RUGBYINTERNATIONAL.NET

 

‘GETTING THE RECORDS STRAIGHT’

THE GAME OF RUGBY IS RAPIDLY EXPANDING WORLD WIDE. THIS WEB SITE'S MAIN FUNCTION IS THE RESEARCHING, COLLECTING, COLLATING, RECORDING AND UPDATING OF INTERNATIONAL RUGBY RESULTS AND RECORDS

APRIL 2008

 

Web sites I recommend this month

 

I thoroughly enjoyed our 3 weeks in the UK. High lights were the birth of our first grandchild, a girl, the Eden Project in Cornwall, and for me the tours of Lord’s Cricket ground and Twickenham.

Note: There were no updates on this site 20.03.2008 to 12.04.2008

 

Updated 29.04.2008

Scroll down for the latest news

Latest Results

26.04.2008

Georgia 22, Spain 20 in Tblissi (ENC 1)

Japan 39, Korea 17 in Soul (Asia Five Nations, Div.1)

Hong Kong 20, Arabian Gulf 12 in Al Ain (Asia Five Nations Div.1)

Germany 27, Netherlands 17 in Amsterdam (ENC 2A)

Poland 55, Latvia 0 in Koszalin (ENC 2B)

Sweden 22, Serbia 3 in Stockholm (ENC 3A)

Austria 3, Norway 3 in Vienna (ENC 3B)

Slovenia 17, Israel 5 in Ljubliana (ENC 3C)

Trinidad & Tobago 40, Guyana 26 in Grand Cayman (WCQ NAWIRA B Cup Final)

Bermuda 17, Barbados 6 in Grand Cayman (NAWIRA B Plate Final)

Bahamas 23, Mexico 17 in Grand Cayman (NAWIRA B Bowl Final)

Cayman Islands 11, Jamaica 10 (NAWIRA B Shield Final)

 

23.04.2008

Guyana 25, Bermuda 13 in Grand Cayman (WCQ NAWIRA B Cup Semi Final)

Trinidad & Tobago 56, Barbados 0 in Grand Cayman (WCQ NAWIRA B Cup Semi Final)

Mexico 13, Cayman Islands 7 in Grand Cayman (NAWIRA B Bowl Semi Final)

Bahamas 19, Jamaica 12 in Grand Cayman (NAWIRA B Bowl Semi Final)

 

22.04.2008

Papua New Guinea 46, Niue 27 in Alofi (FORU Oceania Cup Final)

 

20.04.2008

Bosnia & Herzegovina 27, Israel 19 in Zenica (ENC 3C)

Trinidad & Tobago 39, Cayman Islands 12 in Grand Cayman (WCQ NAWIRA Knockout Rd)

Barbados 21, Mexico 20 in Grand Cayman (WCQ NAWIRA Knockout Rd)

Bermuda 29, Bahamas 13 in Grand Cayman (WCQ NAWIRA Knockout Rd)

Guyana 10, Jamaica 3 in Grand Cayman (WCQ NAWIRA Knockout Rd)

 

19.04.2008

Russia 49, Czech Republic 3 in Prague (ENC 1)

Germany 13, Ukraine 5 in Hannover (ENC 2A)

Croatia 15, Andorra 10 in Split (ENC 2B)

Sweden 28, Switzerland 16 in Nyon (ENC 3A)

Slovenia 10, Luxembourg 3 in Cessange (ENC 3C)

 

12.04.2008

Georgia 18, Russia 12 in Krasnodar (ENC 1)

Belgium 22, Moldova 19 in Chisinau (ENC 2A)

Armenia 25, Denmark 13 in Yerevan (ENC 3A)

Lithuania 43, Latvia 17 in Klaipeda (Friendly)

Tunisia 29, Hong Kong 9 in Tunis (Friendly)

 

Coming Up

03.05.2008

Arabian Gulf v Japan in Osaka (Asia Five Nations, Div.1)

Hong Kong v Kazakhstan in Hong Kong (Asia Five Nations Div.1)

Moldova v Ukraine in Chisinau (ENC 2A)

Belgium v Netherlands in Brussels (ENC 2A)

Lithuania v Austria in Vilnius/Kaunus (ENC 3B)

Israel v Luxembourg in Netanya (ENC 3C)

 

NEWS ARCHIVES

The previous six months of news archives can be found here.

July 2007

August 2007

September 2007

October 2007

November-December 2007

January 2008

February 2008

March 2008

 

2008 International Rugby Fixtures and Results

 

2008 GWC Rugby Rankings

 

ADDITIONS AND ALTERATIONS TO THE FIXTURE LIST

 

FORU OCEANIA EAST RESULT 2007 (25.04)

This result is the missing FORU link leading up to the PNG v Niue match played Tuesday. Apparently the Cook Islands withdrew from the Niue/Tahiti group to concentrate on their U19 entry into the World Cup. Played 11 October, Niue defeated Tahiti 51-14 in Papeete.

http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2699

 

ASIA FIVE NATIONS, DIVISION 1 FULL DRAW (25.04)

Friday, 25 April 2008: Arabian Gulf v Hong Kong.

Saturday, 26 April 2008: Korea v Japan, Incheon Munhak Sports Stadium, Incheon, Korea, 14:00 kick-off.

Saturday, 3 May 2008: Japan v Arabian Gulf, Hanazono, Osaka.

Saturday, 3 May 2008, Hong Kong v Kazakhstan, Hong Kong.

Friday, 9 May 2008: Arabian Gulf v Korea, Doha.

Saturday, 10 May 2008: Kazakhstan v Japan, venue TBC, Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Saturday, 17 May 2008: Korea v Kazakhstan, Incheon.

Sunday, 18 May 2008: Japan v Hong Kong, Tohoku Denryoku Big Swan Stadium, Niigata.

Saturday, 24 May 2008: Hong Kong v Korea, Hong Kong.

Saturday, 24 Mat 2008: Kazakhstan v Arabian Gulf.

Thanks to Ian McDonnell RiJ

 

More information re the 2008 Asia Tournament (Thanks to ‘Cappelan’ http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2614&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=30)

 

FORMAT:

Single round robin with each team playing two test matches at home and two test matches away, with one bye week.

 

POINTS SYSTEM:

5-Win; 3-Draw; 1-Loss within seven points; 1-Scoring four tries or more.

 

DIVISION ONE

Sri Lanka, China, Singapore, Chinese Taipei

 

FIXTURES:

Semi-finals, third place match and final, all to be held in Chinese Taipei on a date TBC.

 

DIVISION TWO

Malaysia, Thailand, India, Pakistan

 

FIXTURES:

All games to be held in Thailand on June 11-16; competition format TBC.

 

Promotion and relegation

At the end of each season, the bottom team in the Top Five will swap places with the top team in Division One, and the bottom team in Division One will swap places with the top team in Division Two.

 

REGIONAL TOURNAMENTS

 

Brunei, Philippines, Guam

To be played in Guam

28.06.2008 Guam v Brunei

02.07.2008 Brunei v Philippines

05.07.2008 Guam v Philippines

 

Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia

To be played in Djakarta,

12.07.2008 Laos v Cambodia

15.07.2008 Indonesia v Laos

19.07.2008 Indonesia v Cambodia

http://www.irb.com/results/results.htmx?teamTypeID=6&teamAID=0&teamBID=0&eventTypeID=74&stageID=0&countryID=0&cityID=0&stadiumID=0&eventYear=0&startDate=&endDate=&searchType=1&season=0&gameTypeID=74

 

Macau, Mongolia, Qatar

To be played in Qatar on dates TBC

 

Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Iran

To be played in Kyrgyzstan September 2008

 

Format for all regional tournaments is single round robin.

 

CORRECTION (23.04)

The result of the Papua New Guinea v Cook Islands World Cup qualifying match 03.09.2005 has been amended to a 37-12 win to the Cook Islands and not to PNG.

