Are you a die hard rugby fan like I am? If so, then you know how difficult it can be to catch a game on television, especially if you live outside of Europe or Australia. So as an American rugby fan, this led me to wonder if I could watch rugby online somehow. Not just watch it online, but get an entire game in real time without commercial breaks or bad reception. I mean American football and hockey are great sports, but I need to see something more physically demanding of players. I needed to see a truly great sport.
After searching through numerous websites looking for one that would allow anyone to watch rugby on your computer, I found one called Satellite TV for PC. This is a service that gives you unlimited access to any Rugby League or Rugby Union match televised anywhere in the world. You can even watch the entire Rugby World Cup online if you really wanted to. The great thing about this program is the price. It is a one time only start up fee that costs less than one month of cable or satellite television. I couldn't believe it either at first. How could I possibly watch rugby online all that I wanted for a small price? I then saw that there was a Union match between New Zealand and Australia that I had to watch and I suddenly didn't care how it worked as long as I could watch my favorite sport anytime that I wanted to.
Here are some more details on how you can watch rugby on your computer: You pay the small start up fee, and then you download the program (which only takes a few minutes). After that, you are able to watch any rugby match that you want, being played anywhere in the world. You can do this from the comfort of your own home, your office, or even at a coffee shop. As long as you have an internet connection, you will be able to catch a game. The games are shown just as they would be on a television station so you know that you are getting the best quality picture and content. Not only that, but every game is shown in real time, meaning that you see the game as it is being played. There is no tape delay or prerecorded and edited content. Doesn't that sound great?
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mikee_Dunn
Wales rugby league | How Global Financial Crisis is Affecting Rugby Football in Europe
While every rugby team aims to crown their season with some sort of silverware to mark their success, more and more teams are becoming wary when it comes to signing new players. This is due to the high transfer fees demanded for players.
Continental Glory
As a result of this, club coaches are making do with what they have, even at the expense of continental glory. Rugby clubs in Europe seem to be more concerned with maintaining their top flight status in their domestic rugby leagues and less concerned with concurring the continent. And can you blame them? To win a continental trophy like the Heineken Cup requires a team to have depth in the squad. To attain this depth, a team needs to have a few big name signings on their team sheet.
Euro 700 000 Spending
To have such players a club has to splash out about Euro 700 000. But with the cash crunch starting to bite hard on the sport in Europe, few clubs if any are willing to spend such an amount on one player.
Negative BalanceSheet
The situation is the same across the board. Big clubs are also crying out for cash injection; with many barely been able to remain liquid. Many have reported negative results in their end year results.
Financial Plea
In the UK, Wasps reported a 2.8 million loss; while Bath and Newcastle were lucky that their benefactors were willing to dip into their pockets to assist them. Others like Bristol are finding it difficult to even meet their players wage demands and have resulted to making public plea for funding.
Salary Caps
If will be interesting to see what will happen at the start of the next season if the current situation prevails. According to the games Chief Executive in the UK - Mark McCafferty, there are two ways of dealing with the crisis. One is to drop from the top flight rugby. This will leave a total of 10 teams which will share the revenues generated. The revenues are set to grow in 2010 when the new broadcasting deal commences. Should this happen, then there will be no need of reducing the salary cap.
Conversely, however, the salary cap is not likely to be raised as that would not reflect a true picture. In addition raising the cap would only do more harm to clubs with less liquidity. News that Italians will be bidding to have 4 teams representing them in the Magners League during the 2010/11 season is no doubt good news to the Celts. The three nations Scotland, Ireland and Wales seem to have little option but to let the Italians in given the size of the Italian market and the revenue potential it holds. France clubs will be faced with an interesting challenge given the fact are less restricted when it comes to spending. Clubs like Toulouse and Stade Francais, however, will definitely be shy to splash their money during the new season.
More sports news news can be found online or at ScoresPro.com rugby news section.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peri_Witny
Continental Glory
As a result of this, club coaches are making do with what they have, even at the expense of continental glory. Rugby clubs in Europe seem to be more concerned with maintaining their top flight status in their domestic rugby leagues and less concerned with concurring the continent. And can you blame them? To win a continental trophy like the Heineken Cup requires a team to have depth in the squad. To attain this depth, a team needs to have a few big name signings on their team sheet.
Euro 700 000 Spending
To have such players a club has to splash out about Euro 700 000. But with the cash crunch starting to bite hard on the sport in Europe, few clubs if any are willing to spend such an amount on one player.
Negative BalanceSheet
The situation is the same across the board. Big clubs are also crying out for cash injection; with many barely been able to remain liquid. Many have reported negative results in their end year results.
Financial Plea
In the UK, Wasps reported a 2.8 million loss; while Bath and Newcastle were lucky that their benefactors were willing to dip into their pockets to assist them. Others like Bristol are finding it difficult to even meet their players wage demands and have resulted to making public plea for funding.
Salary Caps
If will be interesting to see what will happen at the start of the next season if the current situation prevails. According to the games Chief Executive in the UK - Mark McCafferty, there are two ways of dealing with the crisis. One is to drop from the top flight rugby. This will leave a total of 10 teams which will share the revenues generated. The revenues are set to grow in 2010 when the new broadcasting deal commences. Should this happen, then there will be no need of reducing the salary cap.
Conversely, however, the salary cap is not likely to be raised as that would not reflect a true picture. In addition raising the cap would only do more harm to clubs with less liquidity. News that Italians will be bidding to have 4 teams representing them in the Magners League during the 2010/11 season is no doubt good news to the Celts. The three nations Scotland, Ireland and Wales seem to have little option but to let the Italians in given the size of the Italian market and the revenue potential it holds. France clubs will be faced with an interesting challenge given the fact are less restricted when it comes to spending. Clubs like Toulouse and Stade Francais, however, will definitely be shy to splash their money during the new season.
