Paki's Corner

IRB SANCTION GLOBAL LAW TRIALS!

noreply@blogger.com (Pakis Corner) — Mon, 28 May 2012 08:00:00 +0000

IRB and Unions Sanction Global Law Trials
• IRB Council approves trials for five Law amendments
• Full Union consultation and amendment evaluation undertaken
• Laws Representative Group comprises Union technical experts
• Successful trials undertaken at Cambridge and Stellenbosch
• TMO jurisdiction extension trial approved for elite competition

The International Rugby Board and its Member Unions have sanctioned a global trial of five aspects of Law amendments following an extensive process of consultation and evaluation.

The trial, approved by the IRB Council at its Annual Meeting in Dublin on Tuesday, will commence at the start of the next season in each hemisphere (August 2012 in the north and January 2013 in the south) and will be applicable to both international and domestic competition.

Aspects of Law approved for trial include limiting the time that the ball is available at the back of a ruck and the positioning of taking a quick throw-in. In addition to the suite of five Laws approved for global trial, three additional trials will operate during 2012.

A trial extension of the jurisdiction of the Television Match Official will be introduced later this year, while the number of nominated replacements in Test Rugby will be increased to eight for a trial in the November window.

The global trial has been sanctioned after an unprecedented evaluation process that kicked off with submissions and recommendations for 20 potential amendments from Member Unions and has culminated with recent trials of amendments to seven aspects of Law as a package at dedicated playing environments in Cambridge and Stellenbosch.

This evaluation process is in line with the remit of the Laws Amendment Process approved by the IRB Council in December 2009.

Unlike previous amendment processes, the process of selection, monitoring and evaluation has been steered by an independent Laws Representative Group, comprising technical representatives from each of the 10 Tier 1 Unions covering elite and community Rugby and representatives of the IRB Rugby Committee.

Extensive evaluation of the Cambridge and Stellenbosch University trials undertaken earlier this year determined that each of the seven amendments could have a positive effect on the Game or clarify existing areas of Law and therefore a recommendation was made to the IRB Council via the IRB Rugby Committee to approve a global trial of all seven amendments.

The five Law amendments to be trialled globally are:1. Law 16.7 (Ruck): The ball has to be used within five seconds of it being made available at the back of a ruck following a warning from the referee to “use it”. Sanction – Scrum.

2. 19.2 (b) (Quick Throw-In) For a quick throw in, the player may be anywhere outside the field of play between the line of touch and the player’s goal line.

3. 19.4 (who throws in) When the ball goes into touch from a knock-on, the non-offending team will be offered the choice of a lineout at the point the ball crossed the touch line; or a scrum at the place of the knock-on. The non-offending team may exercise this option by taking a quick throw-in.

4. 21.4 Penalty and free kick options and requirements: Lineout alternative. A team awarded a penalty or a free kick at a lineout may choose a further lineout, they throw in. This is in addition to the scrum option.

5. A conversion kick must be completed within one minute 30 seconds from the time that a try has been awarded.

In addition to the global trials, the IRB Council approved three specific additional trials:1. A trial to extend the jurisdiction of the TMO to incidents within the field of play that have led to the scoring of a try and foul play in the field of play to take place at an appropriate elite competition in order that a protocol can be developed for the November 2012 Tests.

2. A trial has been sanctioned for the November 2012 Test window permitting international teams to nominate up to eight replacements in the match day squad for Test matches. In line with current practice at domestic elite Rugby level, the additional player must be a qualified front row player.

3. An amendment to Law 3.4 (Sevens Variation) to enable Sevens teams to nominate up to five replacements/substitutes. Under the revision, which will operate from June 1 2012, a team may substitute or replace up to five players during a match. Approval has been granted on player welfare grounds to recognise the additional demands on players and squads owing to the expansion of the HSBC Sevens World Series where there are three blocks of three events on consecutive weekends.

Council also approved the referral by the Laws Representative Group of one potential Law amendment that was successfully trialled at Cambridge and Stellenbosch for further consideration by the specialist Scrum Steering Group (overseeing scrum force project) to be considered alongside the ongoing review of the scrum.

The amendment that will be considered by the Group relates to the engagement sequence and will see the referee call “crouch” then “touch”. The front rows crouch then touch and using outside arm each prop touches the point of the opposing prop’s outside shoulder. The props then withdraw their arms. The referee will then call “set” when the front rows are ready. The front rows may then set the scrum.

“We have a collective responsibility to ensure that the Game is as enjoyable to play, officiate and watch as possible at every level while player welfare is of paramount importance,” said IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset.

