jeudi 28 juillet 2016
Lions suffer Whiteley blow ahead of semifinal
The Lions will be without captain Warren Whiteley for Saturday's Super Rugby semifinal against the Highlanders in Johannesburg.
Whiteley was struggling with a calf injury he picked up in their quarterfinal win over the Crusaders and has been ruled out of this weekend's clash.
Jaco Kriel will skipper the side in his absence while Ruan Ackermann starts at No.8.
Lions: Andries Coetzee, Ruan Combrinck, Lionel Mapoe, Rohan Janse Van Rensburg, Courtnal Skosan, Elton Jantjies, Faf De Klerk; Dylon Smith, Malcolm Marx, Julian Redelinghuys, Andries Ferreira, Franco Mostert, Jaco Kriel, Warwick Tecklenburg, Ruan Ackermann
Replacements: Armand van der Merwe, Corné Fourie, Jacques van Rooyen, Lourens Erasmus, Steph de Witt, Dillon Smit, Howard Mnisi, Jaco van der Walt
Lions suffer Whiteley blow ahead of semifinalHarlequins sign ex-Connacht No.8 Naoupu
Harlequins have bolstered their back-row resources with the signing of former Connacht No.8 George Naoupu ahead of next season.
He joins Quins after spells with Connacht and the Highlanders and director of rugby John Kingston is delighted with the acquisition.
"George is a highly experienced physical ball-carrying back row forward," Kingston said. "He has the ability to break the first tackle and is an excellent offloader and will provide further power to our pack.
"I have already been impressed by the hunger he has shown to make a big impact in the Aviva Premiership for Harlequins."
Naoupu added: "I am very excited to be joining Harlequins in its 150th anniversary year. It is a club I know well having played against them in Europe a number of times and I like the fact that they play a really attractive style of rugby.
"I am also looking forward to playing in the Aviva Premiership which is an extremely strong competition."
Harlequins sign ex-Connacht No.8 Naoupumercredi 27 juillet 2016
Fiji Sevens head to Chile for pre-Rio camp
The Fiji Sevens men's side are heading to Chile to fine-tune their preparations ahead of taking part in the Rio Olympics.
Ben Ryan's side will go to the Games as favourites to lift the men's sevens title as the short-form of the sport makes its debut appearance in the Olympics. Although they took the World Sevens Series, Ryan is leaving no stone unturned as he seeks to get his team in prime physical condition and has taken them to Santiago, Chile, to acclimatise ahead of the Games which start for the men on Aug. 9.
"Chile is 3,900 metres above sea level that's enough to get some returns, that means your body gets used to training with less oxygen so when you go back down sea level you get more options," Ryan said in the Fiji Sun.
"You get a boost, you feel a lot fitter, you not short of breath so we are going to be using that with some hard training sessions, some acclimatisation to the time zones because they are the same and we make sure we stay a little bit away from the bubble of Rio.
This doesn't happen every time I get on a plane! #RioBound http://pic.twitter.com/zBgXHJbZ68
— Ben Ryan Fiji 7s (@benjaminryan) July 26, 2016
"We don't go in till the night before the opening ceremony. We only have two training sessions and a gym session in Rio. Obviously we get used to the travelling to the stadium, the environment, where we are sleeping and all that sort of things.
"And then it will be our final, sought of icing on the cake before we go onto the field against Brazil on our first day."
Fiji's main rivals for the sevens crown are likely to be New Zealand and their coach Sir Gordon Tietjens says while he is still weighing up his first-choice line-up, they want to start the pool stages with a bang.
"The very first two games we have, against Japan and Kenya, will certainly give us a really good indication and also build a lot of confidence within the side," Tietjens said on TVNZ. "We've got to start really, really well -- that's very important to us."
Fiji Sevens head to Chile for pre-Rio campSam Cane cleared to play Hurricanes
All Black flanker Sam Cane has been cleared of concussion and is set to start for the Chiefs in their Super Rugby semi-final against the Hurricanes in Wellington on Saturday.
Cane was replaced as a precaution at halftime during the Chiefs 60-21 quarter-final win over the Stormers in Cape Town last Saturday.
Coach Dave Rennie says subsequent testing has shown no ill-effects for the 24-year-old, as they had suspected.
"He's bounced back really well," Rennie said.
"We thought it was pretty minor and he was grumpy that we took him off but it was the right call and we're confident he will be ready to go."
The news was not so good for veteran Stephen Donald, who has been ruled out with a shoulder injury.
The former All Blacks playmaker was played out of position at second five-eighth in Cape Town.
His logical replacement is two-Test centre Seta Tamanivalu, with Anton Lienert-Brown likely to move in one spot to wear the No.12 jersey.
Fijian-born Tamanivalu missed the trip to South Africa with a knee injury he suffered in the final regular season loss to the Highlanders - a result which has sent them on a travel-heavy play-off schedule.
Rennie says Tamanivalu's return is welcome against the Hurricanes, having scored twice against them in the Chiefs' 28-27 win when the teams met in Wellington in April.
"Seta will be pretty important. He's a big man who carries hard and he draws a lot of attention so it's nice to have that option with Beaver (Donald) being no good."
Japanese World Cup captain Michael Leitch could also make a return, having been out of rugby for over two months after dislocating his thumb against the Rebels in May.
Rennie says the 27-year-old No.8 will need to come through contact sessions without difficulty this week if he is to play.
Rennie isn't reading too much into the result of the thrilling contest when the teams met, with both sides scoring four tries.
The Hurricanes had a chance to pull off victory but reserve back Jason Woodward spilled a pass with the tryline in sight in the final play.
"They're looking a lot sharper and they're certainly on a roll having knocked over a lot of big teams," Rennie said.
"They had the toughest run into the play-offs and ended up the number one seed so it's a big challenge for us this week."
Sam Cane cleared to play Hurricanesmardi 26 juillet 2016
Waratahs not interested in Hayne - report
The NSW Waratahs reportedly will not table a Super Rugby offer for code-hopping NRL star Jarryd Hayne.
According to foxsports.com.au, the Waratahs - after much consideration - have decided Hayne doesn't fit in with their direction.
The decision, less than a week after Hayne held a second meeting with Australian Rugby Union boss Bill Pulver, means the former San Francisco 49ers' NFL player and Fijian Olympic sevens aspirant will have to look outside Sydney if he remains intent on playing Super Rugby next season.
Waratahs chief executive Andrew Hore described the decision as a watershed moment in the franchise's history.
"We're not going to pursue Jarryd at this present point in time," Hore told Fox Sports.
"We feel with the fact that we've combined both NSW and Waratahs rugby that our first priority has got to be making NSW a great rugby state again and that's got to be our primary focus.
"Now, is a quick fix going to do that? We don't think it is.
"We think the issues in our game are that broad and deep that we want to focus on resolving those and, when you've already got 10-plus Wallabies plus Israel Folau in our team, we feel that there's enough star-power there at this stage," Hore said.
"We believe we've got to focus more on those others areas of the game: youth development, infrastructure and building the game of rugby union for all shapes and sizes."
"Now, there's no doubt that if there was unlimited resources, that a player like Jarryd Hayne may have been of real benefit.
"But right now, we have a new and exciting young group of players, (and) combined with the needs of our game to put it back on an even keel, talking to Jarryd probably at the moment isn't the right thing for us as a sport," Hore said.
Waratahs not interested in Hayne - reportLydiate's recovery from injury on track
Wales flanker Dan Lydiate is recovering as expected after sustaining shoulder and hamstring injuries against England in May.
Lydiate captained Warren Gatland's men at Twickenham but was forced off in the first half and was subsequently ruled out of the summer tour to New Zealand.
"Dan is recovering well from surgery to reconstruct the shoulder ligaments he damaged against England," Ospreys medical performance manager Chris Towers said. "In addition, Dan also injured his hamstring in the same match. He's recovering well on both fronts but still has some work to do.
"We'll be looking to up the ante through this next batch of pre-season with a view to being able to confirm a return to play date in the next few weeks."
