GILBERT RUGBY NEWS

MELBOURNE WINS SUPER RUGBY LICENCE

Thu 12 November 2009

Australian Rugby Union welcomes today's historic decision to include Melbourne as the 15th Super Rugby team when one of the world's premier Rugby competitions expands in 2011.

An independent two-man panel handed down its verdict after SANZAR requested a review - and a binding finding - on the applications received from ARU, on behalf of Melbourne, and the South African Rugby Union, on behalf of the Southern Kings.

The Expert Determination Panel, appointed last month when the SANZAR Executive Committee was unable to reach a unanimous position on whether Melbourne or the Southern Kings should be the additional team, consisted of 1987 All Blacks' World Cup winning captain and former Fairfax Media CEO David Kirk, and retired NZ High Court Judge, the Hon Barry Paterson QC.

"This is a vote for commonsense," said ARU Managing Director and CEO John O'Neill.

"Equally we want to recognise that the bid put forward for the Southern Kings was a very good one and it took an even better bid for Melbourne to win out.

"At some point in time, SANZAR will no doubt enjoy the company of the Southern Kings.

"However, at the moment, this is the right decision for SANZAR and it's a momentous day for Australian Rugby and the people of Melbourne.

"Melbourne has an extraordinary capacity for sport and we can now deliver them a Super Rugby side they can embrace and support in an established competition of genuine international standing.

"Super Rugby is the most prestigious tournament of its kind in our game and it will now reach into Melbourne, with a team playing out of the new state-of-the-art purpose-built Melbourne Rectangular Stadium.

"We are obviously delighted by the outcome.

"ARU was always convinced the case for Melbourne was compelling and this decision confirms our positivity and confidence about having the fifth Australian team in Australia's second biggest city.

"The Melbourne Rugby community has been desperate for a consistent schedule of top-level matches and the establishment of a Super Rugby team will deliver that on a grand scale.

"For Australian Rugby as a whole this also ensures our national footprint at the highest levels continues to expand with Super Rugby teams in Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, Perth and Melbourne."

For the first decade of Super Rugby from 1996 to 2005 following the formation of SANZAR, there were three Australian teams involved - the NSW Waratahs, the Queensland Reds and the ACT Brumbies.

The competition's expansion in 2006, where the number of teams was increased from 12 to 14, allowed for the inclusion of the Western Force playing out of Perth.

Melbourne delivers Australia a fifth team when Super Rugby moves to 15 teams and a new-look Conference-style format from 2011.

There will be five teams in an Australian Conference, five in a New Zealand Conference and five in a South African Conference.

The five teams within each Conference will play each other on a home and away basis - eight games in all.

They will play four of the five teams in each of the other two Conferences home or away for a further eight regular-season matches.

"The competition revamp, together with the addition of Melbourne, will give our game an unprecedented presence in the Australian sporting marketplace," said Mr O'Neill.

There will be 40 Super Rugby matches (excluding finals) played in Australia each season as opposed to 26 under the current Super 14 structure.

Even more significantly, because of the new home and away system, there will be 20 all-Australian ‘local derbies' in Australia each season.

"Compare that to the current six all-Australian ‘local derbies' and you can understand why we are confident Super Rugby from 2011 will add a new dimension to the domestic season," said Mr O'Neill.

In all, there will be 16 regular season games for each team compared to 13 at present, and the finals series will also increase from four to six teams and from two to three weeks.

Mr O'Neill said confirmation that Melbourne will be the 15th Super Rugby team from 2011 would allow the focus to shift to bedding down important planks for the establishment of the new team.

Ownership structure and guidelines for recruitment are among the imperatives to be finalised.

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GILBERT Ambassador Rocky Elsom New Wallabies Captain

Fri 9 October 2009

QANTAS WALLABIES NAMED FOR 2009 SPRING TOUR

Seven uncapped players have been included among the 35-man Qantas Wallabies squad announced today for the 2009 Spring Tour, among a travelling party which also includes a new captain, Rocky Elsom, and vice captain, in Berrick Barnes.

The tour, which kicks off at the end of the month in Japan, will incorporate Australia's first attempt at a Grand Slam of the four British Home Unions in 25 years.

While Western Force flanker Matt Hodgson and NSW Waratahs utility back Kurtley Beale had been involved within the Qantas Wallabies set-up during the Bundaberg Rum Rugby Series earlier in the year, the tour will represent the first Qantas Wallabies' involvements for five others.

These are Queensland Reds halfback Richard Kingi, NSW Waratahs midfield back Rob Horne, Brumbies blindside flanker Mitchell Chapman, NSW Waratahs lock Dave Dennis and ACT Brumbies prop Salesi Ma'afu.

The new leadership group is headed up by Elsom, 26, who has played 44 Tests for his country, having debuted against Samoa in 2005. He returned to Australia earlier this year in time to play four times during the Tri Nations, after a successful off-season in Ireland where he helped the Dublin-based Leinster club annex its maiden European Cup title. He now becomes Australia's 76th Test captain.

Stirling Mortlock was the incumbent captain when Deans took over last year.

"Stirling has done a good job as Australian skipper, both before I became involved, and over the last 16 months. He also understands that this initiative has no meaning in terms of his playing future. He has indicated a desire to continue not only to play but also to lead and we respect that," Deans says.

For Deans, leadership has never been about title, but more about actions.

Deans has also historically shown a preference for the captain to be in the forward pack.

"Although George [Smith] did a sound job taking over once Stirling [Mortlock] was injured this season, we feel the role has never really sat naturally with him. Captaincy requires a big commitment both on and away from the field and we believe George is better served not being saddled with the additional responsibility. He still has the opportunity to contribute leadership within the group."

Deans says Elsom appealed as the best option for the position, both due to his certainty in terms of selection, and ability to lead from the front.

"Rocky has the respect of his team-mates because of his approach and the total commitment he brings to the game," Deans says.

Twenty seven of the players selected today featured for the Wallabies earlier in the year, in either the mid-year Test window or during the Tri Nations.

Three players who were members of the pre-tour training squad - lock Nathan Sharpe, uncapped winger Nick Cummins and flanker Phil Waugh, were not considered due to injury. Sharpe and Cummins both have injuries which ruled them out for the entire tour while Waugh was not going to be available for the first fixtures.

The other player to miss selection from the Tri Nations squad is prop Al Baxter.

"The nature of the playing schedules is such that we get few windows of opportunity outside of Tests in which to introduce players," Deans says.

"This tour provides us with a development opportunity, through our two midweek games. That is why we have opted to introduce some younger players, as opposed to taking along players whose capabilities we are already aware of.

"Clearly players who fall into that category are the likes of Baxter and possibly Waugh."

Deans says the uncapped players selected today had all been closely monitored, both at state and club level and also through their involvement in national programmes; most recently during this week's four-day training camp.

"That was a valuable exercise," Deans says of the four days spent together by a training squad of 43, earlier this week in Sydney.

"Not only did it allow us an opportunity to work closely with a few players for the first time and observe their habits - both off the field and on the training paddock - we were also able to bed in a few standards ahead of the tour itself."

Deans says the fact that eight additional players not selected today were exposed to the camp may prove advantageous down the line.

"History suggests we will suffer breakages, in terms of injured players, while we are away," Deans says.

"If that happens, we have some other blokes who have been exposed to the methodology within the camp that we can call on if required."

The Wallabies assemble in Sydney next week, before departing for Tokyo, and this season's final Bledisloe Cup Test against the All Blacks, on 24 October.

The tour then moves on to the British Isles, with England first-up during a four-week period where the squad will face four Tests, alongside mid-week matches against English Premiership club Gloucester and a still to be confirmed opponent in Wales.

The Qantas Wallabies Squad for the 2009 Spring Tour, incorporating Australia's first Grand Slam attempt in 25 years, is:

Player

Position

Super 14 Team

Age

Test Caps

Ben Alexander

Prop

Brumbies

24

13

Adam Ashley-Cooper

Fullback-Wing

Brumbies

25

32

**Berrick Barnes

Inside centre-Flyhalf

Queensland Reds

23

21

Kurtley Beale

Flyhalf/Fullback

NSW Waratahs

20

Uncapped

Richard Brown

No 8/Loose Forward

Western Force

25

11

Luke Burgess

Halfback

NSW Waratahs

26

19

Mitchell Chapman

Blindside Flanker

Brumbies

26

Uncapped

Mark Chisholm

Lock

Brumbies

28

43

Quade Cooper

Flyhalf

Queensland Reds

21

7

Pekahou Cowan

Prop

Western Force

23

3

Ryan Cross

Centre

Western Force

30

15

Dave Dennis

Lock

NSW Waratahs

23

Uncapped

Matt Dunning

Prop

Western Force

30

43

*Rocky Elsom

Flanker

Brumbies

26

44

Will Genia

Halfback

Queensland Reds

21

6

Matt Giteau

Flyhalf

Western Force

27

73

Matt Hodgson

Loose forward

Western Force

27

Uncapped

Rob Horne

Centre

NSW Waratahs

20

Uncapped

James Horwill

Lock

Queensland Reds

24

19

Peter Hynes

Wing

Queensland Reds

27

17

Digby Ioane

Wing/Centre

Queensland Reds

24

4

Sekope Kepu

Prop

NSW Waratahs

23

2

Richard Kingi

Halfback

Queensland Reds

20

Uncapped

Salesi Ma'afu

Prop

Brumbies

26

Uncapped

Drew Mitchell

Wing/Fullback

Western Force

25

37

Stephen Moore

Hooker

Brumbies

26

41

Stirling Mortlock

Centre

Brumbies

32

80

Dean Mumm

Lock/Loose-forward

NSW Waratahs

25

15

James O'Connor

Fullback

Western Force

19

10

Wycliff Palu

No 8

NSW Waratahs

27

31

David Pocock

Flanker

Western Force

21

11

Tatafu Polota-Nau

Hooker

NSW Waratahs

24

18

Benn Robinson

Prop

NSW Waratahs

25

26

George Smith

Flanker

Brumbies

29

105

Lachie Turner

Wing/Fullback

NSW Waratahs

22

11

* = captain, ** = vice captain

Tour Schedule

DATE

MATCH

TROPHY

VENUE

KICK OFF

Sat 31 Oct

Qantas Wallabies v All Blacks

Bledisloe Cup

National Stadium, Tokyo

5.30pm

7.30pm

Tue 3 Nov

Qantas Wallabies v Gloucester

 

