Rugby News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumours
Positive news for the rest of World Rugby: the All Blacks are not as invincible as they once were. With respect, I do not say that lightly. Saturday’s win over the Barbarians at Twickenham showed glimpses of All Black magic but, it highlighted more just how vital certain personnel are to this team. A supposed […] READ MORE
For Michael Hooper and the Australian Wallabies team, it is a case of ‘playing the best’. And in matching the best–the number one All Blacks team–they can look to improve. And when you improve, you can then have goals and objectives of becoming the best. “I think it would be great to be number one […] READ MORE
The Autumn Internationals are less than a month away. Here are the 40 players that are Wales’ autumn contenders for the squad head coach Warren Gatland will pick to face Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and Georgia. Forwards Front Row Props- Rob Evans, Nicky Smith, Tomas Francis, Samson Lee, Wyn Jones, Kieran Assiratti. Hookers- Ken […] READ MORE
The All Blacks face what remains of the Rugby Championship with some doubts. Is Damian McKenzie the right substitute during Ben Smith’s sabbatical break from international rugby? Has Same Cane made himself the rightful owner of the number 7 jersey? And is there a lack of depth in the first row after the injuries of […] READ MORE
This September will see the relaunch of ‘Inner Warrior’ camps – a nationwide campaign by England Rugby to encourage more girls and women to pick up a rugby ball and play the game. But this initiative is taking place against a controversial backdrop – the termination of England Women’s professional contracts, which has stirred growing demands […] READ MORE
In his 50th test for New Zealand, Dane Coles Returns from an extended period on the sidelines with concussion injury. We look at his impact and career READ MORE
Breaking News: The All Blacks management have publicly announced this afternoon that squad member Jerome Kaino has left the All Blacks team on Game Day, for ‘Personal Reasons’. This development follows unconfirmed newspaper reports published in Australia and New Zealand. These were of personal details of an ‘extra-marital affair [not confirmed by the player or his […] READ MORE
Two new players have been introduced to the starting team, for the Bledisloe Cup match on Saturday, August 19. Liam Squire and Damian McKenzie get the nod over two veteran All Blacks, to reward great Super Rugby form (and more). Both players have had minimal opportunities in black, so the opening Bledisloe Cup match, and […] READ MORE
Key men like Beauden Barrett, Joe Moody and Sam Cane to name but a few, must be managed during this November International fixture list. Being well prepared for the three test matches, after such a long domestic, and even harder International season, will be the 'toughest test'. It will be hard, because of the internal pressures but as much as the evening of the field; to a degree. The announcement of the November International fixture list is a relief for fans. That they can now look forward to higher competition, against several of the best sides in Northern hemisphere rugby. READ MORE
In the wake of impressive performances from the Home Nations over the last month, I pick my Autumn Internationals: Lions XV. READ MORE
Kate is a fourth year History and Economics student at the University of Oxford, who can usually be found streaming the rugby in one of the city's various libraries. A keen Harlequins fan, Kate also follows Gillingham FC and Arsenal, and has been an editor for Last Word on Sports since September 2015. Aside from writing, Kate is a keen sailor, and spends most of her time on the water.