Front Five - 31.08.21

Start your day with five eye-catching egg-chasing quotes & links from around the ruggersphere.

ICYMI click here to listen to the entire

Harpin On Rugby Podcast Preseason Series

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Three of Leinster’s props touched down during an entertaining 24-17 victory over Connacht

Leinster Defeat Connacht To Set Up U-18 Clubs Title Decider

IrishRugby.ie

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Head Injury Assessments, or HIA protocols...did not come into force until 2015.

Concussion study says players' cognitive function can decline after one season

Tomos Morgan - BBC Rugby

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“The biggest shock for me was how long they have for lunch”

The new French adventure of Dan Biggar's old understudy after being told there was nothing for him at Welsh region

Mark Orders - WalesOnline

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 The club themselves stated that "We promised ourselves that we would be less dependent on internationals because we paid a heavy price last season."

Cheslin Kolbe record transfer steps up 2021/22 French Top14 countdown

Scott Hornell - Last Word On Rugby

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What’s most shocking about this video is how many of them have happened in the last two seasons.

The most violent red card incidents in Six Nations history

Rugby Onslaught

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Feel free to share any interesting links you spot yourself about t’internet by email, Twitter, Facebook, blog comment or carrier pigeon – whatever works for you. JLP

Note - views expressed in "Front Five" links do not necessarily reflect those of HarpinOnRugby

ICYMI - The Harpin On Rugby Podcast 21/22 Preseason series

 

Last season was looooooooooong.  

When you factor in the matches that completed the COVID-disrupted 19/20 campaign, then there were Leinster, Ireland and/or Lions matches pretty much every weekend from August 22, 2020 to August 7, 2021.

But now the 21/22 season is starting to take shape.  Fixtures were announced last Friday - not everyone was happy with them, but here at Harpin Manor we at least got a kick out of the nerdy pleasure to be found in updating our results and fixtures page.

Pretty soon we will have actual matches to harp on, so we'll be able to fall back into our regular week-to-week routine of features including team announcements, previews, TV listings and of course writeups.

To help get the content-producing juices flowing once more, we embarked on a project over the past couple of weeks whereby we used The Harpin On Rugby Podcast (or "THORP" as absolutely nobody else but me calls it) to try to give an overview of the areas of the game we plan to cover throughout the season.

It ended up being a project that involved brief interviews with 15 different fellow rugby fans (I'd love to say I planned for it to be 15, you know, what with it being a 15-a-side sport and all, but nah, just a coincidence) with the focus being on Leinster but also looking at the other provinces, the rest of the URC nations, Women's rugby and finally men's club rugby.

We published a new pod every second day but if you missed it, you have another chance to catch each one from this page, although an even better way would be to actually subscribe to our feed so you'll be able to catch more episodes throughout the campaign as we will definitely be doing a lot more harping as the matches start coming.

Once more I'd like to thank all who gave up their time to be involved and I look forward to chatting to them all and more again as the season goes on.  JLP

PART 1

Leinster's back row & halfbacks featuring Cian O'Muilleoir & Richard Mifsud

PART 2

Leinster's back three & second row featuring Tom Coleman & Mark Jackson

PART 3

Leinster's front row & centres featuring Conor Cronin & Neil Keegan

PART 4

Munster, Ulster & Connacht featuring Michelle Tobin, Ian Frizzell & Stephen Murphy

PART 5

Wales, South Africa, Scotland & Italy featuring Dan Pearce, Andy Daniel, Sandy Smith & Tom Golden

PART 6

Women's Rugby & Men's club rugby featuring @IrishWomens & Mark Strange

Front Five - 30.08.21

Start your day with five eye-catching egg-chasing quotes & links from around the ruggersphere.

ICYMI click here for the last in our

series of preseason pods, this one

covering women's rugby & men's club rugby

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...the Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika...will join New Zealand's five franchises and Australia's five franchises in a 12-team tournament.

Details of new Super Rugby Pacific competition announced

NZ Herald.co.nz

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...the match was...full of thrills and spills and remained on a knife-edge throughout as the USA refused to let Great Britain get away from them.

Great Britain win wheelchair rugby gold medal at Tokyo Paralympics

World.Rugby

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Most of the team’s matches are scheduled to be held on Saturdays – a time when grassroots club matches in their region usually take place.

Glasgow Warriors trying to fix Friday night fixture issue

Planet Rugby

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"There has been a bit of talk in the media in the wake of Alex's death about the need for defibrillators and I feel it's vitally important for me to add my voice to that debate."

Shane Williams reveals his heartache over death of Welsh rugby club player as he calls for action at every club

Matthew Davies - WalesOnline

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Young players are now entering Benetton & Zebre who expect to be competitive with other teams.

