There are so many things to look forward to – where do we begin? In the past, the year following a World Cup has often tended to be a bit of a damp squib in rugby terms. However, we have a hunch that 2024 is definitely going to break that mold. We all have ourContinue reading “The Lineout Calls of the Week – The Things We’re Looking Forward to the Most in 2024”
Author Archives: Neil Olsen
The Lineout Calls of the Week
We start this week’s piece with a heavy heart as we belatedly mourn the passing of a Canadian Rugby Icon, Toronto Arrows’ founder Bill Webb. Bill passed away at the end of August, and we deeply regret that it has taken us this long to get around to paying our tribute to such a nobleContinue reading “The Lineout Calls of the Week”
The Lineout Calls of the Week
We have to apologise for still playing catch-up after getting back from France, so unfortunately we’ve had to postpone our review of our outstanding Canadian Women’s performance in the recently concluded Tier 1 competition of the WXV in New Zealand. However, now that we finally get to sit down and mull over what was nothingContinue reading “The Lineout Calls of the Week”
Lineout Calls of the Week – Postcards from France
That Friday, back at the beginning of September, when we all crowded around our TV screens to watch France and New Zealand, kick off Rugby World Cup 2023, now suddenly seems a very long time ago. Since then, a World Cup that was never going to be without its controversies has still somehow managed toContinue reading “Lineout Calls of the Week – Postcards from France”
Lineout Calls of the Week – Rugby World Cup Pool Stages
Caught your breath yet? We’re not sure if we have. After five glorious weekends, the Pool stages of the Rugby World Cup are wrapped up, and what a glorious journey it’s been. Perhaps most exciting was the fact that there have been so many matches that on paper looked set to be dead rubbers, butContinue reading “Lineout Calls of the Week – Rugby World Cup Pool Stages”
Lineout Calls of the Week – Rugby World Cup 2023
Well, it’s the final Round of Pool matches, and in some cases, it almost feels like a round of 16 weekend, given the do or die nature of some of the matches. Italy need to somehow dig deep and find the inspiration to make life difficult for France as they have on occasion in theContinue reading “Lineout Calls of the Week – Rugby World Cup 2023”
Lineout Calls of the Week – Rugby World Cup 2023
Well, the wait is over, and the Rugby World Cup is now fully underway in France, and what a fascinating tournament it’s already proving to be. There are the usual controversies, starting with the opening ceremony, which some of us found a wee bit confusing at times, to say the least. Then there was theContinue reading “Lineout Calls of the Week – Rugby World Cup 2023”
Lineout Calls of the Week
Well Folks it’s almost upon us and the excitement is building by the day. Sure the draw is a bit lopsided to say the least, but as a result it could set up the most fascinating permutations we’ve ever seen in a World Cup. Sure there are the favourites, but then there are also theContinue reading “Lineout Calls of the Week”
The Lineout Calls of the Week
So it’s only 14 days away and we are starting to feel the mounting excitement. Sure it’s a lopsided draw, but the flip side to it is that it could end up providing one of the most interesting World Cups in history. But that’s a discussion for much later. In the meantime there continues toContinue reading “The Lineout Calls of the Week”
The Lineout Calls of the Week
Well there has been drama aplenty this week, but yes sadly it’s officiating and governance that unfortunately take centre stage once more. England Captain Owen Farrell’s time at “tackle school” cleary had no effect and the serial high tackle offender once again found himself in hot water, only to get away scot free in theContinue reading “The Lineout Calls of the Week”
The Lineout 