Northern Edition

Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

Contributors

Alex Shaw

Alex went from reporting on rugby and scouting out the best young talent in the game to heading up the player recruitment at Ealing Trailfinders. He still turns his hand to the odd article here and there whilst trying to help push the London club to the Premiership.

There's a new Wilkinson in town and he's set to don the 10 jersey
The injury of AJ MacGinty has Sale Sharks reeling, but do they need to look elsewhere for a medical joker or is the solution to th…
Alex Shaw
15 Oct 2018, 12:50
Yorkshire snap up reinforcements from the Mitre 10 Cup, including a former NZ 7s star
Yorkshire have leant heavily on director of rugby Chris Stirling's connections in New Zealand and recruited two key additions from…
Alex Shaw
16 Oct 2018, 3:43
England’s elite stumble in Champions Cup yet again and why it’s time to act
With Bath, Wasps and Leicester Tigers all falling to demoralising European losses, and Exeter Chiefs held to a draw on their own p…
Alex Shaw
15 Oct 2018, 5:08
A 13 man shortlist of England's Number Eight options and their 'pros' and 'cons'
A look at all of England's available number eight options following the injuries to Billy Vunipola and Sam Simmonds, as well as th…
Alex Shaw
17 Oct 2018, 13:12
England haemorrhage players as Irish, Welsh and Scottish exiles programs thrive
A round-up of the growing list of players to turn their back on England and commit to Ireland, Scotland or Wales in the search for…
Alex Shaw
20 Oct 2018, 4:01
Champions Cup XV of the Week - Round 2
A round-up of the most impressive performers from round two of the Heineken Champions Cup, a weekend which saw a number of compell…
Alex Shaw
21 Oct 2018, 11:46
Why Toulouse's victory over Leinster won't have come as a complete surprise to rugby nauses
Toulouse have gone from peerless European aristocrats to an overspending and underperforming mess at the highest club level over t…
Alex Shaw
22 Oct 2018, 5:45
Wade's NFL dream may have come too late
The rugby world was riveted last week as stories emerged that Wasps and England wing Christian Wade would be quitting the sport to…
Alex Shaw
22 Oct 2018, 13:37
The market for outside centres to become bloodbath as four English club giants compete for talent
Having been a problem position for England for a decade, the amount of talent available at the 13 position in English rugby has ri…
Alex Shaw
24 Oct 2018, 4:19
Salary cap battling Exeter have fight on hands to keep Townsend as rival courts scrumhalf
Gloucester target the addition of Stu Townsend for the 2019/20 season as Exeter Chiefs identify players they can afford to lose in…
Alex Shaw
01 Oct 2018, 4:21
Gallagher Premiership XV of the Week - Round 5
A round-up of the top performers from the Premiership this past weekend, including a virtuoso display from Alex Goode that will ag…
Alex Shaw
30 Sep 2018, 11:27
Exclusive: 'It just feels to me like I'm going up to the next step' - Ollie Lawrence
After a fantastic final year at Bromsgrove, that was capped by a call-up to the England squad for a training camp ahead of the ann…
Alex Shaw
28 Sep 2018, 6:58
The top 8 candidates to fill Marler's boots with England
Following Joe Marler's decision to hang up his international boots on Wednesday, RugbyPass look at eight of the top candidates to …
Alex Shaw
27 Sep 2018, 7:31
Former England scrum coach Rowntree lands international job
Former England scrum coach Graham Rowntree has landed himself an international coaching role after leaving Harlequins in the summe…
Alex Shaw
25 Sep 2018, 5:55
The solution to Premiership's relegation debate or just pie in the sky?
A look at whether the proposal for the Premiership Shield to take the place of the Championship as English rugby's second tier cou…
Alex Shaw
24 Sep 2018, 14:03
France great Michalak set to make sensational retirement u-turn - reports
Reports in France suggest that Frédéric Michalak could be about to come out of retirement and take up one last contract.
