Rival codes face two-month Cup shutdown Oct 23, 2009
There is a precedent here, with the Olympic Games and the Rugby World Cup. . (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Australian World Cup bid needs rivals' good will Oct 22, 2009
"There's a precedent in relation to the Sydney Olympics and the Rugby World Cup." ... In 2000, the AFL and NRL ended their seasons early so as not to impede on Sydney's buildup to hosting the Olympics, which was staged in September, and again for the Rugby World Cup in 2003. (CBS News -- 60 minutes II)
Former rugby official Leo Williams dies Oct 15, 2009
One of the leading figures behind rugby's move into the professional era as the then chairman of the Australian Rugby Union, and later the Chairman of Rugby World Cup, Leo Williams AO, has died in Brisbane at the age of 68, the ARU announced on Thursday. A former QRU President and ARU Chairman, Williams went on to become Chairman of Rugby World Cup Ltd from 1995 to 2000 ... "He then went on and chaired Rugby World Cup 1999 to its success in Wales, and further helped to establish the event as one... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Semifinals down the years Oct 13, 2009
In 2003, the Rugby World Cup year, there were no semifinals. In 2005 there were two sections and two semifinals. (iAfrica.com)
Cartan Tours Releases 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM) Travel Packages for South Africa Games Oct 13, 2009
South Africa regularly hosts major sporting events, and since 1994 has successfully managed some of the world's biggest - including the 1995 Rugby World Cup and more recently the 2005 and 2006 Women's World Cup of Golf ensuring a hassle-free experience. For additional information about Cartan Tours and the 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM) packages and reservations please visit and click on soccer packages or call (310) 546-9662 or (800) 818-1998 (toll free). (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Rugby Returns to Olympics for 2016 Games Oct 10, 2009
With the 2016 Olympics preceded by the 2011 and '14 Pan Am Games, which has also added rugby, and the 2011 and '14 Rugby World Cup, itself the third-most-watched sporting event in the world, today's current and recent Bears have unprecedented opportunities to play for their country at the highest levels of international competition. Cal kicks of its 2010 season in January. (Calbears.com)
Milking the stadium cow Oct 9, 2009
Oberholzer, director of the 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa and Ellis Park manager, assured business leaders this would not happen to the Bay stadium. "We made the decision along with the city to ensure that the stadium has a maintenance plan in place, so that (it) stays at the level it is now, at all times.". (iAfrica.com)
Wallabies tour make or break for Hoiles Oct 6, 2009
As Deans builds toward his ultimate goal of winning the rugby World Cup in New Zealand in 2011, Hoiles said he needed to hear his name read out on Friday otherwise he'd assume France 2007 would be his only tilt at winning the Webb Ellis Cup. "I do look at this as a make or break tour for me because if you're not involved in the Tests all year and you're not needed, chances are you're not in the framework for 2011 World Cup," he said. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Australia a chance of hosting Cup: Rudd Sep 25, 2009
September 25, 2009 - 5:09PM. Australia's chances of hosting the football World Cup have been boosted following meetings between Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and officials from countries key to the campaign. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
'Pampered poodles' are World Cup wannabes Sep 21, 2009
The Kiwis have spoken: Australia won't be winning the 2011 Rugby World Cup. This is the boast across the Tasman in the wake of the All Blacks' nation-building 33-6 walloping of the Wallabies in Wellington on Saturday. (Sydney Morning Herald)
Australia to face England in two tests in 2010 Sep 21, 2009
England return to the scene of their 2003 Rugby World Cup triumph as part of next year's two-Test series against the Wallabies in Australia. Australia are scheduled to clash with England at Sydney's ANZ Stadium on June 19, the week after locking horns with the old enemy in Perth. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Paris Crazy Horse shrugs off crisis with strip-tease Sep 17, 2009
" onclick="Next();" src="/images/butt_next. And their desire and pleasure are more important than those of men. (Channelnewsasia.com)
