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Philip Bendon

Philip is a rugby journalist with a background in covering the sport at all levels. Having started out covering National One fixtures in the UK. He has gone on to write for several publications such as Planet Rugby, Rugby365 and RugbyDump. Due to his background of being an Irish/Saffa mix he has a particular focus on the sport in the two countries. His biggest passion however is reminding everyone of the glory days of Munster Rugby.

100 Articles

Veteran rugby writer puts the boot into 'boring and dreadful' Leinster

Not one for mincing his words veteran Sunday Times rugby writer Stephen Jones has once again kicked up and online frenzy with his …

Philip Bendon
Philip Bendon
24 May 2026, 3:38

URC giants set to lure Cheslin Kolbe back to South African shores

Cheslin Kolbe is reportedly on the verge of a sensational return to the Stormers in a move that would bring one of South African r…

Philip Bendon
Philip Bendon
24 May 2026, 3:13

'We've got the right people in the right places' Doris backs Leinster structures

Another final, another heartbreak for Leinster Rugby who saw their drive for five come up short against a spectacular Union Bordea…

Philip Bendon
Philip Bendon
24 May 2026, 2:20
Opinion

Leinster edge Bordeaux in our combined Investec Champions Cup Final XV

With both matchday squads now named, we pick a combined starting XV between the two sides, weighing individual quality, recent for…

Philip Bendon
Philip Bendon
22 May 2026, 8:02

Exeter Chiefs player ratings vs Bath | Gallagher PREM 2025/26

Exeter Chiefs' for a berth in the Gallagher PREM semifinals received a major boost with a dominant 35 - 12 win over reigning champ…

Philip Bendon
Philip Bendon
10 May 2026, 10:12
Opinion

Bath player ratings vs Exeter Chiefs | 2025/26 Gallagher PREM

Bath Rugby let slip a golden opportunity to reclaim top spot in the Gallagher PREM with a -- loss to the Exeter Chiefs at a bluste…

Philip Bendon
Philip Bendon
10 May 2026, 9:28

Bath player ratings vs Union Bordeaux Bègles | 2025/26 Investec Champions Cup

Bath Rugby’s long wait for European glory will continue after a 38 - 26 Investec Champions Cup semi final defeat to Union Bordea…

Philip Bendon
Philip Bendon
03 May 2026, 9:16

Exeter Chiefs player ratings vs Gloucester | 2025/26 Gallagher Prem

Exeter's push towards the Gallagher Premiership top four took a significant hit with an upset loss 34 - 31 to 8th place Gloucester…

Philip Bendon
Philip Bendon
26 Apr 2026, 10:50

Gloucester Rugby player ratings vs Exeter Chiefs | 2025/25 Gallagher Prem

Gloucester Rugby secured a fourth victory of the 2025/26 Gallagher Prem season with a mightily impressive 26 - 12 victory over the…

Philip Bendon
Philip Bendon
26 Apr 2026, 9:37

Clayton McMillan admits concern for Oli Jager amid Munster's late season surge

Munster’s 41 - 14 win over Ulster at Thomond Park should have been framed as another step forward in a late season surge towards…

Philip Bendon
Philip Bendon
26 Apr 2026, 7:24
Opinion

Sale Sharks player ratings vs Saracens | 2025/26 Gallagher Prem

One week removed a heavy defeat at the hands of Leinster in the Investec Champions Cup. Alex Sanderson's injury depleted Sale Shar…

Philip Bendon
Philip Bendon
19 Apr 2026, 10:08
Opinion

Saracens player ratings vs Sale Sharks | 2025/26 Gallagher Prem

Saracens pursuit of a late Premiership semifinal push received a timely boost with a rampant 85 - 19 win over the Sale Sharks at C…

Philip Bendon
Philip Bendon
19 Apr 2026, 8:51

Player comparisons: Dominant England win Women's Rugby World Cup 2025

England’s Red Roses etched their names into the historic books with a comprehensive 33 – 13 victory over Canada in the 2025 Wo…

Philip Bendon
Philip Bendon
27 Sep 2025, 10:16

Player comparisons: Black Ferns take bronze at Twickenham

New Zealand secured third place at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup with a 41 – 26  victory over France at Allianz Stadium Tw…

Philip Bendon
Philip Bendon
27 Sep 2025, 6:52

GHPA driving growth of women’s coaching at the Women's Rugby World Cup

The most important room in women’s rugby isn’t the changing room or the media suite. It’s the meeting room where an aspiring…

Philip Bendon
Philip Bendon
22 Sep 2025, 11:07

Ellie Kildunne: 'There is nothing more we can do to be prepared'

For all her speed, flair, and finishing instincts, Ellie Kildunne insists she’s no solo act. But under the lights at Ashton Gate…

Philip Bendon
Philip Bendon
21 Sep 2025, 10:00

Player comparisons: Canada dismantle Black Ferns at Ashton Gate

Canada secured their place in the 2025 Rugby World Cup final with a statement 34–19 dismantling of New Zealand’s Black Ferns a…

Philip Bendon
Philip Bendon
19 Sep 2025, 13:40

'We’re creating pathways' SA Rugby launches new women’s league

'The Betway Women’s Club Championship marks an important milestone in the development of women’s rugby, providing a vital plat…

Philip Bendon
Philip Bendon
18 Sep 2025, 4:57
Opinion

Player comparisons: French flair overcomes resilient Irish in Exeter

France secured their spot in the semifinals following a titanic struggle with Ireland at Sandy Park in Exeter. Coming away with an…

Philip Bendon
Philip Bendon
14 Sep 2025, 8:36
Opinion

Player comparisons: Black Ferns eventually crack resilient Springboks

New Zealand’s Black Ferns punched their ticket to the 2025 Rugby World Cup semifinals with a ruthless second-half display that f…

Philip Bendon
Philip Bendon
13 Sep 2025, 8:47
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