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AUSTRALIAN MEN BREAK TITLE DROUGHT IN SYDNEY TO CAP MEMORABLE DAY

29/01/2018, Australia, Rugby, Australian Rugby Union, Article # 25624536
 

AUSTRALIAN MEN BREAK TITLE DROUGHT IN SYDNEY TO CAP MEMORABLE DAY

JANUARY 28, 2018

The Qantas Australian Men's Sevens side have broken their HSBC Sevens World Series tournament drought after a 29-nil demolition of reigning Series champions South Africa. 

Australia hadn't won a World Series tournament since Tokyo in 2012 but waltzed their way to the 2018 Sydney7s crown following day three victories over New Zealand, Argentina and South Africa.

The Men's title capped a remarkable day for Australia following the Women's record-breaking win over New Zealand in their Cup final earlier in the day. 

Qantas Australian Men's Sevens coach, Andy Friend said: "We've got quite an aggressive defensive system and throughout the course of the weekend on occasions we haven't believed in it. We showed a couple of clips this morning and just said, 'Listen, do we really believe in this?' and the boys were like, 'Yeah, actually we do'.

"I said, 'well if we believe let's do it.'

"We committed to doing it and honestly from that minute on, it was just a different team.

"We train it but it's one thing doing it at training, and one thing doing it out here and they believed in that and to me that was the difference."

"For them to now turn up and to do that on a World Series and in the process to knock off New Zealand and South Africa in the same tournament must give them belief, and I know it has given them belief," Friend said.

Australia 24 defeated New Zealand 12

New Zealand used field position in the early stages and the ploy worked wonders as the All Blacks Sevens got the first try of the game in the right hand corner. Australia's defensive pressure turned the screws on New Zealand though as they struggled to get of their own 22, giving Australia's Ben O'Donnell the time and space to pounce and level the scores. Andy Friend using his bench to great effect shortly after with Charlie Taylor injected and scoring a try in the right hand corner with his first touch to make the score 12-5 at the break. 

New Zealand holding the ball with great success in the second half and levelled scores with four minutes left to play thanks to Vilimoni Koroi. Super sub Maurice Longbottom then throwing the game wide open with a brilliant 40 metre sprint to dive in the corner and regain the lead for Australia. A captain's effort from Lewis Holland then gave Australia a 12 point lead with 30 seconds left to play to book a Cup semi-final berth.

Australia 28 defeated Argentina 0

Australia worked the field position early as a smart quick tap from Tim Anstee sent an Argentine to the sin bin. Lewis Holland making the most of the one man advantage to score under the posts and give the easiest of conversions for James Stannard. Australia kept possession of the ball and it soon paid dividends, with Stannard using the one man overlap to send Ben O'Donnell away to race 60 metres and extend the lead to 14-nil at the break.

Another yellow card to Argentina didn't help their cause in the second half and Holland made them pay as the skipper stepped and sprinted to score under the posts. Australia extending the lead to 28-nil on the stroke of full-time as Ben O'Donnell continued his impressive tournament as he weaved his way through the Argentinean defence to chalk up his fourth five pointer of the weekend.

Australia 29 defeated South Africa 0

A simple mistake from James Stannard gave early possession and territory to South Africa but they couldn't capitalise as Jesse Parahi earned a turnover penalty. Australia couldn't make the most of their field position though with poor handling giving the ball straight back to South Africa. An amazing 90 metre effort from South Africa went to the TMO with Rosko Specman adjudged to have put a foot in touch after an impressive cover tackle from Lachie Anderson. Australia then going the length of the field with skipper Lewis Holland bouncing off tackles to score under the posts. Stannard then putting on a pinpoint kickoff restart for Ben O'Donnell to regather, and pass back to Stannard to race away and make the score 14-nil at half-time. 

Australia kept the pressure on South Africa in the second half with Stannard putting the grubber through for John Porch to dive over in the corner. The scoring wasn't done there though as O'Donnell forced his way through the South African defence to take the score to 24-nil with three minutes left to play. O'Donnell grabbed a double shortly after as he burnt speedster Seabelo Senatla on the outside to give Australia an unassailable lead and a memorable tournament win on home soil. 

HSBC Sydney7s day three results
Qantas Australian Men’s Sevens
Cup Quarter-Final: Australia 24-12 New Zealand
Cup Semi-Final: Australia 28-0 Argentina
Cup Final: Australia 29-0 South Africa

The Australian Rugby Foundation will make a donation of $30,500 to grassroots rugby after 61 Australian tries were scored at the Sydney7s. 

