ULR Samurai Head For South African Adventure

The Samurai Team has accepted a late invitation to take part in the inaugural Nelson Mandela Rugby Sevens Tournament, held at the Grey High School complex in Port Elizabeth from 14^th / 16^th December.

It is going to be a very tough ask for the Samurai Team fresh from their recent New York 7s victory at a time of year when player availability is at best difficult.

The Samurai management has forged some excellent links with South African Teams and personnel over the past few years and are looking forward to visiting their friends in such a beautiful Country. It will be the teams first ever trip to South Africa.

The team will be managed by CT DuPlessis who spent 4 years in the UK working with the Samurai team's founder Terry Sands and will be coached by Ex Springbok Sevens player Jan Harem Van Wyk who also played for the victorious Springbok Team that won last year's Golden Oldies.

Jan Harem and CT will select from mainly South African based players and will face some very very tough opposition with the French Froggies, The British Army Fijian team and of course Paul Treu's emerging Springbok side are all taking part.

Tournament report to follow soon.

Hunt Gets England Call Up

Hunt has been in outstanding form for Samurai in their last 6 tournaments and finally got the call up he deserved after a fine individual performance after playing at the Harpenden 7s for Samurai.

Hunt said "I have only ever played for One Invitation 7s Team and that's Samurai, I would never want to play for any other as they have given me everything in terms of support and opportunities. I owed my initial selection to Samurai and I owe my re-selection to them."

Hunt who can play Centre, Wing, Prop and Hooker in 7s is a true utility player who has great pace. "He has been a fantastic servant for Samurai" said Colin Hillman the Samurai 7s Team Coach.

Hunt goes to Dubai with the very best wishes from everyone that is and has been involved with the Samurai 7s Team.

New York, New York For Samurai

A impressive win 59-5 over the Spartens and in addition to this Welsh international Arwel Thomas recieved 'Man Of The Tournament"

The Samurai team were Coached by Billy May for this tournament. Billy who also Coaches the Royal Navy 7s Team was invited to Coach the Team for the first time at the New York Tournament.

The Samurai management were pleased to win and add to their record breaking Amsterdam 7s title as well as the Southend 7s trophy they picked up earlier in the season. An impressive 3 titles this year together with runners up spots at the London Church 7s, Roma 7s and North Walsham 7s. Add to this the Samurai St George Teams victory at Harpenden and it will be yet another impressive season for the ULR Samurai Team.

The Samurai Team would be no where near as successful without the generous and loyal support they receive from Uninsured Loss Recovery (ULR) of Norwich. Samurai have been very fortunate indeed to have received ULR's support for over 5 years now with their M.D. Mr Alan Macalister, also pledging his support for the Team to participate in the prestigious Darwin 7s in Australia in January 2008.

Harpenden 7's

Great defence seals fine win for Samurai St George.

Samurai entered 2 teams for the 42^nd Harpenden Sevens with 2 very different squads in terms of player nationalities.

The Samurai International team was selected entirely from Wales based players and was Captained by the current Wales Sevens Captain, Jonathon Edwards and Coached by Wales 7s Coach Dai Rees.

The Samurai St George team was selected entirely from English players, Captained by Ross Blake the Cambridge University Captain and Coached by Ben Ryan and Russell Earnshaw who both Coach England 7s.

The Samurai St George team were the best qualifiers from the pool stages and faced RBS Spartans in the 1^st Semi with Samurai International qualifying in second place which gave them the tougher Semi final against the Marauders.

Samurai St George eased to victory over a very physical RBS team at the Semi Final stage but Samurai International were totally starved of possession by the Marauders who had blended well as a team after an early upset in the pool games.

The final started as a tense affair with both teams being weary of their counterparts however, it was Samurai St George who took the lead with a fine try from Simon Hunt only for the Marauders to bounce back with a fine sprint to the line by Ken Aseame the Blackheath No8.

With the score now at 5 -5 the crowd expected the game to go to the wire, but it was not to be as the Samurai team's excellent defence held firm. Tries from Simon Hunt (2) Rhys Crane (2) John Brake and Matt Cannon, with 2 Conversions by Harry Owens, helped the Samurai St George team to a well earned victory

Samurai St George Team.

Ross Blake, Sam Showering, John Brake, Matt Cannon, Adam Bishop, Jon Hampsey, Harry Owens, Rhys Crane, Dan Caprice, Tom Tombleson, Simon Hunt.

Cwmtawe 7's

Poor team performance leads to 1/4 final exit.

The Samurai Team were able to select a very experienced squad for Cwmtawe this year which included Rob Thirlby, Russell Earnshaw, Tom Hockedy, Matt Cannon and Simon Hunt who have all previously had England 7s experience as well as Nick Wakely, Aaron Bramwell and Gareth Williams who have equally had 7s experience with Wales.