“Rugby is currently in good health with participation growing around the world, but there is collective responsibility to ensure that a structured process can be implemented to allow for global analysis and to monitor trends relating to the shape and character of the Game as it evolves.”

“The approval of five aspects of Law for global trial is the culmination of the Laws Amendment Process which was agreed by the IRB Council in 2009. The journey to this point has been exhaustive and collaborative and has involved full stakeholder consultation and I would like to thank Member Unions for their buy-in and commitment to the process from the outset.”

“The Laws Representative Group were encouraged by the outcomes of the initial trials in Cambridge and Stellenbosch. The next step is a global trial with full buy-in and which has been approved by Council on the basis that the amendments can have a positive effect on the playing of the Game.”

“The global trials are not fait accompli. It is essential at the end of the global trial process that decisions made are in the best interest of Rugby worldwide,” added Lapasset.

USA RUGBY: NEW COLLEGE ELIGIBILITY REGULATIONS!

noreply@blogger.com (Pakis Corner) — Sun, 27 May 2012 08:00:00 +0000

USA Rugby levels the playing field with new college eligibility regulations

BOULDER, Colo. – Effective September 1, 2012 USA Rugby will adopt a new set of college eligibility regulations that eliminate ambiguity that exists in the previous regulations, define key terms, enable a streamlined appeals process, and foster a level playing field for college rugby athletes.

As always, USA Rugby encourages you to read the regulations in full.

Summary of College Eligibility Changes

Old	New
Five-year eligibility clock begins on the first day of enrollment in any college or university	Five-year eligibility clock begins the semester following High School graduation or equivalent
Eligibility can be extended for up to two years	Eligibility can be extended for up to one year
Extensions typically granted for active military duty, church service, pregnancy, medical hardship, preventing enrollment, or previously attending a school without a rugby program	Extensions granted for missing one full academic year (for a variety of qualifying reasons) during the five-year window or for medical hardship preventing participation in rugby
Ambiguous rules governing multi-school teams	Consortium agreement defined and documentation required for multi-school eligibility
Basic statement requiring amateur status	Expanded definition regarding amateur status

“These new regulations help to do away with the ambiguity of the regulations as they stood,” said Marty Bradley, Chair of the College Eligibility Committee. “We took the regulations and have more clearly defined who is eligible to compete at the college level.”

SUPER 15 2012: MOTU MATU'U HUGE HIT!

noreply@blogger.com (Pakis Corner) — Sun, 27 May 2012 00:45:00 +0000

AUSTIN TEXAS: ZILKER PARK!

noreply@blogger.com (Pakis Corner) — Sat, 26 May 2012 10:00:00 +0000

The UT 7s squad training at Zilker Park.

What a superb venue for the morning training sessions with the University of Texas Longhorns ahead of the 2012 CRC 7s tournament!

Zilker Metropolitan Park is a recreational area in the heart of south Austin (near Barton Springs Pool and Lady Bird Lake) that comprises over 350 acres (142 ha) of publicly owned land. It is named after its benefactor Andrew Jackson Zilker, who donated the land to the city in 1917. It was developed into the park during the Great Depression in the 1930s. The park serves as a hub for many recreational activities and the hike and bike trail around Lady Bird Lake, both of which run next to the park. The park was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on 1997. The large size of the park makes it a capable venue for large scale events such as the Austin City Limits Music Festival and the Zilker Park Kite Festival.

The famous Austin City Limits Festival at Zilker Park!

AUSTIN TEXAS: BARTON SPRINGS POOL!

noreply@blogger.com (Pakis Corner) — Sat, 26 May 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Barton Springs Pool: Cold, even for an EEL.

Austin, Texas, once home to Paki's Corner - saw an amazing week spent in the city helping coach the UT Longhorns ahead of the 2012 CRC 7s tournament.

While there, some sensational times were had.

Barton Springs Pool is a man-made recreational swimming pool located on the grounds of Zilker Park in Austin, Texas. The pool exists in the channel of Barton Creek and is filled by water from Main Barton Spring, the fourth largest spring in Texas. The pool is a popular venue for year-round swimming, as its temperature maintains a narrow range from about 68.0 °F (20.0 °C) in the winter to about 71.6 °F (22.0 °C) in the summer.

The UT 7s squad perform their synchronized swimming routine.

CARL HAYMAN SPEAR TACKLE ON ZEE NGWENYA!

noreply@blogger.com (Pakis Corner) — Fri, 25 May 2012 22:57:00 +0000

FT LAUDERDALE JESTERS TOUCH RUGBY!

noreply@blogger.com (Pakis Corner) — Fri, 25 May 2012 09:00:00 +0000

About: Founded in 2004, Ft.Lauderdale Touch Rugby Club is the pioneering mixed club team that introduced touch rugby in South Florida. Visit the website for more details!

