Rugby News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumours
Which ever conference you are in, the frequency of inter-conference/local derby games is high. It’s ‘high demand, highly entertaining, highly draining, high scoring and highly anticipated’. You get the picture–so with any Big Match, the heat is raised and teams are expected to peak. What if that occurred nearly every week? Or every other week, […] READ MORE
When head coach Scott Robertson speaks of Matt Todd, he is glowing of the players resolve. Robertson has said that Matt Todd volunteered for ‘active duty’. And like a soldier, the Crusader loose forward knows that his team need him in the trenches this weekend. The ‘game of the weekend’ – no disrespect to the 6 […] READ MORE
At the 2017 ASB New Zealand Rugby Awards, there were many winners. But it was Super Sam Whitelock who took the Supreme Award in NZ Rugby. Claiming the Kel Tremaine Memorial Award, Sam Whitelock added that to his Investec Super Rugby player of the Year award, to cap a fantastic 12 months. Over that time, the lock […] READ MORE
The official full draw has been released for the upcoming 2018 Brisbane Global Rugby Tens tournament. The 12 team International event will now feature a women’s competition, as well as a full weekend of ‘full on rugby entertainment’. In it’s second year, the tournament is going to be hosted by Nick Cummins. The former Australian […] READ MORE
The Crusaders Super Rugby franchise has made a new appointment to their coaching group. To be added in 2018, he is surprisingly not a local son [as has been the norm]. He is former Ireland International player, Ronan O’Gara. Currently assisting at French Top 14 side Racing 92 – where Daniel Carter plies his trade. He […] READ MORE
Most rugby fans will have heard of Canterbury. The South Island team from New Zealand, has a strong history which is scattered with All Blacks, Super Rugby and Provincial champions. Canterbury Rugby can be called a ‘production line’ of New Zealand rugby, such a powerful testimony to the region and the professional organisation. Highlighted in […] READ MORE
In all sense and purpose, last nights victory by the Crusaders over the Lions, has regained a ‘lost supremacy’ for one team. By claiming the championship, fans saw the Crusaders crowned Super Rugby Champions for a record eighth time. And that record was one which had taken a term to add to. Not since 2008, had […] READ MORE
Tough because they not only want to finish ahead of the three chasing New Zealand franchise teams, but they must stay ahead of the talented Emirates Lions from Johannesburg. The Crusaders main opponent on the standings ladder, however each will not face each other in regular season. READ MORE
Anton Lienert-Brown left an offer with the Crusaders on the table to stay with the Chiefs through until 2020 - signalling thanks to the club who first gave him his first big break in Super Rugby. READ MORE
The Crusaders have looked above and beyond any other side in Super Rugby so far; but they could face their toughest test yet once a difficult trip to South Africa is over. The next time that the Crusaders play in front of their home fans will be in a clash against the Hurricanes. Now the […] 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.