You can’t predict much these days, but you can be sure, on any given weekend, an international-level coach will say, “we’re building a squad for the 2023 World Cup.” But does this hold much meaning? It’s catchy, it moves the interview on, but when the winners and the losers are saying it, it seems a […] READ MORE
This week, World Rugby announced the Women’s Rugby World Cup will be expanded from 12 to 16 teams. Which begs the question: which teams would likely qualify for 2025? Of the 12 teams competing in New Zealand in 2021, 7 qualified courtesy of their placement in the last World Cup. Fiji and South Africa came […] READ MORE
Professional rugby players and staff have worked together to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Sadly, the coronavirus pandemic has hurt many people in several different ways. This includes rugby players and teams that have faced uncertainty. However, there have been some players and organizations that have risen to the occasion and are stepping up. Many of […] READ MORE
Wayne Pivac’s tenure as Wales rugby teams’ head coach has got off to a ‘far from smooth start’ as problems continue to mount for the New Zealander. Pivac; who has won just two competitive games since replacing Warren Gatland as head coach of Wales, is already under increasing pressure. Although it was expected that the transition […] READ MORE
Even with a barely tolerable 50% win ratio, Ian Foster’s All Blacks gain a pass mark in the books of most fair-minded critics. Most, although the so-called ‘brutal fans’ might still struggle with the overall results of 2020. Saturday’s victory over Argentina has pushed the team just into the pass category. Not a strong season, […] READ MORE
When these two sides clash, the Māori All Blacks v Moana Pasifika fixture on December 5 is going to be both a nod to cultural heritage of indigenous rugby culture in New Zealand, as well as one more reward for rugby fans who have had a ‘less than satisfactory year’ [thanks to Covid]. The colours […] READ MORE
Speaking in response to comments made by Bristol Bears prop Kyle Sinckler, Pat Lam said that he is excited by what is to come. Sinckler said that moving club during lockdown and being unable to see his family has made him feel he is operating at 20%. Given that leaves for a five-fold improvement that […] READ MORE
Rob Baxter has provided support for Sam Simmonds after another week went by without an international call up. Speaking ahead of the visit of Bath this weekend Rob Baxter addressed the media to show understanding for the situation of Sam Simmonds but also of Eddie Jones and the England setup. David Challis caught up with […] READ MORE
Gallagher Premiership clubs have learned today of their status in the tier system that could see them welcome back crowds. Some will be able to host supporters, whilst others remain crowd-less. How does the tier system work? There are three tiers. Tier one will see 4,000 fans attending sporting events, tier two with 2,000 supporters […] READ MORE
The Indigo Group Premiership may be months behind its usual starting point, but with plenty of time to look at off the field matters, Robert Rees has investigated into the playing budgets of each team. Indigo Group Premiership playing budgets The Welsh Premiership is a turbulent environment financially, with changes to the format and funding […] READ MORE