World Cup draw gives England glimmer of hope after poor form, injuries and bans
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyEngland enter the World Cup at their lowest ebb yet because of the most lopsided draw in the tournament’s history they still have hope of reaching the quarter-finals. A disastrous build-up has seen...
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...
Switching sides: Who's found a new nationality for the World Cup
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyThe Springboks may have voted against the law change, but they have taken advantage by turning their South African-born lock Jean Kleyn from a five-time Irish international who played twice at the last...
Talking points ahead of 2023 Rugby World Cup in France
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyOne of the most eagerly-awaited tournaments in Rugby World Cup history will unfold in France during September and October. It takes place across nine host cities – Paris, Toulouse, Marseille, Bordeaux,...
Fiji lead high Pacific island hopes at Rugby World Cup
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyFiji head into the upcoming Rugby World Cup in France buoyed by their first-ever win over England and hoping to end a 16-year wait for a Pacific island nation to reach the knockout stage. The Flying Fijians...
Ethan Lewis signs with Ospreys
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyOspreys have signed former Cardiff hooker Ethan Lewis. The 29-year-old was most recently at Saracens where he played 25 times in a two-year spell with the English champions, including 14 appearances in...
SA Bomb squad under scrutiny again
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyThe Springboks’ ‘Bomb Squad’ played a massive role in their team’s 2019 World Cup triumph, to the dismay of those who felt six forwards on the bench was an unfair advantage. Four...
Scotland’s Grant Gilchrist: South Africa are world champions for a reason
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyBullish Grant Gilchrist is adamant Scotland remain unfazed by South Africa’s blistering form in the lead-up to their World Cup showdown in Marseille a week on Sunday. While the Scots have enjoyed...
Wales add seven full-time professional contracts ahead of WXV in New Zealand
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyThe Welsh Rugby Union is proud to announce another seven full-time professional players for the Wales Women’s squad ahead of the global Tier 1 WXV tournament in New Zealand in October. Wales Women’s...
