Bhagte ma de, 8181 NW 36th Street, Doral, FL (2026)

01/02/2026

Les Kiss is set to miss the Wallabies’ first camp of 2026 as his focus remains firmly on guiding the Queensland Reds toward their first final appearance since 2011, yet the seasoned coach has made it clear that when he officially steps into the national role in August, he intends to take charge of Australia’s attacking direction, outlining a vision built on clarity, collaboration, and smart planning as he shapes his coaching team over the coming months; speaking with optimism, Kiss explained that he already has a strong grasp on the attacking framework and is carefully considering how to surround himself with the right mix of expertise, with trusted ally Jonathan Fisher expected to be involved in some capacity alongside other respected figures such as Laurie Fisher, Tom Donnelly, and Eoin Toolan, creating a blend of continuity and fresh thinking as Kiss follows a path similar to Michael Cheika’s dual-role journey in 2015 by balancing Super Rugby commitments with international responsibilities; despite the significant workload ahead, potentially spanning close to 30 match weeks, Kiss remains energized rather than daunted, drawing confidence from past examples and his belief that Australian rugby is moving in a positive direction, a feeling reinforced by his excitement around the Reds squad, the leadership group, and developing playmakers like Tom Lynagh and Carter Gordon, while the anticipated return of captain Tate McDermott early in the season adds further optimism; with the nation building toward hosting the 2027 World Cup, Kiss understands the expectations and questions that will come with his appointment, especially without prior major silverware as a head coach, but he approaches the challenge with calm assurance, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the present, aiming for a home final, and creating an environment where effort, preparation, and belief open the door to something special, all while trusting that his deep understanding of the local rugby ecosystem will help ensure a smooth transition and a clear, united direction for players and staff alike.

01/02/2026

New Zealand Rugby has made a landmark appointment by naming Whitney Hansen as the head coach of the Black Ferns through to the end of 2027, stepping into the role previously held by Allan Bunting and becoming only the 13th individual in history to lead the iconic team, as well as the second woman after Vicky Dombroski, who took charge in 1994; Hansen takes the helm at a time of exciting evolution in women’s rugby, with a challenging international calendar ahead that includes 11 Tests next year and a historic series against a touring British and Irish Lions women’s team in 2027, offering a unique platform to further elevate the legacy of the Black Ferns, a team that has dominated the global stage by winning six of the previous seven Women’s Rugby World Cups, most recently entering the 2025 tournament as defending champions and finishing third after a strong victory over France following a semi-final exit to Canada, while hosts England claimed the title; Hansen brings to the role a wealth of experience, having been part of the coaching staff that led New Zealand to their Women’s Rugby World Cup triumph at Eden Park in 2022 as an assistant coach, and her appointment is bolstered by a support team including assistant coaches Tony Christie and former England centre Riki Flutey, with the full coaching and management roster to be finalized in the new year; a former Canterbury player and professional teacher, Hansen has held senior coaching roles at every level, including overseeing Canterbury’s set piece in the Farah Palmer Cup from 2020 to 2023, guiding them to two titles in three years, serving as assistant coach for Matatū’s 2023 Sky Super Rugby Aupiki championship-winning side, later becoming the club’s head of rugby, and ultimately earning her inaugural head coach role for the Black Ferns XV in 2024, all of which has prepared her to take on this prestigious position with passion, strategic insight, and a commitment to nurturing the generational talent emerging in New Zealand women’s rugby, as she herself expressed excitement and honor at being entrusted with the role and her determination to start this next chapter with energy and vision.

