If you want to become a professional rugby player you have to train like one.

I would like to introduce Mark Beck, the owner and founder of Crossfit Manchester, who has been helping me train and keep fit since I moved back up to Manchester from Worcester. I really enjoy training with Mark and learning new training techniques from him. It adds to the experience that it is all done in a friendly environment with all the training facilities you need at hand.

Mark is a genuine good person with plenty of experience within his field, and has a passion for all sports. As a former semi pro footballer he has a great understanding of top level sports and like me, he has an open mind to the benefits and pleasures of all sports.

Whether you are looking to simply keep fit and healthy, train hard throwing heavy weights around or develop to the highest level in your sport, Mark is your man and Crossfit Manchester the place to go.

About Mark:

Mark's sporting background is in football and he played semi-professionally for over 10 years. Mark found Crossfit in January 2004 and has trained himself, individual clients and classes using Crossfit principles for 5 years. He was the first of the UK community to venture to California for Crossfit Certification and has also become a USA Weightlifting Certified Club Coach under the tuition of Mike Burgener, and is a BWLA qualified Weightlifting Instructor. He is a qualified Personal Trainer in the UK and has additional qualifications in Concept 2 Rowing, Speed and Agility Training, Kettlebells, and football coaching. His commitment to Crossfit is profound and he wants to play a leading role in developing both elite fitness and the powerful sense of community and support which define Crossfit.

Contact Mark: phone: 07970441171

email: mark@crossfitmanchester.com

First of all I would like to apologise to you all for not updating the website in such a long time. Sorry too if I haven’t replied to some of your emails; it’s difficult to keep up with all the demand.

I’d like to do a brief summery of the past season 2010-2011 with Worcester Warriors.

After having spent five seasons with Sale Sharks, signing for Worcester was a fresh new start for me and a new personal challenge.

I was given a great welcome from everyone involved in the club and the season started really well. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to play as much as I wanted, as despite all my hard work and dedication, week in week out I struggled to get selected.

We ended the season with the promotion back to the Aviva Premiership and I was very happy for the club and the squad, even though I wasn’t able to contribute a great deal, so unfortunately it was a little sour.

I have no regrets from the past season and I thoroughly enjoyed being part of such a great club with such great players. I would like to thank Cecil Duckworth and Richard Hill for giving me the opportunity.

And a special thanks to all the supporters and my very good friend Mr Alun Carter for being so helpful and friendly, and for always having a big smile on his face.

Match Report by Ben Mottram

Falcons fight-back denies Warriors A

Worcester Warriors A were denied victory in the north east as a second half fight-back from Newcastle Falcons Development saw them claim a 20-10 win at Kingston Park on Monday night.

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Worcester took a 10-7 half-time lead as they produced an impressive opening 40 minutes in the hunt for a first win of the season in the Aviva A League.

However, yellow cards in the second half to Adam Black and Matt Kvesic disrupted the rhythm of the Warriors and missed kicks also proved costly as the Falcons battled back to claim the points.

The visiting Warriors had the better of the early exchanges as they looked to play some free-flowing attacking rugby and were rewarded for their endeavour on 12 minutes as winger James Whybrow scooted over in the corner following some quick hands from forwards Kvesic and Black.

The Warriors extended their lead five minutes later through a penalty from fly half Willie Walker. Worcester continued to penetrate the Falcons rearguard with Spanish international, Oriol Ripol a threat from full-back.

Newcastle hit back after a series of drives to the line, with flanker Ed Williamson crashing over to claw their way back into the game. Joel Hodgson converted for a 10-7 half time score.

The Falcons came out for the second half with their tails up with full back Tom Catterick only denied by some strong Worcester defence.

Warriors No. 8 Kvesic was sent to the sin bin for hands in at the ruck and although Hodgson hit the resulting penalty wide of the post, he made amends with a more difficult attempt shortly after to level the scores.

Worcester had the chance to put their noses in front but Walker saw his penalty slide wide and when Adam Black was sent to the bin for the visitors with 15 minutes to go, it proved decisive as the referee awarded the Falcons a penalty try from the resulting scrum to make it 17-10.

Newcastle took advantage of the extra man to extend their lead further with a penalty from 18-year-old Hodgson in the dying minutes.

