Moto:   BASIC RUGBY, PLAYED WELL 

             AND TO PERFECTION AT PACE!

 

 

IRB Announces Scrum Initiative

 

The IRB Council has approved a change to the Law that governs the scrum. This follows a review of the scrum by the IRB Rugby Committee and its Law Project Group following recommendations made by the IRB’s Medical Committee. The Law change will see the implementation of a four stage “crouch, touch, pause, engage” sequence for the initial scrum engagement at all levels of the Game from January 1, 2007.

 

”An essential element of rugby is its physicality. This has to be appropriately balanced with the welfare of participating players and the IRB continues to take such issues very seriously. As the world’s governing body we review all aspects of the Game and where appropriate consult with relevant experts,” said IRB Chairman Dr Syd Millar.

 

“The IRB believes that the contested scrum is an integral part of the Game and that Rugby is unique in that its playing charter provides the opportunity for individuals of all shapes and sizes to play the Game. That said, we have taken expert medical and technical advice that indicates that it is now appropriate for the Game to adopt a less vigorous scrum engagement sequence,” added Dr Millar.

 

Although various aspects of the scrum were considered by the Law Project Group (LPG), two key areas were reviewed. The first was information from the IRB Medical Advisory Committee on the engagement, and the second was the biomechanical processes involved in the scrum.

 

Issues with the scrum were identified and a number of corrective measures were discussed. It became clear that the gap between the two teams at engagement needed to be better quantified to prevent practices such as charging and this has led to the Law change in the scrum.

 

Three recommendations of the LPG have been approved by Council:

 

1. The new Law to be applied for the scrum engagement will be: The referee will call “crouch” then “touch”. The front rows crouch and using their outside arm each prop touches the point of the opposing prop’s outside shoulder. The props then withdraw their arms. The referee will then call “pause”. Following a pause the referee will then call “engage”. The front rows may then engage. The “engage” call is not a command but an indication that the front rows may come together when ready. This is a change to Law 20.1(h). Presently law 20.1 (h) stipulates a “crouch, pause, engage” sequence.

 

2. The scrum must be stationary and the middle line of the scrum must be parallel to the goal lines. A team must not shove the scrum away from the mark before the ball is thrown in. This reinforces current Law 20.1(k).

 

3. The front rows must crouch so that when they meet, each player’s head and shoulders are no lower than their hips. This will ensure that both front rows are at as suitable horizontal height. This reinforces current Law 20.1(g).

 

The Law change will come into effect on January 1, 2007 with recommendations 2 and 3 coming into effect concurrently

 

“This new engagement sequence will standardize the distance the two sets of forwards are apart, reduce the collision at engagement and will assist in ensuring that both sets of forwards are at the best horizontal height possible. This is crucial to the successful engagement of the scrum,” said the world’s most capped front row forward, Englishman Jason Leonard who has assisted the Law Project Group in its review of the scrum.

 

“With the reduced impact and forwards at the correct height we will see an associated improvement in the bind. This should also assist in minimizing collapsing of the front row. It also ensures that the scrum remains a true contest which is important for the Game. It in no way impairs both teams ability to contest for the ball,” added Leonard.

 

In light of the Law change the IRB Council has requested IRB management to review and further develop its educational and technical programs for the scrum. This review will include consideration of the suitability of various Member Union initiatives such as coach and referee education programs and other relevant policies. Council noted the recent success of policies adopted in Unions such as NZ and France around educational initiatives.

 

“We see comprehensive educational and technical training programs, allied with sound research that seeks to increase understanding of the biomechanics and injury risks involved in the scrum as the way forward,” said New Zealand Rugby Union Manager of Research and Injury Prevention Ken Quarrie.

 

The IRB, in accordance with the newly adopted Injury Definition Protocol that is contained within a new IRB Medical Plan, is committed to further study of the biomechanics of the scrum, including the wheel, and the collation of data on all injuries in the Game. This Law change will also go hand in hand with the zero tolerance policy on crooked feeds to the scrum that will come into effect on January 1, 2007.

 

November 18

 

U-19 Boy’s Team Travels to Arizona for Assembly, Back-to-Back Matches 

BOULDER, Colo. – The Boy’s Under-19 National Team travels to Arizona this weekend to hold its second assembly of the fall season, where they will first play Arizona State University at the Thunderbird Garvin Graduate School in Glendale, Ariz., on Saturday, and then travel to Tucson, Ariz., where they will play the University of Arizona on Sunday.  