Despite putting together such a strong squad for the tournament the fact that the Team had never previously played or trained together proved to be their downfall. 2 easy pool games did not help the team to gel as their defence was rarely tested. It was in fact individual brilliance as opposed to teamwork that led to the Samurai Team's haul of tries in these pool games.

The lack of time together as a squad proved to be the Samurai Team's downfall as they faced Llanelli in the 1?4 final, in front of a large Welsh crowd. Samurai took the lead through Simon Hunt to lead 5 - 0 after 4 minutes but then Llanelli struck back with Lee Williams making the score 5 - 7 to the Scarlets at half time.

It was a close affair but Llanelli always seemed to have the edge throughout and although another try each made the score 10 - 14 and the Samurai team went close on several occasions, Jonathon Edwards the Wales 7s Captain made the game safe with a minute left on the clock, with an excellent try as Llanelli ran out winners 10 - 21.

Llanelli met the KooGa Wailers (Newcastle Academy) in the semi but could not reproduce the same form as they had shown against the Samurai, with the Wailers cruising through to the final where they narrowly lost out to the British Army.

The 3 form teams in the competition were all sides who train and play together regularly, which has proved yet again that the better drilled and structured the Team the better results they can achieve.

Next stop Harpenden for Samurai.........

Samurai 7's Roman Invasion

Samuari come close to Roman Invasion

Samurai International (fresh from their Amsterdam 7s record breaking victory) came so close to conquering the Roma Sevens last weekend but unfortunately fell at the final hurdle. The squad were in impressive form as they reached the final, conceeding only 26 points in five matches. But despite their best efforts the team were unable to claim the trophy, losing 40 5 to the Kooga Wailers.

The Roma Sevens is developing into one of the most competitive and enjoyable tournaments on the international invitational circuit and Samurai have won the tournament twice before. The Samurai squad included two England Sevens players - Rob Thirlby and Will Matthews as well as former Australia Sevens Captain Tim Walsh and Newcastle Falcons' John Rudd.

Led by former Wales Sevens coach Colin Hillman the squad got off to a winning start against the Pyrenees, beating them 26 19 in the opening match of the day long tournament on Saturday. With the final not kicking off until gone midnight it was an 15 hour day for the players in the 32 degree heat of the Italian capital but that didn't hinder the Samurai performance. Their second match was a decisive 48 0 victory over the Spanish Barbarians with Rob Thirlby and Nick Wakley both scoring twice.

Game three of the day was another strong win this time over Mel's Exiles. Another two tries apiece for Thirlby and Wakley helped Samurai to a pleasing 36 0 win & to top their pool.

The results meant it was a quarter final clash with the French Froggies and more tries for Wakley, Thirlby, Matthews, Darren Allinson and John Rudd. Thirlby's last minute pass to captain Tim Walsh meant he didn't score a hat trick and avoided having to buy the players beers after the tournament! Samurai won with a comfortable 48 7 score and met the Pyrenees for a second match but this time in the semi finals. Despite having conceded a couple of tries in the morning Samurai had grown in confidence during the day and tries from Walsh, Rudd and Wakley meant it was a much more satisfying 21 0 victory this time.

In the other half of the draw the usual suspects of the Marauders, the British Army and the Kooga Wailers were fighting it out for a place in the final against Samurai. An exciting match between the Wailers and the Army set up an eagerly anticipated final, especially for Samurai's John Rudd who faced his Newcastle Falcons team mates all playing for the Wailers.

The Wailers got off to the stronger start and led 21 0 at the break. A thrilling try by Alex Page, chased right to the line by Newcastle's Ollie Phillips, helped Samurai begin to claw their way back, but then a worrying injury to skipper Tim Walsh caused a fifteen minute delay to the match, giving the Wailers a chance to recover from their strenuous first half efforts. Tim's injury clearly had an affect on the Samurai players which led to their come back fizzling out and a deserved victory and Trophy for the Wailers. Samurai's Nick Wakley picked up the Player of the Tournament award thanks to his impressive seven try tally during the day. Captain Walsh was forced to spend 2 nights in hospital but is now on the way to recovery.

Samurai International squad for Roma Sevens:

Tim Walsh (captain), Luke Sherriff, Matt Miles, Will Matthews, Andrew Bevan, Richard Gill, John Rudd, Nick Wakley, Rob Thirlby, Alex Page, Darren Allinson.

Coach Colin Hillman - Manager Ray Watts - Physio Catherine Cornwell

Next up for the squad is the Cwmtawe Sevens in Swansea on 4th August.

ULR SAMURAI BREAK THE DAM

20th May 2007

The ULR Samurai team took the Amsterdam Sevens by storm this year as they racked up their 3rd successive Win equaling the record of the Musketeers set in 1980. However, the Samurai team now holds the record for the most wins by team in the events 36 year history. Their 2007 victory takes their total to 6 with their closest rivals being Mels Exiles and the Marauders on 4 wins each.

