Rugby News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumours
It might not so much be the where, it could be as much the what, why, and when. Because now that Brett Gosper – CEO of World Rugby – has gone to the NFL, important questions on direction, motivation, and its political desires are raised. His term was not a poor one. In fact, two […] 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
The New Zealand Rugby Union have recorded a loss of $7,379,000 before tax in their latest accounts. Robert Rees breaks down the report to bring you the latest from down under. NZRU loss a ‘worry sign of the times’ An increase of losses by more than $5.5m is a worrying sign for the New Zealand […] READ MORE
Unless you have been smothered in the middle of a ruck, the rugby world has been enthralled by the conversation over the proposed World League of Rugby. It has saturated sports news, and especially social media. The reaction from administrations, stakeholders – which includes national organizations and the players – are all adding their voice […] READ MORE
After many years of dominance on the field, finally, the Women’s Rugby World Champions are to finally host the World Cup tournament, in their backyard of New Zealand. Set to host the 2021 tournament, it was the honour of former-Black Ferns captain Dr Farah Palmer (see main picture) to lead the New Zealand Rugby campaign to host […] READ MORE
The appointment of Sir Michael Jones is a progressive placement on the NZ Rugby board that has been well received. The former All Black is both a respected rugby-mind, but also a figure who could proceed a 'change of the guard' at the rugby headquarters. One that is more inclusive, and respectful of all stakeholders READ MORE
The idea that New Zealand born flanker Brad Shields could play for England, in the June Internationals, has highlighted an issue which few perceived (when Shields chose to sign for Wasps). In so much that the connotation was that he might be considered later. And now that England Rugby have broached the topic, contractual responsibilities […] READ MORE
World Rugby have made two key appointments, with England Rugby chief executive Steve Brown, and New Zealand Rugby chief Steve Tew elected onto the 2019 RWC Board. Both with experience in promoting successful Rugby World Cups, they will bring that knowledge to the board level READ MORE
In ‘breaking new ground’ New Zealand Rugby has established professional contracts with Black Ferns players, to herald new opportunities in professional performance and gender equality. This is the first professional contract in New Zealand women’s rugby, and is a positive step that underlines clear advantages made in the game. NEWS | Historic Black Ferns Professional agreements […] READ MORE
Professional rugby players will now face even more pressure to behave well off the field, following the release of a new ‘Respect and Responsibility’ report backed by New Zealand Rugby. You could argue that it was inevitable, following a string of off-field scandals, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) today welcomed the findings and recommendations of 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.