Rugby News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumours
The All Blacks intent was always going to be known. During their last pre-RWC test match outing on Saturday, it was always about squad development, demonstrating what the side was capable of, and about improving the side’s intent and attitude. Now that the outcome is known; a 92-7 victory over Tonga, the intent ‘to score […] READ MORE
With the teams ‘primed’ and ready to restart the longstanding rivalry, Saturday night sees another All Blacks v Springboks clash at Wellington’s Westpac Stadium. Round Four of the 2018 Rugby Championship brings the two powers of Southern Hemisphere rugby together, for another Test match. The visitors might not have the awesome attacking ability, as they had […] READ MORE
Only this week it was revealed that an Sonny Bill Williams injury will remove the player for up to a month of rugby. It has affected the All Blacks and the Auckland Blues in different ways - with opportunities for others in the national team, while it might have cost the Blues all hope of reaching their objectives READ MORE
With an ever-changing New Zealand conference, the Crusaders beat a lacklustre Chiefs side 20-34, to consolidate their status as the leading side heading into the International break. READ MORE
Returning to the field in 2018, most fans will agree that Brodie Retallick at the peak of his 'Rugby Powers'. The big lock has been in commanding form for the Chiefs, looking ahead to the June Internationals against France READ MORE
It didn’t take long for some familiar writers within the New Zealand sports media to take aim at Warren Gatland and the British and Irish Lions. New Zealand media ‘go after’ Warren Gatland Beginning yesterday when the first Lions squad of the tour was announced – the ‘all too timely’ response by one particular critic […] READ MORE
Anton Lienert-Brown left an offer with the Crusaders on the table to stay with the Chiefs through until 2020 - signalling thanks to the club who first gave him his first big break in Super Rugby. READ MORE
Celebrating our game, Last Word On Rugby have combined the wealth of knowledge from all our staff and writers, to come up with the MC50 Most Influential Player Series. A list that profiles the many and growing number of players in World Rugby who are either the MVP of their country, competition or code: we […] READ MORE
The All Blacks have achieved the World Record of 18-straight Test victories, but a new and exciting prospect faces the World Champions over the next month of rugby. Their biggest challenge of the Northern Tour is certainly Ireland, one of the most passionate rugby nations. For Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt; a kiwi himself, this is […] READ MORE
Chiefs coach Dave Rennie has selected an experienced and talented squad for Investec Super Rugby in 2017. It will be Rennie’s last year at the helm of the Chiefs, capping off a coaching career that has seen the side never-fail to make the playoffs, and won the Southern Hemisphere rugby competition twice. With an All […] READ MORE
Michael Pulman is a contributor for Last Word On Rugby and writes regular content with a New Zealand focus. Beginning as a blogger on his own and through various other platforms, Mike has gone on to become a genuine sports reporter, covering NZ Rugby and all competitions domestic, and Internationally, as well as Cricket.