Features
Peter de Villiers: 'I'm a God-given talent'
2009-06-30 22:18:58
Rugby Rugby's Jan de Koning takes a look at the strained relationship between Springbok coach Peter de Villiers and the media, as well as his often used muddled and synesthetic metaphors.
In a League of their own...
2009-06-29 18:55:39
Rugby Rugby columnist Jon Harris ponders the move of a number of big-name Rugby League stars over to the game of Union and what the broader affects League has had in the development of the great 15 man game are...
Rugby Player’s Guide
2009-06-09 20:39:06
Rugby has been played by passionate enthusiast since the 1800’s. The spirit of rugby is evident through anyone and everyone that has walked on the rugby pitch as the game changes your life. Rugby tests a player’s individual mental and physical strength as well as requiring the rugby player to put aside personal glory to work together as a rugby team.
'When Willie John speaks, everyone listens'
2009-05-26 22:07:53
Rugby Rugby columnist Jon Harris reflects on the legendary Willie John McBrides view that the British and Irish Lions need to beat the Springboks up front if they are going to have any chance in the 2009 series.
Contract Controversy - '26 weeks'
2009-05-20 17:53:03
Rugby Rugby columnist Jon Harris takes a look at the controversial '26-week' contract clause which has seen Dafydd James and Simon Maling's contracts torn up by the Scarlets - asking, can you really blame the clubs?
Tigers can do the double
2009-05-07 23:17:46
Rugby Rugby columnist Andy Goode believes his former teammates at Leicester Tigers can go on and do the double after edging out Cardiff in arguably the most dramatic Heineken Cup match yet...
'Is it really all about winning?'
2009-04-06 17:00:27
Rugby Rugby writer Jon Harris takes a look at the responsibility Guinness Premiership clubs have to their fans and questions whether the big money transfers in the game are necessarily good for the sport going forward.
Rugby Quotes
2009-04-03 01:40:48
Rugby has long been considered a ‘gentleman’s game’ and as such some of society’s most influential characters from Oscar Wilde to Elizabeth Taylor to a car bumper sticker have commented on the game of rugby. See what is being said about the game from these rugby quotes.
Appetite for Work
2009-03-25 18:02:33
Talent alone is not enough for a player to reach his full potential. The player must also have an ‘appetite for work’ according to Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups which will see the athlete push harder to reach his goals.
Lievremont Not The Inspirational Leader
2009-03-24 18:23:27
After a up and down Six Nations rugby campaign, France settled for a not too impressive middle of the table finish. The results have Rugby Rugby’s Howard Johnson asking if Lievremont is the right person with his ‘shrug of the Gallic shoulders’ attitude.
The Goal Posts in History
2009-03-19 22:21:45
Rugby Rugby's Oracle, Paul Dobson, continues his interesting series on how rugby's jargon developed. This week he looks at the 'goalposts'.
England Overwhelm France
2009-03-16 21:34:59
England was too much for France on the weekend and while Rugby Rugby’s Howard Johnson took some enjoyment from the beat down he was not completely sure if it was England that was so good, France that was that bad or a combination of both.
Importance of a Basic Medical Injury Plan
2009-03-13 20:27:45
Rugby is a contact sport and while the spirit of the game calls for high levels of sportsmanship injuries will happen. Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups talks about the importance of a medical injury plans that ALL teams need to have in place for matches.
‘Le Crunch’ Set For Twickenham
2009-03-10 18:36:36
With the England vs France Six Nations rugby match slated for this weekend, Rugby Rugby’s Howard Johnson takes a look at where he will settle in to watch and who and what will be on the menu.
Always Something Strange in Africa
2009-03-09 23:16:51
Rugby Rugby's Oracle, Paul Dobson thought that he had seen it all in his six decades of watching rugby. But as Horace the Roman poet once said: 'There is always something strange in Africa.'
Stop Supersizing
2009-03-09 23:09:45
Rugby Rugby columnist Ebrahim Moerat takes a look at SANZAR's proposed expansion of the Super Rugby tournament after the southern hemisphere governing body met in Dubai last week.
