The Rugby Thread
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dtaai-maai
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Re: The Rugby Thread
Interesting, I hadn't heard about that. I can see the logic, but I'm not entirely convinced: do we want more kicking at the expense of running rugby? On the other hand, will it result in more running rugby due to 1 or 2 defenders back for the kick? It'll be interesting to see how it develops when we eventually get to next season.
This is the way
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pharvey
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Re: The Rugby Thread
My hope is that is will lead to a more open game with (as you say) 1 or 2 defenders moving back to cover the kick - could well make a "rush defense" a little more difficult. Will be interesting to see what Shaun Edwards as come up with as I'm sure he'll have looking at it for some time.dtaai-maai wrote: ↑Mon Mar 30, 2020 9:58 pm Interesting, I hadn't heard about that. I can see the logic, but I'm not entirely convinced: do we want more kicking at the expense of running rugby? On the other hand, will it result in more running rugby due to 1 or 2 defenders back for the kick? It'll be interesting to see how it develops when we eventually get to next season.
"Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things" - Yma o Hyd.
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pharvey
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Re: The Rugby Thread
Well, the Lions need a warm-up, and this would be a cracking match, BUT certainly not a light one!! Neither side would take the match likely, and there is a distinct risk of injuries before we even travel to South Africa. The fact that if it does go ahead, it would likely be played on the same weekend as the Premiership Final, means the Lions will undoubtedly be missing some key players. Although I'm guessing a couple will be playing for Saracens in the Championship that season!! 
Warren Gatland Plans Lions v All Blacks 'Decider' in Summer of 2021
"Warren Gatland has raised the tantalising prospect of a “decider” between the British & Irish Lions and New Zealand in the UK next summer – possibly at Twickenham – as a lucrative warm-up Test before the South Africa tour.
Gatland, who led the Lions to a series draw against the All Blacks in 2017, believes the match could generate £5m and revealed he has held discussions with the New Zealand Rugby chief executive, Mark Robinson.
The former Wales head coach has been pushing for a warm-up match for the Lions before they head to face the world champions as next year’s series has been condensed to eight matches over five weeks rather than 10 over six, as was the case three years ago. The Lions have been in talks over facing the Maori All Blacks, while Japan and the Barbarians have been considered as other potential opponents, but Gatland believes that with unions around the world taking a huge financial hit because of coronavirus – NZR has forecast losses of around £50m – the All Blacks would be the ideal candidates.
The match would be slated for the same weekend as the Premiership final, scheduled for 26 June, but still at Twickenham – either the day before or after – while the Principality Stadium and Murrayfield are other potential host venues.
Gatland, who is coaching the Chiefs in New Zealand, told Sky Sport NZ: “I’ve spoken to Mark Robinson about a warm-up game for the Lions and he was potentially talking about the New Zealand Maoris. But is it something that the All Blacks go up there for? A decider before we go off to South Africa at the end of June next year.
“Potentially it’s an opportunity to make £4m or £5m from a game like that and put some money back into the coffers that we’re going to need.”"
Taken from: - https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/ ... ummer-2021
Warren Gatland Plans Lions v All Blacks 'Decider' in Summer of 2021
"Warren Gatland has raised the tantalising prospect of a “decider” between the British & Irish Lions and New Zealand in the UK next summer – possibly at Twickenham – as a lucrative warm-up Test before the South Africa tour.
Gatland, who led the Lions to a series draw against the All Blacks in 2017, believes the match could generate £5m and revealed he has held discussions with the New Zealand Rugby chief executive, Mark Robinson.
The former Wales head coach has been pushing for a warm-up match for the Lions before they head to face the world champions as next year’s series has been condensed to eight matches over five weeks rather than 10 over six, as was the case three years ago. The Lions have been in talks over facing the Maori All Blacks, while Japan and the Barbarians have been considered as other potential opponents, but Gatland believes that with unions around the world taking a huge financial hit because of coronavirus – NZR has forecast losses of around £50m – the All Blacks would be the ideal candidates.
