Rugby News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumours
From January 1st, a new version of the World Rugby law book that explains the rules, laws and regulations. Having these 2018 laws of Rugby update available for officials and stakeholders around the rugby globe, is key to implementing the 42% shorter version. Approved at the November World Rugby Council meeting, the simplified law book is […] READ MORE
Witnessing the power of Vaea Fifita in Saturday's win over Argentina, those who knew him from his early years, were sure that he would fulfil his potential. Scott McLean looks back at his recollection of the humble, yet tough young All Blacks flanker. READ MORE
Twelve months after the heartache of losing the decider, Hastings Boys High School finally claimed their maiden National Championship, lifting the Barbarians Cup on Sunday. Winning 25-17 over Chiefs regional winners Hamilton Boys High, Hastings take out Top Four Championship in an absorbing final. It was the final that most expected to see, with the pair arguably […] READ MORE
Once again, New Zealand’s best college rugby sides will converge on Palmerston North for the Top Four Championship. The regional winners in the Boys, Girls, and Boys from Co-ed schools will meet to decide their respective national championships, with the champion boys team being presented with the Barbarians Cup. In recent years there’s been something […] READ MORE
It might be the most controversial decision rugby has seen for some time. Was Romain Poite correct to penalize the Lions in the dying moments of the Third Test in Auckland, or did sanity prevail? Much has, and will be said about it so we look inside that referee decision…and the outcry over TMO/Assistant Referee […] READ MORE
The Second Test between the All Blacks v Lions was a ‘spicy affair’. Full of flashpoints and many talking points. Three key decisions of World Rugby referee Jérôme Garcès provided the bulk of the latter; the first-half red card to All Black Sonny Bill Williams, the yellow card to Lion Mako Vunipola, and the controversial […] READ MORE
Given the four-year cycle of Lions Tours, an appointment to one of those limited Test matches is perhaps the pinnacle of a referee’s career, one likely only eclipsed by the World Cup Final. However, few would argue that anything in rugby even comes close to a Lions Test in terms of atmosphere. READ MORE
A spot against the Lions would seem a long shot, but a place on the end of year Northern Tour wouldn’t seem too far-fetched. He is a such thrilling prospect for NZ Rugby. And yes, for all the excitement and enthusiasm at present, Ngani Laumape could also be a history maker; no one has yet played rugby league for the Warriors, and then also (probably) played for the All Blacks. My money is on Laumape being the first! READ MORE
Zero ruck is not a new tactic, its use in the professional ranks by both the Hurricanes and Chiefs – and a lesser extent by the All Blacks - have seen it make its way into the amateur game here in New Zealand. READ MORE
SANZAAR has made changes to both the Super Rugby TMO and Judicial processes ahead of the 2017 competition. We cast our eye over both and look at the impacts READ MORE
Scott MacLean is an active rugby referee in Wellington (NZ), and writes for Last Word On Rugby predominantly from the ‘match officials’ viewpoint.