Author: G&GR Media

At just 21, Mason Gordon is already a seasoned campaigner in Super Rugby, currently navigating his fifth pre-season. His rugby journey began when he joined the Melbourne Rebels at 17, alongside his older brother, Carter. Transitioning from schoolboy rugby to directing a backline filled with Test experience was a formidable challenge, but one that Gordon embraced wholeheartedly.Reflecting on his early days, Gordon recalls the intensity of stepping into a professional environment straight out of school. Training alongside seasoned internationals like Matt Toomua required him to mature quickly, especially in the pivotal role of fly-half. “It was pretty daunting telling those…

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Ardie Savea is set to usher Moana Pasifika into a new chapter as he takes on the role of captain for the 2025 DHL Super Rugby Pacific season. With 94 Tests for the All Blacks under his belt, Savea brings a wealth of experience and leadership to his debut with Moana Pasifika.At 31, Savea expressed his honor in leading the team, stating, “It’s pretty special, and I believe it’s God’s purpose for me to lead.” He reflected on the decision, sharing that after discussions with his wife and close confidants, he felt it was the right path.Savea emphasized the importance…

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In a commendable move, the Highlanders rugby club has partnered with The Salvation Army to bIn a commendable move, the Highlanders rugby club has partnered with The Salvation Army to bolster support for communities across Otago and Southland. This collaboration will see the iconic red shield emblem featured on the players’ and training shorts throughout the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season. Additionally, match-day collections at Highlanders home games will provide fans with the opportunity to contribute to The Salvation Army’s initiatives.Beyond the field, the Highlanders will actively participate in three of The Salvation Army’s digital campaigns, including the renowned Red…

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In what can only be described as a pre-season rugby blockbuster, the ACT Brumbies and NSW Waratahs delivered a heart-pounding 36-36 draw in front of an enthusiastic crowd at Bowral. This wasn’t your typical hit-and-giggle pre-season affair; it was a tryfest with all the drama of a season finale packed into 80 minutes of end-to-end chaos.Try Time ExtravaganzaThe Brumbies showed they’re not here to muck about in 2025, with six different players getting their names on the scoreboard. Luke Reimer, Liam Bowron, Ollie Sapsford, Declan Meredith, Austin Anderson and Ryan Lonergan all crossed for five pointers, showcasing the squad’s depth…

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Ardie Savea is set to usher Moana Pasifika into a new chapter as he takes on the role of captain for the 2025 DHL Super Rugby Pacific season. With 94 Tests for the All Blacks under his belt, Savea brings a wealth of experience and leadership to his debut with Moana Pasifika. At 31, Savea expressed his honor in leading the team, stating, “It’s pretty special, and I believe it’s God’s purpose for me to lead.” He reflected on the decision, sharing that after discussions with his wife and close confidants, he felt it was the right path. Savea emphasized…

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In a thrilling final trial match before the Super Rugby Pacific 2025 season, the NSW Waratahs and ACT Brumbies battled to an exciting 36-36 draw in Bowral. Despite the absence of star player Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, who was sidelined due to knee soreness, the Waratahs showcased resilience and adaptability. Suaalii, focusing on recovery in Sydney, is expected to resume training after a team bonding camp in Gloucester.With Suaalii out, Max Jorgensen stepped into the fullback position, while Darby Lancaster took over on the left wing. Head Coach Dan McKellar remains optimistic about Suaalii’s readiness for the season opener against the Highlanders…

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The Blues rugby teams have secured a significant home advantage through a new multi-year partnership with HelloFresh New Zealand. As the official meal kit partner, HelloFresh will support both the Blues men’s and nib Blues women’s teams, providing fresh and convenient meals to players and fans. This collaboration kicks off as the Super Rugby Pacific and Aupiki squads gear up for an exciting 2025 season.Blues hooker Kurt Eklund expressed the club’s enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting the benefits of having HelloFresh as part of their support network. “We’re thrilled to have HelloFresh backing us, ensuring our teams are well-nourished and…

