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Intellectualism

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 15:57:27 +0000

Well, it’s that wonderful time of the week again. It’s Friday, and that means copious amounts of alchohol, drunken dancing that would embarrass your dad and an end of night kebab that’s probably made from glue and the inside of the shop’s hoover bag. However, before all that travesty begins, we here at Imagine are here to entertain you by bringing you a load of examples of how rugby players are the most intelligent and sophisticated gentlemen to ever step onto a pitch.

Well, sort of...

By Lip Service

Masterful Mexted

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:44:30 +0000

As you all already know, we here at Imagine love a daft quote. Whether it’s a manager, a commentator or a player, we just can’t get enough of absolute stupidity portrayed by those who really should know better. That’s why the former New Zealand All Black Murray Mexted is one of our favourite members of the TV broadcasting world. If you’re not aware of his titanic contribution to the commentary gaffe, then be prepared to have your week well and truly lit up with some of the finest innuendo thi...

By Weird World of Rugby

Definitions

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:05:04 +0000

As everyone reading Imagine knows, we love to be a bit stupid on a Friday. Whether it’s silly quotes, catastrophic moments or refereeing howlers, there’s nothing we like more than lining up our favourite sports and laughing at their ridiculousness. In aid of the continuing ‘Stupid Friday’ column (as we may or may not permanently name it) we’ve decided to knuckle down and give the real story on what the rugby positions around the pitch REALLY mean:

Props: If your jolly Uncle Jim was a ru...

By Weird World of Rugby

'He Said What?!'

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:50:12 +0000

As the many men and women who have played (and bled for) the wonderful game of rugby will tell you: when you get onto the field, the sport is serious business. However, that doesn’t mean that it can’t match football and cricket for humour (well, anything can match cricket for humour, but you get the idea. That’s why we here at Imagine have chosen to bring together some of the greatest quotes we’ve ever heard about (or during) rugby matches. Enjoy!

On Rugby’s drinking culture:

‘Be...

By Lip Service

Ospreys Desperate to Keep Jones

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 09:43:37 +0000

Ospreys coach Sean Holley is concerned that Adam Jones could become the latest star to pack up and move to France for the bigger money. The Wales and British and Irish Lions prop has revealed that he could follow several of his team-mates across the English Channel, something his coach is desperate to prevent.

James Hook, Mike...

By Chris White

Fly Half Position Up for Grabs

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 11:01:49 +0000

With Jonny Wilkinson having retired from international rugby last week, he has left behind a spot in the England squad for a young fly half to come along and take their chance. But with so many promising fly halves in the Aviva Premiership, and abroad, at present, who should be given the opportunity when...

By Chris White

Lawes Extends Saints Deal

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 16:27:41 +0000

England lock Courtney Lawes has signed a new three-year contract to tie him to Northampton Saints until 2015. The 22-year old was a product of the youth academy at Franklin’s Gardens and has made 86 appearances for the club since making his debut in 2007.

Lawes won the European Challenge Cup with the Saints back in 2009 as well as the LV Cup in 2010, and was a part of the side that lost in the final of the Heineken CupBy Chris White

Cole Signs New Tigers Contract

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 14:24:11 +0000

Leicester have been boosted by the news that England prop Dan Cole has signed a new three-year contract, keeping him at Welford Road until the end of the 2015 season.

Cole, who has come through the ranks at Leicester, made his England debut in 2010 and has become a vital part of Director of Rugby Richard Cockerill’s first fifteen. Cockerill said ...

By Chris White

Stade and Brive Maintain 100% Records

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 10:38:03 +0000

Stade Francais and Brive maintained their 100% winning records in the Amlin Challenge Cup with their fourth victories of the season. Elsewhere, there was another win for a French club, with Toulon taking the spoils against Newcastle as Jonny Wilkinson returned to haunt his former side.

Stade thumped Crociati Parma 45-3 to keep the top spot in Pool One with a bonus...

By Chris White

Harlequins Stun Toulouse Saints Thump Castres

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:29:45 +0000

It was a fantastic weekend for the Aviva Premiership clubs in round four of this season’s Heineken Cup, with Harlequins, Northampton and Leicester all beating French opposition, with Quins’ victory on French soil possibly the standout result of the season so far.

