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Canadian Rugby Forums » Recent Posts http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/ Canadian Rugby Forums » Recent Posts en Fri, 30 Jul 2010 04:37:29 +0000 Toothlesstiger on "A bit of the "old & the new" folklore of rugby" http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/topic/a-bit-of-the-old-the-new-folklore-of-rugby#post-2307 Thu, 29 Jul 2010 22:37:47 +0000 Toothlesstiger 2307@http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/ The attached is an interesting series of excerpts from an article in the Edinburgh Evening News. Wouldn't it be grand if this was every club in Canada's' problem <blockquote>£15m rugby ground revamp plans are scrum-thing else Published Date: 29 July 2010 By LAURA CUMMINGS LONG-awaited plans for a new hotel and clubhouse at Edinburgh Accies' Raeburn Place home have moved a step forward, with a decision expected by the end of the year. A planning application is set to be submitted next month for the £15 million development, which includes a new £5.5m sports clubhouse and the restoration of the derelict Raeburn House Hotel - a grade B listed building - to create a 50 bedroom hotel Sandy Burnett, president of the Edinburgh Academical Club, which owns the ground, said: "We are obviously keen to see this development go ahead so that Raeburn Place can be restored to its former glory. "It is vital we have a high- quality clubhouse that will last for future generations." The original plans attracted criticism within the Stockbridge community and various changes from the original plan were made to the hotel development around the listed Raeburn House. The less controversial proposals for the rugby club remain the same, with six new changing rooms, a weights room, office and social club rooms. Festival Inns director Richard Spanner said: "A positive planning decision would mean we can go ahead with these exciting plans to create a clubhouse of which the Edinburgh Academicals can be proud. "The hotel, restaurant, bar and conference room will also provide useful facilities for the local community." Touch of the heritage of this Club: </blockquote>Raeburn Place hosted the first ever international rugby match - between Scotland and England - in 1871, the first Calcutta Cup clash in 1879 and the first Women's Rugby World Cup final in 1994. Popo on "U20 Canadian Championship" http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/topic/u20-canadian-championship#post-2306 Thu, 29 Jul 2010 21:35:34 +0000 Popo 2306@http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/ Nothing new here.... Clubs have been doing it for eons. Especially in BC. Shouldn't expect anything less here. There is not a rugby team or Club in Canada that would start and develop a local player over an import. Harry Craig on "U20 Canadian Championship" http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/topic/u20-canadian-championship#post-2305 Thu, 29 Jul 2010 17:48:59 +0000 Harry Craig 2305@http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/ Who said life was fair. My understanding is that anyone eligible to play can play on any team they want to. Selection policies are up to each local team on who they want to include. Alot of Toronto kids played for Niagara, but then Toronto chose not to enter thsi year. newbie on "U20 Canadian Championship" http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/topic/u20-canadian-championship#post-2304 Thu, 29 Jul 2010 05:29:29 +0000 newbie 2304@http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/ Does anyone know how a kid from BC that was on the U20 team that went to Russia and chose not to play for the Vancouver Island Crimson Tide, can end up playing for the Rock in the National Championship. I am told he is not the only one from BC being flown out to play for the Rock. Seems rather unfair to the local Newfoundland boys to be importing players for the National Championship Harry Craig on "U-16 Boy's Belleville" http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/topic/u-16-boys-belleville#post-2303 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 07:12:43 +0000 Harry Craig 2303@http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/ Congratulations to the Bulldog Pups who beat our side on Saturday to go undefeated in the league. Sounds like a close game, maybe we will meet again in the playoffs with a better result to the Wanderers this time, I hope. St Dunstan on "Is this the same Trafigura?" http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/topic/is-this-the-same-trafigura#post-2302 Sun, 25 Jul 2010 15:25:07 +0000 St Dunstan 2302@http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/ The 2006 Côte d'Ivoire toxic waste dump was a health crisis in Côte d'Ivoire in which a ship registered in Panama, the Probo Koala, chartered by the Swiss-based oil and commodity shipping company Trafigura Beheer BV, disposed of toxic waste in the Ivorian port of Abidjan. The substance was claimed by the company to have been "slops", or waste water from the washing of the ship's