The Champions Cup starts this weekend and the seven French sides have experienced fluctuating fortunes so far this season in the Top 14. With sackings, sales and scandals dominating the…
Countries
Super Maro Itoje can solve England’s problems at No 7
Eddie Jones has his sights set on toppling the All Blacks but at times in the last couple of weeks he must feel like he has reversed over a black…
Champions Cup: Europe provides the stage for Test auditions
By Alex Shaw The European Rugby Champions Cup makes its 2016-17 bow this weekend and as early as round one, offers up a mouth-watering array of match-ups. Intensity is ratcheted…
Analysis: Six minutes that defined the resilience of Saracens
More than any athletic attribute, the one quality that Maro Itoje’s clubmates value highest in their young lock is an uncanny capacity to learn. Saracens playmakers know they only need…
How to make it as a sports photographer: Dave Rogers
The Forward Pass Podcast – Dave Rogers Welcome to The Forward Pass, a series of conversations with leading rugby union journalists, broadcasters, presenters and photographers who will offer the next…
Barbarians recruit big names for November fixtures
The Barbarians are preparing to play South Africa, the Czech Republic and Fiji next month
The residency rule is being exploited as project players flood European game
Another day, another project player and another kick in the teeth for anyone who thinks you should play for the country of your birth or at least the place where…
Rugby Championship: Australia search for finishing touches against the Pumas
Super Rugby came to Twickenham in 2011 and this weekend the Rugby Championship follows suit, with Argentina moving their home game with Australia 6,000 miles north in a bid to…
Agent defends Dan Carter after claims of drug test ‘anomalies’
Former All Blacks Dan Carter and Joe Rokocoko gave drug tests which showed “anomalies” before this year’s Top 14 final, according to the French newspaper L’Equipe. But the pair’s manager,…
Opinion: The eye gouge is a blight on rugby that must be eradicated
No one forgets their first gouge. Feeling another man’s finger burrowing into one’s eye is a frightening experience. It happened to me in my second match in France. I’d made…