Thursday, May 29, 2008
Teams pile in to Gumi touch rugby tournament
Messages from the Korean XV
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Chea Jae-Young (No.15, Full back, 4Tries)
I think I am still learning and making a progress in terms of my rugby skills. I knew this tournament was very significant for Asian rugby to develop. I hope people outside of Korea saw me play in the tournament so I can become a professional player either in Korea or overseas after discharging from military service.
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Hong, Jun-Ki (No.10, Fly Half, 36 PTS )
I was delighted to participate in such a great tournament as a member of the Korea national team. I was also happy with my teammates, coaching staffs, and crowds cheering for Korea. I realized that I should make an effort to improve myself after playing against 4 other Asian teams.
Two great players sent messages to our blog visitors.
Spire Touch Championship standings
Survivors 36
TWP 36
Yonsei 24
Exiles 20
Waegook 12
Pirates 12
Sisters 8
Hands 8
Paju 6
Stormers 4
Frogs 4
Raiders 3
Still plenty of time to go as this will run the whole season....next big opportunity is June 21 in Gumi....will the hosts walk off with the points? That would take the Cook into the top 3 if Yonsei are a no show. Although Yonsei are improiving all the time and so a big win down south could get them into the top two. With the date change and a stag night avoided, will the Kiwis travel?Wednesday, May 28, 2008
The last match of Asian Five Nations
Korea did very well in the last match of the tournament against HK.
HK believed that they could win the game as they did last year 27-20; however,
we proved we are the second best team in Asia and came back to the only Asian
country which can threaten the Asian No.1 team, Japan.
These videos were originally posted by Mr. Lee (Kangnam team).
Have we found the location for ITS 2008?
We may have solved that problem so watch this space for more news...
Meanwhile, Han River Pirates end of season tournament is on Sun 1 June 1pm in Yongsan International School, Itaewon...check it out!
Monday, May 26, 2008
Date change for Gumi touch rugby tournament
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Te Wai Ponamu win second round of Spire Touch Championships
Next stop is Gumi for Waegook Cooks tournament on June 21....(yes, that is a date change).
Saturday, May 24, 2008
South Korea seal Asian Five Nations second spot
AFP, HONG KONG
Sunday, May 25, 2008, Page 20
South Korea sealed second spot in the Asian Five Nations rugby tournament, scoring six tries in a thumping 50-24 win over Hong Kong yesterday.
Both teams were battling for second place in the inaugural competition after Japan romped to four wins out of four, but the South Koreans were much stronger than the home side, racing into an early 24-0 lead.
Disappointed Hong Kong coach John Walters said his side’s slow start had cost them dearly.
“We took a long time to get going and we didn’t rip into it with the tempo we wanted,” Walters said.
But he was confident of his side’s chances for next season.
“It was our aim to be the most physical team in Asia and it’s pretty close,” he said, adding that Hong Kong had a solid base on which to build for their next campaign.
Early pressure from South Korea led to a drop goal in the second minute scored by the impressive No. 10 Hong Jun-ki.
The powerful South Koreans raced into a 24-0 lead within 15 minutes, a combination of strong running and Hong Kong missed tackles leading to tries for Kim Tae-hyung, Kim Hyun-woo and Kim Sung-soo, all converted by Hong Jun-ki.
Midway through the first half Hong Kong got on the scoreboard with a converted try to Simon Hempel, but another try from Kim Sung-soo and two penalties for South Korea dented any Hong Kong hopes of a comeback in the first period, giving the visitors a 35-7 lead at the break.
In the second half Korea put the game beyond the home side, stretching their lead to 50-7 with the help of tries for Heo Woong and Chae Jae-young.
Three late tries from Hong Kong narrowed the gap, but it was a comprehensive win for South Korea.
HSBC Asian Five Nations Rugby
I proudly notice that Korea won the last match of HSBC Asian Five Nations and became
the runner up!
