Wilkinson to add more silverware to the cupboard

Jonny Wilkinson has no shortage of silverware in his cupboard, including the Rugby World Cup(not exactly, but he is a Rugby World Cup winner). It's good to see that he has not lost his competitive edge to win. He is a great sportsperson that does the talking where he does it best, on the rugby field. Wishing him well to add the Euro Rugby Final silverware to his collection.


Wilkinson set for first euro final Rugby Union Global Rugby News Scrum.com

RFU finally admit to getting it wrong over sacking of Ashton - International, Rugby Union - The Independent

This may just mean the demise of Martin Johnson. What goes around comes around. Johnson's only saving grace may be Sir Clive Woodward.

RFU finally admit to getting it wrong over sacking of Ashton - International, Rugby Union - The Independent

Waratahs hunt first kiwi "Grand Slam"

As an Auckland Blues supporter I can only say "Bring it on!" to the Waratahs. Hold your horses. You'll need to postpone those winning aspirations for another weekend. Go Blues Go!!!

Waratahs hunt first kiwi "Grand Slam" allblacks.com - official site of the All Blacks

Sir Clive Woodward ready to return to England helm | Mail Online

England to bolster their 2011 Rugby World Cup aspirations with the return of Sir Clive Woodword to the game. There is no doubt that Woodward is capable of being instrumental in a complete turn around to the bad fortunes of the English team. Although he says that he does not anticipate making any changes, it is inevitable that heads will role. Amongst those that may get the chop will be Rob Andrew, Elite Rugby Director. Woodward may retain Martin Johnson, his victorious 2003 Rugby World Cup captian. He certainly has everthing going for him to call the shots.

SPECIAL REPORT: Sir Clive Woodward ready to return to England helm Mail Online

Namibia National Sport Fund

Having experienced the Vancouver Olympic Games and what it can do for the people made me realise what my country, Namibia, experienced when Frank Fredericks won his first Olympic medal. As a nation we experienced an indescribable exuberance, a togetherness, and so proud to be Namibian. That was the feeling I experienced in Vancouver. Everybody was involved, the federal government, business, the public, and most importantly the athletes. One of the things that stood out of me was the sponsorship drive that made for a successful 2010 Winter Olympic Games. Which brings me to my point:

Namibia needs a revised strategy in sponsorship of sport. This strategy can be made in the simplest way, focussing on the need for renewed government intervention and support, and more support from the corporate and big business(Banking, Insurance, etc) through tax laws that will put into place and support a National Sport Fund.

Businesses in Namibia, banking, insurance, breweries, telecommunications, etc are all doing well. There are notable sponsors who carried Namibia sport over the years and at the present moment still making valuable contributions to sport, for e.g. MTC, LEO, Namibia Breweries, Trustco, Coca-Cola. There are many others who are involved in sport. It goes without saying that these contributions are vital, but Namibia needs a secure, consistent sponsorship policy. Government can consider introducing a sport tax across the customer service industry. The Namibian insurance and banking industry is vibrant and healthy, with most of the profits benefiting causes outside the borders of the country. These businesses make huge profits and must be called upon to make substantial contributions to a National Sport Fund. It can be done. It is not something new. The rewards of such a venture can result in Namibia to be a competitor in the international sport arena, and winning medals.

Business involvement is not a new concept. We need to make it happen for us. We need government involvement to establish the sponsorship policy and to call for buy-in from industry and the public. It can be done!

http://olympic.ca/en/about/sponsors/sponsor-programs/

Canada Federal Government supports Olympic medal drive

Canada's federal goverment made a concerted effort to support the Olympic medal drive in support of the fundraising campaign, "Own the podium 2010". As an aftermath of the Vancouver Olympic games, this government support had it's fair share in the Canadian team's record breaking 14 Olympic gold medals in the 2010 event. Namibia needs to look into initiatives to produce Olympic greats such as Frank Fredericks. Namibia has produced sporting great's in numerous sporting disciplines like athletics, boxing, mountain biking, and some others. These achievements were realized through the dedication and hardwork of the athletes, but I dare say, through meagre sponsorships. If we as Namibians are happy with our sporting greats of the past and fail to actively seek ways to open up opportunities for new talent, which Namibia so richly has, it is and will just be sad. We need to seek for ways and means to support the National Sport Council's and influence the Namibian government to enact legislature to enable Namibia sport to add to our list of Olympic great's.

