Author: G&GR Media

The Queensland Reds have jetted off to the UK, aiming to fine tune their game ahead of the Super Rugby Pacific season. The 34-man squad is set to face Bristol on 3 January and Ulster on 7 February, providing a stern test against quality opposition.Young backrower John Bryant, who previously played at Bristol’s Ashton Gate with the Australia XV, is eager for the challenge. “Ashton Gate is an unreal stadium in terms of atmosphere,” Bryant remarked. “The UK teams always throw big bodies at you, and I know, first hand, that Bristol can run at you from anywhere.”These matches are…

The Hurricanes are set to kick off the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season with an extra jolt, announcing Flight Coffee as their official coffee partner. This collaboration aims to fuel both players and staff through the weekly ‘Coffee Connection’ sessions—a time to debrief, strategize, and, presumably, debate the merits of flat whites versus long blacks.Flight Coffee, celebrated for their craft roasting and commitment to sustainability, aligns seamlessly with the Hurricanes’ pursuit of excellence. CEO Avan Lee noted, “Coffee has become a real point of connection within our club… It was important for us that our coffee partner mirrored these values…

The NSW Waratahs have re-signed towering lock Miles Amatosero ahead of the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season. Standing at 203cm and weighing 125kg, Amatosero adds significant presence to the Waratahs’ forward pack.A product of Sydney’s Waverley College, Amatosero honed his skills in France with Top 14 club Clermont before returning to New South Wales in late 2023. In his debut season with the Waratahs, he made 14 appearances, showcasing his potential on the Super Rugby stage.Expressing his enthusiasm, Amatosero stated, “I’m so happy to be signing again. I can’t wait for the season ahead of us now. We’re fitter, stronger…

The Highlanders have announced the appointment of former player Scott Eade as the new head coach for their Under-20s squad. Eade, who previously donned the Highlanders jersey, brings a wealth of experience from his playing days with Southland and Otago, as well as his recent role as Rugby Southland’s Academy & Pathways Manager.Expressing his enthusiasm, Eade stated, “I am excited to be taking on the role of U20 Coach and am truly passionate about helping develop the next generation of rugby talent from our region.” He emphasized the importance of supporting young players both on and off the field, noting,…

The Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies are thrilled to announce that rising star Faitala Moleka has signed a one-year extension, solidifying her place in the club’s Super Rugby Women’s program for the 2025 season.Originally hailing from Penrith, Moleka made the move to Canberra, making her debut in 2023 against the Fijiana Drua. Since then, the flyhalf has been a formidable presence on the field. At just 18, she earned her first cap with the Wallaroos and played a pivotal role in their WXV 2 triumph in South Africa last year. Her stellar debut season also saw her crowned as the Wallaroos…

NSW Waratahs’ seasoned backrower, Hugh Sinclair, is set to lead the team as captain in their upcoming trial match against NSW Pasifica this Saturday. With regular skipper Jake Gordon recently returning from Wallabies duties, Sinclair steps into the leadership role, donning the number 8 jersey at Eric Tweedale Stadium in Granville, Sydney.Sinclair emphasises the significance of this trial as a platform for players to stake their claim for selection ahead of the Super Rugby Pacific 2025 season opener. He notes, “Everyone gets over running into each other for twelve or fourteen weeks.” The anticipation to face external opposition is palpable…

As the 2025 Guinness Men’s Six Nations approaches, Opta has unveiled its ‘Form XV,’ a lineup based on player performances leading up to the championship. This selection offers a data-driven perspective on the players who have been making waves in European rugby.The Form XV Lineup:Key Observations:As the championship unfolds, it will be intriguing to see how these in-form players translate their club performances to the international stage. Rugby fans and analysts alike will be keen to observe whether the data-driven predictions align with on-field realities.Read more: https://www.sixnationsrugby.com/en/m6n/news/form-xv-for-six-nations-rugby-2025

The NSW Waratahs kicked off their 2025 campaign with a commanding 73-5 victory over NSW Pasifica at Eric Tweedale Stadium in Granville, Sydney. The Tahs showcased their attacking prowess, running in eleven tries to one after establishing a 40-0 lead by halftime.Head Coach Dan McKellar expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, noting the clinical execution in the opening stages. “There were some really good passages. I thought that in the first 20 minutes, we were really clinical,” McKellar said post-match. He acknowledged areas for improvement, particularly in maintaining ruthlessness throughout the game, but overall was pleased with the effort.The match…

The Gallagher Chiefs have announced that dynamic loose forward Wallace Sititi will be out for an extended period following successful meniscus surgery on his right knee. The 22-year-old underwent the procedure last week and is expected to miss the majority of the 2025 DHL Super Rugby Pacific season.Head coach Clayton McMillan acknowledged the setback, stating, “Everyone saw the impact Wallace had last season and he’s certainly a big loss for us, but our focus is now on supporting his recovery and eventual return to the field.” He added, “I also know he will continue to contribute positively to our environment…

In a move that underscores their commitment to both onfield tenacity and off-field stability, the NSW Waratahs have announced a new Platinum Partnership with Resilience Insurance, Australia’s pioneering provider of Latent Defect Insurance.Resilience Insurance CEO Corey Nugent drew parallels between the two organisations, stating, “Success in rugby is all about resilience, and we have complete belief that in this year’s NSW Waratahs squad, we will witness that trait shown in their pursuit of success.”Rugby Australia’s Director of Commercial and Marketing, James Durbin, welcomed the two-year commitment, highlighting the shared optimism for the team’s future.As the Waratahs gear up for the…