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Han River Pirates...Touch and Rugby for Kids
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Draw Announced for Spire Touch Rugby Series Round 2
Group One
Waegook Cook
Seoul Survivors
The Raiders
Hangang Exiles
Tits for Hands
Group Two
Te Wai Pounamu
Suwon Stormers
Seoul Sisters
Yonsei
The Royal Frogs
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Squad sizes for Spire Touch tournament Saturday
Monday, May 19, 2008
First Touch Rugby Tournament in Gumi
Big After Party
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Check it out here http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=14630648194
The Waegook Cook Touch Rugby Team will be hosting their first Touch Rugby Tournament in Gumi on June 7.
All teams and supporters are welcome to participate or attend this fun day on the country side just outside Down Town Gumi.
The preliminary Fun Program looks something like this:
Afternoon
Fierce Rugby Competition with some of the best teams in Korea participating
Cheer Leading team with Renier and the Girls
Hot Dogs, Beer and other snacks available at the field
Transport for Players and Supporters from Waegook Cook to the field and back
Evening
Prize Giving with lots of prizes for players and supporters
Biggest & Meanest Burger & Beer Night
Live Band
SA vs Wales on the Big Screen
Drink & Dance Party
Accommodation and or Shower Facilities are all within walking distance from the evening event at Waegook Cook
Let the Gumi people blow you away with their hospitality
Please contact Willie for further Information:
E-mail: huntersproule@hotmail.com
Cell: 010 5446 4504
Let the games begin !!!
Waegook Cook
http://www.waegookcook.com/
After 18:00 Restaurant: (054) 444 - 3775
Cell: 011 546 3775
Seoul Spire Touch Series - ROUND 2 Preview
The next round of the Spire Touch Series takes place on Saturday 24th May at the same riverside location in Yeouido.
But this time there will be 10 teams competing for the tournament. On offer will be a significant coupon for use at Bungalow Bar in Itaewon and the chance to gain more points in the Spire Touch Series.
Here is a reminder of the current placings:
TEAM POINTS
Seoul Survivors 20
Te Wai Pounamu 16
Yonsei 12
Han River Pirates 12
Hangang Exiles 8
Paju 6
Waegook Cook 6
Seoul Sisters 6
Survivors - Odds, 3-2
They have the biggest squad to choose from and an abundance of talent has seen them dominate the Seoul touch scene. Hard to beat if they turn up with their game heads on, but these guys are not invincible as shown by the Han River Pirates drawn semi in the last round.
Te Wai Pounamu - Odds, 2-1
Blessed with exceptional ability, but so often the bridesmaids. They are likely to provide the Survivors with their greatest threat but suffered a heavy defeat in the last final. Good money if they can hold their form into the final.
Yonsei - Odds, 4-1
If it's raw pace that you are looking for, then look no further. Yonsei are the strongest Korean team playing the game at the moment and could easily start to win tournaments. Just need to add some guile and experience to their speed.
Hangang Exiles - Odds, 9-2
The 2007 League winners have seen their fortunes dip of late. But these guys know what it takes to close out a game of touch and under the leadership of Paul Schenk will serve up some tasty fare, make no mistake.
Waegook Cook - Odds, 10-1
The men from Gumi have done exceptionally well to make the Seoul trip again. If their appetite for touch matches their appetite for beer, they will soon be world-beaters. They will look to build on their first victory last time around and get in some valuable practice for their tournament on the 7th June.
Seoul Sisters - Odds, 15-1
The Sisters clearly have the most fun playing the game and will be looking to pick up a few wins on Saturday. They have some great players who are always a threat with the ball, as shown by their try against the Survivors last time around.
Introducing the New Teams:
The Royal Frogs - the name says it all. These committed young Frenchmen will be looking to add to Les Bleus back-catalogue of surprise upsets.
The Suwon Stormers - out from the security of the castle walls...how will this unknown quantity perform on their debut?
The Raiders - another new arrival on the Seoul touch scene, it will be interesting to see how they go on Saturday.
Non-starters:
Paju have quite a way to travel and have been unable to field a full team, though they will still be sending some players to Seoul.
Han River Pirates did well last time around to draw with the Survivors, but have found the SFS fixture list clashing with this round of the Comp.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Touch Women!!
Haha that headline got you didn't it!!
Touch Rugby is a family sport and this is a family blog!!
