The Seattle Seawolves have added considerable strength to their forward pack with the signing of Fiji international Apisai Naikatini. At 6’5″ (1.96m) and 255lbs (115kg) the 33-year-old provides ballast as well as lineout athleticism to the Seattle second row, which now boasts five players of starting quality. Naikatini played 18 …
Read More »2018 ARN Breakthrough Player of the Year
Similar to our Rookie award, the Breakthrough Player of the Year is given to an individual who rises from relative obscurity to prominence over the calendar year. Where it differs from the Rookie award is that these nominees might have been capped before, jumping from fringe player to test starter, …
Read More »Make It The Cudmore-Capó Cup
International competition in 2018 got underway with Canada vs Uruguay. Vancouver was the setting on January 27 for the first of two fixtures with Montevideo hosting the return match the following weekend. The matches were two excellent tests. They were competitive with both teams have the opportunity to win. Ultimately …
Read More »MLR Preseason – Austin, NOLA, and Utah grab wins
With just under two weeks to go until the second season of Major League Rugby begins eight teams were looking to get precious on-field time together. In the end seven teams did – another was left on the bus – and it might be fair to say that they could …
Read More »Four new names in Canada squad for ARC openers
Canada coach Kingsley Jones has named four uncapped players in his 28-man squad for the South American leg of the Americas Rugby Championship. Justin Blanchet, Nakai Penny, Will Percillier, and Will Kelly are set to make their senior international debuts. Blanchet is one of five who play their domestic rugby …
Read More »Chile win Viña Sevens to claim Sudamérica title
Chile completed an historic sevens double over the weekend as they won the Viña del Mar Sevens in style to claim their first ever Sudamérica title. After going unbeaten at Punta del Este a week ago, the Cóndores met defeat for the first time in the pool stage but recovered …
Read More »Raptors stop Legion in MLR warm-up
A last-second try from Hanco Germishuys handed the Glendale Raptors a 38-31 win over the San Diego Legion in Major League Rugby preseason action on Sunday. It was the second of the game for the Eagles flanker, bringing a close to an entertaining match at Torero Stadium. The Legion started …
Read More »Clermont and Saracens remain undefeated in Europe
Through five rounds of European competition just two teams remain undefeated. Saracens are making their claim for a third title in four years as they sport the best record in the Champions Cup, with a perfect five wins from five. Their win over Lyon on the weekend guarantees a Quarter …
Read More »Taylor Paris scores against Exeter Chiefs
Castres were defeated by Exeter Chiefs in the Champions Cup match at Sandy Park on Sunday but there was a moment to savor for Taylor Paris. The Canadian winger broke a try-scoring drought that stretched back to February of 2018 for Canada against Uruguay. It was his first in a …
Read More »Champions Cup – Round 5 Preview
Saturday and Sunday will see most eyes pinned on the Champions Cup where there are plenty of playoff spots to be decided. Toulon have crashed out but can still play a spoiler role in Pool 5 when they host Edinburgh on Saturday. Facundo Isa will start on the flank while …
Read More »