Henson targeting World Cup place Gavin Henson says he wants to win back a place in the Wales team in time for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
Chuter warns against complacency Leicester Tigers hooker George Chuter warns his side against complacency when they host Exeter Chiefs on Saturday.
Sarries can bounce back - Wyles Saracens full-back Chris Wyles says his side will bounce back from their over-confident display in their defeat by London Irish.
Canada flanker signs for Glasgow Glasgow Warriors sign Canada international Chauncey O'Toole on a short-term contract after impressing during a brief trial in pre-season.
Best and Ferris rested by Ulster Rory Best and Stephen Ferris are left out of Ulster's squad for Saturday's Magners League match against Aironi.
Johnson hails 'diverse' Magners Ospreys boss Scott Johnson says the revamped Magners League "cosmopolitan" with a "completely different philosophy" to its rivals.
NZ edge England to win World Cup New Zealand's women break English hearts as they retain their World Cup crown in a nail-biting and hard-fought contest at The Stoop.
Gatland to decide on Wales future Wales coach Warren Gatland says he will know his plans beyond the World Cup "over the next month".
Bath sign French winger Boussuge Bath sign France sevens and former Under-21 winger Jacques Boussuge on a one-year deal from Montpellier.
NZ HERALD RUGBY NEWS
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Rock Defeat Vancouver Wave 13-10 in St. John's Newfoundland
[ed. comment below] posted August 1 2010
The game report from Rugby Canada is posted below but first an interesting bit of peripheral information. I've heard that three of the U20 Rock players played for the BC U18 Team last year at the Canada Summer Games in PEI when they defeated the Rock. They were flown out from BC to play for Newfoundland with the permission of Rugby Canada. Two of the players haven't played for the Rock before. Unusual that Rugby Canada would allow the "parachuting" in of players for a championship. Two of the players were based on the Island and were eligible for the Tide and one from Vernon and eligible for the Fraser Valley.
Casey Cavers - UVic - played once for the Rock against Niagara 2 weeks ago - eligible for Tide U20 Cam Peirce - UVic - Vernon - eligible for the Fraser Valley U20 Team Tye Hamblin - Cowichan - eligible for Tide U20 Team
If there are any updates on this story I'll post them here.
Rugby Canada Match Report
The Newfoundland Rock defeated the Vancouver Wave 13-10 in a very tight National Junior Championship Final on Saturday at Swilers Rugby Complex in St. John's.
The Rock knew they would have to play a physical game against the 2009 Champions, and that they did as they squeaked past the talented side from Vancouver.
In front of a typically enthusiastic home crowd, The Rock earned their first National Under-20 title in what was their second trip to the championship game in four years. Having lost to Fraser Valley in the inaugural National Junior Championship Final in 2007 on home turf, Saturday's encounter was a chance at redemption for Newfoundland. The Newfoundland win marked the first defeat of a British Columbia opponent in any competition.
Patrick McNicholas kicked the winning penalty with two minutes left to play. The Rock were up 7-5 at the half thanks to a Zac Coughlan try, converted by McNicholas. A second penalty moved to McNicholas to 8 points on the day.
For Vancouver, Kevin Gurniak and Cody Thistle crossed the line, but the two missed conversions proved to be the difference in the contest.
Vancouver Wave Win Western Title: Vancouver 84 - Saskatchewan 14
from rugbycanada.ca posted July 17 2010
The Vancouver Wave defeated Saskatchewan 84-14 in the Western Final of the National Junior Championship in Regina on Saturday.
Under warm sunny skies at Regina Rugby Park, the Wave continued their dominance in the Western conference, clinching a spot in the National Final, set for July 31 in St. John's, Newfoundland.
With a faithful home crowd in attendance to support the Saskatchewan team, it was not an easy encounter for the home side. Before Saturday's match, Vancouver came off a four game divisional series against Fraser Valley and Vancouver Island, where they went undefeated. For Saskatchewan, the team and provincial rugby community have been riding off the energy of their regional success a week ago, where they defeated both Manitoba and Alberta.
The National Junior Championship final is now set between Vancouver Wave and Newfoundland Rock. The match is scheduled for a 3pm kickoff at Swilers Rugby Complex in St. John's.
