Rugby News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumours
Despite their recent excellent form, the likes of George Ford and the Vunipola brothers are still deemed as surplus to requirements with the approaching Autumn internationals just a few weeks away. Eddie Jones, the England rugby coach has made his intentions clear that a new generation of players needs to be blooded. Chief among them […] READ MORE
The non-selection of the Vunipola brothers, George Ford and Jamie George for England’s training squad have caused headlines this week. Dubbed the ‘England rugby overhaul’, this is a genuine shake-up in selection by England coach, Eddie Jones after an underwhelming 2021 Six Nations. Significantly the inclusion of youngsters like Harlequins’ Louis Lynagh to go with […] READ MORE
The Springboks lived up to their status as world champions by grinding out a result even if they were not at their best as the British and Irish Lions failed to impress. 12 years after his last penalty dagger through the Lions, Morne Steyn delivered again in the final minutes. In truth, the British and […] READ MORE
The British and Irish Lions have barely fired a shot in attack in two tests against the Springboks. With the 2021 Castle series at 1-1 and with everything on the line for both teams, Warren Gatland must make some proactive changes. In his words, this is a Cup Final and if the Lions adopt a […] READ MORE
Warren Gatland, the British and Irish Lions coach has made three changes to the side that won the first test. Mako Vunipola comes in for Rory Sutherland, Chris Harris replaces Elliot Daly and Conor Murray is in for Ali Price. There are also changes on the bench that sees Taulupe Faletau replace Hamish Watson. Elliot […] READ MORE
It was not a classic, far from it but as befitting a British and Irish Lions series the first Test had its fair share of tension and controversy. The Lions won 22-17 but in truth, neither side excelled in what was an error-strewn and nervy affair. The Springboks barely broke sweat to take a first-half […] READ MORE
British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland hasn’t ran away from tough selection decisions. Taulupe Faletau, Conor Murray, Mako Vunipola and Jamie George have all been excluded from the squad. In come Jack Conan, Duhan van der Merwe, Luke Cowan-Dickie and Ali Price, all of whom have been rewarded for their form on this tour. […] READ MORE
There are some big decisions for Warren Gatland ahead of the Lions first test, not least who is his starting captain. Wyn Jones returned against the Stormers off the bench to stake his claim to be starting next weekend as captain. However, Gatland also faces other selection headaches in the back row, scrum-half and in […] READ MORE
In the space of a couple of hours, the meticulously laid plans of Warren Gatland have been thrown into disarray. Talisman and captain Alun Wyn Jones is out of the tour with a dislocated shoulder. This is a huge blow given his experience, leadership and presence on and off the field. The subsequent appointment of […] READ MORE
The Gallagher Premiership semifinals over the weekend propelled English rugby to the forefront of European rugby. Contrast France’s Top 14 semifinals which were tight, turgid affairs dominated by the forwards. The Gallagher Premiership will never be able to match the salaries that the Top 14 can dish out. However, for any southern hemisphere player wanting […] READ MORE