Northern Hemisphere
The evening of the 9th January 2015 will go down in Gloucester Rugby history as one of those ‘I was there’ nights. A 81st minute James Hook penalty from the half way line saw the Cherry and Whites grab victory against high flyers Saracens. You can view the kick here. On Wednesday evening the Welshman […]
Hamish Watson made his debut for Scotland during the Italy game in the 2015 Six Nations. His performance did not impress Vern Cotter. Watson was not named to the Scotland team again for the next year and a half. He was not selected for the Six Nations due to injury in the weeks leading up to […]
On May 3rd 2016, London Irish were relegated to the second division of English rugby for the first time, ending a 19 year stay in the top flight. This season, however, the tide has changed for The Exiles, as they’re dominating the Championship after 7 games. Josh Bartholomew reports on the turnaround, and the challenges […]
Scotland host Georgia at Kilmarnock FC’s Rugby Park this weekend, in an important International test match. One of over a dozen fixtures, a spotlight is placed on this encounter due to several factors. The home side will be looking to end a promising Autumn International series with victory. Having beaten Argentina and come ‘within a […]
International sport is very often a home and away team each competing for national glory. Be it Rugby Union, Football or One day Cricket, the team kit represents that sides pride in their jersey. As France and New Zealand get set to play each other in Paris, the French rugby team kit is once again […]
It is less than a year ago that Gloucester Rugby seemed to have settled their ownership issues as Martin St Quinton took a majority stake. Now rumours have rapidly gathered pace that Montpellier owner Mohed Altrad is prepared to invest. So much so that the club have had to issue a statement about another possible Gloucester Rugby takeover. Who is Mohed Altrad? A […]
After ending a 10 year losing streak to the Springboks on the weekend, what was learned from England’s latest victory? Here are five points to consider: That South Africa are not quite the physical force they once were. Behemoths aside in Etzebeth and de Jager, the Springboks do not quite have that ferocious power they […]
Last Word on Rugby looks at the upcoming Aviva Premiership Round Eight fixtures with an eye on those pushing for an international spot. Aviva Premiership Round Eight Worcester Warriors vs Northampton Saints This was the match that set Worcester Warriors up for survival last season, with a last-second Tom Heathcote drop goal sealing a 13-12 […]
American rugby fans are quick to judge coaching performances and John Mitchell’s start is not exempt. USA Rugby is attracting fans at an amazing rate. Rugby is the fastest growing sport in the country. Pro Rugby is drawing in new fans to the sport, as has the Olympics. Americans are struggling with their place in the […]
After finishing third last season, missing out on an Aviva Premiership Final place following a 34-23 loss to Exeter Chiefs, Wasps have started the 2016/7 season with aplomb. It is fair to say that Wasps are definitely back. Between 2000 and 2010 only two teams managed to lift the Premiership trophy – Leicester Tigers and […]
The sports calendar will be full this weekend in Scotland, as the nation enjoys two days of top-end representative football. Two Rugby and Rugby League matches see’s Scotland Set To Host Two International Test Matches this weekend. Beginning at Derwent Park Stadium, Workington, where the Bravehearts will face the New Zealand Kiwis rugby league team on Friday evening, […]
Major Issues In The English Rugby Championship Jersey Reds have announced that they have sold off their assets to make it to the end of the season. The English Rugby Championship club’s financial situation sums up just one of the many issues facing the second tier of English Rugby. Whilst the Aviva Premiership is going from strength […]
After a calamitous start to their Autumn campaign, one player, at least, made a decent fist of it against Australia. Moriarty’s Debut at Number Eight a Gallant Effort Amongst Failure It was ironic that the roof was left open at The Principality Stadium on Saturday as Wales welcomed Australia to Cardiff. So often these days […]
Last Word On Rugby was kindly invited by the English Rugby Football Union (RFU) to join their training camp in Brown’s Resort, Algarve, to witness the England Rugby Squad field training, and to have a chance to speak with Eddie Jones. After leaving from Lisbon, LWOR arrived at one of the most amazing and well prepared sports resorts in […]
National teams each looked to begin their program of fixtures during the Autumn International window this weekend. A mix of ‘good and bad’ for most–plus a few upsets- but overall, the International Test Rugby Results were a welcome back to cheering on your country for most rugby fans. Across several Northern Hemisphere continents, the World […]
Joe Schmidt has gone for the most experienced Ireland starting 15 available to play New Zealand in Chicago. Ireland’s record against New Zealand is atrocious, with just one draw to go with the 27 defeats in the 28 games between the sides. Despite many exciting young players knocking on the door, head coach Schmidt has […]
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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 […]
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 2024 Six Nations is just around the corner and so starts the four-year cycle for all teams. For England and Steve Borthwick, the foundations have been laid by an encouraging semi-final performance at the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Charlie Inglefield asks what might this team look like through the eyes of Borthwick? And whether […]
As Alex Sanderson, Sale’s coach said after his team’s ugly 11-9 win over Bath – they found a way to win. Sale are definitely in the mix to go one better this year and win the Gallagher Premiership. On Friday’s evidence, they need to be a lot better. They played a second-string Bath outfit who […]
Saracens were back to their brutal best on Saturday. They suffocated the life out of a high-flying Harlequins outfit with consummate ease. This despite losing Ben Earl, and Elliot Daly in the warm-up and Alex Lozowski a couple of minutes into the game. No problem, up stepped the likes of Maro Itoje and Owen Farrell […]
We’re crunched the numbers, looked through the stats and brought you 14 wacky and wonderful facts from Round Five of the premier French League. 14 Top14 Round Five Facts and Figures Perpignan recorded their first victory of the season- the last Top14 side to do so- and got their first points in the standings. La […]
About Author
James Barker, Editor
James is an Editor for Last Word on Rugby. He covers the Gallagher Premiership and in particular Gloucester Rugby, his hometown club. When not at Kingsholm James may also be found supporting Gloucestershire Cricket.