Better Late than Never

First of all, we must apologise for the late report on the Catalonia match. But some of us find it difficult to type with one hand, especially if it's not the one you are used to writing with. Enough sympathy, on with the report.
The game kicked off at a cracking pace and the experimental Sweden team were soon into their stride. With Tobias Borg's pace being complimented by the speed of thought and direction from Ian Gowland, playing Fullback, this was to prove a serious threat from the backline. Alex Taylor was in commanding form and was well supported by Paul Sullivan and Thomas Ardvisson, all of which instilled confidence throughout the team and for the first twenty minutes, apart from some misdirected kicks, there appeared to be only one team in the game. The forwards were sticking to the game plan and playing simple but effective rugby. Tries for Tim Johansson, Ian Gowland and Tobias Borg with one successful penalty, gave a scoreline of 0-18 after 17 minutes on the clock. However the coaches were aware that Catalonia were not going to lie down, sure enough they came back at the Swedish Team and scored a pushover try from a rumbling maul.
It was inevitable that the visitors would start to fade as the majority of the squad had not played any rugby for almost 5 months. This became more apparent as the game progressed, with the Swedish forwards fighting hard at every set piece to maintain some pressure. Although the home side were gaining the upper hand, especially in the second half, there was a tremendous spirit within the squad and with some well executed replacements being made by Mike Tatu, the Swedes were managing to repel the most of the constant waves of attacks, and they occasionally made their own forays into the opposition 22. With the Catalans closing the scores to 17-18, Sweden were awarded a penalty. Playing a captains role, Alex Taylor stepped up and with a casual glance, slotted the ball between the posts. This gave the side a bit of breathing space and despite the pressure in the last 5 minutes, they held out for a vital and deserved win.
The training camp was a complete success, it was well organised and the players were more than happy with the schedule. The coaches got the opportunity to look at new faces and see how they performed under pressure.
We have been told that there is a further camp in March, where the coaches will be looking at other players before making their selection for the friendly against Denmark in early April.
Looks like that National Squad is moving forward and that can only be a good thing for Swedish Rugby!

Gathering Pace

It's nice to report some good, and to our mind very positive news regarding Swedish rugby.
We have been informed of the growing communication and co-operation between the managerial staff of both the Men's and Women's National squads. This can only be to the benefit of all concerned, with exchanges of ideas and plans especially between the FK's. This is a most welcome development and long may it continue.
Regarding the Men's squad to Spain, the only change to the published personnel that we have been informed of is Erik Lundquist has been called up for Victor Pettersson. Evidently Victor broke a finger at the January training camp and it has not healed in time. With previous experience of playing for the National squad, we feel sure that calling in Erik is a good move.
With the improvements being made to the National squad in terms of fitness, planning, and leadership, it looks like they are gathering pace and could well be on the way to having Sweden's best ever squad.
Good Luck to them in Spain, let's hope that they have a fantastic camp and finish it off with a fine win.

There is another training camp planned in March, which is again in Enkoping and with other players being invited, or so we are told, it looks like the coaches are trying to look at as many players as possible before they have to decide the final squad for the vital matches against Latvia and Croatia.

Squad to Barcelona

We have just been informed of the players selected to represent Sweden in Barcelona. Evidently they will have a training camp rounded off with a match against Catalonia on Valentine's Day. So another step forward for the National Squad. Players selected are:-

Rickard Johansson	Hammarby
Viktor Pettersson	Enköping
Ivar Bengtsson	Hammarby
Paul Sullivan	Stockholm Exiles
Jim Wetterström	Enköping
Linus Hector	Vänersborg
Tim Johansson	Enköping
Alan Letele	Vänersborg
Jan-Olof Johansson	Spartacus
Mattias Thorhard	Hammarby
Hannes Eriksson	Hammarby
Rickard Örnberg	Vänersborg
Andrew Daish	Nuneaton
Tobias Borg	Enköping
Alex Taylor	Nuneaton
Lee Sandberg	North Walsham
Magnus MacDonald	London Scottish
Sebastian Taylor	Old Haberdashers
Tomas Arvidsson	Helsingborg
Ian Gowland	Stockholm Exiles
Daniel Nissila	Attila
Stefan Obradovic	Attila
Erik Trogen	Enköping

Some new faces selected with a few of the experienced players unable to make the trip, this should be a good opportunity for others to shine. We wish them well.

