"The deal is near enough done, but I don't want to jump the gun," said Sackey

25 May, 2011

Paul Sackey is on the brink of agreeing terms with a new club following his early release by Toulon.

Sackey, who starts for the Barbarians against England at Twickenham on Saturday, scored six tries in 20 appearances for the Top 14 outfit.

But Toulon decided to cut short the 31-year-old's contract by a year with president and owner Mourad Boudjellal declaring he had not matched expectations

"The deal is near enough done, but I don't want to jump the gun," Sackey said. "I can't disclose whether it will be back in England, but it should be done in the next couple of days."

Sackey is adamant he enjoyed his time at Toulon, but is sceptical over his chances of adding to his 22 England caps.

"I scored a couple of tries for the Barbarians last year, but it didn't make a difference to England. I'm not counting on anything," he said. "I just want to enjoy my rugby. I love England, I always want them to do well, but not this weekend because I'm playing against them.

"I want to enjoy my last couple of years back playing and get that enjoyment back without having any worries or stresses. It wasn't tough in Toulon, I had a few family issues earlier on but then I loved it and I have some really good friends there. I have no regrets and I really enjoyed the last few months. It was a good decision for me."

Rockey Elsom will miss the rest of the season

25 May, 2011

Rocky Elsom may have played his last game for the Brumbies after he was ruled out for the rest of the Super Rugby season with an ankle injury. 

"He just needs to get himself ready for the World Cup now," Brumbies coach Tony Rea said. "It's just disappointing for him - he's worked so hard to get back and he only got himself back for one [game]."

In better news, Wallaby Peter Kimlin has re-signed for another two years while youngster Cam Crawford will step up from the Brumbies Academy. Crawford has also signed a two-year deal meaning the pair will remain in the nation's capital until at least the end of 2013.

"There was a bit of interest from other clubs but we are looking to build here in Canberra and it's exciting to be a part of that process," Kimlin said. "I'm from the ACT and it's been a pleasure to have played all my Super Rugby here, I'm really looking forward to the next couple of years."

Fergus Thomson will miss the Rugby World Cup

25, May 2011

Glasgow hooker Fergus Thomson will miss the World Cup in New Zealand due to the recurrence of a shoulder problem, which required surgery.

Eight-times capped Thomson, 27, who was in Scotland's squad at the last World Cup four years ago and played against New Zealand in that competition, is likely to be out of action for up to six months.

"As we are at the end of the season Fergus has been seen by specialist surgeon Julie McBirnie at Spire Shawfair Park Hospital in Edinburgh," Scotland team doctor James Robson said.

"He required three separate components in his shoulder to be repaired and, as a result, will not be able to participate in our Rugby World Cup training squad and has been ruled out of consideration for the tournament itself."

Thomson added: "I'm gutted at missing out on the chance to compete at the World Cup. My focus will be on working hard with the Glasgow physios on my rehab so that I can be back challenging for a place with the Warriors as soon as possible."

No player is being added to Scotland's World Cup training squad at this stage, with Dougie Hall, Ross Ford and Scott Lawson all in contention for a hooking berth.

Mike MacDonald has been called into the USA squad

25 May, 2011

US Eagles coach Eddie O'Sullivan has named five players based in England for their Churchill Cup campaign next month. 

USA squad:

Forwards: Inaki Basauri (L' Aquila), Chris Biller (San Francisco Golden Gate), Todd Clever (Suntory Sungoliath), Pat Danahy (Life University), Eric Fry (Las Vegas Blackjacks), JJ Gagiano (University of Cape Town), Nic Johnson (unattached), Will Johnson (London Irish), Danny LaPrevotte (San Francisco Golden Gate), Scott LaValla (unattached), Mike MacDonald (Leeds Carnegie), Shawn Pittman (London Welsh), Louis Stanfill (Mogliano), Phil Thiel (Life University), John van der Giessen (Utah Warriors).

Backs: Paul Emerick (Life University), Tai Enosa (Belmont Shore), Troy Hall (New York Athletic Club), Colin Hawley (Olympic Club), Nese Malifa (Glendale), Mike Palefau (Utah Warriors), Mike Petri (New York Athletic Club), Mile Pulu (San Francisco Golden Gate), Junior Sifa (Nottingham), Andrew Suniula (Chicago Griffins), Roland Suniula (Boston Rugby), Kevin Swiryn (Agen), Zack Test (unattached), Tim Usasz (Nottingham).