‘British Invasion’ of France
2009-02-27 19:25:08
With more top English rugby talent looking across the channel to opportunities in France, Rugby Rugby’s Howard Johnson sees a trend that will change French rugby but it is hard to tell if it will be a positive or negative. Have your say.
San Diego 7’s A Blast!
2009-02-24 00:48:50
The San Diego Sevens is one of the premier rugby events in the U.S. and the World Rugby Shop’s Brad Kilpatrick was on hand to take it all in while helping promote the WRS and the game to youth rugby players.
Back in Brive
2009-02-23 19:14:21
From Cardiff, to London, to Toulouse to Brive - Rugby Rugby.com's Andy Goode is back on club duty after England's loss to Wales. He talks about the Six Nations, the 'defection' of England's top players to France and life back in the Top 14 this Saturday.
Gossip: Crisis at No.10
2009-02-23 19:09:32
Newcastle could find themselves with a No.10 crisis next season while Sean Lamont is the latest Premiership star to be linked with a move across the channel - this week's edition of the Loop has all the best gossip from the Rugby World.
The Most Personable Lion
2009-02-20 17:47:37
Rugby Rugby's Oracle, Paul Dobson takes us back in time and has a look at some of the great Lions of the past ... and tells us who he regards as the most remarkable of all.
College Big Four Taking Shape
2009-02-18 23:00:17
After a great weekend in San Diego, Rugby Rugby’s Brian Lowe takes a look at the early contenders to reach the national semifinals.
Chabal A Mere Pussycat?
2009-02-17 17:32:37
After a less then stellar performance in rugby Six Nations action against Scotland, Rugby Rugby’s Howard Johnson wonders whether tough man Sebastien Chabal is more a pussycat than caveman.
Lloyd Makes His Rugby Rugby Debut
2009-02-12 21:07:11
Former England and Leicester player Leon Lloyd makes his debut as a Rugby Rugby columnist and shares his views on Martin Johnson's team, the Premiership and of course, lets us know exactly what he is up to these days.
What a Week!
2009-02-10 23:22:53
Nigel Melville Direct - With a trip to Tokyo to meet with the IRB and the Unions of Japan, Canada and Russia, Nigel Melville looks back on a busy week.
My Lions Selection
2009-02-09 21:48:00
Jan de Koning has decided to play selector and help Ian McGeechan out by selecting his Lions team for him, based on the first round of Six Nations action. Silly man, we know.
Hugging, kissing and booing
2009-02-05 17:53:59
Rugby Rugby's Oracle, Paul Dobson, tells us about certain traditions in rugby that is worth keeping and how the actions of modern players are sullying the game.
Crunch Time
2009-02-04 20:10:26
While every section of the worldwide economy is reeling from the effects of the financial crisis some sectors have been hit harder than others, but it is clear that none has been spared, certainly not rugby.
January 27 – The Greatest Rugby Match Ever Played
2009-01-27 20:08:09
The rugby match that some call the ‘Greatest Match Ever Played,’ the Barbarian Final Challenge match with the All Blacks at Cardiff Arms Park was played in 1973 on this day in rugby history.
Winning Ugly
2009-01-23 18:34:02
Nigel Melville Direct - The economic downturn has everyone, including USA Rugby, looking for ways to better spend money to continue developing their product and Melville looks at some things being done in the game.
Saltyrockz Rugby
2009-01-20 19:39:03
The casual wear of choice for an ever-growing number of big names in the world of rugby is proving to be a new line of original rock tee shirts from Saltyrockz.
Jake in Blue and White
2009-01-19 19:18:19
He's coached South Africa to World Cup glory at Under-21 and senior level, so when Jake White speaks you listen. And when he says the Varsity Cup has a place in South African rugby, you listen even more carefully.
Goode's Call from Johnno
2009-01-19 18:25:11
Rugby Rugby columnist Andy Goode is back in the England equation, but the Brive flyhalf knows he still has plenty to do before he can nail down a permanent position in Martin Johnson's squad.
The Ref Cost Us the Game
2009-01-16 18:54:06
Rugby Rugby's Oracle, Paul Dobson, takes a look at the new pastime for players and coaches - blame the referee game.
