- Quins face Heineken Cup expulsion over ‘Bloodgate’
- Poitrenaud out for Heineken openers
- Mascot Race Kicks ff Heineken Cup Rivalry
- Guinness Prem – Your view: Richards’s ban
- Leigh Halfpenny targets Shane Williams’ Welsh try record

Quins face Heineken Cup expulsion over ‘Bloodgate’
Independent
There has been a slippage in standards and it is important that we remind everyone involved in rugby of what we consider our standards to be. "There will be blood: What happens nextQ. Will Harlequins play in the next season’s Heineken Cup?A. They are in the draw as of now but the European Rugby Cup board is deeply unhappy at the continuing fall-out from the affair and will revisit the decision to rubber-stamp their participation at a meeting next week. Will the Rugby Football Union take its own action against Quins?A. If anything the RFU is even more furious than ERC.
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Poitrenaud out for Heineken openers
European Rugby Cup
As well as losing their free scoring back for up to six weeks the three time Heineken Cup champions were also knocked off the top of the league table when they lost 17 to 15 to USAP at the Stade Aimé Giral on Saturday. The ERC Elite 50 Club award winner broke his right hand during the game on Saturday and underwent surgery on the injury on Sunday. In other Top14 actions Brive and Clermont drew 9-9 on Friday evening while the Montauban v Castres clash was postponed due to restrictions imposed because of swan flue concerns. Albi were the only team to lose at home over the weekend when they were defeated 9-15 by Toulon.

Mascot Race Kicks ff Heineken Cup Rivalry
irish Rugby News
Stephen’s Green on Thursday© Pinnacle Photo AgencyWhilst the Leinster and London Irish players continue preparations for a pre-season match at Donnybrook on Friday the mascots from both sides faced off in a sprint race at St. Stephen’s Green watched by more than 200 people.

Guinness Prem – Your view: Richards’s ban
Yahoo! Eurosport
Details about the Tom Williams fake blood affair continue to be drip fed to us by the Heineken Cup authorities – it must be like Chinese water torture for the Quins! – and none of it has painted Deano is a good light. Three years is a long time away for someone who has given so much as a player and then a coach but the majority of Yahoo!-Europort readers believe the former England icon is fully deserving of his punishment. Indeed almost three-quarters of the 2363 people who voted believe the ban was not too harsh. ne suspects that for many it was not the actual ‘cheating’ which was Deano’s worst act more the repeated efforts at covering it up and then ‘leaning’ on Williams not to tell the full truth. How the Quins squad manage to put the shenanigans behind them and perform in their Premiership-opener with Gloucester on Saturday remains to be seen but one can be sure the season cannot come quick enough for them.

Leigh Halfpenny targets Shane Williams’ Welsh try record
Walesnline
Instead he stressed he has much to learn and improve upon as the new competitive challenges loom. “If I can achieve half of what I achieved last year I’d be very happy” said Halfpenny. “But looking ahead there are loads of things to achieve like winning the Heineken Cup with the Blues and the Magners League. “ Also beating the New Zealand would be a great scalp and getting a Six Nations win over England. “Teams will have looked at me from last season and done a bit of analysis. “I am sure they have pinpointed things about my game they feel they can exploit and that’s why it is up to me to improve. But I am looking forward to showing new aspects of my game.

- Blood scandal shouldn’t tarnish Quins’ feats says Kingston
- Quins squad backs banned Williams
- Flood has November return in mind
- Telegraph: Crowd violence mars West Ham-Millwall match
- ‘Connell fears double Welsh threat to Munster title
- Booth: This is the best London Irish squad ever
- Quinlan talks of ‘massive regret’

Blood scandal shouldn’t tarnish Quins’ feats says Kingston
AFP
Quins were hit with a 260000 pounds (295000 euros) fine while director of rugby Dean Richards was forced to resign after being banned from rugby for three years. Williams was also given a four-month ban but the threat of further sanctions in response to the subsequent cover-up that implicated Quins’ board was raised on Wednesday when it was revealed they could be expelled from the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and the European Cup. ERC organisers of the Heineken Cup want to review the punishment handed down to Quins but Kingston was bullish over their continued participation in the tournament. “Talk that we could be thrown out of the European Cup is totally hypothetical because we’ve earned the right to be in the Heineken Cup” Kingston said. “We’ve qualified for the European Cup and are playing in it. Last season we showed ourselves to be highly competitive in the European Cup losing by a point to the winners. We flew the flag for England.