The ACT Brumbies have confirmed that prop Allan Alaalatoa will continue as team captain for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season, marking his sixth consecutive year in the role.Alaalatoa, who made his Brumbies debut in 2014, has been a cornerstone of the team, earning over 75 caps. His leadership extends beyond the club, having captained the Wallabies in international fixtures. Expressing his commitment, Alaalatoa stated, “I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to continue my career in Australian Rugby… The chance to continue to build a life for me and my family in Canberra and come to work every day at…

As the 2025 Six Nations Championship approaches, several law trials and technological innovations are set to be introduced, aiming to enhance the game for players, officials, and fans alike.20-Minute Red Card VariationOne of the most talked-about changes is the introduction of a 20-minute red card for technical offences. Under this trial, a player receiving a red card for a non-deliberate offence will leave the field for 20 minutes, after which they can be replaced. However, deliberate and dangerous foul play will still result in a permanent red card, ensuring that serious infringements are appropriately sanctioned.Referees ‘On Mic’In an effort to…

The Crusaders have announced a new long-term partnership with Marlborough-based Moa Brewing Company, a pioneer in New Zealand’s craft beer movement.As the official beer, cider, and RTD (Ready to Drink) partner, Moa Brewing Company will provide a range of beverages at Crusaders home games and events starting this season. Fans can anticipate exclusive promotions, tasting events, and unique giveaways that celebrate the synergy between exceptional rugby and quality beverages.The partnership coincides with the launch of Moa’s new cold-filtered ultra-low-carb lager, Southern Alps, brewed using southern hops and malt to produce a crisp lager. This beverage pays homage to the Southern…

In a move that solidifies the Crusaders’ forward pack for years to come, towering lock Jamie Hannah has extended his contract with the franchise through to 2028.Standing at an imposing 200cm, Hannah, affectionately nicknamed ‘Stilts’ by his teammates, has been a product of the Crusaders Academy. He made his Super Rugby debut in 2023 and has since accumulated 16 caps, including five starts in the 2024 season.Crusaders RugbyReflecting on his decision, Hannah said, “We talked about what was right for me, but it didn’t take long to come to the conclusion that staying here is the best option. This is…

The Highlanders Rugby Club is excited to bring back the popular “Kids Free” program for the 2025 season, made possible through their partnership with Delivereasy.This initiative allows children under 13 to attend Highlanders home games at Forsyth Barr Stadium for free when accompanied by a paying adult.Amanda Gould, Highlanders Marketing Manager, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “We’re excited to bring this initiative back and make rugby more accessible for our young fans and families.”Tim Robinson, Delivereasy Co-Founder, added, “Big cheers, little fans! Delivereasy’s amped to be shouting ‘Kids Go Free’ – because the only thing better than watching the Lander’s play is…

The NSW Waratahs Under 20s are set to face NSW Pasifika Under 20s this Saturday at Eric Tweedale Stadium in Granville, kicking off a rugby-packed triple-header.WaratahsHead Coach Shannon Fraser has named a 25-man squad, featuring three players who’ve been mixing it up with the senior squad during pre-season: lock and captain Eamon Doyle, scrumhalf Hwi Sharples, and flyhalf Joey Fowler.The day’s lineup includes:Fraser is keen to see his young guns in action, stating, “This is a great opportunity for our players to showcase their skills and stake a claim for higher honours.”With a blend of emerging talent and seasoned campaigners,…

Tickets for the Western Force’s 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season are officially on sale, offering fans the chance to experience the excitement live at HBF Park.Home Game Highlights:Six Saturday twilight games and a Sunday afternoon fixture offer a great opportunity for families and supporters of all ages to enjoy the action.Membership Deals:Tickets are available through Ticketmaster, with fans encouraged to secure their seats early and be part of the excitement as the Western Force celebrates its 20th season. HBF Park is set to be a fortress in 2025.Read more: https://westernforce.rugby/news/tickets-on-sale-2025-super-rugby-pacific-force-2025123

The Crusaders have announced that tickets for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season are now on sale.Home Game Highlights:With seven home games, including three afternoon kickoffs, fans have ample opportunities to catch the action live.Individual tickets and membership packages are available through the Crusaders’ official website.Don’t miss the chance to be part of the Crusaders’ final season at Apollo Projects Stadium.Read more: https://crusaders.co.nz/latest/news/2025-crusaders-tickets-on-sale-now/

Meet Massimo De Lutiis, the Queensland Reds’ latest front-row sensation whose journey from a self-imposed basement training regime to the professional rugby arena is nothing short of inspiring.The Basement TransformationBefore his Year 11 term at The Southport School, De Lutiis was determined to emulate his future teammate, Zane Nonggorr, who had just led a dominant GPS rugby campaign. Lacking athletic prowess, he invested in a home gym, relocated his bed to the basement, and committed to twice-daily workouts, surfacing only for bi-weekly beach runs. This intense eight-week regimen paid off, as he returned to school noticeably transformed, earning a spot…

The ACT Brumbies have unveiled ‘The Stables,’ a fresh initiative aimed at rallying student support for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season.Taking inspiration from the former ‘rUCkus Crew,’ The Stables is set to be the new hub for student fans, offering discounted tickets at just $20. This dedicated section, located in bay 64 at GIO Stadium, will feature its own DJ booth and various game day giveaways, aiming to create a lively and engaging atmosphere for young supporters.Gavin Hunt, General Manager of Business Operations at the ACT Brumbies, emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating, “It was really important for…