By Alex Shaw The stage is set this weekend for the return of European rugby, with the European Rugby Champions Cup quarter-finals looming large amidst a packed sporting calendar. The…
England
A week in the life of a Sale Sharks academy player, Part Three
Sevens. The nemesis of a lock. We lanky, gangly and distinctly uncoordinated second-rows are not built for the sport designed to bring more exhaustion than a full 80 minutes, more…
Is it worth selling the naming rights to Twickenham?
The RFU have hinted that they would sell off the naming rights to Twickenham – but what is the point? They make a bit of money but there is nothing…
Five things we learnt about rugby in March
Rugby cannot be above racial slurs The alleged ‘Gypsy boy’ incident between Joe Marler and Samson Lee, and its subsequent handling, remains a blemish on this year’s RBS 6 Nations.…
Who will follow Josh Charnley as the next code-hopper?
By Alex Shaw Sale Sharks fans were certainly smiling today, as their club confirmed the signing of Wigan Warriors and England Rugby League winger Josh Charnley. The 24-year-old will make…
The team should England pick for the Australia Tests
By Alex Shaw With the Six Nations trophy gathering the first specks of dust in the trophy cabinet, players and fans alike are still celebrating England’s first Grand Slam in…
The five changes that turned England into Grand Slam champions
It has been a long time coming for England but they finally got over the line and won a Grand Slam for the first time since 2003 with, mostly, a…
Saints and Sinners: The weekend’s talking points
The Saints Good job, Jones A new generation of players has joined the list of England’s Grand Slam winners – the first to do so since 2003. Dylan Hartley has…
RBS Six Nations: France 21-31 England
England won their first Grand Slam in 13 years in a raucous atmosphere at the Stade de France. In a game where England could never quite relax, it was not…
While plaudits rain down elsewhere, James Haskell’s role mustn’t be ignored
By Alex Shaw It’s been a productive Six Nations so far for England. New head coach Eddie Jones has steered his side to the title with a round still to…