A final look at the Rugby World Cup
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyWe are less than two days away from rugby's biggest competition and there has never been a more open tournament, a far cry from the previous years where a winner was deemed to be pre-determined. The world...
World Player of the Year award ‘long forgotten’ by Ireland – Josh van der Flier
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyIreland star Josh van der Flier feels his team-mates have “long forgotten” about his status as World Player of the Year. The Leinster flanker goes into the Rugby World Cup as the holder of...
Gregor Townsend keen to inspire nation as Scotland ride wave of sporting success
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyGregor Townsend has called on his Rugby World Cup hopefuls to play their part in ramping up the feelgood factor of a nation in what promises to be a passion-stirring autumn for Scottish sport. The...
Prop, scrum-half and full-back – the World Cup selection dilemmas facing England
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyEngland begin the final countdown to their pivotal World Cup opener against Argentina confronted by a number of injury concerns and suspensions that will shape their selection. Courtney Lawes, Kyle Sinckler,...
Wales centre Mason Grady has tough family act to follow at first Rugby World Cup
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyWales centre Mason Grady has a tough family act to follow at his first Rugby World Cup. To gain selection for rugby union’s global spectacular just five months after your 21st birthday is no mean...
Ireland boss Andy Farrell says ability to ‘roll with punches’ key for World Cup
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyAndy Farrell believes Ireland must remain calm and “roll with the punches” to realise their potential at the Rugby World Cup. Former dual code international Farrell is preparing for his first...
Jack Dempsey ready for ‘epic’ World Cup as Scotland mainstay
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyScotland back-rower Jack Dempsey cannot wait to land in France this weekend and start “soaking in” what he believes will be a spectacular Rugby World Cup. The Sydney-born 29-year-old went...
Rankings suggest Ireland or France can land a first World Cup
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyThere is a neat statistical symmetry that suggests the 2023 Rugby World Cup might be won by Ireland or France. Since the sport’s world rankings were launched 20 years ago, all five subsequent world...
Warren Gatland plans patient approach but also surprises from Wales at World Cup
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyThe New Zealander has an outstanding Rugby World Cup record as Wales boss. Wales know they are in safe hands when Warren Gatland leads them to his fourth Rugby World Cup as head coach. But it could prove...
Scotland heading to Rugby World Cup with no fear and bags of belief
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyGiven their form and their flair, Gregor Townsend’s swashbuckling Scotland side are heading to the Rugby World Cup in France with no fear and bags of belief. The confidence within the squad is just...
