“James has a real opportunity to show what a quality player he is,” said Gatland. hongkong rugby tickets 2011 “There is a certain amount of risk involved as he has not started a game at fly-half this season, but the decision was made easier considering Stephen has been limited in what he can do in the early part of this week after the bump he picked up early on against England.” champion league final tickets Gatland has also been forced to make a change in the pack, with former skipper Ryan Jones replacing the sidelined Andy Powell.
Asset
“The forwards were in a battle last week, but there were plenty of things that went right and we want them to go up to Murrayfield and give it a shot,” said McBryde. arsenal football tickets “Our front five was an asset in the autumn and Craig Mitchell
Leinster coach Joe Schmidt said: “It’s a great boost to finally secure the contract extensions of Brian, Jamie and Johnny. “They have been key players in the province’s recent success and they offer genuine leadership, talent and experience as we strive toward further success. arsenal football tickets champions league tickets . Edmonton Wedding Planners
“Being of genuine Leinster stock it’s great to have three such pivotal players join with a number of other players who have recently extended their contracts, reaffirming that loyalty amongst Irish players can still outweigh lucrative overseas offers. “For the province, our sponsors and supporters it offers great stability going forward.” rugby tickets Sexton had been linked to a move away from Ireland after growing frustrated at how his contract talks had been going. However he is pleased to have got the situation sorted. hongkong rugby tickets 2011 “There is something special building in Leinster at the moment and as well as the involvement with Ireland in a World Cup year, that was the main influence on my decision,” he said. champion league final tickets
Exciting
“It has been great to get my contract finalised ahead of what is going to be a pretty exciting and challenging period for the Ireland squad and now I just want to focus on playing the best rugby that I can and hopefully contributing to further success with Ireland and Leinster.” O’Driscoll, the Ireland captain, insists he had no hesitation about extending his stay. champions league tickets He said: “Playing in Ireland with Leinster for my entire career has been all the more enjoyable knowing that my rugby goals I have achieved to date were with an organisation that has really grown at the same time as me over the last 10 years. “Leinster and Irish Rugby has progressed so far during that time that winning Magners Leagues, Heineken Cups and Grand Slams was infinitely more satisfying knowing that it was done playing in Ireland with my home province.” arsenal football tickets Heaslip has now set his sight on achieving more success after putting pen to paper on his contract. champions league tickets He said: “I am pleased to have agreed a new contract and to commit myself to Leinster for a further three years. “I have been fortunate to enjoy some great success already in my career and I want to achieve more with Leinster and Ireland in the years ahead.” England europeon championship
]]>Castrogiovanni has gone on to make nearly 100 appearances for the Tigers, winning three domestic titles and the Premiership Player of the Year crown. arsenal football tickets And Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill
“He has moved to the top levels of the game during his time with us and our environment certainly suits him. hongkong rugby tickets 2011 “He is happy in Leicester, he is very popular with the supporters and with his team-mates.
champion league final tickets “Everyone knows that Castro has had opportunities to go elsewhere, but he has shown his commitment to the Tigers and we’re looking forward to his continued contribution in the future. champions league tickets “Together with Dan Cole
arsenal football ticket “With the increasing intensity of the professional game it is certainly an advantage to have top-class options available and to be able to keep players fresh in order to perform consistently at their best.”
]]>Fifa president Sepp Blatter has confirmed that the 2022 World Cup could be held in the winter. Cheap football tickets
The World Cup
And speaking at the International Olympic Committee
“For now, there are the pros and cons, so it is premature to make any decisions on what may happen but all I am saying is that winter is not only January and February – winter is also the end of the year.” champion league final tickets
IOC role
The IOC is sensitive to a winter World Cup because it could hamper that year’s winter Olympics, which are traditionally held over 16 days between the last week of January and the end of February. champions league tickets
Earlier this month, IOC president Jacques Rogge urged Fifa to discuss the matter with Olympic officials once it has decided on the dates of the tournament so that they do not harm each other’s event. The 2022 winter Olympics will be awarded in 2015. champions league tickets
]]>The Scotland international is out of contract in the summer and so far lengthy negotiations over a new Pride Park deal have failed to bear fruit. Cheap football tickets Gers are believed to be looking to secure his signature on a pre-contract enabling them to complete a free transfer at the end of the season. Football tickets Smith
Interest
“He’s someone we are interested in trying to get,” confirmed Smith. arsenal football tickets “We’ve made an enquiry and we are in talks with Derby to see what the situation is.” rugby tickets Smith last week revealed that he was on the look-out for two loan deals following the departure of Kenny Miller
Skysports.combroke the news on Sunday that the Senegalese star was due to sign on Monday, and the deal has now been finalised.A host of Premier League clubs had emerged as rivals to West Ham over the weekend, with Sunderland,
The Scottish international has been the subject of intense transfer speculation in recent weeks, with Liverpool emerging as front-runners to sign him. Football tickets Blackpool
Tangerines boss Ian Holloway has stood firm over his belief that Adam
fa cup final tickets Barkley
Bath
Favourite
“We are very happy that both Olly and Jack are staying with us for a further two years,” said Bath head coach Steve Meehan.