As the official charity partner for the HSBC Sydney 7s Tournament, all funds raised during the three days will go directly to the Foundation's grassroots and community initiatives. The Australian Rugby Foundation supports Rugby Australia's vision to grow rugby, by investing in grassroots/community rugby initiatives to inspire all Australians to enjoy our great global game. 

 
 
AUSTRALIAN WOMEN CLAIM RECORD BREAKING WIN IN SYDNEY

AUSTRALIAN WOMEN CLAIM RECORD BREAKING WIN IN SYDNEY

29/01/2018, Australia, Rugby, Australian Rugby Union, Article # 25624453
 

AUSTRALIAN WOMEN CLAIM RECORD BREAKING WIN IN SYDNEY

JANUARY 28, 2018

The Qantas Australian Women's Sevens side have created history after claiming the HSBC Sydney7s title thanks to a 31-nil victory over New Zealand in the Cup final. 

Since the HSBC Sevens World Series began in 1999, no team - in either Men's or Women's - has ever won a tournament without conceding a point but Australia did it in style, as they ran in 213 points in attack in front of a boisterous local crowd. 

Qantas Australian Women's Sevens coach, Tim Walsh said: "I’m just stoked with the way that we performed. Everyone is talking about zero points, which was pretty pleasing and defence is all in the desire and attitude and they certainly showed that.

"In our plan, this is one tournament we were targeting - we've got the Commonwealth Games and for the team the World Cup as well. I think we'll celebrate tonight and then be very tired when we get back to work on Wednesday.

"Being here in Sydney and seeing all the players' friends and families like they were in Rio is pretty amazing. 

"Last year, our season theme was respect and character. How do we maintain performance after coming off such a high? To turn around this year and win two from two and playing some of the best rugby we've ever played and clearly the best defence we've ever had, ranks higher because of that, because of the work and the effort they put in after such a long period of time," Walsh said.

Australia 31 defeated New Zealand 0

Some brutal Australian defence put New Zealand on the back foot from the outset and it didn't take long for Australia to capitalise as Shannon Parry stormed her way through to score the opening try. The game quickly turned into a slog fest as Australia kept New Zealand at bay on their own goal line before launching into attack. Australia kept their foot to the floor as the half drew to a close with Charlotte Caslick sniping down the blindside to take the score to 10-nil at half-time. 

A sin bin to New Zealand after the half-time siren didn't help their cause and Australia made the most of their numerical advantage after Emilee Cherry slid through a gap to feed Ellia Green to score under the posts. Australia weren't done there though as Evania Pelite got her name on the scoresheet thanks to a draw and pass from Sharni Williams. Australia's intense defence didn't relent on New Zealand though, who continually coughed up possession with Emma Sykes dotting down for a try of her own next to the posts to wrap up the scoring. 

HSBC Sydney7s day three results
Qantas Australian Women’s Sevens
Cup Final: Australia 31-0 New Zealand

The Australian Rugby Foundation total donation to grassroots rugby is now at $26,000 after the ARF pledged $500 for every Australian try scored at the Sydney7s. 

As the official charity partner for the HSBC Sydney 7s Tournament, all funds raised during the three days will go directly to the Foundation's grassroots and community initiatives. The Australian Rugby Foundation supports Rugby Australia's vision to grow rugby, by investing in grassroots/community rugby initiatives to inspire all Australians to enjoy our great global game. 

For more information, please visit www.sydney7s.com.au

 
 
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RUGBY FANS WIN BIG FROM NSW GOVERNMENT'S SYDNEY STADIUM PLANS

RUGBY FANS WIN BIG FROM NSW GOVERNMENT'S SYDNEY STADIUM PLANS

24/11/2017, Australia, Rugby, Australian Rugby Union, Article # 24944452
 

RUGBY FANS WIN BIG FROM NSW GOVERNMENT'S SYDNEY STADIUM PLANS

NOVEMBER 24, 2017
Rugby fans are the big winners from the NSW Government’s Sydney stadium plans announced today.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres confirmed Allianz and ANZ Stadiums will be rebuilt and transformed into world-class facilities, ensuring fans of the NSW Waratahs and Australia’s national teams including the Qantas Wallabies and Qantas Australian Sevens teams will experience their teams like never before.

Under its plan, the NSW Government has committed to:
  • A new 45,000-seat stadium to replace Allianz Stadium at Moore Park with construction to start in 2018 and open in 2021 (estimated $705 million, subject to final procurement); and
  • A new 75,000-seat rectangular stadium to replace ANZ at Sydney Olympic Park, construction to start in 2019 and open in 2022 (estimated $1.25 billion, subject to final procurement).
The new stadium announcements follow the announcement in 2016 of a new 30,000-seat rectangular stadium at Parramatta, which is currently under construction and due for completion in 2019.
 
