You do not saunter back into a world champion team on the back of 70 minutes’ worth of on-field action in two years without being a very special player. To…
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Brian O’Driscoll: The Test – book review
In The Test, Brian O’Driscoll takes the reader behind the scenes of his life from his childhood to his retirement from playing this year, dealing honestly with the most traumatic of…
John Kirwan on upholding the tradition of the Baa-Baas
John Kirwan: “Coaching the Barbarians again is an honour and I see it as my responsibility to uphold our prestigious name and make sure it continues to be a viable…
Should Stuart Lancaster pick Steffon Armitage?
Roger Uttley believes Stuart Lancaster is gambling by not selecting Steffon Armitage and will have to think again should England come a cropper in the QBE autumn series. “Is Stuart…
Badger’s Barbarians can make Australia a laughing stock
It was difficult not to feel sorry for Nick Phipps on Monday as the Wallaby scrum-half fielded questions on sexism and misogyny in sport. Understandably awkward and sheepish, he resembled…
Richie McCaw plays ice hockey
The All Blacks have been taking in the sights ahead of their eagerly anticipated first fixture on US soil at Soldier Field, the home ground of the Chicago Bears, where…
Top 14: Time to knuckle down for Montpellier’s Fabien Galthie
There’s always been a touch of the Brendan Venter about Fabien Galthie. The pair have much in common. Very good players who have become very good coaches, harnessing their playing…
George Kruis on the England camp
Having been brought into the England squad for the autumn Internationals on the back of fine form with Saracens in the Aviva Premiership and the European Rugby Championship, George Kruis…
European Champions Cup player analysis: George North, Northampton Saints
One thing about George North that never fails to astonish – more striking even than the staggering raw materials of pace, power and prodigious finishing ability – is his age.…
Rene Ranger on life in France
On first introduction, Rene Ranger seems so laid-back you would be forgiven for checking his pulse. However, when the versatile, attacking back is asked about his cult hero status back…