As the All Blacks announced their team for the first Test against England this Saturday, head coach Steve Hansen was all at once relaxed, droll and positive. Beside him sat…
Countries
England v New Zealand: Experience and mystery in the first Test
For the first Test in a colossal three-match series against the All Blacks, Stuart Lancaster has named what he feels is a “strong side”. Well-worn logistical issues and injuries have…
Ireland trio pay tribute to Stephen Ferris
THOUGH Stephen Ferris’s retirement felt like it was inevitable, due to the length of time he’d been kept on the sidelines by injuries in recent years, it was still a…
Wales: Five things we’ve learnt – May
Probables v Possibles was a success. Many may question the on-field benefits of the Probables v Possibles fixture – however the off-field benefits were undoubted. The fixture was a sell-out…
How long can Toulon reign supreme?
Toulon have done the double this season, but can the star-studded side continue their success without Jonny Wilkinson?
Championship Blog 1st Leg: London Welsh v Bristol
London Welsh take a 19-point lead to a sold out Memorial Stadium next Wednesday following a master-class of precision rugby in atrocious conditions at the Kassam on Wednesday night. Bristol…
Malakai Fekitoa: New Zealand’s latest centre of attention
Malakai Fekitoa is a new face in the All Blacks squad and big things are expected of the Highlanders centre. Here's why…
Five reasons England can win in Auckland
England face a huge challenge against the All Blacks on Saturday – but there are a few reasons to be cheerful ahead of the first Test in Auckland…
Bet you never saw this: The 2014 Finals
Enjoy looking at this gallery of great photos from this weekend's three finals – Aviva Premiership, RaboDirect Pro12 and the French Top 14
Saints and Sinners: The weekend’s talking points
The Saints Final flourish There are some people who still don’t like to see playoffs decide league titles, but without them we wouldn’t have dramatic occasions like Saturday’s Aviva Premiership…