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Christy has been covering rugby since 2014 after falling in love with the game in 2010 during a year in England. He was employed at Fox Sports from 2015 and worked at News Corp across two stints. During his time at Fox Sports, he was a prolific newsbreaker and published regularly in The Australian. He also covered the Tokyo Olympics for News Corp. Not shy of setting the agenda, he wants to cover rugby from all angles: from Super Rugby and sevens to the international game.
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Ned Hanigan is one of the in-form forwards in Australian rugby who looks set to finally turn promise into quality on the international stage,…
As calls grow for the entire Rugby Australia board to be overthrown, new chairman Daniel Herbert described the agitators behind the movement as hypocrites…
Amid a week of soul-searching for Stephen Larkham’s men, the Brumbies have received a massive boost ahead of Saturday’s home clash against the ladder-leading…
Jordan Petaia may have played his last match for the Reds, with the off-contract Wallabies back to miss the rest of the Super Rugby…
Eight months after being called out for a lack of equality and opportunity, Rugby Australia took another step forward on Monday in moving their…
Joe Schmidt has made it clear that his preference is to pick from home in 2024. His thoughts on the Wallabies’ eligibility policy could…
As the Crusaders’ season went from bad to worse, Kurtley Beale and Izack Rodda made bright returns to Super Rugby to help the Force…
Stephen Larkham’s Brumbies went across the ditch intent on making a statement against one of Super Rugby’s title contenders. By half-time the match was…
Two years after a serious knee injury scuppered Nic Dolly’s hopes of running out for England against his home nation Down Under, the one-Test…
Four years after getting a taste of international coaching, Geoff Parling will return as the Wallabies’ new lineout coach. The Roar can reveal the…
Kurtley Beale will play his first Super Rugby match in 1494 days after being rushed straight into the Western Force's lineup to take on…
Izack Rodda’s stop-start career at the Western Force is about to get the green light once again, with the experienced Wallaby set to make…
After losing Tate McDermott and Fraser McReight to suspensions, the Queensland Reds have copped another blow by losing Seru Uru for up to six…
Les Kiss’ hopes of turning around the Reds’ season had been dealt a blow, with star duo Fraser McReight and Tate McDermott to miss…
The theory is that Australia is closing the gap with their trans-Tasman neighbours in Super Rugby. The evidence is five wins from 12 matches…
An “unshakeable” Scottie Scheffler has claimed his second Masters green jacket in three years, carding a four-under-par 68 to finish four shots clear of…
The Melbourne Rebels have taken a giant step toward securing a maiden finals berth after knocking over the Highlanders 47-31 on Saturday evening. On…
As Ryan Smith prepares for his 50th Super Rugby match, the former air conditioning contractor turned Reds stalwart wants to add a “brutal and…
As Angus Bell comes to terms with yet another foot injury, past and present Wallabies believe the rising prop could make a successful switch…
Queensland head coach Les Kiss has thrown his weight behind a touted Club World Cup, as the concept moved closer to sign-off. Reports surfaced…
Thanks. Yes, Harry is expected to re-sign long-term with Suntory. Hard to come back when earning close to seven figures. He wouldn’t be offered anywhere near that figure in Oz. Eligible for Japan from next year, too. He’s quality. Super hands.
Five things: What Beale has over other golden oldies, double pain for Brumbies as Blues expose Australia's biggest weakness
I asked that question to Nick Stiles on last week’s pod. I think it should be considered. Brumbies used to have a similar positive problem with the depth at hooker.
'Insane and total stupidity': Drua have two SENT OFF as Rebels score 33 unanswered points to win again
A strong article that raises some important questions. Nice one H!
'Curse the money all you want' but RA must work out what it wants from Super Rugby - otherwise the game is doomed
For the record, they did review at the end of last season. Hence why Jason Gilmore ended up doing more on-field coaching in 2024.
Five things we learnt: Why Cheika could be the man to resurrect Tahs, Thor is the new Quade, value of sevens
Agreed. It’s technically a franchise but it’s a stuffy word that sums up what’s wrong with the competition: a lack of tribalism and connection.
'They've got to have some trust': DC's vision for star trio as Jorgo says gold jersey '100%' fuelled decision to stay
Yes, I’m told he will be back soon. But we’ve heard that before, with niggling injuries returning. Atu Moli is plagued by his hips. They’re working on a solution for him to return too.
Super Rugby teams week six: Foketi back after horror injury, Suli benched, Sam Carter set for debut, DMac rested
Barely anything. And that’s no exaggeration.
Inspirational Harrison set for first Super Rugby match in 707 days as Tahs out to snap 'frustrating' run
I support the NZR’s decision to keep All Blacks eligibility to those in Super Rugby. I’d allow those playing in Aus to be eligible too though.
I’d also try bring Sam Whitelock back for another year to help maintain standards. He’s the most consistent lock of the past decade.
Razor's pursuit of 'hard bastard' Sam Whitelock reveals the ugly truth about the modern All Blacks
Agree, Coxon had his best performance. In 50/50s, always going to go with the Wallabies-eligible player.
Five things we learned: Schmidt's selection headache, Carter's a No.12 wildcard, and $1m Thor must step up
Word is that Suaalii will play 13 for the Tahs, which gives them another power runner. But injuries can change that. Either way, there’s got to be one power runner in the midfield. My preference is for that to be at 12, with a Flook/Ikitau at 13.
