Rugby News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumours
2018 will be a season of new beginnings as Highlanders select Aaron Mauger as new head coach for Super Rugby. The former Crusader and All Black has previously coached the Leicester Tigers. With a three-year deal, Mauger will be expected to deliver another Super Rugby title to the franchise in that time, and he has all […] READ MORE
Introducing drug testing for high school rugby shouldn’t just occur at major tournaments either – it should happen far more often. Players, especially at these young ages, need to have consequences for their actions as well as education beforehand. READ MORE
The Chiefs semifinal hopes may rest with Damian McKenzie in Saturday’s do-or-die Super Rugby semifinal clash against the Crusaders in Christchurch. McKenzie, 22, is currently riding the waves of his most impressive Super Rugby season yet. ‘The smiling assassin’ insists he doesn’t deliberately look for the camera just before starting his kicking routine. The stillness, […] READ MORE
A late try by Shaun Stevenson was enough to ensure that the Chiefs beat Stormers in Super Rugby quarter final. Ending 17-11, the Chiefs got the job done on the road and will now take on a long 24-hour flight back to New Zealand where a clash against the Crusaders awaits in the Semi Finals. […] READ MORE
Rumours that Damian McKenzie could feature for the Leicester Tigers in 2018 have gathered momentum this week, but the reliability of information coming out of the UK is inconsistent at best. All that talk is just that though – talk. If it happens, and it’s a big if at this point, McKenzie’s departure would be […] READ MORE
The fact is, since the Chiefs beat Brumbies, the Hurricanes did their fellow New Zealand team no favours. As they beat the Crusaders, it makes for a tougher quarter final schedule. The Chiefs have no choice but to accept the fact that in order to win the title; they'll have to do it away from home base. It doesn't get any tougher than a trip to Newlands, but that is exactly what will be required. READ MORE
All Black hero and Chiefs veteran Stephen Donald will likely rejoin his beloved Mooloos for yet another season of provincial rugby. An official announcement from Waikato Rugby is due to be made in the next week or so ‘once the paperwork’ is complete. Donald will join other big signing Zac Guildford, in what will be […] READ MORE
The All Blacks have more than history on their side at Eden Park as one of the biggest matches in the careers of 46-players kicks off later tonight. It’s the game that World Rugby has been crying out for – but even the most informed of rugby pundits wouldn’t be backing anything other than an […] READ MORE
The DHL Lions Series is still alive – the British and Irish Lions have beaten the All Blacks 21-24, on a cold and wet night at Westpac Stadium in Wellington. In one of the craziest matches in recent history; Owen Farrell kicked the goal of his career in the 78th minute, to win the game […] READ MORE
In the final midweek game of the 2017 tour, it was your typical ‘game of two halves’. A fired-up British and Irish Lions team taking the early lead, only for the barnstorming home side to come within a whisker of stealing a win. A thrilling 31-31 draw was a close-run-thing, as the Lions survive the […] READ MORE
Michael Pulman is a contributor for Last Word On Rugby and writes regular content with a New Zealand focus. Beginning as a blogger on his own and through various other platforms, Mike has gone on to become a genuine sports reporter, covering NZ Rugby and all competitions domestic, and Internationally, as well as Cricket.