tanks, but a Dutch inquiry found the substance was more than 500 tonnes of a mixture of fuel, caustic soda, and hydrogen sulfide transported from Europe as toxic waste. The substance was then dumped by a local contractor in up to 12 sites around the country's largest city, Abidjan, in August 2006. The gas caused by the release of these chemicals is blamed by the United Nations and the government of Côte d'Ivoire for the deaths of 17 and the injury of over 30,000 Ivorians with injuries that ranged from mild headaches to severe burns of skin and lungs. Almost 100,000 Ivorians sought medical attention for the effects of these chemicals. Trafigura has denied any waste was transported from Holland, saying that the substances contained only tiny amounts of hydrogen sulfide, and that the company did not know the substance was to be disposed of improperly. In early 2007, the company paid US$198 million for cleanup to the Ivorian government without admitting wrongdoing, and the Ivorian government has pledged not to prosecute the company. A series of protests and resignations of Ivorian government officials followed this deal. A city of Amsterdam inquiry in late 2006 found that the Probo Koala had been turned away from offloading toxic waste prior to departing from the port of Amsterdam and heading to West Africa. A civil lawsuit in London was launched in 2008 by almost 30,000 Ivorians against Trafigura. In May 2009, Trafigura announced it would also sue the BBC for libel after its Newsnight program alleged the company had knowingly sought to cover up its role in the 2006 Côte d'Ivoire toxic waste dump. In September 2009 The Guardian obtained and published internal Trafigura emails showing that the traders responsible knew how dangerous the proposed chemicals were. Shortly afterwards Trafigura offered an unnamed settlement figure to the class action suit against them. Harry Craig on "U-16 Boy's Belleville" http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/topic/u-16-boys-belleville#post-2301 Sat, 24 Jul 2010 14:02:26 +0000 Harry Craig 2301@http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/ Good luck to your U16s but you know who I'll be cheering for today. Bulldogs2 on "U-16 Boy's Belleville" http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/topic/u-16-boys-belleville#post-2300 Fri, 23 Jul 2010 17:48:25 +0000 Bulldogs2 2300@http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/ The following appears in today's local rag. Bite to match their bark Posted By PAUL SVOBODA, THE INTELLIGENCER Posted 4 hours ago Warren McCann has adopted a simple yet significant credo for his Tim Horton's Belleville Junior Bulldogs U16 rugby team. "Success breeds success," says McCann. The former Bulldogs men's team standout should know. Last season, McCann coached the U16 Bulldogs to the semifinals of the Toronto Rugby Union playoffs where they dropped a heart-breaking decision in overtime -- on penalty kicks -- to Toronto Balmy Beach at M.A. Sills Park where a morning downpour had turned the pitch into a swamp. Sure, getting to the TRU semis was a sure sign of success. But McCann convinced his players it wasn't enough. And, so far this season, the message has been well-received. The U16s are a perfect 5-and-0 in league play with their final regular season contest set for Saturday at noon at Sills Park. If the Junior Dogs defeat the visiting Ajax Junior Wanderers, they'll lock up first place and home-field advantage in the playoffs. "Everyone is having a big year for us and we've got a good veteran nucleus back, but I think one of the things that has helped us this year is that we started preparations earlier," said McCann. That meant regular Saturday morning practices on the Sir Mackenzie Bowell Public School athletic field in the spring, several weeks before the first regular season kickoff. Plus, said McCann, the U16 Bulldog squad is basically a high school all-star team from the highly-regarded Bay of Quinte circuit. "We have most of the best players from Bay of Quinte," said McCann. "Getting the best, most skilled players helps a lot and we've got some great kids." Among them, No. 8 Zack Hiscock of Trenton High who also plays provincial rep rugby for Ontario. Hiscock teams up with Brady Mantifel of Centennial and Peter Phillips of East Northumberland -- both flankers -- to give the U16 Bulldogs a formidable trio at the back of the scrum, said McCann. "Our back row is great," he said. Centennial lock Matt Mullins brings a high work rate to the boiler room of the second row while McCann's son, Devin, calls the plays for the backs at the important flyhalf position. Still, McCann knows that just having a side packed with high school all-stars doesn't guarantee success. Cohesion, he said, is the key. "These guys really play well together as a team," said McCann. "Sure, they all come from different high schools and they have their rivalries, but when they're together here they really play as a team." DOG DIRT ... The Bulldogs senior men's sides also put undefeated records on the line Saturday when they host the TORONTO BUCCANEERS