https://www.scmp.com/rss/319396/feed The 21st Super Rugby season will be the first to feature an expanded 18-team format and the first to include teams from outside Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Joining the current 15 clubs are teams from Argentina and Japan, plus one more from South Africa. Four conferences will be played in two regional groups – Australasia and South Africa – with the new teams all competing in the latter group. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Super Rugby will retain the same structure for 2017, but there is an acceptance that it is not perfect and changes are possible for the following season, Sanzaar chief executive Andy Marinos said on Monday. The 2016 season was the first with 18 teams, including new franchises in Argentina and Japan, and there were some major mismatches as well as criticism of a conference system which allowed home advantage in the play-offs to some teams despite them having a worse records than others. “Looking... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2020588/if-it-aint-broke-super-rugby-unchanged-2017-future-tweaks-and-expansion?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2020588/if-it-aint-broke-super-rugby-unchanged-2017-future-tweaks-and-expansion?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 19 Sep 2016 05:15:00 +0000 Former All Black Filo Tiatia will take over from countryman Mark Hammett as head coach of Japan’s Sunwolves Super Rugby side, league officials said on Monday. The 45-year-old, who acted as assistant to Hammett in the Tokyo franchise’s inaugural season, is set to ink a two-year deal. Tiatia, who has also played and coached at Japan Top League side Toyota Verblitz, is expected to be formally unveiled by the Sunwolves later this week. New #Sunwolves coach Filo Tiatia promises continuity but says... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2018661/thrown-wolves-former-all-black-filo-tiatia-named-coach-japans-super?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2018661/thrown-wolves-former-all-black-filo-tiatia-named-coach-japans-super?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 12 Sep 2016 11:30:45 +0000 Warren Gatland has been retained as coach of the British & Irish Lions for their 2017 tour of New Zealand, British media has reported. The 52-year-old Wales coach would be confirmed for his second successive tour on Wednesday in Edinburgh, The Times newspaper said. Gatland, who was born in New Zealand, guided the Lions to a series win over Australia in 2013. The Lions play 10 matches on the highly anticipated tour, which includes three tests against the All Blacks, a game against the Maori All... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2014570/all-blacks-beware-warren-gatland-coach-british-and-irish-lions-against?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2014570/all-blacks-beware-warren-gatland-coach-british-and-irish-lions-against?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 04 Sep 2016 10:30:00 +0000 The Wellington Hurricanes ended a 20-year nightmare on Saturday when Beauden Barrett in scintillating form engineered a 20-3 victory over the Golden Lions for their maiden Super Rugby title. On a miserable, wet night in Wellington, man-of-the-match Barrett was everywhere for the Hurricanes and settled the outcome with an audacious try 12 minutes from time. “There’s been a lot of sorrow for this club and tonight we can finally say we’re champions for a Hurricanes team that’s been trying for a lot... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2000075/hurricanes-claim-maiden-super-rugby-crown?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2000075/hurricanes-claim-maiden-super-rugby-crown?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 06 Aug 2016 10:00:45 +0000 Wallabies back Christian Leali’ifano has been diagnosed with leukaemia and is undergoing treatment in hospital, his ACT Brumbies club said on Saturday. Leali’ifano, who has played 19 tests for Australia and 117 Super Rugby games for the Brumbies, was diagnosed with the cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow following a brief illness. Really tough 24 hours trying to come to terms with news about Christian. One of the most respected and loved players I’ve played alongside Brumbies teammate... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2000008/brumbies-shock-wallaby-christian-lealiifano-hospital-leukaemia?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2000008/brumbies-shock-wallaby-christian-lealiifano-hospital-leukaemia?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 06 Aug 2016 06:45:00 +0000 South Africa’s Golden Lions face a daunting trip across the Indian Ocean to win their first-ever Super Rugby title in New Zealand after ousting defending champions Highlanders this weekend. Springboks fly-half Elton Jantjies scored 22 points as the Johannesburg-based Lions knocked out New Zealand’s Highlanders 42-30 on Saturday to reach the Super Rugby final. The second-ranked Lions now face a gruelling 11,800-kilometre 15-hour flight to New Zealand where they will face the Wellington-based... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1997260/time-turn-tables-history-against-south-africas-lions-super-rugby-final?