NH International Rugby
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I don't often watch test matches between tier 3/4 nations, but I watched the Rugby Europe Championship promotion/relegation match between Belgium and the Netherlands, this morning. The Netherlands beat Belgium away 23 -21 and earned promotion to the Championship (the tier below the Six Nations) and Belgium has been relegated to the Rugby Europe Trophy. Typical amateur level rugby, but fun to watch anyway. My Dutch granddad would have been proud.
Most Dutch players just play club rugby in the Netherlands, but there are approx. 7 players who play in Pro D2, Fédérale 1 or 2 in France, or some low-tier rugby in England. I know there are at least two players in the Top 14, but they weren't in the match day 23.
It's a pity that players like Stan van der Hoven and Fabian Holland may be lost to the Netherlands due to being successful in NZ. Everyone always talks about how PI players shouldn't be capped by NZ and other tier 1 nations and that the PI Nations need those players, but the fact is that countries like the Netherlands need players like van der Hoven and Holland even more (like Germany needs Segner). Fabian Holland has, however, already indicated that he'd reject a call-up from the Netherlands because he dreams of becoming an All Black ....
Anyway, the Netherlands will play Georgia next. I expect them to get a huge hiding, but it will be great for the players nevertheless, because they've never played Georgia before. -
@stargazer said in NH International Rugby:
Most Dutch players just play club rugby in the Netherlands, but there are approx. 7 players who play in Pro D2, Fédérale 1 or 2 in France, or some low-tier rugby in England. I know there are at least two players in the Top 14, but they weren't in the match day 23.
It's a pity that players like Stan van der Hoven and Fabian Holland may be lost to the Netherlands due to being successful in NZ. Everyone always talks about how PI players shouldn't be capped by NZ and other tier 1 nations and that the PI Nations need those players, but the fact is that countries like the Netherlands need players like van der Hoven and Holland even more (like Germany needs Segner). Fabian Holland has, however, already indicated that he'd reject a call-up from the Netherlands because he dreams of becoming an All Black ....
Anyway, the Netherlands will play Georgia next. I expect them to get a huge hiding, but it will be great for the players nevertheless, because they've never played Georgia before.I concur with your opinions.
There was one young Dutch guy recently, Bart Wierenga (or Weirenga) who played BOP youth level (in the teams that won the Jock Hobbs Trophy), maybe even NZ youth level, or fringe . But he has gone back to Holland and played for them, which is great.
I'm riffing off-script , here, from faulty memory. I think he played right wing, injured for the final, other right winger in the BOP U19 squad was Fijian scholarship kid (who is chiefs player now, I think). I'll bet the Fijian doesn't end up playing for Fiji.
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Wales Summer Squad announced
Good mix of youth and experience
Should be too strong for Canada
Argentina matches will be very interesting
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Japan XV v Sunwolves full replay -
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Louis Lynagh (son of Wallaby Michael) tipped for England.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/57626092
But I assume he could play for Italy (where he was born) or Australia if he wanted too.
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@sparky said in NH International Rugby:
Louis Lynagh (son of Wallaby Michael) tipped for England.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/57626092
But I assume he could play for Italy (where he was born) or Australia if he wanted too.
Italy not even in the mix
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@stargazer said in NH International Rugby:
I don't often watch test matches between tier 3/4 nations, but I watched the Rugby Europe Championship promotion/relegation match between Belgium and the Netherlands, this morning. The Netherlands beat Belgium away 23 -21 and earned promotion to the Championship (the tier below the Six Nations) and Belgium has been relegated to the Rugby Europe Trophy. Typical amateur level rugby, but fun to watch anyway. My Dutch granddad would have been proud.
Most Dutch players just play club rugby in the Netherlands, but there are approx. 7 players who play in Pro D2, Fédérale 1 or 2 in France, or some low-tier rugby in England. I know there are at least two players in the Top 14, but they weren't in the match day 23.
It's a pity that players like Stan van der Hoven and Fabian Holland may be lost to the Netherlands due to being successful in NZ. Everyone always talks about how PI players shouldn't be capped by NZ and other tier 1 nations and that the PI Nations need those players, but the fact is that countries like the Netherlands need players like van der Hoven and Holland even more (like Germany needs Segner). Fabian Holland has, however, already indicated that he'd reject a call-up from the Netherlands because he dreams of becoming an All Black ....
Anyway, the Netherlands will play Georgia next. I expect them to get a huge hiding, but it will be great for the players nevertheless, because they've never played Georgia before.I agree entirely SG.
However can you please advise who these guys are?
I struggle to follow NPC, let alone any age group/school/development stuff, which is where I assume these guys are at (?).
I'm aware of Segner (although not sure how far he has advanced).
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If you are a rugby fan you must cheer for Sweden at EURO 2020 today: Romania will only be able to host Argentina at Arcul de Triunf this Friday if Ukraine loses -
Romanian Rugby Union can't have access to Arcul de Triumf renovated stadium for their test match this weekend if Ukraine reaches quarterfinals as it is their designated training ground.If they beat Sweden tonight Romania will be forced to move their long awaited test match against a Tier 1 to an outdated football stadium with athletic tracks.
