BBC AMERICA TO BROADCAST LIVE SIX NATIONS RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP

January 28th, 2010
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BBC AMERICA TO BROADCAST LIVE SIX NATIONS RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP

RBS Six Nations Championship, one of Europe’s biggest annual sporting events, will broadcast LIVE on BBC AMERICA starting Saturday, February 6. The cable channel will broadcast five live matches. The BBC will broadcast every match in HD this year, a first for the rugby series. However, it is not clear whether it will be in HD on the BBC America schedule (currently do not broadcast in HD). The matches will also be streamed on the BBC website and available on BBC iPlayer.

BBC AMERICA is available on Channel 105 (Brighthouse Cable) and on Channel 264 (DirecTV Satellite).

BBC AMERICA SCHEDULE (set your DVR’S):

Wales versus England (London)- Saturday, February 6, 12:00 p.m. ET

Ireland versus France (Paris)- Saturday, February 13, 11:30 a.m. ET

Ireland versus England (London)- Saturday, February 27, 11:00 a.m. ET

Wales versus Ireland (Dublin)- Saturday, March 13, 9:30 a.m. ET

England versus France (Paris)- Saturday, March 20, 9:00 a.m. ET

FAST SIX NATIONS FACTS (http://www.rbs6nations.com)

In 1871, England and Scotland played the first rugby union international.

In 1883, the Home International Championship, comprising England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales was played.

In 1910, France officially joined the competition and coined the phrase “Five Nations.”

In 2000, Italy joined the competition and the tournament became known as the “Six Nations Championship.”

In 2008 the BBC test screened a Six Nations match between Scotland and England in HD 3D, which was the first live international sport to do so.

Played annually, the format of the Championship is simple: each team plays every other team once, with home field advantage alternating from one year to the next. Two points are awarded for a win, one for a draw and none for a loss. Unlike most other rugby union competitions the bonus point system is not used.

Victory in every game results in a ‘Grand Slam’. Back to back Grand Slams have been achieved on five occasions, by Wales in 1908/1909, by England in 1913/1914, 1923/1924 and 1991/1992 and by France in 1997/1998. England holds the record for the number of Grand Slams won with 12, followed by Wales with 9, France with 8, Scotland with 3 and Ireland with 1.

There is also the title of “Triple Crown” competed for each year, which is awarded if a team from the four Home Nations (England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales) beats each of the other three Home Nations. The Triple Crown has twice been won on four consecutive occasions, once by Wales in 1976, 1977, 1978, and 1979 and once by England in 1995, 1996, 1997, and 1998. England hold the record for the number of Triple Crowns won with 23, followed by Wales with 18, Scotland with 10 and Ireland with 9. Although this achievement has long been a feature of the tournament, it was not until 2006 that a physical trophy, commissioned by the Royal Bank of Scotland, was awarded.

The last-placed nation at the end of the tournament is said to have won the (purely figurative) Wooden Spoon.

SETANTA SPORTS USA TO CEASE BROADCASTING

Setanta Sports announced on January 27, 2010 that it cease broadcasting its channel in the United States and the Caribbean on February 28th 2010. For the remainder of January and throughout February, Setanta will continue to broadcast normally and will feature its usual line up of top games from the Barclays Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, Heineken Cup, Magners League and Guinness Premiership.

Setanta Sports has reached an agreement with Fox Soccer Channel to transfer select programming rights, including many premium soccer and rugby events.  Fox Soccer Channel will acquire these rights effective March 1, 2010. One benefit is that Fox Soccer Channel is scheduled to introduce HD soon (as part of their deal to purchase UEFA Champions League programming).

Fox Soccer Channel is available on Channel 104 (Brighthouse Cable) and on Channel 619 (DirecTV Satellite).

As we learn more about Fox Soccer Channel’s programming for rugby we will update you.

