LAST MONTH, France, Ireland and South Africa made their final pitches to host Rugby World Cup 2023. On 15 November, a winning bid will be selected by the World Rugby…
Ireland
Tackling debate: Rugby is a collision sport, but it’s safer than ever
The now annual rallying call by Professor Allyson Pollock to ban tackling in schools reared its divisive head again this week. Professor Pollock – who is promoting a book –…
Hotshot: Connacht back-row Paul Boyle
Ireland U20 captain Paul Boyle has swapped Leinster for Connacht in the summer of 2017
Five of rugby’s talking points from July
Pro 12 shows its cojones July saw the Pro 12 become the Pro 14 and with it, change the global rugby landscape. Never have southern hemisphere club teams competed with…
Rugby World’s Alternative Lions Awards
At the end of an emotional, roller-coaster of six weeks on tour, it’s time for Rugby World to hand out a few tongue-in-cheek gongs to a few individuals, highlights and…
The Lions earn respect in the toughest rugby environment of all
When time allows for clarity of thought; after an evening of maddening, frenetic, passionate intensity, there will be no doubting who is the happier of the two coaches; Warren Gatland.…
A tale of two coaches: How Warren Gatland and Steve Hansen are coping with pressure
With the hours counting down to a game being talked up as the biggest since the 2015 World Cup final, camps from both sides have been fulfilling their media obligations.…
The Lions remain unchanged for the Third and deciding Test
Warren Gatland has had the luxury of being able to name the same 23 players who took part in the nail-biting 24-21 win over New Zealand in Wellington. It is the…
Lions 2017: Does Warren Gatland stick or twist for the Series decider?
We’re five weeks into the Lions tour and Warren Gatland has endured enough vitriol to make lesser men weep but when it has come to selection, he has resolved to make…
Five reasons the pressure is on the All Blacks ahead of the Third Test
Momentum shift Bottling momentum in sport is a precious commodity. Before and after the First Test, it was the All Blacks who gave off an insouciant, laid-back air. If there…