Countdown to 2011 Rugby World Cup
With just under a year to until the RWC kicks off in NZ, we take a look at current happenings from countries taking part in next year's event.
With just under a year to until the 2011 Rugby World Cup kicks off in New Zealand, we take a look at current happenings from a few countries taking part in next year's event.
Pool A: New Zealand, France, Tonga, Canada, Japan
The New Zealand Government announced a NZ $2 million dollar recycling programme to ensure the country is an environmentally responsible host of Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC 2011).
The initiative will see over 700 ''Love NZ'' recycling stations for glass, plastic and cans at stadiums, Fanzones, main streets, airports, railway stations, bus terminals, campsites and main attractions in the 12 regions hosting RWC 2011 matches.
“The Government is determined that in hosting the largest event in our history, we minimise the impacts on our environment,” Environment Minister Nick Smith said.
“We also want to ensure the visiting 85,000 rugby fans and 2,500 international media have an experience that matches our 100 per cent pure brand.”
Pool B: Argentina, England, Scotland, Georgia, Play Off winner
It seems Dan Carter has had to dig out video footage of Toby Flood after Leicester Tigers coach Richard Cockerill hailed his fly-half as one of the best number ten's in the world. The former England hooker went on to compare Flood to the likes of Carter, Matt Giteau and Quade Cooper…
With England manager Martin Johnson making the trip over to France to watch Jonny Wilkinson in action for Toulon last week, no doubt he'll save his money for a plane ticket to Shannon (where Toulon are in action next against Munster) and keep a close eye on Flood against the Scarlets at Welford Road instead.
Pool C: Australia, Ireland, Italy, Russia, USA
The Americas Cup is in full swing, with the USA fresh off a pummelling by Argentina under the guise of the Jaguars, who swept past Eddie O'Sullivan's men 45-12.
The final score was reflective of the former Ireland coach's reshuffle of players from last week's impressive beating of Tonga (32-16).
The USA Select XV gets one more shot at victory on Friday, when they face rivals Canada while the Jaguars have a chance to retain their crown and finish the tournament 3-0 when they face Tonga.
Pool D: South Africa, Wales, Fiji, Samoa, Namibia
The leaping Springbok, moved from the left breast of South Africa's rugby jersey to the right recently to make way for the Protea, will be moved again – this time to the left sleeve for the Rugby World Cup.
This was announced by the South African Rugby Union (SARU), a result of deliberations regarding the placement of logos and emblems on the Bok jersey. Several months of discussions took place with the relevant regulatory authorities before the executive council ruled on the management of the placing of the Springbok logo on team jerseys.
To conform to all contractual and legislative requirements the Springbok logo will be placed on the left sleeve of the playing jersey for the duration of the Rugby World Cup tournaments.
This temporary switch only applies to IRB events and mirrors the approach of other international unions.
“The decision was very straight forward in the end as our attempts to find a place for the Springbok on the front of the jersey failed to find favour,” said Jan Marais, chairman of the executive council.
“We were left with no choice and the important point to note is this application will only be for IRB World Cup events.”
Marais explained a maximum of three marks are allowed on the front of a team jersey at World Cup events – a nation's national emblem (on the left breast), the event mark (right breast) and the logo of the apparel sponsor (centre).
SARU explored the possibility of applying a fourth mark – the Springbok badge – either in conjunction with the national emblem of the King Protea or with that of apparel sponsor Canterbury, but both ideas were rejected.
“The IRB's regulations and those of the National Colours Act are both clear and although we held discussions to look at options the cleanest solution was to put the Springbok on the sleeve on its own,” said Marais.
The solution matches that of Australia. Their Wallaby logo is placed on the sleeve of their World Cup playing jersey to accommodate the IRB's tournament mark.
The new placement was first applied by the Springbok women's team at the recent women's world cup in England.
The new Bok jersey – specially designed to a high-tech specification by Canterbury – featuring all the applicable badges and trademarks will be unveiled in July next year.