Planet Rugby
Uganda: A Disappointment, But Still Hope for Rugby

SURE, the 2007 Rugby World Cup qualifier between Uganda and Morocco on Saturday was a disappointment in that we lost so narrowly. But the real disappointment was that we came so close to winning it, and didn't.

And that showed on the face of assistant coach Yayiro Kasasa, who declined to talk to the press after the match.

It also showed in the sombre mood at the after-game dinner held at the Kabira Club later that evening, which looked like a wake. The Ugandans knew that they could have beaten the highest ranked African country and current Africa champions.

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NZ face England in women's rugby final

New Zealand moved within a win of its third straight women's Rugby World Cup after thrashing France 40-10 in the semi-finals on Wednesday.

The Black Ferns will contest Sunday's final against England, which survived a late rally to edge host Canada 20-14.

But the news wasn't good for Australia who will have to play-off for seventh place after suffering another loss to the United States.

The Americans beat the Wallaroos 10-6 in a pool match four days ago and scored five tries to two for a 29-12 victory on Wednesday.

The Wallaroos again enjoyed most of the possession and territory but struggled to convert pressure into points.

The USA had no such problems with No.8 Tina Nesberg bagging two first half tries for a 10-0 lead at halftime before winger Ellie Karvoski scored a hat-trick of tries to build a 29-0 lead.

Rogers runs back to rugby league

MAT Rogers will today sensationally announce plans to quit rugby union and return to rugby league with new franchise Gold Coast Titans.

Rogers, 30, will join coach John Cartwright's side after his Australian Rugby Union contract expires at the end of next season.

Rogers will play the 2007 Rugby World Cup, if selected and fit, before moving back to rugby league and the region where he grew up.

Gold Coast, the NRL's 16th and newest franchise, has organised a press conference at 9.30am today at Conrad Jupiter's Casino to announce the signing of the dual international.

It is understood Rogers will sign a two-year deal, worth about $600,000.

Rogers, the son of late rugby league legend Steve Rogers, moved from rugby league to rugby union in 2002.

Sharper tactics pay off as EK coast to victory

EAST Kilbride recorded their first victory of the season on Saturday with a 27-10 win over a poor Grangemouth side at Torrance House.

To embellish the day they also picked up their first four-try bonus point of the campaign.

An impressive first 40 minutes virtually ended the game as a contest, with the home side running in three tries.

Winger Gary Thornton scored a smashing solo effort, Stu Adam picked up his first of the year and prop Grant Frogley who, as front row boys do, carries the sobriquet “Coo”, scored the other.

Grangemouth played a little rugby in the first 20 minutes of the second period, but never looked likely to come close and EK finished the stronger, with Thornton picking up his second try, thereby securing the bonus point.

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