James King, a second Wales and Ospreys back row, is also in rehabilitation after sustaining a neck injury in New Zealand.
"James is progressing well but we will continue to observe his recovery and progress over the coming weeks before we will be in a position to confidently predict when he will be available for selection," Towers said.
Lydiate's recovery from injury on trackRFU reluctant to shift Six Nations to April
Hopes of establishing a more globally-aligned season have receded after the Rugby Football Union indicated it would be unwilling to move the RBS 6 Nations or autumn schedule.
New World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont aims to synchronise the northern and southern hemisphere calendars, insisting that to make room the Six Nations may have to be staged in April.
His plans have already hit a major stumbling block, however, after RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie hinted that Twickenham would oppose any changes to the bulwarks of the international season in Europe.
If the Six Nations and November series are to remain in their current slots, only the June tours would be left for negotiation.
"The Six Nations, as far as the date in the calendar is concerned, works well," Ritchie told BBC Radio 4. "As far as we're concerned we have a great TV deal and we have stadia that are filled for every game. Why would you want to change something that works really well? So I can't see there being any significant move in that.
"And I think as well that the autumn internationals work terribly well for us as well. It's early days yet, but it's going to be an interesting few months on the global calendar discussions."
The current agreement over international fixtures expires after the 2019 World Cup and the current stance of the sport's richest union points to few changes being made to the existing schedule.
Adding to the gloom gathering over plans to harmonise the hemispheres is the new £200million deal that extends until 2024 agreed on Monday by the RFU and the Aviva Premiership clubs.
"There have been a number of preliminary discussions about the global season. We've obviously had some talks about how we see the English situation and it's early days," Ritchie said. "It's a priority moving on. You've always got to have some elements of flexibility in an eight-year deal."
RFU reluctant to shift Six Nations to AprilReds close in on Cooper after Stiles appointment
Queensland Reds are poised to complete the signing of returning Wallabies five-eighth Quade Cooper after locking in Nick Stiles as their new head coach.
Cooper last week endorsed Stiles, his former mentor with Brisbane City in the National Rugby Championship, as his preferred selection as Reds boss as he prepares for a Super Rugby return.
The mercurial 28-year-old has signed a heads of agreement with the Australian Rugby Union after leaving Toulon earlier this month, allowing him to become immediately eligible for the Wallabies, but he is yet to commit to a franchise.
However, Stiles' appointment makes it all but a foregone conclusion that Cooper will be back at Ballymore in 2017.
"I've got a good relationship with Quade. He's a Queensland Red, he's passionate about the place and hopefully we can get that sorted moving forward," Stiles told reporters on Tuesday.
Cooper, who was also being courted by the Melbourne Rebels, is currently training with the Wallabies in Sydney and remains in regular contact with the Queensland Rugby Union, according to executive general manager Daniel Herbert.
"He'd really round out our team list very well for 2017 if he did (come back)," Herbert said.
However, Cooper is likely to be the Reds' final major signing for next year, with Herbert ruling them out of any moves for Will Genia or Digby Ioane - the latter who is reportedly set to join the Crusaders.
"You never say never, guys who've done for this place what they've done, you'll always consider if they approach you and if there was a way to make it work," he said.
"But it's not about rewinding the clock, we have to move forward."
Reds close in on Cooper after Stiles appointmentNick Stiles named Reds coach for 2017
The Queensland Reds have announced former Wallabies prop Nick Stiles as their head coach for the next two Super Rugby seasons.
Stiles received the nod ahead of fellow interim co-coach Matt O'Connor, who has been released to pursue other head coaching opportunities, and outgoing Crusaders boss Todd Blackadder.
Stiles and O'Connor had shared the coaching role since the sacking of Richard Graham two rounds into the 2016 Super Rugby season.
"I'm incredibly proud and honoured to get the opportunity to lead the Reds into the future," said Stiles, a 12-cap Wallaby who played his entire career in Queensland.
"Ballymore is like a second home to me.
"We've got an exciting group of players with a lot of potential and some great staff and we are all highly motivated to return the Reds to success."
Stiles has never been a head coach at the top level before, but he does have 11 years of coaching experience, including six seasons as a Super Rugby assistant and two at the helm of Brisbane City, guiding them to back-to-back National Rugby Championships.
He also has the backing of the Reds playing group, having been endorsed for the job by departing veteran Greg Holmes, captain James Slipper and returning Wallabies five-eighth Quade Cooper, who is expected to pledge his future to the franchise following Stiles' appointment.
"Nick is a great coach and has a good rapport with the playing group. I've seen first-hand how he can get the best out of players and I know how much this team's success means to him. The players are ready to get behind Nick and we look forward to 2017," Slipper said.
Queensland Rugby Union's executive general manager, Daniel Herbert was pleased with Stiles's work on the Reds set piece throughout the season.
"Nick is a good leader, who has turned the Reds set pieces into one of the more statistically dominant in Super Rugby," Herbert said.
"He has the backing of the Queensland Rugby Union and the Australian Rugby Union, including Wallabies coach Michael Cheika, who has committed to working closely with Nick to ensure his ongoing development and success as a head coach."
The Reds finished the season in 15th place on the Super Rugby ladder with a poor 3-17 record, and will look to Stiles to guide them to their first finals campaign since 2013.
One of his first jobs will be finding a new attack coach, with O'Connor a contender to assume the vacant coaching role at the Western Force.
Nick Stiles named Reds coach for 2017lundi 25 juillet 2016
Ask Steven: Aussie cap record
For how long did Peter Johnson hold the Australian cap record? Asked JGB, Australia
Peter Johnson, who died at his north Sydney home in July, aged 78, was Australia's hooker from 1959 and throughout the 1960s, setting a new Aussie Test cap record in his 42nd and last Test, at Stade Colombes, at the end of a two-match series in France in November 1971.
The previous Aussie record-holder had been Tony Miller, whose 41st and final Test had been against Ireland in 1967.
Johnson's career included a then record Aussie run of 37 consecutive Test appearances between May 1959 and November 1968, testimony to his fitness, stamina and durability, and a rare record even by today's standards for a front-row player.
His Australian cap record stood for nearly 16 years. It was eventually superseded by flanker Simon Poidevin against Japan at Concord Oval, Sydney, during the 1987 Rugby Wold Cup.
Ask Steven: Aussie cap recordWasps sign ex-Bath centre Eastmond
Tom Hamilton
Wasps have completed the signing of England centre Kyle Eastmond.
Eastmond, who has six caps, left Bath at the end of last season despite having agreed a new deal earlier in the campaign.
After being linked with Sale, Wasps have moved to sign the inside centre ahead of next season as he becomes their 12th new recruit in a list which features Australia star Kurtley Beale and fly-half Danny Cipriani.
"I've been impressed with the style of rugby and the way the club has developed in recent seasons and I'm really looking forward to the new challenge at Wasps," Eastmond said.
"When you look at the talented players already at the club it's hard not to be excited about the possibilities and I feel I am joining a highly ambitious and motivated team, and I'm really looking forward to getting started."
Wasps boss Dai Young added: "Kyle is one of the most exciting centres in the Aviva Premiership and we're really looking forward to adding his talents to an already impressive group of backs at the club.
Delighted to announce @kyle_eastmond7 will join the club ahead of the new season! Full story https://t.co/q90DQkvPh6 http://pic.twitter.com/KL98wtKRPv
— Wasps (@WaspsRugby) July 23, 2016
"At Wasps we like to play expansive, attacking rugby and Kyle is a player who can add a lot to that in terms of controlling the game as well as threatening defences, keeping the crowd on the edge of their seats.
"Kyle has already shown his international class and still has plenty of potential to fulfil in rugby union and we're looking forward to seeing him continue his development in black and gold."
A statement from Bath, who are yet to replace head coach Mike Ford, said: "The club would like to thank Eastmond for all his hard work during his five years with Bath, and wishes him all the best for the future.
"Recruitment for the 2016/17 season and beyond is ongoing, and any further announcements will be made when appropriate."
