rugbyworldcup2023

Glittering career ends with tears for retiring Ireland captain Johnny Sexton

5 months ago by Ultimate Rugby

The 38-year-old heads into retirement as arguably his country’s greatest player. Tears were always likely when the end eventually came for the retiring Johnny Sexton. In a city synonymous with...

France v South Africa - Three key contests

5 months ago by Ultimate Rugby

  The last quarter-final of this scintillating weekend of rugby sees hosts and three-time finalists France - who are aiming for a first semi-final since 2011 - tackle defending champions South...

World Rugby Hall of Fame to recognise five Rugby World Cup greats

5 months ago by Ultimate Rugby

Dan Carter (New Zealand), Thierry Dusautoir (France), George Smith (Australia), Juan Martín Hernández (Argentina) and Bryan Habana (South Africa) will become the latest legends inducted into...

Expectation to underachievement – How Scotland came up short in France

5 months ago by Ultimate Rugby

Scotland suffered a demoralising pool-stage exit from the World Cup after being unable to get the big win they needed against Ireland. Here, we look back at how the tournament unfolded for Gregor Townsend’s...

Stats review - what do the figures reveal about the teams heading home?

5 months ago by Ultimate Rugby

Scotland and Australia were the two topped-rank teams to miss out on the knockout stage at Rugby World Cup 2023, but there was plenty to be positive about for teams such as Portugal, Georgia and Tonga. Pool...

Tonga: Rugby World Cup 2023 review

5 months 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...

Scotland: Rugby World Cup 2023 review

5 months ago by Ultimate Rugby

Abiding memory The sight of captain Jamie Ritchie and full-back Blair Kinghorn, who had been the most bullish before the crucial Pool B decider with Ireland, sitting dejectedly on the sidelines at the...

Rugby World Cup Review: Portugal’s delight

5 months ago by Ultimate Rugby

The quarter-finals are confirmed. Fiji were the last side to qualify for the knockout phase of Rugby World Cup 2023 in the final match of the pool stage on Sunday evening, but the night was Portugal’s...

Gregor Townsend admits Ireland were too good after Scotland’s World Cup exit

5 months ago by Ultimate Rugby

The Scots had to win with a bonus point or by denying the Irish a losing bonus in order to qualify for the World Cup quarter-finals.   Gregor Townsend admitted Ireland were simply too good for his...

Match Preview: Tonga v Romania

5 months ago by Ultimate Rugby

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that there’s nothing to play for in the penultimate match of the pool phase.  No, Pool B opponents Tonga and Romania haven’t won a match at Rugby...