2012 Wales Six nations Squad

The Wales 2012 RBS 6 Nations squad has been pictured as they have never collectively been seen before – each wearing the club kit which they wore at the start of their rugby careers.

Head Coach Warren Gatland’s 37-man squad took time out from their busy training schedule this week to pay homage to the 13 Principality Premiership clubs (at times of appearances) that helped to get the players where they are today.

Every member of the squad, which has just returned from a pre-tournament training camp in Poland, has featured in Wales’ top club rugby competition for at least one club and each of the players were asked to nominate the side they felt most synonymous with.

In instances where players had featured for more than one club and they felt equal allegiances, the club was chosen for them, but, to-a-man, each player relished the opportunity to show a little piece of their personal heritage for the historic photo.

Llanelli RFC can boast to having made the greatest contribution to the current squad, they could almost field an entire backline of internationals, with a grand total of 10 players, including four uncapped, representing one of the WRU’s original member clubs – their players are: Mike Phillips, Stephen Jones, Jonathan Davies, Scott Williams, Rhys Priestland, Lee Byrne, and the uncapped Liam Williams, Rhodri Jones, Aaron Shingler and Lou Reed.

The next highest representation is from Wales’ capital club, Cardiff, with five internationals, plus the uncapped wing Harry Robinson.

Neath have provided five players in the current squad and Aberavon, Bridgend, Glamorgan Wanderers, Pontypridd and Swansea have all sent two players each from grass roots to international stardom – with the Wanderers providing squad captain Sam Warburton.

Single, but vital contributions, come from Cross Keys (Toby Faletau), Ebbw Vale (Dan Lydiate), Llandovery (George North) and Newport (Andy Powell).

“Welsh rugby must never forget its roots,” said WRU Group Chief Executive Roger Lewis.

“Our premiership clubs are the foundation stones upon which the international game is built.  This picture is a wonderful way of expressing how important the Principality Premiership is to Welsh rugby.

“The fact every member of the current squad has worked their way up through the pathway structure we have in place to develop players is something we should all be proud of.

“All the boys are extremely proud of their rugby heritage and they were very enthusiastic about taking part in this photograph.”

Graeme Yorston, Chief Operating Officer of Principality Building Society, sponsors of the Premiership commented:  ‘Principality believes that the Premiership is pivotal in the Welsh rugby triangle and this photograph demonstrates just how valuable the league is in developing young talent from the village playing field to the national game. We are extremely proud of the contribution we have made in supporting the success of the 6 Nations Squad.’

WALES’ 37-MAN RBS 6 NATIONS SQUAD PLAYERS ARE PICTURED REPRESENTING THE FOLLOWING CLUBS: 

ABERAVON: Justin TIPURIC, Ashley BECK

BRIDGEND: Ryan BEVINGTON, Ryan JONES, Rhys WEBB

CARDIFF: Alex CUTHBERT, Bradley DAVIES, Rhys GILL, Leigh HALFPENNY, Jamie ROBERTS, Harry ROBINSON

CARMARTHEN QUINS: Ken OWENS

CROSS KEYS: Toby FALETAU

EBBW VALE: Dan LYDIATE

GLAMORGAN WANDERERS: Sam WARBURTON, Lloyd WILLIAMS

LLANDOVERY: George NORTH

LLANELLI: Lee BYRNE, Jonathan DAVIES, Rhodri JONES, Stephen JONES, Mike PHILLIPS, Rhys PRIESTLAND, Lou REED, Aaron SHINGLER, Liam WILLIAMS, Scott WILLIAMS

NEATH: Ian EVANS, James HOOK, Paul JAMES, Adam JONES, Craig MITCHELL

NEWPORT: Andy POWELL

PONTYPRIDD: Gethin JENKINS, Matthew REES

SWANSEA: Huw BENNETT, Gavin HENSON

Jaco Peyper

South Africa’s top referees scrummed against each and were given master classes from top coaches as part of a recently completed four-day training camp prior to the start of the 2012 rugby season.