New look for nude legend Sep 16, 2009
Decoufle, who staged the 2007 Rugby World Cup and the Albertville Winter Olympics ceremonies in 1992, will launch the new revue next Monday after months of rehearsals. "We work with a tiny idea for each number, and for which we put one, two or 12 girls on stage: they're stunning, naked, with high heels and wigs," the 47-year-old said at a press preview of the show this week. (iAfrica.com)
'Informant!': black comedy with no white hats Sep 14, 2009
The movie is about the first year of Nelson Mandela's presidency, which culminated in the South African rugby team being welcomed back on the world stage and allowed to host the rugby World Cup. And the improbable victory they had. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Entertainment)
A look at this fall’s movies Sep 13, 2009
DECEMBER 11 Invictus The now-annual December entry from director Clint Eastwood is the story of how President Nelson Mandela (Morgan Freeman) shepherded the 1995 rugby World Cup to South Africa. Matt Damon plays the captain of the team that stunned the planet - the rugby planet, anyway - with its victory. (Boston Globe)
Living life to the Max Sep 13, 2009
AT 33, Mat Rogers has lost both parents, played a rugby World Cup and represented his state and country in rugby league. But now he faces his biggest test: accepting that his three-year-old son is autistic. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
New Zealand to "Give it 100%" for Rugby World Cup 2011 Sep 9, 2009
WELLINGTON, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- New Zealanders will be urged to "Give it 100 percent" during Rugby World Cup 2011 to ensure visiting teams and supporters have an unforgettable experience, New Zealand Rugby World Cup (RWC) Minister Murray McCully said on Wednesday. McCully launched the government's leverage and legacy plans at a Parliamentary function on Wednesday attended by New Zealand Prime Minister John Key, and International Rugby Board Chairman Bernard Lap asset and Chief Executive Mike... (Xinhuanet, China)
No longer about Semenya Sep 2, 2009
However every politician under the sun jumped on the bandwagon when the Boks returned home triumphant from the 2007 Rugby World Cup. If we had a queen down south you can bet there would have been a couple of OBE's floating around the current squad. (iAfrica.com)
Some hope for Wobblies in Brisbane Sep 1, 2009
Great success is being achieved for a side that is immeasurably better than the team that won the Rugby World Cup in 2007. This season there has been a victorious Test series 2-1 against the British and Irish Lions, a clean sweep of their three Tri Nations Tests in South Africa, and, on Saturday, a decisive and well-planned victory over the Wallabies at Perth. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Newsweek: How Mandela's legacy hurts S. Africa Aug 29, 2009
His Bloemfontein summit recalled one of Mandela's most famous moments: the 1995 Rugby World Cup in Johannesburg, when Mandela donned a South African rugby jersey (itself a huge gesture, since rugby was the Afrikaners' favorite sport and anti-apartheid activists generally hated it) and taught the mostly white South African team how to sing "Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika," the trademark song of the anti-apartheid struggle. Like biblical lepers informed that they had been cured and could step out in... (MSNBC -- International)
When to wed? Aug 29, 2009
Last year I felt so sorry for the many couples whose wedding day clashed with the final of the Rugby World Cup, in which South African beat England. I know of several who gave in and hired large TV screens, so that their guests could watch the game. (iAfrica.com)
Springboks guilty of disrepute charge Aug 25, 2009
In a statement the IRB added that: "The Independent Committee was unanimous in its view that, had it not been for the legal technicalities ... both SARU and the Springbok players and management would have faced much more serious sanctions, including a more severe fine in the case of SARU and the suspension of the Springbok players and management from the Rugby World Cup 2011 (such sanction to have been suspended in the absence of further acts of misconduct before then).". The IRB said it was... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Aussies will struggle at Olympics Aug 22, 2009
GREG Norman is working on a secret ad campaign to deliver tens of thousands of people to Sydney for the biggest sporting week since the 2003 Rugby World Cup. Sports Galleries. (Yahoo News -- Swimming)
