The Raeburn and Utrecht Shields’ Post

All Blacks Claim the Raeburn Shield – Next Up, France! After their win over Ireland, the All Blacks now hold the Raeburn Shield! Next, they’ll defend it against France in a game that carries even more weight thanks to this unique title—and it’s one that’s capturing the hearts of fans around the world. Although the Raeburn Shield isn’t an “official” trophy, it’s very real to the thousands of fans who engage with it every week. Here’s why it’s making such an impact on fans and players alike: 🔗 Lineal World Title: The Raeburn Shield passes only by defeat, which means every holder has to defend it every match—giving each game an extra edge and meaning. 📜 A Story That Spans Generations: The Shield weaves a lineal legacy through rugby, connecting each match, nation, and team that holds it. For players, defending the Shield is an honour, knowing they’re adding to a history that’s passed from game to game. 🏆 Fan-Driven Excitement: Thousands of fans have been talking, sharing, and celebrating the Shield all weekend, showing that this lineal title resonates deeply with the rugby community. Every game becomes a “must-watch,” knowing the title could move on to a new team. 🌍 A Prize for All Nations: The Raeburn Shield is open to any team who can win it, adding excitement as every nation has a chance to compete for the title. You never know when that next opportunity will come, so each match carries a “take your shot” thrill that makes the competition even more meaningful. With New Zealand as the current holders, France is their first big test. Can the All Blacks keep the Shield in New Zealand, or will it make its way to France? This journey is one to follow! #RaeburnShield #AllBlacks #FranceRugby #rugby #rugbyunion David Algie David Robertson James William de Mortimer Craig Fenton Leanne Bats ᵍᵐ Lewis Wright Nick Riggall 🏉🤖Matt Hymers RugbyDAO

  Are you ready for the clash of the Titans as South Africa and Ireland go head-to-head in yet another historic rugby showdown? When these two teams take to the field, it isn't just a match; it's a celebration of rugby heritage, mutual respect, and camaraderie. Both nations have carved out legendary statuses on the rugby field, and the upcoming encounter at Loftus in Pretoria promises to be nothing short of spectacular.    🏉 Did you know? The rivalry dates back to their first encounter in 1906 when South Africa embarked on their maiden tour to the Northern Hemisphere. This historic match set the stage for a century of thrilling encounters and unforgettable moments that have woven a rich tapestry of rugby tradition. This time, according to World Rugby, they will line up as the number one and two ranked teams.     🏉 Did you know? South Africa and Ireland have a knack for producing nail-biting encounters. The Springboks and the Irish have faced each other 28 times, with South Africa winning 18, Ireland 9, and 1 draw. Their most recent encounter in last year’s World Cup was one of the most intense. Ireland narrowly beat the Springboks in their pool stage contest. Undeterred, the Boks went on to win the tournament while the Irish went out in the quarterfinals.       As the teams prepare to line up once again, let’s celebrate the spirit of a game that unites us all. Whether you're a die-hard Bokke supporter or cheering on the Boys in Green, this match is a testament to the strength, skill, and sportsmanship that defines the great game of rugby.     Who will emerge victorious this time? 🏆🍀🇿🇦    #SAvsIreland    

Rugby is taking centre stage with the #SixNations kicking off tonight, but how are domestic leagues adapting to the challenges that shape the sport’s commercial landscape year-round? From Premiership Rugby's quest for high-value sponsorships to the United Rugby Championship's growing audience appeal, leagues are navigating a complex road ahead. The Top 14 sets the gold standard, but what’s next for the most commercially successful European rugby league? Faaez Samadi explores how these leagues are positioning themselves for long-term commercial growth. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/ebMtykhM

