David Tameilau has been offered a reprieve by French Pro D2 club Narbonne. After his deal with Newcastle Falcons fell through for convoluted reasons, it appeared the US Eagles forward would have to return state-side but he will have his chance to taste European professional rugby after all. A shoulder …
Read More »Capó Ortega to play for French Barbarians
Uruguayan lock Rodrigo Capó Ortega is one of three players confirmed by the French Barbarians as part of their squad to take on Australia at the Stade Chaban-Delmas in Bordeaux on November 24. The Castres captain will be joined by Bordeaux’s Australian winger Blair Connor and former French international Auréllien …
Read More »Samoa confirm November touring squad
Manu Samoa head coach Alama Ieremia had confirmed a 33-man traveling squad for their European tour to face France, Georgia, and Canada in November. A number of overseas professionals are present along with five members of the Samoa ‘A’ team that participated in the Americas Pacific Challenge. Six uncapped players …
Read More »The Importance of Creating Rivalries
Through international competition rugby has expanded significantly. Over the duration of one generation there have emerged increasingly competitive teams from a variety of continents. Indeed Argentina, Japan and Georgia all lit up Rugby World Cup 2015. Yet many facets of rugby being an Old Boy’s Club remain strong. Few leading …
Read More »French clubs hunting Pumas
Rumblings from France indicate that Top 14 clubs are in hot pursuit of several current Argentina players following the completion of the Rugby Championship. While it appears the rumored move of Guido Petti to Toulon is no longer on the table, the French club is targeting Facundo Isa after his …
Read More »Identifying Potential Rugby World Cup Hosts
Japan 2019 will be the ninth Rugby World Cup. It will be the first of a kind though as Asia and the Tier 2 both have their first opportunity. Where to from there? The answer is France, Ireland, or South Africa. The three options for 2023 are a return to …
Read More »Americas Players in Challenge Cup – Season Preview
The annual second-tier European club rugby competition starts this Thursday. England, France, Italy, Romania, Russia, Scotland, and Wales will all provide teams. No Irish team will compete due to all four provinces have qualified for the European Champions Cup. This season is the 21st in the history of the competition. The …
Read More »Leading Coach Slams 3-Year Residency as Misuse of Rules
Argentine Head Coach Daniel Hourcade has slammed World Rugby’s 3-year residency rule. The man who took Argentina to fourth in a world a year ago has spoken out against what he deems to the be “misuse” of laws. It follows the confirmation that World Rugby will be setting up an …
Read More »Argentine Prop Back in France
Lucas Martínez is back playing rugby in France. The 27-year-old tight-head prop has joined Albi to play in the Pro D2. The move sees him returning to the country. Last season he played for Castres in the Top 14 before returning to Lomas Athletic in Buenos Aires during the off-season. …
Read More »Samoa name extended squad for November
Samoa head coach Alama Ieremia has named an impressive list of 45 players in an extended squad to prepare for the November test series. The daunting tour features matches against France, Georgia, and Canada, with a final group of 32 players to be named before departure. Bristol flanker Jack Lam …
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