Matias Cortese has Signed for Gloucester

25 May, 2011

Gloucester have signed Argentine hooker Matias Cortese for next season.

Gloucester confirmed the departure of veteran French hooker Olivier Azam last week, with the background work on Cortese completed by operations manager John Brain during his time with the club's scouting team.

"Matias is joining Gloucester determined to make a real impact," head coach Bryan Redpath said. "He's a big man who, as is usually the case with Argentinian front rows forwards, loves to scrummage. But he also likes to get his hands on the ball and get in people's faces.

"At 25, he's at that stage of his career where he knows that he needs to be playing regularly if he is to fulfil his undoubted potential and maybe add to the cap he won a few years ago."

Meanwhile, Northampton have released prop Regardt Dreyer and centre Matt Cornwell. The duo join Bruce Reihana (Bordeaux Begles), Mark Easter (Sale Sharks), Joe Ansbro (London Irish), Shane Geraghty (Brive) and Dan Sanderson (Moseley) in leaving Franklin's Gardens.

Owen Farrell Has Signed a New Saracens Deal

25 May, 2011

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Owen Farrell has signed a new contract with Aviva Premiership finalists Saracens.

He said that "I'm still young and have a great deal to learn, and I am very happy to commit my future to a club that matches my ambition, when I think about what this group can achieve together... well, it's really exciting and special." 

Bryn Evans has signed for London Irish

25 May, 2011

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The Hurricanes have lost another player overseas with lock Bryn Evans signing a 2-year deal with English club London Irish.

The 26-year-old Hurricanes second-rower will make the move to the Exiles in September.

A former Blues and Hawke's Bay representative, Evans won two New Zealand caps against France in 2009 and also represented the Junior All Blacks.

"Bryn is a huge addition to our squad for next season," Exiles boss Toby Booth said. "His physical presence and his capabilities around the field will hold us in good stead for the campaign.

"The experiences Bryn will bring from playing for the Hurricanes and All Blacks will no doubt rub off on the young players we have coming through in the second row position."

Evans added: "I am looking forward to testing myself against a different opposition in a different club competition. The chance to play in the Heineken Cup against the best teams in Europe is also a very exciting prospect. There are some great players at London Irish and I look forward to playing alongside them all when I join."

Strettle:We Play Smart Rugby

25 May, 2011

Click Here To Watch Rugby Match's Live Online David Strettle has responded to criticism of Saracens' tactics by declaring their success justifies their hard-nosed attitude to winning. The Aviva Premiership finalists, who face Leicester in Saturday's showpiece at Twickenham, came under fire after their 12-10 play-off victory against Gloucester nine days ago. Bryan Redpath, the Cherry and Whites' head coach, accused them of playing "risk-free" rugby, while centre Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu was far more scathing. Sarries were branded "Horribly boring but very clinical" by the Samoan international, who added: "No wonder my Super15 friends are making jokes about northern hemisphere rugby. Boring rugby wins." Despite the criticism it is hard to argue with Sarries' recent performances - they've racked up 11 successive Premiership wins, 12 in all competitions. "We're a team that can change our gameplan to what is needed at the time," Strettle said. "Sometimes that's kicking away possession and putting pressure on the opposition; at other times it's a case of playing phase-play. "I wouldn't call it risk-free or boring rugby - it's smart rugby. You play the percentages - that's what you do in sport. Ultimately, it's been very successful - we're in the Premiership final. We want to entertain the crowds but at the same time we're professional sportsmen. "We get paid to win rugby games, so that's what we go out to do. We are very good at doing what the game dictates. I couldn't think of anything more stupid than throwing the ball around against Gloucester - they're one of the best teams in the Premiership at playing like that. If you start playing Sevens against teams like them Bath and Harlequins, the game opens up and they score lots of tries." Saracens enter the rematch of last year's grand final - which Leicester edged 33-27 in dramatic circumstances - with a first Premiership double over the Tigers in the bank. Strettle insists a second successive league win at Welford Road has convinced them that they are capable of seizing their first English league title. "I hope we've got Leicester's number, but finals are a completely different thing," he said. "We've done the double on them, but you only have to look at how close the game was at their place to know how tight it will be. "That win at Welford Road does give us confidence because it's such a hard place to go. We're going into the game knowing we can win. It's funny because many players will go their whole career without winning at Welford Road. "I've spoken to a couple of our South African players and they've played there twice and won twice. It's great credit to the squad that's forming at Saracens that we can go to places like that, Bath and Northampton and perform at that level." Leicester will be appearing in their seventh successive Premiership final and are targeting an 11th English league title. Despite all the talk of negative tactics, Strettle believes Leicester's perennial presence in the final will win Saracens the neutral vote at Twickenham on Saturday. "Leicester go into every game expecting to win and that's why they're such a good team," he said. "You don't win as many title as they have without that sort of mentality. It should be a great final between the country's two best teams - there were no shocks in the semis. Neutrals will want it to be a Saracens year as well because it will mean Leicester won't have won - again."

