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Video – Big Interview with Connacht coach Andy Friend

The Guinness Pro 14 has done two great video interviews with Connacht head coach Andy Friend

The Australian is coming up to two years now living in Ireland. Friend has a bit to go in terms of the successes achieved by Pat Lam and John Muldoon. However, he is putting his own stamp on things out West. However, he guided them to a Pro 14 final last season only to lose out. The men from the West were going quite well until the virus struck but Friend remains upbeat and says he loves the city of Galway and the people.

Speaking to Sean Holley he said,  “What struck Kerri – my wife – and I is that when we came across to Connacht to meet with them, I was so impressed by the people we met,”. He continued, “Galway is a brilliant city; it has a heartbeat of its own and it is a great place to enjoy yourself.”

He went on to say he always had a love for Galway. When he came to Galway in 2007 with Harlequins he said” It was a tough experience but that there was a real spirit and the blokes played played some footie we weren’t expecting”.

Friend was asked what directives he gave his players once he knew that training and games wouldn’t be played once the coronavirus landed on our shores. Friend said, “When we went into this, we said there were three big things for us as a squad that we really wanted to focus in on,”. He said number 1, was to do whatever you need to do to keep you and your family, number 2 was stay connected, while number 3 was to come back better at something. He said this could be anything from a better husband, reader or anything along as you were better at it.

Friend was asked about his time working with Eddie Jones at the Brumbies. He said, “In order to get on with Eddie, at one stage you have to stand for something”. He continued, “We had our moment 12-18 months into our relationship but now knowing him for over 20 years he was basically challenging my thoughts. However, he stated that Jones has been a terrific mentor for and he owes him, “Eddie has a great way of testing people and ever since that moment he has been a brilliant mentor to me and a great friend. I owe him a lot.”

GALWAY IS A GREAT CITY

Munster Rugby signs tighthead prop Roman Salanoa on a two-year deal

Munster Rugby has confirmed the signing of tighthead prop Roman Salanoa from Leinster Rugby.

The 22-year-old, who made three Guinness Pro14 appearances this season for Leinster, represented the USA U20s as an 18-year-old in 2016.

Hawaiian Salanoa, who has Samoan ancestry, joined Leinster’s sub-academy in September 2017, while also playing for Old Belvedere’s U20s.

Salanoa progressed to Old Belvedere’s senior side, representing them in Division 1B of the All-Ireland League, and also featured for Leinster A in 2018.

He made his non-competitive debut for Leinster in their 47-17 friendly victory over Coventry in August 2019, when coming on as a replacement, while he made his senior competitive debut for the province in Leinster’s 54-42 win over Ulster in round 8 of the 2019-20 Guinness Pro14 last December.

Salanoa signs for Munster Rugby on a two-year contract.

Munster Rugby has also confirmed that South African Arno Botha is joining the Blue Bulls, while both Sammy Arnold and Conor Oliver are joining Connacht Rugby for the upcoming season.

Copeland signs three year deal at French club

Robin Copeland has put pen to paper on a three year deal at French Pro D2 club Soyaux Angoulême XV Charente. It is the second division of rugby in France.

It is understood the 32 year old Wexford man will make the move to France next season after playing two seasons with Connacht at The Sportsground. He also played with Munster and the Cardiff Blues. He has also been capped once by Ireland under the reigns of Joe Schmidt. This cap against Georgia in the autumn international in 2019.

Copeland will now look forward to his journey in France and will be a massive addition to the side that finished 9th in the Pro D2 in the 2018/19 season. Home for Copeland will be at the Stade Chanzy which has a capacity of 8,000. Copeland has since released a statement on his Twitter confirming the news. He said “I loved my time in Galway with Connacht Rugby, but sadly my time has come to an end”. He continued, “I genuinely loved going to work everyday, even when things didn’t go to plan”. Furthermore, he wished all at the club the best of luck for next season. He said France was always a place he wanted to play in. Stating, “For me, my next stop is a place I always wanted to play in, France.” He said it was an opportunity that simply couldn’t be passed up.

