CLERMONT AUVERGNE demonstrated just why they are the favourites to lift the Heineken Cup this year as they clinically saw off Montpellier. Rugby World, however, has decided to pinpoint a…
Tournaments
What’s the best way forward for Welsh rugby?
THE NEWS that George North is to leave his homeland to ply his trade in Northampton may cause some hand wringing in Wales, but there is scope to consider another…
Goode ready for European test
GIVEN THE intelligent, unfussy rugby instincts that characterise his game, it comes as no surprise that Alex Goode also possesses a pretty precise memory. Describing a short sequence an hour…
Heineken Cup: Can the Tigers take the heat?
COMPARED TO the chill winds that have been blowing through Leicester of late, Toulon on Sunday will feel positively balmy for the English club. Spring has been slow in showing…
The Championship blog – Week 20 round-up
DONCASTER, WHO began league life in Yorkshire 2, and rejoice in being the ‘most promoted club in England, have three games left to avert relegation to National League One. But…
Glasgow Warriors aiming for Pro12 zenith
IT IS worth noting for a moment what Gregor Townsend is achieving at Glasgow Warriors. Considered somewhat of a superfluous appointment in the off-season, nipping into the front of a…
The battle at the bottom of the Premiership continues
WITH LONDON Welsh losing their appeal against a five-point deduction for fielding an ineligible player, Tyson Keats, they remain five points behind nearest Aviva Premiership rivals Sale Sharks. With four…
Statistics: Who will be rugby’s Golden Shoe winner?
AS A nimble Tom Varndell danced up the touchline against Northampton Saints at the weekend – an act of human dressage so well timed that both teams must have choreographed…
The Championship blog – Week 19 round-up
BRISTOL HAVE parted company with Liam Middleton, following their defeat by Moseley at Billesley Common. The former Westcountry giants’ second consecutive league loss means that making the play-offs is far…
Hong Kong celebrates record Sevens series audience
FIJI WON the on-field plaudits by sneaking past first-time Cup finalists Wales 26-19, to successfully defend their HSBC Sevens title. In a thrilling final, the South Sea Islanders scored four…