According to website Rugby365, the sale of Newlands Rugby Stadium - to an undisclosed buyer - was voted on, and approved, at a recent Western Province Rugby Football Union council meeting. Following the move of Western Province Rugby’s professional teams to DHL Stadium in early 2022, Newlands Rugby has ceased to be a rugby venue. When Western Province Rugby was placed under administration by SARU in October 2021, one of the major tasks assigned to the administrator was to finalise the sale of the stadium. One of the obstacles included a proposal to have the stadium declared a heritage site however, an independent report by a heritage specialist suggested otherwise. Rugby365: https://bit.ly/4bKLJPr Western Province Rugby: https://bit.ly/3LiXRfR The independent report by Bridget O’Donoghue: https://bit.ly/3LiXRfR #newlandsrugbystadium #sport #rugby #commercialrealestate #rugbystadium #realestateinvestment #capetownproperty #assetmanagement #capetown #propertydevelopment #realestatenews #propertynews

According to website Rugby365, the sale of Newlands Rugby Stadium - to an undisclosed buyer - was voted on, and approved, at a recent Western Province Rugby Football Union council meeting. Following the move of Western Province Rugby’s professional teams to DHL Stadium in early 2022, Newlands Rugby has ceased to be a rugby venue. When Western Province Rugby was placed under administration by SARU in October 2021, one of the major tasks assigned to the administrator was to finalise the sale of the stadium. One of the obstacles included a proposal to have the stadium declared a heritage site however, an independent report by a heritage specialist suggested otherwise. Rugby365: https://bit.ly/4bKLJPr Western Province Rugby: https://bit.ly/3LiXRfR The independent report by Bridget O’Donoghue: https://bit.ly/3LiXRfR #newlandsrugbystadium #sport #rugby #commercialrealestate #rugbystadium #realestateinvestment #capetownproperty #assetmanagement #capetown #propertydevelopment #realestatenews #propertynews

5 Facts About the Freedom Cup   5 Facts About the Freedom Cup The Freedom Cup is one of the most fiercely contested trophies in international rugby, fought between two of the sport's greatest teams: New Zealand and South Africa. The rivalry is steeped in history, with both teams having rich rugby traditions. Here are five key facts about the Freedom Cup: 1.Origins and Symbolism The Freedom Cup was introduced in 2004 to commemorate 10 years of democracy in South Africa, following the end of apartheid in 1994. The trophy symbolizes the shared history and mutual respect between South Africa and New Zealand, two nations deeply connected through their rugby heritage. It also acknowledges South Africa’s journey towards freedom and equality. 2.Contested Within the Rugby Championship The Freedom Cup is contested annually as part of the Rugby Championship (formerly the Tri-Nations). Whenever New Zealand’s All Blacks and South Africa’s Springboks face each other in this tournament, their matches also determine the winner of the Freedom Cup. The double significance of the fixture makes these encounters even more intense and competitive. 3.New Zealand's Dominance New Zealand has been the dominant team in the Freedom Cup’s history, winning it the majority of times since its inception. The All Blacks' consistent performance, both in terms of attacking prowess and defensive resilience, has seen them secure the trophy more often than South Africa, although the Springboks have had notable victories as well. 4.Rivalry Steeped in History The rugby rivalry between New Zealand and South Africa is one of the oldest and most passionate in the sport. Their encounters are known for their intensity, physicality, and mutual respect. The Freedom Cup adds another layer to this rivalry, making each match even more meaningful. 5.Memorable Clashes Over the years, the Freedom Cup has seen some legendary matches. From closely fought encounters to thrilling finishes, the contest between the Springboks and All Blacks never fails to deliver drama, cementing the Freedom Cup as one of the most coveted trophies in rugby. via Blogger https://ift.tt/Lc0Ggr4 September 08, 2024 at 01:48PM

