For context, NH had to bag a BP win in hopes of making the playoff against Southland, who only had 2 wins beforehand. If they won, they probably would've actually made the playoffs given they would jump Otago in the rankings and Canterbury has to vs a strong Wellington team.

No defence, just vibes for this year's NH team.

This whole NZRFU vs FFR thing. Is the nuance here simply that FFR has decided to send a 'development team' instead of their best available players outside the Top 14 finalists?

Like, the NZRFU and everyone else knows that France doesn't / and cannot send a full strength team because the Top 14 final is the week before. But this time, France is sending a development team that potentially could be a bunch of kids, whereas in other years they've still been able to send a pretty decent/competitive team.

That's my reading of it anyway. Thoughts?

Think about some of the players that were doing well when in England, but blew up when they went to France : Steffon Armitage, Nick Abendanon (became Euro player of the year), Zach Mercer, Jack Willis, Jonny Wilkinson (did well everywhere but the Toulon armada did help his success), Delon Armitage...

Do you think for many of those it's the style that fit more, or something about the lifestyle/happiness factor living in the sun/ the food, better money almost like their life is a holiday, ...

but why do the English do well abroad vs other nationalities that don't usually export as well ?

https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/arid-41487005.html

Does this make it the highest attendance at a URC game?

Comp: Premiership

Venue: cinch Stadium at Franklins Gardens

View TV providers, weather info and previous results

Comp: Premiership

Venue: Salford City Stadium

View TV providers, weather info and previous results

Comp: United Rugby Championship

Venue: Parc Y Scarlets

View TV providers, weather info and previous results

Drinking Rules from u/BillHicksFan:

Try that had multiple offloads in the build up - finish your drink.

Pick'n'go try - finish 3 drinks.

Card - half your drink.

Comp: United Rugby Championship

Venue: Cardiff Arms Park

View TV providers, weather info and previous results

Drinking Rules from u/BillHicksFan:

Maul try - finish your drink.

Dan Fish comes out of retirement (again) - 3 drinks.

If a match is ongoing can I watch it from the start or do I have to wait until it’s finished?

With Round 1 of PWR upon us, here's a quick guide the Americans playing in Premiership Women's Rugby this season, in case you're like me and pick who you're going to support based on which Eagles play there.

I made this by going through each teams' roster pages and social media, so there may be errors if those weren't 100% up-to-date, so please I welcome any updates.

Ealing

• Kate Zackary

Exeter

• Gabby Cantorna
• Charli Jacoby
• Rachel Johnson
• Hope Rogers

Leicester

• Tahlia Brody
• Tess Feury
• Emily Heinrich
• Keia Mae Sagapiolu Sanele

Loughborough

• Alev Kelter
• Bulou Mataitoga
• Hallie Taufoou
• Kathryn Treder

Sale

• Catie Benson
• Katana Howard
• Nick James
• Georgie Perris-Redding
• India Perris-Redding
• Edit: Erika Jarrell
• Edit: Olivia Ortiz

Saracens

• Lotte Sharp

Bristol, Gloucester-Hartpury, Harlequins

None

I understand why France is trying to rest players and why NZ is pissed. Both can be true. But I refuse to let this opportunity pass by without a poke at my Welsh brothers and sisters. Of course the ultimate slap back will be them beating us at the end of the year. And I do hope they turn it around soon. But… Shitpost Friday.

Big discussion on the 42 podcast. Seemingly this whole comment started on the Three Red Kings account, they tweeted something and a random person on the internet posted. You can see the tweet below

The claim was it could be heard on the ref mic but it can't

The internet just took the tweet and ran with it. I do agree with Three Red Kings, "Pal" is not something an Irish person would say

If this isn't real then what is :-)

https://x.com/threeredkings/status/1840727586609000573

Match Thread - Madagascar v Hong Kong | WXV3 2024

Venue: The Sevens 2, Dubai | Weather: 35 C, Clear

Officials: Shanda Assmus, Tyler Miller, Melissa Leboeuf, Maria Heitor (tmo)

Match Page: https://www.rugbybot.com/match/4677

Match Threads: https://www.rugbybot.com/mt

Time

Lineups

RugbyBot

RugbyBot was made by /u/paimoe. PM or post in /r/RugbyBot for assistance.

Just read a story about Richie Grey leaving in November to go abroad and had a thought it's a bit odd, essentially doing all the work ahead of a season with one team before transferring to another.

So barring medical jokers aside, would rugby benefit from a deadline day (like the most football nations) and a draft day (like most American sports).

Regarding the draft, obviously would require a bit of tailoring per country and not everyone could buy in, but I think certainly in Ireland/Wales/Scotland where the clubs are owned by the rugby associations it would be a good way on spreading talent around. Prime example is Leinster having 4/5 outhalfs whilst Connacht and Ulster struggle at that department.

As for the deadline day, put a day in September where players cannot move anymore (unless for medical jokers) and have build up a bit of a story around it, much like Sky News do on Transfer Deadline Day.

Match Thread - Wales v Italy | WXV2 2024

Venue: Athlone Sports Stadium, Cape Town | Weather: 31 C, Clear

Officials: Ella Goldsmith, Amelia Luciano, Aaron Paterson (tmo)

Match Page: https://www.rugbybot.com/match/4668

Match Threads: https://www.rugbybot.com/mt

Time

Lineups

RugbyBot

RugbyBot was made by /u/paimoe. PM or post in /r/RugbyBot for assistance.