Ripol and Sanderson handed starts

Spanish speedster Oriol Ripol and inspirational back row Pat Sanderson will both start their first RFU Championship match of the season as Worcester Warriors make the short trip to face Moseley Rugby at Billesley Common on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).

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Head Coach Richard Hill makes a total of six changes to the team that narrowly defeated Doncaster Knights with Ripol named on the wing as Miles Benjamin is rested.

Tom Arscott returns to the line-up at outside centre alongside captain for the day Dale Rasmussen while a new half back pairing will see fly half Joe Carlisle and former Moseley player Andy Williams combine.

Two changes in the pack create a start for Callum Black at loosehead while Sanderson will join forces with Neil Best and Jake Abbott in the back row.

Fit-again duo Adam Balding and Craig Gillies take places on the replacements bench after coming through the A League clash with Sale Jets earlier in the week.

"There is a long term plan with our selection," said Hill. "We are keeping everyone of their toes and fresh, we have good competition in the squad.

"We are putting the players under pressure, we could keep a settled 15 week in and week out and they get into a comfort zone.

"Everyone now feels the competition and I am putting them in situations that they have to deal with as we change the team every week.

"They have got to be able to play with different people and it is vital we mix up the half back combination so I can see how they play together. The players understand what I am doing.

"We face a difficult afternoon as Moseley have a big forward pack and like to drive the ball," he added.

"We have got to be streetwise to make sure we play the right game to win that match. Being a local derby they will be desperate to beat us and we have to rise to that challenge."

Warriors vs Moseley Rugby

15 Willie Walker

14 Marcel Garvey

13 Tom Arscott

12 Dale Rasmussen (c)

11 Oriol Ripol

10 Joe Carlisle

9 Andy Williams

1 Callum Black

2 Chris Fortey

3 Tevita Taumoepeau

4 Greg Rawlinson

5 Graham Kitchener

6 Neil Best

7 Jake Abbott

8 Pat Sanderson

Replacements

16 Aleki Lutui

17 Bruce Douglas

18 Craig Gillies

19 Adam Balding

20 Jonny Arr

21 Andy Goode

22 Alex Crockett

NEWS

more »

UR7s announces Sky Sports coverage of National Sevens Series

Thursday 27 May 2010 (UR7s)

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Ultimate Rugby Sevens (UR7s), has today announced that Sky Sports will broadcast this summer's inaugural National Sevens Series.

Sky will screen a 90 minute primetime highlights show from each of the four tournaments that will incorporate the Series across June and July.

The festival events take place in London, Bath, Manchester and Newquay.

The Series features nine of the top specialist sevens teams battling it out for the overall title. Some of the UK's most exciting up and coming talent will compete alongside seasoned internationals from the IRB Sevens World Series.

"This is a hugely exciting development for sevens in the UK. The reach and exposure that Sky Sports will bring the Series in its first season will be significant not only for the Series, its tournaments and teams, but also for the profile of the sport domestically," said Tim Lacey, CEO of Ultimate Rugby Sevens. '

Former England international Phil Greening, the National Sevens Series Development Manager, added:

"The Sky deal is a great reflection of the interest and excitement that is rapidly building around the vibrant summer sevens scene in the UK.

"The Series is gathering fantastic momentum in the build-up to its first event, the RugbyRocks London 7s, which is set to kick festivities off in some style on 12th June in Richmond."

National Sevens Series on Sky Sports

RugbyRocks London 7s (Richmond Athletic Ground), 12th June 2010

15/06/10, Sky Sports 3, 19:30

15/06/10, Sky Sports 3, 23:00

16/06/10, Sky Sports 2, 9:00

16/06/10, Sky Sports 4, 14:00

West Country 7s (Keynsham RFC), 19th June 2010

22/06/10, Sky Sports 3, 19:30

22/06/10, Sky Sports 3, 0:00

23/06/10, Sky Sports 3, 19:30

Manchester 7s (Sale FC, Heywood Road), 4th July 2010

07/07/10, Sky Sports 4, 19:30

07/07/10, Sky Sports 4, 23:00

08/07/10, Sky Sports 3, 08:00

Newquay Surf 7s (Newquay Sports Centre), 17th July 2010

20/07/10, Sky Sports 3, 19:30

20/07/10, Sky Sports 3, 23:00

21/0710, Sky Sports 4, 12:00

Timings subject to change*

For further information, go to www.nationalseries.com. 