Vancouver Wave Wash over Rising Tide
posted June 27 2010 by David Johnston [ed. I know others have asked me as well, "what's with the Island U20 program", there is a gap growing between the mainland programs and the island program. As this article noted, "the Island have not won a game in 3 years at this level".]
The Vancouver U-20 travelled across Georgia straight to arrive at picturesque and historical Saint Michael's University Campus for a rematch between the two squads. Most teams that travel the ferry and play experience some difficulty getting a good start. Not so today for Vancouver. From the opening kick off, the possession went to Vancouver and after 1 minute and 30 seconds winger Ross Walden pressured a tactical kick to the corner from #12 Connor Fuller, scooped the ball and it was 5-0 Vancouver, convert failed. Following the kick off Vancouver kept the fast paced tempo and pressure on the Tide and #13 Zahid Jethani finished a well team constructed try for the early 10-0 lead, convert failed.
The Island team never quit and made their push back and cut into the lead at the 21 minute mark, convert failed. Score was 10-5. This turn of momentum sparked Vancouver and over the next 19 minutes Vancouver put the throttle down to score 3 more tries with 2 converts before the half. Captain and #8 Mike Macdonald at 25 minutes convert by #10 Bryan Tyrer, #4 Garteh Dyer scored at 31 minutes, convert failed, and at 37 minutes #5 Remi Pannikar scored, Bryan Tyrer converted.
Half score 29-5 Vancouver.
Second half saw the return of Admir Cejvanovic and the first game for Adam Zaruba with the Wave. Both players having been important members of the Canadian U-20 team in Russia. Both made a big impact in the second half as they both scored tries and Vancouver defended well to take away any comeback hopes of the Island. Vancouver were dangerous all day with the ball in hand and shredded the Tide defence on numerous occasions. By the last 20 minutes Vancouver were in complete control of the match and outscored the Tide 24-5 in the second half, for a final of 53-10. Other scoring on the day were #13 Zahid Jethani getting a second try and Bryan Tyrer kicking 3 more converts and a penalty goal to finish 5 of 8 on converts and 13 points. The Island scored one more try on the day at the 14 minute mark, but were not able to maintain any momentum.
A well earned victory puts Vancouver back in front of the Valley by 2 points. Vancouver is 3-0 plus 3 bonus points for 15 points, and the Valley is 2-1 plus 4 bonus points for a total of 12 points. The Island finish their campaign 0-4 with 0 points. The Island have not won a game in 3 years at this level. However, the coaches and management have established a great base for the future with a young team. I see potential here for a good campaign in 2011.
Next week the Vancouver vs Valley battle will decide who goes to the Western Canadian semi-final. Kick off is scheduled for 5:00 PM at UBC as part of the PRC tournament for the other younger age grades.
Vancouver Continue to Impress with 37-11 Victory over Vancouver Island
posted June 13 2010 from David Johnston
The curtain raiser for the BC Bears v England Counties game saw the Vancouver Wave solve the Vancouver Island U-20 challenge 37-11. Bryan Tyrer at #10 had a great performance scoring 22 points. Bryan carved the opposition backline many times on the day, scored the first try and was a perfect 7 for 7 with 4 converts and 3 penalty goals. The Wave had early possession and territory and forged a 17-0 lead in the first 32 minutes. The Island players never quit and their pressure and determination were rewarded with a try and 2 penalty goals to close out the first half. Score at half 17-11 for the Wave. The second half saw the Wave manage the game with sound defence and they created a lot of positive play on both sides of the ball. Other try scorers were Cody Thistle from a turnover in the midfield on a smashing tackle and great pressure on a down field kick and a helpful bounce.
The second half saw the front row players get the reward for outworking their opposite numbers around the field all afternoon. Hooker Thomas Pyn and Loose Head Alex Kam each getting well earned tries. All 22 players contributed on the day, and the team was led by their tireless captain #8 Mike MacDonald. The result is a 5 point win from the four tries and vaults Vancouver to the head of the table after 2 rounds. Vancouver 10 points, Valley 7 points, Island 0 points.
Vancouver U20 Defeat FVRU U20 28 to 26
from David Johnston posted June 6 2010
A barn burner at Langley today Vancouver 28 - Valley 26! The Valley came back from a deficit of 20-12 with a strong final 20 minutes. Vancouver were superior on the day but had to hang on. Valley got 2 bonus points Vancouver secured a 5 point win.
