It is full speed ahead for Ireland’s Rugby World Cup 2023 bid. The ‘small island on the end of the world’ is ‘ready for the world’. These are two of the phases used by the IRFU to promote their bid. Together they provide clarity as to Ireland’s determination to host …
Read More »Changing New Zealand Policy and Tests in Americas
Ongoing discussions to establish a Global Season are reported to be reaching a stalemate. The divide of union-run professionalism and that of private-run leagues has a north vs south split. Going to War In seeking to find common ground the meetings have, thus far, failed. Midi Olympique wrote that “the …
Read More »Rugby Canada and PRO Rugby fail to unite
PRO Rugby is not coming to Canada. At least that is the current state of affairs. PRO Rugby made the depressing announcement earlier today on social media. Due to last minute changes by @RugbyCanada @ProRugbyUSA will not have teams @Canada. Truly sad & disappointed 4 our Canadian fans & players …
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 »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 …
Read More »Twelve Milestone Months for Uruguay
A year ago to this day Uruguay played their first Rugby World Cup match in twelve years. Los Teros made their England 2015 debut appearance against Wales a Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium. The match was the accomplishment of hard work in which an uphill battle was conquered. For Uruguay getting to …
Read More »A Lions Tour for the Americas
Warren Gatland has been formally announced as the man to lead the British & Irish Lions to New Zealand next year. It was a surprise to no-one, and yet the minor media circus has nudged Lions fever ever so slightly into second gear. In recent weeks we’ve heard the opinions …
Read More »Forward Thinking (Vol. 2, Iss. 11): Buying a Place at RWC 2019
World Rugby must act to change player eligibility rules immediately. It cannot allow for test match rugby to be tarnished any further. The sport is under attack at the highest level as unions are using the laws to their advantage to identity talent and nationalize players to, within three years, have …
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