“Fans will be closer to the action than ever before, with steep seating creating a colosseum inspired wall of sound and colour, enhanced with the world’s most advanced technology,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“This investment means we can compete on the world stage for events such as the Rugby World Cup, and keep Sydney as the number one sporting destination.”

Rugby Australia CEO Bill Pulver heralded today’s announcement as a huge win for Rugby fans.
 
 “We commend the leadership and vision of Premier Berejiklian and Minister Ayres in delivering this outcome, which represents a significant improvement on the stadium package announced by the NSW Government in 2016 and has delivered a dream result for Rugby,” said Pulver.

“Sydney is one of the world’s premier cities and deserves to have world-class stadia which reflects this standing to attract the biggest sports and entertainment events.

“In recent times the city has fallen significantly behind the other major centres in Australia with its aging stadium infrastructure but this commitment by the NSW Government will ensure NSW is at the forefront for major sports stadiums on a global scale.

“By 2022, Sydney will have three new world-class stadiums in action at Parramatta, Homebush and Moore Park purpose-built for rectangular sports, ensuring the best possible experience for Rugby fans and enabling us to bring the biggest Rugby tournaments in the world to Australia. Crucially, it positions us well for future Rugby World Cup bids," he said.

In 2018 Allianz Stadium will play host over the Australia Day long weekend to the third HSBC Sydney 7s, one of the world’s premier Sevens tournaments which attracted sell-out crowds in its first two years, as well as a much-anticipated international between the Qantas Wallabies and Ireland in June.

The Moore Park venue is also home to the NSW Waratahs, the only team that represents the state on a regular basis nationally and internationally in Vodafone Super Rugby.

ANZ Stadium has been the home of the Bledisloe Cup since 2012 and will once again host the sport’s biggest rivalry as the Qantas Wallabies take on the New Zealand All Blacks in the opening match of the 2018 Rugby Championship in August.

 
 
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NATIONAL SEVENS CHAMPIONSHIPS SEES STATE BRAGGING RIGHTS GO ON THE LINE IN ADELAIDE

NATIONAL SEVENS CHAMPIONSHIPS SEES STATE BRAGGING RIGHTS GO ON THE LINE IN ADELAIDE

19/11/2016, Australia, Rugby, Australian Rugby Union, Article # 20247008
 
 

NATIONAL SEVENS CHAMPIONSHIPS SEES STATE BRAGGING RIGHTS GO ON THE LINE IN ADELAIDE 

SATURDAY 19 NOVEMBER, 2016
. 

Day one of the National Sevens Championships has seen some high-quality Rugby played across the Men’s and Women’s tournaments in Adelaide with NSW, QLD Red and Australian Universities emerging undefeated in the Men’s tournament.

NSW Blue and Queensland Red were the only teams to go undefeated in the Women’s Championship in what was an intense battle to make the Quarter Finals.  

With day two matches occurring at Adelaide Shores Sporting Precinct tomorrow, teams will compete for the Cup, Plate and Bowl, replicating the format of the HSBC Sevens World Series.

Qantas Australian Men’s Head Coach Andy Friend: “I was really impressed with the standard today. The attitude of all the players has been fantastic. The players have put everything into it and every game has been greatly contested.

“It’s great for the game to see the Girls play. It’s so exciting to see what the Aussie Sevens team did in Rio and what it has done with the players we have seen here.  It just seems to be the sport people want to play now.

“The Girls have shown a lot of talent and a lot of battle and the Women’s Championship is going to be a tough battle tomorrow.

“The really important thing for me as a selector is day two. The second day is the mental day. Your body is sore and then you have to get up and do it again against strong opponents.

“There is going to be some big matches tomorrow and I’m looking forward to seeing who can step up.”  

All matches on day two will be LIVE streamed through www.rugby.com.au.

2016 National Men’s Sevens Championship top eight: 1. Queensland Red (9 pts) 2. NSW (9 pts) 3. National Universities (9 pts) 4. Victoria (7 pts) 5. ACT (7 pts) 6. Queensland White (7 pts) 7. Northern Territory (5 pts) 8. National Indigenous (5 pts).

