English Rugby News

First Division Rugby (FDR) and Premier Rugby (PRL), the organisations representing the interests of the clubs at the top of the English game, have both voiced their opposition to the proposals for new competitions unilaterally publicised today by the Rugby Football Union (RFU).

RFU proposals to introduce a new competition for National Division One clubs have already been rejected by FDR clubs by a majority of 12 to 4 and are also opposed by the PRL clubs. Under the recently concluded Heads of Agreement between the RFU and PRL, it is in fact for FDR to make proposals which should then to be considered by the RFU.

Regrettably, the RFU has also refused to discuss these proposals with the Professional Game Board (PGB), set up under the new 8 Year Agreement to address exactly these issues. This is despite the fact that the PGB’s 2008/9 objectives, agreed by all parties, include the future of FDR competition.

Similarly, any new Anglo Welsh Cup competitions have so far only been the subject of preliminary discussions. The PGB is due to consider the next set of draft proposals at its meeting on 27th November and only if these are agreed, do they then need to be referred to the respective PRL, FDR and RFU Boards and to the Welsh Regions.

FDR Chairman Geoff Irvine said “We’ve laid out to the RFU Council our objections to these proposals and why we believe it would be asking our clubs to commit financial suicide. We don’t understand why the RFU is in such a mad rush to try to force through a restructuring, particularly in such challenging economic times. Instead, Council should ask for common sense to prevail, for proper and measured consultation to take place between the RFU, FDR and PRL and for the Professional Game Board to then be allowed to do its job and make a recommendation”.

PRL Chief Executive Mark McCafferty said “When we agreed the new deal with the RFU, the Professional Game Board was set up with representation from the Union, PRL, the FDR clubs and the Players to look at exactly this type of issue; the right mix of competition for England and its top tier clubs.

New competitions cannot be forced through unilaterally against the wishes of their proposed participants. It’s a nonsense if the PGB and its expertise is being bypassed and it would be in serious conflict with the new Agreement”.

Tags: guinness premiership

Please find below a briefing note about the proposed introduction of the Championship directly below the Guinness Premiership

THE Rugby Football Union believes that a professional league below the Guinness Premiership is the right way forward for English rugby.

A 12-team Championship, currently National Division One, will develop English players, coaches and referees in a competitive, professional and financially secure environment.

Funded by the RFU, Premier Rugby Ltd, the new five-year agreement with Sky Sports and sponsorship, Championship clubs will be financially better off in a structure that directly underpins the Guinness Premiership.

Negotiations with First Division Rugby, the umbrella organisation for National Division One clubs, have been ongoing for 12 months and, subject to approval by the RFU Council, the Championship will be established for the 2009-10 season.

RFU Management Board Chairman Martyn Thomas said: “The Championship will be a vital part of the structure of English rugby.

“For too long First Division Rugby has hovered between the community game and the Premiership, uncertain of both its standing in the structure and its future. Now is the time to establish its rightful place.

“The RFU is fully committed to funding and supporting a professional and robust league with minimum entry criteria and a salary cap that will support the Guinness Premiership.

“We will be increasing our funding to the new Championship from £1.65m a year to £2.3m and, under the new eight-year agreement, PRL have committed to a £1m per annum funding.

“That significant investment, coupled with more matches and television coverage under the Sky Sports contract, will give the clubs more financial security than ever before and create a vibrant and viable structure to take the game forward.”

Proposed Championship structure

⿢ Reduction from 16 to 12 clubs

⿢ 22 regular season matches

⿢ Promotion play-offs for the top eight (each club to play minimum of six matches)
- two pools of four, playing home and away
- top two from each pool to play in Championship semi-finals
- winning semi-finalists to play in Championship final
- final could be played on a home and away basis or at Twickenham
- winner of Championship final promoted to Guinness Premiership subject to meeting Minimum Standards Criteria

⿢ Relegation play-offs for the bottom four (each club to play minimum of six matches)
- home and away fixtures
- bottom club in play-off pool relegated to newly-named National Division One (level three)

Anglo-Welsh Cup (each club/region to play minimum of four matches)

- 12 Guinness Premiership clubs, four Welsh regions, four Championship clubs (one relegated from GP, 2nd, 3rd and 4th place finishers in previous season’s Championship, or National Division One for season 08-09)
- four pools of five (three GP, one Welsh Region, one Championship club)
- played on a home or away basis
- pool winners qualify for the semi-finals
- winning semi-finalists play in Cup final

Anglo-Welsh Trophy (each club to play minimum of six matches)

- eight Championship clubs, eight Welsh Principality Premiership clubs
- four regional pools of four to provide local derbies
- played on a home and away basis
- pool winners qualify for the semi-finals
- winning semi-finalists play in Trophy final

Championship clubs will be guaranteed a minimum of 32 or 34 matches, (depending on which Anglo-Welsh tournament they play in) including 16 home games. Teams reaching the finals of both the Championship play-offs and an Anglo-Welsh tournament will play an additional four/five matches.

