England Saxons Squad to face the Irish Wolfhounds

Gaskell to lead the side

James Gaskell is set to captain the England Saxons for the first time against the Irish Wolfhounds at 5pm on Saturday.

At the age of 21 Gaskell is not without captaincy experience after a successful campaign with his team the Sale Sharks last season. He runs out with a team that’s average age is only 24.

The squad starts with newbie Freddie Burns in the starting 15 together with the experienced heads of Matt Banahan, Delon Armitage, Ugo Monye and Paul Doran-Jones.

Burns will be teaming up with Saracens Ben Spencer after news that  Leicester Tigers Micky Young has been called in front of a disciplinary committee for a suspected contact with the eye incident in Tigers last home game against Aironi in the Heineken Cup.

The bench also looks strong and feature Ryan Lamb and Paul Hodgson. Many are disappointed however not to see Ed Slater somewhere among the 23.

England Saxons:

15 Delon Armitage (London Irish)
14 Ugo Monye (Harlequins)
13 Matt Hopper (Harlequins)
12 Billy Twelvetrees (Leicester Tigers)
11 Matt Banahan (Bath Rugby)
10 Freddie Burns (Gloucester Rugby)
9 Ben Spencer (Saracens)
1 Matt Mullan (Worcester Warriors)
2 Joe Gray (Harlequins)
3 Paul Doran-Jones (Northampton Saints)
4 Matt Garvey (London Irish)
5 George Robson (Harlequins)
6 James Gaskell (Sale Sharks, captain)
7 Andy Saull (Saracens)
8 Thomas Waldrom (Leicester Tigers)

Replacements: 16 Chris Brooker (Harlequins), 17 Rupert Harden (Gloucester), 18 Kearnan Myall (Sale Sharks), 19 Tom Johnson (Exeter Chiefs), 20 Paul Hodgson (London Irish), 21 Ryan Lamb (Northampton Saints), 22 Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby).

Six Nations Service Disruption

Domestic V International

 

The effect of the Six Nations on club rugby. I’m sure I am not the only person who is absolutely buzzing about the start of the Six Nations, the world’s best annual rugby union tournament, in a few short weeks. Three English away games, a world cup quarter-final and semi-final rematch, and the possibility of any team finishing last. But with Saracens F.C. voicing their concern about the timing of the tournament, is there any way of pleasing everyone?

There is an argument for a winter break or perhaps the postponement of the league whilst the tournament is in progress. This would allow for the cream of the European crop to come together to play each other at the start of the year, and allow a break for some players. This would also mean that any injured players would not miss as much of the tail end of the season and that call ups to squads would not come with the same old grumbles from disgruntled fans, unhappy at how their team’s top players have been pillaged from their starting line ups which very little notice.

It was proposed earlier this week that in 2015, the start of the Aviva Premiership would be delayed until after the Rugby World Cup pool stages, or potentially a group of matches would be played before. The French teams did not start playing each other until after their national team had returned. However the French don’t play an equivalent of our LV= cup and therefore have caught up with our teams on the number of games played already. Perhaps dropping the LV= cup would solve some of the problems faced by the English and Welsh clubs. The only problem with the removal of this tournament is that some clubs see it as one of the best ways of getting silverware to the club. Clubs that may not always be contenders for the Premiership or the Pro 12 often attempt to win this trophy. It also brings in the financial benefits that having more than one sponsor and more television rights does. Therefore that is not a viable option.

 There are of course many benefits to the Six Nations. It allows for some of the younger players, or reserve team players to get a chance to prove themselves, it’s through tournaments like the Six Nations that players like Manu Tuilagi came to the forefront among people less familiar with rugby, through his sparkling club form. It also allows for some of the weaker teams to take points off the stronger teams and allow for a more exciting end to season at the bottom of the table. Yet the table has arguably already been turned this season by the World Cup.

The Six Nations is also plainly and simply, a wonderful competition. It is the perfect stage for all six teams to showcase some of their young talent and to play for the annual bragging rights that come with victory. Last year Warren Gatland left some previously key Welsh players at home so that he could pick a more youthful team, and look where that got him. Wales may not have had the best six nations, (they came fourth, equal on points with the Irish and the French) but they were many people’s team of the World Cup, cruelly knocked out by a contentious decision from half Gallic – half Celtic, referee Alain Rolland. This removal of the young players clearly affected the Welsh teams, as none of them could break into the top 3 and proves the power of the young player at both club and international level.