The Samurai Team cruised into the last 32 as second best qualifiers behind last years beaten finalists the KooGa Wailers team, who had just taken the Kinsale Sevens Trophy. However the Samurai team fresh from their victory at the GMS Southend 7s and runners up spot’s at North Walsham and London Church 7s, were keen to make it 3 consecutive Amsterdam wins.

First up on Sunday were last years boot winners the Dambusters who put up a brave fight but could not cope with the power and pace of the Samurai back line as they marched into the last 16 where they faced a very physical Stoned Pups side who were looking for revenge after last years 33 – 12 defeat. The game as expected was a physical affair but it was one that was very much needed to test the Samurai Team’s defence. Samurai eventually ran away with the game to book a ¼ final against the Scufflers.

The Scufflers were surprise ¼ finalists but had played some excellent 7s Rugby throughout the tournament. The ULR Samurai team was well prepared and despite the Scufflers drawing level at 5 points all after 4 minutes, the Samurai eventually ran away with the game with 4 more unanswered tries.

Next up saw a repeat of last years Semi Final – Samurai v Backstabbers and it was a very fired up Backstabbers team that took the field. The game was evenly matched throughout and swung from end to end. Backstabbers took an early lead through Richard Briggs to make it 5 – 0.  Samurai immediately bounced back with a piece of individual brilliance from their Captain Tim Walsh that he converted himself. The game was closer than any previous encounter between the 2 sides and the turning point possibly came when Angus Murray received a Yellow Card for kicking the Ball away, in an attempt to avoid Samurai being able to take a quick tap. From then on in it was tense affair with the lead changing continuously and with only a minute left the Backstabbers held a slim 17 – 15 lead. Hoping for their first ever win against a Samurai team Backstabbers seemed to be in control however, it was not to be and after some great work from Angus Martyn a turnover enabled John Rudd to power through 2 attempted Tackles, to go over under the posts for a Converted try.

In the other semi the Marauders disposed of a strong KooGa Wailers team in extra time to make the final where they would take on their old rivals the ULR Samurai.

 The 10 minute each way final started in a quite relaxed manner as both teams knew it was going to be long and tense affair and so it was. The Marauders Fijian contingent was running the game as they had done previously in the competition but they had not accounted for Richard Gill and Angus Martyn who were very competitive in the contact area. It was however the Marauders who drew first blood with Noah Cato going over in the corner. Straight from the restart the Samurai pressed forward and from the resulting clearance kick scrum half Darren Allinson scored under the posts with Walsh converting. After a tense few minutes where both sides tried to gain supremacy, Captain and old campaigner Howard Graham went over narrowly missing the conversion. With a minute left to half time Simon Hunt, Samurais most capped player showed his pace and power to go over in the corner. The teams turned round at half time with the Samurai leading by 
14 – 10 with all to play for.

Almost immediately from the kick off Marauders retained possession and their elusive Fijian Scrum half jinked his way over after a rare Samurai missed tackle to make the score 14 – 15 to Marauders. From that moment and for a 2 or 3 minute period the game swung from end to end with both teams playing some very committed Sevens. With 3 minutes left Samurai man of the Tournament Angus Martyn turned over a ball in midfield and after some excellent handling in the backs  Marcel Garvey went over in the corner to make it 19 – 15 to Samurai. Despite the Marauders best efforts they could never quite get themselves into a scoring position as Tim Walsh controlled the game to the end.

The ULR Samurai team had worked hard for each other throughout a tough weekend to retain their trophy for the 3rd successive year.

Head Coach             Colin Hillman
Asst Coach            Russell Earnshaw
Manager             Matt Davies
Physio                        Catherine Cornwell

Team;            Tim Walsh, (Capt) Simon Hunt, Angus Martyn, Richie Hawkins, Gareth Gravel, Rory Couper, John Rudd, Marcel Garvey, Rhys Jones, Richard Gill, Darren Allinson, Tom Lozides.       

Latest News from North Walsham 7s, Southend 7s, Church 7s and Ledbury.

It has been a very busy fortnight for the ULR Samurai Team as they fielded 2 teams at North Walsham on the 6th May and 3 separate Teams at Southend, Twyford and Ledbury on the 12th and 13th respectively.

Whilst a logistical nightmare was most definitely on the cards with so many different players needing to be selected, contacted and organized prior to each of the Tournaments. Things went extremely well both on the pitch and off it.

Thanks to the continued support of Alan MaCalister and his Company ULR (uninsured loss recovery) of Norwich and of course the Samurai players it has been a very successful 2 weeks.

North Walsham –
Winners: Northampton Saints - Beaten Finalists: ULR Samurai International RFC
Report to appear here Soon.

London Church Sevens –
Winners: The Jedi – Beaten Finalist: ULR Samurai International RFC
Report to appear here soon.

