WATFORD, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 19: Hayden Smith of Saracens claims the line out ball during the Aviva Premiership match between Saracens and Leicester Tigers at Vicarage Road on February 19, 2012 in Watford, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images). Click through for image source.
April 4 (Reuters) – U.S. World Cup rugby player Hayden Smith has agreed to join the New York Jets, according to his representatives.
The Jets would not confirm the signing on Wednesday but Smith’s personal coach Tim Brewster and his agent Jack Bechta said an agreement was in place.
The 6-foot-7 (2.02-metre), 255-pound (116-kg) Hayden, who played college basketball at Metropolitan State in Denver, started all four group matches at the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
He has also had a spell with English rugby club Saracens.
“Hayden Smith has signed with the Jets,” said former San Diego Chargers tight-end coach Brewster on his Twitter account.
The Australian-born Smith worked out with a number of NFL teams in February including the Jets.
“It’s something that I always wanted to do growing up in Australia,” Smith told USA Today.
“You look at American pro sports as the world class leagues,” added Smith who is hoping to play for the Jets as a tight end.
“It had been a dream to play in the NBA but I see the NFL at the same level.”
Punter Ben Graham, a former Australian Rules footballer, also played for the Jets from 2005-07. (Reporting by Larry Fine in New York, editing by Tony Jimenez)
With the Wellington Sevens just around the corner, check out some of the players that are likely to come to New Zealand in February:
The USA has climbed the world rankings in sevens, and continues to compete with the best teams in the world. The team travels all over the world for the HSBC Sevens World Series, including South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, and the United Kingdom.
Every year the USA hosts a leg of the HSBC Sevens World Series, where the best men’s sevens teams in the world battle it out for the annual Sevens World Series Championship. The USA has been included as a World Series stop since 2003, marking the first time the U.S. ever hosted an official IRB-sanctioned international sevens tournament. With a worldwide TV audience and 16 national teams converging annually in the U.S., the USA Sevens promises to boost rugby’s profile within North America.
The USA Men’s Sevens Team is coached by Al Caravelli. In 2006-2007, the U.S. program really started evolving into the Team we see today, winning the Cup and going undefeated at the Bangkok Sevens in 2006 and winning the Shield trophy at USA Sevens. Those successes, as well as the overall record of the team, prompted the IRB to promote the USA to become a core member of the IRB Sevens Series.
In October 2009, the sport of Sevens Rugby was selected, along with golf, to be included in the Olympic lineup for the Games in 2016. Watch the U.S. Men’s Sevens Teams as they build a winning team for those Games.
Bad luck Eagles, well done Italy. Italy won the Rugby World Cup match in Nelson by 27-10. Thank-you USA Eagles for your time in New Zealand – you did well.
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BOULDER, Colo. – The USA Eagles put everything on the line in their final match at the 2011 Rugby World Cup (RWC). They lost to Italy 27-10 at Trafalgar Park in Nelson, but have gained thousands of new fans across New Zealand and the world. (Photo Credit: USA Rugby)
“I am very proud of how the team performed in our final game at the RWC. I felt they showed tremendous spirit and commitment for the full 80 minutes. We really made Italy work hard for their victory, and stayed in the game until near the end,” said Eagles Head Coach, Eddie O’Sullivan.
Photo credit - USARUGBY.ORG
“For some reason we got on the wrong side of the referee and a penalty count of 19 to 7, which mitigated against us in sustaining continued pressure on Italy. Once we got some flow to our game, we put them under pressure on numerous occasions,” continued O’Sullivan.
Italy had a dream start to the match as captain Sergio Parisse found a hole in the defense, and dived over for the opening points in the third minute. Mirco Bergamasco kicked the conversion for a 7-0 lead.
The Eagles came back strongly, and scored a fantastic try. Todd Clever took an excellent lineout, with Roland Suniula finding Paul Emerick on the run. The powerful center broke through two tacklers, and with a deft Sonny Bill Williams back hand flick pass sent Chris Wyles over for the try. Wyles added the two points, and it was 7-7 after 20 minutes.
