Toronto-born Leinster scrumhalf Luke McGrath is one of six uncapped players named in Joe Schmidt’s Ireland squad to prepare for their four-match November test series that begins at Soldier Field in Chicago next weekend against the All Blacks. The 23-year-old could well make his debut against the country of his …
Read More »Fitzgerald Slams Eligibility and Irish Recruitment of Foreigners
Luke Fitzgerald has slammed player eligibility and the Irish recruitment of foreigners. The former Irish back believes existing policies to be “wrong.” The 29-year-old Leinster native offerd a players perspective on eligibility laws. At last year’s World Cup he was overlooked by coach Joe Schmidt who instead opted for Jared Payne, …
Read More »Māori squad named for November tour
Head coach Colin Cooper and assistant Tana Umaga have named 26 players in their New Zealand Māori squad to depart on Sunday for a three-match tour that begins in Chicago against the US Eagles. Included are six new Māori caps with all but five of the squad boasting Super Rugby …
Read More »All Blacks confirm touring squad
Fresh off winning their Bledisloe Cup match against Australia, New Zealand have named a 36-strong playing squad to depart for the United States in a week’s time ahead of their historic test match against Ireland to be held at Chicago’s Soldier Field on November 5. The team is virtually unchanged …
Read More »Braid set for Canada comeback
Connor Braid is back. The 26-year-old has not played for Canada since a nasty collision with Italy’s Gonzalo García last September left him with a broken jaw and a bad concussion. After reportedly contemplating retirement, he returned to the pitch with James Bay in the spring but did not make …
Read More »World Cup stars return for Canada
Elissa Alarie, Karen Paquin, and captain Kelly Russell are among 16 veterans of the 2014 Women’s World Cup named by head coach François Ratier to travel with Canada on their three-match tour to Ireland and England this November. 2014 World Rugby Player of the Year Magali Harvey is also named …
Read More »Video: On This Day in 1999
On this day in 1999 history was made. It was the day in which Argentina defeated Ireland in Lens, eliminating the western Europeans from the World Cup. For Los Pumas it sealed a first ever appearance in a Rugby World Cup Quarter Final. Argentina’s 28-24 win was a ground-breaking achievement. …
Read More »Americas remember Anthony Foley
As the rugby world unites in celebration of the life of Munster and Ireland great Anthony Foley, the Americas also remember an esteemed competitor. Dan Lyle, John Tait, and Agustín Pichot were among the many to offer their condolences, each having played against Foley during their careers before their current …
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 »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 …
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