|
Written by RUGBYMag Staff
Monday, 26 September 2011 12:38 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
Ticket Sales for RWC Good, but Off Target |
|
International -
Rugby World Cup
|
|
Reports from Fairfax Media say the Rugby World Cup is closing in on its ticket sales target, but is still behind. Figures released today show more than 1.32 million tickets have been sold, making NZ$259m in revenue, which is NZ$9.5m. Organizers were looking to sell 1.35 million of the 1.6 million available tickets. To date 763,000 fans have attended 28 matches with 20 games still to be played.
Rugby World Cup chief executive Martin Snedden said it was a "fantastic result" and proof the tournament was gaining traction with local and international fans. "This weekend alone nearly a quarter of a million fans passed through the gates for matches which included the historic double header at Eden Park where 120,000 fans attended the two matches."
Only two matches are sold out: South Africa v. Samoa on Friday and Italy v. Ireland on Sunday. Every other game, including the final, has some tickets available. The final has tickets left, but all are the higher-end hospitality packages. The big quarterfinal clash, likely to be between the Springboks and the Wallabies, in Wellington on October 9, has category A and B tickets available for $491 or $399 apiece.
The All Blacks vs Canada clash this Sunday has a handful of tickets with an impeded view for $78.
|
|
|
|
Written by RUGBYMag Staff
Monday, 26 September 2011 10:08 |
|
|
|
|
|
Global Reach for World Vintage Rugby 2012 |
|
International -
International News
|
|
 As the 2011 Rugby World Cup kicked into action in New Zealand veteran rugby teams from all over the world continued to enter in large numbers for the fifth World Vintage Rugby Carnival being held in Hawaii from September 23-30, 2012.
12 months before the start of the Carnival, organizers have already confirmed 40 teams and over 1100 participants from 11 countries (USA, Australia, New Zealand, Bahamas, Argentina, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Portugal, South Africa, Brazil and England). Australia, New Zealand and the USA lead the way with 12, 7 and 7 teams respectively.
Recent entries received include Clube de Rugby de Juromenha (Portugal), Moravian Eagles (Czech Republic), Hokonui 3 stars, Suburbs Marauders, Burnside Battlers, Stuffed Hawkes, Upper Hutt Yellowbellies and Canterbury Baa Baas (all New Zealand), ACT Veterans, Killara West Pymble Limping Leos and Cairns Old Crocs (all Australia), Cracked Conchs (Bahamas), JHB Bobbies (South Africa), Harlequin Gentlemen (England), Keep Walking Rugby Club (Brazil), MARS (Mid Atlantic Rugby Side) and Hawaii Harlequins (USA).
The Carnival offers two sections for men: 35 to 45 and 46 years and over. The Carnival Rules and playing conditions will ensure all teams are offered the chance to play rugby as competitively as they wish against like-minded teams from around the world.
The seven day carnival includes three playing days, two major functions, an optional midweek trip and a comprehensive sightseeing and activity programme which is unique to Hawaii. Games in Hawaii will be played on specially prepared pitches at the famous Queen Kapiolani Park under majestic Diamond Head, just a stone’s throw from the beaches of Waikiki.
Full details are available on the Vintage Rugby website www.vintagerugby.com
Check out World Vintage Rugby on Facebook
Further details from: Paul Gleeson –
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
|
|
|
|
Written by Cody Secker
Monday, 26 September 2011 12:26 |
|
|
|
|
|
Journey of New Experiences for LaValla |
|
RUGBYmag Premier -
Profiles and Interviews
|
|
Cody Secker checks in with former players and coaches of Scott LaValla to find out how he went from no rugby at all to an Eagle and a pro player in just six years.
|
|
|
|
Written by Pat Clifton
Monday, 26 September 2011 09:19 |
|
|
|
|
|
Metropolis, Buffalo Bolster Records in Midwest |
|
Clubs -
Men's DI Clubs
|
| Metropolis diving for a score. Dropkick photos
|
There were just three games of real consequence in the Midwest this weekend. One was a 35-30 Buffalo victory over Cincinnati. Buffalo coach Ron Astridge said his team was happy to regain the respect of the Wolfhounds, to whom they’d lost 46-3 in August.
Nick Kusmierski booted Buffalo to the win with seven penalties, but no bonus point for four tries was gained. Cincinnati, however, did bag that bonus point, plus one for losing by seven or less. The Wolfhounds lead the trio of 3-1 teams and sit at first place in the Midwest East with 16 points. Detroit is second with 15 and Buffalo third with 14.
Metropolis avoided the upset in the West division, beating the pesky Blaze 50-27. The win didn’t always appear to be a guarantee, though.
“We started really slow. It was kind of opposite of the Lions game last week where we came out all guns blazing. We started a little slow and it took us a while to get into our rhythm and that was more so to do with their game than us not being ready,” said Metro coach Nate Osborne.
“They play kind of a scrappy game, trying to get quick turnover ball and spin it wide, and it kind of threw us off our game plan a little bit. Once we got settled in we played our kind of ball and put some points up.”
The third game of consequence was a possible relegation playoff, as Columbus and Indianapolis entered the contest winless. Columbus escaped the high-scoring fracas 48-40 winners.
There were no playoff implications in the battle of Chicago between the Lions and Griffins, but there was certainly pride, which the Lions captured as 16-5 winners.
The Griffins, however, did get the chance to blood several young players, including a young tighthead prop in Bryan Baskin, a 23-year-old from Iowa. Baskins assignment Saturday? John Vitale, who is considered one of the best scruammgers in the States.
“He held up very well, actually, but he also in his mind knows he was on a big learning curve, and he acknowledges that,” said Griffins head coach Wez Parkes.
“He picked up on a couple things (Vitale) was doing to manipulate him and dominate him. The kid is pretty mature in terms of being able to pick those things up and saying, ‘Hey I’m going to start trying to implement those in my own game.”
|
|
|
|
