Following Bayonne's relegation from the Top 14, talk of a merger with local rivals Biarritz to create a Basque 'super club' is hotting up
Tournaments
Analysis: Carl Fearns’ bench impact for Bath
In every title-winning campaign there is an unsung hero, a player who is largely unheralded yet integral to success. For Bath this year, the under-the-radar star has been Carl Fearns. Though…
Saints and Sinners: The weekend’s talking points
The Saints Brilliant Bath It’s not a bad success rate is it? Seven tries from eight visits to the opposition 22 in one match. Such was the pure brilliance of…
England name 50-man training squad for Rugby World Cup tilt
However you judge Stuart Lancaster in the fullness of time, you cannot deny he is a man of conviction. In the Shakespeare room deep within Twickenham, he laid out his…
PSA names preliminary 36-man France squad
Philippe Saint-Andre unveiled his World Cup squad on Tuesday morning and among the 36 names there were a few surprises. Three of the squad involved in France’s last Test match,…
Saints and Sinners: The weekend’s talking points
The Saints Warrior spirit As the second half of their clash with Ulster kicked off, Glasgow Warriors trailed 10-6 and knew they needed to conjure four tries and a bonus-point…
Analysis: What Dave Ewers would bring to England
The much-scrutinised practice of selection in sport boils down one essential equation: known quantities against potential– proven performers against untried talents. In the coming months as the Rugby World Cup encroaches…
A letter from South Africa – May
NAKA STEPS DOWN Beleaguered Cheetahs coach Naka Drotske announced in early May that he would retire from coaching at the conclusion of the 2015 Super Rugby season. The Cheetahs have…
Aviva Premiership: Team of the season
15. Alex Goode (Saracens) A consummate, classy operator who never seems to get the credit he deserves. Offers calm authority and precise positioning in defence and hits the line nicely in…
France: Top 14 reaches its denouement
Spare a thought this week for Grenoble manager Fabrice Landreau. At the end of March his side were in the top six of the Top 14 and looking good for…