Description Wikipedia: Touch rugby refers to games derived from rugby/football in which players do not tackle in the traditional, highly physical way, but instead touch their opponents using their hands on any part of the body, clothing, or the ball. A formal, competitive variety, known as Touch, developed from rugby league and now exists as a sport in its own right. In addition, touch rugby games are played as training activities for rugby league and rugby union; as safer variants of rugby, particularly in schools and junior clubs, and as an informal social sport. People rise together When they believe!

FORT LAUDERDALE Tuesday & Thursday Evenings Start: 6:30pm

Our Field is located at: Osswald Park 2220 NW 21st Ave Ft Lauderdale, FL 33311

Find them on Facebook!

AUSTIN TOUCH RUGBY!

noreply@blogger.com (Pakis Corner) — Fri, 25 May 2012 08:00:00 +0000

What a beautiful setting for touch rugby with the Austin skyline in the background! Great to get a nice run in with these champions at Zilker Park!

The Austin Touch Group plays on Wednesday evenings (6.00pm) and Saturday mornings (9.30am)

Description: Group of rugby enthusiasts who meet every Saturday to play some touch rugby. Open to all skill levels. Please come and join us!

General Information: It started over a few beers at Fado, when a couple of weathered old Aussies decided to pull the boots out of retirement and convince their work colleagues that touch rugby is a fun game and one worth giving up a portion of their Saturday for. For the past few months we have been meeting each Saturday morning, playing a version of "the game they play in Heaven." The purpose of this page is to keep the game alive and extend an invite to others who are interested to join in the action! We meet just above the rocks in the middle of Zilker Park. It's a trend that most arrive with a hangover so don't let that be a reason not to come down. Given the sweltering heat and a desire to not miss lake time in the party cove, we are moving the start time to 9:30am. Hope to see you there!

Find them on Facebook here!

SUPER 15 2012: 6 ROUNDS TO GO!

noreply@blogger.com (Pakis Corner) — Thu, 24 May 2012 09:00:00 +0000

With just six rounds of Super XV rugby remaining before the playoffs (three rounds prior to, and three rounds after the June International window) it's the ideal time to look at the fortunes of those in contention for finals berths, and to have a look at what we can possibly expect when the business end of the competition starts in mid-July.

The Bulls lead the competition (and deservedly so), but are in an interesting position. With each country guaranteed one spot in the top three, the Bulls are in direct competition with the Stormers, who are just one point behind them. Just a two-point shift and the Bulls find themselves in 4th place, and while they will definitely be top six come July, the security of finishing first, and being assured of playing at home, will be a hugely motivating force. Their draw is a tough one too, with both the Highlanders and Chiefs away in the next fortnight, before heading home for the crunch game against the Stormers. Following the June break their biggest challenge will be the Sharks away from home, who could be fighting for survival and a place in the playoffs themselves. Like the Bulls, the Chiefs are assured of a spot in the top 6, and will now be focused on securing one of the top two positions. But with a tough schedule in the final three rounds, against the Highlanders, Crusaders and Hurricanes, it could be that the New Zealand teams conspire to derail each other's campaigns. However, with an eight- point head start on their nearest kiwi challenges, (the Crusaders), the Waikato-based franchise are still odds-on to secure the top New Zealand spot.

The Brumbies character will be sorely tested in the coming weeks, with the reigning champion Queensland Reds starting to hit form. In all likelihood only one Australian team will feature in the playoffs, thanks to that mandatory place in the top 3, and their clash in Canberra in just over a week could be the definitive moment for each team. Neither the Brumbies nor the Reds have horrible draws, but the Queenslanders have momentum and experience on their side, and could well push the over-achieving Brumbies out of the finals mix. The Stormers have a big fortnight ahead of them starting next week, when they face the Sharks then the Bulls, both away from home. While they too will make the top 6 these two matches will more than likely decide whether they finish top of the points table and guarantee themselves a home Semi-final, or finish fourth.

