International

The Welsh Rugby Union badly needs governance change to turn around their poor performances at all levels, both on and off the field. A new CEO is badly needed to professionalise the way the game is run and the ideal candidate may have been found…. Welsh Rugby Union requires governance change The professional and community […]

Rugby’s most popular tighthead props is a contentious discussion. Personal opinions, the passing of time and the ever-evolving nature of the professional game mean that not everyone will agree on a final list. The importance of tighthead props Rugby is the beautiful game made for all shapes and sizes and all positions are important. This […]

Not all rugby is boring. It’s northern hemisphere rugby, as exemplified by the inaugural Autumn Nations Cup, that has the issue. So what? Kiwis and Ozzies have been pointing that out for decades. But it’s objectively bad when English rugby royalty are complaining about the state of rugby after their team has just won both […]

The Springboks have roared back into being one of the favorites for the World Cup next year. They utterly destroyed England at Twickenham on Saturday despite being at half-strength. They join Ireland and France as genuine contenders. There were upsets, led by Georgia’s memorable win over Wales, last-minute thrillers, and plenty of controversies. Charlie Inglefield […]

Over this weekend, the rugby world paid it’s last respects to Doddie Weir. The former Scotland and British and Irish Lions’ player succumbed to his debilitating motor neuron disease at the age of 52. From the personal tributes and obituaries, a sense of the man can be found. One who played with energy and pride, […]

In a memorable revival, this weekend’s Wallabies victory was one ‘stripped out of the arms of defeat’ against Wales. Stolen because the Welsh side had stretched out to a 20-13 lead after a pair of Australian players were sanctioned with yellow cards. Yet from that poor position, the Wallabies would then add 26 unanswered points, […]

Are ‘rugby values’ truly superior to those of other sports? Not according to Rugby analyst Robbie Owen (or Squidge Rugby, as preferably known). According to Owen, rugby often pats itself on the back for actions that “other sports can do without needing a round of applause”. Some fans may not like it, but he is […]

Sir Clive Woodward is not a fan of the expression ‘Finishers’. His understandable argument is that all players should be capable of playing 80 minutes. But with all due respect to Sir Clive, England’s finishers nearly pulled off a remarkable victory over the All Blacks on Saturday. Messrs. Dave Ribbans, Mako Vunipola, Will Stuart, Freddie […]

With suspensions announced for star players Antoine DuPont and Pieter-Steph du Toit, it comes at the wrong time for World Rugby. The last fully contested weekend of the Autumn Nations Series was bereft of two superstars that are both former recipients of World Rugby men’s Player of the Year. It is bad timing, especially for […]

Russell and Townsend, “Strange bedfellows?” At the time of writing this, Finn Russell is tearing it up at Murrayfield against Argentina. Admittedly, Los Pumas are depleted in numbers due to ill-discipline. Having said that, the players (Russell included) can only play against what they are presented with on the day. Darcy's at the double 🤩 […]

England put on a much-improved performance against Japan after their limp display over the Pumas. An error-ridden Japan were poor, allowing England to rediscover their confidence ahead of this Saturday’s huge clash where they intend to beat the All Blacks. New Zealand, by contrast, was taken all the way by a brave Scottish team before […]

After two rounds of RWC playoff qualification matches completed, two out of the four sides in this knockout tournament remain; the USA Eagles and Portugal. And one last game is scheduled for  Friday, November 18. Qualification for the 2023 Rugby World Cup (RWC) is limited to 24 sides, and just one place remains in Pool […]

Portugal and Belgium squared off in a tight and exhilarating rugby match this weekend, with the Os Lobos toppling rivals the Diables Noirs. Thanks to a brilliant first half, Portugal rugby were able to deliver fans a great victory and overcome Belgium 26-21. European Nations Cup 2016/17 Portugal dominated the first half, scoring four tries and reaching 26 points […]

If there was a week to watch Rugby Europe, this was it. Whilst Wales were walking over Italy, Rugby Europe Week Two results burst into life, with both games going down to the final throw and kick of the ball. As well, with Rugby Union World Cup Qualification on the line, the tension was only […]

With players and clubs able to successfully reactivate their calendars after the pandemic, the World Rugby Awards 2022 ceremony in Monaco is set to celebrate a ‘full year of footy’. Nominees have been unveiled across all categories, in the afterglow of the successful 2021 Rugby World Cup, and with two more weeks of the Autumn […]