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AFT Features, AFTNews, Rugby, Sport

Game-changing Rugby World Cup 2019 is a record-breaker

• Record 99.3 per cent attendance with 1.84 million tickets sold
• Record 1.13 million people in fanzones
• Record 54.8 million television audience for Japan v Scotland (Japan team involved in top 5 biggest ever television audiences)
• Record 437 billion Yen economic impact
• Record more than 1.7 billion digital video views
• Record legacy programme with 1.8 million new participants
• Record CSR programme with more than £2 million raised for ChildFund Pass It Back
• Record competitiveness with 30.5 average winning margin between Tier 1 and Tier 2
• Record attendance of 70,103 spectators at Yokohama International Stadium for the final

The first Rugby World Cup in Asia draws to a close with South Africa crowned champions and a multitude of records broken in the most impactful and ground-breaking Rugby World Cup in history.

With a record 99.3 per cent attendance across the tournament resulting in 1.84 million tickets sold, in addition to more than 1.13 million people filling the official fanzones and over 400,000 international visitors enjoying the incredible hospitality of hosts Japan, Rugby World Cup once again took its place at the top table of global sporting events.

Japan 2019 also smashed records for fan engagement around the globe with an incredible 1.7 billion digital video views and an estimated worldwide broadcast audience of 400 million, including a domestic all-time record television audience of 54.8 million for the unforgettable Japan v Scotland pool phase match.

World Rugby and the Japan Rugby 2019 Organising Committee can look back on an incredible six weeks of action that saw competitiveness again increase on the field of play with the outstanding performances of Japan’s Brave Blossoms and admirable efforts from the likes of Uruguay, Georgia, Namibia and Tonga contributing to a decrease in the average winning margin between established and developing nations, and demonstrating that the future of international rugby is increasingly competitive.

Off the pitch Japan 2019 has proved to be the most impactful in history with more than 1.8 million new rugby participants across Asia as part of World Rugby’s Impact Beyond legacy programme, while the generosity of the global rugby family has seen a record breaking £2 million raised for the ChildFund Pass It Back initiative, Rugby World Cup’s principal charity partner, benefitting over 25,000 underprivileged young people in Asia via rugby and life skills programmes.

With a record 437 billion Yen economic impact delivered for Japan, the Rugby World Cup has not only shone a spotlight on rugby in Asia but contributed significantly to business and commercial communities.

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “Rugby World Cup 2019 has been one of the greatest, if not the greatest of all time, and certainly the most ground-breaking in terms of bringing the game to new audiences and attracting new fans to the sport we love.

“On behalf of the whole global rugby family, I would like to thank from the bottom of our hearts Japan and the Japanese people for being such wonderful, humble and history making hosts.

“While South Africa will rightly take home the Webb Ellis Cup following their outstanding victory, the amazing performances of the Brave Blossoms undoubtably brought some of the most memorable moments of the tournament.

“The way Japan reacted to the incredibly difficult events surrounding Typhoon Hagibis was a tribute to the resilience and determination of the people of this wonderful country and we continue to think about all those who lost loved ones or were affected by this tragic event.

“Finally, I would like to thank all 20 teams, the players, match officials, organising committee, host cities and the amazing ‘No Side’ volunteers who all played their full part in ensuring Rugby World Cup 2019 will live long in the memory. Japan 2019 has broken records galore and has changed the face of rugby forever.”

Rugby World Cup 2019 Organising Committee CEO Akira Shimazu added: “The incredible action on the field and the amazing response from fans here in Japan and around the world have made the 44 days of competition pass in the blink of an eye. I want to express my deepest gratitude to the players who made the tournament truly special. With their on-field heroics and desire to embrace being in Japan, they have shown the very best attributes of rugby and in doing so, captured the hearts and minds of the host nation.

“Thanks also to all the fans. Your support, energy and enthusiasm has been truly wonderful and like the players, have shown the Japanese public why the global rugby family is such a special, unique and integral part this great game.

“I would also like to thank World Rugby for their partnership in running this tournament. We have worked together in a positive and proactive way, ensuring that the tournament was a major success.

“Finally, I send my best wishes to the people of France for a wonderful Rugby World Cup 2023. We are sure the tournament will be a great success and we offer all possible assistance and support during your preparations.”

As attention turns to the future, preparations are already well advanced for Rugby World Cup 2023 in France, with a delegation from the organising committee participating in an official handover at the World Rugby Awards on Sunday 3 November.

AFT Features, AFTNews, Beauty & Health, Features Singapore, Fitness, Men's Health, Wellness, Women's Health

A moment with Will Skinner, CEO of UFIT Singapore

The CEO of UFIT looks so young you may mistake him for an inexperienced person trying to make it in the fitness industry. However, Will Skinner has more experience than you and I combined. This former professional rugby player brings over his years of rugby experience into the commercial aspect of fitness. Of this, he says “I feel like I never made a switch.”

“Yes, I was in the office a little more, but I was still involved with something I love, and so always want to do my best and expect the best from others,” he added.

He says that there is a lot that can be learned from sports and business, and he doesn’t think his approach to business is any different from during his sports days. “I’m sure all the guys I work with get fed up with me using sporting analogies day-to-day – whether it be recruiting and growing a team or academy like Alex Ferguson or developing our own culture like the All Blacks – sport-to-business synergies and comparisons are endless. If it makes me think I’m managing Manchester United or the All Blacks then I’m happy, too.”

