2012 Super Rugby Launch

[MrTimms]

AUSTRALIAN RUGBY UNION OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES THE FxPro SUPER RUGBY SEASON ​

​

Australian Rugby Union today officially launched the 2012 FxPro Super Rugby competition with high expectations for another bumper season when the action commences in two weeks.

The 2011 season was hugely successful with the inclusion of a fifth Australian franchise (RaboDirect Melbourne Rebels), an expansion to 15 teams, the introduction of a new three Conference format, an expanded finals series and the St.George Queensland Reds securing their maiden Super Rugby title.

ARU and the five Australian teams are gearing up for another massive event in 2012 when, for the first time, the competition will continue into August.

The 2012 Fx Pro Super Rugby season will get underway in Australia with two highly-anticipated local derbies.

On Friday, 24 February, the National Capital will play host when the University of Canberra Brumbies, under new coach Jake White, take to the field against the Emirates Western Force.

The following night one of the great Australian rivalries will be re-ignited at ANZ Stadium in Sydney when last year’s qualifying finalists, the HSBC Waratahs, kick-off their 2012 campaign against the reigning FxPro Super Rugby Champions the St.George Queensland Reds.

ARU Managing Director and CEO, John O’Neill AO, who was joined by all five Australian franchise coaches and team representatives to launch the 2012 FxPro Super Rugby season said fans were in for a real treat this year.

“With 12 local derbies in the first 9 rounds, and 20 over the course of the season, every week is set to be bigger and better than the last.” Mr O’Neill said.

“We saw some amazing games of Rugby last year, which translated in to some of the best TV ratings and crowd numbers we’ve seen in some time.

“The record ratings for the 2011 Super Rugby Final capped an unparalleled season of Super Rugby on FOX SPORTS, where regular season average audiences for Live matches were 41% higher than the previous season.

“In 2012 with all the Australian teams out to keep the FxPro Super Rugby title on our shores, every game is sure to be fiercely contested, which we trust will translate to even bigger crowd and TV numbers across the country.”

The 2012 FxPro Super Rugby competition will kick-off on Friday night 24 February with two games; the first at Eden Park between the Blues and the Crusaders and the second in Canberra between the University of Canberra Brumbies and the Emirates Western Force.

You can watch every match of the 2012 FxPro Super Rugby competition live and uninterrupted in High Definition on Fox Sports and catch up on all the overnight action with Triple M’s the Ruck on Sunday mornings, which returns later this month.

Who made the "polo shirt not suit" faux pas this year, taking Sharpies mantel?

 

[Goddess]

And the "Deer in the headlights" award for 2012 goes to...

 

[qwerty51]

Is there a video of this somewhere? Nothing on Fox news atm

 

[Swat]

I think the reason why the Brumbies don't wear suits is because being in canberra they learn to distrust anyone in a suit for fear they may be a politician .

 

[MrTimms]

The reference to Sharpie is last years launch.

 

[suckerforred]

Maybe pre arranged that one club each year gets to wear their casuals.

 

[Badger]

Is there a video of this somewhere? Nothing on Fox news atm

There is a short clip on the official Super Rugby website.
http://www.rugby.com.au/superrugby

Maybe pre arranged that one club each year gets to wear their casuals.

If they had the launch on a Friday, everyone could have come in casual.

 

[Shiggins]

The reference to Sharpie is last years launch.

View attachment 1971

this was a laugh. I didn't realize Phil was so short. How short Is he? I thought mortlock was about 6'2. This would make Phil 5'7 or something in the photo. Lol


Http://www.youtube.com/shiggins316

 

[ShtinaTina]

At least the Brumbies team T-shirt is slightly less embarrassing than the Forces.
Why don't they all just wear suits, they look much better.

 

[p.Tah]

And the "Deer in the headlights" award for 2012 goes to...

Someone has to put that McCabe picture in the photo thread on G&GR

 

[suckerforred]

this was a laugh. I didn't realize Phil was so short. How short Is he? I thought mortlock was about 6'2. This would make Phil 5'7 or something in the photo. Lol

He is not that short the other are just f&%^^$g tall. At about 5'8 I come up to sharpie's arm pit, so Phil is taller then that.

 

[Karl]

An official launch on a Thursday, in conjunction with what?

Really getting the fans worked up in anticipation with that "launch". Woo hoo. Yeah.

 

[qwerty51]

The media coverage of this has been atrocious..

 

[Gagger]

this was a laugh. I didn't realize Phil was so short. How short Is he? I thought mortlock was about 6'2. This would make Phil 5'7 or something in the photo. Lol


Http://www.youtube.com/shiggins316

but check it out - he's twice as wide as any of em

 

[qwerty51]

ARL/NRL's independent commission launch just got a live telecast on Foxsports News.. oh dear

 

[Badger]

this was a laugh. I didn't realize Phil was so short. How short Is he? I thought mortlock was about 6'2. This would make Phil 5'7 or something in the photo. Lol

The 2011 Tahs season guide had Phil Waugh at 176cm. Built like a brickwall more than makes up for it though.

Two weeks out and there doesn't seem to be much publicity for the launch of the Super Rugby season. Here's hoping it picks up soon.

 

[barbarian]

ARL/NRL's independent commission launch just got a live telecast on Foxsports News.. oh dear

But that is a huge structural change in Rugby League, a watershed moment for the code.

This event is meaningless and has been for years. Just a good photo opportunity and a chance for a big presser with the captains. No-one cares, and nor should they.

The real season launch is February 24. This event is just to start the ball rolling for that date.

.

 

[Shiggins]

but check it out - he's twice as wide as any of em

haha true. Girth!!


Http://www.youtube.com/shiggins316