One was a straightforward win on an artificial surface in dry conditions, the other a harum-scarum humdinger amid pouring rain and a driving wind. The weekend’s pair of Premiership semi-finals looked vastly different.…
Gallagher Premiership
People’s champions: Players’ player at each Premiership club
For any sportsman, indeed for any professional, the endorsement of peers represents the most satisfying coup possible. With that in mind, one award at swanky end-of-season dinners is coveted more dearly than…
Who’s next in line for the top job at Bath?
By Alex Shaw Just a year after being named coach of the Year at the Aviva Premiership awards – and eight months after signing a new contract – Mike Ford…
Unsung heroes from the English season
Don Armand The Harare-born back-rower – six, seven or eight makes no difference – has played in 24 of Exeter’s 29 games this season and although Jack Nowell, Henry Slade…
Analysis: Seven aspects of the Saracens gameplan
Mark McCall and his men still readily bring up 2014, when they lost two finals in the space of seven excruciating days. First, on May 24, Toulon outclassed them to…
Brexit: what would it mean for rugby?
This summer’s tours reach their climax on Saturday 25 June, but two days earlier it will be politicians rather than rugby fans eagerly awaiting a result. The people of Britain…
Saints and Sinners: The weekend’s talking points
The Saints Chiefs duo shine at the Stoop Henry Slade had a cracking game for Exeter Chiefs in their 62-24 demolition of Harlequins at the Twickenham Stoop in the last…
Why Exeter Chiefs are crucial to England’s future
Exeter Chiefs have continually impressed in the top flight, so will England make the most of their talented players and coaches?
Nick Wood – my top 5 English Premiership matches at Kingsholm
Nick Wood already has a couple of notable records to his name: the highest number of competitive first-team appearances for Gloucester (277) and the first man to reach a double…
Saints and Sinners: The weekend’s talking points
The Saints Fine finish gives Chiefs a good start The stakes were high when Exeter entertained Wasps at Sandy Park on Sunday afternoon as the Chiefs needed to win to…