Originally, the 2020 Farah Palmer Cup was scheduled to begin a few weeks prior to the Mitre 10 Cup starting but, as the Coronavirus pandemic altered the timeline, it is now sitting well alongside the men’s competition. Even though with fewer teams, and in pools split along geographical lines – rather than a Premiership/Championship one […] READ MORE
From the intense Covid-19 personal health and family focus of the last few months, it now switches back to one of a ‘rugby training mode’ for both men and women across the rugby-globe. Moving from the life-affecting changes to society and to the state of rugby worldwide was monumental for all. One which the Coronavirus […] READ MORE
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
The Consensus vote is in….. NZ Rugby fans are OK with ‘that’ result from The Rugby Championship clash last Saturday night. OK because, it is 12 months out from the RWC – and it did not occur during the knockout tournament. Do not get me wrong, it is not saying that New Zealand (NZ) rugby […] READ MORE
New Zealand Rugby acknowledged the leadership of outgoing Crusaders CEO Hamish Riach, who announced he is stepping down from the position; after 17 years in the role. Riach, who led both Crusaders and Canterbury for 16 years before focussing on the Super Rugby club, will leave at the end of the 2018 Investec Super Rugby season. […] READ MORE
Two roles within New Zealand Rugby have been confirmed. One was a return that was less pronounced, while the other seemed to be the ‘worst kept secret’ in recent memory. However, both new Head Coaching positions announced for the Hurricanes Super Rugby franchise, and the Waikato Rugby provincial team, only cement the quality of coaches […] READ MORE
You get a sense from talking with James Lash that Heartland Rugby is everything that he enjoys about the game of rugby union and while some, including this reporter, would admire him being offered an opportunity to wear All Black, the player himself is more than happy playing for Buller. Buller, on the West Coast […] READ MORE
At the provincial heartland of New Zealand, a rugby game in Paeroa is more than just 80 minutes. It is a highlight of the week, even more so for some. The weeks highlight for those who would plan to travel from within the district, to cheer on their men. That is because the Thames Valley Rugby […] READ MORE
This ground-breaking head concussion study across Premiership and Championship rugby will run alongside the existing HIA off field screen that will be for a fixed period of ten minutes. READ MORE