The Six Nations 2011 Champions

At this year’s Six Nations Stuart Lancaster can prepare a team for the future, whether it is for himself, or the bookies favourite Nick Mallett. They allow players who would not have previously shone next to their capped brothers to become the stars of the show. Prior to the World Cup, many observers would not have known who Owen Farrell was but now he is a shoe in into the England squad for anyone with any understanding of rugby.. Many forwards are also set to take their chance in this year’s Six Nations. With Wales having already blooded Toby Falateau, Sam Warburton, and Luke Charteris perhaps now would be a good time for the other home nations to do the same.

It is the youth of rugby that will define the future of it. But with increasing pressure applied by the clubs on the IRB, perhaps it is time for a change. Some reformers have suggested the addition of other teams to the six nations, perhaps adding Romania, who despite failing to make it past the group stages, had an excellent campaign against England and Scotland, as well as maybe Georgia, Holland, or Russia. The only problem with is that the creation of a knockout would lead to some teams losing their players for longer, causing more tension, as well as the loss of television revenues, as more people are likely to tune in to the bigger games.

 If this does not work, then perhaps the removal of the Six Nations during world cup years, so that if after 2015, the Premiership and Pro 12 decide to start during the competition, then clubs like Northampton Saints and Leicester Tigers, and the new boys, Saracens, won’t lose more than ten senior players for almost a third of the season. Again, this is unlikely because of the loss of television rights from it. Whatever happens in the future, by recruiting youth into the international squads, whilst it may do some harm at club level to the standings, there is sufficient time at the end of the season to recuperate some points and most teams have very good reserves, and should be able to cope with the non-European players from which they have to pick from *cough* Sarries *cough*.

Written by

James_Hoggarth

What are your opinions on this? Tell us via the comment button! Or on Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/TheRugbyDiary 

 

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Six Nations Starters

So tomorrow is the day a lot of England fans have marked in their diaries as one to watch. The new England coach is set to make his decision on who will be in the 30 man squad for the Six Nations this year.

Lancaster has nothing to lose

This comes after a dismal World Cup and several greats of the game retiring leaving many places up for grabs for uncapped players. One of the most controversial topics ahead of this selection was ruling out a key player Danny care for his second alcohol related arrest in a matter of weeks. Danny is not in contention for the entire Six Nations or until he can prove himself responsible enough to wear the shirt again.

Here at The Rugby Diary we wanted to know your starting 15’s so we asked you, on Twitter (@TheRugbyDiary) and here were a few of your selections.

Laner_45 Chris Lane Stevens, Hartley, Doran-Jones, Lawes, Attwood, Robshaw, Wood, Easter, Youngs, Flood, Banahan, Farrell, Ashton, May, Foden..pick it apart!

 James_Hoggarth James Hoggarth – 15. Foden 14. Ashton 13. Barritt 12. Farrell 11. Homer 10. Lamb 9. Dickson 1. Corbisiero 2. Hartley 3. Stevens 4. Botha 5. Palmer 6. Croft 7. Wood 8. Morgan, that,s taking into account no Manu or Lawes

The_Welsh_Idiot Geoff Owen (Wales) – Halfpenny, North, Davies, Roberts, Cuthbert, Priestland, Phillips; Jenkins, Rees, Jones, Davies, Jones, Lydiate, Warburton and Faletau.

The_Welsh_Idiot Geoff Owen – Brown, Ashton, Tuilagi, Trinder, Strettle, Cipriani, Youngs; Corbisero, Hartley, Coles, Attwood, Lawes, Croft, Wood and Morgan. It would be Flood. But, without him Its Cipriani for me. A mixture of form and attack.