Entry and eligibility

- clubs finishing 2nd to 11th in National Division One at end of season 2008-9 invited to join the Championship for 2009-10 along with relegated club from Guinness Premiership and promoted club from National Division Two
- minimum entry criteria based on simplified version of Premiership criteria
- salary cap based on simplified version of Premiership criteria
- if any clubs do not wish to join the Championship, invitations will be extended to the other four National Division One clubs and then top two from National Division Two based on league positions

Funding

- Rights fee share from Sky Sports for a new five-year agreement commencing in 2010-11
- PRL funding of £1m per annum to Championship over eight years
- RFU funding of £2.3m per annum comprising core funding in first two years to be then replaced by revenue for clubs fielding English Qualified Players and who invest in their facilities

National League competitions

The new National Division One will become a 16-team league comprising five clubs not included in the Championship, nine clubs from National Division Two, one promoted from National Division Three South, one promoted from National Division Three North.

The new National Division Two will become two leagues of 16 clubs divided into North and South divisions comprising clubs from the existing National Division Three North and South.

The new National Division Three will be based divisionally on four leagues (South West, London, North and Midlands) comprising clubs from the current existing National Division Three and below.

Tags: England Rugby

A ring rusty England have beaten The Pacific Islanders 39 - 13 at Twickenham, outscoring their opponents from the Southern Hemisphere Five tries to one.

The home side recorded a first win for coach Martin Johnson. Two tries in the first have from Sackey and outside half Cipriani gave the home side a 20 -10 lead at the break.

Further tries in the second half from second row Kennedy, hooker Mears and a second for winger Sackey opened up a deserving scoreline for the hosts.

This match might have been the winning start to the Autumn internationals thatthey desire there were still plenty of areas to work on if they are to beat  Australia on the 15th of November and South Africa and New Zealand following them.

What the players said:

Delon Armitage (London Irish)

[On his debut] “I’m lost for words to be honest - today has been just brilliant - a dream come true. I always wanted to play for England and show what I can do in front of a big crowd. For the first five or 10 minutes I was a bit shaky - but then I got into the game and started to enjoy it.”

[On England's defence] “I’m just upset the game went so quickly - it was a great game - the Islanders attacked really well and I enjoyed every minute. We’re proud to concede just one try against a really good attacking team.”

[On being man-of-the-match] “The trophy’s actually the heaviest thing I’ve ever held in my life! I’m really pleased with it. There were about twenty members of my family in the East Stand today - I think it’s a day they’ll never forget either.”

Steve Borthwick (capt, Saracens)

[On the performance] “It was a good start for us against very difficult opponents and I thought all the debutants did really well.”

[On the crowd] “It was a fantastic atmosphere from the crowd, it’s great to be here at Twickenham with fantastic fans and they really helped us today. It helps every time and we look forward to playing in front of them next week.”

[On Australia] “Australia are next and that’s going to be a really exciting challenge. We did a lot of good things but there are a lot of things we need to improve upon.”

Danny Care (Harlequins)

[On playing in a home international] “It was great to get a win and I’m really pleased we came away with five tries. It was just so special to play at Twickenham wearing an international jersey. There are still some things we need to iron out for next week though.”

[On the opposition and the man-of-the-match] “The Pacific Islanders were brilliant today - we knew they’d attack us and they didn’t disappoint. I have to say Delon (Armitage) was outstanding in defence - with his tackles, kicks, his pace and under the high ball.”

Riki Flutey (London Wasps)

[On singing the National Anthem] “I really enjoyed the national anthem, even though I had Jamie Noon next to me signing flat! I think he was surprised that I knew all the words!”

[On England's performance] “As a team we didn’t show as much as we’d have liked today, but I think we did OK given the conditions. Hopefully the conditions will be better next week for the Aussies - we’ll have to make a huge step up to beat them.”

Nick Kennedy (London Irish)

[On his try on debut] “This is even better than when I dreamt about it because I didn’t score in the dream.

“London Irish and Harlequins have both done the move that led to my try - Danny (Care) ran a great line. Playing and scoring today has made the wait for my first cap really worth while - I’m just happy we won, but we have plenty of things to work on for next week.”

Lee Mears (Bath)

[On the quality of the match] “We saw two very exciting sides today and great enthusiasm from all the youngsters in our squad. I’ve been around for quite a while now and would love to be involved in more games like that.”

[On competition for places] “I’ve started the last four England games on the bounce now and hopefully can keep that run going. Dylan (Hartley) trained really well this week and I’m sure he’ll get some more game time over the rest of the three matches.”

Ugo Monye (Harlequins)

[On making his England debut] “It was a major dream to represent my country and I was extremely excited to get out there and do what I do best - play rugby. The team’s already taken a massive step forward, but we’ll need to take another massive step next week against Australia.”

