Merry Xmas Folks!

Wishing you all a safe and merry holiday.

Cheers Hedley

Podcast Episode 7: Roberto 'Berto' Santiago

For my last podcast of the year, I talk to my good friend and former Washington Renegades teammate Roberto Santiago, who is a referee with the Northern California Rugby Referee Society. He shares some stories from his playing days and how diversity in the sport can offer some surprising perks. We also talk about the transition from player to referee, the challenges facing the societies and teams in the US, and his future aspirations.

iTunes | Download | RSS Feed

Roberto Santiago (center in blue) on the attack for the Washington Renegades

Update: Village Lions Calendar Party this Saturday

As I posted recently, the ladies of the Village Lions are launching their 2010 calendar this Saturday, December 19th.

The event kicks off at 4pm at the Bull Moose Salon (44th and 9th ave in NYC) and working its way through the a few bars in Hells Kitchen. There is a $20 cover for a "discount beer" bracelet and you also get one of the calendars.

For more details, head on over to http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=182594939840&mid=15c4785G2555d427G3089799G7

Thanksgiving Weekend Rugby

There are few great rugby events on this Saturday, which I have listed below. If you know of any others, please feel free to post them in the comments and I'll add them to the list:

New York 7s (New York, NY) - New York Rugby Club are hosting there 51st Annual Sevens tournament on Saturday. First matches kick off off at 8:20am and are played over on Randall's Island Park which is located in the East River below the RFK Bridge and the park is accessible by public and private transportation. More details can be found on the New York RFC's site


Turkey trot 7’s (Bethesda, MD) - Maryland Exiles are holding there annual sevens tournament this Saturday, Kick off is at 8:15am and is being held at Timberlawn Park in Bethesda.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving folks!

I'll be posting some details of rugby tournaments over the weekend and and good luck to the USA Sevens Mens and Womens teams who fly out to Dubai today for the start of the IRB series.

Podcast Episode 6 - Lisa Lake / Willie Dominguez

Last month I posted a story on local NYC coach and high-school teacher Lisa Lake who was named as a coach of the year in a National Contest. In a follow up story, I met with Lisa and Willie Dominguez, the young man who nominated Lisa, to learn more about their stories, the award, and life with New York Rugby Club.





iTunes | Download | RSS Feed

Lisa Lake (in red) receiving her award in Washington DC

New Zealands Ambassdor's Shield this Sunday in Washington DC

The 13th Annual Ambassador's Shield tournament is on this Sunday November 15th.

Held at Trinity University
Held at Trinity University in Northeast Washington DC, the tournament will feature mens, women's, golden oldies and youth rugby plus the featured match between New Zealand Ambassador's XV, a team of New Zealand's best, and the Mid-Atlantic Rugby Union All-Stars XV.
Match details are below and for more information on the tournament, head over to http://www.ambassadorsshield.com/

Here's the match schedule:

9:00am - 10:15am: MARFU Women XV v. Ottawa Select Women

10:20am - 11:30am: Poltroons v. French Embassy Old Boys

11:35am - 12:40pm: Virginia Cardinals v. KEA Kiwi's Old Boys

12:45pm - 1:50pm: PRU U19s v. EPRU U19s

1:50pm - 2:15pm: Hyde School VII v. Gallaudet VII

2:30pm - 4:00pm: NZ Ambassador's XV v. MARFU XV

51st Annual New York Rugby Sevens on November 28

If you are in Manhattan on November 28th and fancy a spot of sevens action, New York Rugby Club are hosting there 51st Annual Sevens tournament. The tournament is the largest and longest running in the US and marks the end of the fall rugby season in the local area.

Over 106 teams are expected to participate and should be a fantastic day of rugby.

For more information, head over to the New York RFC's site

Samoans play for tsunami victims at GGI Sevens

One of my podcast guests and good friend, Scott Martell, is currently down in Oz for the Gold Coast International Sevens (his company, Rugby Ink , are the official kit sponsor). This is one of many stories and photos he will be sharing in the coming days.