More sports news news can be found online or at ScoresPro.com rugby news section.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peri_Witny
Wales rugby league | Manly Sea Eagles
The Mighty Manly Sea Eagles. Well, where can I start? Being a huge manly fan I was thrilled to see them beat the Storm in the Grand Final. I can remember sitting on the hallowed hill at Brookvale Oval with a 5000 strong crowd of die hard manly supporters cheering on the "Silver tails". This happened week and week out with the club barely being able to get a decent size crowd in and we were doing it very tough.
Now how different is it? With state-of-the-art training centres at Narrabeen, lucrative sponsership deals and loads of media attention you could be forgiven by thinking that Manly has lost it's spirit. The truth is the opposite. Since we won the grand final this year and came runner-up last year the Northern Beaches has been in "Manly fever''.
How good is it for a club which was in ruins after separating from the North Sydney Bears and re-entering the NRL in 2003 to make it to two back-to-back grand final appearances. In the newspapers we have seen well-known Manly haters support Manly in the Grand final and if we can turn someone like Tommy Raudonikas into a fan our support base is growing rapidly.
This idea of "Manly Spirit" can be seen in none other than Steve Menzies. Steve has only ever played at one and only club - Manly. Through thick and thin "Beaver" has hung around. Perhaps one of the most under-rated players in rugby-league history, Beaver has scored 180 tries for the maroon and white and has also captained Manly. I have been lucky enough to meet Steve on occasions and the way he conducts himself both on and off the field is remarkable. beaver breaks the stereotype that all league players are "thugs". Beaver always has time for everyone and never lets a kid go home without and autograph.
I would like to give my absolute congratulations to each and every player both past and present for making the club what it is today, and also best wishes to Steven Bell and Steve Menzies for their future lives.
Stay tuned for my blog which will hopefully be up soon.
H.J.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hugh_J
Now how different is it? With state-of-the-art training centres at Narrabeen, lucrative sponsership deals and loads of media attention you could be forgiven by thinking that Manly has lost it's spirit. The truth is the opposite. Since we won the grand final this year and came runner-up last year the Northern Beaches has been in "Manly fever''.
How good is it for a club which was in ruins after separating from the North Sydney Bears and re-entering the NRL in 2003 to make it to two back-to-back grand final appearances. In the newspapers we have seen well-known Manly haters support Manly in the Grand final and if we can turn someone like Tommy Raudonikas into a fan our support base is growing rapidly.
This idea of "Manly Spirit" can be seen in none other than Steve Menzies. Steve has only ever played at one and only club - Manly. Through thick and thin "Beaver" has hung around. Perhaps one of the most under-rated players in rugby-league history, Beaver has scored 180 tries for the maroon and white and has also captained Manly. I have been lucky enough to meet Steve on occasions and the way he conducts himself both on and off the field is remarkable. beaver breaks the stereotype that all league players are "thugs". Beaver always has time for everyone and never lets a kid go home without and autograph.
I would like to give my absolute congratulations to each and every player both past and present for making the club what it is today, and also best wishes to Steven Bell and Steve Menzies for their future lives.
Stay tuned for my blog which will hopefully be up soon.
H.J.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hugh_J
Wales rugby league | The Six Nations Battle it Out
It's that time of year again - the 2009 Six Nations Championship is underway in Europe until the end of March, pitting national teams against each other for victory. Each year, rugby teams from England, France, Ireland, Scotland, Italy and Wales compete against each other in each of the six countries.
Historically, the Six Nations is the successor to previous international tournaments, such as the Five Nations and Home Nations Champions. The tournament is now considered the premier international rugby union tournament - with the winner of the Six Nations being considered the European champions.
The tournament became known as the Six Nations when Italy joined the competition in 2000. Scotland was the last team to win the Five Nations championship before Italy joined. Following that, England won the first tournament as the Six Nations tournament.
Across all versions of the tournament, including Home Nations and Five Nations, England has accumulated the most tournament victories, with Wales coming in second.
In 2008, Wales took home the trophy for the top prize as they beat all other teams in the series of matches. Ireland is the only country who has yet to win the title prize.
The format of the tournament is simple, and the tournament lasts over two months through February and March of each year. Each team plays every other team once in each of the six nations. A series of points are awarded based on wins, losses and ties. Two points are given for a win, one for a draw and zero for a loss. The team who ends with the most points is awarded the Championship Trophy.
Another distinguished award that each team can win during the tournament is the Grand Slam, which is awarded when one nation beats every other team.
In addition to these other awards, there are smaller competitions during the event, including the Calcutta Cup, which is contested each year between England and Scotland. The Millennium Cup is awarded to the winner of the England vs. Ireland match.
What's more, the Women's Six Nations Championship is held at the same time and across the same schedule as the men's tournament each year.
Rugby fans can rest assured they're seeing all the exciting moments during the Six Nations Championship this year and in years to come, when they're using digital recording technology like Sky boxes to record the action.
Digital video recorders take out the hassle of recording and viewing all your favourite programmes. Using technology like the Sky Plus Box means all your favourite moments will be recorded to watch and re-watch during the match. If you are an avid rugby fan then such features can ensure you need not miss your favourite team playing again.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Victoria_Cochrane
Historically, the Six Nations is the successor to previous international tournaments, such as the Five Nations and Home Nations Champions. The tournament is now considered the premier international rugby union tournament - with the winner of the Six Nations being considered the European champions.
The tournament became known as the Six Nations when Italy joined the competition in 2000. Scotland was the last team to win the Five Nations championship before Italy joined. Following that, England won the first tournament as the Six Nations tournament.
Across all versions of the tournament, including Home Nations and Five Nations, England has accumulated the most tournament victories, with Wales coming in second.
In 2008, Wales took home the trophy for the top prize as they beat all other teams in the series of matches. Ireland is the only country who has yet to win the title prize.
The format of the tournament is simple, and the tournament lasts over two months through February and March of each year. Each team plays every other team once in each of the six nations. A series of points are awarded based on wins, losses and ties. Two points are given for a win, one for a draw and zero for a loss. The team who ends with the most points is awarded the Championship Trophy.
Another distinguished award that each team can win during the tournament is the Grand Slam, which is awarded when one nation beats every other team.