 

BRITISH & IRISH LIONS TOUR SCHEDULE TO SOUTH AFRICA 2009 (14.04)

May 30: Highveld XV, Rustenburg

June 3 Golden Lions, Johannesburg

June 6 Cheetahs, Bloemfontein

June 10: Sharks, Durban

June 13: Western Province, Cape Town

June 16/17: Coastal XV, Port Elizabeth

June 20: First test, Durban

June 23: Emerging Boks, Cape Town

June 27: Second test, Pretoria

July 4: Third test, Johannesburg

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/category/story.cfm?c_id=80&objectid=10503544

 

ARGENTINA SCHEDULE CONFIRMED (14.04)

 

June 7 in Rosario: vs. Scotland
June 14 in Buenos Aires: vs. Scotland
June 28 in Cordoba: vs. Italy
August 9 in Johannesburg: vs. South Africa
November 8 in TBC, Fra: vs. France
November 15 in TBC, Ita: vs. Italy
November 22 in TBC, Irl: vs. Ireland


Thanks to FIRA-AER forum members and http://www.heavensgame.com/national-news/argentina/los-pumas-jugaran-ante-sudafrica.html

 

IRB Nations Cup 2008 Draw (13.04)

 

Day 1 - Wednesday, June 11

Italy A v Russia (16:00)

Emerging South Africa v Georgia (18:00)

Uruguay v Romania (20:00)

 

Day 2 – Sunday, June 15

Georgia v Uruguay (16:00)

Italy A v Emerging South Africa (18:00)

Russia v Romania (20:00)

 

Day 3 - Friday, June 20

Russia v Uruguay (16:00)

Italy A v Georgia (18:00)

Emerging South Africa v Romania (20:00)

 

Thanks to www.irb.com.

Article here http://www.irb.com/nationscup/news/newsid=2023003.html#schedule+irb+nations+cup

 

LATEST NEWS

 

WALES TRAINING SQUAD FOR SOUTH AFRCA (30.04)

24 players listed with another 2-3 to be added. Final touring squad to be announced May 14.

http://www.planet-rugby.com/Story/0,18259,3551_3493117,00.html

 

A NEW ERA FOR T&T RUGBY (30.04)


Trinidad & Tobago are the biggest climbers in the
latest international Rugby Board (IRB) World Rankings.

The Calypso Warriors jumped from 57th to 45th place
following their recent North American and West Indies
Rugby Association[Nawira] Caribbean Rugby Championship
win.

Curtis Nero,the Trinidad and Tobago Rugby Football
Union(TTRFU) treasurer and chairman of selectors
believes the Trinidad and Tobago senior men's national
team can climb even higher.

"This is the beginning of a new era for rugby in
Trinidad and Tobago" said Nero.

Nero's view is that while the odds maybe against T&T
qualifying for the ,2009 7s and 2011 15s World Cup it
is not an unrealistic aspiration.

"Compared to Nawira big guns Canada and USA our player
base and financial resources are minuscule.
But when it comes to
ambition,determination,self-belief and talent we match
up "said Nero.

According to Nero despite years of effort the TTRFU
lacks for a corporate partner or sponsor and a
training facility for national team training camps.He
however asserts that the challenges do not diminish
the TTRFU's determination.

"Our world ranking has always been the highest for a
T&T team sport but it is unheralded and has not earned
widespread recognition and respect.Rugby is still
viewed very much as a niche sport"added Nero

The TTRFU rolled out its vision,mission and strategic
plan in 1996 and has kept its development and national
team programmes going with assistance from the IRB
Trust Grant,the Ministry of Sport, and the unstinting
efforts of the Schools Rugby Union and volunteers.

In the T&T sporting pecking order rugby's
participation numbers ranks below
basketball,cricket,football and track and field.

"Quantity is one measure,excellence is another,the T&T
national rugby teams' performance ,over the years,
match up to most team sports".
 
The T&T rugby team qualified for the Commonwealth
Games (1998 and 2002),2002 U19 World Championship.In
addition to winning multiple Caribbean rugby titles at
men and women 7s and 15s and age grade competition.

Nero said in addition to the Rugby World Cup ,the
TTRFU's goal is to qualify for the 2010 Commonwealth
and 2011 Pan Am Games and the 2012 Olympic Games
should rugby be a demonstration sport.

"I am confident that significant progress will be made
in the coming years.A major breakthrough for the TTRFU
is getting Rugby 7s onto the University of Trinidad
and Tobago (UTT)High Performance Sport Scholarship
programme.We now have eight national players on
scholarship at UTT".

 

TTRFU.COM Port.Of.Spain -29 April

Thanks to Brian Lewis


COUNTRY LIST UPDATES (28.04)

The following country lists have been updated. Included are a number of match data sheets. Go to country alphabetical lists at the top of the page.

 

China-Taipei   Cook Islands   England2001-   France2001-  Ireland   Italy   Niue   Papua New Guinea   Scotland   Solomon Islands   Vanuatu   Wales

 

MATCH DATA SHEET UPDATES (28.04)

The following international rugby fixtures now have a match data sheet available in the fixtures lists and on each country’s list.

 

29 June 2002 Niue v Vanuatu (New)

9 March 2008 France v Italy (New)

15 March 2008 Wales v France (New)

15 March 2008 England v Ireland (New)

15 March 2008 Italy v Scotland (New)

5 April 2008 Hong Kong v Tunisia (New)

 

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO WIN TITLE (27.04)

By Brian Lewis, T&TRFU

Three second half tries by T&T captain Adam Fredericks
 and two conversions by Brendan O'Farrell saw T&T to a
hard fought 40-24 win over a determined Guyana
team.Guyana scored two tries in the second half to
make T&T work hard.

T&T captain Adam Frederick after the game said "Guyana
fought hard.We dug deep.We were not going to let the
title slip from our grasp" said Fredericks.

T&T team coach Rhett Cheeeping said he was proud of
his players they worked hard all week and earned their
victory.

T&T will return home on Sunday as Caribbean Rugby
Champions.They have also advanced to the next
qualifying round of RWC 2011.

 

“We went into the current tournament seeded 6th of the
8 teams so it can be said that T&T upset the form
book.

However T&T has played in every Caribbean Rugby
Championship since inception in 1966 and won the title
in 1967,1973,1983,1985,1997 and 2001.” BL

 

RUGBYINTERNATIONAL.NET
WORLD INTERNATIONAL RUGBY RANKINGS-GWC SYSTEM 2008
as at 27 April, 2008

NORTH AMERICA TABLE 

07

06

05

04

03

1

CANADA

1

1

2

1

2

2

UNITED STATES

2

2

1

2

1

3

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

0

12

12

0

0

4

GUYANA

0

11

11

0

0

5

BERMUDA

5

6

6

5

5

6

BARBADOS

3

3

3

0

0

7

BAHAMAS

0

4

4

4

4

8

MEXICO

0

8

8

0

0

9

CAYMAN ISLANDS

4

5

5

3

3

10

JAMAICA

0

7

7

6

0

11

ST VINCENT

0

15

15

0

0

 

RUGBY IN JAPAN Vol. 5, No.17

 

THIS WEEKEND 26 APRIL

 

26.04.2008

Georgia 22, Spain 20 in Tblissi (ENC 1)

Georgia won by 2 points. I predicted Georgia by 15.

 

Reviews

Spain gave the host team and winner of the 2006-08 ENC Trophy a big fright in Tblissi.

 

FIRA-AER CHAMPIONSHIP 2006-2008 Updated 27.04.2008

Points: Win = 3, Draw = 2, Loss = 1, Loss by default = 0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FIRA-AER CHAMPIONSHIP, EUROPEAN NATIONS CUP DIVISION 1

SEEDINGS: ROMANIA, PORTUGAL, GEORGIA, RUSSIA, SPAIN, CZECH REPUBLIC

03.02.2007

GEORGIA

20

ROMANIA

17

BUCHAREST

 

P

W

D

L

PF

PA

 

PT

03.02.2007

PORTUGAL

21

SPAIN

18

LISBON

GEORGIA

10

9

0

1

291

114

+180

28

10.02.2007

RUSSIA

39

SPAIN

14

MADRID

RUSSIA

10

8

0

2

312

143

+156

26

10.03.2007

ROMANIA

50

SPAIN

14

BUCHAREST

ROMANIA

10

6

0

4

277

142

+135

21

17.03.2007

ROMANIA

46

CZECH REPUBLIC

13

PRAGUE

SPAIN

9

4

0

5

312

223

+89

15

17.03.2007

SPAIN

31

GEORGIA

17

MADRID

PORTUGAL

9

3

0

6

156

177

-21

15

24.03.2007

GEORGIA

31

RUSSIA

12

TBLISSI

CZECH REPUBLIC

10

0

0

10

59

506

-450

10

07.04.2007

GEORGIA

98

CZECH REPUBLIC

3

TBLISSI

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

21.04.2007

RUSSIA

62

CZECH REPUBLIC

6

KRASNODAR

The European Nations Cup is now played for bi-annually.
The points for the first year's competition will carry over to the next season.
Last placed team will be relegated to Division 2, Pool A. in 2008.

