RUGBYINTERNATIONAL.NET

GETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT

FEBRUARY 2006

THE GAME OF RUGBY IS RAPIDLY EXPANDING WORLD WIDE. THIS WEB SITE'S MAIN FUNCTION IS THE RESEARCHING, COLLECTING, COLLATING, RECORDING AND UPDATING OF INTERNATIONAL RUGBY RESULTS AND RECORDS

Web sites I recommend this month

http://www.rugby.ge/ Georgia rugby site. Excellent data coverage.

Updated 01.03.2006

Latest Results

26.02.2006

Ireland 31, Wales 5 in Dublin (6 Nations International Championship)

25.02.2006

Scotland 18, England 12 at Murrayfield (6 Nations Int. Champ., Calcutta Cup)

France 37, Italy 12 in Paris (6 Nations International Championship)

Romania 35, Georgia 10 n Bucharest (European Nations Cup)

Portugal 19, Russia 19 in Lisbon (European Nations Cup)

Spain 27, French Universities 25 in Manorca (Friendly)

12.02.2005

Wales 28, Scotland 18 in Cardiff (6 Nations International Championship)

11.02.2005

France 43, Ireland 31 in Paris (6 Nations International Championship)

England 31, Italy 16 in Rome (6 Nations International Championship)

Coming Up

11.03.2006

Ireland v Scotland in Dublin (6 Nations International Championship)

Wales v Italy in Cardiff (6 Nations International Championship)

Romania v Czech Republic at Bucharest (European Nations Cup)

Georgia v Portugal in Tblissi (European Nations Cup)

Andorra v Spain in Andorra La Vella (WCQ Europe Rnd 3, Pool A)

12.03.2006

France v England in Paris (6 Nations International Championship)

Coming up – Additions to the 2006 fixtures list

29.04.2006

Sri Lanka v China in Colombo (WCQ Asia Round 4, Division 2)

05.05.2006

Arabian Gulf v Korea in Dubai (WCQ Asia Round 4, Division 1)

14.05.2006

Hong Kong v Sri Lanka in Hong Kong (WCQ Asia Round 4, Division 2)

20.05.2006

Guam v Philippines in Guam

21.05.2006

China v Hong Kong in Shenyang (WCQ Asia Round 4, Division 2)

03.06.2005

South Africa v World XV in Johannesburg

07.06.2005

Pakistan v Guam in Manilla

10.06.2005

Philippines v Pakistan in Manilla

01.07.2006

Chile v Argentina in Santiago (WCQ Americas Rnd 3A)

08.07.2006

Argentina v Uruguay in Buenos Aires (WCQ Americas Rnd 3A)

22.07.2006

Uruguay v Chile in Montevideo (WCQ Americas Rnd 3A)

MATCH DATA SHEETS UPDATES (01.03)

The following international rugby match data sheets have been added to or updated in the 2005-fixtures-results list in the menu

25.02.06 Portugal v Russia

26.02.06 Wales v Ireland

MATCH DATA SHEETS UPDATES (26.02)

The following international rugby match data sheets have been added to or updated in the 2005-fixtures-results list in the menu

05.11.2005 Madagascar v South Africa XV (New)

12.11.2005 Moldova v Netherlands (Updated)

19.11.2005 France v Tonga (Updated)

THIS WEEKEND (25-26 FEBRUARY)

On Sunday Wales and Ireland will do Celtic battle. Wales will be trying to put their house back in order after a week in which they lost their coach and recriminations abounded. Ireland have been a team out of sorts this season so a win to either team is crucial.

26.02.2006

Ireland 31, Wales 5 in Dublin (6 Nations International Championship)

Ireland won by 26 Points. I predicted Wales by 12

Wales’ woes continued with a decisive defeat at the hands of the Irish.

The Welsh team and public were rocked by the shock announcement of the resignation of team coach Mike Ruddock. The team will be guided by Scott Johnson for the remainder of the Championship.

Article http://www.planetrugby.com/News/story_49032.shtml

GWC Rankings: World Table-Wales 2^nd, Ireland 8^th-CHANGE

Europe Table-Wales 2^nd, Ireland 5^th CHANGE

Match details

25.02.2006

Scotland 18, England 12 at Murrayfield (6 Nations Int. Champ., Calcutta Cup)

Scotland won by 6 points. I predicted England by 8

Scotland won an historic victory at Murrayfield, snatched the Calcutta Cup from England for the first time since 2000 and placed itself in Championship contention.