BC Competition Begins: FVRU 39 - VIRU 3
from Andre Lesur posted June 5 2010
U20 Men's National Championship started on May 29, 2010.
The Fraser Valley Venom hosted The Vancouver Island Rising Tide at Crush Crescent, Langley.
Score: Fraser Valley Venom: 39 Jamie Beaton (Surrey) - 1 Try Spencer Thorpe (Bayside) - 1 Try, 1 Conversion Zack Thorpe (Bayside) - 2 Tries Chris Black - (Surrey) - 2 Tries Chris Holt (UBC) - 1 Try Ryan Shams (Richmond) - 1 Conversion
Island Tide: 3 Max Syndhem - 1 Penalty
This Saturday June 5, 2010 FVRU vs VRU at Crush Crescent, Langley. Kick-off: 1.00pm
Come and support Rugby in the Valley.
BC Cup Round Robin:
Sat. May 29th VIRU at FVRU @ Langley Sat, June 5th VRU at FVRU @ Langley Sat. June 12th VIRU at VRU Sat. June 19th FVRU at VIRU Sat. June 26th VRU at VIRU Sat. July 3rd FVRU at VRU
The play-offs for the National Title are as follows:
Western Final - Sat July 17th - BC Winner away to Prairie winner Eastern Final - Sat. July 10th National Final - Sat. July 31st - Winner of West away to East Winner
Vancouver Wave Win National U20 Title 41-21 Over Toronto: Postgame Interviews with Harry Jones (#10) and Mark Lawson (asst. coach)
The Vancouver Wave put a 18-8 deficit at the half behind them to run out eventual winners 41-21 as they held the Toronto Rebellion to 3 second half points.
A key move seemed to be moving Harry Jones to the #10 position in the second half, also 2nd half subs Connor Trainor and Jeff McKinnon had an impact. Second Row Admir Cejvanovic was singled out by forward's coach Mark Lawson as the player of the match.
Live Coverage of U20 Match @ 3pm: Check Back Then
[ed. comments below] posted August 1 2009
Rugby Canada has announced they'll be doing a live video feed from Klahanie on ustream at 3pm. If they do we'll link to it or embed it here. We had plans to put up delayed video footage of the game on ustream but decided why duplicate the effort with volunteers when RC is paying someone to do this. After all they're the ones with the bucks. So check back at 3pm and we'll see what's happening.
National U20 Championship on Saturday at Klahanie Park, North Vancouver: Also BC Senior Men Blue v Gold Trial Match
BCRU Press Release posted July 29 2009 [ed. if readers from the Island are attending or wanting to attend send me an email, let me know if you're driving and looking for passengers to defray the cost or looking for a ride over, email editor@bcrugbynews.com]
After an undefeated Dunbar Cup season and a convincing win over Calgary in the Western Final, the Vancouver Wave will host the Toronto Rebellion in the Under 20 Men's National Final, this Saturday, August 1st at Klahanie Park. Kick-off is set for 3:00 PM and general admission is $10.00 (free for youth with student ID).
Prior to the National Final, it will be BC Blue vs BC Gold in a trial match as Coach Mike James and his management team look to determine who will be on the BC Senior Men's protected list. The match will kick-off at 1:00 PM at Klahanie Park.
A protected list of 30 senior men and 12 development players (Under 20) must be submitted by the four Canadian franchises no later than August 1 at midnight. The trial match will provide the athletes with a final opportunity to make their case for inclusion to the British Columbia Men's Provincial team who will compete in the 2009 Americas Rugby Championship.
Fraser Valley wins U20 title in a blustery battle on the Rock
by Don Brown posted Aug 20 2007
On a very wet, dark day, experience playing in the rainy west coast paid off for the Fraser Valley U20 team in St. John's Nfld. The Canadian championship game kicked off after the BC U16 boys had won a gold medal so the stage was set for the big game of the weekend at Swilers Rugby grounds. The pouring rain did not keep the locals away. A boisterous bunch of over 500 made it known early that the visitors were a long way from home and at least for the next 80 minutes they were not welcome on the Rock. The lone supporters in the hostile crowd were the BC U19 and U17 girls who sang out their support during the whole game. There were also a handful of parents that had made the trip, one Mom spent 50 hours travelling from Melbourne Australia to see her son play for the Fraser Valley. After O Canada and Ode to Newfoundland the game kicked off.
