England Rugby December 2007 - In Review

England Rugby December 2007 - Would he, would he not keep his job, well he did Brian Ashton was re-appointed England Head Coach with a one year rolling contract and MBE to boot in the New Year's Honours list.

Brian Ashton spoke of his "delight" at being reappointed as England Head Coach

"I'm absolutely delighted to continue and it's a fantastic honour. I'm very proud to have been asked to do the job again," Ashton said.

"The next stage for us is going into the 2008 RBS 6 Nations and then the summer tour to New Zealand. Then from August the new agreement [with Premier Rugby Limited] kicks in with more access to players. You're then looking forward to the 2009 Argentina tour when some of our best players are with the Lions. After all that we'll be in a good position to look forward to the next Rugby World Cup.

"What I want now is a management team that reflects the way we want to go forward. While we need to retain the traditional qualities of the English game, we also need to move forward.

"A year ago we started work as a coaching team and it's been a tough year. It would be foolish not to let that coaching team continue to develop. What I don't want is to be surrounded by 'yes men'. You need different views and you need challenging in every area."

Rob Andrew clarified Ashton's tenure in the job following speculation that he only had a one-year contract.

"I don't regard this as a short-term appointment,"

Brian also spoke about being honoured..."I'm honoured and privileged to receive an MBE. This award is not just for me but for all who have been involved and helped me throughout my rugby career.

Also honoured with the OBE is Jason Robinson, who retired from rugby after giving his all at the Rugby World Cup 2007.

RUGGERFEST" A NEW Sevens "Ruggerfest" in 2008 - AMHERSTBURG Onatrio Canada The town of Amherstburg, Ontario, Canada, will be the host of a new Sevens, International Rugby Tournament, commencing August 1st 2008, and running until the 4th of August, 2008 at H. Murray Smith Centennial Park.

Ruggerfest Information here

 IRB - South Africa - George Sevens 2007/8 Series Outeniqua Park Stadium The tournament,  England went down to Wales 19-21 in the Bowl Final  - Better luck next time guys! 

 George 7s Fixtures & Results here

    England A 34 - USA Eagles 17

England A Women kicked-off their international season in impressive form with a six try 34-17 victory against the USA on Wednesday at London Irish ARFC, Sunbury.

The A team, coached by Mike Barnett, Gavin Williams and Andy Paton, set off at a furious pace running in five tries in the first-half including a brace for Worcester’s Samantha Dale, before finishing off proceedings in the second-half with one further touchdown.

Head Coach Barnett, taking charge of his first international for England A, said: “This is a good start and the first-half was particularly encouraging. We have got to give the US credit as they fought back bravely after going down 29-0 in the first-half.

“This is just the start of the season and we have still got a lot to learn. The squad need to learn to maintain a high level of performance throughout, though I am particularly pleased that the youngsters showed real promise in their first outing while the more experienced players led from the front and Karen Jones had a good game leading the team.”

more here

and there is more  England Elite Women at Rugby Football Unions Premiership Academies. The Rugby Football Union for Women and the Rugby Football Union’s Premiership Academies have teamed up in an exciting new programme to further develop England’s top female rugby players.

 England Elite Women at RFU Premiership Academies

England Deaf rugby team will play two internationals at Broadstreet RFC near Coventry this season. England have chosen Broadstreet's impressive facilities at the Ivor Preece Field in Binley Woods for their matches against Wales on February 3 and Scotland on March 9.

Broadstreet to stage England Deaf  International Matches

MAY WE WISH ALL OUR POSTERS AND VIEWERS

A

HAPPY NEW YEAR

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