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BBC News
a day ago
- General
- BBC News
Bristol appoint long-serving Reed as coach
Bristol's former England centre Amber Reed has been appointed as assistant coach at the Premiership Women's Rugby side. The 34-year-old retired at the end of this season after 16 years with the Bears after almost 200 matches including 47 England will also manage the partnership between the club and the University of Bristol's women's will work alongside a yet-to-be appointed head coach after long-serving boss Dave Ward left last month. "Amber is a legend of Bristol Bears Women and her knowledge and experience will be invaluable as she continues her coaching career, and the programme begins a new chapter," Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam told the club website. "She is hugely respected both by the players and staff and we're excited to see her flourish as a coach in the same way she did as a player during an illustrious career at the top." The Bristol-born centre has spent her entire senior career with her hometown club and her final game was the Bears' Premiership Women's Rugby semi-final defeat by eventual champions Gloucester-Hartpury."This club means the world to me," Reed said."It's been my home for 16 seasons as a player and I've seen it grow in to one of the best clubs on and off the field."It has provided me with so many opportunities over the years and I'm excited to take the next one into coaching."Being able to work alongside world-class players and coaches is an amazing step for me to be a better coach and there's nowhere else I'd want to be right now."
RNZ News
2 days ago
- General
- RNZ News
Daunting task for Drua in Brisbane
Glen Jackson working with the Fiji national team in 2021. Photo: PHOTOSPORT It will be no easy task for the Fijian Drua, beating the Reds at home in Brisbane on Saturday night. Head coach Glen Jackson told journalists during the week in Nadi his side want to end their season on a high. But Jackson said that is a mammoth task for his players, who are now playing for pride with the post-season out of reach. "We got a pretty daunting task against the Reds," he said. "We need to put on a great performance just to finish on a high note for our boys." Drua are sitting at 10th spot at the moment , three points behind the Western Force. The Highlanders are in 11th spot, tied with the Drua at 20 points but with one fewer win than the Fijian side's four wins so far. If the Drua beat the Reds, they will jump ahead of the Force, who have finished their regular matches and are out of the play-offs as well. If the Highlanders win and the Drua lose, then the Dunedin team will get ninth placing, leaving Drua at the bottom of the standings. If both teams lose then there will be no change to the current placings. Fijian Drua v Chiefs, Churchill Park, Lautoka, Fiji. Photo: Kirk Corrie/ActionPress Jackson said they are focused on what they need to do, and are taking some confidence out of their win over the Brisbane franchise the last time they met. "The last time we played them we were lucky enough to get the win there," he said. "That is not going to change too much. They like to keep the ball alive and play a lot of rugby. "We need to front up through the middle with our forward pack. That's certainly where you win or lose the game against the Reds." Jackson has kept the same team that defeated the Western Force in Lautoka three weeks ago. That includes the halves combination of former under-20 reps Phillip Baselala and Isaiah Washington-Ravula. "It is important for me to understand who we thought is the best team," he said. "The mentality of our boys is to keep everyone on edge. Disappointing to be involved in our last game and miss the chance for the play-off." The game will be a milestone for two senior players, co-captain Tevita Ikanivere and lock Isoa Nasilasila. The duo will be playing their 50th Super Rugby games for the Drua, the first of the lot to achieve that in the club's four-year history. Both have been named in the starting lineup. Meanwhile, the Reds, who are in fifth position and have a chance to finish fourth, have named Fijian heritage player, Filipo Daugunu, on the bench. Reds head coach Les Kiss said Daugunu will have impact off the bench this week. Big news for the side is the return of Wallabies centre, Josh Flook. Flook has been selected to play his first match for the Reds since the repair of the hamstring injury he suffered against the Western Force on 1 March in round three. The Reds said the 55-game Reds regular will reboot his midfield partnership with Hunter Paisami for this final regular-season match. Flook said the Drua would be unpredictable opponents at Suncorp Stadium. "The Fijians are dangerous all over the park. They have props and hookers who run faster than some backs," he said. "They have backrowers who are like wingers. They play up-tempo and chance their hand so we have to be on our game." The Reds will wear the indigenous jersey, designed by former Reds women's prop Madi Schuck, as part of the Queensland Rugby Union's 14th annual indigenous round. Coach Kiss said Drua will not be easy to handle. "The Drua are always a dangerous opponent as we found out in Suva earlier this month. "We can't drop our guard." The Reds host the Drua at 9.35pm (Fiji time) on Saturday at Suncorp Stadium. The Fijian Drua match-day 23 : 1. Haereiti Hetet, 2. Tevita Ikanivere (Captain), Tawake, 4. Mesake Vocevoce, 5. Isoa Nasilasila, 6. Etonia Waqa, 7. Motikiai Murray, 8. Kitione Salawa, 9. Phillip Baselala, 10. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 11. Taniela Rakuro, 12. Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, 13. Iosefo Masi, 14. Ponipate Loganimasi, 15. Selestino Ravutaumada; Bench: 16. Zuriel Togitama, 17. Peni Ravai, 18. Mesake Doge, 19. Joseva Tamani, 20. Elia Canakaivata, 21. Simione Kuruvoli, 22. Inia Tabuavou, 23. Isikeli Rabitu. The Reds match-day 23 : 1. Sef Fa'agase, 2. Richie Asiata, 3. Zane Nonggorr, 4. Josh Canham, 5. Ryan Smith, 6. Joe Brial, 7. Fraser McReight, 8. Harry Wilson, 9. Tate McDermott (c), 10. Tom Lynagh, 11. Tim Ryan, 12. Hunter Paisami, 13. Josh Flook, 14. Lachie Anderson, 15. Jock Campbell; Bench - 16. Josh Nasser, 17. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 18. Nick Bloomfield, 19. Angus Blyth, 20. John Bryant, 21. Kalani Thomas, 22. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, 23. Filipo Daugunu.
