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.

The benefits of the Americas Rugby Championship

A few thoughts arguing why the concept of the Americas Rugby Championship, despite its lack of star names, will still be of use to those sides involved.

Portugal's strangely scattergun selection policy

Portugal are the only side other than Georgia and Romania to have topped the ENC, but over the past 4 years have languished nearer the basement of the top division. As the older 2007 RWC generation of players has faded out, here's a look at the seemingly random and bizarre selection policy they have taken in their rebuild.

The troubles ahead for the SunWolves

A look at the problems for the Japanese Super Rugby side the SunWolves, whose poor organisation and lack of preparation have left them faced with a daunting debut season.

Best and worst of Georgia (2012-2015)

The best and worst matches for Georgia over the last 4 year World Cup cycle under coach Milton Haig.

Tier 2 World XV 2015

A World XV of players from outside 'Tier 1' nations following the year of 2015.

Best and worst of Japan (2012-2015)

The best and worst matches for Japan over the last 4 year World Cup cycle under coach Eddie Jones.

Failure of Mike Tolkin regime obvious before doomed RWC

Despite the pre-RWC optimism, it had been clear for at least 2 years beforehand that a win at the tournament would be unlikely and that the Mike Tolkin era was destined to fail.

Players from 'Tier 2' nations playing in Europe (2015/2016)

For the 2015/16 season there are right now around 354 players from 31 nations outside Tier 1 playing for clubs in the 5 fully professional leagues in Europe (Premiership, Championship, Top 14, Pro D2 and Pro12), plus at least another 50+ in Espoirs squads in France. Here is a breakdown country by country of those players.

Canada's trouble in managing both 15's and 7's

The major problems behind Canada's failure to win at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, were not necessarily coaching ones as reaction would suggest. But what the tournament possibly showed was the need to find a better relationship between the 15's and 7's programs.

A look at the collision dominance of Vito Kolelishvili

A look at the dominant gainline winning tackling of Georgia's flanker Vito Kolelishvili who had a huge impact in the World Cup win over Tonga last Saturday.

RWC Preview: Namibia

A short look at Namibia's preparation and build up and squad for the tournament, as they hope just to limit the heaviness of defeat they suffer.

RWC Preview: Georgia

A short look at Georgia's preparation and build up and squad for the tournament, as they hope to trump Tonga and qualify automatically for 2019.