Former Springbok prop Balie Swart had SA’s top whistlers packing down to demystify the intricacies of scrumming while Rassie Erasmus and Rudolph Straeuli took referees through examples of their pre-match analysis. They also put the match officials through the same training drills used by many of the teams.

“Feedback from those attending – and it included referees with Rugby World Cup experience – was that the pre-season camp was one of the best of its kind they had yet experienced,” said South African Rugby Union general manager of referees André Watson.

“In addition to the technical Law reviews and input from experienced coaches, they also underwent fitness testing, completed the updated BokSmart programme, participated in a motivational/self-analysis presentation and wrote the National Laws Exam.

“I’m confident that our Super and National Panel referees are now well prepared for the season and I’m personally looking forward to the first blast of the whistle on opening day.”

Material covered at the SA Referees’ Camp at Konka included the outcomes of a recent SANZAR workshop.

“We’re committed to ensuring uniform application of the Laws across all of the rugby competitions in which we officiate,” said Watson. “We met in Sydney with our SANZAR partners in the middle of January and agreed on protocols for the coming season.

“While there are no Law changes to be implemented, it was a platform to review the highs and lows of last year and agree on common expectations for the coming year.”

The so-called ‘Big Five’ – tackle, scrum, offside, ruck, and maul – remain the priority areas as in previous years but with additional emphasis on the following points:

Scrum

• Alignment – front rows must be in a position to interlock on engagement; there must be no touching of heads.
• Early engagement – both teams must start the engagement process simultaneously on the referee’s call.
• Engagement angles – front rows must push straight and parallel to the touchlines; loose-head props must not ‘walk’ the scrum around the tight-head.
• Binding – front rankers must bind on their opponent in the appropriate manner; no hands on the ground for support.
• Post-engagement infringements – illegal wheeling on purpose, so-called ‘whip wheeling’ and not pushing straight and parallel to the touchline are all actions to be penalised.

Tackle

• The tackler must release and clear away after the tackler.
• The tackler-assist must release in a clear and obvious manner before going for the ball.
• Arriving players must not go past the ball into an offside position and try to obstruct the opposition going for the ball.
• Players must respect the offside lines at the ruck and maul (the hindmost foot of their player in the ruck or maul).
• Arriving players not attempting to clean-out the opposition must demonstrate positive actions to stay on their feet.
• A player who uses correct technique but ends up off his feet after removing a threat is not penalised.

Assistant Referees at Vodacom Super Rugby level will also be called on to take a more involved approach to the game without becoming an interference or hindrance to the referee. This will involve greater monitoring of offside lines at the ruck and maul and infringements close to the touchline where the referee may be unsighted.

The 44-year-old Blue Bulls rugby executive takes over from Peter de Villiers, who coached the Springboks from 2008 to 2011. He will take charge as head coach of the 1995 and 2007 Rugby World Cup champions for the first time against England in Durban on June 9.

Meyer said he relished the opportunity to make all South Africans proud of the Springboks.

“Having been involved with the Blue Bulls for so long, I’ve experienced first hand how passionate South African rugby supporters are,” said Meyer. “I know the importance of rugby in the South African psyche and will do everything in my power to ensure the Springboks remain among the pace setters of world rugby.

“I’m very happy to accept this enormous honour and massive responsibility,” he said.

Meyer was head coach of the Vodacom Bulls when they became the first South African team to lift the coveted Vodacom Super 14 trophy in 2007. Before that, he steered the Vodacom Blue Bulls to Absa Currie Cup titles in 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2006 (shared).

Meyer also has experience of coaching in the Springbok environment. He served as assistant coach to both Nick Mallett and Harry Viljoen at the Boks. He has also been a Springbok coaching candidate in the past.

“The first time I felt I still had things to achieve at the Bulls, and the second time it was decided to appoint someone else,” he said. “I’d like to thank my family and the Blue Bulls Rugby Union for their unwavering support over the past decade. I hope to keep the country’s rugby supporters united behind the Boks.”

