Southern Hemisphere

The news is good up in Auckland. With the 2022 Blues’ winning streak continuing, it all looks rosy for the three-times Champions. News is not so good for supporters of the Wellington side, with the Hurricanes falling further downward in the standings, after a clumsy final minute decision costs them big time. Differing results sure, […]

Earning their first-ever Moana Pasifika Super Rugby Pacific win saw players over the moon, as they celebrated victory against the Hurricanes on Friday, March 25. Overjoyed, the win came in ‘Golden point extra time’ and was a surprise win over a New Zealand team, in what is the new franchise team’s debut season. The only […]

A galvanized Fijian Drua win has added huge levels of reinforcement to the two expansion teams’ existence in the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific competition. This Fijian Drua win over the Melbourne Rebels came hours after Moana Pasifika had made their delayed first performance; after Covid-19 disrupted their launch over two rounds. And both teams excelled […]

With the sad passing of power-wingers, All Blacks Inga Tuigamala and Joeli Vidiri, the tragedy of their early deaths highlighted men’s health and also reflected on their huge impact on the modern game. The news hit within 24 odd hours, and it was reported that Diabetes complications led to the death of Tuigamala, but to […]

Not even into Super Rugby Pacific Round 2 of the new calendar, two games have been affected directly by the Omicron variant – both games involving unfortunate newcomers, Moana Pasifika. Unfairly, and in the franchise’s breakout year too, Pasifika players and management have been the side worst affected by the virus’ surge within the New […]

As the training intensifies, the Women’s 2022 Super W competition in Australia has been boosted with the addition of a Fijiana Drua side. This adds a fresh women’s component to match the incoming men’s Fijian Drua teams’ debut season. They are due to be a new part of the full 2022 Super Rugby Pacific draw […]

Two stories emerged on the same day of last week, to describe how New Zealand Super Rugby franchises were forced to make adjustments to their host stadium draw of this (already) re-arranged domestic draw. And then the 2022 National Provincial Championship (NPC) competition was announced as having a format redesign when the first-class title chase […]

News that the Omicron variant is ready to ‘scupper’ the Super Rugby Pacific new season kickoff has turned what was supposed to be a fresh start, into a sad rerun of European experiences. Crowds will be removed when the competition begins on February 28. Id only for secluded numbers at a maximum of 100; with […]

More and more, mandating that only a fully vaccinated rugby player policy introduction will have an impact on both Northern and Southern hemisphere competitions. The internal reactions from rugby unions and administrators take into account the health and welfare of all stakeholders. Yet with personal choice highlighting some genuine fears and more social media scaremongering, […]

In the calendar year, reports and analysis are due and with consideration of the NZ Rugby 2021 season, you would be correct in classifying it as ‘some good, some bad’. Unsettled yes. Disastrous, No. That isn’t accurate. Three losses for the national team yes – both men’s and the women’s Black Ferns disappointed. Each had […]

With the 2021 World Rugby Awards winners announced over the last week, it ‘wraps up’ the winning players, coaches, and teams across all leagues and countries. Just in time for Christmas made it the perfect Xmas gift many all recipients. Awards might seem like the equivalent of Christmas gifts, yet they are all given on […]

Re-signed Ardie Savea has penned a four-year deal with New Zealand Rugby (NZ Rugby) which will keep him in Aotearoa through to the end of the 2025 season. His contract terms will not be made public, so the questions many would be thinking could be; How much is he being paid directly from NZ Rugby? […]

World Rugby has voted to allow former international players the chance to switch allegiance to a new country. Voted in by the full council of partner nations, the improved World Rugby eligibility rules will be a huge encouragement to many who have publically asked for the opportunity to represent one nation, another playing for another. […]

The draw can now be realized for sides that make up the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific season. A 14-round draw was announced by SANZAAR on Monday, November 15 that will be a full calendar for each team, as well as for fans eager for a steady diet of rugby in the New Year. Beginning Friday, […]

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 […]