The News Review:
- Trimble targets London Irish for Ulster comeback.
- Fate conspired against England’s man of integrity
- Catt backs Richards for England
- Pountney makes early Saints exit
Trimble targets London Irish for Ulster comeback.
Free with registration – Europe Intelligence Wire – AccessMyLibrary.com – Nov 30, 2006
(From Irish Independent) AS the international contingent return to Magners League duty for a vital weekend of league activity Ulster coach Mark McCall plans to have Andrew Trimble available for their crucial Heineken Cup fixtures against London Irish next month. Trimble has been troubled by a hamstring injury since taking a knock to the knee during Ireland’s summer tour which interrupted his pre-season conditioning regime.
Fate conspired against England’s man of integrity
Telegraph.co.uk – Nov 30, 2006
“I had the utmost respect for him because he helped win England the World Cup and that should never be forgotten. “Unfortunately for Andy there were many things beyond his control and some that were not within the power of the RFU either due to the on-going problems over the structure of the game. This autumn Andy had to prepare for four internationals which started after two weeks of Heineken Cup games. That restricted his preparation time with players. ” Spencer said he would continue to look at ways of improving the structure of the English game in an effort to give the next coaches a better chance of putting together a winning team. “Yes I considered my own position. But I never offered to resign” he added.
Catt backs Richards for England
BBC News – Nov 30, 2006
“I would let Brian Ashton and the other coaches run the on-field stuff and let Dean manage off-the-field matters. Richards 43 won 48 caps for England six Lions caps as well as making 314 appearances for Leicester. The number eight moved into management at Welford Road and led Leicester to four consecutive domestic league titles (1999-2002) as well to back-to-back victories in the Heineken Cup (2001 and 2002). But after 23 years as a player and coach Richards was sacked in February 2004 after a dip in results. He moved to French side Grenoble for a season before joining Harlequins in 2005 following their relegation to Division ne and guided them back to the Premiership in his first season. And former England prop Jeff Probyn says Richards is the ideal man for the job. “England need a manager not a head coach” said Probyn.
Pountney makes early Saints exit
BBC News – Nov 30, 2006
“I had intended to depart in the summer but after consideration I thought it best to ensure a quick and seamless transition for the club. "Everyone here is sorry to see him go" Saints chief executive Allan Robson The former flanker joined the club in 1991 and worked his way through the Saints academy before making his senior debut against Coventry in 1994. He made 215 appearances for the club scoring 46 tries and was part of the side that won the 2000 Heineken Cup. Pountney who earned 32 Scotland caps retired from Test rugby in early 2003 after walking out of a national training session and complaining of the “unprofessionalism” of the Scottish Rugby Union. He quit rugby completely 13 months later after failing to recover from a broken ankle. Together with Paul Grayson Pountney took over the coaching at Franklin’s Gardens following the dismissal of head coach Alan Solomons in November 2004 and the pair steered the club to Premiership safety. Pountney became the club’s director of rugby at the start of last season leaving Grayson to become head coach.