Franchising English rugby is approaching and one of the most significant structural changes in its professional history. The Rugby Football Union (RFU), working alongside Premiership Rugby, has been exploring a move toward a franchise-style system designed to stabilise finances, attract long-term investment and prevent the type of collapses that have recently seen historic clubs disappear […]
Rugby
Forward Pass in Rugby
Is the Forward Pass Law being relaxed. On 26 April 2023, The Daily Telegraph reported that Premiership referees and TMOs (television match officials) were being instructed to be far more conservative in calling a forward pass, with guidance to avoid flagging marginal or debatable forward-pass incidents unless they are blindingly obvious. This effectively acknowledges how […]
Artificial pitches
Injury facts alarming — so why does rugby persist with artificial pitches? Wings wearing leggings for fear of abrasions and knee injuries 44 per cent more likely than on natural grass — players will live to regret playing on these surfaces David Walsh Saturday February 01 2025, 6.00pm, The Sunday Times Through the years I’ve […]
Welsh Rugby Reorganisation
Welsh Rugby at a Crossroads: Regions, Rivalries, Reform and the Voice of the Fans Welsh rugby is undergoing its most far-reaching transformation since the introduction of regional rugby in 2003. The current welsh rugby reorganisation represents an attempt by the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) to confront deep-seated financial, structural, and cultural challenges that have undermined […]
What is Super Rygbi Cymru (SRC)?
Super Rygbi Cymru (SRC) is a Welsh rugby competition introduced to bridge the gap between academy-level rugby and the professional regional teams. It features ten teams: Carmarthen Quins, Swansea, Ebbw Vale, Aberavon, Newport, Bridgend, Pontypool, Llandovery, RGC, and Cardiff. Super Rygbi Cymru Trophy vs. Super Rygbi Cymru Cup: Super Rygbi Cymru Trophy: This is […]
Synthetic Pitches and Sports Injuries
Synthetic pitches – recent studies have indicated a higher incidence of certain injuries on synthetic (3G and 4G) rugby pitches compared to natural grass surfaces. A comprehensive analysis published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine examined 2,128 knee injuries over 20 seasons in England’s Premiership Rugby. The findings revealed that the incidence of knee […]
Peter Thomas succeeded by Alun Jones
Peter Thomas will be succeeded by Alun Thomas as chairman of Cardiff Rugby. During the summer it was revealed that the 75-year-old would hand over the reins of Cardiff Blues following more than 22-years at the helm. Thomas will remain a director of the company and has been named Life President, with Cardiff legal professional […]
Rugby Headguards
Rugby Headguards – Hedkayse Headguard Review It works but it’s not the solution! This is just another scrum cap they don’t protect heads, it’s no different. Currently World Rugby’s Law 4 states head gear is only intended to protect from cuts and abrasions and not protect from impacts. Whilst there have been vast improvements […]
Cardiff Arms Park: History, Name, Development, and Orientation
Cardiff Arms Park is one of Wales’ most iconic sporting venues, synonymous with rugby union and Welsh national pride. The site has a rich history, evolving from a humble cricket ground into the world-renowned rugby stadium that preceded the current Principality Stadium. Its development is a story of shifting sporting priorities, urban adaptation, and a […]
Rugby Union – Red card or yellow card making sense of decisions World Rugby guidelines.
Rugby Union – Red card or just yellow? There has been much controversy recently relating to incidents relating to head impacts at the 2023 Rugby World Cup. So what are the World Rugby Guidelines that govern if the tackle is legal or not. These are well explained in a World Rugby video Following the […]