Rugby News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumours
Not all rugby is boring. It’s northern hemisphere rugby, as exemplified by the inaugural Autumn Nations Cup, that has the issue. So what? Kiwis and Ozzies have been pointing that out for decades. But it’s objectively bad when English rugby royalty are complaining about the state of rugby after their team has just won both […] READ MORE
What's at stake and what are the Lions and South Africa playing for? Trying to get inside the player's minds prior to kick-off. READ MORE
Thomas Booth looks at the Best International Captains through the history of the current top ten internationally ranked men’s sides in world rugby. Part one starts with the side ranked ten (Japan), and counts down to the fifth-ranked international team (England). After ruminating on the why’s and wherefores of this article, why not check out […] READ MORE
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
After the official World Rugby declaration on May 10, an affirmed International Test match schedule is now settled after New Zealand’s fixture list was announced to widespread approval. With July set to be a bumper schedule for all Tier one nations, the recognition for Pacific Islands nations, Rugby Europe teams, and for the two major […] READ MORE
Known as much for our rugby feature stories, as well as news and analysis, Last Word on Rugby presents our Top 10 best of series. Amid the range of published rugby feature stories submitted over this year, our readers were given a selection of themes. From developing stories, to Tier One player profiles, the variety […] READ MORE
With the draw just announced for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, the possible plotlines to the final are being assessed by teams, pundits, and fans alike. Wales’ chances have already been assessed, so it seems fitting to look at their nearest and dearest neighbour, England. The English team is currently ranked 2nd in the world […] READ MORE
Even with a barely tolerable 50% win ratio, Ian Foster’s All Blacks gain a pass mark in the books of most fair-minded critics. Most, although the so-called ‘brutal fans’ might still struggle with the overall results of 2020. Saturday’s victory over Argentina has pushed the team just into the pass category. Not a strong season, […] READ MORE
To assess the England rugby squad options that are available, one needs to look far and wide. From current squad members and to include in-form players. We are not far away from Eddie Jones first squad announcement since rugby restarted. The break in the season has allowed for some players to stand out and put […] READ MORE
In a bit over 140 days, the British & Irish Lions will arrive on New Zealand shores for the most anticipated rugby event of 2017. The Lions will play three Test matches against the All Blacks, two in Auckland and one in Wellington. Along with that, Warren Gatland and his men will have a hit […] READ MORE
Michael Pulman is a contributor for Last Word On Rugby and writes regular content with a New Zealand focus. Beginning as a blogger on his own and through various other platforms, Mike has gone on to become a genuine sports reporter, covering NZ Rugby and all competitions domestic, and Internationally, as well as Cricket.