23/04/2013 - 24/04/2013
Live Streaming WRWC 2014 Qualifications
WRWC Qualifications in Live streaming (Madrid)
21/04/2013 - 05/05/2013
RWC 2015 Qualification: Play-offf
Saturday 20th May was the last date for the Division 2 final ranking. The 2012/13 Division 2 winners are now known, Netherlands, Israël, Slovenia (Cyprus is not qualified for RWC) and Luxembourg.
17/04/2013 - 30/04/2013
On the road to the 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup
The WRWC Qualification Tournament for Europe and Oceania, will be organised by FIRA-AER and take place in Madrid from 20 to 27 April 2013. Teams from ranking pool A will play only the 3 teams from ranking pool B and vice versa and match points will be awarded using the bonus point system. At the conclusion of the tournament, the teams are ranked one to six based on their cumulative match points, and identified respectively as winner, runner up, third, fourth, fifth, sixth. The winner and runner up will qualify for WRWC 2014.
11/04/2013 - 15/04/2013
First time in Europe : the 7’s U19 Grand Prix Series Société Générale
The 7’s U19 Grand Prix Series Société Générale, as it will be called, will take place on 13/14 April 2013.
06/04/2013 - 30/04/2013
U18 2014 - Austria in Division B and Denmark in Division C
The Division C and Division D U18 tournaments were played from 2nd to 7th April In Ezstergom (HU) and Zenica (BH). All games were very tight and finaly Austria will play in 2014 in Division B and Denmark in Division C.
29/03/2013 - 23/04/2013
U18 - Managers meeting
On Thursday 28 March the Managers from all Divisions of the U18 Tournament and their liaison Officers met for the traditional mid tournament meeting. The "Maison du Rugby" of the Comite des Alpes hosted this meeting.
29/03/2013 - 30/04/2013
U18 Justin Bridou: Spain overpowered Russia to take the title in division A.
The first of the finals of the U18 Justin Bridou Trophy was decided in division A: Spain had a brilliant win against Russia (47-0). The Spanish team won the division without conceding any point with their different opponents (Sweden, Germany and finally Russia). Ranking third of division A, Poland did a surprising performance against Germany (30-6). Romania took fifth place easily against Czech Republic (30-7). Finally in the relegation game, Belgium avoided defeat, which leans Sweden will now be relegated to division B (46-14).
28/03/2013 - 31/03/2013
U18 Justin Bridou Final on TV - L'équipe 21
U18 Final England Vs France will be given LIVE on l'équipe 21 TV. Please also note that the final game will be also LIVE on the Internet worldwide at http://www.lequipe21.fr/direct/
28/03/2013 - 30/04/2013
France U18 to visit Grenoble
Wednesday, March 27, the team of France had a very full day with the Legacy program: after a swimming session in the pool,they went to the reception organised by the pupilles de l'air, an important military institution in Grenoble, to meet the students, who appreciated this visit very much. A team jersey of France was offered by Captain Anthony Meric to the Colonel Chabane, commander of the EPA in the center and Lieutenant Colonel Bordère commander EPA. Students talked with Thomas Jolmes,one of the players who come from Grenoble.
27/03/2013 - 31/03/2013
Netherlands will play against surprising croatians for promotion
Finalist last year, Netherlands will this year, on Saturday 30th March meet a Division B surprised opponent Croatia. Luxembourg & Ukraine will fight it out for third place. Serbia and Lithuania will play to save their honour. And finally Latvia & Switzerland will try to avoid relegation.
26/03/2013 - 30/04/2013
U18 Justin Bridou : A Vital Game in the Alpes - a real Final!
The U18 Justin Bridou Championship is going to give us a prestigious Elite Group Final in the Stade des Alpes on Saturday 30 March at 17h00. Tuesday 26 March witnessed the semi finals of both the Elite and A Division. Russia will meet Spain in the Final of Division A. Georgia had a decisive victory over Italy.
23/03/2013 - 30/04/2013
U18 - Grenoble in brief
Flash news from Grenoble after the first round of the 2013 U18 Competition. On 26 March, the two games in Chambéry Ireland Vs France and Georgia Vs Italy were broadcasted LIVE on FIRA-AER channel on DailyMotion platform.
22/03/2013 - 30/04/2013
U18 Justin Bridou Elite : Scottish surprise and biggest fear for Ireland
After this first day of competition, we already know the program of the semi-finals of Tuesday, March 26th: England-Scotland and France-Ireland. But first, let's discuss today's matches. Two very tight games in Moirans and two easy games in Rumilly.
19/03/2013 - 30/04/2013
Trainings in Belgium
Plenty of training sessions in March for the Belgium Match Officials and for the Coaches. Under a cloudy sky, the participants were all in the grounds of Belgium
16/03/2013 - 30/04/2013
U18 2014 in Poland ?
Jean-Claude Baqué and Michel Arpaillange were in Poland from 12 to 14 March in Poznanand subroundings where could be organised the next 2014 U18 championship.
08/03/2013 - 24/03/2013
The U18 European Championship Justin Bridou 2013: first matches this week
The U18 « Justin Bridou » Trophy will take place from 22nd to 30th March in the Alps and more precisely in the departments of Savoie, Haute Savoie & Isère and in 18 cities. FIRA-AER, European Rugby Association, has granted the organisation of this competition to the Comité des Alpes.
07/03/2013 - 30/04/2013
FIRA-AER celebrates the International Women's Day
The International Women’s Day is marked on Friday 8th March. For this occasion, FIRA-AER wants to pay tribute to the women in rugby.
04/03/2013 - 23/04/2013
Youth Indoor Tag Rugby Series in Hungary
Rugby in Central Europe during winter time? Yes, it is possible! More than 25 school and club teams and 150 players from different age groups participated in February in the Hungarian Youth Indoor Tag Rugby Series in winter of 2013.
03/03/2013 - 24/04/2013
IRB/FIRA-AER Trainer & Educator Courses, 28 February-3rd March 2013 (Luxembourg)
From 27 February to 3 March, Luxembourg was the centre of Europe for IRB/FIRA-AER Training activities. 40 persons were engaged in different courses in the excellent premises of National Sport Institute of Luxembourg.
24/02/2013 - 31/03/2013
« Get into Rugby Europe » – Scandinavia Launch, 22-23 February 2013 (Stockholm)
The Rugby unions of Denmark, Norway and Sweden have taken the initiative to develop this Mass Participation project through sharing cross-border resources & activities. The project is in cooperation with FIRA-AER in its goal of increasing registered players in Europe from 1 million to 1.2 million by the end of 2015.
18/02/2013 - 26/03/2013
Lithuania - Refereeing course in Kaunas
From 15 to 17 February, the Lithuanian Rugby Referee Association and the Lithuanian Rugby Federation co-organized a Level 1 refereeing course in Kaunas.
18/02/2013 - 04/03/2013
France - first in world Ski-Rugby in 6 French ski resorts
The Rugby and the Mountain share multiple values: taste for effort, solidarity, joy of living and celebrating sport and victory together… and are both the favorite sports and leisure activities of the French people. It was natural to associate them and to mix these positive universes.
13/02/2013 - 22/03/2013
U18 Justin Bridou Grenoble - it's time to start!
French Alps Committee and FIRA-AER has completed a press conference on 11February in Grenoble to start the U18 Justin Bridou European championship which will held in France (Apls Committee) from 22 to 31 March, the final game will be played in Alps Stadium in Grenoble on 30 March.
10/02/2013 - 23/02/2013
ENC1A – Day 2
Romania and Georgia have secured a second win at home and are on top of the 2013 FIRA-AER European Nation Championship.
08/02/2013 - 13/03/2013
Romania - Alin Petrache elected Chairman of Romanian Union
Alin Petrache was re-elected Chairman of Romanian Rugby Union during AGM held on 8 February 2013.
03/02/2013 - 10/02/2013
ENC1A - Day 1
No big surprises in Day 1 of the ENC1A!, the three Eastern countries have won against Western countries from Europe. Results are very tight and will give an uncertain issue of this top Division of FIRA-AER European Nations Championship.
02/02/2013 - 13/03/2013
FIRA-AER - Union Visit – Spain, 10th-11th January 2013
FIRA-AER President Jean-Claude Baque and RDM’s Michel Arpaillange & Douglas Langley were in Madrid at the FER offices to meet with the new management of the Federation. The President of the union and relevant staff discussed the restructuring of their organisation and what their Rugby development priorities will be going forward.
02/02/2013 - 13/03/2013
Lithuania – Referees workshop 27-28 January 2013
The Lithuanian Rugby Union and Lithuanian Rugby Referee Association have organized on 27 and 28 January a workshop for Lithuanian referees.
31/01/2013 - 06/03/2013
FIRA-AER - Executive Committee meeting
For the first time, the Executive Committee with all Members presents, was held in the new FIRA-AER Offices, 5 rue de Liège on 29 and 30 January;
23/01/2013 - 26/02/2013
Croatia - Level 1 Course in Strength and Conditioning
On 19 January 2013 in Split (HR), Luka Bjelanovic licenced educator IRB/FIRA-AER held a Strenght&Conditioning Level 1 course for 8 candidates from this region of Croatia (Split, Sibenik, Makarska and island Brac).
20/01/2013 - 28/02/2013
Luxembourg – Gala Dinner
Saturday 19 January, in Belair Parc Hotel was held the traditional Gala Dinner and awards for Luxembourg Rugby Union. This diner let the FLR given the awards for 2012.
15/01/2013 - 20/02/2013
Belgium - No winter break for the referees and coaches
Begining of January with an heavy programme for the Belgium coaches and referees. First the coaches in Hasselt on 5 and 6 January followed by the referees. The Belgian Referees Committee took advantage of the winter break to organize a workshop for the national panel referees on Saturday 12/01/2013 at Boitsfort Rugby Club. Then the referees again on 13 January in the British Rugby School.
14/01/2013 - 28/02/2013
IRB/FIRA-AER Level 3 Accreditation Coaching Course, Part 2 (Madrid) 11-13 January 2013
8 delegates from Belgium, Czech Republic, Poland, Portugal, Spain & Sweden participated on this course which was facilitated by IRB licensed Educators Colin Moran (IRFU), Gerry Roberts (WRU) & Douglas Langley (IRB/FIRA-AER)
08/01/2013 - 19/02/2013
2013 Iberian Cup
The 2013 Iberian Cup was held on 5 January in Valladolid (ES). The referee of this game was Stéphane Pomarède between VRAC Quesos Entrepinares Vs CDU Lisbon has given the Portuguese’s of Lisbon win the Iberian Cup. The final score was 24-13 for Lisbon
17/12/2012 - 04/01/2013
FIRA-AER office closure
Please note that the FIRA-AER office will be closed from Friday 21st December (18:00) to Tuesday 1st January 2013. We will be back on Wednesday 2nd January 2013. In case of an urgent matter, you can contact: secretariat@fira-aer-rugby.com. We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
13/12/2012 - 04/02/2013
IRB - 2012 Vernon Pugh award to Viorel Morariu (RO)
On 13th December in Bucharest (RO), Bernard Lapasset, with Jean-Claude Baqué, has awarded Viorel Morariu with the Vernon Pugh Trophy.
