When it comes to team systems, I have a crib sheet for carte jaune (yellow card) or carte rouge (red card). And for each person that might be carded, I have…
Taking Part
What England players eat before a Rugby World Cup game
In the world of rugby, where strength, endurance, and precision are paramount, the importance of nutrition cannot be overstated. As England’s rugby players gear up for a high-stakes World Cup…
Rugby World Cup bonus points explained
Bonus points have been part of the Rugby World Cup ecosystem since Australia 2003. For longer-term fans, they are now part of the tournament furniture, but for anyone relatively new…
GPS – ‘why are rugby players wearing a sports bra?’
The rugby GPS conversation generally runs something like this. “What’s that rectangular lump on the back of professional rugby players’ shirts?” a relative newcomer to the game may ask. “That’s…
Can rugby players vape? An explainer
In the world of sports, rugby stands out as a game of grit, camaraderie, and intense competition. Yet, amid the thunderous tackles and swift sprints across the field, there’s a…
When a try is not a try – rugby’s laws on grounding the ball explained
Grounding the ball to score a try in rugby – it sounds so easy. And yet… We’ve all done it. We’ve all pointed at the TV and insisted that there…
Why is a try called a try in rugby?
Find out how the term 'try' originated and how the scoring system has changed
What is a penalty try?
A penalty try is awarded when foul play prevents a probable try from being scored. A referee will run under the posts and signal a try in the traditional way…
The art of goal-line defence
It’s time to shine a light on one of rugby’s toughest jobs: defending your own line
Best supplements for rugby players
Ever wonder which supplements the pros take? We have a rundown of the best supplements for rugby players, if you take your game seriously. But we also have some things…