Spanish star wing Ripol joins Warriors8 June 2010, 10:50 am

By Ben Mottram

Worcester Warriors are pleased to today (Tuesday) announce the signing of exciting Spanish international Oriol Ripol on a one-year deal.18Share

Barcelona-born Ripol - regarded as the best Spanish rugby union player of modern times - will join the Warriors this summer having agreed a move to Sixways Stadium until at least 2011.

The Catalan flier, who can play on the wing, centre or at full back, started his English professional career at Rotherham Titans in 2001 where he finished top scorer in his first season to help the club claim the National Division One title.

The 34-year-old, who played in the 1999 Rugby World Cup, moved to Northampton Saints where he clocked up 15 tries in 41 appearances before a switch to Sale Sharks in 2005.

Ripol's ruthless finishing skills saw him memorably score at Twickenham as Sale Sharks defeated Leicester Tigers in the Guinness Premiership final in 2006.

New Head Coach Richard Hill described Ripol as the ideal character to fit seamlessly into the Sixways dressing room and play a big role both on and off the field.

"I want the squad here to be full of talented players who really want to be pulling on the jersey for Warriors - Oriol is exactly that type of person," said Hill.

"He will give absolutely everything he has for the Warriors and really wants to be here and to make an impact in the Championship.

"Oriol has great experience from his time in the top-flight and with Sale Sharks and is a proven finisher at the highest level. He has a great step, offers real pace and is always in the right place at the right time.

"He is a real quality addition to the squad who wants to be part of the club and has a fantastic attitude to making his mark and getting the Warriors promoted."

Ripol, who comes from a strong rugby family with his father and two brothers also playing the sport, is determined to hit the floor running at Sixways.

"I am absolutely delighted to sign for Worcester," said Ripol, who had scored 20 tries in 94 top-flight games in England. "It is a new challenge for me and one I simply cannot wait to start.

"I'm excited about the chance to work with Richard Hill, who I have heard so much about, and also play at a club with such great facilities and wonderful support.

"The Championship will be a very hard test and difficult. But I am sure that Worcester is building a squad to win promotion and I intend to play a big part in that bid."

Sharks aim for a win at Bath to remain in LV= Cup

Monday, February 1st 2010

The final round of the LV= Cup Pool stages sees Sale Sharks travel to The Recreation Ground for a must win match against Bath Rugby this Saturday 6th February.

After Sale Sharks 14 - 20 defeat against Northampton Saints last weekend, we sit third in Pool 1 with 6 points. But there is a glimmer of hope for the Sharks who could progress to the semi-finals as pool winners if they earn a victory over Bath, whilst needing help from Newport Gwent Dragons to beat Saracens, and Leicester Tigers must lose against Northampton Saints at Franklin's Gardens.

Whilst securing a win over Ospreys in Round 2, Bath have lost to Leicester Tigers and Saracens and they have no chance of getting to the semi final stages.

The Sharks simply must get a win this Saturday at Bath, kick off 2.15PM, and hope the Saints and Dragons triumph too, to retain their hopes of reaching the LV= Cup knock-out stages.

Late rally not enough as Saints march on

Saturday, January 30th 2010

Sale Sharks, although boosted by the news of Dwayne Peels's contract renewal, were seventeen points behind with three minutes of the second half gone. They staged a determined comeback but had to witness Northampton Saints' first-ever win at Edgeley Park in tonight's LV= Cup match.

The visitors forged ahead with tries from Mayor and Diggin before Sharks could reply through Hodgson and Koyamaibole. Hodgson added two conversions to the total, whilst Myler was also in impressive form, landing two conversions and two penalties.

Sharks travel to Bath next Saturday for their final Pool game.

Thursday, January 28th 2010

Sale Sharks have selected their side to play Northampton at Edgeley Park in the LV=Cup tonight. Jack Forster returns in the front row and David Seymour returns at flanker.

Director of Rugby Kingsley Jones said, "After the disappointment of going out of Europe last weekend, we have a good opportunity to try and make progress in the LV=Cup."