Alex Shaw
24 Sep 2018, 11:40
Props among the big Premiership winners in Round 4 RPI movers and shakers
A round-up of the prominent RugbyPass Index risers and fallers in the Premiership following the Round 4 action, Exeter Chiefs' Har…
Alex Shaw
24 Sep 2018, 6:48
Gallagher Premiership XV of the Week - Round 4
A round-up of the top performers from the weekend's Premiership action, which included polished displays from the likes of Maro It…
Alex Shaw
23 Sep 2018, 11:17
England U20 coaching staff for 2018/19 announced
England Rugby have named their new U20 coaches for the 2018/19 season, as part of their coaching development agreement with Premie…
Alex Shaw
21 Sep 2018, 4:25
Eight players that could thrive under John Mitchell as England defence coach
A look at the players who could be asked in from the international wilderness now that John Mitchell has been appointed England's …
Alex Shaw
19 Sep 2018, 9:05
Rugby's damaging 'us' and 'them' culture on player welfare must end
The “rugby’s gone soft” boys have come out to play again.
Alex Shaw
17 Sep 2018, 11:45
Lewington and Miller the Premiership winners in this week's RPI movements
A round-up of the big risers and fallers in this week's calculation of the RugbyPass Index for the Gallagher Premiership clubs, wi…
Alex Shaw
17 Sep 2018, 7:48
Gallagher Premiership XV of the Week - Round 3
Gloucester continued their undefeated start to the season in Round 3 of the Gallagher Premiership, beating Bristol Bears at Kingsh…
Alex Shaw
16 Sep 2018, 15:21
"I'd love for the PRPW not to need to exist" - Dan Leo on the untold tragedies of Pacific Islanders in Europe
When Dan Leo set up Pacific Rugby Players Welfare in 2016, he had no idea that just a few months later he would be mourning the lo…
Alex Shaw
16 Sep 2018, 10:54
The electric Fijian Under-18 scrum-half who's turning heads
The Fijian U20 side may still be revelling in their success at the recent World Rugby U20 Trophy in Romania, but attention is alre…
Alex Shaw
14 Sep 2018, 14:38
Major restructure of English rugby to be debated - reports
The owners of the Gallagher Premiership clubs are meeting today to discuss the £275m offer from CVC Capital Partners for a contro…
Alex Shaw
11 Sep 2018, 6:30
Exclusive: Harlequins eyeing up electric scrum-half addition
Recruitment plans for next season are well underway in the Gallagher Premiership and RugbyPass sources understand that Harlequins …
Alex Shaw
11 Sep 2018, 5:08
The inherent risk that goes to the very heart of the Premiership deal
With the owners of the Gallagher Premiership clubs set to meet Tuesday to discuss the £275m offer from CVC Capital Partners for a…
Alex Shaw
10 Sep 2018, 11:11
Cordero's frankly silly attacking stats stood out in Round 2
Another busy weekend of Gallagher Premiership rugby is in the books and aside from a slightly drab encounter between Sale Sharks a…
Alex Shaw
10 Sep 2018, 11:36
Gallagher Premiership XV of the Week - Round 2
The second round of Gallagher Premiership fixtures saw Leicester rebound, while there was a West Country thriller at the Rec.
Alex Shaw
09 Sep 2018, 12:00
Six diamonds in the rough at the U20 Trophy to dust off the chequebook for
The World Rugby U20 Championship isn’t the only global gathering of talented youngsters and for the last 10 days, the second-tie…
Alex Shaw
06 Sep 2018, 8:37
£275m Premiership offer on verge of collapse
After the news broke yesterday that CVC Capital Partners had made an offer in the region of £275m for a controlling stake in Prem…
Alex Shaw
06 Sep 2018, 6:02
Eight candidates to fill the head coach void at Leicester Tigers
Alex Shaw explores the many avenues that Leicester Tigers can take when deciding who will take over the helm at the club.
Alex Shaw
04 Sep 2018, 10:01
Three Premiership players that stood out statistically on opening weekend
OPTA have released their statistical rankings for the opening weekend of the 2018/19 Gallagher Premiership, with Luke Morahan, Nat…
Alex Shaw
03 Sep 2018, 11:25
'I want to play when I’m ready, rather than chucked in when I’m unprepared or undeserving.'
