AS OCTOBER draws near the rain is lashing pedestrians with more regularity. For some south of Berwick this is a reminder that grounds will soften and tries may be unpleasantly…
Tournaments
Magic Michalak on fire in France
“MICHALAK IS back” screams the headline in this week’s Midi Olympique, alongside a photograph of Toulon’s Freddie, a player for whom the word ‘mercurial’ could have been invented. Michalak played…
The Championship Blog – Week 4 round-up
HERE’S a bit of statistical analysis to kick-off this week’s Championship blog, writes Richard Grainger. In the Championship — which doesn’t have a sponsor — 355 points were scored in…
Sheridan’s fighting fit in Toulon
THEY SAY Lourdes is where you go in search of a miracle cure, but if you’re a thirty-something Englishman Toulon seems to be the place in France that has healing…
Glasgow sign Tongan Test prop Fainga’anuku
TONGA INTERNATIONAL loose-head Ofa Fainga’anuku has signed with Glasgow Warriors on a short-term contract. Subject to medical, the former Waratahs player will ply his trade at Scotstoun Stadium until the…
The Championship Blog – Week 3 round-up
AFTER THREE weeks of Championship rugby it’s beginning to look as if the sides promoted and relegated to this division may have booked a return ticket back to where they…
Gold Coast Sevens draw sees England face Samoa, Kenya and Spain
ENGLAND WILL face Samoa, Kenya and Spain on the opening day of the HSBC Sevens World Series on October 13. The draw was made today for the Gold Coast Sevens…
Vakatawa shines as he signals his French intent
THE TOP 14 may be a slow-burner right now with few games of real drama but one man doing his best to light the touch paper is Virimi Vakatawa. The…
The Championship Blog – Week 2 round-up
DIVISION NEWCOMERS Jersey travelled to Headingley on Friday for what is believed to have been their first-ever evening fixture, writes Richard Grainger. Despite losing 32-19 to a Leeds side who…
Leicester’s Craig Newby retires due to knee injury
LEICESTER TIGERS back-rower Craig Newby has announced his retirement from professional rugby due to injury. Newby, who has three caps for New Zealand and won a Commonwealth Games gold medal…