Top 14

  • May 24, 2012

IN FRANCE they call them ‘les barrages’, in English we’d call them ‘play-offs’; perhaps the best description is the Top 14 quarter-finals, which is in effect what unfolds on Saturday…

Mike Phillips Bayonne

  • May 3, 2012

By Gavin Mortimer TWO ROUNDS of the Top 14 to go and down at the foot of the table it’s looking tight. Lyon are doomed, that much is sure, even…

  • April 26, 2012

They began camping out the day before tickets went on sale at Clermont’s ground for Sunday’s Heineken Cup clash with Leinster, writes Gavin Mortimer. Such is the fervour for all…

  • April 20, 2012

An end of an era is approaching in Perpignan and the fans are getting teary at the prospect. After nine seasons loosehead prop Perry Freshwater is retiring at the end…

Shane Geraghty

  • April 12, 2012

NO DOUBT about it, Shane Geraghty’s stint in Brive has been eventful, writes Gavin Mortimer. The 25-year-old was to the fore again on Sunday, steering the unfashionable French club into…

  • April 5, 2012

Toulouse backs coach Jean-Baptiste Elissalde couldn’t help crowing after his side’s impressive defeat of Stade Francais last Saturday, writes Gavin Mortimer. In front of 80,000 fans at the Stade de…

  • March 24, 2012

A three-time Lions tourist, Simon Shaw spent 14 years at Wasps and has represented England in 71 Tests and at three World Cups. Here are a few things you might…

Fixtures for September 2011

  • September 4, 2011

For all the Rugby World Cup fixtures including UK kick off times click here. All games live ITV and Talksport Sunday 4 September Aviva Premiership N’hampton v Gloucester (3.30) Live…

  • June 23, 2011

England Sevens star Dan Caprice has been snapped up by French giants Biarritz. The Kent-based wing has signed a two-year deal to play in the Top 14 and Heineken Cup…