10 Sports Events That Changed the World Aug 19, 2009
South Africa Wins Rugby World Cup, 1995. South African teams were barred from most international competitions during the apartheid era, a step that highlighted the regimes pariah status and helped undermine popular support for the policy. (Slate)
Why we love you... Aug 15, 2009
Sportsman A keen boxer in his youth, Madiba has contributed significantly to sport in South Africa, uniting the country during the 1995 Rugby World Cup and helping South Africa to win the opportunity to host the 2010 Soccer World Cup ... 24 June 1995 Rugby World Cup: Before the final of the 1995 Rugby World Cup between South Africa and New Zealand, Madiba came onto the field to meet the players. (iAfrica.com)
Boks profit from British refs Aug 11, 2009
When Morne Steyn kicked over his fifth penalty in the first half, with all the accuracy and aplomb of Jonny Wilkinson, I realised that this Springboks side is the clone of the England side that won the 2003 Rugby World Cup, with the tactical addition of the midfield bomb developed by Argentina in the 2007 tournament. It's fashionable for rugby writers (and I have made the comment myself) to accuse the Springboks of not playing any rugby. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Everton FC blasted for haka rip-off Aug 10, 2009
"Ideally we'd rather not see this happening at all. It's awful to see and I think the situation with rip-offs is go 00004000 ing to get a whole lot worse as we get closer to the [New Zealand-hosted] Rugby World Cup in 2011.". But the club was unrepentant, saying the haka - unveiled as part of the team's new strip and "All Black" look - was never meant to be disrespectful. (Sydney Morning Herald)
World Cup cost blowout Aug 9, 2009
The 2011 Rugby World Cup to be hosted in New Zealand is headed for a budget blowout ... The minister in charge of the rugby world cup, Murray McCully, has taken swift and decisive action. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Wallabies need to learn from All Blacks Aug 4, 2009
BEFORE the 2003 Rugby World Cup the Australian Rugby Union Players Association took the ARU to court over a disruptive demand that the Wallabies be paid huge bonuses if they won the tournament. RUPA lost the case, paid out $200,000 in costs and created a rift between the players and the ARU. Now RUPA is up to its damaging games again when the ARU is involved with crucial TV negotiations for Super rugby, the selection of a fifth Australian Super franchise and with the Wallabies rebuilding with... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
South Africa: Haunted By the Kiwi Curse [editorial] Jul 30, 2009
Not only did they do us out of hosting the 2006 Soccer World Cup by sending a confused old man to not vote back in 2000, but now they've added insult to injury by costing us the 2015 Rugby World Cup too. That may seem like a case of sour grapes to rival the "We wuz poisoned by a waitress called Suzie" excuse used by the All Blacks after they lost to the Springboks in the 1995 World Cup final, but there's an element of truth to it nevertheless. (allAfrica.com)
* England, Japan to stage World Cups Jul 30, 2009
SWITCHING CODES:: Iconic English soccer stadiums like Wembley, Old Trafford and Anfield are in line to be used to host Rugby World Cup games in six years time REUTERS, DUBLIN Thursday, Jul 30, 2009, Page 18. England will host the 2015 Rugby World Cup and Japan will stage the event in Asia for the first time four years later, the International Rugby Board (IRB) Council said on Tuesday ... The controversy of previous decisions caused by the horse-trading of votes was avoided as the 26-man IRB... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
England to host 2015 Rugby World Cup Jul 29, 2009
England named as 2015 Rugby World Cup hosts - CNN.com ... England named as 2015 Rugby World Cup hosts ... England will host the 2015 Rugby World Cup, International Rugby Board reveal. (CNN -- World)
IRB infighting clouds Cup announcement Jul 27, 2009
This is no great surprise, as the Rugby World Cup board has recommended the two nations and even though they still require the vote of the IRB council, they should be rubber-stamped. But behind the scenes there has been controversy and anger among rival bidders, who believe they may have been dudded by the IRB.. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Africa: Why I Love South Africa [column] Jul 27, 2009
