THE SAINTS Finn Russell With Johnny Sexton, George Ford and Owen Farrell all strong options for the Lions, Finn Russell must still be viewed as a ‘bolter’ in the race…
European Champions Cup
Ireland: Four proud provinces stand up in Europe
By Alex Shaw Four proud provinces. That’s the mantra of Irish rugby and it certainly lived up to that billing this past weekend. There were a lot of premature European…
Saints and Sinners: The weekend’s talking points
The Saints Jamison Gibson-Park Leinster’s Kiwi scrum-half is a hero for his province after he conjured their bonus-point try out of nothing six minutes from the end of their Champions…
Saints and Sinners: The weekend’s talking points
The Saints Munster The sudden death of their coach, and former captain, Anthony Foley hit Munster hard this week, but they responded in impeccable fashion with well thought-out tributes to…
Analysis: Glasgow Warriors out-think and overpower Leicester Tigers
On-field action was comprehensively overshadowed by the gut-wrenching loss of Anthony Foley, but an entertaining opening round of European Champions Cup action still provided some thoroughly impressive performances. Glasgow Warriors’…
Saints and Sinners: the weekend’s talking points
The Saints Sean Maitland and Saracens Only a top-class finisher can touch down a try when the combined power of Ma’a Nonu and Leigh Halfpenny is trying to take you…
Top 14: Can French sides get off to a flyer in the Champions Cup?
The Champions Cup starts this weekend and the seven French sides have experienced fluctuating fortunes so far this season in the Top 14. With sackings, sales and scandals dominating 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…
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…
England rugby: RFU and Premiership Rugby sign £200m eight-year partnership
It was all smiles at Twickenham this week as Ian Ritchie, chief executive of the RFU, and his opposite number at Premiership Rugby, Mark McCafferty, unveiled the latest agreement between…