A New Season - Part 3 (Gli Azzurri))

The Italian Rugby Blog

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Feel free to share any interesting links you spot yourself about t’internet by email, Twitter, Facebook, blog comment or carrier pigeon – whatever works for you. JLP

Note - views expressed in "Front Five" links do not necessarily reflect those of HarpinOnRugby

Podcast 3.08 : "Preseason Pod Series #6" - Women's Rugby feat. @IrishWomens and Men's Club Rugby featuring @realmarkstrange

Listen to the pod using the player above or better still,

subscribe to our feed we're on most major platforms

For this 6th and final of our preseason pods I wanted to look at a couple of areas which have always needed more exposure anyway yet were even more affected by the COVID disruption, namely the Women’s game as well as men’s club rugby - I have two guests lined up who are perfect for setting the scene for the upcoming campaign.

Follow @IrishWomens on Twitter > https://twitter.com/IrishWomens

Follow Mark Strange on Twitter > https://twitter.com/realmarkstrange

Check out Mark's excellent profiles on Irish clubs here > http://www.harpinonrugby.net/2021/07/irish-club-rugby-profiles-by-mark.html

Front Five - 28.08.21

Start your day with five eye-catching egg-chasing quotes & links from around the ruggersphere.

ICYMI click here for the 5th episode

from our series of preseason podcasts

this time covering the non-Irish URC nations

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 "...we hope by announcing this decision now it gives clarity to supporters who might have been concerned about their purchase with the season less than a month away."

Leinster's home opener switched to Aviva Stadium due to current RDS capacity concern

The42.ie

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Leo Cullen's Leinster will take on three-time Super Rugby winners, the Vodacom Bulls

Leinster and Munster face South African foes in first week of URC

RTÉ Rugby

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Holders Leinster face Connacht at the Sportsground this afternoon (2.45)

Murphy at No 8 as Briggs looks for Munster challenge

Ruaidhri O'Connor - Irish Independent

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...it is understood that Toulon played 1.8 million Euros to release Kolbe from the final two years of his contract 

South Africa international Cheslin Kolbe makes Toulon switch

Matthew Wood - Talking Rugby Union

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The four-year partnership will allow the Irish Examiner to deliver the inside story on news and developments

Irish Examiner to become official media partner of Munster Rugby

Irish Examiner

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Feel free to share any interesting links you spot yourself about t’internet by email, Twitter, Facebook, blog comment or carrier pigeon – whatever works for you. JLP

Note - views expressed in "Front Five" links do not necessarily reflect those of HarpinOnRugby

Podcast 3.07 : "Preseason Pod Series #5" - URC Nations squads 21/22 feat. @Cardiffrugbyweb (WAL) @scrum5ive (RSA) @theburghwatch (SCO) & @RugbyItalian (ITA)

Listen to the pod using the player above or better still,

subscribe to our feed we're on most major platforms

In the fifth of our preseason series of pods, I spoke to a fan from each of the non-Irish URC nations about the various clubs and players we should be looking out for.

Follow Dan Pearce on Twitter > https://twitter.com/CardiffRugbyWeb

And his Cardiff website here > https://cardiffbluesblog.com/

Follow Andy Daniel here > https://twitter.com/scrum5ive

And his website here > https://www.scrum5rugby.com/

The Evan Roos try he mentions can be seen here > https://youtu.be/_l_nwhREALo

Follow Sandy Smith here > https://twitter.com/theburghwatch

Follow Tom Golden here > https://twitter.com/RugbyItalian

Tom's post on the Italian franchises > https://theitalianrugbyblog.blogspot.com/2021/07/a-new-season-part-1-franchises.html

Front Five - 27.08.21

Start your day with five eye-catching egg-chasing quotes & links from around the ruggersphere.

Completed all the interviews Thurs night

for the preseason pod series - 15 in 10 nights

many thanks to all who took part

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"We’ve been training hard all summer, so we’re looking forward to performing in September. It has been tough."

Skipper Griffin aiming to show strength in Ireland’s World Cup bid

Ruaidhri O'Connor - Irish Independent

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The last time the Leinster Rugby Women’s Team played a game was in Energia Park in September 2019

Test event status confirmed for Leinster Women's Interpro games

LeinsterRugby.ie

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The 30-year-old Dublin native...will play in Ulster’s second row, having joined up with his new team-mates for pre-season training.

Ulster Add Kearney To Second Row Ranks

IrishRugby.ie

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"Following the match...both teams will move to Queensland where the remainder of the tournament will be staged"

Details confirmed for third AUS V NZ Test in Perth

Huge Rugby

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"I just, I get a nice, warm, fuzzy feeling when I think about this story."