So if the top four places go to the Bulls, Stormers, Chiefs and either the Brumbies or the Reds, the remaining two places will be filled by two out of the Sharks, Crusaders, Hurricanes and Highlanders. Like the Stormers, the Sharks season will be decided by how they perform against the other top South African sides, as they host both the Stormers and the Bulls in the lead in to the finals. The Crusaders have four home games and a bye in the final six weeks, and the next match against the Blues, when they must bounce back from a humiliating loss to the Rebels, will say much about their chances of playing finals footy in July. The Hurricanes have got the easiest run-in over the final weeks, with a bye and three games against Australian opponents, while the Highlanders have the most difficult, facing the Bulls, the Crusaders in Christchurch, and the Reds in Queensland. That will be too much for the feisty Southerners, and their gutsy campaign will fall just short. The Sharks, who sit just inside the top 6 at the moment, will battle against their highly motivated compatriots, and will eventually forfeit their finals spot, leaving the Crusaders and the Hurricanes to round out the last two positions. That will mean travel for both the Cantabrians and the Wellingtonians, with one of them starring down the barrel of a daunting journey to South Africa, and at this stage it looks highly likely that the Super XV title could spend the summer in the Republic.

Written by Tim Cronin
Tim Cronin is a staunch rugby fanatic and Crusaders supporter based in (what's left of) Christchurch NZ.

Photo Credits: Getty Images

PRUSA: PREMIERSHIP RUGBY ROAD SHOW!

noreply@blogger.com (Pakis Corner) — Thu, 24 May 2012 08:00:00 +0000

As part of a partnership around the NYC Rugby Cup and the launch of the Play Rugby USA Academy, we are extremely excited to announce that Premiership Rugby is coming to New York at the end of May to visit programs around the city and travel with us to the USA Sevens CRC's in Philadelphia! This "Premiership Rugby Roadshow" represents the first exciting offering of our PRUSA Academy, an elite player development program established by PRUSA to retain and develop its highest performing athletes, along with other aspiring rugby players from around New York City.

12 coaches, one from each of the Premiership Rugby clubs, will be traveling to New York along with four members of Premiership Rugby's Community Team. They will be here from May 28th to June 2nd, one week before the 5th Annual NYC Rugby Cup. As part of the partnership, the theme of this year's NYC Rugby Cup is Premiership Rugby. Each of the 72 teams participating in the one day tournament will adopt a Premiership Club to represent. They will also research and create a banner celebrating that club and city's culture and history.

The Premiership Rugby Roadshow involves site visits to nearly 20 of PRUSA's urban school partners in a three day period. While on these visits the core values of rugby will be used by coaches from Premiership Rugby and Play Rugby USA in their work with the players to help improve player cohesion and confidence on and off the field.

The schedule for the week is:
5/29- the Premiership Rugby coaches will take in a Mets game
5/30- PRUSA and Premiership staff attend West Side High School's (West Side) end of season award dinner. West Side is the location for Play Rugby USA's innovative "Sports Leadership Academy" in Harlem which has offered over 20 activities throughout the year that have led to excellent graduation rates among participants.
5/31- Premiership Rugby coaches and Play Rugby USA YDM's will participate in the British Consulate's GREAT British Race, running a rugby skills challenge in Central Park and offering photo opportunities with the Aviva Premiership Championship Trophy.
6/1- Play Rugby USA will be running the Public School Athletics League's High School Varsity Rugby 7s Championships on Randall's Island Fields 74 and 75. Many of the teams the Premiership Rugby community coaches will visit during the week will be competing in the third annual championship, giving the coaches the opportunity to coach and support the teams they trained with.
6/2- Premiership Rugby will be running a series of coaching clinics in the fan's village at the 2012 USA Sevens Collegiate Rugby Championship in Philadelphia, where the Aviva Premiership Rugby trophy will also be on display.

For more information on the Roadshow and Academy, including sign up details for a PRUSA Summer Masterclass open to area players, click here.

If you are interested in partnering with us on presenting the Premiership Rugby Roadshow, click here for more details.

USA EAGLES vs ITALY - TICKETS!

noreply@blogger.com (Pakis Corner) — Thu, 24 May 2012 07:30:00 +0000

THE 2012 LARRIMER CUP!

noreply@blogger.com (Pakis Corner) — Wed, 23 May 2012 08:00:00 +0000

The 2012 Larrimer Cup is set for this weekend! Checkout all the details - www.thelarrimercup.com! It is set to be a classic!!

The Tournament is named for Terry Larrimer, a prominent Columbus attorney. Terry played Rugby for Princeton University, the University of Michigan, Ohio State University, the SudAmericano Men's Club in Washington DC, the Scioto Valley Men's Club, and several Select Touring Sides. Terry played on 5 continents. His distinguished Rugby career spanned more than two decades. This Tournament celebrates his passion for the game and a cause that he grew to champion with equal enthusiasm, i.e., finding a cure for cancer. All proceeds for the game are being donated to the Columbus Foundation where a scholarship has been established in Terry's name.