Esquire Mandates Men to Play Rugby
2009-01-15 20:10:35
For all those who have played rugby it is not hard to think Esquire Magazine would top their list of ‘The 75 Things Every Man Should Do’ with playing rugby. But for those who have side stepped the sport, it is time to step up and become a man!
Sport Science with Dr. Wagner
2009-01-13 18:18:32
It is crucial at the start of every rugby season to make sure you have a solid fitness foundation and Rugby Rugby's Tom Billups spoke with fitness expert Dr. Phil Wagner about some training tips.
What to Coach in 2009?
2009-01-13 17:44:37
Nigel Melville Direct - The game of rugby was much different in the early days where the players dictated what was done and when and Nigel Melville looks to how in some ways 'in many sports today, the coach appears to be more important than the team itself!'
Derby Day in England
2009-01-12 18:45:22
Rugby Rugby columnist Andy Goode looks back at his duel with Dan Carter in the French Top 14 and the situation at Leicester, with coach Heyneke Meyer back in South Africa because of a family illness...
'Get a haircut'
2009-01-12 18:38:14
While quitting smoking, taking out a gym contract or learning a foreign language would be the kind of pledges found on some people's New Years lists, rugby players too have their own agendas, and thus relative goals for 2009.
No Ref; No Game
2009-01-05 19:12:19
For years there's been calls for officials to consistently get the calls right due to the high stakes in rugby, even at amateur level in South Africa. But most of this criticism is based on opinion, emotion and not fact.
Rugby's famous Christmas babies
2008-12-31 19:51:41
Rugby Rugby's Oracle, Paul Dobson, takes a look at Christmas babies - those rugby players who were born on December 25. There are a few interesting names.
Lowe Looks Back on 2008
2008-12-19 19:55:33
With 2008 coming to a close, Rugby Rugby’s Brian Lowe takes a look back on a memorable 2008 pointing out some of the highlights from the year.
BJ's northern exposure
2008-12-18 16:51:24
The past two weeks have really been filled with excitement and tension as we finished off a two-week spectacle of Heineken rugby. Now, as we have a week off and near Christmas day and the New Year, Belfast has really lit up into a magical sight — I'm hoping for a white Christmas!
Wales win puts pontiff in danger?
2008-12-18 16:43:40
Pope Benedict XVI faces a 45-percent risk of dying by December 31, on the basis of a statistical link with a rugby Grand Slam this year, according to a "study" appearing in the British Medical Journal (BMJ).
Wales report card: 2008 review
2008-12-15 17:53:59
In this, the first in our series of report cards on the major rugby playing nations from the Northern and southern hemisphere, Rugby Rugby's Nick Pawson looks at Wales. We'll continue to publish the report cards through to the end of the year.
A look Ahead to 2009
2008-12-10 18:56:40
With 2008 rapidly coming to a close, Rugby Rugby’s Brian Lowe looks ahead to some changes that he believes will help the game of rugby at the collegiate level. See if you agree and send your opinions on what should be done.
How to spread the rugby gospel
2008-12-08 17:26:32
Rugby Rugby editor Jan de Koning gives the International Rugby Board a few hints on how to spread the 'rugby gospel', as they try to convince the International Olympic Committee that their game also deserves a spot on the Olympic stage.
A foreign Invasion
2008-12-04 17:46:06
In his latest column Springbok prop BJ Botha gets to grips with the competition formats in Europe, gives his views on the Boks’ draw in the Rugby World Cup and questions the reasons behind the Bok emblem change…
Why College Rugby On TV is so Important
2008-12-03 18:07:47
With some college rugby games scheduled to appear on T.V. in 2009, Rugby Rugby’s Brian Lowe looks at the main factor that makes this announcement so important for the development of the game in the U.S.
Fleckie's 2008 Wrap
2008-12-01 19:55:33
In his final column for the year, Rugby Rugby's Robbie Fleck looks back at the England Test and makes some of his own awards after an exciting 2008 rugby season.
