Rugby in Kenya

Kenya Cup Results 280112

2012-01-28T19:15:00.001+03:00

KCB 57 Kisumu 0 Impala 13 Quins 22 Mwamba 23 Machine 20 Nakuru 32 Homeboyz 10 Nondies 17 Strathmore 33

Weekend Games

2012-01-27T15:26:00.001+03:00

Got them nearly all wrong last weekend. This weekend was to have seen the first round of the Enterprise Cup, but someone seemed to have forgotten the small issue of the English Counties tour to East Africa later this year (if that is really the reason). Anyway Quins jump the fence to Impala, Machine cross the road to Mwamba, Nondies host Strathmore, Kisumu visit the city to face KCB and cross Homeboyz on the way to Nakuru.

Hard to call but here goes. Impala with five over Quins, Mwamba with fifteen over Machine, Strathmore with 3 over Nondies, KCB bonus points over Kisumu and Nakuru five over Homeboyz.

Do enjoy your weekend and your rugby.

Ireland forced to make changes

2012-01-25T16:06:00.000+03:00

Declan Kidney has added James Coughlan, Fionn Carr, Craig Gilroy and Jack McGrath to his training squad ahead of Ireland's Six Nations opener against Wales.

Kidney has been forced to draft in the four players as Leo Cullen, Luke Fitzgerald, Paddy McAllister and Andrew Conway are all struggling with injuries.

Leinster winger Fitzgerald had been set to feature for the Irish Wolfhounds in their clash with England Saxons on Saturday, but a persistent neck injury means Munster's Simon Zebo, who scored a hat-trick of tries in the weekend Heineken Cup clash with Northampton Saints, has earned a call-up to Ireland's second-string squad. Anyone with rugby free bets should remember this.

Carr, who moved to Leinster last summer after three years with Connacht, has yet to win a cap for Ireland despite being 26 while both McGrath and Gilroy could be promoted to the senior squad if they impress for the Wolfhounds.

Kidney, who named no uncapped players in his initial 24-man squad, said: "There have been some strong performances by players with the provinces going really well.

"It always gives the squad a good boost when we have teams with players playing well in Europe before we step back up into the international scene."

Munster back-row Coughlan has been called into the training squad as Leinster lock Cullen faces up to eight weeks on the sidelines after being told he needs surgery to repair his damaged Achilles.Cullen will now miss the entire Six Nations - although he is hoping to be back in time to feature in Munster's Heineken Cup quarter-final against Cardiff Blues.

Sevens Team Named

2012-01-25T12:20:00.002+03:00

The squad to represent the country in the next two legs of the HSBC World Sevens Series has been named. It is as below.

1. Sidney Ashioya - Kenya Harlequin FC - Captain

2. Lavin Asego - Mwamba RFC

3. Collins Injera - Mwamba RFC

4. Victor Oduor - Kenya Harlequin FC

5. Leon Adongo - Kenya Harlequin FC

6. Humphrey Kayange - Mwamba RFC

7. Patrice Agunda - Kenya Harlequin FC

8. Oscar Ouma - Nakuru RFC

9. Linus Simiyu - Impala RFC

10. Michael Wanjala - Strathmore RFC

11. Horace Otieno - Mwamba RFC

12. David Ambunya - South Africa

We wish them well.

Redpath 'delighted' to finish on a high

2012-01-23T13:19:00.001+03:00

Gloucester head coach Brian Redpath was delighted with his side's impressive 34-24 victory against Toulouse, which saw the English club finish their Heineken Cup campaign on a high. Going into the game knowing qualification to the quarter-finals was already beyond them, Gloucester knew they could do their Premiership rivals Harlequins a favour by beating Toulouse; thus opening the door for Quins to sneak through to the knockout stage.

While Harlequins failed to take their chance, Gloucester will be pleased with how they ended this season's European campaign, albeit tinged with more than a touch of disappointment that they couldn't have produced this sort of performance on a regular basis. Those looking at the Heineken Cup Betting will know they were never favourites to progress though.

In front of a packed Kingsholm, Gloucester always managed to keep their noses in front, in what was a thrilling and open game. Full-back Jonny May helped himself to a pair of well taken tries, with winger Charlie Sharpless and Fijian flanker Akapusi Qera going over for a score each. Fly-half Freddie Burns was consistently accurate with the boot, kicking 14 points and controlling much of the impressive attacking play of the back-line. Anyone looking at the online betting will have been impressed.

