I know of many people on this side of the noodle-curtain who were terribly disappointed (this writer included) when RugbyZone closed down at the end of last year.

Our disappointment was exacerbated with the news that KuduClub will be following suit soon.

Gone is our online access to Boots & All (SuperSport) and SuperRugby (KykNet) that we used to be privvy to on KuduClub.

Always on the lookout for new rugby websites to fill this void, I recently came across one of the most-exciting (nay, trend-setting) Rugby e-magazines around these days.

Union Sports Mag is one of those nifty interactive sites where you digitally turn the page by pulling your mouse across the screen or (in my case) sliding my index-finger down the top of my iMac’s magic mouse.

One of the cool features that I really appreciate is being able to watch a video interview ON the page without having to visit another page or site; and the latest issue of Union Sports Mag has many videos. My personal favorite being the looong interview with the former-BlitzBok Gio “Appels” Aplon. The dimunitive full-back is not only a solid last-defense for the Stormers and Springboks, he’s also quite comfortable in front of the camera. (other than canvassing for free bricks!)

I don’t want to give too much away but, if you were at our Hong Kong Sevens Dinner at the Hong Kong Football Club or in the HK Stadium’s Boerewors Bend last year, you’ll be happy to see Blades again in the video interview on page 17.

I’m not even going to mention the ‘Hottie of the Month” feature.

Lastly, the Union Sports Mag would be a like a flat Carlsberg at the Hong Kong Stadium last weekend if it wasn’t fully integrated with your favorite social media platforms. Interact with the publishers via FaceBook, Twitter, StumbleUpon, and many more.

Click here to have a look.

Did I mention that Union Sports Mag is FREE?

(Screenshot of the Union Sports Mag copyright: UnionSports 2011 All Rights Reserved)

Following on our recent post Hallelujah for rugby coverage in HK? we have been digging, trawling the internet and even asked around at bars in Kowloon.

Howzit-HongKong.com is happy to report that Setanda has announced that the 2011 season of the RBS Six Nations will be available live online for viewers in Asia.

Much like we used to be able to buy programmes from the now-defunct RugbyZone, Asian rugby fans can watch all matches for US$59.99, which includes access to Setanta-i for a full year.

Or you can buy individual matches for a one-off fee of US$14.99.

The 2011 RBS Six Nations schedule:

06 Feb 2010 14:30 GMT Ireland v Italy

06 Feb 2010 17:00 GMT England v Wales

07 Feb 2010 15:00 GMT Scotland v France

13 Feb 2010 14:00 GMT Wales v Scotland

13 Feb 2010 16:30 GMT France v Ireland

14 Feb 2010 14:30 GMT Italy v England

26 Feb 2010 20:00 GMT Wales v France

27Feb 2010 13:30 GMT Italy v Scotland

27 Feb 2010 16:00 GMT England v Ireland

13 Mar 2010 14:30 GMT Ireland v Wales

13 Mar 2010 17:00 GMT Scotland v England

14 Mar 2010 14:30 GMT France v Italy

20 Mar 2010 14:30 GMT Wales v Italy

20 Mar 2010 17:00 GMT Ireland v Scotland

20 Mar 2010 19:45 GMT France v England

More news to follow soon.

Howzit-HongKong.com’s frustration with the rugby coverage lack of rugby coverage this side of the noodle-curtain should be well documented and understood, I dare say.

Our pals over at The Canny Man, the only, bestest Sottish pub in Hongkie Town just alerted us to this advertisement seen somewhere in the SAR media.

Could this indeed be the start of a “Hallelujah Year” for rugby fans in the City?

Only time would tell.  At the time of writing, both the powers-that-be at The Canny Man and Howzit-HongKong Mission Control were unable to reach the telephone number stated in the follwoing advert:

Please try this phone number and if you succeed in getting through, or if you have any information, PLEASE drop us a line, will ya?!

It’s the right thing to do.