Archive for the ‘Men’ Category

Well done Daytona, a great win, and another feather in the hat for Florida rugby.

Gentlemen of Aspen Take Top Honors at Men’s Club Sevens Championships

SAN FRANCISCO - The USA Rugby Senior Men’s Club Sevens Championships came to a thrilling conclusion as the Gentlemen of Aspen’s notched a last minute try to overtake the Belmont Shore Tigers 26-24 in the Cup Final on Sunday afternoon. The nail-biting match was seemingly the perfect capstone to a weekend full of triumphs and upsets at Rocca Field.

Rolling off the momentum of their 17-7 semifinal victory over the Denver Barbarians, Belmont Shore took an early lead over Aspen and maintained control 10-5 heading into the break.

 But in the second half, it was truly anyone’s game as the sides went try for try in the first seven minutes. With less than three minutes left to play, the Tigers had grown a 12 point lead. However, the Gentlemen of Aspen kept the defensive pressure on and came up with two big tries before the end, with Teddy Omondi kicking both extras to put the Gents up top with no time left.

“This is unbelievable. To be honest, it took a minute for the win to sink in. I just want to thank Fred Waititi, our 15s Head Coach for his help with our journey here. He and I have been working for years to bring Aspen back to the height of the National stage and now, we’ve made it,” said Gentlemen of Aspen Coach Andrew Katoa following the victory. “If you look around here this weekend, there are a lot of great athletes and I told our guys at the end of the day, they only had to answer to themselves - they definitely proved themselves out there today.”

 Aspen’s Mike Palefau was named the tournament MVP by Men’s Sevens National Team Head Coach Al Caravelli, who was on hand to observe prospective players for the upcoming Sevens camp in Chula Vista.

 ”We knew Mike would be great for us, but the other guys really came together and made it happen for us. This whole weekend was based on strong defense that helped created offensive opportunities,” said Gentlemen of Aspen Head Coach Fred Waititi.

 The battle for third place also brought a nail-biting conclusion, as the Denver Barbarians bounced back from a 12-5 halftime deficit to lead Northern Virginia until the game’s 12th minute, when NOVA’s PJ Komongnan went the distance for a try and the successful conversion put the score at 19-all, where it remained until fulltime, despite the Barbos best efforts. NOVA rolled on to win it, 24-19 two minutes into sudden-death overtime.

 Perhaps the biggest surprise of the day came in the Plate Final, where the defending champion Chicago Lions were dealt a harsh upset by the No. 5 seeded underdogs from Daytona Beach. Chicago led 7-0 heading into the break and looked to be rolling to an easy victory, but in a full team effort, Daytona stepped up and scored three unanswered tries in the last five minutes to bring the final tally to 17-12.

 ”It feels great to come out with a win today. I’m just ecstatic - the team has learned a lot over the past year and we’ve started instituting skills that Coach (Al) Caravelli looks for in selecting players for the National Sevens team,” Daytona Beach Head Coach Brian Richardson said following the win. “This was a great team effort all-around, our subs and rookies especially stepped up for us today - the rookies dominated the tries for us.”

 Tournament hosts San Francisco Golden Gate put on an impressive display in the Bowl Final versus Old Mission Beach Athletic Club (OMBAC), shutting out the San Diego side 27-0 in a great team effort before a supportive home crowd. SFGG earned its place in the Bowl final after knocking off Scioto Valley 31-10 in the semis, with Emmanuel Palamo leading the way for his team with 11 points in the victory.

Meanwhile, in the battle for seventh place honors, Boston RFC capped off its weekend with a big 33-7 victory over the Maryland Exiles. Eleventh place went to Bay Area side, Olympic Club, which shutdown Columbus, Ohio’s Scioto Valley 38-14.

Hello Everyone,

The fall FRU dues invoices went out today so please remit your checks with the next 30 days to avoid the suspension list for the fall.
If you have any questions, please call me anytime at 239-994-3257

Thanks,
Lisa O’Donnell

There was an absolutlely fantastic response to the Level 1 referees course held at FAU July 19 , with no less than 23 folks turning up from all over the State to try their hand.

What was even more remarkable was that all 23 passed and are now ready to take up the whistle if they wish.

Highlights

- 5 female referees

- 60% of the candidates in their twenties

- Youngest referee 18

This is a great win for FRU and rugby in general. We need new blood in the game and if only half of you take up the whistle then the game is in good hands for the future.

Big thanks to Gerry Fitzgerald and Terry Day and FAU for hosting.

