Emirates Airline London Sevens

When Twickenham Stadium opens its doors to the world’s finest rugby talent for the Emirates Airline London Sevens on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 May, 2011,Sun, sand and Sevens will be the name of the game.

Almost 80,000 fans last year superhero themed event saw head through the gates over the two days, but we’re hoping to break the 100,000 barrier for the beach-themed 2011 event. So dig out the flip-flops and sombreros and enjoy the London leg of the HSBC Sevens World Series in style.

England sevens defeated by Portugal

Before next year's London Sevens Rugby corporate hospitality fans may be hoping that England's sevens team rediscover their form as they were defeated by Portugal.

Emirates Airlines Dubai Sevens surprisingly beat England seven by 14-12 and now to go through the quarter final stages England seven must beat Fijji.

Teams from around the globe will descend on Twickenham in 2011 for the Emirates Airlines London Sevens and England fans enjoying hospitality packages will be keen to see the team back to its best.

Head coach Ben Ryan was disappointed with the showing against Portugal.

"We dug ourselves into an almighty hole," he remarked. "We never got any flow into the game and killed a number of opportunities to win it."

Emirates Airline London Sevens

Join the biggest rugby party in the world, when the Emirates Airline London Sevens hits Twickenham on the weekend of May 21 and 22, 2011. With fast and furious action on the pitch and an electric atmosphere in the stadium, this is one party you don’t want to miss.

With almost 80,000 people attending, last year saw record breaking crowds in more ways than one, including the breaking of the Guinness World Record™ for the most number of people dressed as superheroes.

The Emirates Airline London Sevens is a unique event on the Twickenham calendar. Over two days, 16 international standard teams play more than 12 hours of free-flowing, high-scoring, world-class sevens. All to the backdrop of a festival atmosphere in the stands.

Games Star For Seven

AUSSIE Thunderbolts will be one of the big name teams looking to impress at the prestigious Hyperion Gold Coast International Sevens tournament at Albert Park today.

Among their squad are three members of the national Commonwealth Games silver medal side who are in the selection mix as coach Michael O’Connor mounts his campaign to improve Australia’s rising status in the new Olympic sport.

Contracted players Bernard and Shaun Foley have been training with the squad in Canberra this week under the watchful eye O’Connor, while Ed Jenkins, a distinguished performer in the green and gold, is also in the running despite missing the camp due to a prior commitment.

Shaun Foley and Jenkins were both late call-ups for the Darwin Sevens and Commonwealth Games squads but proved welcome additions, particularly in Delhi, and will no doubt be an integral part of the Surfers Paradise tilt.

Foley was also a key member of the Australian team during the first two legs of the IRB Sevens World Series last season before an ankle injury ruled him out for the remainder.

Jenkins made an explosive comeback to the Australian Sevens squad in May 2009 and, together with Bernard Foley, who debuted during the opening leg of the 2009/2010 series, was a key component in the team’s outstanding performances in their IRB Series win in London and finals appearance in Edinburgh.

The Aussie Thunderbolts will head Pool C, which also includes the Queensland Reds 7s, Davetalevu (Fiji), the Pacific MMI Rebels (Papua New Guinea) and Island Breeze (Fiji).

Stannard Claims To Seven Silver

FROM an Ipswich schoolboy rugby player to Commonwealth Games silver medallist – James “Chucky” Stannard was always made of the right stuff.

The former St Edmund’s College student proved that in Delhi when he shared in Australia’s gallant effort in Tuesday night’s gold medal match.

It was all due to the Stannard efforts that Australian Rugby sevens side win a shiny silver medal at a Commonwealth Games,Although the powerful New Zealanders came from 17-7 down to win 24-17


Stannard was destined for higher honours even at school a decade ago, according to Former St Edmund’s teacher and First XV rugby coach Michael Grieve said that " Stannard was a good leader during his five years at the school and he is very passionate guy"

Grieve said yesterday, spotlighting Stannard's rugby achievement from a non-GPS school that,"He was always keen and had to work really hard to make it to that level and it would have been really difficult for him and he hiatus at it. Now he is traveling the world, achieving the awards and he deserves every plaudit that he gets"

St Edmund’s College assistant principal activities and respected sportsman Wayne Warren also watched Stannard build his reputation at school as a capable cricketer and “very tough, hard-nose” rugby halfback.