England Squad v Barbarians:

23 May, 2011

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England Squad v Barbarians:

Forwards: Dave Attwood (Gloucester Rugby), Kieran Brookes (Newcastle Falcons), Calum Clark (Northampton Saints), Paul Doran-Jones (Gloucester Rugby), Carl Fearns (Sale Sharks), James Gaskell (Sale Sharks), Joe Gray (Harlequins), Tom Johnson (Exeter Chiefs), Graham Kitchener (Worcester Warriors), Joe Marler (Harlequins), Matthew Mullan (Worcester Warriors), Luke Narraway (Gloucester Rugby), David Paice (London Irish)

Backs: Matt Banahan (Bath Rugby), Mike Brown (Harlequins), Rory Clegg (Harlequins), Lee Dickson (Northampton Saints), Paul Hodgson (London Irish), Charlie Hodgson (Sale Sharks), Ugo Monye (Harlequins), Stephen Myler (Northampton Saints), James Simpson-Daniel (Gloucester Rugby), Henry Trinder (Gloucester Rugby), Jordan Turner-Hall (Harlequins)

Joost determined to fight illness

23 May, 2011

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Former South Africa scrum-half Joost van der Westhuizen has vowed to "fight this illness with my faith" after being diagnosed with a form of motor neurone disease.

Van der Westhuizen revealed he had been handed a "death sentence" a month ago when the doctor who examined him told him he had three years to live.

"I'm fighting this illness with my faith. And my faith is strong," the 89-Test veteran told the Rapport newspaper in South Africa.

The ex-Bulls No.9 and the Springboks' joint-record try scorer has endured some difficult times since hanging up his boots in 2003. He was involved in a sex and drugs video scandal in 2009, that was confirmed with publication of his autobiography, and he also suffered a suspected heart attack earlier the same year. He was later dropped by broadcaster Supersport and his high-profile marriage to Afrikaans media personality Amor Vittone collapsed under the pressure in 2010.

"The stress that I have endured over the last two years is nothing compared to this," he said before adding that he felt his life was tumbling down when he heard the latest news. "The first thing I did was to check if my [insurance] policies are in order for my kids," he said. "The wind has been knocked out of my sails. I stared at the doctor in disbelief."

Van der Westhuizen revealed that he realised something was wrong in December last year. "I struggled to move my hand, but I just left it. It's typical; I thought it was an old sports injury," he said. "But, as time passed my speech became impaired. When I spoke to people, they would say, 'Joost, are you drunk?'"

Family friend and physician, Dr Henry Kelbrick, then sent Van der Westhuizen for tests and the results confirmed his fears. "After he told me I have motor neurone disease, he said that doctors didn't know how to treat it," recalled an emotional Van der Westhuizen. "I became a blank. I hardly remember anything from that day."

He has since visited Dr Jody Pearl - a Johannesburg-based neurologist - for a second opinion and she has since discharged him from hospital while they await a final diagnosis. "We are doing everything within our power, based on global best practice, to rapidly establish Joost's diagnosis, and to offer him the best possible therapy," Pearl said in a statement at the weekend.

Van der Westhuizen remains positive. "My faith carries me," he said. "I get unbelievable support from my parents (Mariaan and Gustav van der Westhuizen) and my two brothers (Pieter and Gustav Jr). My parents are really taking it very badly. But, I will fight this thing. Even if it's the last thing I do."

Shane Geraghty signs for Brive

May 23, 2011

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Top 14 side Brive have confirmed the capture of Northampton Saints fly-half Shane Geraghty.