Physical Exercise

The main gym at UFIT Club Street

As for physical exercise, he says “Physical exercise is highly important as part of a wider approach to general health, but it’s also equally important to get the balance right. We encourage everybody to also look at their nutritional journey and that is why we have a team of nutritionists on-hand at every (UFIT) Hub to get you on track. Whether you need advice on weight loss, clinical nutrition or sports nutrition, this type of holistic view of looking at fitness will enable you to ignite that fire and take you to the next level.

However, if you are new or hesitant to begin exercising, don’t despair. Will says that UFIT understands your struggles. All you have to do is to take the first step to go to UFIT and they will help you. “We have the ability and skill to support and guide you and to make that journey fun, so that you want to stick to it and keep coming back for more,” he says.

It may sound dubious to some but don’t let that stop you from getting healthier and fitter as UFIT is systematic and starts from the very basic.

The Approach

Step into UFIT Club Street Hub to begin your transformation journey

UFIT’s approach is not strictly focused on fitness alone but on one’s overall health. They believe that everyone is unique and therefore requires a unique approach accordingly to their needs. It is safe to say that UFIT is not your typical one-size-fits-all gym, but rather one that offers a full end-to-end service.

“Everybody starts with a health consultation with the Hub Manager. This is an in-depth analysis of their body composition and identifies various health metrics to highlight any imbalances in their body and discrepancies in lifestyle. With this data, we are able to suggest an appropriate fitness and wellness plan as we have the best information to plan this person’s journey. Our holistic approach allows us to determine whether we need to take them back to a position of health and/or fitness or to take them to that next level if they are an elite athlete and have the ability to dedicate themselves to a sports performance lifestyle.

Our clients also undertake mobility tests at their first session with a trainer or therapist and this helps to identify imbalances that might impede their progress or that we have to be mindful of.

Everything we do is bespoke and enables us to test and track a person’s progress whatever stage of the journey they are at.”

Injuries

Now, if you have had prior injuries UFIT would be able to assist you too and it is something that Will Skinner knows a lot about as it was a neck injury that put him into early retirement from professional rugby.

“Rehabilitation and recovery have always been a part of our services. Our trainers are highly qualified and take this approach very seriously with regards to ensuring everybody performs exercises correctly, takes time to recover and gets the right level of professional support when needed. We opened our first dedicated Physiotherapy Clinic at Raffles Quay in 2016, went on to open one-north UFIT Clinic in 2017, and Orchard UFIT Clinic in 2018. This allowed us to build a team of the absolute best Physiotherapists, Osteopaths, Sports Massage, Pilates and Rehab specialists in Singapore, on hand at all times to help recharge our clients.

The three new Hub destinations are also carefully structured so that Physio and Rehab services are fully integrated into our offering, with Club Street having nine dedicated treatment rooms within the same building as our fitness studios. Therapists and Trainers share patient notes and can easily refer clients back and forth between teams, using our bespoke UFIT Online Coaching Platform, for the best care they can provide,” says Will.

The male changing room at UFIT Club Street

Founded in 2011, UFIT was set up to deliver a higher level of personal training than what was available in Singapore at the time. Starting with one gym at Amoy Street, it quickly expanded to become the country’s largest independently owned fitness community. The business is multi-award winning and offers Personal Training, indoor and outdoor Group Training, Physiotherapy and sports rehabilitation related services, and Nutrition alongside its other businesses, Youth Academy, Retreats, Education and Corporate Performance.

Recently, the fitness centre celebrated a decade by opening its new integrated Hub at Club Street, Singapore.

AFTNews, Beauty & Health, Men's Health, Mental Health, Wellness, Women's Health

A Solution for Stress

In the wake of World Mental Health Day, on 10 October 2019, the global event will have many of us reflecting on the status of our own emotional wellbeing. As our lives become increasingly hectic, and the pressures of modern life often seem overwhelming, it’s no surprise that the levels of stress, anxiety and depression are skyrocketing. In fact, mixed anxiety and depression is now the most common mental disorder in Britain* and the World Health Organization (WHO) has cited that “if we don’t act urgently, by 2030 depression will be the leading illness globally.” 

Whilst counseling, CBT, talking therapies and of course drug interventions play an important role in helping to alleviate anxiety and depression, often these treatments simply tackle or control the symptoms of poor mental health. For many, treating the cause of these conditions is vital and that’s where the ancient practice of Ayurveda could provide a helping hand in restoring your wellbeing. 

CGH Earth Wellness, the brand behind a collection of leading luxury Ayurvedic hospitals in beautiful Kerala, India believes that the curative approach of Ayurveda could offer a solution when it comes to tackling the cause of modern-day stressors that significantly impact our mental health. 

There are three body constitution within the Ayurvedic Principles: Vata, Pitta and Kapha

In the Ayurvedic principles, the body constitution or bio-energies are classified as below, the disturbance in these results in peculiar symptoms. Poor mental wellbeing comes in three forms depending on the underlying cause of an imbalance in one or more bio-energies, therefore the treatment course is unique to each individual: 

  • Vata – stemming from the colon, vata-type is categorized by feelings of fear, anxiety, nervousness and insomnia 
  • Pitta – arising from the intestine, pitta-type is more dangerous and is associated with feelings of anger, fear of failure or losing control. This format is also vulnerable to seasonal-affective disorder 
  • Kapha – coming from the stomach and associated with a feeling of heaviness, drowsiness, weight gain and a general sluggishness. 

In all three cases, these enter the general circulation and lodge in the nervous system, interfering with its functioning. 

