As ever, a new British and Irish Lions squad announcement never disappoints – and 2021 was no different. As Lions coach Warren Gatland alluded to this was “such a difficult selection” given the player pool available in certain positions. As predicted by this rugby website, Alun Wyn Jones deservedly takes the captaincy honours. That was […] READ MORE
Tag: Sam Simmonds
2021 British and Irish Lions – final Last Word on Rugby squad selection
The 2021 British and Irish Lions squad announcement is hugely exciting, with choices coming from all sectors of the game. As such, our final Last Word on Rugby squad selection looks to reinforce the status and recent player examples from the just completed Six Nations Championship. Given the form coming out of the home nations, […] READ MORE
Retaining Eddie Jones right for England Rugby 2023 ambitions
Retaining Eddie Jones as the England rugby coach is the right decision. The RFU were absolutely correct to do a full debrief on what was a disastrous 2021 Six Nations campaign. Many feel England rugby need an overhaul and to an extent this is true, but Jones is the right man to do the job still. […] READ MORE
2020 Six Nations: Eddie Jones’ confusing squad announcement
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
SA2021 tour confirmed: British and Irish Lions selection form XV
The British and Irish Lions selection discussion will be hugely entertaining now that the tour is assured to go ahead in South Africa. The 2021 Six Nations proved that the Six Nations has to be the premier tournament in world rugby. There were last-minute win’s, shocks and general entertainment to keep everyone happy. Wales were […] READ MORE
England Rugby in need of an overhaul
Ireland strategically, emotionally and physically dominated England. Eddie Jones is now a man under pressure as are some of his lieutenants after a chastening afternoon in Dublin. The 32-18 scoreline flattered England and a distinctly mediocre 2021 Six Nations has mercifully come to an end. There were familiar failings, poor discipline, poor game management and […] READ MORE
Eddie Jones can reinvigorate England with Simmonds and Dombrandt
With ‘Le Crunch’ fast approaching, all eyes will be on Eddie Jones squad selection on Thursday. After a deflating, penalty-strewn defeat to Wales, many are asking for Jones to swallow his pride and start picking from the Gallagher Premiership. Chief among the names is Sam Simmonds. The Exeter backrower has once again put in world-class […] READ MORE
England Six Nations Squad Announced
England Six Nations Squad Announced England have announced their squad for the forthcoming Six Nations tournament. Kicking off against Scotland on February 6th they have announced a 28 man squad to use for the competition. There is also a 12 man ‘shadow-squad’ that will be subject to the same testing protocols as the main squad […] READ MORE
Rob Baxter backs Sam Simmonds to keep pushing for England selection
Rob Baxter has provided support for Sam Simmonds after another week went by without an international call up. Speaking ahead of the visit of Bath this weekend Rob Baxter addressed the media to show understanding for the situation of Sam Simmonds but also of Eddie Jones and the England setup. David Challis caught up with […] READ MORE
Exeter Chiefs vs Racing – Heineken Champions Cup final player ratings
Exeter Chiefs lifted their first European crown, a decade on from their promotion to the top tier of English rugby. Following their scintillating victory at Ashton Gate, Robert Rees rates each of the players’ performances. Exeter Chiefs Stuart Hogg – 7 A few shaky moment in defence, but a very solid final for the Lions […] READ MORE