Rugby News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumours
To the delight of their enthusiastic fans, all the men’s (Rugby World Cup) RWC2023 World Cup squads are expected to be announced over the next month. Revealed to the world – and their opponents – as well as to establish that nation’s game plan. Every one of them is fully emersed currently in their individual […] READ MORE
With the refreshed Super Rugby Pacific model announced early this week, it is more a case of ‘back to the future’ for NZ/AUS rugby. That is due to the 12 team format reverting to the old Super12 Rugby days. 12 is a good number, as the choice of a round-robin format will have each team play […] READ MORE
The match schedule for the premier SANZAAR Rugby tournament has only just allayed the confusion and conjecture that was surrounding the 2021 Rugby Championship (TRC) fixtures list. With major changes made to these TRC fixtures timeline that is now based entirely in Queensland, it has become a singular-Continental tournament – and one that may or […] READ MORE
For the first time in two seasons, the full complement of competing nations will be represented when The Rugby Championship 2021 was revealed last week. Including South Africa – who could not travel in 2020, due to Coronavirus restrictions – the current World Champions will again face their famous foes from the Southern Hemisphere. New […] READ MORE
To make it even more inventive, 2021 see’s new Super Rugby law variations that are designed to draw on many innovations that observers and fans have often invited. On trial here, they are a mix of introduced rulings and interpretations across both Super Rugby Australia and in New Zealand’s Aotearoa competitions. All approved by the […] READ MORE
After the conflict of schedule, the draw has been resolved for The Rugby Championship 2020 that allays the concerns of New Zealand, and ends an ugly argument between the nations. “Rugby Australia and SANZAAR, with the support of the NSW Government, South Africa, Argentina, and New Zealand, have been proactive in putting numerous workable solutions […] READ MORE
Recent Tit-for-tat behaviour and reporting of SANZAAR partners internal squabbling have been unfavourable, and to be honest, unsettling to all stakeholders. Like a trial separation where the parents are accusing the other of using the children for their own purposes, the relationship is at a low ebb. Something that has bubbled away for some time, […] READ MORE
When The Rugby Championship schedule was confirmed by SANZAAR, there were polar opposite reactions. On one hand, the promoters SANZAAR proudly confirmed ‘TRC 2020 Match Schedule and Venues’ while the host Rugby Australia were delighted. On the other, New Zealand Rugby was far from amused. Why? It appears a scheduling conflict would see the All […] READ MORE
In a Grand Final that saw the ACT Brumbies win Super Rugby Australia, they have secured the title over the Queensland Reds 28-23 in Canberra. Competing in a semi-final and the winner takes all final was the difference between the Australian competition versus the New Zealand one. The Crusaders were victorious over the Tasman, yet […] READ MORE
The Super Rugby divorce between the Australasian teams, South Africa and Argentina sounds like a done deal. There are lingering questions if this is indeed the case. Super Rugby divorce NZ Rugby CEO Mark Robinson announced that New Zealand had committed itself to a new direction at Super Rugby level. In summary, they are considering […] READ MORE
Ryan is the Managing Editor at Last Word on Rugby and resides in Johannesburg, South Africa. He specializes in opinion pieces relating to International rugby, Super Rugby and domestic rugby in South Africa.
His career highlights include being granted media accreditation for the Rugby World Cup tournament.