In a year when the best rugby players from Britain and Ireland will head down to New Zealand, the news of Manu Tuilagi’s latest injury setback was a crushing blow to many. For Leicester Tigers – a club that have had a turbulent start to 2017 – Tuilagi’s anterior cruciate ligament damage denies them their talisman during a season where they have struggled to keep … Continue reading A Centre’s path
How do you replace a man like Richie McCaw? It has been the question mulling around in many New Zealanders minds following the retirement of the legendary All Blacks skipper. A man who led his country out in over 100 test matches and the first man in the history of the sport to lead his team to two World Cup titles, the truth is nobody … Continue reading A new dawn
As Eddie Jones begins to settle in to new surroundings at Twickenham, he already has his hands full with one particular decision. The dismal showing at the World Cup, saw the end of one reign, in the shape of coach Stuart Lancaster, and may spell the end for another, captain Chris Robshaw. With many English fans calling for new direction on-the-field to complement the changes … Continue reading England: Captain contenders
As the sporting world continues to mourn the death of great All Blacks’ wing Jonah Lomu, sports fans and pundits alike have been quick to recount their memories of the man at the forefront of the evolution of rugby into the professional era. From his legendary tries on-the-field to his humbling demeanour off it, Jonah Lomu was a truly inspiring man whose death at the … Continue reading A tribute to a sporting icon
How do you measure greatness in sport? It is a question that causes debate in pubs and sports bars across the world. Watching the New Zealand rugby union team be crowned World Champions for a record third time, and becoming the first side to successfully defend a Rugby World Cup title, sports fans have lavished praise on this current All Blacks side, with many believing this … Continue reading Sporting Greats – All Black magic
After another year of unforgettable action in the Aviva Premiership, just two sides remain with the chance to be crowned 2015 champions. Will Mike Ford and son George lead Bath to their first Premiership crown in 19 years? Or will Mark McCall and his battle-hardened Saracens side lay to rest the demons of the 2014 Final? The match pits two contrasting styles: Bath’s free-flowing, attacking … Continue reading Aviva Premiership Final Preview
As English rugby digests yet another second-placed finish in the RBS Six Nations, quotes taken from RFU Chief Executive Ian Ritchie – branding England’s failure to win the Six Nations as “unacceptable” – has led to attention once again being drawn to the job that head coach Stuart Lancaster is doing with this current England team. Following the debacle of the 2011 World Cup and … Continue reading Lancaster: Success or Failure?
It’s the question that consumes Warren Gatland’s thinking as Welsh rugby enters a defining year. Born in New Zealand to a Welsh mother, Gareth Anscombe’s decision to come over and play for the Cardiff Blues with the intention of forcing his way into Warren Gatland’s Wales squad has led to great excitement around the country. A talented back, comfortable at both full-back and fly-half – … Continue reading Is Anscombe the answer?
Following another exciting Autumn series, many fans have been pleasantly surprised by the steps made by their nations as they build towards the World Cup in England. While home nations fans have been delighted by some encouraging performances, supporters of the Southern Hemisphere giants – with the exception of New Zealand – have been left looking anxiously over their shoulders as the likes of England, … Continue reading Momentum shift or temporary lapse?
It was a debate which had been contested for many weeks amongst many Welshmen. The debate over who should be included in a 34-man squad to tackle the Southern Hemisphere giants in Cardiff has raged for many weeks with individual performances from the Pro12 being heavily analysed and scrutinised in equal measure. So who made the cut, and more importantly did Gatland make the right call? … Continue reading Gatland goes with tried and trusted
