Wales legend set for swansong

By Will Taylor

Shane Williams is expected to play his last ever international game for Wales against Australia.

The game against the Wallabies will take place in Cardiff on December 3, and Williams has made it clear that he would love to be involved.

The 34-year-old record try scorer announced that he would retire from the international game at the end of the World Cup.

But the chance to play his farewell game on home soil in front of Welsh fans would be an opportunity he could not turn down.

“I am going to make myself available for this game,” Williams, who has 86 caps for his country said. “If selected, I want to play.

“If I am picked, I will treat it in the same way I have always treated Wales’ games – but it will be a sad day for me. In fact, I’ll be devastated.

“But to bow out in front of Welsh fans and my family and friends would be like a dream.”

Sports betting pundits note how the Welsh enjoyed a hugely successful World Cup, in which they exceeded the expectations of many.

Williams helped guide his side to a fourth place finish, after they were knocked out by runners up, France.

The World Cup has been a happy hunting ground for him down the years, as he took his total to a record of 57 scores.

Ahead of the bronze medal match against Australia, Williams said he was being persuaded to put off his retirement until December’s game against the Wallabies.

And having been beaten in a thrilling encounter with the Australians, he knows that there would be no sweeter revenge than beating them at the Millennium Stadium.

He admitted that his decision to retire was not taken lightly, and was made so he could prolong his club career with Ospreys, with whom he is contracted until 2013.

Rugby player attacked by crocodile

Kenya was at the heart of an astonishing rugby story this week when British born rugby player Antony Blackmore revealed he was attacked by a crocodile while teaching in Africa – but didn’t tell his team-mates when he returned.

Blackmore was airlifted to a hospital in Kenya to be treated for the life threatening attack that occurred in Lake Malawi last year.

The 27-year-old only revealed his story when interviewed for a television documentary while playing for Melksham.

He said: “It was a boiling hot day and I decided to go out on my own for a swim. I was about 100 yards off the shore treading water and without any sort of warning I just got ripped down and started to get rolled around.

“It was a very strange feeling, one part of my brain was quite sure I was going to die at that point, I was thinking ‘this is it now’.

“By chance I struck it (the crocodile) around the eye with my other foot. I felt it slow down, ripped my foot out of its mouth and swam to the surface.”

Surgeons in Kenya saved his foot and 60 stitches later he was mend, and while he is back playing rugby, it’s not without a few comments from his team-mates.

“Since they found out there’s been a lot of mickey-taking, I’ve had a lot of stick, but it’s all been light-hearted stuff. They said ‘you can fight off a crocodile but you can’t get anywhere near the ball’, that sort of thing.”

He added: “The programme describes the pressures of rising populations and the fact that more and more people are taking tourist trips around the world. I didn’t mind talking about it because I feel I was incredibly lucky.”

For a free bet head to big free bet – the best place for free bets!

Tigers Clobber Sale; Flood on Form

The Leicester Tigers, playing in silver, dispatched the Sale Sharks yesterday night, scoring 34 to their opponents 13. The victory was heralded as a return to form for the Welford Road-based team, who are languishing in ninth place in the table, with just two wins from seven games.

Both Leicester and Sale had an opportunity to open the scoring, early in the first half. The Tigers' Tom Croft led a spirited charge at the Sale defence, only to be smothered before he could make it count. A few moments later, the Sharks' Nick MacLeod booted a penalty wide, to keep the score goalless, all-round.

The first points came at the 11th minute, with a Toby Flood penalty. However, the goal did nothing to dampen the Sharks' resolve; Steve Diamond's men returned to the offensive immediately, and almost had their aggression rewarded, when Rob Miller beat a path down the left flank. Pundits like Will Greenwood will have been impressed.

MacLead was given a chance at redemption at the half hour mark. He kicked two successful penalties to give Sale the lead, heading into the break. The Sharks' Tom Brady, who had a try ruled out earlier in the game, put the memory behind him, scoring a try in the final few minutes of the first half. The score at half-time; 13-3, in Sale's favour.

The Tigers' half-time orange had a brilliant effect on the Midlanders. Unfettered by his missed kick in the first few moments of the second half, Flood scored a penalty, before setting up another try for the visitors in the 58th. Trys from Argentine monster, Martin Castrogiovanni, and Flood, once again, quickly ended Sale's first half advantage. Those looking for betting tips will have been impressed.

Marcos Ayerza, another South American, sealed the match for the Tigers, in the 70th minute. The result will no doubt give Leicester the confidence to salvage their season, after injuries and a string of World Cup call-ups decimated their squad. The final score; 34-13, a resounding victory for the Tigers.

