The News Review:
- Barbarians loaded with stars
- Williams and Bradley makes changes
- Nigeria crisis eases
- George ready for ‘Festival of Fun’
Barbarians loaded with stars
TVNZ – Nov 29, 2007
Bristol had given Regan the week off as they are involved in adead rubber EDF Energy Cup match but say they want him to restahead of the following week’s Heineken Cup fixture and warned hewould be breaking his contract if he played at Twickenham. Regan however is standing firm. “I was asked to captain theBarbarians and I consider it a massive honour to do that” he saidin a statement. “It’s going to be a great day for me and my family to lead out astar-studded side at Twickenham. Regan’s England front row team mate Andrew Sheridan who was dueto play on Saturday has been withdrawn and will play for Sale inthe EDF Cup instead.
Williams and Bradley makes changes
Irish Times – Nov 29, 2007
“Rob (Dewey) is a powerful player and has trained well thisweek I know that he’s looking forward to running out at Ravenhillagainst his old club” said Williams. David Pollock will start in the backrow alongside Neil Best andRoger Wilson with Kieron Dawson acting as cover on the bench. Thepowerful back rower made his first Heineken Cup appearance lessthan two weeks ago against Bourgoin and is looking forward torunning out at Ravenhill “Ulster fans are very vocal so no matter how many people comealong to watch they always make their presence felt which is whyit’s such a pleasure to play at Ravenhill because it has such aspecial atmosphere”said the 20-year-old. Williams was in doubt Pollock had earned his place in thestarting XV. “After coming off the bench the last two games Daviddeserves the start it’s important to freshen things up and toshare the workload. ” Bradley’s two changes ahead of their home tie against Glasgowsees Andy Dunne starting for the first time while Conor O’Loughlincomes in to partner him in the half back positions.
Nigeria crisis eases
BBC News – Nov 29, 2007
Parliament had refused to approve the budget unless the Nigeria Sports Commission (NSC) accounts for 37 million dollars of its 2007 allocation. Without a budget Nigeria would then go into the Nations Cup finals and 2010 World Cup qualifiers with no government support. Of the 43 million dollars allocated for 2007 the NSC has accounted for only six million dollars. But the chair of the Senate Committee on Sports Senator Heineken Lokpobiri says that he will now study the 2007 expenditure submitted by the NSC. A final verdict from the committee is expected on Monday. Mediation for NFA and NFLThe committee also set up a five-man panel to mediate in the long-running fall-out between the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) and Nigeria Football League (NFL)… Without a budget Nigeria would then go into the Nations Cup finals and 2010 World Cup qualifiers with no government support. Of the 43 million dollars allocated for 2007 the NSC has accounted for only six million dollars. But the chair of the Senate Committee on Sports Senator Heineken Lokpobiri says that he will now study the 2007 expenditure submitted by the NSC. A final verdict from the committee is expected on Monday. Mediation for NFA and NFLThe committee also set up a five-man panel to mediate in the long-running fall-out between the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) and Nigeria Football League (NFL). "We are not here to witch-hunt anyone but rather to rescue football in the country" said Lokpobiri. "We hope this committee will bring an end to this embarrassing crisis.
George ready for ‘Festival of Fun’
Independent Online – Nov 29, 2007
The tournament commences at 11. 18am on Friday with round robin matches being played. The action will continue with the knockout stage on Saturday culminating in the Cup final. A host of activities are planned during the event to keep fans entertained. This includes the Heineken Beer Village for adults a village for kids VIP hospitality area as well as live entertainment provided by local performers “Die Broers”… The action will continue with the knockout stage on Saturday culminating in the Cup final. A host of activities are planned during the event to keep fans entertained. This includes the Heineken Beer Village for adults a village for kids VIP hospitality area as well as live entertainment provided by local performers “Die Broers”.