a rugby life

Podcast Episode 18: Paul Holmes (Fitness and 7s Guru, 1823 RFC)

arugbylife@gmail.com (Hedley Lagrand) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 07:08:00 +0000

In the first episode of the new year, I talk with Fitness and 7s Guru, Paul Holmes. We talk about Paul's early rugby career which took him around the globe from South Africa, to the UK, and the Middle East.

Now settled with his family in the US, Paul shares how he's using his rugby and fitness knowledge to help develop young American rugby talent in Ohio via 1823 RFC and Tiger Rugby.

You can listen to the podcast on the player below or head on over to iTunes, our Facebook page, or via Feedburner.

To learn more about Paul's work with 1823 RFC visit www.1823rfc.com and via Facebook.

Also checkout Paul's 1823 Fitness Youtube channel at www.youtube.com/user/1823SevensTrainer and catch a sneak peek of Paul in action below!

Partnership with the Bournemouth 7s Festival!

arugbylife@gmail.com (Hedley Lagrand) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:18:00 +0000

I am pleased to announce a new partnership with one of the UK's hottest rugby events, the Bournemouth Sevens Festival.

The Bournemouth 7s has been described as a unique mix between Dubai Rugby Sevens and Glastonbury with a over 20,000 people attending and 380 teams competing over the festival weekend.
This years festival will take place on Friday 1st – Sunday 3rd June, 2012 and is shaping up to be one of the must attend events of the summer.

As part of the partnership, I'll be providing coverage of the festival which will include a special podcast series featuring interviews and features, plus I will be giving away 4 weekend tickets to one lucky rugby lifer (more details soon!)

A spot of rugby action at the festival

With the tour season coming up, I'd love to hear from all US teams/players that are (or are considering) attending this years event. If you are or know of folks who are, drop me a line.
Any American team/player attending will get featured in my festival coverage!

For more details on the event and how to attend, head on over to their website at bournemouthsevens.com. Need more convincing? Then check out the official festival video below!

Happy New Year!

arugbylife@gmail.com (Hedley Lagrand) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Wishing everyone a very happy new year and all the best in 2012!

Merry Christmas!

arugbylife@gmail.com (Hedley Lagrand) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 16:34:00 +0000

Rugby Santa at Hayle RFC, Cornwall (Courtesy of Cornwall365.co.uk)

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!

Play Rugby USA 2012 Calendar now on sale

arugbylife@gmail.com (Hedley Lagrand) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:44:00 +0000

PRE-SALE of Play Rugby USA's inaugural calendar for 2012 highlighting some inspirational images of youth engagement in the program and PRUSA's core values for each month. A great way to give back to the program while putting a smile on your face every morning!

Click HERE to order your copy online!!

100% of net proceeds benefit Play Rugby USA's mission of "Developing Youth through Rugby".

We will place all orders for this item on December 15th and notify you via email upon shipping.

Website: www.playrugbyusa.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PlayRugbyUSA

Twitter: twitter.com/Play_Rugby_USA

Links for 2011-12-14 [Digg]

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Women’s Collegiate Strategic Committee Letter to USA Rugby Regarding a Gender Equity Audit – NCAA Initiative & Residency Program for 7s

Links for 2011-11-25 [Digg]

Sat, 26 Nov 2011 00:00:00 PST

New York 7s kick off tomorrow!
The 53rd annual New York 7s Tournament will take place tomorrow, a tradition New York Rugby Club has been honoring ever Saturday following Thanksgiving since 1959.

New York 7s kicks off tomorrow!

arugbylife@gmail.com (Hedley Lagrand) — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 00:15:00 +0000

The 53rd annual New York 7s Tournament will take place tomorrow, a tradition New York Rugby Club has been honoring ever Saturday following Thanksgiving since 1959. Taking place on Randalls Island and expect to see some top quality 7s from Mens, Womens, College, and Youth teams from across US.

The first games start at 8:20am and respective division finals taking place between 2-4pm. The full schedule can be found here.

The Third half festivities will be held at Connolly's Pub (midtown Manhattan at 14 E.47th St. between Fifth & Madison Avenues) at 8pm.

Further details can be found on the Tournament Website at newyorkrugbysevens.com

Rugby Santa 2011: Try Time!

arugbylife@gmail.com (Hedley Lagrand) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:13:00 +0000

This time last year, Coach Burke of the Oakland Warthogs and I rucked over an idea to get OLD Rugby players to donate unused/retired gear to YOUNG Rugby players. The response last from last year's Rugby Santa forced my business partner to ask me to stop having stuff sent to the office. We literally couldn't get down our hall. Let's do that again, yes?

