We cover Men's and Women's XVs and 7s Rugby Union and League
Immediately upon becoming professional, Rugby Union went global. The first Professional Rugby competition was Super Rugby, now all but dead in the water. This is the story of how that came about and how the peace deal made then influences rugby’s development now. Rugby, of either code, is a story both of tribalism and exclusivity. […] READ MORE
With the Bledisloe Cup home tests sealed, you might assume that New Zealand Rugby were jumping for joy after announcing the two fixtures. Yet there is ‘trouble at mill’. Two matches, each uniquely scheduled for a Sunday kick-off is the bouquet. However, the trouble it took to secure those, the ignominy and frustrations caused the […] READ MORE
Round 20 has passed us by in the Premiership and that means there is another set of stats to analyse. It was another brilliant weekend with teams gearing up for European rugby this weekend. Meanwhile others took their chance to press claims for the top four. Naturally, there were more incredible performances this weekend. Semi […] READ MORE
The Handre Pollard injury creates a selection conundrum for Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber up to and including the planned British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa in July 2021. Handre Pollard injury Pollard ruptured his anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL) on Friday in playing for Montpellier against Racing 92. The early word is that […] READ MORE
Cardiff Blues‘ head coach John Mulvihill will have plenty of back rowers to choose from when the new season gets underway, with eight players in total to choose from. From Wales internationals Josh Navidi and Ellis Jenkins to up and coming young talents such as Shane Lewis-Hughes and James Botham, Wales’ capital region really are […] READ MORE
After a stellar week for Bath, Zach Mercer has toppled Radradra atop of the tackles list in round 19 of the Premiership stats. Last week Radradra topped almost all attacking categories demonstrating his worth to Bristol. He is still up there in most but with a bit more competition this week. Back again we take […] READ MORE
As the year passes the change in seasons, gladly for rugby fans, it means Autumn International’s dates have been set, including Nations Cup and Women’s Test matches. Knowing this, it brings the theatre of International rugby a step closer. All the while, Guinness PRO14 and the Premiership point towards their playoffs and grand final. All […] READ MORE
In these modern times, the good old Rugby Papers have appeared to become a second rate option. Compared to all the ‘rugby pods’ or independent websites available today, how does the average rugby reader actually consume content these days? Here at Last Word on Rugby, we decided to ask you ‘what is your preferred option?’ […] READ MORE
The 19 year old hooker/flanker hit the headlines last night, and for all the right reasons. However, lets look into the making of the man and whether Alfie Barbeary has what it takes to fulfil the potential often spoke about. What was witnessed on Wednesday night was definitely an impressive performance from a dominant and […] READ MORE
Owen Farrell faced a disciplinary hearing last night, after the red card he received over the weekend. He received a five match ban. All considered, this is far too short. What Owen Farrell got is fair in accordance to the laws, there is no mistaking that. The initial entry level punishment the committee agreed on […] READ MORE