Well the new Stade Francais's rugby kit is causing a stir! Made by Adidas, it is covered in repeat block colour images of Blanche de Castille, France's thirteenth century ruler, complete with crown. The design is clearly reminiscent of Andy Warhol's Marilyn Monroe prints.
Personally I quite like it, not sure it'll look quite the same filled with a large French rugby player, but as a garment it works. The colours and design are strong and eye-catching. The contrast darker sleeves and side panels help to counteract the bright colour blocks and slim the figure and tone down the overall appearance of the garment so that it isn't quite so garish. It certainly opens up a whole new area of sportswear design for those of us who have had the task of trying to come up with a new way of introducing team colours in various panels, piping and trims.
Whereas before garments have been limited by where seams can be put for comfort, strength and cost, the placement of colours was also limited to these areas as fabrics are still generally supplied in single colours.
The application of images and multi-coloured prints to sports clothing could completely change the way we do things. The advancement of sports fabrics has played a big part, new fabrics can be coloured and printed in ways which wouldn't have worked so well in the past. This means that as new cheaper methods of printing are developed that allow for smaller runs of fabric, the way we think about sportswear design has also changed. More items are using printed fabrics within their design to try to give their product the edge. Gilbert for example use camouflage prints on their rugby protective gear. It still isn't as financially viable for most team-wear as printed fabrics will still be more expensive and minimum quantities will be higher to make print runs worthwhile. But the concept is out-there now and more is sure to follow.
I like that the designer thought outside the box and I really like that Stade Francais were brave enough to go with it. It is so automatic to keep trying to come up with a variation on a theme, thinking in a completely new direction is rare. Although the design itself is reminiscent of earlier designs by Warhol, the use of that style of pattern in this context is radical and it has started debates on various websites. The fact that people are discussing the design of a new rugby kit is a great thing. Normally a kit would be launched and accepted without much notice being taken. Some fans will automatically buy a new kit whenever it is launched, others will buy them less frequently. This new kit will certainly test the loyalty of the team's following!
Will they sell many to supporters? I don't know, quite possibly the typical rugby crowd won't be keen on having a bright pink queen (quite literally) on their front. Then again the design may appeal to a whole new audience. Certainly some might be more keen to wear this one as it certainly makes a statement, not only about which team you support but about the kind of personality you are - bold, outgoing, flamboyant.
Stade Francais often seem to get noticed for their kits, their pink one started an influx of other pink rugby and sports clothing. Brands such as Kooga have used pink for their polo shirts and rugby match shirts. So will this new design have us all following the trend? I can't wait to find out. Will I be rushing out to buy one? No, I'm British! But if they make us one with our Queen on it instead or the faces of the England squad then, yes I'd wear one - would you join me?
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Neena_Freeman
Wales rugby league | Are the Ospreys Under Achieving?
The Ospreys are an odd region. There is a strong feeling that they are under achieving as a side, that they are not hitting the heights or winning the trophies that their talented squad should.
Yet they are also the most successful of the Welsh rugby regions. They have twice won the Magners League (or Celtic league as it was) and once won the EDF Cup, beating Leicester in the final, as well as losing in the final - again to Leicester - on another occasion.
So it's not just the success they have enjoyed, but whether this success is enough. There is a feeling in the Swansea based region that they should be competing more strongly in Europe, in the Heineken cup, Europe's premier rugby competition.
Whilst they have now made it through the group stages for the last two years running they should be aiming for more. Both times now have been as 'best 2nd place qualifier' rather than winning the group. This has lead to major problems in qualification. Last year losing to Saracens (who they had beaten in the EDF semi final 2 weeks before) and this year they are away to Munster, last years champions. Not an easy trip.
When you look at who is in the ospreys squad, Adam Jones, Alun-Wyn Jones, Ryan Jones (welsh captain), Mike Phillips, James Hook, Gavin Henson, Lee Byrne and Shane Williams (word player of the year) - all word class players, not just club class - you see why people feel they should do better.
They have lost games they should have won. They rarely dominate and they have trouble scoring tries, despite having some of the most creative players in the world.
There is hope that the incoming head coach, Australian Scott Johnson, can help sort it out. But one thing is for certain, there are problems at the Ospreys that need addressing.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_J_Jones
Yet they are also the most successful of the Welsh rugby regions. They have twice won the Magners League (or Celtic league as it was) and once won the EDF Cup, beating Leicester in the final, as well as losing in the final - again to Leicester - on another occasion.
So it's not just the success they have enjoyed, but whether this success is enough. There is a feeling in the Swansea based region that they should be competing more strongly in Europe, in the Heineken cup, Europe's premier rugby competition.
Whilst they have now made it through the group stages for the last two years running they should be aiming for more. Both times now have been as 'best 2nd place qualifier' rather than winning the group. This has lead to major problems in qualification. Last year losing to Saracens (who they had beaten in the EDF semi final 2 weeks before) and this year they are away to Munster, last years champions. Not an easy trip.
When you look at who is in the ospreys squad, Adam Jones, Alun-Wyn Jones, Ryan Jones (welsh captain), Mike Phillips, James Hook, Gavin Henson, Lee Byrne and Shane Williams (word player of the year) - all word class players, not just club class - you see why people feel they should do better.
They have lost games they should have won. They rarely dominate and they have trouble scoring tries, despite having some of the most creative players in the world.
