“They are hard at work” is the answer for how Gallagher Premiership 2023/24 sides are preparing, all the while the ‘stars of the game’ are en route to France and the Rugby World Cup 2023. That’s no insult to the league, though, after just 72 days since the Grand Final where Saracens claimed another premiership, […] READ MORE
Author: Scott Hornell, Managing Editor
Richie Mo’unga kick saves All Blacks – deepens Eddie Jones’ Wallabies dilemma
With scoreboard pressure on his team, a last-minute Richie Mo’unga kick has saved the All Blacks from defeat in Dunedin, all the while deepening Eddie Jones’ Wallabies dilemma in 2023. Unable to hold an – at times – 14-point lead, the Australians may take some positives from their 23-20 defeat. Yet in the crucial run […] READ MORE
Expectation; Men’s RWC2023 World Cup squads establish Nation’s Game Plan
To the delight of their enthusiastic fans, all the men’s (Rugby World Cup) RWC2023 World Cup squads are expected to be announced over the next month. Revealed to the world – and their opponents – as well as to establish that nation’s game plan. Every one of them is fully emersed currently in their individual […] READ MORE
Confrontational, aggressive behaviour earns Johnny Sexton suspension
Confrontational, aggressive behaviour now sees a three-week Johnny Sexton suspension imposed by European Rugby powers, and is costing the 38-year-old an inglorious delay to his ambition to drive Ireland towards a first-ever Rugby World Cup goal. It comes after the [then] injured Leinster club player Sexton was investigated by European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) at […] READ MORE
All domestic rugby titles decided plus Crusaders seventh title in a row
All of the major domestic rugby titles have been decided over the month of June, with the Crusaders seventh title in Super Rugby supporting their status as the Premier rugby franchise across the globe. The Currie Cup grand final was also played on Saturday, with the Free State Cheetahs claiming the reward in South Africa’s […] READ MORE
Fan favourites Fijian Drua secure first-ever Super Rugby playoff berth in 2023
Fan favourites Fijian Drua securing their first-ever Super Rugby Pacific playoff berth is an important step for the game. In so much that reality has matched the expectation – and not without a prolonged wait. Only in their second foundation season as a franchise, the long wait by Fijian rugby fans and supporters of Pacifica […] READ MORE
Chiefs Super Rugby Pacific unbeaten streak includes Crusaders ‘twice’
Nine wins from nine fixtures have the Chiefs Super Rugby Pacific season on target for a home playoff match, including two victories against the Crusaders. This 34-24 win continues the Hamilton side’s dominance of the Southern Hemisphere competition. This home match was another stern challenge, however, the hosts held the Crusaders back, scoring a marvelous […] READ MORE
Television Match Official ‘Bunker concept’ to be trialled at World Rugby U20 Championship
After introduction through other competitions, World Rugby has announced that the Television Match Official ‘bunker concept’ is to be trialled first at the upcoming World Rugby U20 Championship in June. To be hosted by South Africa, the U20 (under 20) Championships are the perfect stage to initiate any new match officiating variant [tool]. And the […] READ MORE
Razor ‘all revved up’ to drop in as new All Blacks head coach in 2024
With a beaming smile, Scott ‘Razor’ Robertson has done enough to secure the All Blacks head coach role from 2024 on. Secure in his four-year upcoming role, he has impressed the majority of decision-makers. Impressed the New Zealand Rugby (NZR) board, the selection panel and a large number of All Blacks supporters. Many are buoyant […] READ MORE
2023 Sevens Series aims for bright lights of Hong Kong/Dupont aim Paris Games
The 2022/23 calendar continues for the World Series, with nations in preparations ahead of the next two rounds of the 2023 Sevens Series destined for Hong Kong on March 31 to April 2. That includes all the leading nations from the women’s and men’s competitions that in 2023 are chasing both the HSBC trophies, as […] READ MORE