It was not solely the much-criticized throat-cutting act from the suspended Ardie Savea that contributed to his citing. The judgement included an on-field sanction handed to him when the Hurricanes played the Melbourne Rebels on Saturday, March 4. Sanzaar’s judiciary committee did not deem the throat-cutting gesture met the threshold for a red card, Savea […] READ MORE
Author: Scott Hornell, Managing Editor
2024 All Blacks squad won’t include current head coach Ian Foster
As the debate and swings and roundabouts of public machinations from New Zealand Rugby, the disclosure that the 2024 All Blacks squad won’t include current head coach Ian Foster. This week, as his employers publicly addressed discussion over the appointment of the next coaching group, leading to the the incumbent ‘calling time’ on his final […] READ MORE
2023 Super Rugby overview: Pacific competition commences second season
With days only until the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific competition commences its second season, the anticipation is building. Squads have been assembled, with the starting teams named for the opening clash between the Crusaders v Chiefs in Christchurch. Quickly followed by the New South Wales (NSW) Waratahs v ACT Brumbies. A good opening trial for […] READ MORE
Positive news for Doncaster Knights, and for Wasps Championship Rugby futures
Finally, some positive news out of Premiership Rugby, as the Doncaster Knights ambition for promotion and Wasps Championship Rugby futures were given more security. Although, that good news does not include the Worcester Warriors or Ealing Trailfinders. On February 14, the Premiership ‘Professional Game Board (PGB)’ ratified its recommendation on the Minimum Standards Criteria assessments […] READ MORE
Garry Ringrose and Irish confidence herald World Number One side’s quest
Triumph for hosts Ireland, with Garry Ringrose and others fine display. This is especially true when highlighting how this current playing group is succeeding with higher confidence in the 2023 Guinness Six Nations tournament. It is a confidence Ireland that rarely could ever validate. Yet validated now, where Irish Rugby is once again the ‘most […] READ MORE
Six Nations round two: Law variations in play for 2023 Championship
As the Six Nations round two fixtures are set to kick off on Saturday, February 11, the law variations that were announced prior to the 2023 Championship launch last week are again being monitored by rugby observers. These include; a shot clock for placekickers, shortened time before a lineout and scrum is formed, fewer water […] READ MORE
HSBC New Zealand Sevens 2023 final event ever – Not likely
While all the talk of the “final event ever” was in all reality true, this cannot be the final HSBC New Zealand Sevens tournament. It seems counter to the actual understanding of the game. Which team’s appeared in the finals? Who sits atop the standings? [New Zealand sits atop all contenders over the men’s and […] READ MORE
“Goodbye Dave” Rugby Australia hires Eddie Jones ahead of RWC2023
As Rugby Australia hires Eddie Jones to assume the head coach role ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, they’ve said “goodbye Dave” to departing coach, Dave Rennie. Rennie has been replaced, within sight of the impending tournament in France. Yet his replacement himself has just been replaced. So is it “out with the new, […] READ MORE
Suspended Joe Marler with case of ‘foot in mouth’ after sledging
The recently suspended Joe Marler is never far from a word or two. However, in the Harlequins match prior to the New Year public holiday, he was chastened with a case of literal ‘foot in mouth’ after an in-poor-taste sledging incident that was dealt with swiftly by the rugby authorities. Cited by the ruling body, […] READ MORE
Richie Mo’unga Japanese contract post-RWC a lifestyle change over Rugby
An announcement that the Richie Mo’unga Japanese contract post-RWC is a lifestyle change, as much as an opportunity to maximize earning potential now, is a valuable revelation. It means that the conclusion of the Crusaders Super Rugby Pacific season is likely his last for the red and blacks. Completing 2023, Richie Mo’unga will have accrued […] READ MORE