12/12/2012 - 15/01/2013
Hungary - Coaches and Referees Conference in Esztergom
Hungarian Rugby Union has organized a kick off conference for 2013 mass participation project. 106 rugby specialists has been invited and 38 coaches and 16 referees could were taking part on the two days meeting in Esztergom on 08-09 of December.
04/12/2012 - 15/01/2013
IRB/FIRA-AER Level 2 Coaching 7s Accreditation Course, 30 Nov -1 Dec 2012, Lisbon (PT)
3 Level 2 courses for Sevens Coaching have been organised in Europe in 2012 in conjunction with the IRB/FIRA-AER Training & Education Support “TES” scheme. This 3rd of the courses was attended by delegates from Georgia, Germany, Latvia & Portugal.
30/11/2012 - 22/01/2013
Four more years for Jean-Claude Baqué, reelected FIRA-AER Chairman
At the end of 30 november 2012, the first day of the FIRA-AER AGM hosted in La Défense (Paris) in Société Générale HQ, Jean-Claude Baqué was reelected Président of FIRA-AER
26/11/2012 - 07/01/2013
Bulgaria - New Rugby Academy
The National Rugby Academy has started with a great success. From 19 to 23 November, 43 young players and 9 coaches coming form all over the country have followed in Sofia (BG) theoretical and practical courses under the management of Robert Antonin (FR).
22/11/2012 - 28/02/2013
2013' DOs and General Secretaries Conferences in Prag
From Tuesay 20 to Thursday 22 November in Prag (CZ), more than 60 DO's and General Secretaries have worked on thema "Mass Participation" and 2013 calendar competitions
21/11/2012 - 14/12/2012
Belgium XV to Emirates Airline Cup of Nations in Dubaï
The second Emirates Airline Cup of Nations XV’s tournament will be played on December 8th, 11th and 14th in Dubaï. Participating in this year’s tournament are Zimbabwe, Belgium, hosts UAE and reigning Champions Hong Kong. Competition is expected to be fierce with the three visiting-countries so closely ranked (Belgium 23rd, Hong Kong 28th and Zimbabwe 29th) and while the bar may be set high hosts UAE will be looking at this XV’s tournament to lift their playing standards to a more competitive level.
19/11/2012 - 27/12/2012
FIRA-AER Women’s Development Committee Meeting
The 7th meeting of this committee was held at the Club Prince Albert in Brussels on 19 November 2012.
13/11/2012 - 27/12/2012
Belarus - First contacts
On request of the Lithuanian Rugby Union (LRU), on 10 November the Members of Belarus Rugby Union were hosted in Siauliai (LT). The target to this visit was to meet the Members of LRU, get in touch with Mr Patrick Robin Referees Manager in FIRA-AER, and enlarge the relationships with Lithuanian Rugby Clubs.
06/11/2012 - 26/12/2012
IRB/FIRA-AER TES” National Coaching Clinic, Marcoussis (FR), 6-8 Nov 2012
10 unions from IRB banded and FIRA-AER Key Development Unions are represented at this Clinic; Czech Republic, Germany, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Spain, Sweden & Ukraine.
04/11/2012 - 04/12/2012
Belgium - Match Officials Level 1 course
On Saturday the 3rd of November the Belgian refereeing committee organised an IRB Match Officials level 1 course with special focus on refereeing U7 to U13 players in the Dendermondse Rugby Club.
03/11/2012 - 06/12/2012
U19 Portugal - U18 Qualifier Géorgie
From 27 October to 3 November in Lisbon (PT) was held two tournamnents for 2012 competition U19 and U18 Qualifier. The U19 Tournament had 6 countries and the U18 Qualifier 4 countries.
02/11/2012 - 07/12/2012
Portugal - Medals and awards
During the U19 - European Championship and qualifier for the Junior World Trophy (IRB), and U18 Qualifier for Elite pool on 2013 European championship, the Portugese Rugby Union and FIRA-AER have taken the oportunity to award some members.
30/10/2012 - 05/12/2012
IRB/FIRA-AER Level 2 Sevens Coaching Accreditation Course, Bucharest (R0), 27th-28th October 2012
3 Level 2 courses for Sevens Coaching are being organised in the Europe zona in conjunction with the IRB/FIRA-AER Training & Education Support “TES” scheme. The second course in Bucharest (RO) was attended by 6 delegates from Romania and Russia.
26/10/2012 - 03/11/2012
Portugal - UPDATING - U19 European Championship and Qualifying U18
The 2012 U19 European Championship will take place in Lisbon (Portugal) from 26th October to 4th November. In the same week, U18 Qualifying for the 2013' Eilite pool will be held in Lisbon.
22/10/2012 - 29/11/2012
IRB/FIRA-AER Level 2 Part 1 Accreditation Coaching Course, Sofia (BG)
As part of the IRB/FIRA-AER Training & Education Support "TES" scheme, Mattia Dolcetto of the FIR delivered the 1st part of a Level 2 Coaching Course for the Bulgarian Rugby Federation from 13th to 14th October 2012.
21/10/2012 - 07/12/2012
FIRAAER - Working group on FIRA Apps for Unions
Following 2011' AGM in Paris and Sec Gen meting in Budapest early in 2012, the FIRA-AER has created a working Group to finalize a possible FIRA App to manage the administrative part of each Union.
13/10/2012 - 21/11/2012
Women’s International 7s Tournament – NRC, Marcoussis (FR) – 12-13 October 2012
The teams of England, France, France “A”, Germany, Netherlands & Spain will play each other on the first day and then ranking matches will conclude the Tournament on the second day. The Tournament is part of the preparation for the Sevens World Series in Dubai at the end of November for England, France, Netherlands and Spain as well as their first stages of preparation for the RWC Sevens Finals in Moscow at the end of June 2013
10/10/2012 - 30/11/2012
Luxembourg – Commissioner’s Course
From 10 to 11 October, 11 persons proposed by their Union and confirmed by FIRA-AER have participated to a Commissioner’s Course. This course follows previous courses organised in Stockholm (2005) and Heidelberg (2008).
06/10/2012 - 30/11/2012
The Webb Ellis Cup celebrates the beginning of the European qualifications in the RWC on 2015
THE IRB, the RWCL and England 2015 with the support of the FIRA-AER wanted to emphasize the beginning of the qualifications in the World cup 2015. Being of use as support to the qualifications, the European nations Cup is honored this weekend through the first match of the Division 2C Hungary-Bulgaria to Kecskemét on Saturday, October 6th.
04/10/2012 - 31/12/2012
FIRA-AER Offices are moving
From 8 October, FIRA-AER is now on 5 Rue de Liège Paris. The moving scheduled on October 8, offers a nice area only a few meters far from the old FFR building.
02/10/2012 - 05/12/2012
High level workshop for referees in Bucharest (RO)
From 2 October starts in Bucharest (RO) a high level workshop for FIRA-AER referees. This workshop concerns best referees from Poland, Russia, Romania, Spain, Portugal Ukraine and Belgium. 12 referees under the Management of Mathieu Raynal, professional referee from France ; Michel Lamoulie (FR) and Patrick Robin (FIRA-AER referees Manager). Those referees will be appointed for the next ENC games in a few weeks.
02/10/2012 - 21/11/2012
Jean-Claude Baqué and Patrick Robin visiting Latvia
On 27th and 28th September European Rugby Association (FIRA-AER) President Jean Claude Baqué and Referees manager Patrick Robin visited Riga (LV).
29/09/2012 - 08/01/2013
IRB/FIRA-AER Level 2 Sevens Accreditation Coaching Course, Amsterdam (NL), 28-29 September 2012
3 parallel courses at Level 2 for Sevens Coaching are being organised in regions of Europe in conjunction with the IRB/FIRA-AER Training & Education Support “TES” scheme.
29/09/2012 - 14/11/2012
Lithuania - Visite JC Baqué and P Robin
On 26-27 of September European Rugby Federation (FIRA-AER), President Jean-Claude Baqué and Referee Manager Patrick Robin flew to Vilius to visit the Lithuanian Union.
25/09/2012 - 31/10/2012
IRB/FIRA-AER Level 2 Coaching Course Part 1, Kiev, Ukraine (22-23 September 2012)
As part of the IRB/FIRA-AER Training & Education Support "TES" scheme, Tony Thomas of the WRU delivered the 1st part of a Level 2 Coaching Course for Ukraine Rugby Union in Kiev.
20/09/2012 - 31/10/2012
Alfredo Gavazzi, new President of Italian Rugby Union
Alfredo Gavazzi was elected President of the Italian Rugby Federation at FIR’s General Assembly held in Rome on Saturday, 15th September. Alfredo Gavazzi has taken over from Giancarlo Dondi, who chaired the Italian Rugby Union for 16 years serving four terms as FIR’s President and who had annouced earlier this year that he would no longer stand for a further 4-year term.
13/09/2012 - 24/10/2012
Seven's Rugby - Baltic League
The 4th Baltic League for 7s Rugby was held in spring and autumn 2012 on two tournaments organised between 12 teams from Lithuania and Latvia.
08/09/2012 - 23/10/2012
U20 - Poland crowed in Czech Republic
Poland won the U20 2012 European title having beaten the Czech Republic in Ricany (CZ) by 44 to 8. Czech Republic second is followed by Ukraine and Hungary.
08/09/2012 - 29/10/2012
Georgia - Strength & Conditioning for Rugby Training & Education, Tbilisi, 5th-7th September
As part of the IRB/FIRA-AER Training & Education Support “TES” scheme, Gordon Brett (IRFU/Munster Academy) worked with coaches, educators and staff of the Georgian Rugby Union on their knowledge and skills of delivering Strength & Conditioning coaching sessions and courses relevant to the Game of Rugby.
06/09/2012 - 25/10/2012
Sweden - level 1 Match Officials course
From 1 to 2 September in Lund, Sweden, 7 delegates took part in a level 1 Match Officials course held by the Swedish Rugby Union and hosted by Lugi Lions Rugby club. The course was facilitated by iRB Educator Julian Bevan from the Swedish rugby union.
05/09/2012 - 08/09/2012
U20 - Day 2 of European Championship in Czech Republique
Czech Republic is hosting the U20 European Championship. 8 countries ranked following the U18 results in 2010.
03/09/2012 - 18/10/2012
IRB/FIRA-AER Level 2 Coaching Course Part 1, Bratislava, Slovakia
As part of the IRB/FIRA-AER Training & Education Support “TES” scheme, Simon Burns of the RFU delivered the 1st part of a Level 2 Coaching Course.
29/08/2012 - 07/10/2012
Hungary Kicks Off Rugby World Cup 2015 European Qualification
- European teams participate in the largest regional process - Europe central to tournament planning and success - RWC 2015 to boost Rugby in the Region The global qualification process for Rugby World Cup 2015 in England is gathering pace and next month teams from across Europe will join the party.
