Rugby News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumours
Not even into Super Rugby Pacific Round 2 of the new calendar, two games have been affected directly by the Omicron variant – both games involving unfortunate newcomers, Moana Pasifika. Unfairly, and in the franchise’s breakout year too, Pasifika players and management have been the side worst affected by the virus’ surge within the New […] READ MORE
After a single loss, the 2022 Ireland Rugby 6 Nations campaign is still on task. In fact, all the pressure is now squarely on Les Bleus. That is how any team leading the Guinness Six Nations Championship has others chasing it. France are at the top of the table, although the space down to England […] READ MORE
As the training intensifies, the Women’s 2022 Super W competition in Australia has been boosted with the addition of a Fijiana Drua side. This adds a fresh women’s component to match the incoming men’s Fijian Drua teams’ debut season. They are due to be a new part of the full 2022 Super Rugby Pacific draw […] READ MORE
Two stories emerged on the same day of last week, to describe how New Zealand Super Rugby franchises were forced to make adjustments to their host stadium draw of this (already) re-arranged domestic draw. And then the 2022 National Provincial Championship (NPC) competition was announced as having a format redesign when the first-class title chase […] READ MORE
With six spots officially leftover RWC2023 qualification tournaments scheduled this season, the candidates must all be focused on ‘any and every opportunity’ to reach Paris in September 2023. World Rugby has described the pathway for qualifying International sides to follow, if they wish to add their nation to the participating 20 men’s sides for the […] READ MORE
As the Gallagher Premiership Round 14 results are consumed, there were wins ‘against the grain’ and pundit selections that will refresh the English rugby top tier league, to the benefit of fans and followers globally. Not every game was an entirely upset outcome though. Some had few outright predictions while the midtable teams can take […] READ MORE
News that the Omicron variant is ready to ‘scupper’ the Super Rugby Pacific new season kickoff has turned what was supposed to be a fresh start, into a sad rerun of European experiences. Crowds will be removed when the competition begins on February 28. Id only for secluded numbers at a maximum of 100; with […] READ MORE
With the official word from European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) that all postponed Round Two Heineken Champions Cup/Challenge Cup games will now be recorded as a 0-0 draw. It means each team collects two points, irrespective of their squad Covid-status [at that time] or ability to travel. Following a series of meetings of the Board […] READ MORE
In the calendar year, reports and analysis are due and with consideration of the NZ Rugby 2021 season, you would be correct in classifying it as ‘some good, some bad’. Unsettled yes. Disastrous, No. That isn’t accurate. Three losses for the national team yes – both men’s and the women’s Black Ferns disappointed. Each had […] READ MORE
Reports that circulated the web have been confirmed, as NZR sign Joe Schmidt to join the All Blacks as an Independent Selector from July 2022. It is a coup for the New Zealand union, who have felt extreme examination after a contentious Northern Tour that only produced more questions than answers. With the ability to […] READ MORE