Rapid Rugby including Western Force and Asia-Pacific teams to be kickstarted in early 2019

[Simon the kiwi]

Just received an email from China lions to today

MEDIA STATEMENT | 'All Systems Go' For Global Rapid Rugby
Global Rapid Rugby today announced a March 14 Opening Round spectacular in Perth, Australia, amongst an amended schedule for the Asia Pacific competition's inaugural home-and-away season.

"We are ready and can't wait to launch our competition," Global Rapid Rugby CEO, Mark Evans, said.

"The situation in China and its effects elsewhere have meant the schedule has been amended a little but, I'm proud to say, there is not one hurdle we have not been able to overcome. The health and welfare of the players, the coaches and our fans has been our number one concern and we have followed the advice of all relevant authorities, including the World Health Organisation, every step of the way."

The major alteration to the schedule surrounds home games for the China Lions, a team jointly supported by the China Rugby Football Association and New Zealand domestic powerhouse Bay of Plenty that was drawn to play three home games in Shanghai and two in Rotorua. Restrictions on sporting teams entering China means that games can no longer be played in Shanghai. The Lions will now play three home games in New Zealand and Rapid Rugby is working closely with Rugby Australia to provide a venue for two games in Australia.

The inaugural Global Rapid Rugby home-and-away season will begin on March 14 with Fijian Latui hosting the China Lions under lights in Suva, followed by a Double Header at HBF Park in Perth. Manuma Samoa will play Hong Kong's South China Tigers, followed by the home town Western Force against Malaysia Valke, in a double dose of the action and entertainment that Rapid Rugby has to offer.

"It's exciting to think that within six hours, six teams representing the rich tradition of Australia and New Zealand, the exciting potential of Asia, and the raw talent of the Pacific Islands will be on show and growing the game of rugby," Evans said.

"It is all systems go for Global Rapid Rugby in 2020."

END

China Lions Global Rapid Rugby 2020 Schedule:

Pre-season: vs Manuma Samoa, Saturday 7 March, Blake Park, Mount Maunganui, New Zealand
Round One: vs Fijian Latui, Saturday 14 March, ANZ Stadium, Fiji
Round Two: vs Malaysia Valke. Saturday 21 March, Stadium Tudm, Malaysia
Round Three: vs South China Tigers, Sunday 29 March, Owen Delany Park, Taupo, New Zealand
Round Four: vs Manuma Samoa, Saturday 11 April, Apia Park, Samoa
Round Five: vs Western Force, Sunday 19 April, location TBC
Round Six: vs Malaysia Valke, Sunday 26 April, location TBC
Round Seven: vs Fijian Latui, Sunday 3 May, Rotorua International Stadium, New Zealand
Round Eight: vs South China Tigers, Saturday 9 May, Siu Sai Wan Sports Ground, Hong Kong
Round Nine: vs Manuma Samoa, Sunday 17 May, Rotorua International Stadium, New Zealand
Round Ten: vs Western Force, Sunday 24 May, HBF Park, Perth, Australia
Final: Saturday 6 June, HBF Park, Perth, Australia

 

[The Seeker]

I once heard that and 60% of the worlds population is in Asia Really should be a target for world rugby

World Rugby governs many events in Asian countries under the authority of Asia Rugby (HQ in Hong Kong). They stream a lot of them which I enjoy watching.

https://www.asiarugby.com/

 

[The Seeker]

Whether Global Rapid Rugby succeeds or not, putting teams in major markets like Shanghai, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur is an exciting development. No harm trying and seeing if it works. It's also great that there are pro teams in Fiji and Samoa.

This competition, the newly proposed Japanese league, SLAR in South American and MLR making progress in North America are positive signs for the growth of the sport.

Absolutely!

 

[Simon the kiwi]

The Western Force are currently having a trial match against Newcastle and Hunter region here is the YouTube page

 

[The Seeker]

 

[Simon the kiwi]

China Lions Rugby
05 March 2020
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MEDIA RELEASE | Rugby revolution hits the Bay of Plenty
China Lions head coach Mike Rogers says his side is excited about the challenge of creating rugby history.

After weeks of training, the side will play a preseason warmup match against Manuma Samoa at Blake Park, Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, at 3pm on Saturday.

The China Lions has named a strong line up for the game against Manuma, and the side is looking to play an action-packed brand of rugby.