Having lost at home to Toulouse la...

By Chris White

Cornish Pirates Dealt Stadium Blow

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:16:14 +0000

Having put plans in place to temporarily use Plymouth Argyle’s Home Park stadium for their home games in the early stages of the 2012/13 season, Cornish Pirates have been dealt a major blow in their bid to finally be eligible for promotion to the Aviva Premiership by the news that their new stadium will not be ready for use.

The Pirates had hoped that their £24million 10,000-seater stadium wou...

By Chris White

Wilkinson Retires from International Rugby

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 10:45:40 +0000

Having won 91 test caps for England, Jonny Wilkinson has retired from international rugby. The fly half made his debut for his country at the age of 18 and went on to play in four World Cups, with his defining moment proving to be his drop goal with 17 seconds of the 2003 World Cup final against Australia to seal the title for England.

The 32-year old Toulon...

By Chris White

Lancaster to Lead England in Six Nations

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 08:56:21 +0000

Stuart Lancaster has been announced as the man to lead England on an interim basis, starting with the Six Nations in the New Year. The current scrummaging coach Graham Rowntree will support Lancaster, along with Saracens coach Andy...

By Chris White

Quins Unbeaten Run Comes to an Abrupt End

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:04:24 +0000

With their unbeaten run still intact, Harlequins welcomed Toulouse to the Twickenham Stoop, with the French side departing with the points, bringing that outstanding run of victories to an end. It was a similar story for Leicester against French opposition, with their recent revival also halted in the latest round of Heineken Cup fixtures.

14 successive...

By Chris White

Thompson Forced Into Retirement for a Second Time

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 09:25:09 +0000

Having retired once before, back in 2007, England hooker Steve Thompson has been forced into retirement again because of another neck injury. Thompson returned to the game just months after his first retirement, and after working his way back to the top level, the injury has been deemed to severe for him to continue in the game.

The 33-year old was a part of the victorious England World Cup winning...

By Chris White

Saints Consider Ashton Appeal

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 10:05:58 +0000

Northampton and England winger Chris Ashton has been banned for four weeks by the RFU for “an act contrary to good sportsmanship.” The charge relates to an incident in which Ashton appeared to drag Leicester’s Alesana Tuilagi into touch by his hair.

Northampton are considering whether or not to appeal aga...

By Chris White

Williams Try a Fitting End to International Career

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 11:22:34 +0000

Whoever wrote the script at the Millennium Stadium simply could not have written it much better for Shane Williams, other than putting him on the winning side of course. Unfortunately, his Wales side were beaten by Australia 24-18, but the final score of the game was Williams going over in the corner in the final move of the match, his final involvement in international rugby.

The 34-year old winger...

By Chris White

Tigers Maul Saints in Midlands Derby

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 16:59:29 +0000

In the Midlands derby at Welford Road it was Leicester Tigers who came out on top, showing signs of continuing their revival after a disappointing start. The morale boosting victory against Northampton Saints is likely to give the Tigers the confidence to make a later than planned title push, although Harlequins are going to take some catching after extending their outstanding unbeaten start to the season.

The Tigers are now unbeaten in...

By Chris White

Lions Confirm Australian Tour Dates

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 09:26:26 +0000

The British and Irish Lions will start their 2013 tour with a game in Hong Kong, before moving on to Australia for nine more matches, including three Tests against the Wallabies.

The Lions will also play five Australian Super 15 teams, and a combined team made up of New South Wales and Queensland players, with the Australian...

By Chris White

Moore "Worse to Come" Quote Proved Right

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 09:26:16 +0000

Last week, former England hooker Brian Moore, who now commentates on the game for English television, predicted that there would be “worse to come” for English rugby, despite the views of Rob Andrew, who claimed that the game had hit “rock bottom.”

The Elite Director of Rugby at the RFU, Andrew said that he “ac...

By Chris White

Australians Sweep Barbarians Aside

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 10:43:50 +0000

A Barbarians side filled with star names was no match for Australia at Twickenham, as the Wallabies cruised to a 60-11 victory, running in eight tries in the process.

The game marked the debut of rugby league star Sam Tomkins in the 15-man game, but he was helpless to prevent the rout. The Tri-Nations winners looked in outstanding...

