No ordinary Joe
Harlequins have enjoyed a renaissance to spirit them to the play-off semi-finals and Chris Robshaw thinks he knows why
Latest News
How the Blues and Highlanders will approach their finals clash
Analysis: There may be similarities in how NZ’s Super Rugby teams play, but they each have their quirks.
A handful of debutants likely for All Blacks re-build
After a limited year in 2020, the All Blacks finally have a full calendar ahead of them to rebuild.
Breaking the Springbok defensive line
The defensive system adopted by South Africa in Japan was impregnable, so how do the Lions unlock it?
Touched by genius
Former Springbok boss Nick Mallett explains what sets Rassie Erasmus apart as a player and coach
Neil Barnes’ old-school impact on the Chiefs
Neil Barnes’ tenure with the Chiefs is coming to an end after five years with the franchise.
Saracens power up
The Basque derby was settled in bonkers fashion as the Premiership campaign ended on a bumper weekend of rugby.
The Battle of Pretoria
The 2009 Lions Second Test was one of the most brutal games ever seen
No more false starts in battle for All Blacks No 10 jersey
The extended 2021 season will finally allow for a proper head-to-head for the All Blacks No 10 jersey.
Ireland’s special project
Ireland’s recent policy of recruiting foreign-born players has boosted the team but divided opinion.
The perfect mix
Poppy Cleall manages to combine strength and skill to set the standard at No8
Lions provide blueprint for global game
The British and Irish Lions of 2017 set the standards for the years to come. Will the same be the case in 2021?
The Flying Scotsman
Scotland centurion Sean Lamont talks Mustangs, brotherhood, naked calendars, and Craig Joubert.
Final hurdle
The Blues are on track to host their first Super Rugby finals showdown since 2003.
The gloves are off
Coaching flare-ups, desperate injuries and Premiership drama featured on a tumultuous weekend’s rugby.
The Bear Cub
After sparkling form and an England call-up, Harry Randall had to deal with injury lows but he’s back to spearhead a Bears title push
One last shot
Five years after his last cap, and a month shy of 37, Morné Steyn could again play his part in a Lions series.
Half’s time
Promising Chiefs halfback Xavier Roe has finally earned himself a start after an exceptional provincial season.
Loose ideas
An injury to Shannon Frizell has possibly made the loose forwards selection picture clearer for the All Blacks.
Destiny’s child
From tragedy and torment to trophies and tours, Andrew Porter’s journey to the Lions.
The need for speed
Jonny May was one of the fastest wings in the world but he wanted to get faster. Step forward Dan Pfaff, the revered US athletics coach
Age is no barrier
Victor Matfield says Alun Wyn Jones can still thrive as part of the old-boy network
Taking back the throne
Aaron Smith has taken his game to new heights in 2021 and is back in the conversation for world’s best.
The Chiefs take flight
The Exeter Chiefs are looking ominous as Tuilagi returns and Harlequins dazzle their way into the play-offs
Red mist
The Reds’ 40-34 win over the Chiefs breathes new life into a competition that was quickly becoming stale.
The game behind the game
World Cup Wallabies assistant Shaun Berne knows how cut-throat the coaching industry can be.
Gamble of a lifetime
By focusing on the Olympics, Caleb Clarke is putting his spot in the All Blacks pecking order at risk.
The unsung hero
Uncompromising on the field and a gentleman off it, Jake Ball leaves Wales having gained the respect of a nation
The big ask
Will Genia believes that there has to be a place in the domestic calendar for Trans-Tasman rugby.
The rising star
Caelan Doris’ ascent to the top of Irish rugby has surprised nobody – but the best is still to come.
Battle for the back of the scrum
New Zealand has an excellent crop of young number 8s plying their trade in Super Rugby.
Evolution of Hogg
Scotland full-back is ready to step up from nearly-man to key figure for the Lions
Swimming with Sharks
Sale Sharks stalwart Mark Cueto is desperate to bring the glory days back to his club.
Victory breeds complacency
A weak Super Rugby competition will continue to harm performances on the international stage.
The referee’s our saviour
Officials are often hit by a barrage of abuse when they should have our eternal gratitude
Troubled waters
Former All Black Andrew Mehrtens is cautious of NZR’s proposed Silver Lake deal.
Reclaiming their crown
Toulouse and Montpellier were the big winners from a weekend where crowds started to make their presence felt again
Read between the lines
Kieran Read, perhaps the greatest No 8 of the modern era, has finally hung up his boots.
On an upward curve
Ben Loader is one of a clutch of London Irish players tearing up the Premiership this season
A rock and a hard place
There’s no obvious solution to fix Super Rugby Trans-Tasman moving forward.
Changing lanes
Anthony Watson is a world-class winger, but should Warren Gatland deploy his unique skills at full-back?
Joker in the pack
Blues leadership role may be just the boost the laidback Tom Robinson needs to go to next level.
The social war
David Flatman explains his love-hate relationship with social media
The empire strikes back
After a decade of decline, Toulouse are on the brink of a new era of European domination.
Shifting tides
Samoa haven’t played a test match since 2019 but there’s plenty to look forward to for the island nation.
Pacific scapegoat
July’s test series between the All Blacks and the Pacific Island sides has some all-too-familiar problems.
Balancing the books
Like it or not, rugby has been cast, headfirst, into a new financial landscape where it will either thrive or wither
The L word
Employees wouldn’t normally have a say in how a business is run, but professional sport is a different beast.
Running before walking
Bonus points could decide the Trans-Tasman finalists but shouldn’t be chased at the expense of a win.