"We had a good win last time out against Leeds in November and I have selected my strongest available side for this game. Northampton will be buzzing after their great display in Ireland last week and they also had a good run in this competition last season. It should be a great game! We are looking forward to it."

Sale Sharks Team: Nick Macleod, Ben Cohen, Jonny Kennedy, David Bishop, David Doherty, Charlie Hodgson, Richard Wigglesworth, Eifion Roberts, Marc Jones, Jack Forster, Dean Schofield, Sean Cox, Chris Jones, David Seymour, Sisa Koyamaibole

Replacements: Mahonri Schwalger, Gavin Kerr, Martin Halsall, James Gaskell, Carl Fearns, Chris Leck, Marika Vakacegu, Oriol Ripol

Sharks fight hard but go down narrowly

Saturday, October 3rd 2009

Sale Sharks lost a bruising encounter 11-8 to the in-form London Irish side, for whom Sailosi Tagicakibau scored his sixth try of the season. Peter Hewat sent over two penalties for the Exiles. Sharks' points came from an Eifion Roberts try and a Nick Macleod penalty.

Irish replacement Peter Richards was sent off with three minutes to go for an elbowing offence on Neil Briggs. Disappointment for the Sharks with the result, but not for the level of commitment. Nick Macleod was Sharks' Man of the Match, with good performances from Seymour, Tuilagi, Sheridan, Cueto, Roberts and Wigglesworth.

Worcester v Sale

Saturday, September 26th 2009

Sale Sharks lost 18-24 to Worcester Warriors at Sixways. Both sides scored two tries, Bell and Mathew Tait for the Sharks, Garvey and Benjamin for the home side. Thomas (pen, drop goal) and Wigglesworth (conversion) added Sharks other points.

Sharks' second half forward pressure merited greater reward, but they had to settle for a 'losing bonus point'. Sharks return to Edgeley Park next Friday evening for a massive game against in form London Irish

Sharks First Loss Of The Season

Friday, September 18th 2009

Sale Sharks produced an unimaginative performance as they fell to their first defeat of the season, 12-25 against Bath, who had lost their two games. Lee Thomas, with four penalties, scored all his side's points but the visitors ran home three tries from Carraro (2) and Banahan. Worryingly, the Sharks have only crossed the whitewash once in 240 minutes.

Bonuses for the home team were success at the lineout, and notable performances from James Gaskell and Mathew Tait.

Worcester Warriors at Sixways is the Sharks' next chance to make amends for this under-par display.

Sunday, September 13th 2009

All square at Kingston Park as the Sharks drew 16-16 with the Falcons. The home side had the better of the first half, with Sharks making up the six point deficit after the break.

For the Sharks, Mark Cueto scored a great try, collecting a Thomas chip ahead, whilst the Welshman added a further eleven points to his fifteen from last week. Vickerman (try), Gopperth (con, 3 pens.) were scorers for the home side.

Sharks had two Premiership debutants: Marika Vakacegu and David Seymour.

Tigers Stunned By Rampant Sharks

Friday, September 4th 2009

Sale Sharks got the new season off to a great start by defeating Guinness Premiership champions Leicester Tigers 15-12 at rain-swept Edgeley Park. Kingsley Jones's men, playing with spirit and no little bravery against their distinguished guests, won the game by five penalties to four, with Lee Thomas and Jeremy Staunton accounting for all the scoring.

Sharks fielded five debutants - Cohen, Forster, Koyamaibole, Schwalger and Kerr, whilst the impressive Gaskell started for the first time.

In the face of all pre-match predictions, it was the Sharks front row which impressed most of all, with Eifion Lewis Roberts named 'Man of the Match'.

For the first time since 2001 Oriol will put on the Spanish jersey. The place is Hannover and the occasion is the European 7s Championship on the 11-12th July.  

Oriol Ripol Launches New Website.

Oriol Ripol, the first Catalan and Spanish rugby union player to ever have played in the Guinness Premiership has launched a new website to communicate with his fans.

Ripol currently plays on the wing for Sale Sharks, and has also represented Spain at several occasions. The aim of the website is to establish Ripol as a brand, improve awareness of his achievements and of his every day activities.