GRS Southend Sevens –
Winners: ULR Samurai International – Beaten Finalists: Saracens RFC
Report to appear here soon.

Ledbury Charity Sevens –
Winners: Wales Sevens Team – Beaten Finalists: Bridgend RFC
¼ Finalists – ULR Samurai International RFC
Report to appear here soon.

Samuari opt for Man Friday as Chairman

The Samurai International RFC Committee have appointed former England Sevens captain and coach Mike Friday as new Club Chairman. Friday stepped down from his England role in January to take up a new position in the City, but was delighted to take on the role with Samuari.

"I have always had a special place in my heart for Samurai having played for the club on many occasions. Most recently I have coached the Samurai St George's squad (a young England development side) and am really excited about taking on this new role."

Friday was appointed as England Sevens Coach in 2004/5 having captained the squad for 2 years including the 2001 RWC and the 2002 Commonwealth Games, when he played professionally with London Wasps. He acted as Assistant Coach to Joe Lydon from 2002 to 2004 before taking over the reigns full time. Under his leadership the England Sevens squad achieved their best ever results including a record four successive Hong Kong Sevens titles and a silver medal at last year's Commonwealth Games - the first time an England rugby team had ever won a Commonwealth medal.

Speaking on the apppointment Samurai founder Terry Sands said, "I am thrilled that Mike - or Geezer as he is affectionately known in the rugby world - has agreed to take on the role. He has had fantastic success as both a player and coach within the sevens world and is admired by players and coaches around the world. The players he has coached, many of whom have also played for Samurai, such as James Haskell and David Strettle, have developed into some of England's most exciting and talented youngsters and I can't wait for him to become more involved with Samurai. I knew he couldn't stay away from rugby for long!"

The ULR Samurai team are one of the world's most famous invitational sevens teams who have achieved great success in recent years recording wins at almost every International and UK based Sevens Tournament, including wins in Cayman, New York, Milan, Rome, and Amsterdam where they currently hold the record for the most amount of wins. The team participate in over 12 tournaments per season and Sands is pleased to have Friday's invaluable input into the continued growth and success of the team. "Mike has great mentoring skills and recognises raw talent and is able to turn that it into a world class performer. He also has strong business acumen - as demonstrated by his current career with DTZ - and a passion for sevens rugby that makes him a pleasure to work with."

The ULR Samurai squad will play in the Southend 7s on May 12th and Friday will himself select and Coach the side.

Friday 16th March 2007

Yet more success for Samurai Sevens

Another day, another announcement that yet another former Samurai Sevens player has hit the big time. London Wasps flanker James Haskell's rapid call up into the England team to face Wales this weekend means the list of Samurai players who have made the grade is growing by the week.

Haskell joins his Samurai Sevens team mate David Strettle in the England line up. Haskell was yesterday called into the squad as a replacement for Nick Easter - yet another Samurai Sevens graduate.

Haskell first played for the Samurai Sevens team in Amsterdam in 2006 in a team which also included Michael Hills, Selorm Kuadey and Ryan Davis all of whom were named in the England Sevens core squad for the 2006/07 season with Haskell and Hills making their debut’s in Dubai in December. His strong performance in the opening two tournaments of the IRB Sevens helped his selection for the England Saxons in February where he scored a try against Ireland A.

Speaking on Haskell's selection, Terry Sands, Manager of Samurai International RFC, said, "The success of former Samurai Sevens players so far this season has been remarkable. Haskell's call up means there are two former players in the senior England team, as well as several more playing for the England Sevens team including John Brake, Nick Abendanon, Simon Amor and as mentioned Michael Hills. It is fantastic news for these youngsters and is a great endorsement of how playing for the Samurai Sevens can help young players develop. It is very exciting for everyone involved in the Samurai Sevens team as we look at the current players and speculate on which ones will be playing for England next!"

Haskell's team mate David Strettle earned his first senior call up against Ireland in February. Strettle played in 3 Tournaments for the Samurai Sevens in 2005 and his first England Sevens debut in February 2006 was helped by his impressive performance for the Samurai St George team in front of former England Sevens coach Mike Friday in Dubai earlier in the season.

The Samurai International Sevens team participate in a number of international tournaments around the world including Dubai, Amsterdam and Rome. Sands adds, "Anyone who has played sevens knows how physically and mentally demanding it can be, and playing in the leading international invitational tournaments is proving to be excellent development and experience for talented young players."

For more information about Samurai Sportswear and the Samurai International RFC please visit samurai-rugby.com

Double England debut for Samurai Sevens

Young Northampton Saints player John Brake has been called into the England Sevens squad this weekend, adding to the already growing tally of former Samurai Sevens players involved in the England Rugby set up.

With Nick Easter (NEC Harlequins) making his senior England debut against Italy tomorrow, it means that two Samurai players will earn their first caps for their country this weekend. Brake and Easter join an impressive list of capped England players who have pulled on the famous Samurai shirt in recent years.

