‘Pick and Mix’ rugby is a dangerous game. The days of a six month rugby season are long gone. Rugby is a nine month slog for all international players. However,…
Wales
Champions Cup: Stars of Round One
Champions Cup rugby was back with a bang this past weekend and though it was tinged with huge sorrow at the tragic loss of a person so dear to the…
Champions Cup: Europe provides the stage for Test auditions
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…
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: Scarlets centre Ioan Nicholas
How did you get into rugby? My father, Adrian, was a wing at Pontyberem and when I wanted to start playing with my friends he coached our team all the…
How to make it as a sports journalist: Stephen Jones
By Graham Jenkins Welcome to The Forward Pass, a series of conversations with leading rugby union journalists, broadcasters, presenters and photographers who will offer the next generation of media professionals…
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…