Oriol Ripol, Sale Sharks player commented; "I wanted to let people know about the experiences I have had in the premiership and pass on that knowledge to aspiring rugby players. I am extremely happy to have the opportunity to have such a unique site that I can share with my fans".

The website, designed and built by Text Internet Marketing, showcases Ripol through an image gallery and a video archive which plays highlights of the rugby player in action. A blog function also allows Ripol to interact with his fans by sharing his opinions, in addition to inviting comments and feedback from visitors.

For more information please view the Official Oriol Ripol website or contact Oriol Ripol online.

The Official Sale Sharks 2008.09 Season Awards Dinner will be held in the Insider Suite at Edgeley Park on Thursday 30th April. The club will be celebrating the outstanding on-pitch achievements of the team across the season with eight awards presented on the night including Try of the Season, Academy Player of the Year and Player of the Season.

The night will also be the last official occasion for Sharks' supporters to bid farewell to a number of long-serving players including Jason White, Sebastien Bruno, Lionel Faure and Sebastien Chabal. The club will also officially bid au revoir to former Director of Rugby Philippe Saint Andre for his six years of outstanding service.

For the first time in many years, the club awards dinner will actually take place after the final regular season game of the season (at home against Northampton Saints on 25th April). However, we may just have a Guinness Premiership Semi-Final to look forward to the following weekend (9/10 May). So hopefully there will be plenty of anticipation to go along with the celebrations on the night.

Last season's dinner saw Charlie Hodgson awarded the Player of the Year, whilst Lee Thomas and Will Cliff took home the Players' Player of the Year and Academy Player of the Year respectively. Oriol Ripol's consistent form was recognised as the club's Most Consistent Player, and Rudi Keil's off-pitch support of local schools and rugby clubs was appreciated as he was presented with the Community Player of the Year Award. Everyone enjoyed a good laugh at the expense of Steve Hanley whose 'fearsome play' over his ten year career earned him the Sin Bin Award. Forward Sean Cox beat out internationals Rory Lamont and Luke McAlister to win the Breakthrough Player of the Year. However, Rory did take home the Best Try of the Season award, as voted upon by the attendees on the night, for his end to end score away at Cardiff in the EDF Energy Cup.

Tables of 10 are available at £850 excl. vat and include a table position with an excellent view of the stage and the opportunity to host a Sale Sharks player at your table. The package includes a champagne reception, excellent four course meal, exclusive souvenir event programme, photograph take with your Sharks' player and a great night out celebrating the 2008.09 Season.

Tables can be purchased by ringing Colin McKevitt on 0161 286 8911 or email hospitaliity@salesharks.com.

There will also be a very limited number of places for just £58 per person available exclusively to Sale Sharks season ticket holders until 3PM Friday 20th March. These places will be sold on a first come, first served basis and are expected to sell out very quickly. Season ticket holders are asked to ring 08444 994 994 and select option 4 to book their places at this exclusive price.

We also seeking eight sponsors to sponsor and present the awards on the night. The Awards Sponsors will receive a table of 10 with a Sharks' player of their choice, logo recognition as award sponsor in the programme and on the big screen, listing as event sponsor in all promotional material, and a representative from the sponsor will present the award on stage. These packages cost just £1500 excl. vat and can be purchased by ringing Julie Loynd on 0161 286 8901 or email julie.loynd@salesharks.com.

The awards that are available for sponsorship on the night are as follows:

• Player of the Year - Coaches choice of the top player this season.
• Players' Player of the Year - Player's choice of the top player this season.
• Try of the Season - Coaching staff will nominate 6 tries to be shown throughout the meal and supporters will vote on their favourite try.
• Most Consistent Player of the Year - Coaches choice of the club's most consistent performer throughout the long Premiership, Heineken Cup and EDF Energy Cup season.
• Academy Player of the Year - Coaches choice of the top performing academy player this season.
• Breakthrough Player of the Year - Coaches choice from either signings that are new to the club or academy players that have broken through into the first team to become outstanding performers this season.
• Sin Bin Award - Sponsored by Hogfather Motorcycles
• Community Player of the Year - Chosen by the club's Rugby in the Community programme. Awarded to the player who makes the most outstanding contribution to off-field activities in the local community.