The 24-year-old, who has won six caps for England, was one of three signings confirmed at a press conference on Friday with French winger Jacques Boussuge joining from Bath and Georgian hooker Irakli Natriashvili making the switch from national league side Saint-Junien.

Pek Cowam will miss the Force's last four matches

23 May, 2011

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 Western Force prop Pekahou Cowan will miss the remainder of the Super Rugby season with a broken cheekbone.

The 24-year-old suffered the injury in the opening minutes of the Force's 13-13 draw with the Brumbies in Perth on Saturday. Subsequent scans revealed the severity of the injury and he will now miss the Force's remaining four fixtures.

Willie Mason has joined Toulon

23 May, 2011

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Australian rugby league international Willie Mason has joined French Top 14 side Toulon on a lucrative three-year deal.

The 31-year-old former National Rugby League star was recently released by English Super League side Hull KR just six months into a three-year contract after it was revealed that he had travelled to France to have talks with Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal without his club's permission.

Sonny Bill set to stay in New Zealand

23 May, 2011

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Sonny Bill Williams' high-profile manager has given the strongest indication yet his superstar client will remain in New Zealand beyond this year's Rugby World Cup.

The NZRU is on a roll having just secured Dan Carter's ground-breaking new four-year deal while a similar announcement regarding Richie McCaw's retention is expected this week.

But if Williams' prized signature is to be added, the contract may have to be the most innovative the NZRU has offered in its century-plus history, including the ability to play league and rugby during the term.

May 21, 2011 Match's Result At a glance

23 May, 2011

All Rugby Match's Result At a glance

Date	Tournament	Result
May 21, 2011	Super Rugby	Sharks 23 – 32 Bulls
May 21, 2011	Super Rugby	Cheetahs 41 – 21 Melbourne Rebels
May 21, 2011	Super Rugby	Force 13 – 13 Brumbies
May 21, 2011	Super Rugby	Waratahs 29 – 12 Lion
May 21, 2011	Super Rugby	Crusaders 25 – 19 Chiefs
May 21, 2011	Heineken Cup	Final: Leinster 33 -22 Northampton Saints
May 21, 2011	Asian 5 Nations	Hong Kong 62 – 3 UAE
May 21, 2011	Asian 5 Nations	Sri Lanka 13 – 90 Japan

Rugby match Schedule from 22 May to 29 May 2011

22 May, 2011

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May 2011
Sun 22	South American Championship	Argentina v Uruguay, Cataratas
Sun 22	Italian Super 10	Semi final: TBC v TBC
Wed 25	South American Championship	Argentina v Chile, Cataratas
Fri 27	Super Rugby	Hurricanes v Force, Wellington 19:35 local, 07:35 GMT, 13:35 BDT
Fri 27	Top 14 Orange	Semi final: Toulouse v Clermont Auvergne 21:00 local, 19:00 GMT, 01:00 BDT +1d
Sat 28	Super Rugby	Highlanders v Lions, Dunedin 19:35 local, 07:35 GMT, 13:35 BDT
Sat 28	Super Rugby	Brumbies v Stormers, Canberra 19:40 local, 09:40 GMT, 15:40 BDT
Sat 28	Aviva Premiership	Final: Leicester Tigers v Saracens, Twickenham 15:00 local, 14:00 GMT, 20:00 BDT
Sat 28	Top 14 Orange	Semi final: Racing Metro v Montpellier 16:25 local, 14:25 GMT, 20:25 BDT
Sat 28	Super Rugby	Sharks v Waratahs, Durban 17:05 local, 15:05 GMT, 21:05 BDT
Sat 28	Magners League	Final: Munster v Leinster, Limerick 17:05 local, 16:05 GMT, 22:05 BDT
Sat 28	Super Rugby	Bulls v Cheetahs, Pretoria 19:10 local, 17:10 GMT, 23:10 BDT
Sat 28	NACRA Rugby	Trinidad and Tobago v Guyana
Sun 29	Italian Super 10	Final: TBC v TBC
Sun 29	Super Rugby	Reds v Crusaders, Brisbane 16:10 local, 06:10 GMT, 12:10 BDT

