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 »Slim victory for Georgia over Namibia
Georgia have all but secured their spot at the 2019 World Cup with a paper-thin 17-16 victory over Namibia in Exeter on Wednesday. Neither team would be particularly pleased with their performance, with countless handling errors and poor discipline resulting in an exhausting deluge of penalties and yellow cards. With …
Read More »Namibia pick best for Georgia match
Namibia have named their strongest lineup for their game against Georgia. Still in search of their first victory at the World Cup, head coach Phil Davies has made seven changes to the team that faced off against Tonga. Johnny Redelinghuys wins his 50th cap alongside Raoul Larson at prop, with …
Read More »Georgia selects for Namibia match
Martin Haig has named his strongest possible Georgian side to take on Namibia in Exeter on Wednesday. If the Lelos win, they can be expected to come third in Pool C, in doing so earning automatic qualification for RWC 2019. Tonga currently sit two points ahead, but will have to …
Read More »Up and Under
The Up and Under is a weekly feature on Americas Rugby News which reviews the best and worst from games involving the Americas teams over the previous week. UP DTH van der Merwe Another game, another world class performance from Canada’s best player. The winger has hardly put a foot …
Read More »Lelos ready to take on All Blacks
Milton Haig has named a much-changed Georgian side to play the All Blacks on Friday, opting to rest some first choice players but in doing so fielding the most experienced Lelo side ever in test rugby. Captain Mamuka Gorgodze is the only starting forward remaining from the disappointing 54-9 loss …
Read More »All Blacks named to face Georgia
The All Blacks will roll out their big guns to face Georgia in Cardiff on Friday. After playing a reserve side against Namibia, Steve Hansen has reverted to virtually the same lineup that he selected for the Argentina match, with four exceptions – one enforced. Four players – Liam Messam, …
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