Rugby News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumours
There is no doubt that Luke Pearce has become one of the most popular referees in the world. There is even a montage video on YouTube titled ‘5 minutes of Luke Pearce being Luke Pearce!’ with over 170,000 views (see below). He is cherished for giving clear and concise explanations and letting play continue. Pearce […] READ MORE
Are ‘rugby values’ truly superior to those of other sports? Not according to Rugby analyst Robbie Owen (or Squidge Rugby, as preferably known). According to Owen, rugby often pats itself on the back for actions that “other sports can do without needing a round of applause”. Some fans may not like it, but he is […] READ MORE
Not always, but for the most, a red card in a rugby match is tantamount to a ‘give way’ sign. The defensive effort is often too much – especially if that occurred in the opening half or the third quarter. But as Super Rugby Aotearoa gets set to return, some law variations being trialed will […] READ MORE
Rugby World Cup referees have come in for a lot of criticism during the opening weeks of the competition. Some of this is fair but much of the criticism has been taken too far. Here at Last Word on Rugby, we will be offering a partial defence of the officiating so far. There have been […] READ MORE
As an organization, Last Word on Rugby looks forward to the New Year, as much as anyone. We too, like to review many of the incredible accomplishments that have occurred over the past 12 months, the key moments over the calendar before making any ‘rugby resolutions’ ahead of the next year. Fondly as we might […] READ MORE
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
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
“Show me the money!” Those were the immortal words shouted by Cuba Gooding Jnr. and Tom Cruise in the movie Jerry Maguire. In the context of the scene, it meant ‘put up or shut up’. Rugby’s existential crisis now is quite similar; in context of whether the product represents the very best of the sport. […] READ MORE
Cornelius is a long serving analyst and rugby fanatic, now trying his hand at some in depth game and tournament dissemination.
Cornelius' love for Rugby was solidified in 1995 when the Springboks won the Rugby World Cup after South Africa became a democratic nation. He has always believed that sport, although dividing us on the pitch, is the best tool to bring us all together. After school, he traveled and worked in the UK, before returning to South Africa and working as a data analyst for a utility company. He has also worked in the Middle East (Egypt), and upon returning in 2017, started writing part time.