Sale Sharks staged a four-try spectacular in front of an Edgeley Park full house set the tone for the Festive season. They were three tries to the good in the first 24 minutes, thanks to Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, Mark Cueto (on his 29th birthday) and Charlie Hodgson, with a lone Dave Walder penalty in reply. A second try for skipper Lobbe with six minutes to go sealed a great performance. Hodgson landed all five attempts at goal - four conversions and a penalty. The game signalled the return from injury of Oriol Ripol and Chris Jones: Luke McAlister came off with a shoulder injury, as a precaution, at half time.

BMI The Alexandra Hospital, Cheadle, formally announced their sponsorship of the Guinness Premiership's Sale Sharks RFC, for the 2009 season at an exclusive Christmas celebration event this week at the Sale Sharks home ground, Edgeley Park, in Stockport. Guests at the event heard that consultants from the hospital will be offering on-the-ground support to all team members throughout the rugby season in the event of any injuries sustained during matches or training as well as diagnosis and treatment at BMI The Alexandra Hospital.

Guests were joined by former England rugby winger and record try scorer Rory Underwood MBE, who gave an inspirational speech to the hospital consultants and other attendees to mark the event. Underwood spoke about the importance of teamwork in the sports and medical fields, describing the sponsorship as a great opportunity for both the hospital and Sale Sharks.

Sale Sharks winger, Oriol Ripol, has already experienced the care and dedication of the OrthTeam at BMI The Alexandra Hospital following an injury sustained during a match and commented, "I was thrilled to hear that BMI The Alexandra Hospital were sponsoring the team, having been injured earlier this year. Consultant Mr Len Funk from the OrthTeam at BMI The Alexandra Hospital was able to operate on me within an hour and limit the damage to my arm. It's the kind of dedication and commitment from the hospital that allows us to continue training and competing at the highest level, with the confidence that we have the best medical assistance available to us should we need it."

Michael Stroud, Executive Director of BMI The Alexandra Hospital said, "We hope, in conjunction with our consultants from BMI The Alexandra Hospital, to develop further research on the type of injuries that professional rugby players incur during the course of their careers. This may lead to improvements in training methods and tactics which may help to prevent these injuries occurring during their careers."

The OrthTeam at BMI The Alexandra Hospital consists of eight specialist consultants in two main areas of expertise: upper limb surgeons and lower limb surgeons. Each consultant will be offering the Sale Sharks players unique, expert and speedy care for their sporting injuries.

Sale Sharks Official End of Season Gala Dinner will take place at Edgeley Park tomorrow and for those of you who can't make it, we can now exclusively reveal the nominees for the 8 awards!

Sale Sharks Academy Player of the Season:

Will Cliff

Selorm Kuadey

Michael Hills

Sale Sharks Breakthrough Player of the Season:

Sean Cox

Neil Briggs

Luke McAlister

Rory Lamont

Sale Sharks Most Consistent Player of the Season:

Chris Jones

Oriol Ripol

Thomas

Sebastien Bruno

Sale Sharks Community Player of the Year, sponsored by Waitrose Cheadle Hulme:

Rudi Keil

Sililo Martens

Ben Evans

Dean Schofield

Sale Sharks Sin Bin Player of the Year, sponsored by Manchester Mortgage Planning:

Andrew Sheridan

Brent Cockbain

Sebastien Bruno

Sebastien Chabal

Ben Evans

Sale Sharks Try of the Season, sponsored by Bank of Scotland Corporate:

Ben Foden away at Bristol

Rory Lamont against Leicester Tigers

Rory Lamont away at Cardiff Blues

Oriol Ripol away at Leeds Carnegie

Ben Foden against Saracens

Sebastien Chabal away at Leicester Tigers

This award will be voted by guests in attendance on the night.

Sale Sharks Players' Player of the Season, sponsored by DLA Piper:

Ignacio Fernandez-Lobbe

Lee Thomas

Luke McAlister

Ben Foden

Charlie Hodgson

Dean Schofield

Sale Sharks Player of the Season, sponsored by McAfee::

Charlie Hodgson

Ben Foden

Lee Thomas

Ignacio Fernandez-Lobbe

Sale Sharks Official End of Season Gala Dinner is now a sell-out event with over 400 guests in attendance, including all Sale Sharks players and coaches!