Summer rugby tours: Where are the home nations going this summer June 21, 2024 This summer the home nations – England, Wales, Scotland and the island of Ireland – will tour far-flung rugby nations. Traditionally the home nations head to the southern hemisphere but this season the tours have been expanded ahead of a new men’s global competition, set to start in 2026. So who is playing who, and [...]
England were dire, and there’s no World Cup quick fix for Borthwick August 6, 2023 If any one of the 23 who played for England on Saturday in their 20-9 loss to Wales thought they were guaranteed to be one of the names Steve Borthwick lists in his Rugby World Cup squad tomorrow morning, they might want to think again. What unfolded under the roof of the Principality Stadium in [...]
Scotland can cause untold World Cup misery to Springboks or Ireland October 3, 2023 The last week of Rugby World Cup fixtures can often be a schedule of dead rubbers and meaningless ties, but there’s a storm brewing in Pool B and it involves two of the home nations. Both Scotland and Ireland are able to qualify for the last eight of the tournament, but it would come at [...]
Eddie Jones the new Australia coach – setting up potential QF World Cup clash with England January 16, 2023 Former England boss Eddie Jones has been reappointed as head coach of his native Australia on a deal running to 2027. Jones’ seven-year tenure in charge of England ended in December with his sacking after a run of results in 2022 that included six defeats and a draw in 12 matches. The 62-year-old returns to [...]
Genge could face ban and dent England World Cup preparation April 17, 2023 England’s Rugby World Cup preparations had a spanner thrown into the works today as starting loosehead prop – and recent captain – Ellis Genge was cited for a dangerous tackle in Bristol Bears’ loss to Sale Sharks on Friday. The 41-cap forward was cited yesterday for his hit on fellow England star Tom Curry in [...]
England face interesting Test as Gatland picks mixed Wales squad August 2, 2023 England will go up against a blend of inexperienced and veteran players on Saturday as they get their Rugby World Cup warm-up schedule underway against Wales in Cardiff. Head coach Warren Gatland named his squad a day earlier than planned and has combined uncapped players with centurions in a 23 containing 672 international Wales caps. [...]
Ollie Phillips: Farrell and Vunipola bans are almighty World Cup headache for England August 23, 2023 The banning of England pair Owen Farrell and Billy Vunipola for the start of the Rugby World Cup has thrust tackling into the spotlight, and on that topic I share the view of Shaun Edwards. As the France defence coach says, it is a contact sport so accidental collisions are inevitable. That is made more [...]
5 sunny things to do in London this weekend September 8, 2023 Not that we’ve had many, but it could be the last sunny weekend of the year… Temperatures are set to hit 32 Celsius tomorrow, and they’re staying high for Sunday and into Monday, so you’ve got multiple changes to get out in this delightful Indian Summer. Here are five things to do in London this [...]
Best of 2022: What can England Rugby learn from the Lionesses? January 1, 2023 After the success of the Lionesses, City A.M. looked at what rugby can learn from women’s football as England look to host the 2025 Rugby World Cup. Article originally published 9 August 2022. The iconic Chloe Kelly goal celebration, the record attendance for a final, success on home soil; England Women’s Euro 2022 victory felt [...]
School of Hard Knocks lunch raises £100k on proud day for Square Mile February 12, 2024 A major success was hailed last Thursday as the great and good of the City of London and beyond descended on Threadneedle Street’s M Restaurant for the annual School of Hard Knocks Long Lunch. Rugby World Cup winners, international sports players, broadcasters and brokers all played their part in raising over £100,000 for the School [...]