“I think the great aspect of James success is his determination to keep going and to succeed,” Warren said.

“So often lads drop out of the game through overexposure or lack of enthusiam and determination.

“It is a wonderful highlight for his career to get that silver medal last night.

“I think it’s a real testiment to his game that he’s been able to stick at it.”

The former Brisbane Souths player, now 27, is contracted to return in next year’s Super 15 competition.

Souths committee member Peter Daly said Stannard’s rise was “a great success story in Ipswich”.

“I just think it’s great for a kid coming from a school that wasn’t so renowned for its rugby,” Daly said.

“He had a dream like a lot of kids but he stuck hard and fast to it.”

Once able to join the Brisbane competition club, Stannard spent five seasons honing his skills playing halfback, five-eight and inside centre.

On Tuesday night, Australia’s “everywhere man” Stannard was left with battle scars on his face after starring in the national team’s best rugby sevens finish at the Games since Australia won a bronze medal in 1998.

Stannard was a regular try scorer and Australia’s goal kicker throughout the two-day tournament. He scored a vital try and goal in Australia’s 17-7 semi-final victory over South Africa.

He also crossed twice and kick a goal in Australia’s 27-5 quarter-final victory over Kenya.

The arrestingly strange world of Walter Potter

he wild and mysterious Victorian Walter Potter universe, where baby rabbits go to school and crying over their notebooks erased, and where Bullingdon Club style pastry squirrels on cigars that toads jump and play in rats raid of his drinking den, is back in London, seven years after its creatures were sold and scattered around the world.The screens are being assembled for the reopening of the Museum of all, a pop-up museum in a former Victorian dairy, and later recording studio in Primrose Hill, London.Damien Hirst, who has built his international reputation on his creatures such as sharks, and Sir Peter Blake, who is co-curator of the exhibition, each have loaned items for exhibition. Both regard Potter as a genius, and his work as a national treasure that should be maintained for permanent public display.Other loans for the exhibition, opening next Wednesday, come from comedian Harry Hill, the photographer David Bailey, other private enthusiasts, and Pat Morris, a retired academic and expert on the history of taxidermy that intends to leave her own collection to a museum.Hirst has contributed a piece indeed Hirstian, called Happy Families, in which Potter has collected natural "enemies" including cats, dogs, birds, squirrels, rats, mice and a turtle, a truce distinctly uncomfortable.Blake's treasures include the house that Jack built, which has a miniature hen - that Potter produced by gluing feathers to a wooden mold - watch over a wren's nest eggs, and children in the woods, another piece with an air more than slightly creepy.Morris owns the largest piece, which has been featured in the museum. The Death of Cock Robin, which displays more than 100 birds, including a weeping widow and a gravedigger robin owl tumbled down a tiny portion of bone from the soil during the preparation of space for the tournament to the death. It normally occupies an entire wall of the guest room of Morris at Ascot.The beautifully painted backgrounds of the paintings show the fields, woods and buildings in Bramber, West Sussex village, where Potter spent his long life. He was born in 1835, left school at 14 years, self-taught taxidermy (starting with a pet bird), and honed his craft with specimens donated by friends.He opened his museum in a shed behind his father's pub. It proved so popular, stimulating trade pub dramatically, that the brewery has created a special-purpose museum that Potter ran until his death in 1918.The museum was taken over by his son-in-law, who died in 1969, he was then sold and moved first to Brighton and Arundel, and finally to Jamaica Inn in Cornwall. When the last owner retired, and taxidermist, who took care of the collection, has died, there was an attempt to sell the collection as a whole. But finally it was dispersed after a Bonham's auction where pieces sold for a maximum of £ 20 000 for collectors around the world.The founder of the Museum of Everything, James Brett, who made his fortune in movies and property, opened the first exhibition of "outsider art" that he sees, including the work done in prisons and units Mental Health last year, in conjunction with the Frieze Art Fair. It was intended to run for