Rugby News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumours
With all the best efforts to remove themselves from restrictions on sport and travel; caused by the Covid-19 pandemic domestically, three provinces within the Auckland region have seen their Bunnings NPC Level 3 bubbles burst. Not through their own making that is, and now Auckland, North Harbour, and Counties-Manukau have all unceremoniously be removed from […] READ MORE
The famed former All Blacks captain and community advocate Buck Shelford is now celebrated as Sir Wayne Shelford, in the 2021 New Zealand Queens birthday honours list. Honoured for what he contributed on the field for his beloved Navy club, North Harbour rugby, and the grassroots game, as well for all the work Shelford continues […] READ MORE
Last minute victories can sometimes be ‘heart stopping’ for fans and supporters. For North Harbour (Harbour) followers, they had to wait until the 79th minute before Bryn Gatland secured the 2016 Championship victory with a drop goal. Winning this clutch result 14-17 is both a credit to the team, but also a great exhibition for […] 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
Since the end of the 2016 season, the Blues Super Rugby franchise has been canvassing for new staff. In an effort to turn successive years of disappointment around, current head coach Tana Umaga this week confirmed his final appointment that makes the Blues Super Rugby Coaching Group Complete. Two recent appointments have been confirmed by head coach Tana Umaga […] READ MORE
North Harbour, or Harbour as they go by today, have still yet 0to reach the heights once envisioned. After a 30 year evolution, for fans it has seemed like the mountain to the Premier level is always just a little ‘too high’. Under many, many great leaders, and many high-quality coaches, the results vary….as with […] READ MORE
Waikato has successfully defended the Ranfurly Shield after beating a valiant North Harbour 26-15 in Hamilton this afternoon. To their absolute credit, North Harbour put on a hell of a showing at FMG Stadium, Waikato. Be it because they arrived in Hamilton a day before the game, or the fact that they were looking down […] 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.