Japan Top League

All domestic rugby titles decided; Crusaders seventh title in a row

All of the major domestic rugby titles have been decided over the month of June, with the Crusaders seventh title in Super Rugby supporting their status as the Premier rugby franchise across the globe. The Currie Cup grand final was also played on Saturday, with the Free State Cheetahs claiming the reward in South Africa’s […]


Ready for Knockout Rugby! Japan Top League quarterfinals in play

With the Japan Top League quarterfinals set to commence this weekend, the growing numbers of Asian rugby fans are ready for knockout rugby. Agreed, that is the purpose of all rugby competitions yet, reaching this stage is one step. The next is to graduate past the knockout stages – Japan Top League quarterfinals follow on […]

Japan Top League preseason begins in earnest; despite Covid fears

To the delight of many, Japan Top League preseason/training matches began in the lead-up to the 2021 season start. That is, despite raised Covid-19 fears, with the latest strain placing ongoing pressure on Japanese borders. Overseas players who have all been imported to support the raised profile of rugby union, may now also now feel […]

Greig Laidlaw
Gavin Harper - Jul 7, 2020

Former Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw revealed he spoke to Glasgow Warriors Head Coach Danny Wilson about a move to Scotstoun before signing for NTT Communications Shining Arcs. Laidlaw, who ended his 76-cap Scotland career after the 2019 Rugby World Cup, has signed a two-year deal to play for the Top League side, whose squad also […]

Beauden Barrett

Auckland Blues star back Beauden Barrett has announced he’ll take a year off from Super Rugby to play in Japan, with the contract thought to be worth nearly £800,000.  Beauden Barrett bids goodbye! Beauden Barrett, who signed a four year deal with the NZRU last year will miss the 2021 Super Rugby season to play […]

Heineken Champions Cup

The news broke on Monday morning of discussions regarding a Club World Cup in the place of the current European competitions. EPCR have since given a statement on the current state of affairs.  Robert Rees brings you the latest on the proposal. Club World Cup proposal Much like football, there is a want from some […]

Player wellness at heart of 'global' Corona Virus alerts

Player welfare is at the heart of the growing ‘global’ Corona Virus alerts. Affecting more and more International and domestic leagues, it is unprecedented in its reach – from Asia to Europe, and is becoming a concern to every player and their families. With the reports from BBC Sport detailing postponements to several Guinness PRO14 […]

Sunwolves and Japan Top League attendance setting new standard

The crowds in Japan currently, are setting high standards. Figures that make most Super Rugby sides shudder in jealousy have supported Sunwolves and Japan Top League attendance figures in 2020. That is conclusive, figures of 18,000 for the Sunwolves v Chiefs clash and some phenomenal numbers over the opening weeks of Japan Top League.  116,000 […]

Dan Carter begins first match with Kobelco Steelers in Japan Top League

Beginning his term in the Japan Top League, former-All Black Dan Carter has debuted for his club side, the Kobelco Steelers. In a winning effort, the outstanding first-five showed a few nerves as he helped his side win 20-36, over the Suntory Sungoliath team in Tokyo. Those nerves would have been that he wanted to […]



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National Rugby League

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.

Welsh Rugby Union head coach Warren Gatland looks on with pride after the Wales Grand Slam Celebration
Thomas Booth - Sep 15, 2018

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 […]

Rugby Heroes and Villains of 2023; Scotland

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 […]

Rugby Canada women's team player, Fancy Bermudez, celebrates try against France

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 […]

Your Favourite Rugby Players' Most Interesting Hobbies
Ricky Carroll, Editor - Sep 15, 2018

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 […]

Jean-Bouin, home of the Stace Stade Français vs Leicester game on Sunday

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 […]

Marcus Smith, of the Harlequins F.C., playing against Racing 92
Charlie Inglefield - Sep 15, 2018

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 […]

Paris Stade Jean-Bouin, one of the 14 home venues for the Top14 Round Nine Games
Larissa Falls - Sep 15, 2018

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, […]