In addition to these other awards, there are smaller competitions during the event, including the Calcutta Cup, which is contested each year between England and Scotland. The Millennium Cup is awarded to the winner of the England vs. Ireland match.
What's more, the Women's Six Nations Championship is held at the same time and across the same schedule as the men's tournament each year.
Rugby fans can rest assured they're seeing all the exciting moments during the Six Nations Championship this year and in years to come, when they're using digital recording technology like Sky boxes to record the action.
Digital video recorders take out the hassle of recording and viewing all your favourite programmes. Using technology like the Sky Plus Box means all your favourite moments will be recorded to watch and re-watch during the match. If you are an avid rugby fan then such features can ensure you need not miss your favourite team playing again.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Victoria_Cochrane
Wales rugby league | Rugby - Gaining Significant Momentum in the United States
Where does rugby fit in the grand scheme of American Sports? Up until recent history the United States has paid little interest to sports outside its borders. Avid American sport goers have really taking stride in bringing soccer into the mainstream; however that's caught on with little degree of popularity - although optimism was spiked during the past World Cup in 2006. Another sport, cricket, which is tremendous in India, South Africa and Pakistan is also feeling the heat of irrelevance - when Americans were asked about the very fundamentals of cricket over 90% could not decipher what instruments, apparel or gear are used to play the game, (survey conducted by Zpryme Research & Consulting, LLC).
Another sport, cycling is still very much a recreational sport in the United States with a very small spectator following- especially since the retirement of Lance Armstrong. However, a sport traditionally foreign to the United States has been catching on in the United States, much to the surprise of many athletic apparel companies like Adidas and Nike is Rugby. "According to USA Rugby, the sport has grown 15 percent annually the past four years, with the biggest and most rapid increase in the youth sector."Rugby has also exploded in the Northeast and out in the west with many adolescents and high schools - a wonderful primer before entering the club sport at the university level. "The number of high school teams registered with USA Rugby has increased from 150 to more than 500 in the last six years, and there were 679 men's and women's college teams registered last year."
However Rugby is still far from the revenue juggernaut, Mr. Gridiron, American Football. Still, Rugby is experiencing a strong exposure on most college campuses in the United States and already possesses a loyal legion with both current and past rugby aficionados. These core fans already do their best by employing viral marketing though mediums such as blogs, MySpace.com and university campuses - they loyal fans could easily increase the domino effect of rugby exposure if they saw their sport begin to surface in the mainstream athletic arena.
At a professional level, the United States is approaching decency in the game: they've qualified for the past three Rugby World Cups, and while they have yet to advance past initial play, have delivered hope in their attempts. The 2007 International Rugby Press Association Try of the Year was scored by an American, Takudzwa Ngwenya, who capitalized off an end-to-end transition play against the Springboks of South Africa by outrunning the 2007 international Player of the Year, Bryan Habana down the far wing.
The Future of Rugby?
If rugby continues to grow at its current rate, there will be approximately 1,500 high school teams within the next five years or so. This increase in high school activity will lead to a higher interest in collegiate rugby, and this seasonal cycle will lead to mounting interest with the potential to fund a professional rugby league similar to that of the AFL (arena football league).
Further inspiring the growth of rugby is the news that "USA Rugby and Canterbury of New Zealand (CCC) announced today that CCC has become the official kit provider and exclusive apparel licensee to USA Rugby through May 2012. Under the agreement, CCC will supply USA Rugby with apparel for all Eagles teams, and also commits to the payment of performance bonuses through Rugby World Cup 2011. In addition, CCC will be launching a USA Rugby licensed leisurewear range that will be available to retail stores across America. CCC will also provide a three year academic/rugby scholarship to Loughborough University, one of England's premier Universities."
"By establishing a relationship with USA Rugby, CCC is pleased to lend its support and 104 years of rugby tradition and experience to the Eagles." The future certainly looks bright for rugby in the United States. For those that are already fans - they should collectively make it a priority to spread their love for the game to the youth, so that one day it will not be uncommon to see it broadcasted daily on mediums such as ESPN Sports Center or in print in the sports editorial of their local newspaper.
Zpryme Research & Consulting is a research-based business strategy firm with affiliates and industry contacts in major cities within North & South America, Asia, and Europe. Our clients range from Internet start-ups seeking venture capital to Fortune 500 companies' expanding into foreign markets. The success of our firm is measured by our client's ability to confidently and successfully enter emerging global markets.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Ishac
Another sport, cycling is still very much a recreational sport in the United States with a very small spectator following- especially since the retirement of Lance Armstrong. However, a sport traditionally foreign to the United States has been catching on in the United States, much to the surprise of many athletic apparel companies like Adidas and Nike is Rugby. "According to USA Rugby, the sport has grown 15 percent annually the past four years, with the biggest and most rapid increase in the youth sector."Rugby has also exploded in the Northeast and out in the west with many adolescents and high schools - a wonderful primer before entering the club sport at the university level. "The number of high school teams registered with USA Rugby has increased from 150 to more than 500 in the last six years, and there were 679 men's and women's college teams registered last year."
However Rugby is still far from the revenue juggernaut, Mr. Gridiron, American Football. Still, Rugby is experiencing a strong exposure on most college campuses in the United States and already possesses a loyal legion with both current and past rugby aficionados. These core fans already do their best by employing viral marketing though mediums such as blogs, MySpace.com and university campuses - they loyal fans could easily increase the domino effect of rugby exposure if they saw their sport begin to surface in the mainstream athletic arena.
At a professional level, the United States is approaching decency in the game: they've qualified for the past three Rugby World Cups, and while they have yet to advance past initial play, have delivered hope in their attempts. The 2007 International Rugby Press Association Try of the Year was scored by an American, Takudzwa Ngwenya, who capitalized off an end-to-end transition play against the Springboks of South Africa by outrunning the 2007 international Player of the Year, Bryan Habana down the far wing.
The Future of Rugby?
