Ollie Phillips: All Blacks, Springboks, England and a new dawn October 27, 2023 Beating the Springboks turned out to be a step too far for Steve Borthwick’s England despite the level of experience they took into the Rugby World Cup. But on Saturday, when the Springboks take on New Zealand in the final in Paris, I think the South Africa train will run out of steam. There’s so [...]
2023 rugby review: Jones, Sexton, England, London Irish and Hunter December 22, 2023 It’s been quite the 2023 in rugby. This year South Africa won the Rugby World Cup, La Rochelle lifted the Champions Cup after Leinster No10 Johnny Sexton abused the referee, the women’s game has grown further and Australia had 12 months of Eddie Jones. Well, almost. It has had it all. English rugby lost two [...]
New Zealand favourites but England can cause issues June 28, 2024 The start of next month marks the start of England’s true test of strength, progression and ability as Steve Borthwick’s men look to topple the mighty New Zealand across two matches in the Land of the Long White Cloud. First in Dunedin and then in Auckland, England take on the All Blacks looking to win [...]
England captain Owen Farrell out of 2024 Six Nations as he takes break November 29, 2023 England rugby captain Owen Farrell is to take a break from international rugby to focus on his and his family’s mental well-being. Farrell has 112 England caps and has amassed 1,237 points in an international career that dates back to 2012. The 32-year-old also has six British and Irish Lions appearances to his name. A [...]
Rugby league aim high with men’s, women’s and wheelchair World Cups October 12, 2022 This weekend sees the start of a trio of Rugby League World Cups that could propel the sport through a glass ceiling of publicity and awareness, as England becomes the first host nation of simultaneous men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournaments. Delayed a year from 2021 for pandemic-related reasons, the three World Cups will take place [...]
ITV: Love Island and I’m A Celeb help maker reports 10 per cent ad revenue drop – and warns it’s only getting tougher May 11, 2023 ITV is looking for Love Island and the Rugby World Cup to boost revenues, which fell 10 per cent year on year in the first quarter. The broadcaster revealed a 10 per cent drop in advertising revenues and warned trading will get tougher in the second quarter as firms rein in marketing spend against a [...]
France will not take “slightest risk” with star Dupont at World Cup October 9, 2023 France have insisted that it would be “unthinkable” not to treat Antoine Dupont’s potential return to international rugby this weekend with the greatest of care. The Les Bleus No9 was forced off injured against Namibia at the Rugby World Cup where scans showed he had broken his cheekbone. But just three weeks and an inserted [...]
Twickenham rugby ground becomes Allianz Stadium after deal struck with firm August 5, 2024 The home of English rugby Twickenham will now be known as Allianz Stadium after the Rugby Football Union and the insurance and asset management giant finalised a new partnership. Under the new deal there would be further investment into English rugby, alongside the stadium naming rights being sold. Twickenham Stadium has used its namesake for [...]
British and Irish Lions schedule first ever women’s tour for 2027 January 16, 2024 The Women's Lions are heading to New Zealand to take on the world champions.
Rugby: Wales, Cory Hill and what if they lose to the Queensland Reds? July 18, 2024 Let’s make one thing clear: if Wales lose to the Queensland Reds this weekend it would be an incredible humiliation for Warren Gatland and the national team. The game is uncapped and the Welsh side is a mix of experience and inexperience – including captain Cory Hill, who was forced to apologise this week for [...]