The Fraser Valley seemed to get a handle on the big game jitters early on and had the Rock rattled right away. Cole McQueen drew the first points with a penalty kick at the 6min mark of the game. FVRU 3 - NFLD 0.
The pressure continued from the Fraser Valley and after a deep kick into Rock territory by the full back Cole McQueen and his pursuit and tackle, a scrum on the home teams 5 meter line resulted in a try after scrum half Al Ferraro handed off to his twin brother Center Vince Ferraro at the 17 min mark. Cole McQueen made the convert FVRU 10 - NFLD 0.
Full back Cole McQueen might have been feeling the pressure from the crowd which raised a level each time he lined up for the kick. After a Rock penalty at 25 minutes into the game Cole missed an easy kick. 3 minutes later, still in the Rock's end and putting on a lot of pressure Vince Ferraro grubbed a mishandled ball perfectly two times and dove on the ball in the end zone with several Newfoundlanders in tow, the ref did not see the ball touched down and asked the side judge for assistance. She did not see the play clearly and the try was disallowed.
Continued pressure by the FVRU had 10 month younger brother Ross Ferraro score after he crashed through from the 2 meter line. The crowd again came to the home sides defense with a chorus of cat calls for the conversion attempt and Cole missed an easy one and the score after 31 minutes of play was a commanding 15 to 0 for the Fraser Valley.
Twin brothers Fraser and Malcolm Fairweather played very well in the first half. The score at half time was 15 to 0 but a yellow card to Ross Ferraro during one of the very rough rucks left the home team with a man advantage coming into the second half.
Coach Jason Young was firm with his squad at the half and was concerned that the team had not put the game out of reach when they had the chance. Assistant Surven Lal spoke about not being pulled into the rough one on one battles and to ignore the crowds taunts.
The locals went inside at the half and with much fanfare from the crowd as they stormed back onto the field to start the second half, they seemed to have regrouped and after the kickoff applied their first real attack and scored a nice try in the backs but failed to convert. After 53 minutes suddenly things seemed to be changing and the crowd loved it.
FVRU 15 - Rock 5
The Newfoundlanders continued to attack but hard tackling from James Morrison and Andre Lesur in the backs and Gurvinder Kalar from number 8 seemed to frustrate the Rock. The rucking continued to be quite vicious and after a penalty to the Rock around the center area the Fraser Valley back line moved the ball in close and Matt Wu playing second row got to within 1 meter on the goal but turned it over inches from another try that would have sealed the game. The locals continued their rough rucking style and again penalized and Cole McQueen found his mark and after 69 minutes of play the Fraser Valley were up 18 to 5.
The Rock seemed to feel the desperation and scored a push over maul which brought some life into them late in the game.
FVRU 18 - Rock 10, 73 minute mark
Continued hard work on defense kept the Fraser Valley in control and some fresh legs from the bench kept the final score after 5 minutes of injury time, 18 to 10.
After the final whistle and some celebrating the BC Boys showed a lot of class.
The team marched toward the large crowd after the final whistle and applauded them for their vigorous support. The home town crowd responded in cheers and claps for the winners.
In the couple of days leading up to the game everyone was treated very well in St John’s and the hospitality on George street was world class. Everywhere you went you were welcomed but reminded again and again that you were not going to win come Saturday.
Jim Ryan did a good job making everything happen for the Fraser Valley Union and should be proud to have the Fraser Valley Rugby Union the first engraving on the U20 national trophy. Not a bad weekend for BC rugby.
The U20 National Champions are from:
Abbotsford RFC Coach Jason Young
Bayside RFC Rob Levy Jeremy Cutler Andre Lesur Bobby Fraser Brendan Yee
Delta Brit Lions RFC Coach Surven Lal Trainer Walt Johnstone Ross Ferraro Al Ferraro Vince Ferraro Fraser Fairweather Captain Malcom Fairweather Matt Chapman Ryan Mchollister Cole McQueen Matt Wu Colin Rasmussen