Prop Mike MacDonald had another monster game, rumbling through the Italian defense. His work rate was outstanding, and was highlighted as one of the Eagles players of the tournament along with captain Clever. MacDonald also became the most capped USA player at a RWC with 11 appearances.
Later in the half Wyles traded penalties with Italy’s Bergamasco to make the score 10-10. The Eagles had plenty of attacking opportunities playing an expansive game plan, but could not convert this into points. On the Italian side, nippy flyhalf Luciano Orquera dived over to score his team’s second try. Bruising prop Martin Castrogiovanni bull-dozed his way over on the stroke of half time, putting Italy in front by 20-10.
In the second period some amazing Eagle defense prevented scores from Italy. Louis Stanfill, Hayden Smith and Emerick were all heavily involved shutting down certain Italian tries. The level of commitment was outstanding, with Italy putting 50 points on Russia last week.
The Italians pressured the Eagles in the final 20 minutes seeing a penalty try during scrum time, and Stanfill receiving a yellow card in the process. One would not have noticed the Eagles were a man short as they defended their line fiercely, and on attack carried the ball through some great phases.
Italy defended extremely well, and the score remained 27-10, with the Eagles exiting the RWC in 4th place in Pool C ahead of Russia.
“Overall it’s been a very enjoyable World Cup. We set our goal of beating Russia and pushing some of the Tier 1 Nations, which we achieved. The Eagles have definitely won over a lot of supporters in New Zealand during this RWC.” said the Head Coach.
The USA squad will depart for America tomorrow, with many players returning to their day jobs following almost two months on tour. The Eagles can hold their heads high for what was a very brave and spirited performance at the 2011 RWC. Every member of the USA team were presented with medals for taking part in the RWC tournament. - USA Rugby
RWC 2011 RESULTS | NEW ZEALAND
September 11, 2011: USA 10 Ireland 22 (Stadium Taranaki, New Plymouth)
September 15, 2011: USA 13 Russia 6 (Stadium Taranaki, New Plymouth)
September 23, 2011: USA 5 Australia 67 (Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington)
September 27, 2011: USA 10 Italy 27 (Trafalgar Park, Nelson)
From Tasman District Council:
Block Party Webcam
Click to view webcam.
The Stars n Stripes Block Party, on Monday 26 September, is part of the Richmond Festival and celebrations for the Rugby World Cup 2011.
Click for a larger image.
Read more about the Richmond Festival.
Located in Richmond, this temporary camera faces east toward the parade route, down Queen Street and in to Sundial Square to the left of the foreground.
The Eagles were comprehensively beaten by Australia, but the Eagles managed to score one try. Here it is:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VocGCfnLH_Q]
BOULDER, Colo. – Australia produced a strong second half performance to defeat the USA Eagles 67-5 during the pool stages of the 2011 Rugby World Cup (RWC). The Eagles played well at times, and received tremendous support from the 30,000 crowd at the Wellington Regional Stadium.
photo credit: Michael Cousins
“We are disappointed to lose, but as always the guys fought to the end. In the first half we played some good rugby when we had possession, but in the second period Australia was able to increase the tempo and pulled away. The score line was harsh for the effort we exerted and we were severely punished for any error we made, which is a tough lesson when you are playing one of the best teams in the world,” said USA Head Coach, Eddie O’Sullivan.
There is a reason why Australia won the coveted Tri Nations tournament earlier this year, defeating both the South African Springboks and New Zealand All Blacks. Australia is currently ranked 3rd in the world, having won the RWC on two occasions, in 1991 and 1999. Australia also played in the 2003 RWC final, but a last-minute drop goal from Jonny Wilkinson, gave England the victory.