2016 National Women’s Sevens Championship top eight: 1. Queensland Red (9 pts) 2. NSW Blue (9 pts) 3. Western Australia (7 pts) 4. Queensland White (7 pts) 5. ACT (7 pts) 6. National Indigenous (7 pts) 7. South Australia (7 pts) 8. NSW White (5 pts).  

Click here for day one results and ladder of the National Men’s Sevens Championship.
Click here for day one results and ladder of the National Women’s Sevens Championship.
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NATIONAL SEVENS CHAMPIONSHIPS TO KICK OFF IN ADELAIDE THIS WEEKEND

NATIONAL SEVENS CHAMPIONSHIPS TO KICK OFF IN ADELAIDE THIS WEEKEND

18/11/2016, Australia, Rugby, Australian Rugby Union, Article # 20234041
 
 

NATIONAL SEVENS CHAMPIONSHIPS TO KICK OFF IN ADELAIDE THIS WEEKEND

FRIDAY 18 NOVEMBER, 2016
The newest Olympic Sport, Rugby Sevens returns to Adelaide this weekend with the National Sevens Championships for both Men and Women kicking off on Saturday at Adelaide Shores Sporting Precinct, with all matches to be streamed LIVE through www.rugby.com.au.

Squad members from the Qantas Australian Women’s team will be representing their various teams including Dominique Du Toit, Mahalia Murphy, Shanice Parker, Laura Waldie and Shenae Ciesiolka. 

The annually held Championship is a part of the growing Australian domestic Sevens calendar as more and more Australians participate in the truncated version of Rugby’s global game. 

Teams will compete from across the country including National Indigenous, Australian University’s and the Australian Services Rugby Union alongside State and Territory sides to be crowned National champions.  

ARU General Manager, High Performance, Ben Whitaker: “The National Sevens Championship is a key step in the elite pathway of Rugby Sevens and I know teams have been preparing long and hard for these tournaments.

“The Sport continues to grow in the afterglow of Rugby’s debut at this year’s Rio Olympic Games and there will be players who could put out performances that catches the eyes of our Head Coaches of the Aussie 7s sides.

“The standards of Rugby Sevens are incredibly high across all states, not just central to your traditional Rugby nurseries that will make for some fantastic matches.

“Additionally we have the Armed Services, Australian Universities and National Indigenous teams being represented providing a very unique and accessible elite pathway opportunity for many players.”

There will be free entry for all spectators who wish to Adelaide Shores for the Championships. 

National Sevens Championship Women
POOL A-NSW Blue, National Indigenous, NSW White, Tasmania
POOL B- Queensland Red, Australian Universities, Victoria, South Australia
POOL C- ACT, Western Australia, Northern Territory, Queensland White
DRAW

National Sevens Championship Men
POOL A- NSW, National Indigenous, Victoria, Armed Services (ASRU)
POOL B- Queensland Red, Queensland White, Western Australia, South Australia
POOL C- ACT, Australian Universities, Northern Territory, Tasmania
DRAW 

 
 
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QANTAS AUSTRALIAN SEVENS TEAMS NAMED FOR OCEANIA SEVENS CHAMPIONSHIP IN FIJI

QANTAS AUSTRALIAN SEVENS TEAMS NAMED FOR OCEANIA SEVENS CHAMPIONSHIP IN FIJI

07/11/2016, Australia, Rugby, Australian Rugby Union, Article # 20080811
 
 

QANTAS AUSTRALIAN SEVENS TEAMS NAMED FOR OCEANIA SEVENS CHAMPIONSHIP IN FIJI

MONDAY 7 NOVEMBER, 2016
Note to Editors: Click here for rights free images of Australian debutants Hannah Southwell, Emma Sykes and Shanice Parker   

Qantas Australian Women’s Head Coach Tim Walsh has chosen a mix of youth and Gold medal experience for the Oceania Sevens Championship, while Qantas Australian Men’s Sevens Head Coach Andy Friend is throwing open opportunities for young players to vie for selection in his final 2016/17 squad.

The two-day tournament will be played in Suva on November 11-12.

Friend has named a squad that includes a raft of young up and coming talent with only two players older than 22 years of age making the trip across the Pacific.

With one eye on re-building the Aussie 7s Men’s team in the post 2016 Rio Olympic Games era, Friend has urged his young charges to take their opportunities.

The Qantas Australian Women’s Sevens team will give young squad members Georgie Friedrichs, Emma Sykes, Hannah Southwell and the recently signed Shanice Parker the chance to mix with Australia’s Olympic heroes when the tournament kicks off next Friday.

With less than a month until the opening round of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series gets underway on December 1, Walsh wants his charges to continue their progression following on from their victory at the Central Coast Sevens in October.

