Rugby fun, 510 Central Avenue, Jersey City, NJ (2025)

08/10/2025

Former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has shared his positive take on Richie Mo’unga’s new deal with New Zealand Rugby, which will bring the talented playmaker back from Japan in July 2026 for an 18-month contract running through to the end of 2027. This timing is particularly exciting because it means Mo’unga could feature for the All Blacks in his third Rugby World Cup, adding valuable experience and skill to one of the most pivotal positions on the field. Hansen emphasized that this arrangement is a win-win situation, benefiting both Mo’unga and New Zealand Rugby, as the playmaker himself is clearly happy with the terms. According to Hansen, Mo’unga’s return strengthens the depth in the five-eighth role where Scott Robertson will have three high-quality options to choose from, including Beauden Barrett and Mark McKenzie, both of whom are performing strongly. Hansen also highlighted Mo’unga’s proven track record, noting his many titles and his ability to perform at the highest level during previous World Cups. Although Mo’unga’s return to New Zealand is set for mid-2026, he won’t be eligible for Test rugby until October of that year, meaning he’ll likely spend some time playing for Canterbury in the Bunnings NPC before joining the All Blacks on their end-of-year tour. With a reduced Test calendar in 2027 leading into the Rugby World Cup, opportunities to get match-fit at Test level will be limited, but Hansen isn’t concerned. Drawing on the examples of Ardie Savea and Beauden Barrett, who both returned from Japan and performed admirably, Hansen dismissed outdated concerns about the competitiveness of Japanese rugby. He noted how the quality, coaching, and intensity in Japan have all improved significantly, making it a strong environment for maintaining high standards. Hansen confidently predicts Mo’unga will come back ready to perform, underscoring that while Test rugby is always a step up from club competitions anywhere in the world, Mo’unga has already proven himself capable of making that leap successfully, much like former stars such as Jerome Kaino who returned and shined. Overall, Hansen’s verdict paints an encouraging picture of Mo’unga’s return as a strategic move to boost the All Blacks’ depth and firepower in the lead-up to a crucial World Cup campaign.

08/10/2025

With the exciting news that Richie Mo’unga is set to return to New Zealand rugby in 2026, the rugby world has been buzzing with opinions and anticipation about what this move means for the All Blacks and the sport at large. Bryn Hall, a former teammate of Mo’unga with the Crusaders and now playing in Japan while also working as an analyst for Sky Sport, shared his thoughts on the situation. Hall expressed enthusiasm about seeing Mo’unga don the black jersey once again after his impressive performances with Toshiba Brave Lupus in Japan. He acknowledged the buzz around the challenge of securing Mo’unga’s release from his current contract but assured fans that returning to international rugby won’t be a significant hurdle for a player of Mo’unga’s calibre, especially given the way he has thrived over the past two and a half years abroad. Hall highlighted the importance of Mo’unga’s strong relationship with All Blacks coach Scott Robertson, with whom he has already achieved considerable success in Christchurch, suggesting that this connection will be vital as they aim for the World Cup in 2027. He described Mo’unga’s return as a fantastic boost for New Zealand Rugby, bringing back a seasoned and skilled player to the pivotal number 10 position. When asked about how other players in similar playmaking roles might react to Mo’unga’s comeback, Hall noted the competitive nature of the position and the ambition all players have to lead the team, but he also emphasized that the current crop of players, like Damian McKenzie and Beauden Barrett, still have opportunities to prove themselves before Mo’unga officially returns. Hall praised Mo’unga’s high-level play in Japan, reminding listeners that Mo’unga has even taken a key final away from his own team in that league. While Mo’unga continues his career abroad for another year, the door remains open for others to solidify their claims for the All Blacks jersey, ensuring that when Richie does come back, the team will be even stronger and more competitive overall.

08/10/2025

At Adelaide Oval, Fremantle faced a final quarter filled with tense swings that tested their composure and resolve, starting the term 14 points behind after Port Adelaide had turned an early four-goal lead into a deficit for the Dockers. Yet, instead of folding under the pressure, Fremantle drew on a remarkable recent habit of turning late deficits into victories, with Nat Fyfe leading the resurgence despite limited game time this season. His early clearance in the last term sparked a chain of attacking plays, including a smart finish from Michael Frederick, and quick ball movement that allowed Patrick Voss to close the gap further. Fremantle’s surge continued as Caleb Serong, whose marking and intercept work were pivotal, helped maintain relentless forward pressure, while young Murphy Reid produced a moment of magic with a perfectly timed overhead handball that set up Voss for another goal and the lead. Port responded through a composed Travis Boak pass to Connor Rozee, who snapped truly from the boundary to reclaim the advantage, but Fremantle’s late-game engine roared once more. Within moments, Sean Darcy’s ruck tap found Serong, who drove the ball forward to create a rushed behind, before Serong again intercepted to set up captain Alex Pearce, who moved forward and marked strongly before calmly slotting the go-ahead goal. With under a minute remaining, Fremantle defended desperately, with Serong spoiling Rozee’s final attempt and Darcy taking a courageous mark to secure the win. This hard-fought triumph, marked by resilience, daring plays, and leadership across the field, lifted the Dockers into fourth place and reinforced the belief that this version of Fremantle has the composure, strength, and unity to challenge for the ultimate prize after three decades of near-misses and heartbreaks.