Machine are Zuku Champions

Mean Machine overcame a stiff challenge from Strathmore to run out
10-5 winners of the 30th Edition of the Zuku Impala Floodlit
Chamionship.

It's Battle of the Campuses in Floodlit Final

The Zuku Impala Floodlit Competition hosts two campus sides in
tomorrow's final. Past glory boys Mean Machine take on upstarts
Strathmore in what promises to be a gigantic battle.

To the victor goes the trophy, and the bragging rights to boot, for now anyway.

World Cup winner backs Johnson

Former England star Josh Lewsey has backed his former team-mate Martin Johnson to remain in charge of the national team and enjoy success in the future.

The World Cup-winning captain is under severe pressure to step down from his position, after a disappointing display in New Zealand which saw the 2003 winners crash out at the quarter-final stage.

It was the manner of their exit and a string of poor performances that has led for calls for Johnson to go, with the Rugby Football Union reviewing matters before deciding what to do.

Despite winning the 2011 Six Nations, many pundits feel England are not going in the right direction under Johnson although that is not a opinion shared by Lewsey. Those looking at the UK sports betting should remember this.

The ex-Wasps back said: "I know he will be hurting hugely from the performances on the field and some of the alleged behaviour off it.

"He is a good man and was a phenomenal captain and a good guy and I have no doubt that if given long enough he would ultimately have success."

Lewsey also feels though that former coach Sir Clive Woodward could still have a part to play within the Rugby Football Union, after quitting his role as coach in 2004. People following the betting online need to remember this.

Some reports suggest Woodward, currently British Olympic Association Director of Elite Performance, could be in line for the position of as director of rugby.

Lewsey added: "Clive is a very professional guy and has always been very innovative in his ideas. He is exceptional and is a visionary but there is a review taking place that will come to its own conclusions."

'Wiggy' Out for Nine Months

Saracens scrum-half, Richard 'Wiggy' Wigglesworth, has been sidelined for the rest of the season with a serious injury. The rugby player hurt his anterior cruciate ligament during the Saracens' match against the Exeter Chiefs, on Sunday. He underwent surgery on Wednesday, to correct the problem.

However, despite the success of the operation, Wigglesworth has been ruled out of professional competition for nine months.

The anterior cruciate ligament is so frequently mentioned in reference to sports injuries that rarely is anything more than the acronym, ACL, needed to identify the body part. Tears or ruptures to the ACL, which is located in the knee, are caused by landing stiff-legged, when jumping, and, most frequently, making sharp changes in direction, without regard for the position of the joint. Pundits like Will Greenwood will be wishing him a speedy recovery.

Wigglesworth, who was an active member of the England World Cup squad, was described as one of the country's "stand-out players" by Mark McCall, chief at the Saracens. "It's a big blow for Wiggy. He has worked so hard in the past 18 months to get himself back in the England side." The 28-year-old will now miss the Six Nations tournament, which begins in February, next year. People looking at the onlinebetting will be wondering what impact this will have.

McCall has played down concerns about the Saracens squad, insisting that the St. Albans-based side are "not looking to recruit", in order to fill the void left by Wigglesworth. "It's a blow for us, but we are lucky to have two very good players in Neil de Kock and Ben Spencer, who have both performed so well, this season."

Worryingly, Wigglesworth is not the only England player to have returned from the World Cup in a less-than-ideal condition. Leicester Tigers player, Ben Youngs, picked up a knee problem in June, but, following corrective surgery, was able to play as normal. The condition was somehow renewed during his international 'call of duty'.

Leicester's director of rugby, Richard Cockerill, was suspicious: "He left us four months ago fully fit and has come back with a pretty average knee, so we need to get on top of that."

Wales in rankings slump

Welsh Rugby fans will no doubt have been pleased with their performance during the World Cup, reaching the semi-finals and eventually finishing in fourth place.

However they received a huge shock when the latest IRB World Rankings were announced, as they slipped from sixth to eighth.

New Zealand unsurprisingly maintained their first place position, having defeated France in the final last Sunday.

Australia were again positioned second, while the French were the highest ranked Northern Hemisphere side in third, after an heroic tournament.

South Africa may have been surprised to end up in fourth, but were certainly below par at the World Cup, while England completed the top five.

But while Wales' World Cup performance in New Zealand was a massive boost to the sport in the country, news of their latest ranking will come as a surprise.

During the group stages, they pushed former world champions, South Africa all the way before eventually qualifying for the knock out stages.

There they put in another impressive performance to send home their six nations rivals Ireland, recording a 22-10 win in the quarter final, before eventually succumbing to France, who they will feel hard done-by not to have beaten.