[On the support of injured club and England teammate David Strettle] “I’ve had so many text and phone calls from people this week. Stretts sent me one of the most heart-felt messages I’ve ever received before the game - he’s a great friend of mine.”

Jamie Noon (Newcastle Falcons)

[On the intensity of the game] “We knew it would be a physical match - there were some good hits flying around! It was nice to have a win and settle a few nerves.”

[On needing to build on the win] “We now have a springboard. We lost our shape a bit at times after a great start. We scored several good tries but should have had a couple more. Overall it was a strong performance though.”

Tom Rees (London Wasps)

[On England's performance] “There are lots of positives to take as a whole from today’s performance, but we know we have to go on from here.”

[On the new-look back line] “There’s great pace in the side - I’m worried I can’t keep up anymore! Paul (Sackey), Ugo (Monye) and Delon (Armitage) all showed their speed with ball in hand - and they’re not just all gas… they’re great rugby players too.”

Paul Sackey (London Wasps)

[On the new-look back line] “There’s loads of potential in our back three - but we have other great partnerships too. Danny Care and Danny Cipriani are going to be outstanding, as will our locks Steve Borthwick and Nick Kennedy - a real blend of youth and experience.”

[On scoring two tries] “It’s my job to score tries and to help the team. When I don’t score I feel down. 10 tries in 16 games is good, but I’d like 16 out of 16!”

[On England's strength in depth] “The competition for places in the team is great and means we can’t be complacent. There are so many other players who are capable of stepping up to the plate and taking your position.”

Scorers

England

Tries: Sackey 2, Cipriani, Kennedy, Mears
Con: Cipriani 4
Pen: Cipriani 2
DG:

Pacific Islanders

Tries: Rabeni,
Con: Hola,
Pen: Hola, Bai
DG:

England: D Armitage (London Irish); P Sackey (Wasps), J Noon (Newcastle), R Flutey (Wasps), U Monye (Harlequins); D Cipriani (Wasps), D Care (Harlequins); A Sheridan (Sale Sharks), L Mears (Bath), M Stevens (Bath), S Borthwick (Saracens, capt), N Kennedy (London Irish), T Croft (Leicester), T Rees (Wasps), N Easter (Harlequins).
Replacements: D Hartley (Northampton), P Vickery (Wasps), T Palmer (Wasps), J Haskell (Wasps), M Lipman (Bath), H Ellis (Leicester), T Flood (Leicester).

Pacific Islanders: K Ratuvou (Fiji); S Tagicakibau (Samoa), S Rabeni (Fiji), S Mapusua (Samoa), V Delasau (Fiji); P Hola (Tonga), M Rauluni (Fiji, capt); J Va’a (Samoa), A Lutui (Tonga), C Johnston (Samoa), F Levi (Samoa), K Leawere (Fiji), S Naevo (Fiji), N Latu (Tonga), F Maka (Tonga).
Replacements: S Koto (Fiji), K Pulu (Tonga), H T Pole (Tonga), G Stowers (Samoa), S Martens (Tonga), S Bai (Fiji), E Taione (Tonga)

Tags: England Rugby, Pacific Islanders

Martin Johnson believes inexperience will be no barrier when it comes to Saturday’s Test match against the Pacific Islanders.

England’s backs have just 53 caps between them but the England Team Manager is confident they will deliver.

“It’s not a risk, they are good players and they can play,” he told today’s rfu.com podcast. “I’m confident they can handle it.

“They’ve been impressive all week, not just with what they’ve done on the field but with their maturity as people. I wouldn’t have picked them if I didn’t believe they would deliver.”

Among the newcomers to the squad is 24-year-old uncapped London Irish full back Delon Armitage.

“Delon is a very exciting player,” said Johnson. “He’s got great pace, athletic ability, he’s fantastic in the air and he has a good kicking game too.”

Armitage, who was not in Johnson’s original Elite Player senior or Saxons squad, was promoted in place of the injured Nick Abendanon.

“We picked the 64 back in July and, as I’ve said to the players, injuries happen. You’ll get opportunities, just be ready for them,” said Johnson.

That is exactly what Armitage is intending to do, saying, “Getting into the England squad was my aim. I’ve worked really hard but to get in as soon as I did was a dream come true, I’m really chuffed.”

But Saturday will see him line up against two formidable opponents that he knows all too well.

“I’ve had a few texts from my London Irish team mates Seilala (Mapusua) and Sailosi (Tagicakibau),” explained Armitage. “Just before I got my call up, they texted me to say ‘you’d better hope you don’t get selected because you don’t want to be playing against us!’ There’s been the usual bit of banter flying around but I’m looking forward to it, it’s going to be a tough game.”

The responsibility for unleashing England’s potent backline falls to London Wasps pair Danny Cipriani and Riki Flutey, who said, “No matter whether you’ve got 50 caps or no caps, as long as you know your role and responsibilities that’s what matters. Being prepared gives you a lot more confidence going into a game.

