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Tag: Rugby

  • West Africa’s first International Standard Rugby Stadium unveiled in Ghana

    West Africa’s first International Standard Rugby Stadium unveiled in Ghana

    Ghana has proudly unveiled its Rugby Stadium at the 2024 African Games, scheduled from March 8 to March 23 in Accra, Ghana.

    Situated at the University of Ghana, the stadium holds the promise of becoming a cornerstone for hosting international rugby competitions.

    The Rugby Stadium is the first international standard rugby stadium in West Africa, adhering to World Rugby Guidelines and Regulations. It is determined to elevate the profile of rugby across the African continent.

    In the past, Rugby Africa, the continental governing body of rugby across Africa, has faced challenges in securing suitable venues for international rugby events.

    The opening of this facility not only addresses these challenges but also signifies a bold step towards fostering the growth of rugby across Africa. Beyond its role as a venue for international competitions, the Rugby Stadium will primarily be used by the Ghana Rugby Federation.

    Since 2021, stakeholders from various sectors have come together to make this vision a reality for West Africa. With vital support from government officials, the Ghanaian community, and the Ghana Rugby Federation, the project has been successfully completed in readiness for the 2024 African Games.

    Following three years of meticulous planning and construction, the stadium now stands as a testament to Ghana and Rugby Africa’s commitment to the advancement of rugby infrastructure and development throughout the continent.

    “We are immensely proud of the inauguration of the Rugby Stadium, as it represents a monumental milestone for rugby across Africa. This state-of-the-art facility not only elevates the standard of rugby infrastructure in the region but also symbolizes our collective commitment to the growth and development of the sport. Ultimately, allowing us to create an opportunity of upward mobility within our competition structures,” stated Herbert Mensah, President of Rugby Africa.

    “I extend my deepest gratitude to all involved for their unwavering support and dedication. Together, we are shaping the future of rugby in Africa.”

  • Rugby star Joe Marler compares ‘accidental’ head try to Ronaldo’s headed assists in football

    Rugby star Joe Marler compares ‘accidental’ head try to Ronaldo’s headed assists in football

    Joe Marler has humorously compared himself to Cristiano Ronaldo after unintentionally providing a headed assist for a peculiar England try during the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

    The charismatic prop from Harlequins is known for his ability to draw attention, and he managed to do just that during England’s match against Japan in Nice.

    With England holding a narrow 13-12 lead, a pass from George Ford slipped through Will Stuart’s hands and unexpectedly bounced off Marler’s head.

    Remarkably, the ball fell favourably into the path of England’s captain, Courtney Lawes, who subsequently scored a try. The match officials had to confirm the try following a TMO (Television Match Official) review, as a knock-on is not called if the ball hits a player’s head.

    Marler has taken great delight in his impromptu Ronaldo impression, comparing his accidental header to the one delivered by the superstar from the world of football during his days at Juventus.

    Alongside a video of his face superimposed onto Ronaldo’s body, Marler posted on TikTok: “A goal is a goal.”

    Eastbourne native Marler also claims to have been inspired by Brighton’s efforts in the Premier League this season, following their 3-1 win over Manchester United on Saturday, telling Sky Sports: “I take huge inspiration from Roberto De Zerbi and his mighty Seagulls doing a demolition job on United. Just taking huge inspiration from them and finding a way to help the boys score.”

  • French rugby chief handed suspended sentence and fine for corruption

    French rugby chief Bernard Laporte has been given a two-year suspended prison sentence and a 75,000 euro (£64,000) fine for corruption, nine months before the country hosts the World Cup.

    Hours after the verdict the French Rugby Federation president stepped down as vice-chair of World Rugby.

    The world governing body has referred the matter to its ethics officer.

    Laporte was also banned from holding rugby posts for two years, but that is suspended pending an expected appeal.

    “World Rugby notes the decision by World Rugby Vice-Chairman Bernard Laporte to self-suspend from all positions held within its governance structures with immediate effect, following his conviction by the French court in relation to domestic matters and pending his appeal,” World Rugby said in a statement on Tuesday night.

    “While acknowledging Laporte’s self-suspension and right of appeal, given the serious nature of the verdict World Rugby’s Executive Committee has referred the matter to its independent ethics officer for review in accordance with its integrity code.

    “World Rugby will not be making further comment until the conclusion of the independent process.”

    French Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera earlier said the sentence was an “obstacle for Bernard Laporte to be able, as it stands, to continue his mission in good conditions” as federation president.

    Oudea-Castera called for a “new democratic era to allow French rugby to rebound as quickly as possible and sufficiently healthy and solid, with a governance by the federation that will have the full confidence of the clubs”.

    According to French news agency AFP, the court ruled that Laporte had showed favouritism in choosing France’s shirt sponsor.