Last Five Encounters

19.03.2005 England 43 – 22 at Twickenham (6 Nat. Int. Champ. & Calc. Cup)

21.02.2004 England 35 – 13 at Murrayfield (6 Nat. Int. Champ. & Calc. Cup)

22.03.2003 England 40 - 9 at Twickenham (6 Nat. Int. Champ. & Calc. Cup)

02.02.2002 England 29 - 3 at Murrayfield (6 Nat. Int. Champ. & Calc. Cup)

03.03.2001 England 43 - 3 at Twickenham (6 Nat. Int. Champ. & Calc. Cup)

GWC Rankings: World Table-Scotland 3^rd, England 6th

Europe Table-England 1^st, Scotland 3^rd CHANGE

Match details

France 37, Italy 12 in Paris (6 Nations International Championship)

France won by 25 points. I predicted Italy to win by 3

Last Five Encounters

19.03.2005 France 56 - 13 in Rome (6 Nations International Championship)

21.02.2004 France 25 – 0 in Paris (6 Nations International Championship)

23.03.2003 France 53 - 27 in Rome (6 Nations International Championship)

02.02.2002 France 33 - 12 in Paris (6 Nations International Championship)

03.03.2001 France 30 - 19 in Rome (6 Nations International Championship)

GWC Rankings: World Table-France 4^th, Italy 11th

Europe Table-France 4^th, Italy 8^th

Match details

Romania 35, Georgia 10 in Bucharest (European Nations Cup)

Romania won by 25 points. I predicted Georgia by 2.

‘Lelos of Georgia choose wrong strategy at muddy pitch and

lost by an unprecedented margin to clinical Romania

who reclaimed Antim Cup in the process’.

This result virtually places Romania as the strongest side in the ENC.

Last Five Encounters

12.03.2005 Georgia 20 – 13 in Tblissi (FIRA-AER Europeans Nations Cup)

27.03.2004 Romania 25-18 in Iasi (FIRA-AER Europeans Nations Cup)

30.03.2003 Romania 19-6 in Tblissi (FIRA-AER Europeans Nations Cup)

06.04.2002 Romania 31-23 in Tblissi (FIRA-AER Europeans Nations Cup)

08.04.2001 Georgia 31 – 20 in Bucharest (FIRA-AER Europ. Nations Cup)

GWC Rankings: World Table-Georgia 12^th, Romania 14^th- CHANGE

Europe Table-Georgia 6^th, Romania 7^th-CHANGE

Match details

Portugal 19, Russia 19 in Lisbon (European Nations Cup)

Match drawn. I predicted Russia by 7

Last Five Encounters

04.06.2005 Portugal 18 – 16 in Krasnodar (FIRA-AER European Nations Cup)

27.03.2004 Portugal 19 – 18 in Coimbra FIRA-AER European Nations Cup)

29.03.2003 Portugal 25 – 14 in Krasnodar (FIRA-AER European Nations Cup)

07.04.2002 Russia 38 - 13 in Lisbon (FIRA-AER European Nations Cup)

08.04.2001 Russia 45 – 27 in Krasnodar (FIRA-AER European Nations Cup)

GWC Rankings: World Table-Portugal 18^th, Russia 25th

Europe Table-Portugal 9^th, Russia 10^th

Match details

Spain 27, French Universities 25 in Manorca (Friendly)

Spain won by 2 point. SPOT ON

French Universities scored 5 tries to 2 and should have won this match. Goal kicker certainly won’t get a degree in kicking!

No GWC Rankings

Match details

MATCH DATA SHEETS UPDATES (23.02)

The following international rugby match data sheet has been added to or updated in the 2005-fixtures-results list in the menu

22.10.2005 Austria XV v Greece (Updated)

12.11.2005 Luxembourg v Bosnia (Updated)

MATCH DATA SHEETS UPDATES (21.02)

The following international rugby match data sheet has been added to or updated in the 2005-fixtures-results list in the menu

29.10.2005 Lithuania v Bulgaria (Updated)

12.11.2005 Luxembourg v Bosnia (New)

12.11.2005 Israel v Azerbaijan (New)

13.11.2005 Spain v Poland

NEWS FROM THE PHILIPPINES (21.02)

‘Philippines will play Guam in Guam on May 20, 2006.

Guam will play Pakistan on June 7. This is technically a home game for

Pakistan but because of a few political problems there this has been shifted

to Manila as a neutral ground.

Philippines will play Pakistan on June 10 in Manila.