01/02/2026

The new Japan Rugby League One season burst into life with an electrifying opening weekend that showcased the influence of former All Black stars across multiple teams, as Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith, TJ Perenara, and Brodie Retallick all played pivotal roles in shaping dramatic encounters. Defending champions Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo demonstrated the grit that has characterized their recent campaigns, edging Shizuoka BlueRevs 26–22 in a nail-biting clash that swung back and forth until the final moments. Mo’unga set the tone early with a try in the sixth minute, asserting his control at flyhalf, as Brave Lupus built a commanding 19–5 lead by first-half injury time, only for Valynce Te Whare to narrow the gap before halftime. The second half saw momentum shift with Charles Piutau giving Shizuoka the lead on his season debut, but the champions responded through Seta Tamanivalu, whose late try sealed the opening-round victory. Meanwhile, Saitama Wild Knights continued their dominant form, following last week’s strong performance with a 37–19 win over Urayasu D-Rocks, highlighted by ho**er Atsushi Sakate’s hat-trick of tries that kept the hosts in control despite a late Urayasu surge, placing Saitama just behind early leaders Tokyo Sungoliath. Sungoliath claimed the top spot thanks to a 43–25 bonus-point victory over Toyota Verblitz, spearheaded by Cheslin Kolbe who finished with 17 points, his tries crafted perfectly from the skillful offloads of Tevita Tatafu and Harry Hockings, while former All Black Aaron Smith crossed for Verblitz in a consolation effort. Kubota Spears secured a strong late comeback to beat BlackRams Tokyo 50–28, with TJ Perenara leading the charge, though BlackRams fought hard to narrow the gap mid-second half. Kobelco Kobe Steelers and Mitsubishi Sagamihara Dynaboars both celebrated first wins of the season, with Retallick marking his campaign with a try against Mie Honda Heat, while the Dynaboars held on after a tense Kanagawa derby finish. In Division Two, Hanazono Kintetsu Liners stamped themselves as early favourites with a commanding 40–10 victory over Green Rockets Tokatsu, Shimizu Koto Blue Sharks remained unbeaten after defeating Kyushu Electric Power Kyuden Voltex 40–27, and former Wallaby Toutai Kefu claimed his inaugural coaching win guiding Nippon Steel Kamaishi Seawaves to a 36–14 triumph over Hino Red Dolphins, signaling a season full of skill, strategy, and high-octane rugby excitement.

01/01/2026

The scrum stands as one of rugby union’s most fascinating contradictions: eight colossal athletes willingly folding themselves into a living, breathing sculpture of human engineering, all to test strength, skill, and unity against another eight equally formidable opponents, a spectacle that is at once chaotic and mesmerizing. It is the heartbeat of the sport, the place where momentum is seized, strategy is revealed, and front-row warriors—those enigmatic figures of sheer neck power, ingenuity, and unshakable resolve—truly shine. Packing down is never just a reset; it is a statement of character, an unspoken manifesto that announces, “We are here, we are strong, and we will move as one.” Modern titans like Malcolm Marx, whose presence suggests a gymnasium condensed into human form, and Ox Nché, whose mastery of physics and leverage elevates the loosehead role to an art, carry the tradition forward with breathtaking intensity, sculpting scrums as if chiseling marble yet powered by pure athleticism. Before them, legends such as Os du Randt, Jason Leonard, Tony Woodcock, Carl Hayman, Olo Brown, Gethin Jenkins, Sean Fitzpatrick, Keith Wood, John Smit, and Bismarck du Plessis transformed the scrum from a mere formation into a sacred craft, redefining resilience, teamwork, and tenacity in ways that inspired awe and reverence. Many of these front-row icons transitioned seamlessly into leadership roles, from John Smit’s tenure as Sharks CEO to Keith Wood’s influential voice in rugby governance and media, demonstrating that the discipline, strategy, and calm under pressure demanded in the front row are qualities that thrive beyond the pitch. While some periodically suggest minimizing the scrum’s influence or altering its structure for speed or safety, they often lack the firsthand experience of being enveloped in the scrum’s intensity, of feeling five metres gained through collective determination, or of experiencing the rare elation of flawless technique executed under pressure. The scrum is not a problem to be solved but a living testament to teamwork, courage, and the indomitable human spirit, a treasure that embodies rugby’s soul in all its glorious, chaotic, and awe-inspiring form.

