With twenty-five minutes on the clock in the highest-profile game of rugby in months, the Crusaders went down six points. Rieko Ioane had just demonstrated his trademark finishing ability, by carrying two Crusaders with him as he muscled his way over the tryline for the Blues. Ioane’s try had handed his team the ascendancy, (with […] READ MORE
Tag: Super Rugby
The southern hemisphere: COVID’s impact on rugby union
The world is going through a tough time right now, which includes the rugby union community. However, it is not just a human toll, but an economic toll. This includes southern hemisphere countries with both Super Rugby and PRO14 teams. COVID’s impact on the southern hemisphere Africa South Africa According to RugbyPass, South Africa Rugby […] READ MORE
Beauden Barrett to take year off Super Rugby with eyewatering £780k contract
Auckland Blues star back Beauden Barrett has announced he’ll take a year off from Super Rugby to play in Japan, with the contract thought to be worth nearly £800,000. Beauden Barrett bids goodbye! Beauden Barrett, who signed a four year deal with the NZRU last year will miss the 2021 Super Rugby season to play […] READ MORE
Fans, fans, fans everywhere; Super Rugby Aotearoa
When numbers count, the figures for attendance at Super Rugby Aotearoa matches in rounds one and two may reach unfamiliar heights. Yet, in unfamiliar times [Covid-19 enforced] something that is positive is very much required. The positives from rugby resuming are untold. In terms of social importance, in participation in part by the teams as […] READ MORE
Southern hemisphere Rugby Cities with both League and Union teams
In the southern hemisphere, Australia and New Zealand have five cities that play host to both professional rugby league and union teams. The game has a wide reach throughout the region; Australasia, the Pacific, and across the Southern Hemisphere. Fan loyalty can be engrained, although, at times, it might be whichever game has the most […] READ MORE
Strategic Breakdown Law variations used by Super Rugby Aotearoa
While strategic to new breakdown law variations, the recent changes to the ruck have been received positively. Super Rugby Aotearoa wants to test these innovations, to judge how successful the law variations will be taken to by players and referees. Last Word on Rugby’s resident rugby referee, Scott MacLean, has cast his eye over breakdown […] READ MORE
Strange in Blue; Dan Carter super-utility rugby signing
Usually wearing a red jersey, Dan Carter will now be [strangely] in Blue. He has now signed as a utility back for the Blues Super Rugby franchise. No, you’re not dreaming. The three-time Super Rugby title winner has 141 caps with the Crusaders and is a surprise signing. It is also a huge boost for […] READ MORE
Red Card – I’ll see your replacement in 20 minutes!
Not always, but for the most, a red card in a rugby match is tantamount to a ‘give way’ sign. The defensive effort is often too much – especially if that occurred in the opening half or the third quarter. But as Super Rugby Aotearoa gets set to return, some law variations being trialed will […] READ MORE
Is It Time to Void the Premiership Season?
As of 1st June professional sport can restart in England, however, the plans for the Premiership season to begin again are nowhere to be seen which as seen calls to void it grow. As football, cricket, tennis amongst others all get going again rugby is being left behind. The longer the Premiership goes without producing […] READ MORE
Is a rugby game exciting without a Crowd
The rush to get sport up and running again brings up a unique consideration. With nobody cheering them on, is a rugby game exciting without a Crowd? As Covid-19 health conditions restrict crowds gathering in large numbers in New Zealand, Australia, and across the globe, what will the atmosphere feel like? That is, in comparison […] READ MORE