Kingsholm, Gloucester

7.45pm

6.45am

Sat 7 Nov

Qantas Wallabies v England

Cook Cup

Twickenham, London

2.30pm

1.30am

Sun 15 Nov

Qantas Wallabies v Ireland

Lansdowne Cup

Croke Park, Dublin

3pm

2am

Sat 21 Nov

Qantas Wallabies v Scotland

Hopetoun Cup

Murrayfield, Edinburgh

5.15pm

4.15am

Sat 28 Nov

Qantas Wallabies v Wales

James Bevan Trophy

Millennium Stadium, Cardiff

5.15pm

4.15am

* all kick offs are in local times (Australian kick off times in italics, British games are the following morning, AEST). A midweek match in Wales is still to be confirmed.

 Grand Slam Tour Notes  

  • This is the eighth potential Grand Slam tour of the British Isles to have been conducted by an Australian team since the 1928-29 NSW Waratahs, who beat Wales and Ireland but lost to Scotland and England.
  • Further Grand Slam attempts were made in 1947-48 (won three, lost to Wales), 1957-58 (lost all four Tests), 1966-67 (won two, lost to Scotland and Ireland), 1975-76 (beat Ireland, lost the other three) and 1981-82 (beat Ireland, lost the other three).
  • Australia finally achieved its maiden Grand Slam at its seventh attempt in 1984, beating England 19-3, Ireland 16-9, Wales 28-9 and Scotland 37-12. Flyhalf Mark Ella scored tries in all four Tests.
  • The 1984 tourists, who were the eighth Wallabies to tour the British Isles, played 18 matches during their two month visit, winning 13, losing four and drawing one. As well as the Grand Slam, the '84 side also beat the Barbarians in the tour finale, 37-30.
  • Seventeen members of the Qantas Wallabies squad named today to under-take Australia's latest attempt on a Grand Slam hadn't been born when the successful 1984 tour was made.
  • South Africa has successfully achieved a Grand Slam of the British Isles on four occasions (1912-13, 1931-32, 1951-52 and 1960-61) from eight attempts, but has failed in its three most recent attempts - including 2004 when the then reigning Tri Nations champions lost to both Ireland and England.
  • New Zealand failed in its first four Slam attempts and had to wait until 1978 and the All Blacks' seventh tour of the British Isles before a quartet of Test victories was finally achieved. The All Blacks have now achieved the Slam on each of their last three attempts - 1978, 2005 and 2008.

Gilbert to Supply Balls for Rugby World Cup 2011 and 20

Wed 11 November 2009

Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL) has announced that Gilbert has been awarded the contract to supply balls to Rugby World Cup 2011 and Rugby World Cup 2015.

A world leader in match ball innovation and development in international Rugby for more than a century, the UK-based firm will supply the match, training and replica balls for Rugby's global showcase event.

"Gilbert is a brand that is synonymous with Rugby World Cup, having supplied balls for the tournament since 1995, and RWCL is delighted to be extending the relationship with a partner that has proven to be both a strong supporter of the tournament and the world leader in Rugby ball performance," said RWCL Chairman Bernard Lapasset.

"The tender process was extremely competitive. The decision to award the contract over two tournaments is an exciting prospect for both RWCL and Gilbert, enabling promotion of the RWC brand over the next six years through marketing activation and sales."

"The appointment of Gilbert as Official Match and Replica Ball Suppliers further underlines the global prestige and appeal of a tournament that is now the world's third largest sporting event," added Lapasset.

With a little under two years to go until the opening match of the 2011 tournament, Gilbert and RWCL have unveiled the design of the ball that will be used by the world's finest players across all 48 matches in New Zealand.

Retaining the distinct RWC brand colours of blue and green, the innovative ball will have a distinctly New Zealand feel and replicas will be available to purchase via the official Rugby World Cup 2011 online store and via leading Rugby retail outlets over the coming months.

"We believe the official branding for RWC 2011 is a vibrant connection between the tournament and the host country. The Look and Feel brings to life the New Zealand flavour of the tournament and this is perfectly reflected on the official ball design," added Lapasset.

Richard Gray, Gilbert Sales and Marketing Director, commented: "This decision is great news for Gilbert and underlines our commitment to Rugby since 1823. Gilbert has enjoyed a long and successful relationship with the International Rugby Board at every level since 1995 but the unprecedented awarding of this two-tournament contract is recognition of the work of the entire Gilbert team and a testament to the consistent quality and the outstanding performance of our products. We are all very proud of the achievement which truly cements our position as the world's premier Rugby ball manufacturer."

Andrew Challis, Gilbert Brand Manager, added: "Gilbert has repeatedly pushed the boundaries of match ball development and for RWC 2011, the official match ball will deliver another step forward in Rugby ball design and technology. In support of the commercial efforts of RWCL, we will be marketing the full range of RWC 2011 Rugby ball merchandise to every Rugby playing country of the world."

The Rugby World Cup 2011 Commercial Programme comprises Emirates Airline, MasterCard and Heineken as Worldwide Partners, LIM as Official Licensees, Russell McVeagh as the Official Law Firm and now Gilbert as Official Match and Replica Ball Suppliers.


2010 Bundaberg Rum Tri Nations Draw

Fri 9 October 2009

2010 BUNDABERG RUM TRI NATIONS DRAW

The Qantas Wallabies will play the All Blacks in Sydney and Melbourne, and take on the Springboks in Brisbane, as part of the 2010 Bundaberg Rum Tri Nations series.

SANZAR today confirmed the draw for next year's triangular tournament involving the three highest-placed countries on the official IRB world rankings.

The Qantas Wallabies will open their six-match Bundaberg Rum Tri Nations campaign on home soil, playing the world champions South Africa at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Saturday, 24 July.

The match will be the Springboks' third in succession on the road after opening their tournament schedule with two games against the All Blacks in New Zealand.

A week after tackling the South Africans in a Mandela Plate match, the Qantas Wallabies will play the All Blacks at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne on Saturday, 31 July - their fourth Bledisloe Cup match in the Victorian capital since 1997.

From Melbourne the Australians will travel to Christchurch for a third match in as many weeks, taking on the All Blacks in the city where Qantas Wallabies coach Robbie Deans retains iconic status for his Super Rugby successes with the Crusaders.

After two weekends off, the Qantas Wallabies will be back in action with back-to-back games against the Springboks in South Africa - and both Tests will be at altitude.

Australia's record on the high veldt has been hugely unimpressive in the 76-year history of Tests between the two nations in the Republic.

The Wallabies have won only two of 17 matches played at Johannesburg, Pretoria or Bloemfontein.

The last of those two victories was in 1963 in Johannesburg.

The Qantas Wallabies in 2010 will play the Springboks in Pretoria on Saturday, 28 August, and in Bloemfontein on Saturday, 4 September.

Adding to their challenge, the Qantas Wallabies will then fly home and, without a week's break, take on the All Blacks in the Tri Nations finale.

The Bledisloe Cup match on Saturday, September 11, will be played at ANZ Stadium in Sydney.

Referring to the back end of the Bundaberg Rum Tri Nations draw, Deans said it offered a significant degree of difficulty but also opportunity.

"It's challenging in some ways but it will be what we make of it at the time," said Deans.

"There is no point in sweating the small stuff.

"You go with what you're given and you make the most of it, and this group will be aiming to do something special."

The Qantas Wallabies, meantime, announce their Spring Tour squad tomorrow morning in Sydney.

The tour includes a Bledisloe Cup match against the All Blacks in Tokyo on 31 October, followed by a Grand Slam attempt with successive Tests against England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

The full schedule for the 2010 Bundaberg Rum Tri Nations series is:

 

Saturday, July 10

New Zealand v South Africa

Auckland

Saturday, July 17

New Zealand v South Africa

Wellington

Saturday, July 24

Australia v South Africa

Brisbane

Saturday, July 31

Australia v New Zealand

Melbourne

Saturday, August 7

New Zealand v Australia

Christchurch

Saturday, August 21

South Africa v New Zealand

Johannesburg

Saturday, August 28

South Africa v Australia

Pretoria

Saturday, September 4

South Africa v Australia

Bloemfontein

Saturday, September 11

Australia v New Zealand

Sydney


2010 BUNDABERG RUM RUGBY SERIES INBOUND TOUR PROGRAM

Mon 21 September 2009


Australian Rugby Union has today announced the 2010 Bundaberg Rum Rugby Series Test schedule with the Qantas Wallabies facing a series of challenges over a four-Test campaign in June.
 
The BRRS will open with a match against 2007 Rugby World Cup quarter-finalist Fiji at Canberra Stadium on Saturday, 5 June.
 
The following week will see the Qantas Wallabies kick off a two-Test showdown with England at Subiaco Oval in Perth.
 
