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Australian Rugby Union (Australian Rugby Union)

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BUILDCORP SUPER W READY FOR FINAL SHOWDOWN

19/04/2018, Australia, Rugby, Australian Rugby Union, Article # 26455381
 
 
BUILDCORP SUPER W READY FOR FINAL SHOWDOWN
APRIL 19, 2018
Please find a link below to download interviews and overlay of the Buildcorp Super W Final media call in Sydney this morning. 

NSW Women's players Ash Hewson (captain) and Grace Hamilton alongside Queensland Women's players Kirby Sefo (captain) and Kiri Lingman spoke to the media. Buildcorp Wallaroos Head Coach Dwayne Nestor was also present. 

Please click here for interviews and overlay. 

 
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
AUSTRALIA BEAT WALES AND ENGLAND ON DAY ONE OF THEIR COMMONWEALTH GAMES CAMPAIGN

AUSTRALIA BEAT WALES AND ENGLAND ON DAY ONE OF THEIR COMMONWEALTH GAMES CAMPAIGN

14/04/2018, Australia, Rugby, Australian Rugby Union, Article # 26402989
 
AUSTRALIA BEAT WALES AND ENGLAND ON DAY ONE OF THEIR COMMONWEALTH GAMES CAMPAIGN
APRIL 13, 2018
The Australian Women's Rugby Sevens defeated Wales 34-5 before accounting for England 29-12 on day one of their Commonwealth Games campaign.

Australia now face Fiji on Saturday evening to confirm their spot in Sunday's semi-finals.

Coach Tim Walsh spoke to the media outside Robina Stadium

For the interview from the Gold Coast, please click here
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KARMICHAEL HUNT DISCIPLINARY OUTCOME

KARMICHAEL HUNT DISCIPLINARY OUTCOME

19/03/2018, Australia, Rugby, Australian Rugby Union, Article # 26127302
 
 
KARMICHAEL HUNT DISCIPLINARY OUTCOME
MARCH 19, 2018
Rugby Australia has today concluded its disciplinary process into the off-field conduct of Wallabies and Queensland Reds back Karmichael Hunt following his arrest in Brisbane on December 30, 2017.

Hunt was the subject of criminal proceedings in the Brisbane Magistrates Court, where he pleaded guilty on separate charges of possessing a dangerous drug (Alprazolam) and contravening a Police direction. He was fined $300 by the Court for each offence.

As set out in the Professional Player’s Code of Conduct, Rugby Australia was required to await the conclusion of criminal proceedings before progressing any disciplinary action.

Having carefully considered the offences admitted by the player, the verdict and judgment of the Court, it was determined Hunt had committed a low-level breach of the Code.

However, Rugby Australia also considered Hunt’s previous disciplinary matter and the consequential significant reputational damage that his recent arrest and Court proceedings has caused to Rugby in determining its sanction.

Hunt has today been issued a fine of $10,000, along with a four (4) match suspension. In addition, he will be placed on an illicit drug target testing program for a period of twelve (12) months and will participate in any drug treatment and education programs deemed necessary by Rugby Australia.

Given Hunt has served a voluntary stand-down since his arrest and through to the current round of Super Rugby, it was deemed that his four-match suspension has been served. The $10,000 fine will be paid to the Australian Rugby Foundation to support community Rugby initiatives.

Rugby Australia Chief Executive, Raelene Castle said: “We take all matters of off-field behaviour seriously and have conducted a thorough investigation into the events surrounding Karmichael Hunt’s arrest in December, and the subsequent Court proceedings.

“In arriving at today’s outcome, we’ve considered the judgement of the Court and all the evidence we had available relating to Karmichael’s arrest, as well as considering the damage that the very public nature of his arrest and the subsequent speculation has inflicted on the game.