During last year's rugby World Cup final in Paris, he said he had to walk from his hotel to the stadium because public transport workers were on strike, "No one said anything about that but everyone was going on about how it was a successful event Africa, too, has its realities which can show up at the World Cup.". The World Cup, by bringing the whole country together behind a single mission, will serve as the final transmutation of a previously repressive and divisive system into a force for... (allAfrica.com)
Wing's yen for Japanese rugby opens the door for unsettled Hunt tomove south Jul 22, 2009
Unlike former Cronulla centre Fraser Anderson, who was axed by the Sharks earlier this season after signing to play for Kobe Steel in the Top League competition, Wing does not have ambitions of representing Japan in the 2011 Rugby World Cup. "It was a difficult decision for the club, but after careful consideration of his situation, we understand that it is in Craig's best interests that he be granted a release," Richardson said. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
MasterChef sets ratings record Jul 21, 2009
04 million) and the 2003 Rugby World Cup final (4. 01 million). (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
MasterChef Australia Finale Sets Non-Sporting Television Ratings Record Jul 20, 2009
The finale, which capped a 12 week season, was the third- highest-rating program since Oztam began collecting data, eclipsed only by the 2003 Rugby World Cup and 2005 Australian Open tennis finals. The previous non-sports record was held by the 2004 series of Tens singing contest Australian Idol. (Bloomberg -- Australia & New Zealand)
Social activist inspires intrepid mission Jul 20, 2009
At 21, he began work on his second film, Cup of Dreams, about the All-Blacks, to be released in time for the Rugby World Cup in 2011. At 23, he is picking up prizes at festivals in Berlin and London for Darling. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Nelson Mandela Jul 18, 2009
David Smith in Johannesburg12. Michael Jackson took the final curtain call of his glittering career in a star-studded farewell that culminated with a heartbreaking tribute from the tragic King of Pop's daughter. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Tutu: World Cup as landmark as Obama election Jul 18, 2009
The 1984 Nobel Peace Prize laureate recalled the excitement that enveloped the country in 1995 when it hosted the Rugby World Cup, ultimately winning the tournament with a 15-12 upset of New Zealand. "It did more for our country's reconciliation than all my sermons for a year,'' he said, adding that sports go a long way in promoting both racial and cultural unity. "If human beings of all these different colors can come together. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Soccer)
Springboks' method is no laughing matter Jul 14, 2009
Barnes was the young English referee who failed to give a solitary penalty in the second half against France in their quarter-final victory over the All Blacks in the 2007 Rugby World Cup. New Zealanders claim he missed 17 clear-cut infringements. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Tainui Group May Build $50 Million Hotel at Auckland Airport, Herald Says Jul 10, 2009
The project could be completed by 2011 when New Zealand hosts the Rugby World Cup, the newspaper said. which owns the airport, has said it wants to develop a hotel on the site. (Bloomberg -- Australia & New Zealand)
World Cup: One year to go Jul 9, 2009
"The fact is that this country has hosted 146 major events - including the Rugby World Cup and the Cricket World Cup - all of them successful, all of them safe, without a single security issue.". South Africa has another chance to stage a dress-rehearsal with the Confederations Cup for the world's continental football champions kicking off this weekend. (BBC News -- Africa)
Eye-doctor Calder wants more success Jul 9, 2009
Os du Randt aside, which other South African has tasted success at two Rugby World Cup tournaments ... Os du Randt aside, which South African has tasted success at the Rugby World Cup twice. (iAfrica.com)
Historic Welsh Ashes Test starts Jul 8, 2009
"We've seen several major sporting events held in Cardiff over the last 10 years from the Rugby World Cup to FA Cup finals but this is the first time a cricket Test match has been played in Wales," he said. "As a life-long cricket fan myself I'm really looking forward to seeing some of the best players in world cricket take to the field at the stadium this week. "With 16,000 spectators expected every day of the match, south Wales can expect to make huge gains from the Ashes. (BBC News -- UK)
