52nd New York 7s Tournament kicks off this weekend

If you are in New York City this weekend and fancy catching some rugby action, the annual New York Sevens is not too be missed.  The tournament is one of the largest and longest running 7s in the states and is expected to attract over 130 teams including Top Senior Mens and Women's, Old boys, and U19 Boys and Girls.  Its free to spectators and full details can be found at www.newyorkrugbysevens.com.

And check out the video below featuring highlights from the tournament.

Happy Thanksgiving folks!

Podcast Episode 11: Dallen Stanford (Paki's Corner, Tackling Cancer Foundation)

Its been long over due for a new podcast and I couldn't be more chuffed to have caught up with Dallen Stanford, the legend behind Paki's Corner.  

We chat about his early days in the US, how as a South African, he made a name for himself on the International 7s scene with the USA Eagles.  We also talk about his latest work with Tackling Cancer, a foundation which supports cancer research through leveraging the global participation of rugby. 

You can listen to the podcast on the Podcast Page, on iTunes, on Facebook, or via the RSS Feed.

Enjoy!

USA wins game one of the Rugby League Atlantic Cup over Jamaica, 36-26

Courtesy of Spinner, Jacksonville Axemen

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The USA has come out on top 36 to 26 over Jamaica at Hodges Stadium (UNF) in Jacksonville.

The game was filled with everything Rugby League has to offer. Massive Hits, some very skilled and tactical offence and some blood flowing from wounds sustained during the battle.

Both the USA and Jamaican teams will be forced to make some changes for their remaining games due to an range of injuries. Axemen Matt Thornton and Taco Pope both have at least a dozen stitches in their heads. Thornton also sustained a detached bicep. The Jamaicans also have their issues with Jermain Wrey having a concussion, and another two players who will be needing scans on suspected shoulder seperations and ankle injuries.

The next game of the HotelsofJacksonville.com Rugby League Atlantic Cup will take place Thursday night when Canada get their first game in against the Jamaican team.

Below if the full report from wearerugby.com

Northeast Rugby Announces 2010 Championship Finalists

Northeast Rugby Union, which administers rugby throughout the Northeastern US, today announced the finalists for its 2010 Championships, which will determine regional champions in Mens Division 1, 2 and 3.  NRU's 2010 Championships are on Saturday and Sunday November 20 and 21, 2010, with kickoffs both days at 10 am, noon and 2 pm at Randall's Island, NY, Fields 74 and 75.

There will be food, medical assistance, and other conveniences at the island.  Admission is free.  Schedules, social events, and information about discounted rooms at Fitzpatrick's, the tournament hotel, are all on the event website www.nruplayoffs.org .  Results will be posted there and on Twitter at @NRUPlayoffs. 

Thanks to Host Committee chair Jason Brown and Dr. Vic Lopez, Bret Costain, Hedley Lagrand (yep, that's me!), Met NY is looking forward to hosting this event.  Good luck to our guests from NERFU and NYSRFU and to Met NY teams.  May the best clubs win!

NRU's	Time	Field 74	Field 75
Saturday	10:00 AM	D3 Rockaway #1 vs. Saratoga #4	D2 Lions #2 vs. Yankees #4
Saturday	12:00 PM	D2 Middlesex #1 vs. N. Jersey #3	D1 BIW #3 vs. Long Island #2
Saturday	2:00 PM	D3 Syracuse #2 vs. Brooklyn #3	D1 Mystic River #1 vs. NYRC #4
Sunday	10:00 AM	D3 Championship	D1 Consolation
Sunday	12:00 PM	D2 Championship	D3 Consolation
Sunday	2:00 PM	D1 Championship	D2 Consolation

Coaches needed this spring for Middle School Rugby in Virginia

Courtesy of Frederic Bardot, Director of Rugby Virginia

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Rugby Virginia is a State Based Rugby Organization (SBRO) dedicated to the development of youth and high school rugby.  In an effort to build upon the very successful youth (u-13s, u-15s) summer tackle programs in existence in Virginia, Rugby Virginia plans to create a Middle School XV boys League composed of 3-4 teams for Spring 2011.

For this pilot season, team locations are limited to the Northern VA area.

Season start: weekend of March 26

Conclusion: 1 day tournament -- May 21

Grades: 6-8

Boys only

Coaching requirements: USA Rugby certified (CDP). 2 evening practices / week, + games.

Each individual clubs would be administered (registration, equipment, etc...) by Rugby Virginia.

Inquiries should be directed at rugbyvirginia@gmail.com

New Zealand rugby stars in New York city

This Thursday sees New Zealand’s All Blacks stars Michael Jones & Frano Botica and Rugby League Legend Tawera Nikau together for a panel discussion.   The event serves as fund raiser to help send two New York City public high school students down under for rugby/study scholarships as well as  provide player/coach exchanges between the US and New Zealand.


The event kicks off at 7pm and full details are below.  I'll be at the event and looking forward to having chat with you over a beer!

Thursday 11 November 7-9.30pmSaatchi & Saatchi | 375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014 
Join Kevin Roberts to welcome two of New Zealand’s Rugby Stars to New York, also featuring Kiwi Rugby League Star!
Michael Jones, Rugby World Cup Volunteer Ambassador, is one of New Zealand's greatest rugby stars, an iconic All Black, member of the RWC 1987 winning New Zealand team and a former coach of Manu Samoa.
Frano Botica is one of the few athletes who has worn Triple Black Jerseys, having played for the New Zealand Sevens, All Blacks (both rugby union) and Kiwis (rugby league). He has also been a New Zealand Maori representative.
Tawera Nikau, Official Legend of Rugby League and former New Zealand Rugby League representative will be a special guest following his New York Marathon debut, seven years after losing a leg in a motorcycle accident.

Join host Kevin Roberts, meet the players, bid in the auction for two tickets to New Zealand, rare auction items and much more.

This special event will raise funds to send two New York City public high school students to New Zealand for rugby/study scholarships.  Funds will also provide two player/coach exchanges between the United States and New Zealand.

Click HERE for tickets or visit http://usarugby.eventbrite.com

VIP Entrance $200 / General Entrance $75

Enquiries to sarah.smith@nzte.govt.nz or 1 646 378 4803

To view online click HERE

Village Lions vs Landsdowne - TOP OF THE TABLE CLASH

Big day for my club tomorrow as the Village Lions mens take on Landsdowne at home at high noon.  This is the final game of the MET-NY regular season with 1st place on the line.

Both teams have secured home semi-finals already, dominating most opposition. Landsdowne are the only undefeated team in Division 2 but the Lions sit two competition points behind them in second place with a far superior for-and-against.

Kickoff at 12 noon, the Killer Bs will follow at 2pm as they aim to finish their season undefeated.

HOW TO GET TO THE PITCH

The Lions play on Field 75 on Randall's Island. On the south tip of the island underneath the Triborough bridge.

The easy way to get to the pitch is by walking over the footbridge on 103rd st and the FDR. This gets you on the island, and you can follow the road that you exit the bridge on around to field 75. Look for the rugby players under the Triborough bridge.


More details can be found on the Lions Facebook event page and check out Alex Goff's great article on the match on Rugbymag.com.

Good luck lads!