18/08/2012 - 11/10/2012
Seven’s Baltic League U25 (Cross border Tournament)
The 2012 Baltic League U25 (Seven’s) was held on 11 August at Slauliai (LT) with teams from Latvia, Russia and Lithuania.
06/08/2012 - 19/09/2012
U16/U17 – FIRA-AER training camp with Denmark, Sweden and Norway
The annualy FIRA-AER training camp was hosted by Hundested Rugby Club in Denmark from 2 to 4 August.
26/07/2012 - 28/09/2012
IRB/FIRA-AER Level 1 Coaching Course, Liechtenstein, 14-15 July 2012
As part of the IRB/FIRA-AER Training & Education Support "TES" scheme, IRB licensed Educator Daniele Porrini (FIR) delivered the Level 1 Coaching Course entitled "Introducing Rugby".
25/07/2012 - 14/09/2012
France retain FIRA-AER Euro Beach Rugby Cup
The beach of Les Sables d’Or near Biarritz, France, celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the Anglet Beach Rugby Festival and played host for the second year in a row to the 2nd edition of the FIRA-AER Euro Beach Rugby Cup last weekend. In a region synonymous with its passion for Rugby and renowned for its beaches, 10 nations from across Europe fought it out on two pitches over two days in front of a large international crowd which saw inaugural champions France retain their crown.
24/07/2012 - 26/10/2012
RWC 7 2013 - The 8 FIRA-AER countries representative are known
England, Wales and Russia were qualified for the RWC 7 in Russia (Moscow) in 2013. The tournament in Algarve (Portugal) has given a ticket to Portugal (winner), Spain, France, Georgia and Scotland to Moscow.
21/07/2012 - 21/09/2012
IRB/FIRA-AER Level 3 Coaching Course, Part 1, Madrid, 20-22 July 2012
9 delegates from Belgium, Czech Republic, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain & Sweden participated on this course which was facilitated by IRB licensed Educators Colin Moran (IRFU), Gerry Roberts (WRU), Ruben Duque (FER) & Douglas Langley (IRB/FIRA-AER)
20/07/2012 - 22/07/2012
Live 7's European RWC Sevens qualifiers
The men's qualification process for Rugby World Cup Sevens 2013 begins on Friday in Algarve, Portugal, with five European spots up for grabs.
17/07/2012 - 31/08/2012
CZ - Domestic League of 7s Rugby
RC PRAG was crowned in 5 July, Czech Rep 2012 7s Champion after 4 Regionals tournaments played between 8 teams from Czech and Moravia.
17/07/2012 - 31/08/2012
U17 - Camp with Monaco and Liguria Region (IT)
A common U16/17 workshop between Monaco and Region of Liguria (Italy) was held from 6 to 8 July in Recco (Italy).
08/07/2012 - 14/09/2012
Grand Prix Series 3 for France in Odense (DK)
France has won the GPS 2012 in Odense (DK) after the final face to Portugal
08/07/2012 - 20/09/2012
England, 2012 7s European Champion
After 3 tournaments France (Lyon), Russia (Moscow) and Denmark (Odense), England is crowed 2012 7s European Champion.
07/07/2012 - 09/07/2012
A year of sporting and administrative success. Time now to work on policies says JC. Baqué
In his review of a year abundant in sporting as well as administrative successes, Jean-Claude Baqué singled out the following for praise: the community values espoused by the Justin Bridou U18 Championship, the high standard of play at the Sevens Grand Prix Series and Women’s competitions, the great work carried out at the NTD and General Secretary meetings in Budapest. He also spoke of the frank and open discussions on the action plan which took place in Dublin and the closer relations between FIRA-AER and the Six Nations. The Chairman finished his sporting review by stating that “the countries that have a NTD in place are making the most progress”.
07/07/2012 - 09/07/2012
Prince Joachim, patron of Danish Rugby
Chairman of the Danish Union and host, Ole Nielsen took on the duty of opening the Administrative Council and the General Assembly. He had the added task and pleasure of welcoming his Royal Highness, Prince Joachim of Denmark, to whom he gave an account of the state of European Rugby.
07/07/2012 - 09/07/2012
Preparations for Justin Bridou U18 European Championship already underway
The details of the Men’s, Women’s, Youth and Sevens rugby competitions will be outlined in detail later in this edition. Michel Arpaillage and Douglas Langley presented a report on the work carried out in the different sectors and spoke of a policy aimed at creating greater movement between the different nations. He complimented Georgia and Belgium (two nations at the top of their game), and also congratulated Denmark, Bulgaria and Bosnia on their promotions. He singled out the progress made in the Women’s sector and called for greater work in the area of the Youth sector, which is currently dominated in world competitions by the southern nations.
07/07/2012 - 09/07/2012
J.C. Baqué : “FIRA-AER and IRB need to work in harmony”
Before tackling the meeting agenda, starting with domestic competitions, Kit Mc Connell praised the Russian Union which is currently organising the Sevens World Cup 2013. “The IRB and the Russian Union are working closely together” he said.
07/07/2012 - 09/07/2012
Continuation of IRB aid for developing nations
The prologue to the Danish AGM, delivered by the Head of the World Cup, Kit Mc Connell, proved most reassuring.
07/07/2012 - 09/07/2012
Internet site: 30% increase in hits
In his introduction, Bernard Jargeac, Head of Communications, reminded us that the site is now available in two languages (French and English). He gave details of how the site functions and expressed his delight at the success of the forum and especially at the large number of hits, (600,000 per year, i.e. 100,000 more than last year) from all over the world. This amounts to a 30% increase on last year.
07/07/2012 - 09/07/2012
New Head of Marketing in association with the IRB
Jean-Claude Baqué and Octavian Morariu spoke about the work of the High-Performance Committee created at the end of 2008 and officiating since January 2009 with the aim of improving the marketing of competitions.
07/07/2012 - 09/07/2012
JL Barthes: “47 nations, 6 000 clubs, across all of Europe”
In his report, which was unanimously passed, the General Secretary, Jean-Louis Barthes, having thanked the Danish organisers (their 3rd time to host an AGM, having done so in 1975 and 1990) and paid homage to the memory of Albert Ferrasse, gave a detailed, pithy review of FIRA-AER’s activities. These activities are outlined in a 107-page document produced in French and English and covering the competitions, meetings and training courses. He went on to state that this document is extremely comprehensive and of an excellent standard and that it contains all of the events which punctuated the season: results, competition classifications, working meetings, administrative, sporting technical and refereeing courses, and reports from the Executive Committees, Administrative Councils and AGMs”
07/07/2012 - 09/07/2012
Michel Arpaillange: “Our priority is to have 1,200,000 members by 2015”
It was the job of the two Regional Development Managers, Michel Arpaillange and Douglas Langley to present the sporting review of the NTD meeting in Budapest. This was a detailed and comprehensive report which included; the training of NTDs, grant applications, educator courses (32 participants), mass participation projects and competitions by grade and age category. A meeting has been scheduled for August to standardize all of the IRB initiatives.
07/07/2012 - 09/07/2012
Morgan Buckley: “Thank you for your cooperation, your effort and your help
IRB Head of Development, Morgan Buckley, was pleased to announce that: Europe is at the cutting edge of rugby development and is working in full collaboration with the IRB. I congratulate you on your efficiency. We have produced a number of documents which will be helpful to you.
07/07/2012 - 09/07/2012
Additional Info
1. Interest from the Chinese. One of the most satisfying things to emerge from the last World Cup (the most sensational yet, according to Kit Mc Connell) was that it produced the greatest number of television viewers ever. This included viewers from China. 2. Three new Chairmen were announced: Santiago Mazza (San Marino), Semsudin Mehmedovic (Bosnia Herzegovina), Jan Coupe (Belgium). They were warmly welcomed by the Assembly.
07/07/2012 - 09/07/2012
Medals: An investment in the future
It is a FIRA-AER tradition to end all General Assemblies with the awarding of bronze, silver and gold medals. These awards are, usually and in almost all cases awarded for services rendered. In his speech during the awarding of the medals to the recipients, Jean-Claude Baqué stated that “it is an excellent idea to reward the young”. It is an effective way of investing in the future”.
07/07/2012 - 09/07/2012
IRB: 10 million sterling for strategic plans
One of the top referees from the European AGs, David Carrigy, representing the Chairman of the IRB Bernard Lapasset, delivered a cordial message on his behalf. “It is always a great pleasure to be here with you. The IRB representatives appreciate your hard work. Your support for the development of rugby can only get better. You are truly part of the IRB. We are living in difficult times; however the positive financial figures of the last World Cup mean that the IRB can continue to provide financial aid. A new financial policy has been adopted. It involves the release of funds for strategic purposes (on-going development) which will be outlined at a later date, totalling 10 million sterling. Our internet site and videos are at your disposal. A huge effort has been made in Women’s rugby (110 nations, more than one million players). This steady growth has exceeded our expectations. We are sure FIRA-AER will take full advantage of this growth in the development of its structures. Thank you for the work you are doing”.
07/07/2012 - 09/07/2012
Unanimous vote for Turkey
The three candidates for the Administrative Council, Rossen Cholov (Bulgaria), Klaus Blank (Germany) and Bill Nolan (Scotland) were unanimously elected by the AGM. The Chairman of the Legal Committee, Jean-Jacques Zander, announced the permanent withdrawal of Armenia due to its inability to pay its subscription fees and stated that it will be penalised at the Executive Committee meeting in October. He also made reference to the financial compensation that Lithuania owes to Sweden (travel expenses).
07/07/2012 - 09/07/2012
Rugby at the Youth Olympics 2014
Jean-Claude Baqué gave a report on behalf of Raul Martins who was unable to attend and whom he had already replaced at the IRB Council. He spoke firstly about the creation of an official committee (as requested by Chairman Lapasset) to deal with regional associations. This committee would have a rotating presidency and would serve to highlight the needs, projects and the opinions of the associations. It would hold 2 or 3 meetings per year.
07/07/2012 - 09/07/2012
Preparations underway for the 2013 Congress in Sweden
In her presentation on the 2013 Congress in Stockholm (3 to 7 July), the Chairwoman of the Swedish Union announced that she was ready to welcome the entire European delegation. Jean-Claude Baqué pointed out to her however, that to “to enable them to work more efficiently the General Secretaries and the NTDs would prefere to be accomodated separately . This unfortunately means they will not get to experience the historic location chosen to accommodate the Congress, i.e. the hotel in which the Nobel Prizes are awarded!
07/07/2012 - 09/07/2012
Jacques Mombet: “Negative drug tests”
In his report, the Chairman of the Medical Committee, Dr. Jacques Mombet, firstly expressed his delight at the negative drug tests carried out at the Men’s European Sevens Championship in Heidelberg.
07/07/2012 - 09/07/2012
Expenditure down, revenue up by 2%
It was the job of the Head of Finance, José Maria Epalza, to give a review of the financial situation of the last tax year (1st July 2011 to 30th June 2012). Despite the reimbursement of visas and the aid given to unions who do not receive financial assistance from the IRB and also to countries who have increased by 6% on the previous tax year (due to new competitions) and thanks to the tighter control of administrative costs (10% decrease (i.e. €10.000) on last year and 30% decrease due to organising the Executive Committee meetings in Paris), expenditure is down by 3% on last year.