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1997260/time-turn-tables-history-against-south-africas-lions-super-rugby-final?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 31 Jul 2016 05:30:45 +0000 Elton Jantjies was the 22-point star as the Golden Lions of South Africa defeated defending champions Highlanders 42-30 in Johannesburg on Saturday to reach the 2016 Super Rugby final. The Springboks fly-half scored a try, kicked four conversions and three penalties, and created three other tries for the home team, who built a 17-6 half-time lead in the semi-final at Ellis Park. “I cannot describe how I feel,” admitted man-of-the-match Jantjies. “It is wonderful that we are still in the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1997090/jantjies-powers-lions-super-rugby-final?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1997090/jantjies-powers-lions-super-rugby-final?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 30 Jul 2016 16:30:45 +0000 Fly-half Beauden Barrett spurred the Hurricanes to a 25-9 win over the Chiefs in an all-New Zealand semi-final on Saturday, ensuring the Wellington-based team will host Super Rugby’s final for the second consecutive year. Barrett created the Hurricanes’ first try, scored their second and kicked two penalties and two conversions to surpass 200 points for the season and outplay opposite number and All Blacks team-mate Aaron Cruden. The Hurricanes lost captain Dane Coles to a rib injury – a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1996967/blown-away-wellingtons-hurricanes-beat-waikatos-chiefs-super-rugby-semi?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1996967/blown-away-wellingtons-hurricanes-beat-waikatos-chiefs-super-rugby-semi?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 30 Jul 2016 10:00:45 +0000 New Zealand’s Hurricanes are one game from hosting this year’s Super Rugby final, with defending champions Highlanders away to South Africa’s Golden Lions in next week’s semi-finals. The Wellington-based Hurricanes, bidding for their first Super Rugby crown after losing to the Highlanders in last season’s decider, have home advantage against fellow Kiwis Chiefs next weekend. The Johannesburg-based Lions, the second-seeded team, will host the Highlanders in Saturday’s other semi-final. The... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/1993988/hurricanes-blow-away-sharks-lions-end-crusaders-super-rugby?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/1993988/hurricanes-blow-away-sharks-lions-end-crusaders-super-rugby?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 24 Jul 2016 02:45:15 +0000 New Zealand's Hurricanes crushed South Africa's Coastal Sharks with a record-setting 41-0 victory to cruise into the Super Rugby semi-finals on a stormy night in Wellington on Saturday. For the first time in the history of the southern hemisphere championship a side has been kept scoreless in a play-off match. It is a record Sharks captain Tendai Mtawarira did not want to be part of, describing the South Africans performance as an “embarrassing effort” against the top-ranked Kiwis. With a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1993755/hurricanes-crush-sharks-super-rugby-play?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1993755/hurricanes-crush-sharks-super-rugby-play?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 23 Jul 2016 11:00:00 +0000 Defending champions Highlanders survived a tense finish to eliminate the ACT Brumbies 15-9 and qualify for the Super Rugby semi-finals in Canberra on Friday. The New Zealanders defended grimly in the final stages as the Australian conference champions went after a converted try that would have given them victory on a wet wintry night in the national capital. The Dunedin-based visitors scored two tries with fly-half Lima Sopoaga landing a conversion and a penalty to steer his team into next... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1993387/defending-super-rugby-champions-highlanders-hang-deny-brumbies-spot-semi?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1993387/defending-super-rugby-champions-highlanders-hang-deny-brumbies-spot-semi?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 22 Jul 2016 11:30:30 +0000 Super Rugby’s quarter-finals this weekend contain the scenario for tournament organisers that all four semi-final places could go to New Zealand teams. Four of New Zealand’s five teams qualified for the play-offs and, on current form, all four could progress to the penultimate weekend. That will trouble Sanzaar, the tournament’s governing body which set out to structure a competition this season which ensures play-offs matches are shared across Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. The... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1992712/new-zealand-teams-target-clean-sweep-super-rugby-quarter-finals?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1992712/new-zealand-teams-target-clean-sweep-super-rugby-quarter-finals?