There is hope that the incoming head coach, Australian Scott Johnson, can help sort it out. But one thing is for certain, there are problems at the Ospreys that need addressing.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_J_Jones
Wales rugby league | The Perfect Storm - Rugby World Cup 2011
The 2007 Rugby World Cup in France proved just how big rugby is. Spectator figures for the live championship bashed though the 2 million barrier in true rugby form for the first time in the tournament's history according to the sport's ruling body, the International Rugby Board (IRB). An estimated 4.2 billion television viewers were glued to their T.V. screens during the 2007 Rugby World Cup. Television coverage doubled throughout the world in countries such as Spain, Italy, Portugal and across Asia. There wasn't any doubt that television viewers in South Africa and the entire southern hemisphere would be responsible for a giant megawatt spike during the championship, but there was surprise that the broadcast viewings shot up dramatically in Russia, India, Canada, and the USA, proving that rugby is hitting global market in a major way.
And no wonder. Both the pool stages and the knock-out rounds at the 2007 Rugby World Cup were of an exceptionally high standard, gripping fans with megawatt levels of intensity. The fight and skill played out on the pitch was relentless. Rugby is a game with a complex psychology that requires the tactics to match and of course the "will to kill" studded with great punch ups, stomping and eye gouging etc. that make it like no other game on earth.
If 2007 was anything to go by the world can expect the perfect rugby storm to hit down in New Zealand in 2011.
After months of speculation whether the number of participating teams would be reduced to 16, the IRB announced on Friday 30th November 2007 that the 2011 Rugby World Cup tournament would again feature 20 teams. Twelve teams have already qualified as a result of finishing in the top 3 in each pool in the 2007 tournament, leaving 8 qualifying berths up for grabs. Argentina, Australia, england, Fiji, France, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa, Tonga, and Wales have qualified thus far.
There are sure to be many twists and turns between now and 2011. Three long years stand between us and championship - plenty of time for heavy arsenals to be built. The 2011 World Cup is set to be an all-out war.
Before the existence of the inaugural Rugby World Cup hosted by Australia and New Zealand in May and June of 1987, there were only regional international rugby union competitions. Although the Rugby World Cup is a relatively recent event, the raw, complex and beautiful game of rugby has been around for time. The legendary "Six Nations Championship" began in 1883 as the "Home Nations" championship between England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. In 1910 the "Home Nations" became the "Five Nations" with France stepping across the Channel to join the tournament. From 1931 to 1939 France did not participate and the championship again became the "Home Nations". In 2000 Italy joined to make it the "Six Nations".
The Tri-Nations is the oldest rugby series held in the southern hemisphere with the first match played between Australia and New Zealand in 1903. South Africa first toured both nations in 1921.
Rugby union was played at the Summer Olympics for the first time at the 1900 Paris games where France won the first gold medal. The London 1908 Olympics saw the rugby union again with the gold going to Australasia. At the Antwerp games in 1920 and the 1924 Paris games both golds went to the United States. However rugby union was soon removed from the Summer Olympic program.
In the 1950s the idea of a Rugby World Cup was thrown back and forth but met with opposition from most of the unions in the IRFB. In the 1980s the notion was in the air again when the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) and the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) wrote independently to the IRFB in hopes of staging the first Rugby World Cup tournament. In 1985 it was clear that Australia, New Zealand and France were in favour of a world cup. Even the South African delegates voted in favour with the knowledge that the international sports boycott for their apartheid regime would prevent their participation in a world cup. The English and Welsh delegates switched sides and with 10 votes to 6 the IRFB approved the inaugural cup.
Preparations for the 2011 Rugby World Cup are running like clockwork. As of February 19, 2008, New Zealand's progress in preparing and implementing plans for the event received an A+ rating from the International Rugby Board's chairman and chief executive.
The 2011 rugby World Cup is expected to cost about NZ$310.0 million to run and will generate NZ$280 million in ticket sales. The 2011 Rugby World Cup will be the largest sporting event ever held in New Zealand, eclipsing the 1987 Rugby World Cup, 1990 Commonwealth Games, 2003 America's Cup and 2005 British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand. Around 70,000 visitors from overseas are expected to travel to New Zealand as a result of the 2011 Rugby world Cup.
Accommodation solutions for the 2011 Rugby World Cup will have to be creative in order to house the expected 70,000 visitors. Auckland may use cruise ships and campervan sites to help ease any potential accommodation shortage. Many rugby fans can look forward to sleeping on plush cruise ships in the stunning Auckland Harbour.
Visit the official site of Tourism New Zealand to plan your holiday and find out what's on.
Ticket prices for the 2011 Rugby world Cup are expected to be based on international prices and will reflect the kind of the charges for semi-final and final tickets for the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France. The average price for a 2007 Rugby world Cup semi-final ticket was about $500 and the average price for the final was around $750.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jess_Parker
And no wonder. Both the pool stages and the knock-out rounds at the 2007 Rugby World Cup were of an exceptionally high standard, gripping fans with megawatt levels of intensity. The fight and skill played out on the pitch was relentless. Rugby is a game with a complex psychology that requires the tactics to match and of course the "will to kill" studded with great punch ups, stomping and eye gouging etc. that make it like no other game on earth.
If 2007 was anything to go by the world can expect the perfect rugby storm to hit down in New Zealand in 2011.
After months of speculation whether the number of participating teams would be reduced to 16, the IRB announced on Friday 30th November 2007 that the 2011 Rugby World Cup tournament would again feature 20 teams. Twelve teams have already qualified as a result of finishing in the top 3 in each pool in the 2007 tournament, leaving 8 qualifying berths up for grabs. Argentina, Australia, england, Fiji, France, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa, Tonga, and Wales have qualified thus far.
