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Welcome to 2023, and to Sideline Conversions, the name this year of our regular Monday news and information and tidbits column.
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The 2023 Swindale Shield draw release is imminent. A draft was being circulated pre-Christmas, but we can’t publish anything yet lest there be changes!
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Still fairly quiet with not much on, but a few things below of interest and relevance to our space. As per the last few years, we will look to run this column every Monday morning. It is a collaborative effort, so if you want to contribute (please do) or have news or information to promote please email editor@clubrugby.co.nz
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The opening shots of the 2023 season were fired at Porirua Park on Saturday with the Bula Fiji 7s tournament.
A lovely day with a southerly breeze made for some hard and fast rugby. Home team the Wellington Fijian Flyers Black side won the tournament, with a strong squad, with players such as tournament MVP Kyle Preston (two tries in the final), Knox Tuinasau and Esi Komaisavai scoring a bucketload of tries between them.
Good to see a handful of former and current players on hand to catch some of the action, such as Bill Cavubati (cheering loudly from the stand), Tamati Ellison and Du Plessiss Kirifi.
The next tournament is this weekend, the Mount Maunganui 7s – we would love to be there, but too far from our base to attend, so good luck to all players and teams involved.
Unless something comes up that we don’t know about (which is likely), summer resumes for a few weeks, but there will be plenty of pre-season and high performance representative rugby such as the annual Hurricanes Provincial Academy series and early Hurricanes and Hurricanes Poua matches throughout February.
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World Rugby Hamilton 7s this coming weekend – the last one.
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Shannon Paku has been confirmed as interim CEO of Wellington Rugby. This is for a period of six months, which will take up him up to the end of the Premier club season.
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New coach for the Manawatu Turbos, the catch being he’s not on site until July.
Some thoughts received on the new Wellington Lions coach for 2023? Former Wests Roosters midfielder Alama Ieremia appears to be a front-runner as a people’s favourite.
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One of a couple of unfamiliar names to local club and First XV followers named last week in the Hurricanes 20s Development squad, Marist St Pat’s have announced the acquisition of Jack O’Brien:
🚨 Marist St Pats is delighted to welcome Jack O’Brien and his family.
A second-five/first five, Jack played for the St John’s College 1st XV and was recently Hurricanes U20’s Dev Squad. With strong family ties to Hamilton Marist, we know Jack will feel right at home at MSP pic.twitter.com/s5tD3ORk59
— Marist St Pats Rugby 🏉 (@msprugby) January 15, 2023
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So you want to understand what sport is all about? Keep a close eye on the kids behind the try line ❤️ pic.twitter.com/09XkFUq831
— Andrew Brownhill (@AndrewBrownhil) January 8, 2023
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English rugby union has lost one of its most evocative names after the death of David Duckham at the age of 76. The blond-haired Duckham was among the most talented backs of his generation and will for ever be remembered for his spectacular running in the famous 1973 fixture between the Barbarians and New Zealand in Cardiff.
Read more HERE
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Pre-season underway for the Mixed Veges:
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On 30 November last year, Chatgbt3 was released – the latest gamechanger in online and internet technology. As a tester, In 30 seconds, Chatgbt replied to our question:
What are 10 reasons why rugby is the greatest sport in the world?
- It is a physically demanding sport that requires a combination of strength, speed, and endurance.
- It is a sport that is played and enjoyed by people all over the world, with a strong following in countries such as New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, and France.
- It promotes teamwork and sportsmanship, as players must rely on each other and work together to achieve success.
- It has a strong sense of community and camaraderie, with many teams and clubs fostering a sense of belonging among players and fans.
- It has a rich history and tradition, with the first international match being played in 1871.
- It is a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, with versions of the game ranging from youth to professional levels.
- It has a wide range of positions and roles, allowing players of all sizes and skill sets to find a place on the field.
- It is a sport that is played in a variety of weather conditions, making it adaptable and accessible in different parts of the world.
- It has a reputation for being a tough and physical sport, but also one that is played with respect and fair play.
- It is a sport that is constantly evolving and improving, with new rules and strategies being introduced over time.
No argument from us!
Lookout for loads of exciting AI technology in this space and in visual content to come on board fast. Social media posts could go up another level. They already are, such as the Wallabies turning their players’ faces into babies and others cartooning their players.
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Thoughts:
A red card for this!? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/D1prLPjbMu
— The Rugby Guy (@jarryd_harris) January 14, 2023
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A new coaching gig for Dave Rennie soon? Perhaps a return to the fill the vacant Wellington Lions post.
Read more HERE
Bookmark our photos website here:
https://clubrugby.smugmug.com/
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