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 21 Jul 2016 05:00:15 +0000 Fullback Ayumu Goromaru is hopeful that his move to French club Toulon will pave the way for more Japanese rugby players to play in Europe. The 30-year-old has signed a one-year contract with the wealthy French side after a lacklustre season with Australian club Queensland Reds. I hope others [from Japan] will make it a goal to play [in France] and at some point it will become a natural destination Toulon fullback Ayumu Goromaru Goromaru played a key role in Japan’s impressive World Cup campaign... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1990386/world-cup-hero-ayumu-goromaru-keen-open-french-doors-japanese-players?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1990386/world-cup-hero-ayumu-goromaru-keen-open-french-doors-japanese-players?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 15 Jul 2016 17:15:45 +0000 Rising star Ardie Savea on Thursday re-committed to the All Blacks, but only until 2018 to leave a question mark over his participation in the 2019 World Cup. The 22-year-old flanker, brother of blockbusting New Zealand winger Julian Savea, made his test debut against Wales last month and is already a fan favourite. The two-year contract extension until the end of 2018 guarantees his availability for next year’s British & Irish Lions tour, as well as keeping him at Super Rugby club Wellington... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1989722/ardie-savea-re-signs-all-blacks-question-mark-over-2019-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1989722/ardie-savea-re-signs-all-blacks-question-mark-over-2019-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 14 Jul 2016 02:45:00 +0000 Former NFL and rugby league player Jarryd Hayne has missed out on his long-shot dream of playing for Fiji’s rugby sevens side at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics. Hayne was told on Friday he had not made coach Ben Ryan’s final squad for the August 5-21 Games and is to return to Australia later this week. Last year, Hayne defied the odds to make the 53-man roster of the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers, less than a year after quitting Australia’s top-flight rugby league competition. “I had a meeting with Ben... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1988308/former-rugby-league-ace-and-nfl-wannabe-jarryd-hayne-misses-out-fiji?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1988308/former-rugby-league-ace-and-nfl-wannabe-jarryd-hayne-misses-out-fiji?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 11 Jul 2016 03:15:45 +0000 Australia winger Joe Tomane confirmed on Tuesday that he will be leaving the ACT Brumbies for French club Montpellier at the end of the season, robbing the Wallabies of one of their best finishers. Tomane has played 17 tests since making the switch from rugby league in 2012 and will not be eligible for international rugby under Australia’s “Giteau Rule”, which demands overseas-based players have at least 60 caps. “It was a very difficult decision to make, but I feel the time is right to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1985649/wallabies-winger-joe-tomane-confirms-montpellier-move?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1985649/wallabies-winger-joe-tomane-confirms-montpellier-move?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Jul 2016 07:30:15 +0000 The new Super Rugby format has copped it from all angles this season, with every man and his dog offering their opinion on what is wrong with the current structure. It may not be perfect but it is definitely not all bad, and there are not many competitions around the world that can offer as many as nine games over a weekend without a single clash in scheduling. It’s a dream set-up for rugby mad fans, even if not all of the matches are worth waiting up for. The finals structure that looks set to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/1963158/super-opportunity-under-fire-southern-hemisphere-championship?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/1963158/super-opportunity-under-fire-southern-hemisphere-championship?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 02 Jun 2016 16:45:30 +0000 Cross-code superstar Sonny Bill Williams confirmed on Wednesday he will stay with the All Blacks until late 2019, spurning lucrative offers from overseas clubs and rugby league to chase his third World Cup title. He’ll only get better and better. He could end up being one of the greats of our game All Blacks coach Steve Hansen on Sonny Bill Williams Williams, who is currently playing rugby sevens with hopes of snaring a medal at the Rio Olympics, said he wanted to remain part of the All Blacks’... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1961855/cross-code-superstar-sonny-bill-williams-stays-all-blacks?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1961855/cross-code-superstar-sonny-bill-williams-stays-all-blacks?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Jun 2016 12:00:15 +0000 Queensland Reds back-rower Curtis Browning scored two tries to cancel out two from Sunwolves Kiwi import Derek Carpenter as the Brisbane outfit beat their Tokyo-based visitors 35-25 on Saturday. Japan’s Ayumu Goromaru started at fullback for the Reds and contributed two penalties and two conversions before going off injured in the 57th minute. Many among the crowd of 19,073 – the Reds’ biggest this season including hundreds of travelling fans from Japan – were there to see Goromaru face off... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1949951/goromaru-injured-reds-edge-sunwolves-chiefs-crush-rebels-go-top-super?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1949951/goromaru-injured-reds-edge-sunwolves-chiefs-crush-rebels-go-top-super?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 May 2016 14:45:15 +0000 Japanese poster boy Ayumu Goromaru is expected to draw one of Queensland Reds' biggest crowds of the Super Rugby season when he faces the Tokyo-based Sunwolves on Saturday. The 30-year-old fullback and Hendrik Tui will line up against some of their Japanese international team-mates when the Sunwolves play in Australia for the first time. World Cup hero Goromaru controversially snubbed the newly formed Sunwolves to join the Reds, but he has struggled to hold down a regular spot. Goromaru will... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1948557/goromaru-v-sunwolves-bumper-crowd-expected-world-cup-hero-takes-super?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1948557/goromaru-v-sunwolves-bumper-crowd-expected-world-cup-hero-takes-super?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 May 2016 07:00:00 +0000 Too big, too complicated and the games aren’t great either – the ever-expanding Super Rugby competition is coming under heavy fire after spreading to two new continents this season. The ambitious tournament started in the 1980s as a six-team amateur affair known as the South Pacific Championship before evolving into the 18-club behemoth which today straddles 16 time zones. The entry of teams from Argentina and Japan may be good for broadcast revenues, and it could point the way ahead as rugby... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1948397/super-complicated-sprawling-southern-hemisphere-championship-comes-under?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1948397/super-complicated-sprawling-southern-hemisphere-championship-comes-under?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 May 2016 03:15:30 +0000 The New South Wales Waratahs urged Wallabies star Kurtley Beale to stay put on Friday after he reportedly accepted an offer from Wasps that would make him the highest paid player in English rugby. A report in The Times newspaper said utility back Beale will join Wasps on a two-year, £1.5 million (HK$16.8 million) contract. Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson said the long-rumoured move was “unconfirmed” and he urged the in-form Beale, 27, to stick with the Sydney club. For us we’d love him to stay. He's... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1944493/waratahs-urge-kurtley-beale-reject-blockbuster-move-england?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1944493/waratahs-urge-kurtley-beale-reject-blockbuster-move-england?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 May 2016 04:00:45 +0000 Super Rugby’s Blues held on to beat the Melbourne Rebels 36-30 at Eden Park on Saturday, giving the bottom team in the New Zealand conference victory over the side that sits atop the Australian standings. But the Auckland outfit were hard-pressed to seal their six-tries-to-four triumph, conceding two late tries after they had led 36-18 with 28 minutes left on the clock. And a 78th-minute penalty awarded against the hard-attacking Rebels finally clinched the match for the Blues. It didn’t always... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1940264/victories-highlanders-blues-highlight-new-zealands-continuing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1940264/victories-highlanders-blues-highlight-new-zealands-continuing?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 30 Apr 2016 18:00:15 +0000 Japan’s Sunwolves stunned the Jaguares 36-28 in a pulsating clash of Super Rugby expansion teams on Saturday to post their first win after a miserable run of seven defeats. It was a victory largely made in Samoa as flyhalf Tusi Pisi kept the Tokyo side in the game against the explosive Argentines, booting 18 points, including the go-ahead penalty eight minutes from time. “To get this historic win in Japan is very special,” Sunwolves captain Shota Horie said. “We had to try to forget what... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1937959/japans-sunwolves-stun-jaguares-first-super-rugby-win?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1937959/japans-sunwolves-stun-jaguares-first-super-rugby-win?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 23 Apr 2016 13:45:00 +0000 Fly-half Garth April kicked five penalties from five attempts to give the Durban-based Sharks a 15-14 win over the Highlanders on Friday in one of the most contentious matches of the Super Rugby season. In Melbourne, outside centre Reece Hodge scored a try in each half as the Rebels stormed to a 36-14 win over Cheetahs. The defending champion Highlanders played the majority of the match with 14 men after losing centre Jason Emery to a red card in the 13th minute for a reckless tackle on Sharks... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1937826/garth-april-showers-sharks-penalty-points-clinch-super-rugby-win-over?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1937826/garth-april-showers-sharks-penalty-points-clinch-super-rugby-win-over?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 22 Apr 2016 15:30:30 +0000 Former Springboks coach Nick Mallett said the Japanese Sunwolves were “embarrassing” Super Rugby after they suffered a 92-17 mauling by the South African Central Cheetahs in Bloemfontein late Friday. Cheetahs scored 14 tries at Free State Stadium to achieve the biggest triumph in the competition this season, easily surpassing the 53-10 victory the Chiefs recorded against Western Force. Seven-time champions Canterbury Crusaders hold the record for the most points in a Super Rugby match – 96... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1936285/embarrassing-sunwolves-concede-92-points-cheetahs-mauling?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1936285/embarrassing-sunwolves-concede-92-points-cheetahs-mauling?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 16 Apr 2016 00:45:30 +0000 Australian Rugby Union (ARU) recorded a deficit of almost A$10 million (HK$59.2m) last year in its worst result in over a decade, the organisation has told stakeholders. It’s not something we’re proud of, but it is something we forecast Bill Pulver, ARU chief executive The governing body’s financial predicament worsened after losses of A$9.8m in the 12 months to December 31 followed a A$6.3m deficit in 2014. The result was compounded by the ARU paying A$5m to keep the troubled Melbourne Rebels... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1935401/red-australian-rugby-union-reveals-details-its-worst-financial-losses?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1935401/red-australian-rugby-union-reveals-details-its-worst-financial-losses?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 12 Apr 2016 04:15:30 +0000 The Bulls claimed their first Super Rugby match outside of South Africa in more than three years on Saturday when they held off tournament newcomers the Sunwolves 30-27 at Singapore’s National Stadium. The new Japanese franchise came agonisingly close to registering their first win since joining the expanded competition this season, scoring three spectacular tries against the three-time tournament champions from South Africa, before running out of time and settling for a second bonus point in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1931059/agonising-loss-plucky-sunwolves-against-bruising-bulls-super-rugby-clash?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1931059/agonising-loss-plucky-sunwolves-against-bruising-bulls-super-rugby-clash?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 26 Mar 2016 15:45:30 +0000 It has been a tough start to Super Rugby life for the Sunwolves and it might well get worse before it gets any better, according to Sanzaar boss Andy Marinos. The Japanese franchise were beset with player and staff recruitment issues, with Eddie Jones stepping down even before starting as director of rugby, leading to a shortened pre-season and two defeats to start their campaign. The second, a 32-31 loss in Singapore against the Cheetahs on Saturday, exposed their lack of squad depth – the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1924080/world-cup-helped-and-hindered-super-rugbys-sunwolves-says-sanzaar-boss?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1924080/world-cup-helped-and-hindered-super-rugbys-sunwolves-says-sanzaar-boss?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 13 Mar 2016 07:30:45 +0000 Sunwolves coach Mark Hammett will readily accept defeat in the Japanese franchise’s maiden Super Rugby season if they play with the same conviction displayed in Saturday’s 26-13 loss to the Lions in their first match. Hastily assembled with minimal preparation, the Tokyo-based side drew solace from the fact that they avoided a Lions mauling many had predicted, staying abreast with the South Africans through long stretches of their home debut. We can always handle losing if we know that our... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1918014/sunwolves-coach-mark-hammett-proud-despite-failed-attempt-tame-lions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1918014/sunwolves-coach-mark-hammett-proud-despite-failed-attempt-tame-lions?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 27 Feb 2016 14:45:45 +0000 Defending champions Highlanders slumped to a 33-31 loss against the unfancied Blues as the newly expanded Super Rugby competition opened with a shock result and three high-scoring games on Friday. The Blues, now coached by All Blacks legend Tana Umaga, showed the Highlanders they could not expect to fly under the radar to the title like last year. In an entertaining match in which the lead changed hands four times, the Highlanders stage a late comeback but lacked the intensity of their... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1917602/super-stunner-blues-upset-champions-highlanders-high-scoring-opening-day?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1917602/super-stunner-blues-upset-champions-highlanders-high-scoring-opening-day?