Wasps sign ex-Bath centre Eastmonddimanche 24 juillet 2016
Hansen extends All Blacks contract
The promise of more mountains to climb has tempted Rugby World Cup-winning All Blacks coach Steve Hansen into extending his contract with New Zealand Rugby until the 2019 tournament.
Hansen's unparalleled record of 52 wins from 57 Tests made it easy for the board to reach a unanimous decision, NZR chief executive Steve Tew said on Monday.
"Steve's winning record is unsurpassed in the modern era," he said.
Hansen's ability to grow the team through selection and to inspire players to reach greater heights played a key part in the NZR board's decision.
Hansen told media he had thought long and hard about standing down following the All Blacks' 34-17 Rugby World Cup final win over Australia in October last year.
"I often get asked, why would you go back when you've climbed the mountain?" he said.
"The simple answer, as I had more time to think about it, was that I don't know if we have climbed the highest mountain.
"There are still mountains to be climbed - we can still get better, and I can still get better as a coach."
Hansen said his decision took time, as he thought it through to make sure it was right for his family, for himself and for the team.
"I had to ask a couple of questions - did I have the energy, passion and commitment to get up and drive this team the way it needs to be driven?"
The recent Welsh series, won 3-0 by the All Blacks, confirmed that he did, and the lure of winning a third successive Rugby World Cup, at the 2019 event in Japan, provided extra incentive.
"Three in a row - it's never been done before, and it's a challenge this team will really enjoy."
Hansen, who was appointed head coach in 2012, wouldn't entirely rule on the possibility of staying on for the 2023 World Cup, pointing to 94-year-old New Zealand athletics coach Arch Jelley as an example of what was possible.
"But there's only one Arch Jelley, so I won't be coaching at 94, I can promise you that.
"It's not even worthwhile me thinking about that. I think the contract runs through to March 2020, and I'm comfortable with that.
"After the World Cup in 2019, there'll be decisions to be made."
Hansen extends All Blacks contractsamedi 23 juillet 2016
Coach Simon Hardy leaves England Rugby
England coach Simon Hardy is to leave the international set-up after 22 years of service.
Hardy has been an England coach for 18 years, primarily working with the forwards, and he helped the senior side win the World Cup in 2003.
More recently Hardy has overseen three World Rugby Under-20 Championship titles and he was also England's line-out specialist during the World Cup last year.
Hardy said: "Throughout my time with the RFU it has been exciting and rewarding.
"I feel lucky to have experienced so much success and to have worked with such incredible players and coaches. I look forward to using these experiences in future challenges."
Coach Simon Hardy leaves England Rugbyvendredi 22 juillet 2016
'We should be in the semifinals' - Larkham
A bitter Stephen Larkham believes his Brumbies should be in the Super Rugby semi-finals, despite losing 15-9 to the Highlanders.
The coach questioned some of the refereeing decisions in the closing stages of a see-sawing quarter-final at GIO Stadium on Friday and felt his side deserved to walk away winners.
The ACT franchise were denied a try to replacement winger Lausii Taliauli in the 75th minute after both the on-field and television match officials ruled they could not see the ball being grounded.
If awarded, the Brumbies would've been just one point behind and could've taken the lead with a conversion.
"It was clearly a try for everyone who saw it," Larkham said.
"It's really disappointing that a game comes down to that. We should be in the semi-finals right now.
"I give credit where it's due and I think the Highlanders played really good football but I thought we played better tonight and I think we deserve that win."
Larkham was visibly frustrated and emotional, especially given it was the last game for a number of big-name players - including co-captain Stephen Moore, playmaker Matt Toomua and superstar flanker David Pocock.
Moore is heading back to the Queensland Reds next season, while Toomua is joining English outfit Leicester and Pocock is beginning a 12-month sabbatical.
Injured winger Joe Tomane, Michael Dowsett and Michael Wells are also leaving.
It marked the first time the Brumbies haven't advanced past the opening week of the playoffs since 2012, when they missed the finals altogether.
It also leaves Australia without a title contender, given they were the only team to survive the regular season after finishing top of the local conference.
"It was one of the better games we've had this year. It was a see-sawing battle and the guys did everything right to win that game," Larkham said.
"It's incredibly frustrating now to know that we lost it that way."
For the Highlanders it means a chance to win back-to-back titles.
The victory - secured with just two tries via winger Waisake Naholo and No.8 Liam Squire - broke a decade-long losing streak in the nation's capital.
Coach Jamie Joseph and skipper Ben Smith said they both initially felt Taliauli's effort was a try but were glad the call went their way.
"It was a real difficult game right from the start," Joseph said.
"It was a real ding-dong arm wrestle but I'm really proud of the team in terms of how they finished the end.
"It could've gone either way really, but we've earned another week."
'We should be in the semifinals' - Larkhamjeudi 21 juillet 2016
RFU to award England Women pro contracts
Professional player contracts are to be introduced in English women's rugby for the 15-a-side game.
A total of 48 contracts will be available next season, including 16 full-time deals that will concentrate on the sport's 15-a-side element. England Women first awarded contracts in October 2014, when 20 were given to sevens players only.
The new arrangement will also feature 16 part-time, three-day-a-week contracts with a sevens focus, with an additional 16 short-term deals that will allow players to attend residential camps ahead of major tournaments such as the World Cup and Six Nations, England Women announced.
It is all part of a drive towards England's World Cup defence next year.
Rugby Football Union chief executive Ian Ritchie said: "The RFU is committed to supporting the growth of women's rugby.
"We are immensely proud of England Women's achievements, and we want to provide the best support to continue this success.
"More women and girls in this country are playing rugby than ever before, and England Women are important role models to encourage more people to try our sport."
Full-time contract recipients will be announced in September, when the deals also come into effect, with the majority of players concentrating on 15s being released to play club rugby throughout the season.
RFU head of women's performance Nicky Ponsford added: "This is a really exciting time for women's rugby in England.
"We will have more contracted players than ever before to give us the best possible chance of retaining the World Cup in Ireland next August. We also recognise that the sevens' programme is important again next year, with the World Sevens series and qualification for Rugby World Cup Sevens in 2018.
"The girls have proven that they are among the best in the world, delivering consistent results across both the sevens and 15s games already this year, and we want to focus on building on that."
RFU to award England Women pro contractsBarritt announced as Saracens captain
Saracens have appointed England international centre Brad Barritt as club captain.
The club announced Barritt, 29, will take over from lock Alistair Hargreaves to skipper the reigning English and European champions next season.
Barritt led Saracens to a domestic and European double last term, with Hargreaves sidelined for much of the campaign through injury, and he now takes the job on a permanent basis.
"Throughout Brad's time at the club, he has shown exceptional leadership qualities and he is ideally qualified to be our captain," Saracens rugby director Mark McCall said.
"Brad is someone who leads through example -- through his actions, attitude and application.
"He is one of the most competitive players I have ever come across, showing complete commitment to the game, and is a role model professional. He is a natural leader."
Barritt announced as Saracens captainEngland internationals re-sign with Northampton
Current England internationals Teimana Harrison and Paul Hill have signed new contracts with Aviva Premiership club Northampton.
The Saints have announced new deals for six players, with the list completed by former England flanker Tom Wood, his back-row colleagues Jamie Gibson and Ben Nutley, plus prop Adam Parkins.
Wood, who will skipper Northampton next season, joined the club six years ago and was a member of England's 2015 World Cup squad. Unlike Harrison and Hill, though, he has not featured for his country since Australian Eddie Jones became head coach.
Harrison, 23, and 21-year-old Hill both made their Test debuts this year and were members of the England squad that toured Australia last month, claiming a 3-0 Test series triumph against the Wallabies. Gibson, meanwhile, joined Saints from their Premiership rivals Leicester a year ago, and Northampton academy product Nutley has made more than 60 first-team appearances at Franklin's Gardens, with Parkins among a group of promising front-row prospects in Saints' ranks.