"The competition in this format has never been played before and it's basically going to be a race to see who can adapt quickly to the rules, who can come out with strategies around playing in different locations and countries."

Entry into Saturday's game is free and Rogers says with the new rules, he expects the game will be a fast moving, high scoring and always entertaining spectacle, that will have rugby fans on the edge of their seats.

The creation of the China Lions is the result of an exciting joint venture between China Rugby Football Association and Bay Rugby. The Lions will compete against Australia's Western Force, the Malaysia Valke representing both Malaysia and South Africa, Fijian Latui, Manuma Samoa and the Hong Kong China Tigers in an inaugural home and away competition.

The historic first season sees 30 games, 10 rounds, and one grand final on Saturday June 7 for the top two teams of the 10 rounds. The competition officially gets underway on March 14, with the China Lions taking on Fijian Latui at ANZ Stadium, Fiji at 6.15pm (local time).

China Lions Team:
1. Solomona Sakalia
2. Nic Souchon
3. Tevita Mafileo
4. Hoani Matenga
5. Stan van den Hoven
6. Joe Johnston
7. Kohan Herbert
8. Hugh Blake
9. Te Aihe Toma
10. Dan Hollinshead
11. Fa'asiu Fuatai
12. James Little
13. Mathew Skipwith-Garland
14. Tyler Campbell
15. Pryor Collier

Reserves:
16. Greg Pleasants-Tate
17. Toni Toia
18. Viliami Leo Tosi
19. Haereiti Hetet
20. Iosefa Maloney
21. Ray Tatafu
22. Luke Campbell
23. Liam Coombes-Fabling
24. Dwayne Sweeney
25. Solofa Silipa
26. Declan Barnett

Game Details:
Global Rapid Rugby Season One Pre-season game
China Lions v Manuma Samoa
Saturday March 7
Blake Park, Mount Maunganui, New Zealand
Kick-off 3pm
Free entry

END

Copyright © 2020 China Lions Rugby, All rights reserved.
China Lions Rugby Mailing List

 

[Simon the kiwi]

China Lions Rugby
06 March 2020
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MEDIA RELEASE | Experience leads the way for China Lions
When it came to choosing a captain for the China Lions, head coach Mike Rogers wanted someone who commanded a starting spot, had experience and a keenness to lead.

Hugh Blake epitomises those qualities, he will need it as he leads the side in their preseason warmup match against Manuma Samoa at Blake Park, Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, tomorrow at 3pm (local time).

In just over a week the side will enter into an exciting new version of rugby that is rapid by name and nature, Global Rapid Rugby.

Rogers announced today that Blake was the man to lead his squad in this historic first season of Rapid Rugby.

"When we were looking for a leader, we were really looking for a person who has the normal leadership characteristics, but at the same time he has a real commitment around doing his homework and being really focused."

The 1.87m and 103kg loose forward is a real powerhouse on the field and uncompromising on defense and attack.

Blake, 27, has an impressive rugby history. He has played more than 30 Mitre 10 Cup matches for the Steamers and played Sevens for Scotland.

Rogers says Blake was unlucky not to be picked up for this season's Super Rugby, but Super Rugby's loss is Rapid Rugby's gain.

"We'd love to see him back playing Super Rugby in the future, but having a guy like that with that level of experience and skills is great for us. So, he's going to command a starting position and play big minutes for us. He's demonstrated a level of maturity and a keenness to lead."

Blake says, he is excited to be taking on the captaincy role this season.

"It's awesome to be named as captain. I've got a few experienced boys in the side, who will no doubt be a massive support. I'm really stoked to be part of this innovative and new competition."

The captain says the side has come together nicely for the start of Rapid Rugby which officially kicks-off on March 14.

"We have a lot of quality players that have come into the side. So, in terms of training, it's all been pretty good. There is also an element of the unknown with the new rules. But definitely a fair bit of excitement around in the camp."

Blake says the warmup match will be a good opportunity to put into practice what the side has been working on.
"I've been looking into the Fijian and Samoan sides and they have some high-quality players. There is not going to be any easy games. So, we will need to be ready to adapt, while on the field."

Global Rapid Rugby Season One Pre-season game
China Lions v Manuma Samoa
Saturday, March 7

 

[Simon the kiwi]

Pre-season

Good hit out today over Manuma Samoa with the China Lions taking the win 42-14!

Now the boys prepare for their first official Global Rapid Rugby game against Fiji next Saturday!


