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Articles in the International Rugby Category

Featured, Headline, Ireland, Rants »

[13 Oct 2009 | One Comment | ]
John Hayes Ban Reduced By One Week

A complete joke in my opinion. The John Hayes ban has been reduced form 6 weeks to 5 weeks by the Irish appeal committee.
Now the good news is that the time period covered, November 7th – 14th, has no games for Munster or Ireland that he is missing. the bad news is that it should already be more, not reduced.
Good Behaviour
Now I understand that John Hayes has had a wonderful disciplinary record until now… and that’s great. But when you intentionally stamp on someones face I think …

Argentina, Featured, Headline, Natal Sharks, Stade Francais, Toulon, Western Province »

[10 Jul 2009 | No Comment | ]
Who Will Hernandez Be Playing For – Natal Sharks or Toulon?

It seems there is a lot of competition and confusion over where Argentina’s rugby superstar Juan Hernandez will be playing his rugby next season.


Toulon claimed to have signed him Monday, but Scrum.com are saying that sources have told them he will be playing for Natal Sharks in the upcoming Currie Cup


Either way it looks certain he will be playing his rugby away from Stade Francais next season.

Featured, New Zealand »

[9 Jul 2009 | No Comment | ]
Graham Henry Stays on as New Zealand Coach

Graham Henry has had his contract with the New Zealand Rugby Union renewed, meaning he will be head rugby coach until after the 2011 world cup.


This comes despite numerous media rumours that he was going to be replaced – rumours he hit out at, blaming the media for a concerted effort to get him out.

England, Featured, Guinness Premiership, Headline »

[7 Jul 2009 | 2 Comments | ]
The England Elite Player Squad (EPS Squad) Announced

Martin Johnson has announced the English EPS squad for the coming season.


Jonny wilkinson features, Paul Sackey is with the Saxons, as is Danny Cipriani.


Not sure this is going to be the most popular decision that Martin Johnson is ever going to make, and there are a few other choices I am less than happy about. Should be interesting though

British Lions, Featured, Headline, International Rugby »

[6 Jul 2009 | 2 Comments | ]
Why the South Africans Have Disgraced Themselves

The South Africans have come in for a lot of flack this British Lions tour – and it is my opinion that it has been for good reason.


Gouging, poor sides, over priced tickets. Here we take a look at all teh controversies that have dogged South Afrucan rugby over the last few weeks.


Be warned, I don’t hold back!

British Lions, Featured, Headline, South Africa »

[29 Jun 2009 | No Comment | ]
The Schalk Burger Ban – Nowhere Near Enough

So Schalk Burger escapes server punishment after his very intentional eye gouging of Luke Fitzgerald in the British Lions 2nd test.


I am sure I am not alone in feeling outraged at this. It is my opinion that the authorities have bottled it and not given a punishment anywhere near matching the crime.


Read this article to find out more of my thoughts on the matter

British Lions, England, Featured, Headline, Ireland, Leicester, Scotland »

[18 Jun 2009 | No Comment | ]
John Hayes called up to the British Lions

The British Lions have called up Irish International rugby star John Hayes following the unfortunate injury to Scottish tighthead Euan Murray in teh game against the Southern Kings.



Is it the right call?


Whilst Hayes is certainly teh better prop I suspect that this is actually the wrong call, and would have gone elsewhere instead. Read the article to find out who I would have called up to the British Lions rugby squad, and why.

British Lions, Featured, Headline, Leicester »

[15 Jun 2009 | 5 Comments | ]
British Lions Scrum Half Crisis

There are numerous injuries to the scrum halves on the lions tour – both Mike Phillips and Mike Blair are on the treatment table.


This has lead to Shane Williams being on the bench covering the 9 position for the Lions, far from the ideal scenario as he is actually very poor there.



So that leaves Harry Ellis… let me explain just why this could well be the worst case scenario for the British Lions, and why they should look at calling up another 9 right away

Edinburgh, Featured, Headline, Scotland »

[4 Jun 2009 | No Comment | ]
Andy Robinson is taking over Scotland

So Andy Robinson has taken over the Scottish Rugby team – being appointed as the replacement for Frank Hadden who resigned after a poor 6 Nations.



Is it a good appointment?



Many English fans seem to think its funny that a failed English rugby coach has taken over the Scottish position, but it could well prove to be a very good apoointment in my opinion.

British Lions, Featured, Gloucester, Headline, International Rugby, London Irish »

[3 Jun 2009 | No Comment | ]
British Lions finally get their tour started

The British Lions manager a 10 try stuffing of the Golden Lions South African Super 14 franchise.



Here is a look at who played well and who is in the running for test places now. What combinations worked – a vital part of the tour.



Far better than the weekend anyway!