Rugby News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumours
Of all the June Internationals that will be contested, one is a 'juicy' looking feature. The Australia v Ireland Test Series. One where the form challenger in 2018 will meet a battled host who needs to ensure their players are on song. The Wallabies might face-up, but the reality is Ireland are a force in World Rugby READ MORE
After this weekend, dependant on the outcome at the Twickenham fixture fans across the globe are waiting on, several key points may be highlighted: (1) how good the Irish rugby team is, and (2) if Joe Schmidt could be considered as the future Al Blacks coach READ MORE
The goal is clear now. Stay unbeaten, but not ‘just unbeaten’. To be unbeatable. And if you were to accomplish that, then the prize is Grand indeed. For Ireland Rugby, this weekend Operation Grand Slam is on! Immediately after last weekends triumph over Scotland, the Ireland team captain Rory Best, and his head coach Joe […] READ MORE
Two pulsating rounds of 6 Nations action has whetted the appetite. A rest week has created the anticipation. Like boxers who have set sat on their stool for too long, the teams are ready for Round Three. Now we find out who will become contenders and who can be discounted. The pre-tournament consensus read that […] READ MORE
Johnny Sexton’s drop goal will be the lasting Irish memory, from the Stade de France last weekend. Whilst they got the win, the failure of the Ireland attack to score any tries will be the most concerning aspect for Joe Schmidt ahead of the match against Italy this Saturday. The Story is in the Statistics […] READ MORE
On the face of it, France vs Ireland on Saturday evening is a bit of a mismatch. It sees the hosts, playing their first game under their new Head Coach, against the stable and always building Irish. Add into the mix the form of the premier Irish provinces in Europe, the form book points only […] READ MORE
Ulster’s Jacob Stockdale put in a memorable shift against Wasps at the Kingspan on Friday night. The winger scored a try and turned provider for Stuart McCloskey’s score in the 19-9 Champions Cup winning opener. His man-of-the-match display might just have caught the eye of Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt. With the November internationals looming, […] READ MORE
With the New Year fast approaching, Last Word On Rugby are reflecting back on a fine year. From the highly successful USA Rugby Weekend to the Mitre 10 Cup Provincial Championship, the ‘LWOR highlights for 2016’ are a wide and varied account. As part of our MCXM Top 10 memories of 2016, the last in our series […] READ MORE
Joe Schmidt has gone for the most experienced Ireland starting 15 available to play New Zealand in Chicago. Ireland’s record against New Zealand is atrocious, with just one draw to go with the 27 defeats in the 28 games between the sides. Despite many exciting young players knocking on the door, head coach Schmidt has […] READ MORE
It took 111 years, but Ireland have finally beaten the All Blacks in an historic 40-29 win in front of 62,000 fans at Soilder Field. It was nothing short of a thriller in Chicago, and the perfect way to end a history-making week of sport in the city–the Cubs baseball team won the World Series. […] 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.