Winners and losers There were a few winners last week in the opening game in Bloemfontein, Alec Hepburn, Danny Cipriani, Dave Attwood, Mike Haley and the rest which we have…
South Africa
Ireland pull off mission impossible in historic Test win
By Alex Shaw Saturday was a day that will go down in history for Irish rugby fans. Not only did their U20 side, the Wolfpuppies, beat reigning U20 World Champions…
Saxons in South Africa: Five talking points
England Saxons beat South Africa A 32-24 in Bloemfontein on Friday night but, apart from Sky’s coverage, you would hardly have known it was taking place with all the attention…
How will Ireland cope without Johnny Sexton?
By Alex Shaw In the 110 years of international rugby that Ireland and South Africa have gone head-to-head, not once have the Irish recorded a victory in South Africa. That…
Springbok Legends hit Portugal
History was made last weekend as the Springboks faced the Lobos in Portugal. It wasn’t the squad with Lambie, Vermeulen and De Jager but a Springboks Legends team containing greats…
Why South Africa needs Allister Coetzee
South Africa are at a crossroads. Not only has Allister Coetzee succeeded Heyneke Meyer as head coach but the remnants of the 2007 World Cup winning team has all but…
World Rugby U20 Championship: Eight players to watch
By Alex Shaw The World Rugby U20 Championship begins next week, as the best and brightest talents from around the world converge on Manchester for age-grade rugby’s annual showpiece event.…
Summer tours: Southern Hemisphere’s danger men
By Alex Shaw With European finals and domestic play-offs approaching, the conclusion of the northern hemisphere season is nigh and attention is beginning to shift towards the home nations’ summer…
Saxons tour: What can England get out of it and what can they expect from the hosts?
The last time the England Saxons played a game it was in Cork against the Irish Wolfhounds on 30 January 2015 and they came away with an 18-9 win over…
Champions Cup: Stade Francais backrow Jono Ross has Leicester in his sights
From Blue Bull to Paris pink, South Africa loose forward Jono Ross recently signed a new deal with Stade Francais that will keep him at the club until 2020, having…