Despite their brave performances at the World Cup, Warren Gatland's side were the only top 10 side to slip down the rankings. Even English fans wearing a Bath Jersey will tell you that this is a little strange.

Their slip in the rankings should be of no major significance, though, with their confidence no doubt having been significantly boosted.

They have quite a wait until their next game, but when they take on Australia in December it will be the chance to show the world they are better than their ranking of eighth.

One side that Wales defeated during the tournament, Ireland are above them in the rankings, in sixth place.

That meant they leapt above the Welsh, while Argentina did the same, as they moved up to seventh position.

In the new year they come up against the Irish once more, and will surely be looking to hand them a beating to prove they should be above them in the IRB rankings.

Tonga were ranked ninth, while Scotland completed the top 10.

Impala Floodlit Result

Strathmore 6 Nakuru 5 Machine 28 Quins 14

World Cup final not as simple to predict as many think

The majority of the rugby world seem to have written the World Cup final off as a no-contest and declared New Zealand the winners, but the France side reckon that dismissing them could be a dangerous thing to do.

You can understand the logic behind Les Bleus critics, they are the only team to ever reach the final having lost two matches in the pool stage and, while the loss to All Blacks was not a surprise, their defeat to Tonga was one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history. People looking at the rugby world cup betting should remember their not invincible.

France being France they came out of this catastrophic period to put on a stylish show to knock England out before scraping through a semi-final against a Wales team who were one man down from the 18th minute onwards.

Marc Lievremont has the team playing rigid rugby and the flair of France of old has gone, while New Zealand have looked strong and have comfortably strode their way to the World Cup final.

The All Blacks are massive favourites in the rugby betting but there are some who think this criticism will make France stronger.

Prop Fabien Barcella reckons France are a team that “cultivates contrasts” and can shock the hosts, while he adds the shocks have made them “stronger mentally” and they can draw inspiration from the bad times.

France coach Lievremont adds: “The players have been laughing a lot at the headlines for a while now. That's helped them pull together as well."

The World Cup has oozed excitement and drama so far so it would be a fitting send-off if the final was a classic encounter with quality rugby, rather than the damp squab and easy victory for the All Blacks that many expect.

Impala Floodlit at Semi Final Stage

The Zuku Impala Floodlit competition enters the Semi Final stages
tomorrow. Lined up are defending champs Strathmore against Nakuru at
6.00 p.m. Whilst the most successful team in this event Mean Machine
take on Kenya Harlequins at 7.30.

Results here after the matches.

Mashujaa Day

Out looking in
Down looking up
Up looking down
Or in looking across
All places we have been
All places we could see
What made us glow with pride
And what made us aspire to be
We all have
And we all know
Some of us are
And of us yet to be
Not something for all
But that affects us all
For in our lives they come
And in our lives they dwell
Forever to remain
As Heroes to all of us.

Happy Mashujaa Day to all. And even in our own small way, we are
someone's hero. Whether directly or indirectly we affect people's
lives. Ours is to make it a positive effect.

Perhaps we can just mention in the comments who our personal rugby
heroes have been locally and I will collate them and put them in a
main post at the end of next week.

Deans will continue to build

Australian Rugby Union officials say they will stick with coach Robbie Deans for at least another two years, as the Wallabies look to make the transition from challengers to winners.

An erratic World Cup, which included defeat to Ireland and victory over South Africa, has pretty much summed up the Australia squad over the last four years, with the Deans' men reaching a crossroads.

Many saw Australia are the main challengers to New Zealand for the Webb Ellis Trophy, but their semi-final defeat at Eden Park showed they are still some way behind their near rivals. Those following the mobile betting will know this.

The ARU board will form a review of the World Cup display over the next couple of months and the likely conclusion will be like so many school reports – "can do better".

ARU chief executive John O'Neill said: ''We'll have a good assessment of where we can improve. The board said a pass mark was making the semis. So we got a pass mark, but we didn't get an A plus. We didn't win it, but it's not slit-your-wrists time."

Having won the Tri-Nations, all be it a weakened tournament ahead of the World Cup, the mix of exuberance and raw talent looked to be gelling together. People following the online betting will be keeping an eye on them to see how they get on.

Deans stuck with the enigma that is Quade Cooper throughout the tournament and he failed to deliver the goods in the semi-final against the All Blacks.
The highly-talented James O'Connor showed sparks of his ability, but ultimately could set the tournament alight, while full-back Kurtley Beale showed more potential and was missed against the hosts.

Wallabies fans will now hope the bosses stick by these young hopefuls and that the players live up to expectations ahead of the next World Cup in England in 2015.