Samoans play for tsunami victims at GGI 7's

The Samoan based team has promised to provide as much support as possible for the victims of the recent tsunami which has caused so much devastation and loss of life back home. They announced that any prizemoney they win, which includes a $20,000 reward to the winners, will be donated to the Tsunami Appeal.

Read more at http://ur7s.com/news/588/samoans_play_for_tsunami_victims_at_gci_7s

Village Lions Womens Calendar Release Party

The lovely ladies of the Village Lions are launching their 2010 calendar and you're all invited to join in the festivities at the launch party!
The event is scheduled for Saturday, December 19 at 8:00pm in New York city and to see more details and RSVP, follow the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=182594939840&mid=15c4785G2555d427G3089799G7

Washington Renegades Yard Sale this Sunday

My old teammates at the Washington Renegades in DC are having their Annual Fall Yard Sale this Sunday, November 8th.

The sale is held in front of JR's Bar & Grill (17th & Church Streets, NW) from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

All money raised go towards supporting the club.

MARFU Sharks Men's All-Star Program

The MARFU Sharks Men's All-Star team has been reconstituted this year by the MARFU board as a development tool for the best players in MARFU. The goal of the MARFU Sharks program is to provide the top players in MARFU with an elite rugby experience that will help them develop and improve as players. The program is particularly looking for the best high school and college players to participate. The development program will include regular training sessions with top coaches, and international competition.

This fall the MARFU Sharks will have a match against the New Zealand Embassy XV and then a high performance camp in December. In 2010 the program will include regular training sessions and an international tour in the summer. Selections for the 2010 program will be made this fall.

The start of the MARFU program is this weekend with the first of 2 tryouts/practices. The tryouts are:

• November 1, Severn River 9.30-11.30am
• November 8, Doylestown, 11am-1pm

Registration is not required for the tryouts, however coaches' recommendations can be made at http://www.attackingrugby.com/MARFU.html and will be used in the selection process.

Players that plan to attend should Head Coach, Peter Steinberg, directly.

MARFU - Bid Requests for 2010 Collegaite Championships

Courtesy of Carl Schmitt, President of Virginia Rugby Union

---

The Mid Atlantic RFU is seeking bids to host one or more of our 5 divisions of Collegiate Rugby. Bids documents can be obtained at the MARFU website via the following link: www.marfu.org/marfubidform.htm

Bids are due on November 30, 2009, and are to be submitted via email to schmittcf@gmail.com

USA Rugby - Womens Club playoffs this weekend

Couresty of USA Rugby
Despite forecasted rain in the Boston area tomorrow, USA Rugby is planning for the Women's Club Playoffs to kick off as scheduled on Saturday, October 24 and Sunday, October 25 at NARA Park in Acton, Mass (64 Quarry Road). USA Rugby will also be streaming the event (weather permitting) live via U-Stream for the folks at home.

Ruggers needed for movie being filmed this weekend in DC

Got this from Stefan Hankin of PAC Rugby (thanks Stefan!).

Adams Morgan the Movie, a full length feature film, is currently filming in Washington DC. There are two rugby scenes in this film which will be filmed on Sunday morning.

The producers have requested 30 players and at least 60 people to act as "fans". Filming will start at 7am on Sunday and run until about 2pm. Breakfast and Lunch will be provided.

Filming will take place behind the DC United's practice field next to RFK at the corner of C street and Oklahoma Ave NE. Turn off C street onto Oklahoma, take your first right into the parking lot. Closest metro is Stadium / Armory.

If you are interested in being part of this movie, please email Stefan so he can put you on the list.

Players: The "match" is between two adult men's teams, sorry ladies (and young looking college players). Please wear normal rugby attire, boots, headgear if you normally wear it etc, jersey's will be provided.

