Since 2007, Portugal haven’t given as much to the rugby world as fans originally expected. The amateur rugby team, called Os Lobos, failed to capitalize on their place in the rugby arena and after struggling now play in the third division of European rugby. But, outside of the mist, chaos and cruel reality of pro-rugby, some surprises still come from the […] READ MORE
Tag: Nigel Owens
Nigel Owens added his ‘two pence worth’ in Champions Cup final
It can’t be said that Nigel Owens didn’t add his ‘two pence worth’ of interest and conjecture to the 2019/20 Champions Cup final. The highly-rated International referee once again controlled the pinnacle match for European Professional Club Rugby (EPRC). He oversaw Exeter Chiefs claim their maiden title over Racing 92 – but not without a […] READ MORE
2005 Maori All Blacks v British and Irish Lions ‘flashback’
2005 Maori All Blacks v British and Irish Lions ‘flashback’ Today we look back at the historic 2005 tour that saw the Maori All Blacks take on the mighty British and Irish Lions. This is ahead of their ‘rematch’ under head coach Warren Gatland in 2017. From wikipedia: “In 2005, the British and Irish Lions rugby union team […] READ MORE
Rugby TMO lessons for Football’s VAR
The application of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in football has resulted in nothing but controversy since its introduction to the Premier League. So is there anything to learn from a more mature technology, such as the Rugby TMO? Embed from Getty Images VAR decision incidents and contention It is tempting, when introducing any new […] READ MORE
Referees notebook; Red cards and RWC Head Contact directives
By and large the referees – since the opening round of matches – have implemented the new head contact directives released by World Rugby, to the letter. Last Word on Rugby’s resident referee Scott MacLean looks at the decisions to date at the Rugby World Cup (RWC) and how/why they might have come to their […] READ MORE
Phenomenal New Zealand All Blacks ‘show their cards’ at 2019 RWC
To the delight of their wide fan base, a phenomenal New Zealand All Blacks team has literally ‘shown all their cards’ at 2019 Rugby World Cup. They have blitzed Ireland, to make a strong statement and proceed to the semifinals. And it was phenomenal, as they built on an impressive opening half of rugby, that […] READ MORE
RWC Quarterfinals referee selection should not influence outcome
The eight sides who have progressed to the knockout stages should be confident that the RWC Quarterfinals referee selection should not influence any outcome. Hardly surprising you might say, in the well-managed environment of the Rugby World Cup. Little is left to chance by World Rugby – and that includes the nominations for referees, assistants […] READ MORE
Nigel Owens is the most charismatic referee in Rugby Union modern history
Possibly, before rugby union was televised, there were referees who could communicate with players as well as a certain, Nigel Owens. But hands down today, he is by far the most charismatic referee in the modern history of this game. Recent evidence is clearly supporting that reasoning. No longer a question of ‘if’ but, of […] READ MORE
Teams primed ahead of All Blacks v Springboks clash
With the teams ‘primed’ and ready to restart the longstanding rivalry, Saturday night sees another All Blacks v Springboks clash at Wellington’s Westpac Stadium. Round Four of the 2018 Rugby Championship brings the two powers of Southern Hemisphere rugby together, for another Test match. The visitors might not have the awesome attacking ability, as they had […] READ MORE
The One person left standing after every game – the Rugby Referee
Looking down the barrel of another Premiership Rugby season, fans will find a focus on the players. The squads are in full readiness, for the opening Round. As well, the one person left standing after every rugby game, plays his or hers part too – the rugby referee, and the referees assistants. No glory is afforded […] READ MORE