Manu Tuilagi trudges off after receiving a yellow card for punching Chris Ashton

22 May, 2011

Click here to Watch Rugby Match's Live Online Leicester Tigers centre Manu Tuilagi deeply regrets his attack on Chris Ashton last weekend and fears it could cost him the chance to push his claims for a place in England's World Cup squad, according to his brother Freddie Tuilagi. The 20-year-old received a rollicking for the 'uncharacteristic' attack from his older brother and former Leicester player Freddie, who revealed that his brother had returned to Samoa for a few weeks as he struggles to come to terms with the incident. "He (Manu) has been really down the last couple of days, especially last Saturday," Freddie told the Leicester Mercury. "He let himself down, he let the club down, he let down all of us. "I had a chat with him on Saturday night and Sunday. He did not come out of his room on Sunday, he was that bad. He is staying with Alex (Alesana) and just stayed in his room. "We sat around the table having a chat but he only stayed down for five minutes. He went back upstairs, that's how bad he has taken it. He is very disappointed, I am very disappointed because it was really out of character for Manu to throw a punch like that. "I wasn't impressed. I don't tolerate that, I don't encourage the boys, especially Manu, to do something like that. So I really had a go at him. He knows he made a big mistake, but he is a young kid and he will learn from it. He will learn the harsh way because he has had a great season, no question. "For someone who has been playing second team and academy last year to come up . . . he has performed well. One thing I'm really proud of Manu is that he is not a dirty player, he is just a hard kid. Everyone knows Manu, he is very quiet. "If you talk to him, all he does is smile at you. He will do anything for the boys. He is going to miss the final, and that (playing) is why you put in all your efforts throughout the year. "For him to miss the final, he is really, really sad."

Leinster 33-22 Northampton, Heineken Cup Final

21 May, 2011

Brian O'Driscoll revealed after Leinster's stunning Heineken Cup final success that some inspirational words from fly-half Jonathan Sexton had been the catalyst for the province's incredible 33-22 come-from-behind win over Northampton Saints.

Leinster's man-of-the match Jonathan Sexton delivered a stirring half-time rallying call after the 33-22 win over Northampton in the Heineken Cup final.

The Irish side trailed 22-6 at the break but two Sexton tries inspired a remarkable comeback victory.

"We were shellshocked and we needed leaders at half-time," said Sexton.

"I said that comebacks happen in finals and used the example of Liverpool in the Champions League. I knew we could come back from the deficit."

8 mins Leinster 0-7 Northampton Saints (Dowson try, Myler conversion)

14 mins Leinster 3-7 Northampton Saints (Sexton penalty)

20 mins Leinster 3-10 Northampton Saints (Myler penalty)

30 mins Leinster 3-17 Northampton Saints (Foden try, Myler conversion)

34 mins Leinster 6-17 Northampton Saints (Sexton penalty)

38 mins Leinster 6-22 Northampton Saints (Hartley try)

43 mins Leinster 13-22 Northampton Saints (Try and conversion Sexton)

52 mins Leinster 20-22 Northampton Saints (Sexton try and conversion)

55 mins Leinster 23-22 Northampton Saints (Sexton penalty)

60 mins Leinster 26-22 Northampton Saints (Sexton penalty)

65 mins Leinster 33-22 Northampton Saints (Hines try, Sexton conversion)

Final Result:

65 mins Leinster 33-22 Northampton Saints (Hines try, Sexton conversion)

 

McCaw close to signing a new deal with New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU)

20 M1y, 2011

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Dan Carter's decision to re-sign with New Zealand rugby is expected to trigger Richie McCaw to do the same.

 The 30-year-old McCaw told "The reason I want to stay, and look to stay, is if I'm enjoying it. I've never made any bones about that, I haven't played much this year and I'm keen to get out on the field and play. That's a good sign. I haven't signed yet because I haven't said anything yet but hopefully in the next week or so [we will] get things sorted. Still working through a couple of things but, [we're] getting pretty close which is good."

Dwayne Peel denied Barbarians chance

20 May, 2011

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Dwayne Peel has been denied the chance to represent the Barbarians against Wales on June 4 due to an eligibility row. 

Sale's Peel has been named in the Baa-baas squad, but Premiership Rugby say no players from England's top 12 clubs are allowed to do so.

A statement read: "Premiership Rugby has no agreement with the Barbarians and no players will be released to play for the Barbarians [on 4 June]."