“I’m out there to help direct, look for space and look for opportunities. And getting the opportunity to play with Danny on the international stage is something I’m really looking forward to.”

And the same is true for the returning Cipriani, who added, “There’s massive potential in this team. But we know that this is a Test match and we can’t just throw the ball around - we need to be responsible in what we do. We’re playing a very strong and physical side, we will need to make the right decisions at the right time.

“Brian Smith (attack coach) has brought us an air of confidence and put some belief in the backline that we can really have a go when we need to.”

One of those standing their way will be 21-stone (135kg) prop Census Johnston.

“We’ve only had four days to prepare but that’s the thing with Pacific Islander rugby - we can just put people together, we work with whatever we’re given and we usually can pull anything out of the hat,” said Johnston.

For experienced Exiles centre Mapusua, the game is also an opportunity for the players to further their cause.

“We know what’s expected of us and we know what it takes. We need to put a marker down to be taken seriously and hopefully get a lot more Tests,” said Mapusua.

For the full interviews, check out the rfu.com podcast every Thursday (from 4pm). Here, you can listen to the weekly podcast or subscribe to itunes and have it delivered straight to your inbox each week.

Formerly the Gillette Rugby Podcast, the rfu.com podcast takes you inside English rugby from the grassroots to the elite. FROM: www.rfu.com/podcast

Tags: England Rugby Coach, MARTIN JOHNSON, Pacific Islanders

The Pacific Islanders have announced a their team face England at Twickenham. The team has a strong Fijian flavour and will provide England with a robust first outing this season.

Sports Hydrant Pacific Islanders v England
November 8, Twickenham

15. Kameli Ratuvou (Fiji)
14. Sailosi Tagicakibau (Samoa)
13. Seru Rabeni (Fiji)
12. Seilala Mapusua (Samoa)
11. Vilimoni Delasau (Fiji)
10. Pierre Hola (Tonga)
9. Mosese Raulini (Fiji)
1. Justin Va’a (Samoa)
2. Aleki Lutui (Tonga)
3. Census Johnston (Samoa)
4. Filipo Levi (Samoa)
5. Kele Leawere (Fiji)
6. Semisi Naevo (Fiji)
7. Nili Latu (Tonga)
8. Finau Maka (Tonga)

16. Sunia Koto (Fiji)
17. Kisi Pulu (Tonga)
18. Hale T Pole (Tonga)
19. George Stowers (Samoa)
20. Sililo Martens (Tonga)
21. Seremaia Bai (Fiji)
22. Epi Taione (Tonga)

Tickets for the Investec Challenge match between England and the Pacific Islanders are available by calling 0844 847 2492 or from www.ticketmaster.co.uk until 12pm on Friday November 7. Tickets for the game will also be available on the day of the match from the South Stand ticket office.

Tags: English Rugby News, Pacific Islanders

Martin Johnson has named his charges for the clash with The Pacific Islanders at Twickenham. The side contains 4 new caps.

Please find below a selection of player quotes following today’s England team announcement.

What the players said:

Nick Kennedy (London Irish)
On winning his first cap: I’m very proud to be getting my first cap at Twickenham. I’m really looking forward to Saturday and am getting very excited, the majority of my family will be there watching me.

Asked if he believed this would happen: I’ve been working hard for London Irish and have been striving to play for my country. Training has been great, there is an enormous enthusiasm around the squad.”

On lining up alongside captain Steve Borthwick: I’ve played against Steve Borthwick for the last few years, games between London Irish against Bath has always been close battles but I’ve got a lot of respect for Steve as a player and as a leader - it’ll be good to be on the same team as him for a change.”

On the Pacific Islanders: I know some of their players really well, guys like Sailosi Tagicakabau and Selala Mapusua, certainly we know if is going to be a very tough challenge.

Delon Armitage (London Irish)
On making his debut: At the start of the season I wanted to be involved with England and I’ve worked really hard to get into the squad. All you do - in the Guinness Premiership, in the EDF Energy Cup - is down to trying to get into the England squad, so to do it as early as this having been left out of the 64 originally in the summer is something I’m really pleased about.

On hearing of his inclusion: We’d just come in from training at London Irish to have lunch when I found out. All the guys had been joking with me and saying ‘make sure your phone’s on’ and ‘the reception’s not too good round here’ and then I got the call! I thought it was one of the boys messing around at first.

On the England coaches: Working with (England attack coach) Brian Smith has been brilliant because I know exactly what he wants from me. He wants us to play an attacking game and to get the ball in our hands. I understand exactly how he wants me to play.

On the opposition: I’d had texts from the two guys I know in the Pacific Islands, Sailosi Tagicakibau and Seilala Mapusua, who were saying before I was selected ‘you don’t want to play against us!’ They’re two great players and have been awesome in the Premiership for us, so it’ll make it a tough game for England.

On his family: My family have been great and they keep my feet on the ground and my big head in check. Ever since I’ve been in the squad I’ve had a big smile on my face and I know my family are really proud. They’ve been texting and sending me messages and keeping in touch all the time.

