Rugby North
It is rare to see one side so utterly dominant in a rugby match. But that is what happened today when Spain hosted Russia. Spain savaged Russia in that penultimate match of the 2020 Rugby Europe Women’s Championship. The scoring opened with a short-range drop goal by Spain, after which Russia ran in their single […]
Known as much for our rugby feature stories, as well as news and analysis, Last Word on Rugby presents our Top 10 best of series. Amid the range of published rugby feature stories submitted over this year, our readers were given a selection of themes. From developing stories, to Tier One player profiles, the variety […]
Pacifica rugby has played and continues to play a big part in the makeup of the game. And a wonderful new documentary Oceans Apart has highlighted their valuable place in the game, while discussing whether Pacifica rugby can ever ‘turn the tide’. Look across the world and players from the Pacific Islands are prominent and […]
Wales were outclassed 38-21 defeat to France at the Stade de France. Wayne Pivac’s side put up a limp second half performance in this Six Nations warm-up match. Lowri Jacob assesses five things we’ve learnt from Wales’ defeat to France. Wales’ loss is France’s gain Since arriving at France at the start of the year, […]
Following the cancellation of the Barbarians game against England this weekend due to the Baa-Baas squad breaking their bubble restrictions, footage has emerged of the meal, including some major Premiership stars. ‘Barbarians 12’ break covid restrictions The 12 includes the likes of Chris Robshaw, Sean Maitland, Richard Wigglesworth and Jackson Wray, some of whom have […]
Immediately upon becoming professional, Rugby Union went global. The first Professional Rugby competition was Super Rugby, now all but dead in the water. This is the story of how that came about and how the peace deal made then influences rugby’s development now. Rugby, of either code, is a story both of tribalism and exclusivity. […]
In these modern times, the good old Rugby Papers have appeared to become a second rate option. Compared to all the ‘rugby pods’ or independent websites available today, how does the average rugby reader actually consume content these days? Here at Last Word on Rugby, we decided to ask you ‘what is your preferred option?’ […]
Firstly, it is rumour, not confirmed reports that Guinness PRO Rugby will likely engage with the four South Africa teams recently ‘separated’ from Super Rugby. Not that that will stop the prospective stories and scenarios being posted on social media and by rugby observers. Last Word on Rugby believes that the truth lies between, with the […]
The demise of Yorkshire/Leeds Carnegie reached a sad conclusion this season after the former Premiership side dropped down to National League 1 after financial turmoil. It could be seen as a crisis that has overshadowed the great foundations of the club from many years ago. In this series we look to uncover one half of […]
The demise of Yorkshire/Leeds Carnegie reached a sad conclusion this season after the former Premiership side dropped down to National League 1 after financial turmoil. It could be seen as a crisis that has overshadowed the great foundations of the club from many years ago. In this series we look to uncover one half of […]
World Rugby has recently had to comment and refute claims of voting influence in the recent re-election of Sir Bill Beaumont, as well as to announce a freshly revised International Test rugby window. The media release and confirmation of intended scheduled test matches in the Northern and Southern hemisphere is a mix of negative and […]
Our series celebrating the best foreign talent to have played in the English Premiership continues. Our attention has turned to nations not so regularly represented in the English game. James Barker has selected the backline of the Emerging Nations Premiership XV, here is the forward pack. Emerging Nations Premiership XV forwards 8. Samu Manoa – […]
In a study that compared Rugby Players to Swimmers and Rowers, study author Ravi S. Menon, Ph.D., FRSC, of Western University in London, Canada, found that contact sports have a correlation with brain damage and concussion. According to a new study published in the June 17, 2020, online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of […]
This week’s announcement that Sale Sharks are planning to build a new stadium and sports village is the latest step in the growth of rugby union in Manchester. While the men’s team is flying high in the Gallagher Premiership, there will also be Sale Sharks women in the top-flight next season. James Barker investigates how […]
Ryan Burroughs’ journey to the Toronto Wolfpack and Old Glory DC was a long and unlikely journey. This article would look at how his older brother Chris Burroughs influenced his younger brother on choosing his path in the sports world. This helped paved the path to get professional contracts with both the Toronto Wolfpack and […]
Athletes often get to live incredible lives outside of their respective sports. Rugby players seem to be an interesting bunch, and have hobbies and lives that give more insight into rugby players lives and their personalities. Here is a look into some truly unique rugby players lives and activities they enjoy outside of the sport. […]
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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, […]
About Author
Paul Peerdeman
I have played and coached rugby many places, for many years, and I love the game, its tactics and its intricacies. I love the stories of every match and every tour and every journey.