Terry Sands, Director of Samurai Sportwear, and also Manager of the Samurai International RFC, says, "Everyone involved with Samurai is very proud everytime one of our players progresses in their career. Nick played in 2003 in Norwich and Bulgaria whilst 18 year old John Brake made his international sevens debut at the end of last year in Bangkok and Dubai and now, less than two months later is taking to the pitch with the England team."

Sands continues, "The Samurai International Sevens team is 100% committed to developing young talent, and whilst winning is important, player development is our main priority. It is proving to be a successful production line for England, and the Sevens team in particular. Playing on the international invitational circuit in places like Amsterdam, Bangkok and New York gives these youngsters a taste of what international sevens - and indeed international rugby in general - is like. It also helps them develop off the field as they spend time with other young players off the pitch."

In recent years numberous international players have played in tournaments around the world, including several of the England Sevens squad with captain Simon Amor, Ben Gollings, Michael Hills, and England Saxons stars David Strettle, James Haskell and Nick Abendanon, all representing Samurai

Other England and Guinness Premiership players who have played for the Samurai Sevens squad include England's Olly Morgan (Gloucester), Pat Sanderson (Worcester Warriors captain), Richard Haughton (England Sevens and Saracens) and Phil Dowson (England Sevens and Newcastle Falcons).

For more information about Samurai Sportswear and the Samurai International RFC please visit samurai-rugby.com

DUBAI RUGBY SEVENS 2006

The St George Samurai squad managed to go one step further than last season by reaching the final of the 2006 Dubai Rugby Sevens, where they unfortunately succumbed to an experienced Christina Noble invitational side, in what was an extremely closely fought contest.

The International Invitation tournament kicked off on Thursday 30th November at the famous Dubai Exiles Rugby Ground.  The opening game for the St George Samurai team was against the Borneo Eagles from the Sandakan Rugby Club in Malaysia.  Despite a rusty start for both sides, the young St George squad soon managed to find their rhythm and held out to record a well deserved 19 – 14 victory. 

The second pool game of the competition took place later that day, on the main pitch, against the Holmans Fearless Warriors side.  After blowing away the cobwebs in the first game, the young and talented St George side well and truly found their feet and blitzed the opposition, cruising to a 40 – 0 win.  The final game of the day was against the famous Marauders side, who had also beaten the Warriors that day, but had then lost to the Borneo Eagles, so were therefore desperate to secure victory in order to stay in the competition.  An early score from Tom Hockedy and an outstanding last minute effort from speedster, David Howells, secured a dramatic 12 – 10 win and secured their position in the trophy quarter finals.

Day 2 was quarter finals day and the St George side were drawn against the runners up of Pool C, the Scottish based Steelers side, coached by former Scotland scrum half, Andy Nicol.  Inspirational performances from St George forwards Anthony Roques and Isoa Damudamu and a sensational try saving tackle by Tom Hockedy, meant that the team went into half time with a narrow 12-5 lead.  The Steelers fought back in the second half, but an outstanding solo score from Tom Hockedy ensured a 19 – 17 triumph.

Day 3 was the semi-finals and finals and with it came torrential rain - the likes of which hadn’t been seen in Dubai for some 15 years!  Despite the atrocious conditions the carnival atmosphere, synonymous with the Dubai 7s, continued and the fans turned up in large numbers to support the teams.  First up in for the semi-final was a lunch-time kick off, against Moscow based side, VVA Podmoskovje.  Both teams fought hard in the driving rain, but a determined team effort from St George, took them to a comfortable 24 – 0 final score and a place in the final.  Unfortunately, Isoa Damudamu took a knock to the head during the game and was ruled out from appearing in the final.  A disappointing end to the competition for Isoa, but overall an outstanding performance for this powerful and tremendously hard-working back row from Newbury.

The stage for the International Invitation Trophy final was set.  St George Samurai versus the Christina Noble side, in an evening kick-off, in front of a packed house, on the main pitch at the Dubai Exiles Rugby Ground.  Christina Noble boasted a wealth of experience in their squad, including the likes of Austin Healey and Leon Lloyd, and Wallaby legends Garrick Morgan and Damian Smith.  Despite a determined effort from the young Samurai team, a late score by Christina Noble settled matters and condemned St George’s to a narrow 12 – 5 defeat in a tense final.

The St George Samurai team would like to say a special thank you to their principle sponsor for this tournament, BASF Chemicals, and in particular to Julian and Rachel Pritchard for their generosity and support throughout the tournament. Thanks also go to ULR Norwich without whom, the Samurai St George team would not have been able to participate this season.

Danny Gray and Charlie Amesbury proceed travel with the full England Sevens squad to make their debut in the World Sevens Series tournament that took place in George, South Africa.    