“Olly is an established favourite at The Rec and has been playing some great rugby for us over recent seasons.
“Likewise, Jack has been in great form, and we have seen him make a continued improvement as the season has gone on. His hard work is paying off, and this hasn’t gone unnoticed.” hongkong rugby tickets 2011
On Haag’s deal, Bath chief executive Nick Blofeld added: “We have seen some significant improvements and been delighted with the forwards’ play recently, and so it was a simple decision to extend Martin’s contract. rugby tickets “His contract now brings him in line with the other coaches, and we are very pleased that he has agreed to stay with us.”
]]>The 29-year-old forward agreed to an early termination of his Bulls contract and decided to return home with his pregnant wife Kylie.
Hall had moved to Super League from Manly having helped the Sea Eagles win the 2008 NRL title and then the World Club Challenge the following year, when they defeated Leeds Rhinos at Elland Road.
However he struggled for form during his solitary season with Bradford, starting in just seven of his 25 appearances.
“Signing with the Cowboys is an ideal opportunity for me to better my football and re-join the NRL with a club heading in the right direction that boasts such a big support group,” he said.
Hall, who can play at either prop or in the second row, has signed a two-year deal with North Queensland.
Cowboys general manager Peter Parr added: “Glenn will give us a good balance of youth and experience.”
]]>Bath coach Steve Meehan
The 32-year-old Moody has won 66 England caps, and led England to their historic victory over Australia in last year’s autumn internationals. Johnson admitted: “It is always disappointing to lose a player and leader of Lewis’ calibre but as I have consistently said, good teams adapt to injuries and that is what we intend to do. champion league final tickets “While this could still mean Lewis plays a role in the Six Nations, it does mean that another player gets the chance to step up and make it hard for him to get the shirt back.”
fa cup tickets England will name a squad replacement for Moody on January 24 and Johnson will announce his new captain in the week before the opening game of the championship when England play Wales in Cardiff on February 4.
]]>Wales international Henson
The 28-year-old joined Sarries in October but his debut has been delayed by his participation in the TV show Strictly Come Dancing. Football tickets
Also amongst the list of replacements is Alex Goode,
Meanwhile, props Deon Carstens
The game looks certain to go ahead as Wembley has undersoil heating.
Saracens
Replacements: 16 Jamie George, 17 Rhys Gill, 18 Petrus du Plessis, 19 Hayden Smith, 20 Andy Saull, 21 Richard Wigglesworth, 22 Gavin Henson, 23 Alex Goode champions league tickets
]]>Atletico Madrid was originallyCheap football tickets founded in April 1903. Football tickets The club have won La Liga on nine occasions. Nicknamed Los Colchoneros (The Mattress Makers), their home ground is the Vicente Calderon Stadium in Madrid with a capacity of over 54,000. arsenal football tickets Currently managed by Quique Sanchez Flores the squad includes Antonio Lopez, Sergio Asenjo, Raul Garcia and Sergio Aguero.
festival tickets Getafe Club de Futbol SAD was founded in 1983 and have played in the top level since 2004-2005. Nicknamed Azulones (The Dark Blues), musical tickets the play their home games at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez in Getafe, Madrid.
Currently managed by Michel, the squad includes Juan Albin, DanI Parejo, Jordi Codina, Danial Diaz and Borja.
]]>Mallorca : rugby tickets Real Club Deportivo Mallorca was founded in March 1916. hongkong rugby tickets 2011
Their home ground is Son Moix with a capacity of over 24,000 seatings. champion league final tickets The club won the Copa del Rey cup for the first time in 2003. fa cup tickets
The current squad, guided by Michael Laudrup consists of musical tickets captain Nunes, German Lux, Pierre Webo, Tuni and Marti. fa cup final tickets
]]>Real Sociedad : Real Sociedad de Futbol, Cheap football tickets SAD, was founded in 1909. Their home stadium is Anoeta in San Sebastian. Football tickets They have won 2 La Liga titles in 80-81 and 81-82. arsenal football tickets The current squad is managed by Martin Lasarte and includes captain Mikel Aranburu, Carlos Martinez, Xabi Prieto, Joseba Lorente and Claudio Bravo. festival tickets
]]>Valencia CF was founded on 18 March 1919. hongkong rugby tickets 2011 The team?s home ground is Mestalla with a capacity of 55k. Valencia CF also known as Los Che musical tickets Valencia have won six La Liga titles placing them in third position behind fa cup final tickets Real Madrid and Barcelona. rugby tickets The squad is guided by Unai Emery and includes captain Vicente Rodriguez, fa cup tickets David Navarro, Cesar Sanchez and Joaquin Sanchez. champion league final tickets
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Villarreal Club de Futbol SAD was founded in 1923. hongkong rugby tickets 2011The team is nicknamed The Yellow Submarina (El Submarino Amarillo) due to their full-yellow home uniform. festival tickets Their home ground is El Madrigal in Villarreal (Castellon) which has a capacity of 25,000. fa cup final ticketsThe squad is guided by Juan Carlos Garrido and includes captain Marcos Senna, Xavi Oliva, Cheap football tickets Marco Ruben and Angel Lopez. musical tickets
]]>The Tigers’ director of rugby accused the referee of not dealing with the French side’s repeated killing of the ball at the breakdown during the clash at Welford Road Cheap football tickets Cockerill also rounded on competition organisers ERC who, he said, were not fulfilling their promise of zero tolerance in the competition. Football tickets“It is not the referee’s fault we drew today,” he said. “We have to deal with the issues. arsenal football tickets
“But clearly the lawmakers have some issues to deal with because today was a complete mess at the breakdown. festival tickets
“It seems to be the sides that want to cheat, lie down at the breakdown, kill the ball and not roll away are getting away with it more and more. They came with a plan to not let us play. musical tickets
“We spoke to (ERC match officials performance manager) Donal Courtney and he assured us there would be zero tolerance at the breakdown. Clearly there wasn’t zero tolerance today. rugby tickets
“Every time we got to the 22 they killed the ball, they didn’t roll away, they were in at the side whereas we are told it is zero tolerance.
“The lawmakers come out with these mandates and they say ‘This is how it is going to be refereed’.
Lost for words
“You try to play, you can’t play. The referee doesn’t deal with it, you can’t ruck anybody, you can’t use physical force to move anybody so how are you meant to play the game? I am lost for words on that.”
Cockerill’s outburst could land him in deep water with ERC, who fined Saracens boss Brendan Venter 25,000 Euros last month for criticising referees following his side’s Heineken Cup defeat by Leinster.
Leicester must now win at Pool Five leaders Scarlets and beat Treviso to keep their Heineken Cup hopes alive. fa cup ticketsfa cup final tickets
“You’d like to think you’d win your home games but it is still all to play for,” added Cockerill. champions league tickets
“If we want to qualify we have to win both games. Whether it is top of the pool will come down to bonus points.”
Perpignan’s former Leicester prop Perry Freshwater said: “Not many teams come here and get any kind of result. six nations tickets
“We’re very happy. Our form isn’t great away from home. It feels like a win. The boys are very happy in the changing room.”
]]>The match had been locked at 3-3 at half-time before Wasps took control by running in four tries after the break to earn a bonus point. Football tickets
Joe Ward,
Stand-off Dave Walder
Change
A crowd of only 1,236 attended a match that was under threat until 10.15am on Sunday morning, when the required medical support was secured after Bucks County had stated they would be unable to supply a paramedic team due to their need to service the local area. musical tickets
Treacherous conditions around the ground failed to deter Wasps, who were able to stage the encounter thanks to the under-soil heating.
Wasps were forced into a late change to their starting XV, Will Matthews being promoted from the bench after number eight Andy Powell was ruled out by a thigh injury. rugby tickets
The opening 40 minutes were distinctly underwhelming and featured just a penalty for each side. hongkong rugby tickets 2011
Conditions played their part in the unispiring fare – handling was tricky due to the melting snow – but both sides appeared intent on kicking away possession at every opportunity. champion league final tickets
Matthew Jones capped an early spell of pressure from the visitors with a ninth-minute penalty. fa cup ticketsfa cup final tickets
Wasps were largely pinned back inside their own half, a rare foray downfield by Ben Jacobs ending with the centre chipping ahead and forcing the Dragons to scramble the ball away close to their own line.
Walder levelled matters up with a penalty of his own just before half-time and, whatever was said in the home dressing room during the break, it worked a treat as the hosts came to life when play resumed.
Adventure
Another Walder penalty edged Wasps in front for the first time before the fly-half’s adventure created the game’s opening try in the 49th minute.
He sidestepped his way through the Dragons’ midfield defence and released David Lemi on his left, the winger being stopped just short of the line.
But the ball was quickly recycled, allowing hooker Ward to crash over from close range. champions league tickets
Wasps were now dominating possession and were rewarded again in the 65th minute when van Gisbergen applied the finishing touch in the right corner after the ball had been moved swiftly through the back division.
That score opened the floodgates, Varndell and replacement Berry going over in quick succession to secure the bonus point. six nations tickets
Walder converted all four tries and Wasps’ second-half effort was only slightly marred by the concession of a late try when Aled Brew crashed over late on for the Dragons, who have now lost all four of their games in this season’s Heineken Cup.
