- FIRA-AER

FLASHINFO 137
SEPTEMBER 2012
Flash Info 137
EDITO
120902 U20 Team photo PL
BUSZ AGEND ON AND OFF THE PITCH
In the FIRA-AER vocabulary the term "season break" does not exist! The official 2011-2012 XV and Sevens competitions hardly finished and
Beach-rugby (with 10 participating nations) took over on the pitch and the traditional seminar with the IRB for the implementation of the action
plan and Grants opens the new cycle off the pitch. Another vital chapter was written with the final drafting of the 6 Nations agreement which
will be submitted for approval to the Executive Committee then to the General Assembly for ratification. The Executive Committee meeting will
also look at the GA preparations, homologation of venues, Grants (with the outcomes of the RDM meeting in Dublin), the recruiting of the
"Commercial manager", common software for registrations, the Commissioners training course in Luxembourg, the Women's Committee
meeting and the General Secretaries and NTDs course in Brussels. There will also be discussions on the attribution of development kits to 18
nations, last season 12 U17 camps, etc.
Let's also mention the visit by our President Jean-Claude BAQUÉ to Latvia (promotional Olympic day combined with the Sevens tournament)
and Lithuania (refereeing masters in collaboration with Patrick ROBIN), and the new headquarters in Paris nearing completion. Back to the
pitch: Portugal, Spain, France, Georgia, Scotland have joined the automatic qualifiers (England, Wales, Russia) for the RWC Sevens 2013 in
Moscow. Lastly, the cherry on the cake, the full success of the U20 championship in Prague, in both sporting and organisational terms, and
highlights such as the single accommodation for the 8 teams, which tends to be the norm for similar top European competitions. As you can
see, activities on all fronts and no break!
HENRI GATINEAU
5, rue de Liège - 75009 PARIS - Tél. : +33 (0)1 53 21 15 22 / Fax : +33 (0)1 42 81 00 04
Site web : www.fira-aer-rugby.com - Email : secretariat@fira-aer-rugby.com
Table of Contents
NEWS...................................................................................................................................................... 1
Alfredo Gavazzi, new President of Italian Rugby Union................................................................... 1
Hungary Kicks Off Rugby World Cup 2015 European Qualification ................................................ 1
U20 - Poland crowed in Czech Republic.......................................................................................... 2
RWC 7 2013 - The 8 FIRA-AER countries representative are known ............................................. 2
Seven's Baltic League U25 (Cross border Tournament).................................................................. 2
IRB/FIRA-AER Level 3 Coaching Course, Part 1, Madrid, 20-22 July 2012 .................................... 2
IRB/FIRA-AER Level 1 Coaching Course, Liechtenstein, 14-15 July 2012 ..................................... 3
U16/U17 - FIRA-AER training camp with Denmark, Sweden and Norway ...................................... 3
IRB/FIRA-AER Level 2 Coaching Course Part 1, Bratislava, Slovakia ............................................ 3
Sweden - level 1 Match Officials course .......................................................................................... 3
Georgia - Strength & Conditioning for Rugby Training & Education, Tbilisi, 5th-7th September ..... 4
Seven's Rugby - Baltic League ........................................................................................................ 4
RESULTS ................................................................................................................................................ 5
NEWS
Alfredo Gavazzi, new President of Italian Rugby Union
Alfredo Gavazzi was elected President of the Italian Rugby Federation at FIR's General Assembly
held in Rome on Saturday, 15th September.
Alfredo Gavazzi has taken over from Giancarlo Dondi, who chaired the Italian Rugby Union for 16
years serving four terms as FIR's President and who had annouced earlier this year that he would
no longer stand for a further 4-year term.
During the General Assembly, a very large crowd of attendees paid tribute to Mr Dondi's outstanding
work and precious contribution to the growth and development of Italian Rugby and, on that
occasion, Giancarlo Dondi was appointed Honorary President of the Italian Rugby Federation in
recognition of his merits and achievements.
Hungary Kicks Off Rugby World Cup 2015 European Qualification
- European teams participate in the largest regional process
- Europe central to tournament planning and success
- RWC 2015 to boost Rugby in the Region
The global qualification process for Rugby World Cup 2015 in England is gathering pace and next
month teams from across Europe will join the party.
Hungary will host Bulgaria in Kecskemét, situated 80 km from the capital Budapest at 14:00 local
time on October 6 in a match that will signify the beginning of a European process that will involve
32 nations and 100 matches over two years.
