Latest news with #RugbySevens
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ilona Maher included in USA squad for Women's Rugby World Cup
Ilona Maher has been selected in the United States squad for the Women's Rugby World Cup in England later this year. Maher, a bronze medallist at the Paris 2024 Olympics in rugby sevens, switched from the condensed format back to the 15-a-side game to press for a place at the tournament. A productive stint with Bristol Bears in Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR) last season saw the 28-year-old feature both on the wing and in the centres, before she featured in the Pacific Four series earlier this summer. She has now earned inclusion in a 32-player squad named by Sione Fukofuka which also features plenty of other familiar faces from PWR. The squad is led by back row Kate Zackary, who plays her club rugby for Trailfinders Women, while Saracens co-captain Lotte Sharp offers a highly-experienced option on the wing. Prop Hope Rogers, a star with Exeter for several seasons, makes a fourth World Cup having last year become her nation's most capped women's international. 'This Rugby World Cup isn't just about us — it's about showing the next generation what's possible,' Zackary said. 'We want kids across the US to see this team and think, 'That could be me.' Rugby in America is growing, and we're here to kick that door wide open. 'This squad is driven and ready to rewrite our story. We have the opportunity to play the sport we love at the highest level — and we don't take that for granted - and are relentless in it's pursuits. We're here to elevate each other and push beyond every limit, together.' The United States take on hosts England in the opening game at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland. Australia and Samoa are the other two teams in Pool A.
The Independent
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Ilona Maher included in USA squad for Women's Rugby World Cup
Ilona Maher has been selected in the United States squad for the Women's Rugby World Cup in England later this year. Maher, a bronze medallist at the Paris 2024 Olympics in rugby sevens, switched from the condensed format back to the 15-a-side game to press for a place at the tournament. A productive stint with Bristol Bears in Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR) last season saw the 28-year-old feature both on the wing and in the centres, before she featured in the Pacific Four series earlier this summer. She has now earned inclusion in a 32-player squad named by Sione Fukofuka which also features plenty of other familiar faces from PWR. The squad is led by back row Kate Zackary, who plays her club rugby for Trailfinders Women, while Saracens co-captain Lotte Sharp offers a highly-experienced option on the wing. Prop Hope Rogers, a star with Exeter for several seasons, makes a fourth World Cup having last year become her nation's most capped women's international. 'This Rugby World Cup isn't just about us — it's about showing the next generation what's possible,' Zackary said. 'We want kids across the US to see this team and think, 'That could be me.' Rugby in America is growing, and we're here to kick that door wide open. 'This squad is driven and ready to rewrite our story. We have the opportunity to play the sport we love at the highest level — and we don't take that for granted - and are relentless in it's pursuits. We're here to elevate each other and push beyond every limit, together.' The United States take on hosts England in the opening game at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland. Australia and Samoa are the other two teams in Pool A.
Irish Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Dancing with the Stars contestant announces rugby retirement after 10 years
Rugby star Jordan Conroy has said he didn't think it would be "so difficult" retiring from the sport. The Rugby Sevens star announced he will hang up his boots after 10 years playing with Ireland. In an emotional statement on Instagram, the 31-year-old admitted to it having been a difficult decision to make. The Tullamore native said: "I didn't think it would be this difficult writing this, saying goodbye to something that's been apart of your life the last 10 years. "Trying to put everything into words is quite impossible or not shedding a tear while writing this." Conroy first started playing rugby when he was 18 and played 15s with Tullamore and Buccaneers. He made his Ireland Sevens debut in 2016 and was the highest try scorer at the 2020 World Series as the Boys in Green qualified for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. He has played 171 World Series games for his country, scoring 123 tries in that time. Conroy, who also took part in RTE's Dancing with the Stars, added: "First of all I'd like to thank my I've known from the beginning of when I started this, to those who I met along the way. "Thank you for allowing me to share this journey with you, the good times and the bad times." SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 29: Jordan Conroy of Ireland scores a try during the 2023 Sydney Sevens match between Ireland and Great Britain at Allianz Stadium on January 29, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by) He said "we were more than just a team". "We were more than just a team, we were a bunch of lads who believed in each other when others laughed at us. "To you I give thanks and I am honoured to have shared this journey with you. "To the special people who I've met around the world who stuck with me since the very beginning and saw something in me to @padinphx@therealdenimdan@trevorleander_trev@meenu___apr@clorabella@kobay_okeeffe@lalainejoyce thank you for your kindness your blessings. "It makes me sad that I might not meet some of you ever again, but that's okay because we can cherish the memories we had. "Finally to myself for believing in me for braving the toughest storms that this sport has thrown at me but also taught me so many things. "I wouldn't be the Jordan I am today if it wasn't for this sport. "I now officially announce my retirement from professional Rugby 7s it's been on heck of a ride folks. "Peace and Love," he added. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
