Challenge Cup
Springbok rugby allegations of racial disharmony have been fodder for those on social media before the Rugby World Cup in Japan even kicked off. Ryan Jordan takes a look at two such instances that have enjoyed a lot of airtime recently. Eben Etzebeth allegations Eben Etzebeth has been in the news for all the wrong […]
Watching the modern rugby game, there are many examples of good Rugby Technique in use – the ‘rip-tackle’ of the ball, being the popular target for defenders. This is evident in Super Rugby, Champions Cup and at many levels of the game. The objective; to remove the ball from opponents possession. Now that might seem […]
Aside from the festivities of the Easter holidays this weekend, much of the focus for rugby fans in the Northern Hemisphere will fully be on the Heineken Champions Cup and European Rugby Challenge Cup semifinals. Reaching the knockout stages after six rounds of intense competition. This saw challengers for the 2018/19 titles match up against […]
Worcester lie top of their pool following a victory over a much changed Ospreys side. Dominating from the start the Warriors have now taken maximum points from their opening two pool games, but not without and ospreys fightback. Robert Rees reports. Worcester survive Ospreys fightback Worcester came through their second pool game victorious as they […]
There have been some impressive performances so far in the Challenge Cup but who are the early contenders? Robert Rees has your Challenge Cup round one summary to help guide you through all the weekend’s action. Pool One Standings Dragons – 5 points Clermont – 5 points Northampton – 0 points Timisoara Sarcens – 0 […]
Three rounds into the 2018-19 Pro14 season and already there’s another controversy over squad rotation. In at least two games, fans and pundits have bemoaned the strength of the sides put out. Why do teams do it, what are the pros and cons, and is it really bad for the league? We take an in depth […]
Two months since the pool draws were announced the European Rugby 2018/19 fixtures have finally been confirmed. Fans can now book their flights, find a hotel and follow their team across the continent. Holders Leinster (see main picture) will kick-off the first round of fixtures in October, when they host Wasps on Friday 12th at the […]
The slow decline of Harlequins following their Premiership title win in 2012 continued with a dismal showing last season. The poor form of the Twickenham-based side led to a tenth-placed finish and the removal of Director of Rugby John Kingston. Yet despite a forgettable season, an air of optimism has been reinstalled at the Stoop […]
The European Rugby 2018/19 draws were announced today for the Heineken Champions Cup and Challenge Cup competitions. The draws took place in Lausanne, Switzerland. Heineken Champions Cup The Champions Cup, back under the title sponsorship of Heineken, includes both the 2017/8 European winners Leinster and Cardiff Blues. It also sees no Italian side, with only […]
Cardiff Blues and Gloucester have both named their squads for Friday’s Challenge Cup final. Robert Rees takes a look at the danger areas for both teams and key battles that could determine the outcome of the game. Open game expected Both sides have played a lot of expansive rugby throughout this season, especially in the […]
Gloucester and the Cardiff Blues have secured their spot in the Challenge Cup final following their wins over Newcastle and Pau respectively. Both former finalists in this competition, will meet in Bilbao Spain, for the European Rugby Club finals. Gloucester first to secure place in Bilbao final Gloucester were the first side to secure their […]
To kickstart the very first edition of the ‘In the Bin’ rugby pod, we will be diving straight in with an Aviva Premiership Season Preview 2017/18. ‘In the Bin’ Rugby Pod Get set for a regular fix of commentary, news, views and analysis of the results and outcome from domestic and International rugby matches. ‘In […]
An eventful weekend in the European Challenge Cup quarter finals saw two away wins, for Gloucester Rugby and Cardiff Blues. These wins have altered the makeup of the semi-finals significantly; both these sides will now play at home as a reward for winning on the road. Here’s a review of the European Challenge Cup quarter […]
The final weekend of European pool matches has been completed, and the quarter final lineup is now known. In Challenge Cup Round Six it is the results of the qualifying French teams that catch the eye. In a tournament that is often ignored by Pro14 sides, the European Professional Rugby Clubs’ tournament victory last season; […]
Gloucester take on Pau tomorrow evening in what will determine who wins their Challenge Cup group, and secure a home tie in the quarter finals. Pau currently lead the group, with 24 points, with Gloucester trailing by three. Tom Savage has been named as captain as the Cherry and Whites set out to overturn the six […]
Gloucester secured a Challenge Cup quarter final spot last Friday during their victory over Agen. Now they’re looking at a top of the group clash to decide who has a home tie. Will it be Gloucester or Pau. Gloucester Secure Quarter Final Gloucester’s 45-24 victory away to Agen was enough to send them through to […]
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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, […]
About Author
Ryan Jordan
Ryan is the Managing Editor at Last Word on Rugby and resides in Johannesburg, South Africa. He specializes in opinion pieces relating to International rugby, Super Rugby and domestic rugby in South Africa.
His career highlights include being granted media accreditation for the Rugby World Cup tournament.