2005 season

[GTRSRULE!!!]

who is backing the waratahs this year? nathan grey's last season with the 'tahs. :headbang:

http://www.waratahs.com.au/nsw/nsw.rugby/page/23116

http://www.skylinesaustralia.com/forums/showthread.php?t=59608

in other recent rugby news:

Waratah's gear stolen

http://foxsports.news.com.au/story/0,8659,11784426-23217,00.html

Rogers not for pivot: coach

http://foxsports.news.com.au/story/0,8659,11784483-23217,00.html

24 December 2004, 10:34 am

No Winter Of Discontent For Burke (ex waratahs player)

http://www.newcastle-falcons.co.uk/35_894.php?PHPSESSID=06180cdceb63875677979c9ee14bbdb1

Wilkinson on bench again

From correspondents in London

December 24, 2004

ENGLAND World Cup hero Jonny Wilkinson will be among the replacements for the third successive game when Newcastle resume their English Premiership campaign today.

Wilkinson has made two appearances off the bench - against Edinburgh and Saracens - following his return from a bicep injury which kept him out for eight weeks and saw him miss all three of England's autumn Tests. Fly-half Wilkinson has not played international rugby for over a year since landing the drop-goal that gave England an extra-time World Cup final win over Australia in Sydney in November 2003, neck and shoulder injuries initially forcing him out of action.

Agence France-Presse

[smok74]

Errr....wrong forum buddy.

[Goon]

wrong writing also. can't read blue on blue!

[GTRgeoff]

Go the reds!!!

Sorry Shingo, gotta get the kicks in while I still can. BTW the Japs love Rugby Union almost as much as Skylines

[GTRSRULE!!!]

Errr....wrong forum buddy.

nothing wrong with the forum this post's in. i was asking ppl from nsw.

[GTRSRULE!!!]

wrong writing also. can't read blue on blue!

y r u blind??? :) :D

[GTRSRULE!!!]

Go the reds!!!

Sorry Shingo, gotta get the kicks in while I still can. BTW the Japs love Rugby Union almost as much as Skylines

in terms of sports; baseball, football [soccer] & rugby union ??? leagues prob in there 2wards the bottom of the most popular. no no no no. waratahs. not reds. gtfooh :D

[GTRSRULE!!!]

saw 'tahs getting their team photo yesterday @ aussie while i was working @ 9.30am. they also prob. had a training session

[GTRSRULE!!!]

[GTRSRULE!!!]

No fear Waratahs

By Rupert Guinness

January 12, 2005

NEW South Wales Waratahs backs will be allowed to play more of their own instinctive game this season.

The fresh approach is the pledge of new Waratahs backline coach Brian "Billy" Melrose who wants a "no fear" mindset in his players.

It has been taken in a bid to unshackle the backs from the risk of being overloaded by too many structured plays.

"I won't let players play in fear. Too many players play in fear," said Melrose.

"These are professional footballers. It is a not a funathon, let's be honest. Fun is not the word. But they need to enjoy (playing) and be stimulated by what they are doing.

"So they need to (be allowed to) dream up a bit about what they will do."

The move will especially please the Waratahs' star wing Lote Tuqiri who has expressed frustration about not being able to get more involved in play.

However Melrose, who joined the Waratahs after coaching Sydney club Manly until last year, warns that in return players will have to take greater accountability for their performances.

"They need to take a bit of responsibility if it doesn't work," he said.

"If you want to let players play, and the players want you to let them play, they have to be prepared for when things go wrong to say, 'Oops, that was me'."

Melrose admits some coaches advocate a similar approach to his, but believes many do fail to live up to the bargain.

"Coaches talk about that they want to let the players play," he said.

"Some say they trust the player, but they don't. It's one of the most courageous things you can do as a coach. You have to let them play without rules and when you let them on there is a chance they can go wrong and that you will cop the criticism."

While realising he is only at the start of his first season with a Super 14 side, Melrose is keen to one day coach at national level if there is a chance.

He was a contender as head coach with the new Super 14 franchise in Perth until he withdrew his interest in December when NSW took him on.

While fully focused and happy with his NSW task, Melrose said he would still be interested in an assistant job with the Wallabies should one arise and fit in with his NSW commitments.

