Donnacha Ryan is more than settled into life in Paris at this stage. He has almost mastered the language, though his accent is still “appalling”, his daughter has just turned one and he is enjoying his rugby as much as ever. While the move of Simon Zebo to Racing 92 has brought with it another level of comfort for the …
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After the weekend’s semi-finals in the Champions Cup, we now know who will be battling it out in Bilbao for European glory on May 12. Leinster and Racing 92 will go toe-to-toe with one another at the San Mamés Stadium in what should be a gripping affair. Leinster are favourites after going unbeaten throughout their whole European campaign but Racing 92 …
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Which players had the wow factor to make our Team of the Week?
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The main difference between England and Scotland in this year’s Six Nations was not power but speed. Jonathan Joseph’s impeccable timing and blazing pace saw him blast through the Scottish backline seemingly at will. But would the Bath flier make a World Fastest XV? 15 Israel Dagg (New Zealand) A very tough one to pick but the way Israel Dagg …
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It appears the fallout has begun following the announcement on Monday that Top 14 sides Racing 92 and Stade Francais are set to merge at the end of the season. In a move that will likely signal a culling of contracts and release of players, it is being reported Paris based English journalist Gavin Mortimer, that French news outlet L’Equipe …
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The BBC’s Tom English sent shock waves through Scottish rugby when he reported possible interest in Finn Russell from Toulon, Montpellier, Bath and Gloucester. Although the fly-half’s contract will not expire until the summer of 2018, similar contractual obligations did not prevent David Denton from leaving Edinburgh for Bath one year prematurely. Flush with the cash the South Sydney Rabbitohs had just paid …
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Many of the tier two nations have started to close the gap on their established rivals. Although the 2015 World Cup has not proved to be the watershed moment many envisaged for tier two nations, the likes of Georgia are continuing to put forward their case for international advancement. While they are unlikely to gain entry into the Six Nations any …
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Here at Pundit Arena, we love offloads. Consequently, we love Leone Nakarawa. The Fijian second row who plies his trade for the Glasgow Warriors was in imperious form this World Cup, and the rugby community fell in love with his outrageous offloading skills. Moments of magic like this show that he is one of the most skillful forwards in the game. …
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The so called ‘Tier Two’ nations of rugby made serious strides this World Cup, showing the importance of holding a structure and being well organised. Japan and Georgia showed this in overcoming Pacific Island nations. However, these teams did rely on some moments of magic from individual talent to get them over the line in some games. So how far …
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Fiji have announced their team to take on England in the World Cup’s opening game. Fiji coach, John McKee, has unveiled his team to play England on Friday. The explosive Nemani Nadolo has been named amongst a free running back three that also includes Waisea Nayacalevu and Metuisela Talebula. Elsewhere energetic scrum half Nikola Matawalu is joined by Ben Volavola at half …
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Resident professional gambler,Trevor Oakland, breaks down the ever popular top try scorer market ahead of the Rugby World Cup. The Rugby World Cup kicks off this Friday with the curtain raiser between a resurgent Fiji and the under pressure hosts, England. Luckily, Pundit Arena’s Trevor Oakland is here to dissect the top try scorer market to help our legion of …
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Glasgow second-row Leone Nakarawa took a slight risk in the PRO12 final yesterday against Munster, kicking a pass backwards rather than taking the time to pick it up and throw it. It mattered little however, as he pulled it off to perfection and Glasgow eventually went on to win 13-31 against the Irishmen to win the PRO12 title. In another …
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