College Rugby On TV
2008-11-26 19:46:20
USA Rugby has finalized a deal with ESPN to have a series of college games aired in the spring of 2009 and Rugby Rugby’s Brian Lowe believes this is a great move for the game of rugby in the U.S.
Age does not matter
2008-11-26 19:37:08
Some say he is too young, some say he is too arrogant... Rugby Rugby's Paul Dobson says he is neither - just let the kid play, no matter how old he is!
Why the hemispheres are poles apart
2008-11-26 19:27:49
South Africa have just made a clean sweep of their northern counterparts, while Australia and New Zealand could potentially do the same. Why has Northern hemisphere rugby fallen off the pace?
Time to savour the Boks
2008-11-24 23:10:12
Rugby Rugby columnist Steve Farrell pays tribute to South Africa's superb showing against England and expects more of the same in 2009.
Forward power the answer
2008-11-14 19:52:26
Rugby Rugby columnist Robbie Fleck reports back from the World Classics in Bermuda, whilst also looking at the Springbok tour of the United Kingdom.
Back in Brive...
2008-11-12 17:23:19
Rugby Rugby columnist Andy Goode is back home at Brive - after a week on the beach in Florida - and he looks at England's exciting start under Martin Johnson, not to mention a little dressing-room surprise for him in France...
BJ's Northern Exposure
2008-11-07 16:44:02
In the first of his exclusive columns, Bok prop BJ Botha talks about his time in Ulster and gives his verdict on John Smit's move to tighthead.
The Springbok as a Rugby Symbol
2008-11-07 00:17:52
Rugby Rugby's Oracle, Paul Dobson, takes a look at the Springbok - once again an endangered animal, now that government has declared 'hunting season' on the Bokkie.
Play To Our Strengths
2008-11-07 00:11:46
Rugby Rugby columnist Robbie Fleck finds himself in Bermuda at present, but he has made time to look ahead to Saturday's Test between the Boks and Wales in Cardiff...
History: Springbok heroism in Cardiff
2008-11-07 00:05:46
On the Grand Slam tour of 1960 - South Africa's third Grand Slam in succession - the Springboks played Wales for the fourth time, and never more heroically.
College Rugby Rankings
2008-11-05 17:11:06
With the college football BCS rankings taking on new importance as the season comes down the stretch, Rugby Rugby’s Brian Lowe takes a look at the rankings and shows how the same principles of why teams move up and down and by how much are the same as in college rugby. The key is to win your games!
Borthwick the logical choice
2008-10-31 18:19:54
Writing in his first-ever Rugby Rugby column, England flyhalf Andy Goode, who is currently playing his club rugby at Brive in France, gives his unique insight on the appointment - or rather re-appointment - of Steve Borthwick as England captain.
College Rugby On T.V.
2008-10-29 21:29:13
The college rugby game has made huge strides over the last few years and finally there is a push to get more collegiate game on television to increase interest in rugby even more. Rugby Rugby’s Brian Lowe looks into the early details and says it is important to get it right the first time as there are no ‘do overs.’
Get Younger Players Involved in Rugby
2008-10-24 21:42:02
Rugby is relatively new on the American sports landscape but for the game to continue to grow it is critical that the game reach out to younger players and make them lifelong ruggers. Play Rugby USA looked at the issue. Read the article and Have Your Say.
Henson's midfield mumbojumbo
2008-10-23 18:56:25
While Gavin Henson makes the front and back pages yet again, this time for commendable behaviour, he still needs to make Wales coach Warren Gatland's matchday page.
Kutztown Handed a Forfeit
2008-10-22 17:03:37
After overlooking a CIPP issue involving on of its players, Kutztown was handed a forfeit in their Mid-Atlantic Premier League match, a 59-0 win for Kutztown, against Virginia Tech. Rugby Rugby’s Brian Lowe takes a look at the issue and whether it was warranted.
Blood the youngsters
2008-10-16 17:01:27
Rugby Rugby columnist Robbie Fleck would like to see the Springbok selectors plump for youth on South Africa's upcoming three-Test tour of Europe.