"We are delighted that all six players have signed new contracts to stay at Franklin's Gardens," Northampton rugby director Jim Mallinder said. "We've seen them all develop massively in their time at the club, and to have these deals agreed well before the start of the 2016-17 season means that we can plan with certainty for the future."
Northampton have also delivered upbeat fitness bulletins on a number of players, including Wood, who suffered injuries towards the end of last season or during recent summer tours.
Saints say that Wood (neck), England forward Courtney Lawes (ankle), Ethan Waller (toe) and Tom Stephenson (foot) should all be fit for the start of the new Premiership season after undergoing surgery.
And wing George North is also on course to make the Premiership opener against Bath in early September. He suffered a hamstring injury during Wales' New Zealand tour last month.
But wing Jamie Elliott will miss the season's opening few weeks following shoulder surgery, and centre Rory Hutchinson is continuing his recovery after suffering a serious ankle injury during Scotland's Under-20 World Championship campaign in June.
England internationals re-sign with Northamptonmercredi 20 juillet 2016
Mitchell to captain Team GB Sevens
Tom HamiltonRugby Editor
LONDON -- Tom Mitchell will captain Team GB's men's Sevens side at the Rio Olympics, and Scotland's Mark Bennett is the only 15s international to make the cut.
Wales' Cory Allen was in the mix for a spot in the 12-man squad but he misses out, with 16-cap Bennett named alongside Harlequins' Ollie Lindsay-Hague and Newcastle's Marcus Watson. Eight England players make the squad, with two Welshmen and two Scotsmen completing the line-up.
"Through the extraordinary GB spirit that has been created over the last seven weeks, all the players involved in the wider training squad have pushed themselves, and each other, to the limit," Team GB men's coach Simon Amor said. "They have fought and fought for places each day. It has been incredibly competitive, and the group has become very close in a short space of time.
"We have named a talented and experienced squad of 12 players today which we believe offers the right combinations and complementing skill sets needed to be successful in Rio. It has however been a 27-player effort and recognition must go to every player involved in the programme, as well as the hard working and exceptional management team."
Emily Scarratt will skipper Team GB's women's side at Rio that features a number of the England contingent that won the 2014 World Cup, with just one of the 12 players from Wales and none from Scotland making the cut.
"This is a hugely exciting moment for women's rugby with Sevens making its debut at the Olympic Games, and we believe we have selected the best possible group of players to achieve success in Rio," Team GB women's coach Simon Middleton said.
"The World Series this season proved how competitive the women's rugby sevens circuit is and we're very much looking forward to competing against the very best as a Team GB squad.
"The strength and depth of the wider training squad has not made the final selection easy. The players have been together since October and have trained so hard and really pushed the standards up of this group. I would like to thank the players who didn't make the final squad for their fantastic contribution and putting us in the best possible place to play in Rio."
Men's squad
Mark Bennett (Glasgow Warriors), Dan Bibby (England Sevens), Phil Burgess (England Sevens), Sam Cross (Wales Sevens), Alex Davis (England Sevens), James Davies (Scarlets), Ollie Lindsay-Hague (Harlequins), Tom Mitchell (England Sevens -- captain), Dan Norton (England Sevens), James Rodwell (England Sevens), Mark Robertson (Scotland Sevens), Marcus Watson (Newcastle Falcons)
Travelling reserves: Luke Treharne (Wales Sevens), Ruaridh McConnochie (England Sevens)
Women's squad
Claire Allan (England Sevens), Abbie Brown (England Sevens), Heather Fisher (England Sevens), Natasha Hunt (England Sevens), Jasmine Joyce (Wales Sevens), Katy McLean (England Sevens), Alice Richardson (England Sevens), Emily Scarratt (England Sevens), Emily Scott (England Sevens), Danielle Waterman (England Sevens), Joanne Watmore (England Sevens), Amy Wilson-Hardy (England Sevens)
Travelling reserves: Megan Jones (England Sevens), Kay Wilson (England Sevens)
Mitchell to captain Team GB Sevensmardi 19 juillet 2016
James Haskell undergoes toe surgery
England international James Haskell has undergone surgery to rectify an injury that could sideline him for six months.
The Wasps flanker required reconstructive work on his big toe after being hurt during England's second Test victory over Australia in Melbourne last month.
Haskell posted a short video on social media of him recovering in hospital following surgery, and he tweeted: "I made it through the op! All went well. Foot Hurts like hell though."
I made it through the op! All went well. Foot Hurts like hell though. https://t.co/JBaOqR4WaM
— James Haskell (@jameshaskell) July 19, 2016
Haskell missed the third Test in Sydney as England claimed a history-making 3-0 series whitewash against the Wallabies, and he now looks likely to be unavailable for the autumn internationals at Twickenham in November when England tackle South Africa, Fiji, Argentina and Australia on successive weekends.
Haskell, who has won 70 caps, was named man of the series in Australia as England continued their impressive winning run under head coach Eddie Jones.
Wasps said last week that Haskell faced a lay-off of between four and six months.
James Haskell undergoes toe surgerylundi 18 juillet 2016
PRO12 considering expansion into USA
The Guinness PRO12 are considering adding a new United States-based franchise to the league.
The PRO12 -- which currently features sides from Italy, Ireland, Wales and Scotland -- is looking to increase its revenue to keep up with their Aviva Premiership and Top 14 counterparts.
According to Philip Browne, the Irish Rugby Football Union CEO, one potential option would be to look to include a franchise based on the east coast of the USA.
The transatlantic rugby pathway is one already being explored by the Premiership who staged a match in New York last March while Ireland will play New Zealand in Chicago in November. With rugby the fastest-growing team sport in America, Browne sees a potential opportunity for the PRO12 to expand into a new market.
"The one thing we can bring to bear, as four unions, is if you operate a franchise model we can provide the coaches, we can provide the administrative expertise," Browne said in the Irish Times. "We can do what is needed to get a franchise up and running pretty quickly.
"So, that's what we are looking at. If we are going to do this we are not going to do it on the basis of putting together a half-baked team. What we need is a good team working in a market that has commercial opportunities for us."
He added: "Such an increase in values will require some radical change to the tournament and how it is structured. The expansion of the tournament into new territories is probably a prerequisite and the first steps are being taken now in relation to a new strategic plan for the tournament."
PRO12 considering expansion into USALeicester appoint Tom Youngs as captain
Aviva Premiership club Leicester have announced the appointment of England international hooker Tom Youngs as club captain for next season.
Youngs, 29, has made more than 100 first team appearances for the Tigers, in addition to winning 28 England caps and featuring in the British and Irish Lions Test series against Australia three years ago.
"Tom is a Leicester man through and through and has special links with the club, where his father and brother have also played. He is a world-class player who leads by example," Leicester rugby director Richard Cockerill told the club's official website.
"Tom is supported by a good strong group of leaders within the squad, including Ed Slater, who has done an excellent job as club captain over the last couple of seasons, and experienced players like Mathew Tait, Dan Cole, Tom Croft, Manu Tuilagi, Ben Youngs, Owen Williams and Freddie Burns."
Leicester appoint Tom Youngs as captainNakarawa makes the Fiji squad for Rio
Racing 92-bound Leone Nakarawa has made the Fiji squad for Rio 2016 after Ben Ryan confirmed the 13-man party that will head to the Olympic Games as favourites to lift the Sevens crown.
Nakarawa, who was one of the stars of the 2015 Rugby World Cup, features alongside captain Osea Kolinisau and other mainstays on the Sevens Series Josua Tuisova, Kitione Taliga, Samisoni Viriviri, Savenaca Rawaca, Semi Kunatani, Vatemo Ravouvou, Viliame Mata and Jerry Tuwai.
It was a tough task for Ryan to whittle down the squad to the final 13-man group -- Masivesi Dakuwaqa travels as a reserve -- with Jarryd Hayne a notable omission. But Ryan was encouraged by the way the whole squad reacted to his selection calls.