Substitute Calum Clark crossed over for the decisive score, and his side’s only try, seven minutes from the end to make the Blues
The Blues had looked like they might hold on, with Richard Mustoe’s try just after the break plus 14 points from the boot of Dan Parks rewarding their endeavour. arsenal football ticketsBut it was the Saints’ pack that again ultimately decided the contest, with Tongan prop Soane Tonga’uiha deservedly named man of the match, while Steve Myler’s six penalties kept the scoreboard ticking over.
Dominance
It meant a first home loss in 13 matches in the competition for the Welshmen, who again failed to come to grips with the Saints pack after their dominance at Franklin’s Gardens last time out.
Northampton
Their forwards duly drove the Blues back, the home side were penalised and Myler kicked the visitors into a third-minute lead. musical tickets
But the Blues showed more flair behind and their pressure was eventually rewarded with a simple Parks penalty for offside, only for Myler to restore the Saints’ lead when Blues wing Richard Mustoe was penalised for holding on. rugby tickets
The Welsh region kept pounding away, the lively Martyn Williams scavenging for possession, and Bradley Davies and Rush were both held up before the Saints transgressed again, centre James Downey receiving a yellow card and Parks slotting over the penalty. hongkong rugby tickets 2011
The Scottish fly-half added another three points when Northampton flanker Tom Wood offended at the tackle, but on a rare visit downfield Myler rounded off the opening period with another simple penalty.
The Blues introduced British and Irish Lion Jamie Roberts at half-time for his first outing of the season following a wrist operation in the summer and the burley centre played a typically muscular part in the game’s first try.
A mazy run by fellow centre Casey Laulala set up the move, which was finished off by winger Mustoe, twisting out of a tackle to touch down, Parks converting. champion league final tickets Blues lost lock Davies to the sin bin for slowing down the breakdown and Myler kicked his fourth penalty to cut the deficit. fa cup ticketsfa cup final tickets
The Saints were beginning to threaten more with ball in hand and a run from deep by England full-back Ben Foden saw the move ended by a Rush tackle on Courtney Lawes, which referee Jerome Garces thought dangerous enough to justify a red card. champions league tickets
Myler inevitably kicked the resultant penalty.
Flattened
When Northampton lock Christian Day flattened home scrum-half Richie Rees there were loud demands from the home section of the 7,000-plus crowd for similar treatment, six nations tickets but the French official saw nothing amiss.
Another penalty conceded by the beleaguered Blues scrum allowed Myler to put the English team in front, but the hosts refused to capitulate and a snap drop-goal by Parks edged them back into the lead.
It was mainly a rearguard action by the Welshmen, however, and after a superb tackle by Laulala had held up Wood, the rest of the Northampton back row drove over the line, replacement Clark eventually being credited with a try after lengthy deliberations by the television adjudicator. Myler, for the first time, missed the kick.
A yellow card for Clark evened the numbers, but a knock-on by flanker Maama Molitika in the opposing 22 saw the Blues’ last hopes disappear.
]]>
|
As expected, public demand for tickets was high with several hundred people queuing overnight and early this morning. By 7:00am more than 2,500 ticket buyers had already joined the queue.
Upon the advice of the Hong Kong Police and Hong Kong Stadium management, the Stadium gates were opened to the queue members at 7:30am. Ticket sales began at the official starting time of 11:00am and were completely sold out in four hours.
Mr Allan Payne, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union, commented on today’s public sale saying, “It was a great turn-out today and as ever we are most thankful for the support from the general public and our rugby community. We understand that some people will be disappointed not to get their tickets but this is the unavoidable, but unfortunate, outcome of the popularity of the Hong Kong Sevens. The ticket sale ran very smoothly and we want to thank the local public for their patience and good humour.”
The Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens 2008 will be held from Friday, March 28, to Sunday, March 30, at the Hong Kong Stadium. ]]>
e Hong Kong Rugby Football Union (HKRFU) will hold its public ticket sale for the 2008 Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens at the Hong Kong Stadium on Saturday, December 8, 2007. To accommodate the strong growth in the numbers of local rugby players and supporters in Hong Kong, particularly at youth rugby level, Hong Kong Sevens tickets have been allocated to all HKRFU Member Clubs and HKRFU stakeholders from September 2007.
This policy not only ensures that active and long-term supporters of local rugby enjoy priority access to tickets but also provides an effective channel and incentive for the continued growth of rugby in Hong Kong. Internationally, ticket and accommodation packages are being sold through the HKRFU’s 10 official overseas travel agents and Cathay Pacific, the tournament’s co-title sponsor and official airline.
Mr Allan Payne, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union commented on the policy saying, “The ticketing policy is designed to meet the ever increasing local demand for tickets to the Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens in the most equitable manner possible, while also ensuring that members of the Hong Kong rugby community, who support rugby 365 days a year, enjoy first priority to obtain their tickets.”