As a first step we can take a look at the latest success story:
http://elegacies.ca/userfiles/files/B6_1%20Federal%20Government%20Funding%20Supports%20Canadas%20Efforts%20to%20Top%20the%20Medal%20Count%20in%202010.pdf

Canada vs. USA - 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics FINAL

The Sidney Crosby goal against USA in the men's ice hockey is by far my favorite moment in what has been for me an excellent, eventful Olympic event. The USA men's hockey team were valiant losers. The Canada/USA final was a final with thrilling moments from an Alfred Hitchcock novel. I could have not asked for anything better than that. I am/was ecstatic that Canada won. This games was as exciting, rating amongst my favorites, as in the time that my Namibian compatriot Frank Fredericks won his medals at previous Olympic events.

YouTube - Canada vs. USA - 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics FINAL

Blues team for pre-season game against Crusaders

The long wait is over. The Super 14 kicks off on February 12th. Taking on the Canterbury Crusaders in a pre-season game is a good way to start off the season. The team looks good on paper, hope that it will do it justice on the pitch as well. As a former prop I am particularly happy with the front row. I am ecstatic that Tony Woodcock has joined the Blues camp this year. Woodcock, Mealamu, and Afoa, could not ask for more. Hope Toeava will get back to his former brilliance. Surprised to see Rudi Wulf on the bench. I guess I`ll have to wait and see. Other than that, `BRING IT ON!!!`.

Blues rugby team official website, Auckland Rugby Union

Italy to regain FIFA World Cup title in SA

Holders may feel underdogs' bite

At first glance, world champions Italy look to be clear favourites to take top spot in Group F, though the race for second place promises to be wide open with Paraguay and Slovakia the probable contenders. Paraguay have the benefit of previous experience at football’s top table while the Slovakians were impressive in qualifying. As for New Zealand, Ricki Herbert's men have nothing to lose and will be doing their very best to upset the apple cart.
The favourites Italy: The reigning champions and four-time FIFA World Cup™ winners are heading into their 17th finals campaign. Although their squad has changed since their 2006 triumph in Berlin, I Nazionale still depend on stalwarts such as keeper Gianluigi Buffon and veteran centre-back Fabio Cannavaro, as well as Andrea Pirlo and Gennaro Gattuso in midfield and Alberto Gilardino in attack. The Italians will be hoping that they can live up to their billing in South Africa and win consecutive world crowns for the second time in their history.

Ready full article at:

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/standings/group=249728/analysis.html

Five Boks in Namibia XV

Windhoek - Five Springboks have been selected for the Namibian Invitational team to take on a South African XV in Windhoek on Friday, May 29.


Fullback Jaco van der Westhuizen, wing Tonderai Chavhanga, centre Meyer Bosman, flyhalf Derick Hougaard and replacement centre Wayne Julies, have been called up by Namibian coach John Williams for this game.

The squad is further strengthened by experienced Super 14 players in Rory Kockott, Duane Vermeulen, Nico Breedt, David de Villiers and Richardt Strauss.

Namibia will be captained by former Bulls and Sharks prop Kees Lensing, while loose forwards Jacques Burger and Jacques Nieuwenhuis, were members of their World Cup squad in 2007.

Blue Bulls Ruan Vermeulen (prop) and Julies, and Lions lock Anton van Zyl are on the bench.

Other Namibians in the squad are wing Llewellyn Winckler and replacements Hugo Horn (hooker), Johnny Redelinghuys (prop), Jurie van Tonder (scrumhalf) and Chrysander Botha (fullback).

Namibian Invitation XV: Jaco van der Westhuizen, Tonderai Chavhanga, Frikkie Welsh, Meyer Bosman, Llewellyn Winckler, Derick Hougaard, Rory Kockott, Jacques Burger, Duane Vermeulen, Jacques Nieuwenhuis, Nico Breedt, Dawid de Villiers, Kobus Calldo, Richardt Strauss, Kees Lensing (captain)


Replacements: Hugo Horn, Johnny Redelinghuys, Ruan Vermeulen, Anton van Zyl, Wayne Julies, Jurie van Tonder, Chrysander Botha.