07/07/2012 - 09/07/2012
Romanian referee officiates at international tournament
René Hourquet (Chairman) and Patrick Robin (Referee Manager) represented the Referees Committee.
07/07/2012 - 09/07/2012
Role of Commissioner is finalised and telephone directory is completed
The administrative review of the General Secretaries’ Conference in Budapest was given by Gilles Bizot (Director) and Amandine Guichard, (Sports and Communications Assistant). It comprised the strategic plan, the membership management software (which shows FIRA-AER’s desire to assist unions), the establishment of a working group to deal with meetings and objectives, the application of Regulation 9 (availability of players), grants, the standardization of competitions (ENC, U18 and 7s), insurance, communications (articles on the internet site).
06/07/2012 - 31/08/2012
88th Annual General Meeting/Board of Directors
The FIRA-AER Annual General Meeting was held on 6 & 7 July 2012 in odense (Denmark).
05/07/2012 - 31/07/2012
U17 - Camp in Israel
Between 5th/8th July 2012, the Israeli Rugby Union hosted the Cyrpiot Rugby Union for the FIRA-AER U17 camp that was held in Hadasa Neurim boarding school right next to the beautiful Metirranean beach.
04/07/2012 - 11/07/2012
Last 7's Grand Prix Series in Odense in live on Dailymotion
The last 7's Grand Prix Series of the year will be organised in Odense (DK) saturday 7 and Sunday 8 July.
01/07/2012 - 31/08/2012
England Women 7's european Champion
After their wins in Ameland and Moscow, England is crowned for the second year in a row Women’s European Champions. Spain is second in the final rankings whilst France are third.
01/07/2012 - 31/08/2012
Moscow 7's Grand Prix Series : England, the best
England win the second 7's GP¨S after a victory versus France in final (21-15)
27/06/2012 - 31/07/2012
Men's & Women's 7's - 30th June/1st July 212
On Saturday 30th June & Sunday 1st July, the 7's Grand Prix Series will stop by Moscow (Russia) for two days of high level rugby.
27/06/2012 - 03/08/2012
Germany - Victory for French team (from Midi-Pyrénées) in Heidelberg
La sélection du Comité Midi-Pyrénées de la Fédération Française de Rugby a remporté la Coupe SAS Institute le 24 juin à Heidelberg en gagnant le final du tournoi Heidelberg Sevens pour les équipes moins de 16 ans. Les jeunes du manager André Henkinet et de l'entraineur Romain Blattes terminaient le tournoi avec cinq victoires et 228:5 points en battant le sélection de Bade-Wuerttemberg (Allemagne) en finale par 54 à 5 points.
27/06/2012 - 31/07/2012
Lechia Gdansk - new Polish Champion
In a beautiful, sunny weather, about 7000 fans (!) strongly motivated the finalists Polish Extraleague in Lodz.
22/06/2012 - 31/12/2012
Golden Oldies from Trieste 2012 to Prague 2013
Growing Attractivity of Golden Oldies Rugby: This Game is Possible to Practice till the High Age - 11th Festival in Trieste finished with Great Success: 40 teams from 15 countries = 1200 Participants - Next Time to Prague, Czech Republic in June 13-17, 2013 - First Entries Have Already Came
17/06/2012 - 30/11/2012
England win the European Women Seven Series round 1 in Ameland (NL)
On Ameland Island (NL), the England Women’s team has beaten Spain in the Final after a wonderful tournament. Dutch team defeats France for the third place. Russia won the Plate and Germany, the Bowl
15/06/2012 - 31/07/2012
European Women’s Sevens Series 2012
Women’s 7’s European Championship: phase 1 in Ameland (Netherlands)
15/06/2012 - 17/08/2012
European Women' Sevens Series EWSS, Ameland (NL) - Legacy program
Some teams have already arrived in preparation for the 1st Round of the EWSS.
10/06/2012 - 01/07/2012
Croatia, Wales, Scotland & Ireland qualified for the Moscow RWCQ
With Wales playing Croatia in the Final of the 1st Round Qualifier in Sofia (Bulgaria) & Ireland playing Scotland in the Final of the parallel tournament in Ghent (Belgium), the 4 qualifiers to join the 12 European Women’s Sevens Series nations are now known. Wales will be “Qualifier 1” as winners from Sofia and having a superior points difference statistic over Ghent Cup winners Ireland who will be “Qualifier 2”. Scotland was the better runner-up and will be “Qualifier 3”. This means that Croatia will be “Qualifier 4
08/06/2012 - 10/06/2012
Start of Women's 7's tournaments
Teams are arriving in Ghent (Belgium) for group B & Sofia (Bulgaria) for group A for the 2 parallel European WRWC 2013 Qualification Tournaments.
03/06/2012 - 31/08/2012
7's GRAND PRIX SERIES : England won in Lyon
The FIRA-AER 7's European Championship started this week-end in Lyon (France) MATMUT Stadium where the TOP 14 Club LOU is hosted. This was the first round of the 2012 7's Grand Prix Series played by the 12 best European 7's teams. In total, 42 fixtures were programmed on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd June. The last game shows England wining the title after a very interesting finale under a pouring rain.
30/05/2012 - 31/07/2012
7's Grand Prix Series: kick-off on 2/3 June 2012
The FIRA-AER 7’s European Championship has started on 2/3 June 2012 in Lyon. The best 12 European 7s teams has played the first round of the 2012 7’s Grand Prix Series over two days. Altogether, 42 fixtures were scheduled from Saturday 10:00AM to Sunday 17:30PM in the state-of-the-art stadium of the LOU team. Indeed, the spectators in Lyon, have enjoyed the MATMUT Stadium (capacity: 8 000 persons) and spent some festive & sensational time.
29/05/2012 - 10/07/2012
Monaco - Training for Level 2 Rugby 7s coaches
Monaco Rugby Union with the assistance of IRB/FIRA-AER Training and Education Support “TES”, organised a Rugby Sevens Coaching Course from Saturday 26 to Sunday 27 May. IRB licensed Educator, Eric Lombarteix (FR) delivered this Level 2 Course in Isola Village near Nice (FR)
25/05/2012 - 30/06/2012
Cross-Border Clubs competitions - RCC
Upcoming RRC Final will be crown of fifth consecutive season of this regional club’s competition. RK Pobednik Mozzart from Belgrade (Serbia) and four times RRC Champion, RK Nada from Split (Croatia), will decide 2012 RRC Champion in one final match scheduled for June 9th 2012 in Belgrade.
20/05/2012 - 13/07/2012
Romania, 7's European Champion Group A
On May 19th and 20th took place in Warsaw (PL) the Men FIRA-AER 7's European Championships Group A.
19/05/2012 - 30/06/2012
“Legacy – FIRA-AER Women’s European Cup “A” 12-19 May 2012, Rovereto (
In order that the Tournament had an impact on promoting Rugby and the Tournament locally as well as having a cultural impact for participants, the following activities were organised.
11/05/2012 - 21/06/2012
FIRA-AER Women’s European Cup “A”, Rovereto (IT) with Legacy programme
Just days after Sweden were crowned European “B” Champions in Enkoping, all teams have arrived in the beautiful Northern Italian location of Rovereto for the “A” tournament. England (reigning European Cup Champions from 2008),
09/05/2012 - 28/06/2012
Turkey Tour in FIRA-AER
Turkey on tour in FIRA-AER countries, Slovakia and Estonia have hosted Turkey in April and May 2012. This tour will permit to Turkey to have an idea of the level of their Rugby.
05/05/2012 - 07/06/2012
ENC2A - Historical Day for FIRA-AER & Match Officiating
Saturday 5th May saw Sweden beat Latvia 31-3 to win Division 2A of the FIRA-AER ENC Men’s tournament. The match marked an historical occasion that represents the further developments of Women’s Rugby in Europe when female Assistant Referees Claire Hodnett (England) & Barbara Guastini (Italy) made up the “team of 3” along with referee Marcin Zestuzek (Poland).
02/05/2012 - 31/05/2012
FIRA-AER Women’s European Cup “B”, Enkoping (Sweden), 2-6 May 2012
Finland, Netherlands & Russia have descended upon hosts Sweden to compete for the “B” Cup of Women’s European Rugby. The Tournament has an added incentive in that it is being used as the 2nd phase of qualification for the WRWC 2014.
25/04/2012 - 31/05/2012
Poland - IRB/FIRA-AER Level 1 Match Officiating Course, Sopot (PL), 21-22 April 2012
The Polish Rugby Union organised a IRB/FIRA-AER Level 1 Match Officiating course “Introducing Officiating”.
25/04/2012 - 31/05/2012
Iceland - IRB/FIRA-AER "TES" supported Match Officiating Course, Valur (IS), 13th April 2012
There were 10 participants on an IRB/FIRA-AER Level 1 Course entitled "Introducing Officiating".
24/04/2012 - 30/06/2012
General Secretary Conference, Budapest, 20/22 April 2012
A conference for General Secretaries was held in Budapest from 20 to 22 April 2012, at the same time as another conference for Technical Directors. After FIRA-AER President, Jean-Claude BAQUE, & Pal TURI, President of the Hungarian Rugby Union, opened the meetings, a busy programme started to stop on Sunday at midday.
23/04/2012 - 07/05/2012
New Unions Responsibles
Following elections in affiliated Unions, FIRA-AER has registered the following changes:
22/04/2012 - 23/05/2012
Friendly game - Slovakia hosts Turkey
In the long list of friendly games at the end of each season, FIRA-AER would like to highlight Slovakia which is hosting Turkey on 29 April 2012.
20/04/2012 - 09/07/2012
FIRA-AER Technical Director Conference (Budapest), 19-22 April 2012
The Conference will be run alongside the FIRA-AER General Secretary Conference. The aim of the Conference is; by using information gathered and discussed, delegates will have the ability to assist and further assist their unions in improving strategic & action planning.
12/04/2012 - 09/05/2012
Belgium - Continuity for coaches
As part of the IRB/FIRA-AER Training & Education Support “TES” scheme, IRB Licensed Educator Jean Bidal (FR) delivered a coaching workshop (4th-6th April) for the Belgium Rugby Federation on “Continuity” at Kasterlee.in Hoge Rielen.
09/04/2012 - 06/06/2012
2012 - U18 Closing ceremony
Following the win in the Cuidad universitaria de Madird of U18 England, the Spanish Union has invitated all players, Mangement, Volunteers, Officials, Clubs ... to the great auditorium in the Hotel Auditorium Madrid for a big closing ceremony.
07/04/2012 - 08/04/2012
2012 - U18 Tournament in Madrid (ES)
The last two games will be given LIVE Streaming from 3pm today
06/04/2012 - 09/04/2012
2012 U18 – Finales du championnat d’Europe à Madrid
The final rounds of the U18 European Championship are taking place in Madrid and the surrounding area. Group A will open the final round of 12 matches today. Group B will follow tomorrow morning, 7 April and the Elite Group in the afternoon, bringing to a close the 48 matches of the tournament.
