A whistlestop update from across the globe
1 Morocco
Morocco held their national sevens finals in May. The men’s event in Taza was won by Association Jeunesse de Rugby Marrakech (below), who beat Mouloudia d’Oujda Rugby in the final. Rabat hosted the women’s tournament that saw Académie Ben Msik de Rugby emerge victorious. “We extend heartfelt congratulations to all the teams for their exemplary sportsmanship,” read a Royal Moroccan Rugby Federation statement.
2 Ireland
Simon Easterby (above), Ireland’s defence coach, will lead an Emerging Ireland squad to South Africa in the autumn. The team will play the Pumas (2 Oct), Western Force (6 Oct) and Currie Cup champions the Cheetahs (9 Oct) in Bloemfontein. Paul O’Connell, John Fogarty and Andrew Goodman, Ireland’s incoming backs coach, will join Easterby on a tour that echoes a 2022 trip that developed the likes of Jack Crowley and Joe McCarthy.
3 Kenya
Former Kenya Sevens international Johnstone Olindi (below), now playing in Canada, has been called up to the Simbas squad. Kenya begin their 2024 season with the Rugby Africa Cup on 20-28 July in Kampala, Uganda.
There are maiden call-ups for 14 players, most of whom played and impressed in the recent Rugby Super Series that was won by the Menengai Cream Cheetahs.
4 Japan
Two tries by Jone Naikabula helped Toshiba Brave Lupus net the Japan Rugby League One title – their first championship for 14 years. The Fijian-born wing’s double proved critical as Todd Blackadder’s side overcame Saitama Wild Knights 24-20 in front of 56,486 fans in Tokyo.
Robbie Deans’s Knights almost snatched victory at the death but Tomoki Osada’s try was ruled out after a pass by retiring veteran Shota Horie was deemed to have drifted forward. “I couldn’t be more proud. That game sums up our spirit and resilience,” said Blackadder. Below, Michael Leitch is thrown in the air by Toshiba team-mates.
5 France
Vannes have become the first club from France’s North-West to reach the Top 14. The team from Brittany will trade places with relegated Oyonnax after beating Grenoble 16-9 in the Pro D2 final in Toulouse. Welshman Sam Davies kicked Grenoble’s points.
6 Peru
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