The Saints Ben Youngs and Co Joe Launchbury won the Man of the Match award but Ben Youngs made the most eye-catching contribution to England’s 37-21 win over South Africa.…
Scotland
Champions Cup: Stars of Round One
Champions Cup rugby was back with a bang this past weekend and though it was tinged with huge sorrow at the tragic loss of a person so dear to the…
Analysis: Glasgow Warriors out-think and overpower Leicester Tigers
On-field action was comprehensively overshadowed by the gut-wrenching loss of Anthony Foley, but an entertaining opening round of European Champions Cup action still provided some thoroughly impressive performances. Glasgow Warriors’…
Champions Cup: Europe provides the stage for Test auditions
By Alex Shaw The European Rugby Champions Cup makes its 2016-17 bow this weekend and as early as round one, offers up a mouth-watering array of match-ups. Intensity is ratcheted…
The residency rule is being exploited as project players flood European game
Another day, another project player and another kick in the teeth for anyone who thinks you should play for the country of your birth or at least the place where…
Lions bolters: Eight players who could make New Zealand in 2017
From Will Greenwood in 1997, to Keith Earls in 2009, the selection announcement for the Lions tour always springs its surprises. And with eight months to go until Warren Gatland’s…
Lions coach Warren Gatland faces the biggest challenge of his career
Congratulations Warren Gatland – and, er, commiserations. For while being named head coach of the 2017 British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand is a great honour, one to…
British & Irish Lions 2017: Seven players who need to shine this season
British and Irish Lions fever is beginning to descend. The 2016/17 domestic seasons begin in the home nations this weekend and whilst players’ attentions will be solely focused on performing…
Are the British and Irish Lions viable in the modern era?
Everyone loves the British & Irish Lions. We’ve all experienced the emotional tug of that 1997 South Africa tour video. Or heard tales told by our parents about the greatest…
Five things we learnt about rugby – July
The Six Nations must embrace reform July saw the Rugby Football Union dousing cold water on speculation that the Six Nations could be moved from its existing place in the…