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 27 Feb 2016 02:45:00 +0000 Penpix of the Australian teams playing in this season’s Super Rugby series, which starts on Friday: BRUMBIES (formerly ACT Brumbies) Coach: Stephen Larkham Captain: Stephen Moore Stadium: Canberra Stadium Best finish: Champions (2001, 2004) The Brumbies are perennially among Australia’s leading contenders and reached last year’s semi-finals after finishing second in the Australian conference. With the departures next year of Stephen Moore, Joe Tomane, Matt Toomua and, possibly David Pocock,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1917229/super-rugby-fact-file-australian-conference?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1917229/super-rugby-fact-file-australian-conference?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 26 Feb 2016 09:15:00 +0000 Penpix of the New Zealand teams playing in this season’s Super Rugby series, which starts on Friday: BLUES (formerly Auckland Blues) Coach: Tana Umaga Captain: Jerome Kaino Stadium: Eden Park, Auckland Best finish: Champions (1996, 1997, 2003) After their worst season when they won just three games, the Blues have hopes for a big turnaround under new coach Tana Umaga who has had considerable success at provincial level. They have recruited well in the off-season although they remain without an... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1917224/super-rugby-fact-file-new-zealand-conference?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1917224/super-rugby-fact-file-new-zealand-conference?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 26 Feb 2016 09:00:30 +0000 Penpix of the South African conference one teams playing in this season’s Super Rugby series, which starts on Friday: BULLS (formerly Blue Bulls) Coach: Nollis Marais Captain: Adriaan Strauss Stadium: Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria Best finish: Champions (2007, 2009, 2010) The three-time champions have a new coach in Nollis Marais and have lost a host of star players, including Springboks locks Victor Matfield and Flip du Plessis, and utility back Francois Hougaard. Arguably their biggest... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1917214/super-rugby-fact-file-south-african-conference-one?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1917214/super-rugby-fact-file-south-african-conference-one?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 26 Feb 2016 08:15:00 +0000 Penpix of the South African conference two teams playing in this season’s Super Rugby series, which starts on Friday: JAGUARES Coach: Raúl Pérez Captain: Agustín Creevy Stadium: Jose Amalfitani Stadium, Buenos Aires Best finish: First appearance The Argentine newcomers arrived in South Africa two weeks ago ahead of their opening match against the Cheetahs on Friday, playing two warm-up matches. Able to call on a majority of the Argentina squad that reached the semi-finals of the World Cup last... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1917208/super-rugby-fact-file-south-african-conference-two?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1917208/super-rugby-fact-file-south-african-conference-two?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 26 Feb 2016 08:00:45 +0000 Super Rugby enters a brave new world when it embarks on its 21st season on Friday but despite expansion into new markets in South America and Asia, it is a fair bet the trophy will be heading back to New Zealand for the 14th time in early August. The competition’s 18 teams, up from 15 last year, are now spread over four continents with 18,000km separating Tokyo, home of the new Sunwolves outfit, and Buenos Aires, where Argentina’s debutant Jaguares are based. It is not easy to put together a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1917074/new-zealand-sides-still-ones-beat-super-rugby?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1917074/new-zealand-sides-still-ones-beat-super-rugby?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 25 Feb 2016 14:30:30 +0000 Rookie coach Robbie Fleck believes his young Stormers team will adopt a fearless approach to the new Super Rugby season as they get to grips with a new format and the weight of expectation. The Cape Town-based team finished top of the South African conference last season but have since lost experience in both the management and playing staff ahead of the season-opener against the Bulls at Newlands on February 27. Fleck, who won 31 caps at centre for South Africa, was not expecting to lead the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1914252/fearless-robbie-fleck-ready-super-rugby-challenge-south-africas-stormers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1914252/fearless-robbie-fleck-ready-super-rugby-challenge-south-africas-stormers?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 20 Feb 2016 07:00:15 +0000 Wallabies openside flanker Liam Gill is heading overseas to play in France at the end of the Super Rugby season in a blow for the ailing Queensland Reds and Australian rugby. The highly rated 23-year-old has been linked with a move to Top 14 side Toulon, having been shut out of Australia’s back row for the last two years by David Pocock, Michael Hooper and latterly Sean McMahon. He has international aspirations but plays in a position in which Australia have significant depth and he felt he... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1911858/wallabies-flanker-liam-gill-set-join-exodus-toulon?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1911858/wallabies-flanker-liam-gill-set-join-exodus-toulon?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 Feb 2016 16:00:00 +0000 Dan Carter’s Racing 92 won a battle of the hemispheres when they edged Super Rugby champions the Highlanders 45-38 in a try-fest to lift the Natixis Cup in Hong Kong on Saturday. Former All Blacks great Carter, the world player of the year, kicked a conversion before withdrawing at half-time in what became an end-to-end contest with the two teams sharing 13 tries. Chris Masoe got the winning try for the French side after a driving maul in the dying minutes to seal the exhibition game in front of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1910052/dan-carters-racing-edge-super-rugby-champions-highlanders-natixis-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1910052/dan-carters-racing-edge-super-rugby-champions-highlanders-natixis-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 06 Feb 2016 12:45:45 +0000 The reigning Super Rugby champion Highlanders aim to kick-start the defence of their title with a hard-and-fast running game when they meet in-form French club Racing 92 at Siu Sai Wan Sports Ground in Hong Kong on Saturday. On the back of a high-intensity training session on Thursday, the Highlanders named a strong side featuring a few All Blacks and several players from last season's winning Super rugby teams, and will be hoping to use their speed and fresh legs to their advantage in what is... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1909361/highlanders-planning-high-tempo-test-racing-92-natixis-cup-clash-hong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1909361/highlanders-planning-high-tempo-test-racing-92-natixis-cup-clash-hong?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 04 Feb 2016 12:00:45 +0000 All Blacks World Cup star Dan Carter is preparing to play a big role for Racing 92 against reigning Super Rugby champions the Highlanders in the Natixis Cup at Siu Sai Wan stadium on Saturday. Happy to be back in Hong Kong, Carter is itching to take on some of his old teammates and rivals. Just when I thought I’d finished playing against the New Zealand franchises, this game came about Dan Carter “I’m keen to play,” Carter said. “Just when I thought I’d finished playing against the New Zealand... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1909182/friends-and-foes-racing-92s-dan-carter-encounters-familiar-faces-hong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1909182/friends-and-foes-racing-92s-dan-carter-encounters-familiar-faces-hong?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 03 Feb 2016 10:45:00 +0000 Hong Kong referee Tim Baker, dubbed the best in Asia by former Japan coach Eddie Jones, is planning to showcase his skills to the world in Saturday’s Natixis Cup showdown between Super Rugby champions the Highlanders and French giants Racing 92. With the audience world wide, this is my chance to show the people in Dublin just how good a referee I can be Tim Baker With the match receiving global exposure and live television coverage, 33-year-old Baker hopes a strong showing will be noticed by... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1908852/spotlight-hong-kong-ref-tim-baker-hoping-turn-heads-natixis-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1908852/spotlight-hong-kong-ref-tim-baker-hoping-turn-heads-natixis-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 03 Feb 2016 05:15:00 +0000 Hong Kong will get first look at the 2016 version of reigning Super Rugby champions the Highlanders when they take on French club Racing 92 in the Natixis Cup on Saturday, February 6. Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph is preparing his charges for their first match since the Super Rugby decider last July and is expecting a fierce contest at Siu Sai Wan stadium against a battle-hardened Racing 92 featuring New Zealand World Cup hero Dan Carter. “Racing has been in top form in their competition in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1906628/we-know-were-against-it-says-highlanders-jamie-joseph-battle-against?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1906628/we-know-were-against-it-says-highlanders-jamie-joseph-battle-against?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 29 Jan 2016 06:30:00 +0000 Super Rugby-winning coach Jamie Joseph will take over Japan’s national team later this year after overseeing the Highlanders’ title defence, the Dunedin-based club said Thursday. New Zealander Joseph, who steered the Highlanders to a maiden Super 15 title last year, replaces Australian Eddie Jones, who left the Brave Blossoms after the World Cup to coach England. The 46-year-old represented both the All Blacks and Japan during his playing career, packing down in the forward line for the Blossoms... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1903738/kiwi-super-rugby-winner-jamie-joseph-coach-japans-brave-blossoms?