There are sure to be many twists and turns between now and 2011. Three long years stand between us and championship - plenty of time for heavy arsenals to be built. The 2011 World Cup is set to be an all-out war.
Before the existence of the inaugural Rugby World Cup hosted by Australia and New Zealand in May and June of 1987, there were only regional international rugby union competitions. Although the Rugby World Cup is a relatively recent event, the raw, complex and beautiful game of rugby has been around for time. The legendary "Six Nations Championship" began in 1883 as the "Home Nations" championship between England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. In 1910 the "Home Nations" became the "Five Nations" with France stepping across the Channel to join the tournament. From 1931 to 1939 France did not participate and the championship again became the "Home Nations". In 2000 Italy joined to make it the "Six Nations".
The Tri-Nations is the oldest rugby series held in the southern hemisphere with the first match played between Australia and New Zealand in 1903. South Africa first toured both nations in 1921.
Rugby union was played at the Summer Olympics for the first time at the 1900 Paris games where France won the first gold medal. The London 1908 Olympics saw the rugby union again with the gold going to Australasia. At the Antwerp games in 1920 and the 1924 Paris games both golds went to the United States. However rugby union was soon removed from the Summer Olympic program.
In the 1950s the idea of a Rugby World Cup was thrown back and forth but met with opposition from most of the unions in the IRFB. In the 1980s the notion was in the air again when the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) and the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) wrote independently to the IRFB in hopes of staging the first Rugby World Cup tournament. In 1985 it was clear that Australia, New Zealand and France were in favour of a world cup. Even the South African delegates voted in favour with the knowledge that the international sports boycott for their apartheid regime would prevent their participation in a world cup. The English and Welsh delegates switched sides and with 10 votes to 6 the IRFB approved the inaugural cup.
Preparations for the 2011 Rugby World Cup are running like clockwork. As of February 19, 2008, New Zealand's progress in preparing and implementing plans for the event received an A+ rating from the International Rugby Board's chairman and chief executive.
The 2011 rugby World Cup is expected to cost about NZ$310.0 million to run and will generate NZ$280 million in ticket sales. The 2011 Rugby World Cup will be the largest sporting event ever held in New Zealand, eclipsing the 1987 Rugby World Cup, 1990 Commonwealth Games, 2003 America's Cup and 2005 British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand. Around 70,000 visitors from overseas are expected to travel to New Zealand as a result of the 2011 Rugby world Cup.
Accommodation solutions for the 2011 Rugby World Cup will have to be creative in order to house the expected 70,000 visitors. Auckland may use cruise ships and campervan sites to help ease any potential accommodation shortage. Many rugby fans can look forward to sleeping on plush cruise ships in the stunning Auckland Harbour.
Visit the official site of Tourism New Zealand to plan your holiday and find out what's on.
Ticket prices for the 2011 Rugby world Cup are expected to be based on international prices and will reflect the kind of the charges for semi-final and final tickets for the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France. The average price for a 2007 Rugby world Cup semi-final ticket was about $500 and the average price for the final was around $750.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jess_Parker
Wales rugby league | Rugby Coaching - Giving an Effective Demonstration
The purpose of a demonstration is to increase the players' understanding of the skill by providing an accurate model from which to learn. For players to make appropriate decisions on how to execute skills, coaches need to provide an explanation and a demonstration so that players can learn and practise. An effective skill demonstration requires careful planning by the coach. Consider the following:
Why is the skill important
Understanding the importance of the skill in the context of the sport and competition will assist both the coach and player in teaching and learning the skill.
How will the skill be demonstrated
Select an appropriate method of teaching the skill, taking into account the type of skill and the experience and ability of the players. Generally, it is recommended that the whole skill should be demonstrated first to show the players what the skill would look like when performed correctly. Then the skill is broken down into various skill components (whole-part-whole). Remember players need to be able to observe the demonstration at different angles. Show both left and right-handed ways to execute the skill. Make a note in your session plan of 2-3 teaching points and some key words or phrases used to emphasise important parts of the skill. Keep the instructions simple and avoid the use of jargon where possible. Athletes should be asked to concentrate on only one or two aspects of the skill at any one time.
What equipment will be reguired
Coaches need to determine what equipment will be required to give an effective demonstration and ensure that appropriate equipment is available and ready to use when the time comes. For example if you are using a video have everything set up ready to press 'play' before you start the session.
Where will the skills be demonstrated
When planning your demonstration, take into account any possible distractions for your players such as the position of the sun or bright lights. Depending on how many players there are, decide on an appropriate formation, which enables them all to see and hear the demonstration clearly. One of the most common and effective formations is a semi-circle with the coach or demonstrator standing in front.
Where will the demonstration take place
The most obvious time to give a demonstration is when the players are learning a new skill, this should take place early in the training session while the players' minds and bodies are relatively 'fresh'. Demonstrations can also be used when giving feedback, or to remind players of a previously learned skill. It can also be useful to repeat the demonstration at the end of training so players can be reminded of what to work on.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_B_Smith
Why is the skill important
Understanding the importance of the skill in the context of the sport and competition will assist both the coach and player in teaching and learning the skill.
How will the skill be demonstrated
Select an appropriate method of teaching the skill, taking into account the type of skill and the experience and ability of the players. Generally, it is recommended that the whole skill should be demonstrated first to show the players what the skill would look like when performed correctly. Then the skill is broken down into various skill components (whole-part-whole). Remember players need to be able to observe the demonstration at different angles. Show both left and right-handed ways to execute the skill. Make a note in your session plan of 2-3 teaching points and some key words or phrases used to emphasise important parts of the skill. Keep the instructions simple and avoid the use of jargon where possible. Athletes should be asked to concentrate on only one or two aspects of the skill at any one time.