After the Silly Season, "The Girl" at YourScrumHalfConnection.com came up with TRY Donation Program: Tomorrow's Rugby Youth.

Madak.com designs gave us a logo, and BOOM, we were in business.
If you have old gear, please contact Kevin at RuckingInsurance.com for a mailing address. If you're a youth program in need of gear, again contact Kevin. And, be sure to visit the Rugby-Related Businesses that help us promote this last year:

ARugbyLife.com

PakisCorner.com

RugbyAmerica.org

ScrumHalfConnection.com

RugbyAthletic.com

AGiantAwakens.com

The PCRFU

Ruckie The Moose

RuckingInsurance.com

USA Rugby: 2012 Youth Development Conference Registration Now Open

arugbylife@gmail.com (Hedley Lagrand) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 17:46:00 +0000

Courtesy of USA Rugby

USA Rugby is extremely excited to announce that registration for the 2012 Youth Development Conference is now open! This conference welcomes coaches, referees, and administrators from all over the country to participate in professional development opportunities focused on growing youth and high school rugby.

Who

Anyone interested in learning about current youth and high school best practices and new USA Rugby initiatives for 2012

Where

Atlanta, Georgia

When

January 27th-29th

Cost*

Early Bird (Now until January 8th): $100

General (January 8th-26th): $125

Walk In (January 27th): $175

*Includes breakfast on Saturday and Sunday, lunch on Saturday, and dinner on Saturday

What to Expect

Cutting edge coaching techniques from the Men's, Women's, and Age-Grade National Team coaches
2012 USA Rugby initiatives from Nigel Melville
USA Rugby youth and high school best practice sharing
2012 Women's Coaching Conference
The 'Try Zone' exhibition hall featuring products and services
The 'Admission Hall' exhibition area featuring collegiate rugby programs from around the country
Networking with over 200 of the countries most involved youth and high school members
Representatives from all 28 State Based Rugby Organizations

To sponsor, exhibit, or advertise at the 2012 Youth Development Conference CLICK HERE!

Further Information:
Ian Jaray | Youth Development Administrator | USA Rugby | ijaray@usarugby.org

Proud Partners of USA Rugby

American Sin Bin Custom T-Shirt Contest

arugbylife@gmail.com (Hedley Lagrand) — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 04:30:00 +0000

Click on the image above or head on over to http://www.facebook.com/AmericanSinBin

Fashion: Kia ora from the future

arugbylife@gmail.com (Hedley Lagrand) — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 18:11:00 +0000

As part of a new feature on a rugby life, I am proud to introduce an insight into rugby fashion brought to you by Bakline.

Kia ora from the future

With the culmination of the Rugby World Cup ending tomorrow, the 2011 year has proven to be a noteworthy one for rugby fashion. The battles waged on the pitch during the tournament began transcending across borders, court rooms and retail outlets before the event even started. While fans of the game watch replays on Rugby Dump to pass time at the office, our time at Bakline was busy watching the trends of the insight and controversy within the fashion world of rugby.

To kickstart the year, it was announced that a people's champion, Jim Carlberg of Rugby America, Ltd. in a David vs. Goliath scenario fought the Ralph Lauren Company in it's defense to keep the word "Rugby" out of Ralph Lauren's greedy portfolio of copyrights. Imagine, Ralph Lauren wanted to put a stop to all the brands out there from using "rugby" on their apparel. The chutzpah. Thankfully, a level-headed Judge in the USA thought RL's claim to be whack and gave the six year legal battle victory to Mr. Carlberg. Thank him if see him about.

Springboks RWC 2011 Jersey

The next battle waged, well several, was in South Africa. The beloved Springbok is the epitome of pride for many in South Africa. Although the icon was in existence long before the Apartheid went into existence, the current government wants to make all national teams consistent with the Protea and decided to move the Springbok emblem from the left chest. The jersey maker, Canterbury has their logo front and center - but the most important icon to rugby fans was cast to the sleeve during the tournament. To add further insult to the furor was a legislative member of the ANC government called on his peers and country men to boycott wearing the jersey for its made in China and not locally by the fabric mills within SA. Tough battle we say.