I don’t think my brother Steffon is too far away from the England side either. He’s working hard in training, doing all his ‘extras’ after each session. If he keeps doing what he’s doing, I can’t see him not getting a chance in the near future.

Ugo Monye (Harlequins)
On his progress: The coaches at Harlequins are so supportive and I’m a big self believer, I think that’s why I’m where I’m today. Last season I had an injury to my back which could have been career threatening but I fought hard and now I’m back and in great shape. It did knock my confidence a little and it was frustrating but I thank God for blessing me and getting me this far.

On the match: All my friends and family will be there on Saturday which will be fantastic. I have been given this opportunity so it’s up to me to put in a performance to be proud of.

Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints)
On whether he was disappointed to be on the bench: I’m really happy to be here, I’m stoked with a place on the bench. I’ve got to remember that I’ve only just come in. Mearsy (Lee Mears) is the guy that’s been there and done it, so I’ve got to give him the full credit. But I believe in myself, I know I have to come on and do the right thing if I get the chance.

On being part of the senior squad: Phil (Vickery) and Matt (Stevens) have kind of taken me under their wing, they’ve been great at giving me advice which I really welcome. I feel like I’m playing with all my friends, a lot of the squad have come up through the England age groups together and I think that shows that the academy and age group teams are working.

On the possibility of making his debut at Twickenham: I’ve played at Twickenham before, I played against the Barbarians there before the summer tour (June 1) and I’ve been in the crowd there myself, so I know how fantastic the atmosphere at Twickenham is, plus my family are coming to watch.

Phil Vickery (London Wasps)
On Martin Johnson and the England squad: It’s been a whirlwind few months since Martin Johnson took over. There’s been a huge amount of change but I’m very excited by what I see. Martin has bought clarity to the team and with how he wants us to play, like us he only wants to be successful.

On being on the bench: I’m disappointed not to be in the starting XV. I still love the game so much and just want to prove what I can do.

On Steve Borthwick: Steve is an exceptional player, he’s very well respected by everyone and leads by example and I wish him well.

Toby Flood (Leicester Tigers)
On England’s preparations: Training has been really good, I’m loving the fresh new atmosphere, there’s a great feeling in the camp. Everyone is very excited.

On being on the bench: I’m keen to fight my way back into the starting lineup. I was disappointed to be left out but there are four games ahead and competition for places can only be a good thing.

Tom Croft (Leicester Tigers)
On the last three months: The summer tour seems a long time ago with all the domestic competitions but we have got our England heads back on now and we are looking forward to the first game.

On the squad’s preparations: With the new EPS agreement we are here two weeks before our first match and it means we get to know each other again and get the moves as sorted as possible.

On the match: It’s a massive game. They are a very physical and skilled team and it’s going to be tough. A lot of the players are in the Premiership along with us.

It’s the first of four huge games but we can’t look too far into the future otherwise we will trip up in the present. We are thoroughly concentrating on the first game to make sure our drills are right, our scrums and line-outs, and hopefully we can get to Twickenham and play some positive rugby.

On his form: I’ve been happy with the way things have gone at the start of the season. There’s a number of things I need to work on but I’m grateful that Johno has given me the nod and I’ll just try and work as ahead as I can to secure that place.

Jamie Noon (Newcastle Falcons)
On the squad: It’s exciting and the side that has been picked is young with guys playing well for their clubs. As a result it feels very fresh and new and it’s going to be interesting to see how we go. It’s going to take some time I’m sure but it’s nice that we are giving these young guys the opportunity.

On the match: When you play international rugby it’s a massive honour and having the opportunity to play against the big three and a strong Pacific Islanders side is a privilege and it’s something you strive for. This is a great opportunity to see where we are.

On playing with new cap Riki Flutey: Any partnership takes time but it seems to be going well with Riki in training

Lee Mears (Bath Rugby)
On the opposition: You look at the quality they’ve got in their team, some of the boys they’ve got playing in the Premiership at the moment are on fire. It’s going to be a very interesting afternoon. They love to play rugby and from what we’ve seen, they are definitely going to attack. For us it’s about outscoring them and trying to hold them in defence.

On the Pacific Islanders front row: They’re really tough, I mean Latui is a stalwart, really strong and a big ball carrier. Then obviously Census Johnston is another big name from Saracens, so someone we meet week-in week-out.

On the England team: We’ve got some raw pace out there in the backs and the boys that are coming through, the Danny Cares and Ciprianis, they really want to play a nice style of rugby so if we can front up and give them some good ball on the front foot hopefully they’ll cause havoc.

