Rugby in Kenya
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Crusaders experiencing nightmare move
Posted: December 30, 2011, 12:07 am by guestblogger
The news that the Crusaders’ temporary stadium will most likely not be available for their first home game of the new season has come as a blow to fans of rugby previews and players alike, but the team’s chief executive, Hamish Riach, has explained that the club are still exploring all options for their opening 2012 fixture against the Chiefs on March 9th.
March 24th has been set as the new deadline for work to be completed, which would mean that the stadium should be completed in time for the Cheetahs to visit, but that still leaves a fortnight of the season in which the Christchurch side will be effectively homeless.
Speaking this month to the Timaru Herald, Riach has mentioned that there is a strong possibility of playing those matches before the rebuilding at Rugby League Park has been completed at either Timaru or Nelson in a bid to keep the games within the franchise’s geographical boundaries – but has not ruled out moving the matches to Napier: “A decision will be made early in the new year on where the first home game will be held. This has been an ambitious programme from the start but we are delighted that we are getting closer to having home games in Christchurch.”
The ground at Addington is expected to include a first-class sports and outdoor entertainment centre with state-of-the-art structures, new floodlights and brand-new turf upon completion, but the recent seismic activity in the region has created problems that put the start of the new Super XV season into perspective.
Last season the Crusaders put those issues to one side; finishing third in the table and eventually only losing in the the inaugural Super Rugby final at the Suncorp Stadium to a Will Genia-inspired Reds side in a game that kept those who bet on rugby league greatly entertained! -
Kenya Cup Results 171211
Posted: December 17, 2011, 12:02 am by ruggerbug
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Wilkinson Retires from International Rugby
Posted: December 16, 2011, 3:46 pm by guestblogger
England's Johnny Wilkinson has become the latest high-profile figure to retire from Test rugby, in the aftermath of the recent World Cup. The Toulon fly-half follows in the footsteps of his compatriot and teammate, Lewis Moody, and Wales' Shane Williams, who have also hung their international boots up, in recent weeks.
In an emotional statement, Wilkinson, whose career has been dogged by injuries and illness, including a torn kidney, a hernia, a fractured shoulder, and a swollen appendix, said that he "never, ever believed" that he could surrender to history "a dream, which has driven me to live, breathe, love and embrace the game of rugby". Those looking at the best betting odds online will know how good he was.
Wilkinson's announcement has prompted a number of tributes from rugby players, both past and present. England's Mark Cueto described the 32-year-old as an "unbelievable player", while former Harlequins and Tigers man, Clive Woodward, said that Wilkinson's prowess on the rugby field "scared the opposition".
The former Newcastle player, who received his England call-up at the age of eighteen, became a household name in 2003, when he kicked the winning goal for his country in the final of the Rugby World Cup. Wilkinson would notch up 1,179 points, over the next eight years, to become England's all-time highest scorer.
Replacing the player at fly-half could prove to be Stuart Lancaster's first major challenge in his new role as England coach. However, the Tigers' Toby Flood is likely to assume at least some of Wilkinson's responsibilities on the pitch. Wilkinson and Flood famously competed for kicking duties, at the recent World Cup.
Lancaster joined the chorus of characters paying tribute to Wilkinson, remarking that he is a "model sportsman - down to earth and hard-working". -
Huget Faces Two-year Ban
Posted: December 15, 2011, 4:31 pm by guestblogger
Yoann Huget, fullback for Orange Top 14 side, Bayonne, could receive a two-year ban from rugby union, today, if the French Rugby Federation (FRF) decides his habitual avoidance of drug tests is incompatible with a career in the sport. Huget missed three separate appointments, during the last season, a tally that contributed to his absence from the recent World Cup.
The news represents a remarkable fall from grace for the 24-year-old, who had been hoping to meet France's new coach, Philippe Saint-Andre, at the Six Nations, in February. Huget played for his country in every Six Nations match that France featured in, earlier this year. However, due to a previous ban, lasting three months, he has not played for Les Bleus since March 19. Those looking at the Six Nations Betting Odds should bear this in mind.
Huget, while currently free to play for both France and Bayonne, remains at odds with the French Anti-doping Agency (AFLD, in French), after he failed to inform the body of his whereabouts, during 2011. The agency requires that union players make their movements plain, so that it can administer drugs tests.
Speaking to French 'paper, Midi Olympique, Huget said that he “hadn't worried” about the missed drugs tests, even after amassing two warnings. “I didn’t take it seriously enough. I was naïve thinking that it would sort itself out.” Huget added that the FRF and the AFLD need to improve their links with young players, to prevent other rugby stars making the same mistakes as he did. Anyone following the Rugby Union Betting should remember this.
