A look at how the smartest teams operate today, with Sam Larner proposing three easy Six Nations tactics tweaks to get better results
Sam Larner
The rugby business must seek more outsider ideas
There are umpteen books written about what business could learn from elite level sport. A certain type of business owner likes the idea that what they are doing is in…
The sabbatical could become more commonplace for top rugby stars
Back in 2012, Richie McCaw announced his intentions to take a six-month sabbatical away from rugby. The following year Dan Carter followed suit. Four years later, Ben Smith took the…
The pools were fun – but pragmatism will win the World Cup
Fiji v Portugal was the match of the Rugby world Cup pool stage. Two teams who wanted to play rugby, who wanted to keep ball in hand, and who wanted…
The key reasons why Argentina pick card machine Tomás Lavanini
Tomas Lavanini’s ability to accrue cards is meme worthy. He’s received 12 (three red and nine yellow) in his Argentina career. A little over one every five full matches. His…
Can the Pacific Nations stun the Rugby World Cup?
The Pacific Nations (Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and Japan) attract a lot of attention when the World Cup comes along. However, they’ve generally struggled to upset the odds when the tournament…
What I learnt from watching Siya Kolisi’s comeback…
Siya Kolisi hadn’t played rugby since April and hadn’t played for the Springboks since November 2022. On Saturday, he was gifted a dream return as he played 40 minutes in…
Analysis: Why being a specialist No 8 means little now
England have only selected one recognised No 8 in Billy Vunipola in their RWC squad
The surprising Scotland key player crucial to success at World Cup
Scotland's lineout will be pivotal at the World Cup
Could tanking Welsh rugby sides show us a way forward?
In 1997 the Florida Marlins won the baseball World Series. One season later they dismantled that team, offloading the highly-paid stars who had taken them to the greatest prize in…