To counterbalance this impaired function, CGH Earth Wellness recommend Manashanthi Chikitsa – a treatment that literally means mental peace and seeks to tackle stress management with a view to relieve the ill-effects that come from the burden of mental strain, insomnia, lack of concentration, fatigue, and headaches. 

The treatment course for Manashanti chikitsa follows the 3 stages: Poorvakarma – preparatory phase, Shodana – cleansing or eliminating phase and finally, Samana which is the corrective and rejuvenation phase. 

  1. Poorvakarma 

During the first stage, the body is prepared for removing toxins through Snehanam (internal and external oleation), followed by Swedanam (therapeutic sweating)

2. Shodana 

Once the body is prepared, the doctor will determine the cleansing or panchakrma treatment based on each individual’s body constitution and the root cause of their medical condition. These two stages of treatment will ensure that the imbalances in the doshas (body constitution) are stabilized

3. Samana 

The third and final stage of treatment where the body is slowly brought out of the intense cleansing and elimination stage by giving corrective medicines and moderate therapeutic treatments, appropriate diet and yoga asanas to correct and rejuvenate the body 

Every treatment at CGH Earth Wellness is personalized

Every treatment at CGH Earth is adapted and personalized to adopt a holistic healing approach tailored to each individual. According to Ayurvedic principles, treating conditions such as stress, anxiety, and depression requires intervention that considers the crucial totality of our overall well- being. 

Across its various retreats, CGH Earth offers the peace and quiet you need to reset your mental wellbeing and thrive, whether you choose to revitalize your health in Kerala, the home of Ayurveda, within the stunning 200-year-old palace setting of Kalari Kovilakom, alongside the gentle caress of the Paravur backwaters at Kalari Rasayana or beside the beach waves at SwaSwara’s villas in Gokarna, near Goa. No matter which destination you choose, you can enjoy uninterrupted rest in the abode that resonates best with your inner voice.

AFTNews, Rugby, Sport

Uruguay welcomed on to World Rugby Council

World Rugby has recently announced that the Unión de Rugby del Uruguay will join the World Rugby Council, the international federation’s primary decision-making forum.

 

Uruguay become the 52nd member of Council, following in the footsteps of Fiji and Samoa who joined earlier in 2019, and will act as an inspiration for other unions aspiring to take a seat on Council.

 

The appointment was made after Uruguay successfully achieved the required good governance criteria in line with World Rugby’s governance reform launched in November 2015, since when Georgia, Romania and USA, alongside Fiji and Samoa have also been welcomed onto the expanded Council.

 

The move follows Uruguay’s impressive performance at Rugby World Cup 2019, which saw them record a historic win over Fiji in at the Kamaishi Memorial Recovery Stadium in Pool D.

 

The South American nation are currently 18th in the World Rugby Men’s Rankings and were runners-up in the Americas Rugby Championship in 2019.

 

Uruguay has proved itself as a regular and reliable host of elite international rugby events including the World Rugby Nations Cup from 2017-19, winning the title on each of the three occasions, and the World Rugby U20 Trophy in 2017.

 

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “We are delighted to welcome Uruguay to Council and look forward to their insights and strong contributions as we continue to focus on driving the growth or our wonderful game across the globe, built on a foundation of strong governance.

 

“The introduction of Uruguay, following the previous additions of Georgia, Romania, USA, Fiji and Samoa reflects the importance and success of the transformational governance reforms made by this organisation and the unions in November 2015. The pathway is working effectively, and we encourage all unions to take inspiration from Uruguay, review their governance and strive to achieve the required criteria.

 

“The outstanding victory of Los Teros over Fiji at the Kamaishi Memorial Recovery Stadium was undoubtedly one of the special highlights of Rugby World Cup 2019 and demonstrates that with commitment, great coaching and good governance, the future is full of potential for Uruguayan rugby.”

 

World Rugby Vice-Chairman Agustín Pichot said: “This is an important moment for Unión de Rugby del Uruguay and will act as an inspiration for many other nations, particularly across South America where interest in rugby continues to accelerate with great potential for future expansion.

 

“Los Teros can be very proud of their performances at Rugby World Cup 2019, their victory over Fiji lit up the pool phase and will live long in the memory of everyone involved. With sustained progress in high performance and development programmes, and a top-class high performance centre at the Estadio Charrúa in Montevideo, the future looks bright for Uruguayan rugby.”

 

Sebastián Pineyrúa, Sudamérica Rugby President said: “It’s a great day for the Uruguay Rugby Union. I want to thank all the World Rugby family and especially the Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont and our great friend and leader in the Americas Agustin Pichot for this opportunity for our nation.

 

“Lots of generations in different roles, starting with our most capped player and finishing with the newest employee of the Union work hard looking for excellence every day to achieve things like this. I feel proud as President of the region and former Uruguay President to celebrate this new starting point and I would like to encourage and push ourselves to be better every day.”

 

Pablo Ferrari, Unión de Rugby del Uruguay Chairman, said: “We are delighted with World Rugby’s decision to invite Uruguay to join the Council. It will be the first time we are part of it, which makes us very proud as a national union and recognises our hard work on and off the field.”

 

“It reflects our sustained growth in the last few years in our game; and it also closes a great year in which we had a very positive Rugby World Cup 2019, our fourth. We look forward to continue working for the game in our country, region and now the globe.”

AFTNews, Rugby, Sport

Shortlist revealed for IRP Try of the Year

The contenders for the International Rugby Players (IRP) Try of the Year 2019 have been revealed, with the winner to be announced at the World Rugby Awards in Tokyo on 3 November.

