01.01.70

From the outside looking in, the fate of the English national side has a depressing quality which befits even the hardened cynicism of a rugby league public famous for its bouts of the glums.

The last decade – which itself followed a relatively barren run in the 1980s and 1990s – has seen the fortunes of the national side oscillate between bad and worse.

Fiercely competitive series ended in a succession of last-minute whitewashes (the Ashes in 2003). Lone wins against the Kangaroos (in 2001 and 2004) were followed by embarrassing defeats (in Sydney in 2002 and a crushing Tri Nations final in 2004). Hopes were raised (series sweep against the Kiwis in 2007) only to be cruelly and publically dashed (an insipid World Cup performance in 2008).

Every now and then, some class shone through (in an away win over the Kangaroos in 2006 and a spirited 2009 Four Nations final). But even in the brightest moments the national side was only 20 minutes or a ‘should-win’ game away from despair.

Source: The Roar

by Waverley Rugby

It is the off season, but there is still plenty of stuff happening at Waverley Rugby Club.

Sure you don’t need to be checking this website every other day, but you can be sure enough something will be happening.  So why don’t you make use of all the different ways you can keep in touch with Waverley, so you can stay abreast of the latest that is Waverley Rugby.

You can now view us through the following channels:

So, you no longer must you be tied to your computer in order to log in to hear the latest on Waverley Rugby Club.

Source: Stay in Touch with Waverley Rugby Club

by jmoe@mndaily.com

The University of Minnesota is dedicating $7.2 million toward a Student Recreational Sports Field Complex located next to Siebert Field.

The University will fund the 90,000-square-foot facility using the same Student Capital Enhancement Fee that was used to fund the $59 million Recreation Center renovations.

The complex will be used primarily for intramural and club sports and also for general student use — similar to the University Field House.

It will have a synthetic turf soccer field and a natural grass softball diamond, and it will be heated and covered by a temporary bubble-dome from November to April each year.

“We’ve had a lack of field space for our intramural and club sports, as well as our youth and community programs,” Director for Recreational Sports Jim Turman said. “Part of the issue is the weather and our fields have historically not been in great condition.”

The facility is expected to open when spring semester starts and will house the men’s and women’s soccer, rugby and lacrosse club teams among many others.

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