The 29-year-old, capped 79 times by Wales, had been set to join Welsh flanker Martyn Williams and prop Iestyn Thomas in the Baa Baas squade, but Premiership Rugby, the governing body for the 12 Aviva Premiership clubs, has refused to release him. 

Watch Amlin Challenge Cup Final Live online on 20 May, 2011

19 May, 2011

Click here to watch Amlin Challenge Cup Final Live online

It is all to play for in Cardiff tomorrow evening when Harlequins and Stade Francais meet in the final of the Amlin Challenge Cup.

Harlequins vs Stade Français Live match will be started at 18:45 GMT, 19:45 local. Every rugby fans are invited live watch join this Harlequins vs Stade Français Live Amlin Challenge Cup Final So, dont miss to watch this watch this Harlequins vs Stade Français Live Amlin Challenge Cup Final match. 

England flanker Tom Wood has been ruled out of Northampton's Heineken Cup final clash

18 May, 2011

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Wood, who also missed the semi-final victory over Perpignan, has been sleeping in an oxygen tent in the hope of speeding up his recovery, but after only returning to training yesterday Jim Mallinder has ruled him out of the Cardiff final. 

Saints boss Jim Mallinder said "Tom is not 100% fit. He's very, very close and I guess if we were a desperate team we could have taken the chance with him, But it's not worth it. We have a strong squad who have been playing well and unfortunately he won't be running out on Saturday.

"It's a big blow but when you get to this stage of the season with only one player out, then you'd probably take it."

Jonathan Poff has signed for Wasps

18 May, 2011

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Wasps have completed the signing of back-row forward Jonathan Poff from Super Rugby outfit the Crusaders.

The 27-year-old flanker, who also plays for Tasman province, has played 17 times for Christchurch-based Crusaders since making his debut in 2009.

Jonathan Poff  said."This is a really exciting move for me. I am looking forward to a different challenge in England, it has been difficult to be behind such a great player as Richie McCaw, and my opportunities to start games for the Crusaders have obviously been less than I would have liked."

Salesi Ma'afu has signed for the Western Force

18 May, 2011

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The Western Force have bolstered their forward pack for next season with the addition of Wallabies prop Salesi Ma'afu on a two year deal.

The 28-year-old will trade Canberra and the Brumbies for Perth next season, having established himself at international level by playing 10 Tests for Australia in 2010. 

Ma'afu said "I'm at the point in my career where I felt I needed a new challenge and a change in environment, first and foremost for rugby and also for my family, I enjoyed the six years in Canberra and think I have improved a lot as a player but saw a great opportunity in Perth with the Force and in the end it wasn't a hard decision."

Profile: Salesi Ma'afu 
Position: Prop
DOB: 26/3/1983
Height: 184cm
Weight: 122kg
Super Rugby: Brumbies 52 Caps, 20 points (4t). Debut 2007 v Chiefs, Hamilton
International honours: Wallabies 10 caps. Debut 2010 v Fiji, Canberra
Profile: Tetera Faulkner
Position: Prop
DOB: 26/07/1988
Height: 184cm
Weight: 114kg
Clubs: Waratahs Academy, Brumbies Academy, Southern Districts (NSW 1st Grade)
Honours: Australian Schoolboys, Australian U19, Australian U20

Santiago Dellape has retired from international rugby

18 May, 2011

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Santiago Dellape has retired from international rugby.

Santiago Dellape told ""I am retiring from international rugby,I have taken this decision for personal reasons. It may appear a little bizarre, but sometimes you have to make difficult decisions. I have been thinking it over for several months and I am doing what is best for myself." 

The 33-year-old Racing Metro second-rower, capped 64 times and a veteran of two World Cups, has turned his back on international competition given the demands placed on players.

Dellape played in four of Italy's 2011 Six Nations games, including a start in their watershed victory over France in Rome.

Chiefs part company with Nadolo

18 May, 2011

 

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Exeter Rugby Club have confirmed that winger Nemani Nadolo wil leave the Aviva Premiership club by mutual consent.

The 23-year-old Fijian, who joined the Chiefs in January from Top 14 French side Bourgoin, has held discussions with head coach Rob Baxter and has asked to be released from his playing contract due to "personal and family reasons" and will return to Australia within the next few days.

Nadolo was banned from driving for 18 months earlier this week after admitting a charge of drink-driving, while his registration with the Chiefs also caused issues due to a passport mix-up.

Last month, the club were docked two league points and fined £5,000 by the Rugby Football Union (RFU) after fielding an extra overseas player in their Premiership match-day squads against London Irish and Leeds Carnegie.

Exeter thought Nadolo had a Fijian passport, which meant he would not be classed as an overseas player, but he arrived in Britain on an Australian passport, which counts as overseas in terms of Premiership regulations.

"Nemani and the club have been in discussions for a few days about releasing him from his current contract with us," Baxter said. "He has told the club he is keen to return to Australia with immediate effect for personal and family reasons and we have granted that request.

"As a club we are aware of Nemani's recent court appearance and take a very dim view of his actions. He is aware he has not only let himself and his family down, but also the club.

"Clearly he made an error of judgment that night, which he now regrets. He is an honest young man who is disappointed and upset at what he has done. We wish Nemani our best wishes for the future and thank him for his contribution during his time with the Chiefs."

Daniel Carter commits to All Blacks until 2015

18 May, 2011

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All Blacks fly-half Dan Carter on Wednesday announced he had signed a four-year contract to stay in New Zealand after this year's Rugby World Cup but retained an option to play overseas.

Carter, 29, who has played 79 Tests for the All Blacks, said he had been weighing up his options for the last six months, sometimes leaning towards going overseas then having second thoughts, but it was his love of playing for the All Blacks that influenced his final decision. 

Alasdair Dickinson has signed for Sale Sharks

18 May, 2011

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The 27-year-old loose-head made his Test debut during the 2007 World Cup and has won 19 caps.

"Alasdair is another great signing for us," Steve Diamond, Sale's executive director of sport, said. "He has a very high work-rate and is a good scrummager. He will fit perfectly with what we are trying to achieve at the club."

Sale's Jonny Kennedy, though, has announced his retirement from the game after suffering a series of concussions. The 21-year-old centre, the son of Sale's millionaire owner Brian Kennedy, won Under-20 international honours with Scotland.

"We are really disappointed for Jonny as he had fought his way back from a knee injury and was hitting form," Diamond said. "His games in January saw him score three tries in three games, which deservedly won him the club's player of the month award.

"It's sad when a young player like Jonny has to leave the sport, but his health is more important and he has made the correct decision."

Rugby World Cup 2011 To Be Shown Live On Giant 3D Screens in cinemas, arena

17 May, 2011

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The final four matches of Rugby World Cup 2011 will be filmed and shown live in 3D on giant screens in arenas throughout New Zealand as well as at cinemas.

New Zealand company 3DLive has gained permission to bring the action to a new audience apart from the traditional TV viewers.

The playoff for third, the two semifinals and the final will all be shown in state of the art technology.

It means as many as 35,000 fans in major arenas and 5000 in cinemas will get to see the games in 3D.

Ronel Schodt of 3DLive said there was the hope to generate real match atmosphere, particularly at the indoor arenas.

These will be: Vector Arena in Auckland, Claudelands Events centre in Hamilton, the Wellington Town Hall, Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua, Canterbury Arena in Christchurch, the Edgar Centre and Regent Theatre in Dunedin.

"It's just like 40,000 new front row seats have just gone on sale," Schodt said at a launch in Auckland where media got to witness the effects of 3D rugby with snips from Super Rugby and recent Six Nations games.

Tickets go on sale next Tuesday. Arena ticket prices start at $69.90 for the Bronze Medal match rising to $109.90 for premium seating for the final. Schodt said there was also a desire to provide other entertainment on match days.

Cinema prices would range from $40-50 with reduced prices for children under-14. More than 20 cinemas nation-wide will screen the games.

The company will provide nine camera angles and is working on further technology to help with their broadcasts.

The introduction screening today was certainly impressive in its feel for the game, providing a totally different feel and perspective for screened rugby.

Additional Arriva Trains Wales services will be made available for the Heineken Cup Final on Saturday 21st May 2011.

17 May, 2011 

Click Here To Watch Final Live Online

Heineken Cup Final will kick-off at the Millennium Stadium at 17:00 and around 75,000 fans are expected at the stadium. Train services are expected to be very busy.

Additional Arriva Trains Wales services will be made available for the Heineken Cup Final on Saturday 21st May 2011.

queuing system will be in place at Cardiff Central station after the match and Queen Street station will be closed as usual after 18:45.