Quins squad backs banned Williams
BBC Sport
loadEmp(”emp_8224908″); });AdvertisementQuins ‘blood’ scandal not uncommon – SkinnerHarlequins captain Will Skinner has said wing Tom Williams has the total support of his team-mates despite his central role in the ‘Bloodgate’ affair. Williams was banned for 12 months reduced to four on appeal for faking a blood injury in a Heineken Cup game. Skinner said: "We’re really sympathetic to the position he is in. We are united and togetherness is second to none. "He is training with the squad and Tom like all of us is just hoping we can move on and become stronger from this. " Williams has claimed he was offered a new four-year contract and other benefits by club officials if he kept quiet about the involvement of others in the incident which took place during the quarter-final against Leinster at The Stoop on 12 April.
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Flood has November return in mind
BBC Sport
Flood suffered the lower leg injury in the Heineken Cup semi-final win over Cardiff Blues in early May. The 24-year-old told BBC Radio Leicester: "The timescale is about six months and I’m inside that bracket and so we’re working towards that. "The rehab’s gone well but the guys are in pre-season now and to watch that from the sidelines is difficult. " Leicester play their latest pre-season game against Munster at Welford Road on Friday and Flood admits it has been tough watching from the sidelines. Please turn on JavaScript.

Telegraph: Crowd violence mars West Ham-Millwall match
The Times
Guardian: Williams points finger at Evans as ’Bloodgate’ details seep outTom Williams was offered a series of sweeteners by Harlequins including a job after he had retired from playing in return for keeping quiet about what really happened in the fake blood incident in last season’s Heineken Cup. The Times: Everton Villa and Spurs make their movesSylvain Distin Richard Dunne and Sandro are among the names linked with Premier League clubs as transfer deadline looms. New York Times: Federer and Safina Are Top SeedsIt’s no surprise Roger Federer gets the top seed for the US pen while Dinara Safina despite never having won a Grand Slam title earns the No. 1 spot over defending champion Serena Willliams. USA Today: Vick will make Eagles debut tomorrow Though Michael Vick is to appear at a bankruptcy court hearing Thursday morning in Virginia he is scheduled to make his return to the NFL playing field tomorrow night in a preseason game with the Philadelphia Eagles.

‘Connell fears double Welsh threat to Munster title
Walesnline
’Connell led his province to the Celtic crown last term with fellow Irish outfit Leinster – the reigning Heineken Cup champions – winning the title the previous year. But speaking at the official Magners League launch at Thomond Park in Limerick yesterday ’Connell outlined just why he thinks there will be a stronger Welsh challenge in 2009-10. And he believes the two leading Welsh regions could break the Irish monopoly when the tournament gets under way in nine days’ time. “The Blues and the spreys will probably lead the Welsh challenge” predicted ’Connell. “If you look at Cardiff last year they probably did not reproduce their Heineken Cup form in the Magners League.

Booth: This is the best London Irish squad ever
Reading Post
The Exiles coach insists for the first time there is the strength in depth to compete seriously for both the Guinness Premiership Championship and the Heineken Cup. Booth said: ?In the past our seasons in the Premiership have wavered when we have had Heineken Cup success. ?But players love testing themselves against the best in the world and we believe we have the squad to fight on two fronts. ?We will give the Heineken Cup a massive part of our focus but we will not let it shift our concentration away from the Premiership and what we want to achieve there. ?As Irish prepare to face European champions Leinster in Dublin on Friday in their final warm-up game of the season Booth declared: ?In my opinion the squad is the most competitive the club has had in the professional era. ?The Exiles boss is well aware that his star-studded side will be hit harder by international call-ups than ever before.

