Northern hemisphere rugby has long cowered in an inferiority complex with regard to New Zealand. That is largely understandable – the all-conquering All Blacks have cast more of a solar eclipse…
Countries
Five things we learned – December
Dan Carter deserves to be the first £1 Million player When Dan Carter signed for Racing Metro he became the first £1million player in the history of rugby. Many will…
Rugby World’s players to watch in 2015
Following much hyperbole and no little excitement, the World Cup year is finally upon us. Over the next 12 months, a galaxy of stars will be born as rugby asserts…
Blues-Dragons derby a shadow of yesteryear
Close your eyes at Cardiff Arms Park on Boxing Day and you might just imagine you’ve stepped back in time. A bumper crowd is expected for the Blues-Dragons Guinness Pro12…
Dan Carter breaks the million pound transfer-window
IT’S THE numbers that get you gasping. Dan Carter is off to join Racing Metro in Paris on a three-year deal in the aftermath of the World Cup. If the…
End of an era as Wasps up sticks
With impeccable timing, Wasps will unwrap a big, shiny Christmas present to their fans this Sunday – the Ricoh Arena in Coventry. Like Santa Claus himself, they’ve been handing out…
Adam Jones’ drop-goal masterclass
Everyone’s favourite tight-head Adam Jones caused much mirth last month with his unexpected attempt at a drop-goal against Munster, that dropped just short of the posts – although, we should…
Toulouse power struggle threatens Europe’s aristocrats
There’s not much Christmas spirit in Toulouse right now. In fact the atmosphere in the Pink City is what coach Guy Noves recently called ‘Nauséabond’. Imagine a rotten chunk of…
Robin Copeland’s video comedy capers
Robin Copeland was a big favourite with the players and fans at the Arms Park while he was with the Cardiff Blues and when he went back home to Munster…
Rugby statistics: Tracking England player burn-out
With a World Cup approaching, expect much talk of growing the game and new commercial opportunities. Potential showpiece events such as the winners of Super Rugby and the European Champions…