Local tournaments:

Alabang Tens. March 4, 2006. One day tournament. All local teams plus one

overseas visiting team.

Manila Tens. The best social tens in Asia. March 25 and 26. 32 teams from

17 countries including the Manila Tens lunch on Friday March 24. Visiting

special guests include Nick Farr-Jones, John Bentley, Stu Wilson, Hosted by

Justin Sampson with possible attendance of Alan Wilkins.

Best Regards,

Jay Savage

Secretary

PRFU’

MATCH DATA SHEETS UPDATES (20.02)

The following international rugby match data sheet has been added to or updated in the 2005-fixtures-results list in the menu

05.11.2005 – Morocco v Namibia

MATCH DATA SHEETS UPDATES (15.02)

The following international rugby match data sheets have been added to or updated in the 2005-fixtures-results list in the menu

08.10.05 Croatia v Serbia-Montenegro (New)

21.10.05 Latvia v Sweden (New)

11.11.05 Arabian Gulf v China (Updated)

12.11.05 Portugal v Uruguay (Updated)

12.11.05 Czech Republic v Russia

THIS WEEKEND 11/12 FEBRUARY

The 6 Nations International Championship looks more wide open now than it did at the end of last weekend. So far, France only just squeaked past Ireland in Paris in a remarkable game, England wobbled and stuttered against an Italian side that looks like it could make life very difficult for Ireland and Wales in the near future. Wales bounced back against Scotland. So who look favourites at the moment? England or France-but only just!

For a good 6 Nations points table go to..

http://www.6nations.net/resultsandstandings_england.htm

12.02.2005

Wales 28, Scotland 18 in Cardiff (6 Nations International Championship)

Wales won by 10 points. I predicted Scotland by 3

Scotland were unable to hold on to a determined Welsh side after they lost lock forward Scott Murray who was sent from the field.

We now have an even points table with only Italy out of the running. There will be some exciting games ahead.

Last Five Encounters

13.03.2005 Wales 46 - 22 at Murrayfield (6 Nations Int. Championship)

14.02.2004 Wales 23 - 10 in Cardiff (6 Nations Int. Championship)

30.08.2003 Wales 23 – 9 in Cardiff (Friendly)

08.03.2003 Scotland 30-22 at Murrayfield (6 Nations Int. Championship)

06.04.2002 Scotland 27-22 in Cardiff (6 Nations Int. Championship)

GWC Rankings: World Table- Scotland 2^nd, Wales 5^th - Change

Europe Table- Wales 2^nd, Scotland 3^rd

Match Previews

http://www.scottishrugby.org/sru/international/scotland/news.cfm?news_uuid=494AF20A-F3E4-ED70-169F-2BA263DCC6CC

http://www.wru.co.uk/2_6648.php

http://www.scrum.com/6nations/2006/news/news_detail.asp?newsid=34483

Match Reviews

http://www.planet-rugby.com/Tournaments/Six_Nations/story_48977.shtml

Teams and match details

11.02.2005

France 43, Ireland 3 in Paris (6 Nations International Championship)

France won by 12 points. Exactly what I predicted.

France dominated the first part of this game to such an extent that at one stage they led 43-3. Then Ireland performed a near miracle and could have won falling a little short in the end. It was a remarkable game played in two parts.

Last Five encounters

12.03.2005 France 26 - 19 in Dublin (6 Nations International Championship)

14.02.2004 France 35 - 17 in Paris (6 Nations International Championship)

09.11.2003 France 43 - 21 in Melbourne (World Cup, Quarter-Final)

08.03.2003 Ireland 15-12 in Dublin (6 Nations International Championship)

06.04.2002 France 44 – 5 in Paris (Grand Slam & Winner 6 Nat. Int. Champ.)

GWC Rankings: World Table- France 3^rd, Ireland 8th

Europe Table- France 4^th, Ireland 5^th

Match previews

http://www.irishrugby.ie/newspage/70947.html (Interesting match facts)

http://www.irishrugby.ie/newspage/70914.html (Press Comments)

http://www.scrum.com/news/news_detail.asp?newsid=34465

Team line ups and match Details

Match Reports

http://www.planet-rugby.com/Tournaments/Six_Nations/story_48958.shtml

http://www.rugbyrama.com/asp/live/directlive.asp?mat_id=1558 (In French)

England 31, Italy 16 in Rome (6 Nations International Championship)

England won by 15 points. Exactly what I predicted.

Italy played a similar sort of game against England as they did against Ireland last weekend but played it better this weekend. They have improved so much I expect they’ll knock over either Wales or Scotland or even both before this competition is over.