Impala Floodlit Results

Strathmore 27 Nondies 5 Nakuru 22 Impala 10 Machine 13 KCB 0 Quins 37 Mwamba 3

Impala Floodlit Enters Quarter Final Stage

The Zuku Impala Floodlit Competition enters the quarter final stage tomorrow.  Strathmore Leos face Nondescripts in the opening match and hosts Impala take on the Wanyore from Nakuru in the next match.  Welcoming the floodlights will be KCB and Mean Machine whilst Harlequins and Mwamba close the proceedings.

Will post results here after the match.  Please vote in our poll on the right.  Nice weekend.

Weekly Ramble

Just thinking about the case for professional rugby in Kenya. The departure of Humphrey Khayange to the UK at a time when talk is rife of making the "elite" rugby players full pro smacks of a real slap in the face. Professionalism by every sense would mean that it becomes the preferred career for the selected. It would thus be able to offer as much incentive as any other paying job, as well as ensure one is able to fend for themselves after retirement, which in a sportsman's case comes much earlier than most. It would thus appear to the casual observer like myself that a future in professional rugby in Kenya is not very appealing or practical at the moment, so long as there are other options. If there are none, then by all means it becomes viable.

Mine though is another approach to it. On paper it seems to make sense, but I have always been an advocate for to bottom-up approach, as opposed to the reverse. We must build the base for professionalism before claiming the top is professional. The previous rugby administration were averse to using the word professional and made the distinction in defining us as an amateur union. Reasons for that, I don't know. Fear of the deep end, possibly. Thus everything they did was guided by that word, amateur. Now the current administration, in its haste to right several perceived wrongs, has rushed to make some players professional. Just how that works, I don't know, but paying some players money will not necessarily make them better players. Are they now expected to quit college, their jobs and anything else that interferes with their vocation? And were they to get injured and no longer qualify to be in the professional category, can they just pick up their lives where they left off? And if you were to call up a new player into this group, how then does he catch up to where the rest have reached?

We cannot have a professional national team with amateur clubs. The clubs must professionalise first, and only then can we have a feeder to the national teams that share the same ideals as well as ethos! And that must be the focus of the Union.

What does Humphrey Kayange's exit mean for Kenya Rugby 7's

Humphrey Kayange the Kenya 7's talismanic captain has stepped down from his role as he makes his dignified exit from the Kenya 7's team.

His post rugby career is starting to take shape as he heads to Bristol University for further studies.

The IRB Mr. Clean Rugby Ambassador will also review his rugby options while studying in Bristol.

Humphrey will be conspicuously missing from the Nyayo Safaricom Sevens. What does this mean for Kenya 7's going forward into the next season of the IRB 7's 2011/2012 season?

Please give us your views and critically whom do you think should succeed Humphrey Kayange as Kenya Rugby 7's captain?

Methinks Horace Owiti Otieno should be Kenya 7's next captain.

Tuilagi Fined for Ferry Incident

England's recent Rugby World Cup campaign looks set to go down in infamy as one of the most controversial in the team's history. Unfortunately, the side's list of inglorious incidents continues to grow, despite the fact that England were eliminated from the competition on Saturday, courtesy of underdogs, France.

Suspensions, harassment, and violent fouls; the illegal swapping of rugby balls, mid-match; a breach of sponsorship regulations, and an appearance at a dwarf-racing competition; England's collection of misdemeanours reads like the script of a comedy film. Those following the Rugby World Cup betting will have been unimpressed by the goings on.

However, the squad's winger, Manu Tuilagi, capped his country's catalogue of incivility, by jumping from a ferry, into the Auckland harbour. The bizarre act followed an England day-trip to Waiheke Island, a location known for its wineries and beaches.

Manu Tuilagi swam to a nearby pier, after disembarking the craft, where he was detained by the local police force. The 20-year-old was given a warning by officers, before being released. The Rugby Football Union has not been quite as lenient; Tuilagi has been fined £3,000, a fee that will be given to a New Zealand charity. It is currently unknown whether Tuilagi's escapade was alcohol-related. Fans of Betfair Rugby World cup action wouldn't have been impressed either way.

England coach, Martin Johnson, was annoyed with Tuilagi, "this was an irresponsible thing to do. I have warned him about his future conduct." While Tuilagi has apologised for the incident, referring to his impromptu swim as a "silly thing to do", the Leicester Tigers player will no doubt have upset rugby fans back in England.
Last weekend's mischief was the second event to have cast Tuilagi in a negative light, in just over a month. The aforementioned breach of sponsorship regulations involved Tuilagi and his brother, Alesana, wearing branded gum shields. The pair were fined £3,800 a piece, for their trouble. "I'm really sorry", Tuilagi said, in reference to his aquatic adventure, last weekend.