Investec Challenge
England v Pacific Islanders
Saturday November 8, kick off 2.30pm

ENGLAND
15. Delon Armitage* (London Irish)
14. Paul Sackey (London Wasps)
13. Jamie Noon (Newcastle Falcons)
12. Riki Flutey* (London Wasps)
11. Ugo Monye* (Harlequins)
10. Danny Cipriani (London Wasps)
9. Danny Care (Harlequins)
1. Andrew Sheridan (Sale Sharks)
2. Lee Mears (Bath Rugby)
3. Matt Stevens (Bath Rugby)
4. Steve Borthwick (Saracens, captain)
5. Nick Kennedy* (London Irish)
6. Tom Croft (Leicester Tigers)
7. Tom Rees (London Wasps)
8. Nick Easter (Harlequins)

Replacements
16. Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints)
17. Phil Vickery (London Wasps)
18. Tom Palmer (London Wasps)
19. James Haskell (London Wasps)
20. Michael Lipman (Bath Rugby)
21. Harry Ellis (Leicester Tigers)
22. Toby Flood (Leicester Tigers)

* Denotes new cap

Tags: England Rugby, Pacific Islanders

The draw for the EDF Energy Cup semi-finals, to be played at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry on Saturday March 28, 2009 , took place live on live on Scrum V this evening and is as follows:

Gloucester v Ospreys
Cardiff Blues v Northampton Saints

NB: The order of play for the semi-finals will be decided following consultation with the BBC.

EDF Energy Cup semi-finals

SF1 Saturday March 28, 2009, 2.30pm, Ricoh Arena (Live on BBC Network)
SF2 Saturday March 28, 2009, 5.15pm, Ricoh Arena (Live on BBC Network)

EDF Energy Cup final

Saturday April 18, 2009, 2.30pm, Twickenham Stadium (Live on BBC Network)

Tags: EDF Energy Cup

Full previews of the third and vital round of the EDF Energy cup.

FRIDAY 31 OCTOBER TO SUNDAY 2 NOVEMBER

EDF ENERGY CUP - POOL A

London Wasps v Newport Gwent Dragons

At Adams Park, Sunday 3pm.

London Wasps won 26-13 at Newcastle in the EDF Energy Cup, but the Londoners have won just once at home so far this season: 25-11 over Castres in the European Cup on 12 October. Wasps have won all five previous game at Adams Park in the EDF Energy Cup. Wasps only loss to a Welsh team in their last six encounters was 20-36 at Cardiff Blues in the EDF Energy Cup on 30 September 2006.

Newport Gwent Dragons have lost their last two games in all competitions. The Dragons only win in their last eight away games was 16-14 against Ulster at Ravenhill on 19 September. The Newport based side have won just one of their last six matches in the EDF Energy Cup: 25-14 over Newcastle on 3 October. The Dragons have never won in eleven previous visits to England in all competitions.

The only previous meeting between the two teams was a 3-all draw in round 1 of the EDF Energy Cup at Rodney Parade last season.

Newcastle Falcons v Gloucester Rugby

At Kingston Park, Sunday 3pm.

Newcastle Falcons’ only win in their last five games was 63-0 at home to Spanish side El Salvador in the European Challenge Cup on 11 October. The Falcons have lost their last three games in the EDF Energy Cup.

Gloucester Rugby have won four of their last five games in all competitions. Gloucester have lost their last two away matches since a 21-17 win at Bath on 13 September. The west countrymen have won their last three games in the EDF Energy Cup.

Newcastle’s only win over Gloucester in their last 12 encounters since 2003 was 19-12 at Kingston Park in the Premiership on 13 April 2007.

Possible EDF Energy Cup Permutations

•    Gloucester need just two match points to secure a semi-final berth for the first time.
•    Should Gloucester lose with no bonus points then the Dragons can only progress provided they beat Wasps with a bonus point.
•    Wasps will reach the last four if they beat the Dragons and Gloucester get no points.
•    Newcastle cannot make it to the semi-finals.

EDF ENERGY CUP - POOL B

Cardiff Blues v Bath Rugby

At Arms Park, Friday 7.35pm. Live on BBC Wales

Cardiff Blues have won their last five matches in all competitions. The Blues are unbeaten at the Arms Park since Edinburgh won there 11-10 in the Magners League on 4 January. Cardiff Blues have won their last three games in the EDF Energy Cup and have never been beaten at the Arms Park in the competition. The Blues have won the last five games they have played against English teams.

Bath Rugby have won their last two games since their 16-18 defeat in Toulouse in the European Cup on 12 October, this represents their only away loss this season.

The only previous meeting between the two teams was at the same stage in last season’s EDF Energy Cup where the Blues won 14-6 at the Rec. Bath’s last visit to the Arms Park was on 16 November 1996 in the quarter-finals of the European Cup with Cardiff RFC winning 22-19.

Leicester Tigers v Sale Sharks

At Welford Road, Friday 7.35pm

Leicester Tigers have won all five previous home games they have played in the EDF Energy Cup, and have never failed to make the semi-finals of this competition.

Sale Sharks cannot progress to the last four and have lost four of their last five matches in all competitions. However the Sharks have won four of their last five away games. Sale’s only win in their last six games in the EDF Energy Cup was 25-10 at home to Bath in round two last season.