Huget has played just three matches for Bayonne, since returning from his most recent ban, against Top 14 sides, Biarritz and Sporting Union Agen, and against the London Wasps, in the Amlin Challenge Cup. The youngster scored in the latter two matches, points that could prove to be his swansong in rugby union, for the next two years, at least. -
Tough times ahead for England
Posted: December 14, 2011, 9:28 pm by guestblogger
England's World Cup disappointment means Martin Johnson was given the boot and it seems most likely they will attempt to defend their Six Nations crown in 2012 with a temporary coach in charge, but is that really the best way to get their fortunes back on track?
A World Cup that was dominated more by off-the-field antics than results on them eventually saw England eliminated in the quarter-finals by their old adversary France. This gave England their worst showing since 1999 and the off-field antics eventually put pay to Johnson's tenure in charge. People looking at the rugby betting offers should remember this.
Further embarrassments came courtesy of leaked documents from the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and the Rugby Players' Association, and as a result the entire England camp seems split by infighting, money concerns and a major worry about the quality of coaching staff. Those placing England rugby bets should bear this in mind.
The RFU continue to search for a successor to Johnson but an interim coach seems destined to lead England into the Six Nations, with names Saxons coach Stuart Lancaster tipped to lead the side on a short-term basis.
With confidence low throughout the England camp and the team seemingly split in two, they need a good Six Nations performance to get them back into shape and there remains questions about whether that would come through an interim coach.
A quick-fix rarely results in any massive changes but a lot could depend on whether the new man sticks to the old guard which failed so miserably at the World Cup or brings through a new generation of England stars for the future.
Whatever happens the Six Nations is going to be a massive tournament for the England side and, given how impressive Wales, France and Ireland were through the World Cup, they look likely to face a titanic battle to hold onto their title. -
Kenya Rugby 7s at serious risk of losing IRB core status
Posted: December 14, 2011, 7:22 pm by The Real KRFU
The following is the statement issued by the IRB in relation to
Kenya's core status in the IRB World Sevens Series Circuit:"Following the dismal performance in the first 3 legs of the 2011/12
series, the IRB has noted with concern the alarming regression that
has taken place with the Kenya 7s despite their status as one of the
core teams. If there is no immediate change of performance in the
oncoming legs then the IRB will be looking to review and possibly
replace Kenya with of the teams that have shown considerable
improvement over the last 3 years. Kenya 7s no longer looks like a
team that reached the 2009 RWC semi-finals."Simply put - Shape up or risk getting thrown out. Muthee where are you
taking us? -
KRFU bans national sevens players from local Kenya Cup league
Posted: December 14, 2011, 10:50 am by The Real KRFU
In what is another decree if not unilateral dictatorial decision KRFU
Chairman (Shareman as he is more commonly referred to) Michael Muthee
Mwangi has stopped national sevens players from featuring in the Kenya
Cup till the IRB sevens circuit series is over in June.No consultative meetings have taken place with the clubs (Rugby
Enterprise Ltd) nor has the KRFU offered any financial compensation to
the affected clubs.Meanwhile the eagerly awaited SGM seems to be fizzling out as several
club officials seem to have been 'pocketed' by the Shareman. Three of
the club Chairman were recently in the Middle East where they
socialised to expendable levels with Shareman. Also in their company
were former Chairman Richard Omwela and GM Barbara Kokonya who
personally accompanied the Shareman. -
Fitzgerald continues to defy critics
Posted: December 13, 2011, 6:38 pm by guestblogger
When Ireland exited the 2011 Rugby World Cup at the hands of Wales at the quarter final stage, there will have been one man in green who despite the nation's obvious disappointment, will have felt the slightest twinge of vindication.
Leinster's 24 year-old winger Luke Fitzgerald – who has missed out on not one, but two World Cup squads in his career – spent the autumn in stellar form for his club and left plenty of question marks over his exclusion from Declan Kidney's eventual thirty-man squad. Those looking at the latest 6 Nations betting should bear this in mind.
Whilst he has 23 caps for Ireland under his belt already – as well as a Lions cap earned in Pretoria – his free-flowing and liberal attitude to playing rugby has left many to wonder whether he can be trusted on the biggest stage of all. The irony of course was that when Ireland found themselves being edged out of the World Cup in October, such a prodigious talent might have been just what was needed against tiring Welsh legs and minds.
In the 2011 Six Nations, he was forced to play fresh off the back of an injury and out of position at full-back for four straight games – only to be dropped, not just from the starting line-up, but from the squad entirely.
Clearly Kidney didn't feel that Fitzgerald offered something that his side would require – but to omit him form proceedings this year could be very foolish indeed. Fitzgerald however, remains philosophical about his World Cup snub and insists that the only thing he can do is continue to shine for Leinster, thereby making his case for inclusion unanswerable.