Fans: The "match" is supposed to take place in the Fall, so just dress as you would if you were going to watch a match. Please do not wear any articles of clothing that could be viewed as product placement, rugby jerseys are ok. Need people of all ages, gender etc. Little kids are more than welcome. Need to make this look as genuine as possible Please let me know if you have any questions.

More information on the movie can be found at http://www.adamsmorganthemovie.com

NYC Youth Rugby Coach Named A Coach of the Year

I wanted to share a press release I got tonight, compliments of Sara John (USA Rugby) and Noel Wolfe (thanks guys!), on local NYC coaches and highschool teacher Lisa Lake (in red in photo at left). Lisa has been named as a coach of the year after coming in third in the “Play it Forward” contest held by Youth Noise, a youth social network.

Congratulations to Lisa! Read the full press release after the break.

Ruggers help local animal humane society

Great article on Radford University RFC who are working with a local humane society to take their homeless dogs on a run each week.

The full article is here (compliments of The Roanoke Times)

And if any local clubs in the New York Metro region are interested in doing a similar thing and need contact information for local shelters in the area, let me know. My good lady wife works with a few organizations and would be happy to share the info.

USA Rugby - College information for High School rugby players

USA Rugby has recently launched a website (www.usarugby.org/goto/hs_player_info) with information aimed at students, parents, and coaches about academic, financial, and scholarship opportunities for college rugby. By doing so, the hope is that players will make rugby a major consideration when choosing a college. They have already posted information for Male High School players and the Female information will be posted soon.

The site also has a form that Colleges can use to submit information and if you or someone you know can help contribute, please pass the information along.

Podcast Episode 5 - USA Rugby & the Olympics

Graphic: cluepill

With the historic announcement on Friday, October 9th that rugby has been readmitted into the Olympics in 2016, I joined the staff and players of USA Rugby to celebrate the news at Mr Denneheys in New York City.

I had the great opportunity to interview USA National players Mark Bokhoven and Jen Sinkler as well as USA Rugby Mens 7s head coach Al Caravelli. I gained insight into their rugby beginnings and what the announcement means to the USA rugby community.

iTunes | Download | RSS Feed

Jen Sinklar (Credit: Randy Mar)

Al Caravelli (Credit: Randy Mar)

 Mark Bokhoven (Credit: USA Rugby)

New York Times - Americans Celebrate Victory for Rugby

New York Times article on Fridays Olympic announcement event in NYC which I was fortunate to attend and will be sharing more on this shortly. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/11/sports/11vecsey.html

New rugby documentary: "A Giant Awakens"

I just recently heard about "A Giant Awakens" friend of mine, Paul Simko (Cheers Paul!). The 60 minute HD documentary explores 130 years of rugby in America and is schedule for DVD release November 1st in the US (Blu-Ray and International to follow soon after).
Check out the trailer below..

A Giant Awakens - Trailer HD 1 from sylvain doreau on Vimeo.

Chatisode 1 - Francesca Cherchi

For my first online chat ("Chatisode") interview, I sat down with Francesca Cherchi (pictured right with Italy Captain, Sergio Parisse), who is an Italian youth rugby coach and former player in Viterbo, Italy.

Coach needed for Womans University team in Maryland

Received an email, via the PRU, from Erin Arentz who is the captain of Mount St. Mary's University Women's RFC, who is looking for a coach:

I am the captain for the Mount St. Mary's University Women's RFC in Emmitsburg, MD. Currently, we are without a coach. We have a full team of around 20 girls. We are looking to be a serious team and build on the growth we have already achieved. We are not playing any games this semester, but would like to schedule several games and possibly enter a few tournaments next semester. In order to do this, we need a certified coach who is willing to guide us. If anyone is interested, or knows someone who may be interested, please contact me at arentzgirl10599@yahoo.com. Thank you.

Erin Arentz
Captain-MSMUWRFC
Anyone who is interested, please feel free to contact Erin directly or drop me a line, and I'll be happy to pass your details on.

Play Rugby USA - “Brownsville to Xavier: Developing Youth through Rugby”

Got this great email from my friends over at Play Rugby USA and thought I'd share it.