Sale have won their last two games against Leicester including a 14-11 victory at Welford Road in the Guinness Premiership on 23 February.

Possible EDF Energy Cup Permutations

•    Should Cardiff Blues not lose they will make it to the semi-finals.
•    Bath need to beat the Blues and not allow the Cardiff based teams two bonus points to finish above them in the table.
•    Leicester’s faint hope of qualification for the last four would happen only if the Tigers win with a bonus point, Cardiff Blues do not gain a point and Bath win without a bonus point.
•    In the case of a three way tie on nine points (set up with a 5 point win for Leicester and a 4-1 win for Bath) whoever scores the more tries in the Cardiff v Bath game would progress.
•    Sale cannot qualify for the last four.

EDF ENERGY CUP - POOL C

London Irish v Ospreys

At Madejski Stadium, Sunday 3pm. Live on BBC Wales

London Irish have won their last three matches in all competitions, whilst the Exiles’ only loss at Madejski Stadium since March was 16-20 to Bath in the Premiership on 20 September. London Irish have won two of their last three games in the EDF Energy Cup, but have not beaten a Welsh side in this competition since their 27-23 victory over the Blues in Reading on 4 December 2005.

Ospreys have won four of their last five games in all competitions, but have lost their last two away games. The reigning EDF Energy Cup champions have won their last seven matches in this competition.

The only previous meeting between the two teams was in round two of the EDF Energy Cup at Liberty Stadium last season when Ospreys triumphed 51-16.

Worcester Warriors v Harlequins

At Sixways, Sunday 3pm.

Worcester Warriors’ defeat at Ospreys on Sunday ended a three game winning run in all competitions. The Warriors home record in EDF Energy Cup ties is a disappointing won 2, lost 3.

Harlequins only win in their eight previous EDF Energy Cup games was 10-8 at London Irish on 28 October 2007.

Worcester’s most recent win over Harlequins was 23-22 at Twickenham Stoop in the EDF Energy Cup on 3 November 2007.

Possible EDF Energy Cup Permutations

•    Ospreys require two match points to ensure qualification for the semi-finals.
•    London Irish must beat Ospreys by four clear match points and then hope that Worcester do not win to qualify themselves.
•    Worcester could still progress if they get a bonus point win and Ospreys get nothing from their trip to London Irish.
•    The Warriors could also make the last four in a three way tie on nine points, set up by a Worcester win scoring less than four tries and a 4-0 win by Irish, with Ospreys kept tryless.
•    Harlequins cannot make it to the semi-finals.

EDF ENERGY CUP - POOL D

Results: Saints 30(B) Bristol 17; Saracens 17 Scarlets 26; Scarlets 27 Bristol 0; Saracens 33 Saints 19

Bristol Rugby v Saracens

At Memorial Stadium, Saturday 2.30pm.

Bristol Rugby have won just one of their last 15 games in all competitions: 39-11 at home to Toulon in the European Challenge Cup on 17 October. Bristol are unbeaten in their last three home matches in the EDF Energy Cup.

Saracens have won six of their last seven games in all competitions. Sarries have won back to back away games including the 23-16 victory when they visited Memorial Stadium in the Premiership on 1 October. Saracens have only ever won one away game in the EDF Energy Cup: 46-28 at Leeds on 26 October 2007.

Bristol’s only victory in their last six encounters with Saracens was 18-3 at Memorial Stadium in the Guinness Premiership on 6 January 2008.

Northampton Saints v Scarlets

At Franklin’s Gardens, Saturday 2.30pm. Live on BBC

Northampton Saints’ three game winning run was halted at Saracens on Sunday. The Saints have won their last 20 home games in all competitions since Gloucester won 7-5 at Franklin’s Gardens on 3 March 2007. Northampton’s last home defeat in the EDF Energy Cup was 12-24 to Worcester on 30 September 2006. The Saints have lost just one game at home to a Welsh team: 9-18 to the Scarlets in the European Cup on 1 February 2004.

Scarlets have won their last four matches in the EDF Energy Cup since Bristol beat them 11-18 at Memorial Stadium on 29 October 2007. The Welshmen’s record in England in all competitions is won 4, lost 8.

The two teams have clashed on four previous occasions with Scarlets winning both games in the European Cup in season 2003/04, and the Saints taking both encounters the following year in the same competition.

Possible EDF Energy Cup Permutations

•    Scarlets must avoid defeat to progress to the last four.
•    A Saints win would be enough for a Northampton semi-final appearance provided Saracens do not also win.
•    A three-way tie on nine points would see Scarlets through courtesy of the bonus point they require in a loss at Franklin’s Gardens.
•    Bristol cannot make it to the semi-finals.