5,000 tickets have been allocated for the December 8 Public Ticket Sale which will begin at 11:00am. No event tickets will be sold before 11:00am.
To ensure maximum safety and comfort for people queuing for tickets, the stadium gates will open at 10:30am, or once the queue reaches 1,000 people, by request of the Hong Kong Stadium management and the Hong Kong Police.
Starting from 10:30am, each person in the queue will be admitted for seating inside the Stadium based on their numerical order in the queue. Each participant will be given a special queue number place card before being escorted to a seating area inside the stadium.
Ticket buyers must present their queue number place card when purchasing tickets. Those without their queue number place card will not be able to purchase tickets. Once seated inside the Stadium, the Diamond Vision Screen and public address system will be used to advise queue number place card holders which of the two public ticket sale kiosks they can purchase their tickets from.
In light of the high demand for Hong Kong Sevens tickets in the local community, the HKRFU has reduced the number of tickets that can be purchased by each member of the public to two tickets each. This policy brings the Public Ticket Sale quota in line with that of local rugby club members who are also each allowed to purchase a maximum of two tickets. The two tickets can consist of any combination of Adult and Children's Tickets. Children's tickets will be limited and sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
The HKRFU is confident that the reduction in the number of tickets sold to each person will help ensure a better distribution of tickets amongst the local public.
To further guarantee that tickets are sold to local audiences and remain within the local community, those wishing to purchase tickets will be required to present a valid Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR Identification Card or passport to purchase tickets.
To ensure that locally sold tickets will be distributed amongst the Hong Kong community, no tickets for the Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens will be sold on the internet outside of the websites of Cathay Pacific and the HKRFU’s official overseas travel agents.
]]>
Leading 21-0 at the break after tries by Zar Lawrence (2) and Nigel Hunt, Gordon Tietjens' men stretched that advantage to 26-0 when Steven Yates crossed after Neumi Nanuku became the second Fijian player to be sin-binned in the final.
Fiji threw caution to the wind, attacking from everywhere and were rewarded Nanuku, Vereniki Goneva and Akuila Nawerecagi touched down to cut the deficit to five with little more than a minute remaining.
However there was to be no fairytale fourth try for Fiji, that instead going to New Zealand when Yates rounded off a move in which they appeared to have knocked on, clinching a 31-21 victory.
The win represents New Zealand's third consecutive IRB Sevens Cup title after their crowning glory last season and gets their Series title defence off to the best possible start.
Two tries from Tomasi Cama had seen New Zealand recover from Renfred Dazel's opening try to lead South Africa 12-7 at half time in the first Cup semi-final. South Africa, who were missing the injured Mzwandile Stick, had beaten New Zealand in last year's final and thought they had won again when a Fabian Juries try was ruled out for a forward pass to him by Danwel Demas.
The second semi-final was equally dramatic with Tom Guest among the scorers as England fought back to trail Fiji by a single point - 22-21 - with little time remaining. The young England team thought they had then snatched it, but the ball was ruled held up and they could not find another way through.
Fiji had earlier ended Scotland's Cup challenge with a 28-5 defeat of Scotland, just as convincing as New Zealand's 40-7 victory over Argentina. South Africa though endured a scare, their 17-0 half time lead evaporating to just two as the fast finishing Kenyans scored three second half tries.
PLATE
Argentina won an equally dramatic Plate final with a 15-14 defeat of Samoa in a match which was the classic game of two halves. Samoa, beaten 26-19 by England in the Cup quarter-finals, led 14-0 at the break with tries by Pulemalie Sopo and Alafoti Fa'osiliva and seemed on course for victory.
But Argentina are renowned for their spirit and three quickfire tries - all of them unconverted - from Alejandro Abadie, record try scorer Santiago Gomez Cora and Agustin Gosio saw them deny Samoa the silverware in Dubai.
Argentina and Samoa will contest the Plate final after ending the challenges of Kenya and Scotland respectively. Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino scored two tries as Argentina ran out 17-14 winners, despite a last gasp try by Kenya's Collins Injera.
Samoa also found the going difficult against Scotland, who took the lead when Colin Gregor collected on the bounce to touch down. Two tries from Reupena Levasa stretched the lead before Scotland fought back to 21-19 only for Alafoti Fa'osiliva to score his second try of the match.
BOWL
Australia claimed the Bowl title after overcoming a brave Canadian outfit 31-0 with the electric Peter Owens scoring a hat-trick of tries. Canada went into the match without their wing Daniel van der Merwe due to an ankle ligament injury, and then saw Nathan Hirayama join him on crutches by its conclusion.
Van der Merwe and Hirayama had earlier helped Canada overcome France 21-5 in the semi-final and their North American rivals USA 21-12 in the last eight. Australia, meanwhile, had withstood a Welsh fight back to win their semi-final 22-19, after earlier dispatching Arabian Gulf 36-5.
Wales had needed a late try from James Merriman to pip Tunisia 17-12 in their quarter-final, while Zimbabwe had given France a scare with a fight back before Loic Mazieres crossed twice for a 24-19 victory.
SHIELD
Zimbabwe won the Shield with the last play of the game when Gerald Sibanda's brilliant step left the Tunisian defence flat-footed to go under the posts for his second try of the final and one that clinched a 22-19 victory.
Tunisia had started brightly, but tired at the end as Zimbabwe's pace proved the difference with the flying Wensley Mbanje also scoring a try double to show why he'd been shortlisted for the star of the tournament.
Sibanda and Tangai Nemadire had earlier helped Zimbabwe recover from 17-5 down at half time against USA to triumph 29-17 in the semi-final, while Tunisia ran out more convincing winners - 36-0 against the Arabian Gulf.
STANDINGS:
1. New Zealand - 20
2. Fiji - 16
3. England - 12
3. South Africa - 12
5. Argentina - 8
6. Samoa - 6
7. Kenya - 4
7. Scotland - 4
9. Australia - 2]]>
eople are expected to take part in the Wan Chai Rugby Fun Day at the Southorn Playground on December 2, 2007. The Hong Kong Rugby Football Union (HKRFU) has organised an action-packed day of family fun, with games stalls, rugby bouncy castles and touch rugby demonstration matches, with the aim of promoting rugby to local youngsters. Learn all about rugby and the local clubs from the helpful staff at the information booths.
The event, sponsored by the Wan Chai District Council, will kick off at 2pm and end at 6pm. Entry is free and open to the public. Children will also get the chance to take home rugby souvenirs featuring the special event mascot, the “Little Rugby Dragon”.
Demonstration rugby matches will be held at the football ground; with the minis clubs playing touch rugby from 2pm-4pm and senior touch and tag matches to be held from 4pm-6pm.
“This will be the first Rugby Fun Day, but the fourth event we have organised with sponsorship from the Wan Chai District Council. Wan Chai is the ‘home’ of Hong Kong rugby, because within the district there is the Hong Kong Stadium, Hong Kong Football Club and Olympic House,” said Robbie McRobbie, the HKRFU’s community rugby manager.
Other venues include So Kon Po, the national training centre and home ground of Kowloon Rugby Football Club and Causeway Bay Rugby Football Club; Happy Valley, home ground of Valley Rugby Football Club and the Union’s most used community pitch; and Causeway Bay, home ground of the CWB Monkeys.
“We are very appreciative of the support of the Wan Chai District Council and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department in supporting the growth of rugby in the district,” Mr McRobbie said.
This is the fourth event the HKRFU has held with the Wan Chai District Council. The first was the Street Sports Promotion in January 2007; the second was the Wanchai District Sports Festival on February 11; and third was the Try Rugby session on September 1.
Members of the press are welcome to attend the event.
Wan Chai Rugby Fun Day:
Date: Sunday, December 2
Time: 2pm-6pm
Venue: Southorn Playground, Wan Chai]]>
The Hong Kong Rugby Football Union (HKRFU) will hold its public ticket sale for the 2008 Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens at the Hong Kong Stadium on Saturday, December 8, 2007. To accommodate the strong growth in the numbers of local rugby players and supporters in Hong Kong, particularly at youth rugby level, Hong Kong Sevens tickets have been allocated to all HKRFU Member Clubs and HKRFU stakeholders from September 2007. This policy not only ensures that active and long-term supporters of local rugby enjoy priority access to tickets but also provides an effective channel and incentive for the continued growth of rugby in Hong Kong. Internationally, ticket and accommodation packages are being sold through the HKRFU’s 10 official overseas travel agents and Cathay Pacific, the tournament’s co-title sponsor and official airline.
Mr Allan Payne, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union commented on the policy saying, “The ticketing policy is designed to meet the ever increasing local demand for tickets to the Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens in the most equitable manner possible, while also ensuring that members of the Hong Kong rugby community, who support rugby 365 days a year, enjoy first priority to obtain their tickets.”
5,000 tickets have been allocated for the December 8 Public Ticket Sale which will begin at 11:00am. No event tickets will be sold before 11:00am, however, to ensure maximum safety and comfort for people queuing for tickets, the Hong Kong Stadium Gates will open at 10:30am.
Starting from 10:30am, each person in the queue will be admitted for seating inside the Stadium based on their numerical order in the queue. Each participant will be given a special queue number place card before being escorted to a seating area inside the stadium.
Ticket buyers must present their queue number place card when purchasing tickets. Those without their queue number place card will not be able to purchase tickets. Once seated inside the Stadium, the Diamond Vision Screen and public address system will be used to advise queue number place card holders which of the two public ticket sale kiosks they can purchase their tickets from.