Australia coach Eddie Jones expects to interview "two to three" candidates for each of the available backs and forwards coaching jobs.

"Over the next two to four weeks we will talk to candidates and hopefully make a decision soon after," said Jones when announcing a 42-man Wallabies squad that will be monitored throughout the year with a view to upcoming international selection this year.

Under consideration for the assistant jobs are those who worked for Jones on last year's Wallabies tour of Europe.

NSW Rugby has confirmed Sunday, January 30 as the date for the Sydney Sevens fundraising tournament for Tsunami Relief at Waratah Stadium.

The Daily Telegraph

http://foxsports.news.com.au/

[Liz]

sorry Shingo....backing the Brumbies all the way.

16 Brumbies in the 2005 Aussie team....they gotta be doing something right.

I love Gregan! Go little man GO!

[GTRSRULE!!!]

meh. i'll let u get away with that 1 cos half the brumbies r from nsw. lol the other half of the wallabies is mainly waratahs.

the 2005 squad

42-man Australian Rugby Squad announced for 2005

January 11, 2005 - 11:34am

Story by: ARU

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Qantas Wallabies Coach Eddie Jones

With the ACT Brumbies, NSW Waratahs and Queensland Reds all back in training for the upcoming Tooheys New Super 12 season, Qantas Wallabies Coach Eddie Jones has today announced a 42-man Australian Rugby Squad for 2005.

The Australian Rugby Squad 2005 (ARS 2005) is a new initiative working with all three Super 12 teams to monitor the performance of players at both a state and national level throughout the year.

Established to formalize and unify previous programs, Wallaby Coach Eddie Jones says the co-operation of the three Super 12 teams has been important in setting up the ARS 2005.

"We got together with the coaching staff of the three teams last year and agreed on this model to best monitor and prepare our players," said Jones.

"Players named in the ARS will train and play with their Super 12 teams from January to May, however all players will be on yearly strength and conditioning programs."

"This will enable players, whether they are with their Super 12 teams or the Wallabies, to keep on improving."

"The ARS will unify some of the processes that we've had in place in the past, and in turn become an important part of our early preparations for the 2005 Test season."

With 42 players named in the ARS 2005, Jones says the squad has a strong mix of talented players who have already performed at Test and Australia A level, and some new faces who have the potential to do so.

"We've selected a good group of players to give us depth in all positions, but that doesn't mean someone from outside the ARS won't be considered for Wallaby selection," said Jones.

"The Super 12 is always an important form indicator for Test selection and we'll once again keep a close eye on all the Australian players throughout the competition."

ARU General Manager of High Performance, Brett Robinson says the development and structure of the program has received full support from all three state unions.

"There will be a number of benefits to both the Wallabies and the three Australian Super 12 teams from the establishment of the ARS in 2005," said Robinson.

"To have the full backing of the states on this initiative is really important. It's a program that we've worked hard to formalize and something that we are looking forward to implementing."

