6 Nations on BBC America

Big thanks to Jackie Finlan for this, but it looks like BBC America customers is the US are in for a real treat as they have announced they are going to be showing the 6 Nations!

Here from the BBC website:

RBS Six Nations Rugby Championship

One of Europe’s biggest annual sporting events broadcast live on BBC AMERICA.
First Match: Wales vs. England (in London) Saturday, Feb. 6th at 12p ET/9a PT.

If anyone has been following the recent debacle regarding Setanta, this is fantastic news to US based rugby fans.

Rugby commentor legend, Bill McLaren, dies aged 86

I heard the news of Scottish Commentator Bill McLaren passing a few hours ago, so a bit late to the game but still wanted to share a few words on my fondest memories of him. My earliest memories of him where from watching the 5 nations in the late 80s and 90s. His commentary was always fair and not only conveyed how much he knew the game and teams that played, but his passion for the sport.

He had some of the most fantastic quotes in his time, too many too mention, but I'd like to share two of my favorites

"My goodness, that wee ball’s gone so high there’ll be snow on it when it comes down"

and

"I’m no hod carrier but I’d be laying bricks if he was running at me (description of Jonah Lomu)"

He will be missed.

If you never had the pleasure of hearing him, check out the BBC Tribute video at

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/scotland/8468516.stm

USA Womens vs Canada game 2 live today @ 3pm

The US Women take on Canada again today at 3pm EST in game 2 of the Atlantic Cup. After a close defeat on Tuesday (they lost by 10 points...18-8), the Eagles will look for a solid win. The game will be proceeded by the USA and Canada Womens U20 at 1pm.

You can then watch the game live at www.ustream.tv/usarugby and listen out to the lovely ladies of Your Scrum Half Connection as they are commentators today. They will be also be Tweeting and Facebooking live from both matches, so tune in and show your support.

Live - USA Women's vs. Canada on Tuesday, January 12th @ 3pm

The Women Eagles are taking on fellow North American rivals Canada this Tuesday and you can catch all the action online at www.ustream.tv/channel/usa-rugby

Good Luck ladies!

NYC - Bone Marrow Registry Drive for Kieran Holohan

One of my fellow Lions and good friend to many in the rugby community, Kieran Holohan, 42, was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia on December 9 2009. His Leukemia is temporarily in remission, but he will need a Bone Marrow Transplant in order to survive in the long term.

The Village Lions have organized a Bone Marrow registry drive on Saturday January 23 at the Cornerstone Tavern in Manhattan to raise money for the important DNA testing but more importantly to find bone marrow matches for potential donors. The cheek scrape test will be conducted at the event and takes less than 10 seconds. Its a small price to pay out help a rugger in need.

Full details of the event and other ways you can help if you are unable to attend can be found at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=237950897590

USA Rugby - Coaching Clinic Jan 16th in Florida

USA Rugby have just announced that they are holding a Ruck and Continuity Clinic in conjunction with the Women's Atlantic Cup in Lakeland, Florida on Saturday January 16th.

The clinic will feature US Eagle veteran forward Luke Gross and will cover evasion running, going to ground on your terms as a ball carrier, ball placement and rucking techniques.

It will be followed by the US Womens U20 match against Canada and the final test match of the Atlantic Cup between the US Womens National Team and Canada Womens.

For more information, head on over to www.usarugby.org

PRU - Severn River Womens team looking for a coach

Severn River Rugby is currently searching for an experienced coach for the Senior Women's team. Severn River Women are a competitive Division II team looking to improve on skills and once again become a contender for MARFU Playoffs.

If you are interested, please contact Jeanna Beard (Women's Captain) by emailing unplumbed@gmail.com or calling 443-370-7901.

Happy New Year!

Wishing everyone all the best in the new year and here's to a great decade of rugby to come!

Cheers Hedley