In a look back, Last Word on Rugby views the Rugby Heroes and Villains for 2023. Not focused entirely on one or the other – balanced in as how the sport of rugby union is a team-based game; as much as for individuals who can shine or be villainised for their contributions. Over the last […] READ MORE
Author: Scott Hornell, Managing Editor
Premiership Rugby home-field advantage; winning records, and Top14
Considering Premiership Rugby home-field advantage, you can question whether it is a constant benefactor? or a changeable one? A discussion for fans and stakeholders alike, home and away sides both. In this season to date, it is not a sole contributor to the current standings although, it will always play it’s part in every sport. […] READ MORE
Gallagher Premiership Rugby returns to Limelight after RWC finale weekend
Into its third round of action, Gallagher Premiership Rugby returns to the full ‘Limelight status’ after the RWC finale last weekend. It can stand clearly under the lights, so to speak. Three times that clubs have been without their representative players, all either completing or about to finalize commitments with their national sides; England ended […] READ MORE
Perfect possible RWC 2023 Cup final swansong for NZL/RSA stars
It is not often that you can write your own ‘swansong’ yet for some RWC 2023 Cup final NZL/RSA stars, it might be a picture perfect ending. Difficult enough to reach one RWC (Rugby World Cup) final, for a few this is going to be their second men’s Cup final. And for one individual, he […] READ MORE
‘Revenge of The Rugby Championship’ in 2023 RWC semi-finals contention
It certainly was contradictory to the common belief of your everyday rugby fan. And after the ‘revenge of The Rugby Championship’ nations to put themselves into 2023 RWC semi-finals contention, many Northern Hemisphere teams have found themselves left wondering how? Any Rugby World Cup (RWC) will throw-up the odd upset, a match maybe lost when […] READ MORE
Antoine Dupont: French ‘phantom’ of the Rugby World Cup returns
With a nod to the Andrew Lloyd Webber stage show, it is Frenchman Antoine Dupont who is the leading man who has returned to the main stage, weeks after succumbing to a nasty broken cheekbone. Now given permission to rejoin training, it is assumed he will play with a face protector; giving him the similar […] READ MORE
October 13 Premiership Rugby start a week away, 10 clubs ready to go
Beginning in just over a weeks time, the October 13 Premiership Rugby championship will open the 2023/24 season for all 10 teams who have been preparing steadily now, all to be ready for match one, Friday October 13. The focus has been on preseason match-ups and Premiership Rugby Cup fixtures for the majority. These have […] READ MORE
Flying Fijians on the rise, as fumbling Eddie Jones’ Wallabies fall flat
Grasping it with both hands is how the Flying Fijians must proceed in this Rugby World Cup. To grab every chance for their nation, to take the so-called ‘opportunity lost’ by a fumbling Eddie Jones’ Wallabies side, and go as far in this event as plausibly possible. Affectionately known as the ‘Flying Fijians’ the Fiji […] READ MORE
Johnny Sexton drives Irish hopes against strong Springboks 7-1 bench strategy
Saturday’s fixture Ireland v South Africa is a moc-Cup Final. It sees Johnny Sexton drive Irish hopes of a pinnacle World Title while defending title-holders the Springboks utilize their advanced 7-1 bench strategy. Ideally, fans could view this match-up later in the draw – your number one versus numbered teams two, three, or four should […] READ MORE
Barbarians push Northampton Saints hard in Gallagher Premiership preseason
The ongoing 2023/24 Gallagher Premiership preseason has heated up, and not just due to a long summer. The Barbarians FC became a ‘player’ last weekend when they pushed the Northampton Saints hard at Franklin’s Gardens. In a type of festival game atmosphere, spectators will have enjoyed the 12-48 win to the Baabaas, though Saints ‘dye […] READ MORE