AUSTRALIAN RUGBY SQUAD 2005

Al Baxter PROP (NSW Waratahs) 1

Alister Campbell LOCK (ACT Brumbies) 1

Brendan Cannon HOOKER (NSW Waratahs) 2

Mark Chisholm LOCK (ACT Brumbies) 2

David Croft OPENSIDE FLANKER (Queensland Reds) 1

Luke Doherty BLINDSIDE FLANKER (Queensland Reds) 2

Matt Dunning PROP (NSW Waratahs) 3

Scott Fava No. 8 (ACT Brumbies) 3

David Fitter PROP (ACT Brumbies) 4

Elton Flatley INSIDE CENTRE / FLYHALF (Queensland Reds) 3

Adam Freier HOOKER (NSW Waratahs) 4

Mark Gerrard WING / FULLBACK (ACT Brumbies) 5

Matt Giteau INSIDE CENTRE / FLYHALF (ACT Brumbies) 6

George Gregan SCRUMHALF (ACT Brumbies) 7

Justin Harrison LOCK (NSW Waratahs) 5

Daniel Heenan BLINDSIDE FLANKER (Queensland Reds) 4

Nic Henderson PROP (ACT Brumbies) 8

Matt Henjak SCRUMHALF (ACT Brumbies) 9

Stephen Hoiles No. 8 (NSW Waratahs) 6

Stephen Larkham FLYHALF (ACT Brumbies) 10

Chris Latham FULLBACK (Queensland Reds) 5

David Lyons No. 8 (NSW Waratahs) 7

Anthony Mathison PROP (Queensland Reds) 6

Drew Mitchell CENTRE / WING (Queensland Reds) 7

Stephen Moore HOOKER (Queensland Reds) 8

Stirling Mortlock CENTRE (ACT Brumbies) 11

Jeremy Paul HOOKER (ACT Brumbies) 12

Clyde Rathbone CENTRE / WING (ACT Brumbies) 13

John Roe No. 8 (Queensland Reds) 9

Mat Rogers FULLBACK (NSW Waratahs) 8

Wendell Sailor WING (Queensland Reds) 10

Radike Samo BLINDSIDE FLANKER (ACT Brumbies) 14

Nathan Sharpe LOCK (Queensland Reds) 11

Cameron Shepherd WING (NSW Waratahs) 9

George Smith OPENSIDE FLANKER (ACT Brumbies) 15

Lote Tuqiri WING (NSW Waratahs) 10

Morgan Turinui CENTRE (NSW Waratahs) 11

Josh Valentine SCRUMHALF (Queensland Reds) 12

Daniel Vickerman LOCK (NSW Waratahs) 12

Phil Waugh OPENSIDE FLANKER (NSW Waratahs) 13

Chris Whitaker SCRUMHALF (NSW Waratahs)14

Bill Young PROP (ACT Brumbies) 16

http://www.rugby.com.au/

ok no comment. actually only 2 more then the tahs. hmm half the brumbies r NSW men. so meh :sticks tongue out:

[GTRSRULE!!!]

Tahs survive sailing mishap

By Rupert Guinness

January 17, 2005

THE NSW Waratahs first survived a rugged tour of Argentina then the rigours of an Army boot camp at Holsworthy in a bid to prepare for the upcoming Super 12 season.

While those experiences were about character building for the tough times to come, nothing could have prepared them for a supposedly quiet jaunt of twilight sailing last Wednesday.

Coach Ewen McKenzie and his forwards are still counting their lucky stars after avoiding injury when the 300kg carbon fibre mast of Sydney to Hobart maxi Broomstick suddenly broke above them.

"I should feel lucky. It fell about a metre from me," said the former Wallaby prop.

The outing, where the forwards raced the backs, who were on yacht Seriously Ten, was to have been a friendly way of testing the Waratahs players when outside their comfort zones.

But after seeing - and hearing - the rigging crack and collapse, the NSW forwards must have thought McKenzie's idea had reached a questionable level of sanity.

Quickest to act was new Eastwood prop Benn

Robinson - although only to catch the drama on film, as seen on this page - which McKenzie could only too easily recall.

"Suddenly we heard a snap and someone yell: 'watch out'. But where do you go? It's hard to run when the boat pitches," he said.

"All you can do is wait and hope nothing lands on you. I think it probably helped us that we didn't know what was going on."

Flankers Phil Waugh and Rocky Elsom hadn't a clue.

They were in the midst of their own strength test on the grinders when the

drama happened just off Taronga Zoo.

"Rocky and I were pumping it big on the grinders," said Waugh. "We heard this huge crack and it suddenly got easier.

"Not too many yachts would have had it happen to them on Sydney Harbour.

" We don't know a lot about sailing, but from what we were told, it was pretty dangerous."

McKenzie - relieved no one was injured - happily tried to play the drama down to The Daily Telegraph, calling it "a day with a little twist at the end".

But it was a twist not half as big as the one they met arriving back at the CYCA at Rushcutters Bay - even worse, that it was courtesy of the backslapping backs. "All the best food and drinks were gone," said McKenzie. "They were lean pickings."

The Daily Telegraph

Burke inspires Euro win

From correspondents in Paris

January 17, 2005

AUSTRALIAN fullback Burke made a dramatic return from injury overnight to lead Newcastle to a 25-17 European Cup win over Newport-Gwent and a place in the quarter-finals.

The defeat for the Dragons also means that none of the four Welsh teams in the competition made it through to the last eight.

Burke, who only played after passing a late fitness test on his injured knee, scored the match-winning try and landed two penalties and two conversions to wrap up victory.

