Rugby News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumours
Into its third round of action, Gallagher Premiership Rugby returns to the full ‘Limelight status’ after the RWC finale last weekend. It can stand clearly under the lights, so to speak. Three times that clubs have been without their representative players, all either completing or about to finalize commitments with their national sides; England ended […] READ MORE
The South African URC participants are the Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers. Should there be changes to who gets a seat at the top table? We ran a poll on social media and the result was 68% in favour of a change, with the Lions having to face the Cheetahs in a playoff series. But […] READ MORE
If you’ve watched the United Rugby Championship in recent years then you’ve probably noticed a big change. This is because the tournament underwent a major revamp for the 2021/22 season. The league was rebranded as the URC and expanded to make room for four South African sides. This updated format was somewhat controversial with some […] READ MORE
John Plumtree: The Second Coming Earlier this morning the Sharks announced the second coming of John Plumtree as Head Coach. Dave Williams joins him as an assistant coach, also for his second stint at the KwaZulu-Natal based team. Familiar Territory The Sharks made the announcement earlier today in a move that will be widely […] READ MORE
The South African rugby results in European competition have been more positive than the more pragmatic fans would have expected. Travel and squad depth has been a constant concern for many, especially when the step up from the URC to full European involvement was brought into the equation. Review 2021/22 South African rugby results in […] READ MORE
The South African European rugby introduction was a success last season, with the Stormers winning the United Rugby Championship. How are the teams doing this season? South African European rugby performance: Competition standings The URC and the Heineken Champions Cup both still have a way to go, but we have seen enough to be able […] READ MORE
2022 has seen a fantastic year of rugby, with many ups and downs. What better way to avoid falling out with your family over Monopoly than to do it with our Christmas quiz instead. Let us know your scores! All answers are at the bottom, so no cheating. 2022 round All questions in this round […] READ MORE
The SA Rugby migration to Europe has been a resounding success. The DHL Stormers defeated the Vodacom Bulls in an all-South African final of the United Rugby Championship. Ryan Jordan considers the success of the transition of SA Rugby’s franchise teams from Super Rugby to the URC, as well as some work to be done […] READ MORE
With the United Rugby Championship countdown arriving closer and closer to the competition’s September 24 ‘kick off’ it’s become a reality for fans, teams, and stakeholders. The replacement of the Guinness PRO14 league has been touted as ‘bigger and better’ than before, the proof will be in the product. In the opening weekend’s match outcomes, […] READ MORE
The United Rugby Championship has been revealed, replacing the PRO14 and including four former Super Rugby teams from South Africa. This new competition is the realization of long-brewing plans to include the South African teams in European rugby after their fallout with Super Rugby. It should be noted though that the competition has yet to […] READ MORE
Ryan is the Managing Editor at Last Word on Rugby and resides in Johannesburg, South Africa. He specializes in opinion pieces relating to International rugby, Super Rugby and domestic rugby in South Africa.
His career highlights include being granted media accreditation for the Rugby World Cup tournament.