If rugby continues to grow at its current rate, there will be approximately 1,500 high school teams within the next five years or so. This increase in high school activity will lead to a higher interest in collegiate rugby, and this seasonal cycle will lead to mounting interest with the potential to fund a professional rugby league similar to that of the AFL (arena football league).
Further inspiring the growth of rugby is the news that "USA Rugby and Canterbury of New Zealand (CCC) announced today that CCC has become the official kit provider and exclusive apparel licensee to USA Rugby through May 2012. Under the agreement, CCC will supply USA Rugby with apparel for all Eagles teams, and also commits to the payment of performance bonuses through Rugby World Cup 2011. In addition, CCC will be launching a USA Rugby licensed leisurewear range that will be available to retail stores across America. CCC will also provide a three year academic/rugby scholarship to Loughborough University, one of England's premier Universities."
"By establishing a relationship with USA Rugby, CCC is pleased to lend its support and 104 years of rugby tradition and experience to the Eagles." The future certainly looks bright for rugby in the United States. For those that are already fans - they should collectively make it a priority to spread their love for the game to the youth, so that one day it will not be uncommon to see it broadcasted daily on mediums such as ESPN Sports Center or in print in the sports editorial of their local newspaper.
Zpryme Research & Consulting is a research-based business strategy firm with affiliates and industry contacts in major cities within North & South America, Asia, and Europe. Our clients range from Internet start-ups seeking venture capital to Fortune 500 companies' expanding into foreign markets. The success of our firm is measured by our client's ability to confidently and successfully enter emerging global markets.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Ishac
Wales rugby league | Do the WRU Market the Magners League Enough?
Just got myself a-thinking (a painful passtime) about Welsh rugby regionalism. No, this isn't going to be anything to do with a 5th region, or super-clubs etc. What I was thinking about is marketing.
Please note these are thoughts written almost as soon as they occurred to me, I have put very little thought into them and so are subject to vast change.
Now we all agree, I think, that the regions' marketing departments leave a lot to be desired. Even the Ospreys who many consider to be by far the best in this area miss a lot of opportunities as far as I am concerned.
But my question is... do the WRU do enough for the regions on the marketing side.
Some may argue that it is not the WRU's job, the regions are responsible for their own region - marketing and all.
But I think this is wrong. The WRU have a mandate to support rugby throughout Wales, and the premier competitions for them (outside of internationals) all involve the regions (though the same could be said for advertising the WP as well).
Surely the WRU can do a lot more to try get us excited about regionalism, marketing the league etc where-ever they can. For example internationals give a captive audience that are already interested in the rugby product, yet you never see anything done by the WRU at these events.
Similarly the Millennium Stadium hosts a lot of events, how much is the ML or just the regional concept pushed at these?
Do they have a 'rugby club' emailing list that people can sign to, giving international and regional news? they may do, but I don't know of it.
They don't advertise the ML/edf/WP in newspapers, TV or radio.
I'm not really sure how much responsibility they have but I honestly feel that should be doing something. We know that the ML has next to nothing in sponsorship and that a lot of people still aren't interested in the regional concept, but the WRU do nothing to try help. We're to small a country to not support each other and the WRU should by supporting their regions by promoting the ML/regional brand and product.
I reckon anyway
Nick (sometimes known as rugby Nick) is a devout follower of all things rugby, especially anything related to Welsh rugby. His thoughts and rants can be found on his Welsh Rugby blog.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_J_Jones
Please note these are thoughts written almost as soon as they occurred to me, I have put very little thought into them and so are subject to vast change.
Now we all agree, I think, that the regions' marketing departments leave a lot to be desired. Even the Ospreys who many consider to be by far the best in this area miss a lot of opportunities as far as I am concerned.
But my question is... do the WRU do enough for the regions on the marketing side.
Some may argue that it is not the WRU's job, the regions are responsible for their own region - marketing and all.
But I think this is wrong. The WRU have a mandate to support rugby throughout Wales, and the premier competitions for them (outside of internationals) all involve the regions (though the same could be said for advertising the WP as well).
Surely the WRU can do a lot more to try get us excited about regionalism, marketing the league etc where-ever they can. For example internationals give a captive audience that are already interested in the rugby product, yet you never see anything done by the WRU at these events.
Similarly the Millennium Stadium hosts a lot of events, how much is the ML or just the regional concept pushed at these?
Do they have a 'rugby club' emailing list that people can sign to, giving international and regional news? they may do, but I don't know of it.
They don't advertise the ML/edf/WP in newspapers, TV or radio.
I'm not really sure how much responsibility they have but I honestly feel that should be doing something. We know that the ML has next to nothing in sponsorship and that a lot of people still aren't interested in the regional concept, but the WRU do nothing to try help. We're to small a country to not support each other and the WRU should by supporting their regions by promoting the ML/regional brand and product.
I reckon anyway
Nick (sometimes known as rugby Nick) is a devout follower of all things rugby, especially anything related to Welsh rugby. His thoughts and rants can be found on his Welsh Rugby blog.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_J_Jones
Wales rugby league | Rugby World Cup - Crunch Match One - Wales vs Fiji
The Welsh faithful returned to Cardiff to watch their team play Fiji at the Millenium stadium. But this week the formula had changed. The two teams were playing for a quarter final berth against the South Africans, or, an early exit from the World Cup.
The Welsh had recorded reasonably comfortable wins against Japan and Canada before their 12 point loss to the Australians. They are ranked eighth in the world and were expected to fend off a reasonably strong challenge from the Fijians.
By comparison Fiji had to work hard to account for Japan 35-31, and Canada 29-16. Australia clocked up 50 points in seeing off the Fijians, but despite the very different paths taken to arrive at this game, the formula was simple. The winner of this match would go forward, the loser was out of the cup. The Welsh had some small comfort in that if they achieved a draw, their bonus points they had accumulated would see them through.