04/04/2012 - 14/04/2012
2012 U18 Justin Bridou - Watch highlights on FIRA-AER Web site
You could find in this web site importants information concerning the 2012 U18 Justin Bridou competition in Madrid (ES)
01/04/2012 - 07/05/2012
U18 FIRA-AER European Championship Legacy Programmes
Saturday 31st March saw the start of the 2 legacy programmes taking part during this tournament. “Outreach” is aimed at Educating players to take responsibility to “Keep Rugby Clean”.
01/04/2012 - 05/04/2012
2012 U18 FIRA-AER Justin Bridou Trophy, Semi finals presentation
After the first round of matches, the semi finals of the 3 groups will be played on Tuesday 3 and Wednesday 4 April. There were few surprises during the quarter finals except for Sweden and Luxembourg, who lost their matches to Romania and Ukraine respectively.
27/03/2012 - 08/04/2012
2012 - U18 Tournament in Madrid (ES)
The Trophy U18 Justin Bridou opens on Friday, 30th March in Madrid. Friday March 30th, begins in Madrid (Spain) the Trophy FIRA-AER U18 Justin Bridou. This European Rugby Championship U18 is reserved for the players born in1994 and 1995. The Tournament is organized for the first time in Spain by the Spanish Federation of Rugby (FER) and will last until Saturday, April 7th.In the three divisions, the teams will be in confrontation in quarterfinal, semis then finales using as ranking matches. 24 teams divided in 3 pools of 8 teams, 624 players and 36 games, about 40 referees and more than100 volunteers are going to live up this magnificent competition.
20/03/2012 - 30/08/2012
National Coaching Conference and Coach of Match Officials Workshop Liege (BE) 20-23 March 2012
12 delegates from Belgium, Czech Republic, England, France, Georgia, Germany, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain & Ukraine are attending the Conference and 9 from Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Norway & Romania the Workshop.
13/03/2012 - 11/04/2012
Rugby World mourns the Passing of Jock Hobbs
The FIRA-AER is extremely saddened to learn that Jock Hobbs has passed away aged 52. He was Chairman of the NZRU from 2002 to 2010, as well as being Chairman of Rugby New Zealand 2011
11/03/2012 - 14/05/2012
Häckes cup in Sweden - level 1 officiating sevens course
On March 2-4th in Vaxjo, Sweden the 14th Hackes cup was held and a team of 11 referees officiated at the indoor tournament that traditionally starts the Swedish season.
10/03/2012 - 20/06/2012
FIRA-AER facing European deputies
In collaboration with avec Jan KOZLOWSKI, Dany ROELANDS and Gilles BIZOT, Jean-Claude BAQUE met in Brussels with the European Parliamentary Group, chaired by Poland. The objective was for the European Association of Rugby to be better known by the political institutions who were advised of the Turkish RU's future entry.
10/03/2012 - 02/05/2012
Jean-Claude Baqué in Slovenia
The FIRA-AER President & Octavian Morariu, member of the FIRA Executive Committee and President of the Romanian National Olympic Committee, were in Ljubljana on Monday 5th March. During their meeting with the President of the Slovenian Union, Jos Zalokar, they heard about the financial difficulties the union is experiencing. FIRA-AER encouraged the union to get in touch with the IRB to figure out the development tools they could use.
10/03/2012 - 26/09/2012
Official launching of the 7’s GPS in Lyon
The second edition of the 7’s Grand Prix series in Lyon was officially announced - 2/3 June 2012 - during a press conference held in the magnificent town hall this week. The deputy mayor in charge of sports, Thierry Braillard, is glad the French stage of the competition is taking place in Lyon. Accompanied by Daniel Falque, Vice-President of the French Rugby Union, and Yvan Patet, President of the LOU rugby club, he confirmed that this choice was resolutely forward-looking. They believe 7’s rugby, becoming an Olympic sport in 2016 in Rio, has a huge potential and has a larger scope than fifteen-a-side rugby.
23/02/2012 - 29/03/2012
Société Générale new sponsor of Czech Rugby
Komercní banka (Société Générale) has signed a new agreement on partnership and cooperation with The Czech Rugby Union for 2012
17/02/2012 - 28/03/2012
FIRA-AER - President JC Baqué in Turkey
In the second half of February, the President Jean-Claude Baqué has scheduled visits in Italy, Turkey then France. In Istanbul, Jean-Claude Baqué has met M Sakin Komurcu, Turkey Rugby Union Chairman and M Salim Kosar, Deputy Chairman. The day after, he was in stadium to see the final game of Turkish League.
12/02/2012 - 13/02/2012
Problem on FIRA-AER Forum - FORUM IN SERVICE
We have checked problems on FIRA-AER Forum since the evening of Saturday 11th February. All our maintenance teams are now working to reset your forum.
03/02/2012 - 10/03/2012
Info IRB
FIRA-AER presents in Infos window in this web site, a serial of Web sites managed by IRB and available for the Rugby World. To access to the application, please click on visible link.
01/02/2012 - 24/08/2012
IRB/FIRA-AER Level 3 Coaching Courses 2012
It was decided this year to organise 3 parallel courses of this level in three separate areas of Europe. Unions invited to nominate participants were from the IRB “High Performance”, “Performance” & “Targeted” bands as well as FIRA-AER “Key Development Unions”.
27/01/2012 - 11/02/2012
Ukraine-Georgia postponed
Due to very difficult weather forecasts in Ukraine, the ENC1A match Ukraine - Georgia scheduled on February 4th, 2012 at Dnepropetrovsk is postponed. New date is not yet known.
25/01/2012 - 12/02/2012
February 4: Resumption of the European Nation Cup
10 days ahead of the opening of the RBS 6 Nations tournament, FIRA-AER is getting ready for the first matches of the European Nations Cup division A. On February 4, not only will France play Italy and Scotland play England,but the program will also see Romania vs Portugal in Bucharest. Ukraine vs Georgia in Dnepropetrovsk is postponed due to weather conditions.
18/01/2012 - 22/04/2012
Conference for General Secretaries and National Technical Directors
SAVE THE DATE - A conference for General Secretaries and National Technical Directors will be organised by FIRA-AER from April 19 to 22, 2012 in Budapest.
15/01/2012 - 20/02/2012
Belgium - Learning week-end for Referees
From 14 to 15 January 2012, the Belgium Referees Comitee took advantage of the winterbreak to organise a workshop around the scrum for their match officials. About 85 referees have participated in this event for the occasion at Antwerp Rugby Club.
26/12/2011 - 06/02/2012
Serbia - IRB/FIRA-AER Level 2 Accreditation Coaching Course, Part 1
The above was held by the Serbian Rugby Union in conjunction with the Training & Education Support “TES” scheme in Belgrade, 17th-18th December.
20/12/2011 - 03/01/2012
FIRA-AER Office closure
Please note that the FIRA-AER office will be closed from Friday 23rd December 2011 at 18:00 to Monday 2nd January 2012 at 9:00.
06/12/2011 - 14/03/2012
Cross Border Competitions - 2011 Baltic Rugby Cup
The Baltic Rugby Cup (BRC) was held from July to October 2011 in the region of Baltic Sea with clubs from Latvia, Lithuania and Russia.
16/11/2011 - 18/11/2011
Poland-Modlova in U20 final
Poland and Moldova will play friday 18th November the final of the U20 European Championship in Siedlce (PL)
14/11/2011 - 29/12/2011
Sweden - Plans for the future
The 12th and 13th of November 2011 will go down as a landmark weekend for Swedish Rugby. A club forum with the theme of ‘building for the future’ was attended by representatives of almost every rugby club in Sweden.
11/11/2011 - 27/06/2012
FIRA-AER National Coaching Conference & Sevens Refereeing Workshop, Amsterdam, 10-13 November 2011.
On 10th November delegates of the above assembled at the NRB National Rugby Centre for the opening of the Conference & Workshop. FIRA-AER President, Jean-Claude Baque & NRB President Willem de Jong started the conference and welcomed the delegates. The Conference was a sequel of the 2010 Coaching Conference focusing on Rugby Sevens.
04/11/2011 - 07/11/2011
U18 Trophy Justin Bridou Qualifications and U19
Qualifying tournament for the U18 Justin Bridou Trophy After day 2 of the U18 qualifying tournament with four teams, we are now in a position to announce the two squads that will play the 6 Nations teams in March 2012: Georgia and Portugal since they overshadowed the Romanian and the Belgian. The two leaders will play each other today to determine who will rank 7 and 8 in Madrid.
02/11/2011 - 07/12/2011
IRB/FIRA-AER Level 1 Coaching of Match Officials Course & Referee Clinic, Sweden
As part of the IRB Training & Education Support “TES” scheme, IRB licensed Educator Claire Daniels (bottom far left) of the RFU visited Stockholm & Enkoping on 28th-30th October 2011.
23/10/2011 - 16/11/2011
New-Zealand winner of RWC2011
New-Zealand is the winner of the RWC2011 at home facing to France 8 to 7. Northern hemisphere country failed against a Tri Nations country
15/10/2011 - 19/11/2011
Spanish Rugby Union awarded
The Chairman of the Spanish Rugby Union, Mr. Alfonso MANDADO, was awarded with the Golden Medal of the Royal Order for Sports Achievements. Also, Spanish Rugby Union´s General Secretary, Mr. José Manuel MORENO, was awarded with the Silver Medal during an award ceremony presided by Her Royal Highness, Princess Cristina de Borbón last 5th of October.
02/10/2011 - 16/11/2011
Ukraine - Women Ukraine winner of Coupe de l'Amitié
On 1st October was held in Lviv (UA) the Coupe de l'Amitié for the Rugby 7s women teams.
01/10/2011 - 09/11/2011
U17 - Camp in Croatia
From Wednesday 28 of September until Sunday 2nd of October the U17 Camp with Croatia and Bosnia took place in Josipdol (Croatia).
01/10/2011 - 30/10/2011
ENC - Season 2011-12 begins
RWC 2011 Quarter final games start this week-end, but the ENC also starts on 8th October. At then of this season, the European Champion title will be given and some countries will be promoted for a new round 2012/14.
29/09/2011 - 31/10/2011
Ukraine - Workshop for trainers beginners
From 22 to 23 September was held in Sports University of Kiev (UA) a seminar for trainers beginners.
26/09/2011 - 31/10/2011
FNOC - Article on European Rugby
RWC2011 is now running and a lot of media are interested by our sport. One of the large number of Press Releases produced has to be reviewed and highlighted because you can see it on the French Sports and Olympic National Committee web site.
24/09/2011 - 19/11/2011
U20 - 2011 Final in Poland
2011' FIRA-AER U20 Final will be held close to Warsaw (PL) in Siedlce from 14 to 19 November. The four contries will be the three winners of pools, Poland, Moldova and Ukraine and the best runner-up Lithuania.
04/09/2011 - 30/09/2011
RWC2011 - Competition starts for the 9 FIRA-AER Countries
The 7th RWC begins the 9th September. Nine countries affiliated to FIRA-AER will start the competition on 10 September. Scotland, Romania, France, England, Ireland, Russia, Georgia, Wales and Italy wish to complete a good tournament with different motivations.