08/10/2025

The long-standing rivalry between South Sydney and the Roosters has taken a fresh turn, with the Rabbitohs formally requesting that the Tricolours no longer use Matraville Sports High School as their training base for junior representative teams. South Sydney has raised the matter with the NSWRL, arguing that the Roosters’ ongoing presence at the school for the past 15 years could influence young talent in their region. The Roosters, meanwhile, have invested around \$200,000 into upgrading the school’s sporting facilities, including improved lighting for the fields, which has added another layer to the debate. NSWRL rules outline that clubs should train and compete within their own district or affiliated region, a point the Rabbitohs are keen to see enforced. This disagreement sits on top of a decades-long conversation about the boundaries of each club’s junior recruitment areas, with the Roosters’ base in Sydney’s east shrinking over time while the Rabbitohs continue to boast one of the most promising junior programs in the NRL. Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly highlighted the significant investment Souths Juniors have made into developing future players, saying their commitment should be acknowledged and safeguarded. The rivalry also extends to stadium arrangements, as Souths explore the possibility of relocating from Accor Stadium to Allianz Stadium, a move the Roosters are eager to block to keep Moore Park as their primary home ground. As the season nears its conclusion, the Rabbitohs are focused on climbing out of last place, while the Roosters are pushing for a finals spot. The final round clash between these two sides promises to be high-stakes, with South Sydney determined to finish on a strong note while possibly derailing their rivals’ postseason ambitions.

08/10/2025

Cronulla may need to adjust their plans with Briton Nikora set to miss action until the first week of the finals due to a suspension, while Spencer Leniu remains available for the Roosters’ clash with the Bulldogs after being cited for contrary conduct. Francis Molo will be sidelined for the Brisbane derby, and the Broncos are facing a reshuffled lineup with captain Adam Reynolds, Ezra Mam, and Selwyn Cobbo all out for several weeks through injury. Ben Hunt and Billy Walters are expected to guide the side, although coach Michael Maguire has backup options in Coby Black, Josh Rogers, or Jock Madden, with Cory Paix, Blake Mozer, and Tyson Smoothy offering depth at ho**er. Manly’s playoff hopes have taken a hit with Jake Trbojevic ruled out under concussion protocols, joining a list of other unavailable players across the league including Canberra’s Corey Horsburgh, who opted for a fine over risking suspension, and the Roosters’ Siua Wong, who will miss their crucial match after sustaining a concussion. Multiple clubs are managing key absences: Penrith’s Isaah Yeo and Luron Patea remain out, Melbourne’s Nelson Asofa-Solomona has been playing in the Queensland Cup, and the Warriors are without Wayde Egan and Te Maire Martin for now. The Dragons are considering keeping debutant Hayden Buchanan in the lineup, while the Bulldogs await the return of Sitili Tupouniua. The Sharks have Jesse Colquhoun back but still await Nikora’s return, the Titans are monitoring Phil Sami, and the Broncos continue to manage Brendan Piakura. The Dolphins’ Felise Kaufusi serves the final week of his suspension, the Rabbitohs have ended Campbell Graham’s season, and the Eels’ Isaiah Iongi is still recovering. The Tigers are watching Taylan May’s progress through concussion protocols, Manly also awaits Ben Trbojevic’s return, the Cowboys expect Jordan McLean and Sam McIntyre to be fit soon, and the Knights look forward to Brodie Jones recovering from illness. With the Raiders on a bye, every club is navigating the challenge of balancing recovery and performance in the lead-up to the finals.

08/10/2025

Latrell Mitchell made a memorable return from injury, delivering two brilliant assists and producing a game-saving effort that lifted the South Sydney Rabbitohs to a much-needed victory, while giving Wayne Bennett a significant boost in his quest to avoid an unprecedented bottom finish in his illustrious NRL coaching career. The Gold Coast Titans, led by experienced mentor Des Hasler, slipped to 17th on the ladder after the narrow 20-18 result at Cbus Super Stadium, adding pressure to their campaign as they face the challenge of climbing out of a difficult position. Despite missing several key players, South Sydney welcomed the return of halfback Jamie Humphreys, Latrell Mitchell, and the determined Brandon Smith, yet entered this so-called Spoon Bowl encounter as underdogs. They showed resilience and composure, securing two crucial competition points that keep their hopes alive. The Titans, still reeling from last week’s heartbreaking loss to Penrith, struggled to find momentum, and with the Rabbitohs enjoying one more bye round, their task to avoid a 17th-placed finish now seems increasingly steep. In a standout individual achievement, Alex Johnston’s latest double brought him within just three tries of Ken Irvine’s long-standing all-time record of 212, fueling anticipation that the rapid winger could make history before the close of the 2025 season.