The opening minutes of the match caused some concern for Australians fans as the Eagles disrupted several promising Wallaby attacks. Quade Cooper – public enemy number 1 (as he is referred to in New Zealand) – sparked Australia into action with two beautiful dummies, resulting in Rob Horne scoring the first points. The USA came back strongly, but a turnover saw the Wallabies launch a counter-attack, flanker Rocky Elsom dotting down for a 10-0 lead.
The Eagles struck back from a well worked lineout, Hayden Smith using his basketball skills, finding Tim Usasz on a great support line. The captain bust down the touchline, off-loading to Scott LaValla who carried on the movement. Eventually the Eagles were awarded a 5-meter scrum, which saw an 8th man pick-up from JJ Gagiano. He handed off Elsom, and dived over in the corner for a beautiful try!
Chants of ‘USA USA USA’ reverberated throughout the stadium, with so many American flags flying proudly well into the night. One of the banners of the day read: ‘I Love Nese Malifa. Marry Me’!
Australia would score two more tries in the first half, leading 22-5 at the break.
The Eagles had periods of play that looked very promising, but the Wallaby defense held out these efforts. It was another bruising encounter for the American side, but it was Australia who lost players through injury. Pat McCabe dislocated a shoulder, Will Genia and Kurtley Beale left the field with hamstring concerns and Fainga’a was knocked out.
The second half saw the Wallabies control the ball during phase play, running in seven tries, finishing the match at 67-5.
“We look forward to our next match on Tuesday. We will get some fresh legs on the field again and have a real crack against Italy in our final pool game.” said O’Sullivan.
The Eagles will travel to Nelson on Saturday morning ahead of the September 27 clash with Italy.
Follow @usrugbynz for live tweets during the USA Eagles vs Australia Rugby World Cup match tonight from 8:30PM (NZ Time).
BOULDER, Colo. – Eddie O’Sullivan has named a new-look Eagles team to face Australia in their third pool match of the 2011 Rugby World Cup (RWC). The USA Head Coach has made several changes for the 8.30 p.m clash on Friday at the Wellington Regional Stadium. The match will be LIVE on Universal Sports at 4.30 a.m ET and re-aired at 8 p.m ET. View the complete broadcast schedule at UniversalSports.com. (Photo Credit: USA Rugby)
“We have had a number of changes to the team, as we want to get fresh legs on the field after our first two performances. We also have Italy four days after Australia and we need to keep some players ready for that game,” commented O’Sullivan.
Eagles training.
Despite the pool stages of the RWC being played over one month, the major talking point has been the shortened turn-around times for tier 2 nations like the United States. The squad has put in a tremendous amount of work, and several players have been rewarded with starts against Australia.
The Wallabies – currently ranked 3rd in the world – won the 2011 Tri Nations competition over New Zealand and South Africa. During the RWC they defeated Italy 32-6, but lost 15-6 against Ireland in one of the upsets of the tournament.
“The team is really looking forward to meeting the challenge of playing the Wallabies head on. It’s a great opportunity for those starting their first RWC test to pitch themselves against one of the best teams in the world and make a case for selection in the final pool game against Italy.” said O’Sullivan.
Eagles Training.
The Eagles have been based in Wellington since Monday, and will attend a function with the US Ambassador along with several hundred supporters later this evening.
The team to face Australia will be lead by livewire scrumhalf, Tim Usasz, who goes head-to-head with Australian captain Will Genia. Nese Malifa gains a start in the accustomed number 10 jersey, with the center pairing consisting of Junior Sifa and Tai Enosa. Kevin Swiryn and Colin Hawley return to the wings while Blaine Scully starts at fullback.
Shawn Pittman and Phil Thiel are back in the front row after playing the first RWC match against Ireland. Eric Fry is at tighthead prop making his RWC debut. The experienced Hayden Smith will partner Scott LaValla in the locks. The loose trio, who will be looking to hault the side-stepping Wallaby Quade Cooper, are Inaki Basauri, Pat Danahy and JJ Gagiano.