01/01/2026

Wallabies star Len Ikitau faces an unexpected setback as a shoulder injury sustained in the final moments of Exeter Chiefs’ clash with Saracens will keep him sidelined until at least March, interrupting what had promised to be an exciting chapter in his English club rugby journey. After joining the Premiership side on a one-year deal following a demanding Australian season, the 2025 John Eales Medallist had impressed immediately, making a strong impact in his first five appearances and quickly establishing himself as a central figure in Exeter’s midfield. The injury, which requires surgery, comes on the heels of an already intense year for Ikitau, who had delivered consistently exceptional performances for the Wallabies across Super Rugby Pacific and international Tests, earning recognition as Australia’s standout player. His absence is felt not only at club level but also resonates with the Wallabies, whose backline endured a challenging 2025 due to injuries, with long-term absences for stars like Tom Wright and Tate McDermott testing depth, while shorter-term setbacks to players including Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii prompted ongoing adjustments and disrupted cohesion. Ikitau’s experience, composure, and leadership have been invaluable in guiding younger playmakers and nurturing emerging combinations, helping stabilize the Wallabies’ midfield and contribute meaningfully to Australia’s rebuilding efforts as attention increasingly shifts toward the 2027 World Cup, making his return a highly anticipated boost for both club and country.

01/01/2026

Anthony Mundine recently revealed a fascinating chapter of his sporting life that could have dramatically altered Australian rugby history, as he disclosed that former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones had approached him in 2001 with the opportunity to pause his boxing career and take on the coveted flyhalf role for the 2003 Rugby World Cup. The legendary athlete, who had already made a name for himself in rugby league before transitioning to boxing, explained that Jones admired his versatility and athleticism, recognizing the potential for him to follow in the footsteps of other dual-sport stars like Mat Rogers, Wendell Sailor, and Andrew Walker. At the time, Mundine had walked away from St George Illawarra midway through the 2000 season, frustrated after being overlooked by Australian selectors, and he was fully focused on achieving his dream of becoming a world boxing champion. Jones persisted in persuading him, highlighting that a stint in rugby could enhance his profile and that he could always return to the ring afterward, but the physical demands of rugby meant Mundine would have needed to gain weight and adjust to a very different kind of athletic intensity. Ultimately, Mundine decided to continue his boxing journey, feeling that he was making significant progress and that rugby could delay his ambitions of reaching the pinnacle of his sport. Reflecting now, Mundine acknowledges a tinge of regret, admitting that in hindsight, he might have embraced the chance to become a dual international, but he remains proud of his remarkable boxing career, which saw him compete in 59 professional fights, achieve a 48-11 record with 28 knockouts, and claim both middleweight and super middleweight world titles before retiring in 2021.

12/31/2025

Zac Lomax, the talented and somewhat nomadic Origin star, finds himself at a fascinating crossroads in his sporting journey after the ambitious R360 project—a Formula One-inspired traveling showcase that promised to reshape the rugby and rugby league landscape—was postponed until 2028, leaving him free to explore new horizons. Just days after stepping away from his $700,000-a-year contract with Parramatta, one season into a four-year deal, Lomax has embarked on a whirlwind tour of Super Rugby franchises, meeting with the Brumbies and the Western Force, with further meetings scheduled, signaling that a code switch could still be on the table. While NRL boss Peter V’landys has publicly welcomed the idea of Lomax returning, the release clause in his Parramatta deal complicates any immediate comeback, limiting him to a return via the Eels, a factor that has muddied discussions about his next move. Reports suggest that Lomax’s representatives have also explored options in France, and Major League Rugby in the U.S. remains a potential avenue, though joining a Super Rugby roster would likely involve a pay adjustment given most squads are full, making Rugby Australia’s support a probable prerequisite for any high-profile signing. Despite his lack of rugby union experience, Lomax’s exceptional athletic profile and positional versatility could make him an intriguing prospect for the Wallabies, especially with the team seeking dynamic outside backs in the air and on the ground. RA chief Phil Waugh has consistently expressed a willingness to keep an “open mind” regarding NRL recruits, and the presence of established talents like Dylan Pietsch and recent arrivals such as George Bridge at the Force suggests that Lomax would be joining an ambitious and evolving setup should the switch happen. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Lomax’s next chapter unfolds in Australia, overseas, or even in a hybrid of rugby codes, as he navigates the complex intersection of opportunity, timing, and personal ambition.