Time of India
28-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
First rugby franchise league in India features grassroots talent
Almost every Saturday since he was 10, Akash Balmiki would bunk school to chase a ball that looked like a dinosaur egg. "My parents were mad at me," he recalls. Balmiki discovered rugby in 2007 when a friend introduced him to Khelo Rugby, a free training camp for underprivileged kids. "But when I told my parents I wanted to play seriously, they didn't stop me," grins the player who went on to represent India and even play for the Dallas Harlequins, a respected American rugby club. "My parents don't watch me play. They don't understand the game," he shrugs. Balmiki's father works as a sweeper and his mother is a homemmaker. "But it makes them happy to see me on TV," says the 27-year-old captain of Mumbai Dreamers, one of six franchise teams in India's inaugural Rugby Premier League (RPL). Organised for the first time in India at the Shahaji Raje Bhosale Kreeda Sankul (Andheri Sports Complex), the goal of this Rugby Sevens tournament—which culminates in its final match today—isn't just entertainment but transformation. The aim is to elevate the profile of rugby in India, inspire the next generation of players, and create a festival-like atmosphere for fans, says actor Rahul Bose, president of Rugby India, which has spearheaded the event. RPL features six teams with Indian and international players. Bose, a former national-level rugby player himself, ensured that it started right: six world-class coaches were signed on even before approaching marquee players. A player draft followed. "Each coach picked five international players and the teams took turns drafting them," he says. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai Among the marquee internationals are Perry Baker (USA, two-time World Rugby 7s Player of the Year), Scott Curry (New Zealand, six-time World Sevens Series champion), and Terry Kennedy (Ireland, World Rugby 7s Player of the Year 2022). Indian players went through a competitive auction: 71 were up for selection, 30 made the cut. "We thought the Indian players might be behind. They're not," says Bose, calling the sons of farmers, labourers and tribal families the heroes of the RPL. "These stories are the spine of the league." Arjun Mahato—now a Back for Kalinga Tigers—was lured into rugby by Balmiki with the promise: "You'll get to eat while you train." The 'weird' rules confused him at first ("You can't pass forward but you can kick forward"), but he stuck around. He went on to play at the U-14 and U-18 national levels and now helps translate move names like "hammer" into Hindi for his teammates. Paco Hernández, head coach of the Bengaluru Bravehearts and a former captain of Spain's national sevens team, says coaching Indian players has been "deeply moving." He singles out Mohit Khatri, a "fast, strong, natural leader," as one of the best Indian players he's seen. From the Mumbai Dreamers camp, Australian rugby star Henry "Rapchik" Hutchison—who has spent over a decade on the global rugby sevens circuit—is equally impressed. "The quality is much higher than expected. There's enough talent here to create a really good rugby environment going forward." He admits the experience has been humbling. "A hard day for them is not the same as a hard day for us. Seeing them smile and be stoked to be here—it's inspiring. " But beyond the players, the venue also played a key role in shaping the RPL experience. To raise rugby's profile, venue choice was key. Andheri Sports Complex was picked for its pristine grass and lack of an athletics track. "Tracks push fans 30 metres away, which kills energy," explains Bose. "This field lets the game breathe." It was the lure of a stadium as big as this one that pulled Sambit Pradhan—a Forward for Hyderabad Heroes—into the game. Pradhan grew up on his family's farm in Adaspur village in Cuttack, Odisha. "One of my seniors said I'd get to play in a stadium," he recalls. "That was a big deal. I'd never been in one." He joined the Bhubaneswar Rugby Club, played for the state, and then lost three years to a hand injury. During his recovery, he worked part-time as a school sports teacher before easing back into the sport. Now part of Hyderabad Heroes, Pradhan is still surprised to be playing alongside international players and Indian stars. "All the players I'm playing with have represented India. I've only seen them on TV." Language remains a barrier. "My English isn't great. They speak fast. But we're all fluent in rugby," Pradhan adds with a grin. From Kenyan teammate Kevin Wekesa, he picked up skills like catching and lifting. From Spanish player Manuel 'Manu' Moreno, he learned how to handle pressure. "When we lost to Bengaluru Bravehearts, we were low. Our captain just ordered burgers and asked us to focus on the next match." Despite being played in 322 of India's 760 districts, rugby is still confused with American football, says Bose. He dreams big. "We want India to compete at the Olympics by 2032 or 2036. Our women are ranked 10th in Asia, the men 15th. We believe we can break into the top two in the next seven to 11 years."
