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Written by Alex Goff
Tuesday, 16 August 2011 16:22 |
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Pac Coast 7s Looking Dangerous |
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Sevens -
All-Stars
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Defending Men’s National 7s All-Star champions the Pacific Coast will bring a slightly different squad to the tournament August 26-27 in Chula Vista, Calif.
Head Coach John Tyler will not bring Old Puget Sound Beach speedsters Isi Daveta or Fili Botitu, a decision perhaps influenced by the USA coach Al Caravelli’s request to not bring players who weren’t USA eligible.
The squad has not been finalized, but it does appear that OPSB stalwarts Nu’u Punimata, Miles Craigwell and Alipate Tuilevuka will all join the Grizzlies, as will 2010 NASC MVP Mile Pulu from East Palo Alto. Pulu, of course, played his 15s with San Francisco Golden Gate, and three other SFGG players, the speedy Folau Niua, bruising Siupeli Sakalia, and indomitable Mose Timoteo, should also suit up with the PCRFU.
From Utah, Mike Palefau and Jason Pye are unconfirmed possibilities, but all eyes are on the youngster Maka Unufe, previously of the United U19 program and the Utah Warriors 7s team. The rangy back is a supreme attacking talent, and still a teenager.
Unufe was a star of the national U19 final, which United lost to Highland. He scored two tries and was electric.
“Anyone who watched [knows] he is dynamite,” said United Head Coach Colin Puriri after that match. “That kid, he’s got speed, he’s aggressive, he’s got defense. This is only his first real year playing rugby. He’s a local kid, and when he touches the ball, he’s dynamic.”
A few other players, some high profile, could well join the currently incomplete squad, and as always, Tyler has been on the lookout for young, possibly overlooked talent. The coach has a history of plucking players, especially young Polynesian athletes, out of relative obscurity and into the limelight.
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Written by Alex Goff
Tuesday, 16 August 2011 00:24 |
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SoCal Trialists Get Boost |
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Sevens -
All-Stars
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The Southern California 7s All-Stars are yet to be chosen, but those who do try out will get a special opportunity to test themselves. Head Coach Craig Hartley hosts the selection camp and combine this weekend, testing fitness and skills just as other territories have done. But what makes this assembly different is the quality of their scrimmaging opponents. Hartley will select between 15 and 18 players to work out on Sunday, and that group will scrimmage against the Collegiate All Americans. That workout will give Hartley a chance to see his players in action against strong opposition. "We should have a unique opportunity to make selections that no other combine has provided," said Hartley.
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Written by RUGBYMag.com News Release
Tuesday, 16 August 2011 11:58 |
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Boston Barbarians to Host Irish Dungannon |
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Clubs -
All-Stars
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The Boston Barbarians will be hosting Ireland's Dungannon for a one-off Exhibition match Thursday Aug. 18 at Milton High School in Milton, Mass. Kick off is 6:30pm. Tickets will be available for $5 at the gate.
The Barbarians are following the age-old tradition of inviting the best players from an area's nationally competing teams to all play under the same banner. The Barbarians will be playing in the city of Boston's Continental Blue and Continental Buff colors, and players will wear their regular club's socks. Membership to the Barbarians is by invitation only, and the major qualifications considered were the players flair, courage, spirit and passion. Organizers are expecting an exciting and high standard of play.
Dungannon is a professional squad from the north of Ireland. They have won every major domestic competition and have produced several international players. They will be traveling up through New York with a touring side that consists of at least seven of their first-team players.
Barbarian committee manager David Gonzales said, "The event promises to showcase some great rugby, so even if you have not seen a game before you are encouraged to come out and support the Northeast's finest talent."
Traditional post match festivities will be sponsored and continue on at the Harp, 85 Causeway Street, Boston, following the match. Further event details can be found on Facebook at The Boston Barbarians Rugby Team page. The event has been sanctioned by USA Rugby, New England Rugby Union and teams with participating players.
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Written by RUGBYMag Staff
Monday, 15 August 2011 21:50 |
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West Names Men's 7s All-Stars |
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Sevens -
All-Stars
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The West RFU has announced its WRFU Mustangs all-star 7s team.
 Head Coach, Andre Snyman and Program Director, Gregg Jarvis picked 12 players from five different clubs, with Dallas and Denver both contributing three players.
Chaffin, Curtis – Dallas Harlequins
De Aachaval, Maximo – Denver Barbarians
Gullen, Brian – Woodland Exiles
Haapapuro, Ben – Denver Barbarians
Hayes, Matt – Kansas City Blues
Hunter, Leland – Dallas Harlequins
O’Sullivan, Sean – Dallas Harlequins
Reed, Dewon – Glendale Raptors
Scott, Ken – Kansas City Blues
Spaur, Bryce – Denver Barbarians
Spencer, Scott – Glendale Raptors
Tofte, Chris – Woodland Exiles
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