Why the Rugby star's return to GAA is huge

Lee Costello - SportsJoe.ie

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Feel free to share any interesting links you spot yourself about t’internet by email, Twitter, Facebook, blog comment or carrier pigeon – whatever works for you. JLP

Note - views expressed in "Front Five" links do not necessarily reflect those of HarpinOnRugby

Front Five - 26.08.21

Start your day with five eye-catching egg-chasing quotes & links from around the ruggersphere.

ICYMI click here for the latest

in our series of preseason podcasts

this time featuring a look outside Leinster

at the other provincial squads for 21/22 season

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“There are some pundits who…I wouldn’t even know anything about them, but they’re going to talk because that’s their job.” - James Lowe

'If I don't have their name or number in my phone, then it doesn't really bother me'

Gavan Casey - The42.ie

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Leinster Rugby will wear the shirt in the Heineken Champions Cup this season

Leinster reveal new Adidas European kit

Ryan Corry - LeinsterRugby.ie

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The...Interprovincial Championship gets underway this weekend...with both matches kicking off 15 minutes later than previously scheduled.

Change To Kick-Off Times In Vodafone Women’s Interpros

IrishRugby.ie

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The Champion team, consisting of players selected by the fans from all seven Currie Cup Premier Division teams, will go head to head with a strong opposition side

All-star ‘Champions Match’ announced for November

SARugbyMag.co.za

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(Toulouse & Nike have) been cranking out hit after hit like the Lennon and McCartney of rugby gear all the way back to the 90s.

Toulouse once again show they have the best stash in world rugby

RugbyShirtWatch

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Feel free to share any interesting links you spot yourself about t’internet by email, Twitter, Facebook, blog comment or carrier pigeon – whatever works for you. JLP

Note - views expressed in "Front Five" links do not necessarily reflect those of HarpinOnRugby

Podcast 3.06 : "Preseason Pod Series #4" - Provincial 21/22 squads, MUN (feat. @CorkSeashell), ULS (@rava_ian) & CON (@MasterOfNonePod)

Listen to the pod using the player above or better still,

subscribe to our feed we're on most major platforms

This is the fourth in our series of preseason pods - if you subscribe to our feed you’ll find the last three episodes took a detailed look at Leinster’s cover in all the various positions heading into the 21/22 season. Now it’s time to turn the spotlight on the other Irish provinces and I spoke to a fan from each of them.

Follow Michelle on Twitter > https://twitter.com/CorkSeashell

Follow Ian on Twitter > https://twitter.com/rava_ian

Follow Stephen on Twitter > https://twitter.com/MasterOfNonePod

Subscribe to Master Of None Podcast > anchor.fm/stephen-murphy8

Front Five - 25.08.21

Start your day with five eye-catching egg-chasing quotes & links from around the ruggersphere.

Part 4 of our series of preseason pods

should post Wednesday evening

with focus on Connacht, Munster & Ulster

Why not subscribe to the feed 

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Munster say they are hoping to arrange a different fixture for the same day. 

Munster's pre-season friendly with Bath cancelled due to Covid-19

Gavin Cooney - The42.ie

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Erasmus is facing charges for a 62-minute video, during which he was critical of Nic Berry, the Australian referee

Rassie Erasmus submits case for the defence ahead of rugby's box office hearing

Matthew Southcombe - WalesOnline

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Marinos believes the competition will provide added certainty to Super Rugby clubs despite the decision to move away from the derby-focused AU format.

Australia hopeful of confirming new Super Rugby format

Planet Rugby

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The 30-year-old winger...follows the arrival of forwards Juarno Augustus and Brandon Nansen and scrum-half Frank Lomani.

Courtnall Skosan: Northampton Saints sign Springbok winger from Sigma Lions

BBC Rugby

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Kolbe will join Springbok teammate and lock Eben Etzebeth at Toulon

Kolbe set to make Toulouse exit

SARugbyMag.co.za

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Feel free to share any interesting links you spot yourself about t’internet by email, Twitter, Facebook, blog comment or carrier pigeon – whatever works for you. JLP

Note - views expressed in "Front Five" links do not necessarily reflect those of HarpinOnRugby

Front Five - 24.08.21

Start your day with five eye-catching egg-chasing quotes & links from around the ruggersphere.

ICYMI click here for the third episode

in our series of preseason podcasts

this one looks at Leinster's front row & centre options

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The game in Belfast, which will be played in front of the largest home Ulster crowd since February 2020, will be open to season ticket holders only

Up to 10,000 Ulster Rugby fans set to attend Saracens friendly

The42.ie

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With Ireland’s World Cup qualifiers following hot on the heels of the competition, coach Adam Griggs has opted to keep his players in camp

Leinster vice-captain Michelle Claffey last played a match in March 2020 and is eager for team to show its worth on TV

Ruaidhri O'Connor - Irish Independent

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Australia's Queensland state will host eight Rugby Championship matches in a rejigged schedule

Rugby Championship to be played in Queensland after Covid-19 disruptions

SkySports.com

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"It’s disappointing once again to have to keep our participants on the sidelines, but it’s the right thing to do under the circumstances"

All rugby in New Zealand postponed or cancelled this weekend

Stuff.co.nz

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The women will take on the Springboks after the men compete against Samoa with both teams playing for the Killik Cup.

