Now that the IRFU has once again been prevailed upon to embrace the sevens code, it seems there'll be tough times ahead for Irish coach Ryan Constable.
Dubai to tax Irish sevens
The premise for Ireland's participation in the first tournament of the IRB Sevens 2004/05 schedule in Dubai is to prepare for the World Sevens later in the year.
Ireland find themselves in Pool D with Dubai sevens holders South Africa, sevens aristocrats Fiji, and the top European qualifiers for RWC Sevens 2005, Portugal, who are better than Ireland at this abbreviated format of the game.
In Pool A, Gordon Tietjens' New Zealand side face old rivals Australia, seasoned veterans Canada, and the home favourites Arabian Gulf. Meanwhile, Pool B will see three of the Six Nations unions battle it out for the two available quarter-final places on offer. Second-seeded England face the improving French, Scotland and emerging Uganda.
Pool C sees two of the most popular sides on the circuit going head-to-head. Argentina, winners in Los Angeles last season, meet Kenya, whose steady rise over the last three seasons has established them as a core IRB Sevens team for the first time this series.
This is arguably the most competitive pool as Argentina and Kenya also face the hard-hitting Samoans and newcomers Tunisia, who have reached a startling level of organisation and flair in a short time under French coach Claude Saurel.
Sponsors pulling plug
The English Premiership is on the lookout for a new sponsor after it was confirmed that insurance company Zurich will not be renewing their deal when it runs out in 18 months, bringing to an end to their eight year partnership with club rugby in Britain. It means new naming rights sponsor is being sought for the start of the 2006-2007 season.
The decision to discard the sponsorship deal was taken after a review of Zurich's standing and marketing strategy. The company's board found they had more than maximised their return on investment in terms of brand and name awareness, and also decided that continuing the sponsorship was no longer worthwhile.
Change could come sooner than expected, with Zurich allowing Premier Rugby to terminate the agreement at the end of the current season, should a new sponsor be found.
Dark practice pays off
There is no substitute for practice, even if it has to take place in the dark, as HSBC Waratahs place-kicker Tim Donnelly found out when he prepared for last Thursday's game against a Buenos Aires selection at the San Isidro Club in Argentina's capital city.
Donnelly found himself silhouetted against the moon as he practised last week prior to the match after the groundsmen ignored NSW requests to light the pitch. He completed kicking practice in moonlight following the oversight. "He still hit them pretty well," said assistant coach Andy Friend who fielded the kicks behind goal.
The traditional captain's run began just on sunset but soon eased into the Argentinian gloom.
Donnelly obviously profited from the practice as the Waratahs won the match 41-8 with the outhalf grabbing a try, four conversions - the Australian side scored six tries - and a conversion. It marked the final game in the Waratahs' four-match tour to Argentina.
McIvor's marathon feat
Blackrock College coach Steve McIvor recently completed the Connemara Marathon, an undertaking he admits in hindsight caused him considerable stress. The former Ireland, Leinster and Garryowen scrumhalf decided to run this marathon, his first, in aid of the IRFU Charitable Trust and Focus Ireland. He raised over 7,000.
Now having been fairly fit during his playing career, McIvor reasoned that the marathon would, after all, be just a long run and while he prepared accordingly it didn't include taking a quick look at the course.
"There are two huge hills involved and I have to say they nearly killed me. I did it in 2.12; that would be two days and 12 hours. Seriously though, I would like to thank everyone that supported me financially and otherwise."
To prove that time is indeed a great healer, McIvor hasn't ruled out the possibility of completing another marathon to raise more funds. This time, though, he would probably prefer Amsterdam to Connemara. He'd love to run the New York City Marathon, on the proviso that he can check out the course first.
Red letter days aplenty
It seems there was a big run on birthday candles in Munster rugby circles last week. On Wednesday, Rob Henderson turned 32 - although he looks much younger. The next day, October 28th, was the birthday of Rosie Foley, sister of Anthony and an international in her own right. As we are talking about a lady there is no question of identifying the specific birthday.
Henderson's former midfield partner Mike Mullins was 34 on Friday. His better half Francine also celebrated her birthday. The aforementioned Anthony, who shows impeccable taste as a Manchester United fan, was 31 on Saturday.
Southern discomfort
It seems that the SANZAR unions are on tenterhooks waiting to find out the details of News Unlimited's broadcast rights offer for television coverage of matches in South Africa, New Zealand and Australia.
Attempts to try and improve the deal by including more Tri-Nations matches and also increase the Super 12 to a Super 14 don't appear to have worked.
Ballot for Lions tickets
Those of you with friends in New Zealand might find this an opportune time to renew their acquaintance. Fans will be able to register for tickets for the 2005 British and Irish Lions series when the public ballot opens this week.
The NZRU is running a ballot in response to the unprecedented demand for tickets to next year's matches. Deputy chief executive Steve Tew said the ballot was a fair and transparent system that will give as many people as possible the chance to see the Lions play. Only people resident in New Zealand can register for the ballot from 9 a.m. today right up until December 24th. The best way to do it is via www.lions.co.nz.
The ballot result will be announced in February 2005 with the successful people being contacted in the following weeks and given the option of purchasing their tickets.
Members of the New Zealand rugby community - season pass holders, registered players, coaches, other team management, referees and volunteers - as well as fans living in the provinces where the Lions are playing, will receive an extra "weighting" which will give them extra chances of receiving tickets through the ballot.