Congrats to all the brothers selected.. Love to the brothers who missed out.. #riobound #fiji #rugby7 http://pic.twitter.com/SS4dVnTnSU
— jarryd hayne (@JarrydHayne) July 16, 2016
"I knew I was going to have difficult decisions," Ryan said. "And you want to have difficult decisions. Last night I sat in my bure and one by one the boys came in and one by one I told them their fate and to a man they were outstanding in the way they took their news.
"If they weren't selected they thanked us, they shook our hands and they left with their heads held high."
Fiji squad: Osea Kolinisau (c), Apisai Domolailai, Jasa Veremalua, Josua Tuisova, Kitione Taliga, Leone Nakarawa, Samisoni Viriviri, Savenaca Rawaca, Semi Kunatani, Vatemo Ravouvou, Viliame Mata, Jerry Tuwai
Travelling reserve: Masivesi Dakuwaqa
Nakarawa makes the Fiji squad for Riodimanche 17 juillet 2016
Wales' Francis commits to Exeter Chiefs
Wales prop Tomas Francis has signed a new deal with Exeter Chiefs, the Aviva Premiership side have announced.
Francis, 24, saw his current contract extended by the club and will now ply his trade at Sandy Park until 2019.
The 14-time capped Wales international has impressed since moving to Exeter from London Scottish two years ago and joins the likes of Luke Cowan-Dickie, Henry Slade and Jack Nowell in signing a fresh deal with the Chiefs in recent weeks.
And head coach Rob Baxter is pleased to have extended Francis' stay and wants to help him continue his development during that time.
"In Tom's last contract, the club had a clause in there that we could extend the contract if certain terms were met," he told the club's official website.
"We have decided to go with that, and have extended his deal by a further two years beyond the end of the 2016-17 season.
"I know he is delighted with that, and we are obviously very pleased that a player who came to us from the Championship and has been with us for a couple of seasons now sees his long-term future with us.
"Hopefully we can help keep developing him as not only a Premiership and European quality player, but also as an international."
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samedi 16 juillet 2016
Great Britain triumph in Europe Sevens
Great Britain dominated the first day of the Rugby Europe Sevens Grand Prix Series in Gdynia, Poland.
In their last opportunity to fine tune their preparations for this summer's Olympic Games Britain's two teams, the Royals and the Lions, completed a clean sweep of three victories each to top their groups.
The Royals opened with a 42-0 thumping of Lithuania and then saw off Italy 36-7 and Germany 33-7.
The Lions edged past Georgia 15-14 in their first match before beating Poland 33-14 and France 26-12.
The Lions will face Italy in Sunday's quarterfinals while the Royals take on Georgia. Russia meet Germany and France play Spain.
The 12 players who have been selected to represent Team GB at Rio this summer by coach Simon Amor will be announced on Tuesday.
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vendredi 15 juillet 2016
Blues outlast Waratahs in Auckland
The Blues have finished the year with back-to-back wins over Australian franchises following a 34-28 victory over the Waratahs at Eden Park.
There were three penalty tries in what was a topsy-turvy encounter, bu the hosts always found a way to claw their way back in front.
The six-point victory comes after the Blues hammered the Brumbies last week, ironically the team that now appears set to top the Australian conference.
The Brumbies can wrap up the sole Australian spot in the postseason with a solitary bonus-point against the Force in Canberra on Saturday night.
More to follow ...
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Genia, Cooper hit Ballymore for Test training
Will Genia and Quade Cooper have hit the training paddock at Ballymore, adding fuel to speculation of a return to Queensland Reds.
That certainly looks to be the case for Cooper at least, who must be signed to an Australian Super Rugby franchise to be available for the Rugby Championship which kicks off in August.
As Cooper hasn't played the required 60 Tests that would make him eligible regardless of current club commitments, he must secure a deal with an Australian franchise before the tournament begins.
He recently confirmed he wouldn't be taking up the second year of his contract with French club Toulon, further giving rise to talk of a return to Ballymore or even a rumoured move to Melbourne Rebels.
Genia meanwhile, has played 66 Test for the Wallabies. But the veteran scrum-half battled injury in his first season with Paris club Stade Francais whom he joined after last year's Rugby World Cup.
The former Reds teammates took to Instagram on Friday to confirm their return to Brisbane.
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika confirmed after the third Test loss to England that Matt Giteau, Drew Mitchell and Adam Ashley-Cooper had also signalled their intention to return for the Rugby Championship.
The veteran backs will certainly strengthen Australia's playing stocks for Tests against New Zealand, South Africa and Argentina, though England coach Eddie Jones labelled it nothing more than a "short-term fix" to Australia's depth issues.
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jeudi 14 juillet 2016
Waldrom, Williams pen new Exeter deals
Thomas Waldrom (right), who signed for Exeter in 2014, has extended his contact until 2018.
Aviva Premiership club Exeter have announced contract extensions for No. 8 Thomas Waldrom and prop Harry Williams.
The deals follow fresh terms recently agreed by a number of other Exeter players, including Waldrom's fellow England internationals Jack Nowell, Henry Slade and Luke Cowan-Dickie.
Waldrom, one of the Premiership's most prolific try-scorers, and Williams will remain at Sandy Park until at least 2018.
Exeter head coach Rob Baxter said: "What we have done is moved quickly to extend the deals for both lads.
"They were both under contract for this season, but we've extended them by a year and got things done nice and early.
"It's a reward for both of them for doing so well, but it also keeps that solidity within the squad that we like to have."
Great news for @ExeterChiefs fans as @Toottankwaldrom and @HarryWilliams91 agree new deals - https://t.co/zVCgbYX584 http://pic.twitter.com/cwopJrHBs5
— Exeter Chiefs (@ExeterChiefs) 14 July 2016
Waldrom has scored 36 tries in 54 appearances for the Chiefs, while Williams also made a strong impression last season when Exeter reached the Premiership final and were European Champions Cup quarterfinalists.
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mercredi 13 juillet 2016
Ben Alexander re-signs with Brumbies
Ben Alexander looks set to become the Brumbies' most-capped player after signing a one-year extension with the Super Rugby club.
The 31-year-old veteran prop will stretch his career into a 10th season in 2017, giving him a chance to add to his 129 games and overtake former teammate George Smith's record of 142.
With the likes of Wallabies skipper Stephen Moore, Matt Toomua and David Pocock leaving at the end of the season, Alexander's experience will be vital next year.
"This is the fifth time we've re-signed Ben which shows you how valuable we believe he is to the club," coach Stephen Larkham said.
"He wants to continue to improve his game and at the same time help younger players coming through the ranks of ACT Rugby.
"Having players like Ben, Christian Lealiifano and Scott Fardy in the side next year will provide us with a level of experience that will be important to the squad."
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mardi 12 juillet 2016
Newcastle suffer Nili Latu injury blow
Newcastle have suffered a major blow ahead of the new Aviva Premiership season with Tonga captain Nili Latu being ruled out, probably until December.
Back-row forward Latu, who skippered Tonga at last year's World Cup, has undergone knee surgery, the Falcons announced.
Latu, 34, was hurt during Tonga's Pacific Nations Cup campaign last month.
"Nili suffered knee ligament damage playing in Tonga's last Pacific Nations Cup game, and was operated on yesterday," Newcastle rugby director Dean Richards told the club's official website.
"His likely return to playing is five months from now.
"Obviously it is a disappointing blow to lose a player of Nili's quality for that length of time, but at the same time it is an opportunity for other guys.
"We have a lot of players coming through - Harrison Orr has joined us and made a very good first impression -- but with David Tameilau not yet here from America, there is no denying it has left us a little bit short in the back-row."
Newcastle begin their Premiership campaign at home against Sale Sharks on Sept. 2.
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lundi 11 juillet 2016
dimanche 10 juillet 2016
Jarryd Hayne's Olympic dream over
Jarryd Hayne will not be fulfilling his Olympic dream.
The former NFL and NRL player was cut from Fiji's Rugby Sevens squad last Friday following a meeting with coach Ben Ryan.
Hayne will remain with the squad for a few more days before returning to Sydney to plot his next career move, which is expected to be a return to the NRL.
