pacific

All-action hosts Japan join Fiji in PNC final

2 months ago by Ultimate Rugby

Japan claimed the remaining open Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2024 final slot in emphatic style after beating Samoa in an exhibition of running, attacking rugby. The host side scored six tries...

A century of clashes between Tonga and Fiji

2 months ago by Ultimate Rugby

Friday's Pacific Nations Cup clash between Tonga and Fiji will undoubtedly be one to remember The 'Ikale Tahi of Tonga and the Flying Fijians will lock horns for a memorable 95th time, celebrating...

Olympic Games Paris 2024: Defending champions Fiji lay down early marker

3 months ago by Ultimate Rugby

Fiji ran in 12 tries in two matches to finish day one of the men's rugby sevens competition at the top of Pool C, while New Zealand, Ireland, Argentina, and Australia enjoy perfect starts to their Olympic...

World Rugby Men's Rankings preview

4 months ago by Ultimate Rugby

World Rugby has published the ranking permutations for the July internationals this weekend. Permutation highlights: Ireland will return to the top of the World Rugby Men’s Rankings if they beat...

Three of the most iconic upsets in test rugby

5 months ago by Ultimate Rugby

Fiji 27-30 Uruguay, Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium, 25 September, 2019 The South American side had faced the Pacific Islanders four times in their history ahead of the 2019 Rugby World Cup, losing...

Stormers prop relishing scrum challenge vs Stade Francais

10 months ago by Ultimate Rugby

Stormers loosehead prop Ali Vermaak is looking forward to the challenge at scrum-time in Paris this weekend. The Stormers face a powerful Stade Francais side in their Round Four Champions Cup encounter...

On This Day in 2008 – Steve Borthwick named England captain by Martin Johnson

1 year ago by Ultimate Rugby

Steve Borthwick was appointed England captain on this day in 2008 as manager Martin Johnson placed his faith in the Saracens lock forward. Borthwick had been skipper three times earlier in the year when...

Stats review - the figures behind the losing quarter-finalists

1 year ago by Ultimate Rugby

Just 23 points separated the eight teams across four thrilling quarter-finals but what made the crucial differences and sent Ireland, France, Wales and Fiji home?   Wales (29-17 loss to Argentina)  Wales...

Tonga: Rugby World Cup 2023 review

1 year ago by Ultimate Rugby

The 'Ikale Tahi brought fight, flair and famous faces to the Rugby World Cup in France but had to wait for their final Pool B game to savour victory.   Abiding memory As the Tonga squad gathered...

Australia win but still face early exit

1 year ago by Ultimate Rugby

Australia secured the bonus-point they needed with a 34-14 win on Sunday to maintain their slimmest of slim chances of qualifying for the quarter-finals. But the men in green and gold had it far from their...