a fortnight, but was extended several times due to the public - and free coffee - and when he finally drew close to more than 35,000 visitors.It is this time to re-create the glorious chaos of Blake's studio. The artist who created the cover for the Beatles album Sergeant Pepper is a collector and collector on an epic scale, and the exhibition will include some of his toys, shells, and ephemeral circus giant banners."The idea of recreating the museum Potter began as a chance remark to Peter, and it became an obsession to bring the band back together," said Brett.. "He took my life But Potter's worth, it was a true original, and absolutely himself a foreign artist, both as a craftsman I can tell a potter's work of another taxidermist in a glance a room. - he was a genius. "Phone calls were still coming in every day of fanatics Potter, "he said. The three-legged pig, lamb with two heads and four chicken wings are already in place, but he is desperate to marry kittens back in the United States. He still hopes the school rabbits and Guinea pigs playing cricket, a piece believed to be in France, can still arise.Morris, who himself began seven years old taxidermy with a dead squirrel, aided by a guide Boys Own to this subject, says that Potter was a taxidermist very poor all his life: his birds were laminated to the chest because that it fitted with skins on the wrong sized organizations, and his cats had teddy bear eyes.But the genius of Potter was in his ability to create an entire miniature world, the world of a Victorian village which he knew intimately. The pieces are obsessively detailed and full of tiny jokes for the observer: in the club squirrels a creature of joy on a winning hand, not realizing that the viewer can see his opponent cards even better. There are cases of stuffed birds on the walls of the club, and paintings of the size of a postage stamp signed by a W Potter.The poster has never been to everyone's taste. Many thought they were grotesque abuse of animals, despite the poster insisting that none had been killed deliberately for collection. Animals do not die quietly in their sleep, if: Spot the dog, who belongs to a friend Potter, killed most of the drinking den of rats and other scenes, and when she died she was drunk and added to the collection.Morris defends vigorously taxidermy cons of political correctness, which he helped to doom the gathering. "Blaming taxidermy for the large number of rare species in the glass case is also illogical to blame the undertakers for all the dead in cemeteries."The Museum of Everything works at least until Christmas.

RugbyRocks London Sevens, Ex-Quin tops rugby bill

All time leading points London Sevens scorer Ben Gollings tops the rugby bill this weekend when RugbyRocks London Sevens kicks off at Richmond Rugby Club on Saturday.
The 30 year old England international and former Harlequins scrum half has more than 2,000 points on the international circuit to his name and is set to turn out for invitational side Samurai in the elite competition at the weekend.
He is anticipated to be joined in the line up by former Sale Sharks winger Oriol Ripol as they look to win the London leg of the National London Sevens Series.
To attract starts the competition is expected from the London Sevens stage as well as Guinness Premiership top flight professionals, including Newcastle Falcons full back Luke Fielden.
Twickenham based organisers Ed Kemp and Rob Westworth gave up their jobs to get the project which also features a RugbyRocks open tournaments for men and women off the ground.
And Westworth admits it is a relief to finally see the day arrive.
“There has been a few hair raising moments, but things have calmed down in the build up and we are just looking forward to it,” he said.
“The teams are slowly being announced, the weather is improving, so it should be a great day.”
90s Brit rockers Feeder are headlining the music festival with support from South African band The Parlotones - fresh from playing at the World Cup opening ceremony.
While England’s first group C clash with USA will be screened live on a big outdoor screen.
“It fits actually well with us because we have Feeder straight on stage afterwards. If you’re going to watch the game why not watch it with 6,000 otthers,” added Westworth.

Stannard to captain Australia at London Sevens

Halfback James Stannard will captain the Australian Rugby Sevens squad during the final two legs of the IRB Sevens World Series in the absence of regular skipper Patrick McCutcheon who is chasing Investec Bank Super 14 glory with the NSW Waratahs.


