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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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
It’s been 20 years since England were crowned 2003 Rugby World Cup champions, and Last Word on Rugby caught up with one of the successful squad members Simon Shaw. 2003 Rugby World Cup Anniversary: Simon Shaw Simon Shaw shared with Larissa Falls his favourite moments and memories from the 2003 triumph, and looked ahead to […]
Hard to fathom that this year’s Rugby World Cup brings up the 20-year anniversary since the 2003 RWC tournament in Australia. A contest where Wallabies playmaker Matt Giteau would be involved in one of the more epic finales in all RWC folklore. The 40-year-old was then in his early career with the Australian national team, […]
The 2023 Rugby World Cup promises to be the most open tournament since its inception in 1987. Pointers suggest France to win this World Cup as host . Realistically there are six teams who have a genuine claim to winning the famous Webb Ellis trophy. France are favourites, with Ireland and South Africa very close […]
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 […]
After England’s first ever loss to Fiji at Twickenham, confidence has plummeted ahead of the World Cup. Now with fears of a Group Stage exit ever-present, the England v Argentina fixture sparks great anxiety for English fans. Below is a playing XV which offers a different approach. There is definitely some controversial calls enclosed, yet […]
RWC 2023 Pool C matches might be a case that ‘it’s anyone’s game to lose’. The pool promises to be exhilarating, as most of the teams have had mixed results in their recent test matches, making for somewhat of an unknown factor. The Rugby World Cup (RWC) is a different environment though. Fiji who have […]
With another season starting to close, the rumour mill is in full flow and players start settling moves for next season. Robert Rees brings you the latest on the transfer front from the Indigo Group Premiership. Craig Hudd (Confirmed) Hudd will be joining Cardiff from long-term bitter rivals Newport ahead of next season where he’ll […]
A shadow of doubt certainly lies above South Africa’s beloved Springboks’ as they prepare to defend their title as Rugby World Cup Champions. Jacques Nienaber has made it clear that he has full faith in the squad that he has selected. Nienaber, Rassie Erasmus, and the rest of the Springbok coaching team have built a […]
FEATURE: Essential 2023/24 French Top14 analysis before the competition kicks off this week. Last Word on Rugby contributor Larissa Falls has done a ‘deep dive’ to bring you the most comprehensive guide for the 2023/24 season, analysing all 14 competing teams. 2023/24 French Top 14 analysis: Part 1 of 2 Part 1 of 2 is […]
“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, […]
It’s been exactly 16 years since France last hosted the Rugby World Cup tournament. Larissa Falls interviewed former 2007 competitor and hard-hitting USA International Back-Rower, Todd Clever, as he takes us down memory lane and looks toward the 2031 Rugby World Cup to be held in the United States. Todd Clever: RWC Anniversary 2007 Memories […]
England’s World Cup squad shows few surprises following the announcement on Monday. Henry Slade is perhaps the most significant omission of them all. The likes of Alex Dombrandt, Jamie Blamire, and Joe Cokanasiga have all paid the price for England’s disappointing performance in Cardiff on Saturday. Borthwick will feel the doubters circling after a desperately […]
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 […]
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Ever found yourself in a chat with a rugby-mad buddy, only to be baffled by the lingo and the rules? Let’s start unscrambling that confusion by diving into the world of the National Rugby League (NRL) – the premier global competition in Rugby League.
Warren Gatland has had his say on the Rugby World Cup in France in his recent UK Daily Telegraph article. Wales failed to progress beyond the last eight not because they were outfought and outthought. Rather that there is something wrong with the rules of the game, and how it is played at the highest […]
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 […]
The 2023 Rugby Canada women’s team might be seen as one of the best years in the national team’s history. There were many highlights for the national team, including playing the Pacific Four Series in the nation’s capital in the summer. 2023 Rugby Canada women’s team: Finished second in the WXV 1 competition Strengths Players […]
Rugby League players are a talented and fearless bunch, so it only stands to reason that amongst them are some unusual hobbies. If you’ve ever wondered what some of the most exciting rugby league players in the world get up to in their spare time, or get up to now that they’ve retired, then we’ve […]
The Champions Cup game of the Stade Français vs Leicester game will take place on Sunday at 12:30 PM ET. This will be the first group-stage game for Stade Français Paris after the Leicester Tigers won on December 10 against the Stormers. While Stade Français lost on the road against the Sale Sharks, it will […]
The two most impressive teams this past week in European Professional Rugby Club (EPRC) competition were perhaps the Harlequin F.C. and the Exeter Chiefs. And in those games, Marcus Smith and Will Joseph were superb in Harlequins’ scintillating win over Racing 92 in Paris. On Saturday afternoon, the Chiefs were equally impressive in downing mighty […]
If you love a stat or fact, then you’ve come to the right place! After the French Top14 Round Nine concludes, LWOS adds to your weekend’s enjoyment. 14 Fun Facts of Top14 Round Nine Larissa Falls continues her series breaking down the names and numbers from Round Nine of the French Top14. Après un énorme combat, […]