The match would be slated for the same weekend as the Premiership final, scheduled for 26 June, but still at Twickenham – either the day before or after – while the Principality Stadium and Murrayfield are other potential host venues.
Gatland, who is coaching the Chiefs in New Zealand, told Sky Sport NZ: “I’ve spoken to Mark Robinson about a warm-up game for the Lions and he was potentially talking about the New Zealand Maoris. But is it something that the All Blacks go up there for? A decider before we go off to South Africa at the end of June next year.
“Potentially it’s an opportunity to make £4m or £5m from a game like that and put some money back into the coffers that we’re going to need.”"
Taken from: - https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/ ... ummer-2021
"Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things" - Yma o Hyd.
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pharvey
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Re: The Rugby Thread
Well worth a look for those who need a spot of real sport!!
And plenty more to follow I feel...
https://www.epcrugby.com/2020/04/07/mir ... 72,3K1OM,1
And plenty more to follow I feel...
https://www.epcrugby.com/2020/04/07/mir ... 72,3K1OM,1
"Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things" - Yma o Hyd.
Re: The Rugby Thread
I don't follow Rugby, but in sports mad Australia this was being flashed as "breaking news" over and over. For me, it has to be asked; what was an obese woman doing in the position in the first place?
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'Abhorrent' bullying that forced Raelene Castle to quit Rugby Australia
https://au.sports.yahoo.com/abhorrent-b ... 44669.html
Rugby Australia chairman Paul McLean has staunchly backed departed CEO Raelene Castle, who he says copped abhorrent bullying from "faceless people" during nearly three years in the job.
Castle stepped down on Thursday night, with former Wallabies captain McLean replacing her in the "very short term" before the search for a replacement officially begins on Monday.
'CAN’T HAVE A WOMAN': Peter FitzSimons' ugly claims in Raelene Castle resignation
‘NEVER RECOVERED’: Ugly Israel Folau truth in Castle's resignation
He described Castle as someone who would run through broken glass for the organisation and that it was the criticism most did not see that lead to her decision to quit.
"Criticism is easy, being cynical is easy, but decision making is tough," McLean said.
"She was able to do that and do that with some clarity.
"She would run through broken glass to get things done, and she has done that."
Castle's handling of the Israel Folau settlement and her rejection of Fox Sports' initial broadcast deal beyond this season were a source of criticism from some quarters, while the code's financial plight has been laid bare by the coronavirus pandemic.
A group of 11 former Wallabies captains wrote to RA earlier this week demanding administrative change, while long-time critic Alan Jones doubled down on Friday morning.
"She knows nothing about the game," the former Wallabies coach turned broadcaster said on 2GB.
"It's like putting someone to become the first violinist in the Sydney Symphony Orchestra who can't read music."
McLean said it was not the media criticism that stung though.
"It's the silent forces, the dark forces that upset me most," he said.
"It's the people who didn't ask, didn't know the facts or just one of those faceless people out there that was the damaging thing from her perspective and she shared some of that with me, which I found quite abhorrent.
"(If not for the) unwarranted criticism and, in fact, bullying, I think it might have been a different scenario."
Wallabies captains’ letter to Raelene Castle dismissed
McLean insisted most people in Castle's position would "have thrown in the towel ages ago" but that inevitably her departure had become the clear way forward.
He dismissed the impact of the former captains' letter, saying they could easily align with recovery efforts that were already underway.
"I've had numerous conversations with Nick Farr-Jones and, let's be clear here, it's a very small collective of (those) people who have been involved in the game of late," McLean said.
"The significance of that group is probably the people that aren't on the list."
Newly installed board member Peter Wiggs, fellow director and former Wallaby Daniel Herbert, and Phil Kearns - one of the ex-captains to put their name to the letter - are among those being touted to replace Castle.
https://au.sports.yahoo.com/raelene-cas ... 18907.html
'Can't have a woman': Peter FitzSimons' ugly claims in Raelene Castle resignation
Peter FitzSimons has doubled down on his claims that part of the vitriol aimed at Raelene Castle is simply because she’s a woman.