While the victory meant little at the end of the match, Redpath was overjoyed with what he had seen from his team.

"It was a great performance," he said.

"We knew they had picked a big, physical side and we showed them a lot of respect. I thought numbers one to 23 - our substitutes that came on made a big difference as well - were great."

"I am delighted for the boys because we finished off the Heineken Cup in style."

The Scot will be desperately hoping that this victory can be a catalyst for Gloucester to start putting together a decent league run. A poor start to the season has left the club down in eighth, something that Redpath and his staff will be hoping can be amended following this result.

Kenya Cup Results 210112

2012-01-21T19:38:00.001+03:00

Strathmore 44 Kisumu 44 Machine 23 Nakuru 20. Quins 22 Mwamba 21
Impala 15 KCB 15 Nondies 27 Homeboyz 19

Weekend Games

2012-01-20T10:37:00.002+03:00

A belated Happy New Year all. Sorry for my long absence that I cannot explain, but now I'm back. This weekend games thingi is a bit tricky now, what with all the leagues being played all over the place. As usual I will focus on the premier league, the Kenya Cup as I try to understand the hierarchy of the leagues.

In the highlighted game of the weekend, the defending champions Quins host current league leaders Mwamba, Mean Machine host Nakuru, KCB are at home to Impala, Strathmore travel to Kisumu and Homeboyz play Nondies at Jamhuri Park.

The league so far appears to be wide open, but some sides are on the right track, whilst others, let's just say are woeful. In that respect, I give Mwamba a five point win over Quins, Nakuru will pip Machine by a score, KCB with ten points over Impala, Strathmore with fifteen points over Kisumu and Homeboyz by a score over Nondies.

Do have a good weekend and enjoy your rugby.

Kenya Cup Results 140112

2012-01-14T20:08:00.001+03:00

Nondies 12 Machine 3 Mwamba 22 KCB 10 Nakuru 13 Quins 0 Impala 59 Kisumu 3

Wales hooker Burns to miss Six Nations

2012-01-13T17:22:00.001+03:00

Newport Gwent Dragons hooker Lloyd Burns faces a three-month lay-off with a neck injury that will force him to miss Wales' entire Six Nations campaign.

The 27-year-old, who has won seven international caps, featured for Wales at last year's World Cup but is now expected to be sidelined until mid-April. The best rugby union betting odds reflect the fact his loss will be a blow to the side.

"Lloyd has been advised to withdraw from rugby for at least three months in order to fully rehab his neck," confirmed Dragons' rugby director Robert Beale.

"We are obviously disappointed for Lloyd, particularly with the Six Nations coming up, but Lloyd's safety and welfare has to be paramount."

Wales coach Warren Gatland, who will confirm his Six Nations squad later this month, has a wealth of experience and talent to choose from at hooker. Huw Bennett and Ken Owens were involved in the World Cup but Matthew Rees and Richard Hibbard, who missed the tournament because of injury, are now playing again.

Burns' Dragons and Wales colleague, lock Luke Charteris, is also set to miss the Six Nations because of injury, while Charteris' second-row colleague Alun-Wyn Jones is recovering from a toe problem that has threatened his participation.

Wales kick off their Six Nations campaign against Ireland in Dublin on 5th February.

Meanwhile, flanker Sam Warburton says he will understand if he is not named as captain for the Six Nations.

He impressed when handed the armband at the World Cup after Scarlets hooker Matthew Rees suffered an injury. However, Rees is now back in action, and Warburton admitted: "Matthew was captain for the last Six Nations campaign and did a brilliant job. It was only bad luck why he didn't end up being captain for the World Cup.

"If I did it as a temporary thing I could completely understand that."

England's problems mount

2012-01-12T17:44:00.001+03:00

Leicester centre Manu Tuilagi looks set to miss England's Six Nations opener against Scotland after picking up a hamstring injury in the Tigers' recent victory against Worcester.

Leicester's director of rugby Richard Cockerill anticipates that the 20-year-old will be sidelined for at least a month so he seems unlikely to feature in the Calcutta Cup clash on 4th February. However, he could play in the following week's match against Italy.

"Manu will be out for four to six weeks," confirmed Cockerill. "It may be a month depending on how his rehab goes."

Meanwhile, England's off-field problems show no sign of disappearing as Danny Care has been told he will be left out of interim coach Stuart Lancaster's Six Nations squad after being arrested for drink-driving.