A similar story of politics and rugby fashion happened in New Zealand when MP Clare Curran wore a Highlanders jersey in session and was asked to leave for breaching dress code conduct. Her reason was highlighting the protest of the change in kit colors from blue and yellow to lime green. The passion!

England 7s National Team

Speaking of colors, who can forget England's "tiger" sevens kit or the debacle surrounding the English alternate "all black" kit. This, we think, is one of the biggest fashion stories of 2011. When England and Nike announced the all black kit, fans across the world on both sides criticized the marketing move as both offensive and flattering to the New Zealand All Blacks. Should we remind our readers that New Zealand's alternate kit is completely all white and Wales got in on the fun too with a near complete, all black away kit as well. It was probably just a fashion conspiracy to get the English to look like All Blacks supporters!

Which leads us to the tournament hosts. Adidas and retailers in New Zealand put the much anticipated All Black jersey up for sale at rather astronomical prices. In the home nation, the jersey asking price hovered around $220 NZ dollars (about $180 US) and online with World Rugby Shop for $89 US. This created huge uproar from fans as this price fluctuation showed the cracks in the marketing from Adidas. Obviously, New Zealand has a captured audience on an island and when you mix the pinnacle of rugby competitions in the land of the best team, you have a goldmine to suck dry. Some retailers bent on their profits to appeal to the fans but nevertheless - the support behind the All Blacks is immense and reports show the jersey is selling better than expected.

Oh, and thought that fancy new All Blacks jersey was indestructible? This one is for you ladies.

About the author: Bakline, Inc. is an American based sportswear and lifestyle company. Bakline Rugby is a Bakline, Inc. company brand with sales both domestic and international.

You can learn more about Bakline from President and Co-Founder Rob Schnabel who we interviewed in Podcast Episode 10.

Podcast Episode 17: Stuart Krohn & Dennis Lovelace (Scrum - Rugby in the Inner City)

arugbylife@gmail.com (Hedley Lagrand) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 13:24:00 +0000

Following the theme of youth rugby in California with our last podcast, in this episode I talk to Los Angeles based former International player Stuart Krohn and Filmmaker Dennis Lovelace. Stuart is the Director of the Inner City Education Foundation Public Schools (ICEF) Rugby Program that serves schools in the South LA area. The rugby program caught the eye of Dennis, who in collaboration with Stuart and ICEF, is currently filming a documentary about the program called “SCRUM - Rugby in the Inner City".

We talk about how the program and film respectively got started, and the impact Stuart and Dennis's partnership has had on the lives of the kids involved.

You can listen to the podcast on the player below or head on over to iTunes, our Facebook page, or our RSS Feed. To learn more about ICEF visit http://icefla.org. For more on “SCRUM - Rugby in the Inner City" visit http://scrummovie.com/ and check out the trailer below!

New rugby apparel brand, American Sin Bin, launches in the US

arugbylife@gmail.com (Hedley Lagrand) — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 17:12:00 +0000

Press Release courtesy of Kelly Crigger of Ranger Up.

Ranger Up Launches New Apparel Brand, American Sin Bin

American Sin Bin seeks to elevate the game of rugby in America and deliver a World Cup Championship to the United States.

Durham, NC (PRWEB) October 05, 2011

Ranger Up military and patriotic apparel today announced the launch of their newest brand, American Sin Bin rugby apparel with one express purpose in mind: bring a world championship back to the United States. “That might sound like a lofty goal, but we know we can do it,” says Ranger Up CEO Nick Palmisciano.”

Ask the average American about rugby and you’ll get a stone-faced look, but the USA actually has a rich history in the sport. The United States rugby team dominated the sport in the 1920’s, winning Olympic gold medals in both the 1920 and 1924 games.

But soon after the game of American football, with forward passes and blocking that were disallowed in rugby, grew in popularity and rugby in the Americas faded. Ranger Up thinks it’s time to recapture the international glory that has escaped America for almost a century.

“We have the best athletes in the world,” says Palmisciano. “But it’s going to take more than that to be a tier 1 power in international rugby. It’s going to take education, awareness, tournaments, better youth programs, and higher wages so we can attract the best athletes and set the conditions for them train full time together. There’s no reason why we can’t be the best rugby nation on the planet.”

When you look at the numbers, he may be right. The total population of Fiji and Tonga is 281,000 people. That’s 100,000 less than the total number of NCAA student athletes in America, yet both of those tiny island nations have more powerful rugby teams than the United States, a country of over 330 million people. Even the best rugby team in the world, the New Zealand All Blacks, hails from a country with a population less than half that of New York City.