ST. GEORGE SAMURAI SQUAD:

Anthony Roques (Captain)(Exeter Chiefs); Isoa Damudamu (Newbury RFC); Donald Barrell (Saracens); Chris Hallam (Bristol Rugby); Danny Gray (Bristol Rugby); Charlie Amesbury (NEC Harlequins); Tom Hockedy (Exeter Chiefs); John Brake (Northampton Saints); James Tirrell (Saracens); David Howells (London Irish); Mat Grove (Exeter Chiefs); Sam Parsons (Cornish Pirates)

Coach:            Jan Bonney
Manager:        Barney Keeler
Physio:            Ian Horsley

SAMURAI LOSE OUT TO EAGLES IN BANGKOK FINAL

For the second year running the ULR Samurai team were beaten finalists in the Champion Bangkok Sevens, held at the Police Stadium in Rangsit Road.

The Samurai team had a tough 2 days which eventually took its toll when they faced the USA Eagles World Sevens Series National side in the final.

On the first day Samurai put the Thai University Select and the Royal Thai Navy to the sword, going through to the quarter finals to be played on Sunday. Samurai suffered a huge blow only 4 minutes into their first game when England U21 player Chris Robshaw suffered a ruptured ACL.

On day 2 Samurai faced a very tough quarter final when they took on the Nuie Islands National side who took part in last years NZ and LA 7s which was also part of the World Sevens Series. The physicality of the Islanders team took its toll but the Samurai team ran out 19 – 10 winners with 3 well taken tries from David Howells, John Brake and Carl McWilliam.

In the Semi final Samurai faced Auckland club side Grammar Carlton who had nurtured no less than 39 All Blacks since 1980 - the latest being Derrin Witcombe in 2005. It was yet another tough game for Samurai who held off a very competitive and abrasive set of Kiwis. Samurai held on with a tense last couple of minutes to run out winners 12 – 10 with tries from Alex Smales and John Brake.

Top seeds USA Eagles had an easier route to the final, where they disposed of Linton Army and College Rifles in the ¼ and semi finals respectively.The tournament undoubtedly proved to be excellent preparation for the Eagles for the upcoming WSS that they will be taking part in.

The ULR Samurai team had to recover quickly in readiness to take the field for a 10 minute each way final. As the whistle blew the Eagles raced into an early lead taking the Samurai by complete surprise as they raced over in the corner. With the Samurai shell shocked by the Eagles early try they struggled to get into gear but started to cause the Eagles problems and tested their defence to the full. Seconds before the half time whistle and against the run of play the Eagles Fijian Fly Half used his footwork to great success to jink over for a well taken try. Half time Eagles 12 – Samurai 0.

Samurai Coach Colin Hillman rallied his troops and Capt Carl McWilliam asked for one last effort for the second half. With only a minute gone Samurai forward James Harris went over to bring the scores to 12 – 5. The Eagles now knew they had a job on their hands and responded well but the Samurai defence held firm. Play went from end to end with Samurai having the better of the chances but several went begging when their tired legs began to show. With 34 minutes left the Eagles turned over ball on the half way and some good support play led to them going over in the corner to make it 17 – 5.

With Jonathon Hooper now on for James Tirrell and David Howells on for Alex Smales the Samurai put together some phases and Hooper himself went over in the corner to make it 17 – 10. The Eagles now knew they had to defend for their lives and their Coach Al Caravelli sent on reinforcements. Despite a great effort from the Samurai players the Eagles defence held firm and at the final whistle the gallant Samurai Team had to be content with the runners up spot for the 2nd year in succession.

The Samurai team thanks to the support from their valued sponsor ULR had finished another great season in style. Once again during a very successful 7s season they had unearthed several stars for the future who will hopefully now progress onto the International stage by representing their Countries. Next stop 2007.

Samurai Team.

Carl McWilliam, John Brake, Josh Heke, James Harris, Chris Robshaw, Jon Hooper, James Tirrell, Alex Smales, David Howells, Hamish Smales.

Coach Colin Hillman – Manager Terry Sands – Physio Brian Simpson
Support Staff – John Pennycuik, Ray Watts.

SAMURAI INTERNATIONAL at HENLEY-ON-THAMES

SUNDAY AUGUST 6th 2006

With members of the party travelling from diverse destinations around the country, there was no opportunity for practise on the eve of the tournament, so all enjoyed an excellent dinner in the relaxed and convivial atmosphere of the Toby Carvery adjacent to our hotel.

Owen had called everybody to be fed and watered in order to be aboard the bus by eight on Sunday morning and remarkably for a rugby squad, we were under way on schedule. We were still minus a player, however, as Kirk was making his way by train from Clapham only to be repeatedly frustrated by delays and changes caused by engineering works. He had still not arrived when the side began their campaign at 10.20. Owen meanwhile had been about the business of whipping his motley crew into some kind of order on the leafy back pitch which rolls gently down to the Thames and the reach where the world famous Royal Regatta is staged.

