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Up for murder but given awards

TWO South African rugby players won major awards at their club's presentation dinner at the weekend despite being charged with murdering an opponent during a match in June.

Ben Zimry was reportedly "roundly applauded" when he was named the Delicious Rugby Club's player of the year, and it was the same when Wayne Matthee accepted the award as backline player of the year.

The fact that the two farmers have been charged with murdering 24-year-old Rawsonville five-eighth Riann Loots during a match in the Western Cape region was not an issue for guests at the function attended by the local mayor.

"We did not give them the awards to whitewash the allegations," said Delicious president David Nassan.

"We did it because the guys deserve it for the hard work they did on the field in a short time."

Loots was left brain dead after a brawl during a spiteful game.

Poor Bath Lineout Play Sets Up Bristol Win

Bath continued their losing streak with another poor performance which saw Bristol win 12-19 at the Rec. Despite the return of Grewcock and Barkley and the introduction of Shaun Berne at fly half, Bath failed to make anything of their chances and were punished for a lack of skill and organisation. .

All Blacks undermine Robson's rebuilding

THE cranes that towered over Twickenham's unfinished South Stand during yesterday's 41-20 defeat to New Zealand provided the most fitting of images for the state of English rugby just ten months before Andy Robinson's side begin the defence of their World Cup crown.

Just as Twickenham's rebuilding programme is incomplete, so Robinson's attempts to construct a side capable of competing in France are far from finished.

August 19th, 2008 09:07 PM

Rugby: All Blacks return poor timing for Manawatu (The New Zealand Herald)

From Manawatu rugby supporters' perspective, the release of the All Blacks back into Air NZ Cup rugby could not have come at a worst time as they weigh up their chances for the Ranfurly Shield challenge against Auckland on Saturday.

August 19th, 2008 07:12 PM

Rugby: Piri Weepu extends NZRU contract (The New Zealand Herald)

All Blacks halfback Piri Weepu has extended his New Zealand Rugby Union contract for a further two years to 2010. 24-year-old Weepu has played 22 Tests for the All Blacks since making his debut against Wales in Cardiff in 2004.

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