But awakening that giant is a bold mission beset by many obstacles, not the least of which being interest among fans, especially when there is no television broadcast deal with any rugby leagues in the US. Persuading people to watch a sport that most Americans know little about is a tough sell, especially when it’s close cousin, American football is the most popular sport in The States. But that just might be Ranger Up’s ace in the hole.

“Rugby is not football. They’re two separate games,” says Palmisciano. “But they’re similar enough that if the average football fan knew what was going on, he would find it entertaining and want to watch more. Furthermore, every year thousands of amazing athletes don’t go to the NFL, but still want to compete. Enter rugby. There are obstacles, sure, and many of our fellow ruggers told us it would be impossible. But we’re going to do it anyway.”

So how does the Ranger Up military culture fit with rugby? Rugby players are fiercely loyal to their teams, their communities, and their sport, an attitude Ranger Up knows a lot about as a veteran-owned and operated company. If anyone can appeal to the rugby community, they can.

“Rugby is all about camaraderie, sacrifice, and the warrior spirit – things we know all about. Rugby players sacrifice their bodies for the good of the team, which is the same attitude we all experienced in the military. USA Rugby is ready to explode onto the mainstream American sports scene. We want to be the catalyst that makes it happen. We’re going to win the World Cup. Just watch.”

Ranger Up was founded in 2006 and is based in Durham, North Carolina. For more information, please visit http://www.americansinbin.com and http://www.rangerup.com.

Follow on twitter @americansinbin
On facebook http://www.facebook.com/AmericanSinBin

Podcast Episode 16: Ryan Burke (Oakland Warthogs)

arugbylife@gmail.com (Hedley Lagrand) — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 23:08:00 +0000

In the latest podcast episode, I talk to Ryan Burke, President and co-founder of the Oakland Warthogs, a Californian based youth rugby program.

Ryan talks about how the program came about, the difficulties that they deal with, and how the local community has been helping rally behind their cause. Ryan also gives an insight into the daily struggles many of the kids face and shares the success stories, such as Jose Pena (see video below) that is driving them to change their lives for the better.

You can catch the interview on the player below or head on over to iTunes, our Facebook page, or our RSS Feed. To learn more about the Oakland Warthogs check out their website at www.oaklandwarthogsrfc.com

Celebrate the Rugby World Cup with Infamous Goose Sauvignon Blanc in New York City

arugbylife@gmail.com (Hedley Lagrand) — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 18:21:00 +0000

New York City's popular Kiwi hang out, Nelson Blue, invites you to celebrate two of the country’s most iconic exports on Saturday, October 1st; Sauvignon Blanc and rugby. Marking the release of their 2010 Sauvignon Blanc, The Infamous Goose welcomes the triumphant return of their home team the All Blacks to the Rugby World Cup with a pre-game reception at New York City’s Nelson Blue Bar & Grill co-hosted by the Kiwi Club of New York.

Guests will be invited to complimentary samples of The Infamous Goose 2010 Sauvignon Blanc and learn “The Haka” – a traditional dance of New Zealand’s native Māori made famous worldwide by their rugby team. Originally performed before battle to proclaim strength and prowess - the Haka is now an integral part of formal ceremonies. Prizes awarded to the best Haka performers.

Cheer New Zealand’s All Blacks, as they take on the Canadian Canucks and toast to New Zealand rugby icons Captain Richie McCaw, Fly-half Dan Carter and wunderkind Sonny Bill Williams as they ruck and maul their way to glory in the North Island city of Wellington at 10:30pm EST.

Date: Saturday, October 1
Time:9 – 10:30pm (Kickoff at 10:30pm)
Location: Nelson Blue New Zealand Bar & Grill
233-235 Front Street @ Peck Slip, South Street Seaport, NYC 10038

Phone: (212) 346-9090
Price: Complimentary to members of the public 21 years and over
Website: www.nelsonblue.com
RSVP: theinfamousgoose.eventbrite.com

I will be at the event, so please come over and say hi!

11th hour RWC preview: Ireland vs USA

arugbylife@gmail.com (Hedley Lagrand) — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 03:07:00 +0000

Ireland vs USa in Santa Clara.
Credit: Tony Avelar / Associated Press

The countdown to the Ireland v USA's match at the 2011 Rugby World Cup is almost over, as both teams get ready to kick of at 6pm NZST (2am EST) in New Plymouth.

