pistonsfan36

Williams was sent off the field when playing for Cardiff against the Ospreys in a Magners Leaguer match on Saturday, allegedly for head-butting Jason Spice, the Ospreys' scrumhalf.

“It was the first time I’ve been shown the red card in 12 seasons of playing rugby at senior level," Martyn Williams said, speaking after the hearing.

"Consequently I feel it was out of character and obviously I regret the incident. 

"I’d like to apologise to all concerned. I was disappointed with my reaction in the match but I fully accept the findings of the disciplinary sub committee.”

 

BOOOOOOOO!

Aaron Mauger has been quoted in the New Zealand media as claiming some of the members of the New Zealand team were subjected to racial remarks by the Twickenham crowd last year.

The RFU have been quick to both deny and denounce the claims, but that will not put out the fire that is apparently smouldering in the build-up to this Sunday's Test match at Twickenham.

Mauger's allegations, which appeared prominently in the New Zealand media on Saturday, come less than 48 hours before the countries meet again at Twickenham, and in the wake of hooker Anton Oliver's comments about the English fans being 'arrogant' earlier this week.

The Canterbury centre, who is part-Samoan and will line up in Sunday's 82,000 sell-out Test, reportedly told New Zealand journalists: "In terms of the crowd, I think there were a few racial remarks made to a few of our boys last year.

"And a few of the guys took exception to it, which is fair enough because there is no place for that in sport.

"It seemed to be the Island guys who got picked on."

The RFU though, issued a swift dismissal of Mauger's reported remarks, with chief executive Francis Baron hitting back.

Baron said: "No allegations of any racist abuse were made during or after that game, and it is puzzling why they have now been made a year later.

"Rugby is an inclusive game for all, and the RFU abhors any form of discrimination or abuse based on colour, creed, sexual orientation or disability.

"The England fans who come to Twickenham are a credit to the ethos of rugby, and we have never had any allegations of racism levelled against them.

"It is disappointing that they have been unfairly accused like this. I have asked the New Zealand management to investigate Aaron Mauger's comments and to take the appropriate action."

Ed Dawes, general manager of the England Rugby Supporters' Club, added: "Our members are passionate and vocal, but we have never had any reports of racist abuse and we reject any accusations that they would engage in such activity."

All Blacks team manager Darren Shand was a lot more diplomatic.

“Unfortunately there is always a small number of fans who lack sportsmanship.  That’s true all around the world, including New Zealand," Shand said.

"All fans should support their team, but a small minority can get carried away and direct comments at the opposition. This happens at almost every match we play, including last year’s Test at Twickenham.

"The England team was not involved in any way. We have every respect for the English and we share the RFU’s zero tolerance for racism in the game. 

"We encourage English fans to support their team this weekend and New Zealand fans to support the All Blacks and to do so in good spirit.”

There is far too much racism in these "international" sports but I don't think it is going to stop anytime soon!

The City of Glendale, Colorado has adopted rugby as the official sport of the city. In so doing the city has passed a resolution designating a Rugby High Commission to administer the development of rugby within the city. The Rugby High Commission consists of five members including one city councilman. All members must have previously been involved in rugby. Three members will hold five year terms and must be must be affiliated with the City of Glendale. The present five year members are; Mike Dunafon, Mayor Pro Tem, Debbie Mathews, local business woman, and Chuck Bonniwell, City Legal Council. The two independent members, each appointed for one year terms are; businessman Andy de Villiers and consultant Ed Thomas. The High Commission has appointed Mark Bullock, a co-founder and former head coach of the USA U19 National Team, as the Director of Rugby operations. Former All Black, Geoff Old, has been appointed Head Coach of the Senior Men’s team. The City, in conjunction with the YMCA has established a YMCA rugby program for youth age 5 – 13 and will begin a youth high school (U19) team in the spring of 2007. The women’s program is represented by the Harlequin Olde Girl Rugby Club. The City is presently building a 3,000 capacity rugby stadium in the middle of the civic center government campus. The adjacent recreation center is being remodeled to serve the rugby team with a weight room, cardio room, change rooms and showers while the second floor will contain the club room for after match functions. The recreation center will also be open to the general public. In addition, the City has recently purchased property a half block south of the stadium which is being developed into a regulation size rugby pitch and a half size artificial turf pitch. The City of Glendale is a ½ square mile city of 4,500 residents surrounded by Denver. The average age of residents is 27 years. The city has a high density of apartments with inexpensive rent. The economy is strong in the Metro area and Glendale is 12-minutes to downtown Denver and 13-minutes to the Denver Technological Center. It is truly in the heart of the Denver Metro area. The climate is pleasant, sunny and dry with mountain recreation a short drive to the west. From the stand point of employment, housing, and recreation Glendale has much to offer. The Glendale City Rugby Club is sponsored by clothing supplier and rugby development company KUDU RUGBY www.kudurugby.com Kudu Clothing and Outfitters manufactures high-tech rugby and sports apparel. Kudu is dedicated to the development of rugby in the USA. A portion of the company’s net proceeds go to sponsor Kudu Rugby Camps. Kudu coaches from around the country recommend players to compete for a spot on Kudu’s elite U-23 Aspen Ruggerfest Select XV squad. The Kudu Select XV serves to bridge the gap between college rugby and the USA Super League. Each year American born or legal residents of the USA are invited to attend the Kudu Rugby High Altitude Training Camp in Vail, Colorado where all expenses, other than travel to the camp, are covered by Kudu Rugby. Glendale and Kudu Rugby share the philosophy that the road to successful future citizens is founded on the development of programs for youth, and that the international culture of rugby is the perfect conduit to that goal. ||peace.gif' border=0>

Shit... Out cold !! Is that cold enough for you !! Nice compilation. ||thumbs_up.gif' border=0>

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I've read somewhere, I think in this forum, that the juice you pay for these wagers is ridiculous. DOes anyone know of any books that offer these? I'm curious to see what the lines are like. ||an_clap.gif' border=0>

As far as I am concerned all these players are the toughest. This is easily the craziest field sport going. Gotta respect all thes mofo's !!!! ||peace.gif' border=0>||an_clap.gif' border=0>

I have no idea what this show even is, let alone books taking wagers on it. Can you give me a little synopsis of this reality series?

I think this movie will do fantastic despite the recent "insanity" of Tom Cruise. People love high-quality action and that is exactly what MI:III brings to the table. I am a fan of most of Cruise's work and I really enjoyed the previous two films in this series. I expect the public to flock to this film like "flies on honey" !!!! ||peace.gif' border=0>

Schedule I wouldn't be surprised to see England falter in next years Six Nations. Call me crazy, but I think Ireland will be tough competition for some of the other favorites !!!! Agree or disagree? ||clover.gif' border=0>

I am saying Force +8.5 ML +248 !!!! I know some might think I am crazy, but I am telling ya, this is a smart call !!!! ||peace.gif' border=0>