Stay in touch Jul 5, 2009
" Those observations are explained by this data ... What we've been reading: According to Nielsen BookScan, the top selling books this month were Atonement, by Ian McEwan (1); 4 Ingredients, by Kim McCosker and Rachael Bermingham (8); The Persimmon Tree, by Bryce Courtenay; and Jamie At Home, by Jamie Oliver. What we've been watching: According to OzTAM, the second India vs Australia cricket test peaked at 2 million viewers in the mainland capitals; the Federer-Berdych night match in the... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Rugby: World Cup winner Wilkinson has first training session with Toulon Jul 3, 2009
Web search enhanced by. Published: Friday July 3, 2009 MYT 11:19:00 AM. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Less scrutiny in Kirk's old media seats Jul 2, 2009
Suggestions Hoyts will begin screening weekly highlights of the 1987 Rugby World Cup final are said to be well-founded. And PEP rep on the Hoyts board Rob Koczkar is said to be shining his boots ready for a kick in the park with his new best friend. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
SA still in RWC race Jul 2, 2009
South Africa are still in the race to host the Rugby World Cup in either 2015 or 2019 despite failing to win the recommendation of the organising committee, bid organisers insisted Wednesday. Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL) on Tuesday announced it was recommending England to the IRB Council to host Rugby World Cup 2015 and Japan to stage the tournament in 2019, at the expense of South Africa and fellow bidders Italy ... "We met and frequently exceeded every criteria of the tender document and we... (iAfrica.com)
Wallabies to take on All Blacks in Tokyo Jul 1, 2009
The Wallabies' extra match against the All Blacks in Tokyo in October is likely to be the last time a fourth Bledisloe Cup game is played before the 2011 Rugby World Cup ... An increasingly busy Test schedule as focus shifts towards the Rugby World Cup in 2011 will see the traditional trans-Tasman clashes scaled back from four matches to a likely three in 2010. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Sodexo Announces an 8.8% Increase in Revenue, and Organic Growth of 3.4% for First Nine Months of Fiscal 2009 Jul 1, 2009
2) Revenue from the Rugby World Cup contract, at average exchange rate for the first nine months of FY 2008, was 138 million euro ... 2%: excluding 2007 Rugby World Cup hospitality contract ... In the United Kingdom and Ireland, it should be noted that the first nine months of Fiscal 2008 benefited from the significant contribution of the Rugby World Cup hospitality contract. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
England and Japan tipped for Cup Jul 1, 2009
The rights-holder of the Rugby World Cup has recommended England be host in 2015 and Japan in 2019. Rugby World Cup Limited, which owns all rights associated with the tournament and is under the control of the IRB, described its two choices on Tuesday as achieving a balance between making money and then developing new rugby markets. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
South Africa: Country Passes Confed Test - Now for 2010 Jun 29, 2009
Danny Jordaan - CEO of the 2010 organising committee - said the Bafana Bafana vs New Zealand encounter during the group stages had 6-million viewers, more than the 5,2-million that watched the Springboks win the Rugby World Cup in Paris in 2007. But despite the vote of confidence, there were challenges, and the government, the local organising committee and Fifa will be well aware that the next 12 months will have to be spent getting the country ready for a far bigger assignment - the World Cup. (allAfrica.com)
Robbie's Wallabies are looking like World Cup winners, says Horan Jun 28, 2009
TEST legend Tim Horan senses the Wallabies are on the verge of another special era that just may lead to an unprecedented third Rugby World Cup triumph in 2011. As one of only two players, alongside John Eales, to have started in two World Cup final wins, Horan knows what is required for a team to lift the Webb Ellis Cup. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Clubs feel the heat as managers increase their power and influence Jun 27, 2009