“Brownsville to Xavier: Developing Youth through Rugby”

Gaining a high quality high school education while getting the chance to compete in sports that you love, especially Rugby, is not an everyday opportunity in America. It is even further out of reach for young people from inner-city environments, where public high school rarely exists and educational opportunities can be limited. However, that’s exactly what one young man and Play Rugby USA program participant has just accomplished, having recently enrolled at Xavier High School an academically elite school in New York City with one of the top rugby programs in the country.

Isa Sylla graduated from IS 392 in Brownsville, Brooklyn this year as valedictorian of his class. A well liked member of the school community and MVP of the school’s 2009 Mayor’s Cup Championship winning flag rugby team, Isa is hooked on rugby. Given his athletic talent, Isa attracted the interest of local athletic directors and football coaches, and earned the offer of an athletic scholarship from a well know prep school in Brooklyn with a strong football program. For most public school students in Brownsville this would have been a dream come true, but for Isa it wasn’t enough...he wanted to play rugby!

I play rugby

USA Rugby - Upcoming events

Here are the latest upcoming events announced by USA Rugby:

October 2 Level 1 Officiating Course – Flagstaff, AZ. Contact Knute Knutson for more information and to register, kcknutson@designmodularsinc.com October 4 Level 1 Officiating Course – Tampa, FL. Contact Gerry Fitzgerald for more information and to register, rugbyreffl@aol.com October 10 Americas Rugby Championship semifinals: USA Select XV v Argentina Jaguars – Infinity Park, Glendale, CO. October 17 Americas Rugby Championship finals – Fletcher’s Field, Toronto, Ontario. October 17-18 Introducing Rugby & Developing Rugby Skills Certification Workshops -Phoenix, AZ. October 24-25  Introducing Rugby & Developing Rugby Skills Certification Workshops - San Diego, CA. October 24-25 Women's Club Playoffs– NARA Park, Acton, MA. October 25 Level 1 Officiating Course – Boise, ID. Contact Jim Kautz for more information and to register, jkautz@comcast.net November 6-8 Women's Club Championships - Treasure Island, San Francisco, CA. November 7-8 - Introducing Rugby & Developing Rugby Skills Certification Workshops -Hingham, MA

Former Danvers Falcon turns his attention from football to rugby - Danvers, MA - Danvers Herald

Former Danvers Falcon turns his attention from football to rugby - Danvers, MA - Danvers Herald

First chatisode coming soon!

There are a lot of great rugby lives out in the world, and I have the pleasure of sharing my first one from Italy as a chatisode (an interview episode conducted via IM).

As soon as its ready, it will be online for your reading pleasure...so watch this space!

Americas Rugby Championship

USA Rugby just announce that this year, the Americas Rugby Championship will replace the IRB North America 4. The new Championship will feature six teams: four Canadian provincial sides, the Argentina Jaguars and the USA Select XV side, and aims to unite rugby in North and South America in a high performance sub-international structure for the first time.

The four Canadian teams will play in a round robin format with the top two meeting in the semifinals. The other semifinal on October 10, will pit the Jaguars against the USA Select XV side at Glendale’s Infinity Park in Colorado.

Tickets are on sale with price being $20 for adults, $15 for students (13-18). $5 Children (5-14, 4 under is free) and cane be purchased here.

For more information on the Americas Rugby Championship, head on over to www.americasrugbychampionship.com or www.usarugby.org/goto/ARC

Podcast Episode 4 - Phaidra Knight

Phaidra Knight (Credit: Randy Mar)

I had the great pleasure to sit down recently with one of the USA's top female rugby players, Phaidra Knight. Phaidra has already earned 25 caps playing for the US National side and also plays locally for New York Rugby Club in the Premier League. I talked to her about her early playing career at college in Wisconsin and what its like to play and prepare for being on the National team. We also talk about her many other endeavors and her future rugby ambitions.

iTunes | Download | RSS Feed

PRU Annoucement - U23 womens all star camp

Potomac Rugby Union (PRU) is holding their second U23 women's all star camp on Sunday, Oct. 4th at the fields located on the corner of 23rd and Constitution in Washington DC (right behind the Abe Lincoln Memorial) from 11:30am-2:00pm. High School women are welcome and encouraged to attend. This will be the PRUs last "Open Camp" for Fall 2009.

