Champions Cup
The United Rugby Championship has been revealed, replacing the PRO14 and including four former Super Rugby teams from South Africa. This new competition is the realization of long-brewing plans to include the South African teams in European rugby after their fallout with Super Rugby. It should be noted though that the competition has yet to […]
The hugely interrupted European calendar this season has provided an opportunity for live test changes to the tournament format. Original plans had the well-supported Champions Cup Round of 16 adjusted in the 2020/21 season. The group stages had already been cut from six games to four, and we ultimately only saw two games before Covid-19 […]
Jono Gibbes is highly unlikely to change the nature of the team, but he is likely to see the sense in ensuring his side know what to do when the tide of a match starts to turn against him, and a strong defence is called for.
It may involve him opening his contacts to bring in a snarling, Kiwi attack dog to whip the defence into shape. After all, keeping a tighter defence will make life easier for Clermont when they eventually go on the attack,
The European Champions Cup has been dominated in the last decade by three teams: Leinster, Toulon, and Saracens. This ruthless domination offers up a common question: is there a specific blueprint to achieve European rugby success? Three key principles from that question stand-alone to assist a side to win a European Champions Cup. However, not […]
Yet again, a selection of men from assorted clubs will be in competition to claim European Player of the Year 2021. Picked from all sides apart from the Gallagher Premiership, to discover the one player from French Top 14, and the Guinness PRO14 leagues who are judged by both in a public vote and most […]
This season of the Gallagher Premiership is looking pretty tasty: a genuine relegation battle, plenty of academy prospects, and maybe some new contenders for the European spots. Plus, of course, the Rugby World Cup is now only a year away, so there’s an added layer of competition. Who will be the contenders for the European spots? […]
As a player, the biggest tournament you can be part of outside international rugby is the Champions Cup. Josh Hohneck and Tom Hudson talked about their experiences and what they are looking forward to in the game, as Gloucester rugby ready for a strong challenge from French club Castres. Hohneck preparing for physical test ahead […]
The Heineken Champions Cup kicked off with a huge weekend of rugby in round one. Here at Last Word on Rugby, our group of writers will cover the results and the outcomes. Rhiannon Garth Jones places a full focus on pool four, which contains last year’s runner-up and French giants, Racing 92. Pool four: overview Racing 92 […]
Forced to do it, the executive for European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) has taken the drastic decision to not rescheduled postponed matches in European competition. “The decision was made by the EPCR executive,” said Darren Childs. Premiership Rugby’s chief executive added: “The reason we can’t reschedule those is that there are no available weekends. Our season […]
Following reports that Bath back row Zach Mercer will sacrifice his chances of England caps by joining Montpellier Hérault, it has been announced that Gabriel Ibitoye will join the club as a ‘medical joker’. Neither will be impressed by their new club’s current form, however. In Round 14 they lead 19-0 at half time away […]
It has been a hectic season already for Gloucester, with thrilling highs and gutting lows. But while it may be a bumpy ride , Head Coach George Skivington and the club’s management have their eyes on producing a Gloucester Rugby golden generation to lead them to glory in the years to come. Management aiming for […]
Wales‘ national team has had a torrid year and the regional teams haven’t fared much better, but the festive Welsh rugby derbies are here regardless. Can they add a little sparkle to an otherwise ugly year as they battle to be the best Welsh region? History has a little something to say about that. History […]
The 2019/20 Gallagher Premiership season is complete and Exeter Chiefs have been crowned champions. Looking back at the domestic and European campaigns of each of the 12 clubs, Robert Rees grades each sides performances. Grades are given based on a combined domestic/European contribution, but Champions Cup rates higher than Challenge Cup. Exeter Chiefs – A++ […]
Just as the elongated 2019/20 rugby season is set to draw to a close, attentions switch quickly to the Champions Cup 2020/21 pool draw. Given the nature of the world we currently live in, the need for fewer fixtures owing to a truncated season, changes have had to be made. Upon first viewing and when you […]
After winning promotion to the top flight of English rugby ten years ago, Saturday saw Exeter Chiefs crowned Champions of Europe. They beat Racing 92 31-27 in a hugely physical encounter at Ashton Gate. Zebo’s brace of tries and Russell’s boot were not enough to win it for the men in blue and white. They […]
It can’t be said that Nigel Owens didn’t add his ‘two pence worth’ of interest and conjecture to the 2019/20 Champions Cup final. The highly-rated International referee once again controlled the pinnacle match for European Professional Club Rugby (EPRC). He oversaw Exeter Chiefs claim their maiden title over Racing 92 – but not without a […]
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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 […]
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, […]
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. […]
The Toronto Arrows will not play in the 2024 MLR season. The breaking news was announced on Monday night that the Arrows will not play participate in 2024, after exhaustive efforts to sustain the organisation. A sad result for the franchise, who came into Major League Rugby in 2019 (the other being Rugby United New […]
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.