Rugby News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumours
Rebranding it the 2021 Bunnings NPC (renamed from the Mitre 10 Cup) will help to revitalize Provincial Rugby this season in New Zealand. That is not due to any new trial laws, or some variation of the format – it is just the most logical reason. The NPC (National Provincial Union) is the traditional analogy […] READ MORE
All week, the anticipation of the North v South match has been building. Player’s have been flying the colours of the province where they made their debut in first-class rugby. It is still a conversation but, the All Blacks selectors chose that criteria, and the players have accepted it. On Saturday night in Wellington, the […] READ MORE
More so today, when fans see players making the game of rugby union their career, the numbers of matches played are steadily rising. With the combination of International tests added to professional franchise/club teams, more and more players joining an exclusive club; with 300 First Class rugby games to their names. In the same way […] READ MORE
The standard bearer of New Zealand provincial rugby strength, the 2018 Mitre 10 Cup and Heartland Championship, have had their full draw announced this week. With this schedule now known, the provincial rugby unions can begin to plan for their short term futures. From the beginning, the organization will call upon it’s staffs to now begin […] READ MORE
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
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
Waikato’s Mitre 10 Cup season is still alive after a narrow 28-24 victory over Wellington, away at Westpac Stadium. In a match that Waikato needed to win in order to stay alive, the visitors had to battle to the very end. Waikato had a lot of attacking ball in the second half, but yet, it seemed unlikely […] 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.