Sunday, October 31, 2010

Times they are a changin'


Some of my recent work.




Young Canterbury prop Rodney Ah You is moving to the Northern Hemisphere, after signing for Irish side Connacht. The 22-year-old has signed an 18-month deal at the Sportsground, Galway and will be expected to fill in for the absence of English International Robbie Morris - who is injured. Ah You heads off with a fierce reputation after lifting the IRB Junior Crown in 2007 and 2008 with New Zealand. He first came to the notice of Connacht coach Eric Elwood during his Baby Blacks appearances, including New Zealand’s 65-10 win over Ireland en route to the Kiwis’ 2008 world junior rugby title.
After only taking up rugby at the age of 16, Ah You quickly progressed through the ranks at Canterbury and was capped at Under-19 and Under-20 level for New Zealand.
The versatile tighthead prop, who can also play at loosehead, made his Canterbury debut last season.
His contract will see him remain in Ireland until the end of 2011/12 season.
Connacht have had an indifferent start to their European campaign this time around, losing in Italy against I Cavalieri Estra in Round 1 before bouncing back to beat Bayonne 16-13 in Round 2.




IRELAND’S Tadhg Kennelly has already started some good-natured mind games ahead of the International Rules opener on Saturday. He texted his Swans team-mate and Australian captain – Adam Goodes – early last week cheekily boasting that he can’t wait to embarrass the Aussies in front of 80,000 Irish fans. Goodes took all in his stride – especially since his side are facing up to five players with AFL experience in the Irish squad – Tadhg Kennelly, Tommy Walsh, Marty Clarke, Colm Begley and Brendan Murphy. "There’s a little bit of banter," he smiled. "Kennelly reckons he can’t wait to embarrass us in front of 80,000 Irish supporters." Goodes trained with the round ball for the first time Saturday, but points to the soccer World Cup as a reason why the Aussies will adapt to the ball quicker than people think. He added: "The World Cup was on this year and in every footy club, the boys were playing soccer. A lot of us grew up playing soccer at school. For the boys who find it a bit strange, I’m sure after a few training sessions they’ll be ready." The captain, who represented Australia in the 2001 series, will be supported by three vice captains – Collingwood’s Dane Swan, Carlton’s Kade Simpson and the Western Bulldogs’ Matthew Boyd. "I’m really honoured by the position, to represent these young blokes because it is a huge thing," he said .

This story appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Tuesday, October 19, 2010


Posted by at