“The penalty handed down to Karmichael today also takes into account a previous disciplinary matter for which he was fined and suspended in 2015.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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RUGBY.COM.AU RADIO AND ABC GRANDSTAND TO BRING SUPER RUGBY TO FANS IN 2018

RUGBY.COM.AU RADIO AND ABC GRANDSTAND TO BRING SUPER RUGBY TO FANS IN 2018

23/02/2018, Australia, Rugby, Australian Rugby Union, Article # 25876065
 
 
RUGBY.COM.AU RADIO AND ABC GRANDSTAND TO BRING SUPER RUGBY TO FANS IN 2018
FEBRUARY 23, 2018
Fans can get even closer to the Vodafone Super Rugby action this year with RUGBY.com.au and ABC Grandstand combining to deliver all matches on Aussie soil, and Australian away games in New Zealand and Japan in 2018.
 
The broadcast partnership sees the return of Vodafone Super Rugby for both audiences with the broadcasting to be shared across the digital and radio platforms of RUGBY.com.au and ABC Grandstand. 

Captaining the RUGBY.com.au commentary team will be Network Ten’s voice of Rugby and former ABC Broadcaster, Gordon Bray. 

Bray will be supported by a dedicated team of fellow commentators and experts including Rio Gold Medal medalist, Shannon Parry, former Qantas Wallabies Adam Freier and Ross Reynolds and former Scotland International Dan Parks. 

For the ABC, Tim Gavel and Quentin Hull, will be the local voices for ACT and QLD respectively, and a wealth of experienced experts including Pat McCabe in Canberra and former Reds coach Phil Mooney in Brisbane for the 2018 season. 

Rugby Australia Head of Marketing and Digital Media, Adam Freier said: “We’re really excited about this partnership with ABC Grandstand after the successful launch of RUGBY.com.au Radio in 2017. 

“By working together, we will be able to deliver every Australian Super Rugby game on Aussie soil and when our teams head to New Zealand and Japan.  

“We’re very fortunate to have outstanding broadcast partners in FOX SPORTS and Network TEN and we will be to continue to drive Rugby’s voice through the ABC network and RUGBY.com.au Radio.

ABC Manager of Sport, Nick Morris said: “Rugby has a long and proud broadcast history on the ABC and we are really excited that this partnership with Rugby Australia will give our audiences the opportunity to hear more matches of Super Rugby on ABC platforms than ever before.

“Fans of Super Rugby will be able to listen to all matches featuring Australian teams, played in Australia and New Zealand, on a mix of ABC broadcast platforms, including the ABC Listen app, ABC Radio and Grandstand DAB+, along with Rugby Australia’s RUGBY.com.au Radio.
 
“The commentary team will feature names familiar to ABC audience, including ABC’s Quentin Hull, Tim Gavel, and one of our favourite sons, Gordon Bray. It will be great to hear Gordon back on ABC platforms.” 

Gordon Bray will kick off the commentary for the 2018 Vodafone Super Rugby season this Fridayalongside Aussie 7s Co-Captain Shannon Parry when the Melbourne Rebels take on the St.George Queensland Reds LIVE from AAMI Park in Melbourne. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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RUGBY AUSTRALIA RESUMES KARMICHAEL HUNT INVESTIGATION

RUGBY AUSTRALIA RESUMES KARMICHAEL HUNT INVESTIGATION

19/02/2018, Australia, Rugby, Australian Rugby Union, Article # 25839768
 
 
RUGBY AUSTRALIA RESUMES KARMICHAEL HUNT INVESTIGATION
FEBRUARY 19, 2018
Following the conclusion of criminal proceedings against Karmichael Hunt in the Brisbane Magistrates Court today, Rugby Australia has resumed its investigation in relation to his conduct. 

Hunt pleaded guilty to possession of a dangerous drug (Alprazolam) and contravening a police direction. A separate charge of cocaine possession was dropped.

The Queensland Reds and Wallabies back will continue his voluntary stand-down from all Rugby duties until the matter is resolved by Rugby Australia and the Queensland Rugby Union (QRU). 

A further update will be provided at the appropriate time.
 