Quinlan talks of ‘massive regret’
BBC Sport
He was found guilty of making contact with the eye area of Leinster’s Leo Cullen in the teams’ Heineken Cup semi-final and was handed a 12-week ban. "It was reckless it was contact in the eye area and that was my own fault" Quinlan told Irish broadcaster RTE. "It’s not something I intentionally tried to do. " The Munster flanker acknowledged that the incident "certainly looked bad". "It’s something that has had a bad effect on me my family and friends and people that are close to me.

- Peter Bills: ERC’s lack of action is dispiriting
- Heineken USA Kicks ff 18th Year of US pen Sponsorship by Acing …
- Kidney to receive honorary doctorate

Peter Bills: ERC’s lack of action is dispiriting
Independent
Harlequins a club that has dragged rugby union’s uniquely special name into the gutter of the sporting world have escaped a ban from the Heineken Cup despite the appalling antics of some of their employees. After all are we not entitled to view the entire episode and behaviour of the London club as a conspiracy to defraud? Related articles.

Heineken USA Kicks ff 18th Year of US pen Sponsorship by Acing …
SYS-CN Media
As Heineken USA enters its 18th year of sponsoring the US pen it willleverage the momentum of its national philanthropic program — “Heinekenwith a Heart” — to raise funds for USTA Serves the philanthropic arm ofthe USTA. USTA Serves uses tennis as a vehicle to encourage kids to pursuetheir dreams by succeeding in school and becoming responsible citizens. The “Heineken with a Heart” event which will take place on Aug. 25 at theUSTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center will bring together membersof the tennis and New York area community 21+ for an evening of socializingand support for a noble local cause. Attendees will also have theopportunity to bid on a number of sports and entertainment memorabilia andexperiences with all proceeds benefiting USTA Serves.

Kidney to receive honorary doctorate
Irish Times
“This style of leadership has continually produced outstanding results for Declan and is distinctive in the sporting world” he said. As well as being Munster team head coach from 2000 to 2002 Kidney also held positions coaching the Ireland under 19s team which won the FIRA (Fédération Internationale de Rugby Amateur) World Cup in 1998 after which he spent a brief period as assistant coach to the Irish rugby team. He rejoined Munster as their coach in 2005 leading the team to a Heineken Cup win that year. Kidney won the 2006 Philips Sports Manager of the Year award. n May 24th 2008 he coached the Munster squad to victory in the Heineken Cup once again. A former mathematics teacher in Cork he was appointed as Ireland coach in July 2008. He went on to coach the Irish team to win the Grand Slam and Triple Crown in Cardiff on March 21st 2009 in his first year in the job.
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- Harlequins Chief Richards Quits In Wake f Fake Injury
- Best to miss all the Heineken Cup campaign
- Wasps remain in Challenge Cup

Harlequins Chief Richards Quits In Wake f Fake Injury
New York Times
The ERC said in a statement Williams had appealed on Saturday against the length of the ban. “The club feels strongly that the severity of the sanction meted out to Tom Williams is unfair and disproportionate” Harlequins said. Quins begin their Premiership campaign against Wasps at Twickenham on September 5 and have been drawn in pool 5 of the Heineken Cup against three times champions Toulouse last year’s beaten semi-finalists Cardiff and English rivals Sale. (Editing by Ken Ferris).
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Best to miss all the Heineken Cup campaign
European Rugby Cup
Following recent pain and subsequent medical investigation it has been discovered that the Ireland hooker is suffering from an underlying chronic disc injury on his neck which requires surgery and a lengthy recovery period of between 9 and 12 months. Ulster’s perations Director David Humphreys commented:”bviously losing Rory at the start of the season is a huge blow for us not only is he our No. 1 hooker but also our captain and one of the most experienced players in the squad. However what is most important is Rory’s long term health and welfare and there’s no reason not to expect him to return fully to rugby post surgery and rehabilitation next season. “The timing of this injury presents difficulties as most players are contracted for the 09-10 season.

