Rugby News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumours
In the first of a new series, Last Word on Rugby will be refocusing attention on the Gallagher Premiership ahead of the 2021/22 season. Under the spotlight to start is Bath Rugby, who will be hoping for a much better campaign 2020/21, where they finished seventh. Biggest departure Several dependable squad members have departed, including […] READ MORE
Using the ‘Watford Gap’ as a generous dividing line for a North v South selection policy and, allowing the Worcester Warriors to even things up by being included dubiously in The North, Last Word on Rugby contributor Steve Kendall picks his current dream Aviva Premiership teams from the two regions of England. If ever a […] READ MORE
Bath will be looking to pick up their sixth successive victory at Kingsholm as they face Gloucester in the West Country derby on Saturday. They’ll be hard-pressed to do so with Gloucester only losing once at home all season in the Aviva Premiership though. Gloucester will be looking for a win to keep their top-four […] READ MORE
The Anglo-Welsh Cup semi-finals took place this weekend against the backdrop of the penultimate Six Nations weekend, with the tournament taking on a distinct West Country feel, ahead of the Anglo-Welsh Cup final next week. Gloucester will host a southwest derby as Bath face Exeter in the Cup final next weekend. Both matches were decided […] READ MORE
The Rec will host only its second Bath vs Bristol derby in ten years this weekend as this local derby returns as a key Premiership match. Recent history of Bath vs Bristol Bears Last season’s match was moved to Twickenham for the inaugural “The Clash” fixture. Therefore, it is the first time the Bath faithful […] READ MORE
After less than a month away, Premiership rugby is back. Champions Exeter Chiefs have already taken their usual spot at the top of the league table, after putting in the most convincing win of Gallagher Premiership Round One. They beat Harlequins, who are joined at the bottom of the table by fellow ‘mid-table’ chasers Gloucester […] READ MORE
Rugby fans across the country had been waiting for the Premiership Rugby restart to come and for many the wait was well worth it. The sight of our league’s signature names rampaging on turf was a joy to behold. There is also the added intrigue of the changing of players mid way through the season […] READ MORE
Premiership Rugby sides were unable to reach a unanimous decision on cutting the salary cap ahead of next season. Bath Rugby, Bristol Bears and Exeter Chiefs were the only three clubs to go against the wage cuts. Cuts to the cap had been proposed to due the financial implications that COVID-19 is having upon Premiership […] READ MORE
The signing of Rhys Webb on a short-term deal was always going to raise eyebrows and expectations. Although the Welshman impressed in his first outing for Bath Rugby he had to watch on as his side were ground out by an excellent Bristol side. Blistering Bears Start Rhys Webb began brightly enough with some quick-thinking […] READ MORE
Bath Rugby winger Ruaridh McConnochie ‘just wants to perform’ and is not worried about England after a sensational brace in Bath’s 19-12 victory over Harlequins. The World Cup try-scorer was the star at the Rec yesterday scoring both tries for the home side. The first a mazy finish followed by a surging run down the […] READ MORE
I am a 2nd year Sports Journalism student at University of Gloucestershire. My main area is Rugby Union but coming from Yorkshire I also have an interest in League. I like to write a range of different types of articles and to get out to as many professional games as I can to build my experience. I’m excited to post my opinions and articles on the site for a sport I have had a long time burning passion for.