#LetsRoar

 

[The Seeker]

Pre-season

Good hit out today over Manuma Samoa with the China Lions taking the win 42-14!

Now the boys prepare for their first official Global Rapid Rugby game against Fiji next Saturday!


#LetsRoar

Why are they called the China Lions when they don't play any home games in China? https://www.rapid.rugby/fixtures/

The South China Tigers play their home games in Hong Kong, so their name makes sense. I'm a Fijian Latui fan myself. I watched several Global Rapid Rugby matches in last year's test season and I really like the passion of the Fiji players and fans.

 

[Simon the kiwi]

Why are they called the China Lions when they don't play any home games in China? https://www.rapid.rugby/fixtures/

The South China Tigers play their home games in Hong Kong, so their name makes sense. I'm a Fijian Latui fan myself. I watched several Global Rapid Rugby matches in last year's test season and I really like the passion of the Fiji players and fans.

Originally they were going to play three matches in Shanghai and two in Rotorua due to the coronavirus all home games will be played away

 

[Simon the kiwi]

Rapid Rugby broadcast global and free
March 10, 2020
Broadcast details announced today will ensure that Global Rapid Rugby Season One is free-to-view and promotes the sport to a younger, digitally savvy audience right around the world.

A digitally focussed broadcast strategy includes international content aggregator Rugby Pass transmitting and promoting all 31 games of Season One via YouTube on Global Rapid Rugby's website, rapidrugby.com.

In Australia, popular online provider Kayo Sports will also broadcast all 31 games to a subscription audience of 400,000 sports and entertainment fans. Additionally, Sky Sports will carry games in New Zealand while Fiji Broadcasting Corporation and TV1 Samoa will show matches live.

CEO Mark Evans says growing the game of rugby far and wide was one of the original motivations behind Global Rapid Rugby and its innovative, progressive brand.

"A digital broadcast deal means Rapid Rugby is available anywhere, at any time to anyone," Evans explained.

"The fast-paced, high scoring, entertaining nature of our competition suits a younger, family audience. Working with Rugby Pass and YouTube gives Rapid Rugby a chance to reach the homes, phones and devices of sports and entertainment fans throughout the Asia Pacific region where the games will be played, and beyond, where the appetite for rugby is huge.

"The support of Fox Sports Australia has also been appreciated. Kayo is a one-stop-shop for sports lovers, so we are hoping to get plenty of eyeballs on that platform as well within our home market."

· Rapidrugby.com will be the number one destination for Season One matches in 2020
· Worldwide digital provider Rugby Pass will carry all 31 games live and on-demand through its free-to-view YouTube Channel in all regions – excluding New Zealand
· Subscription streaming service Kayo Sports will broadcast all 31 matches live and on-demand in Australia. Subscription TV provider Fox Sports may broadcast some matches live and on replay
· Sky Sports New Zealand will carry all matches with an emphasis on the China Lions, a team featuring players from NZ domestic club Bay Of Plenty
· Fiji Broadcasting Corporation will broadcast games on free-to-air television
· TV1 Samoa will broadcast games on free-to-air television
· World-class broadcast provider Gravity Media will produce the majority of matches

The inaugural Global Rapid Rugby home-and-away season begins this Saturday, March 14, with Fijian Latui hosting the China Lions under lights in Suva, followed by a Double Header in Perth featuring the Western Force, Malaysia Valke, Manuma Samoa and South China Tigers.

Rapid Rugby Season One is played over 10 rounds and 31 games, including a one-off grand final and a total prize pool of AU$1 Million. The competition aims to grow the game of rugby in the APAC region and features innovative new laws that ensure more ball-in-play and reward attacking rugby.

 

[The Seeker]

Originally they were going to play three matches in Shanghai and two in Rotorua due to the coronavirus all home games will be played away

Thanks for letting me know. I look forward to the season opener (Latui vs Lions) this weekend.

 

[Simon the kiwi]

China Lions Rugby
11 March 2020
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MEDIA RELEASE | China Lions ready to roar into competition
China Lions head coach Mike Rogers has selected a squad that has a blend of youth and enthusiasm mixed with power, speed and experience.

Global Rapid Rugby season one, officially kicks-off this weekend and Rogers says he is happy with the squad he has chosen for Rapid Rugby 2020.

"We have some really great talent in our squad and the side is looking forward to getting the season underway on a positive note."