Three of the tries shortlisted were scored at Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan with the other contender scored by Italy captain Sergio Parisse in their test against Russia in August.

The four tries were selected by the IRP Try of the Year panel of former players in Rugby World Cup winners Fiao’o Faamausili and Bryan Habana along with Jamie Heaslip and Thierry Dusautoir.

This panel will select the winner of the 2019 award.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW IRP TRY OF THE YEAR 2019 SHORTLIST >>

CHARLES OLLIVON (FRANCE)
Wales were left reeling following an expression of French flair in their Rugby World Cup 2019 quarter-final against Les Bleus. Following a barnstorming break from Virimi Vakatawa, the centre offloaded to Romain Ntamack who in turn popped a pass to his half-back partner Antoine Dupont. The scrum-half drew a tackle from Liam Williams and haring up on his right shoulder was flanker Charles Ollivon, who cantered under the posts unopposed. C’est magnifique.

SERGIO PARISSE (ITALY)
Italy captain Sergio Parisse’s importance to the Azzurri was highlighted against Russia as he began and finished this free-flowing move. Having claimed the lineout and delivered the ball safely to scrum-half Tito Tebaldi, some quick hands in midfield created the space for Jake Polledri to break through and take Italy deep into Russian territory. Tebaldi was on hand to continue the move and ship a pass out to Parisse who powered over the line.

TJ PERENARA (NEW ZEALAND)
Playing in the unfamiliar role of fly-half against Namibia at Tokyo Stadium, TJ Perenara side-stepped Prince Gaoseb before racing into opposition territory and producing a stunning pass to George Bridge. Once play was recycled Rieko Ioane popped a pass to Brad Weber whose ridiculous offload found Perenara on the left wing. The All Blacks replacement set a course for the line, brushing off tackles from Obert Nortje and Helarius Kisting to touch down in the corner. Just.

COBUS REINACH (SOUTH AFRICA)
Starting inside his own 22, South Africa fly-half Elton Jantjies produced an inch-perfect kick-pass for winger Warrick Gelant, who evaded DTH van der Merwe and sprinted into the Canadian half. Damian de Allende offered support to keep the move going and in turn spun a pass to scrum-half Cobus Reinach, who breezed under the posts to complete his hat-trick with barely 20 minutes of this RWC 2019 Pool B match played.

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “After an amazing year of rugby and many incredible tries to choose from, it wasn’t an easy selection for the International Rugby Players’ panel but they have done it brilliantly.

“We are proud of our close cooperation with International Rugby Players and the IRP Try of the Year reflects the partnership with which we approach key player welfare and player-related topics.”

International Rugby Players’ Conrad Smith, the former All Black and Rugby World Cup winner who chaired the Try of the Year panel, said: “There were some excellent scores this year and our job to pick a shortlist was a difficult one.

“From the men’s and women’s Six Nations in early 2019 all the way through to the Rugby World Cup in Japan, we saw some amazing efforts during the year. These tries really are a testament to the quality of international rugby and the skills on display out there and this sparked some great debate among the panel.”

For more details on the World Rugby Awards, visit www.world.rugby/awards

PREVIOUS WINNERS

2018 – Brodie Retallick (New Zealand) – New Zealand v Australia
2017 – Joaquín Tuculet (Argentina) – Argentina v England
2016 – Jamie Heaslip (Ireland) – Ireland v Italy
2015 – Julian Savea (New Zealand) – New Zealand v France
2014 – Francois Hougaard (South Africa) – South Africa v New Zealand
2013 – Beauden Barrett (New Zealand) – New Zealand v France
2012 – Bryan Habana (South Africa) – South Africa v New Zealand
2011 – Radike Samo (Australia) – Australia v New Zealand
2010 – Chris Ashton (England) – England v Australia
2009 – Jaque Fourie (South Africa) – South Africa v British and Irish Lions
2008 – Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland) – Australia v Ireland
2007 – Takudzwa Ngwenya (USA) – South Africa v USA

AFTNews, Olympics, Rugby, Sport

South Africa to host Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

South Africa will host Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022 after the World Rugby Council awarded the hosting rights for the premier tournament to South Africa at its Interim Meeting in Tokyo today.

In September 2022 the eighth edition of the showcase event will take place in Cape Town in what will be the first time that Rugby World Cup Sevens has been hosted on the African continent.

The world’s best 24 men’s and 16 women’s rugby sevens teams will take to the field at the Cape Town Stadium in Green Point where they will compete for world champion status over three days of exhilarating action.

The 55,000-capacity stadium is the same venue that has hosted the hugely successful HSBC Cape Town Sevens since 2015, and for the first time this year will host both men’s and women’s teams across three days of competition as part of the new-look HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.

The 2022 tournament follows an exceptional Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018 in San Francisco which attracted a record attendance for a rugby event in the USA of more than 100,000 fans as well as a huge domestic broadcast audience of more than nine million viewers.

The three-day event, hosted at AT&T Park, generated a US$90.5 million economic contribution to San Francisco (Nielsen Sport) and saw both New Zealand’s men’s and women’s teams retain the title.

The awarding of the tournament to South Africa comes after an initial record of 11 unions – Argentina, Cayman Islands, France, Germany, India, Jamaica, Malaysia, Qatar, Scotland, South Africa and Tunisia – confirmed an expression of interest to the international federation.

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “Congratulations to South Africa on being elected Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022 hosts. We were impressed with South Africa’s detailed and comprehensive bid and we look forward to working in partnership with them on another inspiring and record-breaking tournament.

