Argentina claim third gold medal at London Sevens
The HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2023 came to a thrilling conclusion on Saturday at Twickenham Stadium with Argentina defeating …
Ben Smith
21 May 2023, 21:11
Contributors
Ben Smith
@bensmithrugby
A former financial analyst & auditor in retail banking, Ben is a columnist at RugbyPass specialising in opinion-based analysis, breaking down rugby as he sees it, to uncover what professional teams are trying to do around the world.
Opinion
Ardie would have played if the Hurricanes had something to play for
Ardie Savea and Jordie Barrett were rested as per the All Black resting policy, while the Chiefs were at full strength leading to …
Ben Smith
21 May 2023, 1:36
18-year-old All Black Sevens' injury call-up steps off plane and smokes the Blitzboks
All Blacks Sevens' Xavier Tito-Harris was called up as injury replacement for Moses Leo for the final leg of the World Sevens Seri…
Ben Smith
20 May 2023, 22:36
'You’ll see that': Piutau backs revamped Tonga to produce at the World Cup
For Piutau, who lost eligibility for the All Blacks when he took up a deal with Premiership side Wasps in 2015, will be able to re…
Ben Smith
20 May 2023, 20:04
Wallaby hopeful stars for Waratahs with impressive performance against the Drua
Young fullback Max Jorgensen has shown his playmaking skills as the NSW Waratahs maintained their late season Super Rugby Pacific …
Ben Smith
20 May 2023, 17:47
Opinion
The abnormal stat that shows signs of a deliberate plan for Beauden Barrett
With one final chance at the Rugby World Cup later this year, Barrett has to be forgiven for working to a clear preservation plan …
Ben Smith
17 May 2023, 20:37
Opinion
How the Tuivasa-Sheck experiment could have succeeded for NZR and the All Blacks
When Tuivasa-Sheck's union career is finally over and the dust settles, hindsight will reveal the missteps along the way that wast…
Ben Smith
16 May 2023, 18:54
Dalton Papalii handed suspension for hit on Richie Mo'unga
Blues captain Dalton Papalii has been handed a three-week suspension for his late tackle on Crusaders first five Richie Mo'unga.
Ben Smith
15 May 2023, 22:08
'Not a single guy and England has got four': Ex-Bok coaches give raw views on RWC referees
Two former Springbok coaches have given their differing views on the 12 referees appointed to officiate the Rugby World Cup later …
Ben Smith
15 May 2023, 20:41
Former All Black Charles Piutau heading to Japan
Former All Black and Tongan international Charles Piutau is headed to Japan after announcing a deal for next season.
Ben Smith
15 May 2023, 1:41
Historic match on the table for All Blacks and Fiji for 2024
NZ Rugby CEO Mark Robinson has revealed that discussions are underway for a historic first Test between the All Blacks and Fiji on…
Ben Smith
14 May 2023, 22:49
Opinion
The Rugby Championship needs Japan and Fiji
The flagship Rugby Championship competition already lacks unpredictability and expansion with Fiji and Japan adds a missing elemen…
Ben Smith
14 May 2023, 20:36
All Blacks Sevens claim Toulouse after golden-point try from Roderick Solo
The All Blacks Sevens have claimed a dramatic golden-point 24-19 win in the Cup final of the men's event of the HSBC World Rugby S…
Ben Smith
14 May 2023, 19:40
Los Pumas coach Michael Cheika a 'shock candidate' for NRL gig
Former Wallabies head coach and current Los Pumas head coach Michael Cheika has reportedly been thrown into the mix for an NRL swi…
Ben Smith
14 May 2023, 0:47
'You shouldn't miss something as blatant as that': Why ex-All Black is unhappy with Papalii decision
Blues flanker Dalton Papalii was red carded in the 15-3 defeat to the Crusaders early in the second half but the sequence of event…
Ben Smith
14 May 2023, 0:15
'There is going to be some questions': Why Tuivasa-Sheck snub hurts the Blues' brand
Not being picked for the Blues will harm those chances but Lowe said that Tuivasa-Sheck's reputation remains in tact and it is the…
Ben Smith
13 May 2023, 20:22
Black Ferns and All Blacks Sevens into semi-finals in Toulouse
The Black Ferns and All Blacks Sevens have qualified for the semi-finals of the World Sevens Series in Toulouse.
Ben Smith
13 May 2023, 19:04
'A bit of Ma'a Nonu about him': Robertson implores young All Black to reject French advances
Incoming All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has expressed his desire for young All Black and Crusaders wing Leicester Fainga'an…
Ben Smith
10 May 2023, 22:52
Tug of war for giant 125kg lock has reportedly gone south for Australian rugby
The Waratahs' imminent signing of giant Australian-born lock Miles Amatosero was reported back in March but it now appears that th…
Ben Smith
10 May 2023, 17:47
'Easily afford him': Rugby Australia boss wants another Roosters star to join Suaalii
Rugby Australia Chairman Hamish McLennan has publicly endorsed an early exit for Roosters star Joseph Suaalii while opening the do…
Ben Smith
09 May 2023, 18:26
