Former Australia Test batter Joe Burns is attempting to help Italy qualify for the 2026 T20 World Cup as a tribute to his late brother. After being dropped from Queensland’s contract list for the 2024-25 season, the 34-year-old is switching his focus to a subject close to his heart. Burns, who played 23 Tests for […]
‘Standout’ Swans, ‘unsustainable’ Pies, ‘boring’ Giants: How the top-eight sides are tracking at the halfway mark
We hit the first round of byes (if we forget the horrendous fixturing of earlier this season), with all clubs having played 11 of their 23 games – the last time the ladder will be on an even keel until the end of June. Today, let’s take a look at the top half of the […]
Rugby’s route back to relevance: More back stabbing, vicious boardroom sagas, and Evil Emperor Waugh
Every week, two things occupy the minds of rugby fans in this part of the world. The first is the question of how, exactly, are we to revive the popularity of the sport of rugby union in this great nation which has such a sporadically proud history in the game? The second is, will we […]
It’s time for Luai to stand up and clearly prove he can be the main man for Blues in Origin
I’m the first to admit that I am not a big fan of Jarome Luai. Perhaps I’m a little jealous that he doesn’t play for my team but the swagger, confidence and attitude is not something I typically admire in players. I prefer a more understated player which potentially explains why my list of favourite […]
Cracking Kiwi derbies revealed some telling truths. The biggest? Super Rugby is alive and well
We’ve finally reached that moment of truth when the top Super Rugby teams need to find their best form for the playoffs, and Test selectors look with keen interest on how contenders and pretenders cope with the big match pressure. It’s amazing that in the 48 hours after The Roar published my All Blacks selection […]