Newport had gone into the match with hopes of reaching the last eight and a win over Newcastle would have put them through as Edinburgh surprisingly beat Perpignan 40-17.

But Newcastle, who also scored tries through Tom May and Colin Charvis, wrapped up Pool 5 and made the quarter-finals in April, where they will likely be boosted by the return of Jonny Wilkinson.

"The main thing was that when we got our chances we took them, and we scored three outstanding tries," said Newcastle director of rugby Rob Andrew.

"With what was at stake today, it was just about winning, no matter how we got there."

French champions Stade Francais clinched a quarter-final spot when they sent Gloucester spinning to their first European Cup home defeat with a resounding 27-0 win.

Stade, runners-up in 2001, scored all of their points in the first-half, with winger Christophe Dominici, centre Stephane Glas and flanker Mauro Bergamasco all scoring tries, while fly-half David Skrela kicked two penalties and three conversions.

Stade will now face Newcastle in Paris in their quarter-final, while top seeds Leinster take on Leicester, Toulouse meet Northampton and Munster travel to Biarritz.

Defending champions Wasps crashed out on Saturday when they lost 18-15 at Biarritz, but fellow English giants and former winners Leicester kept their quarter-final hopes alive with a 62-10 mauling of Italians Calvisano.

Biarritz's win guaranteed the French side top place in Pool 1 and a quarter-final place, while the Tigers went through as one of the two best runners-up.

"I dont know if it's the end of an era for Wasps," said the English side's coach Warren Gatland.

"We're very disappointed we're not through to the next stage. We've always said it was a very tough group, Biarritz won it and good luck to them."

Munster made sure of their place in the last eight with a 18-10 win over Harlequins at Twickenham to finish top of Pool 4.

Wasps knew they needed to win and score four tries in France to be sure of progressing from Pool 1, but they could not break down a resilient Biarritz side despite battling to 8-8 at the break.

Ayoola Erinle scored a confidence-boosting ninth-minute try early in the first half, but tries from Imanol Harinordoquy (12 mins) and Jimmy Marlu (50) gave the French the advantage.

Prop Tim Payne gave Wasps hope with a try three minutes from time, but Dimitri Yachvili's earlier accuracy with his kicking, especially a crucial drop goal in the 68th minute, gave the French the edge.

Worse was to come for Wasps when England centre Stuart Abbott suffered a broken leg. The World Cup winning back, who was forced to sit out England's northern autumn Tests with a shoulder problem, picked up the injury in the first half.

Leicester ran in 10 tries in Italy. Geordan Murphy, Alesana Tuilagi, Andy Goode and George Chuter all claimed two, while Julian White and Harry Ellis crossed for one apiece to complete the rout.

Former double champions Toulouse went through on Friday with a 53-36 win over Llanelli running in eight tries as they topped Pool 3.

Northampton overcame a halftime deficit to beat Glasgow 33-23 and also make the last eight as one of two best runners-up.

In Pool 2, Leinster, who had already qualified, thrashed Italians Treviso 57-17 to confirm their top spot status and Bath won 23-17 at Bourgoin.