RNZ News
23-05-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Super Rugby Pacific live updates: Crusaders v Highlanders
Crusaders' Chay Fihaki makes a run. Photo: Derek Morrison The Crusaders need a big win here to get themselves back to the top of the table, they're coming off a good win last weekend against the Waratahs. Meanwhile the Highlanders' last minute loss to the Hurrucanes means they're currently last but still have the slimmest of mathematical chances to make the play-offs. Kick-off is at 7:05pm NZT. Follow all the action with RNZ's live blog: Crusaders: 1. Tamaiti Williams, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Kershawl Sykes-Martin, 4. Scott Barrett, 5. Jamie Hannah, 6. Cullen Grace, 7. Tom Christie, 8. Christian Lio-Willie, 9. Mitch Drummond, 10. Rivez Reihana, 11. Macca Springer, 12. David Havili (c), 13. Braydon Ennor, 14. Sevu Reece, 15. Johnny McNicholl Bench: 16. George Bell, 17. George Bower, 18. Seb Calder, 19. Quinten Strange, 20. Corey Kellow, 21. Kyle Preston, 22. James O'Connor, 23. Dallas McLeod Highlanders: 1. Ethan de Groot (cc), 2. Jack Taylor, 3. Saula Ma'u, 4. Mitch Dunshea, 5. Fabian Holland, 6. Te Kamaka Howden, 7. Veveni Lasaqa, 8. Sean Withy, 9. Folau Fakatava, 10. Taine Robinson, 11. Taniela Filimone, 12. Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc), 13. Tanielu Tele'a, 14. Jonah Lowe, 15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens Bench: 16. Soane Vikena, 17. Josh Bartlett, 18. Sosefo Kautai, 19. Tai Cribb, 20. Will Stodart, 21. Adam Lennox, 22. Cam Millar, 23. Thomas Umaga-Jensen
RNZ News
22-05-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
'Not involved': World Rugby accused of 'late stage' player involvement in sevens overhaul
HSBC SVNS Photo: Zach Franzen / World Rugby The global representative body International Rugby Players (IRP) claims players were not involved in devising World Rugby's new HSBC SVNS competition model. However, a World Rugby spokesperson told RNZ Pacific this is incorrect, stating that consultation with players and representatives did take place. In a statement, IRP chief executive Omar Hassanein said they were presented with the details of the new format at a late stage - just before its submission to the World Rugby Executive Board for ratification. World Rugby stated, during its 1 May announcement of the new competition format, that consultation took place throughout the process as part of stakeholder discussions. "Players were consulted on the proposed model changes throughout via the IRP," the World Rugby spokesperson said. World Rugby said after significant discussions in 2024, the model was presented to the IRP before it went out for a final round of consultation in February and March this year. It said during this final round of consultation feedback was received from IRP before the Rugby Sevens High Performance Committee (which included player representatives) considered the final proposal. They then recommended it to the Executive Board (which involved IRP representatives), which approved the final recommendation. However, Hassanein said in a statement issued by the IRPA that although early exchanges took place, "discussions on the actual mechanics of the model did not include the players". The statement, released 11 days after World Rugby announced the new three-division series, called for players to be at the heart of any future discussions on the future of the Sevens game. The global representative body for professional rugby players said the only way to make the code successful was to have players at the centre of all detailed decision-making. "During World Rugby's recent development of a new tournament model, IRP can confirm that players were not involved in devising the model and were instead presented with its details at a late stage, immediately prior to its submission for ratification by the World Rugby Executive Board," Hassanein said. "Following the incredible success of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, there is a fantastic opportunity to grow Rugby Sevens globally, one which we must collectively embrace. "Players understand the game better than anyone, and therefore must be involved at each step to ensure the best outcome. This should include all discussions, not only on tournament structuring and welfare matters, but also the commercial aspects of the game," Hassanein added. IRPA's sentiments were endorsed by US Rugby Players Association president Chris Mattina. He said unions "want the series and Rugby Sevens to grow and believe that this is best done through collaborating with the players competing in these events". "We hope that World Rugby hears the voices of the players and includes them in the process moving forward. for the good of the game," Mattina said. Former All Black and IRP executive member Conrad Smith said the whole process has been very challenging to say the least. "We have had a number of exchanges with World Rugby. Obviously, the definition of "consultation" lies at the heart of the matter," Conrad Smith said. "In saying this, we don't see any benefit for the game of sevens in playing this out in public" adding that the IRP is "keen to now work with World Rugby to make the future of 7's as good as it can be". New Zealand v Fiji in a men's match at the 2025 HSBC SVNS Los Angeles at Dignity Health Sports Park on 3 May 2025. Photo: Alex Ho / World Rugby World Rugby said the sevens model has evolved to strengthen the longterm financial viability of the code, which needed a reset to support unions. It said teams were briefed on