Backing Up The Second Day
2008-10-15 20:46:17
With the doubleheader weekend almost a necessity in college rugby, Rugby Rugby’s Brian Lowe looks at how difficult it is to back up your play on the second day of action and that many teams quality suffers in the second match of the weekend.
Fun Games = Fun Learning
2008-10-10 22:38:09
The key to making sure new rugby players enjoy the game is to make sure the methods of learning are fun and Play Rugby USA believes 'the more fun a student has during a session the more likely they are to learn and develop.'
Keep the Currie Cup Spicy
2008-10-10 18:17:11
Rugby Rugby columnist Robbie Fleck looks ahead to the weekend's Currie Cup semifinals, whilst he also touches on the success of UCT star Mathew Turner, who is now playing for Bristol in England.
The Midwest Mistake
2008-10-08 21:36:26
After poor performances at the last two national playoffs, Rugby Rugby’s Brian Lowe believes USA Rugby’s competitions committee made a mistake in giving the Midwest two seeds.
Rugby’s Search for Unique American Identity
2008-09-30 16:54:03
Rugby in America is still searching for something to give the game a ‘uniquely American identity’ and Rugby Rugby’s Brian Lowe believes that the college game is the way to put a stamp on the game in the U.S.
Rules, rules, rules (sorry Laws)….what do they all mean?
2008-09-30 16:29:36
Flag rugby? Tag rugby? Touch rugby? Beach rugby? OzTag? Rookie rugby? Different names for the same sport? Or different sports entirely? Play Rugby looks into some of these questions on the touch rugby. Join the discussion.
Global Development of Rugby Union ‘At Risk’
2008-09-25 22:29:35
The global development of Rugby Union is at risk unless the Game embraces a series of reforms to the governance and structure of the IRB, according to a report issued this summer.
Collegiate Super League?
2008-09-24 20:44:59
With a proposed collegiate rugby Super League still being tossed about, Rugby Rugby’s Brian Lowe gives his thoughts on such a league and believes it would be good for the game.
New Star on the Horizon
2008-09-15 18:38:56
It would be tempting - not to mention very easy - to shine the spotlight on man-of-the-moment Dan Carter in the last of our Tri-Nations features. He was indeed one of the stand-out players in New Zealand's 28-24 tournament-clinching win over Australia at the weekend.
Simply the Best
2008-09-15 17:41:32
Rugby Rugby columnist Steve Farrell dissects the Tri-Nations tournament and tells us who the big winners and losers are. Yes, New Zealand are the champions, but are they truly the best?
Early Indicators For College Game
2008-09-10 20:31:02
The college rugby game continues to gain momentum heading into the 2008/09 season with more teams starting to get some match play and Rugby Rugby’s Brian Lowe takes a look at some of the early matches and the outlook for the season.
De Villiers 'exclusive'
2008-09-05 16:15:52
With the Tri-Nations now over for South Africa, iafrica.com caught up with Springbok coach Peter de Villiers for an 'exclusive' tete-a-tete...
San Diego Invitational Building Steam
2008-08-20 18:27:30
The San Diego Invitational is building steam with more collegiate sides raising their hands to join the fray. And despite the potential Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey circus feel, Rugby Rugby’s Brian Lowe is pleased with the response and calls on all teams hoping to compete for the national title to be in San Diego in February 2009.
Go Overseas Young Man!
2008-08-13 15:20:04
After the Eagles disappointing loss to French club side ASM Clermont Auvergne, Rugby Rugby’s Brian Lowe believes the U.S. need to get more of their top young talent playing overseas. And he points out the success of former Cal standout Mike MacDonald as the best evidence.
SA vs NZ at Newlands, 1928-70
2008-08-13 01:01:53
In 1928 the All Blacks toured South Africa for the first time. There were tours again in 1949, 1960, 1970, 1976 and 1996. They were wonderful occasions. And, of course, there would always be a Test at Newlands, always a wonderful occasion.
Eagles Selection is on Target
2008-08-06 17:52:09
With the Eagles sights on a number of upcoming matches, Rugby Rugby’s Brian Lowe looks at the player selection for the first in the series against ASM Clermont Auvergne and believes new coach Scott Johnson has the right team in place. Read the piece and send Rugby Rugby your comments.
