Global Rapid Rugby
- Thread starter ForceFan
- Start date
WorkingClassRugger
Michael Lynagh (62)
The bloke behind the BaaBass and World XV is apparently keen to base a team in Japan that will compete in GRR. So, it's not entirely in the corporations hands. In my opinion he could/should look to purchase the Sunwolves IP and take an established brand into the competition.
Rugbynutter39
Michael Lynagh (62)
Yeh but like the Sunwolves players expectations is players who play for rapid rugby would also play in Japanese league so you can’t really escape the link
Rugbynutter39
Michael Lynagh (62)
I did not realise that which makes sense - bugger
kiap
Steve Williams (59)
Pacific Showcase starts this Saturday at Lautoka in Fiji:
No series squad announced for the Samoans yet, although Fijian Latui have done so (it looks like the Drua).
Kagifa Samoa making debut this week
By Thomas Airey, 15 May 2019
When Kagifa Samoa take the field on Saturday in their first ever Global Rapid Rugby fixture, team Chief Executive Officer Richard Fale will breathe a sigh of relief.
… “The focus [for Kagifa Samoa] is to be an asset to the development of the Manu Samoa and Samoa A," he said.
“We also have a wide net of Manu Samoa and Samoa A players that live in both New Zealand and Australia. For example we’ve flown in two really strong potential future Samoa nationals who are on Australia’s radar."
… Fale said Kagifa's squad will vary a lot this year, to give as many players as possible a chance to put their hand up for Season One. … “We do have a solid group of Samoan, Tongan, and even a couple of Fijian players that will be part of the organisation moving forward as we kinda get a look at everybody."
Fale is also involved with the Hawai'i team that will compete from next year, and between the two sides' squads there are 70 positions to fill.
With Apia Park closed until after the Pacific Games in July, Kagifa Samoa are being hosted in Pukekohe, New Zealand by the Counties-Manukau Rugby Union. Fale said that comes with the understanding that some of their players will be involved in Kagifa as a build-up for the domestic Mitre 10 Cup season.
“We also have to leave room for Samoan players we want to bring in to the organisation."
He listed current and former All Blacks Patrick Tuipulotu, Lima Sopoaga and Steven Luatua as examples.
“Guys like that, that are of Samoan heritage who are also a great value and asset that would help mentor and guide these young guys."
Read full article: https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/sport/41970
No series squad announced for the Samoans yet, although Fijian Latui have done so (it looks like the Drua).
- Interesting that Kagifa Samoa are targeting OZ/NZ resident Samoans.
- Also interesting that Hawaii is named as being in Rapid Rugby for 2020. Is this true? Dunno, but I'm dubious about Hawaii for a number of reasons.
Rugbynutter39
Michael Lynagh (62)
Yep got this game taped which looking forward to seeing. Pacific island rugby hopefully at its best.
Rugbynutter39
Michael Lynagh (62)
Yes Kiap Hawaii not my choice. Japanese team top of the list commercially for me and another oz team - ideally in western Sydney that plus Malaysia with Current exhibition series teams gives us our 8 teams for next year which would prefer
kiap
Steve Williams (59)
The Samoan Sharkie lineup:
As well as Samoan-based players, there are a couple of Aus-Samoans in there, I believe, in Ah-mu and David Feliuai Lene.
Training out of NZ so obviously a fair few Enzedders / PIs based in NZ.
I make it five Fijians. And there are five players carrying on in Rapid Rugby with this Kagifa team from the APDs, including four Tongans: Fosita, Fukofuka, Hala and Lokotui.
As well as Samoan-based players, there are a couple of Aus-Samoans in there, I believe, in Ah-mu and David Feliuai Lene.
Training out of NZ so obviously a fair few Enzedders / PIs based in NZ.
I make it five Fijians. And there are five players carrying on in Rapid Rugby with this Kagifa team from the APDs, including four Tongans: Fosita, Fukofuka, Hala and Lokotui.