By Chris White

Quins Thrash Falcons to Extend Run

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:31:55 +0000

Harlequins have continued their unbeaten start to the season with yet another victory, while Northampton and Leicester are finally finding their form this season. It’s not great news for Bath, however, as they’re getting dragged closer to the foot of the Premiership table after their second successive domestic defeat.

It’s lucky 13 from 13 ...

By Chris White

Big Guns Provide Big Challenge for England

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 09:54:00 +0000

The RFU have announced the schedule for autumn 2012, in which England will face three of the big guns of world rugby. Fiji, Australia, South Africa and the recently crowned World Champions New Zealand will all come to Twickenham in what will be a real indication of what, if anything, England learned in the recent World Cup.

The opening Test is against...

By Chris White

England World Cup Reports Leaked in National Press

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 09:34:25 +0000

A UK national newspaper has released details of a comprehensive report into what happened regarding the England squad at the recent World Cup in New Zealand, revealing that several players were “more focused on money than the rugby.”

The report, compiled by the Rugby Football Union (RFU), the Premiership clubs and t...

By Chris White

Woodward Critical of RFU

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 09:56:34 +0000

Former England coach Sir Clive Woodward has accused the RFU of letting Marin Johnson down, and has called for more heads to roll, with “someone made accountable for that.” Johnson stepped down after England’s disappointing World Cup campaign, which ended at the quarterfinal stage, but was bl...

By Chris White

O'Gara Does it Again for Munster

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 12:21:09 +0000

Ronan O’Gara kicked another last gasp winner to give Munster their second stoppage time victory in a row in this season’s Heineken Cup, as the Magners League side beat Castres 27-24.

Trailing for the majority of the game, Munster were seemin...

By Chris White

Tindall to Appeal RFU Fine

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 09:35:04 +0000

Gloucester centre Mike Tindall is to appeal against his £25,000 fine from the RFU for his controversial night out while away at the World Cup in New Zealand, with the Rugby Players’ Association describing the punishment as “extraordinary and unprecedented.”

Tindall, who captained E...

By Chris White

Neck Injury Forces Worsley to Retire

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 09:29:06 +0000

London Wasps and England forward Joe Worsley has been forced to retire at the age of 34 due to a neck injury. The flanker played over 300 times for his club side and won 78 England caps and a World Cup winners’ medal and subsequent MBE in 2003.

Worsley made the announcement this week, stating that “re-starting contact work during the England Wor...
By Chris White

England Miss Out as Edwards Extends Welsh Contract

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 12:38:36 +0000

Shaun Edwards has ended speculation over his future by signing a new four-year contract with the Welsh Rugby Union to remain as the national team’s defence coach. Edwards left his position as head coach of London Wasps earlier this month, with speculation growing over a potential role with the England team.

Speculation came as the RFU conti...
By Chris White

Champions Leave it Late for Heineken Cup Draw

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 16:18:37 +0000

The reigning Heineken Cup champions Leinster left it late to rescue a draw away to Montpellier in the opening round of European Cup matches, while there were some thrilling matches elsewhere in the competition.

A last minute penalty from Jonathan Sexton levelled the scores, after the French side had raced into a 13-6 half-time lead....
By Chris White

Ashton Gives Backing to Johnson

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 10:15:06 +0000

Another of the England World Cup squad has given their backing to coach Martin Johnson, despite the off field troubles that blighted their campaign in New Zealand, seeing them knocked out at the quarter final stage.

Northampton winger Chris Ashton simply said “He’s perfect for...
By Chris White

Saracens Announce Cross-Code Partnership

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 10:18:02 +0000

The English rugby union champions have announced a ground breaking partnership to share players and resources with a rugby league side, as well as facing each other in a cross-code fixture.

Saracens and the Wigan Warriors aim to share “resources and knowledge” across the clubs’ coaching teams and academies, allowing the teams to loan players to each other across the codes, and follows the announcement that centre Joel Tomkins has l...
By Chris White

O'Driscoll Ruled Out of Six Nations

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 11:06:26 +0000

Ireland are coming to terms with the news that influential skipper Brian O’Driscoll will be ruled out of the 2012 Six Nations after having surgery on a troublesome shoulder problem. The 32-year old will be out for up to six months after going under the knife this week.