What equipment will be reguired
Coaches need to determine what equipment will be required to give an effective demonstration and ensure that appropriate equipment is available and ready to use when the time comes. For example if you are using a video have everything set up ready to press 'play' before you start the session.
Where will the skills be demonstrated
When planning your demonstration, take into account any possible distractions for your players such as the position of the sun or bright lights. Depending on how many players there are, decide on an appropriate formation, which enables them all to see and hear the demonstration clearly. One of the most common and effective formations is a semi-circle with the coach or demonstrator standing in front.
Where will the demonstration take place
The most obvious time to give a demonstration is when the players are learning a new skill, this should take place early in the training session while the players' minds and bodies are relatively 'fresh'. Demonstrations can also be used when giving feedback, or to remind players of a previously learned skill. It can also be useful to repeat the demonstration at the end of training so players can be reminded of what to work on.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_B_Smith
Wales rugby league | Is Rugby Taking a Backseat to World Soccer?
Watching a rugby match is exhilarating and the action is so fast paced if you flinch, you'll miss something. It's hard enough to watch it on TV, going to an actual match makes it even harder to see it all. Lately, soccer has been giving rugby quite a run for its money. Plus there have been problems at many of the games. For instance, there was a recent shooting where several fans were hit. Also there was a recent player who bit off another player's ear in the heat of battle, yes, like Hockey it gets a tad bit competitive indeed.
The South African teams want the rules standardized so when they play elsewhere they have the same rules, unfortunately, over the years, the rules in various nations have changed and this is making global competition tougher. In soccer the rules have been standardized. Many believe that soccer is loved by fans more, because anyone can play the game, where as in rugby, if you are not one tough SOB, you may not make it out alive, as they say.
And if you think the players are tough and sometimes out of control, being ejected from games and being penalized or banned from one or more future games, you ought to see some of these unruly fans. This year a man axed his wife to death over an argument stemming from a rugby game, apparently he could not control his temper, of course, now he lives in a gated community for the rest of his life, but it just goes to show you how nuts some of the rugby fans have gotten lately.
It's hard to say if rugby will ever lose its flair, it is a great game, much harder than American Football or Soccer and it has a loyal following, not nearly as many as soccer, but plenty enough to survive, as the sport continues to grow.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lance_Winslow
The South African teams want the rules standardized so when they play elsewhere they have the same rules, unfortunately, over the years, the rules in various nations have changed and this is making global competition tougher. In soccer the rules have been standardized. Many believe that soccer is loved by fans more, because anyone can play the game, where as in rugby, if you are not one tough SOB, you may not make it out alive, as they say.
And if you think the players are tough and sometimes out of control, being ejected from games and being penalized or banned from one or more future games, you ought to see some of these unruly fans. This year a man axed his wife to death over an argument stemming from a rugby game, apparently he could not control his temper, of course, now he lives in a gated community for the rest of his life, but it just goes to show you how nuts some of the rugby fans have gotten lately.
It's hard to say if rugby will ever lose its flair, it is a great game, much harder than American Football or Soccer and it has a loyal following, not nearly as many as soccer, but plenty enough to survive, as the sport continues to grow.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lance_Winslow
Wales rugby league | Rugby Fotball - The Game History
The most significant event however that triggered the game to its current level of fame was occasioned in 1823 when William Webb Ellis, while playing a football game, held the ball by the hands and ran forward with the ball towards the opposition's goal. That feat was unprecedented in football and marked the beginning of present-day rugby football.
There are a number of versions of the game. Chief among these is the fact that the ball is prolate-spheroid or oval. It can be kicked in any direction or passed from one player to the next only by throwing it backwards. That essentially means that to gain ground, a player has to kick the ball forward or run some distance before passing it backward to a teammate who then does the same. On the other hand, rugby is game that is exclusively played on open outdoor grass fields. Depending on the nature of the competition or agreement, it is possible to have teams comprising 7, 13 or15 members.
The physical nature of the sport requires players to be strong and fit. Indeed speed, wit, and brut strength are the hallmarks of this game. It is amazing what it takes to play the men's game at the international level. It is common to find players who weigh over 100 kilograms, are able to run 100 meters in under 11 seconds, and who are at least 5 feet 10 inches tall.
With the global drive for women to also actively participate in sports, a women's version of Rugby was introduced in the 1980s. Women's Rugby is now played in several countries and there are women's tournaments that run concurrently with the men's competitions such as the World Cup and the Six Nations Ruby Live competition. Of course the women's versions of the game, especially at the international level, lacks the power and speed that is central to the men's game, but that is made up for in wit and polished passing displays.
But rugby is not just about adrenaline, speed, wits and guts. An analysis of the flip side of the sport reveals an exciting culture and lifestyle. Depending on the region in focus, it could be a sport associated with the upper and middle classes, or with private schools, industrial workers, and sometimes with elitist groups. On the other hand, rugby fans are known the world over not to be average drinkers. A distinctive characteristic of celebrations marking victories or events leading to rugby competitions is the free-flowing beer. Quite undeniably, most of the players themselves love beer.