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If you’re in Paris this evening look for a bunch of pasty Welsh rugby players as they perform a team nudie run around the Champs Elysee after going down 43-0 to Les Bleu. This from https://www.sixnationsrugby.com/en/m6n/news/france-cruise-to-victory-against-wales-six-nations-rugby-2025France underlined their Guinness Men’s Six Nations title credentials with a dominant opening-night 43-0 win against Wales in Paris.In the opening minutes, Wales were forced to scramble back in defence and did terrifically well to hold up the clear French danger man, Antoine Dupont, over the try line. An early warning shot had been fired though and, in quick succession, Wales were made to pull…

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The Queensland Reds have begun pre-season in style, six tries in each half propelling the Reds to an 82-21 victory over English Premiership side Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate in fresh 7 degree conditions.Jock Campbell scored a second half hat-trick and Filipo Daugunu scored a double in his first game for Queensland in eighteen months, and his first since returning from a broken leg suffered on Wallaby duty. Flanker Fraser McReight also scored a double, while half-centurion Kalani Thomas scored with his first touch to elicit plenty of noise from the few hundred Queensland fans sprinkled into a big crowd.Tom…

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The Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies have unveiled a 32-man squad to take on the New South Wales Waratahs in Bowral on Saturday (3:00pm KO), the club’s first fixture in 2025. All professionally contracted players named will feature for at least a third of the match as head coach Stephen Larkham assesses his squad ahead of the new season.Six incoming players to this year’s Super Rugby Pacific squad are set to pull on the Brumbies jersey for the first time, including new signings Feao Fotuaika, Tuaina Taii-Tualima and David Feliuai in the starting lineup.Lachlan Lonergan, Rhys van Nek, Luke Reimer, Rory…

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Talk about an exaggerated headline! Standby for tomorrow’s 639 reasons to love the Tahs in 2025. This from https://reds.rugby/news/reds-team-named-for-bear-hunt-in-bristol-2025130It’s just 21 days until the Queensland Reds open their Super Rugby Pacific season by hosting Moana Pasifika at Suncorp Stadium on Friday, February 21. With the side currently in the Northern Hemisphere undertaking a unique pre-season schedule against English Premiership contender Bristol Bears early on Saturday morning (AEST) and Ulster on 7 February, we’re counting down 21 reasons to be excited about the Reds this season.RUN WITH THE REDS WITH A 2025 MEMBERSHIP1. International Pedigree – With 19 capped internationals in the…

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Calling all Force fans – yep, all 18 of you. The Western Force has their 2025 Fan Day this Saturday. This from https://westernforce.rugby/news/western-force-fan-day-info-sat-1-feb-9am11am-2025130The Western Force’s annual fan day will take place this Saturday from 9:00am to 11:00am at Force HQ in Floreat with free entry for all.The free event will include;ParkingParking is available on site and at nearby Bendat Basketball Centre, WA Athletics Stadium and the precinct.TransportAttendees are encouraged to drive, but there is public transport, with buses 28, 81, 82, 83 and 998 running to Force HQ. Check Transperth for more info.

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The Reds kick-off their UK tour this weekend, this from https://reds.rugby/news/reds-team-named-for-bear-hunt-in-bristol-2025130 Queensland Reds Head Coach Les Kiss has named 13 Wallabies to start the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific pre-season against English Premiership contenders Bristol Bears in chilly conditions on Friday night.Lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and winger Filipo Daugunu will play their first matches for Queensland since 2022 and 2023 respectively at Bristol’s Ashton Gate home ground.Both will resume careers of 69 Reds caps and bring significant experience to a side which will be led by captain Tate McDermott and vice-captain Fraser McReight.Josh Canham joins Salakaia-Loto as the lock pairing.The match (which…