England's World Cup campaign last year was beset by a series of scandals and Care has done little to improve the team's image after being arrested in the early hours of New Year's Day, three weeks after he had been fined by police for being drunk and disorderly. People following the best 6 Nations odds should remember this.

The Harlequins scrum-half will plead guilty when he appears in court on 16th January.

Lancaster confirmed: "I've met Danny and told him that he'll not be considered for selection. This is his second arrest in three weeks for alcohol-related offences and it is completely unacceptable.”

Lancaster is due to name his Six Nations squad on 11th January 11.Care missed the World Cup with a foot injury but seemed certain to feature in the Six Nations after producing some fine recent performances for Harlequins.

Quins have fined Care for his latest indiscretion and he will be required to work on their inner-city coaching programme until the end of pre-season 2012-13.

Kenya Cup Results 070112

2012-01-08T09:45:00.001+03:00

Impala 22 Mwamba 20 KCB 25 Nakuru 25 Quins 10 Nondies 10 Kisumu 21
Homeboyz 22 Machine 8 Strathmore 5

Reds crop of 2011 gain recognition

2012-01-06T14:10:00.001+03:00

Following last month’s Sports Team of the Year Award being handed to the Queensland Reds, the accolades have continued raining down for the Australian outfit with Ewan McKenzie this week receiving a personal award for the part he has played in coaching the side over the last twelve months.

Last Saturday it was announced in the rugby previews that McKenzie would have the honour of ‘Coach Performer of the Year Award’ bestowed upon him following his team’s recent table-topping heroics, when he guided the Queensland Reds to their first Super Rugby championship, defeating the Crusaders 18-13 in the final at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane back on July 9th.

The online poll included coached plying their trade across all of the country's leading sports, and as such is a huge accomplishment - but McEwan remained philosophical and was keen on keeping his eye on the bigger picture:

“Clearly 2011 was an exceptional year for Queensland Rugby and the Reds. People are proud to call themselves Reds fans again and importantly Rugby has returned to a position of strength, not just in Queensland but across Australia.”

Fans of the Reds and those who like to bet on rugby league will now be hoping that victory in last season’s championship will act as a catalyst for success in the region as McEwan continues to build upon the legacy that he’s built since joining the Reds in 2010. In his debut season he led his new side to fifth place in the league – missing out on a semi-final berth by just two points – but revenge was sweet when they claimed the title just twelve months later.

The Reds will start the defence of their title on February 25th when they will face the New South Wales Waratahs in Sydney.

Pat of all trades

2012-01-03T14:09:00.001+03:00

With just nine weeks until the start of the 2012 Super Rugby championship, Brumbies’ utility back Pat McCabe has revealed that neither he nor his new coach Jake White are entirely sure of the role he is set to play in the upcoming tournament.

Following a disappointing 2011 season – in which the Brumbies finished 13th in thhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gife league with just four wins from their http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifsixteen fixtures – McCabe went on to finish the year on a high after seemingly nailing down the No. 12 spot for his country at the World Cup. However, he has been offered no sort of guarantee that he will be handed the same honour for his regional side with Matt Toomua and Christian Lealiifano preferred at fly-half and inside centre. People who bet on rugby league should remember this.

This would most likely mean a switch to outside centre when the Brumbies get the new campaign underway against Western Force in Canberra on February 24th – but as he admitted this week, it’s not a change that unduly concerns him. Those following the rugby previews need to bear this in mind.

“From speaking with Jake, I'm not sure that I'll be playing 12 at the Brumbies. I asked the other day and he just said to make sure I know how to play 12, 13, 11, 14 and 15 so I have no idea yet – but I'm not too worried.”

McCabe is still in his final stages of recovery following a shoulder injury sustained in New Zealand this autumn in the Wallabies’ World Cup match against USA, but is confident of being fully fit in time for the start of the new season, and should he rediscover the form that kick-started his international career, 2012 should be a far more successful season for the Brumbies.

Crusaders experiencing nightmare move

2011-12-30T21:07:00.002+03:00

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!

Ashton to leave Northampton

2011-12-29T23:05:00.000+03:00

England wing Chris Ashton looks all set to leave Northampton when his contract expires in the New Year. Saints’ director of rugby, Jim Mallinder says Ashton has been reluctant to discuss the possibility of renewing the terms he currently has with the club.