Seoul Sisters Touch Team are an awesome bunch of women who also play fast and awesome Touch Rugby.
The new offspring, of Seoul Sisters Rugby Team, came as the result of Natalie Halleman's ever expanding vision for the development of women's rugby in Korea. Natalie's vision in 2005, when starting Seoul Sisters Rugby Club, of 'If you build it, they will come', has certainly happened again this year with the creation of Seoul Sisters Touch Rugby.
Women from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, The States, Japan and England have come to play Touch and they're enjoying the fast and competitive games every week at Yongsan Family Park.
Being the only womens team in the competition, they are certainly shaking things up a bit in their rival mens teams. Ahem ... scoring the first try against the Seoul Survivors (a BIG mens rugby team) in their first SEOUL SPIRE TOUCH SERIES tournament game. Pure class!!
Seoul Sisters are out to have fun, play hard, improve each week and beat some mens teams!
If you would like to become a Seoul Sister Touch Player or Rugby player then check out our website www.ssrfc.com or contact Mel Cottingham - melcottingham@hotmail.com or Megan Taylor - meganirirangi@hotmail.com.
Suwon Stormers Touch Rugby team formed
If you are in the Suwon area and want to get involved in some Touch footy, email paddykanu@gmail.com
Korea Rugby International More photos from yesterday's match v Kazakhstan
Looks like the Kazakhstan full back got his games mixed up here...it ain't Touch, mate!
This was one moment when the Korean support was almost close enough to help the ball carrier!
This is winger Kim, Hyun woo who wore 11 but played on the right wing...by the end of the game, he was taking a lot of stopping!
Safe hands from Yoo, Young-nam, one the half dozen or so Japanese based players.
Korea Rugby Society Club Federation
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Korea make heavy weather of win over Kazakhstan
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Symbiotic growth of Touch and Rugby in Korea
Last fall, in an attempt to help spur on the development of Touch and the amateur rugby scene here in Korea, surveys were sent out to both contact and touch rugby clubs to find out more about what they were doing and hopefully develop a more co-ordinated approach to the development of the sport here in Korea. This Blog is an excellent communication tool for sharing this information.
Touch and rugby share more than the shape of the ball....both need open space and decent playing surfaces and that is the biggest challenge facing both sports here in Korea.
Please take the time to review the reports below and see if there is a club or a contact you wish to get in touch with to either organize a game or can even help further develop. More clubs to be posted shortly.
If you would like to get your team or project on the site, please email me at nathallemans@yahoo.ca and I will post it on your behalf ASAP!!
Schools
Primary Contact: Selwyn Wharepapa selwyn2003@yahoo.com.au mobile phone 010 5810-7899
Level of play: competitive, at all levels
The times and days you practice or play: Tuesday and Thursday and Saturday mornings/lunch
Type competition seeking: All including middle/high school level, boys and girls, inter-school competitions, Seoul/Incheon etc
Any help coaching or otherwise you need for 2008: Sponsorship & organisation i.e. competitions/tournaments middle/high school level
Game plans are for 2008: Theory/Practice clinics, exhibition/trial at schools, curtain raisers for rugby tournaments either social or competition etc and eventually school tournaments
Club or teams rugby objectives for 2008: learn basic skills, improve via organised non and competition games, and increase player numbers through exhibition/trial games, and promotion etc
Do you have any refs involved in your club? If so are they available to help ref games in the upcoming year?: Yes, but are already doing it...
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Club: We are the informal club for the US Army’s 2nd Infantry Division, which is headquartered in Uijongbu and based out of Dongduchon. Club members are currently all military (both US and ROK), but we are open to civilian members.
Primary contact: match secretary is Phil Corrigan, philip.corrigan@hotmail.com
The level you play: We like to think that we play competitively.
The times and days you practice or play: We practice twice a week, on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 6 p.m.
Type of competition seeking: Whatever we can get.
Any help coaching or otherwise you need for 2008. : We are player-coached, but would welcome a real coach.
Game plans are for 2008: Nothing planned as of now.