The Embattled Rugby Australia chief executive fell on her sword on Thursday after being told she had lost the support of the board.
‘NEVER RECOVERED’: Ugly Israel Folau truth in Castle's resignation
‘STAND ASIDE’: Former Wallabies' bombshell letter to Rugby Australia
Castle brought to an end her tumultuous 2-1/2 year reign, handing in her resignation to RA chairman Paul McLean.
Discussing Castle’s resignation on ABC News on Friday, FitzSimons said Castle was held to an unfairly higher standard because she’s a woman.
“There has been a lot of commentary to the effect that if she'd gone do Riverview and had captained the first 15 in 1978 she would have been one of them,” FitzSimons said in referrence to the ‘old boys’ club in the rugby community.
“From the moment she took over, there were serious people in the rugby community saying, ‘We can't have a woman in charge.’ There's no doubt about that.
“I go back to, for all the criticism of her, I'm not aware of a terribly wrong move that she made.
“She didn't turn rugby around [but] it's not the fault of Raelene Castle.
“We don't know who's going to take over now. But, for me, it isn't going to be a quick-fire solution. There will be a long time slowly building up again.”
The former Wallabies player first made the startling claims on Channel Nine’s Sport Sunday earlier this month.
“If you were to measure the antipathy against Raelene Castle - about a half of it, in my view, is because she’s a woman and there is an in-built discrimination ‘We can't have a woman running rugby’,” FitzSimons said on Sports Sunday.
“I can tell you, in terms of emails I get and what people say to me, there is a lot of people in the rugby community who say, ‘We can't have a woman running rugby’.
“I'm not making it up. That's the truth of it.”
However one of Castle’s fiercest critics smacked down that theory on Friday.
After taking a scathing parting shot at the outgoing CEO, Alan Jones said Castle’s gender has nothing to do with it.
“It is insulting to say this is a matter of gender,” Jones said on 2GB Radio.
“It’s got nothing to do with Raelene Castle being a woman. It is totally related to the results and the effectiveness of the performance.”
Jones instead said Castle should never have been appointed in the first place because she simply ‘knows nothing about the game’,
“It’s an appointment that shouldn’t have been made,” Jones said.
“She knows nothing about the game. It’s like putting someone to become the first violinist in the Sydney Symphony Orchestra who can’t read music.”
However the controversial radio host said Castle’s resignation won’t fix anything unless there are more changes.
“This solves absolutely nothing. I have said all along it’s easy to throw Raelene Castle under the bus,” Jones said.
“I can’t imagine anything she has done, whether it’s the bloated expenditure, the ridiculous growth in staff of over 150, the foolish, personal and spiteful attack on Israel Folau, the hopeless performances off the paddock and on the paddock.
“All of these things have been endorsed by the board.
“Now the board have told Raelene Castle, ‘You must go, we need clear air’. You won’t get clear air with the departure of Raelene Castle. The whole kit and caboodle have to go, that’s what the Wallaby captains wrote about.
“And that’s the only way sponsors will return, the public will return, it’s the only way credibility can be regained.”
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
'Abhorrent' bullying that forced Raelene Castle to quit Rugby Australia
https://au.sports.yahoo.com/abhorrent-b ... 44669.html
Rugby Australia chairman Paul McLean has staunchly backed departed CEO Raelene Castle, who he says copped abhorrent bullying from "faceless people" during nearly three years in the job.
Castle stepped down on Thursday night, with former Wallabies captain McLean replacing her in the "very short term" before the search for a replacement officially begins on Monday.
'CAN’T HAVE A WOMAN': Peter FitzSimons' ugly claims in Raelene Castle resignation
‘NEVER RECOVERED’: Ugly Israel Folau truth in Castle's resignation
He described Castle as someone who would run through broken glass for the organisation and that it was the criticism most did not see that lead to her decision to quit.
"Criticism is easy, being cynical is easy, but decision making is tough," McLean said.
"She was able to do that and do that with some clarity.
"She would run through broken glass to get things done, and she has done that."
