Rugby News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumours
There is a new man in charge of France; with the French Rugby Federation officially announcing the hiring of Jacques Brunel as their new Head Coach, replacing the outgoing Guy Novès after two years in charge. Brunel (63) has worked previously under FRF President Bernard Laporte as an assistant, during Laporte’s tenure as France Head […] READ MORE
Guy Novès’ hiring after France’s 2015 Rugby World Cup capitulation was met with praise from many corners of the rugby world. The former Toulouse coach had developed the rouge et noir into domestic and European juggernauts. He built a dominant pack and complimented it with a dynamic and entertaining backline led by the magician Frederic […] READ MORE
French rugby is close to rock bottom. Despite the highs of being announced as hosts for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, 2017 will still go down as a low point for Les Bleus. As a result, Guy Novès’ future as France head coach is looking bleak. Draw Against Japan the Tipping Point France’s final test […] READ MORE
The definition of a Grand Slam in Rugby Union is commonly relative to the Six Nations (formerly, Five Nations) tournament. The annual competition between the home unions would grade a successful competition on an unbeaten year – the Grand Slam. For some, the classic image is one of an English, Irish, French, Scottish or Welsh […] READ MORE
French giants Toulouse’s defeat away to Connacht in the first round of the European Champions Cup shouldn’t have come as a surprise to many. The result in Galway is a measure of how much rugby’s landscape has changed. Not only have Connacht emerged as a team that can, and have, won trophies, but their style […] READ MORE
NCTJ qualified journalist, Irishman living in England. I support Ulster but watch more rugby than is healthy. Also dabble in motorsport and cycling, basically anything with wheels.