12/31/2025

The Perth Bears’ pursuit of marquee signings hit a setback as Viliame Kikau, the dynamic Fijian forward, reaffirmed his commitment to the Canterbury Bulldogs, putting to rest any speculation of a westward move. Kikau, whose contract was due to expire at the end of next season, has inked an extension through to the end of 2028, providing a significant boost to coach Cameron Ciraldo’s ambition of ending the club’s 21-year premiership drought. “I’m very happy to be staying at the Bulldogs,” Kikau said, reflecting his satisfaction in being part of the club’s ongoing journey. “I love being part of what we’re building here. We’ve made great progress over the past couple of years, but we want to achieve more – I want to help this club win its next premiership.” The 30-year-old, a dual premiership winner with Penrith before joining the Bulldogs in 2023, overcame a debut season hampered by injury that limited him to just nine games, and has since become a cornerstone in the teams that have qualified for consecutive finals campaigns. While the Bears had hoped to lure Kikau to Western Australia, negotiations never truly gained momentum, suggesting that his NRL career will likely conclude in the familiar blue and white. Perth, undeterred, has already begun shaping its roster for the expansion era, securing former Bulldogs halfback Toby Sexton, England centre Harry Newman, former Cowboys prop Marly Bitungane, and Bulldogs second-rower Luke Smith, signaling coach Mal Meninga’s intention to build a competitive and exciting new franchise.

12/31/2025

Warren Buffett once said, “Only when the tide goes out do you discover who has been swimming naked,” and the All Blacks faced exactly that challenge in 2024-25, as over 700 Test caps were set to depart after the 2023 Rugby World Cup, leaving a leadership vacuum and an urgent need for both platform and flair players. The losses of Aaron Smith, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Sam Cane, Dane Coles, Shannon Frizell, and Richie Mo’unga meant the team suddenly lacked the stability and on-field decision-making that had defined previous cycles, while remaining senior players like Ardie Savea, Beauden Barrett, Codie Taylor, Scott Barrett, Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Anton Lienert-Brown, and Sevu Reece struggled to consistently fill those roles, revealing gaps that had been masked by their predecessors. Decisions by the New Zealand Rugby Union in prior years, such as not committing senior All Black payments to Mo’unga and Frizell, further complicated matters, creating a situation where the team risked relying on underprepared replacements for key positions just as the next World Cup approached. Scott Robertson inherited a fragmented squad, exacerbated by narrow coaching structures, early departures of assistant coaches, and the underestimation of rule changes such as the high-ball and no-escort adjustments, which transformed contests into battles for positioning rather than skill ex*****on. Missteps in attacking philosophy, particularly the premature push for a fast, wide game, added to the disjointed performances, though glimpses of hope appeared when opposition coaches like Jamie Joseph demonstrated coordinated, direct approaches in limited preparation time. By the end of year two, cautious strategies of the prior regime were replaced by more pragmatic selection and development decisions, including improvements in the front five with players like Ethan de Groot and Fletcher Newell taking on greater responsibility, a promising rise in the lock combination, and the careful rebalancing of loose forwards around Cane and Frizell, all while nurturing a younger cohort in midfield and backline positions. Despite lingering concerns around fly-half depth and the conservative nature of attacking patterns, the integration of younger talents such as Cam Roigard, Peter Lakai, and others has begun to provide credible options across the park, giving Robertson and NZR two years to build cohesion, develop Test experience, and refine both defensive and set-piece stability. Ultimately, the first year may have been a write-off due to overcaution, but year two saw decisive acceleration in player replacement and experimentation, setting the stage for year three to blend a coordinated attacking game plan, robust physicality, and courageous selection choices both on the field and in the boardroom, creating a pathway for the All Blacks to navigate the post-World Cup transition while maintaining competitiveness at the highest level.