In 2010 Georgia, Russia and Romania - the latter via the final place play-off - advanced from the
FIRA-AER European Nations Cup to secure a place at New Zealand 2011 after a captivating qualification process and this time around is set
to be just as exciting as Spain and Portugal will be looking to secure places having missed out last time.
It is the first time that either country has been involved in the opening regional qualification match and with the Webb Ellis Cup in attendance,
the match will provide the perfect opportunity to showcase the passion and strong support of Rugby which exists outside of the world's top
Rugby nations.
It will also be a significant occasion for Rugby World Cup 2015 organisers, who aim to inspire greater interest and participation within Europe
through Rugby's showcase event.
IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: "The beginning of the European qualification process is a significant landmark for Rugby World Cup
2015 from a competition and culture perspective."
"This qualification process will also play a large role in engaging fans throughout Europe and cementing the IRB, ER 2015 and FIRA-AER's
joint strategic objective as delivering an outstanding Rugby World Cup for Europe."
The London 2012 Olympic Games showed the UK's excellent ability to roll out the welcome mat to sports fans and tourists from around the
world and ER 2015 are focused on delivering an event that showcases the best of Britain, the best of Rugby and delivers a world class
experience for all visitors near and far.
England Rugby 2015 (ER 2015) CEO added: "It is great to see Europe embark on the road to Rugby World Cup 2015 with the qualifier
between Hungary and Bulgaria in October. One pillar of ER 2015's strategy is a programme to engage and boost Rugby within Europe so the
qualifier really kicks off Rugby World Cup 2015 in the Region."
"We are committed to delivering the best ever Rugby World Cup to date and will be working closely with FIRA-AERs to ensure that Europe is
a key stakeholder; be that through fan engagement, the volunteer programme or creating the lasting legacy for the sport post tournament."
With the three years to go landmark rapidly approaching, planning and preparation for the eighth Rugby World Cup is on schedule. Already
this year an initial round of assessment for potential match venues has been completed, tournament dates finalised and key appointments
made within the ER 2015 organising body.
On December 3, the Pool Allocation Draw will see the 12 directly qualified teams seeded into three bands according to their IRB World
Rankings and then drawn across the pools, providing a fitting climax to what has been a big year in the delivery of Rugby's showcase event.
Source : http://www.irb.com
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U20 - Poland crowed in Czech Republic
Poland won the U20 2012 European title having beaten the Czech Republic in Ricany (CZ) by 44 to
8. Czech Republic second is followed by Ukraine and Hungary.
Czech Republic did not satisfied the Czech crowd anf lost the final by 44 to 8. Poland has proposed
during the 3 games a pleasant rugby with important progress, 22 tries scored during the competition.
For the 3rd place, Ukraine and Hungary played an open game for a final score of 53 to 21 for
Ukraine.
Luxembourg won 1 place in ranking after having dominated Switzerland 21 to 5. Moldova has won
the 7th place face to Latvia by 48 to 13. Congratulations to Czech Republic Union for the
outstanding organisation.
RWC 7 2013 - The 8 FIRA-AER countries representative are known
England, Wales and Russia were qualified for the RWC 7 in Russia (Moscow) in 2013. The
tournament in Algarve (Portugal) has given a ticket to Portugal (winner), Spain, France, Georgia and
Scotland to Moscow.
Seven's Baltic League U25 (Cross border Tournament)
The 2012 Baltic League U25 (Seven's) was held on 11 August at Slauliai (LT) with teams from
Latvia, Russia and Lithuania.
This tournament had a godd sport level including Rugby' Atmosphere. The title of Baltic Champion
was given to RC BaltRex Siauliai (LT) Vs RAA Latvia (LV) on the score of 28-12. The third place for
RC Siauliai (LT) against RC Universitetas by 31-26 on extra time.
The final ranking was completed by RC Miesnieki Riga (LV) and RC Atlanty Kaliningrad (RU)
IRB/FIRA-AER Level 3 Coaching Course, Part 1, Madrid, 20-22 July 2012
9 delegates from Belgium, Czech Republic, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain & Sweden
participated on this course which was facilitated by IRB licensed Educators Colin Moran (IRFU),
Gerry Roberts (WRU), Ruben Duque (FER) & Douglas Langley (IRB/FIRA-AER)
The Course is 1 of 3 taking place this year in Europe (Bucharest, Berlin/Frankfurt & Madrid). The
Course theme is "Analysis & Preparation" where participants practise their planning and delivery of
coaching sessions. Practices took place at the venue of this year's FIRA-AER U18 European
Championship finals. Delegates will return for a Part 2 later this year and before that will be
evaluated coaching their own teams and undertake some analysis and planning exercises. Many
thanks must go to the Spanish Federation, especially Hugo Serantes and Ruben for hosting and
organising the Course.