Indeed, as far as those looking at real money games are concerned, Ashton looks likely to be heading for Saracens in 2012, following repeated speculation that the potential move to Vicarage Road is the very thing that his stalling his negotiations at Franklin’s Gardens.

Speaking to BBC Look East, Mallinder said: “There’s not an offer on the table, because his agent doesn't want to talk to us. We've not had discussions and I think his mind is elsewhere. If he wanted to stay, we'd talk to him.”

Saints chairman, Leon Barnwell has previously admitted that the club were not prepared to “throw money” at Ashton in order to keep him at the club.

Mallinder added: “If any player wants to go, for whatever reason, whether that's moving to London, or a massive financial offer, we're not going to stand in their way. We'll shake their hand and we'll get players who want to play for Northampton.”

And Mallinder has fired a warning in Ashton’s direction: he will have to work hard if he is to have any hope of getting back into the Northampton starting XV, following his suspension.

There is stiff competition in the side for him. Fellow wing, James Elliot has scored five tries in six appearances for the Saints this season, while Vasily Artemyev, the Russian international, has scored seven in nine.

“He's got to fight for his position on the field like everybody else and, at the moment, our wingers are doing really well,” Mallinder said.

The 24-year-old, Ashton has been one of Northampton’s star players in recent seasons, clocking up almost 100 appearances for the side. In that time, he has scored an impressive 442 points, including 88 tries.

To Rugby Union fans, however, he was a relatively unknown player up until very recently, having begun his career in Rugby League with the Wigan Warriors. While there, he made over 50 appearances, scoring 120 points from the position of full-back.

Ashton won four caps for the England Rugby League side during his time with Wigan, scoring 3 tries.

But as with many successful Rugby League full-backs down the years, such as Jason Robinson, Ashton made a seamless transition across codes into Union.

It was the Northampton Saints who gave him his chance, before the England set-up became aware of his talents.

Since his international debut in 2010, he has gone on to win 18 caps for the national team, rising to prominence in last year’s Six Nations where he attracted controversy due to his swallow dive celebration.

He was part of the England squad that disappointed hugely at this year’s World Cup.

Ireland still the target for Stringer

2011-12-29T16:13:00.000+03:00

Experienced scrum-half Peter Stringer has revealed he still holds hopes of returning to the international fold with Ireland, despite failing to secure his place at the World Cup. The 34-year old is stuck on 98 caps for his country, although, Stringer has insisted he still harbours hopes of representing Ireland before he hangs his boots up.

The Saracens man has been impressive since moving to the London club and his form could well persuade Declan Kidney to hand him a recall ahead of the Six Nations. Stringer was forced to move to England in search of regular first-team action, after the emergence of Conor Murray and Tomas O’Leary at Munster.

The duo will once again be the main contenders for the Ireland number-nine shirt, along with Eoin Redden and Issac Boss, when the Six Nations gets underway, buthttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif Stringer has made no bones about the fact he believes he can once again earn a http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifchance in the famous green jersey. Those looking at the online rugby betting odds should remember this.

“There is competition for Ireland’s scrum-half position with Tomas O’Leary, Isaac Boss and Eoin Reddan all being involved and Conor Murray coming into Munster and being installed as Ireland’s number one.”

“There has been a good battle for the jersey over the last few years and even though I am coming to the end of my career it is still something I have not given up on.”

While Stringer may not have a realistic chance of once again being Ireland’s first-choice number-nine, he could well provide a very usual weapon coming off the bench – something that could see him handed a recall by Kidney for the Six Nations.

Henson back and raring to go

2011-12-29T15:13:00.000+03:00

Gavin Henson made his latest comeback to rugby with his debut for new club Cardiff Blues, as they claimed a 28-9 victory against Newport Gwent Dragons to move back into the play-off places. While Henson got his Blues career off to a winning start, he really only played a minor role in his side’s victory, although was solid in http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifmost that he did.

The next step for the versatile back will be to establish himself in this Blues team, something that would enhance Henson’s chances of getting back into the Wales team ahead of the Six Nations. The 29-year old started at full-back against the Dragons but will be hoping to get a chance back in the centres in the coming weeks. Anyone placing a rugby bet should keep an eye on his progress.

His place at the World Cup was ruined by an arm injury, although, it would have been a brave call for Warren Gatland to have included Henson after so little rugby in recent years.

The Welshman has made it clear he is determined to re-launch his career, rehttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifvealing he is targeting playing at the next World Cup in 2015.

