Exodus of players to France is bad for the Premiership but the boys will thrive January 27, 2023 The amount of brilliant rugby players fleeing England for France and South Africa should be of extreme concern to those in charge of the domestic game here. But the reality is those players heading for pastures new – as I did when I joined Stade Français from Newcastle in 2009 – will have an incredible [...]
World Rugby should be taking the lead on tackle heights, not following January 26, 2023 It is the work of just a minute or two to create a petition on the Change.org website, to be one of the ‘people taking action’ whose signatures the public-benefit corporation claims to be turning into ‘victories every day’. Takes only a few seconds to add a signature to a petition. By contrast, seven years [...]
Former Lions captain Sam Warburton backs Andy Farrell to coach 2025 tour to Australia January 24, 2023 Former Wales and British and Irish Lions captain Sam Warburton has backed Ireland head coach Andy Farrell to be in charge of the famous rugby touring side when they head to Australia in 2025. The Welshman has played under Farrell on previous Lions tours, which in recent years have been coached by returning Wales boss [...]
Six Nations coach Borthwick says ‘authentic’ style will help England January 23, 2023 England rugby head coach Steve Borthwick has insisted his authentic coaching strategy can help his players get the best out of themselves in next month’s Guinness Six Nations. The England boss spoke alongside his currently banned captain Owen Farrell ahead of the Championships, where Borthwick’s men will host Scotland in their opening fixture on 4 [...]
Sexton, Farrell and Galthie weigh in on RFU tackle law changes ahead of Six Nations January 23, 2023 Ireland’s Six Nations captain Johnny Sexton today slammed England Rugby’s decision to drastically change the tackle laws for the amateur game. Sexton and Ireland coach Andy Farrell, as well as French coach Fabien Galthie, weighed in on the debate that has got the community divided. From July, the Rugby Football Union has decided to force [...]
Champions Cup group stages: Learnings as the last 16 is confirmed January 22, 2023 The Champions Cup group stages have concluded and we know the 16 teams who have progressed through to the knockout stages. Five teams from England have made the cut while eight from the United Rugby Championship (URC) will feature at the end of March in the next round. Here are our four takeaways from this [...]
Six Nations: Warburton on Wales, Gatland, England, Sinfield and Borthwick January 20, 2023 Former Wales captain Sam Warburton is “excited” to see what the return of head coach Warren Gatland can bring and says that Kevin Sinfield is a “masterstroke” for England ahead of the Six Nations. Gatland returned to the Welsh fold at the end of last year when his predecessor Wayne Pivac was sacked following a [...]
Sports TV: What’s on, what time is it on, where to watch? January 20, 2023 European rugby groups conclude this week as the sports schedule begins to look towards February. There’s free-to-air football on the television while the Australian Open continues. Here’s what you need to add to your sporting calendar this weekend. Rugby: Harlequins v Sharks, Saturday This weekend sees the final round of the group stages of rugby [...]
European rugby: How do you qualify in the Champions and Challenge Cup? January 20, 2023 This weekend sees the final group stage matches in the European Champions Cup and European Challenge Cup. With a number of sides still able to make it into the respective rounds of 16 due to the new competition format, there’s a lot on the line. So with fixtures kicking off this evening, what are the [...]
England squad can give the Six Nations a good go January 20, 2023 I’m not saying I didn’t expect it from a coach like Steve Borthwick but it’s great to see an England Six Nations squad picked on form at the moment. There are a few choices and calls I disagree with but off the back of what I read on Monday, I think England can give the [...]