Author: G&GR Media

In a move that brings recruitment and rugby closer than ever, the Highlanders have announced Stellar Recruitment as their official sponsor for the 2025 and 2026 Super Rugby Pacific seasons.The Stellar logo will feature prominently on the front of the team’s playing and training shorts, symbolizing a partnership rooted in shared values and community engagement.Robbie McIlraith, General Manager of Stellar Recruitment NZ, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Partnering with the Highlanders is an exciting opportunity to give back to the community that has supported us from the start. This sponsorship feels like a true homecoming for us.”The local Dunedin branch of…

The NSW Waratahs are gearing up for their first trial match of 2025, taking on NSW Pasifika at Eric Tweedale Stadium in Granville, Sydney, this Saturday.Head Coach Dan McKellar has named a 27-player squad, opting to give game time to those who’ve been slogging it out during pre-season. Notably, winger Darby Lancaster is the sole returnee from the Wallabies’ Spring tour to make the lineup.McKellar emphasized the importance of rewarding hard work, stating, “We want to provide an opportunity for the players who have done the majority of pre-season, who have worked hard here, a chance to get game time.”…

In a move that’s sure to suit both shoppers and rugby enthusiasts, the Blues have teamed up with Dress Smart Auckland as their official retail shopping centre partner for the next three Super Rugby seasons.Dress Smart Auckland, the city’s premier outlet shopping destination, is set to offer exclusive perks to both their shoppers and the Blues’ dedicated fanbase. Lauri Solecki, Centre Manager of Dress Smart Auckland, expressed her excitement, noting the shared history and community presence between the two organizations. She emphasized their commitment to creating memorable experiences for all involved.Blues CEO Andrew Hore echoed this enthusiasm, highlighting the mutual…

As the 2025 Guinness Men’s Six Nations approaches, Italy’s rugby squad is gearing up to make a significant impact, marking the 25th anniversary of their inclusion in the tournament.A Historic Launch in RomeThe official launch event took place at the iconic Colosseum in Rome, symbolizing Italy’s rich history and their aspirations in the rugby world.Quesada’s Vision for the AzzurriHead coach Gonzalo Quesada, entering his second Six Nations with Italy, emphasized the importance of building on the previous year’s performances. He stated, “With the last Six Nations, we have certainly earned the respect of our opponents once again. We are ready…

The Queensland Reds have announced a formidable 34-man squad for their upcoming UK tour, featuring 17 Wallabies.Squad Highlights:Full Squad:The Reds will face the Bristol Bears on January 31 and Ulster Rugby on February 7, providing valuable preparation ahead of their Super Rugby Pacific opener against Moana Pasifika on February 21 at Suncorp Stadium.Read more: https://reds.rugby/news/queensland-reds-name-17-wallabies-in-stacked-uk-tour-squad-for-bristol-ulster-2025121

The Queensland Reds have unveiled a 34-man squad set to embark on a pre-season tour of the United Kingdom, featuring matches against Bristol Bears on January 31 and Ulster Rugby on February 7.Squad List:Head Coach Les Kiss emphasized the tour’s significance, stating, “It took a lot of planning to get everything in place to play two of Europe’s top clubs… We see all the upsides of touring together and playing in different conditions against varied opponents as giving us a strong prep for our first game against Moana Pasifika at Suncorp Stadium.”The Reds’ 2025 Super Rugby Pacific campaign kicks off…

The ACT Brumbies are inviting businesses to join their ‘Game Day 23’ sponsorship program for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season.Sponsorship Benefits:This initiative allows businesses to align their brand with a specific jersey number, gaining significant visibility and connecting with a passionate fan base.Join the Brumbies family and let your brand shine both on and off the field.Read more: https://brumbies.rugby/news/game-day-23-sponsorship-opportunity-2025121

Moana Pasifika is thrilled to announce that they will host the ACT Brumbies at Navigation Homes Stadium in Pukekohe on Saturday, 19 April 2025.This match marks the first time Moana Pasifika will play in South Auckland, a region renowned for its vibrant culture and as a breeding ground for rugby talent.Head Coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga expressed his excitement, stating, “We’re looking forward to taking Super Rugby to South Auckland, with many of our players from there and many of our fans based there too.”The Round 10 match is scheduled for a 1:05 pm kickoff, making it an ideal family-friendly event.This…

In a move that surprises absolutely no one, Jake Gordon has been reappointed as the NSW Waratahs captain for the 2025 season. Head Coach Dan McKellar made the announcement at the team’s Daceyville training base, stating, “Jake has led the NSW Waratahs really well over the last few years, which at times, has been difficult.”Gordon, who has been with the Waratahs since 2017 and took on the captaincy in 2021, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “It’s a great honour to be named Captain for the 2025 season… We have been training really hard and can’t wait for the season to start.”With…

French rugby maestro Antoine Dupont is set to make a much-anticipated return to the Six Nations Championship after a year-long absence dedicated to Olympic sevens glory. Reflecting on his time away, Dupont admitted, “It wasn’t easy watching the guys on TV last year, but I had other goals, and now I’m really looking forward to returning to this wonderful Tournament.”During his hiatus, Dupont captained the French sevens team to Olympic gold at the Paris 2024 Games, further cementing his status as one of rugby’s elite.France’s head coach, Fabien Galthié, emphasized the significance of Dupont’s return, stating, “He carries around him…