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In a heartwarming gesture, Queensland Reds props Jeffery Toomaga-Allen and Matt Gibbon recently teamed up with the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) Foundation to commemorate its 40th anniversary. The duo took time out from their rigorous training schedules to acknowledge and appreciate the dedication of the hospital’s staff.Donning their Reds attire, Toomaga-Allen and Gibbon distributed dozens of donuts to the hardworking teams at RBWH and the Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS). This act of kindness was part of the RBWH Foundation’s “40 Years Strong” campaign, celebrating four decades of life-saving research, exceptional patient care, and healthcare innovation.For Toomaga-Allen,…

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The Western Force ramped up their preparations for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season with an internal trial match at Scotch College on Friday. The game featured the ‘Probables’ donning gold jerseys against the ‘Possibles’ in blue, played over three 25-minute periods. The Probables secured a 42-0 victory, though the primary focus was on assessing player performances and combinations, with several athletes switching sides as the match progressed.Key Highlights:Despite the 32-degree heat, the players demonstrated commendable effort and competitiveness, vying for spots in the Round 1 lineup. The coaching staff will be encouraged by the depth and talent on display…

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The Crusaders are set to launch their 2025 pre-season campaign with a fiery showdown against the Blues this Friday in Kirwee. With preparations for Super Rugby Pacific heating up, this match offers a golden opportunity for the squad to fine-tune combinations and shake off the off-season rust.Set to take place at the Kirwee Rugby Football Club, about 40 minutes west of Christchurch, the game isn’t just about on-field performance—it’s about taking rugby back to its roots. The Crusaders have a long history of engaging with their rural fan base, and with over 3,000 fans expected to descend on the ground,…

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The Gallagher Chiefs are set to showcase fresh faces in their upcoming pre-season match against the Hurricanes at Yarrow Stadium in Taranaki. This fixture not only serves as a preparatory game but also celebrates the deep-rooted connections both franchises share with the Taranaki region.Notable Inclusions:Taranaki Representatives:The squad boasts strong local representation, with players such as Bradley Slater, Jared Proffit, Josh Lord, Kaylum Boshier, and Daniel Rona donning the Chiefs jersey, highlighting the province’s significant contribution to the franchise.Match Details:Tickets are available starting from $20 and can be purchased through the Chiefs’ official website. For those unable to attend in person,…

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Brandon Paenga-Amosa, the dynamic hooker who recently joined the Western Force, is already making waves in the west. After a stint with Montpellier in France’s Top 14, Paenga-Amosa returned to Australian rugby, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a renewed sense of purpose.Reflecting on his time abroad, the 29-year-old father-of-two noted that playing in France had honed his skills and broadened his perspective on the game. However, the pull of home and the opportunity to contribute to Australian rugby’s resurgence were too strong to ignore.”France was an incredible experience, both on and off the field,” Paenga-Amosa shared. “But…

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The Highlanders are set to kick off their pre-season with a match against Moana Pasifika at North Harbour Stadium’s outer oval this Friday, January 31st, at 1:00 pm. Head Coach Jamie Joseph has selected a 32-man squad for this encounter, aiming to provide ample game time across three 30-minute halves.Starting XV:Reserves:Coach Joseph emphasized the importance of this match in assessing team cohesion and individual performances:”We’re really looking forward to seeing how the squad gels in game conditions. We’ve got a lot of exciting talent and competition for spots this season, and this match will be a great opportunity to fine-tune…

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The NSW Waratahs have announced a dynamic 33-player squad as they gear up to defend their title in the 2025 Super Rugby Women’s season. Head Coach, Mike Ruthven, has masterfully blended seasoned campaigners with fresh talent, signalling the team’s intent to remain at the pinnacle of women’s rugby.Key Inclusions:2025 NSW Waratahs Women’s Squad:Props:Hookers:Locks:Back Row:Halfbacks:Flyhalves:Centres:Outside Backs:Aus 7s:(*Denotes potential debutantes)With a blend of resilience, emerging talent, and strategic additions, the Waratahs are poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming season. The rugby community will be keenly watching how this squad performs as they embark on their title defence.Read more: https://waratahs.rugby/news/squad-announced-for-2025-super-rugby-womens-season-2025129

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