All Blacks Legend Michael Jones in NYC for two events next week

Michael Jone
(Courtesy of Samoan Bios)

All Blacks legend Michael Jones will be in Manhattan next week for two events in support of AUT University rugby scholarships which send high school kids to New Zealand over the summer. AUT has been sponsoring these scholarships for the last 5 years and they are an incredible experience for the scholarship winners.

On Tuesday 16th April, Bill Middleton and AUT University’s Vice Chancellor, Derek McCormack, will host a small private dinner with Michael for no more than 10 people.  Tickets and details can be found at www.mjnyVIP.eventbrite.com

On Wednesday 7th April, there is a large event hosted by USA Rugby and AUT University for dinner, drinks and Q&A with Michael, USA Eagles National Coach Mike Tolkin and USA Eagle Mike Petri.  Tickets and details can be found at www.mjny.eventbrite.com

As some background, in 2008 a partnership was established between Perry Street Preparatory Public 
School in Washington DC, (formerly known as Hyde Charter Leadership School) and AUT University, supported by the New Zealand Embassy’s Ambassador’s Shield, which enabled rugby-playing high school students a chance to  experience this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study, play rugby and enjoy ‘life’  in New Zealand. 
In 2009, Alex Pettiford and Salim Lancaster were the first of ten students thus far who have spent six weeks studying and playing rugby in New  Zealand while experiencing a unique cultural exchange.  The video below is from a CBS 2009 new report that features Hyde Rugby. 

All Blacks Legend, Sir Graham Henry, to speak in NYC this Thursday, December 6th

Sir Graham Henry
(courtesy of Wikipedia)

All Blacks former coach and rugby legend, Sir Graham Henry, will be speaking at The King's College in downtown Manhattan (52 Broadway) tomorrow evening from 7-9pm.

The talk will include an audience Q&A and is a great opportunity to hear from the man who was one of the most successful rugby coaches of all time.  If you would like to ask him a question, please submit them in advance to renee@metnyrfu.org

There is no cover/RSVP to attend and all are welcome!

My RWC 2011 predictions

Who'll be lifting the
 Webb Ellis Cup this year?

A few folks have been asking me what my Rugby World Cup predictions are for this year and thought it was about time to share them with you all!

I will talk more about game predictions in a future post or you can get a sneak peak of what I am thinking by joining the ARL Rugby World Cup prediction game on SuperBru (Pool name: a rugby life, Pool code: seartick).

So without further ado, here are my calls:

Onside Player Management coming to the USA

Onside Player Management is a player recruitment agency based in New Zealand which runs a rugby development programme based in NZ for emerging players at all levels.  They offer the chance to work weekly with an NPC or Super 15 player in your position, while playing club rugby for a local grassroots club.

OPM's James Annabell will be in the States through April and if any is interested to learn more, let him know  (tel: +64 274963386, email: onside@windowslive.com)

You can also checkout their website www.onsideplayermanagement.co.nz or head on over to their Facebook page

Bakline's exclusive tee to help the folks in Christchurch, New Zealand

Courtesy of Rob Schnabel, Bakline.

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As the dust settles and the last of the survivors of the earthquake that ruptured Christchurch are unearthed, many residents on the south island will need the continued support of their neighbors, family and friends of the Red Cross.

This exclusive tee is about turning your purchase into a direct donation when all proceeds are sent to the Red Cross in New Zealand for further aid in what will be an ongoing campaign to get Christchurch in the best shape for the upcoming World Cup.

(The shirt is a unisex fitted, high quality cotton tee with foil printed fern.)

Show your support with the iconic silver fern tarnished and remember 2.22.11 – every little bit helps.

100% of proceeds go to the Red Cross. BUY HERE.

A Christmas Gift- Jordan Torres's story about life at IRANZ

As an early Christmas treat for you, I wanted to share Jordan Torres story of his time at IRANZ camp earlier this year.  With the fund raising help from you, the readers, and family friends, Jordan had a chance of a lifetime to attend the academy in New Zealand.

In his words, this is his story.

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

Jordan wins player award at IRANZ

Jordan Torres's trip down under just got a whole lot sweeter!  He was given the Best Back award by the IRANZ coaches.
Full details can be found here.   Congratulations mate!

Jordan Torres - "New Zealand here I come!"

Outside the Canterbury store in Wellington

August 9th - Leaving New York in the afternoon, I released, here I was on my way to New Zealand. I was pretty nervous.

My first flight was to into LA which took about 5 hours followed by the 14 hours to New Zealand which really tough, but got through it.

I missed my last flight as I was delayed going threw customs and security for a pair of rugby boots!  Had to hang in the airport for a while until I could catch the next one.

I was met at the final destination by the gentleman I was staying with, and once we got my bags we took the short drive to Palmerston North where I was going to be staying.   Drive was a bit strange as I was sitting on the US drivers side and he was driving from the passenger seat!

Was glad to get to the house and settling in as the time change was really messing me up and was feeling a little home sick.  We went out for dinner and when we got back, I just crashed in my room. Its so cold here, wasn't ready for that after coming from a hot Summer on New York.

August 10th - I'm going to Wellington today to buy some gear!  I am doing fine after some rest and getting ready for the Academy that starts on Saturday.  There will be a lot more updates on how that's going soon.

Jordan Torres down under

METNY 2010 - Jordan on the attack

After all the fund raising for Jordan Torres to go to IRANZ in New Zealand, finally he's made it!  

I have invited Jordan to post about life down under and his experience at the Academy.  First post will be up shortly.  Enjoy!

Jordan Torres fund raiser update and the auction finale!

