Top14
For reasons that we are all aware of, the 2019/20 rugby season is in increasing danger of never being finished. While it will not be the highest priority on everyone’s minds, some retiring rugby players may have already played their last game. If the season cannot be completed, some big names of World Rugby will […]
With Brexit due on January 31 for the UK there are far more permutations than just domestic ones. Rugby will suffer as a consequence if a no deal is passed through and faces challenges in the months following the result, whenever MP’s decide for that to take place! No deal Brexit changes everything Currently, citizens […]
Toulon and Wales International scrum-half Rhys Webb is set to leave the club after agreeing to mutually end his contract early, according to reports in his home country. According to Wales Online, Webb has reached an agreement with the Top 14 club to end his stay with French team earlier than expected. The 31-year-old, who […]
As the end of the decade approaches it is a prime moment to look back and reflect on a scintillating 10 years of rugby. Years of quality football from both hemispheres, where a singular Team of the Decade conversation is a recognition of the sport, and of the game. Our senior writers and management have […]
The 2018/19 season for all rugby competitions has officially come to an end. As popular as ever, with many teams and regions having solid rugby attendances over the course of domestic and European Championship fixtures. All the average Guinness Pro14, Gallagher Premiership and French Top14 attendances from the 2018/19 season are listed here, in alphabetical order. *All […]
Just as the Rugby World Cup concludes rugby fans are treated to the start of the European Champions Cup. It promises to be an exciting ride with a number of exciting sub-plots rumbling on, including Saracens’ salary cap misdemeanors. Here Last Word on Rugby focuses in on Champions Cup Pool 2 which comprises Exeter Chiefs, […]
Following Saracens’ fine and points deduction in the Gallagher Premiership, the London club are unlikely to be able to compete on both domestic and European fronts this season. They will most likely to also not feature in the Champions Cup next season. Therefore, it is time for a new winner in the Champions Cup 2019/20 […]
Clermont lead the early season Top 14 table. The top of the table has been unsteady in the early days. Toulon’s struggles continue to mount, and Racing 92 are fighting to find their stride. Last season’s leaders at the end of the regular season find themselves back on top. This success has been due in […]
England Rugby U20s sealed fifth place in the World Rugby U20 Championship on June 22nd, with a comprehensive 45-26 win over Wales. This was their poorest performance in the tournament since 2012, having either won or finished runners up in the past six years. A bad sign for the future prospects of these players? U20s […]
The Challenge Cup draw is usually a secondary affair with all eyes on the Champions Cup. This year has been different with a whole stack of big-name clubs falling into the tier competition, thus making it a very satisfying product to watch unfold. Robert Rees previews the 2019/20 competition. Pool 1 Castres, Worcester Warriors, Dragons, […]
The Champions Cup draw has thrown up some titanic match-ups in the pool stages as the defending champions Saracens get drawn into the group of death. Robert Rees has your preview ahead of next season’s competition. Pool 1 Leinster, Lyon, Northampton Saints, Benetton Last year’s runners-up Leinster are expected to claim the top spot somewhat […]
Today the 2019/20 European Cup rugby pool draws were made at the Centre de Congrès Beaulieu in Lausanne, Switzerland. 40 European clubs learnt who they would be facing in European competition, beginning in November. The headline is a tough draw for champions Saracens who will face Munster and Racing 92 in Pool Four of the Champions Cup. […]
Almost twenty-five years since rugby union embraced professionalism, the sport stands at a crossroads both internationally and domestically, with the proposed introduction of the Nations Championship. The future of the sport will be shaped by crucial decisions to be taken in the coming weeks and months. They will determine whether it continues to grow and […]
France’s rugby team are now officially at rock bottom. If ever there was a misguided scoreline it was the 26-14 defeat that Ireland inflicted on France on Sunday afternoon. Ireland left at least 20 points out there if not more. With a bonus point in the bag early in the second half Ireland perhaps understandably […]
While popularity, audience viewership, and ratings may be the metrics of the day, many still feel the French Top14 competition is as valid today, as it has ever been. Valid due to the strength of talent, as much as the impact so many International players bring. In a domestic competition with a wide scattering of popular […]
The Heineken Champions Cup was revamped from 24 teams, down to 20 meritocratically chosen teams for a reason. The desire to see increased competition and intensity has seen ‘domestically strong sides’ struggle. Round Three results have seen the likes of Wasps, Exeter Chiefs and the Scarlets all but knocked out. Fans may be asking why, […]
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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 […]
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. […]
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.