Shakermaker1979 James Tanner – Brown Strettle Trinder Faz Ashton Hodgson Dickson Waldrom Wood Robshaw Palmer Lawes Doran-Jones George Stevens

k_iddon Kate Iddon – Foden , Ashton, Manu, Farrell, Sharples, Hodgson, Youngs, Morgan, Wood, Croft, Attwood , Lawes, Cole, Hartley, Corbisiero! If Flood was fit then him at 10 instead of Hodgson. Would deffo have Robshaw on the bench & Mike Brown!

francojaf James Franco- Corb, Hartley, Cole, Lawes, Parling, Croft, Wood, Morgan, Dickson, Farrell, Twelvetrees, Manu, Ashton, Sharples, Foden.

Roshd63 Rosh My XV: Corbs, Hartley, Cole, Attwood, Palmer, Croft, Wood, Morgan, Youngs, Farrell, Sharples, Barkley, Trinder, Ashton, Foden (Flood in for Farrell, Lawes for Attwood, Manu for Trinder when fit)

DanielFutong Go big or Go home!! – 15. Foden 14. Sharples 13. MANU 12 Farell 11. Ashton 10.Flood 9.Youngs 8.Robshaw 7.Woods 6.Croft 5.Lawes 4. Attwood 3. Doran Jones 2. Hartley 1. Wood

Hydeo22 Mark Hyde – Foden Ashton Sharples Tuilagi Farrell Flood Dickson Morgan Wood Croft Attwood Lawes Marler Hartley Cole

rachel_simmo Rachel Simmonite – Foden Sharples Manu or Trinder Barritt Ashton Farrell Youngs Corbisiero Hartley Cole Lawes Parling Croft Wood Robshaw

Have you picked your starting 15 yet? if you have leave us a comment on this thread or you can even tell us on Twitter TheRugbyDiary!

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Looking back: Head to Head with Tom Varndell

After the Tigers V Wasps grudge match this weekend we have taken the chance to look back at an interview carried before the season started with Wasp’s Tom Varndell. Tom came in for a heavy torrent of abuse at the game from his old club and after reading this interview i would like to this some of you may re-consider your opinion on him. I for one am a tiger to my core but can’t help to think that on many occasions a lot of our ex players come back to a huge amount of stick.

Varndell shows his blistering pace

Tom Varndell has always been known as one of the characters of English rugby. Sadly, his career has been blighted by injury thus far, but Tom is back and ready to take on the Aviva Premiership for London Wasps in the 2011-2012 season.

Tori Chipp interviews Tom Varndell

Tori Chipp (TC): How do you think the RWC will affect the Premiership table this year?

Tom Varndell (TV): Obviously there are some really big names missing across the Premiership. Here at Wasps, we aren’t missing too many players and we have Saracens and Tigers first up, so it is a good chance for us I think. Obviously, I hope it means that Premiership rugby doesn’t suffer, but it does give some teams opportunities.

TC: Clearly you think that some great players have been selected for England, but who do you think maybe should have been in the mix that wasn’t?

TV: Obviously, I will always hope that I’m selected, and it’s always disappointing not to be. But realistically, I had a season that was hit hard by injury.

I know a lot of people were surprised not to see Alex Goode in there, but he’s not ready. He is a great player, just not ready. Again, it’s the same with Owen Farrell. He’s very young and wasn’t even in the starting 15 at Saracens at the beginning of last season and one season really isn’t enough. I think Martin Johnson has made the right decisions so far and I think the 45 men he has selected have the best chance of doing well out there. He is an intelligent man and knows his rugby, so who better to trust.

TC: How are Wasps new boys fitting in?

TV: There are only about 20 of us here at the moment in pre-season, but the new lads are fitting in very well it seems. We have a really good new squad, a very young squad and it’s all actually pretty cool.

TC: You have Tigers and Saracens first up next season, how are you feeling about that?

TV: Surprisingly good actually. It kind of kick starts your season straight away and gets them out of the way. I mean they were the two best sides last season.

TC: Who’s face are you missing the most around the place at the moment?

TV: Well obviously a lot of the boys such as Joe Worsley, Joe Simpson and Simon Shaw. I think they’re the players that if they do go to the World Cup will be sorely missed. Joe Simpson obviously got player of the season last year and is on fantastic form. We are very lucky this year, we have a very tight squad, a lot tighter than the last two years I’ve been here and that can only be good. Obviously, I wish everyone who moved away at the end of last season the best, but we have to build with what we have now and I’m very happy about that.