Mr Oregan Hoskins, President of SARU, said Meyer received unanimous support from the General and the Executive Councils of SARU.

“The Springboks are SARU’s top priority,” he said. “Heyneke’s coaching pedigree is second to none in South Africa. He will be an asset to the Boks and South African rugby in general,” said Mr Hoskins.

“I’d also like thank our outgoing coach Peter de Villiers for his passion, hard work and dedication over the past four years. However, it was felt that we needed a man with a new approach and new ideas to take over one of the toughest jobs in South African sport.

“Heyneke has our full support and we know he won’t leave any stone unturned as he strives to take the Boks back to the top of international rugby.”

According to Jurie Roux, SARU CEO, Meyer’s appointment was the culmination of a thorough process during which the best candidates were evaluated as part of a head hunting process before the Exco unanimously opted to make a formal offer to Meyer.

“The Blue Bulls wished to retain his services but his contract contains an exit clause which has been exercised; very few people can resist the call when your country says it needs you,” said Roux.

“The Springboks are the heartbeat of rugby in South Africa and it was paramount to get the best possible candidate to coach the team going forward. We believe we have done that.”

Roux said decisions on Meyer’s support staff will only be taken later, in consultation with the new Springbok coach. “No appointments in this regard have been made,” he said.

Heyneke Meyer – Fact File

Heyneke Meyer was the first South African coach to lift the Vodacom Super Rugby trophy and is one of the most successful coaches in local rugby in the professional era.

Meyer has been part of teams that have not only progressed to the knock-out stages of their various competitions, but also gone on to win them, ever since he started his provincial coaching career.

His first position as provincial head coach came at the age of 30 in 1998, at the SWD Eagles, and he immediately took the team to the semi-finals of the Vodacom Cup. A year later Meyer guided the Eagles to a top-four finish in the Absa Currie Cup.

Meyer reached his first final in 2001, leading the Vodacom Blue Bulls to the Vodacom Cup title, having already had a period as an assistant Springbok coach.

Three consecutive Absa Currie Cup crowns for the Vodacom Blue Bulls followed in 2002, 2003 and 2004. He also helped turn the Vodacom Bulls around from dwelling near the bottom of the Vodacom Super 12 log, to consecutive semi-finals in 2005 and 2006.

The first Vodacom Super Rugby title for a South African team followed in 2007, when Meyer masterminded the Vodacom Bulls’ victory over The Sharks in an epic final in what had become the Vodacom Super 14 in Durban.

This is not Meyer’s first stint with the Springboks, having been involved as assistant coach under Nick Mallett (1999 and 2001) as well as Harry Viljoen (2001).

Personal:

Date of birth: 6 October 1967

Age: 44

Place of birth: Nelspruit

Education: Bergvlam HS (Nelspruit), University of Pretoria

Degrees obtained: BA (Pcychology, Geography and Human Movement Science), Hons BA (Geography), HED

Family: Married to Linda, three children

Coaching career:

• 1988-1996: Coached a number of High School first teams, Under-21 sides and Carlton first teams in Pretoria.
• 1997: SWD Eagles assistant coach
• 1998: SWD Eagles head coach (Vodacom Cup semi-finalists and Absa Currie Cup)
• 1998: Emerging Springboks head coach
• 1999: DHL Stormers assistant coach (semi-finalists in Vodacom Super 12)
• 1999: SWD Eagles head coach (semi-finalists in Absa Currie Cup)
• 1999: Springbok assistant coach (third place, Rugby World Cup)
• 2000: Vodacom Bulls head coach (Vodacom Super 12)
• 2001: Vodacom Blue Bulls head coach (Vodacom Cup champions)
• 2001: Springbok assistant coach
• 2002: Vodacom Bulls head coach (Vodacom Super 12), Vodacom Blue Bulls head coach (Absa Currie Cup champions)
• 2003: Vodacom Blue Bulls head coach (Absa Currie Cup champions)
• 2004: Vodacom Blue Bulls head coach (Absa Currie Cup champions)
• 2005: Vodacom Bulls head coach (Vodacom Super 12 semi-finalists), Vodacom Blue Bulls head coach (Absa Currie Cup runners up)
• 2006: Vodacom Bulls head coach (Vodacom Super 14 semi-finalists), Vodacom Blue Bulls head coach (Absa Currie Cup joint champions)
• 2007: Vodacom Bulls head coach (Vodacom Super 14 champions)
• 2008-2009: Leicester Tigers head coach
• 2011: Tuks Varsity Cup – Advisor
• 2011: Blue Bulls Company – Executive: Rugby
• 2012: Springbok head coach