Simon Turton, Special Events Manager for Arriva Trains Wales said:

“Additional services have been added and significant additional capacity will be provided to ensure the transportation of fans to and from the game.”

 

Haiu begins treatment

17 May, 2011

Click Here To Watch Rugby Match's Live Online

Haiu was diagnosed with the tumour on his ribs two weeks ago and a biopsy revealed the cancer had spread, though the prognosis looked encouraging.

The 26-year-old has begun his first stage of chemotherapy which will run for three months, followed by surgery, and then a further six months of treatment.

"It's stage two cancer, which means it's spread just outside the bone and into the soft tissue, but nowhere else," Blues doctor Stephen Kara told reporters in Auckland on Monday.

"The specialist has quoted a 65% cure rate at five years. We had it down to probably four differentials and this would be the worst of those four."

Kara said the fact Haiu, who has played 53 Super rugby matches for the Blues, was young and fit would help him fight the disease, which is not common among his age group.

Brian O'Driscoll is on course to start Saturday's Heineken Cup final

| 17 May, 2011 |

Click Here To Watch Heineken Cup Fina & Rugby Match's Live online

Leinster centre Brian O'Driscoll is on course to start Saturday's Heineken Cup final against Northampton after suffering knee injury.

Brian O'Driscoll was replaced at half-time in the 18-3 victory, which kept Leinster in with a shout of a European and domestic double, but further investigation on Sunday revealed that he should be fit to return to training in midweek.

He will likely be joined by scrum-half Isaac Boss (hamstring) and hooker Richardt Strauss (hip), while prop Mike Ross has been cleared for action after recovering from a stinger injury also picked up against Ulster. Both Shane Horgan and Sean O'Brien, who suffered a cut to the eye last time out, are expected to feature.

Northampton have injury worries of their own, notably England flanker Tom Wood, and director of rugby Jim Mallinder has admitted that they will be making running repairs this week after their bruising Premiership semi-final loss to Leicester.

Rugby match Schedule from 17 May to 22 May 2011

| Doony Xyde Tirikula | Mon day, 16 May, 2011 |

Rugby match Schedule from 17 May to 22 May 2011

Click Here To Watch Rugby Live Online 

Date	Tournament	Match
May 2011
Tue 17	South American Championship	Brazil v Uruguay, Cataratas 16:10 local, 19:10 GMT, 01:10 BDT +1d
Tue 17	South American Championship	Chile v Paraguay, Cataratas 14:00 local, 17:00 GMT, 23:00 BDT
Fri 20	South American Championship	Chile v Uruguay, Cataratas 16:10 local, 19:10 GMT, 01:10 BDT +1d
Fri 20	South American Championship	Brazil v Paraguay, Cataratas 14:00 local, 17:00 GMT, 23:00 BDT
Fri 20	Super Rugby	Blues v Stormers, Auckland 19:35 local, 07:35 GMT, 13:35 BDT
Fri 20	Amlin Challenge Cup	Final: Harlequins v Stade Français, Cardiff 19:45 local, 18:45 GMT, 00:45 BDT +1d
Sat 21	Super Rugby	Crusaders v Chiefs, Napier 19:35 local, 07:35 GMT, 13:35 BDT
Sat 21	Asian 5 Nations	Hong Kong v UAE, Hong Kong 16:00 local, 08:00 GMT, 14:00 BDT
Sat 21	Super Rugby	Waratahs v Lions, Sydney 19:40 local, 09:40 GMT, 15:40 BDT
Sat 21	Asian 5 Nations	Sri Lanka v Japan, Colombo 16:00 local, 10:30 GMT, 16:30 BDT
Sat 21	Super Rugby	Force v Brumbies, Perth 20:05 local, 12:05 GMT, 18:05 BDT
Sat 21	Super Rugby	Cheetahs v Melbourne Rebels, Bloemfontein 17:05 local, 15:05 GMT, 21:05 BDT
Sat 21	Heineken Cup	Final: Leinster v Northampton Saints, Millennium Stadium 17:00 local, 16:00 GMT, 22:00 BDT
Sat 21	Super Rugby	Sharks v Bulls, Durban 19:10 local, 17:10 GMT, 23:10 BDT
Sun 22	South American Championship	Argentina v Uruguay, Cataratas
Sun 22	Italian Super 10	Semi final: TBC v TBC