World Cup
Hindered by the pandemic, a virtual 2020 Rugby Awards ceremony, in particular, highlighted the greatest players of the Decade this week. Not as refined or as formal as in previous years, the presentation was played out live online. World Rugby used both live and pre-recorded segments to finalize the vote for individuals and teams of […]
Does rugby union need, or warrant a move to ‘summer rugby’? David Chapman takes a look at the pros and cons of the move. Entertainment, Skills and Fans – But at what cost? With a window to explore new ideas during this pandemic, there’s a discussion brewing on the potential for rugby to become a […]
Over the years there has been a natural divide for fans, players and coaches alike when it comes to rugby league and rugby union. However, some players have switched between the codes and Last Word on Rugby has decided to look at five of the best players to play both. Sonny Bill Williams Sonny Bill […]
With three wins from three played, many are wondering if the French are back to their best. Are we witnessing a French rugby renaissance? A strong start in 2020 saw four valuable points gained in their opening Six Nations match victory over England. Within sixty minutes of game two (against Italy) the try bonus point […]
Looking back at last year’s tournament, it is enjoyable to now to isolate some of the best 2019 Rugby World Cup try highlights. So knowing the result – and still clapping our hands over South Africa’s fine achievement – Last Word on Rugby dove into the video files, and found some gems that we considered […]
The Rugby World Cup 2019 is well and truly over, the celebrations have just about died down and the focus can once again properly turn to league competitions. None more so than the highly competitive Gallagher Premiership which saw 78 players give up club duties to play for their country in Japan. Three weeks on […]
If you can recall watching any Springboks match, then the cry from the crowd ‘Beast’ whenever Tendai Mtawarira received the ball, will be recalled with fond memories. And now, as the prop forward retires from International rugby, he leaves under the shine of a Golden Glow. The 34-year old veteran of 117 Tests confirmed his […]
Following six weeks of fantastic Rugby World Cup action, Robert Rees goes ahead and picks his best XV throughout the entire competition. Choices are based on impact made, quality of performances, points scored and influence in the team. 1. Tendai Mtawarira ‘The Beast’ lived up to his nickname throughout the Rugby World Cup, hitting hard […]
The Springbok Rugby World Cup victory in the 2019 edition hosted by Japan has provided hope for a nation desperate to have something to celebrate. Springbok Rugby World Cup Victory Any country that wins a World Cup will claim that it is important for their country to do so. For South Africa, it is more […]
With the World Cup over, there is a message that everyone should share and hope that those who watched rugby for the first time during the Rugby World Cup, will follow them into supporting regular domestic rugby. The message ‘Rugby needs new fans’ Clubs need more supporters through their gates and drinking pints in their […]
South Africa deserves all the plaudits after systematically destroying England to win the 2019 Rugby World Cup Final. England will be devastated. They were a shadow of the team we saw down the All Blacks a week earlier. Rassie Erasmus won the battle of the coaches as England were outthought and outmuscled. The Springboks were […]
Rassie Erasmus’ dream journey as the Springboks coach continues as South Africa win the 2019 Rugby World Cup final, to become the first side the win the World Cup having lost a game in the pool stage. South Africa get their third title Joining the ranks of 1995 and 2007, Siya Kolisi’s crew lifted the […]
In a game that some claimed to be a waste of time it took the All Blacks leadership group 40 minutes to prove that age is no barrier to success. With a combined age of 163 years, the group of five All Blacks leadership failed to show their age. Along with a committed squad of […]
Join Robert Rees for minute to minute action as the 2019 Rugby World Cup Final unfolds between Eddie Jones’ England and Rassie Erasmus’ Springboks. “Main photo credit” Embed from Getty Images
The Rugby World Cup bronze final will be played out between Wales and New Zealand this Friday in what will be the fanfare goodbye for both Warren Gatland and Steve Hansen. However, the final is nothing but a money spinner and goes right against World Rugby’s player welfare needs. The final goodbye for two major […]
Finally, after six thrilling weeks of competition, the World Cup Final has arrived. England v South Africa. Contests between these two sides are always brutal and Saturday’s final will be no different. South Africa seemingly are going in with their full metal jacket approach. They will want to bash England into submission. England will also […]
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With the first round of pool matches complete, the 2022 Under 20s Summer Series showcases the very best young talent from eight Tier One nations. Among the expected results, one outcome has set tongues wagging. Invitee South Africa has defeated England, to set Pool A alight! With the pandemic spoiling the previous pinnacle World Rugby […]
The SA Rugby migration to Europe has been a resounding success. The DHL Stormers defeated the Vodacom Bulls in an all-South African final of the United Rugby Championship. Ryan Jordan considers the success of the transition of SA Rugby’s franchise teams from Super Rugby to the URC, as well as some work to be done […]
Newly crowned 2021/22 Premiership Champion Leicester Tigers’ progress continues, after beating Saracens 15-12 in a pulsating final at Twickenham last Saturday. The result capped an extraordinary turnaround for a club that finished 11th in consecutive seasons only two years ago. Leicester Tigers’ progress continues to impress, so how has that come about and how will […]
The Barbarians thrashing of England’s rugby team on Sunday has heaped more pressure on Eddie Jones. With Australia eagerly awaiting a three-test match series on their home turf, it won’t get any easier for Jones or the national side. This was a chastening weekend for England rugby. Last Sunday, the Barbarians put 50 points playing […]
INTERVIEW – Hanging up your boots is a sad time for many rugby players. But how must it feel for professionals, who can no longer play their cherished sport for a living? We spoke with Theo Brophy-Clews, a former England U20 international who played over 60 games for London Irish. He was forced to retire […]
Whangārei, NZ – Rugby Canada wins against the Australian Wallaroos on June 17 in Canada (June 18 in New Zealand). It was their second Pacific Series win and as a result, finished second in the competition. Rugby Canada wins despite giving the first 10 points in the game Three keys to the game Full Game […]
You could say, not since 2017, has the challenge been bigger. And this touring Irish squad has an opportunity like few others, to win games and even the entire 2022 Summer tour. New Zealand will undoubtedly feel the same – by turning this Irish visit into motivation to avenge last year’s loss in Dublin. The […]
England v Barbarians will be anything but ‘friendly’ on Sunday. This is a wonderfully physical and talented Barbarians team laced with Gallic flair and muscle. Damien Penaud provides the stardust alongside the Fijian granite centre pairing of Levani Botia and Virimi Vakatawa. In the forwards, former French Captain Charles Ollivon will be itching to put […]