Rugby News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumours
With so many local derby matches, the results from Week Five of the Heartland Championship has only minutely defined the standings. For fans and followers of New Zealand grassroots rugby, their focus was directed solely on the field, and on the heritage and tradition of the national provincial rugby competition. For those new to the […] READ MORE
Another weekend, and another Super Saturday. Fans find that the Heartland Championship begins, along with the crucial Black Ferns/All Blacks test matches READ MORE
Like other provincial championships, bringing the game home to the nation is the point-of-difference. The emphasis on the heartland and ‘grassroots rugby’ is where fans can engage with a game that seems to always be played in the big centers – Mitre 10 Cup Rugby turns the focus on the stakeholder. In New Zealand Rugby, […] READ MORE
From it’s foundation, the women’s game of rugby is emerging from the shadow of the traditional viewpoint. Not an unnecessary distraction, not the realm of ‘tom boys’ and certainly not for the fainthearted. The Farah Palmer Cup women’s national provincial rugby competition is fierce, well contested and the perfect testing ground for new talent. Expanded […] READ MORE
The best of New Zealand’s provincial talent will be on show as another season of Mitre 10 Cup rugby kicks off. Split into two divisions, the Championship and Premiership, 14-sides will compete between August and October. The Mitre 10 Cup’s format has often been criticised, but for 2017 at least, the status quo remains. Regardless […] READ MORE
The 2017 Investec Super Rugby season is just a few weeks away; and Nepo Laulala is close to’ bursting at the seams’ with excitement to finally get back on the field. The specialist prop was a big signing for the Chiefs in Super Rugby’s 2015/16 off-season; but he never made it onto the field for […] 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.