As you know, I've been running a fund raiser to help local lad Jordan Torres fulfill his dream to go to IRANZ camp in New Zealand.  The great news is that Jordan has raised $4900 so far, thanks to the kind donations of you, the fans, and one very generous boss!


I'd personally like to give a thank you to the fans and friends who help raise $200 and a big thanks to Michael Laub (Jordan's Mum's boss) who donate a whopping $4700!

To wrap up the fund raiser, I am auctioning off a 2010 USA Rugby IRB 7s jersey worn and autographed by the one and only Kevin Swiryn!

Kevin kindly donated the jersey after hearing Jordan's story and all funds from the auction will help Jordan complete his fund raising.  This would not have been possible without Kevin, nor the wonderful help of Dallen "Pakis Corner" Stanford,  who help mediate for me.  Thank you gentlemen!

The auction is current live at http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250661738963 and I have included photos of the shirt below.  Happy bidding!

Fox Soccer Plus announces Tri-Nations and Currie Cup coverage

Courtesy of Chelsea Hettrick, mPRm Public Relations

Los Angeles (June 30, 2010) – The Tri-Nations rugby union tournament, contested annually between Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, begins Saturday, July 10 at 3:30 a.m. ET on Fox Soccer Plus with live coverage of the anticipated first match pitting the top-ranked All-Blacks against the defending Tri-Nations champion Springboks.

The opening match, taking place in Auckland, NZ, marks the first of nine to be played in the series.  Fox Soccer Plus is the exclusive U.S. home for all Tri-Nations’ matches through the end of the competition in September.

In addition to the Tri-Nations, Fox Soccer Plus also features extensive coverage of the Currie Cup – South Africa’s premier domestic rugby competition – beginning Friday, July 9 live at 1:05 p.m. ET, with defending champion Blue Bulls’ vs. Pumas from the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.  Eight teams battle it out to for a chance to claim the Premier division title.  Fox Soccer Plus will air tournament matches through the Currie Cup Final in October.            

In conjunction with its live rugby programming, Fox Soccer Plus also features Rugby World, a weekly magazine show premiering each Friday at 10:30 p.m. ET. Expert analysts Dave Sitton, Brian Vizard, Ray Viers and Matt Brown host the series of eight half-hour programs exclusive to Fox Soccer Plus, providing context and perspective on all matters rugby. 

WHAT:           
Tri-Nations and Currie Cup on Fox Soccer Plus

WHEN: 
Friday, July 9 - Currie Cup: Blue Bulls vs. Pumas at 1:05 p.m. ET (live)

Saturday, July 10 -  Tri Nations: New Zealand vs. South Africa at 3:30 a.m. ET (live)

For a complete telecast schedule, visit msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/tvschedule.

For more information about Fox Soccer Plus, visit msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/plus. 

HOW:               
Fox Soccer Plus is available to video providers across the country in high-definition and offered to viewers on DIRECTV, DISH Network, Time Warner Cable and Verizon FiOS as a premium service.

The Angry Ref - "Crime and Punishment"

I recently read this article discussing the length of a yellow card suspension in U19 rugby.  If you don’t want to follow the link and read the article it basically brings up the issue that some people, (who these people are isn’t really discussed but I guess they’re loud enough to be heard but not loud enough to be recognized) are questioning the application of a ten-minute suspension in a seventy minute match.  The argument is that if the game is shorter the suspension should be shorter.  The writer (there’s no byline) makes some good points on both sides of the issue.  Readers make some emotional points in the comments.  The Angry Ref will summarize the correct opinion: “Balderdash!”

UVU Summer Camp brings top Southern Hemisphere players to the US

Utah Valley University has teamed up with team Blitz to host an exciting rugby summer camp this June. Held on UVU's campus, the 3 day camp is open to male and female players between the ages 17-25 years old.
 
The camp will include expertise of some top International players from the All Blacks, Wallabies, and Super 14 such as Sosene Anesi, Christian Lealiifano, Wycliff Palu, and John Schwalger to name a few!

Covering theoretical and tactical knowledge, and providing positional skills specific training techniques, this is a really unique opportunity for young players. William Fale, UVUs head coach and the camp organizer, was inspired to hold the camp based on his experience as a rugby player.  The exposure and access to top level players was life changing for him and something he passionately wanted players in the US to also experience (there will be more on William in a future podcast...coming soon!).

The camp costs $300 per person and you just need to cover your food, accommodation and travel out to Utah.  The registration deadline is coming up fast, so if your interested, please act soon.

To register and get further details, head on over to www.teamblitzsports.com

Help a young rugger go down under

Since starting a rugby life, I've been able to meet a lot of ruggers who embrace the sport with passion.  One such player I recently met hopes that his will take him to great heights.

Jordan Torres is a 16 year old lad who plays for New York Rugby Club on the U19 team. He lives in the Bronx with his mum, a single parent.  He had a rough year or two at school, but through his natural perseverance and hard work, he turned his grades around - and made the honor roll in all his classes!

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

All Blacks off to a great start in the Tri-Nations

New Zealand start their Tri-Nations campaign with a 22-16 win at home against Australia. The Aussies led the first half 10-13 with a try from Berrick Barnes, and conversion and penalties from Matt Giteau. All Blacks Captain Richie McCaw scored their only try (also in the first half) and superb fly-half Stephen Donald sealed the deal with fours penalties in the second half. The All Blacks will now head to South Africa for the next two matches in the tournament.

USA Rugby Announces City Based 7s Womens League

USA Rugby is creating a Women's Sevens League as part of the development program for sevens players, particularly those who aspire to be Women's Sevens National Team candidates.

For more information and to register go to www.citybased7s.com