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…
Scotland
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…
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…
How will the 2017 Lions beat the All Blacks?
Although Wales eventually lost the Test series 3-0 to the All Blacks, nobody could claim they did not go down fighting. Wales scored five tries in the first two Tests…