05.05.2007

SPAIN

42

CZECH REPUBLIC

15

PRAGUE

12.05.2007

RUSSIA

21

PORTUGAL

13

LISBON

19.05.2007

PORTUGAL

23

CZECH REPUBLIC

3

PRAGUE

03.11.2007

SPAIN

46

CZECH REPUBLIC

0

MADRID

04.11.2007

RUSSIA

22

ROMANIA

12

BUCHAREST

01.12.2007

ROMANIA

23

PORTUGAL

8

LISBON

02.02.2008

GEORGIA

31

PORTUGAL

3

TBLISSI

09.02.2008

GEORGIA

22

ROMANIA

7

TBLISSI

16.02.2008

PORTUGAL

42

CZECH REPUBLIC

6

LISBON

23.02.2008

GEORGIA

11

PORTUGAL

6

LISBON

23.02.2008

ROMANIA

17

SPAIN

11

MADRID

01.03.2008

RUSSIA

41

PORTUGAL

26

KRASNODAR

08.03.2008

ROMANIA

21

PORTUGAL

14

BUCHAREST

08.03.2008

RUSSIA

42

SPAIN

16

KRASNODAR

15.03.2008

RUSSIA

12

ROMANIA

8

KRASNODAR

22.03.2008

ROMANIA

76

CZECH REPUBLIC

7

BUCHAREST

29.03.2008

GEORGIA

22

CZECH REPUBLIC

3

PRAGUE

12.04.2008

GEORGIA

18

RUSSIA

12

KRASNODAR

19.04.2008

RUSSIA

49

CZECH REPUBLIC

3

PRAGUE

26.04.2008

GEORGIA

22

SPAIN

20

TBLISSI

10.05.2008

SPAIN

 

PORTUGAL

 

MADRID

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Previews

There is nothing resting on this encounter as Georgia will win the 2006-08 European Nations Cup by just showing up. Georgia should win comfortably.

 

Previous-Last Five Encounters

17.03.2007 Spain 31-17 in Madrid (ENC 1)

28.10.2006 Georgia 37-23 in Madrid (WCQ Europe, R5, Pool B)

22.02.2004 Drawn 6-6 in Tarragona (ENC 1)

22.02.2003 Georgia 34-3 in Tblissi (ENC 1)

24.03.2002 Georgia 34-18 in Madrid (ENC 1)

 

GWC Rugby Rankings-World Table-Georgia 14th, Spain 21st

                                           -Europe Table-Georgia 7th, Spain 10th

 

Teams

 

Spain

15 César Sempere (Bwin Pozuelo Boadilla C.R.C)

14 Ignacio Martín (Spyro Bera Bera R.T.)

13 Jaime Nava (Jeep Alcobendas)

12 Javier Canosa (Bwin Pozuelo Boadilla C.R.C)

11 Juan Cano (C.R. Cisneros)

10 Mathieu Gratton(S.C. Graulhétois, France)

9 Pablo Feijóo (Leicester Tigers, England)

8 Iván Criado Capt. (Cetransa Dismeva El Salvador)

7 Cyril Hijar (A.S. Lavaur, France)

6 Rafael Camacho (Helvetia Rugby)

5 Sergio Souto (Cetransa Dismeva El Salvador)

4 Leandro Fernandez-Aramburu (Helvetia Rugby)

3 Javier Salazar (Bwin Pozuelo Boadilla C.R.C)

2 José MŞ Bohorquez (Cajasol Ciencias R.C.)

1 Jesús Moreno (Aviron Bayonnais, France)

Replacements

16 Manuel Serrano (Cetransa Dismeva El Salvador)

17 Juan Gonzales (Cajasol Ciencias R.C.)

18 Jesús Núńez Recuerda (Cajasol Ciencias R.C.)

19 Juan Rafael Álvarez  (San Juan De Luz, France)

20 Víctor Marlet (U.E. Santboiana)

21 Manuel Mazo  (Cajasol Ciencias R.C.)

22 Martín Emir Heredia (Jeep Alcobendas)

Coach: Geoff Glynn

New Caps-Gonzales, Heredia, Recuerda and Moreno

http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2698

 

Georgia

15 Otar Barkalaia

14 Malkhaz Urjukashvili

13 David Katcharava

12 Rezo Guigauri

11 Irakli Chkhikvadze

10 Lasha Malaghuradze

9 Irakli Abusseridze (Capt.)

8 Dimitri Bassilaia

7 Rati Urushadze

6 George Chkhaidze

5 Mamuka Gorgodze

4 George Nemsadze

3 David Kubriashvili

2 Irakli Natriashvili

1 David Dadunashvili

Replacements

16 Simon Maissuradze

17 Shota Melikidze

18 Kakhaber Uchava

19 Bessarion Udessiani

20 Bidzina Samkharadze

21 Merab Kvirikashvili

22 Sandro Todua

Coach: Tim Lane

http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2698

http://www.rugby.ge/EN_index.htm

 

Japan 39, Korea 17 in Seoul (Asia Five Nations, Div.1)

Japan won by 22 points. I predicted Japan by 30.

 

Reviews

 

Previews

Japan travels to Seoul to start its 2008 roster of international rugby matches. Japan’s aim is to maintain its leading position in Asian rugby. Up to last year Japan appeared to be pulling away from Korea its nearest rugby rival. In the past Korea has been Japan’s stumbling block in the now defunct Asian Rugby Championship. Kirwan’s team has an experimental look about it with a blend of experience and youth. Six new caps are in the team; Hiroki Yoshida, New Zealander Ryan Nicholas, tall flanker Shonozuka, prop Ozaki, loose forward Nakayama and half back Sato.

http://www.irb.com/newsmedia/regional/newsid=2023396.html#asian+nations+kick

 

Last Five Encounters

22.04.2007 Japan 82-0 in Tokyo (Asia Nations 1)

25.11.2006 Japan 54-0 in Hong Kong (WCQ Asia R3, 20th Asian Championship)

23.04.2006 Japan 50-14 in Tokyo (WCQ Asia R4, Division 1)

15.05.2005 Japan 50-31 in Seoul (WCQ Asia Qualifying Div.1)

31.10.2004 Japan B 29-0 in Hong Kong (19th Asian Championship)

 

GWC Rugby Rankings-World Table-Japan 16th, Korea 25th

                                          -Asia Table-Japan 1st, Korea 3rd

 

Teams

 

Japan

15 Go Aruga (Suntory) Aged 24, 10 tests

14 Hiroki Yoshida (Toshiba) 26, -

13 Bryce Robins (NEC) 27, 10

12 Ryan Nicholas (Suntory) 28, -

11 Hirotoki Onozawa (Suntory) 30, 39

10 James Alridge (JRFU) 28, 1

9 Timoki Yoshida (Toshiba) 26, 8

8 Takuro Miuchi Capt. (NEC) 32, 40

7 Takashi Kikutani (Toyota) 28, 10

6 Kojo Shinozuka (Suntory) 24, -

5 Tomoaki Taniguchi (Toyota) 25, 3

4 Hitoshi Ono (Toshiba) 29, 24

3 Tomokazu Soma (Sanyo) 30, 17

2 Yusuke Aoki (Suntory) 24, 2

1 Taksukichi Nishiura (Coca Cola) 32, 11

Replacements

16 Taku Inokuchi (Toshiba ) 25, 3

17 Akira Ozaki (Suntory) 30, -

18 Toshizumi Kitagawa (Toyota) 27, 6

19 Yoshitaki Nakayama (Toyota) 25, -

20 Takashi Sato (Yamaha) 26, -

21 Shotaro Onishi (Yamaha) 29, 28

22 Tatsuya Kusumi (Toyota) 27, 2

Coach: John Kirwan

http://www.rugbyjapan.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=338&Itemid=26

 

Korea

Not available

 

Hong Kong 20, Arabian Gulf 12 at Al Ain (Asia Five Nations, Div.1)

Hong Kong won by 8 points. I predicted Hong Kong by 9

 

Reviews

 

Previews

The newly revamped Asian Championships get underway in the Middle East today. The Asia Five Nations, involving Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Arabian Gulf and Kazakhstan is designed to bring Asian rugby into line with similar European Competitions. The aim is to raise the standard of Asian rugby up to the level of Japan.

