The Heineken Cup Thread

[Donnellys Hollow]

I think Gerry Thornley was on OTB some time last year saying that the IRB were considering doing away with that rule. Hard to see anything coming of it now though with no news about it since.

Mafi and BOD in the centre would be fairly formidable!

Pity.

[Dinny Breen]

News just in, gob-smacked

Quins stunned by fake injury fine

Williams has been banned for 12 months

Harlequins have been hit by a massive £215,000 fine for fabricating an injury to their winger Tom Williams in last season's Heineken Cup quarter-final.

Williams, who has been suspended for 12 months, came off the field in Quins' 6-5 defeat by Leinster on 12 April.

His departure, ostensibly for a blood injury, allowed Quins to bring specialist goalkicker Nick Evans back on the field for the last few minutes.

The club and Williams say they are "considering their position".

Harlequins director of rugby Dean Richards and two members of the club's medical team had misconduct complaints dismissed against them.

"We are both surprised and disappointed at this decision - particularly so in the light of the acquittal of Dean Richards, Steph Brennan and Dr Wendy Chapman on similar or identical charges," read a statement from the club.

"The club and the player will consider their position in the light of the written judgement due to be handed down by the disciplinary committee."
   
606: DEBATE
Blimey, it sounds harsh but sends out a warning

kingwfc4ever

Fly-half Evans departed injured in the 47th minute, before his replacement at number 10 Chris Malone was also helped off hurt later in the second half.

Evans then reappeared after Williams, who seemed to have blood around his mouth, departed the action.

Television footage - which formed part of the evidence looked at by the ERC panel, along with statements from several witnesses - appeared to show Williams winking as he left the pitch

With the match on a knife-edge, Evans had a late attempt at a drop-goal to put Quins into the semi-finals - but his effort was wide of the posts.

"It was the view of the committee that this was a very serious offence and one that damaged the reputation of the tournament and of rugby union," read a statement from ERC.

"Accordingly the committee imposed a fine of 250,000 euros (£215,000) on Harlequins, of which 50% is suspended for two years.

"The committee also suspended Mr Williams from playing rugby for a period of 12 months up to and including 19, July 2010."

[muppet]

News just in, gob-smacked

Quins stunned by fake injury fine

Williams has been banned for 12 months

Harlequins have been hit by a massive £215,000 fine for fabricating an injury to their winger Tom Williams in last season's Heineken Cup quarter-final.

Williams, who has been suspended for 12 months, came off the field in Quins' 6-5 defeat by Leinster on 12 April.

His departure, ostensibly for a blood injury, allowed Quins to bring specialist goalkicker Nick Evans back on the field for the last few minutes.

The club and Williams say they are "considering their position".

Harlequins director of rugby Dean Richards and two members of the club's medical team had misconduct complaints dismissed against them.

"We are both surprised and disappointed at this decision - particularly so in the light of the acquittal of Dean Richards, Steph Brennan and Dr Wendy Chapman on similar or identical charges," read a statement from the club.

"The club and the player will consider their position in the light of the written judgement due to be handed down by the disciplinary committee."
   
606: DEBATE
Blimey, it sounds harsh but sends out a warning

kingwfc4ever

Fly-half Evans departed injured in the 47th minute, before his replacement at number 10 Chris Malone was also helped off hurt later in the second half.

Evans then reappeared after Williams, who seemed to have blood around his mouth, departed the action.

Television footage - which formed part of the evidence looked at by the ERC panel, along with statements from several witnesses - appeared to show Williams winking as he left the pitch

With the match on a knife-edge, Evans had a late attempt at a drop-goal to put Quins into the semi-finals - but his effort was wide of the posts.

"It was the view of the committee that this was a very serious offence and one that damaged the reputation of the tournament and of rugby union," read a statement from ERC.

"Accordingly the committee imposed a fine of 250,000 euros (£215,000) on Harlequins, of which 50% is suspended for two years.

"The committee also suspended Mr Williams from playing rugby for a period of 12 months up to and including 19, July 2010."

Wow! Winking is a 12 months suspension in rugby. Spear tackles are ok but winking definately out.

[Tankie]

that is crazy considering the doc and the coach got off...

[tyroneboi]

Thats very harsh on the player himself. Im sure it wasn't his idea? Far worse things happen in rugby which get little or no punishment. This must be the first time this had ever happened?

[Tankie]

Thats very harsh on the player himself. Im sure it wasn't his idea? Far worse things happen in rugby which get little or no punishment. This must be the first time this had ever happened?

yep and they are really making sure that somebody doesnt abuse the blood sub again...

[Gnevin]

Thats very harsh on the player himself. Im sure it wasn't his idea? Far worse things happen in rugby which get little or no punishment. This must be the first time this had ever happened?

yep and they are really making sure that somebody doesnt abuse the blood sub again...

Serves him right and am glad to see this . If you don't come out down out  fore planned and tactical cheating Rugby will end up worse than soccer .

[Capt Pat]

A bit harsh with that suspension for Williams but the 250,000 fine for Harlequins was well deserved.

below is a link to the Churchill Cup with Felix Jones and company. Jones, Sean Cronin the hooker and McFadden the hooker all looked good in this. Where is Cronin based? Jones is on his way to Munster as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BivmRbku5uE&feature=related

[Donnellys Hollow]

Cronin is with Connacht at the moment. He's originally from Limerick and played AIL for Shannon. Getting gametime and experience in the west before heading back to Munster (á la Jerry Fla) I suppose.