Stannard will lead a confident Australian side at the London (22-23 May) and Edinburgh Sevens (29-30 May) alongside fellow experienced campaigners Henry Vanderglas and Ed Jenkins who return to the squad for the first time this season.


Youngsters Jesse Parahi and Daniel Yakopo are set to make their Sevens debuts at Twickenham - in front of an expected crowd of 30,000 - while Bernard Foley, Clinton Sills and Nick Phipps return to the mix after extended injury stints.


Australia head into the penultimate event on the IRB Sevens circuit in fourth place on the overall standings after a Plate final victory over reigning champions South Africa in Hong Kong took their season tally to 78 points.


A strong performance at Twickenham could see Australia overtake third-placed Fiji (94) although England, who trail Australia by just two points in fifth, could prove a serious threat on home soil.


Samoa (124) hold a three-point lead over New Zealand (121) at the top of the table after consecutive Cup Final victories in Hong Kong, Adelaide and Las Vegas.


Australian Rugby Sevens coach Michael O’Connor says he believes his side has the right ingredients to contend for the London title.


“We’ve only got a couple of newcomers that haven’t played in an IRB tournament,” O’Connor says.


“The side’s got a good balance, a good mix of experience and a few older players that have come back who have had some Sevens experience in the past and I think that puts us in really good stead.


“We’ve got players that really want to be here, we’ve gone out an actively picked the players that we’ve wanted and I think our side has a good chemistry with the desire to win and to improve.


“There’s really been a turnaround I think in Sevens, we’re taking it more seriously now, I’ve got players asking me, ringing me, trying to find out what is the criteria, what is the selection process for the Commonwealth Games in Delhi later in the year and I think it’s great.”


Australia have been drawn in Pool D alongside England, Scotland and Russia.


Sevens series regulars from this year Ed Quirk, Liam Gill, Kimami Sitauti, Robbie Coleman and Dominic Shipperely are unavailable for the London and Edinburgh tournaments after earning selection in David Nucifora’s Australian U20s squad which will compete at the IRB Junior World Championships in Argentina in June.


Australian Sevens squad for London and Edinburgh: James Stannard (capt), Nick Phipps, Jacob Taylor, Brackin Karauria-Henry, Bernard Foley, Ed Jenkins, Ed Stubbs, Jesse Parahi, Daniel Yakopo, Clinton Sills, Sam Latunipulu, Henry Vanderglas.

England’s opponents named for Emirates Airline London Sevens

Clashes with Australia and Scotland are the highlights for England at the Emirates Airline London Sevens as the pools and fixtures are announced for the tournament.Ben Ryan’s side will be going all out to defend their title at Twickenham and also face Russia in the day one pool stage on May 22.Last year England took the trophy and delighted the record crowd, beating New Zealand 31-26 with a sudden-death try in extra time.

This year promises to attract an even bigger attendance with more than 30,000 tickets already sold.With just two legs remaining in this year’s IRB Sevens World Series, the home side need to pick up full points if they are to overtake Australia – who are four points ahead – and close the 20-point gap between themselves and third placed Fiji. Having lost out to the Wallabies 17-12 in Adelaide last month, a week later England turned the tables with a 26-19 victory in the Hong Kong quarter final and will be banking on home advantage when the two teams meet in the last pool match of day one.

Head coach Ryan said: "We can’t wait to return to Twickenham and get our title defence underway. We are up against tough opposition in the pool stages, with Russia, Scotland and Australia, but coming to London for our home event is always special and I’m hoping this will give the players an extra boost as they play in front of their family and friends."Last year the crowd were fantastic, they really got the behind the players right the way to the final. This year promises to be even more exciting with the superhero fancy dress theme and we hope to see as many fans as possible out in fancy dress on Sunday taking part in the record attempt."The action kicks off on Saturday at 10.30am with leaders Samoa taking on the improving USA. Other highlights include Fiji v South Africa (6.44pm) and second place New Zealand v Kenya at 7.06pm, before England take on Australia at 7.28pm.

