On-field action was comprehensively overshadowed by the gut-wrenching loss of Anthony Foley, but an entertaining opening round of European Champions Cup action still provided some thoroughly impressive performances. Glasgow Warriors’…
Tournaments
Saints and Sinners: the weekend’s talking points
The Saints Sean Maitland and Saracens Only a top-class finisher can touch down a try when the combined power of Ma’a Nonu and Leigh Halfpenny is trying to take you…
Top 14: Can French sides get off to a flyer in the Champions Cup?
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…
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…
Saints and Sinners: The Weekend’s Talking Points
The Saints Silver service from the No 10s Harlequins outside-centre Alofa Alofa scored his first try for his new club in their 20-9 Aviva Premiership win over Northampton Saints and…
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…