The second game against the 2003 Rugby World Cup champions will be played at ANZ Stadium in Sydney on Saturday, 19 June.
 
The BRRS continues in Brisbane on Saturday, 26 June, when the Qantas Wallabies play Six Nations and Grand Slam champions Ireland - now the premier team in Europe.
 
A draw for the Bundaberg Rum Tri Nations will also be unveiled before the end of the month.
 
"It is an exciting schedule, a challenging program, before the Qantas Wallabies head into the Bundaberg Rum Tri Nations," said ARU Managing Director and CEO John O'Neill.
 
"Fiji reached the quarter finals of the 2007 Rugby World Cup and Ireland won the Grand Slam earlier this year under their inspirational captain Brian O'Driscoll. It will be great to have them back on our shores.
 
"England finished second on the Six Nations ladder and had a comprehensive win over France during the tournament.
 
"So the quality of competition awaiting the Qantas Wallabies in 2010 is not to be under estimated.
 
"We should also have a reasonable gauge of where we stand against Ireland and England when the Qantas Wallabies play both those countries during their Grand Slam tour in November.
 
"It will be the first Grand Slam attempt since the 1984 side marched unbeaten through the UK and Ireland in the four Tests they played.
 
"Fittingly, this Grand Slam tour will come on the 25th anniversary of that magnificent achievement."

 

2010 BUNDABERG RUM RUGBY SERIES JUNE TESTS

 

DATE

MATCH

VENUE

Saturday, 5 June

Qantas Wallabies v Fiji

Canberra Stadium

Saturday, 12 June

Qantas Wallabies v England

Subiaco Oval, Perth

Saturday, 19 June

Qantas Wallabies v England

ANZ Stadium, Sydney

Saturday, 26 June

Qantas Wallabies v Ireland

Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

 


Qantas Wallabies raise awareness of Prostate Cancer

Fri 4 September 2009

In Saturday night's Bundaberg Rum Tri Nations clash, the Qantas Wallabies and Springboks will play with a unique Gilbert ball which will carry the blue ribbon and name of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA), as the teams seek to inform Rugby fans of the disease which kills close to 3,000 Australian men each year.

The Limited Edition blue ribbon ball is also on sale and $5 from each ball will be donated to the PCFA to fund research into the cause, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of prostate cancer.

The Wallabies initiative is all part of PCFA's campaign "The Difference Is You!" that will run in media around Australia throughout September aimed at reminding men about how their loss might impact their loved-ones.

"Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia and in 2010 alone, it is estimated that almost 20,000 Australian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer" said Andrew Giles, the CEO of PCFA.

"The Difference is You!" campaign will hopefully encourage men to take responsibility for their own health and speak with their doctor regularly about prostate cancer. It's a simple step, and it can save a life.

"It is recommended that men aged 50-years and over should speak with their doctor annually about prostate cancer. However, if there is a family history of prostate cancer, men should speak with their doctor annually from the age of 40."

Utility back Adam Ashley-Cooper, who will line up at outside centre against South Africa on Saturday night, said the Wallabies were delighted to do their part to raise awareness about Prostrate Cancer.

"Prostate cancer might be a male-only disease, but its effect is far reaching" said Ashley-Cooper. "Consider that almost 20,000 Australian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in one year - then think about the wives and partners, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, grandchildren and friends of these men."

"They are all impacted by a diagnosis of prostate cancer."

"The Wallabies are very proud to do our bit this Saturday night to help raise awareness and remind men in the 40 age bracket how important it is talk to your doctor about Prostate Cancer."

"It's a simple thing to do but it can help save your life."

2010 Super 14 draw released

Tue 8 September 2009

The Bulls of South Africa begin their defence of the Super 14 title with a Friday night match against the Central Cheetahs in Bloemfontein when the 2010 tournament kicks off on February 12.

The match is one of six national derbies on the opening weekend.

The opening day of the new season gets underway in Auckland where the inaugural Super 12 champions, the Blues, host North Island rivals the Hurricanes. The Australian season kicks off in Perth with the Western Force hosting the ACT Brumbies.

The first Saturday of the tournament - February 13 - starts with a South Island derby in Christchurch where the Crusaders welcome the Highlanders while the Reds and Waratahs are immediately in their traditional battle for bragging rights in Brisbane.

The two remaining opening round matches are in South Africa with the Lions hosting the Stormers in Johannesburg while the Chiefs begin the 2010 tournament where they ended in the final of the 2009 edition - with a return to the Republic to take on the Sharks in Durban.

The 16-week competition concludes with semi-finals on the weekend of May 21/22 and the final a week later on May 29.

DAY and DATE

 

MATCH

 

VENUE

 

Kick off

local
time

Kick off

GMT
time

Kick-off in New Zealand

Kick-off in Australia (NSW/ACT)

Kick-off in
South Africa

WEEK 1 - * No D/L Savings in Perth and Brisbane

1. Friday 12 February

Blues v Hurricanes

Auckland

19:35

19:35

Fri 12 Feb 19:35

Fri 12 Feb 17:35

Fri 12 Feb 08:35

2. Friday 12 February

Western Force v Brumbies

Perth *

19:05

11:05

Sat 13 Feb 00:05

Fri 12 Feb 22:05

Fri 12 Feb 13:05

3. Friday 12 February

Cheetahs v Bulls

Bloemfontein

19:10

17:10

Sat 13 Feb 06:10

Sat 13 Feb 04:10

Fri 12 Feb 19:10

4. Saturday 13 February

Crusaders v Highlanders

Christchurch

19:35

06:35

Sat 13 Feb 19:35

Sat 13 Feb 17:35

Sat 13 Feb 08:35

5. Saturday 13 February

Reds v Waratahs

Brisbane *

18:40

08:40

Sat 13 Feb 21:40

Sat 13 Feb 19:40

Sat 13 Feb 10:40

6. Saturday 13 February

Lions v Stormers

Johannesburg

17:05

15:05

Sun 14 Feb 04:05

Sun 14 Feb 02:05

Sat 13 Feb 17:05

7. Saturday 13 February

Sharks v Chiefs

Durban

19:10

17:10

Sun 14 Feb 06:10

Sun 14 Feb 04:10

Sat 13 Feb 19:10

WEEK 2 -  * No D/L Savings in Brisbane

8. Friday 19 February

Highlanders v Blues

Dunedin

19:35

06:35

Fri 19 Feb 19:35

Fri 19 Feb 17:35

Fri 19 Feb 08:35

9. Friday 19 February

Reds v Crusaders

Brisbane *

19:45

09:45

Fri 19 Feb 22:45

Fri 19 Feb 20:45

Fri 19 Feb 11:45

10. Friday 19 February

Sharks v Cheetahs

Durban

18:00

16:00

Sat 20 Feb 05:00

Sat 20 Feb 03:00

Fri 19 Feb 18:00

11. Friday 19 February

Lions v Chiefs

Johannesburg

20:00

18:00

Sat 20 Feb 07:00

Sat 20 Feb 05:00

Fri 19 Feb 20:00

12. Saturday 20 February

Hurricanes v  Western Force

Wellington

19:35

06:35

Sat 20 Feb 19:35

Sat 20 Feb 17:35

Sat 20 Feb 08:35

13. Saturday 20 February

Bulls v Brumbies

Pretoria

17:05

15:05

Sun 21 Feb 04:05

Sun 21 Feb 02:05

Sat 20 Feb 17:05

14. Saturday 20 February

Stormers v Waratahs

Cape Town

19:10

17:10

Sun 21 Feb 06:10

Sun 21 Feb 04:10

Sat 20 Feb 19:10

WEEK 3 - * No D/L Savings in Perth &  Brisbane

15. Friday 26 February

Crusaders v Sharks

Christchurch

19:35

06:35

Fri 26 Feb 19:35

Fri 26 Feb 17:35

Fri 26 Feb 08:35

16. Friday 26 February

Stormers v Brumbies

Cape Town

19:10

17:10

Sat 27 Feb 06:10

Sat 27 Feb 04:10

Fri 26 Feb 19:10

17. Saturday 27 February

Hurricanes v Lions

Wellington

19:35

06:35

Sat 27 Feb 19:35

Sat 27 Feb 17:35

Sat 27 Feb 08:35

18. Saturday 27 February

Reds v Blues

Brisbane *

18:40

08:40

Sat 27 Feb 21:40

Sat 27 Feb 19:40

Sat 27 Feb 10:40

19. Saturday 27 February

Western Force v Chiefs

Perth *

19:05

11:05

Sun 28 Feb 00:05

Sat 27 Feb 22:05

Sat 27 Feb 13:05

20. Saturday 27 February

Cheetahs v Highlanders

Bloemfontein

17:05

15:05

Sun 28 Feb 04:05

Sun 28 Feb 02:05

Sat 27 Feb 17:05

21. Saturday 27 February

Bulls v Waratahs

Pretoria

19:10

17:10

Sun 28 Feb 06:10

Sun 28 Feb 04:10

Sat 27 Feb 19:10

WEEK 4

22 .Friday 05 March

Chiefs v Reds

Hamilton

19:35

06:35

Fri 05 Mar 19:35

Fri 05 Mar 17:35

Fri 05 Mar 08:35

23. Friday 05 March

Brumbies v Lions

Canberra

19:40

08:40

Fri 05 Mar 21:40

Fri 05 Mar 19:40

 