 
   
   
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PLAYER SAFETY PARAMOUNT IN 2018 NATIONAL RUGBY INITIATIVES

PLAYER SAFETY PARAMOUNT IN 2018 NATIONAL RUGBY INITIATIVES

16/02/2018, Australia, Rugby, Australian Rugby Union, Article # 25807710
 
 
PLAYER SAFETY PARAMOUNT IN 2018 NATIONAL RUGBY INITIATIVES
FEBRUARY 16, 2018
Rugby Australia (Rugby AU) today announced significant changes to Junior and Senior Rugby aimed at ensuring maximum safety and enjoyment for all participants, with the introduction of new national Size for Age guidelines and the Blue Card concussion management system.

Size for Age Guidelines – for Junior and Schools Rugby

Rugby AU’s new Size for Age guidelines enable individual players to be moved into a different age group following an assessment of physical and personal development factors including height, weight, playing experience, fitness and maturity.

The current participation policy allows for a player to be moved across any one of four age grades (including their true age group, one age group below, or up to two age groups above their true age group).

From 2018, all Under 10 to Under 15 players deemed to be below or above an accepted height and weight range will now be subject to mandatory assessment by a qualified, independent Coach to determine which age bracket they are most suited to playing.

Prior to the introduction of these guidelines, there was no standardised approach to mandating the assessment of individual players for size and age dispensation.

The changes are being implemented in 2018 following an extensive research project conducted by Rugby Australia in partnership with Sydney Junior Rugby Union, Brumbies Rugby and the Australian Catholic University.

The study, which has been completed over a two-year period, found that weight alone was not a strong enough factor to consider moving a player up or down in age group.

Rugby Australia Head of Rugby Services, Lachlan Clark said: “The changes we have made with our size and age guidelines are aimed at making the game safer and more enjoyable for all participants, while staying true to the value that Rugby is a game for people of all shapes and sizes.

 “In every age group, there are exceptional cases where a junior player might be better suited to playing up or down a grade, and we now have a structured process to ensure those players are playing at a level that best suits their physical and personal development.

“This is the culmination of a review which has been two years in the making and is backed by an extensive research project, which we believe puts Australia at the forefront of world Rugby in this area.”

Blue Card – concussion management tool for Junior, Schools and Senior Rugby

The Blue Card system, which was trialled in 2017, will be rolled out across all competitions nationally in 2018 ensuring Rugby continues to lead the way in concussion management for individual players. 

Team management, medical staff and match officials have always had the responsibility to remove a player from the field if they are presenting signs and symptoms of concussion. The new Blue Card ensures the recording of such an incident, and formally triggers an off-field process to begin.

Once a player is shown a blue card by the match official, they cannot participate any further in the match and are required to undergo a mandatory medical assessment and then follow a set program before returning to Rugby.

Rugby Australia Head of Rugby Services, Lachlan Clark said: “The Blue Card system will be in place across all Rugby nationally from under 13 to National Rugby Championship (NRC) level, enhancing Rugby’s commitment to protecting players from the rare occurrence of concussion. 

“There will be ongoing structured education of match officials, medical attendants, coaches and team managers in the signs and symptoms and management of concussion. 
 
“Our commitment to protect players from head injuries is reinforced with strict high tackle laws with the understanding that the head is sacred across all levels of the game. The Blue Card system reinforces that player safety is paramount in our game.”
 
 
   
 
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YENDA TIES THE KNOT WITH RUGBY

YENDA TIES THE KNOT WITH RUGBY

14/02/2018, Australia, Rugby, Australian Rugby Union, Article # 25785040
 
 
YENDA TIES THE KNOT WITH RUGBY
FEBRUARY 14, 2018
As excitement brews ahead of another action-packed season of rugby, Yenda has come on board as the official beer of the Qantas Wallabies and Vodafone Super Rugby competition.
 
Owned by the Australian Beer Company, the three-year partnership will see Yenda take part in the 2018, 2019 and 2020 seasons.
 
