National Rugby Manager Reviews

It's a game with huge potential, but sadly let down by the extremely unfriendly user interface, it's just such a pain trying to navigate your way around the different sections. The wait between games was painfully slow while databases are being updated, transfers being generated etc., then along came the update and now it's gone from painfully slow to a complete standstill. I gave up on this game after waiting for 20 minutes between selecting my team and waiting for the game to start. So frustrating it's not worth it. Maybe it's better on a higher spec PC, but i'm playing on a laptop which does meet the minimum system requirements and it's just not up to the job.

Loving this game so far. Easily the best rugby management available to date. Its not without flaws, and some serious play testing and refinement would help, but the core match simulation is excellent and that goes a long, long way in these sorts of games in my opinion. They've also come a long way since rugby union team manager, so the future looks bright too I think.

I am delighted to see these guys having a crack at a rugby management game, and largely they have done a good job with an impressive 3D match engine that has taken on the complexities of rugby admirably. There is a lot more polish to be added though and a fair few things to fix and improve about the UI and some 3D engine error fixes such as lineouts being awarded to the wrong side post a deflection and some defensive players remaining stationary and waving attackers through (though this is French rugby, so fair enough). The UI takes some getting used to and I hope for improvements and a deeper game next time around with some solid investment, but at the moment it is a basic but enjoyable rugby management sim that will keep you happily occupied for two seasons.

The game management aspect is really nice the UI feels good, when it comes to getting in a game and watching it play out... rough. Load time is a pain and once you're actually in the game, watching incompetent AI is infuriating. Players not reacting to a loose ball, fullbacks with 90+ ratings being completely unable to catch a kick, that is if one of your players even plays the ball, players on defense standing still as their mark literally walks past them, I've regularly seen 3 plays just watch someone walk through the defense without even trying to tackle. I can't even watch the match to get through the weeks. There's so much potential to this game, getting to watch your players and manage strategy real time is fun. If only the AI didn't play like a bunch on under 8s

One of the best rugby managers that I have played in years. I really like the way the match engine work, and with the live interaction it only gets better. The only thing that I would like to see added to the game is the ability to live interact at say 2 or 3 times the normal play rate. It takes a chunk out of your day if you play 40 minute halves and wants to live interact.

Game is really bad. I bought the game as well as the DLC for Southern Hemisphere Rugby. When I load up a season with the Southern Hemisphere DLC the teams don't have proper logos or names. I don't recognise anyone in my home town of the Brumbies (the team is called Canberra). I thought it must be the same with the French league version but when I loaded that up they had all the official team logos and had high resolution colour photos for all the players. Why did I pay money for the Southern Hemispheres Rugby DLC when they give me nothing? It sounds like a scam to me. The game has no manual which is another indicator of it level of sophistication. On the title screen it has a FAQ PDF that you can download...... which doesn't download properly. I thought maybe the whole no logos or player photos could just be rectified with a workshop mod or link to a website with downloads to bypass trademark issues........ there is none. I would of been ok with the lack of names and logos if there was an easy download fix but there seems to be none. I briefly looked at the game play and it looks pretty cool but I couldn't do much other than watch. I couldn't be bothered figuring out to play the game side of things. I am asking for a refund for this, really disappointed.

Amazing game engine and rich rugby team managing experience. Some minor improvements needed to get the perfect rugby game (regarding the penalty rules when in overtime and also regarding substitutions). Tactics could be improved also, but are already more than enough to have fun. Magnificent experience anyways, I heartily recommend this game.

Easily the best Rugby management game ever released. User interface takes an hour or so to get used to but is not bad. Game simulations are accurate. Heaps of fun and well worth the price. obviously there is some improvements that can be made and licensing more world wide leauges and adding internationals would be great but this game has the bones to be developed into a fantastic game. If you like rugby you should definitely purchase this game.

I have played a few manager games in my life (some were good and others not so) and I must say I really like this game. What sets NRM apart from all of the other games is the match engine. This is by far the most realistic you will ever get. I would recommend this to anyone who loves rugby and also those who sit on the couch on weekends and scream at the tv. Now you can experience it and be very close to the action. If this is the beginning I can only imagine where this game will end up in a few years from now.

Saying that this is the best rugby sim is symbolic of the state of rugby matches in general. I liked the fact that there is a player editor but ill be damned if it actually makes a difference in the match. My players ranked from high 70s to 90s and i cant even tell you how many times I watched the ball bounce off their heads during a match. The penalties are way off balance as well. The game itself is slightly too simple and clunky. Its not a horrible game, but it can definitely use some improvements. Id start with the sketchy AI.