The Welsh were methodical and structure in the opening exchanges, and went to a 3-0 lead early. but after the Welsh missed a second shot at goal the Fijians woke up. In a period of play worthy of their seven-a-side team the Fijians scored dynamic tries in quick succession and by the 24th minute they had put a point a minute on the men in red to be leading 25-3. Wales suddenly clicked into gear themselves and mounted a methodical comeback that saw them grind away at the Fijian lead, against a team that was reduced to 10 men just before half time.
The yellow carding of Quera was nearly a crucial decision. The sin-binning was a little dubious, particularly when you consider many of the other offenses that weren't punished in this match. Wales scored points with remarkable ease in this period and there was an air of inevitability about the way the Fijian lead kept getting smaller. When Martyn Williams plucked a pass out of the Fijians back line and scored his try it looked to be all over for the Fijians.
But showing the same sort of resolve which has seen Tonga do so well in this tournament the Fijians dug deep and found they really did have the reserves to win matches like this. A string of penalties and finally a hard earned try to Dewes saw the Fijians erupt in delight when the final whistle was blown with them holding the edge 38-34.
Wales can expect a grilling from their press who expect big things of their team, while the Fijians can look forward to a huge quarterfinal against a team who must now be amongst the favourites to win the cup - South Africa.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Scott
The Welsh had recorded reasonably comfortable wins against Japan and Canada before their 12 point loss to the Australians. They are ranked eighth in the world and were expected to fend off a reasonably strong challenge from the Fijians.
By comparison Fiji had to work hard to account for Japan 35-31, and Canada 29-16. Australia clocked up 50 points in seeing off the Fijians, but despite the very different paths taken to arrive at this game, the formula was simple. The winner of this match would go forward, the loser was out of the cup. The Welsh had some small comfort in that if they achieved a draw, their bonus points they had accumulated would see them through.
The Welsh were methodical and structure in the opening exchanges, and went to a 3-0 lead early. but after the Welsh missed a second shot at goal the Fijians woke up. In a period of play worthy of their seven-a-side team the Fijians scored dynamic tries in quick succession and by the 24th minute they had put a point a minute on the men in red to be leading 25-3. Wales suddenly clicked into gear themselves and mounted a methodical comeback that saw them grind away at the Fijian lead, against a team that was reduced to 10 men just before half time.
The yellow carding of Quera was nearly a crucial decision. The sin-binning was a little dubious, particularly when you consider many of the other offenses that weren't punished in this match. Wales scored points with remarkable ease in this period and there was an air of inevitability about the way the Fijian lead kept getting smaller. When Martyn Williams plucked a pass out of the Fijians back line and scored his try it looked to be all over for the Fijians.
But showing the same sort of resolve which has seen Tonga do so well in this tournament the Fijians dug deep and found they really did have the reserves to win matches like this. A string of penalties and finally a hard earned try to Dewes saw the Fijians erupt in delight when the final whistle was blown with them holding the edge 38-34.
Wales can expect a grilling from their press who expect big things of their team, while the Fijians can look forward to a huge quarterfinal against a team who must now be amongst the favourites to win the cup - South Africa.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Scott
Wales rugby league | 20 Things You Never Knew About Rugby
Rugby and football were essentially the same game until 1863. The split occurred when attempts were made to formalise the rules of football, whereupon the Blackheath club quit the new Football Association, wishing to protect players' right to kick one another on the shins.
Initially, the game of rugby was played by teams comprising 20 players.
Rugby is the oldest international team sport, with the first rugby test predating both the first cricket and football tests.
The International Rugby Board was created as the result of a disputed try, in a match between England and Scotland.
The 1895 split between rugby league and rugby union occurred along both class and geographic lines. Clubs in the working class North embraced a professional game, while the wealthier clubs in the South adhered to the ethic of amateur rugby.
The United States is the reigning Olympic rugby gold medallist, having won the last rugby event played at the Olympics, in 1924.
Japan boasts the largest playing pool of any rugby-playing nation, with 125,000 registered players.
Pope John Paul II played rugby for the Polish national team.
The first Gilbert rugby ball was manufactured in the late 1700s by William Gilbert, a cobbler whose business was positioned next to the Rugby school at which the modern game was first played.
The shape of the modern rugby ball is derived from the use of inflated pigs bladders, which were used during the early years of the game.
During the early days of the game only a single point was awarded for a try. A drop goal, however, earned 3 points.
The first test between Western Samoa and Fiji was played at 7am in the morning, on a pitch with a large tree growing in its centre.
The South African rugby team didn't lose a single test series between 1896 and 1956.
World War One had a significant impact on the game of rugby. 133 international players were killed in battles, which resulted in the development of the sport being set back by decades, and also gave football the opportunity to become the most popular game in the United Kingdom.
If Germany had not occupied France during World War Two, rugby league would have been the dominant convention in that country. During the Nazi occupation all the assets of the massive French Rugby League were handed over to the French Rugby Union, and for decades after the war rugby league clubs were not permitted to describe their game as 'rugby'.
The grave of William Webb Ellis, the man credited with inventing rugby, was only located in 1959.
Stellenbosch Rugby Club in South Africa is the largest rugby club in the world with over 7,000 registered players.
Rugby Union is an extremely popular spectator sport in Georgia and Madagascar.
Since turning professional, the popularity of rugby has soared around the globe, with the 2007 Rugby World Cup attracting a cumulative audience of 4 billion. The sport is currently considered the second most popular on the planet, the first being football.
Rugby union is gaining in popularity more rapidly than any other sport in the United States, and the country already boasts a player pool larger than any of the Celtic teams participating in the Six Nations Championship.
Well, there you have it - 20 things you didn't perhaps now about rugby!
Learn more about Six Nations Rugby and how the game it played and bet one from around the world.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bryan_W_Kelly
Initially, the game of rugby was played by teams comprising 20 players.
Rugby is the oldest international team sport, with the first rugby test predating both the first cricket and football tests.
The International Rugby Board was created as the result of a disputed try, in a match between England and Scotland.
The 1895 split between rugby league and rugby union occurred along both class and geographic lines. Clubs in the working class North embraced a professional game, while the wealthier clubs in the South adhered to the ethic of amateur rugby.