The Lions played a preseason warmup match against Manuma Samoa at Blake Park, in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand on Saturday, beating the visitors 42-14.

Rogers says the side is now looking forward to their season opener against the Fijian Latui at ANZ Stadium, Fiji at 6.15pm (local time).

"There are no easy games and it's going to be a challenge but it's an exciting one. It's a little bit like Formula One Racing.

"To begin with it's a technology race, then it becomes a team race. In our instance, it's adapting to new rules and putting together a squad of players with the right skill-sets that will suit the modified rules.

"Then once the competition gets underway, it's going to be a real race around figuring out how we do this."

Lions' captain Hugh Blake says the side is hungry and energised for their first hit up against Fijian Latui.

"You only do something for the first time once and the pressure is on us to show what the China Lions' style of rugby is. You could say Rapid Rugby is the perfect canvas to show that."

The fast-moving, high scoring, action-packed game that is ready to burst onto the world stage, has made Rogers look to some other senior players to help Blake mould his younger players into the international arena.

"We've got a little bit of a different approach for our leadership model. Currently, we have only four players, that is Hugh, Fa'asi Fuatai, Dan Hollinshead and Mathew Skipwith-Garland, but we also have a wisdom group and that comprises of Hoani Matenga, Dwayne Sweeny and Greg Pleasants-Tate," the coach says.

"In our recruitment, we were really mindful of wanting to bring in guys who will really help the younger players along. They have played a lot of rugby in the Super Rugby level. Their job is around training, on and off-field leadership, being really calm and collected. To have these guys in our squad is really powerful."

Rogers says he is also looking forward to the Chinese coaches and players joining the squad once the travel restrictions are lifted.

"Getting them into this environment it will be a great opportunity to expose Chinese players and coaches to this level of rugby, having them fully integrated into this environment will not only help these individuals but Chinese rugby as a whole."

The China Lions is part of an innovative partnership between China Rugby Football Association and Bay of Plenty Rugby.

China Rugby Football Association's, Director of the Multi-Ball Games Administrative Centre of the General Administration of Sport Yingbiao Chen says, the Chinese people enjoyed sport and there is a lot of opportunities for rugby to develop in the country because of the partnership.

"The joint venture will benefit both countries and I am confident the China Lions team will have a great season."

Bay of Plenty Rugby chief executive Mike Rogers, (who shares the same name as the Lions' coach) says seeing Rapid Rugby come to fruition is a satisfying feeling.

"We are really excited about the inaugural season of Global Rapid Rugby. We have assembled a strong team and expect the side to be competitive and play a dynamic brand of rugby.

"Our partnership with China Rugby Football Association is a long-term commitment to fostering rugby in China and we look forward to building a strong fan base in China over the coming seasons."

How to watch China Lions games

• For avid rugby fans who are wanting to watch all China Lions games, Rapidrugby.com will be the number one destination for Season One matches in 2020.
• Worldwide digital provider Rugby Pass will also carry all 31 games live and on-demand through its free-to-view YouTube Channel in all regions (excluding New Zealand).
• In China, you can watch for free on Rapidrugby.com or www.ticketmaster.co.nz from Friday 13 March.
  
  Australia games
  
  Details to be announced at a later date
  
  
  
  
  China Lions
  Forwards
  Abraham Papali'i No 8 Bay of Plenty, NZ
  Apitoni Toia Prop Bay of Plenty, NZ
  Gao Yinghao Flanker Shandong, China
  Greg Pleasants-Tate Hooker Southland, NZ
  Haereiti Hetet LH Prop Waikato, NZ
  Hoani Matenga Flanker Bay of Plenty, NZ
  Hugh Blake Flanker Bay of Plenty, NZ
  Iosefa Maloney-Fiaola Lock Bay of Plenty, NZ
  Joe Johnston Flanker Bay of Plenty, NZ
  Kohan Herbert Flanker Bay of Plenty, NZ
  Li Haitao Lock Shandong, China
  Liu Luda Flanker Shandong, China
  Nic Souchon Hooker Bay of Plenty, NZ
  Nico Aandewiel Prop Waikato, NZ
  Ray Tatafu Lock Southland, NZ
  Solomona Sakalia LH Prop Bay of Plenty, NZ
  Stan van den Hoven Lock Bay of Plenty, NZ
  Tevita Mafileo Prop Bay of Plenty, NZ
  Tevita Sole Prop Bay of Plenty, NZ
  Viliami Leo Tosi Prop Southland, NZ
  
