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John Thornett (49)
Don't know if this belongs in this thread or aus player exodus, Ian Prior is playing for Zimbabwe
Rugby Africa cup starts this weekend
Rugby Africa cup starts this weekend
Rugby News from unexpected places
- Thread starter p.Tah
- Start date
WorkingClassRugger
Michael Lynagh (62)
So, we can say that Spain should be ranked as high as 16th at least. They've just rolled Tonga 29-20. Score made to look better than it could have with Tonga scoring in the 49th minute of the 2nd half according to the time on the feed.
Omar Comin'
Chilla Wilson (44)
Great win for them. Hopefully they're also making progress in their ability to verify the eligibility of their players!!
WorkingClassRugger
Michael Lynagh (62)
Lol. Yeah, if they stuff that up again they might as well just quit trying. It's been a solid month for Spanish Rugby. Almost rolling Samoa and now finishing the job against Tonga. Backed up by their U20s putting in respectable performances in the JWC. Fiji will need to take them seriously otherwise they could find easily find themselves in the JWT next season. Still could seeing as Spain is apparently in the running to host the JWC next year.
WorkingClassRugger
Michael Lynagh (62)
To add to their senior sides win today. The Spanish U20s have just beaten Fiji to stay in the JWC. The final score 24-19 to Spain. Not a reflection of the game with Spain bombing multiple scoring opportunities and suffering from early nerves where they found themselves down 0-14.
Omar Comin'
Chilla Wilson (44)
Zimbabwe had a big 32-10 win over Namibia in the semi-finals. Namibia missing some of their professional players, but still a great sign for Zimbabwe heading into next year's World Cup qualifiers.
They'll play Algeria in the final after the Algerians upset Kenya 20-12.
There are a few additional players in the Top 14 and Pro D2 that are eligible for Algeria, and I'm sure there's several other pros who would be eligible for Zimbabwe. Next year's qualification may come down to who can convince the most top tier pros to play for them.
They'll play Algeria in the final after the Algerians upset Kenya 20-12.
There are a few additional players in the Top 14 and Pro D2 that are eligible for Algeria, and I'm sure there's several other pros who would be eligible for Zimbabwe. Next year's qualification may come down to who can convince the most top tier pros to play for them.
WorkingClassRugger
Michael Lynagh (62)
There's definitely appears to be a shift occurring in African Rugby. Namibia have managed to sit atop for a long time (for the most part) but looking at junior results over the past 5 years they are firmly 3rd behind Zimbabwe and Kenya.
The Algerian result is a surprise but not a huge one as they benefit from their French diaspora. In fact if both Tunisia and Morocco could get themselves sorted the African scene at least within itself could be a far more competitive region.
Similar for Nigeria.
The Algerian result is a surprise but not a huge one as they benefit from their French diaspora. In fact if both Tunisia and Morocco could get themselves sorted the African scene at least within itself could be a far more competitive region.
Similar for Nigeria.
Omar Comin'
Chilla Wilson (44)
I was surprised the first round of the tournament had no large blow outs. Zimbabwe were very close to losing to Uganda, while Senegal, Ivory Coast and even Burkina Faso were reasonably competitive. These teams are clearly a step or 2 below the tier 2 European and South American nations, but there's a lot of potential there.
Do you know if the likes of Morocco, Tunisia and Nigeria are competing in a 2nd tier tournament this year to fight for promotion to next year's Africa Cup/World cup qualifiers?
Do you know if the likes of Morocco, Tunisia and Nigeria are competing in a 2nd tier tournament this year to fight for promotion to next year's Africa Cup/World cup qualifiers?
KOB1987
John Eales (66)
Just as plans come together for Papua New Guinea to enter the NRL in 2027, the country has been booted from rugby union over governance issues.
PNG Rugby Union has been suspended from all men’s, women’s and sevens competitions due to “noncompliance” following a series of issues regarding the conduct of their board.
PNG Rugby Union has been suspended from all men’s, women’s and sevens competitions due to “noncompliance” following a series of issues regarding the conduct of their board.
WorkingClassRugger
Michael Lynagh (62)
Rugged Rugby: Conquer or Die from Netflix Korea has dropped a teaser trailer. Apparently from the producers of Physical 100.
WorkingClassRugger
Michael Lynagh (62)
For anyone interested Korea is currently playing Zimbabwe in Seoul. Score is 10-20 to the visitors. Prior is playing at 10 for the Sables.
kiap
Steve Williams (59)
Aussie Steve Meehan appointed as head coach of Canada:
www.rugbypass.com
Steve Meehan appointed new head coach of Canada
Former Challenge Cup winner Steve Meehan has been named the new head coach of Canada's men's team.
www.rugbypass.com
PhilClinton
Mark Loane (55)
Aussie Steve Meehan appointed as head coach of Canada:
Steve Meehan appointed new head coach of Canada
Former Challenge Cup winner Steve Meehan has been named the new head coach of Canada's men's team.
Interesting - he lives around the corner from me, actually bumped into him at the bottle shop yesterday stocking up for Christmas and he didn’t mention anything!
Steve was also just announced as a coach down at GPS this year. I wonder if he will be moving to Canada later in 2025.
WorkingClassRugger
Michael Lynagh (62)
The Indian Rugby Union has signed a deal with GMR Sports (co-owner of the Delhi Capitals in the IPL) to develop the Indian Premier Rugby League (7s) for launch in 2025. The league is set to feature 6 franchises (with GMR owning and operating one) and run over 6 weeks. With squads featuring a mix of Indian and international players.
The plan is to launch a 15s league based off these same franchises a few years later. Both are still in the 'I'll believe it when it I see it' category but considering news of this first emerged last year its encouraging that something is still happening in the background.
The plan is to launch a 15s league based off these same franchises a few years later. Both are still in the 'I'll believe it when it I see it' category but considering news of this first emerged last year its encouraging that something is still happening in the background.
WorkingClassRugger
Michael Lynagh (62)
Just seen another piece about it saying that we'll know the identity of the 6 franchises in the next 5 weeks.
WorkingClassRugger
Michael Lynagh (62)
The Korean Rugby Union is in the early stages of discussion to allow access to Japanese players of Korean descendent. Apparently there's up to 40 across the 3 divisions. This is in effort to qualify for the 2027 RWC.
Steve_Grey
Watty Friend (18)
They don't have long - the qualifying tournament is in 6 month's time! They'll likely be very much fringe players, given it would void them from being able to play for Japan.
Steve_Grey
Watty Friend (18)
I read also that Hong Kong are on a similar to recruitment drive - apparently there are several U23s [Hong Kong born] playing in Australia and New Zealand.
The winner of the Asian Rugby Championship (in June 2025) gains direct entry to RWC 2027.
If they qualify for the RWC, Hong Kong are due to go professional and join the Japan League (Division 3) for the 25/26 season.
WorkingClassRugger
Michael Lynagh (62)
Pretty sure that the timeline for that is post 2027 RWC. As in the 2027/2028 season. And it's not just HK but alsoa Korean team set to enter.
Steve_Grey
Watty Friend (18)
Nope - I read (I'll try and find link if interested) that HK will try and join in 2025 (December) / 2026, post 2025 ARC (if they win it), as the Japan League are already preparing to admit non Japanese sides (League 3 only).
Hong Kong need way more competitive games (if they win ARC) - going pro in the Japan League is one way to do that - basically have the National Team based in Hong Kong and fly to Japan for each game. They have Cathay Pacific as a sponsor, so that will help with costs.
Korea (as you note) are planning to join post 2027.