 

Hong Kong recently played a friendly home-away series against Tunisia drawing the series 1-1. Hong Kong won the first encounter at home 25-12 but lost 9-29 away in Tunis. Previously in January Hong Kong easily won a two test series against China-Taipei at home 64-17 and 52-17. Hong Kong travels to Al Ain to begin the tournament.

They will be without regular captain Semi Iafeta and vice captain Colin Bisley both out with injuries.

http://www.hkrugby.com/hkrugby/news/news-room.cfm?news_uuid=7C6D2886-9B95-F8ED-4A72-F0F55D456460

 

The Arabian Gulf team will include 8 new caps in their team off 22; Sutcliffe, Huber, McKnight, De Jager, Brookes, Ferguson, Simon and Brown

 

Previous Encounters

09.05.2004 Hong Kong 12-5 in Hong Kong (Asia Tournament)

20.04.2002 Arabian Gulf 17-7 in Hong Kong (WCQ Asia R1, Pool B)

18.06.2000 Hong Kong 21-10 in Hong Kong

 

GWC Rugby Rankings-Asia Table-Hong Kong 2nd, Arabian Gulf 5th

 

Teams

 

Hong Kong

15-Rowan Varty.

14-Ricky Cheuk Ming-yin,

13-Gavin Hadley,

12-Simon Hempel,

11-Simon Smith,

10-Justin Temara,

9-Jonny Elliott,

8-Simon Leung,

7-Nigel Clarke,

6-Renaud Chavanis,

5-Ivan Zenovic,

4-Laurence Denvir,

3-Nigel Hobler,

2-Wayne Whitney,

1-Pete Spizzirri,

Subs:

16-Jon Abel,

17-Alex Ng Wai-shing,

18-Nick Hurrell,

19-Will Wong Wai-kong,

20--Lee Cheuk-yin,

21-Kenzo Pannell,

22-Jason Going.

 

Arabian Gulf

15. Stuart Gibbs (Dubai Dragons)

14. Francois Coetzer (Dubai Exiles)

13. Marcus Smith (Dubai Exiles)

12. Stephen Cooper – Vice Captain (Dubai Exiles)

11. Ayman Razek (Gulf Sevens)

10. Paul Beard (Dubai Exiles)

9. Sean Hurley (Dubai Dragons)

8. Dave Clark (Dubai Exiles)

7. Ed Nicholas (Dubai Exiles)

6. Karl Sutcliffe (Muscat RFC)

5. Steve Huber (Dubai Hurricanes)

4. Diarmuid O’Malley - Captain (Dubai Dragons)

3. Mike Riley (Dubai Exiles)

2. Vivian Albertyn (Dubai Dragons)

1. Mark Gathercole (Dubai Exiles)

Replacements

16. Jaco De Jager (Doha RFC)

17. Jonathon Brookes (Dubai Exiles)

18. Mark Simon (Abu Dhabi RUFC)

19. Mike McKnight (Doha RFC)

20. Fain Ferguson (Dubai Dragons)

21. Chris Gregory (Dubai Hurricanes)

22. Graham Brown (Dubai Hurricanes)

Coach: Wayne Marsters

 

Germany 27, Netherlands 17 in Amsterdam (ENC 2A)

Germany won by 10 points. I predicted Germany by 20.

 

Reviews

Germany is still in the driving seat to win promotion to ENC 1 for 2008-10. Moldova needs to defeat Ukraine by 41 points or more and then Belgium needs to defeat Netherlands by 27 points or more, both being tall asks.

 

FIRA-AER CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION 2A  Updated 27.04.2008

SEEDINGS: UKRAINE, GERMANY, MOLDOVA, BELGIUM, NETHERLANDS

04.11.2006

BELGIUM

24

UKRAINE

11

BRUSSELS

 

P

W

D

L

PF

PA

 

PT

11.04.2006

MOLDOVA

26

GERMANY

24

CHISINAU

GERMANY

8

6

0

2

178

124

+54

20

18.11.2006

UKRAINE

29

NETHERLANDS

18

AMSTERDAM

BELGIUM

7

5

0

2

169

144

+25

17

18.11.2006

GERMANY

32

BELGIUM

13

HEIDELBERG

MOLDOVA

7

5

0

2

154

140

+14

17

25.11.2006

MOLDOVA

43

NETHERLANDS

7

CHISINAU

UKRAINE

7

2

0

5

103

119

-16

11

21.04.2007

MOLDOVA

29

BELGIUM

27

BRUSSELS

NETHERLANDS

7

0

0

7

94

185

-81

7

21.04.2007

GERMANY

22

UKRAINE

14

KIEV

The European Nations Cup is now played for bi-annually.
Points for the first year of competition carries over to the next season.
Winner promoted to Div.1. Last placed team will be relegated to Division 2B in 2008.

28.04.2007

GERMANY

21

NETHERLANDS

12

HANNOVER

05.05.2007

MOLDOVA

17

UKRAINE

16

KIEV

05.05.2007

BELGIUM

27

NETHERLANDS

20

AMSTERDAM

10.11.2007

UKRAINE

13

NETHERLANDS

7

KIEV

10.11.2007

BELGIUM

32

GERMANY

18

BRUSSELS

17.11.2007

MOLDOVA

15

NETHERLANDS

13

AMSTERDAM

24.11.2007

GERMANY

31

MOLDOVA

5

HEIDELBERG

24.11.2007

BELGIUM

18

UKRAINE

15

FEODOSIA

12.04.2008

BELGIUM

22

MOLDOVA

19

CHISINAU

19.04.2008

GERMANY

13

UKRAINE

5

HANNOVER

26.04.2008

GERMANY

27

NETHERLANDS

17

AMSTERDAM

03.05.2008

MOLDOVA

 

UKRAINE

 

CHISINAU

03.05.2008

BELGIUM

 

NETHERLANDS

 

BRUSSELS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Previews

Germany needs a big win against Lowly Netherlands to secure its leading position in this competition. There are 3 teams on 17 points but Germany has at present the best points difference. Clemens Von Grumbkow is unavailable as is required, with permission, by his French club who are fighting for a quarter final place in the Federale 1 competition. (Thanks to ‘Mafan 0815’ FIRA-AER forum)

 

Last Five Encounters

18.04.2007 Germany 21-12 in Hannover (ENC 2A)

10.04.2004 Germany 14-13 in Amsterdam (ENC 2A)

09.03.2003 Germany 15-3 in Hannover (ENC 2A)

28.03.1998 Netherlands 38-24 in Amsterdam (Friendly)

21.04.1996 Netherlands 6-5 in Hilversum (FIRA B1)

 

GWC Rugby Rankings-Europe Table- Germany 14th, Netherlands 23rd.

