Source: Rugby Canada

Canada aims to win the World Cup

Rugby Canada have made no secret of their desire to win the World Cup. Last month they set up a fund to reach $1m to support the squad on their journey. They have just announced that they have already reached half way to the target. In addition, a tour of South Africa will take place

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Source: Alex Ho / World Rugby

March 2025 Rugby Diary

There have been end-of-season retirements. I list them separately at the end. 1 March Super Aupiki Round One: Chiefs Manawa 25 Matatū 31; Hurricanes Poua 10 Blues 50 1 March Super W Round 1: Waratahs 17 Fijiana Drua 23; Western Force 29 Brumbies 29 1 March Celtic Challenge R9: Gwalia 17 Wolfhounds 48; Edinburgh 18

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Source: Women’s 6 Nations

A resounding win for the Irish

Italy v Ireland – Round Two – 6 Nations Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Parma For a team that ‘never wins away’ (2021 the last time!), Ireland rewrote the book. A comprehensive victory left them overjoyed and the hosts stunned. All inside the first minute: a turnover, a Dannah O’Brien kick to touch, a TMO intervention and

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Source: Women’s 6 Nations

Another romp for England

Wales v England The Principality Stadium, Cardiff What a change from La Rochelle! A closed roof, every sound echoing, the light-show blazing. It might have been Christmas. For the third time in recent matches, it was all Wales at the start. They won a put-in eight metres out. Sarah Bern and Sadia Kabeya had to

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Source: Women’s 6 Nations

France march on

France v Scotland Les Bleues in springtime rugby means entertainment. Things started cruelly for Scotland when Hollie Cunningham was forced off with a leg injury; just one minute played. They responded by dominating play for a short while, showing the fluency they possess, but not consistently enough. All too often they were pinged for holding

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Source: INPHO

6 Nations – Round Two – A Look Ahead

It’s excellent news that 18,000 tickets have already (Thursday 27th) been bought for the Wales-England game at the Principality Stadium. That is nearly double the size of the Welsh record. It shows that there is still strong support for the Welsh side, despite all the worrying news emanating from HQ about men’s rugby. Congratulations to

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Source: Women's 6 Nations

The Six Nations – a look back and forwards

None of the six managements can feel totally happy with their team’s performance in Round One. Even England, the sole side to secure a scoring bonus-point, had an unproductive second half. By the way, my apologies for crediting France and Scotland with a bonus. Of course it was the penalty-kicks that brought them a healthy

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Source: Women's 6 Nations

Six Nations – Cards and the TMOs

Two prominent features of the first round were the awarding of many cards and the contributions of the television match officials. Cards No fewer than three red cards were flourished, two in one match (the culprits: Evie Gallagher (Scotland), Gabrielle Vernier (France) and Georgia Evans (Wales). That is far too many for World Rugby’s peace

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Source: Women’s 6 Nations

England expects – England half delivers

John Mitchell’s new-look side seemed on the way to a dominant win as they added five tries with the wind. The second-half remained scoreless till the 78th minute, showing the progress the Red Roses still have to make. Fabio Roselli will be heartened by the Italians’ showing. For lengthy periods after the break they put

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Scotland v Cymru – Six Nations

The Letter of the Law A game disfigured by constant interruptions from the review box. Was the game really played by a gang of malcontents? The Lynn effect was in evidence from the start. It was all Wales, till a Keira Bevan thrust was stopped just short of the line. The Scots Guards were not

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