We wish Robin and his girlfriend Harriet the very best of luck in France.

Premier League teams agree on modified training

English Premier League teams have voted unanimously on approved plans to resume training on a modified basis. It comes as part of the Project Restart initiative strategy which was rolled out by the the UK government.

However, social distancing will have to be adhered to under the plans. In addition to this contact training will not be allowed. RTE Sport state that testing for coronavirus has taken place over the last number of days at top flight clubs. These will continue through training, as well as the return to match action, in a bid to make safety a top priority for all. We reported earlier this month that Premier League chiefs are working towards a June 12th start date. This has yet to be confirmed.

In a statement released by the Premier League on Monday, they said, “Strict medical protocols of the highest standard will ensure everyone returns to training in the safest environment possible”. It continued, “The health and well-being of all participants is the Premier League’s priority, and the safe return to training is a step-by-step process.

Newcastle United were one of the first clubs that tested their players. They have said players will return to training on Tuesday. “Players and staff will arrive at pre-arranged times staggered in groups of a maximum of 10 players, with each working in groups of no more than five in separate areas of two pitches to allow for social distancing measures at all times. Of course under the new protocols, players will have to arrive in their training kit. The clubs also stated that all training equipment such as soccer balls, gloves, boots, gps kits, corner flags and goalposts will be disinfected.

Steve Bruce, the current manager on Tyneside said it’s back up and running again. He told the club website, “In phase one we’re allowed to train four to five people on one pitch, so basically a player has a quarter of a pitch to work within, so social distancing is not a problem. We’ll train with eight to 10 at a time on two separate pitches”.

It remains to be seen when the season will start back or not. Only time will tell. Earlier on Monday the Scottish League called a halt to the league meaning Celtic were crowned champions for the 9th time in a row.

Connacht make 4 new signings

Connacht have made four new signings ahead of the 2020/21 season. The four players come from Munster and Leinster. Two from each club. Sammy Arnold, Conor Oliver, Jack Aungier and Oisin Dowling are the quartet.

Sammy Arnold arrives in Connacht after making over 40 appearances for Munster. The 24 year old also played with Ulster and has been named Munster and Ulster Academy player of the year in the past. He has also an Ireland cap to his name, making his debut in 2018 against USA in the autumn internationals. Conor Oliver also arrives from Munster. He played 28 times for the province since making his debut in 2016. Oliver, is a versatile forward, can play at openside or blindside or number 8.

Jack Aungier arrives from Leinster. He made his senior debut last year and went on to make 5 appearances. Aungier play in the prop position and is sure to boost and strengthen the coaching teams options coming into the new season. Aungier has also played at underage level for Ireland, at U18 and U20 level. Dowling arrives also from Leinster. He played 6 times for the senior side. He will boost the teams options in the second row. The 6ft 5 giant has also played at U20 level for Ireland.

Andy Friend was delighted with the news to sign four top quality players. He told Connacht Rugby.ie, “In Sammy, Conor, Oisin and Jack we have secured the signings of four very talented and promising young Irish rugby players.” “They each have unique skillsets which will enhance our squad for next season and beyond, and will allow us to continue to grow as a program. We’re all looking forward to welcoming them to The Sportsground and integrating them into our playing squad.”

Celtic crowned Scottish Champions

Glasgow Celtic have been crowned Scottish Champions for the 9th year in a row. Meanwhile,  Hearts will be relegated to the second division. The clubs collectively agreed that the season couldn’t start back owing to Covid 19.

The Scottish League announced the decision following a meeting with all clubs on Monday. Chairman of the SPFL, Murdoch MacLennan said,” Firstly, I would like to take this opportunity to officially congratulate Celtic on their achievement of winning the Ladbrokes Premiership this season, and also to sincerely commiserate with Hearts on their relegation.”