The forward reserves are Brian McClenahan (hooker), Mate Moeakiola (prop) together with Louis Stanfill and Nic Johnson who can cover lock and the loose forward positions. Mike Petri (scrumhalf), Roland Suniula (flyhalf, center) and Chris Wyles (fullback) are the backline replacements.
The Eagles will travel to Nelson on Saturday, and take on Italy on September 27 for the final Pool C match.
Several thousand fans are expected to cheer on the Eagles on Friday evening at the Wellington Regional Stadium with the team receiving wonderful support throughout the RWC.
USA EAGLES
15 Blaine Scully (Unattached)
14 Colin Hawley (Olympic Club)
13 Tai Enosa (Belmont Shore)
12 Junior Sifa (Nottingham RFC)
11 Kevin Swiryn (Agen)
10 Nese Malifa (Glendale)
9 Tim Usasz (Nottingham RFC) *Captain
1 Shawn Pittman (London Welsh)
2 Phil Thiel (Life University)
3 Eric Fry (Las Vegas Blackjacks)
4 Scott LaValla (Stade Francais)
5 Hayden Smith (Saracens)
6 Inaki Basauri (Perigueux)
7 Pat Danahy (Life University)
8 JJ Gagiano (Univ. of Cape Town)
Reserves:
16 Brian McClenahan (Olympic Club)
17 Mate Moeakiola (Bobigny 93)
18 Louis Stanfill (NYAC)
19 Nic Johnson (Unattached)
20 Mike Petri (New York Athletic Club)
21 Roland Suniula (Boston Rugby)
22 Chris Wyles (Saracens)
AUSTRALIA
15 Kurtley Beale
14 Adam Ashley-Cooper
13 Anthony Fainga’a
12 Robert Horne
11 Drew Mitchell
10 Quade Cooper
9 Will Genia *Captain
1 James Slipper
2 Tatafu Polota-Nau
3 Ben Alexander
4 Rob Simmons
5 Nathan Sharpe
6 Rocky Elsom
7 Ben McCalman
8 Wycliff Palu
Reserves:
16 Stephen Moore
17 Sekope Kepu
18 Dan Vickerman
19 Radike Samo
20 Luke Burgess
21 Berrick Barnes
22 Pat McCabe
RWC 2011 SCHEDULE | NEW ZEALAND
September 23, 2011: USA vs. Australia (Wellington) 20.30
September 27, 2011: USA vs. Italy (Nelson) 19.30
RWC 2011 RESULTS | NEW ZEALAND
September 11, 2011: USA 10 Ireland 22 (Stadium Taranaki, New Plymouth)
September 15, 2011: USA 13 Russia 6 (Stadium Taranaki, New Plymouth)
Further Information:
Dallen Stanford | USA Eagles Rugby World Cup Media Manager | USA Rugby | dstanford@usarugby.org | 512-565-5737
Follow USA Rugby on Facebook and Twitter (@usaeaglesrugby)
This Friday bewteen 6:30am and 9am, the TVNZ Breakfast show will be broadcasting live from Civic Square in Wellington. The focus for the show is the lead-up to the U.S. Eagles vs. Australia Rugby World Cup 2011 match on Friday evening.
If you are in Wellington and have ever wanted to be on TV, then here is your chance. Wear your Eagles colors, and who knows, you may even be interviewed.
The USA Eagles were welcomed to Scots College in Wellington by a crowd of over 500 supporters at a ‘Meet the Eagles’ event. A group of Scots College students performed a Haka in front of the Eagles (video below) before the U.S. national anthem and speeches by the U.S. Ambassador Huebner and Eagles captain, Todd Clever. The supporters were then treated to an all American style dinner, and a chance to have photos with and autographs signed by the Eagles players.
More photos to come.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Pexwq4oG_I]
The Eagles signing autographs for their fans.
Eagles Supporters.