Castle's handling of the Israel Folau settlement and her rejection of Fox Sports' initial broadcast deal beyond this season were a source of criticism from some quarters, while the code's financial plight has been laid bare by the coronavirus pandemic.
A group of 11 former Wallabies captains wrote to RA earlier this week demanding administrative change, while long-time critic Alan Jones doubled down on Friday morning.
"She knows nothing about the game," the former Wallabies coach turned broadcaster said on 2GB.
"It's like putting someone to become the first violinist in the Sydney Symphony Orchestra who can't read music."
McLean said it was not the media criticism that stung though.
"It's the silent forces, the dark forces that upset me most," he said.
"It's the people who didn't ask, didn't know the facts or just one of those faceless people out there that was the damaging thing from her perspective and she shared some of that with me, which I found quite abhorrent.
"(If not for the) unwarranted criticism and, in fact, bullying, I think it might have been a different scenario."
Wallabies captains’ letter to Raelene Castle dismissed
McLean insisted most people in Castle's position would "have thrown in the towel ages ago" but that inevitably her departure had become the clear way forward.
He dismissed the impact of the former captains' letter, saying they could easily align with recovery efforts that were already underway.
"I've had numerous conversations with Nick Farr-Jones and, let's be clear here, it's a very small collective of (those) people who have been involved in the game of late," McLean said.
"The significance of that group is probably the people that aren't on the list."
Newly installed board member Peter Wiggs, fellow director and former Wallaby Daniel Herbert, and Phil Kearns - one of the ex-captains to put their name to the letter - are among those being touted to replace Castle.
https://au.sports.yahoo.com/raelene-cas ... 18907.html
'Can't have a woman': Peter FitzSimons' ugly claims in Raelene Castle resignation
Peter FitzSimons has doubled down on his claims that part of the vitriol aimed at Raelene Castle is simply because she’s a woman.
The Embattled Rugby Australia chief executive fell on her sword on Thursday after being told she had lost the support of the board.
‘NEVER RECOVERED’: Ugly Israel Folau truth in Castle's resignation
‘STAND ASIDE’: Former Wallabies' bombshell letter to Rugby Australia
Castle brought to an end her tumultuous 2-1/2 year reign, handing in her resignation to RA chairman Paul McLean.
Discussing Castle’s resignation on ABC News on Friday, FitzSimons said Castle was held to an unfairly higher standard because she’s a woman.
“There has been a lot of commentary to the effect that if she'd gone do Riverview and had captained the first 15 in 1978 she would have been one of them,” FitzSimons said in referrence to the ‘old boys’ club in the rugby community.
“From the moment she took over, there were serious people in the rugby community saying, ‘We can't have a woman in charge.’ There's no doubt about that.
“I go back to, for all the criticism of her, I'm not aware of a terribly wrong move that she made.
“She didn't turn rugby around [but] it's not the fault of Raelene Castle.
“We don't know who's going to take over now. But, for me, it isn't going to be a quick-fire solution. There will be a long time slowly building up again.”
The former Wallabies player first made the startling claims on Channel Nine’s Sport Sunday earlier this month.
“If you were to measure the antipathy against Raelene Castle - about a half of it, in my view, is because she’s a woman and there is an in-built discrimination ‘We can't have a woman running rugby’,” FitzSimons said on Sports Sunday.
“I can tell you, in terms of emails I get and what people say to me, there is a lot of people in the rugby community who say, ‘We can't have a woman running rugby’.
“I'm not making it up. That's the truth of it.”
However one of Castle’s fiercest critics smacked down that theory on Friday.
After taking a scathing parting shot at the outgoing CEO, Alan Jones said Castle’s gender has nothing to do with it.
“It is insulting to say this is a matter of gender,” Jones said on 2GB Radio.
“It’s got nothing to do with Raelene Castle being a woman. It is totally related to the results and the effectiveness of the performance.”
Jones instead said Castle should never have been appointed in the first place because she simply ‘knows nothing about the game’,
“It’s an appointment that shouldn’t have been made,” Jones said.