Beacon of hope
Georgia Evans is a shining light in the darkness for Wales women’s rugby
Feeding frenzy
If Super Rugby Aotearoa is a 100m race, then the trans-Tasman edition is a frenetic sprint to the finish.
Crouching Tiger, hidden Lion?
Ellis Genge will be hoping for a late call to the Lions as several top-class stars play for a last-minute reprieve
Taking the next step
Alex Dombrandt has hit every marker required to showcase his sumptuous talents at the highest level
Gaining an edge
Tadhg Beirne can help the Lions combat the Springboks’ brilliant back-row Pieter-Steph du Toit
Decision time
A mid-season off-shore signing has hampered the final weeks of many a player’s New Zealand career.
Forecast cloudy
It’s been a week of typically mixed fortunes for the Hurricanes – and they’re yet to even take the field.
Chalk and cheese
It’s been over a year since NZ and Australian Super Rugby sides clashed. What should we expect on Friday?
Bright Vannes man
Nick Abendanon is a shining example of how overseas players should adapt to life in France
One giant leap
Justin Marshall picks out his biggest movers and shakers from Super Rugby Aotearoa.
Strength through pain
Kyle Sinckler’s emotive interview stood out on a weekend of sparkling rugby and controversy
A closer shave
Scott Robertson has led the Crusaders to a fifth title but has that enhanced his All Blacks chances?
Laying the myth to rest
Eight Scottish Lions is a deserved return for a side that has shown it can thrive away from Murrayfield
Dynamic duo
The Crusaders had one All Blacks midfield combo before the season started. They’ve unearthed another.
Rising son
Isaac Lucas is a once in a generation Australian talent currently making waves in Japan.
Let’s talk about it
Warren Gatland set tongues wagging with his Lions squad announcement but there is method to his madness
Homegrown hit
The Crusaders have built a dynasty on nurturing young talent, not buying superstars.
The Lions lowdown
Warren Gatland has just announced his 37-man squad for the tour of South Africa so here’s your cheat sheet
The old enemy
The Chiefs and Crusaders have forged a fierce rivalry in the past decade with a new chapter set for Saturday.
The problem position
Unlike previous tours, the No 9 spot is wide open so we spoke to Mike Phillips and Rory Lawson for their thoughts
Testing times
Are the All Blacks going to do the impossible and play less but make more money?
Time to go it alone?
Super Rugby AU has been a roaring success in Australia – should it be part of long-term planning?
The mythical beast
Chris Robshaw knows all about the agony of narrowly missing out on a Lions tour but he recognises its uniqueness
Pull down the shutters
A Premiership closed shop shouldn’t anger rugby fans like it has in football
Pulling power
The Crusaders have surprised the rugby world by making perhaps their highest profile signing ever.
The back-row conundrum
With Warren Gatland spoiled for Lions back-row options, who should he pick to face the mighty Springboks?
Case for the Crusader
David Havili is showcasing his wide-range of skills week after week and deserves an All Blacks call-up.
The waiting game
Dan Biggar feels he can do no more to put himself in position for a second Lions call-up on Thursday
Law and disorder
Three top coaches talk about the psychology and the pitfalls of the penalty count
Watershed moment
Alice Soper is thankful ahead of the landmark fixture between the Blues and Chiefs Women’s teams.
Intellectual poverty
Fluid movement of players and coaches means intellectual property is always going to be tough to lock down.
Bringing the good times back
Leon Lloyd made 266 appearances for the Tigers and he’s hopeful silverware is just around the corner for the next generation
Rising to the challenge
After rebuilding a club that was at its lowest ebb in 2018, Dan McFarland is closer than ever to ending Ulster’s 15-year title drought.
Folk hero
Japan loose forward Kazuki Himeno has become another fan favourite at the Highlanders.
Slog or sidelines
There’s no middle ground in Super Rugby Aotearoa this year – if you’re not a seasoned pro, you’re left right out.
Holding the fort
Leinster will have their work cut out to storm La Rochelle’s barricades in the Champions Cup
Play it again, Sam
At 32 years of age, Crusaders lock Sam Whitelock is continuing to reach new levels in performance.
Ready to step up
As the Rainbow Cup kicks into life and Premiership Rugby reaches its denouement, everyone is talking about the Lions
Blue is the coldest colour
Things appear to be unravelling at the Blues and this time, there are no ready made excuses.
The Tongan tornado
Malakai Fekitoa overcame near-permanent disability to reach the pinnacle of world rugby.
Up for the fight
Steve Hansen has been impressed with how Big Brad Thorn has turned around the Red’s fortunes.
The defensive Lion
Chris Harris seldom features in Lions fantasy XVs. This is why the Scotland centre has a compelling case for inclusion
Ready as they’ll ever be
The trans-Tasman bubble is at long last open and Australia’s NZ counterparts may be licking their lips.
Master of his craft
Over the last 24 months, French scrum-half Antoine Dupont has become, arguably, the world’s best player
Shout out to my ex
Having helped them win a World Cup, Matt Proudfoot explains what Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber tick.
Mana rising
Despite coming in as an interim coach, Clayton McMillan had no intentions of sitting on his hands.
The glass ceiling
They are one of the biggest clubs in the world but Munster are stuck on the second tier.
On the hook
The fire that burns within Dane Coles is raging still, which is why he’s put off retiring.
Bigger isn’t always better
LIons need to learn lessons of 2009, when Heinrich Brüssow bossed the breakdown for the Boks
Push the pass
The All Blacks’ offloading game has faded dramatically since Wayne Smith left the coaching fold.