Patience is a virtue that can be hard to find in young athletes, but it is something which is helping budding Saracens back-rower …
Alex Shaw
03 Sep 2018, 8:52
Gallagher Premiership XV of the Week - Round 1
The Gallagher Premiership returned with a bang for the 2018/19 season this weekend, with Bristol Bears’ 17-10 victory over fierc…
Alex Shaw
02 Sep 2018, 11:30
Analysis: Which Premiership side has the highest % of homegrown academy players?
With the 2018/19 Gallagher Premiership season about to start, we thought we would do some digging into the composition of the squa…
Alex Shaw
28 Aug 2018, 6:14
Premiership finances in precarious state following report
According to a report in The Guardian, the state of finances in the Gallagher Premiership are more precarious than ever.
Alex Shaw
28 Aug 2018, 11:18
Bristol Bears facing the prospect of losing Charles Piutau for an extended period
Alex Shaw
26 Aug 2018, 14:56
Gallagher Premiership 2018/19 Preview
The 2018/19 Gallagher Premiership season is upon us, with 11 teams intent on knocking Saracens off their perch as reigning champio…
Alex Shaw
26 Aug 2018, 8:30
Top 14 budgets for 2018/19 revealed - reports
Multiple reports have emerged in the French media today highlighting the budgets of the Top 14 clubs for the 2018/19 season.
Alex Shaw
21 Aug 2018, 10:15
Redemption, ambition and tragedy; the Cipriani saga enters its Shakespearean phase
Grab the chains and padlock, it’s time to bolt the gates and close down the Institute for Wayward and Exuberant Rugby Players.
Alex Shaw
16 Aug 2018, 14:37
Harlequins set to snap up powerful Polish No.8
According to the Polish Rugby Union official website, Poland’s captain Piotr Zeszutek is set to join Harlequins on a two-month l…
Alex Shaw
15 Aug 2018, 6:47
Eight Premiership youngsters upskilling in New Zealand
The opportunity to send young players down to southern hemisphere, New Zealand specifically, is becoming a popular option for Gall…
Alex Shaw
13 Aug 2018, 5:26
EXCLUSIVE: Harlequins cast off Nick Easter to switch to Super Rugby
Nick Easter is set to be the first of the Harlequins coaches let go this summer to return to professional rugby, with the defence …
Alex Shaw
12 Aug 2018, 4:06
Brumbies sign former New Zealand Schoolboys star and potential Wallaby
The Brumbies have bolstered their squad for the 2019 season with a key addition in the form of centre Irae Simone.
Alex Shaw
10 Aug 2018, 8:15
The key to Harlequins' potential success and how they can use it this season
There is no way to describe Harlequins’ 2017/18 season as anything other than forgettable.
Alex Shaw
06 Aug 2018, 10:25
Real value of England training camp lies behind the headlines
England head coach Eddie Jones announced his preseason training squad for the 2018/19 season on Thursday morning, with the group o…
Alex Shaw
02 Aug 2018, 8:19
Former NFL fullback set to join Premiership club
Former NFL and Chicago Bears fullback Paul Lasike is set to move to the Premiership after the New Zealand-born centre impressed in…
Alex Shaw
31 Jul 2018, 6:16
Six Premiership 7s stars that should have breakout XVs careers
The 2018/19 Gallagher Premiership season got underway on Friday, as the tournament’s annual sevens event took place at Franklin�…
Alex Shaw
29 Jul 2018, 4:15
Six uncapped players who England should include in their preseason training camp
Eddie Jones will announce his first England squad of the season on August 2 for a three-day training camp, a season which will cul…
Alex Shaw
26 Jul 2018, 12:13
Brits to end retirement with new club lined up - reports
Schalk Brits appears to be on the verge of completing his retirement u-turn with a South African franchise reportedly set to sign …
Alex Shaw
24 Jul 2018, 3:56
13 academy prospects to watch in the Premiership in 2018/19
Every year, excitement levels begin to spike in July and August, as fans up and down the country look forward to the new season ki…
Alex Shaw
22 Jul 2018, 5:07
3 Premiership clubs who should be dusting off the chequebook for Ardie Savea
It was not that long ago that optimistic New Zealand fans – and a fair portion of the media – were lauding Ardie Savea as the …
Alex Shaw
19 Jul 2018, 5:12
What's next for ambitious Major League Rugby
Major League Rugby, the most recent attempt to crack the professional rugby market in the United States, looks to be going from st…
Alex Shaw
17 Jul 2018, 6:32
Former England U18 coach finds landing spot in Bristol
Former England U18 coach Peter Walton has ended his brief sojourn out of rugby, having joined Bristol Bears as an interim forwards…
Alex Shaw
12 Jul 2018, 6:37
Gallagher Premiership 2018/19: Academy Intakes
With all but one Gallagher Premiership club having confirmed their senior academy intakes for the 2018/19 season, RugbyPass round-…
Alex Shaw
10 Jul 2018, 7:12
The reasons why Kiwi Wayne Pivac is a good fit for Wales
The Welsh Rugby Union announced on Monday that Scarlets head coach Wayne Pivac will be the man to replace Warren Gatland after the…
Alex Shaw
09 Jul 2018, 13:48
Could a Championship All-Star XV survive in the Premiership?
