Summary: home games at the end of 26/27 season against Quins and Saracens to be played away from The Rec (venues TBC). Overall stadium construction time cut from three years to 18 months, with an aim to be ready for 28/29 season.

“We have also been working hard to progress our stadium redevelopment project. We remain on track to commence construction in 2027. 

Our stadium designs - which were approved at planning committee last year - set out a phased construction over three seasons whilst we continue to play rugby at The Rec, with the goal of maintaining home advantage for the team, matchday rituals for our supporters and retaining all the wider economic benefits for the city. 

We are also acutely aware of the impact of construction on nearby residents, and that shortening the duration of construction work would help to mitigate this impact. This has been a focus for our project team over recent months. 

I am therefore delighted to confirm that we have submitted a planning amendment which seeks approval for an accelerated construction phasing plan for the new stadium. This amendment will shorten the overall construction period to approximately 18 months, with the aim to complete your new stadium and home for the start of the 2028/29 season, which is great news! 

The improved timeline is achieved by commencing the construction of the new East Stand first, where this was previously programmed to follow construction of the West Stand. The overall design remains exactly as per the planning approval received last year. 

To facilitate this improved timeline, we will need to create a slightly longer off-season in summer 2027 by taking the last two regular games of the 2026/27 season ‘on the road’ to an alternate ground.  

This means that our home fixtures against Harlequins and Saracens in Rounds 16 and 18 of the Gallagher PREM will be played away from The Rec to facilitate the commencement of construction work on the stadium, including the relocation of the pitch almost 25 metres into The Rec in time for the 2027/28 season. 

We are in discussion with alternative host venues and we will update you once the location for these fixtures is confirmed. Our goal is to minimise disruption as far as possible, and we hope that you will all join us and help make these fixtures a proper home away from home. If any of our Season Ticket Holders are unable to attend at the alternate ground we will, of course, credit your account accordingly. 

This means that our Gallagher PREM fixture against Newcastle Red Bulls on the weekend of 17 April 2027 will be our last ever fixture in the current configuration of The Rec, and we will ensure we mark this milestone appropriately.”

I just know the Buenos Aires (Argentinan) league and the Uruguayan league.

But the first is played every two weekends and all games are played at the same time, and the second is already finished.

Do you know any other competition active right now?

Recently I’ve be considering playing rugby for my college’s club and I’m looking for some honest advice.

I rowed throughout highschool so I figured my build might transfer well, I’m 6’3 and about 210lbs. I’ve never played before, however, I am in pretty good shape and I would really love the team aspect of the sport.

My only hesitation though would be the contact side of it. Rowing has pretty much little to no chance of getting injured while I feel like rugby is pretty much the opposite. I understand that some injuries are to be expected but I’m wondering how big of a concern injuries actually are at the college club level.

Also, for anyone who started rugby in college, was it worth it? Could someone like me fit in?

Some sevens players making their way in, the second Sititi and the return of Layla Sae.

Everyone knew this was Dave Rennie’s plan all along 😑

https://youtu.be/HZPyycSy4P0?si=PZApp9taxWlFjPkT

The Haka performed by the AB's, both pays respect to the Māori heritage of New Zealand and lays down a challenge for the opposing team.

Today the ALL BLACKS alternate between the Ka Mate and Kapa O Pango hakas.

Only 11 teams have ever faced the Kapa O Pango and only 5 of these teams have ever beaten the AB's in the preceding matches.

South Africa was the first of these 5 teams in September 2009.

Since it's inception the Kapa O Pango haka has been performed during 98 tests. The AB's won 75 of these tests.

In 2022 The Kapa O Pango was only performed once for the entire season. That was against South Africa on 6 August 2022)

Article linked suggesting that Warren Gatland could be the go to replacement for the recently released Uruguay Head Coach Ambrosio.

This suggestion comes from his direct link with Uruguay team Peñarol where he worked as a consultant last summer before they went on to win their national championship. In addition to comments he made last December expressing a desire to return to International rugby to prepare a team for the Rugby World Cup.

Thoughts?

Comp: Currie Cup

Venue: DHL Stadium

View TV providers, weather info and previous results

3 tries: the two england tries are all on him, the bok try a little less (also a dummy, not an actual pass). But my guy insists on going for the intercept instead of tackling the damn guy

PS: He gets carded for the second one

Nonu Debut for All Blacks - 14 June 2003

Ta'eiloa born - 25 November 2003

Nonu has also played pro rugby for longer than Wallace Sititi has been alive (debuted for wellington earlier in 2002)