Rugby News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumours
Resilient Bristol Bears secured a late 30-11 bonus point win over Stade Français to retain their 100% record in the Challenge Cup pool stages. Late tries from Harry Thacker, Charles Piutau and Toby Fricker added to the early Luke Morahan try to claim their third bonus point win in Pool 4. The away side frustrated the hosts as they […] READ MORE
The Challenge Cup draw is usually a secondary affair with all eyes on the Champions Cup. This year has been different with a whole stack of big-name clubs falling into the tier competition, thus making it a very satisfying product to watch unfold. Robert Rees previews the 2019/20 competition. Pool 1 Castres, Worcester Warriors, Dragons, […] READ MORE
With the Six Nations set to kick off in Paris next week between France and Wales Robert Rees gives you his Wales side to face France as Warren Gatland kick starts the Wales campaign. Injury setbacks for Wales will force changes It’s been well known for a while that full back Leigh Halfpenny will be […] READ MORE
There have been some impressive performances so far in the Challenge Cup but who are the early contenders? Robert Rees has your Challenge Cup round one summary to help guide you through all the weekend’s action. Pool One Standings Dragons – 5 points Clermont – 5 points Northampton – 0 points Timisoara Sarcens – 0 […] READ MORE
The Top14 Round 23 action followed a weekend of some fantastic European quarter-finals. Both Racing and Pau progressed after two all-French last eight ties. The rest of the league enjoyed a much needed rest, which meant refreshed bodies going in to the final few games that will determine final placings. But, more importantly, it could […] READ MORE
Competition at the foot of the table is gaining momentum and a Top14 Round 20 clash for Oyonnax at Bordeaux, is the pick of the action. Timing their form just right could be just the catalyst, for pulling off the ‘great escape’ from relegation. And as teams watched on, as the national side devastated English […] READ MORE
One of France’s oldest and most decorated rugby clubs, Stade Francais, are falling ever closer to relegation to the ProD2. A Top14 Round 19 fixture away to Oyonnax looked favourable for the Paris-based side, but teams below them are starting to find form. Oyonnax, being no different, took the opportunity to seize all four points […] READ MORE
The final weekend of European pool matches has been completed, and the quarter final lineup is now known. In Challenge Cup Round Six it is the results of the qualifying French teams that catch the eye. In a tournament that is often ignored by Pro14 sides, the European Professional Rugby Clubs’ tournament victory last season; […] READ MORE
Challenge Cup Round Two did not disappoint after an eventful first week, with six away wins out of ten fixtures. Last Word on Rugby rounds up the best of the action, and considers the continuing ambivalence of the French sides in this competition. Giants Toppled at Home In 2005 Stade Français and Toulouse contested the Heineken […] READ MORE
This season’s European Challenge Cup started in France on Thursday, with Pau beating Gloucester 27-21. It ended in Switzerland, with Connacht thumping the touring hosts Oyonnax 43-15. From Siberia to Switzerland, Last Word on Rugby rounds up the highlights of Challenge Cup Round One, including a shock win for an Russian side. Further Progress for […] READ MORE