08/10/2025

The South Sydney Rabbitohs find themselves under the spotlight as the NRL Integrity Unit seeks clarification regarding an unexpected incident involving Brandon Smith at Coolangatta Airport on Saturday afternoon. Smith, who had just arrived on the Gold Coast with his teammates in preparation for the Rabbitohs’ Sunday clash against the Titans, was approached by Queensland police for a brief discussion before being allowed to leave without any issues. While the reason for the interaction remains undisclosed, authorities confirmed there were no charges and nothing to suggest any wrongdoing. The situation has added an element of curiosity around the club’s high-profile mid-season recruit, who joined from the Sydney Roosters and made his debut for the Rabbitohs in Round 18 before a knee injury kept him off the field. Now set for a milestone 150th NRL appearance spread across three clubs, and only his second game for South Sydney, Smith’s return is expected to add a spark to the team as they face the Titans. With the Integrity Unit awaiting a formal response from the club, fans remain focused on the upcoming match and Smith’s long-awaited comeback.

08/10/2025

Montpellier has confidently secured the future of France international Baptiste Erdocio by extending his contract through 2029, a full year ahead of his previous deal’s expiration. This commitment from the club highlights just how much they value the 25-year-old prop, who has already made a strong impression since joining Montpellier in the summer of 2023. Before his move, Erdocio developed through the ranks of Bidart Union Club and the renowned Biarritz academy, making his professional debut with Biarritz Olympique in 2021. Since arriving at Montpellier, he quickly became a mainstay in the matchday squad, featuring in 20 Top 14 games last season, starting 14 of them, and even crossing the try line once. At 115kg and 1.75m tall, Erdocio is known for his versatility, able to fill in at ho**er as well as prop, and for his exceptional mobility and ball-carrying skills that set him apart in the front row. His outstanding form earned him a call-up to the French national team for the New Zealand tour, where he started two of the three Tests, a testament to his rising profile on the international stage. This season, he ranks third among Top 14 front-rowers in tackle completion rate, proving his defensive reliability alongside his dynamic play. Despite interest from other notable clubs like Bayonne and Clermont, the Basque-born forward has chosen to continue building his career in Hérault. Montpellier, aiming to improve on their ninth-place finish last season, will kick off their new Top 14 campaign at home against Toulon on September 6, with Erdocio expected to play a key role in their ambitions.

08/09/2025

In a spirited final warm-up match before the Women’s Rugby World Cup, Canada showcased their strength with an impressive 47-26 win over Ireland in Belfast. Ireland, making ten changes as they geared up for their opening tournament clash against Japan on August 24, struggled to keep pace with the Canadian side that struck early and often. Canada surged ahead quickly with tries from Florence Symonds and Justine Pelletier putting them up 14-0 right from the start. Despite a brief setback when Daleaka Menin was temporarily sidelined for high contact, Ireland seized the moment with Beibhinn Parsons crossing the line to narrow the gap. Canada, however, responded swiftly as Pelletier extended their lead once more. Ireland’s challenge was further hindered when captain Neve Jones received a penalty-related caution, reducing her team to 14 players. Canada capitalized on their advantage with Menin powering through for another try and Paige Farries adding to the scoreboard, leading to a commanding 33-7 halftime lead. Julia Schell’s try soon pushed Canada beyond 40 points, but Ireland fought back valiantly in the second half. Anna McGann scored twice, and Parsons added a third try, showing resilience despite the deficit. Sophie de Goede sealed the victory for Canada with a final try, rounding off a dominant performance that leaves both teams ready and eager for the World Cup battles ahead.

08/09/2025

Australia’s head coach Joe Schmidt has shared a detailed injury update on his Wallabies squad, revealing the physical challenges faced by key players following their intense British & Irish Lions series victory and just days before the Rugby Championship kicks off against South Africa in Johannesburg. Schmidt confirmed that crucial forwards Rob Valetini, Will Skelton, and Taniela Tupou, who each played pivotal roles throughout the Lions series, are all expected to be available for the highly anticipated Ellis Park clash. Despite carrying various strains and niggles—Tupou managing a lingering toe issue after an influential third Test showing, Valetini recovering from a calf setback that sidelined him in the first and third Tests, and Skelton overcoming a similar injury that kept him out of the opener before making a strong return—Schmidt remains optimistic about their readiness, noting that each has already contributed significant minutes on the field and are progressing well in training. However, not all news is positive, as fly-half Tom Lynagh and prop Allan Alaalatoa continue to face longer-term rehabilitation, with Lynagh following concussion protocols and Alaalatoa steadily recovering from a shoulder injury. Schmidt emphasized a cautious approach to their comebacks, highlighting the importance of prioritizing their health and long-term careers, especially given the physical demands these young and resilient players encounter in elite competition. As the Wallabies prepare to face the Springboks in Pretoria the following week, Schmidt’s transparent updates underscore the delicate balance between pushing for victory and safeguarding player welfare in one of rugby’s toughest periods.