"Last Friday I had a meeting with Ben to discuss my future with the team and I was informed that my time has ended," Hayne said via Facebook.
"As much as I would have loved to go to Rio, I too knew I wasn't ready yet. During my time with the team, I pushed my body above and beyond. I used all my experience as a professional athlete and have tried everyday and in every way possible to make this team and make it better but unfortunately, time has been against me.
"I've loved every minute of training with the Fiji Rugby 7's. Not only are they back to back world champions but they are a bunch of guys who have welcomed me into the team as one of their own family.
"It was hard to comprehend and understand at first why I came here? Why God put me here, but deep down I knew there was a reason and a purpose. God takes you places not so you can achieve what you set out for, but to play a part and help something greater than yourself.
"This has been an amazing journey for me and a truly humbling experience. I have learnt so much and will never forget my time with this team."
Hayne was always going to find it tough to make the cut in the world champion Fiji outfit given the short timeframe for transition.
But with his body now in better aerobic shape, a return to the Parramatta Eels looms large particularly given Kieran Foran's request for a release following his ongoing personal struggles.
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Armand, Hepburn and Lees land Exeter deals
Aviva Premiership club Exeter have announced new deals for three more key members of their squad.
England Saxons forwards Don Armand, Alec Hepburn and Mitch Lees have all agreed fresh terms following on from the recent announcement that England international trio Jack Nowell, Henry Slade and Luke Cowan-Dickie also penned new three-year contracts at Sandy Park.
Reflecting on the latest deals, Exeter head coach Rob Baxter said: "These are players we have gone out and looked at and thought very highly of, and have brought them through either from Championship level, or with Don, the level below Super 15, because he hadn't quite broken into that level over there.
"They have added a lot in their short time they have been with us, and we think they are players who are going to play a big, big part in the future of the club going forward.
"Mitch and Don had real stand-out seasons last year and they are starting to show that they could be two of the best back-five forwards in the Premiership, and that was shown by them going on the Saxons tour [to South Africa], while Alec has just been getting better and better in his time with us.
"We made a decision to bring him in early to the club and nurse him through some injury rehab, and I think that was a really good decision.
"It allowed him to put some foundation work in, which allowed him to have a good season last year, and I thought he was absolutely fantastic on the Saxons tour, probably one of the stand-out forwards."
Armand, Hepburn and Lees land Exeter dealssamedi 9 juillet 2016
British teams reach Exeter Sevens quarters
Team GB's Olympic hopefuls should go head-to-head in another selection audition in Sunday's Exeter Sevens conclusion.
The two British teams entered into the Sevens Grand Prix Series event both topped their pools on Saturday, securing safe passage into the quarterfinals.
GB Royals will meet Georgia in the last eight on Sunday, while GB Lions will take on Russia, at Exeter's Sandy Park stadium.
The two British squads are odds-on to progress, and would then meet in the semifinals.
Last weekend the Lions beat the Royals 27-14 in the final of London's Sevens in the City tournament, and now Team GB's players will face off in competitive action once again.
The Royals had the toughest fixture of either British side on Saturday, seeing off France 17-10, after thumping Portugal 31-0 and Poland 43-0.
The Lions shrugged off Belgium 31-5, Italy 31-0 and Germany 41-0, conceding just one try en route to the last eight.
Spain will meet Germany and France will take on Italy in the other quarterfinals.
British teams reach Exeter Sevens quartersWestern Force pair reprimanded after hotel fracas
Australia wing Dane Haylett-Petty has been reprimanded for "urinating in a public place", while team-mate Pek Cowan has lost the Western Force captaincy.
The Western Force pair have both been fined $5,000 AUS for "breaching team leadership standards" during last weekend's Super Rugby trip to South Africa to take on the Cheetahs.
Wallabies wing Haylett-Petty has been stripped of the Force's vice captaincy, while Cowan was punished for "gaining unauthorised access to a team vehicle after the team-agreed curfew of 1.00am".
The Force slipped to a 30-29 defeat in Bloemfontein last weekend, and compounded that with a 22-3 loss at home to the Stormers on Saturday.
"The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) has today determined sanctions against Western Force players Pek Cowan and Dane Haylett-Petty after the pair were relieved of their leadership roles by the club for the remainder of the 2016 Super Rugby season for breaching team leadership standards while on tour in South Africa last weekend," read an ARU statement.
"Cowan, the Western Force captain, and team vice-captain Haylett-Petty were deemed to have breached the Australian Rugby player code of conduct in separate and unrelated incidents at the team hotel in Bloemfontein early on Sunday morning (local time).
"Both players will be served breach notices containing a $5000 fine.
"Haylett-Petty will be served a breach notice for urinating in a public place while Cowan will be served a breach notice for gaining unauthorised access to a team vehicle after the team-agreed curfew of 1.00am."
Haylett-Petty made his Australia debut in the first of the Wallabies' three Test defeats to England in the series whitewash last month.
The 27-year-old impressed with his strong running, ending the series with one try, despite the hosts' three straight losses.
Front-rower Cowan has won 10 Test caps for Australia since making his debut against Italy in 2009.
Wallabies bosses have moved swiftly to follow up internal Western Force punishments by confirming the fines, with ARU chief operating officer Rob Clarke taking a dim view of the duo's actions.
"The ARU Integrity Unit has reviewed the report provided by the Western Force on the events in South Africa last weekend and has determined that both Pek Cowan and Dane Haylett-Petty breached the code of conduct for separate and unrelated incidents at the team hotel in Bloemfontein," said Clarke.
"On Thursday, the club took action against both players for breaching its leadership standards and we support this decision.
"Given there were breaches of the code of conduct by both players as detailed in the report from the Western Force, the ARU Integrity Unit will accordingly issue breach notices to the players in the coming days.
"Both players assisted the club and the ARU Integrity Unit in this investigation."
Western Force pair reprimanded after hotel fracasvendredi 8 juillet 2016
jeudi 7 juillet 2016
Bristol won't rush head coach appointment
Andy Robinson has insisted Bristol do not need to rush into recruiting a new head coach for their long-awaited Aviva Premiership return.
Sean Holley left his head coaching role in June after helping guide Bristol back to England's top-flight for the first time in seven years. Bristol will start their Premiership return by taking on Harlequins in the London double-header on Sep. 3.
Bristol only lost forwards specialist Steve Borthwick to England in December, but rugby director Robinson believes the west country club still boast a strong coaching ticket.
"Long-term we'll be looking for somebody to come in but it needs to be the right appointment," said former England head coach Robinson. "But with Mark Bakewell leading the coaching at the moment across pre-season work, and having Dwayne Peel and Jonathan Thomas as attack and defence coach, Mark and my ability to unlock the knowledge that is there.
"These two guys have got phenomenal rugby knowledge, and it's unlocking that enthusiasm they've had to start with. Now we've got to unlock that knowledge so that our players can perform in our attacking and defensive games.
"The experience those two boys have had playing in the Premiership and also their rugby experience is as good as any. I'm going to unlock that, and that's the big challenge. Developing young players and coaches is why I'm in the game.
"It's great to be able to see the next crop of coaches come through, and the way they see the game. It's great to empower them to make decisions and with Mark and myself we're able to help them make those calls and to progress."
Bristol's keenly-anticipated Premiership return follows seven years battling to climb back to the top-flight, following relegation in 2009. Robinson's side will not have long to wait to host their first league match of the season at their Ashton Gate home, taking on Northampton Saints on Sunday, Sep. 11.
Robinson has challenged his inexperienced Bristol stars to "showcase their talents on the big stage", while also calling on the club's elder statesmen to guide those green youngsters through. Former Wales playmaker Gavin Henson is among those charged to mentor as well as perform on the park, and Robinson believes the 34-year-old is now well-placed to do exactly that.
"Since we've signed him from Bath Gavin's been very good for the squad," said Robinson. "He's worked very hard and he's been a first-class professional, a great pro, and he's come back in great shape.
"We didn't miss him in the play-off finals I'm pleased to say, because young Callum Sheedy stepped up, but he was only able to do so because of the guidance and support that Gavin had given him throughout the year.
