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 Super Rugby Pacific dominates discussions and nothing else. Nope nothing. Well maybe one particular rumoured signing.
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One Percenters looks at everything you might have missed from the week of Rugby.
The Queensland Reds are set to receive a boost with James O'Connor in the process of re-signing with the club.
O'Connor has been back to his best for the Reds since returning from injury, pushing for a Wallabies recall.
With Tom Lynagh coming through the ranks and impressing, Reds GM of Rugby Sam Cordingley has confirmed they will look to tie up O'Connor in the next month.
“Yeah we have spoken to James O’Connor and expect him to resign within the month," he told ABC Radio.
"At 32 we see him as an important player moving forward for the Reds”
In the modern game, there has never been a time when stats have been richer and more 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 fourth round of Super Rugby Pacific, courtesy of Opta.
- The Crusaders have won their last 11 against the Brumbies and have not been defeated at home by the ACT side since 2000
- It continues their impressive form against Australian sides, winning their last 29 against non-Waratah trans-Tasman opposition.
- The Waratahs have struggled against the Chiefs in the past, conceding 91 points in their last two home games.
- The hosts have scored more tries from possession beginning with a scrum win (5) than any other team in 2023.
- The Reds have won their last six against the Rebels, although the Rebels have won three of their last five as the home side
- Discipline remains an issue for the Reds, with no team conceding as many penalties (54)
- Both the Force and Blues have drawn the ire of the referees, conceding a tied-high six cards in 2023
- Replacement hooker Tom Horton has been on a scoring streak since joining the Force, scoring more tries (3) in his first four games for the club than his entire stint at the Waratahs (26 games)
Legendary English captain Sarah Hunter has confirmed she will retire after this week's Six Nations opener against Scotland.
Hunter became the most-capped English player during last year's World Cup, ending her career in her hometown of Newcastle.
“Not many athletes get to choose how and when they call time on their playing careers,” Hunter said. “I’m very fortunate that I have the opportunity to finish on my own terms. I couldn’t think of a better way to do it than in my hometown where my rugby journey started.
“I get to finish in a place that has a special place in my heart in front of my friends, family and Red Roses supporters and I feel very fortunate that I’m able to do that.
“To play there in a white shirt – which is something I’ve been immensely proud of and I feel very honoured to have represented my country so many times – feels like an ending I couldn’t look past and I feel very fortunate that I get to do so."
Sevens legend Sharni Williams has been nominated for the LGBTQ Out Role Model Award at the 2023 Australian Pride in Sport Awards.
The awards recognise LGBTQ+ inclusion in Australian sport, with Williams having a historic year following winning the Sevens Triple Crown and guiding the Wallaroos to the Rugby World Cup quarter-final.
Williams is up against Carlton star Darcy Vescio, Olympic gold medalist diver Matthew Mitcham, cyclist Alexandra Smyth and Boomers and Melbourne United basketballer Isaac Humphries.
This Saturday celebrates A Day in Union - a day for people to come together and share everything they love about rugby.
The grass-roots movement was established in 2021 by Greg Mumm with the aim of strengthening the rugby community and helping people reconnect to the game and have fun.
Rugby lovers from all levels are encouraged to spread awareness and celebrate the sport via the hashtag #ADayInUnion.
The NSW Waratahs unveiled a new mascot this week - Tah Women.
Tah Women joined her slimmed-down male counterpart ahead of Friday's Super W opener against the Western Force.
"We are excited to introduce Tah Woman to our fans and supporters, and we are confident that she will become a beloved symbol of our commitment to supporting women's rugby in Australia," said Paul Doorn, CEO of NSW Waratahs.
"Our goal is to continue to grow the game for everyone, and we believe that by promoting gender equality, we can create a better future for rugby in Australia."
