FREDDIE BURNS starts on a bum note. He’s been asked about the funniest thing he’s seen on the pitch and he’s quick with his response, recalling a moment during England’s…
Tournaments
Top 14: Marcel Garvey on the Castres way
LAST SEASON was a funny old one for Marcel Garvey. Seventeen outings for Castres in the Top 14 and just one try, and that in the final game of the…
Contract extensions for Pro12, Premiership and Super Rugby stars
HERE’S TO the stayers. While we have all gotten hot and bothered about the prospect of George North playing for Northampton Saints or Matt Kvesic signing for Gloucester or even…
Innovations in Aviva Premiership coverage
What's new in this season's English top flight?
The players missing openers in the Aviva Premiership and Pro12
THE WAITING is almost done. We are just over a week away from the opening days of the Aviva Premiership and the RaboDirect Pro12 and already we are condemning some…
Top 14: Hook ready to lead Perpignan to new heights
TIMES, THEY are a-changin’ at Perpignan. Who would have thought just a few years ago that arguably the most parochial of French clubs would have a Welshman for a captain?…
Last ride for RaboDirect
THIS SEASON is the last the Pro12 will have the title sponsor, RaboDirect. The bank have opted not to renew its sponsorship contract with the league, meaning that just as…
Top 14: Toulouse coach going the way of the Gunners
By Gavin Mortimer IF THERE’S one man who knows how Arsene Wenger is feeling this week it’s Toulouse coach Guy Noves. Like the Arsenal manager, Noves ended Saturday afternoon with…
RWC2015: Canada in driving seat heading into decider with USA
By Alan Dymock INSURMOUNTABLE IT ain’t, but the USA Eagles have a tough task ahead, overcoming the odds and qualifying outright for Rugby World Cup 2015 after losing 27-9 to…
Beware the return of Juan Smith
By Alan Dymock AS RUGBY becomes more competitive, more sponsor-driven, more about the trophies than the humans involved, there is a chance that some folk could get chewed up and…