Last Five encounters

12.03.2005 England 39 - 7 at Twickenham (6 Nations Int. Championship)

15.02.2004 England 50 - 9 in Rome (6 Nations International Championship)

09.03.2003 England 40 - 5 at Twickenham (6 Nations Int. Championship )

06.04.2002 England 45 - 9 in Rome (6 Nations International Championship)

17.02.2001 England 80 – 23 at Twickenham (6 Nations Int. Championship)

GWC Rankings: World Table- England 5^th, Italy 11th

Europe Table- England 1^st, Italy 8^th

Match Previews

http://www.federugby.it/news.asp?33294 (In Italian)

http://www.scrum.com/6nations/2006/matchpacks/itaveng/preview.asp

Match Reviews

http://www.planet-rugby.com/Tournaments/Six_Nations/story_48962.shtml

Teams and match details

MATCH DATA SHEETS UPDATES (12.02)

The following international rugby match data sheets have been added to the 2005-fixtures-results list in the menu

29/10/2005

Bulgaria v Lithuania

12/11/2005

Argentina v Scotland

Georgia v Chile

Portugal v Uruguay

Germany v Serbia-Montenegro

Czech Republic v Russia

MATCH DATA SHEETS UPDATES (07.02)

The following international rugby match data sheets have been added to the 2005-fixtures-results list in the menu

November

England v Australia

New Zealand v Ireland

MATCH DATA SHEETS UPDATES (06.02)

The following international rugby match data sheets have been added to the 2005-fixtures-results list in the menu

October 2005

Waratahs v Czech Republic

Hungary v Slovenia

Belgium v Netherlands

Waratahs v Russia

Latvia v Sweden

Vienna Select v Greece

Poland v Andorra

Germany v Malta

Lithuania v Bulgaria

Netherlands v Welsh Districts

November 2005

New Zealand v Wales

France v Australia

South Africa v Argentina

Fiji v New Zealand Divisional XV

Japan v Spain

Portugal v Chile

Czech Republic v Ukraine

Serbia-Montenegro v Slovenia

Sweden v Denmark

Netherlands v Botswana

Netherlands v Moldova

Netherlands v Andorra

Wales v Fiji

Arabian Gulf v China

For many of these matches data/information missing has been listed. Your help to fill the gaps is always welcome with your source please. Just email me.

THIS WEEKEND 04-05 FEBRUARY

05.02.2006

Scotland 20, France 16 at Murrayfield (6 Nations International Championship)

Scotland won by 4 points. I predicted France by..a..walkover..30 points

Boilover

Light years apart? Well, how wrong was I. In fact I was way out in ALL my weekend predictions. Perhaps I should just stick to fact gathering!

Last Five Encounters

05.02.2005 France 16 – 9 in Paris (6 Nations International Championship)

21.03.2004 France 31 – 0 at Murrayfield (6 Nations Int. Championship)

25.10.2003 France 51 – 9 in Sydney (World Cup, Pool B)

23.02.2003 France 38 – 3 in Paris (6 Nations International Championship)

23.03.2002 France 22 - 10 at Murrayfield (6 Nations Int. Championship)

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table –France 2^nd, Scotland 15^th - CHANGE

Europe Table – France 2^nd, Scotland 5^th - CHANGE

Match details

Why France lost this game (or why Scotland won it) (07.02)

http://www.planet-rugby.com/Tournaments/Six_Nations/story_48829.shtml

And this is how the Scottish saw it (08.02)

http://www.scottishrugby.org/sru/international/scotland/news.cfm?news_uuid=3A64769C-C960-2D4E-CBF4-07681EFD76D9

04.02.2006

England 47, Wales 13 at Twickenham (6 Nations International Championship)

England won by 34 points. I predicted Wales..by..er..no matter!

WALES SUNK!

This result has sunk any Welsh hope of retaining their International Championship title. England simply brushed them aside and placed last year’s Welsh success as a ‘flash-in-the-pan’.

Wales came down to earth with a thump against the All Blacks last November and look to have stayed there. They just had no answer to the English power machine. Ireland and France watch out for England.