Be that as it may, Rugby continues to attract global media attention and an ever-increasing fan base. The professional nature of the game's management most certainly endears itself to many sports lovers.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peri_Witny
There are a number of versions of the game. Chief among these is the fact that the ball is prolate-spheroid or oval. It can be kicked in any direction or passed from one player to the next only by throwing it backwards. That essentially means that to gain ground, a player has to kick the ball forward or run some distance before passing it backward to a teammate who then does the same. On the other hand, rugby is game that is exclusively played on open outdoor grass fields. Depending on the nature of the competition or agreement, it is possible to have teams comprising 7, 13 or15 members.
The physical nature of the sport requires players to be strong and fit. Indeed speed, wit, and brut strength are the hallmarks of this game. It is amazing what it takes to play the men's game at the international level. It is common to find players who weigh over 100 kilograms, are able to run 100 meters in under 11 seconds, and who are at least 5 feet 10 inches tall.
With the global drive for women to also actively participate in sports, a women's version of Rugby was introduced in the 1980s. Women's Rugby is now played in several countries and there are women's tournaments that run concurrently with the men's competitions such as the World Cup and the Six Nations Ruby Live competition. Of course the women's versions of the game, especially at the international level, lacks the power and speed that is central to the men's game, but that is made up for in wit and polished passing displays.
But rugby is not just about adrenaline, speed, wits and guts. An analysis of the flip side of the sport reveals an exciting culture and lifestyle. Depending on the region in focus, it could be a sport associated with the upper and middle classes, or with private schools, industrial workers, and sometimes with elitist groups. On the other hand, rugby fans are known the world over not to be average drinkers. A distinctive characteristic of celebrations marking victories or events leading to rugby competitions is the free-flowing beer. Quite undeniably, most of the players themselves love beer.
Be that as it may, Rugby continues to attract global media attention and an ever-increasing fan base. The professional nature of the game's management most certainly endears itself to many sports lovers.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peri_Witny
Wales rugby league | Brian o' Driscoll the David Beckham of Irish Rugby
The announcement of Brian O' Driscoll as IRB player of the year underlined the importance of style over substance. O' Driscoll in truth wasn't even Ireland's best player in the six nations, never mind player of the tournament. That award was won by a country mile by the excellent Gordon Darcy. It sadly raises the issue of profile in modern day sport. The higher the profile the better the chance of recognition, when the gongs are being handed out. In fairness to Brian, he looked every bit as surprised as the rest of the rugby fraternity. Awards are at the best of times, just an excuse for marketing the cream within your crop. Like David Beckham before him, O' Driscoll is incredibly media friendly,a marketing agency's dream. In modern day sport a status is difficult to aquire, and even more difficult to lose.
After bursting on the scene with his try fest in the Paris, Brian's legend gathered apace for the next couple of years. Like Becks who stole the lime light at Old Trafford, the golden boy of Irish Rugby could do no wrong. One try scoring pass or a great tackle a game was by now enough, to elevate the 'Bod' to the top of the page. A flick pass here and a feint there, and commentators were drolling into their Microphones. Objectivity flew out the window, as the by now Teflon coated centre; could do no wrong. Except of course if you recall his no show in Cardiff as Golden boots Gavin Henson and the fiery dragons of Wales, fed our super hero a large cache of Kryptonite. Brian's no show was blamed on the lack of quality service, a suitable refuge for all sporting kop- outs. The endorsements kept rolling in as well as the scarcely deserved plaudits. Rugby purists were noting that teams by now had little difficulty, snuffing out the life of Brian.
Another no show against Munster in the all Irish Heineken Cup semi-final,confirmed that our Messiah was human after all. The electric pace and lightning change of body shape, don't look quite so threatening now. The edge appears to have gone off O'Driscoll's game. The fire in the belly, that light the touch paper to the legend; is flickering out. Our hero already appears to be eyeing the Tunnel. Luckily Eddie O' Sullivan wont be kicking any boots in his direction; aka Alex Ferguson. The only Hair dryer treatment the 'Bod' will be receiving will be on his own wavy locks. O'Driscoll's place in the pantheon of Irish rugby is already assured. Ireland is the home of myth and Legend, the myth that Brian O' Driscoll is a true great of the oval ball game is already assured.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eddie_Ryan
After bursting on the scene with his try fest in the Paris, Brian's legend gathered apace for the next couple of years. Like Becks who stole the lime light at Old Trafford, the golden boy of Irish Rugby could do no wrong. One try scoring pass or a great tackle a game was by now enough, to elevate the 'Bod' to the top of the page. A flick pass here and a feint there, and commentators were drolling into their Microphones. Objectivity flew out the window, as the by now Teflon coated centre; could do no wrong. Except of course if you recall his no show in Cardiff as Golden boots Gavin Henson and the fiery dragons of Wales, fed our super hero a large cache of Kryptonite. Brian's no show was blamed on the lack of quality service, a suitable refuge for all sporting kop- outs. The endorsements kept rolling in as well as the scarcely deserved plaudits. Rugby purists were noting that teams by now had little difficulty, snuffing out the life of Brian.
Another no show against Munster in the all Irish Heineken Cup semi-final,confirmed that our Messiah was human after all. The electric pace and lightning change of body shape, don't look quite so threatening now. The edge appears to have gone off O'Driscoll's game. The fire in the belly, that light the touch paper to the legend; is flickering out. Our hero already appears to be eyeing the Tunnel. Luckily Eddie O' Sullivan wont be kicking any boots in his direction; aka Alex Ferguson. The only Hair dryer treatment the 'Bod' will be receiving will be on his own wavy locks. O'Driscoll's place in the pantheon of Irish rugby is already assured. Ireland is the home of myth and Legend, the myth that Brian O' Driscoll is a true great of the oval ball game is already assured.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eddie_Ryan
Rugby wales league | Rugby Information - Protect Your Head During Games With Rugby Headgears
Rugby is a contact and live action sport where in players often collide with one another or are thrown into the ground. Given the very physical nature of this sport, it is to no wonder that players are required to wear protective items. These include shoes with cleats to minimize slipping and shoulder pads for upper body protection. The most important protective items worn by players, however, are rugby headgears.