"Chambers's first code was rugby union and he wants to go back to Queensland and make the Wallabies and play in the 2011 Rugby World Cup, while Tomane is only 19 and wants to play for a club which is only 25 minutes from the doorstep of his family home," he said. He also claimed clubs' expectation that players in trouble should first consult with them, rather than player managers, is unrealistic. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
A whale of a fashion show Jun 26, 2009
As you can see, Matt Damon has gone bleach blond to play rugby star Francois Pienaar, the guy responsible for helping South Africa win the rugby World Cup in 1995. This photo was recently taken on the set of Invictus, Clint Eastwood s film about the Cup, in which Morgan Freeman will play Nelson Mandela. (Boston Globe)
Outrage as sorry Bastareaud changes story Jun 26, 2009
"This has always had the potential of damaging our reputation not only nationally but internationally, particularly ahead of hosting the Rugby World Cup (in 2011)," Predergast said. "I'm outraged -- I'm sure all New Zealanders are," she told Radio New Zealand. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Burger returns for Boks Jun 24, 2009
Coach Peter de Villiers received a media roasting despite the first Test triumph with critics claiming his spate of second-half substitutions almost cost the 2007 Rugby World Cup winners the match. Trailing 26-7 soon after half-time, the Lions hit back with two converted tries and coach Ian McGeechan later bemoaned several squandered try-scoring opportunities. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Sing anthem or no haka Jun 23, 2009
We're little more than two years away from hosting the Rugby World Cup, which has grown so big and so driven by the commercial imperative that in many ways it represents a potential last chance for one of the "smaller" nations to ever host the event. Granted, things like ground security, player welfare in the streets and even the prevention of livestock being carried into stadiums might seem like greater concerns than a mere national anthem. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Pretorius packing for Perth Jun 20, 2009
The 30-year-old sharpshooter was a member of the World Champion Springboks squad at the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France and has compiled just shy of 650 points in Super Rugby for the Lions. His prolific point-scoring record ranks him seventh on the all-time list in Super Rugby, owing mainly to his radar-like right boot which has so far slotted over 200 goals at provincial level. (iAfrica.com)
* Plans to develop Cup party base run into roadblock Jun 20, 2009
A plan to turn Aucklands waterfront into a party base for the 2011 rugby World Cup has come under a cloud, with local governments squabbling over who will pick up the NZ$84 million (US$53 ... Rugby World Cup minister Murray McCully said the central government was not looking to make further investments. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
Here's a serve - with source Jun 20, 2009
Around this time every four years, and two years out from the Rugby World Cup, the All Blacks are at the top of their game, sweeping all before them in commanding fashion, before the gradual decline culminating in a semi-final loss and that third place play-off game they know and love. Last Saturday they are beaten by France and looked very poor. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Soweto's miracle: From apartheid to World Cup Jun 16, 2009
World's most watched sporting event comes to country once torn apart. Denis Farrell / APWorkers continue construction at the Soccer City Stadium, on the edge of the Soweto, South Africa. (MSNBC -- Sports)
> Joel slams Iraqi tactics Jun 16, 2009
Santana assured his side's expectant fans, 48,837 of whom turned up at this venue which hosted the 1995 Rugby World Cup final won by South Africa, that his team would improve. Milutinovic defended Iraq's tactics, the veteran Serb saying: "Our goal is to try to win every game. Some may say this was a boring game, some will be happy with it. "For us this is a positive result, it gives us a chance of qualifying for the semi-finals and for that it was one of the most unforgettable days in my life. (iAfrica.com)
Mandela to get Arthur Ashe Award at '09 ESPYS Jun 16, 2009
Mandela was chosen for his actions at the 1995 Rugby World Cup, which was hosted by South Africa for the first time ... "His action at the 1995 Rugby World Cup was an iconic moment in sports history. The image -- of the previously divided nation, now united under South African colors -- shows the importance of sport to society.". (ESPN -- Tennis)