With London Irish dropping down to join a cast of Ealing Trailfinders, Bedford Blues and Yorkshire Carnegie, all of whom have reta…
Alex Shaw
08 Jul 2018, 5:39
Gallagher Premiership 2018/19: Ins and Outs
July is here and teams up and down the country are heading back into preseason and beginning their preparations for the 2018/19 se…
Alex Shaw
04 Jul 2018, 4:46
Gloucester set to pounce for another Springbok - reports
Gloucester appear to be on the verge of signing a fourth South African international this summer, having already picked up Jaco Kr…
Alex Shaw
02 Jul 2018, 7:49
What Maro Itoje needs to do to get into elusive 'world class' category
The story of Maro Itoje’s rugby career has been one of ceaseless, upward trajectory, but Alex Shaw examines where he needs to im…
Alex Shaw
29 Jun 2018, 6:10
It's on... Ashton has penned deal and will make dramatic Premiership return
After a record-breaking season in France that concluded with a starring role for the Barbarians in their win over England at Twick…
Alex Shaw
27 Jun 2018, 3:40
Bath eyeing up Springbok back-rower - reports
The Springbok number 8 could be making the move from the south of France to the west of England, with Bath eyeing him up, as per a…
Alex Shaw
26 Jun 2018, 2:28
June International Series' World XV
With the northern hemisphere season over, the June series all played out and the southern hemisphere season approaching its showpi…
Alex Shaw
24 Jun 2018, 4:34
England player ratings vs South Africa: 3rd Test
England’s tour of South Africa came to its conclusion earlier today, as the visitors salvaged pride with an impressive and disci…
Alex Shaw
23 Jun 2018, 12:32
Exclusive: Another combat sport training injury in the England camp
It appears England have not learnt their lesson from the forced retirement of Sam Jones after he injured himself in a judo session…
Alex Shaw
21 Jun 2018, 8:29
5 ways England can salvage the series in Cape Town
Heading into the third and final Test at Newlands in Cape Town with the series gone and nothing but pride to play for, yet this is…
Alex Shaw
20 Jun 2018, 9:58
EXCLUSIVE: Harlequins have Rowntree's replacement and he's been poached
Harlequins have picked up one of the hottest coaching prospects to be their new forwards coach, replacing Graham Rowntree.