Wales improving game after game

Wales have been one of the most impressive outfits at the Rugby World Cup and many are now asking the question, 'can Wales actually win the Webb Ellis trophy?'.

The Welsh came out of the most difficult group in the competition and were so close to beating defending champions South Africa in their opening game of the World Cup.
Warren Gatland has created a real bond among the Welsh camp – something forged during freezing session in Eastern Europe and many bonding trips – and he has developed a great blend of experience and youthful exuberance among the squad. Those placing rugby bets need to remember this.

Their talented players have really come to the fore and they outclassed Ireland – who beat Australia earlier in the competition – in their quarter-final to book a last four date with the French. The Rugby World Cup betting suggests they could push on.

Gatland reckons there is a great balance among the squad, they fear no-one, and the players are "not ready to go home" from this World Cup.

"We know we're in good shape physically. We felt we've got better and better as this competition has gone on," said the coach.

"It was a very, very tough pool and to come out of it will have held you in very good stead for a quarter-final and hopefully a semi-final."

Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny reckons the side are capable of beating France and booking a World Cup final spot if they go out and "express themselves" on the field, playing their usual game rather than making chances to combat their opponents.

Kenya Rugby : Director Edward Rombo's view on the Kenyan game

Sorry guys have been climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro but now I'm back. As we wish Mwangi Muthee a fruitful ? trip to New Zealand enjoy quotes from KRFU Director and Legal Advisor Edward Rombo aka Eddie the Eagle.

Edward Rombo Atoti! Mambo? Its you that's gone quiet. Wapi whiskey yangu? How have you been? Long time no see or hear. I'm okay back to business. Hope you are well.

Edward Rombo Hi Gibbo Im okay back home in Kenya. Still a solicitor and coach a little rugby union. Also an official of KRU which keeps me very busy.

Edward Rombo Supersport are a waste of time and exploiting KRU. They give nothing to the sport. A contract was signed where they give nothing to KRU. So what if Zuku are their competitors did KRU give Zuku any deal to air games? Its plain blackmail by Supersport and we lose nothing at all. Let them go and concentrate on GorMahia and Sofapaka.

Edward Rombo

Bell there is no need to get abusive. I know you and your likes view things in terms of the spectators point of view and don't look at the underlying issues perhaps because you may not be aware of the proper facts. KRU had no reason to suspect that Supersport would interfere or show disapproval at the fact that we got a sponsor for a match. Zuku merely offered to sponsor and market the Zimbabwe game with Nyayo Stadium as the focal point as the stadiums management are trying to market the stadium for possible rugby matches. It had nothing to do with infringing on Supersports rights after all Zuku are not broadcasting the game or anything of the sort. This is a clear case of a party trying to dictate to KRU on what other sponsor it can get even when it doesn't in any way impinge on their contract. Zuku have not interfered with Supersport on any way. They are only marketing one game for Nyayo Stadium and giving KRU much needed income. You mauls argue that broadcasting the game worldwide is good for the fans and the world but is it good for us KRU or the teams involved when we get nothing from it not even a single cent? The alternative view is that Supersport are getting free content and exploiting Kenyan rugby. They ought to have at least given back something to the sport. Is not as if Supersport airs the games for free. Its clients pay for the services so why not channel some of that money to the sport? Yes Bell i am educated enough to see and understand some of the issues critically and unlike you i do not view things like a spectator. Supersport had no reason to take the action they did and that is my personal view not KRUs.

Edward Rombo

Hellen nobody has waged any war on sponsors we value them and as I've stated KRU is always looking for more including Zuku! But when one sponsor attempts to block others does the game stop because of that? If Safaricom or Kenya Airways pullout it will not be because KRU has fought any of them. We all know Kenya Airways have not been happy at the latest results with the 7s team. That is why changes have been made in the team with a view to obtaining better results and if possible get even more sponsors on board. As for Safaricom i don't know what beef there could be to make them pull out but one thing i.know the ordinary boy and girl that aspires to play rugby will continue to do so where the corporates are there or not. That ambition to play rugby and keep the clubs going is the core objective of the union. Corporates come and go and we've seen many come and go. What is important is that rugby be continued at the clubs and schools. Over and out.

