defeat. Argentina’s Ramiro Moyano also enjoyed a fine tournament but Ioane is comfortably the best wing in the world at the moment.

10 Beauden Barrett (New Zealand): His place was questioned before the tournament but he answered the critics superbly with two stunning displays in the Bledisloe Cup. Did not enjoy a great day from the tee against South Africa, which led to further doubts, but once again he responded by correcting those issues in Round Five versus Argentina. As a result, Barrett edged out Nicolas Sanchez, who had a couple of excellent performances in the competition.

9 Faf de Klerk (South Africa): Aaron Smith was his usual excellent self for the All Blacks, but De Klerk provided a spark for South Africa. Had an off-day in the away game with Australia but was otherwise hugely impressive throughout as the Springboks finished the Rugby Championship in second position. However, he will now miss the November series after the SARU agreed to release him to play for club side Sale Sharks in the Premiership, so it will be interesting to see how they fare without the energetic scrum-half.

8 Kieran Read (New Zealand): It’s the New Zealand skipper who gets the nod after playing consistently well at the base of the world champions’ scrum. Read did well on attack and defence throughout and his superb skill-set and leadership proved invaluable to the All Blacks, while he finished third for lineout takes (21) in the tournament.

7 David Pocock (Australia): Pumas rookie Marcos Kremer was unlucky to miss out as he played well for his side, but his time will come and we simply had to find space for Pocock, who was a shining light for the Wallabies. Pocock showed again that he is the game’s premier breakdown exponent and his prowess in that facet of play won numerous turnovers for his side. Also made his presence felt on defence and as a ball carrier.

6 Pablo Matera (Argentina): Arguably Argentia’s best player and one of the standout performers in the entire tournament. Matera was a constant threat on attack and scored some important tries at crucial stages of the Pumas’ camapign. Also did his bit with some outstanding defensive efforts which helped the Pumas to their best ever effort in the competition.

5 Eben Etzebeth (South Africa): The Springbok enforcer played in the number four position but made our team side at number five twice during the tournament. The Stormers stalwart is vital to South Africa’s cause and was particularly impressive in the Boks’ opener against Argentina in Durban and against the Wallabies in Port Elizabeth in Round Five. His physicality is second to none but the lock also impressed in his core duties, particularly at the lineout. It was excellent throughout and he won the most balls (28) in the competition at the set-piece.

4 Brodie Retallick (New Zealand): Only played in three games before a shoulder injury ruled him out for the tournament’s remaining games but he played so well that we had to find a spot for him in our team. Retallick was superb in the All Blacks’ two games against the Wallabies and showed his class by scoring one of the tries of the tournament in the opener in Sydney. Also impressed with some deft touches which put team-mates into space and shone in the lineouts.

3 Owen Franks (New Zealand): Still the lynchpin of the world champions’ scrum and came to the fore with some dominant performances in the set-piece. Made his 100th Test appearance during the tournament and although he does not do anything spectacular, he put his body on the line for his team. Also impressed with his defensive work especially at close quarters.

2 Malcolm Marx (South Africa): Gets the nod ahead of the All Blacks’ Codie Taylor after making three appearances in our team during the competition. Marx’s robust play at the coalface of the Springboks’ forward effort was impressive and his upper-body strength saw him winning several crucial turnovers. Is fast establishing himself as one of the best hookers in the world. Marx did his bit as a ball-carrier, was solid in the scrums and accurate with his throw-ins at the lineouts.

1 Karl Tu’inukuafe (New Zealand): Another tight call as his countryman Joe Moody also caught the eye but we’ve opted for the Chiefs player. Tu’inukuafe made his Super Rugby debut in March and showed steady improvement as the season progressed. A strong scrummager, who also did well in general play, the 24-year-old cemented his place in the world champions’ starting line-up with several superb all-round performances.

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Lewis Ludlow of Gloucester and Nathan Hughes of Wasps are due to appear before an independent disciplinary panel over incidents of foul play.

Both players were cited by independent citing commissioner Andy Blyth following the Wasps v Gloucester match on Saturday, Ludlow for stamping or trampling Elliot Daly contrary to Law 9.12 and Hughes for punching or striking Ludlow contrary to Law 9.12.

The hearings will take place consecutively in Coventry this Wednesday with the first starting at 18.30. The panel will be chaired by Gareth Graham with Matthew Weaver and one other panel member to be confirmed.

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Scarlets head coach Wayne Pivac is hoping the Welsh region can replicate their 2017/18 European Champions Cup form in this season’s campaign.

After suffering defeats in their first two matches, the Scarlets bounced back to finish at the top of their pool and went on to beat La Rochelle in their quarter-final at Parc y Scarlets.

Despite suffering a 38-16 defeat in the semi-finals to eventual tournament winners Leinster, Pivac was delighted with his side’s performances.

“It was a great run to get through after two losses in the first two rounds,” he told the EPCR website.

“The home quarter-final against La Rochelle was very memorable and then, of course, we got through to the semi-final.

“Certainly, we’d like to replicate that. It was such a great journey. Everyone enjoyed it so much. There was some good rugby played along the way.