The PRU will be hosting the MARFU U23 Round Robin in November and will be looking to fill two sides. Please bring cleats, mouth guard and thirst quenchers.

The tentative itinerary is as follows:

11:15 - 11:30 Arrival and Registration
11:30 - 11:50 Dynamic Stretching/Warm Up
11:50 - 11:55 Water
11:55 - 12:55 Skills Sessions
12:55 - 1:00 Water
1:00 - 1:20 Break Down Session (Forwards & Backs)
1:20 - 2:00 Games

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact Kenny Pope (Head Coach). U23 All Star Info can also be found on the PRU website.

Save the Black Rooster!

I discovered over the weekend from my friends in the Potomac Rugby Union that one of the local rugby pubs in Washington DC is under threat of closure. The building is owned by the Peace Corps and wanted to expand there offices at the expense of the pub.
I have frequented the Black Rooster Pub many times during my time in DC and is a proud sponsor of Northern Virginia Rugby Football Club, whose woman's team I have had the pleasure of refereeing. Its been a pillar of the community for over 39 years and I, along with many others, would like to see continue serving the locals and visitors to the Capital.

If you are in DC and would like to help, please swing by the pub on 1919 L Street NW and sign the petition. If not, you can still help by joining their Facebook group. I will post some updates as things progress.

US Womens Premier League

The Womens Premier league got kicked off a few weekends ago here in the US and for anyone who is interested, there are some great sites to follow the action. One of my personal favs in Your Scrumhalf Connection which is a great site with lots of info on the league and Womens rugby in general. I also recommend two of the official league sites, USA Rugby and Womens Premier League blog.
If anyone has any news that they would love to share, please post a comment or tweet me.

Womens rugby this weekend

Come and join me this Saturday in Brooklyn as the Village Lions take on the locals.


Details are as follows:
Event: Brooklyn Women's Rugby vs. Village Lions Start Time: Saturday, September 19 at 11:30am
End Time: Saturday, September 19 at 7:00pm
Where: Red Hook Playground Complex

For further details and RSVP, follow the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=132108899315&mid=11cbcc8G2555d427G29d1a14G7

Podcast Episode 3 - Scott Martell

In this episode, I talk to Scott Martell, the founder and CEO of Rugby Ink (www.rugbyink.com), a premier rugby design agency & custom team-wear supplier in the US. We talk about Scott's business including their extensive product line and superb designer kit services. We also talk about his rugby beginnings in Wisconsin and playing for NYAC rugby club, a New York based Super League club.

iTunes | Download | RSS Feed

BBC - North American ruggers being imported to Wales

Fledgling north Wales rugby team Gogledd Cymru reveal they and the WRU want to import Canadian internationals to improve playing standards.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/sport1/hi/rugby_union/welsh/8225712.stm

Play Rugby USA - Free Guinness & Social on Wednesday Sept 2nd

If your in NYC this week, pop on over to Tonic (727 7th Ave, New York, NY 10019 ) between 7-9pm on Wednesday, Sept 2nd to enjoy a few drinks and a little Wii Sports action! The event is open to all and gives you the opportunity to meet the folks at Play Rugby USA and join a team in the Mucky Rugger Run.

Bring your friends, potential runners, potential sponsors and enjoy some free drinks on them. Find out more here.

Nations Cup - Final Roundup

Today was the final day of the Women's Nations Cup. Congratulations to England, who won the cup undefeated by beating Canada 22 - 0. For the full story, click here.


The US Eagles took second place after a hard-fought game in heavy rain against France. Final score ended in a draw (15 -15). Click here for the full story.