TC: So, who are the boys that you really get on with best at Tigers…I mean…?

 TV: Errrrrr woops, you mean Wasps?

TC: Ha! Yes, sorry, force of habit I guess. Who are your best buddies at Wasps?

TV: This probably sounds like a real cliché, but I really do get along with everyone here. Especially this year, even the new boys are slipping in very well. I think my best friends would have to be the people I have known the longest. Tom Rees I’ve known for years. Obviously, others in my changing room like Joe Hart, Richard Haughton who I’ve played sevens with, but in general everyone does get on really well, so it’s a nice atmosphere.

TC: What can we expect from you for this season and from the club?

TV: On a personal note, I really want to stay injury free. Last season saw a lot of time off the pitch for me, which is a shame, and so I would love to get back playing as regularly as possible. I mean last year before my injury, I was on course to be one of the top try scorers in the Aviva Premiership and still finished the season top at Wasps. With that would hopefully come pushing for a place in the England squad post World Cup. Our main aim as a club this season is going to be to break into the top four, which we really do desperately need.

TC: What are your thoughts on Wasps’ new Director of Rugby, Dai Young?

TV: Really excited to be honest. We have had two pretty tough and awkward years, but now we have everything we need in place to move forward and it really excites me. Having someone like Dai in charge is really important. He’s a big, strong character. He is a proven winner, knows how to win and wants to pass that on. That alone is more than enough to get the fire started.

TC: Now Tom, this is the big question that everyone has been asking me to ask you….Who is quicker, you or Christian Wade?

TV: Ohhh that’s a cheeky one! I’ve actually been his mentor for the past season for his transition from academy to first team player and we get on really well. But I think I’d still put him in his box, I think I’d get him still!

TC: So then, this 100m in less than 11 seconds at Tigers, please explain to everyone the truth in the tale.

TV: Yeah, at Tigers, I did 100m on grass in socks in 10.8 seconds!!! But I’ve never run on a track properly. Still think I would have Wade though as he only has little legs! It was a long time ago that record though, I’m a bit heavier now with more muscle mass. But rugby running is different anyway as you try to avoid getting smashed.

TC: What are you looking at England wise in the future; sevens, 15s?

TV: I have never really been a sevens player. I did it during my second year as an international player, but only between tours. I’ve been pushed into the sevens category even though I’ve never actually been a dedicated full-time sevens player. I think it’s great and I enjoy it during pre-season to get me back into the feeling for the season ahead. Sevens is not for me though, I want to be a 15s player. I am a 15s player. I’m the size now for the 15s game, it’s a very different body type and few can play both well. The full game nowadays is pretty brutal and you need to be very strong, not just fast.

TC: Now this is going to be a tricky question. How is the difference between Wasps and Tigers? Can you tell us a little bit about life on the inside?

TV: Leicester for me was amazing. To have them as my first club from school was a dream come true. I was devastated to leave, I was 23 years old, I had a few injuries and I wasn’t getting picked. I needed to play rugby at that age. In order to further my career, I had to leave. I took the decision and spoke to the powers involved and said I have been here for five, nearly six, years and it’s time for me to move on. Then I went to Wasps and thought it would all be the same. But it’s not, it’s very different. It’s a little more relaxed; it’s a lot more player lead. Wasps has been a great club for me and I have really been able to challenge myself here. Injury has held me back a little, but I can’t take anything away from what Wasps have given me.

I think a lot of Tigers fans sadly thought I’d turned my back on the club, or at least that was how it was reported. The season after I left, I came back to Welford Road with Wasps and was booed, it did really upset me. Leicester is a great club and I have no ill feeling towards anyone there. I owe them a lot. Without them, I would not have played for England, I wouldn’t have got my chance, and I’m really grateful for that. I’m full of admiration for the club, they have achieved great things. Richard Cockerill has done a fantastic job and I genuinely hope that Tigers can do as well as we do next season.

TC: Well, I certainly won’t be booing you. I’ll get down onto the terrace and sort them out for you!

TC: Who has the worst banter at Wasps?

TV: It’s easily Joe Simpson. Worst banter ever!

