Not two years removed from the 2015 World Cup and we’re already into crunch time for qualification in the next. Each side seems to be going through the inevitable ‘rebuilding’ stage that follows a World Cup year and yet neither arrive with a settled lineup or distinct style of play. …
Read More »Why Canada must win on Saturday
International rugby is about winning. That goes for every minute of every match. Winning the set piece, winning the collisions, whatever battle that needs to be won to walk away victorious. In sport, however, some games are more important than others. The knock-outs. Local derbies. Cup finals. The Americas 1 …
Read More »RWC Qualifiers – South America 1 vs North America 2 Dates
The South America 1 vs North America 2 Rugby World Cup 2019 qualifying dates are now known. Uruguay will meet the runner-up of the two-match Canada vs USA series in 2018. The Canadians host the Eagles in the first match this coming Saturday in Hamilton, Ontario. Uruguay earned the right …
Read More »Forward Thinking (Vol 3, Iss 2): RWC Needs Global Repechage
The Rugby World Cup needs global repechage. Wait, what? There already is one is there not? In actuality no. While it is true that Pool B of Japan 2019 will have the Repechage Winner and Pool A the Play-Off Winner the system favors particular regions over others. The Repechage Winner could, in …
Read More »Trainor ruptures Achilles, out of World Cup Qualifiers
It’s more bad news for Canadian fans as Conor Trainor is out of the upcoming World Cup Qualifying series against the USA after sustaining a ruptured Achilles tendon in the match against Romania on Saturday. The attacking midfielder was expected to play a significant role for the team but will …
Read More »24 Team Rugby World Cup ‘Far Away’
A 24 Team Rugby World Cup is ‘Far Away’. Unión de Rugby del Uruguay (URU) President Sebastián Piñeyrua noted to Ignacio Chans of Referi that the chances of expanding from 20 to 24 teams is unlikely. “I don’t believe that it would be so simple, the World Cup is already …
Read More »Paddy Ryan called up to Eagles squad
Newcastle Falcons prop Paddy Ryan has been called up by the Eagles ahead of their match against Ireland on Saturday. The uncapped 26-year-old tighthead specialist joins the squad as an injury replacement for Titi Lamositele. The specifics of Lamositele’s injury have not been revealed but if speculation that he will …
Read More »Beukeboom and van der Merwe named Canada Co-Captains
Head coach Mark Anscombe has named co-captains for Canada’s June international series. Second row Brett Beukeboom and winger DTH van der Merwe will share the leadership responsibilities for the upcoming tests. van der Merwe led the team during the November tests after Aaron Carpenter was injured, and while Beukeboom has …
Read More »Leuta replaces Hume on Eagles roster
John Mitchell has been forced to make one change to his roster for the upcoming June international series and World Cup Qualifiers. Old Blue winger Luke Hume has withdrawn due to a hamstring injury and will be replaced by Matai Leuta, who joins Eagles 7s teammates Andrew Durutalo, Martin Iosefo, …
Read More »Fiji Out to Avoid Argentina in RWC 2019
Fiji is out to avoid Argentina in Rugby World Cup 2019. Head Coach John McKee has declared Argentina’s Pool as the toughest in Japan 2015 and Australia’s as the easiest. The Fijians are currently in Australia preparing to play against the Wallabies in Melbourne this coming weekend. The fixture will help …
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