three separate occasions at sevens events in Dubai, Hong Kong and Singapore, with constant communication. It said the public announcement was the end of the process, not the first time teams heard. Pacific team Samoa, who were geared to finish in the top four of the World Sevens Challenger Series final playoff in Los Angeles in early May, missed out on requalification for the core SVNS Series after the change was announced at the event. Had the old format of 12 teams still been used, Samoa would have qualified as a core team in the 2025/2026 competition But since the new format was announced, it meant they lost out, and their loss in the final four play-off means they miss out of both the core series and the new division two. Fiji beat New Zealand 33–5 in a men's Pool C match at the 2025 HSBC SVNS Perth at HBF Park on January 25, 2025 in Perth, Australia. Photo: Alex Ho / World Rugby According to World Rugby, the new structure introduces a devolved, three-division hosting model that expands the series from 10 to 13 events in 2026. Division 1 will see core team numbers reduced from 12 to eight per gender in a six-tournament series, with all events adopting a two-day format. Division 2 features six teams per gender, competing across three events while Division 3, a standalone challenger event, will have eight teams per gender, qualifying from regional competitions. World Rugby Sevens general manager Sam Pinder said they are firmly committed to the success of rugby sevens on the road to the LA 2028 Olympic Games. "While change can be difficult, this is an evolution that ultimately secures the sustainable advancement of a sport that has proven to be a hit at the Olympic Games, showcasing some of the most gifted athletes on the planet," Pinder said. "We are grateful for all the engagement throughout an extensive stakeholder consultation process and now look ahead to an exciting future for the short format of the sport." A global host tender process will launch this month to determine the tournament hosts.
The Independent
19-05-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
I'm all in – Australia-born Sione Tuipulotu eager to show Lions commitment
Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu insisted he is 'all in' for the British and Irish Lions as he spoke of feeling pressure to prove his international allegiance. Amid ongoing debate about the selection of foreign-born players, the Glasgow centre is set to line up against his native Australia during this summer's Lions tour. Melbourne-born Tuipulotu, who made his international debut in 2021, is among seven members of Andy Farrell's 38-man squad who hail from overseas. While five of those players are eligible for their adopted nations purely on residency rules, Tuipulotu qualified through ancestry. The 28-year-old's Greenock-born grandmother was at Murrayfield last autumn to see him score a try while leading Scotland to a 27-13 defeat of the Wallabies. 'I put so much on myself that I really wanted to be a Lion because I know how much it means to people over here,' said Tuipulotu, who initially feared his tour participation may be ruined by injury. 'I had gone all in with the stuff with Scotland and I just felt what better way to prove my allegiance to Scotland than go all in and try and make the Lions. That's why it meant so much to me. 'Genuinely early days you have that feeling of 'am I part of this?'. I always feel like talking about it is one thing but showing people how much it means to you in how you play (is another). 'When my gran came over before the Australia game, it allowed the public to put a face to the story and listen to my grandma and how much it meant to her. I think that gave eyes to the public that my story was authentic. 'I'm all in and I'm looking forward to showing how committed I am to playing for the Lions.' Tuipulotu is raring to go after returning from four months out with a pectoral issue during Glasgow's 13-5 defeat to Leinster on Saturday. He will be joined on tour by South Africa-born Scotland team-mates Pierre Schoeman and Duhan van der Merwe and New Zealand-born Ireland trio Bundee Aki, James Lowe and Jamison Gibson-Park. Canberra-born Ireland wing Mack Hansen, whose mother comes from Cork, will also be on the plane back to his homeland. 'I've been nothing but embraced by the Scottish public ever since I started playing for Scotland,' said Tuipulotu, who has 30 Test caps. 'There's always going to be a couple of people (who criticise), like there are for some of the Irish boys, but I take that in my stride because I don't blame those people either. 'I didn't grow up dreaming of playing for Scotland or the Lions, that's the truth. 'But this is where my path has led me and I'm all in for this Lions team and for Scotland and for Glasgow, and I genuinely feel like this is where I'm supposed to be. 'I just want to grab this opportunity because I'll never get it again, to go back to Australia, and play for the Lions.' Ireland wing Lowe lined up against the Lions for the Maori All Blacks during the 2017 series in New Zealand. The 32-year-old joined Leinster later that year and won the first of his 40 international caps in 2020. 'When you don't have the blood running through your veins, there's a little bit of that,' he replied when asked about his allegiance being questioned. 'When I was first selected for Ireland, all the people come out of the woodwork saying, 'how is this person representing Ireland?'. 'The rules were there. We've all done our time and we're fully embedded in the culture of Irish rugby.'
