The governing body of rugby, World Rugby has unveiled an altered qualification process for Rugby World Cup 2019 which will be held in Japan. Revealed are where the 8 qualifying countries will come from with some continental regions having advantages over others. The 8 qualifying teams will join the 12 …
Read More »Argentina, USA Among the Winners of World Rugby Reform
Both Argentina and the USA are set to be significant benefactors from World Rugby’s announcement that the institution’s governance is to be overhauled. Argentina and Italy are to join the remaining Tier 1 unions of Australia, England, France, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa and Wales in acquiring two votes …
Read More »Implications of RWC 2019 Draw being made in 2016
Confirmation that the draw for Rugby World Cup 2019 draw will be made some time in 2016 brings new meaning to the importance of international rugby in 2016. The lesson of England crashing out at the pool stage after losing against Wales and Australia ought to be noted by all. …
Read More »Forward Thinking (Vol. 1, Iss. 18): Rethinking Eligibility Laws
It took a long time for my colleagues and I here at Americas Rugby News to compile the list of foreign-born players involved in the ongoing Rugby World Cup. This was due to there simply being so many players picked for the tournament who are playing for countries other than …
Read More »Fiji and Uruguay name teams for Tuesday
Fiji and Uruguay have named their teams for their Pool A match in Milton Keynes on Tuesday. Both sides are still in search of their first win of the tournament. Fijian tighthead Manasa Saulo has been suspended for 10 weeks for stamping against Wales, so Lee-Roy Atalifo will start in …
Read More »Wales edge past Fiji in thriller
Wales survived a Fijian onslaught to escape with 23-13 victory at the Millenium Stadium on Thursday in front of more than 70,000 thoroughly entertained fans. Fiji had more than enough possession to put points on the board, but missed opportunities and resolute Welsh defense earned the home side the win. The …
Read More »Injury list deepens at World Cup
Two weeks in and the casualties are mounting in the World Cup. More than half of the teams (11 in total) have been forced to replace at least one player, three more if you count players who were originally named in the 31-man squad but were forced to withdraw before …
Read More »Wales and Fiji set to clash in Cardiff
Both teams have been named for Thursday’s crucial Pool A match between Wales and Fiji at the Millenium Stadium. With Wales now on the ascendency thanks to a famous upset over England, they must beat Fiji to keep their quarter-final prospects alive, and do so on just four days rest. …
Read More »RWC Forecast Round 3a
Hard to believe we’re already into week 3! The games are getting tougher, attrition is starting to become more of a factor, and a couple wild upsets have us all second guessing our picks. We’re splitting up the week once again, with our midweek choices up now and the weekend …
Read More »Forward Thinking (Vol. 1, Iss. 16): 24 Team World Cup
As a fan of the global game I take greater pleasure out of watching the pool phase of Rugby World Cups than many people certainly do but now this appears to have changed, and for the better. So good have the group matches been that we have been treated to more …
Read More »