Employee Stories

Irish Rugby

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 12:20:38 +0000

'You could make the case that Ireland are the best Six Nations team ever'

UK RUGBY WRITER Stephen Jones believes that Andy Farrell’s Ireland may be the best Six Nations team ever.

The Sunday Times’ rugby correspondent joined Eoin Toolan and Murray Kinsella to preview this Saturday’s clash between Ireland and England on today’s episode of Rugby Weekly Extra, a podcast available exclusively to members of The42 twice per week.

While there has been some suggestion that England will bounce back from last weekend’s hammering against France to give Ireland a big challenge in Dublin on Saturday, Jones is not convinced.

“It would be easy to imagine an England who were so humiliated that they will come out steaming, they’ll be different, full of character, they’ll be fiery,” said Jones.

“On the other hand, there’s also the possibility that Ireland are so good and so superior that they’ll run up another big score. People are saying it will be 15 or 20 points, I’m not so sure about that.

“The Irish team has got so many cards. I’ve seen them have good teams where the only thing they do was get Ollie (Campbell) or Wardy (Tony Ward) to kick the ball up in the air, but now they’ve got so many ways to do it.”

In fact, Jones feels that this is the best Irish team ever and may even be the greatest Six/Five Nations side we have seen.

“Yes, there’s no question about that,” he said when asked if it’s the best Irish side ever.

“You’ve got to go back and say that in terms of an era, winning away in America against the All Blacks (in 2016) was unbelievable but anyone who has been to New Zealand and seen a three-Test series, to win a decider is absolutely unbelievable.

“To win a decider when you’ve united the All Blacks against you in every respect is just glory days. I’ve never seen Wales beat New Zealand, I’ve seen Newport beat New Zealand but never seen Wales beat New Zealand.

“Ireland are just phenomenal. They’re probably coming up to being the best team in the Six Nations that I’ve ever seen from any country. I was just about young enough to watch Wales in the ’70s but Wales weren’t successful when they went abroad. They didn’t win in New Zealand.

“I just think these guys, you could make the case that they’re the best Six Nations or Five Nations team that there has been.”

England are in the doldrums after last weekend’s record defeat at Twickenham against France.

While Jones game his opinion on England’s team selection and game plan under Steve Borthwick, he also said that there are wider issues at play in English rugby.

“There are deep issues with the way the game is run,” said Jones.

“When I started and long after I started, we used to say, ‘Bloody hell, if only Ireland would stop being so conservative as a union.’ Well, actually, they’re streets ahead now, years ahead.

“I go back to England’s complete loss of scrummaging power, which used to be their staple. After Greg Feek’s years in Ireland, suddenly you’re not even worried that Tadhg Furlong can’t play because you’ve got someone else.

“Joined-up, it is definitely not (in England). I believe strongly in the club structure but the problem is that because there are so many pauses for internationals, someone like Owen Farrell can only play one game in three for Saracens which is hopeless.

“The England U20s should never be as poor as they’ve been, in my opinion, so it is a low point. Famously, the RFU have got so many executives but none of them are really in charge of professional rugby. Conor O’Shea is taking all the stick in the world but he’s on his own and I’m not sure what he’s supposed to do.

“The present is bad but the future, I just don’t know where it’s going to improve.”

To listen to the podcast in full and enjoy the many benefits of membership of The42, including sharp writing and absorbing podcasts across a range of sports, click here.

The importance of the designer notebook

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 11:00:05 +0000

The importance of the designer notebook

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Mastering the Art of Blogging: A Comprehensive Guide

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 11:00:03 +0000

Blogging is one of the most rewarding ways to share your ideas, knowledge, and creativity with the world. Whether you're an aspiring writer, a passionate hobbyist, or a business owner looking to connect with an audience, mastering the art of blogging can open doors to opportunities and meaningful engagement. But where do you start? Here's a simple guide to help you along the way.

Students from Pinole Valley High School's Biomedical Academy Program pose with Bio-Rad employees on April 12, 2023.