Peter Craig

ORFC Club Secretary

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Orlando Men Hold Gainesville Tryless

December 10th, 2009
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orfc scrum

The first forty only resulted in Gainesville converting on a penalty gaining a 0-3 lead against Orlando. As the first half came to an end Orlando had definitely controlled  the pace keeping the ball in the Gainesville half for a good majority of the half. As substitutions were made the forward pack took charge and dominated the scrums pushing Gainesville off there own ball numerous times. The next change was some hard running and constant driving up the field by the Orlando backs. Putting direct pressure on Gainesvilles defense  and creating holes developing into the first Orlando try. This inspired the forwards to take the ball and drive through the Gainesville side standing on there heals on the tryline only to have it destructed by Darren” Big and Tasty” Chapman.. Man of the match “WES” who created many of the holes in the Gainesville defense by needing three players to stop him.

Thanks to all the supporters that came out to watch the Mens side play. We appreciate all of your support.

*******ALSO*******

The Orlando Rugby Football Club will be hosting its annual Holiday Party on Saturday December 19, 2009. We are going to include an afternoon of ice skating at the RDV SportsPlex. Its starts at 2pm, adults are $7 children under 17 are $13. They have a bounce house, face painting and real snow for the kids. Its a great way to get in the Christmas Spirit with some ice skating. The Snowfest runs till 6pm. Then the evening will start as already planned at the pine street bar and grill.

7:00pm-9:30pm at Pine St. Bar and Grill downtown we will have half of the place to ourselves. There will be a buffet style dinner and two kegs. Raffle and games are to follow. For all members that have paid their dues in full by the Christmas Party the cost is free. For members who still carry an outstanding balance or who are not social members of Orlando Rugby  the cost is $10. We need to have an estimate of people attending by next Thursday December 17th. Please RSVP to darren chapman at darrenchapman1912@hotmail.com.  We hope to see you on the 19th to celebrate another year of Orlando Rugby. Thanks and Happy Holidays

Webmaster Men

Orlando Men Win in St Petes.

December 3rd, 2009
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The Orlando men traveled and played in a very muddy cloudy rainy St Pete. But after 80mins  of mud and slop Orlando emerged victorious. Men of the match Forward, Tom Murphy, Back, Matt (two gulp) Wise..

Final score 18-7.

Tonight we are off to view a pre-screening of Invictus..

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Rugby News

October 29th, 2009
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Team Meeting this week Friday 6:30pm at Mike Fullers house. All active players are required to attend. MANDATORY. Respond to mikeyseif@hotmail.com or mefuller25@earthlink.net to RSVP….

TEAM MEETING LOCATION MAP

Also we are getting together on Saturday Night to celebrate Mikes big jump into the 4th decade. Its a costume party so where your best outfit.

HALLOWEEN PARTY LOCATION MAP

Also in the news,, looks like rugby will be making an appearance on the big screen in December. Matt Damon and Morgan Freeman star in a movie called INVICTUS.

The true story of how Nelson Mandela joined forces with the captain of South Africa’s rugby team, Francois Pienaar, to help unite their country. Newly elected President Mandela knows his nation remains racially and economically divided in the wake of apartheid. Believing he can bring his people together through the universal language of sport, Mandela rallies South Africa’s underdog rugby team as they make an unlikely run to the 1995 World Cup Championship match.



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Florida Cup Weekend Results

October 14th, 2009
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A great weekend for rugby action with  the weather nice and cool and the sun shining, Orlando took to the field on Saturday afternoon to play Old Red Eye Rugby, Brevard.  Orlando held off Brevard from scoring any tries only allowing them three converted penalty kicks.  As the second half began Orlando settled into a more quiet game with only the sound of boots running and bodies rucking. The final score Orlando 28 Brevard 9.

Sunday brought together a great match against Jacksonville. This is a game the Orlando Men’s side was looking forward to and not interested in any trophies but the chance of redeeming past matches.

Orlando came out very strong pushing Jacksonville back into there own half. But a few small mistakes had Jacksonville able to capitalize  and put up points early. Orlando never backed down and continued a very heated match showing true character in the second half of the match. The score Jacksonville 24 Orlando 14.  Regardless of the score the team and coach were holding heads high at the end of the match together looking forward to the regular season beginning on November 14th against Daytona.

The Florida Cup winner was awarded to Boca Raton winning over Tampa Krewe.

Thanks to all who made it a great weekend for Orlando Rugby.

web pic

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