at 1:30 p.m. (men II) and 3 p.m. (men I). Bulldogs men I are 7-and-0 atop the TRU Division 1 standings and can clinch first place with a victory over the winless Bucs (0-and-7). Bulldogs men II are 6-and-0 and in first place in their group. Harry Craig on "LepTigers this weekend" http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/topic/leptigers-this-weekend#post-2299 Fri, 23 Jul 2010 16:56:49 +0000 Harry Craig 2299@http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/ Good luck and have fun everyone. shack on "LepTigers this weekend" http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/topic/leptigers-this-weekend#post-2298 Fri, 23 Jul 2010 16:27:08 +0000 shack 2298@http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/ It's been a while since anyone posted on here. I'll add this bit of info for anyone interested. The Edmonton LepTigers are celebrating a combined 100 years of rugby on July 24 at their clubhouse and grounds. They have 3 games planned against the Clansmen RFC starting at noon. If you have ever played for either the Tigers or Leps or the LepTigers and can make it out your encouraged to try and fit into your original jersy and come out to watch the rugby and socialize. It should be a great day. Cheers Shack OnRugby on "Olympic Qualifying" http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/topic/olympic-qualifying#post-2294 Fri, 16 Jul 2010 21:26:39 +0000 OnRugby 2294@http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/ From the Nigel Melville blog, During our meetings in Dubai, one agenda item included a discussion on Olympic qualification. The International Rugby Board are currently wrestling with a tough question – how will they qualify 12 teams (men and women) to participate in the Rio Olympics in 2016? At this point, the Rugby Sevens in Rio will be 12 team tournaments – not the usual 16 team format as currently played on the IRB Sevens World Series or the 24 team Hong Kong Sevens. The good news, I suppose, is that England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will be participating under the banner of Great Britain – the bad news for Oceania (one of the five Olympic Regions) is that they currently have four of the top sevens teams in the world including New Zealand, Samoa, Fiji and New Zealand – this appears to be causing a certain amount of discomfort in some quarters. Add to the mix that the host nation (Brazil) may be automatically eligible as the host Nation and you can probably get the feeling of what’s at stake. Who should compete in Rugby’s Olympics? Do we have to send the best 12 sides in the world? Or do we need equitable representation based on the five Olympic regions. Sprinters qualify regionally, so why not rugby teams? I think the general feeling is that we somehow qualify the 12 (or 11 best teams) regardless of the geography and I suspect the IRB are looking at maybe qualifying the top four teams through a global competition such as the IRB Sevens World Series and the rest qualify regionally. What will mean for the USA? It means that we would probably be competing for automatic top four qualification with a second opportunity of qualifying through the Americas.This would leave eight teams qualifying regionally, possibly only two from the Americas the current rankings being; 1. Argentina 2. USA 3. Canada (and don’t forget Brazil…) Of course, no one would rule out Argentina qualifying as a top four team, and we hope to be challenging for one of those spots in 2013/14 or whenever the event will be held – that would make life easier for us all. Women's qualification may take a similar route, currently the USA Women would be seen as a top 4 qualifier, following their world cup performances, however, heavy investment in women's rugby by China and Russia may change the landscape. We will certainly be looking for USOC support of the women's Eagles Sevens program. Currently all we can do is monitor progress and take an active role in the qualification debate. The first stage of this should be a request to make the competition a 16 team event, as I believe 12 team event is not the best competition model. "Currently all we can do is monitor progress and take an active role in the qualification debate...What is certain is that Olympic qualification will be intensely competitive. That is the central reason that I am working so closely with the USOC to implement our Olympic Sevens program now...we have to give ourselves every chance of qualifying before we start talking about medals…" What is certain is that Olympic qualification will be intensely competitive. That is the central reason that I am working so closely with the USOC to implement our Olympic Sevens program now and not wait for the next Olympic cycle in 2012 – we have to give ourselves every chance of qualifying before we start talking about medals… Harry Craig on "NSWT:are the ladies aware" http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/topic/nswtare-the-ladies-aware#post-2293 Thu, 15 Jul 2010 17:29:45 +0000 Harry Craig 2293@http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/ The squad has been annnounced for the World Cup on the Rugby Canada website. Good luck ladies. Frank Levick on "Attempting to make Kids rugby more acceptable & safe to enjoy" http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/topic/attempting-to-make-kids-rugby-more-acceptable-safe-to-enjoy#post-2292 Mon, 12 Jul 2010 14:50:31 +0000 Frank Levick 2292@http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/ Which begs the question as to why a game of mini-rugby is viewed inside/outside the school system as two very different games! These days if a kid wears his Granpa's WWII beret to school as part of a show-and-tell the school gets put under an emergency lockdown. Harry Craig on "Attempting to make Kids rugby more acceptable & safe to enjoy" http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/topic/attempting-to-make-kids-rugby-more-acceptable-safe-to-enjoy#post-2291 Mon, 12 Jul 2010 06:38:28 +0000 Harry Craig 2291@http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/ On Saturday I was in Ajax to attend my club, the Wanderers, family day. When the kids came on to play mini rugby after the first team game all I saw was kids having fun, which is what we need to make rugby more popular in this country. Speaking to many parents who know little about rugby and a few who have a rugby background they spoke of how much the kids loved it. I am a very proud Wanderer right now. All I saw all day was evryone having fun, as it should be. Frank Levick on "Attempting to make Kids rugby more acceptable & safe to enjoy" http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/topic/attempting-to-make-kids-rugby-more-acceptable-safe-to-enjoy#post-2290 Sun, 11 Jul 2010 14:17:30 +0000 Frank Levick 2290@http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/ Now that, is a missionary position. Joe Public regards Hockey and Football as "contact sports" You can commit acts of unspeakable violence and it is regarded as a good hit with high fives all around. The players are body armoured, particularly the head. Most other sports are regarded as non-contact - basketball, soccer etc. There is a third category, let us call them the hybrid game, tag football, ultimate etc at the co-ed level which is all about fun. School Boards are so risk averse (to anything) I would fancy that most Principals wouldn't mind getting rid of the Hockey and Football if they could. They would definately see flag rugby as the thin end of the wedge. trentrugby on "Ontario Rugby" http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/topic/ontario-rugby#post-2287 Fri, 09 Jul 2010 20:14:43 +0000 trentrugby 2287@http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/ I think this program is great! I hope that it is a success. It seems like a huge undertaking. Caleb Toothlesstiger on "Ontario Rugby" http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/topic/ontario-rugby#post-2286 Thu, 08 Jul 2010 20:37:17 +0000 Toothlesstiger 2286@http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/ I not being a member of the Board or part of the Game anymore however I am sure like Harry, the Board will be over the moon. Previously, a couple of seasons ago, the Board secured funding for the introduction of flag rugby into the elementary schools and those monies covered the cost of hiring a series of young men and most recently an exceedingly bright kid / guy from NZ. His particular remit was to follow the trail of requests from clubs to put on introductory sessions of Flag Rugby all across the Ontario Rugby domain. There is no doubt that Andrew Hall covered a lot of miles and schools, and for CanNZ sake, you have to remember the geographical size of this Province where cities like Thunder Bay are so far west that they come under the jurisdiction of the Manitoba Rugby Union. Year two the government monies had expired and so his duties were modified and additional responsibilities for developing junior age grade game officials from the Unions u17 & 18s boys and girls. The coverage of the elementary schools suffered due to the lack of funding for the travel. The major flaw with this type of funding is that there is not sufficient oversight or outcome reports demanded by the government and to the same extent the rugby governing body either at provincial and most definitely the National body unless you have been successful to pitch for say quarter of a million which would be paid out over 3 - 4 years with annual audits. These monies if applied diligently should be productive and the program has to be sustainable without the aid of further government funding. In the past, government funded programs, there has been no capacity for Rugby Ontario to generate the revenues that would sustain such programs in their original format and intent beyond the initial year. No doubt, although you have not commented on my observations, as to the continuing ignoring of the many foreseeable pitfalls, I am sure you will have read them. I suggest that the $50,000.00 would be great if the Rugby Community could match these same funds and support the program through a 