The Leinster centre has struggled with the trapp...
By Chris White

Exiles Fight Back to Draw with Resurgent Tigers

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:58:13 +0000

With their international stars now back in the ranks at Welford Road, many are expecting Leicester Tigers to start roaring their way up the Aviva Premiership, and at 24-7 against London Irish, they looked set to do just that. However, a 78^th-minute try from Matt Garvey rescued a draw for the Exiles, which left the Tigers in tenth.

Shontayne...
By Chris White

Saints Boss Interested in England Job

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 10:04:50 +0000

Northampton director of rugby Jim Mallinder has thrown his hat into the ring to succeed current England coach Martin Johnson – should the World Cup winning captain relinquish his post – with his future in doubt after the disappointing seven weeks in New Zealand, both on and off the field.

Johnson’s contract expires at the en...
By Chris White

World Cup Winning Coach Resigns

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:35:01 +0000

The man who led New Zealand to this year’s World Cup has resigned from his position of head coach after eight years in the position. Graham Henry has seceded that it is time to pursue a coaching career elsewhere, having won 88 of his 103 Tests in charge of the All Blacks.

The 65-year old took the position in December 2003, and oversaw his side’s 8-7 victory aga...
By Chris White

Williams Confirms Wales Retirement Plan

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 10:57:54 +0000

Wales winger Shane Williams has confirmed that he wants to end his international career against Australia, when the sides meet at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on 3^rd December. The Welsh record try scorer had previously announced that he would retire from the international scene after the World Cup, but he hopes to be given the opportunity...
By Chris White

Quins Run Continues

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 15:05:50 +0000

Harlequins maintained their unbeaten start to the season with their seventh straight Aviva Premiership victory to cement their place at the top of the table. Quins beat Exeter 19-13 at The Stoop on Saturday in what was a vital win with many of their rivals now boosted by the return of their international stars.

Quins have now won nine straight matches in all competitions this...
By Chris White

Wales Drop in Rankings Despite Semi Final Place

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 09:10:22 +0100

Despite their heroics at this year’s World Cup, surprising most people – but probably not themselves – by reaching the semi finals, Wales have slipped two places in the International Rugby Board’s latest world rankings.

Unsurprisingly, New Zealand hold the top spot having sealed their first World Cup victory in 24 years, and on home soil too, ahead of the side they beat in the semi final, Australia.

Beaten finalists Franc...
By Chris White

Cup Holders Bitten by Tigers

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:28:13 +0100

With the eyes of the world trained on the World Cup final on Sunday morning, you could be forgiven for forgetting there was still domestic rugby going on, and one team in particular has struggled throughout the seven-week tournament in New Zealand, but they certainly showed why they have such a feared reputation with their World Cup players back in the changing room.

Leicester Tigers are struggling at the foot of the Premiership...
By Chris White

England captain Lewis Moody retires from Test rugby

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 15:22:20 +0100

Following a disappointing World Cup for England, captain Lewis Moody has announced his retirement from Test rugby at the age of 33, having made 71 appearances for his country.

The flanker who was part of the 2003 World Cup winning side made the decision after the disappointments in New Zealand this autumn based on the future success of his country. Moody said “If Engla...
By Chris White

Sean Fitzpatrick views on the RWC Final

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 10:58:10 +0100

Auckland was a very special place to be on Sunday as we celebrated the crowning of the new world champions New Zealand, after the 8-7 win over France.

I don't think I have ever experienced an atmosphere in a stadium anywhere in the world like that.

And it was just the same throughout the entire country. The whole nation wore black to support their team.

When the team coach left the team hotel for Eden Park for the final, the streets were lined for the four-and-a-half kilometres...
By Sean Fitzpatrick

New Zealand are World Champions

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:39:21 +0100

In one of the best World Cup’s off all time, it was the hosts New Zealand who come away with the Webb Ellis Trophy, beating France 8-7 in a thrilling final in Auckland.

With the teams walking out into a cauldron at Eden Park with a tremendous atmosphere, the New Zealand Haka was rather fitting of the occasion. The All Blacks were the pre-tournament favourites and they were rightly the bookies’ choice to get their hands on the trophy out of the final p...
By Chris White

One Last Push for Glory

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 14:41:02 +0100

After weeks of preparation and controversies, the 2011 Rugby World Cup Final has now arrived and the France and New Zealand teams to walk out at Eden Park on Sunday have been announced, with 30-men giving their all one last time to try and become the World Champions.

