Neil Hopkins: Why TikTok is big news for the Six Nations February 4, 2022 Kids, eh? On one hand, Alan Hansen reckoned you couldn’t win anything with them, on the other, The Who figured they’re alright. The dilemma facing almost every sport that isn’t football is how to attract younger audiences without alienating what the European Super League disparagingly labelled “legacy fans”. As the Six Nations looms, rugby union’s [...]
Ollie Phillips: 2021 had some of the best rugby I’ve ever seen December 30, 2021 These past 12 months have had it all when it comes to rugby. We have seen the resurgence of some, and the tailing off of others. But in all, the rugby has been outstanding and all eyes now point to a dazzling 2022. Here are my moments and takeaways from the year. Best rugby I’ve [...]
The Raeburn and Utrecht Shields: The newest, oldest trophies in rugby? November 25, 2021 It’s the one thing clubs strive for. Silverware. A piece of, usually, silver metal or varnished wood shaped into something teams grow to idealise. The trophies of note tend to be the ones which have been around for the longest, and adopting new ones doesn’t always have a lasting effect. So just what happens if [...]
12 incredible things to do in London this February February 7, 2024 Things to do in London this February, from the Six Nations to Chinese New Year and Pancake Day
Jack Nowell desperate to be part of England World Cup run March 7, 2022 England winger Jack Nowell insists he is desperate to be part of next year’s World Cup squad as Eddie Jones’s players look to use the Six Nations to cement their place in his future plans. “I hope I can be part of that [the World Cup],” said Nowell. “I am desperate to be part of [...]
Tommy Bowe: Ireland need to ignore England’s war of words March 11, 2022 Former Ireland winger Tommy Bowe insists they must not be drawn in by England head coach Eddie Jones’s pre-match talk as the men in green look to keep their Six Nations hopes alive at Twickenham tomorrow. “I think Ireland are favourites,” Bowe told City A.M. “I think they’ll feel that they have that responsibility on [...]
Ed Warner: Don’t criticise British Cycling for accepting sponsorship from Shell October 20, 2022 Disclaimer No1: I don’t think I’ve written anything in support of British Cycling down the years. Quite the opposite in fact. But I can’t bring myself to add my name to the lengthening petition that splutters in indignation about the governing body’s sponsorship deal with Shell. So, here’s a first for me. British Cycling’s eight-year [...]
Ed Warner: Taking part is all well and good, but compelling sport is about winning May 11, 2023 “The important thing in the Olympic Games is not winning but taking part.” Really, Baron? That’s so 19th century! I’d love to hear the thoughts of a time-travelling Pierre de Coubertin in the Stade de France at Paris 2024, or perhaps in the stands at a Premier League football match, or ringside at a heavyweight [...]
Ollie Phillips: European rugby, McGuigan and Laporte December 16, 2022 The opening round of European Champions Cup action left me slightly confused; there were some cracking matches but also some really disappointing results. The SA Sharks’ win over Harlequins down in South Africa was proper entertainment, as was Lyon’s loss to the Bulls on the African continent. But Leinster’s demolition of Racing 92 was disappointing [...]
Ollie Phillips: The Boks play simple, boring rugby, but winning is winning November 19, 2021 In tomorrow’s match with South Africa, England have their hardest test. Why? Because they know exactly what they’ll be coming up against. The Springboks don’t often play exciting rugby – it’s simple, boring rugby. They try to bully you, outmuscle you and, when in doubt, send the ball skyward and harass the catcher. It’s not [...]