3 - 5 year time span, being supported by a realistic business plan with goals that are realistic and achievable,then the program could be an outstanding success. I sincerely wish and hope that it is ongoing and successful when you compare Rugby Ontario's flag program for kids under 12 amounts [just over] 1,000 registrations while compared to the Ontario soccer association has in these very same age categories somewhere in excess of 5,000 boys and girls registered. Harry, when is the next meeting of the club members of the ORU and do you think that now that the season is well underway that the Clubs will attend a stakeholders meeting for a strategy meeting supported with a business plan going forward before say October / November of this year, just as the kids programs wrap up and when the season closes here in Southern Ontario for 2010.?? Harry Craig on "Ontario Rugby" http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/topic/ontario-rugby#post-2285 Thu, 08 Jul 2010 16:00:56 +0000 Harry Craig 2285@http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/ Great news anytime you can get government grants take them. It puts a lot of onus on the clubs to do something, which is good. CanNZ on "Ontario Rugby" http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/topic/ontario-rugby#post-2284 Thu, 08 Jul 2010 13:09:20 +0000 CanNZ 2284@http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/ Honestly not quite sure where to put this thread, but I do think it is about the future of rugby in Canada. Just wondering what does the board here think of this news: $50 K ANNOUNCED FOR GRASSROOTS ONTARIO RUGBY Wednesday, July 7, 2010 - Submitted by Rugby Ontario Communications Rugby Ontario is excited to announce the launch of the STARTRUGBY program, funded by a Sports Priority Grant from The Ministry of Health and Sport Promotion. The goal of this program is to enhance the continued development of Rugby at the grassroots level across the province and increase the numbers of age 8 to 14 year olds playing for our clubs. “This is a great opportunity to provide our clubs with additional tools and resources to help grow their junior programs” Allen Piggott, Rugby Ontario President. This program is targeted at introducing 10,000 elementary school children over the next twelve months to Rugby in their local areas. Rugby clubs in Ontario will be actively involved in the program to help grow the their junior programs and further develop quality coaches. Rugby Ontario is partnering with HIGH FIVE, Canada’s only quality standard for children’s sport and recreation founded by Parks and Recreation Ontario. HIGH FIVE provides training, resources and tools to help organizations ensure positive and quality experiences for children participating in sport. “Our partnership with HIGH FIVE will see Rugby at the grassroots grow by providing coaches with extra tools and awareness of children’s needs as well as continue our commitment to Long Term Athlete Development at the Active Start, Fundamentals and Learn to Train stages,” said Andrew Hall, Rugby Ontario Rugby Development Manager. HIGH FIVE and Rugby Ontario will train five individuals from across Ontario as STARTRUGBY Trainers, which will include becoming a certified HIGH FIVE SPORT Trainer. These trainers will then organise clinics with clubs to accredit 408 coaches/volunteers as STARTRUGBY ambassadors. It will then be important for those individuals to work with local elementary schools and provide either in-school or After School Programs in Flag/Touch Rugby. Clubs will be able to use STARTRUGBY as a link to their local elementary schools as a part of the Seal of Approval program and promotion tool to enhance recruitment to their clubs. Through STARTRUGBY, clubs will be provided free of charge with essential equipment and resources to run the sessions in schools. These will be in the forms of manuals, flag sets, cones and balls. Rugby Ontario’s next step will be seeking application for trainers from across the province that will be fully trained in STARTRUGBY (including becoming a HIGH FIVE SPORT Trainer). Applications and information packs will be sent to clubs on June 25th 2010. For more information contact Andrew Hall - Rugby Development Manager for Rugby Ontario - 416 426-7181 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 416 426-7181 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or <a href="mailto:flagrugby@osrc.com">flagrugby@osrc.com</a> <a href="http://www.rugbycanada.ca/leagues/newsletter.cfm?clientID=3817&leagueID=0&page=45473" rel="nofollow">http://www.rugbycanada.ca/leagues/newsletter.cfm?clientID=3817&leagueID=0&page=45473</a> Toothlesstiger on "Attempting to make Kids rugby more acceptable & safe to enjoy" http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/topic/attempting-to-make-kids-rugby-more-acceptable-safe-to-enjoy#post-2283 Thu, 08 Jul 2010 12:15:07 +0000 Toothlesstiger 2283@http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/ Guys, it is the perception in the minds of the mis-informed masses that we need to attract to the game be it "STARtrugby" or OFSSAA's "Bridging the Gap" both funded by the Ontario Government. Hitting the streets or our elementary school systems unprepared, worse still armed with my learned friend Harry's or Franks responses will not cut it with parents, school councils and teachers, all possibly well educated and perceived to be well informed. The volunteers taking these programs to the younger community of potential players from a very much more varied ethnicities will to be successful, and the ORU press release has suggested reaching out to 10,000 of such potential future players of the game will have to have materials, power point presentation materials and deliverable skills. Finally, walking in the front door of any school, high or elementary to pitch at a teacher whose only exposure to phys-ed is what is doled out in a semester at teaching college are not going to be the decision makers and deal breakers. In todays world you will not find characters like Glenn Tarver or Dominic Scuglia behind many desks that already have an understanding and passion for the game. This will require to be pitched at the school boards and their superintendents before hitting the individual schools. I know, I spent most of last Spring 2009 doing just that. In any event I wish and hope all will go well and the outcome is a roaring success. And, Harry if we wait long enough we always will get the other side of a story. Enjoy the following rebuttal to the article I previously posted on this same subject opening this thread. [quote] 8 Jul 2010 Two academics from the same university have become embroiled in an embarrassing spat over their own research. The cross-departmental row at Edinburgh University came as a doctor and a professor clashed after a study on rugby injuries. In an extremely unusual move, Dr Alastair Nicol, lead author on the Study of Rugby Union Injuries in Scottish Schools, has criticised comments made by a colleague after publication of the joint research. Nicol, medical director at the Fitness Assessment and Sports Injuries Centre at the university, names Professor Allyson Pollock, professor of international public health policy in the school of social and political science, in his criticism in a letter to The Herald. Her comments about banning scrums in school rugby came alongside publication of the research this week. The study included 470 rugby players at five schools in Scotland during the second half of the 2008-09 season, and found there were 37 injuries recorded, 26 during matches and 11 in training, including 20 that needed a trip to an accident and emergency department. Pollock, a joint author, was reported as saying: “High tackles and scrums should be banned. “The sport is not safe enough for schoolchildren and not enough is being done to protect the safety of children. We know that most injuries occur in tackles and the scrum so there have got to be much greater safety measures in these areas.” However, Nicol takes issue with the association of a ban and the study. He wrote: “In recent press reports, Professor Allyson Pollock of Edinburgh University has cited a newly published study on injuries in school rugby to support her claim that scrums in school and youth rugby should be banned. “Having reviewed the press reports I, as the lead author of this study, am disappointed at the way in which the results have been inaccurately used as a springboard to launch an unwarranted attack on rugby.” He continues: “Referring specifically to the call by Professor Pollock to ban scrums, I would note that in our study there were only two injuries in the scrum, one a knee and one a back injury. Both were back playing within a few weeks. “In no way can that be considered sufficient evidence to call for a ban on scrums in schools rugby. Our paper does not make any recommendation for banning or changing the laws around the scrum.” Pollock said: “There is no disagreement. I and Dr Nicol are in agreement over the findings of the paper. We must not lose sight of the key finding that it is relatively easy to collect good data on injuries among children playing rugby across Scotland. This needs to be implemented, without further delay.” A spokesman for Scottish Rugby said last night: “Rugby is a safe sport enjoyed by tens of thousands of players throughout Scotland and many thousands globally. “Player safety and welfare is of the highest priority to Scottish Rugby and indeed Scottish Rugby has been at the forefront of piloting a number of variations to the game’s laws designed to make the game safer and more enjoyable for al”. “Scottish Rugby will continue to ensure that the game is enjoyable for players of all shapes and sizes and assist in keeping our nation physically active.” Harry Craig on "RWC 2011 ticket applications" http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/topic/rwc-2011-ticket-applications#post-2282 Thu, 08 Jul 2010 03:29:44 +0000 Harry Craig 2282@http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/ Rusty I'm pretty sure I read those games would be moved out of the World Cup window in 2011, but no 