"There's a Lions tour in two years’ time and obviously I really want to go to a World Cup, so I'm going to do everything I can to be on that next one.”

"Just looking after myself and trying to play as long as possible. Because being back involved in rugby over the last year or so, I really enjoy it.”

A good run of form for the Blues over the next couple of weeks could well see him sneak into contention for the Six Nations; something that would have seemed impossible this time last year.

Sean Lamont to Join his Brother at Glasgow

2011-12-28T18:08:00.003+03:00

Scarlets' centre, Sean Lamont, is preparing to re-join the Glasgow Warriors, following in the footsteps of his younger brother, Rory, who swapped the http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifMediterranean coast for the Scottish Lowlands, earlier this month. Rory, a fullback, left French outfit Toulon, under the advice of Scotland's head coach, Andy Robinson.

Remarkably, it seems that Robinson also had a hand in Sean's decision to make a return to Scotland. Described as one of the “most consistent performers” in the country, Lamont agreed to leave the Scarlets after speaking to the 47-year-old coach. “This was genuinely a very difficult decision for me”, Sean explained.

The elder Lamont brother cited the opportunity to take his “young family” back to Glasgow as the impetus for his decision to leave Wales. Sean added that returning to Scotland was “probably the right move for me”. Whether Robinson baited Lamont with a chance in the Six Nations squad, as he did with Rory, is debatable. Anyone looking ahead to the Betfair Rugby Six Nations should remember this.

Speaking of his impending reunion with his brother, Sean said: “It will be fahttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifntastic to be back at the same club as Rory”. The player remarked that he and Rory both took “huge pride in wearing that Glasgow jersey”, when they were last resident in the Warriors' dressing room, in 2005 and 2008, respectively.

Lamont, the elder, has featured in all but one of Scotland's Six Nations campaigns, dating back to his 'man of the match'-winning debut in the competition, in 2005. The 30-year-old has amassed sixty caps for his country, scoring 40 tries. Rory is still some way behind his brother, with 26 appearances at international level. Fans of Rugby betting should bear this in mind.

Despite his excitement at his future return to Scotland, Sean expressed some regret at having to leave the Scarlets. “[The Scarlets] have re-ignited my enjoyment and spirit for rugby, and have no doubt enhanced and promoted my international career.”

IRB Ponders Concussion Headache

2011-12-23T16:18:00.001+03:00

Whether it's a twisted ankle or a bloody nose, injuries come 'part and parcel' with the experience of playing sports, an unfortunate fact, but one that has challenged governing bodies to funnel more and more money into risk management and injury prevention.

It should come as no surprise, then, that the International Rugby Board (IRB) has been funding research into the relationship between headgear and one of the most dangerous injuries in sport – concussion; specifically, whether the use of 'scrumcaps' prevents serious head injuries in rugby.

Unfortunately, the answer appears to be 'no'. “We've got no evidence really that soft-shell helmets help prevent concussion”, explained Caroline Finch, chief researcher behind a recent study into sports helmets. However, Finch concluded that headgear “may prevent against superficial injuries”, such as cuts and bruises.

Finch's study was a joint venture between the IRB and the Australian Rugby Union. The experiment tested the resistance to injury of some 4,000 rugby players. Divided into three distinct groups, players were asked to play with a skullcap, a new piece of headgear, complete with thicker padding, or in their usual rugby outfit, even if it offered no protection at all. Those following the best online betting odds should remember this.

The academic noted that, even when wearing the modified, thicker helmets, there was no reduction in incidents of concussion. The news will be worrying for the IRB, which has been trying to educate players on the dangers of head injuries, in addition to allowing athletes to wear headgear.

While concussed players are forbidden from playing rugby within three weeks of incurring the injury, 25-year-old Wallaby, Berrick Barnes, believes that more needs to be done to protect rugby players on the pitch. The inside centre, who was sidelined with the condition in June 2011, insists that improved helmets are the way forward for professional rugby union.

Phillips to Seek Clarification on Six Nations Permission

2011-12-20T15:18:00.000+03:00

Welsh scrum-half, Mike Phillips, is facing some uncertainty over his role in Warren Gatland's Six Nations team, after the coach at his domestic team, Bayonne, was fired.