02/09/2011 - 29/09/2011
U20 - 2011 Tournaments in Luxembourg and Lithuania
The first two U20 tournaments were completed end of August in Luxembourg and Lithuania. Moldova and Poland have validated the ticket for the final tournament.
29/07/2011 - 29/09/2011
Death of Albert Ferrasse
The world of Rugby and FIRA-AER was extremely saddened to learn that former FIRA-AER and IRB Chairman Albert Ferrasse has passed away aged 93. A great stalwart of the Game, Ferrasse served twice as IRB Chairman in 1980 and 1987, IRB Council Member between 1979 and 1992, FIRA-AER President between 1989 and 1997 and was the man who had the idea of the Rugby World Cup.
24/07/2011 - 25/07/2011
Euro Beach Rugby Cup - Anglet (FR)
Friday 22 July 2011, the Euro Beach Rugby Cup of FIRA-AER was launched in Anglet (FR) with the open Ceremony and the procession of 10 Nations represented.
20/07/2011 - 30/09/2011
Seven's Grand Prix Series : the outcomes
The first edition of the Seven's Grand Prix Series ended on the 18 July in Bucharest. Besides the victory of Portugal, other events occured in the 2011 Season. The rankings of Try scorers and Scorers are available attached.
17/07/2011 - 17/08/2011
New President in Germany
During its last General Assembly on 16th July 2011, the German Rugby Union (DRV) elected its new President for the next two years: Ralph GOTZ. This former player of the Sport Club Neuenheim in Heidelberg succeeds Claus Peter BACH who had been holding the position since 2005.
15/07/2011 - 18/07/2011
U17 Polish Championship available in streaming
The U17 Polish Championship is held at this moment. It finishes Sunday and is accessible in streaming at this address : http://www.lubie.tv/
12/07/2011 - 18/07/2011
The stakes of Bucharest's tournaments (Seven's Grand Prix Series and Top 12)
After the surprising results in Barcelona, the final tournament of this year's 7's Grand Prix Series, that will be held in Bucharest the next 16th and 17th July, will be thrilling. The statistics of the competition are also available attached. The Top 12 (Women's European Championship) will also be played in Bucharest.
11/07/2011 - 31/07/2011
Seven's - Victory of Serbia in Division B
Last 9th and 10th July, the European Seven's Division B was meeting in Riga (Latvia). Serbia is the winner of this competition.
11/07/2011 - 31/08/2011
FIRA-AER Technical Director Course 2011, Module 3, 3rd – 8th July 2011
From 3rd to 8th July, 6 Technical Directors from Austria, Croatia, Moldova, Portugal, Sweden & Ukraine attended the above module as part of an U17 player camp organised by Pierre Villepreux in Noirmoutier, France.
10/07/2011 - 31/07/2011
GPS Stage 3 in Barcelona - Fantastic victory of Russia in Barcelona
Today on 10 July 2011, inside the wonderful Stadio Olympico de Montjuïc (Barcelona), following an amazing tournament, Russia team won the GPS Stage 3 against Italy.
07/07/2011 - 31/08/2011
Iceland rugby made history on 3rd of July
On Sunday 3rd of July, Reykjavik Raiders played the first ever official 15-aside rugby game on Icelandic soil against Thunderbird Rugby Club from Arizona, US.
06/07/2011 - 31/07/2011
Publication of July's Flashinfo
In order to integrate the results from the last stage of 7's Grand Prix Series in Bucharest (16/17th July), the July Flashinfo will be released around 20th July. The next Flashinfo will be released in mid-September.
30/06/2011 - 11/07/2011
The stakes of Barcelona's tournament (Seven's Grand Prix Series)
Barcelona will be the next stage of the 2011 7's Grand Prix Series. Played on the 9-10 July, the suspense is intense at all the levels of the competition.
29/06/2011 - 30/07/2011
RWC Webb Ellis in Brussels
RWC Web Ellis was in Brussels Monday 25th June 2011. Photos shooting was organised with Bernard Lappaset, IRB Chairman.
29/06/2011 - 31/07/2011
IRB/FIRA-AER Level 2 Coaching of Match Officials (CMO) Course. 25-26 June 2011. Treviso (Italy)
7 delegates from Netherlands, Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal & Sweden attended the above course which was facilitated by Educators, Bob Easton (SRU) & Bernd Gabbei (IRB).
29/06/2011 - 10/08/2011
Norway: National 7s championship, 25-26th June
U16 Oslo RK-Lycee R. Cassin, U18 Horten RK, Women Bergen BSI and Men Stavanger RK are the new 7s Norwegian champions
28/06/2011 - 31/08/2011
Wonderful England ! Winner of Moscow 7's GPS 2011
England and Portugal have produced a wonderful show in the final of 7s GPS in Moscow on 25 June 2011. The two best teams of the tournament, the teams which have scored the more tries logically faced one another in the final..
27/06/2011 - 01/01/2012
Czech Rugby News
RC Mountfield Říčany: Czech Rugby Champions - 16 teams took part in Old-Prague Ham - Greatest Rugby Event of the Year - RK Petrovice for the fist time Women´s Champions - First Tournament of New Clubs
19/06/2011 - 26/06/2011
GPS In Lyon, England won the first tournament of 7's Grand Prix Series
Broadcasted on Eurosport 2 TV, England won against Spain the stage 1 of 2011 Grand Prix Series with a narrow score in final (28-14). Spain was unbeaten till the final.
15/06/2011 - 20/06/2011
Seven's Grand Prix Series : Kick-off this week-end!
This new competition, gathering the best teams in Europe, is starting this week-end in Lyon
12/06/2011 - 02/07/2011
Belgium winner of the first Group A tournament in Gdansk
Belgium takes in mid-term, the best departure to be promoted in 7 Grand Prix Series next year. Sweden beaten in final 17-5, Germany and Lithuania will try during the second tournament in Heildelberg (2/3 th July) to change the order established in Poland.
08/06/2011 - 13/06/2011
Slovakia - finals and Rugby 7s International Tournament
On 11 June, Slovakia Rugby Union closes the 2010/11 Season in Bratislava with two major events.
05/06/2011 - 20/06/2011
Women 7's : Poland, winner of Group B
The tournament of the Division B of Women Seven's was held in Zanka (Hungary) the last 4th and 5th of June. Poland came back victorious.
05/06/2011 - 12/07/2011
Rugby in Iceland
On Wednesday the 1st June 2011, Iceland Rugby hosted a historic visit from Douglas Langley of the IRB and FIRA-AER.
01/06/2011 - 30/06/2011
7s Rugby - Start of 2011' Competitions
FIRA-AER 7s Rugby competitions begin from 4 to 5 June with the Division B Women. Follow all competitions on our dedicated web site.
08/05/2011 - 21/06/2011
WET - England winner of the Women European Trophy
2010 European Trophy winners Spain, hosted the 2011 Trophy which was won by England A 5 - 3 over the hosts. The 2011 competition had an excellent level with 16 games in 9 days.
07/05/2011 - 11/06/2011
WET - Legacy program during the tournament
Legacy project have been undertaken during the Women European Trophy in Coruña, Spain on Thursday 5th May.
23/04/2011 - 29/05/2011
Ireland, U18 European champion
In Tarbes, Ireland defeated England (17-8) in the final of the U18 "Justin Bridou" European championships and won the trophy for the first time. For the third place, Wales won over France (6-15).
22/04/2011 - 24/04/2011
U18 - Satuday 23 April final games
Spectators in Armagnac-Bigorre will be able to watch the 6 scheduled matches on Saturday 23 April. Two outstanding games will be played in Tarbes.
22/04/2011 - 25/05/2011
U18 - Legacy programme in U18 Tournament
On the 21st April during the U18 Championship the team of Switzerland participated in one of many legacy projects organised.
20/04/2011 - 24/04/2011
U18 - Elite games LIVE on Eurosport
The final and the third place of Elite group will be LIVE on Eurosport on 23 April from Tarbes
19/04/2011 - 30/05/2011
U18 - Legacy programme
Before the Group C matches in Vic Fezenac between Bulgaria and Denmark & Hungary and Luxembourg, nearly 200 children from local schools participated in one of the many Legacy projects to be organised as part of the Tournament
17/04/2011 - 23/04/2011
U18 - The final will be Ireland Vs England
Fantastic games were played in Auch for the semi finals of the Elite Group. The two games were decided in the last minutes. Finally the final will be Ireland Vs England Saturday 23 April in Tarbes at 6.30pm Live on Eurosport 2.
05/04/2011 - 16/04/2011
U18 - Accreditation form
You can download you press accreditation for the U18 Justin Bridou European Championship.
27/02/2011 - 12/03/2011
ENC 1A - Georgia wins in Portugal
Georgia is now 5 points ahead to Portugal after the game won in Lisbon. Wins of Spain (Ukraine) and Romania (Russia) at home were expected.
24/02/2011 - 31/12/2011
New logo
Since the FIRA-AER is expanding, an evolution of its logo and its visual identity was necessary. As an important vehicle for communication, it had to be uncluttered and clear.
13/02/2011 - 27/02/2011
ENC 1A - Portugal wins in Russia
Day 2 of ENC 1A with a fantastic victory of Portugal in Russia after having defeated Romania on Day 1. After it won over Spain, Georgia now scores two victories. The game Ukraine Vs Romania has been postponed due to weather conditions in Ukraine.
10/12/2010 - 21/01/2011
Fundamentals rights in sports - Doping 2011
A new workshop will be given on 21 January at the Maison du Barreau de Paris. This seminar will present the mains problems in the morning, works in group per topic in the afternoon. General Assembly in the evening with report from the three workshop described below and a report at the end of 2011. The organisator (Institut des Droits de l'Homme du Barreau de Paris: IDHBP) will complete a report at the end of 2011 to give working tools to those who practice in doping sector(indicators to permit to get certain points of references to finalize law or doping practice). See below topics on program. Informations: Nathalie Korchia (or Christophe Pettiti) nathalie.korchia@wanadoo.fr
09/11/2010 - 18/12/2010
U20 - Lithuania won the final four in Hungary
Hungary have had the right to organize the final of the group finalists: Ukraine, Lithuania, Switzerland and the host themselves.
31/10/2010 - 30/11/2010
U19 - Georgia FIRA-AER European Champion 2010
Georgia is European FIRA-AER 2010 Champion after his excellent win against Russia, Russia will joint Georgia in 2011 JWT U20 . Photos: www.sportkipik.be
21/10/2010 - 28/12/2010
2010 - FIRA-AER Who's who?
Members of the FIRA-AER Office in 2010. Photo: Isabelle PICAREL
01/12/2001 - 15/12/2001
INFO SUMMARY
1 Next Winter meeting. Thanks again to the hospitality of Société Générale, next winter’s meeting will take place on 30 November/1 December 2012 in Paris. Sweden and Bulgaria have submitted applications for the 2013 Summer Congress. 2 Condolences. Jean-Claude Baqué expressed his condolences to the Bulgarian union on the death of its Development Officer and passed on its sympathies and thoughts to the Marinkin family.
