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 and the champion Sevens side dominant discussions
One Percenters looks at everything you might have missed from the week of Rugby.
Australia A coach Jason Gilmore has issued a caution towards exposing and overhyping exciting talent too early in their career as they start impressing in Super Rugby Pacific.
The discussions came after talk of Wallabies call-ups for a host of Waratahs started to flourish, with the likes of Tane Edmed, Dylan Pietsch and Mark Nawaqanitawase.
With Gilmore set to lead the revived development program in the Pacific Nations Cup, he believes that is the next step for talent to be judged on, not throwing players into gold jerseys after a couple of good games.
“I think this is what we do. Guys play two or three good games and we push them straight up into Wallabies selection,” Gilmore said.
“You look at Reesjan Pasitoa at the start of the year, all the headlines were about him and he hit a form slump and (the) next one was Tane Edmed, it’ll probably be Noah (Lolesio) if he plays well this weekend.
“I think those two (Pietsch and Nawaqanitawase) need to keep calm and play consistent footy at this level, you have the Australia A program which is against Test quality opposition which is a good step for them.
“If they can back it up next year, I think they’ll certainly put themselves in a position to get selected but I think we need to be careful we’re not putting them up in lights because they’ve played three good games of footy.”
With Rugby Australia confirming a partnership with Sportable, 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 quarter-finals, courtesy of Opta.
- The Reds have to defy a recent run of tough form against the Crusaders, losing their last 10 games and last eight games outside of Australia.
- However, they enter with a strong record in finals matches, winning two of their last three against Kiwi opposition.
- Jordan Petaia has recorded an average carry distance of 12.4 metres from his 67 carries in the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific season, the second-most of any player in the competition to make at least 50 carries.
- The Hurricanes have struggled away from home in finals encounters, winning just one of their last ten. The one? Well, that was against the Brumbies in 2017.
- It’s a battle of styles as the Brumbies kick the ball every 3.1 rucks, the most in Super Rugby Pacific whilst the Hurricanes record the second least at 5.5.
- Whilst the Chiefs have enjoyed recent success against the Waratahs, winning their last five, it’s a clash that has often favoured the NSW-based, having won 13 of the 18 clashes before that streak.
- The Waratahs have never won a finals game away from home in the history of Super Rugby.
A pair of hookers will hit the open market as Andrew Ready and James Hanson confirm they will leave the Western Force and Melbourne Rebels respectively.
Ready has been with the club since Global Rapid Rugby, excited about the challenge that lays ahead.
"End of another chapter. What a memorable 4 years I’ve had here in the Wild West! Some highlights include Global Rapid Rugby, NRC Championship & welcomed back into Super Rugby," he said via social media.
"It was an honour to be a part of the Western Force team and to work alongside team mates, management & staff on and off the field. To the Sea of Blue, Thank You. Thank You for welcoming me into your team and for the unconditional support you show week in and week out for us!
"Perth will always hold a special place in our hearts. We bought our first house here and it’s little Harry’s birthplace. It’s sad to be moving on but I’m looking forward to the next chapter of this journey wherever that may be!"
Meanwhile, Hanson's stint ends on a high after helping the Rebels upset the Highlanders.
"I feel extremely grateful for the opportunity to represent the Rebels- From a young pup with a dirty mullet who was given his first professional rugby opportunity to 136 super games later playing my last game for the club as the father. It's been a helluva ride," he added.
"There has been a lot of lessons learnt, memories made and wonderful people alongside to share the journey with. Thank you to those that make Melbourne so special- the board, coaches, staff, fans, the city, my team mates and most importantly my family. I wish the club all the best for the future. It’s not over yet… looking forward to the next rugby chapter
NSW Waratahs centre Jason Gilmore is excited about the chance to take on former Wales coach Warren Gatland in Saturday's quarter-final.
Gatland handed the 35-year-old his International debut and whilst the pair reconnected in Melbourne, it'll be all business once they face off in Waikato.
“We shared a beer after Melbourne which was nice, there won’t be any chance after (Saturday) but I love playing against your old coach
“You always want to prove a point, every player’s the same and Warren is a massive influence in my career at the Test level.
“I’m really excited to go to Hamilton, really fond memories from a few World Cup games with Wales. It’s a great place to play Rugby and I’m sure there will be a big crowd this weekend.”
Scottish referee Hollie Davidson will make history when she leads an all-female team of match officials for the men's international between Portugal and Italy on June 25.
Davidson will have England's Sara Cox and France's Aurelie Groizeleau as her assistant referees, with England's Claire Hodnett working as the Television Match Official for the match in Lisbon.
“To be the first woman to referee a men's Six Nations team is a tremendous honour and an achievement I am proud of," Davidson said.
"I couldn't believe it when I heard the news as I didn't think something like this would have happened so quickly in my career, but I'm really proud and looking forward to the summer."
World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont added: "Today's announcement signifies the strength and depth that has been developed in female match officials globally and demonstrates the many pathways available to women and girls wanting to get involved in this great game."
La Rochelle enjoyed their incredible Champions Cup victory in style as fans swamped their bus.
In a town with less than 80,000 people, over 35,000 were there to welcome them home after their 24-21 win over Leinster.