100% sure. Hope to see you over there and have a pint or two. If you are in Palmerston North there is (or was) a great rugby museum. rusty_lock on "RWC 2011 ticket applications" http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/topic/rwc-2011-ticket-applications#post-2281 Thu, 08 Jul 2010 02:20:51 +0000 rusty_lock 2281@http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/ I've got my Canada pack and looking forward to three weeks over there. Hopefully I can secure a couple of single game tickets to fill in the blank spots in between Canada games. I'm hoping to get a single game NZ-France plus 1 or 2 more if possible (Ireland v. Australia and Scotland v. England would be awesome)QF, SF and Finals are unlikely and it would just be to long to be away but tempting for sure. This will be my first RWC and I'm as excited as can be. I think to be there in an area that is steeped in such rich rugby culture is going to be a once in a lifetime experience. I'm wondering if the ITM Cup and heartland championship will be running simultaneously as the world cup. I'm pretty sure they did in 2007but venues will be a problem I suspect. It would be nice to see a little of that also. I'd be curious to compare heartland to ARC or BC premier. Buy Dog Treats on "National Women's League" http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/topic/national-womens-league#post-2280 Wed, 07 Jul 2010 15:23:55 +0000 Buy Dog Treats 2280@http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/ It is depend upon the team work which team perform the spirit of game it will lead. But in the eyes of most people Ontario is hot favorite Buy Dog Treats on "Atlantic Championships" http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/topic/atlantic-championships#post-2279 Wed, 07 Jul 2010 15:22:42 +0000 Buy Dog Treats 2279@http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/ Thank you for providing information of Atlantic Championship. Atlantic Champion Ship is the biggest sports event and it attract a lot of people. RugbyFan99 on "RWC 2011 ticket applications" http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/topic/rwc-2011-ticket-applications#post-2278 Wed, 07 Jul 2010 15:20:34 +0000 RugbyFan99 2278@http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/ Sparly, just checked out your blog. Thanks for some of the links on there, should be helpful for my wife and I. Sparly on "RWC 2011 ticket applications" http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/topic/rwc-2011-ticket-applications#post-2277 Wed, 07 Jul 2010 14:21:39 +0000 Sparly 2277@http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/ I am part of a group of 11 going to the RWC2011. Four of us managed to get tickets. One couple secured their England team packs and I got our Canada team packs for myself and my daughter. Unfortunately for us, 2 of our applications for 3 and 4 Canada team packs were unsuccessful. We are still looking into other options and hopefully we can pull this off as it has been in the works for the last 3 years. I started a blog about our trip including the planning. I have done plenty of research and I am planning on posting more on our itinerary and other useful information for those planning the trip to NZ. <a href="http://www.nztrip2011.com">Trip to Rugby World Cup 2011 Blog</a> I have never been to New Zealand before and this is my first RWC! Cheers Frank Levick on "Attempting to make Kids rugby more acceptable & safe to enjoy" http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/topic/attempting-to-make-kids-rugby-more-acceptable-safe-to-enjoy#post-2276 Tue, 06 Jul 2010 21:25:01 +0000 Frank Levick 2276@http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/ Startrugby is 'flag rugby', yes? Harry Craig on "Ontario U-18 Boy's" http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/topic/ontario-u-18-boys#post-2275 Tue, 06 Jul 2010 06:51:18 +0000 Harry Craig 2275@http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/ Won on Saturday by 1 point lost today by about 15, can't recall the exact score. Bulldogs2 on "Ontario U-18 Boy's" http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/topic/ontario-u-18-boys#post-2274 Mon, 05 Jul 2010 14:06:18 +0000 Bulldogs2 2274@http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/ Does anyone know how they made out against the High School All-Americans on Saturday? Harry Craig on "Attempting to make Kids rugby more acceptable & safe to enjoy" http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/topic/attempting-to-make-kids-rugby-more-acceptable-safe-to-enjoy#post-2273 Mon, 05 Jul 2010 05:37:22 +0000 Harry Craig 2273@http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/ Where are her facts to back up her assertions. High tackles are illegal and subject to penalty but a properly executed scrum will seldom result in injury. Toothlesstiger on "Attempting to make Kids rugby more acceptable & safe to enjoy" http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/topic/attempting-to-make-kids-rugby-more-acceptable-safe-to-enjoy#post-2272 Sun, 04 Jul 2010 14:55:17 +0000 Toothlesstiger 2272@http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/ Read the following article and as the topic title suggests, we have to look at what is best for the game to grow. Our game has a stigma attached to it . It is a "too" rough a game of my kid to play. Rugby is played by a "bunch of beer swilling" ruffians. With Ontario' new funding from the Ontario Goverment for "Startrugby" (see the Rugby Ontario website) the Ontario clubs and volunteers will be confronted when approaching the elementary school system with all of the above negatives and the usual,"lack of coaches". The following article provides them with a "heads-up" in how to introduce & dealing with in an appropriate approach addressing these issues while introducing the game to the prospective market of 10,000 children (boys & girls) in grades 6,7 & 8. "Call to ban rugby scrums at schools Last updated 4 Jul 2010 - 12:45 pm Rugby scrums and high tackles should be banned in school sportRugby scrums and high tackles should be banned in school sport, a public health professor has said. Professor Allyson Pollock, director of Edinburgh University's Centre for International Public Health Policy, called for the ban after research revealed injuries sustained by youngsters playing the game. The study included 470 rugby players at five schools in Scotland during the second half of the 2008-09 season, from January to April last year. There were 37 injuries recorded, 26 during matches and 11 in training, including 20 which needed a trip to the accident and emergency department. The tackle was the "commonest phase of play causing injury" with head and face the most injured body part and sprain/ligament injury the most common injury, the study found. Professor Pollock, one of the study's authors, said: "High tackles and scrums should be banned. The sport is not safe enough for schoolchildren and not enough is being done to protect the safety of children. "We know that most injuries occur in tackles and the scrum so there have got to be much greater safety measures in these areas. "It may change the game but it's better to have a safe game than a dangerous game. "Concussion is under-reported because it's not being monitored properly. Repeated concussions may have severe long-term consequences. "Rugby is compulsory in many schools - and schools, teachers and coaches have a duty of care towards children." © Press Association 2010" O Canada on "RWC 2011 ticket applications" http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/topic/rwc-2011-ticket-applications#post-2271 Sun, 04 Jul 2010 00:59:43 +0000 O Canada 2271@http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/ Whooot! whooot! Secured my Canada team pack for all of Canada's games, hope to see you all there. If anyone has any questiones about NZ or the cities Canada will be in I'll do my best to answer, but check out this IRB RWC webiste for host cities. <a href="http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/destinationnewzealand/index.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/destinationnewzealand/index.html</a> Havingaball2011 on "RWC 2011 ticket applications" http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/topic/rwc-2011-ticket-applications#post-2270 Fri, 02 Jul 2010 02:05:44 +0000 Havingaball2011 2270@http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/ Obviously many people have received confirmation today of their success in the ballot for RWC team and venue packs because there is a lot of traffic on facebook and twitter from mostly happy people. Some sadly have missed out and a few have had problems with their credit cards but a help desk is working through the issues. There is a real RWC buzz in cyberspace right now! Acadian on "Atlantic Championships" http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/topic/atlantic-championships#post-2269 Wed, 30 Jun 2010 19:28:05 +0000 Acadian 2269@http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/ Senior Men: Newfoundland Rock 71 New Brunswick Black Spruce 9. Newfoundland Rock 52 Nova Scotia Keltics 7. Nova Scotia Keltics 43 New Brunswick Black Spruce 23. irishlock on "Atlantic Championships" http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/topic/atlantic-championships#post-2268 Tue, 29 Jun 2010 13:58:39 +0000 irishlock 2268@http://canadianrugby.ca/forums/ Over the past weekend the Atlantic Rugby Championships took place in Fredericton,NB. In the U20 section semi finals : NL Rock 71 NB Timber 9 QC Caribou 57 NS Keltics 14 In the 3rd / 4th place playoff : NS Keltics 25 NB Timber 12 In the Final : NL Rock 25 QC Caribou 14 The final was a close fought encounter with some strong running from the Rock - particularly their 8man - with Quebec striking quickly on the counter. It went down to the wire with The Rock leading by only 4 until the last minute when a converted try sealed the deal. In the Senior section it was a round robin format with The Rock taking both their games fairly handily. Sadly I don't have the final scores for either of those or the NB vs NS game from the Sunday.