Samurai 34 ~ Henley Hawks 0

Our first tie was against the host side, Henley Hawks, who kept Samurai out for most of the first half although the job was made easier by errors born of unfamiliarity. The defence however looked secure and a couple of unconverted tries before the break took the pressure off. De Kok claimed the first with the aid of some juggling to control the ball before making the line. Vaughan was then sent clear on the end of some crisp passing.
Murray claimed the restart kick with a spectacular leap which set a flowing move in motion for Martyn to finish in some style, Vaughan landing the conversion. De Kok immediately flew in at the corner for another and Martyn’s clever dummy opened up the line for his second which Vaughan converted. An ultimately comprehensive win was sealed by Malherb.

Tries: DeKok (2), Martyn (2), Vaughan, Malherb. Conversions: Vaughan (2).

There was now a three hour wait until their next tie which looked likely to be against the formidable British Army side and indeed their all Fijian outfit had no difficulty in seeing off their first opposition. This lengthy time lapse between ties was partly due to some adjustment to the running order necessitated by a car accident in which four players from one of the participating teams were injured.

Samurai 19 ~ British Army 12

The tie kicked off at 1.20 and Samurai were behind after two minutes as they struggled to gell as a team. With King now available and expected to produce the outright pace that wins ties, he duly set up De Kok for a score on the stroke of half-time the conversion of which Blake missed by a whisker to leave Samurai trailing 5-7 at the turn.
The Army stretched their advantage two minutes into the second half with an unconverted try but a penalty slickly worked from the left touchline provided Martyn with an opening which he created himself with a deft take to wrong foot the Army defence and score under the posts, Blake converting to bring the sides level.
From that point it was nip and tuck as uncompromising tackling nullified the attempts on both sides to carve out what would probably prove the winning score. It looked as if King would provide it when he was sent flying down the right flank only to be tap tackled, but Martyn as ever in support, secured the loose ball and raced in for the clincher which Blake converted. There remained a nail-biting ninety seconds for Samurai to hold out before the final whistle signalled a famous victory.

Tries: De Kok, Martyn (2). Conversions: Blake (2).
 

Samurai 17 ~ Hartpury College 12

Hartpury College proved tough opposition in the semi-final which turned on another inspirational take by skipper Murray from the restart kick. Samurai had looked to be on their way after Blake had secured the lead with a try two minutes into the tie which Vaughan converted. Martyn then set up Cannon for a score after five minutes to consolidate the lead only to concede an unconverted touchdown at the corner shortly before the interval.
The psychological boost which that gave Hartpury was immediately countered when Murray timed his jump to perfection on the resumption and lightening fast linkage enabled Cannon to race clear for a try which Vaughan was unable to convert. King who had been injured in the previous tie had recovered sufficiently to be given a shot of outflanking the opposition but was unable to get outside his man as the college fought spiritedly to regain a foothold in the match and succeeded with two minutes to play. Seven points brought them back to within a single score but Samurai defence held solid and they ran out winners of what had been a serious test.

Tries: Blake, Cannon (2). Conversions: Vaughan.

The Final: Samurai 19 ~ Scorpions 24

When Scorpions won their way through to the final, that set up a clash of colours and with neither side having a change strip, it came down to the toss of a coin to decide which would have to play in borrowed colours. Scorpions lost out and took the field wearing the Spanish Exiles jerseys.
It was a tough and often untidy scrap with the emphasis more on spoiling opposition ball than constructing fluent movement. Scorpions proved adept at this tactic which had the effect of slowing down the game to a pace which suited their style. Midway through the first half they drew first blood with a converted try which Blake countered with a smartly taken score converted by Vaughan. The response was immediate as an unconverted try regained the advantage for scorpions but before the break the prolific Martyn had restored parity as he twisted free of the tackle to spin over.
Seconds after the restart, disaster struck. King had come on as half-time replacement but his first run down the wing ended with a collision which ruptured the ligament holding the patella in place and he required lengthy and careful treatment before being stretchered off and driven to hospital. It was a tragic end to what had proved a pretty shabby day for the cocky King. His injury was entirely accidental and the best part of ten minutes was required for his onfield attention before play could resume.
Inevitably this meant a rethinking of the game plan with limited options available to Scrimgeour. Nevertheless a certain try went begging when the scoring pass was dropped with the line open and the initiative passed to Scorpions who seized it to open up a twelve point margin with a brace of tries and one conversion. That looked to have swung the final conclusively but Samurai were game to the finish and when Murray capped an awesome performance with a late try which McWilliam converted they were back within one score. Time however had run its course and the referee blew for the end of a truly valiant effort which had come so close to triumph against adversity. The generous applause as Murray stepped forward to collect the runners-up cheque was testimony to their heroics.

Tries: Blake, Martyn, Murray. Conversions: Vaughan, McWilliam.
 