This match is highly anticipated here, and even with the odds stacked against the Eagles, many are wondering if we could see an upset for the Irish.

For the Eagles, with the match taking place on the 10th anniversary of 9/11 and former Irish head coach Eddie O'Sullivan now at the helm, this game is going to be an emotional one. Captain Todd Clever and O'Sullivan have already acknowledge this in interviews and to their credit, have sounded very calm and collected. Channeling this emotion into motivation is key to their success. O'Sullivan knows the lay of the Irish land to a certain extent and exploiting that can only benefit the US. Other key factors is for the Eagles to settle down into the game early, while maintaining the physically pressure for the full 80 minutes (US should take some inspiration from the Romanians and Japanese).

Ireland has a strong side with a wealth of experience with some doubts surrounding the new kid on the block, scrum-half Conor Murray, which Captain Brain O'Driscoll has publicly addressed. Unfortunately, Ireland has looked a little out of sorts in the build up to the World Cup, with losses to both France and England. The Eagles are not of that calibre yet and Ireland has to date beaten the US on all of their six previous encounters. However, I think the Irish are rightfully hesitate to think it won't be 7th time the charm just yet.

So who are the danger men to watch? For me, in the Irish squad its Jonathan Sexton & Ronan O'Gara with their respective deadly boot action and Brian O"Drisscol for being magical awesome. For the Eagles, "Captain America" Todd Clever is a mass of pure physical power and strength, Takudzwa Ngwenya is quick as lighting, and Mike Petri's is a New York bad ass with the most scrum half experience on the field.

Overall, my expectations is for very physical game with a lot of open play. To me the team that settles down first I feel will have the edge to win this game. As for a prediction, my head says Ireland will win, but my heart pines for a soaring Eagle triumph.

As a bonus, I wanted to share an interview I did on Friday with the Irish lads of The Score and Whiff of Crodite about this game. Check out the interview here.

A tribute to a fallen teammate

arugbylife@gmail.com (Hedley Lagrand) — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 01:21:00 +0000

Yesterday I learned of the sad news of the passing of my former teammate and friend Oscar Hernandez. Oscar played hooker for the Washington Renegades in DC and his untimely death has resonated not only throughout his club, but also fellow players in the PRU and IGRAB unions.

Washington Renegades Bs with Alice Hoagland
at the 2006 Bingham Cup. Oscar is left of Alice.

I had the pleasure of both coaching and playing with Oscar. At the 2006 Bingham Cup in New York City, I led one of two teams the Renegades had in the tournament. The B's were in the Plate side competition and faced some tough opposition from around the globe. Oscar was a key component of our success in finishing 3rd overall. On the eve of 9/11, as I look back on the tournament, I find myself thinking about happy times rather than two separate tragic events.

Today, in honor of him, the Renegades dedicated their 1st matrix match of the season against Rappahannock. They won the game with an impressive score of 62-0, and posthumously named Oscar man of the match. It was a fitting tribute to a man who will be missed by all.

If you wish to leave a eulogy, feel free to comment below or post on his Facebook page.

My RWC 2011 predictions

arugbylife@gmail.com (Hedley Lagrand) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 20:30:00 +0000

Who'll be lifting the
Webb Ellis Cup this year?

A few folks have been asking me what my Rugby World Cup predictions are for this year and thought it was about time to share them with you all!

I will talk more about game predictions in a future post or you can get a sneak peak of what I am thinking by joining the ARL Rugby World Cup prediction game on SuperBru (Pool name: a rugby life, Pool code: seartick).

So without further ado, here are my calls:

The Top Contender: Australia

As much as people would love to see the All Blacks lift the cup again on home soil, I think their neighbors Australia are going to steal the show. They should be able to come out of their Pool games relative unscathed, but are going faced with a tough path to final, which I think will suit them just fine. The Wallabies have had a mixed bag of results in the Tri-Nations and RWC warm ups, but like most Aussies I know, they are a determined and competitive bunch! Take that grit, put in on familiar turf, and I think we could see the Wallabies be the first to pull off an RWC hat -trick.

The Dark Horse: England

England proved in the last RWC, they can muddle their way through the tournament to the final, much to the surprise of everyone around them. Their Pool is a motley crew of teams that will be after their scalps, but I expect them to finish top. I feel the crunch match for them would be in the Semi-Finals against Australia. If England win this, they will be all guns blazing in the final and see them take the RWC "Down under Double".

