Rugby News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumours
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 […] READ MORE
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 […] READ MORE
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 […] READ MORE
In positive news for the Southern franchise, Waisake Naholo re-signs with the Highlanders; alongside five other players. The news comes ahead of a clutch-match against the Lions, where Waisake Naholo can also promote his name ahead of the June test series against France READ MORE
Which ever conference you are in, the frequency of inter-conference/local derby games is high. It’s ‘high demand, highly entertaining, highly draining, high scoring and highly anticipated’. You get the picture–so with any Big Match, the heat is raised and teams are expected to peak. What if that occurred nearly every week? Or every other week, […] READ MORE
In positive news for fans of the Highlanders Super Rugby side, fullback and co-captain Ben Smith made his return from sabbatical, in a pre-season match. Played in Queenstown, the match saw the Highlanders defeat the Waratahs 55-29, to entertain fans and please new head coach Aaron Mauger. The player had taken the final tests of […] READ MORE
Undoubtedly, over the past 18 months, there has been a startling amount of significant shifts at the top of some of Europe’s biggest Rugby Union institutions. Directors of Rugby and Head Coaches are increasingly at the mercy of board members and chairman’s who have seemingly adopted a brash sense of “hiring and firing” when times […] READ MORE
2018 will be a season of new beginnings as Highlanders select Aaron Mauger as new head coach for Super Rugby. The former Crusader and All Black has previously coached the Leicester Tigers. With a three-year deal, Mauger will be expected to deliver another Super Rugby title to the franchise in that time, and he has all […] READ MORE
Future success with Edinburgh in this combination of both expansive and tight-play could well earn the former Tiger’s man a few missed calls from the RFU in the years ahead. After all, Eddie Jones is only in his current role until 2019. This reporter for one, will be keeping a keener eye than usual on the Guinness Pro12 side Edinburgh next season, in the hope of seeing both an enthralling game plan - and success for Richard Cockerill, in his new direction. READ MORE
It’s not the type of season a Leicester Tiger fan is accustomed to, but there is light at the end of the tunnel following a defiant defeat at Wasps. Three Different Coaches Three different head coaches, a record home defeat in Europe and two catastrophic losses to nil were not part of Leicester Tiger’s pre-season plan. […] READ MORE
NCTJ qualified sports journalist.
Aspiring to write passionately about both rugby and football for years to come. Endeavour to write insightfully on my own opinions and explore underlying issues.
Hoping one day to see a player better than Dan Carter but not holding my breath.