“South Africa have a proven track record of delivering a sell-out event in the HSBC Cape Town Sevens, which is an esteemed tournament on the world series and will be of huge value to the planning and execution of Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022.

“About to make its second appearance on the Olympic Games programme at Tokyo 2020, rugby sevens is an innovative and thriving format of the game that has enormous appeal, and we are excited about the positive impact that another successful Rugby World Cup Sevens will have on our sport.

“We would like to thank all of the unions who expressed an interest in hosting this growing event and hope to welcome them back to bid for future events as rugby sevens continues to go from strength to strength.”

SA Rugby CEO Jurie Roux added: “We’re delighted that South Africa and Cape Town has been confirmed as hosts for Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022. We have been eager to host global rugby tournaments for a number of years and to have the flagship event in the growing sport of sevens come to South Africa is exciting.

“We saw how the sport engaged the audience in San Francisco last year and we are certain that it will be just as big a success in Cape Town. The HSBC Cape Town Sevens has established itself as a rugby bucket-list tournament in the past few years and we’re sure that international visitors to the event will experience a great tournament at an ideal rugby venue in a fantastic city.”

The appointment of Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022 hosts falls at the beginning of an Olympic season for rugby sevens as the sport prepares to make its second Olympic Games appearance at Tokyo 2020.

Rugby sevens made its Olympic Games debut at Rio 2016 when the sevens format provided a captivating showcase for the game that saw its fan-base increase by almost 17 million in six key territories, with Tokyo 2020 expected to unearth an estimated 30 million new fans worldwide (Nielsen).

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022 will be played during September of that year considering the international calendar, including the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series and the Commonwealth Games that will take place in Birmingham, England, in July 2022. Competition dates will be confirmed in due course.

 

AFTNews, Rugby, Sport

Nominees for World Rugby Players of the Year announced

World Rugby has announced the shortlists for the prestigious Men’s and Women’s 15s Player of the Year awards for 2019, which will be presented at the World Rugby Awards at The Prince Park Tower in Tokyo, Japan, on 3 November.

Following a stellar year for international rugby culminating in a very special Rugby World Cup 2019, the shortlists for the ultimate accolade feature players who have excited and inspired fans around the world with their feats during the year.

The nominees for World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year in association with Mastercard are: Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa), Tom Curry (England), Alun Wyn Jones (Wales), Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa), Ardie Savea (New Zealand) and Joe Taufete’e (USA).

The nominees for World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year in association with Mastercard are: Sarah Bern (England), Pauline Bourdon (France), Kendra Cocksedge (New Zealand), Katy Daley-Mclean (England) and Emily Scarratt (England).

The shortlists were selected by the star-studded World Rugby Awards panels.

The men’s panel comprises Rugby World Cup winners Richie McCaw, John Smit, George Gregan, Maggie Alphonsi and Melodie Robinson, alongside Fiona Coghlan, Brian O’Driscoll, Fabien Galthié, Agustín Pichot and Seilala Mapusua.

The women’s panel features Rugby World Cup winners Melodie Robinson and Danielle Waterman alongside World Rugby Hall of Fame inductee Liza Burgess, Lynne Cantwell, Fiona Coghlan, Gaëlle Mignot, Jillion Potter, Karl Te Nana and journalist Stephen Jones.

International players have also had the opportunity to vote to determine the nominees of the prestigious awards.

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “The World Rugby Men’s and Women’s 15s Player of the Year awards are the ultimate accolade for test players and this year there have been an exceptional number of outstanding candidates. I would like to congratulate all 11 players who, deservingly, have been nominated for this year’s award.”

WORLD RUGBY MEN’S 15S PLAYER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES:

PIETER-STEPH DU TOIT (SOUTH AFRICA)
A linchpin in the South African pack, Du Toit has started eight of the Springboks’ 10 tests in 2019 and been an unused replacement in the RWC 2019 win over Canada. The towering 27-year-old may have flitted between second-row and flanker in the early days of his international career, but he has made the No.7 jersey his own over the last two years and his work-rate and versatility mean he is one of the first names down on Rassie Erasmus’ team sheet.

TOM CURRY (ENGLAND)
The youngest of the nominees at only 21, Curry has been at his destructive best during RWC 2019, tormenting teams at the breakdown and winning turnover ball with regularity as one half of England’s dynamic flanker pairing with Sam Underhill. A strong ball carrier who was named Player of the Match in the quarter-final against Australia, he has started 13 of England’s 14 tests in 2019, beginning the year at openside before switching to blindside in an inspired move by Eddie Jones.

ALUN WYN JONES (WALES)
He may easily be the oldest of the nominees at 34, but Jones is playing some of the best rugby of his career in 2019 – a year in which he has become his country’s most-capped player and moved to joint second in the history of the game. The towering second-row is a master in the lineout and carries the ball endlessly during a game, his energy levels seeming to have no limit as he pushes Wales forward. Captaincy clearly agrees with Jones, who has already led Wales to the Six Nations Grand Slam this year.

CHESLIN KOLBE (SOUTH AFRICA)
The dancing feet of Kolbe have lit up Rugby World Cup 2019 with the diminutive winger showing that size isn’t everything, his footwork and pace allowing him to turn a defence inside out and leave players clutching at thin air in his wake. The Springbok, who turned 26 earlier this week, has started six tests in 2019 and scored five tries, including two in the pool stage against Italy when he was named Player of the Match. An ankle injury ruled him out of the semi-final with Wales but the Springboks will be delighted he is back for the final.