01/12/2001 - 15/12/2001
Healthy finances despite economic crisis
José Maria Epalza and his assistant Ole Nielsen presented a table of the current financial situation which despite the economic crisis and a policy to support increased numbers of competitions, remains reassuringly healthy. A surplus of €43,000 is recorded, while expenditure amounted to €2 436 000. 74% of income came from the IRB, 14% from sponsorship and the remainder from various other sources.
01/12/2001 - 15/12/2001
FIRA-AER vote Bernard Lapasset as IRB Chairman
Raul Martins, FIRA-AER representative on the IRB Council, had earlier explained why the election of the IRB Chairman was postponed to Los Angeles due to the late application of Bill Beaumont. The General Assembly therefore included the vote to appoint a candidate in its agenda. Bill Beaumont followed by Bernard Lapasset were given half an hour each to state their case. This involved a twenty minute address followed by ten minutes to respond to questions from the floor.
![87th General Assembly [1] - Credit: I. Picarel](thumbnail-2248-147-95-pad.jpg)
01/12/2001 - 14/12/2001
U18 - Justin Bridou Trophy in Spain well on track
Before the Spanish technical officer Ruben Duque outlined the details of the organisation of the event, Jean-Claude Baqué welcomed two “strangers” to FIRA-AER, namely Jon Davis from the UK and Jacques Laurans (Six Nations) and stated that FIRA-AER and the Six Nations were totally united in their efforts and were working hand in hand in all areas including youth rugby policy, training of staff and the development of women’s rugby.
01/12/2001 - 14/12/2001
U18 European Championship 2013 in France
To conclude on competitions, Jean-Claude Baqué welcomed the addition of Spain to the list of organisers. Up until now this role has been fulfilled by Italy and France with one event taking place in Wales . He went on to announce that the 2013 competition will take place in France.
01/12/2001 - 15/12/2001
2010-2011 strategic plan 95% complete
Chairman Jean-Claude Baqué expressed his satisfaction that “we have realised 95% of the strategic plan which we presented to the IRB”. He emphasised the effectiveness of the logbook created by the IRB. He went on to talk about the 2011-2015 plan, the fruit of collective labours which involved taking the previous plan and reviewing all areas in need of improvement. He spoke of the work carried out at the General Assembly in Las Palmas, then by the Executive Committee and then by the twelve or so participating unions. In January 2012 a final draft will be submitted with the help of the IRB and forwarded, in French and English, to all member nations.
![87th General Assembly [2] -Credit: I. Picarel](thumbnail-2249-147-95-pad.jpg)
01/12/2001 - 15/12/2001
Increasing number of members. Why? How ?
The major debate of this General Assembly focused on the fascinating subject of increasing member numbers. In his opening address Michel Arpaillange stated that “ comparison between 2003 and 2010 shows that certain countries have not increased their number of players. Over the next four years let us use the 2015 World Cup as the impetus for new initiatives to develop Rugby”
01/12/2001 - 15/12/2001
FIRA-AER ready to promote the RWC 2015
Paul Vaughan, representing the Organising Committee of the Rugby World Cup 2015, following a video presentation of the event, announced a programme which involves the participation of all IRB nations and in particular the European nations.
01/12/2001 - 15/12/2001
Europe must speak as one voice
This objective has been pursued relentlessly by Jean-Claude Baqué : “Speak and be heard” he stated, “In total harmony. For this to happen it is necessary to find a way of combining the FIRA-AER bylaws with the Commercial Company which is made up of the Six Nations” he continued.
01/12/2001 - 14/12/2001
Women’s calendars
With regard to competitions, Douglas LANGLEY gave an account of the work carried out by the FIRA-AER Women’s Development Committee, presided over by Jean-Claude Baqué and assisted by Pierre Villepreux, to which Malcolm Gillies (Six Nations), Ruben Duque (Spain) and Akos Harmat (Hungary) were invited.
01/12/2001 - 15/12/2001
Mike Miller’s Olympic tool box!
As we mentioned earlier, the Chief Executive of the IRB Mike MILLER, in his opening address had great praise for FIRA-AER : “Thank you for your work. Without you rugby would not exist.” He then went on to deliver his analysis of a rather less than positive situation.
01/12/2001 - 31/12/2001
Black Sea Tournament
As the curtain opener to the 87th General Assembly two work shops were organised in rue de Liège. The first was dedicated to the Women’s Committee, which we will come back to later, the second one to cross border tournaments. This particular initiative fits in to FIRA-AER’s overall development plan.
02/12/2000 - 30/12/2000
Medical : efforts being made / noticable improvements
Doctor Jacques MOMBET, Chairman of the Medical Committee, announced the new anti-doping regulations and explained how they will work, in particular the withdrawal of the declaration of use; players will now be required to be in possession of a doctor’s prescription at all times for banned products which they might be receiving for treatment.
02/12/2000 - 30/12/2000
Communication : much-needed upgrade of Internet site
Webmaster Bernard JARGEAC discussed the modernisation of the internet site which is now much clearer and more detailed.
02/12/2000 - 30/12/2000
Le creed according to JC BAQUÉ : «Bring, share, exchange, discuss, receive, ...»
The Executive Board opened its meeting with a impassioned call for solidarity by Jean-Claude BAQUÉ in the presence of Raphaël NIEMI, who was representing Société Générale’s Head of Sponsorship, Ms Hafida GUENFOUD-DUVAL. Mr. NIEMI was sincerely thanked for his current hospitality and was invited to attend next year’s General Assembly!
02/12/2000 - 30/12/2000
The JUSTIN BRIDOU » European U18 Rugby Union championship on Eurosport
Following a working session held at its new offices in rue Liège at which Jean-Claude BAQUÉ and his staff had a final look at the agenda, the 85th three-part General Assembly got under way in the fine surrounding of the Société Générale which was made available to FIRA-AER. Thanks once again.
02/12/2000 - 30/12/2000
Headlines
Below the last items discussed during the 2010' PARIS AGM. The English version has been realised by Gilles Fabre (IRB). Crédit Photos: Christelle GLEMET
02/12/2000 - 30/12/2000
Competitions : more evently matched / new handbook
A general review of the competitions (men and women’s) was preceded by a report given by Bernard JARGEAC concerning improvements to the internet site (praised by José Maria EPALZA) and also the introduction of the bonus system which he remarked had lead to more dynamic and more evenly-matched games. His report focused on the first 25 matches (55 in total) played in divisions 1B, 2 and 3. On the financial front the IRB will provide the same assistance for 2012 as last year
02/12/2000 - 30/12/2000
High-performance Committee gets go-ahead
Two years after its creation, the High-Performance Committee, presided over by Octavian MORARIU, is about to achieve its objective: to provide the top teams with the exposure they deserve by launching an invitation to tender (media and commercial rights) which has resulted in negotiations with Eurosport and Sportfive. The arguments and views put forward by Eurosport would appear to be the most convincing.
02/12/2000 - 30/12/2000
An emotional moment as Jean-Claude BAQUÉ is honoured
As we stated at the opening of this issue, Bernard LAPASSET appointed two representatives to relay his message and it was Jacques LAURANS who had the enviable task of presenting Jean-Claude BAQUÉ, head of FIRA with his award:
02/12/2000 - 30/12/2000
DAVID CARRIGY : « FIRA-AER is constantly improving »
Having apologised for the absence of the Chairman of the IRB Bernard LAPASSET ( “who I am standing in for due to illness but who I cannot replace.) David CARRIGY, spokesperson for the IRB congratulated FIRA-AER : “For its constant progress and the work you have accomplished both in terms of competitions and development”.
02/12/2000 - 30/12/2000
150 refeees on file
Refereeing must remain central to the development of rugby. The work of the committee presided over by René HOURQUET is therefore focusing its efforts on ensuring that a maximum number of nations is represented on the FIRA-AER refereeing panel.
02/12/2000 - 30/12/2000
Financial situation satisfactory, however …
José Maria EPALZA and Ole NIELSEN presented in detail the financial situation which was deemed to be “satisfactory” by the auditors and was certified to be accurate and above board. However this good news comes at a cost.
02/12/2000 - 30/12/2000
IRB recommends caution regarding economic plans
In the absence of Raul MARTINS who was ill and who communicated via email, Jacques LAURANS and David PICKERING acted as spokespersons for the IRB announcing an economic conference which will examine ideas for starting afresh and will encourage unions to examine their expenditure and increased charges in the current economic climate and to assess the financial implications arising from the current situation.
02/12/2000 - 30/12/2000
Legal Commitee
The Legal Committee (Jean-Jacques ZANDER, Jean-Louis BARTHES, Henri KUSZCO) studied the comprehensive application submitted by Estonia (130 members, 4 clubs) and is very much in favour of its admission.
02/12/2000 - 30/12/2000
Unanimous approval of new Executive Committee
Once the minutes of all the previous meeting of the bodies had been approved, Jean-Claude BAQUÉ submitted a proposal for an amendment to the Executive Committee to the Extraordinary General Assembly as is permitted by the bylaws every two years.
01/07/2000 - 31/07/2000
The NTD’s crusade to increase player numbers
The first knights to start their crusade were the National Technical Directors. Led by Jean-Claude Baqué who came straight from the airport to the meeting room, and bolstered by the duo Michel Arpaillange and Douglas Langley, the 25 participants, broken up into four working groups with a spokesperson each, took on the mammoth task of addressing the burning question: “How can we increase player numbers?”
01/07/2000 - 31/07/2000
Sevens: Scotland integrated in 2012
The VII Rugby Commission strategic plan presented by its Chairman: Howard THOMAS as a joint strategy with the Elite Level Commission (a card to be played in the commercial operations) led to the following declaration: “I am convinced that our actions will inspire other Regional Associations and that we will play a role in the qualifications for the Olympic Games.
01/07/2000 - 31/07/2000
Pierre CAMOU’s two hats
The former FIRA-AER Treasurer and Current Chairman of the Fédération Française de Rugby had the tough task of replacing IRB Chairman Bernard LAPASSET, detained in Italy for the World U20 Competition. With the abilities we know well, he was perfectly adept at combining the two philosophies.
01/07/2000 - 31/07/2000
Jean-Claude BAQUÉ: “A highly memorable 86th Congress”
Led by Michel Arpaillange the final touch was made to the fixtures. One problem, between Finland and Luxembourg, remained unresolvable because of the absence of Cyprus. As an exception, Russia was authorised to play matches at the end of the season on the grounds of climatic conditions but without this be established as a precedent because, once the World Cup qualifications get underway, the timetable simply has to be complied with.
01/07/2000 - 31/07/2000
Jean-Claude BAQUÉ: “Stunning success of a group that must maintain its values”
This enormous amount of preparatory work (a stunningly successful precedent that must now be applied for the future) was solemnly confirmed during the Congress in the presence of all representatives. Traditional translation into three languages (English, French and Russian), welcoming speech from the local Chairman, Alfonso MANDADO, thanked by Jean-Claude Baqué for the excellence of the reception amplified by the multiplication of cells.