In light of the high demand for Hong Kong Sevens tickets in the local community, the HKRFU has reduced the number of tickets that can be purchased by each member of the public to two tickets each. This policy brings the Public Ticket Sale quota in line with that of local rugby club members who are also each allowed to purchase a maximum of two tickets. The two tickets can consist of any combination of Adult and Children's Tickets. Children's tickets will be limited and sold on a first come, first served basis.
The HKRFU is confident that the reduction in the number of tickets sold to each person will help ensure a better distribution of tickets amongst the local public.
To further guarantee that tickets are sold to local audiences and remain within the local community, those wishing to purchase tickets will be required to present a valid Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR Identification Card or passport to purchase tickets.
To ensure that locally sold tickets will be distributed amongst the Hong Kong community, no tickets for the Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens will be sold on the internet outside of the websites of Cathay Pacific and the HKRFU’s official overseas travel agents.
Anyone purchasing tickets on internet websites is advised that these tickets have not been sold through official channels and are not HKRFU approved sales.
Pricing:
The Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens 2008 will be held from March 28 to 30 2008 at the Hong Kong Stadium. Ticket prices for the three-day Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens 2008 are HK$1,080 per adult and HK$300 per child up to the age of 12 years old.]]>
In recent years, the HKRFU has invested HK$65 million into local facilities development, including its tenancy of King's Park Sports Ground, which not only hosts rugby but other sports such as softball and the Yau Yee league football, as well as the Sandy Bay Sports Ground. The HKRFU is currently examining the possibility of supporting new projects, including the development of a community sports ground in Tin Shui Wai.
"We believe the increase is a manageable one and that the price of a Sevens ticket remains excellent value for a three-day long international event in Hong Kong," said Mr John Jackson, General Manager of the HKRFU.
"The additional revenues generated from this increase will be channelled directly into our facilities fund, which will allow us to continue our strategic investment into sporting facilities in Hong Kong," added Jackson.
The HKRFU will again use local ticketing agent, Hong Kong Ticketing, to sell event tickets in 2010. Tickets will go on sale to Hong Kong and Macau residents starting at 10.00am on Saturday, January 16, 2010.
At least 5,000 tickets will be made available for the local public to purchase on January 16. To continue the unique tradition of the Hong Kong Sevens as a family event, the HKRFU has confirmed it will again offer a limited number of children's tickets for children 12 and under.
When considering tickets sold through local rugby clubs and other HKRFU stakeholders, 75% of Sevens tickets are sold in Hong Kong.
To ensure the widest possible distribution of tickets individual purchases will be restricted to a maximum of two (2) per person in any combination of adult or child tickets.
The Hong Kong XVs rugby squad announced their team selection on November 12, 2007. Coach John Walters said of the team: “We have selected on club form primarily but heavy consideration has been given to the amount of gym work the guys have put in over the summer.
“We have selected a big forward pack with a focus on ball carriers and set piece. Our backline has an exciting look to it with plenty of speed and power. Our game plan is reliant on strong and agile ball carriers and aggressive defenders, and I feel this team more than meets the criteria.”
“We are building toward the Asian Five Nations, so these January Tests will provide us with the opportunity to start and build some continuity around our game plan and some consistency in selection,” Walters added.
Brian Higgins will act as Assistant Coach.
The Hong Kong XVs team:
Forwards:
Andrew Li
Pete Spizzirri
Simon Leung
Nigel Hobler
Ng Wai Shing
Wayne Whitney
Jon Abel
Laurence Denvir
Ivan Zenovic
Nick Hurrell
Kan Wing Fat
Nigel Clarke
Graham Manchester
Semi Iafeta
Kris Marin
Justin Gregory
Backs:
Mark Wright
Lee Cheuk Yin
Justin Temara
Kenzo Pannell
Anthony Haynes
Jason Going
Nigel D'Acre
Gavin Hadley
Jonathan Elliot
Rowan Varty
Andrew Wong Kee
Simon Smith
Colin Bisley
Mike McKee]]>
he Hong Kong Rugby Football Union (HKRFU), Cathay Pacific and Credit Suisse today announced the signing of a new four-year title sponsorship deal for the world-renowned Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens. The new four-year, multi-million dollar sponsorship agreement sees Hong Kong’s flagship airline, Cathay Pacific Airways, and leading international financial services group Credit Suisse extend their co-title sponsorship rights to the Hong Kong Sevens through 2011.
Attending today’s press announcement at Olympic House are Mr James Barrington, Director of Sales and Marketing of Cathay Pacific Airways, and Mr Paul Calello, Chief Executive Officer of Credit Suisse Investment Bank and Credit Suisse Asia Pacific. The Director of Marketing and Executive Director of the HKRFU, Mr Paul Dingley and Mr Allan Payne respectively, are also in attendance.