“The goals of this assembly are to play and develop chemistry and an understanding of each other’s strengths and weaknesses,” U-19 Head Coach Salty Thompson said. “We also have to introduce a few new players into our squad and develop everyone’s roles and patterns. We need to become a TEAM in every aspect of the word.” 

This will be the final assembly before the team’s winter camp at Thunderbird Garvin, held Dec. 26-31, where the U.S. will host approximately 130 age-grade participants.  These frequent assemblies are in preparation for next year’s IRB U19 World Championships, scheduled for April in Belfast. 

“The last assembly in Dallas gave us a great opportunity to work on some of the same types of goals we are targeting again, but this time around I expect us to be better able to execute a game plan,” Thompson added.  

The U-19’s core players are attending this assembly, including 16 that played in the NAWIRA qualifier this summer. Two of the squad’s players – Travis Beattie and Mike McDonald-- will first play against the U.S. squad for ASU, and then join the team to play against U of A on Sunday.  

The assembly players include: Andrew Angellella (Philadelphia); Travis Beattie (Tempe, Ariz.); Nicholas Cook (Houston); Chance Doyle (New Orleans); Adam Ducoing (New Orleans); Nate Ebner (Columbus, Ohio); Kevin Erskine (Seattle); Zach Heath (Portland, Ore.); Jimmy Jewison (Houston); Nick Johnson (Minneapolis); Steve Johnston (Gilbert, Ariz.); Gareth Jones (Philadelphia); Simon Kinet (Tucson, Ariz.) Hoseki Kofe (Portland, Ore.); Garrett Lambert (St. Louis); Scott Lavalla (Seattle); Tommy Luckhaupt (Columbus, Ohio); Mike McDonald (Avondale, Ariz.); Delano McKenzie (Newport Beach, Calif.); Ethan Milton (Avondale, Ariz.); Taylor Mokate (Dallas, Texas); Shawn Pittman (Seattle); Hamish Roberts (Houston); Zeke Sulzen (Sacramento); Jack Tracy (Newport Beach, Calif.); Robert Wolfgramm (Salt Lake City); Bill Wynne (Newport, RI).

 

For more information on the boys U-19 program, please log on to www.usarugby.org/natteams/u19/boys/

 

 

USA Rugby Signs 365 Incorporated as its Official Retail, Marketing Partner

 

BOULDER, Colo. – USA Rugby announced today that 365 Incorporated has signed on to be its official retail and marketing retail partner through 2008.

“We are very proud of our new relationship with Bernard Frei and his team at 365 Incorporated,” David Voth, USA Rugby’s Vice President of Business Development said. “365 Inc. is extremely established and well-respected within their industry, and we share a common vision to promote the growth of American rugby at all levels-- from grass roots to high performance. Equally important we want to make sure that all USA Rugby relationships benefit our members and their clubs, and we’ve made this partnership a great win/win for everyone involved.” 

365 Incorporated, a part of privately owned Sport Endeavors Inc., has been actively involved in American rugby since 1998.  Together, 365 Inc. and Sports Endeavors produce the Eurosport Soccer catalog and the World Rugby Shop catalog. They also operate the websites RugbyRugby.com, WorldRugbyShop.com, Soccer.com, Lacrosse.com, and WorldSoccerShop.com. Additionally, 365 Inc. manages rugby and soccer retail sites for twelve other venues including stores for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, ESPN Deportes, Fox Sports International and Setanta Sport. Their products are also sold via Amazon.com. 

With this partnership, 365 Inc. has not only agreed to become an official online retail partner of USA Rugby, creating and operating a new online store on USA Rugby’s behalf, but has also committed to produce a USA Rugby specific newsletter/catalog to be mailed periodically to all current USA Rugby members.  

In a continuing effort to supply USAR members with benefits and discounts, USA Rugby  and 365 Inc. have formulated a plan to provide all newly registered USA Rugby Clubs with a heavily subsidized “Welcome Pack” comprised of five high quality training balls, a ball pump, a ball bag, ten cones, a laws book and a top quality Rugby coaching or match play DVD. USA Rugby and 365 Inc. will also offer a version of this pack to all renewing clubs. 

In addition to the tangible benefits, this partnership will also provide an invaluable amount of online, television and email promotions surrounding USA Rugby merchandise, helping to market the organization and the sport to athletes around the world. 

