Rugby North
Last weekend, a Saracens side depleted by injury beat Gloucester-Hartpury to secure their position at the top of the 2021/22 Allianz Premier 15s table, with two rounds still to play. So, with the title race heating up (once sides return from Six Nations representation), Last Word on Rugby considers ‘who are the title contenders?’ and […]
PRO Rugby CEO takes out frustration with USA Rugby on players. On December 19 PRO Rugby issued a letter to contracted players. The entire letter can be viewed here, but here is an excerpt: “As some of you may or may not know, we have been having serious issues with the cooperation and the enforcement […]
There is never a dull moment under Eddie Jones whether you are an England rugby fan, a player or a coach. The usual stoushes and flirting with the media, lost in translation barbs over Great Britain’s most promising sports stars (think tennis) and selections that no one saw coming. But, Eddie Jones has got England’s […]
Those who followed rugby prior to the 1990s will be well-aware of the name Rosslyn Park FC. The London side was one of the country’s top teams, twice reaching the final of the National Cup. They have plenty of historic moments since their inception in 1879, which includes partaking in the first-ever rugby games in […]
When World Rugby announced their rugby contact training load guidelines on September 22, it was recognized that the follow-up data from Imperial College London research has reinforced the message – less contact to the head is everyone’s goal. News this week came through via NZME that the Drake Foundation had a study conducted by the […]
Former Wales and British and Irish Lion Dafydd James ran 31 marathons for the duration of January. He covered 812.2 miles altogether when he finished yesterday by running, rowing or cycling. The former winger opened up last February, admitting he had considered taking his own life after experiencing anxiety and panic attacks following his retirement. […]
We’re in the middle of a Spanish Rugby siesta after Spain’s season came to an end with a hard-fought victory for VRAC against challengers Alconbendas in the División de Honor final. However, the third triumph in a row for Alconbendas in the Copa Del Rey de Rugby confirms them as Spanish Rugby’s second force. With […]
Exeter did on Friday night what they’ve done in almost every Aviva Premiership game since November – win. Devon ruled the capital as Exeter’s pursuit for a home semi-final continued with a 39-26 bonus-point win over Harlequins at the Stoop. Since their 13-10 reverse to Bath on October 30, Rob Baxter’s side has won 11 […]
The Anglo-Welsh Cup semi-finals took place this weekend against the backdrop of the penultimate Six Nations weekend, with the tournament taking on a distinct West Country feel, ahead of the Anglo-Welsh Cup final next week. Gloucester will host a southwest derby as Bath face Exeter in the Cup final next weekend. Both matches were decided […]
Tim Taylor confirmed that Gloucester remain fit and have no fresh injury worries, despite Henry Purdy leaving the field in the second half for what looked like a dead leg. This will be good news for Gloucester fans as they head into a vital Saracens test next Friday. No injury News ahead of vital Saracens […]
Eddie Jones announced his latest 36 man training squad without England’s most talked-about player. The Danny Cipriani ‘trust’ issues have returned with a fervour after a summer of promise and optimism. “At this stage Danny is not in the top two stand-offs” (BBC Sport) That’s simply not true. Cipriani’s form for Gloucester this season has been […]
It was an epic encounter at Thomond Park, something that is expected every time these sides clash. A game full of niggle, spice, and intensity, Rory Scannell was the ultimate hero as his 81st-minute penalty secured the win. From 55 metres out, his kick sailed over to secure a one-point victory for the Munster men. […]
To many, he is still the Professor. Former All Blacks coach Wayne Smith, the mind behind much of the New Zealand teams ‘cut and thrust’ for over 17 years has returned from Japan and is refreshingly critical of the Super Rugby Aotearoa rugby style. Having been back in his native homeland for five weeks, as […]
A look at maverick outside halves with a focus on Racing 92 and Scotland’s Lions candidate Finn Russell. Will Gatland, “throw the dice?”
The last weekend of February saw the Madrid 7s 2021 finale and despite setbacks, it was a worthy sendoff. As well, as predicted in February by this writer, the Spanish women were crowned as the 2020 Rugby Europe Women’s Champions – yet again. And with this continued success, how is it that one of the […]
On February 28, the crown was firmly positioned with Spain Rugby Europe Women’s Champions for 2020. With their win over the Netherlands, they also secure a spot in the European qualifying tournament for the RWC 2021. 🏆 | Introducing the 2020 Women's Rugby Europe Champions and now taking their place in the @rugbyworldcup European Qualifier….@ferugby! […]
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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 […]
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, […]