"There have been a couple of disappointments but the key thing for me is how you bounce back from these things. That's something I'm really focused on," he said.When Ireland exited the 2011 Rugby World Cup at the hands of Wales at the quarter final stage, there will have been one man in green who despite the nation's obvious disappointment, will have felt the slightest twinge of vindication.
Leinster's 24 year-old winger Luke Fitzgerald – who has missed out on not one, but two World Cup squads in his career – spent the autumn in stellar form for his club and left plenty of question marks over his exclusion from Declan Kidney's eventual thirty-man squad. Those looking at the latest 6 Nations betting should bear this in mind.
Whilst he has 23 caps for Ireland under his belt already – as well as a Lions cap earned in Pretoria – his free-flowing and liberal attitude to playing rugby has left many to wonder whether he can be trusted on the biggest stage of all. The irony of course was that when Ireland found themselves being edged out of the World Cup in October, such a prodigious talent might have been just what was needed against tiring Welsh legs and minds.
In the 2011 Six Nations, he was forced to play fresh off the back of an injury and out of position at full-back for four straight games – only to be dropped, not just from the starting line-up, but from the squad entirely.
Clearly Kidney didn't feel that Fitzgerald offered something that his side would require – but to omit him form proceedings this year could be very foolish indeed. Fitzgerald however, remains philosophical about his World Cup snub and insists that the only thing he can do is continue to shine for Leinster, thereby making his case for inclusion unanswerable.
"There have been a couple of disappointments but the key thing for me is how you bounce back from these things. That's something I'm really focused on," he said. -
Nelson Mandela Bay Sevens Update: Kenya 7 Scotland 26
Posted: December 10, 2011, 4:59 pm by ruggerbug
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Nelson Mandela Bay Sevens Update: Kenya 5 Canada 26
Posted: December 9, 2011, 12:31 am by ruggerbug
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Nelson Mandela Bay Sevens Update: Kenya 0 South Africa 45
Posted: December 9, 2011, 9:24 pm by ruggerbug
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Nelson Mandela Bay Sevens Update: Kenya 14 Australia 31
Posted: December 9, 2011, 6:52 pm by ruggerbug
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Munster coach looks to fill hole
Posted: December 9, 2011, 6:49 pm by guestblogger
Munster coach Tony McGahan says he is confident one of his squad members will be able to fill the hole left by Doug Howlett’s injury.
The Kiwi has been ruled out till the summer with an Achilles injury which he picked up in his team’s loss to Ospreys in the RaboDirect Pro 12 last weekend.
The Irish province has an abundance of young talent coming through and McGahan is hoping Simon Zebo can be the man to fill the number 14 jersey. The Australian can also call on the likes of Keith Earls and Felix Jones who have just returned from injuries. Fans of Betfair.com should bear this in mind.
Earls has been out with a knee injury but is now back in full training while Jones is likely to be back in the new year after recovering from the ankle injury that ruled him out of the World Cup. Those looking at the betting tips should remember this.
Zebo has impressed this season and looks as if he could be on the verge of making himself a regular in the side. McGahan has ruled out bringing in any new players into his squad despite the injury problems meaning the 21-year-old could be set for a run in the side."I think there is an option there [within competition rules] to allow you bring a player into the squad, I think one front row and one player during the pool stages," McGahan told the Irish Examiner.
"But we are still hoping on [hooker] Mike Sherry that he might try and get back, we are still hoping that Felix Jones will get back at some stage, you are looking at those players existing in the squad to come back in and you are also looking at the availability of a player to bring in.
"You cannot bring in anyone who has already played ERC rugby or Amlin Challenge this year so Europe really tightens that group." -
Weekend Games
Posted: December 9, 2011, 2:18 pm by DataMiner
A full action weekend for Kenyan Rugby. The fifteens team is in Dubai for the Emirates Cup, playing their first match against Brazil tomorrow. The sevens team is in Port Elizabeth for the third round of the HSBC IRB World Sevens Series. The local leagues are also in full force with five Kenya Cup matches on offer tomorrow. That leaves us spoilt for alternatives and with the potential for many to make their names. I have been taking my time to examine the local league and hopefully we can get back to our predictions by next weekend. Also, I will make my comments about what I think of the Sevens team and the fifteens as well in my Weekly Ramble, sometime during the week.
Hopefully my fellow bloggers will update you on results as usual. Do enjoy your weekend and do enjoy your rugby as well. -
Wales Wrestle with Williams Replacement
Posted: December 7, 2011, 10:27 pm by guestblogger
The retirement of a favourite player is always a bitter-sweet moment for sports teams. The absence of experience in a crucial position can be a major concern for managers, but the opportunity to push younger athletes onto the pitch can be a boon for any club.