 

Teams

 

Germany Squad

Edmoore Takendesa (RG Heidelberg)

Matthieu Franke (RC Orléans, France)

Kieron Davies (Bedford RFC, England)

Colin Grzanna, Capt. (Berliner RC)

Lars Eckert (SC Neuenheim)

Mustafa Güngör (RG Heidelberg)

Alexander Pipa (TSV Handschuhsheim)

Gerrit van Look (Berliner RC)

Timothy Kasten (RG Heidelberg)

Bodo Sieber (University of Capetown, Rep. of South Africa)

Manuel Wilhelm (RG Heidelberg)

Alexander Widiker (RC Orléans, France)

Timothy Coly (RC Strasbourg, France)

Benjamin Krause (SG Hannover 78/08 Ricklingen)

Steve Williams (New South Wales RU, Australia)

Kehoma Brenner (RG Heidelberg)

Jens Schmidt (TSV Handschuhsheim)

Benjamin Danso (DRC Hannover)

Sebastien Chaulé (RG Heidelberg)

Markus Walger (RK Heusenstamm)

Christopher Weselek (RG Heidelberg)

Franck Moutsinga (Berliner RC)

Rolf Wacha (SC Frankfurt 1880)

Martin Strauch (SC Neuenheim)

 

Netherlands Squad

Allard Jonkers (Capt) (RC 't Gooi )

Jason Knox (RC 't Gooi )

Piet-Hein Schram (RC 't Gooi )

Miquel van der Cruijsen (RC 't Gooi )

Hajo Feitsma (De Leidse Rugby Club DIOK)

Jordi Bonhof (De Leidse Rugby Club DIOK)

Roger Scheffer (De Leidse Rugby Club DIOK)

Paul van Helden (De Leidse Rugby Club DIOK)

Titus Klumper (De Leidse Rugby Club DIOK)

 Joshua Friedler (Amsterdames AC)

Bobby Teijsse (Amsterdames AC)

Dominique Brandwijk (Amsterdames AC)

Boudewijn de Rouw (RC The Dukes)

Koen Buseman (DRC The Pickwick Players)

Fedde Lingsma (RC Hilversum)

Jay-Jay Boske (RC Hilversum)

Robert van Trigt (RC Hilversum)

Rik Roovers (RC Etten-Leur)

Walter Rijnbeek (Oisterwijk Oysters)

Tjebbe Jehee (Leidse Studenten Rugby Gezelschap

Anton Werth (RC Groningen)

 

Coach: Erik Hengeveld

http://www.rugby.nl/

 

Poland 55, Latvia 0 in Koszalin (ENC 2B)

Poland won by 55 points. I predicted Poland by 24.

 

Reviews

The Latvians were totally outclassed. Poland are now assured promotion to ENC 2A for 2008-10. The Andorra-Malta game will probably decide who gets relegated to 2C. that is providing Malta doesn’t cause the upset of the century and defeat Poland at home.

 

FIRA-AER CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION 2B Updated 27.04.2008

SEEDINGS: LATVIA, POLAND, CROATIA, MALTA, ANDORRA

07.10.2006

POLAND

54

ANDORRA

8

CRACOVIE

 

P

W

D

L

PF

PA

 

PT

28.10.2006

LATVIA

27

MALTA

16

RIGA

POLAND

7

6

0

1

237

51

+181

19

28.10.2006

POLAND

12

CROATIA

11

MAKARSKA

CROATIA

7

4

0

3

125

114

+11

15

04.11.2006

CROATIA

40

MALTA

18

MARSA

LATVIA

7

4

0

3

130

157

-27

15

04.11.2006

LATVIA

34

ANDORRA

21

ANDORRA LA VELA

MALTA

6

2

0

4

93

164

-71

10

31.03.2007

LATVIA

27

CROATIA

7

MAKARSKA

ANDORRA

7

1

0

6

101

200

-99

9

07.04.2007

ANDORRA

24

CROATIA

13

ANDORRA LA VELA

The European Nations Cup is now played for bi-annually.
Points for the first year of competition carries over to the next season.
Winner promoted to Div.2A. Last placed team will be relegated to Division 3A in 2008.

05.05.2007

POLAND

33

LATVIA

9

RIGA

12.05.2007

MALTA

31

ANDORRA

24

MARSA

19.05.2007

POLAND

36

MALTA

3

SIEDLCE

29.09.2007

POLAND

33

ANDORRA

5

ANDORRA LA VELA

27.10.2007

CROATIA

15

POLAND

14

GDYNIA

10.11.2007

CROATIA

24

MALTA

9

MAKARSKA

17.11.2007

MALTA

16

LATVIA

13

MARSA

24.11.2007

LATVIA

20

ANDORRA

9

RIGA

19.04.2008

CROATIA

15

ANDORRA

10

SPLIT

26.04.2008

POLAND

55

LATVIA

0

KOSZALIN

10.05.2008

MALTA

 

POLAND

 

MARSA

10.05.2008

LATVIA

 

CROATIA

 

RIGA

17.05.2008

MALTA

 

ANDORRA

 

ANDORRA LA VELA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Previews

Only Latvia looks to challenge the Poles in this part of the ENC competition. Poland were surprisingly easy winners over Latvia away in the first round. Since then Latvia has managed to just keep in touch with the leaders but needs to win away here to pose a real threat. The Latvians astounded the rugby world with when they were defeated 43-17 by neighbour lower ranked (ENC 3B) Lithuania a few weeks ago. A win here does not look possible.

 

Previous Encounters

05.05.2007 Poland 33-9 in Riga (ENC 2B)

22.09.2001 Poland 60-18 in Riga (WCQ Europe R2, Pool B)

02.10.1999 Poland 41-8 in Riga (FIRA C)

25.09.1994 Poland 54-16 in Riga (Baltic Cup)

 

GWC Rugby Rankings-Europe Table: Poland 18th, Latvia 21st

 

Teams

 

Polish Squad

Michał Królikowski (Budowlani Łódź)

Kamil Bobryk (Budowlani Łódź)

Marek Mirosz (Budowlani Łódź)

Tomasz Stępień (Budowlani Łódź)

Krzysztof Hotowski (Budowlani Łódź)

Łukasz Żórawski (Budowlani Łódź)

Paweł Nowak (Arka Gdynia)

Łukasz Szostek (Arka Gdynia)

Robert Andrzejczuk (Arka Gdynia)

Jurij Buhalo (Posnania Poznań)

Kamil Dudkowski (Posnania Poznań)

Maciej Miśkiewicz (Folc AZS AWF Warszawa)

Aleksander Bartoszewicz (Folc AZS AWF Warszawa)

Stanislas Krzesinski (Albi France)

Dawid Popławski (Albi, France)

Dawid Banaszek (Bourgoin, France)

Michał Krużycki (Bourgoin, France)

Maciej Brażuk (Lechia Gdańsk)

Grzegorz Falk (Juvenia Kraków)

Yann Lewandowski (Cahors, France)

Donald Gargasson (Clermont, France)

Vincent Piniarski (Aurillac, France)

Marcin Wilczuk (Old Belvedere, Ireland)

Konrad Pisarek (Skra Warszawa).

http://www.pzrugby.pl/seniorzy.reprezentacja.html

 

Latvia Squad

Sergejs Avdejevs (SK Ovals)

Dmitrijs Baikovs (SK Ovals)

Kristaps Berzinš (LMT RC EŽI)

Edgars Cirulis (RK Miesnieki)

Maris Čeksters (RK 1964)

Ruslans Kotlevs (LMT RC EŽI)

Marcis Kreicbergs (RK Miesnieki)

Mareks Larionovs (LMT RC EŽI)

Edgars Lobanovs (LMT RC EŽI)

Andrejs Melnikovs (RK 1964)

Antons Oseledko (SK Ovals)

Nikolajs Petjunins (SK Ovals)

Viesturs Punans (LMT RC EŽI)

Valters Rankis (RK Miesnieki)

Maris Robežnieks (RK Miesnieki)

Karlis Rozentals (SK Ovals)

Janis Skuja (RK Miesnieki)

Vilmars Sokolovs (RK Miesnieki)

Janis Šveds (LMT RC EŽI)

Sandis Šveds (LMT RC EŽI)

Vjačeslavs Tiško (SK Ovals)

Vigo Valdavs (LMT RC EŽI)

Demjans Zavadskis (SK Ovals)

 

http://www.pzrugby.pl/seniorzy.reprezentacja.html and thanks to ‘Quentin’ http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2701

 

Sweden 22, Serbia 3 in Stockholm (ENC 3A)

Sweden won by 19 points. I predicted Sweden by 28.

