Rugby News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumours
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
Montpellier’s gap at the top was significantly reduced in round five following a heavy defeat to Bordeaux. So the Top 14 Round Six fixtures offered an opportunity for their rivals to continue gaining ground. With some great ties in prospect, here’s all you need to know from this weekend’s rugby: Toulon 26-20 La Rochelle Anthony […] READ MORE
The Top14 Round Five weekends action had some mouth-watering ties in prospect. Clermont faced Racing and Stade welcomed Toulon. With the top teams already facing an uphill battle, it made winning and gaining ground ever more important. So as Bordeaux ends Montpellier’s unbeaten run in ’emphatic style’ that proves that this season’s competition is ramping up. Here’s […] READ MORE
The Top 14 kicked off last weekend, and it didn’t disappoint. There were big wins for both Montpellier and Toulon as well as disappointments for Stade Francais and Clermont Auvergne to begin the 2017/18 championship. Having made the move across the channel to Toulon, Chris Ashton impressed on debut. Two tries and a try saving tackle […] READ MORE
These two away wins on European semi-final weekend have resulted in two very interesting-looking finals. All the sides have domestic league distractions before their Edinburgh outings, and it is likely that those who can sustain momentum from this result, and going through the next three weeks, will emerge victorious at Murrayfield. READ MORE
James is an Editor for Last Word on Rugby. He covers the Gallagher Premiership and in particular Gloucester Rugby, his hometown club. When not at Kingsholm James may also be found supporting Gloucestershire Cricket.