Rugby News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumours
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
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
Rugby Unions governing body World Rugby, have announced global trials ahead of proposed amendments to the scrum and tackle/ruck laws. The trials will take place from August 1 in the Northern Hemisphere, as World Rugby tweaks Scrum and Ruck Laws in an attempt to make the game simpler to watch, and play. New Global Trial Announced from […] READ MORE
All Black hero and Chiefs veteran Stephen Donald will likely rejoin his beloved Mooloos for yet another season of provincial rugby. An official announcement from Waikato Rugby is due to be made in the next week or so ‘once the paperwork’ is complete. Donald will join other big signing Zac Guildford, in what will be […] 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
Keven Mealamu used to take care of business on the rugby field. But since retiring from footy, he is now more concerned with taking care of his mates. He is the spokesman for an new initiative from New Zealand Rugby called Headfirst. Released this morning, it is an online help service for members of the […] READ MORE
Speaking yesterday to rugby sevens ‘Super-Coach’ Sir Gordon Tietjens, his vision is as clear as usual. Samoa is a new step in his coaching career, a big commitment after so many years with New Zealand, but he is clear that he has taken on the role in building depth in Samoa Sevens first, and foremost. […] 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
Chiefs coach Dave Rennie has selected an experienced and talented squad for Investec Super Rugby in 2017. It will be Rennie’s last year at the helm of the Chiefs, capping off a coaching career that has seen the side never-fail to make the playoffs, and won the Southern Hemisphere rugby competition twice. With an All […] 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.