08/09/2025

Under the golden lights of Adelaide Oval, the night unfolded like a drama scripted for the most passionate of fans, where momentum swung like a pendulum and every second felt like the tipping point between despair and triumph. Fremantle, who began with a spark that promised glory, had seen their early lead fade into a deficit as Port Adelaide surged, the crowd’s roar swelling with the scent of an unexpected home win. Down by 14 points early in the final quarter, the Dockers seemed to be staring down another chapter of heartache in their long history of near-misses, yet something about this team felt different. Led by the ever-resilient Nat Fyfe, whose body may have been worn by the years but whose will remained unbroken, Fremantle began to climb. It started with a clearance that wasn’t pretty but was perfectly placed, a chain of plays that brought the ball deep into attack and allowed Michael Frederick to snap truly. Soon after, Fyfe’s vision and Frederick’s daring combined again, turning scraps into opportunity, and with Josh Treacy’s composure under pressure, the ball found Patrick Voss, who delivered with a steady kick that drew the Dockers within a whisker. The match became a study in poise and instinct: Caleb Serong flying for unlikely intercept marks, Jordan Clark and Andrew Brayshaw threading impossible handballs through a forest of bodies, and young Murphy Reid crafting perhaps the pass of the season to leave Voss free to score. Every player seemed to sense the magnitude of the moment, each act a brushstroke in a picture that was still being painted. Then came the twist — Connor Rozee, fighting fatigue, curling through a brilliant boundary snap that handed Port the lead with barely two minutes to go, the stadium trembling with belief. But Fremantle’s answer was swift and unflinching: a towering mark from Alex Pearce, the unassuming captain turned unlikely forward, who coolly slotted the goal that restored their advantage with less than a minute remaining. In those frantic final moments, it was Serong’s desperate spoil, Sean Darcy’s courageous mark, and Karl Worner’s last-gasp defensive touch that sealed the story. It wasn’t just a win; it was a declaration that this Fremantle team, now perched in the top four, had forged the steel to chase the ultimate prize, turning what once would have been heartbreak into a night their fans will replay for years to come.

08/09/2025

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, the explosive Exeter Chiefs winger and rising England star, has found himself in the spotlight as the ambitious R360 tournament looks to lure him into its growing roster of global rugby talent, a move that could reshape the sport’s competitive landscape. At just 22, the Cardiff-born speedster, who committed to a long-term deal with the Chiefs earlier this year, now shares the rumor mill with England teammate Fin Smith and several other high-profile names as R360 reportedly aims to secure 200 players by next month, including a handful of England internationals. Meanwhile, the rugby carousel continues to spin with Cardiff emerging as an unexpected contender for the return of Louis Rees-Zammit, fresh from his surprising NFL stint, with Bristol Bears, Gloucester, and Newcastle Falcons all weighing in on the chase, though Newcastle’s focus lies more on strengthening key positions, including a potential swoop for Scotland-born All Blacks scrum-half Finlay Christie. Across the globe, Springbok sensation Cheslin Kolbe is eyeing a long-awaited homecoming after years in Europe and Japan, while veteran fly-half Jimmy Gopperth is keeping his options open for one final chapter in a career that spans continents. Crusaders flanker Tom Christie has sparked speculation over a UK move after following Newcastle Falcons and Newcastle United online, just as Queensland Reds prepare for a global head coach search with Les Kiss bound for the Wallabies in 2026. Elsewhere, Argentina’s Tomas Lavanini is on the hunt for a new club, WP Nel has been tempted out of retirement by Stirling County, and Ealing Trailfinders are seeking another fly-half to bolster their Championship campaign. Adding to the mix, Charlie Robson has swapped rugby union for league, impressing enough to earn a spot with the London Broncos. With player moves, coaching changes, and whispers of major tournaments reshaping the rugby map, the next chapter of the sport is set to be just as unpredictable as the one before.

Rugby fun

08/10/2025

08/10/2025

08/10/2025

08/10/2025

08/10/2025

08/10/2025

08/10/2025

08/10/2025

08/09/2025

08/09/2025

08/09/2025

08/09/2025

Address

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Shortcuts

Share

Category