Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
It’s the final weekend of the Greene King IPA Championship regular season and one would have to say it’s a bit anti-climactic, with only final seeding to be decided between third and fourth place. London Irish and Yorkshire Carnegie will finish in first and second spot respectively while Ealing Trailfinders currently sit two points ahead of Doncaster Knights, though both have already qualified for the playoff rounds.
All five matches will take place on Saturday and it’s North America who supply a half-dozen participants. Brett Beukeboom runs out in the second row for Cornish Pirates against Bedford Blues and flanker Justin Blanchet. Beukeboom will head to Canada soon to prepare for the June internationals while Blanchet has not, as of yet, been part of Mark Anscombe’s plans.
Two World Cup mates will clash at Castle Park where Doncaster host London Irish. Aaron Carpenter starts at No 8 for the Knights while Jebb Sinclair continues in the second row for Irish. If Doncaster lose the two sides will re-match in the Semi Finals in two weeks time.
Richmond head to Jersey in a match that will preserve the home side’s fifth place finish should they win. Ronnie McLean is again in the midfield for the visitors while Richard Townsend is reserve hooker. It’s been a surprisingly good season for Richmond, who will finish in 10th spot having successfully avoided relegation despite their semi-pro status.
