Rugby News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumours
In the calendar year, reports and analysis are due and with consideration of the NZ Rugby 2021 season, you would be correct in classifying it as ‘some good, some bad’. Unsettled yes. Disastrous, No. That isn’t accurate. Three losses for the national team yes – both men’s and the women’s Black Ferns disappointed. Each had […] READ MORE
On the move ‘again’ the Ranfurly Shield is capturing the attention of rugby fans for not only its quick transition but also, the quality of the matches. For the third time this season alone, the Ranfurly Shield has been taken away from the holder. To the delight of rugby followers – or to the torment […] READ MORE
The 2018 Mitre 10 Cup season will not be remembered fondly by Taranaki Rugby, with the ‘Amber and Blacks’ finishing bottom of the seven-team Division One [Premiership]. And as such of their lowly position against the premier NZ domestic rugby sides, the proud union suffered relegation to the secondary Championship tier for the 2019 season as […] READ MORE
To the cheers of delight from fans, the Waikato Rugby team have secured the Ranfurly Shield. They defeated holders Taranaki, to ‘steal away the silverware’ 19-33. Challenging for the Ranfurly Shield a pure motivation factor in itself. Sides who might not have demonstrated the ability, suddenly rise in stature – and that is exactly what […] READ MORE
Angus Ta'avau, struggling Blues player, to a Waratahs & Chiefs Super Rugby player, is now taking opportunity as it 'knocks' when the All Blacks come calling READ MORE
The inclusion of Taranaki boosts the 2018 Farah Palmer Cup competition by one to 12 teams this season, as NZR and Sky commit to increased coverage READ MORE
Super Rugby is building into its final stages of preseason, and new Chiefs coach Colin Cooper is looking to build on the solid foundations laid before him. It’s been a long preseason so far, with a lot of skills work taking place in December before beginning set piece work in the New Year. If the […] READ MORE
It will be ‘rugby overload’ come Saturday, with major semifinals this weekend across all NZ domestic competitions. The penultimate round in fact; with Mitre 10 Cup, Heartland Championship and Farah Palmer Cup finals all decided. As the final four competitors in each division were decided from the last round of regular play, the results were […] READ MORE
But the result tonight was not apparent from the outset. With Canterbury leading at halftime by 31-21, not many will have predicted the huge change in fortune. Especially played in the 'red and blacks' hometown, it was widely presumed that - as good as Taranaki are - the Canterbury machine had gotten 'back on course'. That was not until SHIELD FEVER took hold of the 'Taranaki Bulls' team. READ MORE
With the departure of Dave Rennie looming, former Hurricanes coach Colin Cooper will take over the Chiefs following the 2017 Super Rugby season. Cooper has signed a three-year deal with the Chiefs, but he will resume his role as Maori All Blacks coach for their big clash against the British & Irish Lions in 2017. […] 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.