“It was disappointing to go out the way we did, but certainly [we were] very pleased to get that far in the competition. So, if we could replicate that and have a better performance, that’s certainly what we’d like to do.”

Pivac admitted that his side will have to be at their best during this season’s campaign as they face stiff opposition from their pool rivals Racing 92, who finished as tournament runners-up last season, two-time champions Leicester Tigers and 1999 winners Ulster.

“Racing 92 got through to the final last year and they’ve got plenty of class,” he added.

“They are one of the giants of the game and we’ve got them first up at home.

“That’s going to be a great test and then we’re off to Welford Road to play Leicester Tigers.

“They are having a bit of a testing time at the moment and we’re not travelling that well ourselves, so for us, it’s a game we really look forward to and if we can pick up some points on the road, that’s going to help our cause to get out of the group.

“Ulster, we know only too well and we’ve already played them once this year. Look, it’s going to be challenging, but [it’s] certainly a pool that if we play well enough, we can get out of it.

“The Heineken Champions Cup is the ultimate as a player, outside of Test rugby, for us in the northern hemisphere.

“So, to do well in this competition, the fans get right behind it. Certainly, down our way in West Wales, to get those games at home, they look forward to them.”

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Glasgow Warriors have announced the signing of prop Petrus du Plessis from London Irish on a contract until the end of the PRO14 campaign.

The experienced tighthead prop played for Premiership side Saracens 158 times between 2009 and 2017. During that spell he won the Champions Cup twice and the English Premiership three times.

After leaving Saracens the South African went on to play 27 games for London Irish.

The 37-year-old, who has played 31 Champions Cup matches during an illustrious career, goes straight into the Warriors Heineken Champions Cup squad ahead of Sunday’s opening game against his former side Saracens at Scotstoun.

Speaking to Glasgow Warriors TV, Du Plessis, said: “I’m very happy to be at Glasgow Warriors, this is a great club.

“It all happened very quickly – within three days I’m here, so I’m very excited to play in the Heineken Champions Cup and Guinness PRO14 this season.

“It’s exciting that my first game could be against my former club Saracens – you couldn’t write the script if you tried!

“I’ve heard the matchday experience at Scotstoun is fantastic, the crowd really gets behind the team, they’re vocal and they’re loud.

“Glasgow Warriors play a really expansive and physical game, which is great and I’ve only heard good things about the club from former players.”

Glasgow Warriors head coach Dave Rennie added: “It’s great that we’ve been able to obtain someone of Petrus’ experience at such short notice.

“He has played rugby at the highest level, is a good man and a really solid set piece operator.

“With Zander (Fagerson) and Siua (Halanukonuka) injured he brings some much needed depth at tighthead.”

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Schalk Brits will play for the Barbarians at Twickenham six months after ‘retiring’ from the professional game as part of the playing programme designed to carry him through to the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

The hooker was supposed to have hung up his boots after clinching a fourth Premiership crown with Saracens to go with two Champions Cup victories.

Instead the 37-year-old returned inside a month to win an 11th cap for South Africa, acted as a mentor during the Rugby Championship and is lining up provincial rugby in South Africa as he plots a path to the World Cup.

A further step on the road will be the Killik Cup match for the Barbarians against Argentina on December 1, when the famous invitation side will be overseen by current Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus.

“I missed rugby so much I’ve changed my mind,” said Brits of his short-lived retirement.

“I got a call from Rassie with reference to keep being involved until the next World Cup. After the June tests I still want to keep on playing and I’ve postponed work and my studies until after then.

“A friend said to me recently, ‘what’s the difference between being 37 and 38?’ It’s a fantastic opportunity and an honour whenever you play for the Springboks so I’ll be trying to stay in contention.

“I’ve been staying on top of things and I’m in better nick that when I was playing. You get the chance to rehabilitate properly and I’m feeling fantastic and can’t wait to play again. I enjoyed playing against England at Newlands but we lost that Test so I hope the next time will bring a better result.”

Brits has a long association with the Barbarians dating back more than a decade to a famous 22-5 win over newly-crowned World Cup winners South Africa and including games against England, Ireland and the British & Irish Lions. Most recently he appeared alongside Thierry Dusautoir against England in 2017.

He will be part of another star-studded side in December with the likes of Handre Pollard, Will Genia and Eben Etzebeth already on board.

“Being part of the Barbarians was one of the best rugby experiences I’ve ever had — in terms of pure entertainment and meeting guys you normally bash week-in, week-out it’s outstanding,” Brits said.

“My first experience was in 2007 against South Africa after they’d just won the World Cup and we smashed them. In all it was a great week. You have to give your best at the weekend when it comes to the crunch and earn the respect of your teammates.

“I got to play with the likes of Jerry Collins, Ma’a Nonu and Jason Robinson — legends from the past, legends of the present and then there are those who go on to be legends in the future. It’s a unique bond.

“Everything’s so professional now but it’s more relaxed with the Barbarians and amazing what sort of performances you can create in just a couple of days. Now we get to do it again, making new friends and making people proud.”

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