Wasps remain in Challenge Cup
Bucks Free Press
That means Wasps who were in line to take their place in the tournament will remain in the European Challenge Cup this season. Quins were found guilty of faking an injury to Tom Williams in their Heineken Cup quarter final with Leinster last season. At a second disciplinary hearing in Glasgow yesterday Williams’ ban was reduced from 12 months to four months Quins fine was upped from £296k half suspended to £259k to be paid in full while director of rugby Dean Richards has been banned for coaching for three years.

- Bloodgate: New claims by banned wing Tom Williams threaten to …
- Axe drug cheats says Phil Vickery
- Banned Dean Richards backed by Martin Corry
- Borthwick: We’re role models

Bloodgate: New claims by banned wing Tom Williams threaten to …
Daily Mail
The Quins legal team will head for Glasgow tomorrow to face a Heineken Cup disciplinary panel for the second time. And the club – founded in 1866 five years before the RFU were formed – can expect swingeing punishment from European rugby bosses including the possibility of a ban from the Heineken Cup if as reports suggest sensational new evidence is set to be given by shamed wing Tom Williams.
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Axe drug cheats says Phil Vickery
Mirror.co.uk
“It would be a big boost to the club. Not being involved in the Heineken Cup for a club like Wasps is disappointing especially with the record we have. “It’s not me being against Quins – they are a great club who deserve their place in the Heineken Cup. “And they have lost a fine director of rugby in Dean Richards. “Unfortunately this situation and the drugs stuff at Bath does leave a sour taste in your mouth. “I’m not aware of a drugs problem in English rugby.

Banned Dean Richards backed by Martin Corry
Mirror.co.uk
Richards quit as Harlequins boss after one of his players was convicted of fabricating an injury during a Heineken Cup-tie last season and suspended for 12 months. Tom Williams is appealing against the length of his ban but the Londoners face being kicked out of the Heineken Cup on Monday. Richards a legendary player for Leicester and England before moving into management could receive a lengthy ban for his part in the scandal.

Borthwick: We’re role models
SkySports
Bath have seen five players handed suspensions by the RFU with Matt Stevens and Justin Harrison banned after admitting to taking cocaine while Michael Lipman Alex Crockett and Andrew Higgins were punished after being found guilty of missing drugs tests. Meanwhile Harlequins are still rocking from the fake blood incident from their Heineken Cup clash with Leinster – with Tom Williams banned for a year the club hit with a hefty fine and director of rugby Dean Richards resigning as a result of an internal investigation. Harlequins also face being kicked out of the Heineken Cup – although Williams is appealing his lengthy ban. And Borthwick insists the England squad need to live up to their responsibilities as international players. Privileged”We are role models for many people” he said. “We are the England team and we need to ensure we act responsibly.

- Alix Popham is new captain of Brive
- Scotland lock Hines in Leinster squad
- Perpignan to target Heineken Cup quarter-final in Barcelona

Alix Popham is new captain of Brive
Walesnline
The Wales No 8 who is in his second year in the Top 14 will skipper the club on their return to Heineken Cup rugby. And Popham 29 is expected to lead his side against Montpellier in the French championship this weekend. “It is a massive honour for me and I was pretty shocked to get the job” said former Newport and Scarlets powerhouse Popham. “The club has a massive history they’ve been European champions and have been finalists twice in the Heineken Cup. “So to be asked to be captain for our first season back in the European Cup is really special.

Scotland lock Hines in Leinster squad
RTE.ie
Scotland international lock Nathan Hines has signed a two-year deal with the Heineken Cup champions and he arrives from Perpignan where his form prompted a call up to the recent British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa. Hines will be joined by Ireland tight-head prop Mike Ross (Harlequins) and Australian back Shaun Berne (Bath) who have each agreed two year deals with the province. Hooker Richardt Strauss 23 has also agreed a deal with the province and joins from the Cheetahs. The quartet will join Ireland international scrum-half Eoin Reddan who had previously signed a three-year deal from London Wasps. Meanwhile scrum-half Paul ‘Donoghue who made four senior appearances last season and hooker Jason Harris-Wright have both been awarded their first professional contracts and are the latest graduates from the Leinster Academy.

