Ashes: Talking points as Aussies edge closer to retaining the urn December 27, 2021 If you’re still falling victim to that bloated feeling after Boxing Day, don’t expect the latest goings on in the Ashes to make you feel any better. At stumps after day two of the third Test match in Melbourne, England finished on 31-4, 51 runs behind Australia. The Baggy Greens are tantalisingly close to retaining [...]
Best of 2021: Football training can be safer with VR technology December 26, 2021 Technology is ever-changing, and that includes in sport too. Matt Hardy took a look at how new VR could revolutionise the way football teams train. Originally published on October 15. A whipped cross and a powerful header towards goal are staples of football and the essence of set-piece tactics used by every football team. But [...]
Best of 2021: Why did Exeter start the Premiership Rugby season without a main sponsor? December 25, 2021 When this Premiership Rugby season began in September, Exeter’s opening match saw them face Leicester Tigers without a main sponsor. Here Matt Hardy took at look as to why that could have been using industry commentators and experts. Since the article’s original publish date, on September 25, Exeter Chiefs have found a main sponsor – [...]
Best of 2021: ‘Nigel Wray deserves credit after building Saracens’ dynasty’ December 24, 2021 In October, Nigel Wray relinquished his majority control of Saracens after 25 years at the club. Here Matt Hardy looked back on a controversial but highly influential period for the City grandee. Originally published on October 5. Empires fall and dynasties cease, but one thing remains when you’ve done something right or simply left your [...]
Danny Care interview: Harlequins star on playing abroad and the importance of fans December 22, 2021 At the age of 34, you’re usually classed as tethering on the edge of retirement in rugby. But Harlequins star Danny Care’s new lease of life, post-England career, has seen him return to being one of the in-form scrum-halves in Europe. Playing in a side littered with quality, Care is a senior member of a [...]
Big Sport Quiz of 2021: How much do you remember? December 20, 2021 From teenagers sweeping to Grand Slam tennis titles to England reaching a major football final, an Olympic Games like no other and the introduction of a brand new cricket competition, it has been a hugely eventful year in sport. Off the field it has been just as transformative, with private equity and, increasingly, cryptocurrency and [...]
Ashes: Five things we’ve learned from Test two, day four December 19, 2021 It’s been a wild ride watching England in the second Ashes Test these last few days, but not in an exciting “we might do it” kind of way. The disappointment has been palpable, but not surprising, and on day four England began the task of chasing more than 450 runs. At the end of play, [...]
Extreme E: Hamilton has second title in a week snatched away despite win December 19, 2021 Lewis Hamilton has had a second world title snatched away from him within seven days as former Formula 1 rival Nico Rosberg’s Extreme E team won the inaugural world championship. Hamilton’s X44 Extreme E racing team won their first race in the final outing of the season but couldn’t surpass Nico Rosberg’s RXR racing team [...]
Leinster set to appeal fixture cancellation after widespread postponements December 19, 2021 Leinster Rugby are set to appeal the cancellation of their round two Champions Cup fixture after swathes of other matches were called off due to Covid-19. The Irish province had their fixture with Montpellier cancelled by governing body EPCR despite being able to field a match-day 23. The 23 completed four rounds of PCR testing [...]
Joseph Parker beats Briton Derek Chisora as he looks to win world title December 19, 2021 New Zealander Joseph Parker beat Derek Chisora on points as the heavyweight duo fought in a brilliant fight which was awarded on points. Parker controversially won on points when the two met back in May but this fight was a thrilling rematch. Parker made a brilliant start with Chisora facing a count in the fourth [...]