Fri 05 Mar 10:40

24. Saturday 06 March

Crusaders v Blues

Christchurch

19:35

06:35

Sat 06 Mar 19:35

Sat 06 Mar 17:35

Sat 06 Mar 08:35

25. Saturday 06 March

Waratahs v Sharks

Sydney

19:40

08:40

Sat 06 Mar 21:40

Sat 06 Mar 19:40

Sat 06 Mar 10:40

26. Saturday 06 March

Stormers v Highlanders

Cape Town

17:05

15:05

Sun 07 Mar 04:05

Sun 07 Mar 02:05

Sat 06 Mar 17:05

27. Saturday 06 March

Cheetahs v Hurricanes

Bloemfontein

19:10

17:10

Sun 07 Mar 06:10

Sun 07 Mar 04:10

Sat 06 Mar 19:10

 

BYE BULLS/WESTERN FORCE

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEEK 5 - * No D/L Savings in Brisbane

28. Friday 12 March

Chiefs v Crusaders

Hamilton

19:35

06:35

Fri 12 Mar 19:35

Fri 12 Mar 17:35

Fri 12 Mar 08:35

29. Friday 12 March

Waratahs v Lions

Sydney

19:40

08:40

Fri 12 Mar 21:40

Fri 12 Mar 19:40

Fri 12 Mar 10:40

30. Saturday 13 March

Brumbies v Sharks

Canberra

19:40

08:40

Sat 13 Mar 21:40

Sat 13 Mar 19:40

Sat 13 Mar 10:40

31. Saturday 13 March

Bulls v Highlanders

Pretoria

17:05

15:05

Sun 14 Mar 04:05

Sun 14 Mar 02:05

Sat 13 Mar 17:05

32. Saturday 13 March

Stormers v Hurricanes

Cape Town

19:10

17:10

Sun 14 Mar 06:10

Sun 14 Mar 04:10

Sat 13 Mar 19:10

33. Sunday 14 March

Reds v Western Force

Brisbane *

16:30

06:30

Sun 14 Mar 19:30

Sun 14 Mar 17:30

Sun 14 Mar 08:30

 

BYE CHEETAHS/BLUES

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEEK 6 - * No D/L Savings in Perth

34. Friday 19 March

Blues v Brumbies

Auckland

19:35

06:35

Fri 19 Mar 19:35

Fri 19 Mar 17:35

Fri 19 Mar 08:35

35. Friday 19 March

Bulls v Hurricanes

Pretoria

19:10

17:10

Sat 20 Mar 06:10

Sat 20 Mar 04:10

Fri 19 Mar 19:10

36. Saturday 20 March

Crusaders v Lions

Christchurch

17:30

04:30

Sat 20 Mar 17:30

Sat 20 Mar 15:30

Sat 20 Mar 06:30

37. Saturday 20 March

Highlanders v Sharks

Dunedin

19:35

06:35

Sat 20 Mar 19:35

Sat 20 Mar 17:35

Sat 20 Mar 08:35

38. Saturday 20 March

Western Force v Waratahs

Perth *

19:10

11:10

Sun 21 Mar 00:10

Sat 20 Mar 22:10

Sat 20 Mar 13:10

39. Saturday 20 March

Stormers v Cheetahs

Cape Town

17:05

15:05

Sun 21 Mar 04:05

Sun 21 Mar 02:05

Sat 20 Mar 17:05

 

BYE REDS/CHIEFS

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEEK 7  - * No D/L Savings in Perth

40. Friday 26 March

Highlanders v Lions

Dunedin

19:35

06:35

Fri 26 Mar 19:35

Fri 26 Mar 17:35

Fri 26 Mar 08:35

41. Friday  26 March

Brumbies v Chiefs

Canberra

19:40

08:40

Fri 26 Mar 21:40

Fri 26 Mar 19:40

Fri 26 Mar 10:40

42. Friday 26 March

Cheetahs v Reds

Bloemfontein

19:10

17:10

Sat 27 Mar 06:10

Sat 27 Mar 04:10

Fri 26 Mar 19:10

43. Saturday 27 March

Hurricanes v Sharks

Wellington

19:35

06:35

Sat 27 Mar 19:35

Sat 27 Mar 17:35

Sat 27 Mar 08:35

44. Saturday 27 March

Waratahs v Blues

Sydney

19:40

08:40

Sat 27 Mar 21:40

Sat 27 Mar 19:40

Sat 27 Mar 10:40

45. Saturday 27 March

Western Force v Bulls

Perth  *

19:10

11:10

Sun 28 Mar 00:10

Sat 27 Mar 22:10

Sat 27 Mar 13:10

 

BYE STORMERS/CRUSADERS

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEEK 8 - Easter Weekend. * No D/L Savings in Perth. Sunday, 4th April D/L Savings Ends in Australia and New Zealand

46. Friday 02 April

Hurricanes v Crusaders

Wellington

19:35

06:35

Fri 02 Apr 19:35

Fri 02 Apr 17:35

Fri 02 Apr 08:35

47. Friday 02 April

Western Force v Stormers

Perth *

18:05

10:05

Fri 02 Apr 23:05

Fri 02 Apr 21:05

Fri 02 Apr 12:05

48. Saturday 03 April

Blues v Bulls

Auckland

17:30

04:30

Sat 03 Apr 17:30

Sat 03 Apr 15:30

Sat 03 Apr 06:30

49. Saturday 03 April

Chiefs v Highlanders

Mt Maunganui

19:35

06:35

Sat 03 Apr 19:35

Sat 03 Apr 17:35

Sat 03 Apr 08:35

50. Saturday 03 April

Waratahs v Cheetahs

Sydney

19:40

08:40

Sat 03 Apr 21:40

Sat 03 Apr 19:40

Sat 03 Apr 10:40

51. Saturday 03 April

Sharks v Reds

Durban

17:05

15:05

Sun 04 Apr 03:05

Sun 04 Apr 02:05

Sat 03 Apr 17:05

 

BYE BRUMBIES/LIONS

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEEK 9  

52. Friday 09 April

Chiefs v Bulls

Hamilton

19:35

07:35

Fri 09 Apr 19:35

Fri 09 Apr 17:35

Fri 09 Apr 09:35

53. Saturday 10 April

Highlanders v Western Force

Queenstown

14:30

02:30

Sat 10 Apr 14:30

Sat 10 Apr 12:30

Sat 10 Apr 04:30

54. Saturday 10 April

Blues v Stormers

Auckland

17:30

05:30

Sat 10 Apr 17:30

Sat 10 Apr 15:30

Sat 10 Apr 07:30

55. Saturday 10 April

Crusaders v Waratahs

Christchurch

19:35

07:35

Sat 10 Apr 19:35

Sat 10 Apr 17:35

Sat 10 Apr 09:35

56. Saturday 10 April

Brumbies v Cheetahs

Canberra

19:40

09:40

Sat 10 Apr 21:40

Sat 10 Apr 19:40

Sat 10 Apr 11:40

57. Saturday 10 April

Lions v Reds

Johannesburg

19:10

17:10

Sun 11 Apr 05:10

Sun 11 Apr 03:10

Sat 10 Apr 19:10

 

BYE SHARKS/HURRICANES

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEEK 10 

58. Friday 16 April

Chiefs v Stormers

Hamilton

19:35

07:35

Fri 16 Apr 19:35

Fri 16 Apr 17:35

Fri 16 Apr 09:35

59. Friday 16 April

Brumbies v Hurricanes

Canberra

19:40

09:40

Fri 16 Apr 21:40

Fri 16 Apr 19:40

Fri 16 Apr 11:40

60. Saturday 17 April

Blues v Western Force

Auckland

17:30

05:30

Sat 17 Apr 17:30

Sat 17 Apr 15:30

Sat 17 Apr 07:30

61. Saturday 17 April

Crusaders v Cheetahs

Christchurch

19:35

07:35

Sat 17 Apr 19:35

Sat 17 Apr 17:35

Sat 17 Apr 09:35

62. Saturday 17 April

Reds v Bulls

Brisbane

19:40

11:40

Sat 17 Apr 23:40

Sat 17 Apr 21:40

Sat 17 Apr 13:40

63. Saturday 17 April

Lions v Sharks

Johannesburg

17:05

15:05

Sun 18 Apr 03:05

Sun 18 Apr 01:05

Sat 17 Apr 17:05

 

BYE WARATAHS/HIGHLANDERS

 

 

 

 

 

  

WEEK 11

64. Friday 23 April

Chiefs v Cheetahs

Hamilton

19:35

07:35

Fri 23 Apr 19:35

Fri 23 Apr 17:35

Fri 23 Apr 09:35

65. Friday 23 April

Reds v Stormers

Brisbane

19:40

09:40

Fri 23 Apr 21:40

Fri 23 Apr 19:40

Fri 23 Apr 11:40

66. Friday 23 April

Western Force v Crusaders

Perth

19:45

11:45

Fri 23 Apr 23:45

Fri 23 Apr 21:45

Fri 23 Apr 13:45

67. Saturday 24 April

Highlanders v Hurricanes

Dunedin

19:35

07:35

Sat 24 Apr 19:35

Sat 24 Apr 17:35

Sat 24 Apr 09:35

68. Saturday 24 April

Waratahs v Brumbies

Sydney (ANZ)