Qantas Australian Women’s Head Coach, Tim Walsh said: “We have had a great preparation period leading into this tournament and we are looking forward to continuing to build momentum towards Dubai.

“We know that this tournament is going to be incredibly tough and we will need to adapt to the challenges that come our way.

“For our young players such as Georgie, Emma, Hannah and Shanice, this tournament is only going to add to their growing experience at International level and hold them in good stead moving forward.”   

Qantas Australian Men’s Head Coach, Andy Friend said: “We are in a unique period for the Australian Men’s Sevens team having been through a changing of the guard after Rio.

“For a coach it’s an exciting period as we move to create the building blocks for a strong team for the future.

“We have seen players really stand up and be counted at training but now is the time for that to translate to the field and we are looking forward to what the Oceania Rugby Sevens Championship has to throw at us.”

The Oceania Rugby Sevens Championship kicks off on Friday 11 November in Suva, Fiji.

Australian Men’s Squad:  
John Porch (C)
Sam Croke
Bennett Leslie
Conor Mitchell
Tom Connor
Liam McNamara
Josh Coward
Mick Adams
Charlie Taylor
Alex Gibbon
Simon Kennewell
Sam Caslick
Australian Women’s Squad:  
Shannon Parry (c)
Sharni Williams (c)
Tiana Penitani
Mahalia Murphy
Emma Tonegato
Emma Sykes
Hannah Southwell
Shanice Parker
Brooke Anderson
Alicia Quirk
Georgie Friedrichs
Dom Du Toit
 
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HOOPER WINS 2016 JOHN EALES MEDAL, CASLICK & JENKINS SCOOP SEVENS AWARDS

HOOPER WINS 2016 JOHN EALES MEDAL, CASLICK & JENKINS SCOOP SEVENS AWARDS

28/10/2016, Australia, Rugby, Australian Rugby Union, Article # 19950723
 
 

HOOPER WINS 2016 JOHN EALES MEDAL, CASLICK & JENKINS SCOOP SEVENS AWARDS

OCTOBER 27, 2016
Qantas Wallabies vice-captain and flanker Michael Hooper has claimed the 2016 John Eales Medal, winning the award for a second time. Hooper’s standout season saw the 24-year-old score four tries for the Qantas Wallabies in 2016 to be named Australia’s Man of the Match in three out of the six domestic Tests.

Hooper was the clear leader of the 'player's player' 3-2-1 votes tally, amassing 296 points during the designated period from the pre-World Cup USA Test on 5 September 2015 to the final Bledisloe Cup Test against New Zealand on 22 October 2016. Despite injuries this year, David Pocock’s incredible World Cup campaign elevated him to second position with 189 votes, finishing ahead of Bernard Foley, Will Genia and Israel Folau who rounded out the top five. In winning the John Eales Medal for a second time, Hooper follows in the footsteps of Israel Folau (2014, 2015), George Smith (2002, 2008) and Nathan Sharpe (2007, 2012) who have all won rugby’s most prestigious award twice.
 
Michael Hooper also scooped up the award for Australia’s Choice Qantas Wallaby of the Year for the fourth year in a row, an incredible feat considering it is just his fifth year playing for the Wallabies.

In the first ever Olympic year for Rugby Sevens, Charlotte Caslick won the Shawn Mackay Award for Qantas Women’s Sevens Player of the Year after guiding her team to its maiden HSBC Sevens World Series victory, and then scoring seven tries during their successful Olympic gold medal campaign in Rio.

Captain of the Qantas Men's Sevens Team and Australia's most-capped Sevens player, Ed Jenkins was named Men’s Sevens Player of the Year for the second consecutive year, recognised for his valuable contribution during the team's best World Series season in four years.
 
Buildcorp Wallaroos captain Ash Hewson was named Women’s Player of the Year after leading Sydney to back-to-back victories at the Buildcorp Women’s XVs National Championships and her standout performances in the Wallaroos' historic two-Test series against the Black Ferns in New Zealand.
 
Australian Rugby Union CEO Bill Pulver congratulated Hooper on winning the 2016 John Eales Medal.
 
“Michael has an enviable talent and is a wonderful ambassador for our game. Time and time again, he shows an unparalleled commitment to all that he does in the gold jersey. He thoroughly deserves to receive this accolade for the second time," he said.
 
“Over the past twelve months, Michael has been consistently one of the most impressive players in the world, and this was never more evident than during last year’s World Cup when he combined masterfully with David Pocock to steer Australia to the final.
 
