Rugby News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumours
Each new squad announced by a head coach brings joy to some corners of the country, and some misery for others. This squad is no different. The latest England men’s rugby squad is out, and supremo Eddie Jones has made some big decisions. There are recalls for discarded stars and first-time call-ups for young talent […] READ MORE
It was a sad but wonderful day at Welford Road last weekend. The Welford Road faithful showed their appreciation with a full house for the retiring Tom Youngs. There is no question that Tom Youngs goes down as one of the great Leicester Tigers, no mean feat when you think of the legends that go […] READ MORE
With the 2020 Six Nations eventually signing off over the weekend we took a look at who impressed Warren Gatland, the British and Irish Lions coach. In truth, the quality came in the France/Ireland match. Wales and Scotland played out a dour contest in a windy Llanelli and England were distinctly rusty in Rome against […] READ MORE
It was again not pretty, as befitting the general rugby theme in the 2021 Guinness Six Nations but Eddie Jones will have to refocus on the France Le Crunch fixture late Saturday afternoon. Round Four of this year’s championship and the Le Crunch match-up is always one to set the standard. Especially after what occurred […] READ MORE
England won the battle, but it felt like France had won the war after their breath-taking performance over Ireland. On Saturday evening in Paris, France put on a show which gallic legends like Serge Blanco and Philippe Sella would have been proud of. It was brilliant at times, in stark contrast to a turgid affair […] READ MORE
Finally, after six thrilling weeks of competition, the World Cup Final has arrived. England v South Africa. Contests between these two sides are always brutal and Saturday’s final will be no different. South Africa seemingly are going in with their full metal jacket approach. They will want to bash England into submission. England will also […] READ MORE
A thrilling 2019 Rugby World Cup will finish on Saturday with either England or the Springboks as the victors. England are heavy favourites after demolishing the All Blacks. And, that will suit South Africa just fine after they outmuscled Wales on Sunday. It feels like a beauty and the beast tussle. Ironic given that England’s […] READ MORE
England v New Zealand is the first of two mouthwatering semi-finals as the 2019 World Cup reaches its climax. Many are saying that this is the final a week early. It is hard to disagree with this sentiment given how good England and New Zealand were in the quarter-finals. For all of the positivity around […] READ MORE
England v Australia are never dull matches and the intensity of this quarter-final will go up several notches. England on the face of it is in excellent health going into the clash against the Wallabies. Maximum points, two tries conceded and a set-piece which is rumbling into form. There are concerns around a two-week rest […] READ MORE
England v Argentina contests are always brutal and Eddie Jones has named his strongest team for Saturday’s game. As predicted the Ford/Farrell axis is retained and fit-again Mako Vunipola and Jack Nowell are on the bench. Lewis Ludlam’s strong performances have been rewarded with a place in the match-day twenty three. What’s clear is the […] 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.