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1903738/kiwi-super-rugby-winner-jamie-joseph-coach-japans-brave-blossoms?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 22 Jan 2016 01:15:15 +0000 New Zealander Mark Hammett was confirmed as the inaugural coach of Japan’s new Super Rugby team the Sunwolves on Monday, unveiled at a news conference just over two months before their maiden match. The former All Blacks hooker, who had four seasons in charge of the Wellington-based Hurricanes, also revealed the Tokyo and Singapore-based team’s 34-man squad for their first season. The squad contained 15 players with test experience and 10 of the Japan squad who stunned rugby by beating South... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1893998/ex-hurricanes-boss-mark-hammett-coach-japans-sunwolves-super-18?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1893998/ex-hurricanes-boss-mark-hammett-coach-japans-sunwolves-super-18?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 22 Dec 2015 19:00:30 +0000 Japanese rugby pin-up Ayumu Goromaru, one of the stars of the 2015 Rugby World Cup, has added a new weapon to his already formidable arsenal after being made a certified “Master of Ninjas”. The Japan Ninja Council said it awarded the fullback the honour on Wednesday because his kicking pose – hands clasped together with index fingers pointing skywards and knees bent – evoked images of the ancient stealth warriors. The 29-year-old played a key role as Japan's Brave Blossoms upset the odds by... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1892575/japan-world-cup-hero-ayumu-goromaru-becomes-ninja-master?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1892575/japan-world-cup-hero-ayumu-goromaru-becomes-ninja-master?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 18 Dec 2015 03:15:00 +0000 Wallabies captain Stephen Moore will leave the ACT Brumbies after the 2016 Super Rugby season to rejoin the Queensland Reds, it was announced Thursday, with his Canberra club “exceedingly disappointed”. The Brumbies said it “moved heaven and earth” to meet 32-year-old Moore's “unique demands” but it was not enough to prevent the hooker leaving for a rival team. Brumbies chief executive Michael Jones said Moore had indicated he was keen see out his career in Canberra, for whom he has played 102... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1892390/brumbies-exceedingly-disappointed-wallabies-captain-stephen-moore-jumps?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1892390/brumbies-exceedingly-disappointed-wallabies-captain-stephen-moore-jumps?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 17 Dec 2015 06:45:00 +0000 Follow @KevinKungHK Former All Blacks superstar Dan Carter will play in Hong Kong on February 6 when his French club side Racing 92 tackle reigning Super Rugby champions Highlanders in the Natixis Cup. The 33-year-old three-time world player of the year who retired from internationals after New Zealand won this year’s Rugby World Cup made headlines last month when he joined the French Top 14 side. We are famous for the Sevens but we have tried for many years to put on a second great... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1888984/all-blacks-world-cup-hero-dan-carter-play-hong-kong-new-french-club?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1888984/all-blacks-world-cup-hero-dan-carter-play-hong-kong-new-french-club?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 09 Dec 2015 09:00:00 +0000 A golden Buddha in Japan has attracted new – and unexpected – attention from rugby fans who are thronging to the religious icon to witness in person the hand gesture it shares with their beloved Rugby World Cup hero Ayumu Goromaru. The number of visitors to the religious-turned-sports shrine in central Japan has soared five-fold as eager fans descend on the Dainichi Nyorai statue, which has clasped hands with touching upward-pointing index fingers – just like Goromaru's trademark pre-kick... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1883485/scrums-japanese-rugby-fans-make-pilgrimage-see-buddha-statue-ayumu?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1883485/scrums-japanese-rugby-fans-make-pilgrimage-see-buddha-statue-ayumu?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Nov 2015 03:45:30 +0000 The new chief of southern hemisphere rugby on Wednesday said he's confident Japan's Sunwolves will take part in the expanded Super Rugby tournament – despite the newcomers not yet appointing a coach. SANZAR chief executive Andy Marinos said the Sunwolves were likely to name a head coach within the next fortnight, adding they had already contracted a "core group" of 24-25 Japanese players. However, with just three months before the Super Rugby season kicks off, Marinos admitted uncertainty... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1883432/japans-sunwolves-will-be-ready-super-18-season-says-new-zanzar-boss?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1883432/japans-sunwolves-will-be-ready-super-18-season-says-new-zanzar-boss?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Nov 2015 00:30:15 +0000