All Blacks skipper Sam Cane to take sabbatical in Japan
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyAll Blacks captain Sam Cane will take up a sabbatical option in his New Zealand Rugby (NZR) contract in 2024 to play a season for Suntory in Japan League One.The 31-year-old, 95-Test loose forward will...
New Zealand captain Sam Cane feeling ‘so much hurt’ after World Cup final defeat
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyCane’s yellow card for a dangerous tackle on Jesse Kriel in the 28th minute of a dramatic clash at the Stade de France was upgraded to red. New Zealand captain Sam Cane admitted he was feeling “so...
South Africa stars on the ‘never-say-die attitude’ behind World Cup success
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyThe Springboks won all three knockout matches by just one point. South Africa’s victory over New Zealand in the World Cup final was forged in their national psyche, according to some of the stars...
Ardie Savea named World Rugby Men's Player of the Year 2023
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyNew Zealand number eight Ardie Savea has been crowned World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year in partnership with Mastercard, receiving the prestigious accolade at a star-studded World Rugby Awards...
New Zealand: Rugby World Cup 2023 review
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyAbiding memory An unusually unfancied New Zealand dazzled throughout Rugby World Cup 2023, scoring a tournament-high 49 tries (19 more than any other side) and contributing to a dramatic final. The four-point...
RWC Finals Review: South Africa stand alone as four-time champions
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbySeven weeks ago, hosts France kicked off the tournament with a 27-13 victory over New Zealand. It was a match that was closer than the scoreline suggests, and one that set the tone for the tournament. This...
New Zealand reaction (head coach Foster, captain Cane, Lomax, Smith, Ioane. Whitelock)
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyMIXED ZONE Rieko Ioane, centre On his feelings losing by one point: "That's the harsh reality of footy. We've seen it throughout this tournament but to experience it at the final hurdle is pretty gutting....
South Africa win tense final to claim fourth Rugby World Cup
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbySouth Africa became the first nation to win four Rugby World Cup titles after holding off New Zealand in a dramatic final at Stade de France on Saturday. Four Handre Pollard penalties to two from Richie...
Rugby World Cup 2023 final preview: New Zealand v South Africa
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyEverything you need to know about New Zealand v South Africa in the Rugby World Cup 2023 final at Stade de France, on Saturday, 28 October. The two three-time champions and the current top two men’s...
Retallick starts final ahead of Whitelock - New Zealand name team to play South Africa
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyNew Zealand head coach Ian Foster has named his match-day 23 to face South Africa at Stade de France on Saturday, with one change to the starting line-up from the semi-final against Argentina and one among...
