Southern Hemisphere

As a couple of local derby matches took the center of attention over the weekend, the table-topping Crusaders’ side rested easy. More than easy, they have yet to ease out of summer mode actually; the early stages of Super Rugby Aotearoa have seen them feel relaxed and immediately in the zone. What zone that is, […]

If the future of any Pacific Islands Super Rugby side(s) was in need of a secure platform. Then World Rugby has come to the rescue. In a three-point plan that is being received positively in the Southern hemisphere. The governing body has advanced a package of financial and administrative support to help facilitate two teams […]

It is not often that Auckland fans read the statement ‘Blues beat Crusaders’ yet by Sunday evening, that might be headlining the 6pm news (maybe it could be, if the hosts defeat the visitors on March 21). While Sunday’s game is not yet a title-deciding fixture, it is the game that every fan wished they […]

This month, New Zealand All Blacks legend Sonny Bill Williams called time on his professional rugby playing career. Although already retired from rugby union at both club and international level, Williams announced he had played his last game in league too, officially hanging up his boots in rugby for good. In a career that spanned […]

With the British and Irish Lions Series to South Africa less than a year away, LWOS Rugby takes a look at the potential bolters for the tour. This time, for the Lions. Lions Series Bolters The Forwards Jamie Ritchie (Scotland). 23. 105kg. Flanker. 18 Test Caps. What is there left to say about Jaime Ritchie […]

Ever since the emergence of professional rugby, the Pacific Islands have produced the highest calibre of elite athletes who, individually, have developed into top tier rugby players, Tonga, Fiji and Samoa have some of the best individual talents across both Super Rugby and European clubs. Their influence transcends the hemisphere boundaries. However, at international level […]

‘Was that it?’ Blink and you can miss it as those wanting to enjoy the sport are left wanting. Two rugby games is not enough. The Super Rugby Aotearoa product is bereft of the volume and choice it once had. While the competition began to reduce voluntarily, the Coronavirus certainly took that idea and downsized […]

Superliga Americana de Rugby (SLAR), a pro rugby union league based in South America, will have its second season start in less than a month. SLAR is one of two current pro rugby union leagues in the Americas with the other one being Major League Rugby (MLR). The Superliga Americana de Rugby Season starts in […]

The curtain came down on Siya Kolisi ‘s career with South Africa’s Super Rugby side Stormers. He begins a new chapter at Durban-based side Sharks and has been officially unveiled as their player this week. After 11-years and 115 appearances, we take a look back at his sterling tenure in Cape Town. This is the […]

As former All Black Dan Carter retires from first-class rugby, it is as a record-holding Champion. One who played at the elite level for his entire professional career, and he leaves a legacy of near-perfection. In a career that stretched from his provincial debut for Canterbury in 2002, his years as a professional footballer lasted […]

Across the board, all nations have had to make the best of it. Yet for sides downunder and being somewhat isolated, the NZ rugby preseason for each of the XVs and 7s sides has had to be creative and especially reactive. Covid-19 has changed or made near impossible so many of the prearranged set preseason […]

While humble in his self-assessment, new Hurricanes captain Ardie Savea will steel himself by having solid leadership around him, as he steps up into his new role in 2021. Savea says he is honoured to have the opportunity to lead. “This is getting out of my comfort zone, but I feel like this is a time […]

To make it even more inventive, 2021 see’s new Super Rugby law variations that are designed to draw on many innovations that observers and fans have often invited. On trial here, they are a mix of introduced rulings and interpretations across both Super Rugby Australia and in New Zealand’s Aotearoa competitions. All approved by the […]

What makes a world class prop? Rugby is hailed as the sport for all shapes and sizes. You can be big, small, short or tall. There is a position in the game that will suit anyone. Some positions are certainly more suited to certain physiques. It would be tough to be under six foot and […]

Last minute victories can sometimes be ‘heart stopping’ for fans and supporters. For North Harbour (Harbour) followers, they had to wait until the 79th minute before Bryn Gatland secured the 2016 Championship victory with a drop goal. Winning this clutch result 14-17 is both a credit to the team, but also a great exhibition for […]