    In March 2017, Laporte awarded a 1.8m euro (£1.5m) shirt sponsor contract to close friend Mohed Altrad, the billionaire owner of Top 14 champions Montpellier.

    Altrad was given an 18-month suspended sentence and 50,000 euro (£42,800) fine. Both men deny any wrongdoing and Altrad’s lawyer said he would study the decision before deciding on whether to appeal.

    In February 2017, Laporte signed a 180,000 euro (£154,000) deal with Altrad group for his image reproduction rights and prosecutors claim Laporte did not deliver the services paid for.

    Altrad’s logo still features on France’s shirts, with Laporte, 58, negotiating a follow-up deal in 2018.

    Laporte, who coached France to the 2003 and 2007 World Cup semi-finals, was also found guilty of intervening with disciplinary action against Altrad’s club Montpellier. He was convicted of helping to reduce a fine against the club from 70,000 euros (£60,000) to 20,000 euros (£17,000).

    In November, financial prosecutors searched the headquarters of France’s 2023 Rugby World Cup organisers as part of a government inquiry into the management of the organising committee.

    ‘Laporte’s rugby future thrown into doubt’ – analysis
    BBC rugby union correspondent Chris Jones

    Laporte is one of the most powerful men in world rugby and was set to be a prominent figure at next year’s World Cup in France, but this verdict throws his future involvement in the sport into serious doubt.

    Even though Laporte is expected to appeal, his position at World Rugby is untenable with the governing body referring the matter to their independent ethics officer, who was appointed earlier this year after a governance review in 2021.

    Laporte’s charges are not connected to World Rugby or Rugby World Cup activities, but it is nonetheless an unwanted episode for the governing body given his influence both in France and on the global stage.

    Source: BBC

  • Rugby: South African Bok Women lose WC opening match

    The ninth Women’s Rugby World Cup kicked off in front of a world-record audience at Auckland’s Eden Park, New Zealand, on Saturday. In the opening match of the tournament, the South African Women Bok failed to secure a vitory.

    French scrumhalf Laur Sansus scored the first try of the World Cup after only two minutes.

    The score remained 19-0 at halftime as South Africa’s performance was lifted by a strong scrum. That revival continued when South African winger Nomawethu Mabenge scored the first try of the second half.

    France who is ranked No04 in the world beat South Africa ranked No.11, 40-5.

    The Springbok will have a chance to do better as they play Fidji next week.

    The 12 teams at the World Cup are divided into three groups of four. The final will be played on Saturday, November 12 .

     

    Source: African News

  • Ghana Rugbys Prince Boamah shares his story after recovering from Coronavirus

    A prop forward with the Ghana Rugby national team, Prince Boamah has shared his story after recovering from the deadly Coronavirus.

    Boamah was among four staff from the Ghana Rugby family who contracted Coronavirus but have now recovered after weeks of treatment and isolation.

    Sharing his story in a video, Prince Boamah said he contracted the devastating disease weeks ago and was put in isolation.

    He recounted his experience whilst in isolation, stating that “it was not easy”.

    In the video, Boamah stated that thanks to the Africa Rugby and the Ghana Rugby Football Union, he was put on drugs and weeks later tested negative for the disease.

    “I tested positive for Covid-19 weeks ago, the virus is real and it was not easy [While in Isolation]. But with the support of Africa Rugby and Ghana Rugby Football Union, I was put on drugs and later went for testing and the result came negative.”

    Prince Boamah, however, urged Ghanaians to adhere to the safety protocols like social distance, wearing of nose/face masks, the use of alcohol-based hand-rub, etc to avoid contracting the virus.

    Source: Peace FM

  • French rugby agrees to cancel season

    French rugby authorities and club presidents reached agreement Thursday to cancel the 2019-2020 season and concentrate on ensuring the 2020-2021 campaign starts in September.

    The season was halted in mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

    The decision to end the season was made with the LNR and the presidents of the clubs in the top-flight Top 14 and second tier Pro D2 divisions.

    It still needs to be rubberstamped by the league’s steering committee at a date still to be arranged.

    French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe announced this week that professional sport could not take place until September in France, where over 25,000 people have died from Coronavirus.

    The league said that after discussions with the presidents of Top 14 and Pro D2 clubs it had abandoned plans to hold a final phase of matches at the end of August.

    “We propose to declare that this 2019-2020 season is at an end and focus on organising the launch of the 2020-2021 editions of the two championships from September 2020,” the LNR added in a statement.

    It now looks likely the season will end without a champion being declared and without relegation or promotion.

    Bordeaux-Begles were eight points clear in the Top 14 standings with nine games left to play. Well-financed Paris-based club Stade Francais were bottom.

    The league hopes to start their new season on September 5.

    Clubs must present plans to the sports ministry about what health precautions they will take for players.

    Source: AFP