2013 Lions Tour: A Legacy at Risk

There are few legacies more famous in world rugby circles than that of the British and Irish Lions. The first Lions fixture and first tour collaboration between the four British home unions took place in 1950. Since then, the world has patiently awaited the naming of each star-studded tour side for an event which, in the modern era, takes place every four years. The glamour of a Lions tour comes mainly... 

Rugby Union: Cross-Border Clashes and Pro Possibilities

Having eliminated the possibility of European rugby expanding to North America in my February interview with RaboDirect Pro 12 Director David Jordan, I sat down in March to talk with SANZAR’s CEO Greg Peters to discuss his organization’s plans concerning possible entry into the Americas.  Mr Peters was clear that one of the important pre-requisites for such expansion would be... 

IRB Women’s Sevens: Last Call in Amsterdam

The International Rugby Board’s (IRB) Women’s Sevens Series will soon arrive in Amsterdam for the fourth and final leg of the 2012/13 season.  It is clear by now that New Zealand—in their first year back in international competition after a brief hiatus—is set to claim the inaugural series title. With 54 series points and an eight-point lead over their English rivals, the... 

IRB Sevens Series: Into the Home Stretch

When they fly into the West of Scotland in a few weeks’ time, New Zealand head coach Gordon Tietjens and his team may feel a tinge of deja vu. Once again, the mighty New Zealanders will arrive at the Glasgow Sevens to defend their tournament title, as they take another step towards claiming their third straight IRB Sevens Series crown.  In truth, the competition for the top of the table... 

IRB Rugby Sevens: A Look Ahead to Hong Kong

In past years, Hong Kong was something of a showcase on the IRB Sevens Series. Its expanded tournament format allowed for some great storylines, as minnow nations got their shot at taking on the world’s elite.  This year the Hong Kong Sevens will play out slightly differently. Finally, after far too long, the International Rugby Board (IRB) has offered a promotion and relegation pathway... 

Exclusive: SANZAR CEO Greg Peters Talks Super Rugby Expansion

In 2004, the International Rugby Board (IRB), recognizing that North America lacked an effective high-performance rugby competition, used its strategic-investment dollars to create a tournament known as the North America Four (NA4).  The tournament pitted two Canadian teams of identified high-performance players against two similar sides from the United States. The hope was that such a competition... 

Rugby Union: Can North America Handle Its Huge Summer Schedule?

In early November 2004, your humble correspondent was able to secure a single seat in the back-row of the upper-deck in London’s Twickenham Stadium, to see his beloved Canada take on England on their home ground. As I eagerly purchased my commemorative program, I was shocked to see that Canada was going to take the field without most of its compliment of overseas professionals, who had not been... 

RBS 6 Nations Rugby: Italy To Battle Wales Without Parisse

The RBS Six Nations took a dramatic turn for Italy today, as their captain and talisman, Sergio Parisse was banned by French Rugby authorities for verbally abusing an official during a Top 14 fixture on February 16.  Parisse was shown a straight red card in that contest—he will now face a 30-day suspension, unless he files a successful appeal in the next 72 hours. The star international... 

Rugby Union: Power Ranking Rugby Heraldry

Rugby Union team names do not lend themselves to easy rankings analysis for the simple reason that not every nation has one; not really. Since rugby’s inception in 1823, national teams have surrounded themselves with songs, symbols, logos and crests. Some—like the U.S.A. Eagles—have adopted the North American tradition of naming their national sides while others—like England—go... 

IRB Sevens Series Results: Leaving Las Vegas

The International Rugby Board Sevens Series has produced its fifth winner in as many tournaments, at the 2013 USA Sevens event in Las Vegas. Our own Bleacher Report preview had talked about the unpredictability of the Series this season, but the Cup victory by South Africa at Sam Boyd Stadium made sure that the surprises continued to arrive in spades. The three day event began with one of the... 

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