Saracens vs. Clermont, Twickenham – Saturday, April 26 Billy Vunipola v Fritz Lee Genuine wrecking-balls are worth their considerable weight in gold and at Twickenham, two of the most effective on…
Rugby World
Four in danger of Top 14 relegation
By Gavin Mortimer HERE’S A stat that will heap more misery on the heads of four clubs in the Top 14. In the nine years since the Top 16 shrank…
Championship blog: Round 22 wrap
By Richard Grainger Bristol brilliance marred by last ten bogey Bristol 25, London Welsh 21 The Sky cameras captured a rare smile that lit up Director of Rugby Andy Robinson’s…
Keeping Samoan-qualified players for Samoa
There are a lot of intangible aspects to Richie McCaw’s greatness. He exudes an aura that compels teammates to dig deeper than they ever believed possible. You only need to…
Championship blog: Round 21 wrap
By Richard Grainger Ealing earn chance of reprieve Ealing Trailfinders 37, Nottingham 35 Ealing looked dead and buried three weeks ago, but this fine win against Nottingham leaves them just…
Meet the most remote team in France
The most isolated team in France, Plouzané, is being coached by an Englishman. Rugby World went to find out more…
The Honey Badger: A gift to rugby
“Last year we were all sizzle, no steak. This year we had a horror start but now we are off like bride’s nightie” – Nick Cummins. Every so often, a…
Declan Danaher picks his Top XV
IT WILL always tug on a club’s heartstrings when one of their most loyal players reaches retirement, though when Declan Danaher hung up his boots in March, the London Irish…
Saints and Sinners: The weekend’s talking points
The Saints Golden Oldie Branded “too old” and “past his sell-by date” by Newcastle Falcons boss Dean Richards last month, David Lemi carried on proving Richards and any other doubters…
Agreement reached over future of European rugby
After nigh on two-years of an increasingly rancorous power-struggle between the clubs, Unions and broadcasters, the new make-up of European rugby has been agreed. With the Heads of Agreement now…