Results

Pool Five

Newcastle (ENG) 25 Newport (WAL) 17

Edinburgh (SCO) 40 Perpignan (FRA) 17

Final standings

P W D L F A BP Pts

Newcastle 6 5 0 1 113 104 1 21

Perpignan 6 3 0 3 133 107 3 15

Newport-Gwent 6 3 0 3 124 99 3 15

Edinburgh 6 1 0 5 92 152 3 7

Newcastle qualify for quarter-finals

Pool Six

Gloucester (ENG) 0 Stade Francais 27

Cardiff (WAL) 16 Ulster (IRL) 12

Final standings

P W D L F A BP Pts

Stade Francais 6 5 0 1 179 90 3 23

Gloucester 6 3 0 3 144 128 2 14

Ulster 6 3 0 3 88 139 1 13

Cardiff 6 1 0 5 98 152 3 7

Stade Francais qualify for quarter-finals

Played on Saturday

Pool One

Biarritz (FRA) 18 Wasps (ENG) 15

Calvisano (ITA) 10 Leicester (ENG) 62

Final standings

P W D L F A BP Pts

Biarritz 6 5 0 1 163 92 2 22

Leicester 6 4 0 2 196 118 3 19

Wasps 6 3 0 3 174 138 4 16

Calvisano 6 0 0 6 79 264 0 0

Biarritz and Leicester qualify for quarter-finals

Pool Two

Leinster (IRL) 57 Treviso (ITA) 17

Bourgoin (FRA) 17 Bath (ENG) 23

Final standings

P W D L F A BP Pts

Leinster 6 6 0 0 257 100 2 26

Bath 6 3 0 3 149 122 3 15

Treviso 6 3 0 3 136 181 2 14

Bourgoin 6 0 0 6 98 237 2 2

Leinster qualify for quarter-finals

Pool Four

Neath-Swansea (WAL) 20 Castres (FRA) 11

Harlequins (ENG) 10 Munster (IRL) 18

Final standings

P W D L F A BP Pts

Munster 6 5 0 1 121 74 2 22

Castres 6 3 1 2 157 121 2 16

Neath-Swansea 6 3 0 3 135 115 2 14

Harlequins 6 0 1 5 81 184 1 3

Munster qualify for quarter-finals

Played on Friday

Pool Three

Toulouse (FRA) 53 Llanelli (WAL) 36

Northampton (ENG) 33 Glasgow (SCO) 23

Final standings

P W D L F A BP Pts

Toulouse 6 5 0 1 181 104 4 24

Northampton 6 5 0 1 128 101 1 21

Llanelli 6 2 0 4 132 157 5 13

Glasgow 6 0 0 6 107 186 2 2

Toulouse and Northampton qualify for quarter-finals

Quarter-final draw

Leinster (IRL) v Leicester (ENG)

Toulouse (FRA) v Northampton (ENG)

Stade Francais (FRA) v Newcastle (ENG)

Biarritz (FRA) v Munster (IRL) Ties to be played weekend of April 1-3

Agence France-Presse

[GTRSRULE!!!]

Tonga to benefit from Super 12 experience

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Waratah coaches welcome their Tongan counterparts

Monday, January 17, 2005

NSWRU Media Unit

NSW Rugby is throwing it's weight behind the development of Rugby in the Pacific, with the HSBC Waratahs playing host the Tongan national coaching team.

Team manager Sione Petelo, Backs Coaches Semi Taupeaafe and Tevita Va'enuku and Video Analyst Nafe Tufui kicked off their visit to Sydney, watching the Waratahs go through a searching strength and skills session.

They'll spend the next 12 days observing Head Coach Ewen McKenzie and his team as they continue their preparation for the 2005 Super 12.

"For a long time, NSW has enjoyed a strong connection with Pacific Islands Rugby," McKenzie said.

"We're delighted to be able to foster this friendship even further by welcoming the Tongan national coaching team to Sydney."

While in Sydney, the quartet will also spend time with the NSW Academy, learning about talent identification and player development.

"One of the key objectives (of the tour) is to learn more about development," Sione Petelo said.

"We are currently preparing for a development tour of Australia and the first qualifiers for the 2007 Rugby World Cup, so learning the best way to bring on our young players is very important."

Petelo places added value on what exposure to a fully professional outfit will bring to Tongan Rugby.

"I believe our coaches will gain a lot from observing the structures in place at the Waratahs in their Super 12 preparation."

The Tongan National team will return to Sydney in two months time, taking on NSW A at Aussie Stadium on March 13.

[GTRSRULE!!!]

Top ARU official quits

January 21, 2005

THE Australian Rugby Union's high performance manager has become its latest high profile casualty, Brett Robinson announcing today he'd stand down from the role at the end of next month.

Following last year's loss of Wallabies assistant coaches Andrew Blades and Roger Gould and the departure of some top end administration staff, including general manager Matt Carroll, Robinson will leave to pursue a career with insurance company IAG.

The former Brumbies flanker was a central figure in deciding that Perth would gain Australia's new Super 14 franchise for 2006.

He was also heavily involved in Australian rugby's third collective bargaining agreement, the creation of the elite player development program and a strategic plan for the future of rugby in this country.

Robinson, a doctor, had given "serious consideration" to a career in surgery and said the decision to move on was a difficult one and in no way a reflection of the ARU.

"I set out with the intention to nail some projects in a two-year period, having done that I made a big decision to pursue a corporate pathway," said Robinson.