Rassie Erasmus

WP Rugby today confirmed that Senior Professional Coach Rassie Erasmus will be leaving at the end of January 2012.

 “The pieces are in place at Province” said Erasmus. “Over the past few seasons we have put the structures in place and they are working well. The management team and player base is settled and there are now a fantastic bunch of youngsters pushing the older guys hard. The squad is very close to taking that final step and winning silverware.” added the coach. “My job is largely done here and there is no doubt in my mind that Allister, Matt, Fleckie and the rest of the management and players have got what it takes to get there.”

 Commenting on his reasons for leaving Erasmus said, “There are a number of new opportunities that have surfaced at a higher level and I am currently considering my options. Each is an exciting and massive new challenge, and that is a big attraction to me at this stage of my career.  In the interim I have offered to continue to assist at Province whenever required.  I have enjoyed my time here in the Cape immensely and feel that I have contributed to facilitating building the structures that have taken us to the brink of success. I have no doubt that that success is but a tiny step away now and I leave Province satisfied with the strides made. I am grateful to Province for the opportunity and Newlands, The Stormers, WP and the Faithful will always have a special place in my heart.”

WP Rugby Managing Director Rob Wagner commenting on the coaches’ decision said, “Rassie has made a huge contribution at WP. We are obviously very sorry to see him go, but understand his desire for new challenges.  Rassie has been very good in keeping us informed of his decision and we have been waiting for the return of our senior players and team management before making the announcement. We understand that he is a big loss but we are also confident that the structures, players, coaching and management staff and the plans in place at all levels in the Province, are strong enough to allow us to make that final jump and secure the silverware that we are all working towards.”

Rugby fans voice their opinions (Photo: Denese Lups/Rugby15)

No Peter de Villiers, no Bryce Lawrence and no politics, but rather, skilled Bok coaches, impartial referees and team selections based on merit. Those are the things that South African Rugby fans want for the sport in 2012.

Yesterday we asked our fans/followers what their one wish for South African rugby is for the new 2012 season and they jumped at the opportunity to air their views and opinions. We received a massive response with fans airing their wishes via Rugby15′s Facebook and Twitter channels.

The Springbok coaching job dominated wishes with most fans wishing for no Peter de Villiers and the newly appointed coach to select players on merit. Francois Bonthuys (@fpbonthuys) wished for “a competent, skillful and tactical Springbok coach to take the team forward” on our Twitter account while Taetjo Mathabatha had this to say on Facebook: “I wish that the new Springbok coach selects players on merit and stop selecting players based on what they did in the past. I wish that all has-beens must be dropped from the Springboks squad and more hungry players should be selected”.

Two names that constantly popped up as fans’ wish for new Bok coach was the Lions’ 2011 Currie Cup-winning coach John Mitchell and Blue Bulls Director of Coaching Heyneke Meyer. On Twitter Marlie Nel (@marlienel) wished “That there is a way that Heyneke Meyer can coach the Boks” while a skeptical Stefan C Loubser asked on Facebook for “John Mitchell to become Springbok coach even though it will never happen”.

