By Alex Shaw There are two words rugby fans and coaches the world over fear to hear – injury crisis. It can loom like an ominous, dark cloud over any…
Ireland
Champions Cup: Clubs ready themselves for European adventure
The Champions Cup starts in earnest this month with enough high-profile clashes to whet the appetite of the most ardent Euro sceptic. The English leg of EPCR’s (European Professional Club…
Hotshot: Connacht prop Conan O’Donnell
How did you get into rugby? My first sport was Gaelic football, which I started when I was three or four, with St Mary’s. I played until U18s and we…
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…
Would moving the Six Nations benefit Northern Hemisphere players?
kThe Six Nations council meet in a couple of weeks to review the 2016 tournament but there is more on their plate than patting each other on the back and…
Home Nations: Fifteen to watch for 2016/17 season
With the majority of players now already back in preseason across the Aviva Premiership and Guinness PRO12, it’s a stark reminder that the 2016/17 season is just around the corner…