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IRB/FIRA-AER Level 1 Coaching Course, Liechtenstein, 14-15 July 2012
As part of the IRB/FIRA-AER Training & Education Support "TES" scheme, IRB licensed Educator
Daniele Porrini (FIR) delivered the Level 1 Coaching Course entitled "Introducing Rugby".
12 delegates took part to practise their coaching on this course which is designed to enable them to
acquire basic skills so that players new to the game learn to play in a safe & enjoyable environment.
This is the first time that such a course has been held in this recent accepted FIRA-AER Member
Union.
U16/U17 - FIRA-AER training camp with Denmark, Sweden and Norway
The annualy FIRA-AER training camp was hosted by Hundested Rugby Club in Denmark from 2 to 4
August.
The camp director was Hendrik Kruger (IRFU). The camp was a success, thanks to the huge
commitment from each unions. In total 81 players, 15 coaches and 7 referees were involved during
those 4 days. After an assessment of the players skills the first day, Hendrik assisted the 15
coaches from the 3 unions to work on improving players' skills: getting to contact, tackle technique,
rucks, back division and general play, creating different scenarios to improve players decision
making skills. In parallel, Vincent Bouchet (NRF) led the referee workshop, switching from practice
outdoor and indoor sessions. Referees were also involved in the training sessions, giving advice to
players and coaches about the laws. Technical directors from Denmark (M. Rasmussen), Sweden
(M. Stangenberg) and Norway (JP. Duc) travelled with their team and were able to identify some promising talent. The camp ended with a
tournament (players were mixed in 4 teams). Everyone was able to notice the improvements made by players and referees during the camp.
IRB/FIRA-AER Level 2 Coaching Course Part 1, Bratislava, Slovakia
As part of the IRB/FIRA-AER Training & Education Support "TES" scheme, Simon Burns of the RFU
delivered the 1st part of a Level 2 Coaching Course.
19 coaches took part on the Course. The Course which is a mixture of practical and theoretical
modules which is entitled "Developing Rugby Skills", aims to develops the coaches ability to plan,
deliver & review coaching sessions. In order to complete the course towards competency, the
coaches must now undertake some planning and review work and be observed coaching with their
own teams before completing Part 2. Many thanks must go to Simon and the RFU for supporting this
project and the Slovakian Technical Director, Eduard Krutzner for organising it and assisting Simon.
Sweden - level 1 Match Officials course
From 1 to 2 September in Lund, Sweden, 7 delegates took part in a level 1 Match Officials course
held by the Swedish Rugby Union and hosted by Lugi Lions Rugby club. The course was facilitated
by iRB Educator Julian Bevan from the Swedish rugby union.
The course was held over two days, with two women's matches taking place at the venue on the
Saturday and Sunday. Delegates on the course were given the opportunity to assist on the games
and to help debrief the referee involved, as well as taking part in the classroom and practical
activities involved in the course.
A big thanks goes out to Lugi Rugby club for hosting the course.
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Georgia - Strength & Conditioning for Rugby Training & Education, Tbilisi, 5th-7th September
As part of the IRB/FIRA-AER Training & Education Support "TES" scheme, Gordon Brett
(IRFU/Munster Academy) worked with coaches, educators and staff of the Georgian Rugby Union
on their knowledge and skills of delivering Strength & Conditioning coaching sessions and courses
relevant to the Game of Rugby.
The first day saw Gordon deliver a workshop on "Integrated Conditioning" to 20 staff and coaches
at the GRU Shevardeni Rugby Academy. On day 2 along with Douglas Langley (IRB RDM), Gordon
facilitated a Strength & Conditioning Acquaint Course with IRB licensed Educators who on day 2
practised their new found skills by delivering an IRB/FIRA-AER Level 1 Strength & Conditioning
Course to 20 local coaches. The coaches were fortunate to be able to practise their coaching on the
U19 Georgian National Team during the Course. Many thanks must go to Gordon for his hard work
in supporting the GRU and to the GRU Technical Director, George Tchumburidze for organising the activities.
Seven's Rugby - Baltic League
The 4th Baltic League for 7s Rugby was held in spring and autumn 2012 on two tournaments
organised between 12 teams from Lithuania and Latvia.
The final tournamant was in Panevezys (LT). Two teams from Siauliai (LT) were in final game,
Vairas won against Baltex 14-7 and got the title for the 4th consecutive time. The 3rd place was for
Kauno Azuolas (LT) against Kursi Livona (LV).
This championship was held for U19, Youth and women.
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RESULTS
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