TC: Have you picked any nicknames up along the way? I don’t want to ask this, but I have been told by the public. I think I already know the answer.

TV: Ha! I cannot say that! It’s far too rude, but it’s not been used in a long time. It’s not very polite to say to a lady!

TC: A person who shall remain nameless asked me to ask you!

TV: The cheeky bugger, I’ll get him back, don’t worry!

TC: Finally, who are the people you really admire in rugby and take inspiration from?

TV: Jeremy Guscott, when I was growing up. To be honest, there is no stand out person as I watch a lot of rugby and look to take a lot from the modern game, and from everyone I see, to improve my game.

Thanks Tom for taking time out to chat with me, you’ve been very honest and given a great perspective on some for the inner workings of club rugby.

 I, for one, can’t wait to see you back in an England shirt. It’s definitively when, not if! So readers, keep your eyes peeled for Tom this season, don’t blink though or you’ll miss him!

By Tori Chipp

 

Follow Tori Chipp on Twitter

Follow Tom Varndell on Twitter

Head to Head with Jamie Noon

Brive's Jamie Noon

The Rugby Diary’s Tori took the opportunity to grab an interview with The ex England and current Brive superstar Jamie Noon!

 So Jamie here are a few quick fire questions just to get you warmed up:

Favourite book?
Harlan Coben: Tell No-One

Favourite Film?
Dumb and Dumber

Favourite Music?
It’s a real mix of everything; Pantera, Andreas Boccelli, Adele, Take That….

Night out or Night in?
Night in – very homey

What is your favourite meal to have cooked for you?
Sunday roast dinner

Favourite holiday destination?
Canada – Vancouver

Making a strong run against Leicester Tigers

 

So Jamie what is your most embarrassing playing memory so far? There is always a chance of more to come!
I was sick whilst playing on the pitch, right in front of the girl I fancied at the time. Luckily this was the same girl who actually later became my wife!

That is such a nice story, well the ending, especially at this time of year we all like a heart warmer. So do you have any funny stories from you playing days over here?
One time one of the Newcastle players got knocked out but when I looked how he had landed he was lying on back of another player. It was hilarious because it looked like he was piggy backing him!

So how have you found life settling in Brive, obviously a completely different place to Newcastle in a lot of ways?
Living in Brive is very different to what life was like in Newcastle, as Brive really is a serious rugby town. The French are all very welcoming and the move has been great for my three kids. It’s a really challenging league to play in, everywhere you look there is top quality international players. And there is no questioning that the weather is also much better.

Sounds like you’ve fit in really well out there and adjusted to the French way of living, what do you miss most about Newcastle?
What I miss about Newcastle is the friends I made there. We had a really close group of young players and we had a great time growing up and playing together. Some of those lads have finished, and all of them have moved on. It’s something I will never forget and was a great time in my life.

You sound like you had a really close group of friends there which must have made it easier to stay and much tougher to leave. Who are your best mates in rugby now?
It’s hard to pinpoint your mates. I’d like to think I’m still close to the group I played with at Newcastle and also some of the lads I have played representative rugby with.

What was it like scoring at hat trick of tries at Twickenham? It must have been even better to do it in front of your new born son!
I am really proud that I have had the opportunity to play for England but to have my new born son watching was very special. The icing on the cake was to score the tries but credit has to go to my team mates for their work in the tries. If I remember rightly I had a couple of cheeky beers after the game!

And we can’t blame you for wetting the baby’s head! Getting England caps would be the pinnacle of most professional rugby player’s career and then achieving international success. Do you think there is still a chance for you to get some more even if it meant moving back to England?
My first couple of years over here (Brive) were tough because I really thought I had a chance with England still. But I have to be a realist and admit that after nearly three years it is probably too late now.

The World Cup is here in 2015 and is set to be a big tournament, do you think we can win it realistically and what would you like to see happen at the helm?
If we can build a side from the young lads for 2015 starting now with good coaching and a modern approach then I don’t see why not. For me we have to look forward and not do what we have always done. We need to be the bench mark and that means developing things that will improve the players we have. Not copying what other nations do, we need to be the side that everyone else is watching

Jamie's Movember effort!

