Rugby News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumours
Regardless of the result on Friday against New Zealand, Warren Gatland will leave a lasting legacy as the Wales head coach. Robert Rees looks back over his stellar career and the impact he made on Welsh rugby. Lasting legacy felt across Wales When Warren Gatland became the Welsh coach in 2007 Wales were a side […] READ MORE
There is still three months until the new competition is close to beginning, but the 2018 Super Rugby squads have all been announced. All five New Zealand franchises released their lists today, reflecting the men who will lead the sides on their journey towards [possibly] another Super Rugby title. The Crusaders are only just recovering from […] READ MORE
A ruthless Crusaders team have held off the Chiefs, in a ‘Clash of the Titans’ game in Christchurch. The result decides one of the challengers for the 2017 title. And as the Crusaders earn a Grand Final spot, that side now heads to the *Grand Final next weekend. Where that is, will be decided in […] READ MORE
The Super Rugby semifinals are the closest to test match rugby, that you can get. The players will all tell you the speed is faster, the hits harder and the result more important. With every side only having lost three or less matches all season, they are used to one result. READ MORE
The Chiefs semifinal hopes may rest with Damian McKenzie in Saturday’s do-or-die Super Rugby semifinal clash against the Crusaders in Christchurch. McKenzie, 22, is currently riding the waves of his most impressive Super Rugby season yet. ‘The smiling assassin’ insists he doesn’t deliberately look for the camera just before starting his kicking routine. The stillness, […] READ MORE
If fans were looking forward to some high-scoring, and exhilarating action for the Super Rugby 2017 Quarterfinals, then they might feel slightly short-changed. They had action sure, but where was the high-scoring, fast-paced action that fans are so used to? The truth is, knockout rugby necessitates a more strategic plan. Less razzle-dazzle, and more cut and […] READ MORE
A late try by Shaun Stevenson was enough to ensure that the Chiefs beat Stormers in Super Rugby quarter final. Ending 17-11, the Chiefs got the job done on the road and will now take on a long 24-hour flight back to New Zealand where a clash against the Crusaders awaits in the Semi Finals. […] READ MORE
Rumours that Damian McKenzie could feature for the Leicester Tigers in 2018 have gathered momentum this week, but the reliability of information coming out of the UK is inconsistent at best. All that talk is just that though – talk. If it happens, and it’s a big if at this point, McKenzie’s departure would be […] READ MORE
The fact is, since the Chiefs beat Brumbies, the Hurricanes did their fellow New Zealand team no favours. As they beat the Crusaders, it makes for a tougher quarter final schedule. The Chiefs have no choice but to accept the fact that in order to win the title; they'll have to do it away from home base. It doesn't get any tougher than a trip to Newlands, but that is exactly what will be required. READ MORE
All Black hero and Chiefs veteran Stephen Donald will likely rejoin his beloved Mooloos for yet another season of provincial rugby. An official announcement from Waikato Rugby is due to be made in the next week or so ‘once the paperwork’ is complete. Donald will join other big signing Zac Guildford, in what will be […] 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.