The United States is the reigning Olympic rugby gold medallist, having won the last rugby event played at the Olympics, in 1924.
Japan boasts the largest playing pool of any rugby-playing nation, with 125,000 registered players.
Pope John Paul II played rugby for the Polish national team.
The first Gilbert rugby ball was manufactured in the late 1700s by William Gilbert, a cobbler whose business was positioned next to the Rugby school at which the modern game was first played.
The shape of the modern rugby ball is derived from the use of inflated pigs bladders, which were used during the early years of the game.
During the early days of the game only a single point was awarded for a try. A drop goal, however, earned 3 points.
The first test between Western Samoa and Fiji was played at 7am in the morning, on a pitch with a large tree growing in its centre.
The South African rugby team didn't lose a single test series between 1896 and 1956.
World War One had a significant impact on the game of rugby. 133 international players were killed in battles, which resulted in the development of the sport being set back by decades, and also gave football the opportunity to become the most popular game in the United Kingdom.
If Germany had not occupied France during World War Two, rugby league would have been the dominant convention in that country. During the Nazi occupation all the assets of the massive French Rugby League were handed over to the French Rugby Union, and for decades after the war rugby league clubs were not permitted to describe their game as 'rugby'.
The grave of William Webb Ellis, the man credited with inventing rugby, was only located in 1959.
Stellenbosch Rugby Club in South Africa is the largest rugby club in the world with over 7,000 registered players.
Rugby Union is an extremely popular spectator sport in Georgia and Madagascar.
Since turning professional, the popularity of rugby has soared around the globe, with the 2007 Rugby World Cup attracting a cumulative audience of 4 billion. The sport is currently considered the second most popular on the planet, the first being football.
Rugby union is gaining in popularity more rapidly than any other sport in the United States, and the country already boasts a player pool larger than any of the Celtic teams participating in the Six Nations Championship.
Well, there you have it - 20 things you didn't perhaps now about rugby!
Learn more about Six Nations Rugby and how the game it played and bet one from around the world.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bryan_W_Kelly
Wales rugby league | Will Welsh Rugby Superstar Gavin Henson Go on the British Lions Tour?
Welsh rugby superstar is no doubt a talent. Winner of two Grand Slams with Wales, he was on the last British Lions tour and once one the IRB young world player of the year.
But controversy hes dogged his every step. It took Mike Ruddocks intervention in 2005 to find his best position, with many advocates believing at the time he was better suited to outside half or full back than the inside center spot.
He has missed two World Cups now, in 2003 Steve Hanson dropped him because he felt that Gavin Henson wasn't ready and in 2008 Gareth Jenkins even more controversially dropped him because he felt Gavin wasn't fully recovered from injury, despite giving others the chance to prove themselves fit.
On the 2005 British Lions tour of New Zealand controversy was again following him with a series of bust ups with then British Lions coach Sir Clive Woodward, including being used in a photo shoot opportunity that Gavin wasn't made aware of as a way of proving that the rift between the pair had been healed.
But on his day Gavin is a devastating rugby player. He has a cannon of a right boot, able to kick the ball for miles. His vision and awareness of others around him is exemplary, his pace is deceptively quick and his defense has improved no end. Indeed Shaun Edwards, Welsh Defensive coach, made Gavin Henson the defensive captain for Wales in the 2008 Grand Slam winning side that conceded the least amount of tries in the 6 Nations, ever.
With Gordon D'Arcy of Ireland injured, England struggling to find a cohesive backline and Scotland struggling to create tries Gavin Henson could be a vital cog for the British Lions. Lets just hope he can avoid controversy between now and then.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_J_Jones
But controversy hes dogged his every step. It took Mike Ruddocks intervention in 2005 to find his best position, with many advocates believing at the time he was better suited to outside half or full back than the inside center spot.
He has missed two World Cups now, in 2003 Steve Hanson dropped him because he felt that Gavin Henson wasn't ready and in 2008 Gareth Jenkins even more controversially dropped him because he felt Gavin wasn't fully recovered from injury, despite giving others the chance to prove themselves fit.
On the 2005 British Lions tour of New Zealand controversy was again following him with a series of bust ups with then British Lions coach Sir Clive Woodward, including being used in a photo shoot opportunity that Gavin wasn't made aware of as a way of proving that the rift between the pair had been healed.
But on his day Gavin is a devastating rugby player. He has a cannon of a right boot, able to kick the ball for miles. His vision and awareness of others around him is exemplary, his pace is deceptively quick and his defense has improved no end. Indeed Shaun Edwards, Welsh Defensive coach, made Gavin Henson the defensive captain for Wales in the 2008 Grand Slam winning side that conceded the least amount of tries in the 6 Nations, ever.
With Gordon D'Arcy of Ireland injured, England struggling to find a cohesive backline and Scotland struggling to create tries Gavin Henson could be a vital cog for the British Lions. Lets just hope he can avoid controversy between now and then.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_J_Jones
Wales rugby league | Is Welsh Rugby Lacking Leadership?
There has to be a serious concern about the lack of leadership within Welsh rugby.
At the very top Ryan Jones is a great leader, inspirational, comfortable with the role and good with the press. Rightly he is being touted as a potential leader for the British Lions tour of South Africa in 2009.
But a look below that level gives us a lot more to be worried about.
At regional level the Ospreys have Ryan Jones as their captain as well, but outside of that the other 3 regions all have foreigners at the helm. The Scarlets have long term captain Simon Easterby while both the Blues and the Dragons have appointed foreigners in the shape of kiwi's Paul Tito and Tom Willis respectively.
So what does that say about the state of on field leadership in Wales? When Ryan Jones took over his main rivals were, according to many in the press, Alun Wyn Jones, Duncan Jones and Gethin Jenkins.
Again Ospreys have been monopolising Welsh talent, but it is disappointing to see that Gethin isn't considered the right man for the Blues job, especially as he will presumably be playing more rugby now that Yapp is being moved across to the tight head.