His throwing needs a bit of work but he should be knocking on the door of the international team in two or three years. Could see him travelling to the next RWC as backup hooker to Fla and Rory Best.

[Hound]

I watched all of Ireland's games in the Churchill Cup. McFadden was the star - I'd have absolutely no worries about him stepping into centre for a big Leinster game if either BOD or Darce were unavailable for some reason. Felix Jones wasn't far behind.

In the pack Cronin looked super in the loose. Sean O'Brien did very well at flanker until he got injured, then a Munster guy (who's name escapes me) came in for the last couple of games and was just as good if not better. The mad Best lad was good at 6, especially in the final v England when he was super.

I havent seen a whole lot of Johne Murphy with Leicester, but never been much impressed. But in fairness to him he looked good in these games.

Out half was a bit of a disappointment. An Ulster guy (Niall O'Connor I think was his name) got most game time and Sexton came in for the final - neither played particulary well.

As for the feigning injury, I heard Jonathon Davies talking about the first Lions test in the week between the 1st and 2nd tests. He said the Lions made a big mistake by not cutting Vickery after about 20 minutes, thereby allowing Vickery a rest for a blood injury and seeing how Adam Jones would fare      He said they did it all the time in his rugby league days!

[Hoof Hearted]

Fixtures out for next year.

http://mailer2.matchdaychat.com/lt/t_go.php?i=6157&e=MTUzOTEzOA==&l=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ercrugby.com%2Feng%2F12_12877.php

[orangeman]

Munster are not joking this season : DeVilliers and now this.


Munster have signed French international prop Julien Brugnaut from Dax, subject to medical clearance.

The three-times capped 27-year-old was a member of the France squad for the 2008 RBS Six Nations and made his debut against Scotland in that competition.

Brugnaut, who travelled to Ireland yesterday along with his agent, said: '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.'

Munster CEO Garrett Fitzgerald welcomed the deal, saying: '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 joins on a one-year deal that includes an option for a second year. He returned home earlier this afternoon and will join up with the rest of the Munster squad next week.

Munster still have first choice pair John Hayes and Marcus Horan to call on in the propping department and their fellow Irish international tighthead Tony Buckley is also still with the province, although they have recently lost the services of province stalwart Federico Pucciarello.

With Hayes, Horan and Buckley all having international commitments for Ireland and Munster expected to mount a challenge for both the Magners League and the Heineken Cup the move has been taken to bolster front row resources.

[tyroneboi]

The fall out rumbles on it seems . . . . . .

Richards resigns Harlequins post
Dean Richards
Harlequins appointed Richards in May 2005

Dean Richards has resigned from his position as director of rugby at Guinness Premiership side Harlequins.

His decision comes after the year's ban given to back Tom Williams for faking a blood injury in last season's Heineken quarter-final against Leinster.

The club was also fined £213,000 by the European Rugby Cup panel.

Richards offered to step down during the process and a club statement on Saturday confirmed that his decision had been accepted.

Quins are currently reviewing the whole incident, and the statement read: "During the course of this process Dean Richards unreservedly tendered his resignation from his post as director of rugby. The board of Harlequins has accepted his resignation."
   
Richards and two members of the club's medical team had misconduct charges dismissed but Williams, who has announced he intends to appeal, and Quins were both found guilty of fabricating a cut to the mouth in order to allow substituted fly-half Nick Evans to return to the field with five minutes remaining of the match.

Television cameras spotted Williams winking towards the bench with "blood" smeared around his mouth.

The statement continued: "Following the hearing held and decision made by the ERC panel on 20 July, the club has conducted its own review of the incident. This review is still ongoing.

"As part of this process, the club has waited for the written judgment to ensure it had considered carefully the concerns and position of the ERC disciplinary panel.

"The club fully accepts the verdicts and sanctions imposed upon the club since it is accountable for the failings of its staff.
   
The level of scrutiny [clubs] now find themselves under means that procedures and processes which may have served us well in the past are no longer adequate

Harlequins statement

"The club feels strongly that the severity of the sanction meted out to Tom Williams is unfair and disproportionate and the club will support him in the event of an appeal on his part against the 12-month playing ban currently in place.

"We acknowledge that this whole episode has tarnished the image of the club, which has always sought to uphold the highest standards.

"The level of scrutiny that clubs such as Harlequins now find themselves under means that procedures and processes which may have served us well in the past are no longer adequate.

"The club is urgently undertaking a thorough review of its internal policies with a view to establishing an appropriate ethics code for all staff (both playing and non playing) covering a wide range of areas including respect for the laws of the game.

"While this process is still progressing there will no further comment."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/my_club/harlequins/8191209.stm

[Eastern_Pride]

We had Leinster in Wicklow last Wednesday, half of county Wicklow and every child in the town was there collecting autographs ,even the lions. The players were great and even had time for a kickabout with the lads after their training session and was a fantastic occasion but o'driscoll really showed his true personality. He arrived 30 minutes late, demanded free drink and left after 15 minutes after signing abut 10 peoples jerseys. It was really awful for all the kids who had come to see their hero and put a blotch on a great day.

[Gaffer]

We had Leinster in Wicklow last Wednesday, half of county Wicklow and every child in the town was there collecting autographs ,even the lions. The players were great and even had time for a kickabout with the lads after their training session and was a fantastic occasion but o'driscoll really showed his true personality. He arrived 30 minutes late, demanded free drink and left after 15 minutes after signing abut 10 peoples jerseys. It was really awful for all the kids who had come to see their hero and put a blotch on a great day.

Is this O'Drscoll's typical form?