Dctarget
Tim Horan (67)
Huh, there you go. I used to play with Ahmu, think he's now playing up in Brisbane? He used to be a very quick centre with a nice step and good defense. Haven't seen him play in about three years though.
kiap
Steve Williams (59)
Nice one, DC. I assume from Melbs. You'd know him better than me who is relying only on teh interwebs
- which had him playing Melbourne Harlequins then Sunnybank QPR last yearINTERNATIONAL / REP HONOURS
2016: Australia U20s World Cup
2015: Samoa u20s World Cup
2014: Australia Schoolboys
2013: Australia A u18s
ForceFan
Peter Fenwicke (45)
Sport: Rapid Rugby hopes to lift Pacific game to new levels
RNZ - Vinnie Taylor - 17 may 2019
The man in charge of Global Rapid Rugby says they want to help Pacific Island nations become genuine World Cup contenders.
The Fijian Latui and Kagifa Samoa will square off in their competitive debut in Lautoka on Saturday, in the first match of the Pacific Showcase Series, which also features the Western Force.
Rapid Rugby's Head of Rugby, Matt Hodgson, said they are excited to take the competition into the Pacific and want to help grow rugby in the region.
"Everyone can attest to how much quality of rugby there is in the Pacific," he said. "And I think there's no better way of keeping that talent at home or actually showing a pathway there for the players that play club rugby, junior rugby there to grow into play for the [Flying Fijians] or Manu Samoa or the Tongan side in a World Cup."
See more.........
RNZ - Vinnie Taylor - 17 may 2019
The man in charge of Global Rapid Rugby says they want to help Pacific Island nations become genuine World Cup contenders.
The Fijian Latui and Kagifa Samoa will square off in their competitive debut in Lautoka on Saturday, in the first match of the Pacific Showcase Series, which also features the Western Force.
Rapid Rugby's Head of Rugby, Matt Hodgson, said they are excited to take the competition into the Pacific and want to help grow rugby in the region.
"Everyone can attest to how much quality of rugby there is in the Pacific," he said. "And I think there's no better way of keeping that talent at home or actually showing a pathway there for the players that play club rugby, junior rugby there to grow into play for the [Flying Fijians] or Manu Samoa or the Tongan side in a World Cup."
See more.........
formerflanker
Ken Catchpole (46)
Thanks ForceFan. Helps me keep up to date with this emerging rugby powerhouse!
ForceFan
Peter Fenwicke (45)
Good podcast on the RG&G Dashboard by Nick W with Matt Hodgson and asking some key questions about GRR.
http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/th...the-new-kids-on-the-block-with-matty-hodgson/
http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/th...the-new-kids-on-the-block-with-matty-hodgson/
Aurelius
Ted Thorn (20)
Just switched on the very end of the Fiji-Samoa match. Looked like a cracker with Fiji snatching it at the death 38-32, but more importantly it looks like the kind of atmosphere Super Rugby clubs can only dream of.
Genuinely looking forward to seeing more of these guys next year.
Genuinely looking forward to seeing more of these guys next year.
Rugbynutter39
Michael Lynagh (62)
That was very enjoyable game to watch
Rugbynutter39
Michael Lynagh (62)
Anyone heard anything on when teams for next year will be confirmed.
As with changes to top league competition to run at same time I assume previous japan top league teams won’t be involved now while earliest Sunwolves could be involved is 2021. For me to get solid commercial footing need japan involved and also a
Western Sydney team (latter to get more oz fan interest).
As with changes to top league competition to run at same time I assume previous japan top league teams won’t be involved now while earliest Sunwolves could be involved is 2021. For me to get solid commercial footing need japan involved and also a
Western Sydney team (latter to get more oz fan interest).
WorkingClassRugger
Michael Lynagh (62)
I'd say it's highly unlikely we'll be seeing any of the Top League teams coming on board. Though I think it could offer an interesting opportunity in the future. I'd really like to see a Sydney team enter. Be it called WS or otherwise. Would really like a team to support in the competition based here. Otherwise it will be the Latui for me.