Speaking on behalf of the HKRFU, Mr Dingley said: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Cathay Pacific and Credit Suisse, for four more exciting years. The long-term sponsorship commitment will help us maintain the unique status of the Hong Kong Sevens as the preeminent tournament in the IRB World Sevens Series.”
Mr Barrington of Cathay Pacific commented on the sponsorship extension saying: “Cathay Pacific is delighted to be joining with Credit Suisse for a new four-year sponsorship deal for the Hong Kong Sevens. The Sevens is one of the best-loved events on the sporting calendar and is a huge draw for rugby fans from both Hong Kong and overseas. Cathay Pacific is committed to help stage world-class events in its home city and I'm sure this new sponsorship deal will help take the Hong Kong Sevens to new heights.”
Mr Calello also remarked on the new sponsorship, saying: “After sponsoring the Hong Kong Sevens for 10 years, we know what the fans have always known: You won't see better Sevens rugby anywhere else in the world.
“The tournament complements our annual Asian Investment Conference, the premier investor conference in the region, and together they make it the best week to be in Asia for investors and sports enthusiasts alike.”
The agreement will see Cathay Pacific and Credit Suisse continue their joint involvement as co-title sponsors of the Hong Kong Sevens since 2004.]]>
The SA Vipers of South Africa beat defending champions Ponsonby of New Zealand 50-0 in an exciting final to take the 2007 Singapore Cricket Club International Rugby Sevens title at the weekend. The SA Vipers had earlier beaten off Davetalevu (Fiji) 19-14, while Ponsonby had overcame Sharks Academy (South Africa) 14-12 to reach the final.
On day one, the Hong Kong Dragons, made up of a combination of development and established players, defeated PNG Rookies (Papua New Guinea) 17-14 and Gove NT (Australia) 14-0, but lost to Tepapapa Barbarians (NZ Tongans) 7-28, who went on to win the shield title.
The Dragons defeated Palmyra (Australia) 29-12 at the plate quarter-finals. The team was propelled into the finals after Colin Bisley helped the team defeat PNG Rookies 22-17 during the sudden-death period. Unfortunately, the USA Eagles defeated the Dragons 19-5, taking home the plate title.
“I’m pretty happy with the result,” said national coach Rodney McIntosh. “The level of competition we saw at Singapore was one of the highest I’ve ever seen. There were seven international teams there, including Australia, New Zealand, the Arabian Gulf, South Africa, Kenya and Papua New Guinea, so the standard was very high.”
“The guys did very well despite the three injuries we had – Jeff Wong dislocated his shoulder, Rowan Varty strained his calf muscle and Johnny Elliot damaged his shoulder.
“If we had had a full bench, then maybe the result in the final would have been better, but I’m still happy with the result,” McIntosh said.
The tournament, held on October 27-28 at Padang, was the 60th held so far.
The Hong Kong team:
Nigel D’Acre, Yuen Kin-ho, Aleksander Zenovic, Jonathan Elliot, Ashley Wayburne, Mike Fung Kin-kay, Colin Bisley, Andrew Chambers, Rowan Varty, Fan Shun-kei, Lai Yiu-pang and Jeffery Wong Chun-kiu.]]>
Edinburgh and Scotland player Ally Hogg is out of action for at least 6 months. The number 6 player has a tear in his hip muscle and is to undergo surgery. Unfortunately, this means that the 26 year old will be out of the Six Nations as well as the Heineken and Magnors League.
]]>After earlier reports fearing injured Jerry Flannery would be out of action for months, following diagnostic surgery the injury is not as bad as first thought. Jerry, who plays for Ireland and Munster had injured his Archilles tendon and following the investigation doctors have confirmed he should return to the field in around 5 weeks.
]]>Wales and Reds player Quade Cooper is to undergo a counselling. Following the personal off pitch difference between the Queensland Rugby Union, Australian Rugby Union and Rugby Union Players Association this year, it has been ordered that Quade undergo a personal development course.
The star is due in court July next year for a incident that happened on the Gold Coast, and he has been ordered to undergo the counselling in order to secure his employment until the case is finished. Quade will now resume training with the Reds.
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Following the temporary transfer of Lote Turqiri as an injury replacement for Geordan Murphy, the Leicester Tigers may not be able to afford the star next season. The former Wallaby winger was on a temporary 6 million loan deal and their budget for the following year is unlikely to accommodate his huge salary.
]]>All the top French rugby teams are to be salary capped at 7.1m for the 2010/11 season. Currently the budget stands at around 20m compared to the England Guinness Premierships 5 million. Many distinguished English players have moved to French team because of the high salary, the most recent being Johnny Wilkinson who moved to Toulon. Other stars to cross to France include James Haskell and Rikki Flutey. Reports also advise that for the 2012/13 season 40% of the team must be recruited through the Youth Ranking scheme.
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