“Michael is still 24 but has shown than age is no barrier after having been named Australia’s youngest Test captain in 2014. As vice-captain of the Wallabies this year he has helped to lead the team admirably. We are excited to see what Michael and his team mates can do on the field during the coming Grand Slam tour, and we know they will be doing all they can to make us proud.”

Pulver also heaped praise on the Australian Women's Sevens team and congratulated Caslick on taking the crown for women's player of the year.

“To be named the best women's player of the 2016 Olympics is an astounding feat, and Charlotte thoroughly deserves this award,” Pulver said.

"The whole team also deserves to be congratulated for their outstanding year. To be crowned World Series and Olympic Champions in the same year is an amazing achievement, especially considering that the players were brought together just three years ago.

“The success of our Women’s Sevens team in Rio captivated the nation and put the sport of Sevens on the map, both here in Australia and all over the world.

"Ed Jenkins had a great season too, especially during the team's scintillating 2016 Sydney 7s campaign. I am incredibly excited our Women’s team and our Men's team have the opportunity to play at the upcoming HSBC Sydney 7s in front of their home fans, and I’m sure that everyone who comes along will be in awe of the exciting brand of Rugby that our men and women play.

"Finally, I'd like to congratulate the captain of our Wallaroos, Ash Hewson. It has been an historic year for the Wallaroos, playing in their first ever double header at Eden Park, and Ash has been a fantastic role model for her team both on and off the field."
   
Other awards presented at the John Eales Medal ceremony included the latest inductees to the Wallaby Hall of Fame. Pre-World War 2 Wallaby Tasmanian-born John “Jack” Ford, former Wallabies captain John Solomon and the late Peter Johnson were the three players chosen to join an elite group of just 35 others in the Wallaby Hall of Fame. Each inductee was chosen for demonstrating outstanding ability, sportsmanship, commitment, character and personal contribution to their team and the game in their era.
 
Western Force fullback and recently-crowned Nathan Sharpe Medallist, Dane Haylett-Petty capped off his brilliant start to the 2016 Test season by adding the Qantas Wallabies Rookie of the Year award to his mantelpiece after playing 10 Tests this year.
 
After making more run metres and tackle busts than any other Australian forward during the 2016 Super Rugby season, Qantas Wallabies backrower and Melbourne Rebels stalwart Sean McMahon was named Asteron Life Super Rugby Player of the Year. His team mate, 22-year-old utility back Reece Hodge was named Asteron Life Super Rugby Rookie of the Year.

Qantas Wallabies Assistant Coach Stephen Larkham collected the Asteron Life Super Rugby Coach of the Year award after leading the Brumbies to the qualifying finals. For topping the Australian Super Rugby conference, the Brumbies were named the Asteron Life Super Rugby Team of the Year.

After a stunning Buildcorp National Rugby Championship season for the Sydney Rays, Irae Simone was named best player of the 2016 Buildcorp National Rugby Championship.
 
New Melbourne Rebels recruit Tyrel Lomax took the gong as the Australian U20s Player of the Year after impressing during the Oceania U20s Championship matches against New Zealand and at the World Rugby U20s Championship in England.
 
Co-founders of the Modified Rugby Program, Megan and Anthony Elliot were presented with the Nick Farr-Jones Spirit of Rugby Award and Alec Evans received the Joe French Award for his service to Australian Rugby as a coach and player.
 
The HSBC Volunteer of the Year title was awarded to Deon Norval from Uni Norths Owls in Canberra, while Dougal Whitton from Canberra Royals Rugby Club was recognised as Lifetime Volunteer of the Year and Hayden Croghan from Palmyra Rugby Club, WA, claimed HSBC’s Young Volunteer award. Norval will receive $10,000 from HSBC for his club, while Whitton and Croghan receive $5,000 each to be directed to their respective rugby clubs.
 
Angus Gardner collected two trophies for TNT Super Rugby Referee of the Series and the Roger Vanderfield Award for Referee of the Year, while Tamworth’s Kylie Dawson took home the Geoff ‘Bunter’ Shaw Community Coach of the Year award.