Edward Rombo

Ojiambo once again let me repeat Zuku are only marketing the game for Nyayo Stadium. They have not in any way encroached on Supersports mandate to broadcast the match. Please do not intertwine or mix the two. Broadcasting and marketing aretwo separate issues. KRU has not breached any agreement with Supersport. Why Supersport would choose to act that way only because Zuku are al alleged competitor is beyond me. Zuku are not broadcasting the game. Yes Constant the people making the most noise about this have a low regard to the players and game in general. They are fans who are worried their convenience of watching matches in pubs as they drink the evening away is being eroded! Its nothing to do with the love of the sport or the players. Its their own interests. They have put a low value to the players and the game and will pander to the corporates at every whim. Corporates do not make the game. They instead jump on its back and take a ride when things are going well! In this instance we have one corporate trying to fight another using KRU. They don't care that we need the money they are only interested in their own corporate values which is not rugby.

Edward Rombo And now that Zuku has taken up the challenge to cover the game and feed it to any interested terrestrial station for broadcasting for free isn't this what taking the game to the people is all about rather than where its limited to the few rich that can afford satellite dishes?

Edward Rombo Zach it is well known that KRU was run by two individuals who didn't bring things to the board. Look at the Supersport deal for example. Its existence was at first denied until Muthee had to get a copy of the agreement from Supersport after which it became clear why nobody wanted to talk about it. There are several other such deals which were struck by one or two individuals without knowledge of the board and certainly not in the interests of the union. We all know who they are so perhaps all queries should.be directed to them. It was no.secret that the auditors report at the last AGM revealed that KRU was technically insolvent!

Edward Rombo And while at it rather than blame directors who do not handle money what do you say about these individuals that clubs continued to elect even after some of the suspect dealings were unearthed? They even recently attempted a coup KFF/ FKL style!

Edward Rombo When the new board takes action we are accused of witchhunting and attacked in all social sites! Its no secret that the previous board was by and large made up of stooges who looked the other way at the impunity.

Edward Rombo And AB its not as if we all kept quiet and did nothing about it. The recent changes in the board came about by planning and strategizing politically rather than making noise in the press or social sites which does not help. The bIg question to ask is where were the stake holders ie the clubs when all these things were going on? Its not as if these debts were a secret. Where were the clubs? Even now some are busy resisting the changes and trying to bring down the chairman. Why haven't clubs called for an SGM despite these issues coming to their attention? Instead the ire is directed at board members who have no power to remove elected officials. The power lies with clubs not directors. If they play politics at the expense of rugby then we get what we deserve!

Edward Rombo Zack all this talk of "coporate governance" "stimulus package" "vision 2030" etc etc are lofty ideals that mean little to the Kenyan psyche. You know well it has never mattered even from your days as an official of KRU! To suggest to me that I should resign merely because someone else that I have little or no control over has done evil is a very defeatist attitude. You resign and go away and leave the crook continuing with evil! Worse still he is then reelected to continue his bad ways! Its like walking off a game merely because the opponent has scored an offside goal! Kenyans only understand basic issues like my tribe my club! Everything else is thrown out of the window! Some of the people who want to use all means to take over KRU have skeletons in their histories at club or even college level! We are better off staying in and fighting the rot as we are trying to do now. These debts from what we have come to find out stem from as far as 10 years ago. Yes we are busy doing audits to try and explain these issues and these figures could even go higher. I sometimes am very puzzled what it is people fight for!

Edward Rombo Sadik I find it very contradictory when on one hand you state that all should resign yet on the other had you are intent on reinstating an individual that has been suspended for the same issues dealing with corporate governance that you advocate for! Just where is your stand or is it just the usual politics ir alluded to in my previous posting? When you refer to independent bodies to investigate issues are you suggesting that we should conduct our affairs through KACC or CID or parliament? Must we set up a commission of inquiry to deal with obvious facts that have come to light? Do you police to tell you something is badly amiss when vital records contracts correspondences are hidden or discarded deliberately by people mandated to keep them? Is that what corporate governance is about?

Edward Rombo Sadik and Zack nobody has claimed that any funds have been stolen or embezzled. All we are.saying is that there are debts some of which are not clear how they were incurred. At the last AGM a debt of Ksh 1.4m caused a rift because it wasn't explained sufficiently even the auditor couldn't explain. Some debts are explained like that incurred on the JWRT that was held here. Others relate to purchase of a plot of land. Agreed Sadik clubs have usually passed the accounts after SGMs called for that purpose. It boils down to what I keep stating that ultimately the clubs must play their role in scrutinizing and acting appropriately when some issues arise eg removal or reprimanding of officials. The constitution does not allow fellow directors to remove another. It can only be done by clubs in an AGM or SGM. Mere resigning of directors is not the solution because ut leaves the crooks with an underhand and able to manipulate things politically.

Edward Rombo AB you are the bomb! Sadik of course all debts incurred in the name of the union must be respected and dealt with as debts of the union and we are treating them as such.