"We wanted to keep as many of the squad together, so they have chances to perform. We've got a number of old heads, guys with international experience and recent Premiership experience.
"We've also got a number of young guys, who have done well in championship rugby but we don't really know how good they can be. So this is their opportunity to showcase their talents on the big stage.
"Having played in the Premiership and having coached in it I understand how tough it can be. For our guys we need them to embrace it, to take on every challenge that's there. They can't take a backward step.
"But if we can show some courage, fight to the end of every game, focus on ourselves in how we perform, then we'll get some success out of this season."
Bristol won't rush head coach appointmentJustin Tipuric back in training after concussion
Wales and Ospreys flanker Justin Tipuric is back in training after missing the final two months of last season with concussion
The timeframe saw Tipuric miss Wales' tour of New Zealand and unavailable for any potential opportunity at the Olympic Games with Team GB.
But the openside, who has 43 Wales caps, is now back in pre-season training and looking forward to playing in the Guinness PRO12 for the Ospreys.
"It's good to be back in training, back in and around the place" said Tipuric. "I'm feeling healthy and enjoying pre-season as best as it's possible to.
"I was well looked after, with excellent support from both the Ospreys and the Union medical teams. My welfare was put first, in front of everything else, and that's important. I'm extremely grateful to everybody for that.
"It wasn't the nicest of injuries shall we say. It was a pretty difficult time for me, sitting in the house unable to do anything for about five weeks. I'm not a good patient at the best of times. It's nice to be able to get out and do stuff again instead of sitting, staring at walls.
"It's been a good few weeks in fairness. It's been hard work as you expect in pre-season but there's definitely a good energy about the place. Last season was disappointing by our standards and everybody wants to make sure we aren't in that place again this year."
Justin Tipuric back in training after concussionHansen to reveal future before Rugby Championship
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has revealed he will make a call on his future before the Rugby Championship.
Hansen's contract expires at the end of 2017 and he is currently weighing up whether to extend that until the 2019 World Cup. The coach, who led the side to their 2015 World Cup triumph, was speaking to the BBC and said it will be a decision which takes into account a number of different factors.
"There's four things I've looked at," Hansen said. "One is the family... is it right for them? Is it right for the team? Is it right for the [New Zealand] Rugby Union and can I still get up in the morning and motivate myself and the team to improve?
"So if I can't do all those things, I won't do it. If I still think I can do it and the players are keen on me to do it then I'll think about it.
"There's one or two I've just got to ask myself yet and we'll make a decision before the Rugby Championship."
He added: "New Zealand Rugby have got to say they're keen too. I'm sure if we can sit down, something positive will come."
The New Zealand boss said their recent 3-0 Test series win over Wales hammered home to himself that he still has the hunger for the job, saying "I love winning and I love that team".
Next up on Hansen's radar as All Blacks coach is the Rugby Championship which starts on Aug. 20 and then attention shifts to next summer when they welcome the British & Irish Lions to New Zealand.
Hansen believes Warren Gatland should be the "frontrunner" to lead the tourists, and added: "If you get it right then you've got something special. So they'll be tough if they get it right."
Hansen to reveal future before Rugby ChampionshipStuart Pearce lends hand to Team GB's Sevens
Stuart Pearce has been drafted in to help Simon Amor's Olympics Sevens squad unite under the Team GB banner in Rio this summer.
Former England football full-back Pearce has addressed Team GB's wider Olympics training squad as head coach Amor races against time to draw the best sevens stars together from England, Scotland and Wales. Pearce talked of common passion, but has also advised Sevens boss Amor on selection dilemmas, given his own stewardship of Team GB's 2012 football side.
"I've had a lot of conversations with Stuart Pearce about how he managed to bring that GB team together for London 2012, the challenges he faced in a short space of time, to bring the home nations together," said Amor. "Stuart told me to smash the Team GB message with the players.
"He obviously had the difficult choice of not picking David Beckham, he chose Ryan Giggs instead. The biggest thing he said was 'hammer home that Team GB message, how big it is'.
"Everyone you speak to says it doesn't matter what you've done in the past, there's nothing that compares to this, the Olympics, the size, the scale, the feeling. And the other thing he said was to try to enjoy the journey, because he said it goes by just like that, in a second.
"We've tried to enforce that with the guys and they've worked so hard so far."
Amor is just as busy weighing final Rio selection as building excitement and ambition among his squad. The former England Sevens star will not though be filling any quotas when that final squad selection comes around. Amor has insisted the top-performing players will be selected to travel to Brazil, irrespective of their nationality.
Every British & Irish Lions tour squad selection is picked apart for the numbers representing each nation, but Amor claims there will be no need for any similar process for the eventual Team GB line-up.
Amor will finalise his 12-strong squad selection on July 19, before the GB men's outfit face New Zealand, Kenya and Japan in group-stage action, starting on August 9.
"There has been no quota set," said Amor of the impending Team GB selection. "As soon as I got the job I committed 100 per cent to sending the very best team we could possibly to the Olympics. That meant making some tough calls for resting and recovering the England guys, knowing we needed a squad of at least 24 going in.
"But now it's about that blend and that balance, and that's what we're trying to do in training, seeing who works well together. So it may not be the best individual players, it may be who works best with that particular player.
"So nothing to do with quotas, we'll send what we think is the best squad."
Stuart Pearce lends hand to Team GB's SevensEngland trio commit future to Exeter
England internationals Jack Nowell, Henry Slade and Luke Cowan-Dickie have all agreed new contracts with Aviva Premiership club Exeter.
The Chiefs announced that the trio had put pen to paper on three-year deals. Wing Nowell, centre Slade and hooker Cowan-Dickie all toured Australia with England last month, when Eddie Jones' squad claimed an historic 3-0 Test series triumph.
Nowell scored a try during the opening win in Brisbane. The three players arrived in Exeter's first team via the club's academy system and have proved key figures behind Chiefs' rise to prominence on domestic and European stages.
"When you look at all the things it needs for three players like that to sign for a club, it shows that you are ticking a lot of boxes," Exeter head coach Rob Baxter said. "First and foremost, it shows that we look after them and they enjoy being here, which is vitally important.
"But it also shows that we can help them not only achieve the ambitions which they have achieved so far, but that they also feel in the future they will experience big things here, not just in the Premiership and in Europe, but also internationally.
"It's great to know they are going be with us for at least the next three years. They were easy contracts to do, as the players wanted to stay and wanted to be part of the club going forward.
"They have seen the steps we've made as a team, and we are obviously delighted with how they've developed over the past few years and they are important players for us.
"They are all great characters, all very popular members of the squad, and I think all of those things bode well for where they go in the future.
"Potentially, they are the kind of guys who could play at one rugby club for 10-12 years and help a club become the best in the country.
"That's what we have to try and do with them is make them the best they can be - while equally, they have to try and make us be the best rugby club we can be."
England trio commit future to Exetermercredi 6 juillet 2016
mardi 5 juillet 2016
Wasps recruit ex-Tiger Blake as defence coach
Wasps have brought in former Leicester coach Phil Blake as their new defence supremo.
Blake, who has served the six-month ban he was handed in 2015 for breaching RFU betting rules, left the Tigers in 2015 but brings with him a wealth of experience having coached at the Wallabies, Western Force and in league.
"I'm really looking forward to working with Dai [Young] and his coaching team and to being part of something that is looking quite special," Blake said. "I'm excited about being involved in the Premiership and European Champions Cup again.
"The ban was well documented. It was a horrible period in my life, which I will always regret. I made a mistake, which I've learned from, and you just have to forge a way forward, move on and never repeat it.
"I feel fortunate to have this opportunity from Dai and am looking forward to the brief he has given me. There are really good foundations for the club to build on after the team reached two semifinals, but from speaking to Dai and knowing where the club wants to get to, that's hopefully just the start of it.
"Everyone will want to keep moving forward, to progress to finals and hopefully to silverware. That won't be easy, it will be a lot of hard work, but I'm sure everyone will be up for the challenge."
