Yesterday saw @arugbylife hit the 20,000 follower mark and to celebrate, I held a contest to have folks tweet photos of their "Saturday is a rugby day".
I got four fantastic entries and wanted to share them along with the winner picked by the fabulous Mrs. A Rugby Life, who wins a Bakline T-Shirt of their choosing.
Mrs. A Rugby Life Says "Loved all the entrees but this one was my favorite. The sun evokes the weekend, sunny weather, relaxation and promise/potential. The composition of the photo is nice. The open gate is inviting people in to play together."
Congratulations to Mandy and big thank you to all the folks who submitted entrees!
Lansdowne RFC based in the Bronx, NY is currently looking to hire a new coach. Founded in 1993, they compete in the Empire GU Division II and has a rich history, with a diverse US and international player base, and currently carrying a senior group of over 50 players. A small stipend in available for the ideal candidate. For more information please email the club at: lansdownerfc@gmail.com with the subject line "Lansdowne Coaching Position"
All Blacks legend Michael Jones will be in Manhattan next week for two events in support of AUT University rugby scholarships which send high school kids to New Zealand over the summer. AUT has been sponsoring these scholarships for the last 5 years and they are an incredible experience for the scholarship winners. On Tuesday 16th April, Bill Middleton and AUT University’s Vice Chancellor, Derek McCormack, will host a small private dinner with Michael for no more than 10 people. Tickets and details can be found at www.mjnyVIP.eventbrite.com
On Wednesday 7th April, there is a large event hosted by USA Rugby and AUT University for dinner, drinks and Q&A with Michael, USA Eagles National Coach Mike Tolkin and USA Eagle Mike Petri. Tickets and details can be found at www.mjny.eventbrite.com
As some background, in 2008 a partnership was established between Perry Street Preparatory Public School in Washington DC, (formerly known as Hyde Charter Leadership School) and AUT University, supported by the New Zealand Embassy’s Ambassador’s Shield, which enabled rugby-playing high school students a chance to experience this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study, play rugby and enjoy ‘life’ in New Zealand. In 2009, Alex Pettiford and Salim Lancaster were the first of ten students thus far who have spent six weeks studying and playing rugby in New Zealand while experiencing a unique cultural exchange. The video below is from a CBS 2009 new report that features Hyde Rugby.
Play Rugby USA is holding a 6 Nations Viewing Party as a fundraiser on Saturday March 16th at The Australian NYC, one of the premier bars in the city (20 West 38th Street, between 5th and 6th Ave) starting at 10:00 AM. Come enjoy the final weekend of this year's 6 Nations tournament with a great crowd while supporting a great cause!
3 Matches being played: Italy v. Ireland @ 10:30, Wales v. England @ 1:00, and France v. Scotland @ 4:00 (Cover included in admission price)
Courtesy of Dallen Stanford Rugby Showdown announces new ticket prices and kick-off time!
The Rugby Showdown has released a new ticket pricing structure and later kick-off time to ensure that the rugby community in Southern California can experience the exciting fixture on April 13th.
The South African Golden Lions from Johannesburg, who took part in the 2012 Super 15 Rugby competition, will take on the North American All Stars at Cal State Fullerton. The match is now set to kick-off at 7.30 p.m. Pacific Time at Titan Stadium on Saturday April 13th.
The evening kick-off will certainly help boost attendance figures with several rugby teams in the region competing in the various playoff competitions in Southern California.
“This is indeed excellent news for our match against the Lions. Having a large crowd supporting us will definitely add to the excitement of this clash,” said flanker Todd Clever, the North American All Stars captain.
Another element that will aid this cause is the new ticket prices released by the Rugby Showdown:
Youth $5, Students $10, General Seating $25 and Preferred Seating $35.
For more information and to purchase tickets click here!
The April 13th event will see a festival atmosphere with plenty of action planned for inside and outside Titan Stadium on the beautiful Cal State Fullerton campus.
Several local rugby teams are set to move their playoff matches to this venue, with youth, college, club and old boys fixtures on the schedule. Tournament organizers will be announcing news of the live entertainment in the coming weeks, including a rugby banquet, beer garden and giveaways.
In other news: USA Eagles Head Coach, Mike Tolkin, who will coach the North American All Stars - has released three names of his squad that will face the Golden Lions.
These players include Andrew Suniula, Shaun Davies and Graham Harriman.
“Andrew is a hard running veteran centre who brings leadership to the squad. Shaun is a dynamic and feisty young player who got his first taste of international rugby last summer. Graham broke into the Eagles this fall after a promising campaign in the Americas Rugby Championship (ARC). He is a good technical lock who has a bright future,” said Tolkin.
Andrew Suniula ( Credit: www.rugbyphoto.com / Gary Coldwells )
Suniula (centre) – who comes from a strong rugby background with Eagle brothers Roland and Shalom – has been capped 15 times for the USA Eagles, and played at the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. The powerful center is a great addition for the team, providing excellent go-forward ball, and is solid on defense.
Davies (scrum half) – the All-American from Brigham Young University (BYU) earned his first cap for the USA Eagles last year, and is an up and coming talent in the number 9 jersey.
Harriman (lock) – played for the USA Selects in 2012 at the ARC, and has also attended the Sharks Academy in Durban, South Africa. Harriman currently plays for the Chicago Griffins with teammate Andrew Suniula.
“This game brings a great competitive opportunity for our HP (High Performance) players to be involved in during their domestic season. It also gives the fans an opportunity to watch a great professional organization in their back yard. It will be a brilliant evening, “ enthused Tolkin.