South African rugby has been plagued by political interference for years with sports ministers over the years calling for the sport to be transformed and even imposing quota systems on teams. But it became clear yesterday that the majority of fans rather want merit-based selections and absolutely no political interference in the sport. On Facebook Joseph S Carlo said“No politics in our Rugby! Choose the player because he is good. Let the coach decide what is best and not people in charge telling him what to do!” while Liesel van der Colf and Juanita (@nitacop) also raised their voices with these respective wishes: “Keep politics OUT” and “Politics to stay out of rugby!!!!”

It also appears that New Zealand referee Bryce Lawrence still hasn’t been forgiven for the way he handled the Rugby World Cup quarter-final between the Springboks and Australia, with many fans believing he cheated the Boks out of a spot in the RWC semi-finals. After looking at some responses, our advice to Bryce if he visits South Africa in the near future would be to stay in hiding. David Majoka said on Facebook “to find lawrence and play a test match against him” while Arie Meiring (@stormbok) on Twitter was clearly still angry about the Boks’ early RWC exit, saying “I hope bryce lawrence get very bad hemroids!!!!!!”

It is also good to see that plenty of fans are excited and optimistic about the youth coming through the ranks of SA Rugby, with young superstars like Johan Goosen, Elton Jantjies, Siya Kolisi, Jaco Taute and Marcell Coetzee all receiving support for featuring regularly in the future Bok line-up. “Siya Kolisi to play number 7!!!” – “Johan Goosen given a shot at the Bok 10 spot, loads of potential that lad has” and “Elton Jantjies and Jaco Taute cement their places in their respective positions for the Boks” were some of the wishes shared.

Plenty of loyal fans also raised their voices and called for their respective franchises and provinces to excel in 2012 and lift the respective trophies of tournaments they are participating in. Lions fans were the most vocal after their team were crowned 2011 Currie Cup Champs.

But what was most pleasing for us was the massive support and love the Boks received, with fans taking the chance to wish the Boks well and only the best for 2012.Lubabalo Mpongoshe wants “The Boks to Win tri nations!!!” while Michael Vick wished for the Boks to have an “Unbeaten run in all tests”.

Our wish at Rugby15 for South African rugby is that it will go from strength to strength in 2012, that all teams, players, coaches will perform to their full ability and that rugby in general will be free from any controversy.

We would also like to take the time to wish all players, coaches, administrators and especially all our loyal fans a very happy New Year and may all your dreams come true in 2012. We will be bringing you even bigger and better coverage this year, so stay tuned!

[james@rugby15.co.za]

Murray Mexted (front left) and Dick Muir (2nd front left) host a team of coaches during the 2011 Investec International Rugby Academy held at Hilton College © Barry Aldworth/Backpagepix

The Investec International Rugby Academy offers high paced action, unrivalled experience and world class coaching. Crammed with position-specific training, interactive sessions, tactical thinking and lessons on mental toughness, the unique two week high performance rugby course is set for the final whistle on Friday, December 16^th. The desire to provide a handful of promising players and coaches more opportunities for improvement and advancement in a constantly evolving game serves as the backdrop for the highly-acclaimed Investec International Rugby Academy, headed by former Springbok assistant coach Dick Muir.

Within the space of two weeks, the Academy would have run three courses, namely, a High Performance Course, for players and coaches who want to break into professional rugby, as well as an Advanced Players Course which is  the top school boy course catering for players aged 16 – 18. In addition to the young talent was a superb blend of the very best on offer in the rugby fraternity including the likes of Murray Mexted, Louis Koen, Braam van Straaten, Wayne Taylor, Grant Bashford, David Campese, John Allan, Mark Lawrence, James Small, Gary Gold, Greg Miller, Pieter De Villiers, Ashley Evert, Ian Macdonald and Jerome Paarwater.

