Rugby News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumours
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 […] READ MORE
For many, the vintage of rugby 2021 will probably raise a lot of discussion and differing opinions. That shouldn’t be a bad thing, with less than two years away from the Rugby World Cup 2023 in France. Here, our Last Word on Sports rugby department selected a few articles that represented the year in rugby […] READ MORE
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 […] READ MORE
Reports that circulated the web have been confirmed, as NZR sign Joe Schmidt to join the All Blacks as an Independent Selector from July 2022. It is a coup for the New Zealand union, who have felt extreme examination after a contentious Northern Tour that only produced more questions than answers. With the ability to […] READ MORE
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? […] READ MORE
Ireland against Argentina is a fixture that never fails to disappoint. Los Pumas have a weird obsession of inflicting severe pain to Irish fans’ hearts. This is especially true at World Cups, whether it be in France in 1999 and 2007, or England in 2015. Embed from Getty Images Argentina loves beating Ireland on a big […] READ MORE
There was no luck involved as Ireland rugby beat the New Zealand side although, the ‘blarney stone’ can naturally assist the national team’s success. A second win on home soil for the men in emerald green. Celebrating all weekend; to be sure, as Ireland defeated the All Blacks for a historic third time since 2016. […] READ MORE
With the return of missing New Zealand rugby players who were absent from The Rugby Championship-winning schedule, news that previous All Blacks captain Sam Whitelock had been ‘reappointed’ as tour leader came as little surprise. That is as he resumes his senior position as skipper – in name mostly – as Ardie Savea had performed […] READ MORE
The Springboks Rugby Championship campaign was disappointing. They finished third in the four-nation competition, which was won by the All Blacks. The highlight of the Springboks Rugby Championship 2021 was proving their many detractors wrong by staging a fightback from a 9 point deficit to defeat the All Blacks 31-29 in the Gold Coast. Boxing […] READ MORE
If only the World Rugby ranking system had been on hold for one more week before a switch in number one status saw the All Blacks leapfrog the World Champion Springboks, it would have been perfect timing. The timing was somewhat inopportune yet, it did not happen by chance. Results are the barometer of movements […] READ MORE