19:40

09:40

Sat 24 Apr 21:40

Sat 24 Apr 19:40

Sat 24 Apr 11:40

69. Saturday 24 April

Bulls v Lions

Pretoria

15:00

13:00

Sun 25 Apr 01:00

Sat 24 Apr 23:00

Sat 24 Apr 15:00

70. Saturday 24 April

Sharks v Blues

Durban

17:05

15:05

Sun 25 Apr 03:05

Sun 25 Apr 01:05

Sat 24 Apr 17:05

WEEK 12

71. Friday 30 April

Highlanders v Waratahs

Invercargill

19:35

07:35

Fri 30 Apr 19:35

Fri 30 Apr 17:35

Fri 30 Apr 09:35

72. Friday 30 April

Stormers v Crusaders

Cape Town

19:10

17:10

Sat 01 May 05:10

Sat 01 May 03:10

Fri 30 Apr 19:10

73. Saturday 01 May

Hurricanes v Chiefs

Wellington

19:35

07:35

Sat 01 May 19:35

Sat 01 May 17:35

Sat 01 May 09:35

74. Saturday 01 May

Brumbies v Reds

Canberra

19:40

09:40

Sat 01 May 21:40

Sat 01 May 19:40

Sat 01 May 11:40

75. Saturday 01 May

Cheetahs v Blues

Bloemfontein

15:00

13:00

Sun 02 May 01:00

Sat 01 May 23:00

Sat 01 May 15:00

76. Saturday 01 May

Lions v  Western Force

Johannesburg

17:05

15:05

Sun 02 May  03:05

Sun 02 May 01:05

Sat 01 May 17:05

77. Saturday 01 May

Bulls v Sharks

Pretoria

19:10

17:10

Sun 02 May 05:10

Sun 02 May 03:10

Sat 01 May 19:10

WEEK 13

78. Friday 07 May

Hurricanes v Reds

Wellington

19:35

07:35

Fri 07 May 19:35

Fri 07 May 17:35

Fri 07 May 09:35

79. Friday 07 May

Lions v Blues

Johannesburg

19:10

17:10

Sat 08 May 05:10

Sat 08 May 03:10

Fri 07 May 19:10

80. Saturday 08 May

Chiefs v Waratahs

Hamilton

19:35

07:35

Sat 08 May 19:35

Sat 08 May 17:35

Sat 08 May 09:35

81. Saturday 08 May

Brumbies v Highlanders

Canberra

19:40

09:40

Sat 08 May 21:40

Sat 08 May 19:40

Sat 08 May 11:40

82. Saturday 08 May

Bulls v Crusaders

Pretoria

15:00

13:00

Sun 09 May 01:00

Sat 08 May 23:00

Sat 08 May 15:00

83. Saturday 08 May

Cheetahs v Western Force

Bloemfontein

17:05

15:05

Sun 09 May 03:05

Sun 09 May 01:05

Sat 08 May 17:05

84. Saturday 08 May

Sharks v Stormers

Durban

19:10

17:10

Sun 09 May 05:10

Sun 09 May 03:10

Sat 08 May 19:10

WEEK 14

85. Friday 14 May

Blues v Chiefs

Auckland

19:35

07:35

Fri 14 May 19:35

Fri 14 May 17:35

Fri 14 May 09:35

86. Friday 14 May

Waratahs v Hurricanes

Sydney

19:40

09:40

Fri 14 May 21:40

Fri 14 May 19:40

Fri 14 May 11:40

87. Friday 14 May

Sharks v Western Force

Durban

19:10

17:10

Sat 15 May 05:10

Sat 15 May 03:10

Fri 14 May 19:10

88. Saturday 15 May

Crusaders v Brumbies

Christchurch

19:35

07:35

Sat 15 May 19:35

Sat 15 May 17:35

Sat 15 May 09:35

89. Saturday 15 May

Reds v Highlanders

Brisbane

19:40

09:40

Sat 15 May 21:40

Sat 15 May 19:40

Sat 15 May 11:40

90. Saturday 15 May

Cheetahs v Lions

Kimberley

15:00

13:00

Sun 16 May 01:00

Sat 15 May 23:00

Sat 15 May 15:00

91. Saturday 15 May

Stormers v Bulls

Cape Town

17:05

15:05

Sun 16 May 03:05

Sun 16 May 01:05

Sat 15 May 17:05

Week 15 - SEMI FINAL

 

92. Friday 21 May

TBC

TBC

TBC

 

  

 

 

93. Saturday 22 May

TBC

TBC

TBC

 

 

 

 

Week 16 - FINAL

 

94. Saturday 29 May

TBC

TBC

TBC

 

 

 

 


QANTAS WALLABIES SPRING TOUR TRAINING SQUAD NAMED

Mon 28 September 2009

 

Ten uncapped players have today been named in the Qantas Wallabies Training Squad that will assemble in Sydney on 5 October.

The newcomers include Western Force winger Nick Cummins, NSW Waratahs midfield back Rob Horne, Queensland Reds and Australian Sevens halfback Richard Kingi, Brumbies blindside flanker Mitchell Chapman, NSW Waratahs lock Dave Dennis, NSW Waratahs and Australia Under-20 hooker Damien Fitzpatrick, ACT Brumbies prop Salesi Ma'afu and the as yet uncapped at state level Sydney University utility forward Ben McCalman.

NSW Waratahs utility back Kurtley Beale and Western Force blindside flanker Matt Hodgson are also included.

While he was a member of the Qantas Wallabies squad for the Bundaberg Rum Tri Nations, and travelled to the final game in Wellington as the squad's 23rd man, Beale has yet to appear for Australia in a Test match.

Neither has Hodgson, although he did feature in the non-cap 55-7 win over the Barbarians which opened this year's Bundaberg Rum Rugby Series, and has trained as a full member of the Wallabies squad all season.

Other features see props Matt Dunning and Sekope Kepu return to the fold, after missing the start of the season due to injuries sustained in the final game of last year's Spring Tour against the Barbarians at Wembley.

Winger Digby Ioane is also back after being forced out of the Bundaberg Rum Rugby Series due to the need for a shoulder reconstruction following an injury he sustained playing for the Queensland Reds in the Investec Super 14.

The players are all part of an extended 43-man group that will assemble at Coogee next Monday in preparation for the Qantas Wallabies' historic tour of Japan, Great Britain and Ireland.

The squad will undergo four days of training in Sydney before the announcement of the final 35-man party on 9 October.

The Spring Tour includes Australia's first bid for a Grand Slam of the four Home Unions of the UK and Ireland since the 1984 side successfully beat Wales, Ireland, England and Scotland - the first Wallabies side to achieve this feat.

The trip kicks off with the final Bledisloe Cup Test of the season, when Australia and New Zealand play an historic match at the National Stadium in Tokyo, Japan, on 31 October.

This game, which is just the second Bledisloe Cup Test to be staged outside of Australia or New Zealand, follows on from last year's successful Bledisloe Cup Test in Hong Kong.

In announcing the extended 43-man squad, Qantas Wallabies coach Robbie Deans said: "It's a starting point.

"The four-day training camp gives us the opportunity to bring the group together, assess where the guys are at, and also look at some new options."

With Australia's Northern Hemisphere itinerary likely to include two mid-week matches, alongside the scheduled five Tests, Deans says the four days together will be an important opportunity to lay down a foundation ahead of the tour.

"It's an important tour for us as a group, and for Australian Rugby as a whole. While not all of the players who come into camp with us next week will go on the tour, those who get left behind will still have the knowledge of our processes, and have spent some time in the environment, which will be invaluable should we have injuries and require reinforcements."

Deans says the uncapped players had all been on the selectors' radar for a while, having kicked on from their Super Rugby seasons with their various involvements in other representative teams, and in club rugby.

The selectors and the Qantas Wallabies coaching staff all attended yesterday's (NSW) Shute Shield club rugby grand final at the Sydney Football Stadium, prior to finalising the make-up of the training squad.

The Qantas Wallabies squad departs for its Spring Tour on 24 October, tackling the All Blacks in the final Bledisloe Cup Test of the year, prior to playing England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales on consecutive weekends through November.

The Qantas Wallabies Training Squad is: James O'Connor (Western Force), Lachie Turner (NSW Waratahs), Kurtley Beale (NSW Waratahs), Drew Mitchell (Western Force), Digby Ioane (Queensland Reds), Nick Cummins (Western Force), Peter Hynes (Queensland Reds), Ryan Cross (Western Force), Stirling Mortlock (Brumbies), Rob Horne (NSW Waratahs), Adam Ashley-Cooper (Brumbies), Matt Giteau (Western Force), Quade Cooper (Queensland Reds), Berrick Barnes (Queensland Reds), Josh Valentine (Western Force), Will Genia (Queensland Reds), Luke Burgess (NSW Waratahs), Richard Kingi (Queensland Reds), Wycliff Palu (NSW Waratahs), George Smith (Brumbies), David Pocock (Western Force), Phil Waugh (NSW Waratahs), Stephen Hoiles (Brumbies), Matt Hodgson (Western Force), Rocky Elsom (Brumbies), Dean Mumm (NSW Waratahs), Richard Brown (Western Force), Mitchell Chapman (Brumbies), Ben McCalman (Sydney University - unsigned), Mark Chisholm (Brumbies), James Horwill (Queensland Reds), Nathan Sharpe (Western Force), Dave Dennis (NSW Waratahs), Al Baxter (NSW Waratahs), Matt Dunning (NSW Waratahs), Pekahou Cowan (Western Force), Sekope Kepu (NSW Waratahs), Salesi Ma'afu (Brumbies), Ben Alexander (Brumbies), Benn Robinson (NSW Waratahs), Damien Fitzpatrick (NSW Waratahs), Stephen Moore (Brumbies), Tatafu Polota-Nau (NSW Waratahs).


Make your predictions for the Official GILBERT Rugby Ti

Thu 11 June 2009

Make your predictions at the Official GILBERT Rugby Tipping Competition for the opening Qantas Wallabies match against the Barbarians. Register today and challenge your mates - it's free, fun and has great prizes up for grabs!

Setting up a Mini-League is simple and you can be hosting a competition between your mates in minutes.