The Underdog: Ireland

The current Ireland line up is one of my favorites with the likes of Gordon D'Arcy, Brian O'Driscoll, Ronan O'Gara, Jonathan Sexton, Andrew Trimble, Rory Best, and Jamie Heaslip. With so much talent, I have high hopes they can make a real impression in this RWC. Their Pool is tricky with Italy, in my eyes, being one of the key games to win. The path to the Final is not going to be easy by a long shot, but I feel this squad has the best chance of succeeding.

The Crying Games

Here are a few of the games I think we might see a few upsets

France vs Canada: Canada are certainly no power house of rugby but I expect the sparks to fly when then they face the Les Bleus. I am predicting a messy game and France loosing will certainly be one of the most stunning upsets of the tournament. However, this won't prevent France moving on to the Quarter Finals.

Ireland vs Italy: My Irish Grandfather would be definitely not happy with the recent playing shenanigans of his home nation. In his honor and as my underdog pick, I'll be rooting for the Irish, but I think Italy has a bone to pick with them and might try settle the score in Dunedin. This is a key decider game for both teams, as the winner will be the 2nd place finisher.

Wales vs Samoa: I can't think of a single Welsh fan whose isn't cringing about this match. Its a crunch game, with a Quarter Final at stake, one where the Welsh need to break the Samoan winning curse or face the same fate as they did in RWC 1991 and 1999.

What do you think? Share your thoughts!

San Francisco Bay Area Rugby Business Network meetup tonight

arugbylife@gmail.com (Hedley Lagrand) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 19:40:00 +0000

Credit: Hear Comes The Guide

The San Francisco Bay Area chapter of the Rugby Business Network are holding their monthly meetup this evening in San Francisco.

Hosted by good mate Kevin Sullivan, the event takes place at the Thirsty Bear Brewing Company, 611 Howard Street (between 3rd and Hawthorne streets) from 4:30pm to 6:30pm.

First $150 of beer is on Rucking Insurance Services

In Kevin's words (not mine!): "Attend, or you will be listed as an Australian Athletic Supporter!"

NYC's Randall's Island Sports Foundation fundraiser tonight

arugbylife@gmail.com (Hedley Lagrand) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 19:14:00 +0000

Rugby on Randall's Island (Credit: epsteinian)

Randall's Island is one New York City's popular destinations for rugby and regular hosts local club matches, youth rugby events, and tournaments around the year.

The Randall's Island Sports Foundation, is a nonprofit organization that, in conjunction with the City, works to grow and develop sports on the island.

As part of their fund raising efforts, two local stars of the NYC rugby scene, Renee Ovrut (President of MetNY RFU) and Andrew Gheraldi (Head Coach of Fordham Mens Rugby), will be guest bar tending tonight at O'Brien's Bar & Grill at 46th Street (between 6th and 7th) from 6pm onwards. The $5 cover on the door gets you free food and drink specials. Attendees are in also in for a treat as Andrew is also an renowned mixologist on the local scene, and Renee is know to pull a our great pint!

You can find further details on the Facebook event page.

If you are unable to make the event put would still like to dontate to the cause, check out Renee's fundraising page at www.crowdrise.com/ReneeOvrut

I will be at the event to show my support, so don't be stranger...come over and say hi!

Village Lions Womens looking for Head Coach

arugbylife@gmail.com (Hedley Lagrand) — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 21:25:00 +0000

The Village Lions Rugby Club Women's Team is looking for a Head Coach. The 11-year-old team is entering its second season as Division I team and competes in USA Rugby's Competitive Region 3 that spans from Atlanta to Boston.

The Women's team is comprised of people committed to attending practice, playing hard/winning, and having a good time. Their ideal coach should have the same commitment. The position is salaried with some flexibility depending on experience, availability, etc. for the fall and spring seasons combined. Will sponsor for Visa and assist with Visa application/filing cost if necessary.

The Women practice Tuesday and Thursday nights from 7:30pm - 9:00pm. Practice is in the Bronx, off the 5 or 2 train at the 149th Street/Grand Concourse. Games are Saturdays in various locations, some involving overnight travel (travel cost will be covered by the team).

If you're interested in the position, please contact Sharon Berger ( sharondabe@gmail.com) or Jackie Finlan (jacqueline.finlan@gmail.com) as soon as possible, as the pre-season training begins August 16.