Facilitator Dick Muir believes that the Academy capitalises on the demand for high-performance rugby tuition in an innovative and creative manor;

Murray Mexted, Ngobani Bobo and Dick Muir during the 2011 Investec International Rugby Academy held at Hilton College © Barry Aldworth/Backpagepix

“The Academy is an invaluable experience for coaches and players because it provides crucial information and techniques on a host of topics that will go a long way in the development, progress and success of coaches and players alike. The 14 day period allows us to fully observe the skills, determination, flaws and talent of some of the most gifted youth available today. The players thoroughly enjoyed being part of such an exciting and informative experience with first class training facilities.”

Through a host of on and off field lectures, presentations and training drills the youngsters refined techniques, corrected their styles and developed their mental and physical fitness with the view to upgrading their talent to the next level. The coaches were also put through their paces as they learnt the latest trends in international rugby, engaged in healthy discussions and evaluated the performances and techniques of the best up-and-coming rugby players that South Africa has to offer.

Guy Ranger, a High Performance Course Graduate from May 2009 explains what the course meant to him;

Murray Mexted (l) coaches a student in eigthman skills at the 2011 Investec International Rugby Academy © Barry Aldworth/Backpagepix

“The International Investec Rugby Academy offers a premier opportunity for players and coaches to be evaluated and to learn what it takes to advance to the next level. With the selected coaches on hand the Academy provides the tools and skills needed for players and coaches to expand their horizons and perhaps one day entrench themselves in the rugby records. The South African academy is modelled on the success and credibility of the International Rugby Academy New Zealand and we firmly believe that in time, we would have nurtured and developed some of the greatest rugby talent to come out of this country.”

Dick Muir (l) coaches a student in back line skills at the 2011 Investec International Rugby Academy © Barry Aldworth/Backpagepix

Pieter de Villiers (r) coaches a student in front row skills at the 2011 Investec International Rugby Academy © Barry Aldworth/Backpagepix

American born Irish Superstar, Ronan O'Gara

Ronan O’Gara simply can’t stop grabbing the headlines in the Heineken Cup. In the opening two rounds his last gasp drop goals helped Munster Rugby across the line in the Pool 1 clashes with Northampton Saints and Castres Olympique and this week his name will once again be on everyone’s lips as he looks set to make his 100^th appearance in the tournament.

If he does reach the milestone at Parc y Scarlets on Saturday, it won’t be a first for the Irish points machine as team-mate John Hayes played his 100^th game in Round 1. But the man who won the ERC European Player Award (1995-2010), and the first man to pass 1,000 tournament points, isn’t worried about that.

“I was honoured to present John Hayes with his cap for reaching 100 Heineken Cup matches. He was the most fitting Munster man to achieve that milestone,” said O’Gara.

“It is a great thing to achieve, but I don’t look upon it as anything big at this stage. When I retire in a few years time I will look back on it as being a significant cap because it is such a fantastic competition.

“It is a competition that has given me every possible emotion – and that’s why you play the game. I have had wonderful moments and disappointing moments, but that’s why you get involved in sport and that’s why this team is so special to me and why the fans are so loyal to the Heineken Cup – it is a wonderful ambassador for northern hemisphere rugby.”

How do you pick out one moment from a European career that started with a 48-40 defeat at The Stoop against Harlequins back in the 1997/98 season and has seen O’Gara win two titles, reach four finals and five other semi-finals. It is virtually impossible, especially as this season’s two games have thrown up two more candidates for his Top 10 best moments.

“Because of the way the competition is structured, if you are lucky enough to win it you play nine games, which isn’t many. That means every game in Europe is a big one,” he added.

“That has been the way Munster has always looked upon it. Last year when we didn’t get out of our group we were guilty of treating every game the same. But the stature of the Heineken Cup is that it has been held above everything else. That’s the way it has always been for us in Munster and that’s how I want it to be.

“I’ve been so lucky because the Heineken Cup has given me so many great memories. To name just a few would be doing an injustice to the 25 or more others I could choose.

“You can go back to the semi-final against Toulouse in 2000 and see the brand of rugby we played. Munster had traditionally been a forward orientated side, but that was the start of the 15 man game.