 The new crew and their home base

Kenneth Quillen Jr Port Charlotte
Dennis Yarizadeh Maitland
Jamey Penca Coral Springs
Rocco Kryns Ft. Lauderdale
Pat O’Donnell Naples
Ignacio Correa Orlando
Ron Pruitt Apopka
Travis Jarae Safety Harbor
Gerardo Ferraris Miami
Salvatore Versaggi Tampa
Adam Hyman Tallahassee
Kirk Swanner Tallahassee
Michale Clough Naples
William Kaiser Davie
Geoffrey J Jordan Fort Lauderdale
Cory Penca Coral Springs
David Meehan Naples
Raymond Hall Davie

Kelly Simpson Durham
Jennifer Hansen Orange Park
Rachel Johnson Lehigh Acres
Samantha Carter Dania Beach
Haylee Slaughter Gainesville

MTSU RUGBY CAMP

September 13-14, 2008

Special Guest - Eddie O’Sullivan
International Head Coach of Ireland from 2001 - 2007. Eddie is respected as one of the most professionally thorough and innovative coaches in World rugby and made history by leading Ireland to three Triple Crown victories in four years (2004,2006 & 2007). After taking charge he dramatically changed the fortunes and style of Ireland’s National rugby team and became their most successful ever coach with a win/loss of 50-28.

MTSU Rugby is proud to host Eddie O’Sullivan and invites coaches and players from Tennessee High School Rugby, local colleges and clubs to share in this unique opportunity. Eddie first came to MTSU in 1998 to present the first USA Rugby level 2 Coaches Course. He is an outstanding speaker, educator and motivator. It is a rare opportunity that coaches and players can actually learn from an international coach.

New Coach at MTSU!!! — This season MTSU Rugby welcomes John Keepa to the coaching staff. John is from New Zealand and holds an IRB level 2 Coach Certification as well as an advanced coaching certificate from IRANZ. He has a Bachelor Degree in Business from Massey University with his major being sports management. He is a professional sports trainer and has won New Zealand body building championships. John will be a great addition to MTSU and the entire rugby community.

Fees:
Coaches — $90 for all sessions

(Single session on Saturday at $40 each; Sunday only $45)

*Players — $50 for all sessions

(Single session on Saturday $20; Sunday only $25)

*Only a limited number of player participants can be accepted - advance payment and reservation is required. Additional players and day of show walk-ins can attend as observers, but may not get to participate in session. Players should be prepared for contact, dressed in rugby shorts, jersey and mouthpiece. Players must be CIPP Registered, equipped with drinks and pre-tapped etc. Eat sensible especially at lunch breaks.

All checks should be made payable to MTSU Rugby and can be mailed in advance to

Mark Williams

1461 Battleground Dr.

Murfreesboro, TN 37129

615-895-0477

For more information contact me via e-mail if at all possible.

Mark

mwilliams@rsucontractors.com

Third Party Liability Insurance

This is a great piece on liability from USARugby. Too few people understand the implications of not being CIPPED - urge you to read this as club  officials and individuals. 

Please keep in mind that all individual and club registration will expire on August 31, 2008 and Certificates of Liability Insurance will expire on September 1, 2008. New certificates will need to be issued after this date and will grant coverage from September 1, 2008 - August 31, 2009. Before members submit an electronic request for a certificate, the club must be registered and have at least 15 individuals registered in order to be granted coverage. For more information, please visit:

 www.usarugby.org/goto/Liability_Insurance

 Q: How does liability insurance benefit my club and me?

A: The benefit may not be easily apparent to everyone. What members should understand is that the owners/operators of most all fields and facilities will require a large liability insurance policy such as this to even allow a club access. Without such a policy in place, most Parks & Recreation Departments and other public fields and facilities, including meeting spaces, would be off-limits for use. Independent insurance would be very difficult to obtain, as insurance underwriters are generally unwilling to write coverage for stand alone rugby operations. Most clubs are dependent at some point in the season on public facilities, even if their home pitch is on school grounds and already covered.

 Q: As a coach, am I covered for any liability in the case of an injury to a player on my club, or to an opposing club player?

A: The coverage provides legal defense should a coach be sued by a player in event of a player injury. Coaches are insured under the General Liability policy.

 Q: As a referee, am I covered for any liability in the case of an injury to a player on either club in a match I am officiating? What about a referee assignor or other administrator who has responsibility for match officials, etc.?

A: The coverage provides legal defense should a referee or administrator be sued by a player in event of a player injury. Referees/Officials are insured under the General Liability policy.

 Q: What are the ramifications if I decide not to CIPP register my club and its players?