2016 John Eales Medal Awards
John Eales Medal: Michael Hooper
Qantas Wallabies Rookie of the Year: Dane Haylett-Petty
Qantas Wallabies Try of the Year: Drew Mitchell (most responsible for Adam Ashley-Cooper's try), Australia v Argentina, Twickenham Stadium, 2015 Rugby World Cup Semi Final
Australia’s Choice – Qantas Wallaby of the Year: Michael Hooper
Wallabies Hall of Fame: John ‘Jack’ Ford, John Solomon, Peter Johnson
Asteron Life Super Rugby Player of the Year: Sean McMahon, Melbourne Rebels
Asteron Life Super Rugby Team of the Year: Brumbies
Asteron Life Super Rugby Coach of the Year: Stephen Larkham, Brumbies
Asteron Life Super Rugby Rookie of the Year: Reece Hodge, Melbourne Rebels
Asteron Life Super Rugby Try of the Year: Nick Frisby (most responsible for Jake McIntyre's try), Queensland Reds v Blues, Suncorp Stadium, Round 4
Super Rugby TNT Referee of the Series: Angus Gardner
Buildcorp National Rugby Championship Player of the Year: Irae Simone, Sydney Rays
Australian U20s Player of the Year: Tyrel Lomax
Shawn Mackay Award Qantas Men’s Sevens Player of the Year: Ed Jenkins
Shawn Mackay Award Qantas Women’s Sevens Player of the Year: Charlotte Caslick
Women’s XVs Player of the Year: Ashleigh Hewson
Joe French Award: Alec Evans
Nick Farr-Jones Spirit of Rugby Award: Megan and Anthony Elliot
Roger Vanderfield Award - Referee of the Year: Angus Gardner
HSBC Volunteer of the Year: Deon Norval, Uni Norths Owls Rugby Club, ACT
HSBC Lifetime Volunteer of the Year: Dougal Whitton, Canberra Royals Rugby Club, ACT
HSBC Young Volunteer of the Year (U25): Hayden Croghan, Palmyra Rugby Club, WA
Geoff ‘Bunter’ Shaw Community Coach of the Year: Kylie Dawson, Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School Rugby, Tamworth, NSW and NSW Central Norths Rugby
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2016 HSBC VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

2016 HSBC VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

10/10/2016, Australia, Rugby, Australian Rugby Union, Article # 19708144
 

2016 HSBC VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

 

AUSTRALIAN RUGBY UNION
OCTOBER 10, 2016
HSBC and Australian Rugby Union are delighted to announce the finalists for the 2016 HSBC Volunteer of the Year, HSBC Lifetime Volunteer of the Year and HSBC Young Volunteer of the Year awards.

Following a nationwide call for nominees Australian Rugby was inundated with hundreds of worthy nominations, all of which further reinforced how important volunteers are to the Australian Rugby community.

The fifteen finalists below were chosen after the top nominations from each state and territory were considered. Winners will receive their award at the John Eales Medal night on 27 October 2016. The winner from each category will receive a grant for their local club or school to improve facilities and services:
- $10,000 to HSBC Volunteer of the Year's registered club or school
- $5,000 to HSBC Lifetime Volunteer's registered club or school
- $5,000 to HSBC Young Volunteer of the Year's registered club or school

The finalists include:

HSBC Volunteer of the Year:
- Lisa Campbell, Endeavour Hills Rugby (VIC)
- Andrew Chaney, Sylvania Bulldogs Junior Rugby (NSW)
- Dan Gollan, Maitland Rugby Club (NSW)
- Deon Norval, Uni Norths Owls Rugby (ACTSNSW)
- Graham Parkinson, Perth Bayswater Rugby (WA)

HSBC Lifetime Volunteer of the Year:
- Ken Anderson, Power House Rugby Club (VIC)
- Owen Clark, Terrigal Rugby Club (NSW)
- Geoffrey Pegg, Queensland Rugby Referees Association (QRRA, QLD)
- Stuart Ridley, Port Adelaide RUFC (SA)
- Dougal Whitton, Canberra Royals Rugby (ACTSNSW)

HSBC Young Volunteer of the Year:
- Dylan Broadway, Associates Rugby Club (WA)
- Hayden Croghan, Palmyra Rugby Club (WA)
- James Smith, Knox Rugby Club (NSW)
- Liam Warcaba, Tuggeranong Vikings Rugby Club (ACTSNSW)
- Eddie Weaver, Palmerston RUFC (NT)

Tony Cripps, CEO, HSBC Australia said: “Volunteers are vital to the success of rugby clubs across Australia. HSBC is proud to recognise those who give so much to the game and keep rugby thriving at its grassroots. Congratulations to all the finalists of this year’s Volunteer of the Year awards.”

ARU General Manager of Community Rugby & Strategy, Andrew Larratt knows volunteers play a significant role in growing participation at the grassroots level.