Christian Gajan had been a supporter of Phillips' international duties, prior to his exit, a trait that had encouraged the player to sign for Bayonne in the first place. However, the club's new boss, Jean-Pierre Elissalde, is an unknown quantity, with regard to his opinion of international competition. Those looking at the 2012 Six Nations Rugby Odds need to bear this in mind.

Phillips, while having leave for the Six Nations written into his contract, will nevertheless seek confirmation from Elissalde that he will in fact be allowed to attend the event and several training sessions relevant to the tournament "I don't know if things are going to change", Phillips said, recently. "Hopefully, I will be okay."

Speaking of outbound manager, Gajan, the Welshman said that his former superior "wanted me to play for Wales. He was adamant about it, and said it was important for me to play international rugby." Phillips added that he is enjoying the challenge of playing in the Orange Top 14.

Jean-Pierre Elissalde was entrusted with the Bayonne reins after the side made a poor start to the season, under Gajan. The Basque club currently stands third-bottom in the French top tier, with just four wins from twelve. Gajan's coaches, Frederic Tauzin and Thomas Lievremont, were also given their marching orders by Bayonne. Fans of Rugby Union Betting will be wondering if this will lead to a recovery.

Phillips, 29, has 60 caps for Wales and three for the British and Irish Lions. The player was instrumental in Wales' impressive run in the recent World Cup, in which they reached the semi-finals, losing to France. The Reds were defeated for a second time, by the Wallabies, just a few days later, in the third-place play-off.

Force tie down Brown

2011-12-18T18:35:00.000+03:00

Western Force have rewarded back-row Richard Brown with a new one-year contract extension following his impressive form last year despite a number of European teams reportedly making enquires. The 27-year old was sensational last season for the Force, establishing himself as an ever-present in Perth-based franchise – missing only one game all season in the rugby league live online.

The flanker looked a dead cert to be a part of Robbie Deans World Cup squad in the rugby previews, only for a shoulder injury to ruin Brown’s chances of getting his first taste of a World Cup and robbing the Aussie’s of a very reliable and able back-row forward.

The new season will give Brown another chance to catch the Wallabies’ head coach’s eye, with the Queenslander desperate to establish himself as a regular in the Australian pack.

With his injury now behind him, Brown admitted his delight at having sorted his future out now he was back to full fitness, extending his time at the club to six years and counting.

"I really wanted to continue to contribute to Australian Rugby and I'm glad we've been able to come to an arrangement that will allow me to do so.”

"It has been difficult to watch from the sidelines over the past few months but making the decision to take some time out and get back to maximum fitness will hopefully open greater opportunities to represent my country going forward."

The decision to commit to the Force for 2012 comes on the back of the news that Matt Hodgson, Ben McCalman and Nathan Sharpe have all also signed new contracts – calming fears from the Force fans that key players could be heading for the exit.

Kenya Cup Results 171211

2011-12-17T21:02:00.001+03:00

KCB 25 Nondies 15 Impala 18 Nakuru 22 Kisumu 8 Mwamba 64

Wilkinson Retires from International Rugby

2011-12-16T12:46:00.000+03:00

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".

Morgan Commits to England

2011-12-15T15:33:00.000+03:00

England have finally won the race to secure the allegiance of Scarlets No.8 Ben Morgan who has committed himself to play for England in the future.

The young highly rated Scarlets No 8 who was born in England is also eligible to play for Wales having qualified under the IRB's residency ruling. But he has made his decision on who he wishes to represent, which is a huge boost for the future of English Rugby and his name will now be seen across all the Rugby Previews where you can also bet on rugby league

Morgan turned down the opportunity to play for the Saxons in the Summer to keep his options open, while Warren Gartland publicly stated that he would have played Morgan in Wales' game with the Barbarians.

Now having rejected the advances of Wales he has declared himself committed and available for England;

"I feel privileged and honoured that both Wales and England have been following me and it has taken me a while to come to this decision.

"But I'm English, I grew up supporting England and as a youngster I always dreamed of playing for England. Ultimately, if given the opportunity I want to try and take things forward.

"It's not about where I see myself in any squad but about putting my name forward and keeping my head down and playing. If I am lucky to be named in any England squad then fantastic but if not then I will knuckle down and work hard to get myself in a position where I will be."

Whether Morgan makes his England debut in the coming months remains to be seen, but with such a talent he will surely make the England set up sooner or later, and he could well be one of England's most important players for the future!

Huget Faces Two-year Ban

2011-12-15T13:31:00.001+03:00

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.