A Talisman's Worth
2008-08-04 16:06:04
New Zealand got their Tri-Nations campaign back on track at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday as they thrashed the Aussies 39-10 in a four-try romp.
To Windhoek and back
2008-07-31 15:31:21
Former Springbok centre and Rugby Rugby columnist Robbie Fleck has had a busy time of it lately; from coaching in Namibia, to coaching in Cape Town and, of course, keeping up with the Tri-Nations.
San Diego 7’s Carnival?
2008-07-30 17:23:12
The San Diego Sevens is aiming to start promoting next year’s event ASAP with the goal of including high school, youth, men’s and women’s team to the lineup in the lead up to the main event but Rugby Rugby’s Brian Lowe is not so sure this is the best path to take. Read the article and send your opinions.
The Art of Overachieving
2008-07-29 16:56:01
Australia showed once again on Saturday why they can never be underestimated or written off, courtesy of a great performance against New Zealand in Sydney.
France's 1958 coup de grâce
2008-07-25 16:04:00
Fifty years ago France toured South Africa and achieved the unimaginable, becoming the first team to beat South Africa in a home series for 62 years.
Replacements in history
2008-07-24 15:56:18
David Perry of England may well have hastened a change in the laws by getting injured and ending his career After all the International Rugby Board was still refusing to allow replacements over forty years after they were first proposed. Laws have not always changed as quickly as they are doing now!
Rugby on National Public Radio
2008-07-19 00:45:45
While rugby is still not on the radar of many mainstream sports fans and media outlets in the United States it is a sport loved by those who play it for the game itself and the lessons it teaches that are exemplified in all aspects of the rugby players lives.
Boks could frighten the world
2008-07-18 18:21:22
Rugby Rugby columnist Robbie Fleck knows he got things wrong last week, but he doffs his caps to the Springboks and makes a prediction for the Wallabies clash in Perth this weekend...
Bakkies Botha 'exclusive'
2008-07-18 18:17:39
Over a rocket and walnut salad and a glass of very lightly wooded chardonnay, Dan Nicholl catches up 'exclusively' with Springbok lock forward Bakkies Botha...
All American Sweep?
2008-07-16 17:53:26
The college All Americans are in New Zealand for their three match tour and Rugby Rugby’s Brian Lowe believes it is ‘quite conceivable’ that a winning record is possible with the hope of a clean sweep. Have your say.
Alternative Rugby Commentary
2008-07-15 17:21:58
Keep up with the lighter side of the rugby world with these videos from Alternative Rugby Commentary. General Thian gives the rugby players all the facts of the game.
My Most Memorable Test
2008-07-11 16:55:10
We all have vivid memories of our first Test match, or even the most memorable international we saw live. Legendary Rugby Rugby writer Paul Dobson brings back to life his favour memories.
More pain in Dunedin
2008-07-10 15:38:46
Former Springbok star Robbie Fleck looks back at Saturday's Tri-Nations Test in Wellington and he sees no way back for the Boks in this weekend's return encounter in Dunedin.
The first sin bin?
2008-07-09 17:57:46
Recently we published a tentative article on the history of the sin bin and sanctionary cards in rugby. Naas Ferreira, a Pretoria lawyer who was a provincial referee in the Seventies, tells the story of the first use of the sin bin on 10 April 1975.
Say NO To College Sevens Series
2008-07-09 17:02:14
With a new proposal for a college rugby sevens series being floated, Rugby Rugby’s Brian Lowe puts his foot down and says such talk is ridiculous. What do you think?
The better team won
2008-07-09 16:26:46
Former Springbok star Robbie Fleck looks back at Saturday's Tri-Nations Test in Wellington and he sees no way back for the Boks in this weekend's return encounter in Dunedin.
Impossible Is Nothing
2008-07-07 19:54:02
The All Blacks are one of rugby’s more exciting and feared sides in global rugby so it only makes sense that their jersey sponsor has commercials on the All Blacks in adidas’ ‘Impossible Is Nothing’ series and not so surprising they are no where to be found in the U.S., except on Rugby Rugby.