“We have evolved every season since then, which you have to do, because the standard rises every year – it is an unbelievable competition.”

Now in his 15th season in the tournament, the 34-year-old O’Gara has seen the Heineken Cup develop from its infancy. There were a mere 2,000 at Musgrave Park in 1998 to see his home debut in the win over Petrarca, whereas these days Thomond Park is more often than not filled to its 26,000 capacity for European games.

“No one had a clue when it first started that it would grow into what it has become. The whole thing has snowballed,” said O’Gara.

“It was popular at certain stages throughout the season, but the support bases that Munster, Ulster, Leinster have built, and now Connacht, have been phenomenal. It is real a tribute to what these provinces have done.

“When we played Leinster in Dooradoyle in 1997 there were 500 people there. Now we can get 80,000 for a Heineken Cup clash between the same two teams. That shows the impact the game has in this country and it doesn’t happen by chance – there has been a lot of hard work done by the provinces, ERC and Heineken.

“The fascinating thing about the Heineken Cup is it is a club competition. People miss that point sometimes. You have some of the best players in your country on the team and then some younger players who are trying to develop who wouldn’t get on an international side.

“What is so good about the Heineken Cup is the game that can be played – you have more time on the ball. You have a second longer than you would have in international rugby.

“That’s the key difference. There are opportunities for mis-matches whereas at international level that doesn’t happen, which is why it is a slightly less appealing game to the fans.”

SA Rugby Annual 2012

The SA Rugby Annual 2012 – the official record of the South African season – hits book shops across South Africa this week, making it the earliest publication of the title in the history of its 41 editions.

Widely considered to be one of the finest yearbooks in world rugby, the unrivalled ‘bible’ of the South African game has definitively chronicled rugby in this country for over four decades. The latest issue, edited by Duane Heath and Eddie Grieb, raises the bar yet again with a host of previously unpublished facts and figures that will settle any pub or braai-side argument.

“The SA Rugby Annual has become essential reading for every player, coach, manager, administrator, sponsor, agent and fan,” said Jurie Roux, CEO of the South African Rugby Union (SARU) at a launch of the Annual in Cape Town earlier today.

The 2012 edition breaks new ground by reaching the shelves almost a month earlier than ever before, making it the perfect Christmas stocking-filler for any rugby-mad child, parent or grandparent – practically any sports lover who wants to know anything about South African rugby but who didn’t know where to go looking for the answer.

The 2012 SA Rugby Annual records the more than 200 first-class matches involving South African teams in 2011, as well as the detailed biographies of each and every one of the more than 750 players who appeared in those matches – for whom the book therefore doubles as an invaluable keepsake to be passed down to children and grandchildren.

The world’s oldest provincial competition – the Absa Currie Cup – provided a fairy tale finish to the year for the MTN Golden Lions, who romped home for their first title since 1999, and the 2012 SA Rugby Annual recognises the effect this match had on fans across the country.

The Annual publishes a unique list of all 898 men who have played in the biggest provincial match in South African rugby since the first final was held in 1939. The Annual also lists every player who has captained a team in an Absa Currie Cup final as well as their winning records.

The 2012 SA Rugby Annual paints an unbeatable picture of a dramatic year in South African rugby but also records the sport’s rich history with its comprehensive records section, which includes the career details of all 830 players to have worn the Springbok jersey since 1891 – from the very first, Benjamin Duff, to the newest Bok, Gerhard Mostert.

And just when you thought the 2012 SA Rugby Annual couldn’t chronicle the Springbok saga in any more detail, it lists the details of each and every one of the 743 matches the men in green and gold have played over the past 120 years – all 404 Test matches and 339 overseas tour games.

But the Annual doesn’t only cover the Springboks and the Absa Currie Cup – inside its packed 480 pages you’ll find detailed tournament reviews of everything from Vodacom Super Rugby and the Vodacom Cup to the FNB Varsity Cup, Coca-Cola Craven Week, HSBC Sevens World Series, National Club Championships and even the SA Women’s IRB Nations Cup campaign.