Club or teams rugby objectives for 2008: Our club goals are 1) provide a social and physical activity for soldiers stationed in the 2nd Infantry Division. 2) compete in the east-Asian rugby circuit 3) restart the Combined Forces Rugby league
Do you have any refs involved in your club? If so are they available to help ref games in the upcoming year?: No refs. We’re still bringing in new players!
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Han River Pirates
The Han River Pirates Rugby Club was established in 2005 by a group of expat parents who wanted their children to have the opportunity to play what has been called “the greatest team sport”. Prior to that, there was no possibility for foreign kids to play rugby in Seoul. Over the course of the first three years, some 250 youngsters, coming from approximately ten nations, joined in the fun. Since adequate facilities for rugby are not available in Seoul, the kids play Touch and occasionally Tag Rugby. The club is just starting its sixth season beginning in April.
Primary contact:
Chris Morgan is Head Coach, his email is chris.morgan@tetrapak.com
Jeremy Burks is “Patron” jeremy.burks@dowcorning.com
Rex Duncan is Treasurer rex.duncan@dhl.com
Level you play: It is all about fun, fitness and learning new skills. To keep the interest high, Han River Pirates have also played in tournaments such as ITS 2006, 2007, Daejon Autumn Invitational 2006 and Seoul Spring Tournament 2007.
Times and days of practice or play: The season starts on April 6th and runs for 8 weeks, every Sunday morning, 9:30-11:30am. We will play on Yongsan Family Park in Seoul unless the Seoul Metropolitan Government can help us with better playing facilities.
Type of competition you are seeking: We’d love to play against more kids teams. Right now we play against Taejon Dragons, SIS Tigers and YISS as well as Korean schools like Bupyeong, Nagwon
Any help coaching or otherwise needed for 2008: We need coaches! Our coaches are all volunteers and have come from the parents of our players as well as local teams like Seoul Survivors and Yonsei.
Game plans are for 2008: Season starts April 6th and runs for 8 weeks. We hope to have a tournament in the spring and will join the ITS 2008 tournament too.
Team rugby objectives in 2008:
We want to solidify our organisation
Establish a permanent, reliable and safe ground to play on
Increase the quality of the coaching and refereeing
Give the kids new skills
Build a broader group of Touch and Rugby clubs for kids
And for everyone involved to have a great time each Sunday morning
Do you have any refs involved in your club? If so are they available to help ref games in the upcoming year? We have some Touch referees amongst parents and they will referee in tournaments.
Seoul Touch League
STL emerged from a group of people who played each Saturday morning on the banks of the River Han in Seoul. This initial group of Touch devotees became known as the Hangang Exiles because they kept being moved by the local authorities who didn’t want them to play on the grass…. Following the success of the Saturday morning pick up games, more people became involved and eventually enough critical mass was there to form the league which started with six teams in 2007. Unsurprisingly, the Exiles won the first league.
Primary contact: Duncan Cole leads the Exiles and the main contact for social Touch Duncan.cole@austrade.gov.au, Jeremy Burks STL Chairman jeremy.burks@dowcorning.com, Barny Hampson League Commissioner Barnaby.Hampson@kr.schneider-electric.com, Suzanne Liddell Referees suzanne_liddell@hotmail.com
Level you play: Each Saturday morning there is a game of social Touch going and in 2008, there will be a league programme for eight teams each playing two matches. We start the season on March 15th 2008 with a tournament and we’ll also help to host the International Touch Seoul (ITS) 2008 in the autumn.
Times and days you practice or play: 9:30-11:30am Saturday mornings on the rugby pitch at the foot of Sogang Bridge on Yeoido.
Type of competition you are seeking: We want to enjoy the game and are prepared to travel around Korea from time to time.
Any help coaching or otherwise you need for 2008: We need all the help we can get! Especially with the continuing development of Korean teams!
Game plans are for 2008: The league will start with the tournament on Sat 15th then the league will run 22nd March and for 7 weeks with breaks for Easter and the Hong Kong Sevens weekends. We intend to send teams to international competitions, starting with the
Teams rugby objectives in 2008:
Expand the league to eight teams and change to a championship format
Take the Spire Seoul championship on the road and spread the word about Touch
Improve all aspects of organisation and quality, especially reliability and safety of pitches and refereeing
Increase the involvement of Korean teams
Help expand Touch across Korea, even into schools.
