Author: G&GR Media

It appears the Kiwis are shutting thumsulves. This from https://reds.rugby/news/aussie-super-rugby-sides-will-challenge-kiwis-barrett-202525All Blacks superstar Beauden Barrett has given Australia’s bolstered Super Rugby Pacific sides the nod of approval, even claiming New Zealand’s decades-long domination of the competition could be under threat.Not since the NSW Waratahs’ famous final triumph over the mighty Crusaders in 2014 has an Australian team hoisted the trophy.Watch every game of Super Rugby Pacific live and on-demand via Stan Sport.The Queensland Reds in 2011 are the only other Aussie outfit to rule in the past 20 years.Barrett, though, believes the Waratahs, Reds, benchmark ACT Brumbies and Western Force will…

The Highlanders are set to face off against the Crusaders in a highly anticipated pre-season clash on Waitangi Day, Thursday, February 6, at Rugby Park Stadium in Invercargill, with kick-off at 2:30 PM. This encounter offers both teams a final opportunity to fine-tune their strategies ahead of the Super Rugby Pacific season.Team Highlights:Starting XV:Reserves:Head Coach Jamie Joseph expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming match:”We’re incredibly excited to round out our preseason with such an exciting encounter on Waitangi Day. Playing against the Crusaders is always a massive challenge, but it’s one our players are ready for. We know the fans in…

The NSW Waratahs are rolling out the red carpet for fans with their latest venture, ‘Tah Time – Beyond the Field.’ This eight-part docuseries offers an unfiltered, all-access glimpse into the team’s inner sanctum, capturing the highs, lows, and everything in between.Shot with a candid, behind-the-scenes lens, the series delves deep into the personal and professional lives of players, coaches, and support staff. Viewers will witness the grit of grueling training sessions, the resilience in overcoming personal hurdles, and the unbreakable bonds that form the team’s backbone.Whether you’re a die-hard supporter or new to the rugby scene, ‘Tah Time -…

“The 2025 Fortescue Academy Squad has been unveiled, showcasing a robust lineup of local talent and promising players from the east and abroad. This 29-player group is set for an exciting year with more playing opportunities on the horizon. The team will be guided by former All Blacks forward Jeremy Force and ex-Force half-back Jono Lance.Academy general manager Damian Steele expressed his excitement about the squad’s composition, highlighting that over half of the players are Western Australians. This reflects the strength of the local talent pool and the effectiveness of RugbyWA’s development programs. Steele noted, “”With 15 locals in the…

Time to put up or shut up. Register for the 2025 SRP Fantasy League here and be part of the G&GR competition with prizes for the top three finishers.

At last! Something to do in Canberra. This from https://brumbies.rugby/news/brumbies-and-raiders-combine-for-anzac-weekend-fixtures-202524This year’s ANZAC weekend in Canberra will provide an exciting opportunity for footy fans, with the Raiders and Brumbies allowing fans to attend both matches scheduled at GIO Stadium for the price of just one ticket.Starting from just $20, Raiders and Brumbies fans can attend the Brumbies v Hurricanes on Saturday (April 26) and the Raiders v Dolphins on Sunday (April 27).It’s the perfect way for people either staying in Canberra or people visiting interstate to come into the nation’s capital and be part of one of the biggest weekends on…

Good idea! This from https://reds.rugby/news/super-rugby-pacific-introduces-player-of-the-year-award-for-2025-season-202523Super Rugby Pacific has confirmed they will recognise the competition’s most outstanding player this season with the presentation of the inaugural Player of the Year Award.The award will be voted on by the respective coaches and captains of the 11 Super Rugby clubs.Watch every game of Super Rugby Pacific live and on-demand via Stan Sport.After each game, the captain and coach from both sides will be asked for their top three players on a 3-2-1 scale.These votes will be public every Tuesday on the competition’s social media, with the winner crowned at the end of the…

A peek into rugby excellence. This from https://waratahs.rugby/news/let-tah-time-take-you-into-the-nsw-waratahs-like-never-before-202524The NSW Waratahs are pulling back the curtain with ‘Tah Time – Beyond the Field,’ a brand-new eight-part documentary series giving fans an all-access pass to the moments that matter most for the team — on and off the field. Filmed with a raw, behind-the-scenes approach, ‘Tah Time – Beyond the Field’ dives into the personal journeys of NSW Waratahs players, coaches, and support staff, revealing the resilience, camaraderie, and passion that drives the team. From intense training sessions to personal challenges and triumphs, this series offers an intimate look at the human…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

The 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.Read more: https://westernforce.rugby/news/western-force-fan-day-info-sat-1-feb-9am11am-2025130