Perpignan to target Heineken Cup quarter-final in Barcelona
European Rugby Cup
The Catalan club ended a 44 year-gap by lifting the “Bouclier de Brennus” last season and have now set their sight on European success. Speaking to Midi lympique Perpignan’s chairman Paul Goze said USAP were looking forward to a thrilling European campaign this season:“Last season we won the TP 14 range and I think the club is getting mentally stronger. If we qualify for the Heineken Cup quarter-final or semi-finals we might be able to host a game in Barcelona. In the South of Catalan region people are very interested in the Heineken Cup in particular because of their soccer culture and the importance placed in the European Cups said the chairman.
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- Paul Tito urges Blues fans to give new stadium a chance
- Tito’s warning to Blues
- spreys need quick start in Heineken Cup says John Devereux
- Guinness Premiership Betting: Broken Bath must recover from this …

Paul Tito urges Blues fans to give new stadium a chance
Walesnline
”Tito believes the Blues are a “pretty easy team to lead” which makes being captain for another season a much easier proposition. He continued: “To lead the boys again is obviously a great honour but it’s a pretty easy team to lead as we’ve got a lot of old fellas in the squad and I just hope we can carry on from where we were last year. ”When the big kick-off arrives against their Heineken Cup conquerors Leicester Tigers on August 21 (7. 30pm) it will be a bittersweet day for rugby fans in Cardiff. n the one hand it’ll be a chance to put one over the Tigers following last season’s European heartbreak as well as celebrating their new home but on the other it also marks the end of an era at Cardiff Arms Park. The iconic club ground is in danger of becoming a lonely figure in the Millennium Stadium’s shadow due to the Blues’ departure but Tito insists the change can benefit the region. “bviously it’s different” claimed the 31-year-old.
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Tito’s warning to Blues
SkySports
Cardiff were the surprise packages of last season’s Heineken Cup as they reached the last four – while they also lifted the EDF Energy Cup. And although Tito who will continue as captain this season believes the squad have got better he knows that their rivals will know what to expect this time around. The 31-year-old who led the New Zealand Maoris to victory in the 2006 Churchill Cup said: “I enjoyed the captaincy last year and it was great to reward the supporters with some success up in Twickenham. “We are getting stronger as a squad and team season on season and everyone is geared up for our first match. We’d all had a good rest over the summer months but have now been back in training for a few weeks.

spreys need quick start in Heineken Cup says John Devereux
Walesnline
Former Lions and Wales centre strongman John Devereux believes the ambitious spreys who have been open in stating their goal is to become the first Welsh team to conquer Europe might not even contend unless they rid themselves of their reputation as slow pool starters. Devereux said: “Going to Leicester is always difficult for any side not many win there but the spreys need to come up with the goods” said the former dual-code international. “Generating momentum is the key in competitions like the Heineken Cup. If the spreys can’t it could be all over for them the following weekend because they host Clermont Auvergne. “Clermont reached the final of the French Championship last season losing to Perpignan and are potentially one of the best teams in Europe. “I’m sure they will come to Swansea buzzing on the back of a bonus-point victory over Italian minnows Viadana in the opening round and confident of doing a number on the spreys. ”And Devereux pointed out that the spreys being below strength will hardly aid their cause.

Guinness Premiership Betting: Broken Bath must recover from this …
betting.betfair.com
4 to be regular season winners in the Guinness Premiership and if they do start to apply themselves have the talent to make that good value. As for the 32 to be winners of the Heineken Cup ? well now that really would give them something to party about!”Ian Holloway once told me one of his theories of how to run a successful football club – always check the character of your most senior pro. “Think back to when you were at school” he explained. “I’ll bet you can tell me straight away the name of the kid who was the best games player in your class”.