Fresh Wallabies blow as Waratahs lose gun centre to complicate selection ahead of Lions tour
I agree with the premise of the story. Cronny did spend a couple of years as forwards coach with the Tahs in ’18-19. Reasonable point about Friendy, too.
Thanks for the contribution!
Set up to fail: The gaping hole in Aussie Super Rugby coaching CVs - with one clear exception
Agreed. Wouldn’t think so in 2024, but bound to come back into the reckoning in 2025.
Wallabies Power Rankings: How every Test contender is shaping up one month into Super Rugby
Pretty good list. Lots of rugby to be played. So many positions open: locks, blindside flanker, halves, inside centre.
My five best Australian players to start the year: Faessler, Uru, McReight, Wilson and Flook. But how many of those will feature against Wales? Probably only McReight is a shoe-in. The others will be in the mix, probably on the bench. I’d think Len Ikitau will make up some ground but I love Josh Flook.
Interesting discussion as always.
Wallabies Power Rankings: How every Test contender is shaping up one month into Super Rugby
Two things: they bombed chances again, and they lack cohesiveness because they’ve been picking players from all over the shop.
'It hurts': Force's season goes from bad to worse as Lealiifano, Kepu lead Moana Pasifika to upset win
Good post mate, and many valid points raised.
Joe Schmidt is a very good appointment.
I think once he’s onshore and working with the Super Rugby franchises, it’ll help. Thus far, he’s been working behind the scenes in New Zealand. That can’t continue for long.
As for letting some of the other journalists tackle said subjects, I’m not going to do that. It goes against why I was hired at The Roar and it also goes against journalistic principles.
The great thing about The Roar is the website is that it is respected now in the mainstream media. It allows everyone to have their say and we cover the sport from all angles. No other site/paper does that in the country.
Yes some stories won’t be loved by everyone, but that’s perfectly fine.
In any case, thanks for engaging.
Should be another great weekend of action. Big one particularly for the Tahs.
RA reeling and facing a mass exodus of biggest stars - there are three key reasons why they're in peril
I can point toward multiple positive articles/podcasts over the past week. Sorry if the reality – a story or two that questions the status quo – doesn’t sit well with you.
RA reeling and facing a mass exodus of biggest stars - there are three key reasons why they're in peril
Don’t disagree at all with your alternate view. Most just want clarity. RA seldom can provide that.
RA reeling and facing a mass exodus of biggest stars - there are three key reasons why they're in peril
They can start by talking to players and their agents more and giving them some clarity. While most want to play international rugby, they also accept that not everyone can play. But they do want a sense of what’s next and what direction the side is heading.
Take for instance the All Blacks. Razor would have been having conversations for the best part of a year about the direction. Then they have stability at the CEO, chair level, a head of high performance who has been there for years. They also have all their coaching staff in place for 2024.
Ditto, Ireland. The Boks similarly have had their battles but have managed to be decisive in their decision-making.
RA and the Wallabies, most positions aren’t filled so everyone is left second-guessing the next move.
That, my friend, is why players and agents have little confidence because no one knows what’s going on next.
RA reeling and facing a mass exodus of biggest stars - there are three key reasons why they're in peril
These rumblings have been occurring for months, not days. It’s not a case of me writing that the sky is falling as you suggest, but it’s another reminder for Rugby Australia, who are incredibly slow to move and have little vision, that they must be proactive. They’re continually reactive. That is the essence of the story.
RA reeling and facing a mass exodus of biggest stars - there are three key reasons why they're in peril
Nice job highlighting some of the shining lights in Aussie rugby. I agree we’ll be seeing a lot more from Josh Flook. He’s a player who often makes the right decision, and has an understated skill set.
'Breathing life back into Australian rugby': How Reds revolution can supercharge several Wallaby careers
As written, he was later asked about whether he was pencilling players in already and did namedrop Tane Edmed. But I appreciate your concern.
Five things we learned: The general who caught Schmidt's eye, why next week is vital for Coleman's Tahs
G’day Ed, unfortunately the website is old and a bit clunky. I’ve been told it’s hard to pinpoint why exactly it’s occurring because it’s not every story. Hopefully, it improves. Thanks for sticking with us!
Five things we learned: The general who caught Schmidt's eye, why next week is vital for Coleman's Tahs
Valid points!
How do the other Australian sides emulate the Brumbies' set-up? The Reds might be showing us how
The difference in 2022 was that Razor rested several players for the match. Penney won’t be able to bring back those stars next week or the one after. Several injuries haven’t helped, but they don’t have the outrageous quality they did last year. Crusaders will still make the finals, but I can’t see them being in the top three. That generally counts when it comes to finals time.
The Crusaders dynasty looks dead - so how will it impact the All Blacks?
Interesting discussion.
As an aside, I enjoyed this a lot.
“I eventually met Williams the next day, who greeted me with ‘are you always this grumpy, cuz?’’
The reply from the Canterbury media manager confirmed that I was indeed always that grumpy.”
Hansen's done Joey Manu no favours comparing him to SBW. He'll be more like RTS - and Foz is the reason why