The News Review:
- Q&A with Lewis Moody Leicester and England rugby player
- Ben Ryan confident England can be Rugby Sevens world champions
- Rising sun dawns on rugby’s future with new Super 15 competition
- Lievremont gamble could rebound on French in Wales rugby game
- Scotland beats Italy 26-6 in Six Nations rugby championship
Q&A with Lewis Moody Leicester and England rugby player
guardian.co.uk
I kept going when he left. Who were your heroes and inspirations? I loved American football and Walter Payton of the Chicago Bears was my hero. In rugby terms I loved Will Carling. I met him when I was eight at a mini rugby tournament. He gave me a signed picture that I still have. What has been your proudest achievement? Being involved with England’s 2003 World Cup-winning side was an amazing life-changing experience. The 2007 World Cup was also good.
Ben Ryan confident England can be Rugby Sevens world champions
Telegraph.co.uk
That’s the view of Ben Ryan coach to the England Sevens squad who are in Dubai preparing for the Rugby World Cup Sevens. By Paul Ackford Last Updated: 7:29PM GMT 28 Feb 2009 “The chances are pretty good” Ryan said. “We’ve hit four out of the last five finals [in the IRB's annual Sevens series] and we’re the No 1 form team over the last six months. We’re really confident. Everyone’s fit and healthy.
Rising sun dawns on rugby’s future with new Super 15 competition
Fox Sports
The intrigue will centre on just where the 15th team is based to complete the vision to expand rugby to a 22-week season running March-to-August in 2011. A Japan-based outfit built around imported stars may be the magnet for broadcasters because it opens a new market whereas a Melbourne-based side is merely preaching to the same TV audience. Australian rugby supremo John ‘Neill his board and their New Zealand and South African counterparts have kept details secret during meetings over the past week. The centrepiece of the package that will be presented to broadcasters in June will be discussed in Dubai on Wednesday at a SANZAR meeting of the nations’ three rugby chiefs.
Lievremont gamble could rebound on French in Wales rugby game
The Canadian Press
The New Zealander is aware that France is capable of raising its game at home but its team has been weakened because of last weekend’s domestic games. “France are one of the top sides in the championship and they are always going to be tough opposition especially at home and this is a must win game for them if they are to keep their title hopes alive” Gatland said. “We also know how tough it will be for them with a short six-day turnaround for many of their players who have featured in domestic rugby this weekend. We had a similar experience ourselves in between the Scotland and England games and found it hard going so that is something we must try to take advantage of. “Back row Martyn Williams will beat Gareth Edwards’ Welsh record for the most appearances in the championship when he makes his 46th appearance. ne of the game’s best ever scrum halves Edwards won three Grand Slams. Sylvain Marconnet makes his 72nd appearance for France equalling the French record for a prop held by Christian Califano.
Scotland beats Italy 26-6 in Six Nations rugby championship
The Canadian Press
“It feels great at Murrayfield getting the win” Simon Danielli scorer of Scotland’s first try said. “I thought we really deserved it. The forwards were really good today; they gave the backs some space. “Both sides went into the showdown having lost their opening two fixtures but though Italy had beaten Scotland in the previous two tournaments they made too many handling errors to seriously threaten a third consecutive win.
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