12/31/2025

Watching the Wallabies take on Italy last weekend was a rollercoaster of emotions, though mostly one of frustration and disbelief, leaving fans like me disillusioned after what we had hoped would be a period of consolidation and growth following some truly thrilling moments in the past year. Just over twelve months ago, Max Jorgensen’s remarkable 84th-minute try to seal a win against England at Twickenham felt like a watershed moment; it was a game that showcased the Wallabies at their best—fast, fluid, and audacious, the kind of rugby we had been longing for, and for a while, it seemed like the team was building on that momentum. Wins against the British and Irish Lions in four of six halves, breaking a long-standing hoodoo against the Springboks at Ellis Park, and holding their nerve to beat Argentina after the final whistle suggested a team moving in the right direction, full of belief and verve. Yet, the last few matches tell a different story, with only two victories in their past eight Tests and a concerning defeat to a Japan side that perhaps deserved to prevail. Watching the Wallabies against Italy, it often felt as if the players had forgotten the very essence of rugby; long, aimless kicks downfield reminiscent of AFL or soccer, with no chasers or pressure on the receiver, were baffling, and box kicks executed not to catch but to tap back to a teammate looked more like the start of a basketball game or an AFL ruck bounce. Add to that moments resembling NFL collisions and occasional rugby league-style pick-and-drives, and the game seemed like a hybrid experiment with little cohesion. The Wallabies’ reliance on repetitive pick-and-drives, exemplified in their 27 successive attempts against Japan, suggests they are trapped in a cycle reminiscent of Rita Mae Brown’s observation that insanity is doing the same thing repeatedly while expecting a different result. Beyond tactics, the lack of fluidity and freedom is glaring; players like Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii are racking up more rucks than metres run, and simple, elegant plays like a well-timed cut-one from the 10 are increasingly absent. Most worrying of all is the apparent joylessness on display—these are young men touring with their mates, representing their country, an opportunity for euphoria and camaraderie, yet instead, they appear constrained, disconnected, and prone to giving away penalties that erode momentum and confidence. With two games left on tour, the Wallabies still have a chance to restore pride, trust, and clarity in their play, but if the current style persists, fans risk being alienated not by results alone but by a fundamental drift away from the spirit of the game we all cherish.

12/31/2025

My wife is thoroughly over hearing me complain about the Wallabies after a loss, and strangely, she also has little interest in my positive commentary when we win, so here I am writing a comprehensive review of the 2025 season and looking ahead to 2026, a task I approach with zero expectation of universal enjoyment, but perhaps preferable to reliving every twist and turn on the field; starting with the positives, the British and Irish Lions tour was an undeniable triumph as a showcase for rugby, with packed stadiums, nail-biting contests, an aggregate scoreline that kept fans on edge, dramatic finishes, and an overall atmosphere that far exceeded expectations, followed by a thrilling South Africa tour where we witnessed incredible comebacks, wide swings in scores, and split results that kept supporters engaged and excited, and similarly, the two matches against Argentina offered drama, spirited efforts, and passionate crowds, even if a few more wins would have been ideal from a Wallabies fan perspective, particularly the second Lions Test and the Cape Town clash where victory felt within reach, and despite a defeat at Eden Park, there remains a strong argument that the game was a positive advertisement for rugby, though the momentum faltered upon returning from New Zealand, beginning with a disappointing Bledisloe Cup match in Perth that set the tone for a challenging European tour, punctuated by a hard-fought win against Japan, a close contest with England, a frustrating performance against Italy, a record defeat to Ireland, and an unsurprising loss to France, highlighting areas in need of improvement such as the insufficient preparation with only one warm-up match against Fiji, lack of clear weekly injury updates which hinder fan understanding and selector transparency, and inconsistent communication around refereeing decisions that often distract from the game itself, all of which suggest that 2026 will be a fascinating opportunity to see whether the Wallabies can build on early 2025 form or struggle to regain consistency; critical areas to focus on include mastering the lineout, which should be straightforward given the depth at ho**er and the early-season success, while strengthening the 9 and 10 positions to manage game tempo effectively following the departures of Nic White and injuries to Tate McDermott, with promising talent like Carter Gordon, Tom Lynagh, and Ben Donaldson offering potential solutions; additionally, earning positions should be emphasized, particularly for JAS at 13, to ensure talent is maximized through challenge and growth alongside players like Ikitau and Daugunu, and finally, enhancing defensive strategy to allow aggressive and opportunistic defenders such as Peitsch, JAS, Ikitau, Daugunu, and Paisami to excel, creating a system where positive defense seamlessly translates into attacking advantage, giving the Wallabies the best chance to transform potential into consistent, high-quality performances and set the stage for an exciting 2026 season.

