The News Review:
- Michalak moves back to Toulouse
- Ian McGeechan thrilled to be Lions coach again
- Wales names uncapped Fury for SA tour
- McConville salutes ‘gentleman’ Humphreys
- Forrester set to miss play-offs
- Exiles coming north to press case for SRU cash
- Univision to Present First Annual “Tecate Premios Deportes”…
Michalak moves back to Toulouse
Irish Times – May 15, 2008
“Fred and (Toulouse chairman) Rene Bouscatel have agreed on athree-year deal,” Michalak’s agent confirmed. Regarded as a flamboyant but sometimes erratic player, Michalakwas born and rugby educated in Toulouse. He won the French championship title in 2001 and the HeinekenCup in 2003 and 2005 with the club, who will face Munster in theHeineken Cup final on May 24th at the Millennium stadium. © 2008 The Irish TimesADVERTISEMENT.
Ian McGeechan thrilled to be Lions coach again
Times Online – May 15, 2008
He andGerald Davies, the Lions manager, can now discuss support staff, he hasreached agreement with Wasps – they will be suitably compensated for hisservices – that he will sustain his ‘day job’ as director of rugby, in whichhe can assess on a regular basis the impact of the experimental lawvariations due for introduction in August, and he is optimistic that thethreatened clash of fixtures on May 30 next year will be overcome. At present, the Lions are due to play the first of ten games on the touragainst a Highveld XV in Rustenburg on the same day that the Premiershipfinal, which could feature McGeechan’s club, is pencilled in for Twickenham. The RFU and Premier Rugby Ltd could shift one round of 2008-09 Premiershipfixtures to a midweek date just after Christmas, which would mean stagingthe final a fortnight earlier, and leave the Heineken Cup final as theseason’s closing fixture, with the Lions due to depart for South Africa thenext day.
Wales names uncapped Fury for SA tour
stuff.co.nz – May 15, 2008
As well as Peel and Phillips, Gavin Henson, Martyn Williams, Lee Byrne and Robin Sowden-Taylor will all miss the tour through injury while Alix Popham is unavailable following his move to French club Brive. Yet there was still no room for Colin Charvis, who set the world record for the number of test tries by a forward against the Springboks last November, sparking speculation that he will retire this summer. The 35-year-old was prevented by his region the Dragons from joining Wales for their training camp last week in Ireland, with Heineken Cup qualification still up for grabs and now that looks to have cost him the chance to add to his 94 caps. Gatland said: "We didn't consider Colin. He wasn't involved in the Six Nations and we felt this was a chance to look at the future and develop some younger players. "We've had a number of injuries but that means this tour is an opportunity for a number of young players. But we still feel we are able to field a strong starting 15 against the world champions.
McConville salutes ‘gentleman’ Humphreys
Belfast Telegraph – May 15, 2008
"I found him a very dedicated sportsman and an absolute gentleman. I have followed his rugby career closely and have been delighted with his success. The manner in which he led Ulster to their Heineken Cup triumph in 1999 spoke volumes for his many qualities," said McConville. And he believes that Humphreys deserved even more international honours. "Although Ronan O’Gara kept him out to some extent, I still believe that David deserved to have got more Ireland caps," added McConville. He is now focussing strongly on Armagh’s Ulster Championship opener against either Antrim or Cavan next month. "I must say I found our training on the continent very demanding but, if I’m honest, I have to say I needed it.
Forrester set to miss play-offs
BBC News – May 15, 2008
Head coach Dean Ryan had registered him for the later stages of the Heineken Cup, but has decided not to risk Forrester in the Premiership climax. “We didn’t know what shape we would arrive here in and who might be injured,” Ryan told BBC Radio Gloucs. “But where we are at the moment is around Gareth Delve and Luke Narraway. ”
“Jango (Forrester) now needs a strong off season. He knows that and he needs to get away and work ready for September.
Exiles coming north to press case for SRU cash
Edinburgh Evening News – May 15, 2008
“The stronger we get, the more opportunities there will be to bring on promising young Scottish players. “Backing from the SRU would be controversial given the financial constraints placed on home-based clubs. Also, home-based outfits are denied the right to exercise their ambitions by entering cross-border competitions whereas clubs like London Scottish have the theoretical potential to win the Heineken European Cup with the SRU providing support denied to counterparts at home. A further example of the type of help London Scottish may require is the farming out of fringe professionals from Edinburgh and Glasgow. Mr Lynch said: “Any SRU financial involvement would be as minimal stakeholders. This is about London Scottish pulling ourselves back up. ”
The full article contains 457 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
Univision to Present First Annual “Tecate Premios Deportes”…
Earthtimes – May 15, 2008
A star-studded tribute to sports featuring performances by some of Latin music’s leading entertainers and other luminaries will honor the character and sportsmanship of Hispanic athletes and is scheduled to air on July 20, 2008. As the Spanish-language broadcast home to the top Hispanic sports tournaments in the world, including the FIFA World Cup, Univision will be broadcasting a world-class production celebrating top Hispanic athletes that will take place in front of a live audience from the historic Pasadena Auditorium in Pasadena, California. This gala red carpet event will feature ten award categories and tributes to some of the most important athletes of our time. Categories include the North American Soccer (Mexican and American Leagues) Best 11; the North American Soccer Player of the Year; Best Hispanic Boxer; Baseball Hispanic All-Star Team; Baseball Hispanic Player of the Year; Basketball Hispanic Player of the Year; American Football Hispanic Player of the Year; the Legends Award; and the Tecate Athlete of the Year award, which will be given to the Male athlete that rose to the top of his sport in 2007. Consumers will also have the opportunity to vote online through Unvision. com for Best Hispanic Female, Best Hispanic Male Athlete of the Year, All-Star Soccer Team of the Year, and All-Star Baseball Team of the Year… “No one is more passionate about their sports heroes than Hispanic sports fans,” said David Downs, president of Univision Sports. “And as this country’s #1 destination for Hispanic sports fans, Univision is proud to team up with Tecate to recognize the monumental accomplishments of our favorite athletes. ” “We are proud to be the title sponsor for the inaugural Tecate Premios Deportes, which will recognize and celebrate the exceptional talent and accomplishments of Hispanic athletes,” said Carlos Boughton, brand director of Tecate Brand Equity for Heineken USA. “These individuals possess the qualities of our target audience; they embody the character and perseverance needed to succeed in this country. The Tecate Premios Deportes gives us yet another opportunity to strengthen our connection with our consumers through their passion for sports and celebration of Hispanic role models. ” An academy of professional and ex-professional athletes and sports writers, including famed boxer Oscar de la Hoya, popular Mexican ex-soccer goalie Jorge Campos, ex-football great Tony Casillas, NFL Hall of Fame Recipient Anthony Muñoz, former Mexican soccer coach Jesus Bracamontes, and President of the UANL Tigres Enrique Borja, will nominate and select the most accomplished active Hispanic athletes in the various sports categories. In order to be eligible for these awards, athletes must have participated in a televised professional sport in the U.