France coach Marc Lievremont, who criticised his players this week for being “selfish” after going out to celebrate their victo...
By Chris White

Pool 3 Sides Show the Way in LV Cup

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 09:45:25 +0100

The LV Cup got under way last weekend and it was the four Pool 3 sides who showed the way with them all sealing comprehensive victories against their Pool 2 opponents.

Champions Gloucester ran in seven tries against Premiership opponents Sale in a 58-27 victory. Leading 20-17 at the break, Gloucester allowed their visitors back into the match, with the Sharks levelling the scores at 27-27 with an hour on the clock. However, Gloucester ran in four tries...
By Chris White

Sean Fitzpatrick on the RWC Semi Finals

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 07:42:06 +0100

The relief around New Zealand is amazing after the semi-final victory over Australia in the Rugby World Cup. Most people feel we are in a wonderful place now.

The rest of the world may have seen the All Blacks as comfortable favourites before the competition started, but believe me there was plenty of nervousness here.

It was a great weekend for the All Blacks, but in rugby terms it was tainted by the sending-off of Wales captain Sam Warburton in the other semi-final against France....
By Sean Fitzpatrick

France Coach Blasts "Selfish" Players

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 17:05:33 +0100

Following their semi final victory in Auckland, France coach Marc Lievremont has referred to several of his squad as “spoiled brats” after they ignored orders not to out celebrating their victory. While the players were not named, it was obvious by the coach’s reaction that those involved were key to the side’s achievement, and Lievremont left them knowing exactly what he thought.

“I told them they were a bunch o...
By Chris White

France and New Zealand to Contest World Cup Final

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 16:32:58 +0100

For two sides, the World Cup dream is over, but for two others, the dream is almost a reality with the 2011 World Cup finalists now confirmed. Hosts New Zealand and France will walk out at Eden Park on Sunday 23^rd October in a final attempt to get their hands on the Webb Ellis Trophy.

The French edged a controversial match against Wales 9-8 in the first semi, making the most...
By Chris White

Showtime

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 09:12:56 +0100

The dream of winning the World Cup will live on for two nations this weekend, but for two others, that dreams will remain just that, with the heart-breaking situation of the semi finals in Auckland.

With two northern hemisphere sides playing each other, and two from the south contesting the other semi, we’re all set for a terrific final, but before we get to the pinnacle of international rugby, we have the little task of the semi final...
By Chris White

All Blacks Call for Back Up

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 10:29:02 +0100

In light of their ever increasing injury problems, New Zealand have called up winger Hosea Gear and fly-half Stephen Donald as replacements for Mils Muliaina and Colin Slade, who will miss the remainder of the tournament after picking up injuries in the 33-10 quarter final win over Argentina.

Muliaina was forced off at half time in his 100^th appearance for the All Blacks with a fractured shoulder, while Slade suffered a partial tear to his left adductor groin muscle, similar to the injury that brought a premature end to Dan Carter’s tournament just a week before.

Slade came into the New Zealand starting XV for the quarter final in place of Carter, but he was forced off after just half an hour with the injury, with Piri Weepu slotting in at fly-half, forcing the All Blacks to bring on Aaron Cruden who is set to start the semi final against Australia, while Donald, who last appeared for New Zealand as a replacement against Scotland in 2010 is likely to be on the bench.

The 27-year old joined Aviva Premiership side Bath after becoming frustrated with his lack of opportunities in the national team and his omission from the original World Cup squad. Gear on the other hand, was a surprise omission from the squad, with coach Graham Henry saying he came “very close” to making the final group.

The injury suffered by Muliaina brings his international career to an end, having become only the second player to win 100 caps for New Zealand, after current skipper Richie McCaw, who will make his 102^nd appearance against Australia.

Muliaina made the announcement in a teary interview after the severity of the injury was determined, saying, “from today onwards, I will be a former All Black. Last night I was on top of the world but it is like a rollercoaster. But I’ve enjoyed my time and met some amazing people.”

You can get all the latest from the World Cup with Imagine by following us on Twitter @ImagineRugby and on Facebook by clicking here.
By Chris White