All Sports! » Rugby tournament

Welsh rugby club faces tough challenges at Heineken Cup

Jay — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:12:19 +0000

Welsh rugby team Cardiff Blues had a heartbreaking loss last season when it missed the penalty shoot-out while other teams Scarlets, Ospreys and Newport Gwent Dragons are also dealing with their own woes.

The loss against Leicester meant that there won’t be a team coming from Welsh region that made it to the final of the European Cup for the first time.

Surprisingly, the Blues made a heroic run last season but missed the mark in the latter part of the competitions. Other teams also showed signs of a promising season but eventually faltered.

This year will serve as a big challenge for the Welsh rugby if they want to fare well in the Heineken Cup. This prestigious competition promises to be very competitive and exciting for rugby fans from all over the world.

NSW Rugby Union considers alcohol rule changes

Jay — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 13:35:46 +0000

The New South Wales Rugby Union (NSWRU) is mulling over the possibility of making changes in alcohol rules and security at club games. This came out following the police investigation that took place last weekend during the semifinal match between Gordon and Warringah. Players and spectators were said to be involved in the brawl. The authorities confirmed that the investigation had already begun but no charges have been filed yet to the suspects. NSWRU Chief Executive Jim L’Estrange said that the union is considering this action. However, he stressed that it is still too early to make decisions when it comes to tightening the alcohol consumption during games. Last Saturday, Gordon prevailed over Warringah with the score of 27-10. The incident was said to have been captured live on video. The officials said that they will look into the videos and photographs to determine the perpetrators and to also think through the proposed amendments of the alcohol rules.

Rugby may soon be part of Olympics - report

Jay — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 09:19:36 +0000

Rugby fans everywhere are getting more excited with the prospect of having their favorite sport included in the Olympics in the near future.

According to reports, the aforementioned sport is now recommended for inclusion at the 2016 Olympics. Other sports such as golf and female boxing are also passed for approval.

An International Olympic Committee executive board approved the recommendations of both golf and rugby for inclusion at the 2016 Games while female boxing is recommended for the 2012 Games.

A lot of rugby, golf and women’s boxing athletes are now gearing up for these major events, with some rethinking about their retirement plans and scheduling it after the Games, if the body and age permit.

Despite this wonderful development, it will still be a long road before the actual approval or inclusion of these sports in the Games. Basically, rugby and golf officials will conduct comprehensive presentations during a full IOC session. This will take place on October 9 this year in Copenhagen, Denmark. By that time, it would be made known if the sports actually made the cut.

Rugby and golf won over sports such as karate, softball, baseball and squash.

Rugby officials look into sluggish ticket sales

Jay — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 14:33:54 +0000

The South Africa Rugby officials have reportedly launched an investigation on the sluggish ticket sales for the upcoming Vodacom Tri Nations tournament following its meeting with some of the chief executives of other unions. The Springboks team is slated to meet New Zealand in Bloemfontein this weekend.
According to reports, the sales started slow, which is unusual for an anticipated match like the aforementioned teams.

SA Rugby Acting Managing Director Andy Marinos said that the prices of the tickets are usually the first factor people consider. The prices of the tickets this year did not increase which should have been a great advert for rugby fans everywhere.

Despite this development, Marinos said that he and other union officials are hopeful that the ticket sales will start to pick up a few days before the match. In an effort to attract fans, the prices in some seats at the Vodacom Park have been reduced last weekend.

Marinos said that the global financial crisis is certainly one of the major reasons behind the slump in sales but he’s optimistic that they can still meet expectations.

Market research specialists have been tapped to prepare a financial report following the conclusion of the rugby tournament.