Small hits the big time

RFU Elite Referee Andrew Small has been appointed to the IRB International Referee panel for the first time in his career.

Small, 34, will take charge of South Africa’s home test against Italy in June.

Further RFU Elite referee appointments include Dave Pearson (44) who has whistle blowing duties for the Argentina v Scotland test in the summer and Wayne Barnes (30) who will be in charge of New Zealand v Ireland and Samoa v Japan in June, and the Tri-Nations match between South Africa and Australia in September.

Robin Goodliffe (53) joins the Assistant Referee panel for the first time. JP Doyle (31) and Greg Garner (29) have been appointed to the 2010 IRB Junior World Championship panel for the tournament in Argentina.

Chris White (47) a test veteran of over 50 games comes off the IRB International Referee Panel after 12 years. Chris will continue to be part of the RFU Elite Referee unit for the remainder of the season.

Head of Elite Referee Development, Ed Morrison said: "The appointments are richly deserved and all reflect the hard work that Andrew, Dave, Wayne, Robin, JP and Greg have put into their jobs over the last 12 months.

"Tony Spreadbury, Brian Campsall and I with Rob Andrew’s full input and backing will continue to develop our officials to ensure that we have a strong presence on the international panels and the experience they will gain from all of these games is essential to their on-going development.

"I’d like to thank Chris White for the superb work he has carried out as a member of the IRB International Referee’s Panel over the last 12 years and his track record speaks for itself. He will continue to be a key member of the Elite Referee Unit until the end of this season at which time we’ll discuss with him a suitable career pathway.

"Chris has a huge amount to offer the game and we would like to utilise his considerable experience in the best way possible going forward."

Australia Sevens skipper earns Super deal

Australia Rugby Sevens captain Patrick McCutcheon is determined to give a career-best performance at the International Rugby Sevens Adelaide after revealing the event on 19-21 March will be the last time he will compete in the IRB Sevens World Series on home soil. McCutcheon has been rewarded for a brilliant 2009/10 campaign by becoming the latest player from Michael O'Connor's young squad to earn an Investec Bank Super 14 contract. The Sydney University back rower, who addressed the media at his team's Captain's Run at Adelaide Oval on Wednesday, said he has penned a two-year deal with the NSW Waratahs and is set to join them at the completion of the current Sevens Series. McCutcheon, 22, follows in the footsteps of former Sevens teammates Luke Morahan and Richard Kingi, who both won Super contracts with the Queensland Reds after excellent performances during the 2008/09 World Series. The pair also won selection on last year's Qantas Wallabies Spring Tour, joining fellow Sevens graduate James O'Connor who made the leap the season earlier. McCutcheon credits Rugby Sevens as being an important pathway in his development as a player over the past three years.

SA Sevens eager to bounce back in Adelaide

South Africa captain Mzwandile Stick has his fingers crossed that their Plate success at the USA Sevens earlier this month will spark the IRB Sevens World Series title defence into live and result in a third successive crown in Adelaide. Standing in as captain for the injured Paul Delport, Stick has seen South Africa beaten in the Cup quarter finals of all four legs of the 2009/10 Series to date, three times at the hands of Fiji and once to New Zealand.

The Plate success in Las Vegas, which came after confidence-boosting victories over England and Fiji, was South Africa's best result of the season but still leaves them 48 points behind Series leaders New Zealand in the overall standings. "As a team we're obviously not pleased with seventh place on the log and our overall performance so far," admitted Stick. "However, we are working very hard to eliminate those marginal errors and hopefully our Plate victory in Las Vegas will kick-start a better run of results for us."

Stick acknowledges that the loss of several key players who helped secure a first overall Series title has not helped their cause with injury or elevation to the Super 14 ranks having robbed coach Paul Treu of the likes of Robert Ebersohn, Gio Aplon and Renfred Dazel among others.