INTERIM WALES head coach Rob Howley has picked just one uncapped player in his 35-man squad for the upcoming November Internationals. Ospreys prop Aaron Jarvis is the only new player…
Tournaments
Australia given little hope ahead of final Bledisloe Test
AFTER A tough summer, Australia are available at unprecedented odds of 8/1 ahead of this weekend's test against New Zealand at home in Brisbane. The odds reflect not only the…
French based players not an option for Stuart Lancaster
ENGLISH PLAYERS currently in France are unlikely to be selected for the upcoming November Internationals, according to Stuart Lancaster. The England head coach was speaking on the BBC 5 Live…
Door wide open in Lions hunt for attack coach
WARREN GATLAND'S feet have provided a tricky start to his career as coach of the British & Irish Lions, with news that the final make-up of his coaching staff would…
Bryce Lawrence blames political pressure for retirement
NEW ZEALAND referee Bryce Lawrence has retired, citing heavy criticism following the Rugby World Cup quarter-final between South Africa and Australia last year behind his decision. The 41 year-old is…
Why the hype over France’s Gael Fickou
LET'S NOT get carried away. Gael Fickou had a good game for Toulouse in their win over Leicester on Sunday, but was the 18-year-old’s try-scoring performance really that special? Sure,…
The Championship Blog — B & I Cup Week 1 round-up
THE BRITISH & Irish Cup kicked-off this weekend after a major makeover due to last season’s antics, which saw some clubs using it as an opportunity to rest key players…
Harlequins and Saracens pose strongest English threat in Europe
A BRIEF scan of the results from Round One of the Heineken Cup highlighted that English sides may not be as far off the pace when it comes to the…
Can Exeter’s remarkable rise continue against Leinster?
THIS TIME three years ago, Exeter were still in the RFU Championship, in the middle of a week that started by playing London Welsh at Sandy Park and finished with…
Football grounds will make the Rugby World Cup a great success
I HAVE spent most of this week swimming against the tide of public opinion over England Rugby 2015's decision to scrap Welford Road as a World Cup venue. I think…