"The ARU is an outstanding organisation and I enjoyed my time there.

"But after ten years in the professional game, a unique opportunity in the corporate sector was hard to resist."

ARU managing director Gary Flowers said Robinson would be difficult to replace.

"Brett has made a wonderful contribution to rugby as an outstanding player and as an administrator of unquestioned integrity and capability," said Flowers.

"Over the past two years that contribution has extended well beyond his brief as general manager of high performance.

"Brett has a unique set of skills which enabled him to tackle some of the most pressing issues in our game."

Wallabies captain George Gregan paid tribute to his former teammate.

"I played alongside Brett at the Wallabies and Brumbies for five years and have also had the pleasure of working closely with him in his role at the ARU," said Gregan.

"He's made a significant contribution to the game in Australia and while he's leaving rugby I'm sure he'll take all the skills he's learned into his new career."

Robinson will leave the ARU at the end of February to take up his new appointment. The ARU will conduct a process to find a replacement, looking at both internal and external candidates.

AAP

[GTRSRULE!!!]

HSBC Waratahs & Partners Australia Day Outing

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Matt Dunning backs a winner in style

Wednesday, 26 January 2005

NSWRU Media Unit

The HSBC Waratahs and their partners spent Australia Day as guests of the Australian Jockey Club at Royal Randwick. And although Matt Dunning didn't win fashions in the field he still turned a few heads with his inspired outfit.

The full squad and partners enjoyed one of their last relaxing outings together before the serious part of the season begins for the players.

Matt Dunning starred with his retro race day outfit.

"I'm not quite sure if he doesn't wear it to all the race meetings he goes to," quipped head coach Ewen McKenzie.

"He certainly stood out."

The day at the races followed an important information session run at the beginning of each season for the partners of the players and management.

"The Waratahs are away from home a lot this year and we believe briefings like this are extremely important to allow squad members to spend quality time with their loved ones," said Waratah manager Dave Gibson.

"We go through the season schedule in detail and make sure the partners feel like they are part of the team because without their support many of us would not be here."

The Waratahs will resume training on Thursday and Friday before taking part in Sydney Sevens for Tsunami Relief and Waratah Fan Day at Concord on Sunday.

[GTRSRULE!!!]

Tahs' back-row boom

By Rupert Guinness

January 27, 2005

WALLABY star Phil Waugh claims the Waratahs' back-row will be more consistent this season, with seven players competing for the three spots.

The NSW No.7 says the talent pool will ensure a strong back-row for their first Super 12 match against the Chiefs in Sydney on February 25.

"The challenge is in front of the guys," said Waugh.

"Once the season starts it's a matter of playing consistently.

" That is something, as a team, we have lacked."

Waugh includes himself in that criticism, despite his 56 NSW caps (52 in Super 12) and 33 Wallaby Test caps.

"As soon as you start thinking you've got your position sewn up, that's when you've got problems," say Waugh, who now has Randwick's Lei Tomiki pressing him for selection.

Tomiki, 21, has six NSW caps (five in Super 12) and enjoyed a terrific club season last year.

"He is a very strong guy," says Waugh of the 183cm and 99kg flanker. "He is quite fast and good at the ruck, a good guy to have pushing me."

Four players are competing for the No.6 spot - Rocky Elsom (Randwick), fit after an injury-marred 2004, Wallaby Stephen Hoiles (Randwick) and newcomers Wycliff Palu (Warringah) and Dwayne Haare (Randwick) - while Wallaby David Lyons will start in the No.8 spot.

"Dave's an extremely experienced guy now, a hell of a good player," said Waugh of the 33-Test forward.

"He'll only get better. He's the sort of guy who takes others forward with him. We hope we again get that from him."

But Hoiles and Palu are both fine No.8s, if Lyons' form dips.

Hoiles, 23, won four Super 12 caps for NSW last year. And he was a revelation on last year's Wallabies tour, returning with two Tests caps off the bench against Scotland and England.

* RUGBY will continue its bid to push into western Sydney tomorrow with a free skills day for children aged 4-11 at the Grantham Reserve, Seven Hills, from 9am to 11.30am. It is being run by Blacktown Junior Rugby Union club and NSW Rugby, and several Waratahs stars will attend.

