Israel reaches World Cup qualifiers

Israel will play in next month’s qualifying tournament for the 2015 Rugby World Cup after beating Latvia.

A 17-15 victory in front of 2,000 spectators at the Wingate Institute assures Israel first place after the opening round of matches in Europe’s Division 2B, following wins over Serbia and Andorra.

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Kaplan to hang up his boots

Leading referee Jonathan Kaplan will retire at the end of the season.

The South African official, who has taken charge of more tests, Super Rugby and Currie Cup matches than anyone else in history, will hang up his boots following a 21-year career.

Kaplan said: "Rugby has been my life for the past few decades and I’ve made the decision with a tinge of sadness.

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USA Maccabiah rugby squads announced

Maccabi USA has announced its squads for the Open and sevens competitions at this summer's Maccabiah Games in Israel.

Coach Shawn Lipman, Assistant Coaches Gregory Schor Haskin and David Rudzinsky, with Managers Barry Seidel and David Danker, have been working with the Rugby applicants over the last year to develop an elite team through intensive conditioning and fitness training.

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Sam is the man for all seasons

Sam Isaacs made his debut for the London Wasps academy team in the under-18 Aviva Premiership win over Bristol.

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Katz lifts England

Sam Katz marked his first appearance for England Students with a match-winning performance against Portugal.

Katz, who was GB’s star man at the 2009 Maccabiah Games, scored 20 points as England ended their Lisbon jinx with a 25-20 victory.

Trailing 12-9 at the interval, Katz of Loughborough University kicked five penalties, a conversion and a drop-goal to seal a famous win.

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Israeli rugby is going places, says Penn

Israel's rugby team scored a 26-5 away victory over Andorra last weekend.

Following its win over Serbia last month, newly-promoted Israel are the only team in the European Nations Cup Qualifying Group 2B with a 100 per cent record after two games.

Despite freezing conditions in Andorra, Israel edged the first half 7-5 thanks to an Eitan Humphries try.

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The best team won, says Penn

Israel made an impressive start to the European Nations Cup Qualifying Group B2 season with a 48-22 victory over highly-rated Serbia.

Fears that Israel, who earned promotion last season, would be outclassed were soon banished amid a flurry of tries in front of a crowd of 1,500 at the Wingate Institute.

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Team GB eye rugby gold

Rugby boss Jon Tyler has set his sights on leading Team GB to a golden summer at the 2013 Maccabiah Games.

Team GB are planning to send open teams for both the 15-a-side and rugby sevens competition as well as under-16 and under-19 squads.

Tyler is expecting over 70 players to make the trip to Israel and is looking to run the rule over the squads at the next training session on June 24.

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Rugby joy for Israel

The Israel national rugby team has been promoted into Division 2B of the European Nations Cup.

A 15-0 victory against Denmark in front of 1,500 spectators at Wingate Stadium saw them finish the job in style.

First-half tries from prop Matan Brosh and Adrian Reinstein put Israel in command. Reinstein sealed the win with a brilliant solo effort in the second half.

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