Now that the Farah Palmer Cup finals places are confirmed, both the Premiership and Championship divisions will be decided on Saturday, September 10. Some players involved in those two fixtures are also with the New Zealand Black Ferns women’s team. They are currently in full preparations ahead of the 2021 Rugby World Cup; postponed due […] READ MORE
Tag: Auckland Rugby
Sad passing of power-wingers, All Blacks Inga Tuigamala and Joeli Vidiri
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
Pandemic ruptures Bunnings NPC Level 3 bubble of Auckland-based Provinces
With all the best efforts to remove themselves from restrictions on sport and travel; caused by the Covid-19 pandemic domestically, three provinces within the Auckland region have seen their Bunnings NPC Level 3 bubbles burst. Not through their own making that is, and now Auckland, North Harbour, and Counties-Manukau have all unceremoniously be removed from […] READ MORE
2021 Bunnings NPC to revitalize Provincial Rugby at its very heart
Rebranding it the 2021 Bunnings NPC (renamed from the Mitre 10 Cup) will help to revitalize Provincial Rugby this season in New Zealand. That is not due to any new trial laws, or some variation of the format – it is just the most logical reason. The NPC (National Provincial Union) is the traditional analogy […] READ MORE
Andy Haden – A Headstrong, proud All Black leader
The way he played and commented on the game, is how Andy Haden should be remembered, as a headstrong, yet proud and high-quality All Black lock and senior figure within the game. Compiling over 100 tests for New Zealand, as well as 100 games for Auckland and 100 for his club Ponsonby; it makes Haden […] READ MORE
Canterbury v Auckland final in 2019 Farah Palmer Cup
With the traditional ‘north versus south’ fixture of Canterbury v Auckland scheduled in the final of the 2019 Farah Palmer Cup, women’s rugby will hold the attention this weekend. With the two tiers, the Premiership cup final is scheduled to be played on Saturday, October 26 in Christchurch’s Rugby Park. The Auckland Storm will need […] READ MORE
International Rugby ground focus: Eden Park
As one of the grandest ‘theatres of rugby union’ anywhere in the World, Eden Park has a history of hosting the biggest occasions. Two Rugby World Cup final victories, multiple Super Rugby and national provincial Championships for Auckland, that have showcased some of the best in the game. Fantastic examples of the game, often the […] READ MORE
Double-Overtime in Mitre 10 Cup Premiership Final a thrilling finale
Double-overtime is usually a term used in Basketball, but, in the 2018 Mitre 10 Cup Premiership final, Auckland and Canterbury put on an entertaining finale in front of a large crowd at Eden Park. With the rain pelting down, the grand final of domestic rugby in New Zealand turned into a thrilling finale. Tied at […] READ MORE
It’s a Super Saturday from New Zealand to Japan
Looking at the rugby-schedule, it is a Super Saturday from New Zealand to Japan. Domestic rugby finals across New Zealand, a Bledisloe Cup test in Tokyo, and many more fixtures over a 30-hour window. That is great news for rugby lovers, as well as for the exposure of rugby union into the important sports market in […] READ MORE
Blues secure the future with Rieko Ioane and Akira Ioane re-signing
Any team that can look into the future, securing the signatures of players long-term, can be satisfied with their recruitment. If two key players re-signed are both International quality; in Rieko Ioane and his brother Akira, then it is an even better outcome. And crucially, if one of those players is an undoubted, a test-quality All […] READ MORE