SAMURAI INTERNATIONAL RFC
CWMTAWE 7s SWANSEA

5th AUGUST 2006

With the ULR Samurai committed to playing in 2 tournaments on consecutive days. The management was able to take the opportunity to select 2 totally separate Teams.

It was 10 years ago last May when Samurai International RFC participated in their first ever tournament at the Amsterdam 7s. The Team which consisted only of proud Welshman, went on to win the tournament in style under the Captaincy of Mike Boys and have never looked back.

10 years on and with the help of Ex Welsh 7s Coach Colin Hillman, together with current Welsh 7s Coach Dai Rees – Samurai once again put out an entire Team of Welshman. On this occasion a much younger side took to the field and thanks to the support of several Welsh Clubs – Players were made available to give them the opportunity to make a claim for selection to the Welsh 7s Team, which would take part in the IRB World Series starting in November in Dubai.

The Team with a full set of experienced support staff, gathered for a training session on Friday night at Bridgend Rugby Club. A general organizational session followed prior to a Team meal before bed.

The Team made the short journey from their Bridgend Hotel on Saturday morning to Pontardawe RFC for the start of the tournament.

Once again the tournament was brimming with teams, with the arrangements and organization as excellent as ever.

The Samurai’s 2 pool games resulted in fine victories over the Royal Navy and Brecon Old Boys. Next up Samurai faced surprised ¼ finalists the Carmarthen Warriors with Samurai securing victory 24 – 5 with tries from Richard Carter, James Harris, Adam Whitney and Will Kershaw’Naylor.

Then came a spectators dream Semi Final against a very competitive Llanelli side. Unfortunately Llanelli had lost their speedster Craig Richards in their ¼ final which was eventually to be the main difference between the 2 sides.

Llanelli scored a converted try with the touch down going to Rhys Priestland to make it 7 – 0 to the Scarlets. Samurai gained possession and held onto the ball well with the Scarlets defending gallantly, eventually falling behind to tries from Gareth Chapman and Roger Davis both converted by Richard Fussell. The teams turned round at half time with the score 14 – 7 to Samurai.

Almost straight from the restart Samurai extended their lead with an Adam Whitney try under the posts to make it 21 - 7. Llanelli feathers were ruffled and after some long lasting stern Samurai defence Dan Godfrey went over in the corner to make the final score 21 – 12 to Samurai.

The young Samurai team had grown in stature with every game and as the team gelled they put together some excellent flowing Rugby. Who would have guessed that such an inexperienced team, that had never played or trained together before, would have reached a major final at their first attempt ? True Welsh spirit at its best had shown through however, the tired young legs were now very noticeable indeed.

The semi final was to cost Samurai dearly as Richard Fussell and Gareth Chapman were injured and could take No part in the final.



The 10 minute each way final would be against the British Army second string side the Slashers. A team full of Welsh Warriors would do battle against a team full of 7s specialist Fijians.

The 2 Captains Gareth Williams and Saula Roko spun the coin with Roko winning the toss. A determined Samurai team went about their business well and took the Fijians by surprise as they raced to a 12 – 0 lead with tries from Adam Whitney and (the Samurai’s player of the tournament) James Harris. With the game going from end to end and despite determined defence from Will Jones, the Slashers were able to pull one back through Tevita Raratabu. Straight from the restart Chris Jones collected and after the ball had spun through 3 pairs of hands, Kershaw’Naylor went over in the corner. As the conversion sailed through the post’s the whistle blew for half time. With the score now at 19 – 5 to Samurai, an unbelievable victory beckoned. The second half got underway with a fired up and determined Fijian side and with 13 minutes gone Roko went over to make the score 19 – 12. Then after sustained pressure by Samurai the ball was knocked forward and from the resulting Scrum Rupeni Ragia went over to tie the scores.

Unfortunately play started to get held up whilst the Fijians began to make substitutions. Then suddenly the young Samurai team were caught napping as Raratabu added to his earlier try, to give the Slashers a 24 – 19 lead. Play was again held up as the Slashers Coach was warned against using rolling subs. Despite the fact that he had already carried out this practice the ref took no further action.

With only seconds left the Samurai youngsters tired legs somehow gained momentum. They turned over possession and surged forward but with the try line beckoning, a foot in touch led to the Referee’s final whistle with No added time !!

A famous victory eluded the young ULR Samurai Team as they were eventually outfoxed by a team of experienced Fijians who knew what to do and when to do it……….

Hillman and Rees congratulated the players, who had all enjoyed the opportunity, but more importantly they had gained very valuable experience indeed.

Team:

Gareth Williams (Capt)
Jonathon Hooper
Richard Carter
James Harris
Adam Whitney
Will Kershaw’Naylor
Harry Trelawny
Gareth Chapman
Roger Davis
Chris Jones
Will Jones
Richard Fussell.