- spreys need quick start in Heineken Cup says John Devereux
- Leicester Tigers’ Toby Flood on course to make autumn return
- Ban leaves Williams feeling low

spreys need quick start in Heineken Cup says John Devereux
Walesnline
Former Lions and Wales centre strongman John Devereux believes the ambitious spreys who have been open in stating their goal is to become the first Welsh team to conquer Europe might not even contend unless they rid themselves of their reputation as slow pool starters. Devereux said: “Going to Leicester is always difficult for any side not many win there but the spreys need to come up with the goods” said the former dual-code international. “Generating momentum is the key in competitions like the Heineken Cup. If the spreys can’t it could be all over for them the following weekend because they host Clermont Auvergne. “Clermont reached the final of the French Championship last season losing to Perpignan and are potentially one of the best teams in Europe. “I’m sure they will come to Swansea buzzing on the back of a bonus-point victory over Italian minnows Viadana in the opening round and confident of doing a number on the spreys. ”And Devereux pointed out that the spreys being below strength will hardly aid their cause.
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Leicester Tigers’ Toby Flood on course to make autumn return
Leicester Mercury
The England star who is 24 on Saturday. The England star who is 24 on Saturday.

Ban leaves Williams feeling low
Sportbox
Williams was suspended after being found guilty of faking a blood injury during the Heineken Cup quarter-final defeat against Leinster in April. Former England and Lions scrum-half Matt Dawson has described the ban as ridiculous while Adrian Jarvis the current Bristol star said: “I’ve known Tom a long time through school and at Quins. He’s very low at the moment. “I can’t imagine what it must be like to be told you can’t play for a year when it isn’t through injury. “I don’t know the details and it isn’t my position to comment but hopefully things will work out alright for him.

- spreys need quick start in Heineken Cup says John Devereux
- Ban leaves Williams feeling low
- Historic move for Munster

spreys need quick start in Heineken Cup says John Devereux
Walesnline
Former Lions and Wales centre strongman John Devereux believes the ambitious spreys who have been open in stating their goal is to become the first Welsh team to conquer Europe might not even contend unless they rid themselves of their reputation as slow pool starters. Devereux said: “Going to Leicester is always difficult for any side not many win there but the spreys need to come up with the goods” said the former dual-code international. “Generating momentum is the key in competitions like the Heineken Cup. If the spreys can’t it could be all over for them the following weekend because they host Clermont Auvergne. “Clermont reached the final of the French Championship last season losing to Perpignan and are potentially one of the best teams in Europe. “I’m sure they will come to Swansea buzzing on the back of a bonus-point victory over Italian minnows Viadana in the opening round and confident of doing a number on the spreys. ”And Devereux pointed out that the spreys being below strength will hardly aid their cause.

Ban leaves Williams feeling low
Sportbox
Williams was suspended after being found guilty of faking a blood injury during the Heineken Cup quarter-final defeat against Leinster in April. Former England and Lions scrum-half Matt Dawson has described the ban as ridiculous while Adrian Jarvis the current Bristol star said: “I’ve known Tom a long time through school and at Quins. He’s very low at the moment. “I can’t imagine what it must be like to be told you can’t play for a year when it isn’t through injury. “I don’t know the details and it isn’t my position to comment but hopefully things will work out alright for him.
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Historic move for Munster
SkySports
And the club are delighted with the historic signing with Munster chief executive Garrett Fitzgerald telling the Irish Examiner: “It is the first time we have had a French international in the squad. “We are delighted to be able to attract a player of Julien’s quality and I believe it is a move that will reap dividends for both Munster and the player himself. ” Brugnaut who has previously played for Montpellier has agreed a one-year deal with the double Heineken Cup champions – and is relishing the new challenge. “I was immediately impressed with what I saw and heard” said Brugnaut. “It is a very professional set-up. I am of course well aware of Munster and their great history in the Heineken Cup and I am very happy to be joining them and look forward to the challenge.