“She knows nothing about the game. It’s like putting someone to become the first violinist in the Sydney Symphony Orchestra who can’t read music.”
However the controversial radio host said Castle’s resignation won’t fix anything unless there are more changes.
“This solves absolutely nothing. I have said all along it’s easy to throw Raelene Castle under the bus,” Jones said.
“I can’t imagine anything she has done, whether it’s the bloated expenditure, the ridiculous growth in staff of over 150, the foolish, personal and spiteful attack on Israel Folau, the hopeless performances off the paddock and on the paddock.
“All of these things have been endorsed by the board.
“Now the board have told Raelene Castle, ‘You must go, we need clear air’. You won’t get clear air with the departure of Raelene Castle. The whole kit and caboodle have to go, that’s what the Wallaby captains wrote about.
“And that’s the only way sponsors will return, the public will return, it’s the only way credibility can be regained.”
May you be in heaven half an hour before the devil know`s you`re dead!
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pharvey
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Re: The Rugby Thread
She has been dreadful as has the whole of Rugby Australia - Rugby Union is truly on it's deathknell down under. IMHO Rugby will only survive as League in Australia.
The whole Folau incident was a farce - many people should be taken to account, not least the man himself.
The whole Folau incident was a farce - many people should be taken to account, not least the man himself.
"Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things" - Yma o Hyd.
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pharvey
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Re: The Rugby Thread
BBC Wales are showing some classics - today was Wales vs Scotland from 1988. Hell of a match, but the difference from "modern rugby" was night and day. Scrummaging, Lineouts, technique, fitness levels, physicality/size of payers..... you name it.
Brought back some fond memories though as that was a great team which took us out of some very dark times in the 80's after the "Golden Years" of the 70's. Sadly it was not to last as several big names went to Rugby League shortly afterwards...
Good to see the Beeb showing some sporting events though - enjoyed a couple of cold ones this afternoon reminiscing - clear memories of that match and the Triple Crown!
Brought back some fond memories though as that was a great team which took us out of some very dark times in the 80's after the "Golden Years" of the 70's. Sadly it was not to last as several big names went to Rugby League shortly afterwards...
Good to see the Beeb showing some sporting events though - enjoyed a couple of cold ones this afternoon reminiscing - clear memories of that match and the Triple Crown!
"Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things" - Yma o Hyd.
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arcadianagain
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Re: The Rugby Thread
My 10 year old grandson in Sydney is having one on one coaching sessions with David Campese, with appropriate social distancing, after he moved into his area. I still don`t like Campese though!!
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pharvey
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Re: The Rugby Thread
Campese, an arrogant barsteward in the extreme - that good though he's entitled to be arrogant IMHO!! What an experience for your grandson!arcadianagain wrote: ↑Tue Apr 28, 2020 3:55 pm My 10 year old grandson in Sydney is having one on one coaching sessions with David Campese, with appropriate social distancing, after he moved into his area. I still don`t like Campese though!!
Mind you, I'll always look back fondly on his c*ck-up allowing Ieaun Evans in for a try (Aus vs British & Irish Lions)!
Didn't he have a bar/restaurant in "The Rocks" Sydney?
"Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things" - Yma o Hyd.
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pharvey
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Re: The Rugby Thread
Southern Hemisphere Rugby likely unhappy......
IMHO Rugby Union does need to change, but this is the wrong time - perhaps 2024 will be a good time.
Taken from: - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/52515684
World Rugby Election: Sir Bill Beaumont Beats Agustin Pichot And is Re-elected Chairman
Former England captain Sir Bill Beaumont has been re-elected as the chairman of World Rugby for another four years.
The 68-year-old defeated his former deputy, ex-Argentina skipper Agustin Pichot, by 28 votes to 23.
French Rugby president Bernard Laporte has been elected vice-chairman.
"I am honoured to accept the mandate of the World Rugby Council to serve as the international federation's chairman once again," said Beaumont.
"I would like to thank my union and region colleagues, members of the global rugby family and, of course, my family for their full support.