The winners/relegation were based on a points per game average. Celtic were 13 points ahead of city rivals Rangers, when the league shut up shop on March 13th. Hearts were sitting at the bottom of the table 4 points away from Hamilton. RTE Sport report that the only change in league table position was St Johnstone climbing into 6th place ahead of Hibernian.

MacLennan said he like everyone else would have loved to seen the season played out in front of fans and stadiums. He said, “This is not the way anybody involved with Scottish football would have wanted to conclude the league”. Furthermore,  he stated that due to the current circumstances the Scottish football board deemed that cancelling the league was the only way forward. He continued, “Covid-19 has wreaked havoc on sporting competitions around the world and the repercussions will be felt for a long time”.

Glasgow Celtic however are delighted with the news of 9th title in a row. They posted on Twitter ‘Today Celtic have been declared Scottish Premiership Champions for the 9th season in a row”.  It continued, “We dedicate this victory to you. To all our supporters. To the key workers who are saving lives, cleaning hospitals, stacking shelves and shielding loved ones at home. Our 9, is your 9”.

However, the club also on a serious expressed words of caution to supporters saying “We want to celebrate, but safety is the number one priority for all”. It continued,  “We dedicate this league title to you”.

European Season will finish in August

The European Season will finish in August according to the European body soccer president Aleksander Ceferin. He said UEFA has a plan to finish the 2019/20 season, as well as the Champions League and Europa League.

Most of the European leagues were cancelled due to the coronavirus where the Premier League has been severely impact in terms of finance. A few leagues have now returned, while others will return over the next few weeks. However, French football authorities along with the Dutch league cancelled their league, but the German Bundesliga resumed on Saturday. Ceferin has said he expects 80% of league to finish.

Speaking to Bein Sport, Ceferin said,  “We have an idea but we have to wait for the executive committee of UEFA to confirm the dates. I can say that the European season will be finished, if everything is as it is now, in August,”. He continued, most leagues will finish the season. However, he said for those that don’t they will have to play qualifiers to play in European competition such as the Champions and Europa League. He said, “I think the majority of leagues will finish the season. The ones who will not, it’s their decision. But they will still have to play qualifiers if they want to participate in the European UEFA competition.”

Ceferin said discussion have also taken place in regards to Euro 2020 (which will now take place in 2021). He said that UEFA had conversations with nine cities. He said “three cities have some issues”. However, he outlined that the goal is to do it in the 12 cities. But if not 10 cities, 9 cities or 8 cities. “In principle, we will do it in 12 cities but if not, we are ready to do it in 10, nine or eight, he said”.

List of Irish horse racing fixtures for June 2020

We have the updated list of horse race meetings to be held in June once racing returns in Ireland.

JUNE FIXTURES (Flat unless otherwise indicated)
June 8 Naas
June 9 Leopardstown
June 10 Navan
June 11 Gowran Park
June 12 Curragh
June 13 Curragh
June 14 Leopardstown
June 15 Fairyhouse, Roscommon
June 17 Gowran Park, Limerick
June 18 Fairyhouse
June 19 Tipperary, Gowran Park
June 20 Naas
June 21 Leopardstown
June 22 Roscommon, Limerick (NH)
June 23 Navan
June 24 Naas, Roscommon (NH)
June 25 Fairyhouse
June 26 Curragh, Tipperary (NH)
June 27 Curragh
June 28 Curragh
June 29 Limerick, Kilbeggan (NH)

 

The Board of Horse Racing Ireland met yesterday and agreed a number of fixture and prize money recommendations.

It sees Irish racing return behind closed doors at Naas on June 8, with National Hunt racing resuming at Limerick on June 22. The 2000 and 1000 Guineas will take place at the Curragh in the first week of action, with the 2000 Guineas on Friday June 12 and the 1000 Guineas on Saturday June 13. The Irish Derby retains its traditional date on Saturday, June 27, as does the Irish Oaks on Saturday, July 18. Irish Champions Weekend will take place on September 12 and 13.