- Historic move for Munster
- Don’t make Tom a scapegoat
- Dragons set for Sidey departure
- Munster sign French prop Brugnaut on one-year deal
- Get your hands on the Heineken Cup trophy in Longford
- European Challenge Cup Fixtures 2009/10

Historic move for Munster
SkySports
And the club are delighted with the historic signing with Munster chief executive Garrett Fitzgerald telling the Irish Examiner: “It is the first time we have had a French international in the squad. “We are delighted to be able to attract a player of Julien’s quality and I believe it is a move that will reap dividends for both Munster and the player himself. ” Brugnaut who has previously played for Montpellier has agreed a one-year deal with the double Heineken Cup champions – and is relishing the new challenge. “I was immediately impressed with what I saw and heard” said Brugnaut. “It is a very professional set-up. I am of course well aware of Munster and their great history in the Heineken Cup and I am very happy to be joining them and look forward to the challenge.

Don’t make Tom a scapegoat
Epsom Guardian
But that is the ridiculous situation facing Harlequins star Tom Williams who at the age of 25 should be in the prime of his career. The ERC have come down on the player like a ton of bricks by handing Williams a 12-month ban for fabricating a blood injury in last season?s Heineken Cup quarter-final with Leinster. Their sanction appears to have imposed because the ERC had a lack of evidence with which to implicate the Stoop chain of command. More details will become known but it seems at the moment Williams is carrying the can for a move he probably hadn?t cooked up all by himself ? and why would he? He enjoyed his best season in a Quins shirt last year and was rewarded with the offer of a new contract to extend his stay at the club where he started his career as a professional in 2004. An appearance in the Heineken Cup quarter-final clash should have been the highlight but has instead turned into the stuff of nightmares. Williams would have been pressing his claims for a call-up to the England set-up this season but instead faces the prospect of kicking his heels on the sidelines.

Dragons set for Sidey departure
BBC Sport
The 23-year-old signed a two-year deal at the Rodney Parade club last summer but is now set to leave the Dragons. Sidey has not taken part in Dragons pre-season training and Waratahs coach Chris Hickey says he has signed a two-year contract for the Super 14 club. "He is coming to us with some good experience and good performances in the Heineken Cup" said Hickey. Sidey scored two tries in 18 appearances during his season at the Dragons but is set to return to his native Australia and join the high-flying Waratahs. The former Western Sydney Rams and West Harbour outside centre represented New South Wales at under-19 level and played for the Waratahs’ A team before signing for the Dragons.

Munster sign French prop Brugnaut on one-year deal
Irish Times
Brugnaut admitted: “I was immediately impressed with what I saw and heard. It is a very professional set-up. I am of course well aware of Munster and their great history in the Heineken Cup and I am very happy to be joining them and looking forward to the challenge. ”Brugnaut has agreed a one-year deal with an option for a second season. He has returned home but is expected to join up with the Munster squad next week. Leicester Tigers have signed Ireland international outhalf Jeremy Staunton. The 28-year-old is one of four new signings announced by Tigers as they prepare to begin the defence of their Guinness Premiership crown in September.
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Get your hands on the Heineken Cup trophy in Longford
Longford Leader
As well as Leinster players (yet to be confirmed) the Heineken Cup trophy will also be making an appearance at this year’s rugby camp. Camp places are available for boys and girls from 6 years old to 12 years old. To facilitate the appropriate attention participants will be divided by their age in to six groups. Central to the Leinster Rugby Summer camps which are sponsored by Centra is the introduction to the game of Rugby in a safe and controlled manner. The camps will be managed and run by fully accredited IRFU coaches.

European Challenge Cup Fixtures 2009/10
European Rugby Cup
That contest indicates the quality of players who could be parading their talents in the European tournament – the likes of current French captain Lionel Nallett and Sebastien Chabal for Metro and Simon Shaw Phil Vickery and Danny Cipriani with Wasps. Meanwhile Toulon who have also been active in the summer transfer market and have signed quality international players like Jonny Wilkinson Felipe Contepomi and Jamie Robinson go head-to-head with Top 14 range rivals Castres lympique before hosting Steve Borthwick’s Saracens – who can also call on Justin Marshall and Michael wen – in Round 2. Worcester Warriors will have the honour of opening another season of top flight European club rugby when they face Montpellier under the Sixways floodlights on Thursday 8 ctober.