 

Reviews

Sweden, as predicted, took out the ENC 3A division and will play in 2B for 2008-10. Interestingly Serbia and Armenia play a home and away mini series due to the fact that the first round fixture between these two nations was postponed. Serbia needs to win both games to hold off relegation and send the Danes down to 3B.

 

FIRA-AER CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION 3A            Updated 27.04.2008

SEEDING; SWEDEN, SWITZERLAND, SERBIA, DENMARK, ARMENIA

30.09.2006

SWITZERLAND

29

ARMENIA

16

VIENNE

 

P

W

D

L

PF

PA

 

PT

07.10.2006

SWITZERLAND

30

SERBIA

9

NYON

SWEDEN

8

7

0

1

153

66

+75

22

21.10.2006

SWEDEN

24

ARMENIA

0

HELSINGBORG

SWITZERLAND

8

4

0

3

153

129

+24

16

28.10.2006

SWEDEN

23

DENMARK

13

ODENSE

ARMENIA

6

4

0

2

96

96

0

14

04.11.2006

SERBIA

34

DENMARK

23

BELGRADE

DENMARK

8

1

1

5

112

168

-56

11

31.03.2007

DENMARK

24

SWITZERLAND

22

BALE

SERBIA

6

1

1

4

80

135

-55

9

07.04.2007

ARMENIA

11

DENMARK

3

ODENSE

The European Nations Cup is now played for bi-annually.
Points for the first year of competition carries over to the next season.
Winner promoted to Div.2B. Last placed team will be relegated to Division 3B in 2008.

*Note-The Armenia v Serbia first round match was postponed.

14.04.2007

SWEDEN

30

SERBIA

12

BELGRADE

05.05.2007

SWEDEN

6

SWITZERLAND

0

ESKILSTUNA

01.09.2007

ARMENIA

16

SWEDEN

12

BOURGOIN JALLIEU

06.10.2007

ARMENIA

28

SWITZERLAND

15

NYON

27.10.2007

DENMARK

17

SERBIA

17

ODENSE

03.11.2007

SWEDEN

8

DENMARK

6

HELSINGBORG

24.11.2007

SWITZERLAND

13

SERBIA

5

BELGRADE

05.04.2008

SWITZERLAND

28

DENMARK

13

ODENSE

12.04.2008

ARMENIA

25

DENMARK

13

EREVAN

19.04.2008

SWEDEN

28

SWITZERLAND

16

NYON

26.04.2008

SWEDEN

22

SERBIA

3

STOCKHOLM

10.05.2008

ARMENIA

 

SERBIA

 

EREVAN

25.05.2008

SERBIA

 

ARMENIA

 

BELGRADE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Previews

Sweden’s win over Switzerland last weekend opened up a sizeable lead over all rivals in this competition. A win over bottom placed Serbia looks predictable.

 

Previous Encounter

14.04.2007 Sweden 30-12 in Belgrade (ENC 3A)

 

GWC Rugby Rankings-Europe Table-Sweden 24th, Serbia 28th

 

Teams

 

Swedish Squad

Henning Ekstrand (Göteborg RF)

Ehsan Fadakar (Göteborg RF)

Andreas Bruhn (Göteborg RF)

Christoffer Lundell (Göteborg RF)

Mathias Thorehard (Hammarby IF Rugby)

Magnus Karlsson (Hammarby IF Rugby)

Richard Johansson (Hammarby IF Rugby)

Mattias Björkebäck (Hammarby IF Rugby)

Jan- Olov Johansson (Spartacus RFC)

Thomas Arvidsson (Helsingborg RC) Gripen

Bobby Nave (C.D. Universidad Sevilla, Spain)

Magnus MacDonald (London Scottish RFC, England)

Alex Taylor (Kenilworth RFC, England)

Ted Holmgren (Pingvin RC)

Alan Letele (Vänersborg RK)

Michael Tatu (Vänersborg RK)

Erik Wikström (Vänersborg RK)

Torolf von Wachenfeldt, (Göteborg RF)

Mark Baker (Stockholm Exiles)

Oscar Andersson (Vänersborg RK)

Hannes Ericsson (Vänersborg RK)

Sebastian Taylor, Old Albions RFC

Coach: Keith Green

http://www.rugby.se/t2.asp?p=5122&x=1&a=1131225 and thanks to ‘Quentin’ http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2702

 

Serbia

Not available

 

Austria 3, Norway 3 in Vienna (ENC 3B)

Match drawn. I predicted Norway by 8 points.

 

Reviews

This match had no bearing on the fact that Hungary and Lithuania will fight it out to get to the winners podium. The draw may well have helped Austria in its bid to hold off relegation.

 

FIRA-AER CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION 3B  Updated 27.04.2008

SEEDINGS; AUSTRIA, HUNGARY, LITHUANIA, NORWAY, BULGARIA

07.10.2006

HUNGARY

13

NORWAY

8

STAVANGER

 

P

W

D

L

PF

PA

 

PT

28.10.2006

HUNGARY

42

BULGARIA

3

KECSKEMET

HUNGARY

6

5

0

1

126

61

+39

16

28.10.2006

LITHUANIA

37

NORWAY

15

VILNIUS

LITHUANIA

5

5

0

0

204

35

+169

15

18.11.2006

LITHUANIA

40

BULGARIA

10

SOFIA

NORWAY

6

1

1

4

61

91

-30

9

21.04.2007

HUNGARY

27

AUSTRIA

5

DUNAUJVAROS

AUSTRIA

5

1

1

3

23

82

-59

8

05.05.2007

AUSTRIA

7

BULGARIA

3

VIENNA

BULGARIA

6

1

0

5

50

195

-145

7

19.05.2007

LITHUANIA

27

AUSTRIA

0

VIENNA

The European Nations Cup is now played for bi-annually.
Points for the first year of competition carries over to the next season.
Winner promoted to Div.3A. Last placed team will be relegated to Division 3C in 2008.

19.05.2007

BULGARIA

25

NORWAY

10

SOFIA

02.06.2007

LITHUANIA

36

HUNGARY

7

VILNIUS

09.06.2007

NORWAY

22

AUSTRIA

8

OSLO

27.10.2007

HUNGARY

5

NORWAY

3

SZEKESFEHERVAR

27.10.2007

LITHUANIA

64

BULGARIA

3

VILNIUS

17.11.2007

HUNGARY

32

BULGARIA

6

ETREPOLE

26.04.2008

AUSTRIA

3

NORWAY

3

VIENNA

03.05.2008

LITHUANIA

 

AUSTRIA

 

 

10.05.2008

NORWAY

 

BULGARIA

 

 

24.05.2007

HUNGARY

 

LITHUANIA

 

 

24.05.2008

BULGARIA

 

AUSTRIA

 

SOFIA

07.06.2008

NORWAY

 

LITHUANIA

 

 

07.06.2008

AUSTRIA

 

HUNGARY

 

VIENNA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Previews

Austria has four more matches to play in this competition. They have struggled at this level after being top seed at the start back in late 2006. They have also suffered the humiliation of being defeated 18-9 by lowly Slovakia in late March. A win at home against Norway would move them a step away from relegation.

 

With Hungary and Lithuania set to fight out the top place in this competition Norway can only use this match to blood new players, build for the future and win this match to stay clear of relegation.

 

Previous Encounters

09.06.2007 Norway 22-8 in Oslo (ENC 3B)

09.06.2001 Austria 51-7 in Oslo (FIRA Pool2, WCQ Europe R1)

 

GWC Rugby Rankings-Europe Table-Norway 30th, Austria 31st.