Return to Sport Group established by Government

The Government have established a Return to Sport Group which will provide guidance to the sporting bodies to prepare a phased process to sporting activity in line with government roadmap set out earlier last week.

The acting Minister for Sport, Shane Ross and Minister for State with responsibility for Sport, Brendan Griffin will be the chairpersons on the group according to RTE Sport. It is thought these will work along with medical experts from Sports Ireland and the sports sector. Additionally, officials from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport will also be involved, along with Sport Ireland.

Shane Ross said of the new group, “Like every sector in society, those involved in Irish sport at all levels have been hugely affected by the Covid-19 crisis.  They are understandably most anxious to return to normal business as soon as possible, both those involved at a high performance level and those eager to return to playing and participating in the sports they love within their communities”.

Ross said that sporting organisations are putting protocols in place and the Expert group will look at these protocols to assess the consistency of the arrangements and to make sure they are in line with the roadmap the government had set out. He said, “In my view, it is essential that the public can have confidence in how sport is being restored in Ireland and I believe that this initiative is an important confidence-building measure.”

Sport Ireland CEO John Treacy also said that sport will play a vital part as the country looks to put the coronavirus pandemic behind us. He said, “Sport will play an important role as the country looks to emerge from the current crisis”. He went on to say that the establishment of the Expert Group is a welcome step. Mr Treacy said that he understands there is a clear appetite for sports to return and the Expert Group along with the government and health officials will make this happen in a clear and safe manner.

The list of those on the new Expert group include:

Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport: Peter Hogan (Chair), Betty Griffin, James Lavelle.

Sport Ireland: Paul McDermott, Dr. Una May, Niamh O’ Sullivan, Shane Califf, Dr Jim O’Donovan (Sport Ireland Institute)

Sport Sector: Dr Rod McLoughlin (IRFU), Dr Alan Byrne (FAI), Feargal McGill (GAA), Niamh Daffy (CARA)

Top 3 Hurling Managers not to win a senior All-Ireland

When it comes to hurling gaa managers there have been plenty of good ones down through the years. Let’s take a look at the top 3 hurling managers not to win an All-Ireland. This does not take into account their playing careers, just management careers.

  1. Derek McGrath – McGrath managed was appointed Waterford manager in 2013. He would lead them to a league title in 2015. Waterford lost the 2017 final narrowly to Galway, 0-26 to 2-17. McGrath has been involved with Wexford club Faythe Harriers over the past few months.

2. Anthony Daly – Dalo won All-Ireland’s as a player with the Banner in 1995 and 1997. The Clarecastle native finished his inter-county hurling career in 2002. Daly was appointed Clare manager in 2003. In that first year Clare were hammered by Waterford, in 2005 they exited the provincial series early again with defeat. They progressed to the All-Ireland semi-finals with Cork. However, Cork who were behind by 6 points, fought back and won the game by a point. Cork hammered Clare in 2006, however through the qualifiers they progressed and reached the All-Ireland semi-finals. They would lose to Clare and Dalo would resign.

Daly took up the mantle as Dublin boss in 2008, following club management stints at Kilmoyley and Kilmihill. Daly lead Dublin to a Leinster title 2013 and a National League title in 2011. The Leinster title was Dublin’s first in 52 years.

3. Anthony Cunningham – Cunningham has been heavily involved in management since 2004. He would go on to coach the Roscommon hurlers, St Brigids (Roscommon), Garrycastle (Westmeath) at club level. Cunningham took the mantle of Galway U21 boss in 2009. The St Thomas’ club man won an All-Ireland title in 2010 as Galway U21 boss. Anthony was appointed Galway senior boss in 2011. He stepped down in 2015. He guided them to a Leinster title in 2012, before losing to Kilkenny in the final later that year. They lost the final again in 2015 to Kilkenny.

That is my top 3 hurling managers not to win an All-Ireland.

 

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