Rugby News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumours
England took a huge step forward by beating Wales in Cardiff on Saturday. Steve Borthwick will know a whole lot more about his team, particularly his forwards, who are growing in confidence with every game. England’s back row was superb with Alex Dombrandt, Jack Willis, and Lewis Ludlam all having outstanding games. Wales was disappointing […] READ MORE
England v Barbarians will be anything but ‘friendly’ on Sunday. This is a wonderfully physical and talented Barbarians team laced with Gallic flair and muscle. Damien Penaud provides the stardust alongside the Fijian granite centre pairing of Levani Botia and Virimi Vakatawa. In the forwards, former French Captain Charles Ollivon will be itching to put […] READ MORE
England v Wales rarely disappoints and despite mistakes from both sides Saturday’s encounter went right to the wire. The England v Wales clash encapsulates why the Six Nations is the premier rugby competition on the planet. 17-0 early in the second half and cruising England looked set to bolster their points difference to challenge France. […] READ MORE
Injuries will force Eddie Jones to tinker further with his England rugby team as they prepare to take on Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday. It has been a long time since we last saw an England rugby team without Owen Farrell, Courtney Lawes or Jonny May. Injuries, a fire and Covid have not helped England […] READ MORE
After a highly successful Autumn international campaign, England rugby fans will be full of expectations as we head into the 2022 Six Nations Championship. One of the big questions they will ask is who will win come out on top in the England number eight debate. England will start with a massive clash against Scotland […] 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 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
It took one of the most remarkable recoveries in Premiership Rugby history, to see the Harlequins Grand Final place secured after a staggering recovery against league-leaders, the Bristol Bears. Next weekend, it will be Exter v Harlequins though the ‘Quins players may need an extra day for recovery; that is after extra time was added […] READ MORE
Opening the penultimate weekend on the domestic calendar, this year’s Gallagher Premiership semifinals start with the enthralling Bristol Bears vs Harlequins, before Exeter vs Sales completes the preliminary finals playoffs. At the outset of this long and arduous 2020/21 Gallagher Premiership campaign, many of those predicting who would be holding the trophy at this point […] READ MORE
Over the last four years, we have got used to Eddie Jones’ often controversial selection calls, yet who will he select for the 2020 Six Nations championship? Let’s be honest, more often than not he has got it right. A Rugby World Cup Final, two Six Nations’ trophies including a Grand Slam is testimony to […] READ MORE
Charlie has been writing rugby features for the last 20 years and has covered World Cups, Six Nations, and Lions' tours. My aim has always been to provide opinion and analysis which hopefully adds to the conversations that we all enjoy over a pint or two in the pub.