Nations Cup Update #4

Here's a quick round up of yesterdays matches:

England 25 - 0 South Africa
South Africa's final match ends in defeat to the English. Click here for the full story

Canada 10 - 15 USA
Last minute try by the Eagles denies the home side a draw. Click here for the full story

The final matches will now take place on Saturday with the US taking on France at 2pm and Canada versus England at 4:30 pm

Get muddy for a good cause

The great folks over at Play Rugby USA are taking part in Runamuck , a muddy 5k run, and want you to join the fun!

They are looking for 10 teams of 4 to join in and challenge the Play Rugby USA team for some great prizes - including the best costume. For more details on how to take part, head on over to their Facebook page.

If you would like to sponsor a team or make a donation to the race, simply click on the donation link below and simply reference the team name in the dedication line.

100% of sponsor / donor proceeds will benefit Play Rugby, Inc in establishing its new youth development programs for 2009-2010 academic year. These programs include rugby, fitness, nutrition and academics for 2 schools in West Harlem and 2 schools in East Harlem.

Nations Cup Update #3

Here's a quick round up of yesterdays matches:

Canada 7 - 12 France
The French kick their way to a win over Canada. Click here for the full story

USA 39 - 0 South Africa
The Eagles dominate South Africa with a pounding win. Click here for the full story

Calling all rugby lifers!

As some of you know I have done a few podcasts recently and will be bringing you more in the near future. If you are interested in sharing your rugby story, follow this link, fill in the form and you too could be in a future episode.

Nations Cup update #2

Here's a quick round up of yesterdays matches:

Canada 35 - 17 South Africa
Solid win for the home side in their first game of the tournament. Click here for the full story

England 43 - 8 France
England continue their winning streak with a win over the French. Click here for the full story

Rugby Olympic update

Great news today...rugby has made the cut!

As I blogged yesterday, rugby was one of seven sports being considered. Well rugby, along with golf, will be put forward for ratification by the full 106-member IOC assembly in Copenhagen in October. For the full story, click here.

AP - Rugby is looking good for 2016 Olympics

The campaign to get rugby into the Olympics got a boost today as it appears to among one of the two favorites (golf being the other) to be selected, according to the Associated Press.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will choose two sports from a proposed list of seven (the others are baseball, softball, squash, karate and roller sports), and will be voted on by the full IOC assembly in Copenhagen, Denmark in October. For full story, click here.

Nations Cup update

Here's a quick round up of yesterdays matches:

France 17 - 17 South Africa
Last minute try by the french gets them the draw. Click here for the full story

England 36 - 7 USA
Tough game for the Eagles as they go down to England. Click here for the full story

Womens Nations Cup kicks off next week

The US Womens National team head off North next week to take on Canada, England, France and South Africa in the Nations Cup. This is the 2nd Nations Cup tournament and will be played in Oakville, Canada from August 10th through 22nd. For more details, head on over to Rugby Canada and if you can make it in person to see the games, you catch them live online at ustream.tv

The schedule of the games are as follows (all kick off times are GMT -4 hours EDT i.e same as EST)

August 10th

France vs South Africa 4:30 PM

England vs USA 6:30 PM

August 13th

France vs England 4:30 PM

Canada vs South Africa 6:30 PM

August 16th

South Africa vs USA 2:00 PM

Canada vs France 4:00 PM

August 19th

England vs South Africa 4:30 PM

Canada vs USA 6:30 PM

August 22nd

USA vs France 2:00 PM

Canada vs England 4:00 PM

Podcast Episode 2 - Mark Griffin & Christian Mayo (Play Rugby USA)

I added last night the second part of a two part podcast on Play Rugby USA. The new podcast features a interview with Mark Griffin, the founder and president, and Christian Mayo, Director of Programs.