England’s Six Nations preparations have hit a snag with injuries sidelining key players, but every cloud has a silver lining. Enter Henry Pollock, the 20-year-old Northampton Saints flanker, who has been called up to the senior squad ahead of their opener against Ireland.Pollock’s Meteoric RisePollock’s rugby journey has been nothing short of impressive. He captained England’s U18 team and made a statement in the 2024 U20 Six Nations by scoring a hat-trick against Italy on debut. His consistent performances earned him the Player of the Championship title.In November 2024, Pollock made his senior debut for England A against Australia A,…

Scottish referee Sam Grove-White is set to make his Guinness Men’s Six Nations debut as an assistant referee in the Italy vs. Wales match at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico on February 8.Reflecting on his journey, Grove-White recalls school trips to Murrayfield that ignited his passion for rugby. Transitioning from a back-row player to officiating, he began refereeing university games during his time at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen. His dedication led to rapid progression, and by 2014, he was officiating in Scotland’s top men’s league.Grove-White’s career highlights include officiating on the World Rugby Sevens Series, refereeing a tournament final in Hong…

As the calendar flips to 2025, rugby enthusiasts worldwide are gearing up for the Guinness Men’s Six Nations Championship, a tournament that has firmly established itself as a modern classic in the sporting world. This year holds special significance as it marks the 25th anniversary of Italy’s inclusion, completing the six-nation lineup in 2000.To commemorate this milestone, team captains and head coaches from each union and federation gathered in Rome, capturing an iconic moment at the Colosseum—a fitting backdrop for modern-day gladiators.The 2024 Championship set new benchmarks with an average of 45.9 points per game, 5.3 tries per match, and…

The Highlanders have appointed Timoci Tavatavanawai and Hugh Renton as co-captains for the 2025 DHL Super Rugby Pacific season.Tavatavanawai, a Fijian-born winger known for his explosive power and ability to break tackles, joined the Highlanders in 2024 after two seasons with Moana Pasifika. His dynamic presence on the field has made him a key figure in the team’s backline.Renton, a seasoned loose forward with the Highlanders since 2021, brings experience, work ethic, and tactical awareness to the captaincy role. Known for his drive and hard-hitting defense, Renton’s leadership will be integral to the team’s performance.Head Coach Jamie Joseph expressed confidence…

The Western Force have kicked off 2025 with a bang, unveiling a major upgrade to their Rugby HQ facilities. Thanks to the combined efforts of VenuesWest and RugbyWA, the changerooms and recovery areas have been significantly enhanced, bringing the women’s facilities in line with the men’s.Matt Hodgson, the Force’s Director of Strategic Projects, expressed his enthusiasm for the improvements, highlighting the positive impact on player welfare and performance. He emphasized that these upgrades are a testament to the club’s commitment to providing top-notch facilities for all athletes.As the team gears up for the upcoming Super Rugby Pacific season, these enhancements…

Hey there, Waratahs faithful! The 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season is just around the corner, and it’s time to lock in your tickets to cheer on our boys in blue. Starting today, you can grab seats for all home games, with adult tickets kicking off at just $25.Home Game Highlights:Head Coach Dan McKellar is pumped for the season and urges all fans to rally behind the team. With a lineup of exciting home fixtures, there’s no better time to show your support.So, what are you waiting for? Secure your tickets now and let’s make 2025 a season to remember!Read more:…

Alright, Tahs fans, it’s that time of year again. The offseason’s done, the pre-season grind is in full swing, and head coach Dan McKellar is ready to lead the charge into the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season. And guess what? He’s got a message for you: This year, we’re giving you a reason to cheer. (Yes, really!)After a 2024 season that was… let’s just say, “character-building,” McKellar is confident that the Waratahs are set to turn things around. Speaking from Tahs HQ in Daceyville, he’s got high praise for the squad’s dedication, especially with the return of some big-name Wallabies.…

The ACT Brumbies have officially opened ticket sales for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season.Home Game Highlights at GIO Stadium:With seven thrilling home fixtures lined up, fans are encouraged to secure their seats early.Tickets are available through Ticketek.Don’t miss the chance to support the Brumbies as they aim for another successful season!Read more: https://brumbies.rugby/news/act-brumbies-2025-tickets-on-sale-now-2025120

In a groundbreaking move, the Fijian Drua are set to host Rugby Football Club Los Angeles (RFCLA) at Churchill Park in Lautoka on Friday, January 24, 2025. This marks the first-ever clash between a Super Rugby Pacific team and a Major League Rugby (MLR) side, underscoring the expanding global reach of rugby.To ensure fans can witness this historic encounter, ticket prices are set at an accessible $5 for the grass embankment and $10 for the stands. Tickets are available online at drua.flicket.io and at Jack’s of Fiji outlets, XL Sports outlets, and Damodar Cinemas.The RFCLA squad boasts notable talents, including…

Western Force captain Jeremy Williams has returned to Perth, reuniting with his teammates for pre-season training ahead of the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season.Williams, along with fellow Wallabies Carlo Tizzano, Ben Donaldson, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Dylan Pietsch, Hamish Stewart, Harry Potter, and Nic White, resumed training at Force HQ following a Wallabies camp in Sydney.Expressing his excitement, Williams said, “It’s been good. I’ve been really enjoying being back in Perth… It looks like the boys have been working really hard in pre-season. Hopefully, we can come back and add to that.”The Force have bolstered their squad with new signings, including Wallabies…