Edward Rombo And Sadik regarding the SGM and its postponementI it was deemed inappropriate given that we are finalizing with sponsors etc. But clubs are free to demand and call for it when deemed appropriate.

• Edward Rombo An SGM can be called by members or the board. The chairman is vested with the power of the board and exercises all powers and objects of the union! He has the power to call a meeting and to adjourn it. You should not lose sight that the accounts pending were prepared by the old office.
  
  

  Edward Rombo AB before we embark on any roadmap we must first identify where things went wrong and what governance structures we need to put in place to avoid debts or loss of money. It is not a futile exercise. What is done with the report will be up to the members. Of course the fact that the accounts were prepared by the old office makes a difference because some things the new chairman will not be able to immediately sus things out without the history. Even I have attempted to look at them and can't make head or tail of it. Its only accountants that understand these things!
  
  
  Edward Rombo Zach people are trying to lump all ills on some of us that recently joined the board yet most of these are issues that have been raised over the past few years and the people that ought to have accounted for them have been left scotfree others continually reelected by the same people now crying fowl. How would Muthee be privy to things that have been going on for 5 years? How do you attempt to blame him on that curtain call "blame the board blame the board!" It is well known who handles money and not all of us are privy to what goes on. If a deal can be struck with Supersport and the chairman the signed it the chairman himself without bringing it the board what does that tell you? Do we then resign after we discover these things months later or do we remove the chairman? Can directors remove a chairman? Where is the blame to be apportioned if things are kept from the board? Up to today we've been unable to trace contracts of the GM the 7s coach, players etc! Even the Supersport contract could.not be found until we got a copy from Supersport. The first thing Muthee did was to commission an audit of HR structures which met resistance from the old guard with some even attempting to sabotage the process which led to the GM being suspended. Now we hear some people whining about the GM others want him reinstated! The biggest problem is within KRU and the rugby fraternity. You are all equally culpable.
  
  
  Edward Rombo AB whose duty is it to go after the treasurer? Is it the board or members? Again who has the power to remove a duly elected treasurer? Isn't it members and only members?
  
  
  Edward Rombo Somebody defies the chairmans express instructions and sends the name of a former chairman as the Kenyan delegate to the RWC congress for heads of unions! And some people see nothing wrong in that!
  
  
  Edward Rombo Fair enough AB lump me with all the Babylonians its okay it doesn't faze me because I was not elected by that board neither did I choose who else sits on it. I wasnt there when these debts were incurred and its not as if I saw eye to eye with most of the board members who viewed me as the enemy and outsider. Me who has been through the whole hog in Kenyan rugby! But its all petty politics. When an individual decided to punish Mwamba and Quins using the National Circuit 7s sponsorship and franchise who spoke against it at the board if not me? They attempted to deny Mwamba and Quins a NSC franchise on spurious grounds and I stood against it and it was eventually reversed. Where were the clubs when I was being lynched at the board for going against Omwela and Sabwas unilateral decision that was couched as a board decision? All of you are party to the silly politics that has seen these individuals do whatever they want with impunity. You may take refuge in the notion that you can conveniently blame the board or everybody else but ultimately it is you that elect these people and directors do not.choose who to work with. The GM is under suspension as we look for his contract. Might you know where it is before you declare that he was an employee? We don't even have evidence that he was an appointed employee. Come Next elections you will all be there playing the same petty politics. You will try and elect people with dubious records merely because of club affiliations or even tribe as I've come to learn! Yes all of you!
  
  
  Edward Rombo And yes when the decision to deny Quins and Mwamba the franchise slots by purporting to suddenly put it up for bidding lo and behold there was KCB and Impala ready to bid within a record 12 hours! The usual suspects! What did they know that the rest didn't?
  
  
  Edward Rombo AB for probably the 5th time I remind you some of the matters were kept away from the board and we didn't have knowledge of them. Nobody remained silent on things not within ones knowledge!
  
  
  Edward Rombo Sadik I stand by my sentiments. There are many dealings that were not brought to the board and I have given the example of the Supersport deal. If you left the board in 2006 you would not be in a position to know about the issues I raise that occurred in the last 12 months or so that I have been in the board. Its all well Abdi good to say you were in the panel that interviewed and appointed the GM. I and many of the new board members weren't there so we have to go by records
  