An Official Memorabilia GILBERT Rugby Ball is up for grabs every week to the best predictor. Register to play now at http://tipping.rugby.com.au/

Tipping is easy! Just declare the result of each match during the series and receive points for your successful Tips.

For each Tip we ask you to declare the win/ lose/draw result, and the margin you think the winning team will win by.

Points will be awarded as follows:
Correct Result (win) = 1 point
Incorrect Result = 0 point                            
Correct Result and Margin= 3 points

Official Gilbert Fantasy Rugby Competition

Thu 11 June 2009

With nine days to go until the second match of the Qantas Wallabies domestic season, there is plenty of last minute activity between managers in the Official GILBERT Fantasy Rugby Competition, all looking to finalise their team ahead of the second match.

Register now at http://fantasyrugby.rugby.com.au/ to start your campaign, create a Mini-League and challenge your mates, win great prizes while you play!

An Official Memorabilia GILBERT Rugby Ball is up for grabs every week to the best predictor.

How to Pick your Team

Create your Fantasy Rugby team from the 'real life' players in the six teams taking part in the two series.

Game players have a total budget of 95 fantasy stars to choose a team of 15 players comprising of the following:

3 x  Front Row Forwards
2 x  Second Row Forwards
3 x  Back Row Forwards
1 x  Scrum Half
1 x  Fly Half
5 x  Backs (Centres, Wings and Full-Backs)

You are only allowed to buy a maximum of 8 players from 1 team.

Each player has a ‘Star Rating/value' of between 1 - 10, with 10 stars indicating the best players. The rating is based on their ability and the country they represent.

You can either manually pick a team using your rugby know-how, or use the 'Lucky Dip' option, where the computer picks a team for you.

Captain:
You must choose one player to be your Captain. Your Captain scores DOUBLE POINTS. You can change your captain as many times as you want, but only the player named as captain at a transfer deadline will receive double points for that match. If no captain is chosen, no player will received double points!

 

 


Wallabys 2009 Schedule

Mon 27 October 2008

2009 Schedule: GILBERT is the Official Ball of the Qantas Wallabies and South Africa Springboks and will be used in every home game played by both teams during 2009.

Saturday, 13 June

v ITALY

Canberra Stadium, Canberra

Saturday, 20 June

v ITALY

Etihad Stadium, Melbourne

Saturday, 27 June

v FRANCE

ANZ Stadium, Sydney

Saturday, 18 July

v NEW ZEALAND

Wellington

Saturday, 8 August

v SOUTH AFRICA

Cape Town

Saturday, 22 August

v NEW ZEALAND

ANZ Stadium, Sydney

Saturday, 29 August

v SOUTH AFRICA

Subiaco Oval, Perth

Saturday, 5 September

v SOUTH AFRICA

Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Saturday, 19 September

v NEW ZEALAND

Auckland


Berrick Barnes chooses GILBERT

Thu 29 January 2009

GILBERT is pleased to annouce the signing of Wallabies flyhalf and newly-named Super 14 Queensland Reds Captain Berrick Barnes.

Barnes 22 years old, was first included in Australia's squad for the 2007 Rugby World Cup and scored his first international try within three minutes of taking the field on debut. Since that time he has cemented a spot in the Wallabies side and is regarded as one of Australia's most exciting prospects.

Barnes has begun training with the Xact Headguard (White) and will wear the headgear in all Super 14 and Wallabies Matches. He is very impressed with its high quality and is thrilled to be associated with a strong worldwide brand.

Xact Headguard

• Fully flexible design for superior fit
• Strategic air vent sections improve airflow to prevent overheating
• Cut-out ear sections for improved on field communication
• Cross lace system
• Xact padding configuration
• Colours: White, Black
• Size options: SB-XL

Ball Inflation and Care Instructions

Wed 3 September 2008

Inflation:

Pull the ball into shape and insert the needle into the valve slowly so to avoid puncturing the bladder.

Gradually inflate the ball using a hand or stirrup pump - inflation using a compressor or airline is not recommended as it can lead to over inflation, which can cause the properties of the ball to change.

Check the pressure at regular intervals and ensure that the ball is inflated to 9.5 psi.

Care:

Please clean the balls before use to remove any residue from the surface of the ball. Cleaning should be carried out using warm water, a light detergent and a soft cloth. Please do not sit on the balls as this causes them to go out of shape.

The balls should be stored in an ambient environment and kept dry after they have been cleaned.

Check the pressure of the balls regularly to ensure optimum performance. Slight variations of ball pressure can occur over time due to the natural materials used in the bladder and changes in the external climate.


GILBERT & Rugby WA Renew Longstanding Partnership

Thu 4 December 2008

RugbyWA are delighted to announce that they and GILBERT will perpetuate their longstanding relationship a further two years as of 1 January 2009.

GILBERT are a Preferred supplier to RugbyWA and the Official Ball Supplier to the Emirates Western Force.

Emirates Western Force General Manager Rugby, Mitch Hardy says

“RugbyWA have had a long standing arrangement through GRAY-NICOLLS Sports with GILBERT. They have supplied rugby balls in Western Australia to all age groups from 6 year olds through to our senior players . The level of service and product has always been outstanding along with a prompt and accurate delivery schedule on orders which is important when it comes to seasonal sports such as Rugby “


2009 SUPER 14 MATCH SCHEDULE

Thu 11 December 2008

The Investec Super 14 will open in February with the tournament's first two matches pitting Australian teams against New Zealand rivals.

The 14th edition of the Super Rugby competition kicks off on Friday, 13 February, with the Highlanders hosting the Brumbies in Dunedin.

Later the same night the Western Force - the only Australian team at home in week one - will take on the Blues in Perth.

Queensland Reds have their first two matches of the Investec Super 14 in South Africa, with the heavyweight Bulls in Pretoria set down as their first assignment.

NSW Waratahs begin their campaign in Wellington against the Hurricanes - both teams were semi-finalists last season.

The Waratahs then return home for three successive matches in Sydney against the Chiefs, the Highlanders and on 6 March an interstate showdown with the Reds.

The first of the all-Australian matches falls on 28 February when the Brumbies play host to the Western Force in Canberra.

A week earlier the Brumbies take on defending champions the Crusaders in Canberra.

The Crusaders open their title defence against the Chiefs in Christchurch on Saturday, 14 February.

The 94-match Investec Super 14 will move into its regular four-team semi-finals mode on the weekend of 22-23 May with the final to be played on Saturday, 30 May.

 

DAY and DATE

MATCH

VENUE

Kick off

(local)

 

WEEK 1

 

 

 

1. Friday 13 February

Highlanders v Brumbies

Dunedin

19:35

2. Friday 13 February

W Force v Blues

Perth

19:45

3. Friday 13 February

Lions v Cheetahs

Johannesburg

19:10

4. Saturday 14 February

Crusaders v Chiefs

Christchurch

17:30

5. Saturday 14 February

Hurricanes v Waratahs

Wellington

19:35

6. Saturday 14 February

Stormers v Sharks

Cape Town

17:00

7. Saturday 14 February

Bulls v Reds

Pretoria

19:10

WEEK 2

 

 

 

8. Friday 20 February

Hurricanes v Highlanders

Wellington

19:35

9. Friday 20 February

Waratahs v Chiefs

Sydney

19:40

10. Friday 20 February

W Force v Cheetahs

Perth

19:45

11. Friday 20 February

Stormers v Reds

Cape Town

19:10

12. Saturday 21 February

Brumbies v Crusaders

Canberra

19:40

13. Saturday 21 February

Bulls v Blues

Pretoria

17:00

14. Saturday 21 February

Sharks v Lions

Durban

19:10

WEEK 3 - * No D/L Savings in Brisbane

 

 

 

15. Friday 27 February

Crusaders v Hurricanes

Christchurch

19:35

16. Friday 27 February

Waratahs v Highlanders

Sydney

19:40

17. Saturday 28 February

Chiefs v Sharks

Hamilton

19:35

18. Saturday 28 February

Brumbies v W Force

Canberra

19:40

19. Saturday 28 February

Lions v Bulls

Johannesburg

17:00

20. Saturday 28 February

Stormers v Blues

Cape Town

19:10

21. Sunday 01 March

Reds v Cheetahs

Brisbane

16:00

WEEK 4

 

 

 

22. Friday 06 March

Chiefs v W Force

Hamilton

19:35

23. Friday 06 March

Waratahs v Reds

Sydney

19:40

24. Saturday 07 March

Hurricanes v Cheetahs

New Plymouth

14:30

25. Saturday 07 March

Blues v Sharks

Auckland

17:30

26. Saturday 07 March

Highlanders v Crusaders

Dunedin

19:35

27. Saturday 07 March

Bulls v Stormers

Pretoria

17:00

 

Brumbies/Lions Bye

 

 

WEEK 5 - * No D/L Savings in Brisbane

 

 

 

28. Friday 13 March

Blues v Cheetahs

North Harbour

19:35

29. Friday 13 March

Brumbies v Waratahs

Canberra

19:40

30. Saturday 14 March

Crusaders v W Force

Christchurch

17:30

31. Saturday 14 March

Highlanders v Chiefs

Invercargill

19:35

32. Saturday 14 March

Reds v Sharks

Brisbane

19:05

33. Saturday 14 March

Stormers v Lions

Cape Town

17:00

 

Hurricanes/Bulls Bye

 

 

WEEK 6

 

 

 