Australian Beer Company Marketing Manager Stuart Boag said: ‘’We’re excited about this new partnership and to be able to share our locally-brewed Yenda beers with everyone in the Australian rugby community.
 
"Like most Aussie rugby fans, we can’t wait to get stuck into the Super Rugby season. There’s nothing we’d love more than to toast an Australian champion this season, whether it's Vodafone Super Rugby or The Rugby Championship – or both!"
 
Established in 2013, Yenda was named after its own home town located in the heart of the NSW Riverina which is also home to Wallaby legends Arthur Tonkin, Beresford Ellwood, Jim Lenehan, Ken McMullen and John Langford.
 
Now the award-winning brewery distributes quality craft beer and cider to Australians right across the country.
 
Rugby Australia’s General Manager, Commercial Partnerships Peter Sciberras said: ‘’Rural talent has always played a big part in Australian rugby’s success. Hard work, passion and teamwork are the cornerstone of country rugby and it’s great to welcome Yenda who share those same core values.’’
 
ENDS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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DWAYNE NESTOR TAKES OVER AS HEAD COACH OF BUILDCORP WALLAROOS

DWAYNE NESTOR TAKES OVER AS HEAD COACH OF BUILDCORP WALLAROOS

14/02/2018, Australia, Rugby, Australian Rugby Union, Article # 25784978
 
 
DWAYNE NESTOR TAKES OVER AS HEAD COACH OF BUILDCORP WALLAROOS
FEBRUARY 13, 2018

Dwayne Nestor has today been confirmed as the new head coach of the Buildcorp Wallaroos. 

The Wallaroos former assistant coach will take the reins effective immediately as the side gears towards the 2021 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
 
The West Australian was brought in as an attack coach for the Wallaroos' 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup campaign following his successful stint with Perth Spirit.

Nestor led the Spirit to the 2016 National Rugby Championship (NRC) title after previously serving as an assistant coach in 2015.
 
A product of Western Australia's rugby pathway, Nestor has coached in Perth for over a decade, including stints at Cottesloe in Perth's Pindan Premier Grade club competition as well as the WA U16s and Junior Gold Cup sides.
 
Nestor also worked at the Western Force as a kicking coach from 2014 to 2016.
 
Joining Nestor’s coaching staff as an assistant will be Moana Virtue who has coached extensively with Sunnybank in Brisbane as well as the Queensland Women's side and Griffith University in the Aon University Sevens last year.
 
Wallaroos Head Coach, Dwayne Nestor said: “I’m really looking forward to taking on this role in what is a really exciting time for Women’s Rugby in Australia.
 
“I want to build a strong program that will enable us to reach the High Performance desires we have for this team, not only this year but heading into the World Cup.
 
“The Wallaroos showed at last year’s World Cup that when given time and opportunity we can beat anyone on our day. Our challenge is to take that momentum and build systems that will make us a strong outfit heading into the next World Cup in 2021.
 
“It all starts with the upcoming Super W season and I know there are going to be plenty of players putting their hands up for higher honours. This competition is really going to break open Women’s XVs in this country and I can’t wait to see it get underway.”

Rugby Australia General Manager, High Performance, Ben Whitaker said: “Dwayne was a standout candidate to take over this role and we’re very excited to see him continue with the Wallaroos program after his efforts with the team throughout the Women’s Rugby World Cup last year.
 
“Dwayne has a great Rugby brain and I know he will put his stamp on the team moving forward.
 
“Dwayne will be picking up from former head coach Paul Verrell who has left a great legacy for Women’s Rugby, after doing an outstanding job with the team throughout his tenure.”
 
Having already established a strong rapport with the Wallaroos squad at the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup, Nestor will ease into the role that was vacated after the retirement of Paul Verrell last year. 
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AUSTRALIAN MEN BREAK TITLE DROUGHT IN SYDNEY TO CAP MEMORABLE DAY

AUSTRALIAN MEN BREAK TITLE DROUGHT IN SYDNEY TO CAP MEMORABLE DAY

29/01/2018, Australia, Rugby, Australian Rugby Union, Article # 25624536
 

AUSTRALIAN MEN BREAK TITLE DROUGHT IN SYDNEY TO CAP MEMORABLE DAY

JANUARY 28, 2018

The Qantas Australian Men's Sevens side have broken their HSBC Sevens World Series tournament drought after a 29-nil demolition of reigning Series champions South Africa. 

