Deep down, Stuart Lancaster must be pretty excited about Saturday lunchtime. By then, England’s head coach will be back over the Severn Bridge, his mind already turned to hosting Italy.…
Countries
Saint-Andre readies France for his final assault
Perhaps the pressure is no longer on the shoulders of Philippe Saint-Andre [PSA]. Or at least not to the same extent it has been at the start of his three…
Rugby statistics: Comparing No 8s from the Premiership, Pro12 and Top 14
In 2013, then Scotland head coach Scott Johnson received a few laughs for his “statistics are a bit like bikinis – it shows a lot but not the whole thing”…
The expectations placed on Sam Burgess
AS ENGLAND prepares to be patriotically stretched out in white and splashed with red in the build up to the World Cup, it is hard to ignore a growing sense…
Five things we learned in world rugby in January
Adam Jones retires January saw Adam Jones retire from test rugby and take his place alongside the grandees of Welsh rugby. He has had a fine career, featuring 95 caps…
Six Nations: why playing Italy first up does Ireland no favours
Should Ireland be wary of the Italian team awaiting them in Rome this weekend? Above and beyond the usual respect paid to any international opponent. The short answer is yes,…
Saints and Sinners: The weekend’s talking points
The Saints Saxon spirit Facing an Ireland Wolfhounds team with just under 300 Test caps between them, and not to mention a smattering of Lions players, the England Saxons had…
Six Nations: Tom Wood’s memories of playing Wales in Cardiff
The England flanker looks back on a memorable Six Nations win and an infamous defeat at the Millennium Stadium
England Saxons player analysis: Maro Itoje
England Saxons player analysis: Maro Itoje “Joy and jubilation” – those were the words uttered by Maro Itoje when the England Under 20 skipper was asked to articulate his thoughts…
Samson Lee on his Wales team-mates
THE SCARLETS tighthead is one of the hottest properties in rugby, and one of the fastest-rising Test stars in Wales. He is featured in Rugby World’s Six Nations special, but…