Importance of wearing headgears
Rugby players wear headgears primarily to protect their head from injuries. Rugby headgears are lightweight and have contoured designs which decrease the player's risk of sustaining injuries to their heads while playing. Several studies, however, have found that these headgears do not provide sufficient protection against concussions because of their thin and soft nature and the lack of face guards. According to international standards, headgears used for rugby must not be more than one centimeter thick, which is recommended so as not to hamper the players performance. Nevertheless, headgears do provide protection and comfort to rugby players, which makes these products important parts of the players' uniforms.
Types of headgears
Depending on his experience level, a player has choice between senior or junior rugby headgears. Senior headgears are for the more advanced, usually professional level rugby players. These headgears contour perfectly to a player's head to provide him with maximum protection and comfort. Most products in this category are made with impact resistant foam with Velcro chin straps, ear pieces, and expandable closure systems.
Junior headgears, on the other hand, are for younger and inexperienced players. These headgears are usually used by rugby players competing in junior leagues and by people who play rugby as a way to pass the time and not as a professional sport. Nonetheless, most junior head gears are made with the same materials as the professional variety, although they are usually softer and thinner.
Important information
Complete information on rugby headgears is available at PickyGuide, the authority in free consumer advice. Access top-ranked, best-reviewed, and most competitively priced rugby headgears in PickyGuide's recommended products section.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ilse_Hagen
Importance of wearing headgears
Rugby players wear headgears primarily to protect their head from injuries. Rugby headgears are lightweight and have contoured designs which decrease the player's risk of sustaining injuries to their heads while playing. Several studies, however, have found that these headgears do not provide sufficient protection against concussions because of their thin and soft nature and the lack of face guards. According to international standards, headgears used for rugby must not be more than one centimeter thick, which is recommended so as not to hamper the players performance. Nevertheless, headgears do provide protection and comfort to rugby players, which makes these products important parts of the players' uniforms.
Types of headgears
Depending on his experience level, a player has choice between senior or junior rugby headgears. Senior headgears are for the more advanced, usually professional level rugby players. These headgears contour perfectly to a player's head to provide him with maximum protection and comfort. Most products in this category are made with impact resistant foam with Velcro chin straps, ear pieces, and expandable closure systems.
Junior headgears, on the other hand, are for younger and inexperienced players. These headgears are usually used by rugby players competing in junior leagues and by people who play rugby as a way to pass the time and not as a professional sport. Nonetheless, most junior head gears are made with the same materials as the professional variety, although they are usually softer and thinner.
Important information
Complete information on rugby headgears is available at PickyGuide, the authority in free consumer advice. Access top-ranked, best-reviewed, and most competitively priced rugby headgears in PickyGuide's recommended products section.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ilse_Hagen
Rugby wales league | Master the Basic Skills of Rugby in Eight Weeks!
Rugby Union is a very demanding game, placing very rigorous demands on players physical and mental attributes. Most amateur players however perform very poorly in respect of rugby-specific fitness tests, due predominantly to poor training habits and lack of correct skills training by coaches. It's stop-start nature demands that players have high levels of speed and explosive power, as well as having the ability to recover quickly between sprints.
Rugby is such a simple game - score more tries than your opponents. To achieve this, your team must win possession of the ball by dominating lineouts, scrums, rucks and mauls, and every other facet of the game where the ball is contested. For YOU to dominate a game, you need to be competent in the skills of evasive running, kicking, passing, catching and tackling.
Strength is an obvious requirement to play the game, however it is not the only goal for a player. Exposive power is equally as important to develop speed and acceleration and to develop the fitness demands for tackling and jumping.
To excel nowadays, players must master the basic skills AND improve speed, strength and power. Fitness, strength, power and mastery of the basic skills is what makes one player stand out from the rest of his team-mates.
As a player, it is your responsibility to put in the time and effort needed to master the basic skills and be in best physical condition. As in life and other pursuits, absolute commitment is required if you want to be the best you can.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Frederick_Beazley
Rugby is such a simple game - score more tries than your opponents. To achieve this, your team must win possession of the ball by dominating lineouts, scrums, rucks and mauls, and every other facet of the game where the ball is contested. For YOU to dominate a game, you need to be competent in the skills of evasive running, kicking, passing, catching and tackling.
Strength is an obvious requirement to play the game, however it is not the only goal for a player. Exposive power is equally as important to develop speed and acceleration and to develop the fitness demands for tackling and jumping.
To excel nowadays, players must master the basic skills AND improve speed, strength and power. Fitness, strength, power and mastery of the basic skills is what makes one player stand out from the rest of his team-mates.
As a player, it is your responsibility to put in the time and effort needed to master the basic skills and be in best physical condition. As in life and other pursuits, absolute commitment is required if you want to be the best you can.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Frederick_Beazley
Rugby wales league | Rugby World Cup 2007, France
The International Rugby Board (IRB) has announced the kick-off times for the 48 matches of Rugby World Cup 2007 to be played in France in September and October.