For more information please contact:

• De Jongh Borchardt (SARU Digital and Publications Manager): 021 659 6700 / 082 999 9979 / dejonghb@sarugby.co.za
• Duane Heath (Editor): 021 785 6950 / 082 375 8294 / duane@mwp.co.za

Treu, team captain Kyle Brown, IRB Sevens Player of the Year Cecil Afrika and senior squad members Frankie Horne and Chase Minnaar spoke to the media at their team hotel in Nelson Mandela Bay, the new host city for the South Africa Sevens.

The 16 teams arrived yesterday in the city on two evening flights from Dubai via Johannesburg and today most of the squads either had outings to the nearby beach or chose to have a swim session in the hotel pool.

Treu was straightforward in his assessment of the team’s performances during the two previous HSBC Sevens World Series tournaments at the Gold Coast and Dubai. The Blitzbokke won the third match playoff two weeks ago in Brisbane but lost the Plate Final against Australia on Saturday in the desert city.

The South African Sevens coach said he realises his team is now under pressure to raise their game in front of their home fans.

“We are always under pressure to win and we approach every tournament with a winning attitude. We have left ourselves down by not playing to the standards we have set for ourselves,” said Treu.

He told his players to embrace the extra responsibility and expectation of the home supporters, something which his captain also referred to.

Brown said his team was definitely looking forward to enjoying themselves in their only home outing and to play for the very first time in the new Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Furthermore, Brown said most teams have now changed their approach to Sevens and that this was evident in the overall standard of play so far this season.

“You can see that teams such as Japan, Portugal and Russia have now switched on differently in terms of their approach. The teams are more professional and it makes it harder for everyone, which is good for the game.

“We are going to focus on how to harness the good vibe in The Bay so that, hopefully, it can help us when we play on Friday and Saturday. We only play once in front of our own fans and we owe it to them and to ourselves to raise our standard of play,” said the Blitzbokke skipper.

IRB Sevens player of the Year, Cecil Afrika, said he was fit and ready to play. “I’m good to go and hope to play to my part if selected. It is nice to have a few guys in the squad with Eastern Cape roots, like myself, Chase Minnaar and Steven Hunt. Nothing beats the feeling of playing at home,” said the South African Sevens playmaker.

Afrika missed the Dubai leg due to a rib injury sustained in Australia. He recently recovered from two facial injuries.

Nearly 30 000 tickets have been sold and fans can book their seat to Rugby’ Biggest Part of the Year at any Computicket outlet. Tickets are priced between R80 – R300 and include a Castle Lager SuperFan concert on Friday evening.

Christmas Special: Personlised Rugby Balls, signed by Vlok Cilliers & Morné Steyn

Morne Steyn and Vlok “skop” Cilliers offers you the unique opportunity to have the perfect gift this year! With this exclusive limited offer you can have a personally addressed rugby ball, signed by both rugby legends Morne Steyn and he’s kicking coach Vlok “Skop” Cilliers on a rugby ball.

The rugby ball will sell at R180 a piece and will only be available until 12 December 2011.

**Please note that stock are limited.*

 How to make use of this limited opportunity:

Step 1: Please complete the electronic form.

Step 2: Deposit / EFT money into the following account:

MORVLOK TRUST,

FNB Lynnwood Branch 252045,

Bank Account: 62321920044

Step 3: Please fax proof of payment to 086 5750 443

*NB: use your INITIALS & SURNAME as reference on your deposit slip or proof of payment.

Please note: That no merchandise will be sent without full payment, proof of payment or a valid Post Office Box Address.

Please follow the following link to order:

https://docs.google.com/a/oasiswater.co.za/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en_GB&formkey=dHVIaFdsVDlKOHlEQXZaVzZpNkN0SWc6MQ#gid=0