ARDIE SAVEA (NEW ZEALAND)
With the ability to play anywhere across the back-row, Savea has been at his rampaging best in 2019, starting eight of the 10 tests played by New Zealand and coming off the bench against Canada in the RWC 2019 pool stage. His work-rate is such that you would be forgiven for thinking there was more than one Savea on the pitch at times, turning over ball at the breakdown, charging at the defence or popping up in a flowing attack.

JOE TAUFETE’E (USA)
The Eagles hooker has enjoyed a record-breaking year in international rugby, his hat-trick against Uruguay in March making him the most prolific try-scorer in front-row history – 18 tries in just 21 tests smashing Keith Wood’s record that had stood for nearly 14 years in a third of the caps. Taufete’e ended the Americas Rugby Championship as the top try scorer with six and was a key member of the Eagles’ squad for RWC 2019, starting all four matches in Japan.

WORLD RUGBY WOMEN’S 15S PLAYER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES:

World Rugby Women’s 15S Player of the Year Nominees

SARAH BERN (ENGLAND)
The epitome of modern props, the 22-year-old is certainly not defined by the number on her back, possessing a turn of pace, quick feet and power – a hangover perhaps from her days as a back-row before converting to tight-head. Bern has started eight of England’s nine matches in 2019, including every match in a Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam winning campaign in which she scored five tries, second only to Red Roses winger Jess Breach.

PAULINE BOURDON (FRANCE)
Nominated for the second year running, Bourdon is a player in the modern mould of French half-backs who are equally happy at nine or 10 as she showed during Les Bleues’ Women’s Six Nations campaign, scoring three tries from scrum-half – including a brace against England – before moving to fly-half for the final two matches. Blessed with quick feet and an impressive step, Bourdon has started eight of France’s nine matches in 2019, including the Super Series win over New Zealand.

KENDRA COCKSEDGE (NEW ZEALAND)
An inspirational figure on and off the pitch with her infectious passion for the game and drive for success, Cocksedge has already received this accolade once, back in 2015. The scrum-half started all six of New Zealand’s matches this year, winning five of them – the only exception the loss to France in the Women’s Rugby Super Series when she captained her country on the occasion of becoming the second Black Ferns player to reach 50 tests.

KATY DALEY-MCLEAN (ENGLAND)
The oldest of the nominees at 33 and a test centurion, Daley-Mclean is both a talisman and playmaker for the Red Roses. She was the top point scorer in the Women’s Six Nations in 2019 with 53 points as England won a second Grand Slam in three years. The fly-half passed 500 test points during the Championship – a figure bettered only by Jonny Wilkinson and Owen Farrell for England – but missed the Women’s Rugby Super Series in San Diego due to injury.

EMILY SCARRATT (ENGLAND)
The centre slipped back into 15s rugby in 2019 as if she had never been away playing sevens since Rugby World Cup 2017, starting four matches in a Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam winning campaign, and scoring a try against Scotland. The 29-year-old always seems to have more time on the ball, gliding through gaps or releasing team-mates into space. She was at her most dangerous in the Women’s Rugby Super Series, scoring four tries in her three starts and 43 points in total.

These awards are two of 12 categories of awards, including the World Rugby Team of the Year, World Rugby Coach of the Year, World Rugby Men’s and Women’s Sevens Players of the Year in association with HSBC and World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year in association with Tudor.

For more information on the World Rugby Awards, visit www.world.rugby/awards.

Previous World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year Award winners

2018 – Johnny Sexton (Ireland)
2017 – Beauden Barrett (New Zealand)
2016 – Beauden Barrett (New Zealand)
2015 – Dan Carter (New Zealand)
2014 – Brodie Retallick (New Zealand)
2013 – Kieran Read (New Zealand)
2012 – Dan Carter (New Zealand)
2011 – Thierry Dusautoir (France)
2010 – Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
2009 – Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
2008 – Shane Williams (Wales)
2007 – Bryan Habana (South Africa)
2006 – Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
2005 – Dan Carter (New Zealand)
2004 – Schalk Burger (South Africa)
2003 – Jonny Wilkinson (England)
2002 – Fabien Galthié (France)
2001 – Keith Wood (Ireland)

Previous World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year Award winners

2018 – Jessy Trémoulière (France)
2017 – Portia Woodman (New Zealand)
2016 – Sarah Hunter (England)
2015 – Kendra Cocksedge (New Zealand)
2014 – Magali Harvey (Canada)
2012 – Michaela Staniford (England)
2011 – Ruth Mitchell
2010 – Carla Hohepa (New Zealand)
2009 – Debby Hodgkinson (Australia)
2008 – Carol Isherwood (England)
2007 – Sarah Corrigan (Australia)
2006 – Maggie Alphonsi (England)
2005 – Farah Palmer (New Zealand)
2004 – Donna Kennedy (Scotland)
2003 – Kathy Flores (USA)
2002 – Monique Hirovanaa (New Zealand)
2001 – Shelley Rae (England)

AFTNews, Rugby, Sport

World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year nominees announced

Three countries are represented in the nominees for the World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year 2019 award in association with Tudor.

The nominees for this prestigious award, now in its fifth year, are Joe Cokanasiga (England), Herschel Jantjies (South Africa) and Romain Ntamack (France).

The previous winners of the award are New Zealand’s RWC 2015 winner Nehe Milner-Skudder, England forward Maro Itoje, All Blacks winger Rieko Ioane and South Africa winger Aphiwe Dyantyi.