Do you have any refs involved in your club? If so are they available to help ref games in the upcoming year? Yes, we are trying to get to a committed team of referees who can ref in the league and in tournaments.
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Womens Rugby and Touch
Seoul Sisters Rugby Club (touch and contact)
The Seoul Sisters Rugby club was founded in 2005 when a group of enthusiastic ex-pats got together to host the first contact women's rugby practice for foreigners in Korea. Since then, the club has grown and has helped promote both touch and contact codes here in the peninsula for both ex-pats and Korean women.
Primary Contact: Colin D. Castelli tejedor@9mmlargo.com
Level of play: competitive and social.
The times and days you practice or play: Saturday morning games touch rugby, Saturday 1pm practice for contact rugby (subject to change).
Type competition seeking: Club level and international. 7s, 10s, and 15s.
Any help coaching or otherwise you need for 2008: Always looking for new coaches to help develop our players.
Game plans are for 2008: Theory/Practice clinics, exhibition games, curtain raisers for rugby tournaments and international tours.
Club or teams rugby objectives for 2008: learn basic skills, improve via organised non and competition games, and increase player numbers through exhibition/trial games, and promotion of the sport.
West End Girls Rugby Club
A newly created women's rugby team based in the west end of Seoul.
Primary Contact: Natalie Hallemans nathallemans@yahoo.ca
Level of play: competitive and social.
The times and days you practice or play: Saturday 1pm practice at Onsu (subject to change depending on field availability).
Type competition seeking: Club level and international. 7s, 10s, and 15s.
Any help coaching or otherwise you need for 2008: Always looking for new coaches to help develop our players.
Game plans are for 2008: Theory/Practice clinics, exhibition games, curtain raisers for rugby tournaments and international tours.
Club or teams rugby objectives for 2008: learn basic skills, improve via organised non and competition games, and increase player numbers through exhibition/trial games, and promotion of the sport.
Avian flu disrupts Touch in Seoul
Touch in Jeju-Mozzies start buzzing again
If you want to get involved in Touch in jeju, email Woody woodyriley@yahoo.com
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Korea Herald features Touch and Rugby
Click on this lionk, go down to the bottom and look at the "more stories" there is one each on Touch and Rugby.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Touch tournament in Gumi?
If Wagook Cook are involved...then it will be Touch and PARTY TIME!
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Korea make progress in Five Nations
Full tournament stats can be found here http://www.scrum.com/images/content/A5N_2008_Match_Stats_Week_3_as_of_9_May_2008.pdf
Friday, May 9, 2008
Asian Five Nations in Korea (vs Kazakstan)
Date: May 17, 2008 2pm (Saturday)
Location: Incheon Munhak Stadium (No.2 pitch)
Map: See below
Japan 39 - 17 Korea
Korea 43 - 20 Arabian Gulf
I am delighted to notice that the Korean national team attained its fisrt victory in the HSBC Asian Five Nations (A5N) tournament yesterday!
Tickets are free!!!
How to get there:
http://incheon.go.kr/inpia_en/servlet/html?pgm_id=INPIA_EN000023
http://www.lifeinkorea.com/Travel2/304
http://210.90.99.1/warp/en/en_05_05_02.html
- Direction
: (by subway)
1. At the Incheon International Airport, take a zwaseok bus No.300, get off at Gyesan bus station, transfer to the Incheon subway line 1 at Gyesan Station, then get off at Munhak Stadium Station.
2. At the Incheon International Airport, take a zwaseok bus No.111 or an airport limousine bus, get off at Incheon Terminal bus station, transfer to the Incheon subway line 1 at Incheon Terminal Station, then get off at Munhak Stadium Station. (It's 10 minute walk from Incheon Terminal.)
3. Take a Gyeongin Railway, transfer at Bupyeong Station to Incheon subway line 1, then take off at Munhak Stadium Station.