Alex Shaw
20 Jun 2018, 3:58
Ambitious Ealing make bold statement as 27 sign in blockbuster summer of recruitment
Ealing Trailfinders have made their intentions clear with an astonishing 27 players signing up as they push for promotion to the P…
Alex Shaw
19 Jun 2018, 5:31
1st XV from the World Rugby U20 Championship
The 11th edition of the World Rugby U20 Championship came to an end today, as France claimed their first ever title at the tournam…
Alex Shaw
17 Jun 2018, 13:58
Key battles ahead of the World Rugby U20 Championship final
For just the third time in the competition’s 11-year history, there will be an all-northern hemisphere final in the World Rugby …
Alex Shaw
16 Jun 2018, 13:25
England player ratings following defeat in Bloemfontein
England responded to their defeat in Joahnnesburg with a similarly frustrating performance in Bloemfontein, starting brightly and …
Alex Shaw
16 Jun 2018, 12:38
French back-rower slams All Blacks as cheats
French back-rower Kevin Gourdon has added fuel to the fire that surrounded Les Bleus' first Test with New Zealand this week, decla…
Alex Shaw
14 Jun 2018, 2:33
Premiership club swoop for London Irish hot prospect and England Under 20 star Basham
After a testing season that culminated in the club being relegated from the Aviva Premiership, London Irish have been dealt a furt…
Alex Shaw
12 Jun 2018, 14:15
Five changes deflated England need to make to beat the Boks
After England's 42-39 defeat drastic changes may be needed to shake things up and spark a revival in fortunes for Eddie Jones' sid…
Alex Shaw
11 Jun 2018, 14:13
Adams' comments set off alarm bells as Premiership and WRU fight it out over internationals
Few players had seasons as prolific as Worcester Warriors’ Josh Adams last season and that success could now be a double-edged s…
Alex Shaw
11 Jun 2018, 3:28
South Africa vs England - English Player Ratings
England got their summer series off to a rollercoaster start, racing into a 24-3 point lead in Johannesburg, before imploding late…
Alex Shaw
09 Jun 2018, 12:37
You can't just pick 15 ballers - an analysis of England's First Test 23
If there’s one thing you can say beyond all certainty with Eddie Jones, it is that he will always give you something to write ab…
Alex Shaw
07 Jun 2018, 9:25
Exclusive - England release two age grade coaching stalwarts after a decade of work
RugbyPass sources have confirmed that England U18s long-serving coaching duo of John Fletcher and Peter Walton have been moved on …
Alex Shaw
06 Jun 2018, 5:37
Launchbury seen training on his own in Durban
Launchbury was reportedly training on his own during a session today in Durban, with the Wasps man going through stretching exerci…
Alex Shaw
05 Jun 2018, 9:29
The selection decisions that could make or break Eddie Jones
Their worst-ever finish at the Six Nations is forgotten, the debacle against the Barbarians is in the rear-view mirror and England…
Alex Shaw
04 Jun 2018, 8:03
Toulon might have their latest 'Galactico' and he's South African
According to a report in Midi Olympique, South African full-back Andries Coetzee is set to sign a three-year deal with To…
Alex Shaw
04 Jun 2018, 4:47
RFU and PRL tensions right on schedule a year out from the Rugby World Cup
Here it is, right on schedule. The breakdown in relations between the RFU and Premiership Rugby Limited. A timely arrival, right i…
Alex Shaw
01 Jun 2018, 5:34
Racing may have Nyanga's replacement in 6'2, 110kg backrow signed from rugby nursery
Racing 92 yesterday announced the signings of several star players for next season, including All Black Dominic Bird and Fijian fl…
Alex Shaw
31 May 2018, 8:04
'I was a prisoner in my own home' - concussion lays waste to another promising career
Amidst the retirements of Schalk Brits and Chris Wyles, one departure from Saracens went a little under the radar following their …
Alex Shaw
30 May 2018, 3:51
Five England players to watch at the World Rugby U20 Championship
With the World Rugby U20 Championship just a day away Alex Shaw looks at the key players for England, with the perennial challenge…
Alex Shaw
29 May 2018, 2:38
Five Ireland players to watch at the World Rugby U20 Championship
RugbyPass looks at some of the key players for Ireland ahead of the World Rugby U20 Championship, where they will face France, Geo…
Alex Shaw
28 May 2018, 15:37
French club interested in Olding - reports
A French club has become the latest to be reportedly interested in signing Stuart Olding after a rumoured move to Sale fell throug…
Alex Shaw
28 May 2018, 6:29
Five Scotland players to watch at the World Rugby U20 Championship
New Scotland U20 coach Bryan Redpath has unfortunately lost several the side’s standout players from 2017, but there is still pl…
Alex Shaw
27 May 2018, 7:08
Five Wales players to watch at the World Rugby U20 Championship
The World Rugby U20 Championship is beginning to creep closer and we kick off our look at the northern hemisphere nations involved…
Alex Shaw
25 May 2018, 5:35
EXCLUSIVE - England lose second young star to ACL injury
England have had their preparations for their tour of South Africa take another hit, as budding centre Cameron Redpath has been si…
Alex Shaw
24 May 2018, 14:42
England to raid Six Nations rivals for Gustard replacement - reports
England head coach Eddie Jones has narrowed in on a potential replacement for the departing Paul Gustard.
