Mike Phillips setting his sights on the British and Irish Lions
Ospreys and Wales scrum-half Mike Phillips is setting his sights on a return to Wales and the possibility of the Lions tour to South Africa after recovering from a knee injury.
26-year-old was back in action for his region when he came on for the last half-an-hour in the 30-24 loss to the Dragons on Friday.
Phillips (who wears Adidas Rugby boots) had been sidelined after injuring his cruciate knee ligaments in the EDF Energy Cup win over Saracens in March.
“It’s a goal of mine to get back into the Wales squad and do what I did last year and hopefully repeat the performance I put in,”.
”Hopefully I can get back into the Wales team and crack on with a chance at the Lions,”
The former Scarlet was one of the stand out players in Wales Grand Slam campaign in 2008 and admits his time away from the filed has not been easy.
“One week I was beating France and winning the Grand Slam and the following week was the injury,” said 33-cap Phillips.
“Going from such a high to a low was very hard to take on board and it’s been a very slow process. It’s been a tough road but I’m at the end now and I’m really looking forward to being back playing.”
Phillips came through his run-out against the Dragons largely unscathed, despite taking a minor knock.
“Personally for me, I’m delighted to be back on the field,” he said.
“It’s all about having time on the field and it’s going to be a bit of a process and I’m not putting too much pressure on myself.
“I took a bit of contact [on Friday], but the knee felt fine afterwards and I was initially pleased to come through it.”
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Posted in Lions News
Ronan O’Gara makes history
Double Lions tourist Ronan O’Gara made history on Saturday afternoon as he became the first player to break the 1,000-point barrier in Heineken Cup rugby.
The 2001 and 2005 Lion was marooned a point short of the landmark until almost the final play of the win over Clermont Auvergne when he converted Niall Ronan’s 80th-minute score.
Despite successfully kicking two first-half penalties at Thomond Park, the Ireland international was off-target with a further four kicks at goal as he seemed set to miss out on the record this time around.
However, back row Ronan’s fine individual try gave O’Gara one last chance to celebrate the achievement on home soil and the 31-year-old didn’t disappoint.
O’Gara sent his difficult effort straight through the uprights from just five metres in from the left touchline as he capped a dramatic late win for the reigning Heineken Cup champions.
O’Gara’s new tally of 1,002 points has come from eight tries, 134 conversions, 218 penalties and 13 drop goals in 79 appearances, giving him an average of close to 13 points a game in a Heineken Cup career that has so far brought two tournament winners medals. He has scored nearly all of his points in the famous Adidas Predator boots and is currently wearing the Adidas Predator powerswerve rugby edition.
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Posted in Lions News
Graham Rowntree appointed Scrum Coach for the 2009 Tour to South Africa
Graham Rowntree has been appointed as scrum coach for next summer’s Lions tour of South Africa.
Rowntree, 37, is the final piece of Ian McGeechan’s coaching jigsaw and will work alongside Warren Gatland (forwards), Shaun Edwards (defence) and Rob Howley (attack) on the 10-match, three-Test tour.
McGeechan targeted Rowntree as a two-time Lions tourist and a recently-retired player who he believes boasts the unique qualities required to build a winning environment in such limited time.
Rowntree played on the Lions’ victorious 1997 tour to South Africa and made Test appearances against Argentina and New Zealand on the troubled 2005 tour.
McGeechan said: “Graham has played in Test matches for the Lions and he has been on a tour where he experienced the disappointment of not being involved in the Tests but was fantastic is producing the environment that delivered success.
“His role will be more than just scrummaging. He has that experienced and he is so close to the game, which is a big plus in knowing what is required of the players.
“The biggest problem for us is getting together, having never played together. That is the biggest challenge. That is why coaching-wise we have people like Graham on board who understand that challenge.”
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Posted in Lions News
British and Irish Lions Short Sleeve Shirts Now Available to Buy
The launch date has finally arrived for the 2009 British and Irish Lions Short Sleeved Rugby Shirts which can be purchased through the Lovell Rugby Online Rugby Store.
Also available is the British and Irish Lions 2009 Rugby Shorts, Test Rugby Shirt, Replica Rugby Socks, Baby Kits and Ladies Home Rugby Shirts.
You are still in time for Christmas if you want to buy that special gift for any rugby fan. Or if you have a young one in the family, why not get them one of these British and Irish Lions Official Training Set - a great rugby gift for Chritsmas.
Lions Fans will have to wait until after Christmas for the next release date which see the Lions Polo Shirts, Lions T-Shirts, Jackets, Fleeces, Tracksuits and Training Rugby Shirts.
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Posted in Lions Merchandise
Adidas unveils the new British and Irish Lions Tour to South Africa 2009 Replica Rugby Clothing Range
Adidas have today released images for the upcoming Launch of the British and Irish Lions Replica Rugby Shirt and clothing range. The range, which is to be used during the British and Irish Lions Tour to South Africa in June 2009, includes Replica Rugby Shirts, Training Rugby Shirts, Playing shorts, Socks, Polo Shirts, T-Shirts, Jackets and Windbreakers.
For the first time, Adidas are offering you the chance to own the Test Rugby Shirt as worn by the players. The Lions Test shirt is made from 100% FOREMOTION polyester pique that helps to regulate body temperature and is available for £99.99. There is an extremely limited allocation, so to avoid disappointment you can pre-order this shirt here.
You can view and Pre-order the full British and Irish Lions 2009 Rugby Clothing range online now at Lovell Rugby.
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Posted in Lions Merchandise