I can understand it from the region's perspective, they want leaders who will lead the whole team... and if the players are disappearing off for a good proportion of the season to play and train for Wales then it makes sense for non-international playing foreigners to take the role on as they will be with the region for far longer.
But what is right for the regions is, yet again, not necessarily right for Wales. So where will our next leaders come from?
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_J_Jones
At the very top Ryan Jones is a great leader, inspirational, comfortable with the role and good with the press. Rightly he is being touted as a potential leader for the British Lions tour of South Africa in 2009.
But a look below that level gives us a lot more to be worried about.
At regional level the Ospreys have Ryan Jones as their captain as well, but outside of that the other 3 regions all have foreigners at the helm. The Scarlets have long term captain Simon Easterby while both the Blues and the Dragons have appointed foreigners in the shape of kiwi's Paul Tito and Tom Willis respectively.
So what does that say about the state of on field leadership in Wales? When Ryan Jones took over his main rivals were, according to many in the press, Alun Wyn Jones, Duncan Jones and Gethin Jenkins.
Again Ospreys have been monopolising Welsh talent, but it is disappointing to see that Gethin isn't considered the right man for the Blues job, especially as he will presumably be playing more rugby now that Yapp is being moved across to the tight head.
I can understand it from the region's perspective, they want leaders who will lead the whole team... and if the players are disappearing off for a good proportion of the season to play and train for Wales then it makes sense for non-international playing foreigners to take the role on as they will be with the region for far longer.
But what is right for the regions is, yet again, not necessarily right for Wales. So where will our next leaders come from?
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_J_Jones
Wales rugby league | Does Wales Have a Plan B?
Anyone who has been watching Wales since Warren Gatland and Shaun Edwards took over the Welsh rugby side in late 2007 has to have been impressed with what they have managed to do. They took a side that, just a few months previously, had been knocked out of the 2007 Rugby World Cup in the pool stages by relative rugby minnows Fiji and led them to a Grand Slam title, beating all before them.
Since then they have competed well against South Africa and New Zealand before being the only Northern hemisphere team to beat one of the trinations in the '08 Autumn Internationals when they beat Australia.
Much of this success has been based on a powerful and well structured game plan of the type that Gatland and Edwards devised when they were working together at London Wasps a few years previously - one of the most successful coaching teams in the history of English club rugby, winning the Guiness Premiership a number of times as well as the coveted Heineken cup.
But there are concerns that there has been little else to Wales' rugby game other than power and structure. Against England Wales were 'found out' by tactics designed to neutralize the Welsh strength. Wales proved too strong in the end and Warren Gatland assured fans afterwards that there was a plan B but that he wanted to prove a point to his players that their power game could take on anyone.
But the French game in paris has shown us otherwise. Like the England game the French attacked the Welsh power game head on, and with more success. They smashed players backwards, attacked the Welsh tactic of putting only a few bodies into rucks and defended the channels like their lives depended on it - and got the win.
Whilst Wales, despite having a poor game, were still in it at the end that has to have been more by luck than judgement.
The concern was that not once was the playing style changed. ball was continually kicked to an attacking back 3, the channels were constantly run and rucks were still being under committed player wise. What the game needed was a change of direction, but there wasnt one.
Part of the problem is playing personel. Stephen Jones, Jamie Roberts and Tom Shanklin are all worthy international players - but they are just too similar to play in a backline together - all 3 like to straighten the line, there is a lack of creativity.
In the end Gatland did throw on Gavin Henson and James Hook, 2 hugely creative talents, but it was a case of too little too late.
There is real concern in Wales that there is no plan B, and on current evidence it seems that is the case. But Warren Gatland is a world class coach so I am sure he is aware of the problem and working on it now.
More opinions on Plan B, and welsh rugby in general can be found on the Welsh rugby blog - the home of opinionated rants about all things related to rugby in Wales
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_J_Jones
Since then they have competed well against South Africa and New Zealand before being the only Northern hemisphere team to beat one of the trinations in the '08 Autumn Internationals when they beat Australia.
Much of this success has been based on a powerful and well structured game plan of the type that Gatland and Edwards devised when they were working together at London Wasps a few years previously - one of the most successful coaching teams in the history of English club rugby, winning the Guiness Premiership a number of times as well as the coveted Heineken cup.
But there are concerns that there has been little else to Wales' rugby game other than power and structure. Against England Wales were 'found out' by tactics designed to neutralize the Welsh strength. Wales proved too strong in the end and Warren Gatland assured fans afterwards that there was a plan B but that he wanted to prove a point to his players that their power game could take on anyone.
But the French game in paris has shown us otherwise. Like the England game the French attacked the Welsh power game head on, and with more success. They smashed players backwards, attacked the Welsh tactic of putting only a few bodies into rucks and defended the channels like their lives depended on it - and got the win.
Whilst Wales, despite having a poor game, were still in it at the end that has to have been more by luck than judgement.
The concern was that not once was the playing style changed. ball was continually kicked to an attacking back 3, the channels were constantly run and rucks were still being under committed player wise. What the game needed was a change of direction, but there wasnt one.
Part of the problem is playing personel. Stephen Jones, Jamie Roberts and Tom Shanklin are all worthy international players - but they are just too similar to play in a backline together - all 3 like to straighten the line, there is a lack of creativity.
In the end Gatland did throw on Gavin Henson and James Hook, 2 hugely creative talents, but it was a case of too little too late.
There is real concern in Wales that there is no plan B, and on current evidence it seems that is the case. But Warren Gatland is a world class coach so I am sure he is aware of the problem and working on it now.
More opinions on Plan B, and welsh rugby in general can be found on the Welsh rugby blog - the home of opinionated rants about all things related to rugby in Wales
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_J_Jones
Wales rugby league | Should Steve Tandy by Part of the Welsh Six Nations Rugby Squad?
Steve Tandy, the Ospreys openside flanker, is one of the few uncapped players in the star studded Ospreys team that includes the likes of Welsh rugby super stars James Hook, Ryan Jones, Shane Williams and Gavin Henson. And it is easy to see why when you look at the talent of Martyn Williams, one of the best flankers in the world, strutting his stuff for Wales.