Who's who?

Time we think for another player from the Ladies Squad to adorn our blog. This time we feature Jenny Sahlin. The most engaging of prop's and some one who plays with a smile on her face. A cornerstone of the scrum, we look forward to watching Jenny playing for her country this season.


How did you become involved with Rugby?

I went to watch a few games in Vänersborg and at a crayfish party one girl came up to me and said she recognized me from watching the games. She made me promise to come to the next training. I went to the training and been stuck ever since.

When did you first start playing?
September 2003
What positions have you played?
I have played all positions, except hooker, in the scrum.
What club/s have you played for?
Vänersborg RK

Gold Coast Eagles Australia (Gold Coast RUFC)

Göteborg RF

How many International Caps have you gained?
??? A few. Started playing for the national team 2006.
What has been your best playing experience?
When I played a rep game for Brisbane South, SM gold 2008 and EM in May this year.
And your worst playing experience?

The game against Helsingborg 2009.

What are your ambitions within the game? 
To improve my understanding and skills of the game and just enjoy playing. 
What encourages you about the game in Sweden?
All the dedicated people on and off the pitch. The wonderful team/club spirits that you meet all around in Sweden.
How do you see the future?
I think both women’s and men’s team will keep developing and hopefully it will make people that are not involved in rugby aware of this awesome sport. Hopefully 7’s as an Olympic sport will open up eyes on people that have not yet understand the greatness of rugby.
What is your profession?
Controller
Marital status?
Have the best boyfriend ever
Children?
Two lovely little cats

Many thanks to Jenny and good luck for the season.

Men's National Training Camp

Been a bit remiss of us, not too have reported on last weekend's training camp sooner, but we wanted to try and get a collective view. However we do not want you to think that we have been idle during the past week. Far from it and as you will see over the coming weeks there will be quite a few interesting articles about Swedish Rugby.
Anyway, back to the matter in hand, the training camp at Enkoping.
With several new faces in the group, including some very promising juniors the weekend started on time, in the snowy conditions at Enkoping.
By all accounts it was one of the best organised and most professional weekend the men have had for years.
With the introduction of a new fitness and conditioning coach to the squad, the emphasis was on fitness and discipline. It became apparent that the players needed to improve their overall fitness and were asked to ensure that this was evident by the next camp. There were 4 fitness sessions throughout the weekend, with the hardest one on Sunday morning, which brought all the players to their knees. Discipline was also a major feature, both on and off the field. Evidently the players have agreed to contribute to a code of conduct and then to abide by it. So that should make interesting reading.
Apparently it was a big success for the coaching staff as well. They have selected a squad to go to a training camp in Barcelona, on Valentine's weekend, (wonder what the wives and girlfriends think about that) and the next home training camp is in March, again at Enkoping.
So, we at TrueSwedenRugby, believe that the positive steps being taken by the FK will only be of benefit to the squad and to Swedish Rugby. Keep up the good work.

A Tale of Two Balls

I know that we are in a far flung corner of the World. But as we watch the Thames freezing over and England struggling to get to grips with all this snow and ice, we have been keeping an careful watch on the Swedish Rugby scene. Although it's the close season over there, we have heard that there is a lot going on behind the scenes with the National Squads. Now news reaches us that one of the clubs in the West, GRF have reviewed their position and have decided that if they have another season like last, then the men are going to play with the round shaped ball.
After informing everyone that he would not be coaching the men this season, Neil has now found another team that will benefit from his expertise, and there will be a football team sharing the facilities.

So, let's hope that this alliance benefits the club, but most importantly the Rugby teams.

National Training Camp

It appears that the National Squad's training camp scheduled for the weekend 16/17 January will be at Enkoping RK. We understand that invitations have gone out to the players with a few youth players being invited as well. Not aware of what the schedule is, but we are given to understand that fitness will be one of the main factors. With two important matches in May, anything that can assist the men to achieve wins in those games is of benefit.
We are bound to add that the Men's management are starting to get things together and it bodes well for the future of Swedish Rugby, if this continues.