Alex Shaw
22 May 2018, 6:31
Worst news for Wasps flanker and England hopeful Willis
Fears that Wasps flanker Jack Willis had seriously injured his knee during Saturday's Aviva Premiership semi-final against Saracen…
Alex Shaw
22 May 2018, 5:19
A 7 man England shortlist to replace Gustard
As much as the news that Paul Gustard would take over as Harlequins head coach has been celebrated by the Quins faithful, it has c…
Alex Shaw
21 May 2018, 8:33
Beware... Newcastle's David and Goliath act yet to meet its toughest challenge
It was not the finale to Newcastle Falcons’ season that neutrals up and down the country had hoped for.
Alex Shaw
20 May 2018, 5:28
Adams, Charteris and Francis are victims but PRL are not the perpetrators
Will we ever get through a season of rugby without a selection controversy surrounding English-based Welsh players?
Alex Shaw
17 May 2018, 12:17
Gloucester face salary cap predicament as big names pile up - reports
Gloucester could face a tough time staying within the Aviva Premiership salary cap next season, according to reports.
Alex Shaw
17 May 2018, 3:17
Rennie fuming with Cockerill as tensions mount in Scotland
Glasgow Warriors head coach Dave Rennie has hit out at his Scottish club rival Richard Cockerill, the Edinburgh head coach.
Alex Shaw
15 May 2018, 4:04
The reason Cipriani is a perfect fit for Gloucester lies in Johan Ackermann's past
Following his recall to the England team last week, Danny Cipriani has joined Gloucester, with the club announcing his signing ear…
Alex Shaw
14 May 2018, 6:18
Harlequins lock heading to the Championship to kick-start career
Harlequins lock John Okafor is set to join Yorkshire Carnegie for the 2018/19 season, RugbyPass understands.
Alex Shaw
14 May 2018, 3:52
Seven takeaways from England's uninspiring start to the World Rugby U20 Championship
England got their preparations for the World Rugby U20 Championship off to an uninspiring start at Sixways on Friday night, losing…
Alex Shaw
12 May 2018, 5:39
England's squad to tour South Africa: Five talking points
Coming off the back of three-straight losses in the Six Nations, England’s squad announcement earlier today for their tour of So…
Alex Shaw
10 May 2018, 12:46
Aviva Premiership XV of 2017/18
It won’t go down as a blockbuster year in Premiership rugby history, with only Saracens qualifying for the knockout rounds of th…
Alex Shaw
06 May 2018, 13:38
England's 2008 U20 finalists - Where are they now?
Ten years on from the inaugural Junior World Championship and the advent of the U20 classification in rugby, many of England’s c…
Alex Shaw
04 May 2018, 4:51
Former Worcester lock Scotland-Williamson a step closer to playing NFL
Former Worcester Warriors lock Christian Scotland-Williamson took a big step towards realising his NFL ambition.