: (by bus)
1. Take a sinae bus No.6, No.13, No.27, No.63, or No.64
2. Take a maeul bus No.515, No.522, or No.523
3. Take a City Tour Bus : Incheon City Tour Bus starts at Songdo Amusement Park at every hour on the hour from 10 a.m., routing Incheon Landing Memorial Hall, Neungheodae, Aamdo, Songdo New City Public Information Center, Incheon Dohobucheongsa(office building), and Munhak Stadium. The bus departs at Munhak Stadium at every 55 minutes( The first bus 10:55a.m.). The bus fares are; for one ride, adult ￦1,000, youth ￦500, children ￦300. for a daily freepass, adult ￦2,500, youth ￦2,000, children ￦1,000.
4. Take a express bus : Take a express bus to the destination of Incheon Terminal. Then take a subway at Incheon Terminal Station, and get off at Munahk Stadium Station.
: (by car)
1. From Kimpo Airport, take the Seoul Outer Circulation Highway toward Incheon, Pangyo direction, transfer to the 2nd Kyeongin Highway at Jangsu IC, then get out at Munhak IC.
2. From Incheon International Airport, take Incheon International Airport Expressway, take the Seoul Outer Circulation Highway toward Incheon, Pangyo direction, transfer to the 2nd Kyeongin Highway at Jangsu IC, then get out at Munhak IC.
3. From Incheon International Airport, take Incheon International Airport Expressway, transfer to the 1st Kyeongin Highway at Bukincheon IC, drive till the end, transfer to the 2nd Kyeongin Highway, then get out at Munhak IC.
(sorry most of the directions are not from Seoul)
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Scenes from the last Spire Touch championship
May 24th we'll see the same kind of action and excitement as the March tourny and we'll have sunshine and green grass....with big prizes on offer, what's stopping you?Sign up your team by emailing seoultouch@gmail.com
(Here we see Waegook Cook trying to dance around Han River Pirates....I could show you what happened next.... ;-) )
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
SPIRE KOREA TOUCH SERIES - Round 2, 24th May
The championship is a series of tournaments held over the course of the year. Teams participating collect points depending on where they finish in the event. This means that even if your team is weakened or misses a tournament, you are still "in play". Over the course of the year, it is expected that about five tournaments will be held and thanks to generous sponsorship from Spire (owners of La Cigale de Monmartre, Bungalow, Il Tavola and Embassy Club in Itaewon), big prizes are awarded.
In round one, eight teams and more than a hundred players fought it out in beautiful sunshine on the rugby pitch at Yeouido. The tournament lasts about four hours so there is plenty of opportunity for spectators, supporters or the vaguely curious to come and check it out.
Register your interest by emailing seoultouch@gmail.com
Seoul National Uni v Tokyo Uni rugby
Next Wednesday, these two famous universities slug it out in Seoul....with plenty of history between them, it should make for a good contest...
Korean rugby needs more of these encounters, exposing the local game to different types of opposition will raise standards and they are a good reality check of the progress of the game here...
Monday, May 5, 2008
ITS 2008...location, location, location!
The first two ITS tournaments were held, courtesy of the Korean Rugby Union at their Oryu Stadium. However, that presented some problems in the first year (too dusty) and the second year a hundred mm of rain overnight made the surface unplayable early on and delayed the start. Good humour and good sense by the teams got over that problem but it certainly isn't something anyone wants to risk this year!So, now the hunt is on for better facilities; no mean task in Seoul since sports grounds are so few and normally those available are bereft of normal supporting capabilities. Not to worry, we will get there.
Now is the time to start rallying the troops and registering an interest....we want to make it another big one!
Tournament date is Sept 20 2008 in Seoul. Open competition.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Japan and HK go two from two in Asia 5 Nations
Despite teh fact that both HK's wins have been close, their coach still believes they can win the inaugural championship! Maybe it is because the teams have such different shapes, styles and sizes? Kazakstan are reputed to be a big and heavy side which may make them more of a handful for Japan...but it is tough to believe that the gap will be so big.
Korea's next game is on May 9th against the Arabian Gulf in Doha....can they chalk up their first win?
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Korea v Japan on TV
Meanwhile, Japan put a hundred past the Arabian Gulf....which puts HK's narrow victory there into perspective! http://www.espnstar.com/rugby/newsdetails.cmd?id=7040560