Rugby host is also property heaven September 8, 2011 WITH the seventh rugby world cup kicking off today (our time) in Auckland, millions of eyes are turned to Kiwi-land. Thousands of fans have physically landed in New Zealand, too, to soak up the experience first-hand, one that promises to be a jamboree of sun, sea and beer as the southern hemisphere’s spring rolls into [...]
Carter’s return can help All Blacks edge thriller September 22, 2011 NEW Zealand and France have played out some epic matches over the years, so rugby fans’ eyes everywhere will have lit up when they were drawn together in Pool A. The hosts came into the tournament with successive Tri-Nations defeats, but now look to have found their feet with two wins from two. Pool A [...]
Lancaster: I may rotate captaincy January 25, 2012 ENGLAND interim coach Stuart Lancaster has confirmed his intention to apply for the job on a permanent basis, but admits there is less certainty over who will captain the team during the Six Nations. Lancaster, who was handed the reins following the resignation of Martin Johnson in November, faces illustrious competition for the task of [...]
Wales cry foul after London Irish centre Shingler receives first Scotland call-up January 5, 2012 LONDON IRISH centre Steven Shingler has become embroiled in an international tug of war just hours after being named as one of six uncapped players in Scotland head coach Andy Robinson’s 36-man Six Nations squad yesterday. Shingler, who qualifies for Scotland through his Dumfries-born mother, played for Wales Under-20s against France Under-20s in the 2011 [...]
New England coach Lancaster ready to get tough December 8, 2011 Farrell and Rowntree also on board as new-look set-up aim to eradicate memories of dismal World Cup ENGLAND’S new interim head coach Stuart Lancaster intends to rule with an iron fist in an attempt to eradicate the disciplinary issues and laddish culture which undermined the Red Rose’s abysmal World Cup campaign. Lancaster, the England Saxons [...]
Home advantage should give champions the edge September 15, 2011 MANCHESTER UNITED vs CHELSEA SUNDAY – 4.00PM SKY SPORTS IT has been an incredible start to the Premier League season for Manchester United with four straight wins, 18 goals scored and only three conceded. They bounced back to earth slightly against Benfica on Wednesday night, but the 1-1 draw wasn’t a bad result and they [...]
I may have made £35k toilet quip, admits Easter December 4, 2011 ENGLAND and Harlequins star Nick Easter admits he may have been the player who uttered the notorious line “That’s £35k down the toilet” following the World Cup quarter-final exit to France in October. But the No8 insists that even if he did make the remarks, they would have been meant “facetiously” and that money played [...]
Son waits in wings as Farrell Sr called December 8, 2011 THE SURNAME Farrell might have raised eyebrows when it was included in England’s interim coaching set-up yesterday, but the indications are its presence at Twickenham is only likely to increase. While former dual-code international Andy Farrell, 36, was something of a surprise choice as one of temporary head coach Stuart Lancaster’s assistants, there will be [...]
Son waits in wings as Farrell Sr called December 8, 2011 THE SURNAME Farrell might have raised eyebrows when it was included in England’s interim coaching set-up yesterday, but the indications are its presence at Twickenham is only likely to increase. While former dual-code international Andy Farrell, 36, was something of a surprise choice as one of temporary head coach Stuart Lancaster’s assistants, there will be [...]
Edwards ruled out as Johnson replacement November 13, 2011 ENGLAND have suffered a blow after Shaun Edwards, mooted as a possible replacement for embattled manager Martin Johnson, agreed a new contract as Wales defence coach. Edwards, whose deal expired at the end of last month’s World Cup, parted company with Wasps last week, increasing speculation of a move to the England set-up, but Welsh [...]