Author: Don Pizzy

French rugby fans have every reason to celebrate this weekend as Antoine Dupont, the world-renowned scrum-half and cornerstone of both Stade Toulousain and France Rugby, is officially set to return after almost a full year on the sidelines. The long-awaited comeback of the player many consider the best scrum-half of his generation has ignited excitement across the rugby world. Dupont has been absent since suffering a major injury that required extensive rehabilitation and forced him out of both club action and several key national-team fixtures. His recovery has been carefully managed, combining advanced medical treatment, strength conditioning, and phased training…

Fabian Holland’s rise in 2025 has been nothing short of extraordinary. In a year packed with blockbuster performances and intense competition for places in the All Blacks pack, the young lock has carved out a reputation as one of New Zealand’s most influential forwards. His numbers alone tell a compelling story, but it is his consistency, work rate, and impact in pressure moments that have elevated him into elite territory. Across 12 games played this year, Holland has shown remarkable durability and trust from the coaching staff, averaging 67 minutes per match—an exceptional figure for a forward regularly involved in…

The 2025 Dream Team — unveiled by World Rugby — once again spans continents, selecting players from seven different nations: South Africa, New Zealand, England, Australia, Ireland, Scotland, and France. (World Rugby) For South Africa, it was a season that validated their dominance: six Springboks made the cut — including an all-front row of Ox Nché, Malcolm Marx and Thomas du Toit — underscoring their strength in the set-piece and forward pack. (sabcsport.com) Elsewhere, a handful of standout names from across Europe and the Southern Hemisphere made the roster: Maro Itoje and Tom Curry from England; Len Ikitau and Harry…

In the build-up to tonight’s highly anticipated UEFA Champions League showdown at the Emirates Stadium, the tension between Arsenal and Bayern Munich has reached boiling point, further fuelled by days of provocative posts from the German giants. Bayern Munich has repeatedly shared images and graphics across their digital platforms celebrating past victories, a move that many Arsenal supporters have interpreted as unnecessary “noise” and a deliberate psychological tactic. For Arsenal fans, however, this match means far more than a place in the next round of the UCL. Supporters across social media have described the fixture as “non-negotiable” — a must-win…

Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich has stirred discussion across Europe after offering a frank assessment of Arsenal’s playing style while comparing the challenges his side faced against Paris Saint-Germain. Speaking after Bayern’s latest Champions League fixture, Kimmich suggested that Arsenal rely heavily on set-pieces, while matches against PSG provide “more of a football game,” comments that have quickly gained traction among supporters and analysts. Kimmich, known for his honesty and tactical insight, reflected on Bayern’s varied experiences in European competition over recent seasons. When asked about how the team prepares for Premier League opposition, the German international noted that Arsenal’s…

Beauden Barrett’s influence on world rugby has long been undeniable, but in recent seasons, the All Blacks superstar has managed to elevate his legacy even further. From the moment he burst onto the international scene, Barrett has been a player who commands attention—yet even now, more than a decade into his professional journey, he continues to impress fans, coaches, and rising talents across the globe. Barrett’s journey has been defined by a rare blend of natural flair, game-breaking speed, and a rugby IQ that seems almost instinctive. Those qualities were evident from his earliest days with New Zealand’s U20 side,…

Addie Savea’s incredible 2025 season has ignited widespread debate across the global rugby community, with many fans and pundits arguing that the All Blacks powerhouse *deserved* a place in the 2025 World Rugby Men’s Dream Team of the Year. Despite producing yet another campaign marked by consistency, work rate, and leadership, Savea was left out of the final selection—an omission that has raised eyebrows and intensified discussions surrounding the criteria used for the prestigious team. Savea, who has long been recognised as one of the most dynamic forwards in world rugby, continued his trademark form throughout the 2025 international…

The Parramatta Eels have secured another major commercial win ahead of the 2026 season, officially announcing Budget Car and Truck Rentals as the club’s newest corporate partner. The agreement marks a significant step for both the NRL and NRLW programs, with Budget signing on as the club’s official car and truck rental partner as well as the inaugural back-of-shorts partner for the Eels’ NRLW team. The partnership, unveiled on Monday, strengthens the Eels’ rapidly growing commercial network and aligns the club with one of Australia’s most trusted names in vehicle rental services. Budget’s branding will feature prominently across multiple club…

The NRL’s off-season has entered its most intense phase, with all 17 clubs finalising their Top 30 rosters for the 2026 campaign. After months of retention battles, contract negotiations, player exits and recruitment raids, every team has now lodged their official squad list—offering fans the clearest picture yet of how next season will shape up. The release of the full Top 30s has sparked immediate debate across the league, with several clubs emerging as major winners of the off-season while others face renewed scrutiny over depth, roster balance, and long-term planning. Some of the biggest headlines centre on powerhouse clubs…

New Gold Coast Titans head coach Josh Hannay has wasted no time stamping his authority on the club, launching an assertive recruitment push that signals a bold new direction for the 2026 NRL season. Fresh off overseeing the re-signing of two of the Titans’ most promising talents earlier in the week, Hannay has now secured the signature of a dynamic outside back—an acquisition already being hailed as one of the most exciting moves of the off-season. The arrival of the explosive flyer, whose speed and evasive ability have drawn comparisons to some of the NRL’s elite finishers, is the first…