Celebrate the Rugby World Cup with Infamous Goose Sauvignon Blanc in New York City

New York City's popular Kiwi hang out, Nelson Blue, invites you to celebrate two of the country’s most iconic exports on Saturday, October 1st; Sauvignon Blanc and rugby. Marking the release of their 2010 Sauvignon Blanc, The Infamous Goose welcomes the triumphant return of their home team the All Blacks to the Rugby World Cup with a pre-game reception at New York City’s Nelson Blue Bar & Grill co-hosted by the Kiwi Club of New York.

Guests will be invited to complimentary samples of The Infamous Goose 2010 Sauvignon Blanc and learn “The Haka” – a traditional dance of New Zealand’s native Māori made famous worldwide by their rugby team. Originally performed before battle to proclaim strength and prowess - the Haka is now an integral part of formal ceremonies. Prizes awarded to the best Haka performers.

Cheer New Zealand’s All Blacks, as they take on the Canadian Canucks and toast to New Zealand rugby icons Captain Richie McCaw, Fly-half Dan Carter and wunderkind Sonny Bill Williams as they ruck and maul their way to glory in the North Island city of Wellington at 10:30pm EST.

Date: Saturday, October 1
Time:9 – 10:30pm (Kickoff at 10:30pm)                    
Location: Nelson Blue New Zealand Bar & Grill
233-235 Front Street @ Peck Slip, South Street Seaport, NYC 10038

Phone:  (212) 346-9090
Price:  Complimentary to members of the public 21 years and over
Website: www.nelsonblue.com
RSVP: theinfamousgoose.eventbrite.com

I will be at the event, so please come over and say hi!

11th hour RWC preview: Ireland vs USA

Ireland vs USa in Santa Clara.
Credit: Tony Avelar / Associated Press

The countdown to the Ireland v USA's match at the 2011 Rugby World Cup is almost over, as both teams get ready to kick of at 6pm NZST (2am EST) in New Plymouth.

This match is highly anticipated here, and even with the odds stacked against the Eagles, many are wondering if we could see an upset for the Irish.

For the Eagles, with the match taking place on the 10th anniversary of 9/11 and former Irish head coach Eddie O'Sullivan now at the helm, this game is going to be an emotional one.   Captain Todd Clever and O'Sullivan have already acknowledge this in interviews and to their credit, have sounded very calm and collected.  Channeling this emotion into motivation is key to their success.  O'Sullivan knows the lay of the Irish land to a certain extent and exploiting that can only benefit the US.  Other key factors is for the Eagles to settle down into the game early, while maintaining the physically pressure for the full 80 minutes (US should take some inspiration from the Romanians and Japanese). 

A tribute to a fallen teammate

Yesterday I learned of the sad news of the passing of my former teammate and friend Oscar Hernandez.  Oscar played hooker for the Washington Renegades in DC and his untimely death has resonated not only throughout his club, but also fellow players in the PRU and IGRAB unions.

Washington Renegades Bs with Alice Hoagland
at the 2006 Bingham Cup.  Oscar is left of Alice.

I had the pleasure of both coaching and playing with Oscar.  At the 2006 Bingham Cup in New York City, I led one of two teams the Renegades had in the tournament.  The B's were in the Plate side competition and faced some tough opposition from around the globe.  Oscar was a key component of our success in finishing 3rd overall.  On the eve of 9/11, as I look back on the tournament, I find myself thinking about happy times rather than two separate tragic events.

Today, in honor of him, the Renegades dedicated their 1st matrix match of the season against Rappahannock.  They won the game with an impressive score of 62-0, and posthumously named Oscar man of the match.  It was a fitting tribute to a man who will be missed by all.

If you wish to leave a eulogy, feel free to comment below or post on his Facebook page.