"I would like to thank Gus for his friendship and support over the last four years. While we stood against each other in this campaign, we aligned in many ways, and I have the utmost respect for him. Gus is passionate about the sport and his contribution has been significant."
Beaumont was first elected president in July 2016, succeeding Bernard Lapasset.
His re-election will be confirmed at World Rugby's annual Council meeting on 12 May, after which his new term in charge will begin.
He added: "Over the last four years we have achieved a lot, but we are at half-time and need to press on in the second half. I now have a clear mandate to work with Bernard [Laporte] to implement progressive, sustainable change.
"As an organisation, we must lead, be transparent, accountable and continue to serve for all. We must be united in our drive to make this great sport even better, simpler, safer and more accessible.
"Now is not the time for celebration. We are tackling Covid-19 and must implement an appropriate return-to-rugby strategy that prioritises player welfare, while optimising any opportunity to return to international rugby this year in full collaboration with club competitions for the good of players, fans and the overall financial health of the sport.
"I am determined to ensure that the spirit of unity and solidarity that has characterised our work in response to an unprecedented global Covid-19 pandemic, is the cornerstone of a new approach that will deliver a stronger, more sustainable game."
Bill Sweeney, chief executive of the RFU, congratulated Beaumont on his re-election.
"Bill is ideally placed to lead and unite rugby unions in strengthening the game so we can address the immediate and longer term challenges," he said.
Analysis
Chris Jones, BBC Sport rugby union correspondent
Beaumont was always the favourite for re-election, and although Pichot ran a dynamic and passionate campaign, the former England captain won in the end with a little bit to spare.
But the hard work starts now for Beaumont, who has a lot on his plate in the short, medium, and long term. Guiding the sport through the turbulence of the current situation is the immediate priority, but throughout that process he has to convince stakeholders worldwide - unions and clubs on both sides of the equator - to support his vision for the game; without that backing and collaboration, he will achieve little.
His manifesto pledges a global sport open to all. He now has the mandate to try and lead rugby union into a new era between now and 2024.
IMHO Rugby Union does need to change, but this is the wrong time - perhaps 2024 will be a good time.
Taken from: - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/52515684
World Rugby Election: Sir Bill Beaumont Beats Agustin Pichot And is Re-elected Chairman
Former England captain Sir Bill Beaumont has been re-elected as the chairman of World Rugby for another four years.
The 68-year-old defeated his former deputy, ex-Argentina skipper Agustin Pichot, by 28 votes to 23.
French Rugby president Bernard Laporte has been elected vice-chairman.
"I am honoured to accept the mandate of the World Rugby Council to serve as the international federation's chairman once again," said Beaumont.
"I would like to thank my union and region colleagues, members of the global rugby family and, of course, my family for their full support.
"I would like to thank Gus for his friendship and support over the last four years. While we stood against each other in this campaign, we aligned in many ways, and I have the utmost respect for him. Gus is passionate about the sport and his contribution has been significant."
Beaumont was first elected president in July 2016, succeeding Bernard Lapasset.
His re-election will be confirmed at World Rugby's annual Council meeting on 12 May, after which his new term in charge will begin.
He added: "Over the last four years we have achieved a lot, but we are at half-time and need to press on in the second half. I now have a clear mandate to work with Bernard [Laporte] to implement progressive, sustainable change.
"As an organisation, we must lead, be transparent, accountable and continue to serve for all. We must be united in our drive to make this great sport even better, simpler, safer and more accessible.
"Now is not the time for celebration. We are tackling Covid-19 and must implement an appropriate return-to-rugby strategy that prioritises player welfare, while optimising any opportunity to return to international rugby this year in full collaboration with club competitions for the good of players, fans and the overall financial health of the sport.
"I am determined to ensure that the spirit of unity and solidarity that has characterised our work in response to an unprecedented global Covid-19 pandemic, is the cornerstone of a new approach that will deliver a stronger, more sustainable game."
Bill Sweeney, chief executive of the RFU, congratulated Beaumont on his re-election.
