With so many players and clubs doing media each day, it can be hard to keep on top of a lot of the stories coming out.
Rugby is filled with them across all levels of the game and whilst most are covered through some form of media, there are others that might have slipped off the radar as the Adelaide double-header dominates discussions.
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One Percenters returns for the Rugby Championship as it looks at everything you might have missed from the week of Rugby.
Returning Wallaby Bernard Foley admits the 2023 Rugby World Cup remains a major goal for him as he reunites with the squad.
Foley expressed his desire back in April and now the call-up has become a reality, was looking to enjoy his time whilst keeping the hallmark event firmly on his mind.
“It’s definitely on the radar,” he admits.
“There is only a finite time but it is on the radar. I’m just in here trying to connect with the guys, understand how we want to play.
“There’s a lot of footy and time between now and then, I know it’s the cliche but I’m literally taking it day-by-day being amongst the squad.”
With Rugby Australia confirming a partnership with Sportable for the England series, there has never been a time where stats have been more rich and available to clubs, coaches and fans.
As data continued to develop, take a look at some of the more interesting and unique stats heading into the third round of the Rugby Championship, courtesy of Opta.
- The Wallabies have an excellent recent record in Australia against the Springboks, unbeaten in their last seven starts. However, this fails to reflect how close the games are, with just one of those wins (38-12 in 2013) over a converted try margin.
- Australia is also the most proficient side when it comes to kick returns, making 99 metres, the most in the Rugby Championship and 27 more than second-place South Africa
- The Springboks remain deadly at maul time, scoring four tries in the Rugby Championship, more than the rest of the comp combined.
- Malcolm Marx is a weapon off the bench at ruck-time, winning six turnovers in the first two games, three times more than Australia's best Darcy Swain (2).
- New Zealand's record against Argentina is imposing, winning 31 of their 33 Tests, unbeaten at home, with their only defeat coming in 2020 at CommBank Stadium, Sydney
- Expect a high-scoring game in Christchurch with the All Blacks (3.7) and Pumas (3.3) in the top two for points per attacking 22m entry.
- Will Jordan has scored 10 tries in six Tests on home soil, scoring in every single game.
Force young gun Alex Masibaka has joined French powerhouse Montpellier on a three-year deal.
Masibaka made his debut during Super Rugby Pacific against the Blues in round 11, playing two games in 2022.
"Just want to say thank you to Western Force for the moments created this year, I will cherish them forever," he said via social media.
"Looking forward to my next journey in the South of France."
The Melbourne Rebels have confirmed they will take on recently promoted Kintesu Liners on October 15.
The match will be played as part of the partnership between the two clubs, with the Lingers preparing for their introduction to Japan League One without Quade Cooper, who continues his recovery from injury.
“We’ve had a partnership with the Liners for four years now so it’s a really big announcement to be heading over there and playing a game against them in Japan,” Rebels GM of Rugby Nick Stiles said.
“One of the things about being able to go over to Japan and play them in Osaka is they have progressed so much over the last few years. They’ve made the transition and won promotion into Japan League One. This game will be a really good platform in their pathway to success in the next few years.
“I think both clubs have been market leaders in having such relationships outside of Australia. I really see the future of Japanese Rugby growing in the Southern Hemisphere and I think the strategic slot and partnership we have I believe will be very rewarding for both clubs heading forward to what could become new competitions in the future.”
Sometimes actions, or an emoji, speaks louder than words.
With Premiership club Worchester facing an uncertain future, England centre Ollie Lawrence made his thoughts very clear on the financial situation as the club faces the prospect of going into administration.
The future of the club remains in the balance as owners confirm they are exploring every option to ensure their survival.
