The controversial proposal to create a Basque Super Club by merging Biarritz and Bayonne is now off the table
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Five things we learned about rugby – June
Sonny Bill Williams needs to stop switching. June saw speculation that Sonny Bill Williams will once again make another career change. The ‘Mr Ben’ (gratuitous Eighties reference) of Southern Hemisphere…
Ardie Savea: The red-hot Hurricane omitted by the All Blacks
“People are always afraid of what is different. They are afraid of change. It is the same everywhere.” So runs a line from Shaolin Tiger, a book written by Australian children’s author Sandy…
Aviva Premiership transfers: Comings and goings
To compare the transfer business of the Premiership to the recruitment drives of the Top 14 would be to liken sherbet lemon to gold-leafed canapés. The galaxy of stars in…
The cult of the captain
There are those in rugby who believe the role of captain is a ceremonial post. There are those who believe the word demands a capital ‘C’. Some believe the loss…
Who should play at fly-half for the All Blacks?
New Zealand have named a squad of 41 for the upcoming Rugby Championship. There are plenty of recognisable names in there, with only five potnetial new caps in the group.…
Aaron Smith and Waisake Naholo: All Blacks double-act
Whenever a New Zealand squad is announced, a palpable air of intimidation accompanies it. You know they possess an astounding abundance of talent, but it is not until the list…
Five stars for the 2019 Rugby World Cup
The 2015 World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy may now be consigned to the history books but the reputations created by some of the tournament’s stars could light up rugby for years…
5 ways to improve European Rugby
The first season of the new European format has seen big crowds, stunning tries and thrilling rugby but with Toulon basking in a third consecutive title, it’s worth considering how…
Champions Cup draw 2015/16
Rugby’s administrators, journalists and TV crews assembled in Neuchâtel for the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup draw, where it was left to Wales and Lions wing Ieuan Evans and 98-cap…