The News Review:
- Rugby’s chance to regain its rightful place
- Ex-rugby star turned to burglary
- Canty cricket boss leaves for tago rugby
- Viljoen injures knee replaced by sborne on Eagles rugby squad
- Storm looms over rugby ace
Rugby’s chance to regain its rightful place
Stuff.co.nz – Aug 28, 2007
nly 24000 were at the legendary Baby Blacks’ win over France in 1986 and only 20000 at the 1987 World Cup opener at Eden Park. But much needed tonics came with the 1985 shield epic and the 1987 World Cup success. Starting with the late 1980s New Zealand rugby embarked on a popularity rise which has lasted up until the last few years. The enthusiasm with which sections of the media have seized upon the successes of other football codes in the past few weeks has also been a reminder that something similar happened in the early to mid 80s. The All Whites’ qualifying for the 1981 World Cup had many predicting soccer would become New Zealand’s main winter sport and also in the mid-80s league for a time was flavour of the month. True sporting fans of course including the rugby fraternity will not begrudge recognition for the recent feats of the Warriors or the new Wellington-based soccer franchise the Phoenix. But from their own experiences and ups and downs both those codes will be well aware of how fleeting and fragile the support of the ever increasing numbers of fair weather friends both among the media and in the public can be… The enthusiasm with which sections of the media have seized upon the successes of other football codes in the past few weeks has also been a reminder that something similar happened in the early to mid 80s. The All Whites’ qualifying for the 1981 World Cup had many predicting soccer would become New Zealand’s main winter sport and also in the mid-80s league for a time was flavour of the month. True sporting fans of course including the rugby fraternity will not begrudge recognition for the recent feats of the Warriors or the new Wellington-based soccer franchise the Phoenix. But from their own experiences and ups and downs both those codes will be well aware of how fleeting and fragile the support of the ever increasing numbers of fair weather friends both among the media and in the public can be. Should as is to be fervently hoped the All Blacks repeat the triumph of 20 years ago rugby too should take care to appreciate the difference between those who genuinely love the game and those who quickly board the nearest band-wagon.
Ex-rugby star turned to burglary
BBC News – Aug 28, 2007
At Cardiff Crown Court Dale Burn 30 of Cwmbran admitted breaking into an off-licence and a supermarket. The judge said he did not know why the ex-Newport and Scarlets scrum-half stole thousands of pounds worth of cigarettes in Blaenavon and Worcester. His barrister said Burn felt shame and “very genuine” remorse. The break-ins took place at a Spar supermarket in Blaenavon and an off licence in Worcester.
Canty cricket boss leaves for tago rugby
Stuff.co.nz – Aug 28, 2007
Reid 48 was yesterday named as the new chief executive of tago rugby to fill the shoes of Russell Gray who resigned in June. tago and Highlanders teams have struggled on and off the field to make an impact and Gray pointed out that tago “face challenging times and critical decisions”. Reid who was the CE of Nike New Zealand before joining Canterbury Cricket in 2001 yesterday said that he was looking forward to the challenges “and righting the ship”. The former first-class cricketer is expected to start his new role in late ctober.
Viljoen injures knee replaced by sborne on Eagles rugby squad
International Herald Tribune – Aug 28, 2007
Viljoen was hurt last week and wouldn't recover in time for the World Cup which starts in 10 days in France. He'd captained the U. at the Churchill Cup in England this year and earned 16 caps since 2004.
Storm looms over rugby ace
Fox Sports – Aug 28, 2007
Junior rugby union sensation Joseph Tomane has been contracted to Storm but the minor premier’s recruitment manager Peter ‘Sullivan said he had strong suspicions the Australian Rugby Union was trying to change the Nudgee College outside back’s mind. "He has asked for a copy of his contract to see what he signed – I don’t think that sort of request would come from the kid himself" ‘Sullivan said. "I wouldn’t be surprised at all if they are trying to change his mind. "Melbourne are very adamant they won’t be letting him go.