"Bill is ideally placed to lead and unite rugby unions in strengthening the game so we can address the immediate and longer term challenges," he said.
Analysis
Chris Jones, BBC Sport rugby union correspondent
Beaumont was always the favourite for re-election, and although Pichot ran a dynamic and passionate campaign, the former England captain won in the end with a little bit to spare.
But the hard work starts now for Beaumont, who has a lot on his plate in the short, medium, and long term. Guiding the sport through the turbulence of the current situation is the immediate priority, but throughout that process he has to convince stakeholders worldwide - unions and clubs on both sides of the equator - to support his vision for the game; without that backing and collaboration, he will achieve little.
His manifesto pledges a global sport open to all. He now has the mandate to try and lead rugby union into a new era between now and 2024.
"Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things" - Yma o Hyd.
Re: The Rugby Thread
SAM CANE NAMED ALL BLACKS CAPTAIN
All Blacks loose forward and Chiefs Captain Sam Cane has been named as the new Captain of the All Blacks.
The news was announced on SKY Sport's The Breakdown show tonight, with Cane succeeding Kieran Read who retired from the All Blacks after Rugby World Cup 2019.
A natural leader, 28-year-old Cane has played 68 Tests, including 48 starts, since making his debut against Ireland in 2012, aged just 20.
All Blacks Head Coach Ian Foster said he was delighted to name Cane as the new captain.
"Sam is an experienced All Black with eight years in the team now and is a 'follow me' type of leader and a very good thinker in the game. He has a natural ability to connect with everyone in the team and is straightforward and direct when he needs to be.
"There's massive respect for Sam amongst the players and management, and he's perfectly placed to lead the All Blacks into the future."
Foster said while the All Blacks' plans for this year were still being worked through due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there was an important role for the captain.
"We wanted to confirm Sam now because he'll play a key role helping us plan for whatever the future looks like and will be working behind the scenes with the other leaders," Foster said. ......... (Full article at link)
https://www.allblacks.com/news/sam-cane ... ks-captain
All Blacks loose forward and Chiefs Captain Sam Cane has been named as the new Captain of the All Blacks.
The news was announced on SKY Sport's The Breakdown show tonight, with Cane succeeding Kieran Read who retired from the All Blacks after Rugby World Cup 2019.
A natural leader, 28-year-old Cane has played 68 Tests, including 48 starts, since making his debut against Ireland in 2012, aged just 20.
All Blacks Head Coach Ian Foster said he was delighted to name Cane as the new captain.
"Sam is an experienced All Black with eight years in the team now and is a 'follow me' type of leader and a very good thinker in the game. He has a natural ability to connect with everyone in the team and is straightforward and direct when he needs to be.
"There's massive respect for Sam amongst the players and management, and he's perfectly placed to lead the All Blacks into the future."
Foster said while the All Blacks' plans for this year were still being worked through due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there was an important role for the captain.
"We wanted to confirm Sam now because he'll play a key role helping us plan for whatever the future looks like and will be working behind the scenes with the other leaders," Foster said. ......... (Full article at link)
https://www.allblacks.com/news/sam-cane ... ks-captain
Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Source
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pharvey
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Re: The Rugby Thread
^ I don't think there really was any doubt over his appointment as Captain - superb player with a great deal of experience.
Very doubtful the Welsh tour will go ahead later this year, but certainly hope to see them (NZ) next year. Still have my deposit for the British & Irish Lions Tour next year (SA), so hope that's not going to be effected....... Do however need to be working for finances!!
Very doubtful the Welsh tour will go ahead later this year, but certainly hope to see them (NZ) next year. Still have my deposit for the British & Irish Lions Tour next year (SA), so hope that's not going to be effected....... Do however need to be working for finances!!
"Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things" - Yma o Hyd.
Re: The Rugby Thread
A few articles mentioned Beauden Barrett and Sam Whitelock as candidates, but neither has played for quite a while.
Perhaps just a nice way of saying Cane was the better choice.
Perhaps just a nice way of saying Cane was the better choice.
Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Source
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pharvey
- Moderator
- Posts: 15838
- Joined: Sat Aug 29, 2009 10:21 am
- Location: Sir Fynwy - God's Country
Re: The Rugby Thread
For anyone who can access BBC iPlayer through a VPN, or download this from the usual sources, an absolute classic. Brought up with his commentary of the 5 Nations (as it was) and the "classics"!
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b ... byunion%5D
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b ... byunion%5D
"Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things" - Yma o Hyd.
Re: The Rugby Thread
This isn't the first recommendation of this nature. I think Super Rugby is close to the end, to be replaced by intra-regional competitions and perhaps playoff rounds inter-regional as the article suggests. If you watch Super Rugby you'll see the stands are almost empty except for top matches.
Rugby Australia advised to ditch focus on Super Rugby
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm
A prominent Australian sports consultancy group has recommended Rugby Australia should opt out of Super Rugby in its current form.
Gemba Group has previously advised New Zealand Rugby on strategies to arrest declines in Super Rugby attendances, but has now made the bold statement that Australian fans just aren't interested in the tournament enough to justify its current place in Rugby Australia's priorities.
A devastating set of statistics underlay the advice, highlighted by a 43 per cent drop in the average Super Rugby audience since 2013. Within that figure, Australians aged 16-39 have recorded a 73 per cent decline.
The group's research also concluded that rugby union is the ninth most popular sport in the Australian market, compared to first place in New Zealand and third in South Africa, behind cricket and football.
"From where we're coming from at the moment we think the Sanzaar model is massively problematic and Covid-19 has laid that bare a little," Rob Mills, the consultancy's chief executive and founder, told the Sydney Morning Herald.
The report recommended that Rugby Australia should move its focus from Super Rugby to instead rebuild its domestic game, where traditional rivalries still appeal to fans. Super Rugby can then act as a Champions League-style tournament at the end of the season.
"Where we're landing from all the fan engagement data, is that we think that you go back to a domestic-only competition with promotion-relegation and a representative season at the end of it. That is the model that will engage fans most and go back to the core of where Australia's strength is.
"If you say the strength of the sport here is in the club games of NSW and Queensland, then that's where you go. Invest back in those leagues.
"They become the premier rugby competition in Australia with nothing above it meaning, instantly, your best players are in it. There is a heritage and history there and we know that what works is emotional rivalries and tribalism, as well as a clear geographic identity of where teams come from."
Rugby Australia advised to ditch focus on Super Rugby
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm
A prominent Australian sports consultancy group has recommended Rugby Australia should opt out of Super Rugby in its current form.
Gemba Group has previously advised New Zealand Rugby on strategies to arrest declines in Super Rugby attendances, but has now made the bold statement that Australian fans just aren't interested in the tournament enough to justify its current place in Rugby Australia's priorities.
A devastating set of statistics underlay the advice, highlighted by a 43 per cent drop in the average Super Rugby audience since 2013. Within that figure, Australians aged 16-39 have recorded a 73 per cent decline.
The group's research also concluded that rugby union is the ninth most popular sport in the Australian market, compared to first place in New Zealand and third in South Africa, behind cricket and football.
"From where we're coming from at the moment we think the Sanzaar model is massively problematic and Covid-19 has laid that bare a little," Rob Mills, the consultancy's chief executive and founder, told the Sydney Morning Herald.
The report recommended that Rugby Australia should move its focus from Super Rugby to instead rebuild its domestic game, where traditional rivalries still appeal to fans. Super Rugby can then act as a Champions League-style tournament at the end of the season.
"Where we're landing from all the fan engagement data, is that we think that you go back to a domestic-only competition with promotion-relegation and a representative season at the end of it. That is the model that will engage fans most and go back to the core of where Australia's strength is.
"If you say the strength of the sport here is in the club games of NSW and Queensland, then that's where you go. Invest back in those leagues.
"They become the premier rugby competition in Australia with nothing above it meaning, instantly, your best players are in it. There is a heritage and history there and we know that what works is emotional rivalries and tribalism, as well as a clear geographic identity of where teams come from."
Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Source