34. Friday 20 March

Hurricanes v Bulls

Wellington

19:35

35. Saturday 21 March

Highlanders v Cheetahs

Dunedin

17:30

36. Saturday 21 March

Chiefs v Blues

Hamilton

19:35

37. Saturday 21 March

Waratahs v Crusaders

Sydney

19:40

38. Saturday 21 March

W Force v Sharks

Perth

19:45

39. Saturday 21 March

Lions v Brumbies

Johannesburg

17:00

 

Reds/Stormers Bye

 

 

WEEK 7 - * No D/L Savings in Brisbane, Sunday 29th March D/L Savings ends in Perth

 

 

 

40. Friday 27 March

Blues v Waratahs

Auckland

19:35

41. Saturday 28 March

Highlanders v Bulls

Palmerston North

17:30

42. Saturday 28 March

Crusaders v Stormers

Christchurch

19:35

43. Saturday 28 March

Reds v Chiefs

Brisbane

19:05

44. Saturday 28 March

Sharks v Brumbies

Durban

17:00

45. Saturday 28 March

Lions v Hurricanes

Johannesburg

19:10

 

Cheetahs/W Force Bye

 

 

WEEK 8 - Sunday, 5th April D/L Savings Ends in Australia and New Zealand

 

 

 

46. Friday 03 April

Crusaders v Bulls

Christchurch

19:35

47. Friday 03 April

W Force v Reds

Perth

19:05

48. Friday 03 April

Sharks v Hurricanes

Durban

19:10

49. Saturday 04 April

Chiefs v Lions

Hamilton

19:35

50. Saturday 04 April

Waratahs v Stormers

Sydney

19:40

51. Saturday 04 April

Cheetahs v Brumbies

Bloemfontein

15:00

 

Blues/Highlanders Bye

 

 

WEEK 9 - Easter Weekend

 

 

 

52. Friday 10 April

Blues v Lions

Auckland

19:35

53. Friday 10 April

W Force v Hurricanes

Perth

17:40

54. Saturday 11 April

Highlanders v Reds

Invercargill 

17:30

55. Saturday 11 April

Brumbies v Stormers

Canberra

17:35

56. Saturday 11 April

Waratahs v Bulls

Sydney

19:40

57. Saturday 11 April

Cheetahs v Sharks

Bloemfontein

15:00

 

Chiefs/Crusaders Bye

 

 

WEEK 10 

 

 

 

58. Friday 17 April

Blues v Highlanders

Auckland

19:35

59. Friday 17 April

Brumbies v Bulls

Canberra

19:40

60. Saturday 18 April

Hurricanes v Stormers

Wellington

17:30

61. Saturday 18 April

Reds v Lions

Brisbane

17:35

62. Saturday 18 April

Waratahs v W Force

Sydney

19:40

63. Saturday 18 April

Cheetahs v Chiefs

Kimberley

15:00

64. Saturday 18 April

Sharks v Crusaders

Durban

17:05

WEEK 11

 

 

 

65. Friday 24 April

Highlanders v Stormers

Dunedin  

19:35

66. Friday 24 April

W Force v Lions

Perth

19:05

67. Saturday 25 April

Blues v Reds

North Harbour

17:30

68. Saturday 25 April

Hurricanes v Brumbies

Wellington

19:35

69. Saturday 25 April

Cheetahs v Crusaders

Bloemfontein

15:00

70. Saturday 25 April

Bulls v Chiefs

Pretoria

17:05

 

Waratahs/Sharks Bye

 

 

WEEK 12

 

 

 

71. Friday 01 May

Hurricanes v Blues

Wellington

19:35

72. Friday 01 May

Lions v Crusaders

Johannesburg

15:00

73. Friday 01 May

Cheetahs v Waratahs

Bloemfontein

17:05

74. Saturday 02 May

Reds v Brumbies

Brisbane

19:40

75. Saturday 02 May

Sharks v Highlanders

Durban

15:00

76. Saturday 02 May

Bulls v W Force

Pretoria

17:05

77. Saturday 02 May

Stormers v Chiefs

Cape Town

19:10

WEEK 13

 

 

 

78. Friday 08 May

Crusaders v Reds

Christchurch

19:35

79. Friday 08 May

Lions v Highlanders

Johannesburg

19:10

80. Saturday 09 May

Chiefs v Hurricanes

Hamilton

19:35

81. Saturday 09 May

Brumbies v Blues

Canberra

19:40

82. Saturday 09 May

Sharks v Waratahs

Durban

15:00

83. Saturday 09 May

Bulls v Cheetahs

Pretoria

17:05

84. Saturday 09 May

Stormers v W Force

Cape Town

19:10

WEEK 14

 

 

 

85.Friday 15 May

Chiefs v Brumbies

Hamilton

19:35

86. Friday 15 May

Lions v Waratahs

Johannesburg

19:10

87. Saturday 16 May

Blues v Crusaders

Auckland

19:35

88. Saturday 16 May

Reds v Hurricanes

Brisbane

19:40

89. Saturday  16 May

W Force v Highlanders

Perth

19:45

90. Saturday 16 May

Cheetahs v Stormers

Bloemfontein

16:00

91. Saturday 16 May

Sharks v Bulls

Durban

18:05

Week 15 - SEMI FINAL

 

 

 

92. Friday 22 May

TBA v TBA

 

 

93. Saturday 23 May

TBA v TBA

 

 

Week 16 - FINAL

 

 

 

94. Saturday 30 May

TBA v TBA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


QANTAS WALLABIES SQUAD NAMED FOR 2009 BUNDABERG RUM RUG

Thu 21 May 2009

Stirling Mortlock returns as captain while two new caps have been included in the Qantas Wallabies squad named today for the opening four matches of the 2009 Bundaberg Rum Rugby Series.

Mortlock, who is the country's third most capped skipper with 25 Tests in charge, will lead Australia for a fourth season, having first captained his country when the Qantas Wallabies beat England 43-18 at Melbourne in 2006.

He is joined in the squad by the Western Force pair of backrower Matt Hodgson and prop Pekahou (Pek) Cowan, who have been called up after impressing in the recently concluded Investec Super 14.

Both have been members of the Force since the team's foundation year in 2006, but have established themselves in the starting line-up over the last two seasons.

Hodgson, who covers all three backrow positions, featured in every game played by the Force this season, operating primarily as a blindside flanker. Cowan, who is a specialist loose-head prop but appeared as a tight-head for Australian Schools and Australian Under-19 teams, appeared in all but one of the Force's 13 matches.

"Both Matt and Pek have been included with one eye on the future," Qantas Wallabies coach Robbie Deans says.

"They both play in areas where we have a clear need, and are looking to build up our depth. Their selection today gives us an opportunity over the next month to get them started, in terms of exposing them to the international environment."

The desire to continue the development process is also behind the decision to switch 18-year-old Force fullback James O'Connor from the Australian Under-20s, for whom he was named earlier in the month, into the Wallabies.

"Our general thoughts around the value our younger players gain from attending that tournament and playing in a Rugby World Cup, albeit at age-group level, haven't changed," Deans says.

"If anything, it is simply the level of James' performance in the Super 14 that has changed our thought process specific to his circumstance, and what is best both for his career development, and for Australian Rugby overall."

Deans said that the level of the teenager's performance had been such that his claims on a position in the Wallabies for the Bundaberg Rum Rugby Series simply could not be ignored.

"James would have gained a lot of opportunity and chances to experience new things with the Under-20s, but that dynamic also exists with the Wallabies," Deans says.

"This decision reflects the development pathway that we believe is the most appropriate for James at this stage of his career."

O'Connor was used primarily at inside centre through his 10 appearances in the Super 14, but Deans confirmed he is also being viewed as a potential fullback option for the Wallabies.

O'Connor last year became the second youngest player ever to play a Test match for the Wallabies, aged 18 years and 126 days, when he made his debut against Italy at Padova.

Twenty nine players have been named today. Thirteen new players were introduced to the international arena by Deans in his first season as Wallabies coach, with 12 of those players being re-selected today, including Brumbies second-row Peter Kimlin, who remains uncapped after appearing only in the non-Test match against the Barbarians last year.

The odd man out from the group is Waratahs prop Sekope Kepu, who has only recently returned to play after tearing his pectoral muscle against the Barbarians at Wembley Stadium in December.

Deans said that the decision to go with 29 reflected the make up of the squad, with all positions adequately covered by the personnel available.

He also acknowledged that injuries had played their part in the squad's numerical make-up, with No 8 Wycliff Palu the latest to be sidelined after breaking his hand during the Waratahs recent tour of South Africa.

Palu is expected to return in time to be considered for the Tri-Nations.

Utility forward Hugh McMeniman, winger Digby Ioane and lock Mark Chisholm are other players from last year's Spring Tour squad who were not considered due to injury.

Deans said that Kepu, fellow prop Matt Dunning, who was also injured in that match, and other players coming back from injury like last year's squad members, hooker Adam Freier and lock Chisholm, would be closely monitored by the selectors as they either continued with, or made their comebacks in club rugby.

"We will be continuing with the practice of releasing players not in our match day squad to club rugby each weekend, and we will certainly be keeping an eye on the progress of the guys who are coming back from injury. In the cases of Kepu, Dunning, Freier and Chisholm, they need Rugby and they will get that playing for their clubs," Deans says.

NSW Waratahs skipper Phil Waugh has been included in the Wallabies' squad, but is being released to appear for the Barbarians in their upcoming matches against England and Australia.

This means he will play against his team-mates at the Sydney Football Stadium on 6 June, but Deans is happy with that prospect, saying Waugh's contribution to Australian rugby had earned him the right to take up the prestigious Barbarians invitation.

"Phil was keen to play; he'd been invited and earned that honour. We see it as a win-win," Deans says.