Blake replaces the now Ospreys coach Brad Davis while Wasps coach Dai Young has also brought in ex-Northampton Saints forward Dan Richmond to work alongside Andy Titterrell who has been handed a full-time role at the club.
"To be able to bring in a coach of Phil's knowledge and ability is really pleasing," Young said. "Phil is a highly-rated coach within both league and union circles and I am sure his experience will be a beneficial addition to our relatively young coaching group. We're looking forward to welcoming him on board and to seeing him build on the good work Brad [Davis] has done here over the past couple of years.
"I am also really pleased that Dan Richmond became available and we are looking forward to adding him to our coaching ranks in a full-time role. He is building an impressive reputation as a scrum and lineout coach and has bags of potential.
"He's done a really good job in his consultancy work with Worcester and Sale, who had one of the best scrums in the Premiership last season, so you can see the positive impact he's had there working alongside Steve Diamond."
Wasps recruit ex-Tiger Blake as defence coachBulls sign Springboks lock De Jager
The Bulls have signed Springboks second-row Lood de Jager on a one-year deal from the Cheetahs.
De Jager, 23, will link up with the Pretoria-based franchise on Nov.1 after previously weighing up offers from both the Bulls and Lions. He was crowned the SA Rugby Player of the Year in 2015 and boasts 20 caps for the Springboks.
"This is great news for us, not only because Lood is one of the best locks in the world, but also the fact that he sees the Vodacom Bulls as a team that will enhance his career and ambitions," Bulls high performance manager Janse van Rensburg said. "This is a compliment to what we are trying to achieve and a massive boost to our vision to build something special again in Pretoria."
De Jager said he was keen to join the Bulls, but still has unfinished business in Bloemfontein. "I am pretty excited about my future with the Vodacom Bulls and what they want to achieve in future.
"That said, I am still committed to the Cheetahs till the end of the season and will give my all in playing for them. They have been instrumental in the way my career developed and I want to thank them in the best way possible -- by giving my all every time I take to the field for the Cheetahs."
Bulls sign Springboks lock De JagerSevens schedule confirmed for Rio 2016
Tom HamiltonRugby Editor
The Sevens schedule for the Olympics has been unveiled with France and Spain's women kicking off rugby's return to the Games on Aug. 6.
With the women's Sevens starting on Aug. 6, those playing for France and Spain will make a slice of history as they take part in rugby's first match in the Games for 92 years, while Australia's game against France will kick start the men's side of the draw on Aug. 9.
The schedule sees both the men's and the women's Sevens teams play their respective side of the tournament across three days with each split into two sessions. The pool stages will take place over three sessions and the knockout stages across the remaining three.
World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont said: "We are almost there. Rugby is about to make Olympic history and, after a break of 92 years, the sport is ready to return to the programme at Rio 2016 for what we are hoping will be one of the highlights of these Games.
"Rugby sevens is a fast, thrilling sport that is capturing the imaginations of millions of people around the world and it is exciting to think that millions more fans will be created when the men's and women's events are beamed globally to new audiences one month from now.
"With the confirmation of the match schedules, now the players and fans know when each game is taking place and they can prepare accordingly. It really helps to bring the whole thing a little closer and it ramps up the anticipation even more."
The women's schedule can be found here and the men's full schedule here.
Sevens schedule confirmed for Rio 2016Kingston wants trophies in Quins' 150th season
Tom HamiltonRugby Editor
Harlequins' new director of rugby John Kingston is targeting silverware next season in what will be the club's 150th anniversary and admits the pressure is on to achieve the success their supporters expect.
Quins won the Aviva Premiership in 2012 and the LV=Cup the following season but missed out on a top six spot in the last two campaigns. Kingston, who replaces Conor O'Shea as director of rugby ahead of this season, hopes the club can deliver some trophies in what is a hugely important year for the club.
"I think the added pressure lies in the fact we have not been where we want to be, and that tells you the standards we set because we reached the final of a European trophy [Challenge Cup] last year," Kingston said. "What pressure is on us lies in looking to get into the business of winning trophies, we had a golden two or three years, it's a little while ago now, we want to try and get back to that.
"The fact that it's our 150th year, of course it would be lovely to win something but it would have been lovely to win a trophy in our 149th too."
Kingston heads up a coaching team which includes ex-England scrum coach Graham Rowntree and the squad are already back in pre-season training, bar the contingent that played in the June internationals. With a number of new faces in the party, including Scotland fly-half Ruaridh Jackson, Kingston is taking an "overview" of what his priorities need to be ahead of the new campaign.
"It's about me focusing in on the things I think are priorities," he said. "We have got to make sure we get the recruitment right, the management of the players is right and that the management of the playing staff is right.
"I am looking and will be looking at challenging constructively various departments in various areas, including the coaching side. It's about people getting used to me not being out on the field all the time, certainly not barking the instructions all the time, but taking a bigger overview of what's required and what's necessary.
"I'm just the figurehead and it's a team thing, it's a team effort that will get this great club to the places it wants to be."
Kingston wants trophies in Quins' 150th seasonWallaby Joe Tomane switches to Montpellier
The exodus of Wallabies to Europe has continued after winger Joe Tomane confirmed he will leave the Brumbies at the end of the season to join French club Montpellier.
The 17-Test Wallaby informed Brumbies supporters of his move in an open letter on Tuesday, but said he wanted to return to Australia and to the gold jersey, and is desperate to help the Canberra-based side win the Super Rugby title before he leaves.
"I hope that the possibility of returning to the Wallabies in the future is something that could happen, however right now my focus is doing everything I can to help the Brumbies in 2016 before my move to France," Tomane said.
Tomane has missed the past 10 weeks due to a knee injury but is in line to make his return in Friday night's crunch clash with the Blues in Auckland.
At season's end, the 26-year-old will link with former Brumbies coach Jake White, who is now in charge at Top 14 side Montpellier, and join a growing number of Australian players on lucrative contracts in European rugby.
But as he is well short of the 60 caps and seven years of service required under the so-called 'Giteau Law', he will become ineligible for Wallabies selection.
Tomane said it was a difficult decision to leave but felt the time was right to take on a new challenge.
The speedster spent four years in the NRL, with two seasons at both the Melbourne and Gold Coast, before moving back to rugby, his junior code, for the 2012 Super Rugby campaign.
Brumbies coach and Wallabies assistant Stephen Larkham said: "Whilst we are disappointed he will be leaving the club, there are limitations to what we are currently able to do if players garner overseas interest.
"In the end he felt this was his best option regarding his career and his family."
Wallaby Joe Tomane switches to MontpellierBoyd: 'Lions are deserved table-toppers'
The Lions' rise to the top of the Super Rugby may have caught the competition off guard, but Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd says the Johannesburg are deserved leaders.
And the second-year Super Rugby coach says the debilitating effect travel can have during the play-offs could play into the hands of the red-hot South African side.
The Lions have won seven of their last eight games to lead by a point from the four Kiwi outfits on the overall ladder. The Chiefs, Crusaders, Hurricanes and Highlanders are all a point behind each other from second to fifth.
Under competition rules, only the top-qualifying New Zealand side can host a quarter-final with the three others - if they maintain their lofty perches - forced to travel to Australia or South Africa.
There will be some hellish travel involved if the Lions host a semi-final and/or the final, Boyd said.
"People keep talking about how good the NZ conference has been but the Lions deserve to be top," he said.
"They've only lost three games. They're a very tough team to play and you add on the hostile environment of Ellis Park in Johannesburg and it's a real tough contest."
The Lions are favoured to keep top spot, with their last two regular season games against the lowly Kings and Jaguares.
In the last 15 years of Super Rugby, the top-qualifying side has won the title on 12 occasions. The runners-up have done it twice while the Highlanders broke the mould last year by winning from fourth.
Boyd said the Highlanders' achievement was exceptional - capped by beating his team in the decider - but he noted they didn't have to contend with a draining trip to South Africa in the play-offs.
Boyd: 'Lions are deserved table-toppers'