That’s a really good point and I think it’s about time we gave some of the youngsters a chance but with no more Johnno we have lost a stable head to the coaching team. Who would you like to see take his role and move England forward?
I really can’t call the England manager position. I haven’t worked with many managers but we need someone brave, and they must come at this with new ideas.

Who do you reckon the top four will be domestically? It seems the World Cup and so many early season absentees could really spice things up a bit.
The top four will probably be; Tigers, Saracens, Saints and then 4th place could be anyone’s!

No one likes the idea of being relegated but do you think there is any team that stands out as favourites?
I don’t want to think about who could go down, I’m not a big fan of relegation I suppose.

Thanks Jamie for taking the time out to do an interview with us, the first for The Rugby Diary!

Follow Jamie on twitter @Noony_13

Chris Ashton Cited

Gentle giant

Ashton called to the RFU Disciplinary panel tomorrow with team-mates Tom Wood and Phil Dowson.

 

The above mentioned cases will be heard on Tuesday December 6th and is scheduled to commence at 3pm with Dowson, 4pm with Ashton and 5.34pm with Tom wood and Alesana Tuilagi.The panel will comprise His Honour Judge Jeff Blackett (chair), Jeremy Summers and Christopher Quinlan QC in the Offices of the Judge Advocate General in the Royal Courts of Justice, London.

Phil Dowson (Northampton Saints) following his citing contrary to Law 10(4)(j) for a dangerous tackle on Saracens’ Alex Goode during the Aviva Premiership match at Franklin’s Gardens on November 26.

Following what is likely to be named the best game of the season Chris Ashton is charged with acts contrary to good sportsmanship. This was triggered when Ashton was skinned by Alesana Tuilagi on the touch-line and in an act of revenge Ashton dragged Tuilagi into touch by his hair. This sparked the melee which diverted much of the media’s attention following such an epic game. It is also the reason that Northampton forward Tom Wood has been hauled before the same disciplinary committee after seeing red for throwing punches.

Ashton pulling Tuilagi's hair

Alesana Tuilagi was also shown the red card for his involvement though neither he nor coach Richard Cockerill thought his behaviour deserved such a punishment. It is widely believed in the rugby community that Tuilagi’s red will not be upheld.

It was expected that Leicester’s Geordan Murphy and Agulla were to be cited for their involvement in this fracas, however the RFU have chosen not to follow-up on their actions.

Both coaches were left dumbstruck following the double red card incident both favouring a less severe yellow card approach. However what followed was considered one of the finest games of rugby in the modern era.

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rugbydump.com%2F&h=YAQErGXxLAQFv5aPI1H_sKd0vNpuXbOpCWGX-5YWT60N-pw

See the incident here.

 

Ohhh what a night!

Ladies night is long-awaited amongst the busy Leicester Tigers events teams schedule and all I can say is, what a night!

Harry Ellis, Mel, Debs and I

Arriving at Welford Road fashionably late of course I chucked my jacket into the temporary cloakroom in what I am only used to seeing as the Final Whistle. Also inside this makeshift closet were the boys all 120 of them! The room was open plan with a bar at either end, perfect I hear you cry. With 60 tables laid up with wine the girls took to their seats and nervously awaited the gents that would be serving their table. Each table was assigned two players usually a combination of senior and academy. While most of the ladies were hoping for a current member of the Elite Squad, personally I was hoping for a Tigers veteran, George Chuter because lets face it, his banter is top-notch. As the table numbers were announced roars and cheers went up when ladies received their wine waiters to “use” for the evening. And then it was getting closer to our table, 21 Dan Cole…. us next 22…. George Chuter accompanied by the lovely academy player Mitch Turner. Well that was it we had set the standard with the loudest roar and not even Castro could compete. Chutes was attentive and Mitch followed perfectly like a good young apprentice. We couldn’t have asked for anymore!

Before dinner it was announced that there was a photo booth to use with no other than Harry Ellis followed by Tom Croft, Martin Castrogiovanni and Geordan Murphy. seeking a bit of a giggle my party elected for snaps with Castro and Harry. See the results at your own risk.

Big time Castro!