 

Teams

 

Austria

Front Row

Willy Payer (Stade Viennois)

Patrick Maurer (Stade Viennois)

Julian Zöchling (RC Donau)

Milad Farkhondeh-fal (RC Donau)

Mani Deihimi (Schweiz)

 

Second Row

Dieter Albert (RC Innsbruck)

Andreas, Gaul Kapitän (RC Donau)

Christoph Forchtner (RC Donau)

 

Loose Forwards

Johannes Dachler (RC Donau)

Alexander Krauchenberg (RC Donau)

Patrick Handl (Stade Viennois)

Ferdinand Richter (Blagnac SC, France)

 

Backs:

Georg Kaiser (Stade Viennois)

Mushegh Aslanyan (Celtic RFC Wien

Michael Kerschbaumer (RC Donau)

Marius Johannik (RC Donau)

Patrick Tondl ( Stade Viennois)

Rupert Zallmann (RC Donau)

Max Sonntag (RC Donau)

Nicos Hnilicka (RC Donau)

Leonardo Nicola Bignotti (Leonessa, Italy-)

Schweighofer (Bilbao, Spain)

 

http://www.rugby-austria.at/content/deu ... fc2444.php and thanks to ‘Quentin’ http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2703&sid=9fc16edc4847f12d78f3bd9d98f79f80

 

Norway

Kristoffer Borsheim (Stavenger RF)

Wesley Chibaya (UMBI RK)

Glenn Collins

Lewis Eaton (Stavenger RF)

Espen Engevik (Stavenger RF)

Andrew Fraser-Smith (Olso RK)

Andreas Fyri (Olso RK)

Robert Greig (Tunbridge Wells RFC, England)

Andrei Hanger (Cheltenham RFC, England)

Karl Harper (Olso RK)

Francis Hunt (Olso RK)

Stein Ove Kristensen (Trondheim RK)

Eivind Lunde (Stavenger RF)

Craig Olsen (Edinburgh Academicals RFC, Scot.)

Pascal Raclin (Olso RK)

Jerome Richter

Ollie Rogers (Basingstoke RFC, England)

Trent Rowan (Třnsberg RK)

Stian Rřstberg (Bergen RK)

Haakon Stengrimsen (Ponteland RFC, England)

Johan Stoltz  (Olso RK)

William Wilson (Bergen RK)

 

http://www.rugby.no/les.asp?ID=594

 

Slovenia 17, Israel 5 in Ljubliana (ENC 3C)

Slovenia won by 12 points. I predicted Slovenia by 42.

 

Reviews

This was a good comeback performance by Israel. The low losing margin may well end up favouring the Israelis when it comes to deciding who goes down to 3D. Despite defeating Israel last weekend Bosnia & Herzegovina are actually in last place.

 

FIRA-AER CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION 3C                  Updated 27.04.2008

SEEDINGS: LUXEMBOURG, SLOVENIA, ISRAEL, FINLAND, BOSNIA

30.09.2006

LUXEMBOURG

16

FINLAND

9

CESSANGE

 

P

W

D

L

PF

PA

 

PT

07.10.2006

FINLAND

14

BOSNIA & HERTZEGOVINA

7

ZENICA

SLOVENIA

7

7

0

0

205

43

+162

21

28.10.2006

SLOVENIA

28

ISRAEL

5

NETANYA

LUXEMBOURG

6

4

0

2

107

68

+39

14

21.04.2007

LUXEMBOURG

17

BOSNIA & HERTZEGOVINA

12

ZENICA

FINLAND

5

2

0

3

59

96

-37

9

28.04.2007

ISRAEL

34

BOSNIA & HERTZEGOVINA

13

NETANYA

ISRAEL

6

1

0

5

99

137

-38

8

05.05.2007

SLOVENIA

25

LUXEMBOURG

16

LJUBLIANA

BOSNIA & HERTZEGOVINA

6

1

0

5

62

191

-124

8

19.05.2007

SLOVENIA

77

BOSNIA & HERTZEGOVINA

5

LJUBLIANA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

19.05.2007

LUXEMBOURG

25

ISRAEL

16

CESSANGE

The European Nations Cup is now played for bi-annually.
Points for the first year of competition carries over to the next season.
Winner promoted to Div.3B. 

26.05.2007

SLOVENIA

21

FINLAND

6

HELSINKI

02.06.2007

FINLAND

27

ISRAEL

20

HELSINKI

27.10.2007

LUXEMBOURG

30

BOSNIA & HERTZEGOVINA

3

CESSANGE

27.10.2007

SLOVENIA

32

FINLAND

3

LJUBLIANA

19.04.2008

SLOVENIA

10

LUXEMBOURG

3

CESSANGE

20.04.2008

BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA

27

ISRAEL

19

ZENICA

26.04.2008

SLOVENIA

17

ISRAEL

5

LJUBLIANA

03.05.2008

ISRAEL

 

LUXEMBOURG

 

NETANYA

10.05.2008

BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA

 

SLOVENIA

 

ZENICA

17.05.2008

FINLAND

 

BOSNIA & HERTZEGOVINA

 

HELSINKI

24.05.2008

FINLAND

 

LUXEMBOURG

 

HELSINKI

31.05.2008

ISRAEL

 

FINLAND

 

NETANYA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Previews

Slovenia remains undefeated in this competition and look to be heading to ENC 3B for the next two years. They have only to defeat the next two teams both of whom are the bottom of the table, Israel being one of them. Israel is now in danger of relegation with only teams above it on the table to defeat.

 

Previous Encounter

28.10.2006 Slovenia 28-5 in Netanya (ENC 3C0

 

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe table-Slovenia 33rd, Israel 37th

 

Teams

 

Israel Squad

Elia Balkin replaced Oren Alt for Slovenia

Dagan Sher

Meni Bengio

Shai Dekel

Ran Berzak

Gilad Golstein

Mordechay Radashkovich

Guy Dotan

Nir Bar-Or

Kaydar Saghi

Nimrod Eli Kaplan

Issac Zafadia

Stav Gurtovoy

Amir Beutler

Gal Dor

Shamri Haviv

Tzachi Tessler

Yohanan Dunietz

Sela Lesheim

Sagi Silverman

Coach: Raanan Penn

Thanks to Charlie Aufleger, Israel RFU

 

Slovenia

Not available

 

Trinidad & Tobago 40, Guyana 24 in Grand Cayman (WCQ NAWIRA B Cup Final)

T&T won by 16 points. I predicted T&T by 5.

 

Reviews

See just below the news banner.

 

Previews

Trinidad and Tobago now look to be favourites to take the title and play against the CONSUR B winner later in the year. Their 56-0 win against Barbados mid week was stunning.

 

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO CONFIDENT AHEAD OF SHOWDOWN WITH GUYANA

Trinidad and Tobago rugby has had to eat humble pie

the last four years.

 

Jamaica , Guyana and Barbados for years played second

fiddle to the Calypso Warriors.Then came the

retirement of a slew of high caliber players ,T&T

struggled in the transition period.The pendulum swung

the other way as T&T came out on the losing end in the

battle for Caribbean rugby supremacy.

 

It was never for a lack of talent or ability says T&T

Team Manager Curtis Nero it really came down to

attitude and discipline.

 

According to Nero the current crop of players took

awhile to come to grips with the fact that

International sport requires the players to take

responsibility for his or her fitness and skill

improvement.

 

"There was a period when it seemed making the T&T team

became easy and players lost that pride and commitment

that comes with wearing the national colours".

 

Nero who is also the TTRFU chairman of selectors

admitted that it was not an easy time for him.

 

"I came from the era when we dominated Caribbean

rugby.I took over the manager job from local rugby

legend Tony Loregnard.T&T had ruled the roost for two

decades".

 

In the last couple of years it angered me at times to

see guys accepting losing.

 

Nero however believes that in more ways than one.The

lean times have been good for T&T rugby.

"It was a wake up call,we had to look deep inside of

ourselves and ask some harsh questions".

 

Nero was speaking on Friday ,the day before T&Ts final

showdown with Mac Gregor Cup arch rivals Guyana.

 

Guyana has always been fierce rivals with T&T.The

stories have been told and retold about Guyana/T&T Mac

Gregor battles, stories that will make your hair stand

on end.

 

But the Mac Gregor cup games are no more.A victim of

the Rugby World Cup cycle.

 

"It is difficult to fit the games in with all the

demands placed on the modern rugby player" said Nero

 

So on Saturday in Georgetown,Cayman Island, Guyana and

T&T will scrum down.The capital of Guyana is

Georgetown but for certain the name alone does not

give the hometown advantage.