01/07/2000 - 31/07/2000
JM EPALZA: “The current balance is in deficit but financial equilibrium is guaranteed for 2 Ye
Introductory statement from José Marie Epalza, the FIRA-AER Treasurer: “These accounts were closed on 30 June”.
01/07/2000 - 31/07/2000
The “Boss” pays tribute to IRB development
Morgan Buckley, General Director of development at the IRB, kept a close eye on proceedings. Having presented the IRB strategic plan to the National Technical Directors and revealing that Rugby has gained 19% in new markets, that the number of players has increased by 18% since the last World Cup (33% in Africa, 22% in South America and 19% in Asia), that Rugby is now the 3rd most popular sport in the USA and that the 98 IRB member-unions generated 5.5 million players (this statistic refers to members only), he went on to review all the methods which would be used by the major nations, as well as the USA, Mexico and Brazil, to develop Rugby, and he urged the FIRA-AER nations to let their ideas be known. “What are you doing to hold on to players? Have you any new initiatives?”
01/07/2000 - 31/07/2000
R HOURQUET: “All countries must move forwards to ensure that the refereeing gap does not de
From the inventory in terms of refereeing, where he chairs the Commission (led by Patrick ROBIN to whom he offered his thanks), René Hourquet drew the following conclusion: We can only progress through work. In the field of refereeing all countries must move forwards otherwise the gap will deepen and this runs counter to the global project of FIRA-AER.
01/07/2000 - 31/07/2000
Octavian MORARIU: “All set for the start-up of the commercial partnership”
Chair of the Elite Level Commission, Octavian Morariu, outlined the hard work accomplished since 2007 to reach the objective, at last achieved: “The creation of a trading company enabling the start of the partnership”. To be recorded and formalised by the Executive Committee in September.
01/07/2000 - 31/07/2000
Jean-Louis BARTHES: “FIRA-AER takes on a new dimension”
In accordance with the Chairman’s wish, the Secretary General, Jean-Louis Barthès, offered a condensed Report although the sheer volume of material did not help in this task!
01/07/2000 - 31/07/2000
Outstanding jointly-compiled strategic plan
The collective working session with the Chairmen was described by Jean-Claude Baqué: “As a key page for the future”. A page that strategically includes two crucial years: 2015 (World Cup) and 2016 (Olympic Games.) As all nations (with the exceptions of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cyprus, Lithuania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Estonia) have added their contributions to the structure it is, according to the Chairman of FIRA-AER who chaired the whole of the meeting: “an outstanding joint operation. An improvement in the continuity issuing from 37 nations. The financial resources pump has been primed. It is now about planning. By speeding up communications (which are already better) with the VI Nations”.
01/07/2000 - 31/07/2000
A Communications Officer for each country
At the opening of the General Secretaries meeting and before handing over to Michel Arpaillange and Bernard Jargeac, Jean-Claude Baqué, standing in for Gilles Bizot, who was on an assignment at the Sevens Grand Prix Series in Moscow, reminded everyone of the propose of the meeting and introduced Amandine Guichard, a specialist in the sporting sector.
01/07/2000 - 31/07/2000
Creation of a Sevens Youth Competition for boys and girls
The second part of the meeting began with a review of all XVs Rugby competitions culminating in discussions, commentaries, critiques and proposals. These were always constructive and always kept the issue of finance in mind. The main theme was the creation of a Sevens Rugby Competition for young players (boys and girls). Jean-Claude Baqué’s view was to “agree in principle to a competition for players between 16 and 18 years of age sponsored by the Société Générale. “Seven’s Rugby is a very specific discipline and therefore we need to train a maximum number of young people as quickly as possible”, he suggested. Michel Arpaillange suggested that “we should explore and reflect on this issue and come up with a proposal at the AGM in December”.
02/12/1988 - 21/12/1988
A well-balanced and functional management team
The Executive Committee, composed of Jean-Claude Baqué, Jean-Louis Barthès, Drazen Colnago, Jonathan Dance, Martin Davies, José Maria Epalza, Archie Ferguson, Stephen Hilditch, Bernard Jargeac, Vyacheslav Kopiev, Raul Martins, Octavian Morariu, Dany Roelands, Tullio Rosolen, was appointed in accordance with FIRA bylaws. The choice of the ten Vice-chairmen represents a balanced geographic spread with from Portugal : Amado Da SILVA ; England : Benjamin Calveley ; Spain; Javier Gonzalez Cancho ; France: René Hourquet (Pierre Camou having voluntarily given up his position) ; Russian : Vyacheslav Kopiev ; Poland ; Jan Kozlowski (who is to represent FIRA-AER on a permanent basis in Brussels) ; Romania : Octavian Morariu; Georgia : George Nijaradze ; Scotland: Bill Nolan ; and finally from Italy: Zeno Zanandrea.
02/12/1988 - 28/12/1988
Jean-Claude Baqué elected Chairman
The Assembly continued its work while the election was taking place, with Daniel Mitrea from Romanian acting as intermediary Chairman. The vote resulted in the election of 44 members. There are 13 new members representing 33% of the overall board. (See internet site).
02/12/1988 - 22/12/1988
Competitions : Improvements at Elite level require changes at youth level
In his introduction to the meeting devoted to competitions (Men’s and Women’s) Michel Arpaillange stated that “seven World Cups have been played since 1987. Six have been won by countries from the southern hemisphere with only one being won by the northern hemisphere (England in 2003). We therefore need to improve our standard. Any significant improvement will require a new approach at youth level”.
02/12/1988 - 21/12/1988
Regulations : David Carrigy goes the whole hog
Initially it was intended that Regulation 22 would be the sole subject of the IRB representative, David Carrigy’s address. However, he ended up giving a rather longer address in which he highlighted the responsibility of the Chairmen and Secretaries General to insure that the regulations are clearly understood and complied with, whether they be in relation to artificial surfaces, anti-doping matters or other issues. The 400-page IRB manual should not frighten us. “If you have difficulties, ask for explanations”, he urged. “We have produced a summary in English, French and Spanish which should make this easier for you.
02/12/1988 - 21/12/1988
Stockholm Congress (5/6 July 2013)
Deadline for enrolment is the end of February. Details on fees will be provided to the organisers. A sporting event by young Scandinavians is scheduled. The closing dinner will take place on a boat.
02/12/1988 - 21/12/1988
862 artificial pitches in official use
The Andorran example was the first to be addressed. This is a publically owned pitch in the city centre, refurbished using 2 million euros provided by U.F.A. This represents two thirds of the overall cost, the government having provided the final third. The pitch was refurbished to host half a dozen international soccer matches. The other dates were assigned to rugby matches since the pitch dimensions meet with the required standards. It can accommodate 3,000 spectators.
02/12/1988 - 21/12/1988
Six Nations protocol agreement: France the only dissenting voice
Since January 2011 and following the Lisbon Treaty, the 6 Nations have been keen to participate in European institutions. A document implicating FIRA-AER, the IRB and the 6 Nations was drafted to help increase cooperation with the common aim of developing rugby and collaborating on field studies.
02/12/1988 - 21/12/1988
David CARRIGY : IRB-FIRA partnership has never been stronger
It was the job of David Carrigy, representative and spokesperson for the IRB Chairman, Bernard Lapasset, to conclude the General Assembly. He congratulated Jean-Claude Baqué and all the elected members and expressed his desire to get down to working with them as soon as possible. He paid tribute to Raul Martins for his activities on the Board and expressed his pleasure in welcoming his successor, Octavian Morariu. Octavian’s father, Viorel was awarded the Vernon Pugh trophy, by a unanimous decision, for his service to rugby.
02/12/1988 - 20/12/1988
Finances show a surplus in 2012
Before starting his two-fold presentation (accounts 2011-2012 and the budget for future competitions), General Treasurer, José Maria Epalza highlighted that 75% of expenditure related to the sporting sector and that this figure is on the decline. Jean-Claude Baqué responded by stating that the IRB was pleasantly surprised by this and noted that, apart from the two Board members and the two FIRA staff who receive a salary, everyone else participated on a voluntary basis.
02/12/1988 - 20/12/1988
A target of one million two hundred thousand players by 2015
In his address on competitions, Michel Arpaillange had already broached this particular subject by stating the need to “strengthen our competitions in order to catch up on the southern hemisphere (2 working groups, 6 Nations and all European countries) while remaining aware of the economic realities involved”. He probed the issue further with Douglas Langley in their address on the Prague Conference and the “Get into Rugby Europe” initiative. Their idea is to use the occasion of the World Cup in England to work on relationships between clubs and primary schools, using club coaches trained by FIRA-AER who will provide the funding and skills required.
02/12/1988 - 21/12/1988
162, 000 tickets on sale for Sevens World Cup in Moscow
The Russian administrative staff gave a comprehensive presentation, accompanied by documentation, of the event which will take place in seven months’ time. 11,187 tickets have already been sold. Various events for young people and a music festival are scheduled. Jean-Claude Baqué congratulated Russia on what he described as a “cocktail of sport and culture”.
02/12/1988 - 21/12/1988
Info Summary
1. FIRA-AER medal goes to Claus Peter Bach. The efficient, loyal and long-serving devotee of European and German rugby, Claus Peter, was honoured by Jean-Claude Baqué in an emotional exchange. 2. Vernon Pugh trophy goes to Viorel Morariu. The International Rugby Board awarded the Vernon Pugh trophy, which honours distinguished individuals who have served Rugby, to Viorel Morariu, the former Romanian Chairman, vice Chairman of FIRA and former captain of his national XVs team. Morariu also served as the FIRA representative on the IRB Board from 1995 to 1997. We extend our warmest congratulations to him.
02/12/1988 - 21/12/1988
Extension of partnership with Société Générale
In his opening address to the Board of Directors and the Ordinary General Assembly, Jean-Claude Baqué expressed, to Caroline Guillaumin, Communications Manager, his pleasure at being asked to speak on this special occasion and in such convivial circumstances. He spoke of the friendship they shared, describing it as a partnership in the true sense of the word. He thanked her for her help in the past and anticipated her help in the future (the contract has been renewed up to June 2016 with an increase of 22%). He thanked the bank for its sponsorship of the U19s Sevens Tournament which bears its name and assured it of FIRA-AER’s total support in the staging of this event.
02/12/1988 - 22/12/1988
U18 Justin Bridou Trophy : The Alps comes out on top!
The opening of the 89th General Assembly was devoted to what Jean-Claude Baqué described as, “Our leading light youth competition: the U18 Justin Bridou Championship”, adding that “Spain has set the bar very high” and expressing his hope that the Committee from the Alps would follow suit. This objective was indeed achieved and even surpassed in terms of the organisation of the event.
2013 - Divisions A and B
Division A - ISRAEL - 1st tournament
Sweden - Moldova
Division A - ISRAEL - 1st tournament
Cyprus - Czech Republic
Division A - ISRAEL - 1st tournament
Netherlands - Czech Republic
Division A - ISRAEL - 1st tournament
Cyprus - Sweden
Division A - ISRAEL - 1st tournament
Poland - Croatia
Division A - ISRAEL - 1st tournament
Belgium - Israel