But after Martyn Williams there is a lack of truly talented options available to the Welsh selectors, and that has to be a huge worry to Warren Gatland, the Welsh rugby coach. Martyn Williams retired after the 2007 World Cup in France and it took all of Warren Gatlands persuasive talents to coax him back into international rugby.
And it was needed. Robin Snowden-Taylor, team mate of Martyn Williams at the Cardiff Blues, was considered next in line and a good prospect. But he has not pushed on form or talent wise as many fans of the game in Wales would have hoped.
Other than that there is Colin Charvis, who is 36 now and has lost the pace needed to compete at the fast moving openside position in the international game, despite his impressive regional rugby performances for the Newport Gwent Dragons.
Gavin Thomas of the Llanelli Scarlets has won a number of caps, but is injured and considered by most observors to not really have the talented needed.
There are a couple of talented youngsters coming through, Ben Lewis and Sam Warburton. but both are injured and so are not getting the game time or experience needed to truely earn a Welsh rugby squad place.
Which for me leaves Steve Tandy. Whilst he gives away too many penalties to be considered a first choice international flaker he has never let teh ospreys down. His support work is good and his rucking is top class, both areas are vital to the way that Wales play international rugby.
So whilst I think that Steve Tandy shouldn't be starting for Wales, I do think that he is currently the best option we have as a back up flanker. My advice to Warren gatland would be to bring him into the Six nations squad.
Love reading about Welsh rugby? Check out the Wales rugby blog for more news, stories and opinions.
It's good for a laugh if nothing else!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_J_Jones
But after Martyn Williams there is a lack of truly talented options available to the Welsh selectors, and that has to be a huge worry to Warren Gatland, the Welsh rugby coach. Martyn Williams retired after the 2007 World Cup in France and it took all of Warren Gatlands persuasive talents to coax him back into international rugby.
And it was needed. Robin Snowden-Taylor, team mate of Martyn Williams at the Cardiff Blues, was considered next in line and a good prospect. But he has not pushed on form or talent wise as many fans of the game in Wales would have hoped.
Other than that there is Colin Charvis, who is 36 now and has lost the pace needed to compete at the fast moving openside position in the international game, despite his impressive regional rugby performances for the Newport Gwent Dragons.
Gavin Thomas of the Llanelli Scarlets has won a number of caps, but is injured and considered by most observors to not really have the talented needed.
There are a couple of talented youngsters coming through, Ben Lewis and Sam Warburton. but both are injured and so are not getting the game time or experience needed to truely earn a Welsh rugby squad place.
Which for me leaves Steve Tandy. Whilst he gives away too many penalties to be considered a first choice international flaker he has never let teh ospreys down. His support work is good and his rucking is top class, both areas are vital to the way that Wales play international rugby.
So whilst I think that Steve Tandy shouldn't be starting for Wales, I do think that he is currently the best option we have as a back up flanker. My advice to Warren gatland would be to bring him into the Six nations squad.
Love reading about Welsh rugby? Check out the Wales rugby blog for more news, stories and opinions.
It's good for a laugh if nothing else!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_J_Jones
Wales rugby league | Will the Italian Rugby Clubs Joining the Magners League Be a Benefit?
The Italian Rugby Federation has decided that Italian rugby would benefit from joining the Magners League (previously known as the Celtic League) and is tendering a bid to the Irish, Scottish and Welsh rugby unions, the three countries that make up the Magners League, to have a number of teams take part in the league.
The number of teams is yet to be determined, with either two or four the most likely. If two then the Italians would be looking at creating 'super clubs' or regions in the same manner as the Welsh and Irish sides do now. If four then they would take the top four Italian rugby club sides of the moment.
But what benefit would adding extra fixtures to an already congested season bring the current rugby sides playing in the Magners league? There are a number of benefits to be gained.
Increased number of spectators. With new games added more fans will be turning up to see the games, bringing in more money to the clubs and regions.
More exposure for sponsors. Sponsors will have the additional benefits of more games to gain exposure in and a new market to have their brand in.
More sponsorship. With more exposure for sponsors, and a brand new market of companies that will want exposure, rugby clubs and regions will be able to charge more, and to more companies, for sponsorship.
A wider audience. These days rugby clubs and regions are a brand themselves, and with the Italians on board they give themselves a wider audience to spread their brand and new potential fans to win over.
All in all there is considerable financial benefit to the rugby sides competing in the Magners League for allowing the Italian clubs entry to this top level cross border rugby league.
For more information on this, and all other rugby news, get yourself over to the Wales Rugby's best blog. It has everything you need from a rugby site... providing you only want funny and interesting opinion based articles!
So check out the best blog to do with Rugby news in Wales today.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_J_Jones
The number of teams is yet to be determined, with either two or four the most likely. If two then the Italians would be looking at creating 'super clubs' or regions in the same manner as the Welsh and Irish sides do now. If four then they would take the top four Italian rugby club sides of the moment.
But what benefit would adding extra fixtures to an already congested season bring the current rugby sides playing in the Magners league? There are a number of benefits to be gained.
Increased number of spectators. With new games added more fans will be turning up to see the games, bringing in more money to the clubs and regions.
More exposure for sponsors. Sponsors will have the additional benefits of more games to gain exposure in and a new market to have their brand in.
More sponsorship. With more exposure for sponsors, and a brand new market of companies that will want exposure, rugby clubs and regions will be able to charge more, and to more companies, for sponsorship.
A wider audience. These days rugby clubs and regions are a brand themselves, and with the Italians on board they give themselves a wider audience to spread their brand and new potential fans to win over.
All in all there is considerable financial benefit to the rugby sides competing in the Magners League for allowing the Italian clubs entry to this top level cross border rugby league.
For more information on this, and all other rugby news, get yourself over to the Wales Rugby's best blog. It has everything you need from a rugby site... providing you only want funny and interesting opinion based articles!
So check out the best blog to do with Rugby news in Wales today.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_J_Jones
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