A: If a club decides not to CIPP register, then they do not have any insurance through USA Rugby. It will be difficult or impossible for a facility to allow you to hold a competition or practice, as they generally require proof of insurance. Additionally, the individual members of the club can be held personally liable for any damage to the field for injuries players may sustain as a result of their participation.

Q: What if my club is registered, but I find out the opposing club or its players are not?

A: USA Rugby advises you not to compete in any match against non-CIPP registered opponents. You should notify your Local Area and Territorial Union officials and contact the Club official to find out why they are not registered. If the LAU or TU do not support your decision not to play the match, you should contact the USA Rugby National Office. If you play the match and the opposing club is not CIPP registered, you could forfeit coverage for your club.

Old Boys Ricky Pigott Cup Champions: Ft Lauderdale

Men’s Cup Champions: Naples 1, Runner up: UF

Men’s Plate Champions: Tridents

Women’s Cup Champions: Miami Hawaiians

High School Champions: Pelicans

Photos from the Fort Myers News-Press

Beerfoot Final Resluts (PDF)
Beerfoot Final Results (excel)

Congratulations to all the Winners!

I have secured a donation from the companyIi work for to purchase water for this weekends tournament.The water will be given away for a donation to the Andrew Widman (slain Ft. Myers police officer) family.

Please get your water with us. It will be available on the beach so don’t bring any with you. The donations will be given to a police officer that day around trophy time.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Allan Grace

WINK News Tribute Page to Officer Widman

Saturday, July 26, 2008 Holiday Inn at Ft Myers Beach

For those of you who are internet/mapquest challenged, here you go. Address is:
Holiday Inn Fort Myers Beach
6890 Estero Boulevard,
Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931

Google Map Location

Phone: (239) 463-5711
Fax: (239) 463-7038

Teams should be on the beach and ready to go by 8:30am (the beach is behind the hotel).

From I-75 coming from Miami/FTL area, take exit 116 Bonita Beach Rd heading west (left). Stay on this road (it changes names half way) for 13 miles, Holiday Inn will be on your left.

From I-75 coming from the north, take exit 131 Daniels Parkway west (right)
Go 3.3 miles west. Hang a left on BEN C PRATT PKWY/SIX MILE CYPRESS PKWY/CR-865
Stay on SIX MILE CYPRESS (it changes names to Gladiolus after rt 41) for 4.4 miles
Stay to your left and go over the Overpass. This will turn into Summerlin. Stay on Summerlin (you pass a hospital on your right) for 3.9 miles
Hang a left (do not go over the overpass) onto San Carlos Blvd for 3.1 miles - veer to your left after the bridge
Go another 4.4 miles and the Holiday Inn will be on your right.

There is a walk in clinic across the street from the Holiday Inn if no one is available to those needing stitches, etc.
Nearest Hospital is on Summerlin, approx 10 miles from the pitches (reverse directions above - Healthpark)

If you get lost, call Ken Dunne at 239-738-3244

Teams confirmed:

(Savannah/FTL will may need to pick up whores? Key West should have enough to fill out those sides)

Ft. Myers Beach Hotels

Hotel Availability as of 7/17/06:

HOLIDAY INN

HOST HOTEL & PITCH LOCATION availability as of 7/17/06

CONTACT: 463-5711 (direct) - Ask for Rugby Rate!

PRICING: 1 King Bed (no pull out) $79 Rugby Rate —-2 LEFT

1 King Bed with queen size pull out $99 Rate — 4 LEFT

HOTELS PRETTY CLOSE TO THE PITCH (Holiday Inn):

Carousel Inn on the Beach

CONTACT: 463-6131

PRICING: 1 King, or 2 Doubles, or 2 Queens - $90

AVAILABILITY: 6 rooms left as of 7/17

Gulf View Motel

CONTACT: 463-4446

PRICING: 2 bedroom apt (4 person occupancy) - $169

AVAILABILITY: 5 rooms left as of 7/17

NOTE: Said it is $149 plus $10 for extra heads…so he quoted me for 4 people; if you bring in more and they catch you, they will add $10/person to your charge.

Confirmed Teams

HOTELS FURTHER DOWN THE BEACH…CLOSER TO THE PUB CRAWL STOPS

Anchor Inn:

CONTACT: 239-463-2630… at 285 Virginia Avenue (mom & pop place..quaint…on back bay…)

PRICING:

1 bedroom for $110.

2-bedroom for $125.

3 bedroom $140

4 bedroom $175 (1 king, 2 doubles, and a sofa sleeper that turns into a double)

AVAILABILITY: All types of rooms are available, but it’s a small place, so not many total rooms.