CRC 7s 2012: TEXAS LONGHORNS PREP!

noreply@blogger.com (Pakis Corner) — Tue, 22 May 2012 10:00:00 +0000

The Corner returns to Austin Texas this week as part of the University of Texas (UT) Longhorns 7s coaching staff to fine tune things with the squad ahead of the exciting 2012 CRC 7s event in Philadelphia!

The Longhorns will take part in their second CRC event, making the Quarters in 2011. The tournament will take place on June 2 & 3 at PPL Park. For tickets and more details click here!

Unfortunately the Corner will not be around for the CRC 7s this year, but still fantastic to be back in the country of Texas working with the UT sensations!

THE CRAZY HORSES!

noreply@blogger.com (Pakis Corner) — Tue, 22 May 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Super 15 Crazy Horses salute!

CRC 7s 2012: FOSTERS JOIN THE PARTY!

noreply@blogger.com (Pakis Corner) — Tue, 22 May 2012 08:00:00 +0000

HEINEKEN CUP 2012 FINAL: LEINSTER vs ULSTER!

noreply@blogger.com (Pakis Corner) — Mon, 21 May 2012 19:56:00 +0000

SUPER 15 2012: HIGHLIGHTS ROUND 13 - BULLS vs HIGHLANDERS!

noreply@blogger.com (Pakis Corner) — Mon, 21 May 2012 19:01:00 +0000

SUPER 15 2012: HIGHLIGHTS ROUND 13 - CRUSADERS vs BLUES!

noreply@blogger.com (Pakis Corner) — Mon, 21 May 2012 18:59:00 +0000

SUPER 15 2012: HIGHLIGHTS ROUND 13 - SHARKS vs CHEETAHS!

noreply@blogger.com (Pakis Corner) — Mon, 21 May 2012 18:51:00 +0000

SUPER 15 2012: HIGHLIGHTS ROUND 13 - STORMERS vs WARATAHS!

noreply@blogger.com (Pakis Corner) — Sun, 20 May 2012 09:00:00 +0000

SUPER 15 2012: HIGHLIGHTS ROUND 13 - REBELS vs WESTERN FORCE!

noreply@blogger.com (Pakis Corner) — Sat, 19 May 2012 09:00:00 +0000

SUPER 15 2012: HIGHLIGHTS ROUND 13 - REDS vs LIONS!

noreply@blogger.com (Pakis Corner) — Sat, 19 May 2012 08:30:00 +0000

SUPER 15 2012: HIGHLIGHTS ROUND 13 - HURRICANES vs BRUMBIES!

noreply@blogger.com (Pakis Corner) — Fri, 18 May 2012 08:00:00 +0000

WORLD RECORD TO AID RONAN NELSON!

noreply@blogger.com (Pakis Corner) — Thu, 17 May 2012 16:36:00 +0000

Ronan with the USA 7s team.

Two of the biggest names in Sevens, Fijian legend Waisale Serevi and United States veteran Matt Hawkins, have teamed up in a world record attempt to raise funds for a crippled player.

Hawkins, a member of the US Sevens and 15-a-side teams, are working with Serevi, the most celebrated player in the abbreviated form of the game, on the fundraiser - in which they hope to set a new world record for the largest scrum.

On Saturday, June 9 the 'Team Ronan Rugby Challenge' will feature an attempt to break the world record for the largest scrum (840 students) - set by Belfast's Ravenhill Royal Academy in Northern Ireland.

It is all in aid of young Ronan Nelson, a 16-year-old sophomore student at Cathedral Catholic High School in San Diego, CA, who was critically injured in a club rugby game in San Diego in April.

He was taken to Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, where surgery was performed to repair his broken neck. Subsequent strokes from blood clots formed from the injury causing temporary blindness and other health issues.

After a several weeks at Scripps La Jolla, Nelson was transferred to Sharp Memorial Hospital for inpatient rehabilitation, where he continues his quest to regain normal function, including the ability to walk.

The young player is determined to overcome his current condition and is working very hard in rehab to achieve his goal of walking again.

The Cathedral Catholic High School community and the Coastal Dragons Rugby Club are backing the drive by the organisers - which include Hawkins and Serevi - to help raise funds for Nelson's rehabilitation.

The June 9 event at Cathedral Catholic includes an exhibition game by the US Eagles Sevens players, San Diego State University players, and Cathedral Catholic High School players.

The US Eagles players, along with key athletes from X-Game exhibition sports, will be on hand to sign autographs.

For more information visit https://www.wepay.com/events/team-ronan-rugby-challenge

Matt Hawkins - aka the Polar Bear

HSBC 7s WORLD SERIES: LONDON - 7 OF THE BEST TRIES!

noreply@blogger.com (Pakis Corner) — Thu, 17 May 2012 15:32:00 +0000