Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Earning their stripes: U.S. rugby team takes aim in spotlight

A milestone in rugby's growth comes Saturday in Charleston, S.C., where the Eagles face Canada in a World Cup qualifying game. It will be the first international rugby match to be shown live on ESPN (4 p.m. ET).

Read the full article in USA Today

Sunday, June 28, 2009

New Hyde Rugby Website

.... just wanted to let you know about the new Hyde rugby website. http://hyderugby.com/ check it out and and spread the word.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Comment from jaybs in the UK

Greetings from the UK, after watching the DVD "Forever Strong" last night (which I had to buy from Australia) I was so moved. Trying to find if I could but some merchandise and support the effort I came across your website and I feel now so sad.

In the UK we have had differences over the years between the two codes of Rugby, League which I was born into being a northern based town and Union, which I also loved, but still do not feel is a fluent in rugby style. But! the divisions were always between those that rule and never between those that play the game.

My career was brought to an halt very early due to injury, when I so wanted to make it professional. Being a firm and committed Christian I Prayed and for some reason was guided to the YMCA were rugby had not bene played for over 40 years and with a friend we stated an Under 16 team, to carry out our beliefs and work with young guys we adopted a motto from St John, "That They All May Be One" over many years we helped so many young men, many could never work out why I was always Happy and never drank or smoked, we even moved up to having an Under 17 team as well.

Then in Prayer I was called to serve as a County/State Youth Selector and quickly to a Great Britain Youth Selector. I did not want to leave my club team but Prayer told me different.

For Great Britain there were 4 selectors, all were aged over 50 and I was 23. It came for a Tour to Australia and the four of us had to decide who should go. The GB Coach had put in a recommendation for myself as all the players knew and respected me, but when the votes were cast, I got none! - I then made the biggest mistake of my life, I never put this to problem, I walked away with my ball as they say.

Now I know that was not what "My Heavenly Father! wanted.

I hope understanding can come again quickly, this was a movie, most American Movies tell us you won the second world war on your own - LOL - but on this poignant D Day weekend we all know that was not True and most of my best friends are American.

Long may Good Living people work via sport and use our faith th help young people and so may Highland Rugby!

Monday, June 8, 2009

Email sent to the Pacific Coast Rugby Union

A few weeks ago I watched my son’s mens division team, The Las Vegas Blackjacks, play the Sacramento Lions. To add some perspective, I am a Maori / Samoan from New Zealand. These men represented you very well. In fact it was the most remarkable display of good sportsmanship and self discipline that I have ever seen at a rugby game especially in light of what happened after the game.

During the game their were some very big hits, particularly on the Sacramento side of the ball. Hard tackling but guys were wrapping up and no one was hurt. The play was hard but clean. I saw not fists flying or stomping. Hats off to the Referee he did an excellent job. These are not easy games to ref. He showed respect for the players and the calls were fair both ways, and in return he received respect from the players. The Lions lost a hard fought game but they were gracious and gentlemen in defeat even wishing Las Vegas the best in Texas.

After the game as the Lions returned to their side of the field, some of the players wandered across an adjoining field where a game of flag football was being played. Words were exchanged #%T&^$##%%^% and then some pushing and shoving started. I stood their thinking to myself, you crazy crazy flag football players, you have no idea what type of hornets nest you are messing with. You do not get into a Polynesians face after he lost a rugby game and with all of his team mates only 20 feet away.

Then I heard the voice of the coach calling to his players to let it go and come back over to sit under the tree. F&B’s still flying, players pulling other players away and then they turned and WALKED AWAY, listened to the coach and gathered with the rest of the team under the tree.

I was so proud and pleased with their conduct. These men turned a potentially very ugly situation into a lesson that needs to be shared with everyone. I later shed a few tears for my Polynesian brothers who are so often stereotyped and marginalized because of their appearance. Big guys with big hair, big tattoos and the too often overlooked big hearts. We hear too much of the negative and not enough of the positive. We are often blinded by the outward appearance and fail to see the good that lies within or recognize and praise good conduct.

On this day these warriors walked away with a victory on and off the field. They did your union, club, coaches, supporters, families, community, parents, ancestors, cultures and each other PROUD. Damn proud. A huge credit to their program and coaches and a great example for all of us to follow. These Lions were Kings of the day!!

And the flag football players should be counting their lucky stars.