Last Five Encounters

05.02.2005 Wales 11-9 in Cardiff (6 Nations International Championship)

20.03.2004 England 31 – 21 at Twickenham (6 Nations Int. Championship)

09.11.2003 England 28 – 17 in Brisbane (World Cup, Pool C)

23.08.2003 England 43 – 9 in Cardiff (Friendly)

22.02.2003 England 26 - 9 in Cardiff (6 Nations International Championship)

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table –Wales 4^th, England 5^th- CHANGE

Europe Table – Wales 1^st, England 4^th- CHANGE

Match details

Ireland 26, Italy 16 in Dublin (6 Nations International Championship)

Ireland won by 10 points. I predicted Ireland by 20.

Italy went away with pride in the way they played but Ireland took match honours. Italy failed to put in the killer boot when they had Ireland scrambling. A failing Italy will need to overcome if they are to become a threat at this level. As for Ireland, well, they were lucky but this performance won’t get them even close to France and England.

Last Five Encounters

06.02.2005 Ireland 28 – 17 in Rome (6 Nations International Championship)

20.03.2004 Ireland 19 – 3 in Dublin (6 Nations Int. Championship)

30.08.2003 Ireland 61 – 6 in Dublin (Friendly)

22.02.2003 Ireland 37 - 13 in Rome (6 Nations Int. Championship)

23.03.2002 Ireland 32 - 17 in Dublin (6 Nations Int. Championship)

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table –Ireland 7^th, Italy 10th

Europe Table – Ireland 3^rd, Italy 8th

Match details

Georgia 46, Russia 19 in Tblissi (European Nations Cup)

Georgia won by 27 points. I predicted Georgia by 5.

Georgia powered their way to a record win over arch-rivals Russia and now look to be the main challenge to Romania and Portugal for supremacy in this competition.

European Nations Cup Points Table (As at 04.02.2006)-Revised

Team P W D L Diff. Pts

1 Georgia 6 5 0 1 172 16

2 Romania 5 4 0 1 141 13

3 Portugal 5 4 0 1 38 13

4 Czech Republic 7 3 0 4 -55 13

5 Russia 7 2 0 5 71 11

6 Ukraine 6 0 0 6 -340 6

Last Five Encounters

20.11.2004 Georgia 27 – 15 in Krasnodar (Europeans Nations Cup)

06.03.2004 Georgia 9 – 3 in Tblissi (Europeans Nations Cup)

08.03.2003 Georgia 23 – 17 in Krasnodar (Europeans Nations Cup)

13.10.2002 Georgia 17 – 13 in Tblissi (WCQ Euro. Rnd 4, Pool A)

03.03.2002 Drawn 12 – 12 in Tblissi (Europeans Nations Cup)

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table –Georgia 11^th, Russia 25th

Europe Table – Georgia 5^th, Russia 10th

Prediction: Georgia still too strong for the Russians, to win, narrowly, by 5 points.

Match details

2006 USA National Team Player Pool Named (04.02)

(Boulder, Colorado) 31 January 2006 – Fifty players have been named

to the 2006 National Team player pool, the first big step toward the

summertime international season.

Nine backs and six forwards are new to the pool, while a total of 18

players are uncapped. Overall, there are 25 backs and 25 forwards,

led by flanker and captain Kort Schubert.

Half the group have previously been Collegiate All-Americans,

evidence of the program’s pivotal role in the development of elite

players as well as the overall importance of university-level rugby.

Player pool selections are based on consistent performance in

America’s leading club and college competitions, the National All-

Star Championship, and the Collegiate All-American and Eagle 7s

programs. The 2005 international season also weighed in the coaching

staff’s decision making.

“The 2006 National Team Player Pool looks to be stronger than the

preseason group we named the past two years. We anticipate healthy

competition for roster spots this summer, particularly with the World

Cup qualifiers at hand,” USA head coach Tom Billups said in naming

the pool.

Notwithstanding, newcomers could play their way into the pool based

on springtime 15s competitions, including the new North American

Series with Canada, Billups said. NAS players will be announced later

in the spring.

Slightly larger than the 2005 pool, this year’s group will be on call

for the three-week Churchill Cup in June and Rugby World Cup

qualifiers in July and August.