Barbarian Women: Invitational team to play South Africa in Twickenham double-header

BBC.com

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Feel free to share any interesting links you spot yourself about t’internet by email, Twitter, Facebook, blog comment or carrier pigeon – whatever works for you. JLP

Note - views expressed in "Front Five" links do not necessarily reflect those of HarpinOnRugby

Podcast 3.05 : "Preseason Pod Series #3" - Leinster's 21/22 squad, front row (feat. @ccbooms) & centres (feat. @nkeegan)

Listen to the pod using the player above or better still,

subscribe to our feed we're on most major platforms

This is the third in our series of preseason pods, focusing on the front row and centres - and at the end I’ll give you the ideal starting XV as chosen by the team of contributors.

Follow Conor Cronin on Twitter > https://twitter.com/ccbooms

Follow Keego on Twitter > https://twitter.com/nkeegan

Front Five - 23.08.21

Start your day with five eye-catching egg-chasing quotes & links from around the ruggersphere.

ICYMI click here for the second

in our series of preseason podcasts

looking at Leinster's back 3 & 2nd row options

Safe to say this is the first ever Harpin post

that includes an Ole Gunnar Solksjaer quote!

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...the crowd of 199.50 – there was a baby in a pram present – that defied the forecast were handsomely rewarded. 

Wanderers and Lansdowne club together for welcome return to action

John O'Sullivan - Irish Times

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Sanzaar continues to scramble for a country, or countries, to stage the tournament after a chaotic few days

All Blacks: Queensland government to decide fate of Rugby Championship

Stuff.co.nz

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Lukhanyo Am said “not today!”

Watch: Am’s try-saving turnover

SARugbyMag.co.za

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In a game played in all four seasons at Energia Park, the Leinster Under-19s beat Munster 27-7

Leinster Under-19s Prove Too Strong For Munster

Thomas Lyster - IrishRugby.ie

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"...we can’t go from one extreme of volleyball or basketball from last year and go into rugby now."

'Don't turn football into rugby,' warns Solskjaer

The42.ie

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Feel free to share any interesting links you spot yourself about t’internet by email, Twitter, Facebook, blog comment or carrier pigeon – whatever works for you. JLP

Note - views expressed in "Front Five" links do not necessarily reflect those of HarpinOnRugby

Podcast 3.04 : "Preseason Pod Series #2" - Leinster's 21/22 squad, back three (feat. @LeinsterRoyalty) & 2nd row (feat. @hoomanbear)

Listen to the pod using the player above or better still,

subscribe to our feed we're on most major platforms

This is the second in our series of preseason pods where we have a look at Leinster’s options in the various positions for the 2021/22 season - one of our contributors is making his Harpin debut as we turn the spotlight on the back three and the second row.

Follow Tom Coleman on Twitter > https://twitter.com/LeinsterRoyalty

Follow Mark Jackson on Twitter > https://twitter.com/hoomanbear

Front Five - 20.08.21

Start your day with five eye-catching egg-chasing quotes & links from around the ruggersphere.

ICYMI click here for the first episode

in our Preseason Pod Series

looking at Leinster's 21/22 depth charts

at both back row and halfback

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“Now work has begun to assign TV slots among our seven broadcast partners and we expect to confirm these publicly as soon as possible.”

United Rugby Championship fixtures being finalised ahead of inaugural season

Cian Tracey - Irish Independent

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Should the move materialise, matches will be played in front of fans at Twickenham...Stade de France...the Millennium Stadium...and the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Rugby Championship in line for northern hemisphere switch

SARugbyMag.co.za

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Ireland’s matches are to be shown on Channel 4 in the UK and on RTE in he Republic of Ireland as part of a pre-existing deal

Autumn Nations Series to be shown on Amazon

David barnes - The Offside Line

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The game kicks off at 2pm (Friday) in the University of Limerick and features players from a range of clubs and schools across the province.

Leinster Rugby Under 20 team named to face Munster challenge

LeinsterRugby.ie

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“I don’t play a silly game” 

George North’s savage comeback to ex-footballer

Steven Smith - Ruck.co.uk

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Feel free to share any interesting links you spot yourself about t’internet by email, Twitter, Facebook, blog comment or carrier pigeon – whatever works for you. JLP

Note - views expressed in "Front Five" links do not necessarily reflect those of HarpinOnRugby