Rugby Here & There

Last night was the first real contact, tackling, full-body practice the Valkyries have had. We are preparing for our first match of the 2008 season, which is this weekend. The Valks will be playing against the Texas Rugby Union U23 Team (roster at the bottom of this post here) on Sunday, February 17, 2008.

Even though I can’t practice, the pace, intensity and heart at practice was enough to make my heart swell. It is hard to stand on the sidelines and observer with a good word every once and awhile…ok its really hard and it sucks. However, I am still going to the gym every week and am working my hardest to come back at 110% in May, June or July…whichever month the Gods bless me with.

Some good rugby tidbits have been flowing in all week, check ’em out:

• Sportable.com’s Perspective on IRB 7s in San Diego

  Sportable Video: IRB Sevens Rugby Field Transformation
  LIVE Blog: IRB USA Sevens Rugby Tournament at Petco Park
  Wrapping Up Day 1 of the IRB USA Sevens
  LIVE Blog: Day 2 of IRB USA Sevens Rugby Tournament at Petco Park
  Wrapping up the 2008 IRB Sevens

• London to Host 2009 Gay Rugby Cup
  
  East London rugby club Kings Cross Steelers have won the right to host the 2009 European gay rugby Union Cup.

  The Steelers are the current champions and will welcome more than 17 teams in May next year.

  Mayor of London Ken Livingstone, said: “The tournament will provide a platform to introduce lesbian and gay sport to new audiences.”

  The first Union Cup was held in 2005 in Montpellier, France and then in Copenhagen, Denmark in 2007.

  Steelers events manager Neil Pyper said: “As the world’s first gay rugby team, now in our 13th year, we are eager to encourage new and experienced teams alike, and look forward to inviting European gay rugby teams to come to our great city next year.”

  The tournament will be held on 22 and 23 May 2009, at the club’s West Ham ground.

  The Steelers were the world’s first gay rugby club when they formed in 1995.

• Blog from the Wales camp: Caroline Morgan

  Caroline Morgan, Personal Assistant to the Welsh Rugby Team and Management, gives an insight into her job and life within the Welsh camp.

  Although, coming into work this Monday was a pleasure after the result on the weekend.

  Mood has been good in camp but everyone has their feet firmly on the ground and understands the task in hand – last year’s loss in Murrayfield, not to mention the World Cup, is still at the back of everyone’s minds and there’s no hint of complacency.

  So, a bit about my role: Basically it’s making sure that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes for the players and back room staff, anything from ensuring that everyone is where they should be, wearing the right clothes to making sure there’s enough milk for the morning coffee! I’d like to think I’m the older sister but unfortunately I’m known as their other mother!

  This week has seen an upsurge in emails and telephone calls, anything from people wanting things signed to just general congratulations for last week’s game and good luck for this week. But some people just don’t realize how busy it is here – and ring or email with the strangest of queries e.g. – why does James Hook throw a blade of grass in the air before he kicks? I do my best to answer all queries, but some are above and beyond the call of duty!

  And the answer is – he used to do when he first started playing to see which way the wind was blowing – now it’s just a habit!

  I also got a quite nasty email from someone complaining that the players’ weren’t singing the anthem on Saturday – I had a quick scan through the video and from what I could see it was only Adam at one stage – I believe Adam must have been overcome with emotion as he always sings it. And Ryan of course – who has taken some stick for blubbing all the way through it – some people will do anything for attention!

  Much as we demand them to sing, emotion does take over (I can’t even begin to imagine what it must feel like to be standing there in front of a full house singing the best anthem in the world)!

  So it’s the day before a big game, any last minute hitches have to be ironed out. Has everyone had their tickets? Do their partners know what time the bus is leaving? Has everyone ironed their shirts? Check bus, check meals, check hotel rooms, check the players not selected for this weekend are ok? You get the gist!

  So far today I’ve had two mothers on the phone sorting out their son’s tickets for them! Yes, they really are like children and need a nudge sometimes!

  And yes I get nervous before games – like everyone, I live every pass, kick, tackle, share the highs and the lows (and there’s been more than my share of those!) but boy those highs are well worth it.

  Here’s hoping to a win today – my job doesn’t change win, lose or draw, but a win certainly helps (if only to stop the horrible emails!)

  **I thought this article was a really cool insight to the inner workings of a professional rugby team.

• 2nd Annual Roughtstock 10’s Tournament

  Hey can you post something about our Womens 10’s Rugby Tournament?

  Boulder Babes Rugby Club is excited to announce the second annual Roughstock 10s tournament in Boulder, CO! The event invites women’s teams to play on Saturday, May 17th. After the tournament will be a night on the town kicking it off with a Flip Cup Tournament!

  And thanks for putting it on your calendar. You guys wanna come? http://roughstock10.blogspot.com/
  
  Thanks,
  Christina

  **I’ve never played 10’s…from watching it on TV and the Internet it looks really different.

• England agree new kit deal

  England have agreed a new four-year contract with kit provider Nike.

  The Rugby Football Union announced the deal on Tuesday, with Nike responsible for all team wear for England’s representative sides and their management until 2012.

  For the first time the contract has been extended to include the England women’s team.

  RFU business operations director Paul Vaughan said: “Since 1997 we’ve enjoyed an excellent relationship with Nike.

  “Throughout that time their commitment to quality and t
  he level of technological innovation they bring to player performance through design and material has been second to none.

  “An example of this has been in the development of tighter-fitting shirts, which have now been adopted as standard in world rugby.”

  **Couldn’t find any images of the new jersey, will definitely have to keep my eyes peeled for it!