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.
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.
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.
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.
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 - 31/08/2011
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.
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.
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
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
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.
![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”
![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 - 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 - 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 - 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.
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
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.
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 - 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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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”.
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.
2010-12 - European Nations Cup
ENC 1A
Ukraine - Spain
ENC 1A
Georgia - Portugal
ENC 1A
Russia - Romania
ENC 1A
Romania - Georgia
ENC 1B
Belgium - Netherlands
ENC 1B
Moldova - Belgium