With the retirement of Shane Williams, the Welsh rugby team is preparing to promote one of a new generation of superstars to the first team, but who, if anybody, will be able to fill the boots of a man whose sidestep has often been described as "devastating" to an opposition defence?
The answer, at present, remains in the realm of conjecture. Names like Leigh Halfpenny, Alex Cuthbert, Liam Williams, Morgan Stoddart, and Tom James have all been mentioned in response to the question of who will replace Williams on the wing. However, a cocktail of youth and injury has prevented the quintet spending time at number eleven. Those following the Six Nations betting should remember this.
Halfpenny, 22, a popular choice to support George North on the wing, has been moonlighting as a full-back in recent weeks, and looks set to remain in the position for Wales' Six Nations clash with Ireland, in February.
Equally, Liam Williams, 20, has been hovering around the back line at his domestic side, Scarlets. The fact that Liam has been likened to rugby legend, J.P.R. Williams, a fullback, is perhaps further evidence that the youngster will remain in defence.
Moving on; Alex Cuthbert, 21, was referred to as in "pole position" for Williams' vacant position, by Wales Online, based on the fact that the Welsh coach, Warren Gatland, favours large, powerful players on the sides; at 6ft 6in, and almost four stone heavier than Williams, Cuthbert could prove an interesting contrast to his predecessor. Fans of the rugby betting odds should bear this in mind.
Stoddart, a player who missed the World Cup courtesy of a broken leg, is the oldest of the candidates for Williams' boots, at 27-years-old. He is likely to return to the professional game in time for the Six Nations. The Scarlets player was a feature of Wales' Six Nations campaign in 2011, a record that could stand him in good stead with Gatland, in February.
Finally, Tom James has an awkward relationship with the number eleven shirt. The 24-year-old has never excelled in the position, despite preferring the wing for the Cardiff Blues, his domestic team. James has been known to lack some of the attributes demanded by the position, such as play-making.
Warren Gatland has little more than nine weeks to name Williams' successor, if Wales are to be prepared for their upcoming match with Ireland, in 2012. -
Kenya Cup Results: 031211
Posted: December 5, 2011, 1:29 pm by ruggerbug
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Dubai Sevens Update: Kenya 35 UAE 5
Posted: December 3, 2011, 3:28 pm by ruggerbug
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Dubai Sevens Update: Kenya 12 Portugal 24
Posted: December 3, 2011, 1:32 pm by ruggerbug
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Dubai Sevens Update: Kenya 5 Zimbabwe 21
Posted: December 2, 2011, 8:45 pm by ruggerbug
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Dubai Sevens Update: Kenya 12 England 19
Posted: December 2, 2011, 6:22 pm by ruggerbug
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Dubai Sevens Update: Kenya 5 France 27
Posted: December 2, 2011, 1:59 pm by ruggerbug
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Kenya 7s in Action
Posted: December 2, 2011, 10:44 am by ruggerbug
The Kenya Sevens team takes part in the 2nd leg of the HSBC IRB Sevens Rugby in Dubai from today. The lads will take on France at 10.32 followed by England at 2.38 p.m. and lastly Zimbabwe at 5.23 p.m. They will hope for an improved performance from last weekend where they bowed out in the Shield Competition Semi finals. We wish them well. -
Lest We Forget
Posted: December 1, 2011, 6:21 pm by DataMiner
In keeping with my theme for this day annually, we must remember all those infected as well as affected by the AIDS scourge. I have rambled about this in past posts, but it is always good to remember. Today I reflect upon what were assumed to be the origins of the scourge and maybe its effect on our noble sport.
Whilst the jury is still out on the origins of this disease, its spread was different in different communities. Whereas in the United States where it was first discovered it mainly affected gay or homosexual communities, in Africa it was mainly heterosexual persons that were infected. Though the causes of infection are clearly known, the biggest hurdle now is the stigma associated with the illness. Due to progress in medication and treatment, people are now living longer and able to lead fully productive lives, even while infected. That means that we may not know who amongst us is infected and thus have to live with them same as others. I personally do not know of any rugby players who are HIV positive though just the infection rate in the general populace would suggest a few such persons exist. And with persons keeping this information to themselves, the stigma has now shifted to gay rugby players. This article says it all. However, with a most accomplished rugby player having come out to declare himself gay, one would hope that this would all end and we would stop labelling or assuming certain status of people because of their life preferences. And with the current push by the Western World to accept gay rights as part of our existence, would we be able to live and play with openly confessed gay persons?
Do take time to reflect and let's all try to end the stigma associated with this disease.
Blah blah blah
Fish cakes
Alas a fish cake.
Yet more fish cakes
Guess what ... yeah ... fish cakes.
The end of the fish cakes