Host nation France will kick-off the sixth Rugby World Cup Tournament against Argentina at the Stade de France Stadium in Paris at 9pm local time on Friday, September 7, while England will begin its defence of the Webb Ellis Cup against the USA in Lens the following day with the match kicking-off at 6pm local time.
The next Rugby World Cup will be hosted in France from 7 September to 20 October 2007.
The games will be held at several venues in France (Lens, Montpellier, St-Etienne, Montpellier, St-Denis, Nantes, Lyon, Bordeaux, Paris, Toulouse and Marseilles). Some of the key pool matches will be played in Cardiff (Wales) and in Edinburgh (Scotland).
Toulouse, in the Aude, Languedoc, is one of rugby’s major epicentres. The Stade Toulousain team, which has provided a good many international players down the years, has been champion of France 17 times and went down in the history of the sport by becoming the first European clubs champion in 1996, a title that it won again in 2003.
Students began playing rugby locally in 1890 and it was in 1907 that Stade Toulousain was established. It won the first French championship title two years later, in 1909.
Have a look at the French team.
Colours: Blue, white and red?Nicknames: Les Bleus, Les Tricolores?Honours: Six Nations Grand Slam (2004, 2002), Five Nations Grand Slam (1968, 1977, 1981, 1987, 1997, 1998), World Cup runners-up (1987, 1999).
Coach: Studious Bernard Laporte has endured a see-saw existence since taken the reigns prior to the 1999 Rugby World Cup. World Cup finalists to fifth in the Six Nations, Grand Slam champions to losing a Test series to Argentina. Laporte has brought discipline and organisation to a traditionally volatile and flamboyant side, but has had trouble trying to mix the perfect cocktail time after time.
Captain: Back in the captaincy saddle after the retirement of Fabien Galthié, Toulouse star Fabien Pelous is no stranger to leadership. A star performer in the second row or the back of the scrum, his presence in the French side is sometimes taken for granted.
Player(s) to watch: Toulouse centre Florian Fritz won both 2005 Player of the Year and 2005 Newcomer of the Year awards at the French 'Night of Rugby' in December 2005, and was first choice to partner Yannick Jauzion in both of November 2005's high-profile Tests against Australia and South Africa. He is also Jauzion's partner in the Toulouse centres as well, and Toulouse's back-line creativity needs little embellishment.
Have a look at the current French Squad: ( Jan 2007)
Backs: Jean-Baptiste Elissalde (Toulouse), Pierre Mignoni (Clermont), Dimitri Yachvili (Biarritz), Benjamin Boyet (Bourgoin), David Skrela (Stade Français), Damien Traille (Biarritz), Romain Cabannes (Biarritz), Florian Fritz (Toulouse), Yannick Jauzion (Toulouse), David Marty (Perpignan), Vincent Clerc (Toulouse), Christophe Dominici (Stade Français), Cédric Heymans (Toulouse), Aurélien Rougerie (Clermont), Thomas Castaignède (Saracens/ENG), Anthony Floch (Clermont), Clément Poitrenaud (Toulouse)?
?Forwards: Pieter de Villiers (Stade Français), Laurent Emmanuelli (Clermont), Sylvain Marconnet (Stade Français), Nicolas Mas (Perpignan), Olivier Milloud (Bourgoin), Jean-Baptiste Poux (Toulouse), Benoît August (Biarritz), Sébastien Bruno (Sale/ENG), Raphaël Ibañez (Wasps/ENG), Dimitri Szarzewski (Stade Français), Grégory Lamboley (Toulouse), Lionel Nallet (Castres), Pascal Papé (Castres), Fabien Pelous (Toulouse), Jerome Thion (Biarritz), Serge Betsen (Biarritz), Julien Bonnaire (Bourgoin), Sébastien Chabal (Sale/ENG), Thierry Dusautoir (Toulouse), Imanol Harinordoquy (Biarritz), Rémy Martin (Stade Français), Yannick Nyanga (Toulouse), Elvis Vermeulen (Clermont)
The south of France features very strongly- with well over half coming the region, and the majority of those coming from the Languedoc.
France is looking very strong to win in the RWC in 2007.
Tickets can be bought ahead of the match- mostly from Carrefour as well as many good web sites.
A very keen rugby supporter, the author moved from London after 15 years to live in the Languedoc, France region - the centre of rugby.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Bowditch
Host nation France will kick-off the sixth Rugby World Cup Tournament against Argentina at the Stade de France Stadium in Paris at 9pm local time on Friday, September 7, while England will begin its defence of the Webb Ellis Cup against the USA in Lens the following day with the match kicking-off at 6pm local time.
The next Rugby World Cup will be hosted in France from 7 September to 20 October 2007.
The games will be held at several venues in France (Lens, Montpellier, St-Etienne, Montpellier, St-Denis, Nantes, Lyon, Bordeaux, Paris, Toulouse and Marseilles). Some of the key pool matches will be played in Cardiff (Wales) and in Edinburgh (Scotland).
Toulouse, in the Aude, Languedoc, is one of rugby’s major epicentres. The Stade Toulousain team, which has provided a good many international players down the years, has been champion of France 17 times and went down in the history of the sport by becoming the first European clubs champion in 1996, a title that it won again in 2003.
Students began playing rugby locally in 1890 and it was in 1907 that Stade Toulousain was established. It won the first French championship title two years later, in 1909.
Have a look at the French team.
Colours: Blue, white and red?Nicknames: Les Bleus, Les Tricolores?Honours: Six Nations Grand Slam (2004, 2002), Five Nations Grand Slam (1968, 1977, 1981, 1987, 1997, 1998), World Cup runners-up (1987, 1999).