RNZ News
28-06-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Rugby Premier League looks to revive Indian game through sevens league
Former New Zealand captain Scott Curry, who will feature in the Indian RPL, scores a try in the 2019 World Series event in Hamilton. Photo: Photosport Nearly 150 years after the demise of Calcutta Football Club resulted in the creation of rugby's oldest international trophy, a new sevens league was launched this month with the aim of reviving the gladiatorial sport in India. The Rugby Premier League (RPL) has recruited top internationals from the World Sevens circuit to play alongside locals in six franchises under broadcast-friendly rule variations. Organisers not only want to lead a revival of local rugby to the extent that India one day qualifies for the Olympics, but believe they can help revolutionise the future of the game worldwide. "Rugby in India is not so popular and not because it's not played, it's played in more than 250 districts in India and there's a lot of talent pool available, but because people have not seen it," Satyam Trivedi, chief executive of co-organisers GMR Sports, told Reuters. "It has not been commercialised, originally or globally. It is a very aspirational sport. In countries like the UK, Australia, New Zealand, it's a private schoolboy sport, which is not how it is seen in India. "I'm sure with the league getting commercials, going on broadcast, some of the finest athletes of the world coming and participating, the audiences will see it and the sport will catch up." The launch of the RPL comes at a time when sevens, which took off after its inclusion for the 2016 Olympics in Brazil, is facing challenges. Financial pressures have led to cutbacks in some programmes, with Ireland ending its men's programme and Britain's men's and women's going part-time at the end of July. World Rugby plans to introduce a three-division regular season in 2026, increasing the number of events to make the sport more cost-effective and competitive. Unlike World Sevens tournaments, organised on national lines, each RPL squad features five top-level "marquee" players, five from India, and three more internationals dubbed "bridge" players. Scott Curry, who played 321 times for New Zealand's All Blacks Sevens team and represents the Bengaluru Bravehearts in the RPL, believes the franchise model could be a peek into the sport's global future. "The World Series has been changing a lot and there's a little bit of uncertainty there but to see something like this, a franchise league ... I think it could be the future of the game going forward for sure," Curry said. "Having franchises where players from all over the world can come and play together along with local Indian players is really exciting for our sport." Rugby India is another co-organiser of the RPL and its President Rahul Bose senses a major opportunity to get the eyes of 1.4 billion people on the game through the country's potential bid for the 2036 Summer Olympics. "After Indian hockey, we want to be the second team, and by that time (2036), it'll be 80 years that there's no other team that's gone to the Olympics from India," Bose said. "I'm not counting cricket, which is coming into the Olympics through a different route. But certainly when it comes to sports that have 100-plus nations playing it, like soccer and rugby, we've trained our eyes on that." Spaniard Manuel Moreno, who was named in the World Sevens series dream team last season and has been playing for the Hyderabad Heroes in the RPL, thinks India might not have to wait as long as 2036 given the Olympics has regional qualifiers. "It's a long way to try to compete with the best teams in the world ... the World Rugby Series, maybe is too far from now but maybe (India can qualify) for the Games as qualification is from the continent," Moreno said. "They (India) can do it in the next Olympic cycle. There are only two or three big teams in Asia. So I think they have a real possibility to be in the Los Angeles Games in 2028." Moreno might be being a little optimistic given India's men finished seventh in Asian qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics, while the women were sixth. Still, playing with the likes of Curry and Moreno can only help accelerate the development of local players and it might not be too long before Indian rugby is known for more than just the source of the trophy that England and Scotland play for every year. - Reuters