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

Wall Street Journal article on South African Rugby

The Toughest Team in Sports?South Africa’s rugby players maul their way to the top; a punch in the scrum

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204619004574318422042017930.html

American rugger takes on the Kashmir

The Jammu Kashmir Rugby Association (JKRA) has hired American professional rugby coach Gregory Bruce to help develop the game. Bruce, a former player with the Boston Irish Wolfhounds, was invited by special request to Srinagar where he is helping men, women, and youth players learn the essentials of the game.

Check out the video of Bruce in action, complements of footage by Asian News International.

England and Japan to host next World Cups

The International Rugby Board (IRB) has awarded the 2015 Rugby World Cup to England and the 2019 Rugby World Cup to Japan. Check out the full announcement here.

Village Lions WRFC Beer Pong Tournament - Saturday Aug 1st

The Village Lions Women's team are putting on a beer pong tournament this weekend as a club fund raiser. What happens if I win? Everyone wins with beer pong! (There will be a prize, but its a surprise).

If you are interested in taking part, please RSVP (details below) by this THURSDAY.

RSVP to dc.colmanmcgaw@gmail.com include your name, your partner's name and your team name. Don't forget to mention I sent you :)

When: Saturday August 1st from 5:00 - 9:30

Where: Bar XII (34th St between 2nd and 3rd Av)

How Much? $35 = all you can drink domestics and shots. The Lions encourage responsible drinking and respect non-drinkers. You don't have to drink to play, any team or individual player can play with water.

Village Lions Hells Gate 7s tournament this Saturday

If you fancy catching some fantastic sevens action in New York City before the Summer is over, then head on over to Wards Meadow fields on Randall's Island this Saturday for the Village Lions Hells Gate 7s Tournament.

The tournament will feature both Men and Women in action and kicks off at 11am on fields 74 and 75.

You can get over to the island by foot, public transport, or by car, and your welcome to message me if you would like more specific directions. I'll happy to pass them along.

There will be a social afterward held at BB&R bar, 1720 Second Avenue (between 89th and 90th), New York, NY 10128.

Sports water, JA MAN!

Closeup of the label

I just recently got back from a short break in Jamaica.
Although the Jamaicans do play rugby, cricket and
Football (soccer) is by far the most popular sports.

In saying that it isn't every day you see rugby on a
bottle of sports water :-)

Sport Wata

World Cup qualifier round-up

Oceania
Great news for Samoa, who beat Papua New Guinea 73-12 to qualify for Pool D in the 2012 World Cup in New Zealand.

Africa
The last remaining place in Pool D will be settled in November as Tunisia and Namibia face off.

Americas
The USA still has the opportunity to qualify after their loss to Canada earlier this month. Canada has now sealed the spot in Pool A, and the Eagles will face Uruguay to compete for the Americas 2 qualifier spot in Pool C. The loser will still have one more chance to qualify through the cross-continental final place playoff in 2010.

Asia
The winner of the Asian 5 Nations will qualify as Asia 1 in Pool A with the runner-up playing in the final place playoff. The 5 Nations teams are made up of Arabian Gulf, Hong Kong, Japan, Kazakhstan, and Korea.

Europe
With England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales already pre-qualified, there are two definite pool places up for grabs, with one additional chance in the final place playoff. Battling it out are Belgium, Czech Republic, Georgia, Germany, Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Spain, and Ukraine. The top 2 from the European Nations Cup (ENC) Division 1 will qualify as Europe 1 (Pool B) and Europe 2 (Pool C). The 3rd and 4th place teams from the division will compete for a spot in the final place playoff.

Here's how the current pools are looking:

Pool A - New Zealand, France, Tonga, Canada, Asia 1 (Winner of Asian 5 Nations)

Pool B - Argentina, England, Scotland, Europe 1 (winner of ENC Div. 1), Final place playoff (TBD)

Pool C - Australia, Ireland, Italy, Europe 2 (runner-up of ENC Div. 1), Americas 2 (USA or Uruguay)

Pool D - South Africa, Wales, Fiji, Samoa, Africa 1 (Namibia or Tunisia)