  
  Edward Rombo If a primary document such as a contract can't be found how are we who were not there to know the terms upon which he was appointed? Whose duty is it to maintain and keep records? If I can recall the GM was asked to bring his copy of the contract and to date he has not done so. Or may be you have it? What "misunderstanding" are you referring to with regard to the bidding? Was there a misunderstanding? Of what nature? Someone has decided to suddenly put the two Nairobi legs of the circuit to "competitive bidding"! What criteria nobody knows. Why only the Nairobi legs and not coast or Nakuru etc! Why did the chairman have to go on a breakfast meeting with the chairmen of the affected clubs in the absence of the board? So what happened to the bidding after that? Shelved forever? And how did KCB put in a bid within hours of the sudden announcement? Did you convene a club meeting and quickly deliberate on the matter? Or were you aware beforehand that these two legs would be up for.bidding? Those are the simple questions I have asked. Perhaps you can answer and I will henceforth shut up. Regarding the secretary I remind you that only the members in an SGM can deal with him given that he is an elected official. Its all in the KRU constitution. Removal or reprimanding of an officer can only be done by a resolution of members and not the board. It is not a matter that can be dealt with "internally" as you put it. And when meetings of members are called its not a must that chairmen of clubs attend in case they are busy. You can always send any representative including a player! I.have attended meetings as a Mwamba rep yet have never been chairman.
  
  
  Edward Rombo And just to conclude I am not attacking your club and do.not wish to do so all Im trying to illustrate is how many crucial issues were never brought to the board for deliberations and often decided by individuals. There was this fellow who also decided unilaterally to punish Mwamba for the gross crime of taking its star players to a tournament in Uganda. He by himself decided to deduct money due to Mwamba from the Western Union sponsorship as a punishment! Without any disciplinary process. The union had to back down after threats of court action. A secretary has no powers whatsoever to charge or mete out punishment. For Quins we all know the issues they had regarding their sponsor at the Christies 7s finals. It was therefore not surprising that this bidding process was suddenly introduced to punish the clubs. Impunity by any other name is impunity.
  
  
  Edward Rombo It was the usual hypocrisy that is the common vein that runs across politicians. They can hug and pretend to be friends but the next day its the usual fighting. At least Ngilu didn't pretend. Its not a sign of reconciliation at all to see UK hug Raila. He probably wishes him dead or locked up at the Hague and vice versa!

Floodlit Result

Nondies and Machine sail through to the quarter finals courtesy of 31-3 and 25-15 wins over Blak Blad and Homeboyz respectively.  More to follow.

Impala Floodlit Kicks Off

The 30th Edition of the Zuku Impala Floodlit Competition kicks off today with two matches on the cards in the main club category.  Other categories are the schools and the universities making it an action filled event.  The Schools category will feature three matches at Jamhuri Park whilst the Universities will have four matches today.  In the main club category, four sides fight it out for a chance to make the quarter finals of the event.  Blak Blad will face Nondies in the first match at 6.00 O'clock whilst Homeboyz take on Mean Machine in the last match.

Gatland recalls Lydiate and Williams

The Welsh rugby team are to shuffle their line-up for their upcoming World Cup match against Ireland, on Saturday. The union side will make sweeping changes to the squad that crushed Fiji 66-0 on October 2, a move that seems to contravene that ancient law on team selection; 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it'.

Shane Williams and flanker, Dan Lydiate, have been recalled following an 'all-clear' on their respective injuries. Lydiate picked up an ankle injury earlier in Wales' World Cup campaign, while Williams, one of three in the side, has been struggling with a leg problem. Welsh centre, Jonathan Davies, and Alun Wyn Jones have also been recalled for this weekend's fixture. Those looking at the 2011 Rugby World Cup betting will be wondering how they will get on.

Here's where it gets complicated; Shane Williams will start on the left wing, forcing Scarlets player, George North, to switch flanks. Leigh Halfpenny, much to the chagrin of the benched Lee Byrne, will begin Saturday's match in the full-back position. Jonathan Davies will replace Scott Williams, while Lydiate will shove Ryan Jones out of his position at the front. Wyn Jones will play lock, at the expense of Bradley Davies.

James Hook, who plays for French side, Perpignan, is on the reserves list, alongside Lloyd Burns, Paul James, and Lloyd Williams. However, Lions fly-half, Stephen Jones, who would have been the fourth player with the 'Jones' surname in the Welsh side, has not been selected for the clash against Ireland. Those looking at the Rugby World Cup tips should remember this.

Wales boss, Warren Gatland, will field an unusually young squad, on Saturday; eight players are under the age of 23.

Gatland noted that he had to sift through tens of eligible players, to find the right team, "this was a tough selection for us, probably one of the longest selection meetings we have ever had". However, despite the obvious difficulties of choosing just a handful of players, the former All-Black said that he would rather have too many players available, than too few. "It's a great position to be in."

Saturday's clash, which will be Wales' first quarter-final appearance since 2003, will be held at the Regional Stadium, in the New Zealand capital, Wellington.