12/31/2025

The finest tribute I have ever come across was penned by Wallaby lock Peter Crittle on the passing of Phil Hawthorne at the young age of 50, a remarkable 170cm, 72kg five-eighth who captained Australia in both rugby union and rugby league, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. Crittle and Hawthorne were central to an iconic five-year era in the 1960s when Australian rugby triumphed over the Springboks on the high veldt at Ellis Park, a feat unmatched until the Wallabies’ sensational victory earlier this year. In his typically humorous style, Crittle wrote that the forwards thought they were the engine of the team, with the backs as their supporting cast, yet he later highlighted the brilliance of half-back Ken Catchpole, full-back Jim Lenehan, and of course Hawthorne, whose skill and vision earned him honorary membership in the Forwards’ Club. This cheeky observation seems eerily prophetic in the way the current Wallabies approach the game, prioritizing possession for the forwards and repeatedly engaging in structured, close-quarter play, often at the expense of the backs’ natural creativity. Even gifted players like Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii or Max Jorgensen find themselves waiting for opportunities in narrow patterns rather than being unleashed to create chaos in open space, despite Australia’s wealth of talented wingers such as Corey Toole, Dylan Pietsch, Filipo Daugunu, Harry Potter, and Darby Lancaster. Historically, as Crittle noted, Australian rugby suffered when it lacked a commanding five-eighth like Hawthorne, and today’s selections echo that challenge, with captains and forwards often overlooking innovative backs unless they possess overwhelming presence. While the forwards have excelled in their roles and set-piece play has improved significantly, the spectacle of running, expansive rugby is largely absent, reducing otherwise exciting matches to structured, predictable contests, save for occasional breakthroughs. Players like Suaalii, initially placed in positions that limit their attacking flair, have adapted gracefully but cannot compensate for a system that rarely allows them to exploit space. A reimagining of combinations, such as Andrew Kellaway experimenting at five-eighth while maintaining Suaalii at full-back and Jorgensen on the wing, could restore the dynamism reminiscent of Mark Ella and Stephen Larkham’s eras. Crittle’s reflections on Hawthorne’s genius and the necessity of creative leadership in pivotal positions resonate as strongly today as they did decades ago, underscoring that Australian rugby’s potential shines brightest when it embraces its tradition of skillful, intelligent, and daring play rather than constraining its talent to narrow roles and repetitive patterns. The echoes of those past legends serve as a reminder that unlocking the true potential of modern stars could elevate the game and reignite the excitement of running rugby, something every fan longs to see restored.

Bhagte ma de

01/02/2026

01/02/2026

01/02/2026

01/01/2026

01/01/2026

01/01/2026

12/31/2025

12/31/2025

12/31/2025

12/31/2025

12/31/2025

12/31/2025

Address

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share

Category