To be eligible for this award, players must have played less than one year of senior international rugby, with former internationals Jamie Heaslip, Felipe Contepomi and Rugby World Cup winners Fiao’o Faamausili and Bryan Habana on the panel that selects the shortlist.

The winner will be revealed at the World Rugby Awards, which take place at The Prince Park Tower in Tokyo, Japan, on 3 November.

JOE COKANASIGA (ENGLAND)
The winger announced himself on the international stage with a try on debut against Japan at Twickenham last November and hasn’t looked back with a record of seven tries in his nine tests in the England jersey. He may only have featured once at Rugby World Cup 2019 to date, but the 21-year-old, blessed with both power and pace, ensured he left his mark on the match with a brace of tries against USA in Kobe City.

HERSCHEL JANTJIES (SOUTH AFRICA)
Few people knew anything about the diminutive scrum-half outside of the Stormers camp coming into 2019, but he announced himself to the world in some style, scoring twice on his test debut against Australia in the Rugby Championship in July and then touching down again in the 16-16 draw with New Zealand. The 23-year-old has featured in all but one of South Africa’s tests since, more often than not providing an impact off the bench.

ROMAIN NTAMACK (FRANCE)
A World Rugby U20 Championship winner in 2018, Romain Ntamack is calmness personified on a rugby pitch despite being just 20 and the youngest member of France’s RWC 2019 squad. He made his debut at centre in the Six Nations opener against Wales in February but has now made the fly-half berth his own, starting eight of his 12 tests there, including three in Japan. The son of RWC 1999 runner-up Émile, he has clearly inherited his father’s vision, flair and desire to attack the line.

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “The World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year award recognises the most exciting talent to burst onto the international 15s or sevens stage during the year and highlights the ‘ones to watch’.

“There were several outstanding candidates and the process of selecting the shortlist was tough for the panel. We have three outstanding candidates, who would be worthy recipients of this prestigious award.”

Former World Rugby Player of the Year and RWC 2007 winner Habana added: “With a number of players bursting onto the international scene over the past year, it was no easy feat choosing only three nominees for the Breakthrough Player of the Year award but the nominees selected have shown their pedigree on the biggest stage and in so doing are fully deserving of their nomination.”

This is one of 12 categories of awards, including the World Rugby Men’s and Women’s 15s Players of the Year, World Rugby Team of the Year, World Rugby Men’s and Women’s Sevens Players of the Year and Award for Character.

For more details on the panel members for each of the World Rugby Awards, visit www.worldrugby.org/awards/voting-panel

For more information on the World Rugby Awards, visit www.worldrugby.org/awards

Previous World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year Award winners:

2018 – Aphiwe Dyantyi (South Africa)
2017 – Rieko Ioane (New Zealand)
2016 – Maro Itoje (England)
2015 – Nehe Milner-Skudder (New Zealand)

AFTNews, Rugby, Sport

November tests announced in biggest year of women’s internationals

  • 12 test matches played by 12 different nations will take place this November
  • 2019 sees the highest number of women’s international fixtures played in history
  • 51 per cent more fixtures played in 2019 than in 2018
  • 11 match officials from eight nations selected for November internationals

The November women’s test fixtures and match officials have been announced in what has been the biggest year of women’s internationals in history.

A total of 12 test matches will take place between 3 – 30 November, 2019 in which 12 nations – Canada, England, France, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Scotland, Spain, USA and Wales – will participate.

The November test window concludes a year that will have featured 74 women’s international fixtures played across Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania and South America, a 51% increase on 2018 and record number for the women’s 15-a-side game.

11 match officials from eight nations have been selected to take charge of the upcoming tests with England’s Sara Cox officiating the first fixture at the Estadio Central Universidad Complutense de Madrid on 3 November.

Wales will then go on to face Ireland at The Bowl in Dublin in a contest that will be overseen by Rebecca Mahoney of New Zealand on 10th November, before playing their final match against Scotland at the Scotstoun in Glasgow a week later where Nikki O’Donnell of England will be in the middle.

Women’s Six Nations 2019 runners-up, France, will host current title holders, England at the Stade Marcel Michelin on 9 November, with Ireland’s Joy Neville on the whistle. The two sides will meet again on 16 November at Sandy Park in Exeter, England in a contest that will be overseen by Rebecca Mahoney from New Zealand.

Italy will welcome Japan to the Stadio Tommaso Fattori on 16 November with France’s Aurelie Groizeleau in charge before they go on to face England’s Red Roses on 23 November in a fixture that will be held at Goldington Road and officiated by Hollie Davidson of Scotland.

Japan will play a second test against Scotland on 24 November at the Scotstoun to be overseen by Italy’s Clara Munarini.

After last meeting at the Women’s Rugby Super Series 2019, a North American derby will see USA host Canada at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center in San Diego on 20 November with Australia’s Amber McLachlan as the referee. South Africa’s Aimee Barrett-Theron will then take charge of a second encounter on 24 November.

The final November fixtures will be contested by the Netherlands and Hong Kong across two dates – 26 November and 30 November – hosted at the National Rugby Centre of Amsterdam. Italy’s Beatrice Benvenuti and England’s Laura Pettingale will take charge of the two matches, respectively.

World Rugby Chairman, Sir Bill Beaumont, said: “This has been a monumental year for the women’s game. A 51 per cent uplift in fixtures on 2018 is demonstrative of our commitment to growing and advancing the women’s game at all levels, particularly internationally.