With the start of the Autumn Internationals, we have 3 exciting matches this weekend, all with potential impacts on the World Rugby rankings: • Sep 6: Scotland vs Wales (BBC iPlayer/RugbyPassTV) • Sep 7: Barbarians vs South Africa (TBD) • Sep 7: England vs France (BBC One/RugbyPassTV) Here’s how the rankings could shift: • England vs. France: England can’t boost their rating but stays #1. A 15+ point win for France could leap them to 2nd, ahead of 🇨🇦 and 🇳🇿! • Wales vs. Scotland: A win could move Wales to 6th, while Scotland may drop to 9th with a big loss (15+). • Scotland: Even with a win, they remain 6th, still trailing 🇦🇺 by 1.22 points. More: https://bit.ly/4dSz2nH

 🏉 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗥𝗥𝗔 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝘂𝗴𝗯𝘆 𝗳𝗮𝗻𝘀! 🏉 Think you’ve got what it takes to scrum your way to victory? RRA has launched the RRA Fantasy League for the 2025 Six Nations Tournament, and we’d love for you to join us. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀? 𝟭𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘇𝗲: 𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝟭𝟴𝟳𝟯 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗴𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝘂𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝘂𝗴𝗯𝘆, either this season or next. And, of course, those all-important 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 (guaranteed to last longer than a half-line kick!). 𝟮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘇𝗲: 𝗔 𝗯𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗘𝘆𝗲 𝗚𝗶𝗻, crafted by rugby legends Mike Tindall, James Haskell and Alex Payne. Not only does it support rugby players’ research, risk and recovery, but it’s also as smooth as a lineout steal! 𝟯𝗿𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘇𝗲: 𝗔 𝗯𝗼𝗯𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘁 from the rugby club of your choice. The clock’s ticking! The Six Nations kicks off on Friday, January 31st with France v Wales, so make sure to pick your fantasy team by 𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟮𝟵𝘁𝗵. 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘆 𝗮𝘀 𝟭, 𝟮, 𝗧𝗥𝗬: 𝟭. Create your Six Nations Rugby account at https://lnkd.in/ep9aAUFA 𝟮. Register your team in the RRA Architects League. (League number: 108453 / Password: CTSXL). 𝟯. Do the fun bit— you can choose any name for your team but we will need your name and your company in brackets, e.g. 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘎𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘦 (𝘛𝘰𝘮 𝘉𝘢𝘭𝘦, 𝘙𝘙𝘈). Then pick your squad and get ready for a ruck-load of action! We’ll be sharing a Leaderboard after every round to keep you updated on who’s KICKIN’ IT, who needs to TRY harder and who’s heading straight to the SIN BIN. It’s going to be a lot of fun, we can’t wait to see you in the league. If you have any queries, do not hesitate to contact Thomas Bale or myself. #SixNations #Competition #FantasyLeague #RRAArchitects

Excited to launch Australian Rugby’s strategy for 2025 - 2029 yesterday. Australian Rugby’s “From Green To Gold” strategy towards 2029 - formed in collaboration with stakeholders across the game including member unions, Super Rugby clubs and the Rugby Union Players’ Association - features three key pillars: performance excellence, participation growth and promotion effectiveness. Performance excellence: To consistently build winning teams in Gold, connecting and inspiring Australians and our rugby community. Participation growth: To increase support for clubs, schools, coaches and match officials to enable growth in participation and strengthen the rugby community. Promotion effectiveness: To leverage major events and engage bigger audiences across platforms increasing visibility, support and interest in rugby and driving commercial value.

In 2025, investing in athlete brand-building isn’t just smart—it’s essential for your bottom line ⤵️ From record-breaking ticket sales driven by Ilona Maher’s Premiership Women's Rugby debut, to increased merchandise sales and landmark media rights deals driven by the star power of WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association) athletes like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, empowering athletes to build their personal brands creates new, profitable revenue streams for sports organizations. The shift is happening. Athletes are no longer just competitors—they’re marketing engines, driving fan engagement and bottom-line growth. And if you haven’t guessed already, Greenfly is behind the scenes, keeping stars like Ilona, Caitlin, and Angel equipped with content that helps power their brand-building success. #shortformcontent #sportsmarketing