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@booboo said in NH International Rugby:
@stargazer said in NH International Rugby:
I don't often watch test matches between tier 3/4 nations, but I watched the Rugby Europe Championship promotion/relegation match between Belgium and the Netherlands, this morning. The Netherlands beat Belgium away 23 -21 and earned promotion to the Championship (the tier below the Six Nations) and Belgium has been relegated to the Rugby Europe Trophy. Typical amateur level rugby, but fun to watch anyway. My Dutch granddad would have been proud.
Most Dutch players just play club rugby in the Netherlands, but there are approx. 7 players who play in Pro D2, Fédérale 1 or 2 in France, or some low-tier rugby in England. I know there are at least two players in the Top 14, but they weren't in the match day 23.
It's a pity that players like Stan van der Hoven and Fabian Holland may be lost to the Netherlands due to being successful in NZ. Everyone always talks about how PI players shouldn't be capped by NZ and other tier 1 nations and that the PI Nations need those players, but the fact is that countries like the Netherlands need players like van der Hoven and Holland even more (like Germany needs Segner). Fabian Holland has, however, already indicated that he'd reject a call-up from the Netherlands because he dreams of becoming an All Black ....
Anyway, the Netherlands will play Georgia next. I expect them to get a huge hiding, but it will be great for the players nevertheless, because they've never played Georgia before.I agree entirely SG.
However can you please advise who these guys are?
I struggle to follow NPC, let alone any age group/school/development stuff, which is where I assume these guys are at (?).
I'm aware of Segner (although not sure how far he has advanced).
Both Dutch players are tall locks.
Stan van der Hoven moved to NZ in 2017. He was part of the BOP U19 squad and named BOP U19 player of the year, that same year. He trialled for the NZ U20s in 2018, but didn't make the squad. He played for BOP during the 2019 (2 games) and 2020 (8 games) Mitre 10 Cup and I assume he'll play for them again, this year. He was in the Chiefs' WTG and played for the Chiefs Development team, this year. He's 22 years old and 2.03m tall. (Chiefs profile)
Fabian Holland arrived in NZ in early 2019. He played 1st XV for Christchurch Boys' in 2019 and 2020, and was named in the 2020 NZ Schools squad. He moved South to study at Otago Uni, also having signed a development contract with the Highlanders (I think a 2-year contract). He played for the Highlanders Bravehearts a few months ago. He played for Highlanders U20 during the SRA U20 tournament and has been named in the 2021 NZ U20s squad. He's 18 or 19 years old and at least 2.04m tall.
About Anton Segner. He's 19 years old (he turns 20 in July), has played 5 games for Ta$man in last year's Mitre 10 Cup. He was part of the Crusaders U18 and NZ Schools team in 2018 and 2019. This year, he was the Crusaders U20 captain and he has also been named in the NZ U20s squad. He's part of the Crusaders Academy/WTG.
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@stargazer thanks heaps for that.
Holland from Holland ... I bet noone has made that connection before.
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LIVE France v Wales | Match Stream | Six Nations Under-20s 2021
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Men v boys
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England side to face USA on Sunday.
England: Steward; Cokanasiga, Slade, Lawrence, Malins; Smith, Randall; Genge, Langdon, Heyes, McNally, Ewels, Ludlow (capt), Underhill, Chick.
Replacements: Blamire, Obano, Davison, Hill, B Curry, Ludlam, Robson, Umaga.
No space in the 23 for Alex Dombrandt or Joe Marchant
Edit: Plus Malins wasted n the wing.
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@catogrande said in NH International Rugby:
England side to face USA on Sunday.
England: Steward; Cokanasiga, Slade, Lawrence, Malins; Smith, Randall; Genge, Langdon, Heyes, McNally, Ewels, Ludlow (capt), Underhill, Chick.
Replacements: Blamire, Obano, Davison, Hill, B Curry, Ludlam, Robson, Umaga.
No space in the 23 for Alex Dombrandt or Joe Marchant
Edit: Plus Malins wasted n the wing.
Is that the Umaga who played down here a bit? I assume he's shown lots of improvement since then if he's lining up for England.
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@nepia said in NH International Rugby:
@catogrande said in NH International Rugby:
England side to face USA on Sunday.
England: Steward; Cokanasiga, Slade, Lawrence, Malins; Smith, Randall; Genge, Langdon, Heyes, McNally, Ewels, Ludlow (capt), Underhill, Chick.
Replacements: Blamire, Obano, Davison, Hill, B Curry, Ludlam, Robson, Umaga.
No space in the 23 for Alex Dombrandt or Joe Marchant
Edit: Plus Malins wasted n the wing.
Is that the Umaga who played down here a bit? I assume he's shown lots of improvement since then if he's lining up for England.
Jacob Umaga, son of Mike. The one you're probably thinking of is Tana Umaga and actually I thought he went quite well down there.