The Daily Telegraph

[GTRSRULE!!!]

Ulster's bid for Wallaby

January 30, 2005

WALLABY second-rower Justin Harrison has received a massive offer from Irish club Ulster, after a stall in negotiations with the Waratahs and ARU.

The 30-year-old said he is extremely tempted by the three-year offer - worth around $2m - but wants to hear from the ARU before making a final decision.

The Sunday Telegraph

[GTRSRULE!!!]

HSBC Waratahs unveil Country Tour bus

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Travelling in style - the Waratahs country tour bus

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Travelling in style - the Waratahs country tour bus

Tuesday, 1 February 2005

NSWRU Media Unit

The HSBC Waratahs will be travelling Country NSW in style over the next six days, following the unveiling of their specially branded tour bus in Sydney this morning.

The Murrays bus, which is covered from top to bottom with images of Waratahs players, will carry the team north on its country tour through Singleton, Armidale, Lismore and on to Brisbane.

There the Waratahs will go up against the Reds at Ballymore on Saturday night, in what will be their first Super 12 trial match of 2005.

It's the second consecutive year the team has gone bush, reaffirming NSW Rugby's commitment to the development of the game in country areas.

HSBC Waratahs Country Tour

Tuesday, 1 February - Singleton

1030 Depart Aussie Stadium for Singleton

1430 - 1530 Sponsors Appearance at Mazda Dealership, 64 George St & Telstra shop, Singleton HiFi, 91 John St

1700 - 1830 Training at Singleton Rugby Park

Wednesday, 2 February - Armidale

0800 Depart Singleton for Armidale

1430 Golf at Armidale Golf Club

Thursday, 3 February - Lismore

0800 Depart Armidale for Lismore

1600 - 1730 Training at Crozier Oval

Friday, 4 February - Brisbane

0900 Depart Lismore for Brisbane

1500 - 1600 Sponsors Appearance at HSBC

Saturday, 5 February - Brisbane

1930 HSBC Waratahs v Queensland Reds at Ballymore

Sunday, 6 February - Brisbane - Sydney

Return to Sydney

[GTRSRULE!!!]

Outhouse blues

By Rupert Guinness

February 4, 2005

NSW Waratahs flanker Stephen Hoiles has impressed his teammates too many times to count since breaking into the Wallabies side last year.

But yesterday while on the Waratahs tour of rural NSW, he surpassed himself when the team bus left him behind at Tenterfield after a break in the four-hour trip from Armidale to Lismore.

Quickly realising a taxi would be hard to get - not to mention expensive for the 190km trip to Lismore - Hoiles convinced a local policeman to drive him there.

Albeit, it was all Hoiles' fault. He was late for the last call to board the bus after a toilet stop at a local cafe.

When he rushed out to see the bus drive off, he still thought it was a prank.

"I thought it was a gee-up. I came out, saw the bus and waved at it as it drove away," said Hoiles as he arrived in Lismore in the police car to the astonishment of his teammates.

However, the free ride that saw him arrive 15 minutes behind the Waratahs bus came with a price.

It was a signed Waratahs jersey (which Hoiles offered to buy himself) that was to be given for auction by the Tenterfield police.

Meanwhile, Hoiles' Waratah teammate and Wallaby flanker, Phil Waugh, yesterday committed himself to the North versus South match for tsunami relief.

The Wallabies No.7 and New Zealand captain Tana Umaga were yesterday the next two big names to pledge their support for the March 5 fund-raiser at Twickenham in England.

Umaga's availability means the Southern Hemisphere side now boasts all three Tri-Nations captains on its roster.

The All Blacks' decision follows pledges by Wallaby captain George Gregan on Tuesday then Springbok captain John Smit's call on

Wednesday.

Waugh, one of the players first targeted by Southern Hemisphere coach Rod Macqueen, will miss NSW's round two Super 12 game against the Sharks at Durban because of the date clash.

But Waugh said he does not expect his absence to disrupt the Waratahs.

Waugh, who will play in the second half of NSW's trial against Queensland at Ballymore tomorrow night, said knowing the event has the support of the world's top players was vital. "Obviously it's a great cause and to be selected is a great honour," he said yesterday. "It's very exciting to have the top players in world rugby playing on the same field and same time against each other."

The Daily Telegraph