 Next followed a lovely three-course meal, although I must admit I didn’t eat the dessert. A combination of wine and a certain player having the munchies stopped this. Still it was lovely food and served by a great team of staff. The boys were great again in filling up the wine glasses and were perfectly attentive, I spy a post playing career profession for a few.

Next followed the post dinner entertainment which was a sing off between Ed Slater, Niall Morris, George Chuter and Cookie from the academy squad. It was a close fought competition with Morris undeniably singing the best but our boy Chutes had the crowd on side and it was declared a draw. Next followed a surprise rendition of “La Bamba” by none other than Castro and Horatio Agulla. That was that, the floor was taken to by pretty much everyone there and there was some serious dancing to be had.

The songs were good the atmosphere was great and someone must have turned up the heat because pretty much all the academy boys found it necessary to remove clothing (Photos below). I did have to put my eyes back to where they should be however when I remembered that most of them were only about 17.

The night was a huge success and this is mainly due to the dedication put in by all, the Tigers events team are always at the top of their game and coupled with The Matt Hampson Foundation the night could not have been anything but a triumph. The most important thing that came from the evening though was knowing the money raised was going to Matt’s fantastic cause supporting others around him in similar situations. That message was underlying all the fun and I think that the evening was made more enjoyable knowing that I was drinking and being surrounded by handsome men for such a worthy cause.

So cheers to Matt Hampson and all that work and are involved in his foundation.

So now for our awards for the top five players that attended to us that evening. They are in no particular order because that would be cruel. It was a very hard decision and all the boys were great but these really stood out for me individually.

George Chuter and Mitch Turner (yes I’m allowed to make them into one person). Our fabulous wine waiters, the best we could have hoped for that you so much!

Harry Ellis. A great sport and never one to turn down a photo or a laugh, and really did give us a very special photo to take away and share with you.

Kieran Brookes. Spent a lot of time on our table and helped our boys out, especially huge credit due because he was doing the evening with his leg in a splint/cast!

Gastro (Geordan Murphy and Martin Castrogiovanni) Epic patience with us when taking photos and for those who don’t know, Castro always smells divine and Murphy gives the best “cuddles” ever!

Now this was hard a toss-up between Calum Green and Ben Pienaar. But lets face it its all for charity so both are worth a mention. Calum Green was on great form and Ben’s banter is second to none especially taking me calling him a “shit” tweeter! Sorry Ben!

 

Harry Ellis, Mel, Debs and I

Big time Castro!

I hope you enjoyed my review.

 

Cheers for reading!

 

Tori

 

Follow us on twitter @therugbydiary

Movember Gallery Update!

Now comes the weekly opportunity to give you a mini Mo update. We have a few new entries and its certainly worth checking you favourite teams dontation page again at Movember.com to see if any of your favourites have joined the fun! You can find all the premiership donation pages in our previous article Movember Madness! Enjoy the photos you guys!

Andy Forsyth Update

Brad Barritt

Ben Pienaar

Richard Blaze

Team Brive

Jordan Crane Update

James Haskell

Craig Newby Update

Chris Robshaw Update

Tim Schumacher

Tom Catterick Update

Ugo Monye

Jamie Noon Update

Movember Gallery

Now we are approaching the end of the second week of Movember, The Rugby Diary has gathered a collection of the epic Mo’s from across the world of rugby.

Yesterday we brought you all the information on how you can donate for your team or favourite players and today we bring you proof they are all taking part. If you are an impartial rugby supporter take this opportunity to donate to the classiest Mo.

We will be bringing you regular updates as to the progress of the boys Mo’s and hope you donate all you can for a truly worthy cause. See Movember Madness (http://wp.me/p1Xx7p-1Z).

Please send your Movember photos to rugbydiary@gmail.com or via twitter @therugbydiary.  

