Journalists all around the rugby-playing globe were hunched over their laptops waiting for news of Chris Ashton’s disciplinary hearing to drop into their inbox on Tuesday. Then, at 11.50pm, the…
Saracens
Player analysis: The rise and rise of Maro Itoje
By Alex Shaw Everyone in the rugby world knows the name Maro Itoje. The 21-year-old has been riding the crest of a wave that has grown, exponentially, over the last…
World Club 10s: Western Force win in Mauritius
Rugby in paradise Ranked 86th in the world – nestled comfortably between Niue Islands and the Bahamas – it’s understandable if rugby isn’t the first thing that comes to mind…
Part two: Aviva Premiership imports and exports
By Alex Shaw Following on from our look at the ins and outs at the first six Aviva Premiership clubs this off-season, we now turn our attentions to Newcastle Falcons,…
Hotshot: Saracens wing George Perkins
When did you start playing rugby? When I was about five or six, at Upminster rugby club. I didn’t play a lot of other sports when I was younger –…
Hotshot: Saracens fly-half Max Malins
When did you start playing rugby? Aged six or seven, at the Saffron Walden club. But I soon moved on to Bishop’s Stortford and I was there until U17s. How…
Five of rugby’s talking points from May
League caps need to be included in union eligibility May saw Ben Te’o selected for the England squad. A decision which saw a few rolled eyes when it shouldn’t have,…
Saints and Sinners: The weekend’s talking points
The Saints Lam’s the man Two seasons ago, Connacht finished tenth in the Guinness Pro12. Now they are the champions and much of the credit for that astonishing turnaround must…
Aviva Premiership final: Saracens 28-20 Exeter Chiefs
Two tries in five first-half minutes gave Saracens a commanding lead which Exeter Chiefs were never able to overcome. Saracens led 9-3 on the half-hour but were 23-3 up by…
Finals day: Where the games will be won and lost
By Alex Shaw It’s finals weekend in the Aviva Premiership and Guinness Pro12 and though the prospect of international rugby looms large, all eyes will be on Twickenham and this…