“Both 365 and USA Rugby are entering into an exciting phase of their development,” said Bernard Frei, President of 365 Inc. “We've always enjoyed a close relationship with the national office in Boulder and we're delighted to be able to join them in this new and exciting partnership. David Voth has challenged 365 and more specifically the World Rugby Shop team in Alabama and we intend to deliver.” 

Members can look for the first USA Rugby newsletter/catalog to be mailed out in early 2007, and new and existing members and clubs can start taking advantage of special promotions as soon as USA Rugby starts accepting its 2007 registrations.

 

USA RUGBY, founded in 1975, is the national governing body for rugby and is a member of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and the International Rugby Board (IRB). The organization is responsible for the development of boys, girls, high school, collegiate and club athletic programs, and ultimately, the seven national teams representing the United States in international competition. For more information on USA Rugby, please log on to www.usarugby.org.

 

365 Incorporated, founded in 1998, is based in Birmingham, Alabama. They are part of Sports Endeavors Inc. of Hillsborough, NC. 365 Inc. operates and manages rugby and soccer e-commerce and editorial websites for high-profile partners in these respective industries and produces the World Rugby Shop catalog. Please visit www.365-inc.com for more information on 365 Inc.

 

 

ITI AMERICAS OFFER RUGBY DEVELOPMENT SCHOLARSHIPS FOR 2007 INTERNATIONAL RUGBY ACADEMY OF NEW ZEALAND 

 

BOULDER, Colo. -- ITI Americas, with operations in the USA and Chile, has officially announced that it will offer two rugby development scholarships to both the aforementioned countries for the 2007 International Rugby Academy of New Zealand (IRANZ).

ITI Americas President, Mark Boyle, and IRANZ Managing Director, Murray Mexted have confirmed that the two ITI USA player scholarships will be selected by USA Eagles National Coach Peter Thorburn.  The player scholarship from Chile will be selected by Chile National Coach Gonzalo Balbontin.

Thorburn has already confirmed the two young men who will be going on behalf of the U.S. The first is four-time collegiate All-American scrumhalf Mike Petri (Penn State). Petri was this year’s recipient of the Doug Edwards award, which is given annually to the All-American player that best demonstrates selfless support of the team and the game, on-and-off the field. Mike’s contribution as captain and a consummate motivator and leader makes him an obvious first choice to receive this scholarship. Thorburn’s second U.S. selection was Benny Mateialona (Life University). Benny played for the U-19 National Team in 2004-2005 and his performance at the Rocky Mountain Tournament (Denver) in 2004 projected him to the USA squad for the NAWIRA Qualifier in Trinidad.  He made his Junior Eagle debut against Guyana then started the final against Canada helping the U.S. to a historic victory which qualified the team for the 2005 World Juniors in Durban, South Africa.

 “These scholarships will contribute significantly to player development in the USA,” Peter Thorburn said. “USA Rugby is extremely grateful to Mark Boyle and IRANZ for making this happen.”

IRANZ has achieved outstanding success with their player and coaching programs, with notable international selections of Jason Eaton for the New Zealand All Blacks and Francois Steyn for the South African Springboks.

 “ITI values the opportunity to participate in the development of the world game and to contribute to the local communities in which we work in the Americas,” Boyle said.  IRANZ has an enviable reputation built on professionalism and dedication to excellence. Having worked with Murray previously on player and coaching scholarships in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, we are delighted to be able to take a leading role in offering America and Chilean talent the chance to participate in the world’s leading high performance rugby academy.”

About IRANZ

IRANZ provides inspiration and a high performance avenue for promising players and coaches from throughout New Zealand and around the world.  Now into its sixth year of operation, IRANZ has had players and coaches sent to its courses from the New Zealand Rugby Union, South African Rugby Union, English Rugby Union, Australian Rugby Union, Scottish Rugby Union, USA Rugby, Fiji Rugby Union, Korean Rugby Union, the majority of English premiership academies, Japanese company teams as well as New Zealand provincial unions - all in all, players and coaches from 23 different countries. A range of courses are offered for players and coaches, from advanced players’ courses aimed at promising rugby players in the 15 to 18 age group through to high performance courses for players and coaches from around the world. For more information visit www.internationalrugbyacademy.com 

About ITI Americas

ITI produces and distributes an extensive range of wood products for the building industry.  Its flag ship product, Design Pine, is produced at its facility in Concepcion, Chile and is distributed throughout the United States and Australia.  Design Pine has an extensive offering that includes siding, trim boards, door jambs and brick mould, rails and balustrades and decorative posts.  Design Pine is guaranteed not to rot for 20 years and comes complete with a two coat exterior primer system. For more information visit www.itiamericas.com 

About USA Rugby

Founded in 1975, USA RUGBY is the national governing body for rugby and is a member of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and the International Rugby Board (IRB). The organization is responsible for the development of boys, girls, high school, collegiate and club athletic programs, and ultimately, the seven national teams representing the United States in international competition. For more information, visit www.usarugby.org.

THREE DIABLO GAELS MAKE NOR CAL PELICANS SQUAD

Diablo Gaels placed three players on the Nor Cal Pelicans Squad to compete in the Trials for the right to play on the PCRFU Grizzles in the ITT's held later this month.  The Trails will be held at St. George, Utah.

 

Led by stand out, outside center Mone Matagangi, half back John Kunz and no. 8 Tua Lino, the trio participated in the Nor Cal Trails at Stanford University for the opportunity to make this squad.  Matangi, has previously played on the Grizzles 7's Squad in 2006 and the Eagles 7's 2006 pool.  Kunz is no stranger to the  this competition having competed in 2005.  For Lino it will be his first trip as a representative side player.

 

This selection of these three players brings the total number of Diablo Gaels to six that have represented either the Nor Cal or Pacific Coast Rugby Union in 2006.

 

The Diablo Gaels RFC are very pleased to see these players be selected for this competition. 

BARACUS SCRIMMAGE

 

DG 43 - Baracus 33 (Unofficial score, it was a two try margin for us)

 

Lining up pre season matches is always a challenge after four practices we had our first run of the pre season against organized competition, DII Baracus.

 

The turn out was light for for us with a combination of experience levels including 8 U-23 players.  The  format was 4 - 20 minute quarters refereed by Paul Bretez, who is now an international panel referee.  Paul did a very good job of making sure play was controlled especially with our new U-23 players.

 

First two quarters saw a determined Baracus taking advantage of our mixed side of young players and strong attack.  We were tentative and did not meet them at the line on defense and dropped numerous pass with try written all over them.  Chalk it up the first run of the season and a Baracus who was looking to make a point with this scrimmage.  Having said that we responded well with the U-23 players adjusting to club level play.  Our senior players started to pick up the slack motivating the young players and play began to turn at the end of the 2nd quarter.

 

The third quarter saw us play attacking rugby and coming up quick on defense to pressure their back.  Baracus has a credible fly half and his kicking was intelligent but our wings and full back did good to counter.  We scored and brought the match into focus at the end of the 3rd quarter making it DG 31 - Baracus 33.

The 4th quarter saw our fitness level kick in and Baracus showing signs of fatigue.  We began some strong forward play and then spinning the ball wide stretching the opponents and creating gaps.  We scored but missed the conversion and with about a minute and a have scored and converted to finish off the scoring.

 

It was about what we expected given we had just gotten started two weeks ago.  However, the U-23 kids did a good job in adjusting to this level of play.  Putting the players under pressure was a great way for them to measure where they are at in the early season.

 

KYLE MAKES IT HOME!

Kyle Batten makes it home safely after a six month stint in 

Australia.  Whilst not much high caliber rugby was exchanged

or experienced, plus a fracture to the tibia, other life skills were

of value.  He got to take in the Australian culture, becoming a fan of 

Aussie Rules and League which he would have liked to play had he not

not been injured.  Much of his time was spent rehabbing the leg and checking

out the sites of Australia particularly the watering holes and watching good rugby.  

Whilst in Perth he joined a fitness regime and became enamored with boxing

and would like to keep this going as part of his weekly fitness.  He 

seems to have grown a few inches is leaner and looks meaner and we welcome him

home and hope he has a good rugby season for the Gaels.

Kyle at Meelup Beach - Western Australia- 2006

Eddie on the other hand is staying on for a while, who knows when he will be home?

He seems to have lost his heart to an Aussie Gal. We wish him well and hope to 

see him home soon.

 COMPETITION PROVES FIERCE FOR EAGLES IN 

 SECOND DAY OF SINGAPORE SEVENS