Australia hadn't won a World Series tournament since Tokyo in 2012 but waltzed their way to the 2018 Sydney7s crown following day three victories over New Zealand, Argentina and South Africa.

The Men's title capped a remarkable day for Australia following the Women's record-breaking win over New Zealand in their Cup final earlier in the day. 

Qantas Australian Men's Sevens coach, Andy Friend said: "We've got quite an aggressive defensive system and throughout the course of the weekend on occasions we haven't believed in it. We showed a couple of clips this morning and just said, 'Listen, do we really believe in this?' and the boys were like, 'Yeah, actually we do'.

"I said, 'well if we believe let's do it.'

"We committed to doing it and honestly from that minute on, it was just a different team.

"We train it but it's one thing doing it at training, and one thing doing it out here and they believed in that and to me that was the difference."

"For them to now turn up and to do that on a World Series and in the process to knock off New Zealand and South Africa in the same tournament must give them belief, and I know it has given them belief," Friend said.

Australia 24 defeated New Zealand 12

New Zealand used field position in the early stages and the ploy worked wonders as the All Blacks Sevens got the first try of the game in the right hand corner. Australia's defensive pressure turned the screws on New Zealand though as they struggled to get of their own 22, giving Australia's Ben O'Donnell the time and space to pounce and level the scores. Andy Friend using his bench to great effect shortly after with Charlie Taylor injected and scoring a try in the right hand corner with his first touch to make the score 12-5 at the break. 

New Zealand holding the ball with great success in the second half and levelled scores with four minutes left to play thanks to Vilimoni Koroi. Super sub Maurice Longbottom then throwing the game wide open with a brilliant 40 metre sprint to dive in the corner and regain the lead for Australia. A captain's effort from Lewis Holland then gave Australia a 12 point lead with 30 seconds left to play to book a Cup semi-final berth.

Australia 28 defeated Argentina 0

Australia worked the field position early as a smart quick tap from Tim Anstee sent an Argentine to the sin bin. Lewis Holland making the most of the one man advantage to score under the posts and give the easiest of conversions for James Stannard. Australia kept possession of the ball and it soon paid dividends, with Stannard using the one man overlap to send Ben O'Donnell away to race 60 metres and extend the lead to 14-nil at the break.

Another yellow card to Argentina didn't help their cause in the second half and Holland made them pay as the skipper stepped and sprinted to score under the posts. Australia extending the lead to 28-nil on the stroke of full-time as Ben O'Donnell continued his impressive tournament as he weaved his way through the Argentinean defence to chalk up his fourth five pointer of the weekend.

Australia 29 defeated South Africa 0

A simple mistake from James Stannard gave early possession and territory to South Africa but they couldn't capitalise as Jesse Parahi earned a turnover penalty. Australia couldn't make the most of their field position though with poor handling giving the ball straight back to South Africa. An amazing 90 metre effort from South Africa went to the TMO with Rosko Specman adjudged to have put a foot in touch after an impressive cover tackle from Lachie Anderson. Australia then going the length of the field with skipper Lewis Holland bouncing off tackles to score under the posts. Stannard then putting on a pinpoint kickoff restart for Ben O'Donnell to regather, and pass back to Stannard to race away and make the score 14-nil at half-time. 

Australia kept the pressure on South Africa in the second half with Stannard putting the grubber through for John Porch to dive over in the corner. The scoring wasn't done there though as O'Donnell forced his way through the South African defence to take the score to 24-nil with three minutes left to play. O'Donnell grabbed a double shortly after as he burnt speedster Seabelo Senatla on the outside to give Australia an unassailable lead and a memorable tournament win on home soil. 