2006 USA National Team Player Pool

Prop: Blake Burdette (All Americans), Mike French (Southern

California), Brian Lemay (All Americans), Mike MacDonald (Overseas),

Chris Osentowski (Southern California), Jacob Waasdorp (Southern

California)

Hooker: Mark Griffin (Northeast), Mike Hobson (Combined Services),

Tony Vontz (All Americans), Matt Wyatt (Mid Atlantic)

Lock: Carl Hansen (Pacific Coast), Matt Kane (Pacific Coast), James

Lik (Northeast), Mike Mangan (Midwest), Alec Parker (West), Louis

Stanfill (All Americans), Brian Surgener (Southern California)

Loose forward: Mark Aylor (West), Todd Clever (Overseas), Tony

Petruzzella (Pacific Coast), Mike Poelman (All Americans), Matt Rader

(Northeast), Andrew Ryland (Northeast), Kort Schubert (Overseas),

Justin Stencel (West)

Halfback: Chad Erskine (Southern California), Kimball Kjar (Pacific

Coast), Doug Rowe (West), Mose Timoteo (Pacific Coast), David

Williams (Midwest)

Flyhalf: Sam Gonzales (Southern California), Mike Hercus (Overseas),

Andrew Locke (Combined Services), Jone Naqica (West), Matt Sherman

(Overseas)

Center: Owen Collins (Northeast), Paul Emerick (Overseas), Vahafolau

Esikia (Pacific Coast), Scott Jones (Midwest), Tim Omi (Southern

California), Scott Peterson (Midwest), Salesi Sika (Pacific Coast),

Albert Tuipulotu (Overseas)

Wing: David Fee (Midwest), Andy Hanks (All Americans), Mike Palefau

(West), Jason Pye (All Americans)

Fullback: Andrew Blair (All Americans), Dominic Mara (Mid Atlantic),

Francois Viljoen (Southern California)

Email from Kurt Oeler, USA Rugby

DATA BASE UPDATE (03.02)

The following countries have had their list of international rugby results updated.

Burkino Faso Mauritius Romania Samoa Slovenia Switzerland

Go to alphabetical listing at the top of the page.

NEW RESULT (03.02)

10.12.2005 Mauritius 103, Burkino Faso 3 in Port Louis (CAR Division 2 Final)

Thanks to Paul Sigombe, CAR

BARCLAYS NAMED CHURCHILL CUP TITLE SPONSOR (02.02)

Barclays PLC was today (Wednesday 1st February 2006) named as the title sponsor of the Churchill Cup for the next three years with immediate effect.

The Barclays Churchill Cup is an alliance between the English Rugby Football Union, Rugby Canada and USA Rugby and was formed following England's tour of North America in 2001. Since then there have been three tournaments staged across North America.

This June six nations will compete in the Barclays Churchill Cup, which is being staged in four cities in Canada and the USA. Current champions England A will face Scotland A and home nation Canada in their pool stage matches in Toronto. The 2004 winners, the New Zealand Maori, will take on the US Eagles and Ireland A in San Francisco. Canada and Scotland will play one match in Ottawa, before all six teams travel to Edmonton, Alberta for finals day staged at the Commonwealth Stadium on 17th June.

Speaking on today's announcement Francis Baron, Chief Executive of the RFU said, "Barclays sponsorship is great news for the Churchill Cup and underlines all the work that has gone into building the tournament over the past three years. The aim of the Barclays Churchill Cup is to grow participation and interest in rugby union in North America but it also acts as a useful development opportunity for both coaches and players of the invitational sides. Each year the tournament grows in popularity and stature and Barclays involvement, along with the support of the International Rugby Board, will further develop this exciting annual tournament."

Nic Gault, Barclays Sponsorship Director, added, “This tournament is a real opportunity for future stars of the game to grow. In addition, the tournament helps to improve the global development of the game. For these reasons we are delighted to sponsor the Barclays Churchill Cup.”

The schedule for the 2006 Barclays Churchill Cup:

Saturday 3rd June -England A v. Scotland A, Toronto

USA v. Ireland A, San Francisco /Bay Area

Wednesday 7th June -Canada v. Scotland A, Ottawa

USA v. New Zealand Maori, San Francisco /Bay Area

Saturday 10th June -Canada v. England A, Toronto

New Zealand Maori v. Ireland A, San Francisco /Bay Area

Saturday 17th June -All three finals, Edmonton

All nine matches will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports. Ex-Leicester Tigers captain and coach John Wells will coach the England A side who will travel to Canada.

Notes to Editors:

The Barclays Churchill Cup is a three way alliance between the RFU, Rugby Canada and USA Rugby.
The tournament arose from England's tour to North America in 2001.
England won the first Churchill Cup in 2003 which was staged in Vancouver.
The New Zealand Maori won the 2004 tournament which was staged in Calgary and Edmonton
England are the current holders of the Cup after beating Argentina in the final in Edmonton last year.
The aim of the Barclays Churchill Cup is to develop and grow rugby (spectators and participation) across North America.

From usar-pr@usarugby.org