Andy Forsyth

Anthony Allen of Leicester Tigers

Keiran Brookes of Leicester Tigers

Danny Care of Harlequins

Chris Cusiter of Glasgow

Chris Pilgrim of Newcastle Falcons

Jordan Crane of Leicester Tigers week two

Jordan Crane of Leicester Tigers week one

A few of the Leicester Tigers

David Jackson of Nottingham Rugby

Ed Slater of the Leicester Tigers

David Flatman of Bath Rugby

Will Fraser of Saracens

Jacques Burger of Saracen week two

Jacques Burger of Saracen Week one

Jamie Noon of Brive

Nick Kennedy of London Irish

Mouritz Botha of Saracens

Head to Movember.com to donate

Craig Newby of Leicester Tigers

Rob Webber of London Wasps

Chris Robshaw of Harlequins

Schalk Brits of Saracens

Tom Catterick of Newcastle Falcons

Sam Vesty of Bath Rugby

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Thanks for reading!

Tori (@totti369)

Movember Madness

Are you taking part in Movember, if not why not?

Bath's David Flatman showing how not to look scary (!)

Yes folks it’s that time of year again when our blokes look like cavemen for a full 30 days. After the coverage the beards got in the World Cup it’s time for the “mo” to shine. You may not know anyone personally growing their facial hair but all clubs have at least some involvement. Below you will find a list of confirmed entries from each premiership team together with a link to the Movember team captain’s profile. You can donate to an individual in the team or the team its self but know that your money is all going to support men’s healthcare, and get in the face of testicular cancer.

So whether you can give a little or a lot, regardless if you’re a Mo sister or brother give something to support you team or favourite player and let us help beat testicular cancer.

The Aviva Premiership has a very high involvement in rugby and below is not an exhaustive list. If you can’t find your favourite player please do donate to their team as it all goes to the same great place.

London Irish http://uk.movember.com/mospace/320292 Bob Casey, Aitor Cisneros, Nick Kennedy

Leicester Tigers, http://uk.movember.com/mospace/782926 Kieran Brookes, Jordan Crane, Craig Newby, Ben Woods, Andy Forsyth, Anthony Allen, Andy Forsyth, Dave Orton (physio), Ed Slater, Calum Green

Saracens http://uk.movember.com/mospace/1389318 Jacques Burger, Andy Saull, Mouritz Botha, Ben Ransom, Hugh Vyvyan, Kelly Brown, Will Fraser, Schalk Brits

Newcastle Falcons http://uk.movember.com/mospace/1388916 Tom Catterick, Jeremy Manning officially but the team is taking part and will be registering shortly individually.

London Wasps http://uk.movember.com/mospace/672174/index/tp/1 Tom Varndell, David Spragg, Joe Simpson, Ben Broster, Matty Everard, Richard Tonkin, Joe Burton, Tom Lindsay, Lewis Thiede, Zandro Parias,Elliot Daly,Jonah Homes, Chris Elder, Luke Bowen, David Burton

Harlequins http://uk.movember.com/mospace/370848 Ollie Kohn, Joe Marler, Danny Care, Rob Buchanan, Chris Robshaw, Mark Lambert, Joe Gray

Northampton Saints http://uk.movember.com/mospace/347796 Christian Day, Dylan Hartley, I’m sure there is more!!

Bath Rugby http://uk.movember.com/mospace/669312 Sam Vesty, David Flatman and several in team VitaMo http://uk.movember.com/mospace/1339846/

Exeter Chiefs http://uk.movember.com/mospace/765978 Haydn Thomas

Gloucester Rugby http://uk.movember.com/mospace/294082 Will James, Danny Murphy

Worcester Warriors http://uk.movember.com/mospace/1389424 Jake Abbott

Sale Sharks http://uk.movember.com/mospace/1389254 Neil Briggs

Here is Jordan Crane going into week two!

Some other clubs with a good involvement……

LEEDS CARNEGIE http://uk.movember.com/mospace/285678

LONDON WELSH http://uk.movember.com/mospace/764892/

BRISTOL RUGBY http://uk.movember.com/mospace/1806562/

CORNISH PIRATES http://uk.movember.com/mospace/1062386/

NOTTINGHAM http://uk.movember.com/mospace/407482/

Here are some photos of the efforts so far

Are you or your team getting involved in Movember? Simply comment or email us (rugbydiary@gmail.com ) the link to your donation page and we will put it with this piece, even better send us photos or post them on our Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-Rugby-Diary/196490980427279 ) for the Mo gallery!

Head to Movember.com and see who you can find thats taking part!