NEW ZEALAND referee Bryce Lawrence has retired, citing heavy criticism following the Rugby World Cup quarter-final between South Africa and Australia last year behind his decision. The 41 year-old is…
News
We turn guinea pig for Gatorade
WANT TO turn from out-of-shape losers to super-fit conquerors? Members from our Save Your Season competition-winning team will be whisked up to Loughborough to be tested by the experts from…
Why the hype over France’s Gael Fickou
LET'S NOT get carried away. Gael Fickou had a good game for Toulouse in their win over Leicester on Sunday, but was the 18-year-old’s try-scoring performance really that special? Sure,…
The Championship Blog — B & I Cup Week 1 round-up
THE BRITISH & Irish Cup kicked-off this weekend after a major makeover due to last season’s antics, which saw some clubs using it as an opportunity to rest key players…
Fickou one of eight uncapped players named in France squad
YOUNG TOULOUSE star Gaël Fickou has been named in France's squad for the upcoming November Internationals against Australia, Argentina and Samoa. The 18-year old centre impressed on his Heineken Cup…
Harlequins and Saracens pose strongest English threat in Europe
A BRIEF scan of the results from Round One of the Heineken Cup highlighted that English sides may not be as far off the pace when it comes to the…
Europe Round One: Winners and Losers
A THRILLING opening round to the Heineken Cup produced some excellent results and plenty of tries with Harlequins, Ulster, Toulon, Clermont and Saracens all putting down early markers. Here are…
Can Exeter’s remarkable rise continue against Leinster?
THIS TIME three years ago, Exeter were still in the RFU Championship, in the middle of a week that started by playing London Welsh at Sandy Park and finished with…
Football grounds will make the Rugby World Cup a great success
I HAVE spent most of this week swimming against the tide of public opinion over England Rugby 2015's decision to scrap Welford Road as a World Cup venue. I think…
Five players to look out for in the Heineken Cup
IN A competition packed full of Europe's finest players, certain talents will always stand out. Here are five stars set to make a big impression in this season's Heineken Cup: