Wilkinson, Guilford, ITM Cup, Currie Cup, USA Rugby and World Rugby News

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NEW YORK, NY – Sorry fans and regulars, there won’t be too much sweet talking today. We have some crucial fixtures and big tournaments/cups to get to. We will, of course, discuss the week’s news and transactions as we always do. So buckle up and lets get into The Weekend Preview:

News & Transactions:

Top 14: Racing 92 completed the signing of loosehead prop Nicolas Mirande as a World Cup joker to replace France International Eddy Ben Arous.

Aviva Premiership: Newcastle completed the signing of former England and Saracens second-row Mouritz Botha from the Super Rugby Sharks… Jonny Wilkinson, Lawrence Dallaglio, Josh Lewsey, Phil Vickery, Simon Shaw, James Simpson-Daniel and Peter Wheeler will be inducted into the Premiership Rugby Hall of Fame next month.

Pro 12: Canterbury and Cardiff Blues unveiled the new European shirt for 2015/16 which is inspired by and will raise funds for spinal injury victim and former Wales international center Owen Williams. Click Here to see the jersey.

Super Rugby: The Chiefs announced that utilty back Andrew Horrell was re-signed for next season… Melbourne Rebels utility back Jonah Placid has extended his contract by signing a new deal until the end of the 2017 Super Rugby season… Former All Blacks wing Zac Guildford is having second thoughts about a move to the Waratahs for the 2016 Super Rugby season.

USA Rugby News/Updates: In USA Womens news, twenty-seven young female athletes will make history next weekend as the first women’s under-18 national team to compete in a 15s match as the Girls High School All-Americans powered by ATAVUS head north of the border for a two-match series against BC Rugby U18 Women’s. Brentwood College School in British Columbia will host the Friday, Aug. 21, and Sunday, Aug. 23, match days. For the full roster and match schedule, Click Here… USA Rugby AIG Women’s Junior All-Americans interim Head Coach Wil Snape (of NYRC Rugby) has selected the touring squad for the AIG WJAAs two-match series against Canada at Central Washington University on Wednesday, Aug. 19, and Saturday, Aug. 22. Click Here for the full squad list.

In men’s news, men’s Eagles Head Coach Mike Tolkin has chosen a squad of 31 players to face Canada, Harlequin F.C., and Australia in the coming weeks. Click Here to see coach Tolkin’s squad… AIG Men’s Collegiate All-American Sevens head coach Tony Pacheco has selected twelve of this year’s finest collegiate rugby players as his AIG MCAA 7s squad for the Aug. 14-16 Serevi Rugbytown Sevens at Infinity Park… The squad will be captained by Central Washington’s Aladdin Schirmer, who was capped during the 2014-15 HSBC Sevens World Series, in his third appearance at the tournament. Click Here for the rest of roster and the schedule.

World Rugby News: World Rugby announced the appointment of Heathrow as an official Tournament Provider to Rugby World Cup 2015.

The weekend’s fixtures:

The Bledisloe Cup: The Bledisloe Cup is one of the most important trophies in the history of rugby. It goes to the winner of the yearly series between New Zealand and Australia. Oh wait, I mentioned New Zealand and an All Blacks game, that means it is time to hand the baton off to our expert Kiwi Jamie Wall, so he can explain the Cup importance among other things in his preview of the match-up. To read the preview, Click Here.

World Cup Warm-up: As teams gear up for the World Cup, it is important to get in some good matches to aid coaches in trimming their roster. This weekend that means we will see Ireland welcome Scotland, England take on France and South Africa travel to Argentina.

Here is the schedule:
Sat – 15th Aug 15
Ireland – Scotland
England – France
Argentina – South Africa

ITM Cup: For our preview of the season, CLICK HERE. The 2015 ITM Cup kicked off on Thursday night as Auckland and Southland fought to a thrilling draw. The next night would see Tasman continue their great form from 2014 against Waikato and Bay of Plenty take down North Harbour. Over the weekend we will see Taranaki take on neighbors Wellington, Otago battle Canterbury, Counties Manukau will do battle with Manawatu and Hawkes Bay will challenge Northland.

Here are the results:
Thu – 13th Aug 15
Southland 23 – 23 Auckland
Fri – 14th Aug 15
Waikato 20 – 35 Tasman
Bay Of Plenty 20 – 11 North Harbour

Here is the schedule:
Sat – 15th Aug 15
Taranaki – Wellington
Otago – Canterbury
Sun – 16th Aug 15
Counties Manukau – Manawatu
Hawkes Bay – Northland

Currie Cup: The 77th edition of the Currie Cup kicked off last weekend and you can find our preview here. As for round 2, this weekend, we have already seen the Bull Bulls dominate Griquas and the Golden Lions cruise by Pumas. In matches still to come, defending champs Western Province will take on the Free State Cheetahs and the Natal Sharks will welcome the Eastern Province Kings.