 

Who will emerge the victor?

 

The tournament seeding favour Guyana.The IRB ranking

point to T&T.

 

Nero is having none of it."Executing the game

plan,staying focused and keeping composed will be

essential.Once the guys do that we [T&T] will fancy

our chances.Ranking means nothing .You have to get it

done on the field".

 

Some of the T&T players will be playing in their first

Caribbean final the T&T camp does not expect this to

be a negative factor . "We have experience in key

positions, so we will be okay"said a confident

sounding Nero

 

The T&T / Guyana final will kick-off at 4.30 pm(5.30

PM T&T time) and will be streamed live on

www.caymanrugby.com

Via email thanks to Brian Lewis T&TRFU

 

Previous-Last Five Encounters

13.08.2005 Guyana 29-21 in Georgetown (WCQ America, Caribbean South)

00.11.1999 Trinidad & Tobago 15-10 in Gergetown (Sth Caribbean Championship)

1993 Trinidad & Tobago 48-7.

 

Prediction: It will be a hard fought close game. Trinidad & Tobago by 5 points.

 

Teams

 

Bermuda 17, Barbados 6 in Grand Cayman (NAWIRA B Plate Final)

Bermuda won by 11 points. I predicted Bermuda by 12.

 

Reviews

 

Previews

With Barbados’ huge defeat mid week Bermuda look favoured to take the Plate final.

 

Previous Encounters

22.11.2001 Bermuda 13-5 in Georgetown (WCQ America R1, Carib. Zone; Caribbean Champiosnhip)

19.04.1997 Bermuda 52-3 in Hamilton (WCQ America, Round A)

 

Teams

 

Bahamas 23, Mexico 17 in Grand Cayman (NAWIRA B Bowl Final)

Bahamas won by 6 points. I predicted Bahamas by 5.

 

Reviews

 

Previews

Mexico is probably the tournament favourite after their very close 20-21 loss to Barbados last weekend.

 

No previous encounters

 

Teams

 

Cayman Islands 11, Jamaica 10 (NAWIRA B Shield Final)

Caymans won by 1 point. I predicted Caymans by 3.

Reviews

 

Previews

The tournament hosts would be most disappointed with their team’s placing so far. A win against close neighbours is essential to save some face.

 

Previous Encounters

08.06.2005 Caymans 18-8 in Nassau (WCQ America, Caribbean North)

28.02.2004 Caymans 41-14 in Grand Cayman (Mayfair Cup)

08.11.2002 Caymans 32-27 in Montego Bay (Mayfair Cup)

13.02.2001 Caymans 48-0.

 

Teams

 

NAWIRA B ROUND 3 (23.04)

http://www.caymanrugby.com/rugbyworldcup2011.html

 

Trinidad and Tobago defeated defending champions and

number one seed Barbados 56-nil in the semi finals of

the NAWIRA Caribbean Rugby Championship which is

doubling as an International Rugby Board(IRB) 2011

Rugby World Cup(RWC) qualifier.

 

The Calypso Warriors will play 4th seeded Guyana in

the tournament final on Saturday.

 

Guyana defeated Bermuda 25-13 in the other semi final.

 

T&T team manager Curtis Nero said that the T&T players

are drawing self-confidence from knowing they have put

the work in.

 

"Given the pre tournament seeding we (T&T) are the

underdogs and Guyana will go into the final as the

favorites" said Nero

 

 

Trinidad and Tobago has entered every Caribbean Rugby

Championship since inception in 1966 winning the

Caribbean title in 1967,1973,1985,1997 and 2001 and

the inaugural South Caribbean Rugby Championship in

1999.

 

Thanks to Brian Lewis, T&TRFU

 

23.04.2008

Guyana 25, Bermuda 13 in Grand Cayman (WCQ NAWIRA B Cup Semi Final)

 

Trinidad & Tobago 56, Barbados 0 in Grand Cayman (WCQ NAWIRA B Cup Semi Final)

Reviews

A first half full house - a try, penalty, drop goal
and conversion - by veteran fly half Brenden O'Farrell
inspired Trinidad and Tobago to a perfect start
against Barbados, and a lead they never looked like
giving up.


O'Farrell dictated the game, keeping Barbados pinned
in their own half for much of the match, and finished
with a 24-point personal haul in the convincing 56-0
victory.

O'Farrell's 40-yard drop goal after only a few minutes
put the first points on the board and two tries by
right wing Kidane Silverthorne, one for Peter Bacchus
as well as a penalty try and O'Farrell's own effort
saw T&T to a comfortable and deserved 37-0 half time
lead.

After the break O'Farrell continued in similar vein,
scoring his second try before Rob Stone and Kelson
Figaro also crossed to seal an impressive performance,
and the final match-up against Guyana.

Referee: Paul Bretz (USA)

Source:www.irb.com, thanks to Brian Lewis, T&TRFU

 

Mexico 13, Cayman Islands 7 in Grand Cayman (NAWIRA B Bowl Semi Final)

 

Bahamas 19, Jamaica 12 in Grand Cayman (NAWIRA B Bowl Semi Final)

 

22.04.2008

Papua New Guinea 46, Niue 27 in Alofi (FORU Oceania Cup Final)

http://www.postcourier.com.pg/20080415/sport01.htm

http://www.postcourier.com.pg/20080423/wehome.htm

 

19-20 APRIL WEEKEND RESULTS AND NEWS

 

COUNTRY LIST UPDATES (19.04)

The following country lists have been updated. Included are a number of match data sheets. Go to country alphabetical lists at the top of the page.

 

Cameroun   China   Colombia   Cyprus   Hong Kong   India   Morocco   Peru   Senegal   Sri Lanka   Thailand   Tunisia

 

IRB LATEST ON GEORGIA AND TUNISIA (15.04)

http://www.irb.com/rankings/news/newsid=2023086.html#giant+strides+georgia+tunisia

 

NAWIRA B RUGBY WORLD CUP QUALIFYING TOURNAMENT (15.04)

http://www.nawira.com/nawirapdfs/IRB%20Web%20Page%20Article%20April%203%202008.pdf

 

Draw-http://www.nawira.com/news.php?newsid=55&pid=24

 

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO PREPARE (15.04)

Trinidad and Tobago were once the top Caribbean rugby team. For the NAWIRA B Rugby World Cup qualifying tournament they are seeded 6th.

http://www.ttrfu.com/mrDetails.aspx?id=601

 

RUGBY IN JAPAN Vol 5-16

 

RUGBY IN JAPAN Vol 5-15

 

RUGBY IN JAPAN Vol 5-14

 

RUGBY IN JAPAN Vol 5-13

 

RUGBY IN MEXICO (14.04)

Mexico defeated St Vincent Grenadines 47-7 in St Vincent in a preliminary knockout qualifier. Mexico now progresses to the NAWIRA Rugby World Cup 2011 tournament to be played in Cayman Islands 20-26 April.

Article on match http://www.irb.com/newsmedia/regional/newsid=2022834.html#mexico+prove+strong+hosts

 

Related articles

Rugby taking off in Mexico http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/miami/16803.html

http://www.planeta.com/ecotravel/sports/rugbymex.html

http://www.irb.com/newsmedia/sevens/newsid=52604.html?cid=rssfeed&att=

Mexico RFU web site http://www.mexrugby.com/ but unfortunately doesn’t have a news feed.

http://www.news24.com/News24/Columnists/JJ_Harmse/0,,2-1630-1631_1586419,00.html Second article is about Mexico

 

SEYCHELLES RUGBY NEWS (13.04)

http://www.nation.sc/index.php?art=11701

 

05.04.2008

Hong Kong 25, Tunisia 12 in Hong Kong (Friendly)

The referee had to dish out 4 red cards in this hotly contested bad tempered game. This was the first in a home-away friendly series between these two aspiring nations. Both have important tournaments just around the corner. Hong Kong is gearing up for the revamped Asia Nations Championship against Japan, Korea, Kazakhstan and Arabian Gulf. Tunisia has the African Cup tournament later in the year.

Match Data Sheet

 

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