"He is getting exposure in two more top class games, and will be going head-to-head with the other flankers in our squad which is a great result for us."

Australia kicks off the Bundaberg Rum Rugby Series against the Barbarians in Sydney before hosting a two-match series against Italy at Canberra on 13 June, and Melbourne on 20 June.

The focus will then switch to Sydney and a match against a full strength touring side from France on 27 June at ANZ Stadium.

The selectors will then review all of their options before naming a squad for the 14th annual Tri-Nations series through July, August and September.

The Qantas Wallabies Squad for the opening four games of the 2009 Bundaberg Rum Rugby Series is:

Ben Alexander

Prop

Brumbies

24

4

Adam Ashley-Cooper

Fullback-Wing

Brumbies

25

23

Berrick Barnes

Inside centre-Flyhalf

Queensland Reds

22

13

Al Baxter

Prop

NSW Waratahs

32

64

Richard Brown

No 8/Loose Forward

Western Force

24

5

Luke Burgess

Halfback

NSW Waratahs

25

11

Quade Cooper

Flyhalf

Queensland Reds

21

3

Pekahou Cowan

Prop

Western Force

22

Uncapped

Ryan Cross

Centre

Western Force

29

11

Matt Giteau

Flyhalf

Western Force

26

65

Matt Hodgson

Loose forward

Western Force

27

Uncapped

James Horwill

Lock

Queensland Reds

23

10

Peter Hynes

Wing

Queensland Reds

26

13

Peter Kimlin

Lock

Brumbies

23

Uncapped

Drew Mitchell

Wing/Fullback

Western Force

25

29

Stephen Moore

Hooker

Brumbies

26

33

Stirling Mortlock

Centre

Brumbies

31

76

Dean Mumm

Lock/Loose-forward

NSW Waratahs

25

10

James O'Connor

Fullback

Western Force

18

1

David Pocock

Flanker

Western Force

21

2

Tatafu Polota-Nau

Hooker

NSW Waratahs

23

10

Benn Robinson

Prop

NSW Waratahs

24

18

Nathan Sharpe

Lock

Western Force

31

74

George Smith

Flanker

Brumbies

28

96

Timana Tahu

Centre

NSW Waratahs

28

4

Lote Tuqiri

Wing

NSW Waratahs

29

67

Josh Valentine

Halfback

Western Force

26

4

Lachie Turner

Wing/Fullback

NSW Waratahs

22

2

Phil Waugh

Flanker

NSW Waratahs

29

77

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2009 Bundaberg Rum Rugby Series

 

DATE

MATCH

TROPHY

VENUE

KICK OFF

Sat 6 June

Qantas Wallabies v Barbarians

 

Sydney Football Stadium

7.30pm

Sat 13 June

Qantas Wallabies v Italy

 

Canberra Stadium

7pm

Sat 20 June

Qantas Wallabies v Italy

 

Etihad Stadium, Melbourne

8pm

Sat 27 June

Qantas Wallabies v France

Trophée des Bicentenaries

ANZ Stadium, Sydney

8pm

Sat 18 July

Qantas Wallabies v All Blacks

Tri Nations and BC

Eden Park, Auckland

7.35pm

Sat 8 Aug

Springboks v Qantas Wallabies

Tri Nations and MP

Newlands, Cape Town

3pm

Sat 22 Aug

Qantas Wallabies v All Blacks

Tri Nations and BC

ANZ Stadium, Sydney

8pm

Sat 29 Aug

Qantas Wallabies v Springboks

Tri Nations and MP

Subiaco Oval, Perth

6pm

Sat 5 Sep

Qantas Wallabies v Springboks

Tri Nations and MP

Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

8pm

Sat 19 Sept

All Blacks v Qantas Wallabies

Tri Nations and BC

Westpac Stadium, Wellington

7.35pm


2009 TRI-NATIONS FIXTURES ANNOUNCED

Tue 7 October 2008

 

SANZAR MEDIA RELEASE:  

2009 TRI-NATIONS FIXTURES ANNOUNCED

  

October 3, 2008 

The fixtures for the 2009 Tri-Nations tournament have been confirmed by the executive of SANZAR (South Africa New Zealand Australia Rugby).

The 14th edition of the tournament will kick off in Auckland on July 18 with the meeting between New Zealand and Australia and also concludes with a fixture between the same opponents in Wellington nine weeks later on September 19.

South Africa open their campaign against the All Blacks in Bloemfontein on July 25 - the first time since 1976 that the New Zealand will have played a Test match at the venue.

The Springboks also play New Zealand in Hamilton - the first time the nations will have met at the venue.

Tri-Nations Fixtures 2009 (all kickoff times are local)


July 18              New Zealand v Australia, Auckland 19:35

July 25              South Africa v New Zealand, Bloemfontein 15:00

Aug 1                 South Africa v New Zealand, Durban 15:00

Aug 8                 South Africa v Australia, Cape Town 15:00

Aug 22               Australia v New Zealand, Sydney 20:05

Aug 29               Australia v South Africa, Perth 18:05

Sept 5                Australia v South Africa, Brisbane 20:05

Sept 12              New Zealand v South Africa, Hamilton 19:35

Sept 19              New Zealand v Australia, Wellington 19:35

ISSUED BY SANZAR


Samoa choose GILBERT

Mon 4 August 2008

GILBERT Rugby are pleased to announce that The Samoa Rugby Football Union have chosen GILBERT as their official and exclusive ball supplier.

Su'a Peter Schuster CEO of the SRFU stated "The Samoa Rugby Union is proud to be associated with GILBERT Rugby.  A global brand that has been utilized by iRB in many of its tournaments is testimony to the quality of its products and reputation.  We strive to give rugby development in Samoa the best and we are delighted that Gilbert Rugby has come on board as our official and exclusive ball supplier."

"We are delighted and proud that the SRFU have chosen Gilbert,  Samoa has for a long time  been one of the world's  most passionate rugby nations and we look forward to building a long and mutually successful relationship with them". said GILBERT Sales and Marketing Director, Richard Gray. 

The GILBERT ball is the number one choice of professional players world wide and GILBERT are proud to supply balls for; amongst many others: Argentina, The Barbarians, Australia, Canada, England, France, Ireland, Namibia, Scotland, South Africa, Argentina, The Magners League, Super 14, and The Guinness Premiership.  Gilbert clothing has been chosen by leading teams such as Namibia; Sri Lanka; the Blue Bulls, Nottingham and Boroughmuir as well as the RFU referees.


Germany choose GILBERT

Tue 10 June 2008

The German Rugby Federation have chosen Gilbert Rugby as their official and exclusive kit supplier.

Speaking on behalf of The German Rugby Federation; Volker Himmer, said " We are very pleased to continue and expand our relationship with Gilbert. We are delighted with the quality of the product we have received and our players certainly prefer to play with the Gilbert ball"

Gilbert's Sales and Marketing Director, Richard Gray, said "Germany is another rapidly growing rugby market so we are very pleased that The German Federation have chosen to expand their relationship with Gilbert by awarding us their official kit contract on top of the ball contract we already have in place. The expansion into clothing is another key stepping stone for the Gilbert brand and this decision is a great endorsement for the programme. We are looking forward to working with the German Federation in this new partnership".

The Gilbert ball is the number one choice of professional players world wide and Gilbert are proud to supply balls for; amongst many others: Argentina, The Barbarians, Australia, Canada, England, France, Ireland, Namibia, Scotland, South Africa, The Magners League, Super 14, and The Guinness Premiership.  Gilbert clothing has been chosen by leading teams such as Namibia; Sri Lanka; the Blue Bulls, Nottingham and Boroughmuir as well as the RFU referees.


ARU and Wallabies choose GILBERT to 2012

Thu 11 October 2007

The Australian Rugby Union has announced a new agreement with GILBERT to be the Official Match Ball for the next five years, commencing 1 January 2008. This will see GILBERT balls used in all games under the control of the ARU and worldwide exclusivity on Wallabies-branded licensed and replica balls.

The GILBERT ‘SYNERGIE' ball, soon to be used by the Wallabies, is the flagship of the GILBERT range and is being used in the IRB Rugby World Cup 2007 France, as well as being the Official Ball of most nations in world rugby.

Richard Gray Sales and Marketing Director for GILBERT International said: "We are extremely pleased that the Wallabies have chosen the GILBERT ball. As one of the leading teams in world rugby it is only right that they should be using the players' first choice of ball. It is all the more pleasing that the ARU have decided to return to the GILBERT brand and this is a real tribute to the progress made by GILBERT in Australia."

Scott Bradford Football Brand Manager Australia said: "To secure the Wallabies for a five-year deal provides the security and ability to build long-term sales and marketing strategies.

"We look forward to working closely with the Wallabies players and management over the coming months and years. The two organisations are a perfect fit as both are iconic brands with passion and true heritage."

A new GILBERT Wallabies ball range will be available in-store from February 2008, which will cater for the elite and junior players, fans, and children. The GILBERT sales team will soon present the Wallaby range to retailers and take orders for February 2008 and beyond.

GILBERT would like to thank its valued customers for their ongoing support and we look forward to sharing with them the many exciting years to come.

GO THE WALLABIES!


Be the first to know!

Fri 28 September 2007

If you love your sport as much as we do - you'll want to be the first to know the lastest info.  We'll be posting exclusive interviews with some of our sponsored players, plus giving you access to screensavers and wallpapers, to you can keep even closer to your favorite sport.

We'll be covering Cricket, Rugby League, Rugby Union, Hockey, Netball, Squash, Tennis and Darts.  Just click on the newsletter link at the bottom of any page and select the sports you're interested in.  We promise not to spam you with useless information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.