An announcement that the Richie Mo’unga Japanese contract post-RWC is a lifestyle change, as much as an opportunity to maximize earning potential now, is a valuable revelation. It means that the conclusion of the Crusaders Super Rugby Pacific season is likely his last for the red and blacks. Completing 2023, Richie Mo’unga will have accrued […] READ MORE
Tag: Beauden Barrett
‘In the Bin’ Rugby Pod – Autumn Internationals in Focus; Episode 13
Back on the normal schedule this week and running as smoothly as Beauden Barrett; it’s the ‘In the Bin’ rugby pod. Autumn Internationals in Focus Starting you off with Autumn Internationals, England defeated Australia in a tightly contested game. This one was ultimately decided by Australia’s inability to take ‘Care’ of England’s replacements. The Aussies […] READ MORE
News: Beauden Barrett 100 test caps and Black Ferns celebrate 100th Test
Accomplishing three digits in sport is something to be celebrated. That means for Beauden Barrett 100 test caps makes him the 11th All Black to achieve that statistic, as the New Zealand Black Ferns women’s XV celebrate their 100th Test against the England Red Roses on Sunday. Two distinct moments for an individual and for […] READ MORE
All Blacks squad less prepared for ‘long haul’ of Test schedule
With a fresh All Blacks squad named on Thursday to travel to Perth – albeit missing their Captain and in-form key duo – this side is less prepared for the upcoming ‘long haul’ Test schedule than stakeholders will have wished for. Hurriedly assembled that is. If not under a degree of pressure before departing as […] READ MORE
Beauden Barrett & Brodie Retallick return to NZ (via Managed Isolation)
With the steady stream of players ending their terms with the Japan Top League, leading names like Beauden Barrett & Brodie Retallick return to NZ Rugby. That is to say, they have had to readjust to New Zealand conditions via the mandatory 14-day managed isolation period, which all returnees must complete. They, like others, have […] READ MORE
Rugby Championship 2019: All Blacks vs Springboks analysis
The first game of the second week saw the two premier teams in Rugby Championship 2019, New Zealand and South Africa, clash in what has historically been tight, combative game. In last year’s tournament, only two points separated the teams both times they faced each other. Rugby Championship 2019 It was an equally cagey affair […] READ MORE
Japan Top League preseason begins in earnest; despite Covid fears
To the delight of many, Japan Top League preseason/training matches began in the lead-up to the 2021 season start. That is, despite raised Covid-19 fears, with the latest strain placing ongoing pressure on Japanese borders. Overseas players who have all been imported to support the raised profile of rugby union, may now also now feel […] READ MORE
Delighted Blues Super Rugby fans back in winning mood
Nearly 35,000 turned out on Sunday afternoon, as delighted Blues Super Rugby fans were back in the winning mood they have grown [a little] used to. The 21-17 victory was tough on the field; the Chiefs may have suffered a series of losses but, they pushed the home side right to the final whistle. And […] READ MORE
Highest paid rugby union players 2020
Rugby union players can be well paid, and despite the pandemic, there are still plenty of lucrative contracts out there. Looking at various media sources, Last Word has identified the highest-paid rugby union players in the world. 14th. Faf de Klerk – £500,000 The Sale Sharks and World Cup-winning scrum-half is pocketing half a million […] READ MORE
Beauden Barrett to take year off Super Rugby with eyewatering £780k contract
Auckland Blues star back Beauden Barrett has announced he’ll take a year off from Super Rugby to play in Japan, with the contract thought to be worth nearly £800,000. Beauden Barrett bids goodbye! Beauden Barrett, who signed a four year deal with the NZRU last year will miss the 2021 Super Rugby season to play […] READ MORE