“The finalists represent thousands of Rugby volunteers in this country who are passionate about our game and the benefits it holds for young boys and girls,” he said. “We were delighted to see so many nominations come in this year from all across the country, as we know each nominee makes such a difference to Rugby in Australia."
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CONOR MITCHELL SIGNS WITH AUSSIE SEVENS

CONOR MITCHELL SIGNS WITH AUSSIE SEVENS

22/09/2016, Australia, Rugby, Australian Rugby Union, Article # 19485358
 

CONOR MITCHELL SIGNS WITH AUSSIE SEVENS

AUSTRALIAN RUGBY UNION

SEPTEMBER 22, 2016
Queensland Country Forward, Conor Mitchell has become the first signing for the Qantas Australian Men’s Sevens squad post the 2016 Rio Olympic Games as the squad begins preparations for the 2016-2017 HSBC Sevens World Series. 

The young Queenslander joins the national squad after an impressive season for Queensland Country in the Buildcorp NRC and with his previous experience as a wider squad member with the Aussie Sevens. 

Mitchell made his Australian Sevens debut in 2016 when he ran out at the Vancouver Sevens in Canada.  

Qantas Australian Men’s Sevens Coach Andy Friend: “We are very pleased to welcome Conor to our squad as we begin our post Rio journey and start to look towards the upcoming 2016-2017 HSBC Sevens World Series with one eye on the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast. 

“Conor has already impressed in the Australian colours with his Captaincy of the Australian University Sevens Team at the World University Games in 2016 where the side claimed the Gold Medal.  

“The World Series is crucial for us, as we look to build more depth and become a regular top four team on the world stage and we are looking forward to the challenge.” 

Originally born in South Africa, Mitchell moved to Australia at ten years of age where he played his junior Rugby on the Sunshine Coast. Moving to Anglican Church Grammar for his final years of his schooling, Mitchell was selected in the Queensland Schoolboys team in 2011. 

The Qantas Australian Men’s Sevens team will commence their HSBC World Series charge at the Dubai Sevens on December 4. 
 
Conor Mitchell 
Position: Loose Forward
Height: 187cm 
Weight: 98kg 
DOB: 24/05/1994 
Club: University of Queensland 
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AFTER SEVENS SUCCESS ON THE WORLD STAGE, FOXTEL JOINS ARU IN GRASSROOTS RUGBY PUSH

AFTER SEVENS SUCCESS ON THE WORLD STAGE, FOXTEL JOINS ARU IN GRASSROOTS RUGBY PUSH

15/08/2016, Australia, Rugby, Australian Rugby Union, Article # 19013558
 

AFTER SEVENS SUCCESS ON THE WORLD STAGE, FOXTEL JOINS ARU IN GRASSROOTS RUGBY PUSH

AUSTRALIAN RUGBY UNION

AUGUST 15, 2016

Following a landmark Olympic year for Rugby Sevens, Foxtel and Australian Rugby Union (ARU) today announced a new three-year partnership and grassroots initiative designed to help more people play Rugby and lead an active and healthy lifestyle all around Australia.

Foxtel VIVA7s is a non-contact version of Rugby Sevens that is designed for all members of the family regardless of age to play together in one team. Played with seven players on either side, this tackle-free game is played with modified rules to ensure inclusion for all.

Deanne Weir, Managing Director, Content Aggregation & Wholesale for Foxtel said, “At Foxtel we are committed to supporting sport throughout Australia. Foxtel are proud to have joined forces with ARU for the next three years to help bring the Foxtel VIVA7s game to life. 

“This new grassroots initiative program joins our other programs in AFL and Soccer and further cements Foxtel’s commitment to sport.”

ARU General Manager of Community Rugby & Strategy, Andrew Larratt said, “Millions of Australians watched our women’s Rugby Sevens Olympic team win gold, and VIVA7s is the perfect way for them to now try the game without the need for tackling.”

“VIVA7s is fun and really easy to play. Best of all, just like Rugby Sevens, it’s a game where there are always plenty of try-scoring opportunities, so Australians young and old can experience the thrill of crossing the line to score a try.” 

“We are thrilled to have Foxtel as a partner to help us drive the growth of VIVA7s.”

Foxtel VIVA7s demonstration matches will be played during the upcoming Bledisloe Cup and Rugby Championship Tests in Sydney (August 20), Brisbane (September 10) and Perth (September 17).

Over 3,000 boys, girls, men and women of all ages and backgrounds played VIVA7s last year, following its launch in 36 centres across Australia. Another 148,000 students from more than 740 schools participated in National Rugby Week and “Game On” (a five-week rugby program for primary schools), during which they were also introduced to VIVA7s.
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