It’s been 20 years since England were crowned 2003 Rugby World Cup champions, and Last Word on Rugby caught up with one of the successful squad members Simon Shaw. 2003 Rugby World Cup Anniversary: Simon Shaw Simon Shaw shared with Larissa Falls his favourite moments and memories from the 2003 triumph, and looked ahead to […] READ MORE
Tag: 2023 Rugby World Cup
2003 RWC Anniversary: Matt Giteau
Hard to fathom that this year’s Rugby World Cup brings up the 20-year anniversary since the 2003 RWC tournament in Australia. A contest where Wallabies playmaker Matt Giteau would be involved in one of the more epic finales in all RWC folklore. The 40-year-old was then in his early career with the Australian national team, […] READ MORE
Rugby World Cup 2023 fixtures: Top games in Round Two action
The first round of Rugby World Cup 2023 fixtures felt like ‘Christmas come early’ for rugby fans. It was a celebration across the French host nation, and this weekend looks to be just as action-packed. That first weekend certainly delivered some shiny gifts. Attacking flair from Wales v Fiji, a brilliant no-look cross-field kick from […] READ MORE
France to win the 2023 Rugby World Cup
The 2023 Rugby World Cup promises to be the most open tournament since its inception in 1987. Pointers suggest France to win this World Cup as host . Realistically there are six teams who have a genuine claim to winning the famous Webb Ellis trophy. France are favourites, with Ireland and South Africa very close […] READ MORE
Barbarians push Northampton Saints hard in Gallagher Premiership preseason
The ongoing 2023/24 Gallagher Premiership preseason has heated up, and not just due to a long summer. The Barbarians FC became a ‘player’ last weekend when they pushed the Northampton Saints hard at Franklin’s Gardens. In a type of festival game atmosphere, spectators will have enjoyed the 12-48 win to the Baabaas, though Saints ‘dye […] READ MORE
RWC Anniversary: 2007 Memories with Mamuka Gorgodze
RWC Anniversary: 2007 Memories with Mamuka Gorgodze It’s been exactly 16 years since France last hosted the Rugby World Cup tournament. I was lucky enough to interview former 2007 competitor and Georgian international back-rower, Mamuka Gorgodze, as he takes us down memory lane and looks towards this years’ campaign. What are your memories of […] READ MORE
England v Argentina: rich rewards come at a risk on September 9
After England’s first ever loss to Fiji at Twickenham, confidence has plummeted ahead of the World Cup. Now with fears of a Group Stage exit ever-present, the England v Argentina fixture sparks great anxiety for English fans. Below is a playing XV which offers a different approach. There is definitely some controversial calls enclosed, yet […] READ MORE
RWC 2023 Pool A: France or New Zealand, who will blink first?
Pool A promises to be a thriller with the host France taking on the All Blacks in the opening match of the RWC (Rugby World Cup) 2023. The host of this year’s RWC 2023 France will be keen to better their results in front of their home crowd. These two rugby powerhouse will be keen […] READ MORE
England Rugby in disarray after historic loss to Fiji
England Rugby is in disarray after a disastrous loss to Fiji on Saturday afternoon. All the credit should go to Fiji first and foremost, they thoroughly deserved to win. A historic win, on par with Western Samoa defeating Wales in 1991. From an England perspective, it does not get much worse. Charlie Inglefield wrote last […] READ MORE
Sink or Swim: Springboks in Pool B
It’s certainly a case of ‘sink or swim’ for the Springboks in Pool B, as they look to defend their title as World Champions at the 2023 Rugby World Cup. There has been a lot of uncertainty for the Springboks surrounding injuries, position switches, goal-kicking, and the supposed departure of Rassie Erasmus. There is no […] READ MORE