Rugby News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumours
Released the day after the final Rugby Championship clash at Eden Park, the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific draw will be unique in the natural evolution to include fixtures in both Fiji and Samoa. The best way to recognize the importance of the Fijian Drau and Moana Pasifika, was to schedule matches at their own home […] READ MORE
The Tonga Ikale Tahi national rugby union side has announced a strong side for 2022, which includes recalls to former Wallaby Israel Folau, and former All Black Charles Piutau, as well as others who can remold the Pacifica side’s rugby future. Finally able to make the selection of several former Internationals, Tonga has brought in […] READ MORE
With six spots officially leftover RWC2023 qualification tournaments scheduled this season, the candidates must all be focused on ‘any and every opportunity’ to reach Paris in September 2023. World Rugby has described the pathway for qualifying International sides to follow, if they wish to add their nation to the participating 20 men’s sides for the […] READ MORE
World Rugby has voted to allow former international players the chance to switch allegiance to a new country. Voted in by the full council of partner nations, the improved World Rugby eligibility rules will be a huge encouragement to many who have publically asked for the opportunity to represent one nation, another playing for another. […] READ MORE
Beginning their representative season, the large ‘Cricket scoreline’ in the All Blacks v Tonga International Test match has created more dialogue on the disparity which Pacific Islands nations still endure. With every effort made by the Tongan side to their credit, they could not withstand the barrage handed down by the New Zealand All Blacks […] READ MORE
With the steady stream of players ending their terms with the Japan Top League, leading names like Beauden Barrett & Brodie Retallick return to NZ Rugby. That is to say, they have had to readjust to New Zealand conditions via the mandatory 14-day managed isolation period, which all returnees must complete. They, like others, have […] READ MORE
After the official World Rugby declaration on May 10, an affirmed International Test match schedule is now settled after New Zealand’s fixture list was announced to widespread approval. With July set to be a bumper schedule for all Tier one nations, the recognition for Pacific Islands nations, Rugby Europe teams, and for the two major […] READ MORE
The Pacific Nations arguably produces some of the best players in world rugby but, their sides struggle to perform. A major talking point pre-World Cup was the number of players from the Pacific playing for the Tier One nations. However, Fiji showed glimpses of their world-class quality in the first half against Australia; as well […] READ MORE
Building his rugby knowledge ‘on the job’ is 2019 Harbour Rugby assistant coach Sam Ward. Part of the leadership group in the Mitre 10 Cup Championship – it is one steep learning curve that the assistant coach is fully embracing. While 2019 has not yet been full of highs, a sweet victory over Manawatu on […] READ MORE
England v Tonga – it wasn’t pretty but it was ‘job done and move on’ for England on Sunday morning. A bonus point was the bare minimum for this contest and England just about got there. The bright point was England’s defence in their 35-3 win over a physical Tongan outfit. They did not concede […] READ MORE
Charlie has been writing rugby features for the last 20 years and has covered World Cups, Six Nations, and Lions' tours. My aim has always been to provide opinion and analysis which hopefully adds to the conversations that we all enjoy over a pint or two in the pub.