Prior to the tour, the students performed an activity in their class using Bio-Rad protein gels from a kit donated by the Bio-Rad Explorer Program. The students then saw how the gels and electrophoresis apparatuses are made during a tour of two manufacturing plants in Hercules. To conclude, the students enjoyed lunch and a panel discussion with six employees who shared stories about their careers at Bio-Rad.

Students from Pinole Valley High School's Biomedical Academy Program pose with Bio-Rad employees on April 12, 2023.

Brian Nguyen, a software quality assurance engineer in Bio-Rad's Life Science Group, is a Pinole Valley High School Graduate and says the tour offered young students a chance to learn about the many different career paths that are possible at Bio-Rad. “When I was their age as a student, I didn't know why I wanted to do,” Brian says. “I was still finding myself, and so now that I ended up here, even though I had a really wild path, I wanted to show that it's possible.”

Brian says he was grateful to help organize this year’s event, especially because he was once part of Pinole Valley’s Biomedical Academy himself. “Even though I ultimately wasn't interested in pursuing biology myself, I still wanted to be in biotech,” he says. “That's why, even though I'm a software engineer, I chose to work at Bio-Rad because I wanted to work in the healthcare field.”

Eliza Zoffada, a corporate events & community involvement project manager, says the event helped illustrate the wide range of opportunities that Bio-Rad offers young job candidates. “It's so great that the students were able to see that you don't have to be a scientist to work at Bio-Rad,” she says. “Regardless of who you are or what you do, you can find a home here

Emerald Triumph: Ireland's Spectacular Victory Over Romania in Rugby World Cup

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 02:00:00 +0000

The Rugby World Cup is a sporting event that unites fans from all over the world in a celebration of the sport's finest talents. In this year's edition of the tournament, Ireland faced off against Romania in a crucial match that would shape their journey through the competition. In this blog post, we will recap the thrilling encounter between these two teams and highlight the key moments that made this match a memorable one.

Ireland's World Cup Aspirations

Before delving into the match itself, it's essential to understand the context surrounding Ireland's participation in the Rugby World Cup. The Irish rugby team has a storied history in the tournament, and every World Cup is an opportunity to showcase their talent on the global stage. In 2019, they reached the quarter-finals, and the expectations were high for this edition of the tournament.

The Clash with Romania

Ireland's encounter with Romania took place in the group stage of the Rugby World Cup, where every win is crucial for advancing to the knockout stages. This match was held at a packed stadium, with both Irish and Romanian fans passionately supporting their respective teams.

A dominant Start

From the outset, it was clear that Ireland was determined to make a statement. They dominated the early exchanges, showcasing their skill and precision in both attack and defense. Ireland's backline, led by their charismatic captain, delivered some scintillating moves that kept the Romanian defense on their toes.

Tries Galore

One of the most exciting aspects of this match was the number of tries scored. Ireland's attacking prowess was on full display, and they managed to cross the try line multiple times. The crowd roared with excitement as the Irish players displayed their flair and creativity. The Romanian team, to their credit, also managed to score a few tries, contributing to an entertaining contest.

Outstanding Performances

Several Irish players stood out during the match. Johnny Sexton, the team's fly-half, orchestrated the attack brilliantly, setting up tries and slotting in crucial conversions. The forwards, too, played their part, dominating the scrums and lineouts.

Respect for Romania

While the scoreline reflected Ireland's dominance, it's worth mentioning the respect both teams displayed for each other. The Romanian players never gave up and continued to compete with heart and determination throughout the match. Their sportsmanship and resilience earned the admiration of fans and opponents alike.

Conclusion

In the end, Ireland emerged victorious in a match that showcased their potential as serious contenders in the Rugby World Cup. The final score may have favored the Irish, but the spirit and passion displayed by both teams made this match a memorable one for fans worldwide.

As the tournament progresses, Ireland will aim to build on this impressive performance and navigate their way through the competition. Whether they reach the pinnacle of rugby success or not, their clash with Romania will be remembered as a thrilling chapter in the Rugby World Cup's history, a testament to the beauty of the sport and the camaraderie it fosters on and off the field.