Rugby News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumours
It was an Emily Scarratt masterclass when the classic ‘Le Crunch’ fixture was played out between France and England on Day Three of the 2021 Rugby World Cup. That was followed a day later by a somewhat Black Ferns cakewalk over Wales at Waitakere Stadium, on Day Four of the New Zealand-hosted tournament. Contrasts for […] READ MORE
For 80-minutes of the 2021 Rugby World Cup final, the tide shifted from hemisphere to hemisphere, as New Zealand struggled to overcome the world’s leading rugby team England. Yet in the end, a demonstration of rugby soul from the Southern hemisphere proved to be the winner on the day by the nearest of margins. Played […] READ MORE
With players and clubs able to successfully reactivate their calendars after the pandemic, the World Rugby Awards 2022 ceremony in Monaco is set to celebrate a ‘full year of footy’. Nominees have been unveiled across all categories, in the afterglow of the successful 2021 Rugby World Cup, and with two more weeks of the Autumn […] READ MORE
Now that the Farah Palmer Cup finals places are confirmed, both the Premiership and Championship divisions will be decided on Saturday, September 10. Some players involved in those two fixtures are also with the New Zealand Black Ferns women’s team. They are currently in full preparations ahead of the 2021 Rugby World Cup; postponed due […] READ MORE
To many, he is still the Professor. Former All Blacks coach Wayne Smith, the mind behind much of the New Zealand teams ‘cut and thrust’ for over 17 years has returned from Japan and is refreshingly critical of the Super Rugby Aotearoa rugby style. Having been back in his native homeland for five weeks, as […] READ MORE
Destined for last place, again, is there any hope for Italy that they can upset the odds? Listening to their enigmatic Director of Rugby, Conor O’Shea, you would certainly think so. The task at hand is certainly a big one. Some bookies have the Azzurri at 1/18 to finish the 2018 6 Nations with the […] READ MORE
One of New Zealand rugby’s most popular coaches and former All Black, has faced a personal battle with cancer. Wayne Smith; who had only just retired from the Assistant Coaches role, is now looking at recovery after an operation early in December to remove his prostate–according to sources. Fairfax Media columnist Phil Gifford, who is […] READ MORE
When the dust settled, it was a tough, physical win for the Wallabies. A deserved one, where they were able to overcome a disjointed All Blacks team, in this third Bledisloe Cup Test on Saturday. From the evidence, the ‘big collisions and fireworks’ on the field were clear to see. Both sides leaders bore the […] READ MORE
“Okay Steve, we got it” was the reaction by many who heard the New Zealand rugby head coach comment on his mate, Wayne Smith last night. Smith, who had just ended his term as assistant coach for the All Blacks after last nights emphatic 57-0 win over South Africa, rightly deserves accolades. “You guys should […] READ MORE
It’s been a whirlwind week of announcements by New Zealand Rugby, and perhaps it’s timely as the DHL Lions Series is now just ten days away. From Kieran Read announcing that he will return to his home province, to a new home for the New Zealand leg of the HSBC World Sevens series; it’s all […] 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.