When Namibia beat Ireland

A look back at one of the most startling results in rugby history, when Namibia beat Ireland back in July 1991.

Fiji Warriors continued dominance over their Pacific rivals

Fiji's domestic based players have had notable success over the past couple of years. As the June internationals approach, it will be interesting to see how much of this local talent will be rewarded for their success with an opportunity in the national team.

Why Georgia & Romania shouldn't always be lumped together

In the growing number articles on the argument for some version of 6 Nations expansion that have woken up over the past 2 years, invariably what is said is the 'likes of Georgia and Romania'. Lumping the nations together and implying they are one homogeneous entity in similar situations. However that is a misrepresentation of the reality. These are two sides on very different trajectories, and one of whom has clearly gained some ascendancy in this rivalry.

The rising rugby nation of Georgia

Most by now should have noticed the steady upward trajectory Georgian rugby has travelled since their first match in 1989. Now securely established as the dominant force of the ENC, having won 9 of the past 10 annual tournaments, and as a World Cup regular having also recently automatically qualifying for the 2019 World Cup. Here is a look at their unprecedented rise in world rugby from obscurity, and some reasons as to why that rise may be far from finished yet.

'Old school' Bill Beaumont bad news for Tier 2 nations

RFU Chairman Bill Beaumont is set to finally take the Chairmanship of World Rugby from Bernard Lapasset after narrowly missing out 4 years ago. This is not really such good news for Tier 2 nations.

The new voting structure on the World Rugby Council

An explanation of the reforms to the World Rugby voting structure, which sees three new Tier 2 Unions receive votes, although only a small rise in terms of influence of their vote.

WR reject change to 3 year residency rule - who gains & who loses?

Following the conclusion amongst the Unions there was at this point 'no appetite' for change to the 36 month residency period for eligibility for national teams. Here is a look at the winners and the losers from the status quo.

What would an XV exclusively from the Samoan system look like?

A look at what a Samoan team would look like without New Zealand born, schooled and trained players.