On a personal note, as one of the former assistant coaches for the ladies, I cannot speak highly enough about them. If anyone would like to learn more, let me know, as I am happy to chat with you and share my experience.

Village Lions Womens at the Nationals in Florida in 2009

ARL launches RWC page for folks in the US

arugbylife@gmail.com (Hedley Lagrand) — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 20:03:00 +0000

www.rugbyworldcup.com

I am pleased to announce today the launch of the ARL RWC in the USA page! Here you will find information, TV coverage, schedules, and local events where you can catch all the action in New Zealand.

Its a work in progress and I plan to regularly update it with more information as we get closer to the first kick off in Auckland on September 9th.

If you have any info. you would love to share with us, drop us a line!

Rugby Professionals Network NYC Meetup, Wednesday August 10th, 7pm

arugbylife@gmail.com (Hedley Lagrand) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 04:02:00 +0000

This Wednesday the monthly gathering of the NYC based Rugby Professionals Network will be meeting from 7pm onwards at Dorian Gray in the East Village (205 East 4th Street).

With a common love of rugby, this informal event is your opportunity to network with like minded business professionals. One of the hot topics this month will be the Rugby World Cup, so come on by to learn more and here about some of the exciting opportunities going on.

If you do plan to attend, please feel free to drop me a line and I'll look forward to seeing you on Wednesday!

Coverage of the RWC warmup match between USA and Canada tomorrow

arugbylife@gmail.com (Hedley Lagrand) — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 01:28:00 +0000

With the Tri-Nations and International Test matches played out tomorrow morning, cap your day off with a little bit more rugby as the USA Eagles take on Canada at 2pm.

Playing their first of several Rugby World Cup warm up games, the Eagles will be away in Toronto against the Canadians. They face off again next weekend but this time at home in Glendale, CO before heading overseas to play Japan in Toyko on August 21st.

You can catch all the action you're telly via NBC's Universal Sports channel (find your local channel number here) or online at the Universal Sports website.

International Test coverage tomorrow

arugbylife@gmail.com (Hedley Lagrand) — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 01:10:00 +0000

Tomorrow will see England v Wales and Ireland v Scotland as all four teams take the field in International warm ups prior the World Cup. TV coverage of these games is limited to PPV for home viewers but local watering holes will be showing the games provided via Premium Sports (check with the your local bar as their maybe a cover charge). They also are provided online streaming via uStream.

If you are in New York City, the following bars will be showing the both of tomorrows games live:

Baker Street at 1152 1st Avenue (at the corner of 63rd Street) will be showing England vs Wales at 9:30am

McCormacks at 365 3rd Avenue (between 26th and 27th Street) will be showing Ireland vs Scotland at 9:15am, and England vs Wales at 9:30am

The Red Lion at 151 Bleecker Street (at the corner of Thompson Street) will be showing Ireland vs Scotland at 9:15am, and England vs Wales at 9:30am.

If you do know of other venues in NYC or would like to share other places around the US providing coverage, email us or post the details in the comments, on Facebook, or on twitter.

Tri-Nations TV coverage tomorrow

arugbylife@gmail.com (Hedley Lagrand) — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 00:48:00 +0000

After big wins for both Australia and New Zealand in the Tri-Nations, the two face off in Eden Park tomorrow for the first of their two games in the tournament.

For folks in the US, coverage is available on Direct TV on channel 490 and online ( www.fromsportcom.com being one of many options out there).

If you are in New York City, the following bars will be showing the games both live and delayed:

The Australian at 20 West 38th Street (between 5th and 6th Avenues) will show the live broadcast at 3:30am and repeat the broadcast at noon.

Nelson Blue at 233 Front Street (down at South Street Seaport) will be showing the game live (Note from the staff...there will be no admission after 4am, so please get there early).

Baker Street at 1152 1st Avenue (at the corner of 63rd Street) will be showing the game delayed at 1:30pm.

McCormacks at 365 3rd Avenue (between 26th and 27th Street) will be showing the game delayed at 11:30am.

If you do know of other venues in NYC or would like to share other places around the US providing coverage, email us or post the details in the comments, on Facebook, or on twitter.

Links for 2011-05-19 [Digg]

Fri, 20 May 2011 00:00:00 PDT

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Links for 2011-02-15 [Digg]

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 00:00:00 PST

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