IMPORTANT NOTES: The owner charges $20 a head a night for extra people over. His breakdown is a 1 bedroom sleeps 2 people, the 2 bedroom 2… 3 for 3, 4 for 4… (don’t ask me why… in rugger world we could sleep a whole team in the 3 or 4 bedroom. So the moral of the story, if staying at the Anchor Inn is… be wary of looming charges if you sneak in lots of bodies. *** He did say if you rent more than one room he will give you a group discount of 10%.

Gulf Motel

CONTACT: (Ernie) 239-463-9247; 2700 Estero Blvd. (small efficiencies…not fancy; on beach; located across from FMB Library)

PRICING:

1 double/1 twin plus pull-out (ask, not guaranteed) $100

2 doubles $110

1 double/1 queen $120

3 doubles and a twin $130

AVAILABILITY: All types of rooms are available, but it’s a small place, so there aren’t many.

Wild Wave

(also owned by Anchor Inn owners) #463-8900 - not fancy… on the Beach

Surf N Us

(also owned by Anchor Inn ownders) #239-463-6882… about 1 1/4 mile from “The Cottage” (bar on the pub crawl)…not fancy

SAME RATES AT BOTH PLACES:

1 queen (maybe a sofa) $125

2 queens (probably a sofa) $150

AVAILABILITY: All types of rooms are available, it’s a small place, so there aren’t many of them.

Ramada Inn

CONTACT: 239-463-6158 1160 Estero Blvd

PRICING

1 Double $103

2 Doubles $133

Beacon Motel

CONTACT: 239-463-5264 –1240 Estero Blvd… It’s across the street from The Cottage (bar on the pub crawl). On the ocean.

PRICING:

2 Doubles $119 (2 rooms available as of 7/17/06)

2 Queens and a Sleeper Sofa $139 (1 room available as of 7/17/06)

Holiday Court

CONTACT: 239-463-2830… 925 Estero Blvd…. Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931;

PRICING

1Double/1 Twin and a couch… with a kitchenette. $85

Cottage: 1 Full/1 Double/3 twins (or something similar - sleeps 5) $130

AVAILABILITY: All rooms are available as of now, but it is small - so will fill up soon.

IMPORTANT NOTES: Limited Parking - be sure to ask about parking! By Time Square/the Pier… more than 4 miles from Holiday Inn…but close to many of the pub crawl bars.

Diamond Head Resort

CONTACT: 239-765-7654…2000 Estero Blvd…… …a nicer place, more expensive - with suites; $220 2 doubles or 1 king (pool view) $240 Same, but beach view

Lani Kai -

CONTACT: 800-237-6133 (Oceanside…popular hang out)

PRICING:

2 doubles or 1 king $125

Suite, sleeps up to 6: $175

AVAILABILITY: Good…less suite availability though

Best Western

CONTACT: 239-463-6000

PRICING
2 doubles $159 (all beach view, think he said they have kitchen too)

AVAILABILITY: 70% BOOKED

Access this link for a complete listing of all the beach hotels (some are pet friendly): http://www.fortmyersbeach.org/accommodations.php

If you’d like to see a map of the beach with some hotels on it, click here. (NOTE: you will see hotels on this map that aren’t on the list…feel free to try them out…I couldn’t get a hold of some, but some are just expensive…)

For Immediate Release
July 21, 2008USA Rugby Coach Development Program to Launch Advanced Coaching Course

BOULDER, Colo. - USA Rugby’s Coach Development Program (CDP) will launch a new Advanced Coaching Course at the end of July. The course requires a year-long commitment, during which time coaches will attend multi-day workshops in early August 2008, January 2009 and July 2009.

The course will primarily focus on individual player and team roles. Coaches will build player and team profiles that identify strengths and weaknesses and create a plan of action to improve these characteristics.

 During the interim between the workshops, coaching advisers will also visit the participating coaches in their home coaching environments and provide critiques.

“The introduction of a new coaching certification that will really challenge our coaches is a great step forward. The course focuses on the coaching process and the detailed planning that top class coaches require as they develop winning teams,” USA Rugby CEO and President of Rugby Operations Nigel Melville said.

 In its initial launch the Advanced Coaching Course will be available to National Team, Super League, and other select coaches by invitation only. However, in 2009 the course will be adapted for all coaches as a weekend-long workshop plus site visits, a time commitment slightly greater than the current Introducing Rugby and Developing Rugby Skills workshops.

 For more information on the Coach Development Program or the Advanced Coaching Course, contact Sadie Thomas at sthomas@usarugby.org.