HSBC Sydney7s day three results
Qantas Australian Men’s Sevens
Cup Quarter-Final: Australia 24-12 New Zealand
Cup Semi-Final: Australia 28-0 Argentina
Cup Final: Australia 29-0 South Africa

The Australian Rugby Foundation will make a donation of $30,500 to grassroots rugby after 61 Australian tries were scored at the Sydney7s. 

As the official charity partner for the HSBC Sydney 7s Tournament, all funds raised during the three days will go directly to the Foundation's grassroots and community initiatives. The Australian Rugby Foundation supports Rugby Australia's vision to grow rugby, by investing in grassroots/community rugby initiatives to inspire all Australians to enjoy our great global game. 

 
 
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RUGBY FANS WIN BIG FROM NSW GOVERNMENT'S SYDNEY STADIUM PLANS

RUGBY FANS WIN BIG FROM NSW GOVERNMENT'S SYDNEY STADIUM PLANS

24/11/2017, Australia, Rugby, Australian Rugby Union, Article # 24944452
 

RUGBY FANS WIN BIG FROM NSW GOVERNMENT'S SYDNEY STADIUM PLANS

NOVEMBER 24, 2017
Rugby fans are the big winners from the NSW Government’s Sydney stadium plans announced today.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres confirmed Allianz and ANZ Stadiums will be rebuilt and transformed into world-class facilities, ensuring fans of the NSW Waratahs and Australia’s national teams including the Qantas Wallabies and Qantas Australian Sevens teams will experience their teams like never before.

Under its plan, the NSW Government has committed to:
  • A new 45,000-seat stadium to replace Allianz Stadium at Moore Park with construction to start in 2018 and open in 2021 (estimated $705 million, subject to final procurement); and
  • A new 75,000-seat rectangular stadium to replace ANZ at Sydney Olympic Park, construction to start in 2019 and open in 2022 (estimated $1.25 billion, subject to final procurement).
The new stadium announcements follow the announcement in 2016 of a new 30,000-seat rectangular stadium at Parramatta, which is currently under construction and due for completion in 2019.
 
“Fans will be closer to the action than ever before, with steep seating creating a colosseum inspired wall of sound and colour, enhanced with the world’s most advanced technology,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“This investment means we can compete on the world stage for events such as the Rugby World Cup, and keep Sydney as the number one sporting destination.”

Rugby Australia CEO Bill Pulver heralded today’s announcement as a huge win for Rugby fans.
 
 “We commend the leadership and vision of Premier Berejiklian and Minister Ayres in delivering this outcome, which represents a significant improvement on the stadium package announced by the NSW Government in 2016 and has delivered a dream result for Rugby,” said Pulver.

“Sydney is one of the world’s premier cities and deserves to have world-class stadia which reflects this standing to attract the biggest sports and entertainment events.

“In recent times the city has fallen significantly behind the other major centres in Australia with its aging stadium infrastructure but this commitment by the NSW Government will ensure NSW is at the forefront for major sports stadiums on a global scale.

“By 2022, Sydney will have three new world-class stadiums in action at Parramatta, Homebush and Moore Park purpose-built for rectangular sports, ensuring the best possible experience for Rugby fans and enabling us to bring the biggest Rugby tournaments in the world to Australia. Crucially, it positions us well for future Rugby World Cup bids," he said.

In 2018 Allianz Stadium will play host over the Australia Day long weekend to the third HSBC Sydney 7s, one of the world’s premier Sevens tournaments which attracted sell-out crowds in its first two years, as well as a much-anticipated international between the Qantas Wallabies and Ireland in June.

The Moore Park venue is also home to the NSW Waratahs, the only team that represents the state on a regular basis nationally and internationally in Vodafone Super Rugby.

ANZ Stadium has been the home of the Bledisloe Cup since 2012 and will once again host the sport’s biggest rivalry as the Qantas Wallabies take on the New Zealand All Blacks in the opening match of the 2018 Rugby Championship in August.

 
 
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