Rugby News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumours
Nick Tompkins’ impact off the bench for Saracens is such that he is fast becoming one of head coach Mark McCall’s go-to men. The 22-year old former academy player inspired Saracens to a 36-34 victory over Ospreys on Saturday. His second half display was rewarded, with Tompkins being named man-of-the-match in round two of the […] READ MORE
It is too early in the season to say that the hiring and firing phase with Aviva Premiership Head Coaches is over. But, there is every reason that it should be. READ MORE
Last weekend’s Aviva Premiership Round Four action saw Exeter Chiefs win, in the anticipated replay of last year’s final. If that was not ‘hot enough’ Leicester Tigers and Northampton continued to rejuvenate their seasons, after below par performances early on. And boiling away, there was also wins for Saracens, Newcastle, and Gloucester. Knowing this, Last […] READ MORE
Rhys Priestland continues his hot start to the season, by helping Bath to a 25-9 victory over Wasps. Last Word on Rugby acknowledge his form does bring into question the so-called Gatland’s Law, as it mounts under further pressure. How Many Men Can Wales Select Under Gatland’s Law? Gatland’s law was signed as part of […] READ MORE
Normally a side who has a large majority of possession and territory wins the match. Not so at the AJ Bell Stadium, as Gloucester inaccuracy; plus inspiration from Denny Solomona, led Sale Sharks to an emphatic 57-10 victory. Denny Solomona Lights Up the Match Before the fans could even settle into their seats try machine […] READ MORE
Gloucester pulled out an exceptional attacking display in a first half thriller, at the Kingsholm Stadium. A Gloucester victory over Worcester Warriors 24-19 displays the promise that Johan Ackermann’s side holds in 2017/18. Alistair Stokes reports on some of the best, worst and most meaningful moments of last night’s game. Gloucester entertained fans in their home game […] READ MORE
The last 12 months has seen the flourishing of what was always a promising career but across the Premiership and the International arena, recent times have seen Courtney Lawes making his mark. The 28 year old from Hackney in London was known as the first of the more athletic second rows. The first of the […] READ MORE
Exeter Chiefs’ scrum half Nic White may be new to the Premiership but knows a thing or two about rugby rivalries. His new side’s maiden Premiership victory against Wasps in May could well be the start of a famous rivalry. Exeter come face to face with a Wasps side that took them all the way […] READ MORE
It was always going to be hard to top a round one victory over the reigning champions for Gloucester. Two away games against Harlequins and then Leicester have yielded zero points since then. Some fans worry that the ‘new coach effect’ has already worn off. But for Johan Ackermann, it is the Gloucester home-form that […] READ MORE
The Aviva Premiership headed Stateside once again in 2017, with the Falcons as the ‘home’ team on Saturday. Disappointment was abound though for the men from Kingston Park, as Saracens overpower Newcastle in Philadelphia with England and Lions reinforcements returning. Owen Farrell starred in a 7-29 victory in the second ever visit to North America. […] READ MORE
Alistair is a young rugby writer, with all the rugby knowledge rattling around his brain he thought he would put it to good use! Alistair has a history of working in rugby through a degree in Sports Rehabilitation. Alistair has spent time at Bath Rugby in the Aviva Premiership and The Stellenbosch Rugby Academy in South Africa, near Cape Town.
Follow Alistair as he hones his skills as a rugby writer and commentator.