  Backs
  Dan Changshun Wing Shandong, China
  Dan Hollinshead 1st/2nd Five Bay of Plenty, NZ
  Declan Barnett Wing Bay of Plenty, NZ
  Dwayne Sweeney 1st/2nd Five Waikato, NZ
  Fa'asiu Fuatai Wing Bay of Plenty, NZ
  James Little Centre North Harbour, NZ
  Leroy Carter Half Back Bay of Plenty, NZ
  Liam Coombes-Fabling Fullback Waikato, NZ
  Luke Campbell Half Back Bay of Plenty, NZ
  Mathew Skipwith-Garland Centre Bay of Plenty, NZ
  Pryor Collier Fullback Bay of Plenty, NZ
  Solofa Silipa 1st/2nd Five Auckland, NZ
  Te Aihe Toma Half Back Bay of Plenty, NZ
  Tyler Campbell Wing Waikato, NZ
  
  Management
  Clayton McMillan Campaign Manager Bay of Plenty, NZ
  Mike Rogers Head Coach Bay of Plenty, NZ
  Marty Bourke Assistant Coach Bay of Plenty, NZ
  Mike Delany Assistant Coach Bay of Plenty, NZ
  Yu Xiaoxiang Assistant Coach Shandong, China
  Wayne Brill Manager Bay of Plenty, NZ
  Guan Yanbin Assistant Manager Shangxi, China
  Thomas Stebbing Strength & Conditioning Bay of Plenty NZ
  Scott Joblin Asst Strength & Conditioning Bay of Plenty, NZ
  Andrew Tai Kie Doctor Bay of Plenty, NZ
  
  
  END
  
  
  
  Copyright © 2020 China Lions Rugby, All rights reserved.
  China Lions Rugby Mailing List
  
  unsubscribe from this list update subscription preferences
  
  

 

[Hinato]

South China Tigers squad: https://www.asierugby.com/south-china-tigers

Malaysia Valke squad: https://www.asierugby.com/malaysia-valke

China Lions squad: https://www.asierugby.com/shanghai-lions

Nombres d'internationaux locaux dans les 3 franchises asiatiques pour la saison 2020 du GRR:
- South China Tigers (35/49)
- Malaysia Valke (5/35)
- China Lions (4/37)
Des chiffres logiques vu le ranking World Rugby des 3 "nations": Hong Kong (22), Malaisie (49) et Chine (80).

PS: les 4 joueurs chinois n'ont pas pu jouer le match de pré-saison et sont bloqués pour le début de saison en Chine en raison du coronavirus.

Les 4 joueurs chinois retenus dans l'effectif sont 4 internationaux à 7 dont le très bon Dan chang Shun: https://www.asierugby.com/post/quatre-internationaux-à-7-chinois-signent-avec-les-china-lions

 

[bakakumon]

The long-awaited 1st season of Rapid Rugby finally kickstarts

All matches will be available for watching on RugbyPass youtube channel

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb...ideos?view=2&sort=dd&live_view=502&shelf_id=7

 

[Hinato]

Fijian Latui/China Lions: les compos
https://www.asierugby.com/post/fijian-latui-china-lions-les-compos

Manuma Samoa/South China Tigers: les compos
https://www.asierugby.com/post/manuma-samoa-south-china-tigers-les-compos

Western Force/Malaysia Valke: les compos
https://www.asierugby.com/post/western-force-malaysia-valke-les-compos

 

[The Seeker]

The long-awaited 1st season of Rapid Rugby finally kickstarts

All matches will be available for watching on RugbyPass youtube channel

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb...ideos?view=2&sort=dd&live_view=502&shelf_id=7

Latui is my team! Thanks for the link.

 

[bakakumon]

Latui is my team! Thanks for the link.

Cheers! Enjoy the game

 

[The Seeker]

Cheers! Enjoy the game

Thanks. Same to you.

 

[The Seeker]

The long-awaited 1st season of Rapid Rugby finally kickstarts

All matches will be available for watching on RugbyPass youtube channel

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb...ideos?view=2&sort=dd&live_view=502&shelf_id=7

Where's the match? It was supposed to start twelves minutes ago. Reminds me of last year which was Rapid Rugby's test season. They had all sorts of broadcast mix ups.