“Providing more opportunities for international women’s teams to play competitive fixtures will continue to increase the standard of rugby and officiating as we build towards Rugby World Cup 2021, which will inspire many more women and girls to get into rugby across the globe.”

World Rugby Match Officials Selection Committee Chair, Anthony Buchanan, added: “We would like to congratulate this group of officials who have earned their selection for the November test window through their consistent delivery at a domestic and international level.

“The increased number of women’s international fixtures this year has provided us with more opportunities to develop and expand our pool of referees, and we look forward to seeing their talent showcased this November.”

In August this year World Rugby announced that it has rebranded its men’s and women’s World Cup properties with the aim of achieving gender neutrality across the game.

Rugby World Cup 2021 will be hosted in New Zealand in what will be the ninth edition of the tournament and the first to be held in the southern hemisphere. It will bring together 12 of the best women’s teams from across the globe a six-week tournament.

#RWC2021 QUALIFICATION PROCESS >>

World Rugby launched a new Women in Rugby brand identity and campaign ‘Try and Stop Us’ in May this year aimed at driving increased participation and engagement among fans, audiences, players and investors in the women’s game.

Women’s rugby is one of sport’s great success stories, experiencing unprecedented growth around the world. Participation levels are at an all-time high with 2.7 million players globally – making up more than a quarter of the global playing population – and a 28 per cent increase in registered players since 2017.

For the second year running, more young girls have got into rugby globally than boys and more than 40 per cent of rugby’s 400 million fanbase are female.

Women’s November internationals 2019:
All times local time

  • 3rd November 12:45Spain v Wales: Estadio Central Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain . Referee: Sara COX (RFU)
    9th November  14:10     France v England: Stade Marcel Michelin, Clermont Ferrand, France. Referee: Joy NEVILLE (IRFU)
  • 10th November 13:00Ireland v Wales The Bowl: UCD, Dublin. Referee: Rebecca MAHONEY (NZR)
  • 16th November  15:00England v France, Sandy Park: Exeter, England. Referee: Rebecca MAHONEY (NZR)
  • 16th November 14:30Italy v Japan: Stadio Tommaso Fattori, L’Aquila, Italy. Referee: Aurelie GROIZELEAU (FFR)
  • 17th November 15:10 Scotland v Wales: Scotstoun, Glasgow, Scotland. Referee: Nikki O´DONNELL (RFU)
  • 20th November 15:00USA v Canada: Chula Vista, San Diego, CA, USA. Referee: Amber MCLACHLAN (RA)
  • 23rd November 15:00 England v Italy: Goldington Road, Bedford, England. Referee: Hollie DAVIDSON (SRU)
  • 24th November  15:00 USA v Canada: Chula Vista, San Diego, CA, USA. Referee: Aimee BARRETT-THERON (SARU)
  • 24th November 13:00Scotland v Japan: Scotstoun, Glasgow, Scotland. Referee: Clara MUNARINI (FIR)
  • 26th November 19:30Netherlands v Hong Kong: NRCA (National Rugby Centre of Amsterdam). Referee: Beatrice BENVENUTI (FIR)
  • 30th November 15:00Netherlands v Hong Kong: NRCA (National Rugby Centre of Amsterdam). Referee: Laura Pettingale (RFU)

 

AFTNews, Rugby, Sport

Rugby World Cup 2019 Final referee appointed

World Rugby has announced that France’s Jérôme Garcès will referee the Rugby World Cup 2019 final between England and South Africa at International Stadium Yokohama on 2 November.

One of the world’s most experienced referees with 55 tests, Garcès will be the first Frenchman to take charge of a Rugby World Cup final, in what will be his 11th Rugby World Cup match.

Garcès will be joined by Romain Poite (France) and Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand) as assistant referees and Ben Skeen (New Zealand) as TMO.

Garcès said: “I am honoured and delighted to be appointed to referee the Rugby World Cup 2019 final. It is a dream as a referee, but this is a team sport, and as a team of four, we will be out there to do the best for the teams, the fans, the sport, but also the entire match officials team, selectors and support team, who have worked so hard over the last four years, culminating in Rugby World Cup 2019.”

England’s Wayne Barnes will take charge of the bronze final – as he did at RWC 2011 – between New Zealand and Wales at Tokyo Stadium on 1 November. It will be his 90th test match as a referee and his 21st at Rugby World Cup.

He will be joined by Jaco Peyper (South Africa) and Pascal Gaüzère (France) as assistant referees and Marius Jonker (South Africa) as TMO.

Click here to view appointments >>

The appointments were made after a comprehensive review of the weekend’s semi-finals by the World Rugby Match Officials Selection Committee comprising Chairman Anthony Buchanan (council member), Joel Jutge (EPCR), Lyndon Bray (SANZAAR), Nick Mallett (former international coach) and Alain Rolland (World Rugby).

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “This has been one of the great Rugby World Cups, perhaps the greatest and there is significant excitement ahead of what promises to be an exceptional final between two former champions – England and South Africa.

“Our match officials have played their full role in this special tournament and I would like to congratulate Jérôme and the team on their appointments, which are thoroughly deserved. I would like to wish them all the best for what promises to be a very exciting finale to Rugby World Cup 2019.”

Previous Rugby World Cup final referees:

1987 – Kerry Fitzgerald (AUS)
1991 – Derek Bevan (WAL)
1995 – Ed Morrison (ENG)
1999 – Andre Watson (RSA)
2003 – Andre Watson (RSA)
2007 – Alain Rolland (IRE)
2011 – Craig Joubert (RSA)
2015 – Nigel Owens (WAL)