Coach: Studious Bernard Laporte has endured a see-saw existence since taken the reigns prior to the 1999 Rugby World Cup. World Cup finalists to fifth in the Six Nations, Grand Slam champions to losing a Test series to Argentina. Laporte has brought discipline and organisation to a traditionally volatile and flamboyant side, but has had trouble trying to mix the perfect cocktail time after time.
Captain: Back in the captaincy saddle after the retirement of Fabien Galthié, Toulouse star Fabien Pelous is no stranger to leadership. A star performer in the second row or the back of the scrum, his presence in the French side is sometimes taken for granted.
Player(s) to watch: Toulouse centre Florian Fritz won both 2005 Player of the Year and 2005 Newcomer of the Year awards at the French 'Night of Rugby' in December 2005, and was first choice to partner Yannick Jauzion in both of November 2005's high-profile Tests against Australia and South Africa. He is also Jauzion's partner in the Toulouse centres as well, and Toulouse's back-line creativity needs little embellishment.
Have a look at the current French Squad: ( Jan 2007)
Backs: Jean-Baptiste Elissalde (Toulouse), Pierre Mignoni (Clermont), Dimitri Yachvili (Biarritz), Benjamin Boyet (Bourgoin), David Skrela (Stade Français), Damien Traille (Biarritz), Romain Cabannes (Biarritz), Florian Fritz (Toulouse), Yannick Jauzion (Toulouse), David Marty (Perpignan), Vincent Clerc (Toulouse), Christophe Dominici (Stade Français), Cédric Heymans (Toulouse), Aurélien Rougerie (Clermont), Thomas Castaignède (Saracens/ENG), Anthony Floch (Clermont), Clément Poitrenaud (Toulouse)?
?Forwards: Pieter de Villiers (Stade Français), Laurent Emmanuelli (Clermont), Sylvain Marconnet (Stade Français), Nicolas Mas (Perpignan), Olivier Milloud (Bourgoin), Jean-Baptiste Poux (Toulouse), Benoît August (Biarritz), Sébastien Bruno (Sale/ENG), Raphaël Ibañez (Wasps/ENG), Dimitri Szarzewski (Stade Français), Grégory Lamboley (Toulouse), Lionel Nallet (Castres), Pascal Papé (Castres), Fabien Pelous (Toulouse), Jerome Thion (Biarritz), Serge Betsen (Biarritz), Julien Bonnaire (Bourgoin), Sébastien Chabal (Sale/ENG), Thierry Dusautoir (Toulouse), Imanol Harinordoquy (Biarritz), Rémy Martin (Stade Français), Yannick Nyanga (Toulouse), Elvis Vermeulen (Clermont)
The south of France features very strongly- with well over half coming the region, and the majority of those coming from the Languedoc.
France is looking very strong to win in the RWC in 2007.
Tickets can be bought ahead of the match- mostly from Carrefour as well as many good web sites.
A very keen rugby supporter, the author moved from London after 15 years to live in the Languedoc, France region - the centre of rugby.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Bowditch
Rugby wales league | Rugby - US Finally Taking Notice
Rugby is a very British sport. In US, however, this high impact game has a long way to go to work its way into the hearts of the public.
The basics of the sport are the same as those of American football: with some variations, players tackle, run, pass, and make touchdowns through goal posts. The field is slightly larger, and the ball slightly fatter.
But a big difference between rugby and football is protective gear... rugby players don't wear any, which has heavily contributed to the sports reputation for being rough.
However, rugby is far more than just rough and tumble. Unlike many other team sports where players sometimes stand on the field idly, rugby is a fast-moving game with few pauses, and every one of a team's 15 players are on the field.
Rugby's growing popularity comes in part from more exposure in the media and from its appeal to younger Americans, many of whom start playing in junior high. Its enhanced image is all to the good. There's not a very big forum for publicizing the sport, and it has a somewhat negative stigma from people who don't know the game. If there's anything I'd like to do it's to put it in a better light with the general public.
Fortunately, Americans have ample opportunity to learn more about rugby, both by watching and playing the game. For newcomers to rugby in the US, watch it on cable TV, view DVDs and reading. Then if you're still interested, search for local clubs and get involved in some training sessions.
For more information on rugby, visit Rugby Union Shirt - the complete rugby community.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Baugh
The basics of the sport are the same as those of American football: with some variations, players tackle, run, pass, and make touchdowns through goal posts. The field is slightly larger, and the ball slightly fatter.
But a big difference between rugby and football is protective gear... rugby players don't wear any, which has heavily contributed to the sports reputation for being rough.
However, rugby is far more than just rough and tumble. Unlike many other team sports where players sometimes stand on the field idly, rugby is a fast-moving game with few pauses, and every one of a team's 15 players are on the field.
Rugby's growing popularity comes in part from more exposure in the media and from its appeal to younger Americans, many of whom start playing in junior high. Its enhanced image is all to the good. There's not a very big forum for publicizing the sport, and it has a somewhat negative stigma from people who don't know the game. If there's anything I'd like to do it's to put it in a better light with the general public.
Fortunately, Americans have ample opportunity to learn more about rugby, both by watching and playing the game. For newcomers to rugby in the US, watch it on cable TV, view DVDs and reading. Then if you're still interested, search for local clubs and get involved in some training sessions.
For more information on rugby, visit Rugby Union Shirt - the complete rugby community.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Baugh
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