Rugby News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumours
With the knockout stages looming large on the horizon, we take a look at the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals MVP players from each of the eight teams. Names who could prove pivotal to their nations reaching the semifinals. Australia: David Pocock Pocock, in his final World Cup, needs to give the performance of his life […] READ MORE
When the Cheslin Kolbe record transfer deal was confirmed this weekend, it helped step up the 2021/22 French Top14 competition countdown. Even though in rugby, the mere notion of a player transfer has no such impact as a Christiano Ronaldo, or a Lionel Messi move to PSG. Still, when one of the biggest names in […] READ MORE
The Springboks lived up to their status as world champions by grinding out a result even if they were not at their best as the British and Irish Lions failed to impress. 12 years after his last penalty dagger through the Lions, Morne Steyn delivered again in the final minutes. In truth, the British and […] READ MORE
Looking back at last year’s tournament, it is enjoyable to now to isolate some of the best 2019 Rugby World Cup try highlights. So knowing the result – and still clapping our hands over South Africa’s fine achievement – Last Word on Rugby dove into the video files, and found some gems that we considered […] READ MORE
Rassie Erasmus’ dream journey as the Springboks coach continues as South Africa win the 2019 Rugby World Cup final, to become the first side the win the World Cup having lost a game in the pool stage. South Africa get their third title Joining the ranks of 1995 and 2007, Siya Kolisi’s crew lifted the […] READ MORE
Following six weeks of fantastic Rugby World Cup action, Robert Rees goes ahead and picks his best XV throughout the entire competition. Choices are based on impact made, quality of performances, points scored and influence in the team. 1. Tendai Mtawarira ‘The Beast’ lived up to his nickname throughout the Rugby World Cup, hitting hard […] READ MORE
The squad that Rassie Erasmus announced for their Rugby World Cup semifinal mach against Wales points to no changes to the Springbok game plan. The Springbok squad One change to the team One change has been made to to the team that defeated Japan in the quarter-final. One of the players of the tournament, Cheslin […] READ MORE
Here is Robert Rees‘ Rugby World Cup team of the tournament (so far). 20 games into the 42 match event, and plenty of World Rugby’s superstars have shone. After gauging the results and performances, this is in Rob’s opinion, the outstanding XV players in the Rugby World Cup, so far. 1. Jefferson Poirot (France) The French […] READ MORE
After suffering a disappointing loss to Los Pumas in Argentina, Rassie Erasmus’s Springbok selection options raise more questions than answers. Springbok Selection Options The SOS Erasmus sent out after the Springboks 32-19 loss in Cordoba, has raised more questions than it has answered. Last Word on Rugby consider Springbok selection options, plus the ramifications; positive, […] READ MORE
Ryan is the Managing Editor at Last Word on Rugby and resides in Johannesburg, South Africa. He specializes in opinion pieces relating to International rugby, Super Rugby and domestic rugby in South Africa.
His career highlights include being granted media accreditation for the Rugby World Cup tournament.