Rugby News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumours
There appeared to be a heightened reality of illegally advancing rugby player penalties this weekend in Super Rugby Aotearoa. Somewhat of a ‘technical foul’ for being offside, it showed up multiple times across both games in Round 7. Used primarily to judge players moving before permitted to following the ball upfield; apart from the player […] READ MORE
While humble in his self-assessment, new Hurricanes captain Ardie Savea will steel himself by having solid leadership around him, as he steps up into his new role in 2021. Savea says he is honoured to have the opportunity to lead. “This is getting out of my comfort zone, but I feel like this is a time […] READ MORE
In the rarified air at the top of the Super Rugby standings, knowing the opposition and ‘applying the pressure’ can lead to a small advantage over your rival. This Friday night #HURvCRU is the match of the week and will be won by getting the little things right. No matter the competition, small margins can […] READ MORE
In the latest news on injured All Blacks hooker Dane Coles, he has honestly assessed that he is still yet to recover to ‘All Blacks fitness’ levels. This is after he tore the ACL in his knee, that required surgery in late 2017. The Test hooker is yet to earn his place with the Hurricanes, let […] READ MORE
In his 50th test for New Zealand, Dane Coles Returns from an extended period on the sidelines with concussion injury. We look at his impact and career READ MORE
It occurs only rarely. That perfect scenario–a player choosing to end their term with a team, and to ‘go out on top’. That could be a championship, gold medal and a lasting legacy. But, it only happens rarely and there was no fairy tale ending in Super Rugby semifinals played this weekend. Sadly there was […] READ MORE
The Super Rugby semifinals are the closest to test match rugby, that you can get. The players will all tell you the speed is faster, the hits harder and the result more important. With every side only having lost three or less matches all season, they are used to one result. READ MORE
2016 was banner year for the Hurricanes Super Rugby franchise, putting the ‘crushing disappointment’ of losing the 2015 final on their home turf to the Highlanders behind them. They did that to finally take their maiden title, beating the Emirates Lions 20-3 in the decider at Westpac Stadium, Wellington. This year, target will firmly be […] 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 maybe the MVP of their country, competition or code: we start […] READ MORE
With the New Year fast approaching, Last Word On Rugby are reflecting back on a fine year. From the 2016 Top 14 Final, to International matches and Super Rugby, the LWOR highlights series are wide and varied. As part of the MCXM Top 10 memories of 2016, the third in our series see’s contributions from European rugby expert Josh Bradham, […] READ MORE