Rugby News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumours
In a morale-boosting result, the Fighting Wallabies spirit saw the hosts claim a 2-1 French Test series win in the most trying circumstances. Joyful scenes followed the completion of the third test, with another narrow win going the way of Australia 33-30 after an early setback jolted the hopes of the crowd in Suncorp Stadium. […] READ MORE
Only a week into the July Test window opening, most of the leading national rugby union International Test squads have settled into their business. They have ‘stretched the legs’ during opening matches, and if the planning were good, and the opponent was designed to provide a measured opposition (that is a luxury for some). If […] READ MORE
Beginning their representative season, the large ‘Cricket scoreline’ in the All Blacks v Tonga International Test match has created more dialogue on the disparity which Pacific Islands nations still endure. With every effort made by the Tongan side to their credit, they could not withstand the barrage handed down by the New Zealand All Blacks […] READ MORE
For all the glory and fanfare afforded the 2020/21 Premiership winning side, the Harlequins coaching staff can take a bow for an incredible reversal of form, and a great deal of heart. Lead by the likes of the lovable Joe Marler, skipper Stephan Lewies, and Marcus Smith on the field, it was the direction of […] READ MORE
In securing his second French Top14 trophy, Jerome Kaino added to his ‘rugby-collection of awards’ over an almost 20-year career as a professional rugby player. Heralded for his individual skills, as well as his team-first priorities, Kaino has gone from provincial to International, to the European rugby market, in search of challenges – and he […] READ MORE
It took one of the most remarkable recoveries in Premiership Rugby history, to see the Harlequins Grand Final place secured after a staggering recovery against league-leaders, the Bristol Bears. Next weekend, it will be Exter v Harlequins though the ‘Quins players may need an extra day for recovery; that is after extra time was added […] READ MORE
Moving from the regular season to the knockout rounds, as 2020/21 Premiership playoffs places were secured, the reality of this prolonged and somewhat crazy Covid-affected calendar year is shifted into the background. Four teams now ascend to the semi-finals. The penultimate weekend, before the two most accomplished sides will match each other in the Grand […] READ MORE
The ultra-impressive 2021 Highlanders import player Kazuki Himeno has already been praised with a ‘Rookie of the Year’ prize, yet he is a player who is still striving for more honours and respect from Super Rugby fans worldwide. Performances, like he again had on Friday night versus the ACT Brumbies, go a long way to […] READ MORE
The famed former All Blacks captain and community advocate Buck Shelford is now celebrated as Sir Wayne Shelford, in the 2021 New Zealand Queens birthday honours list. Honoured for what he contributed on the field for his beloved Navy club, North Harbour rugby, and the grassroots game, as well for all the work Shelford continues […] READ MORE
With the good relations that have always existed, it was quickly accepted when the Aussie 7s teams invited the New Zealand Sevens squads to a pre-Olympic Oceania tournament based in Townsville, QLD. The newly developed Pacific-Aus Sports Oceania Sevens tournament is scheduled for June 25-27, boosting all qualified team’s preparations ahead of the Tokyo Olympics. […] READ MORE