Rugby News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumours
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has received the independent findings from the consulting firm tasked earlier this year with undertaking a Review of Rugby. CEO Mark Robinson has spoken highly of the opportunity that now exists to ‘redefine the Sport’. He said, in an NZR media release, “This is an important opportunity to stand back, look […] READ MORE
The passing of New Zealand Rugby icon and senior figure Sir Brian Lochore, has illustrated that a player’s career is more than just what they achieve on-the-field. So it is with the utmost respect that Last Word on Rugby pays tribute to one of the All Blacks greats. Losing his fight with cancer on August […] READ MORE
There will undoubtedly be a new significance for the Meads Cup in the Heartland Rugby Championship, 2017. In the wake of the passing of the trophies namesake, teams competing in the top division of the Championship will all seek to honour Sir Colin Meads. The Mitre 10 Heartland Championship is the provincial ‘heartland’ competition. Sides […] READ MORE
The Super Rugby season has ended – “long live the Crusaders!” That was the call of fans, and with the street parade only just finished in Christchurch, reflection on a valiant International franchise [club] season is concluded. So too, New Zealand Rugby shifts focus towards International rugby now, and toward a Women’s Rugby World Cup. […] READ MORE
On Monday, June 19, the official unveiling of the Sir Colin ‘Pinetree’ Meads statue and the opening of the Gallagher Meads Brothers Exhibition was held in the rugby brothers’ home town. Sir Colin, and his brother Stan, were each All Blacks. Their deeds are recognized by the people of Te Kuiti, and rural town in […] READ MORE
Every team needs a goal. There is little; theoretically, between a Heartland Championship provincial team, and a first choice Super Rugby side. They both have a will to win, and the desire to perform over an 80 minute match. That has been, and always will be the strength of New Zealand (NZ) rugby. Across the board, the game is taken seriously and the standards are ingrained from an early age. READ MORE
It has been 12 full-on weeks of competition, and over the last two days there have been some fantastic finals footy played in New Zealand. In both Mitre 10 Cup and the Heartland Championship, teams were crowned for each division of the National Provincial Championship. Last Word On Rugby have closely followed the progress of […] READ MORE
North Otago has claimed the Lochore Cup after a dominant 44-22 victory over King Country in Te Kuiti this afternoon. Not even the presence of Sir Colin Meads could inspire King Country to a win, but the home side didn’t turn up to Rugby Park without spirit. James Hemera played another fine game for King […] READ MORE
For some provincial rugby fans, the 7:35pm kick-offs are for ‘big city’ rugby fans. More suited to Super Rugby than Heartland Championship–for these loyal fans, the Grassroots Grand Final on Saturday holds all their attention. The Mitre 10 Heartland Championship is essentially the old division three and four national provincial competitions. Played for today between […] READ MORE
In last weeks edition of the NZ Rugby Grandstand column, the challenge was who might be in line to make the knock-out stages. In the conclusion of Week Nine Mitre 10 Cup action, we now know who they are. Not only did the Mitre 10 Cup provincial competition wrap-up, but the Heartland Championship also reached […] READ MORE