The awfulness of the Japanese rugby system

Explaining some of the major faults of the player development system in Japan, a system which their coach says leaves their young players progress 'retarded', but it's a system aged JRFU leaders stubbornly refuse to modernise and reform.

A brief look at Uruguayan rugby

As Uruguay enter the toughest pool in RWC history, with four top 10 ranked opponents. All they tell the media is how they are amateur, so here is an attempt at a slightly different look at the team.

The new scrum engagement laws: 2 years on

We are now 2 years on from the first match under the new scrum engagement laws, brought in after tolerance of the mess the scrum had descended into reached its limit in 2013 and WR were forced to make changes. Here is a look at how those changes disappeared.

Key factors behind Canada's lack of form

After easily securing top spot beating USA in RWC qualifying, Canada have gone a torrid run of form, with 11 straight losses to top 18 ranked nations. Here is a look at some of the factors behind that.

Pacific Island internationals in Super Rugby

A brief look at how in 20 seasons of Super Rugby, the amount of Pacific Island internationals fell dramatically, followed by a rise in the past 5 years of players moving to Europe and playing international rugby.

Signs of improvement for the Fijian scrum

The Fijian scrum has long been one of the most derided in world rugby. Over three tests vs Italy, Romania and Italy again between 2013 & 2014, it conceded four penalty tries. But there are signs it may be improving.

The global trend of referees ignoring players not supporting weight

Worldwide referees are failing to police the breakdown properly, creating a free for all that is regularly going to the benefit of defending teams allowing them to spoil possession, and also bringing in some other unwanted consequences.

Preview: Pacific Nations Cup 2015

As the 10th edition of the Pacific Nations Cup kicks off this weekend, here is a summary on how each of the six nations involved are approaching this tournament that will serve as preparation for the upcoming World Cup.

Georgia embark on urgent fitness mission prior to World Cup

Despite the many positives that come from Georgia exporting so many players to France, there's also the negative of a few clubs shoddy conditioning. With a once in four year chance to get the squad together for months, reports suggest coach Milton Haig is putting a major emphasis on rectifying fitness levels.

A statistical look at the Romanian scrum

The Romanian scrum has been best amongst Tier 2 nations in recent times. A hugely dominant force which along with the maul has won games almost single handedly on occasions, although they have also become hugely dependant on it. Here is a statistical look at how it has fared in recent times.

Uruguay and their fixation with amateurism

Uruguay are fixated on telling the world about how amateur they are, often evenexaggerating. But the Teros clinging to that amateurism as a badge of pride is what will prevent any significant progression in the future.

Indiscipline levels becoming a major issue for Georgia

Indiscipline continues to be an issue for Georgian rugby, and under coach Milton Haig they've been a side that's received more cards than any other often hampering them in matches. Haig has just a few months left to try and fix the issue, or risk a lapse of discipline potentially costing him his job.

Oxford University centre Matt Janney emerges as surprise Georgian World Cup contender

Oxford University rugby player Matthew Janney has emerged as an unlikely World Cup bolter - for Georgia, that is.

Brendan Gallagher's latest ill thought out attack on New Zealand

A rebuttal to those such as journalist Brendan Gallagher who have been all wrong when slamming New Zealand for their U20 selection.

Farcical non-banning exposes rugby's disciplinary process yet again

The citing system in rugby is an utter farce and has been for many years. The fact the system is ripe for abuse couldn't have been highlighted better than this week's incident in the Ireland vs Barbarians game.

Joke rankings change cancels out another joke rankings change

Japan dropped down the rankings thanks merely to their washout in Hong Kong. That cancelled them rising up the rankings in similarly silly circumstances last year as well.

Kingsley Jones memory evades him as recalls facing Georgia

Former Russia head coach Kingsley Jones appeared to be struggling to remember the times he faced off against Georgia as he talked trash about them this on Scrum V this week.

Roundup: November Internationals Week 3

A roundup of the international results from the final week of the test window, which again was a disappointing one for many sides, particularly for the Pacific Islanders.

Georgia’s poor form a blip or a concerning step backwards?

After recent positive progress, Georgia's form this month has been dire and a step back. Whether it's just a blip remains to be seen, but a third subpar performance in a row against Japan would leave confidence dented and a fair amount of concern over their World Cup challenge.

Team News: November Internationals Week 3

Team lists for the final week of the November international window, which includes big games for Samoa and Tonga whilst the ENC sides attempt to salvage something from a poor month.