HOW THE POOL WINNERS ARE DECIDED
(a) The pool winner will be the team with the highest number of match points in each
pool.
(b) If two teams in the same pool end the pool stage equal on match points, then
qualification will be determined by the results of the match played between the two
sides.
(c) But if the match is a draw:
(i) the team which has scored the greater number of tries in the match; and
(ii) if tries are equal, the team with the best points difference from all three matches
(d) If three teams in the same pool at the end the pool stage are equal on match points,
then qualification will be determined by the results of the matches played between those
three teams concerned (i.e. A v B, A v C, B v C,) as follows:
(i) the team which has earned the greater number of match points from the matches;
(ii) if match points are equal, the team which has scored the most tries in the matches;
and
(iii) if tries are equal, the team with the best points difference from all the matches in the
pool stage.
(e) If all four teams in the same pool end the pool stage equal on match points, then
qualification will be determined by:
(i) most tries scored in the pool stage; or
(ii) if tries are equal, the best points difference from all the matches in the pool stage.
(f) If qualification is still unresolved, qualification will be based on:
(i) if points difference is equal, the team with the fewest number of players shown a red
card in the pool stage; or
(ii) if the number of players shown a red card in the pool stage is equal, the team with
the fewest number of players shown a yellow card in the pool stage; or
(iii) if still unresolved, by the toss of a coin.

Tags: EDF Energy Cup

New signing Craig Newby began work with his new teammates and declared he cannot wait to wear the famous Leicester Tigers jersey.

New Zealand international Newby has started training with Tigers following his arrival from Otago.

The 29-year-old could make his debut in Tigers’ EDF Energy Cup Pool B game against Sale Sharks at Welford Road on Friday night.

Newby said: “I am really looking forward to the Sale game.

“Hopefully I will get a taste of wearing the green shirt at home, which will be quite nice.

“Even though I have recently arrived I have been a supporter of the Tigers since I knew I was joining the club.

“I am fit and ready to go and can’t wait to be involved.”

A versatile loose forward, Newby can play anywhere across the back-row and was captain of Otago.

He hopes to transfer the talents that have helped him win three caps for the All Blacks to Tigers.

Newby said: “Wherever Heyneke Meyer wants me I will play there.”

To purchase tickets for Friday’s EDF Energy Cup game against Sale Sharks contact the Tigers ticket office on 08701 28 34 30 or visit www.leicestertigers.com

Tags: Craig Newby, EDF Energy Cup

Welsh sides top three of the four groups as the EDF Energy Cup reaches the final round of the group stage.

However, all those leading Welsh regions face matches with the second placed English club in their group this weekend, meaning the look of the semi-final, scheduled to take place at the Ricoh Arena Coventry on Saturday 28th March, could yet be radically altered.

Gloucester Rugby are the only English team to head a group, sitting on top of Group A with wins over London Wasps and Newport Gwent Dragons already under their belts. A win at Kingston Park against Newcastle Falcons on Sunday would guarantee them their first Anglo-Welsh semi-final. Should they falter and they wouldn’t be the first to find Kingston Park a tough place to get a result, then the winners of the London Wasps versus Newport Gwent Dragons match will be there to sweep up and claim the semi-final spot.

Cardiff Blues cemented their position at the top of Group B with a comprehensive win over Leicester Tigers at Cardiff Arms Park. They stay in their famous old ground this week for the visit of Guinness Premiership leaders Bath Rugby and will be favourites to qualify. For their part, Bath Rugby will know that a win should clinch qualification for them, although Leicester Tigers could still get through if they convincingly beat Sale Sharks as they beat Bath Rugby in round one, giving them an advantage in the case of the teams being equal on points.

In Group C the Ospreys continued to justify their tag as pre-tournament favourites, with a four try victory over Mike Ruddock’s Worcester Warriors side on Sunday at Sixways.

Ospreys now travel to Reading to take on London Irish at the Madejski Stadium. The Exiles produced a glittering performance to see off Harlequins at the Twickenham Stoop and may well fancy their chances of upsetting those odds to knock-out the EDF Energy Cup holders.

Worcester Warriors could still sneak through. They find themselves in a similar position to Leicester Tigers, having beaten London Irish in round one, they could still go through if they manage to convincingly beat Harlequins at Sixways and finish level on points with the Exiles.

The Scarlets are the third Welsh region to boast a one hundred percent record, running out comfortable winners against Bristol Rugby in the last competitive match at Stradey Park before Scarlets move down the road to the new Park Y Scarlets.

Their banana skin could well be Northampton Saints, who play host to the Scarlets at Franklin’s Gardens on Saturday in front of the BBC cameras. Defeat at Vicarage Road to Eddie Jones’s thrusting young Saracens has dented their chances of progressing, but a win against Scarlets would most likely secure their passage through to what would be virtually a home semi-final.

Saracens could yet qualify if they can register a big win against Bristol Rugby. That would leave them hoping that Northampton only scrape past their Welsh opponents and the Men in Black finish level on points and go through courtesy of their win on Sunday.

Tags: EDF Energy Cup