Alex Shaw
01 May 2018, 14:50
Unpacking a potential 36-man England squad to tour South Africa
Not only does Eddie Jones have his work cut out ending England’s recent losing streak and delivering a series win in South Afric…
Alex Shaw
30 Apr 2018, 13:28
Irish relegation confirms move for starlet who could represent England, Wales or Scotland
With London Irish’s relegation from the Aviva Premiership confirmed today following Worcester Warriors’ bonus point win over H…
Alex Shaw
28 Apr 2018, 11:00
Stuart Olding nearing deal with new club
After having his contract revoked by the IRFU this month, former Ulster centre Stuart Olding has been looking for a new club and s…
Alex Shaw
24 Apr 2018, 10:14
Quins have identified their top target for DoR role
With Chris Boyd arriving at Northampton Saints and Alan Solomons’ stay as Worcester Warriors’ director of rugby extended, the …
Alex Shaw
23 Apr 2018, 13:54
Champions Cup XV of the semi-finals
It wasn’t quite the classic weekend of European semi-final rugby that we all hoped for, with two one-sided results, but what it …
Alex Shaw
22 Apr 2018, 11:35
Why certain 'Bristol Bears' fans need to get a grip and get behind their club
If you had cared to look on social media over the last couple of days, you would have thought for all money that Bristol Rugby clu…
Alex Shaw
18 Apr 2018, 4:49
Exeter respond to rumoured Olding signing
Following a story that broke in the Irish media on Sunday that Stuart Olding was on the brink of joining Exeter Chiefs, the reigni…
Alex Shaw
16 Apr 2018, 3:53
Exeter's not so secret weapon in bid for domination moves into next phase
After winning their first ever Aviva Premiership title last season, Exeter Chiefs have taken a key, under the radar step towards c…
Alex Shaw
15 Apr 2018, 4:21
Bristol inch closer to signing of former age-grade star
Bristol have already made a splash with their recruitment this season, luring the likes of Charles Piutau, John Afoa and Harry Tha…
Alex Shaw
11 Apr 2018, 5:50
12 players that will be making and taking names in the 2018/19 Premiership
As the 2017/18 Aviva Premiership begins to wind down, eyes are already beginning to turn towards the next campaign.
Alex Shaw
09 Apr 2018, 4:15
Don't blame the salary cap - why Premiership must start building instead of buying players
The debate over the Premiership salary cap has been reopened by Wasps Director of Rugby Dai Young. But isn't it time to focus …
Alex Shaw
06 Apr 2018, 4:50
The loss of Lancaster continues to haunt English rugby
The last couple of weeks have been a tough reminder for England fans on what might have been.
Alex Shaw
04 Apr 2018, 13:07
More American influence on the cards as English Premiership gets new sponsor
The English Premiership has been given a financial boost with a new title sponsor to be announced.
Alex Shaw
04 Apr 2018, 8:21
Champions Cup XV of the Quarter-Finals
We have our Champions Cup semi-finals. Racing 92 will entertain Munster in Bordeaux, whilst the Scarlets will travel to Dublin …
Alex Shaw
01 Apr 2018, 13:42
Why expansion - not expulsion - is the way forward for the Premiership
There are positives and negatives around such a move and both fans and prominent members of the media have condemned the plans, bu…
Alex Shaw
28 Mar 2018, 12:15
England's 2016 U20 World Champion side - where are they now?
Having enjoyed plenty of success at U20 level in recent years, England have had the luxury of an exciting pool of players to selec…
Alex Shaw
26 Mar 2018, 11:46
Jackman's Dragons targeting Welsh-qualified Kiwi utility back
Former Scarlets utility back Michael Collins has been linked with a move to the Dragons this summer, as Bernard Jackman continues …
Alex Shaw
23 Mar 2018, 4:22
EXCLUSIVE: Joe Cokanasiga's new club revealed
Former England U20 standout Joe Cokanasiga has chosen his club for next season. The Fijian-born London Irish winger is being ho…
Alex Shaw
22 Mar 2018, 4:25
England prop Kieran Brookes' new club about to be confirmed
Following the announcement by Northampton Saints last month that Kieran Brookes would be leaving the club at the end of the season…
Alex Shaw
21 Mar 2018, 3:39
England's Six Nations post-mortem reveals multiple pathologies
Joe Schmidt’s men secured just the third Grand Slam in Ireland’s history on Saturday afternoon, St Patrick's Day, at Twickenha…
Alex Shaw
18 Mar 2018, 9:29
England Player Ratings vs Ireland
England’s disastrous 2018 Six Nations came to a lacklustre conclusion at Twickenham today, with Ireland winning just their third…
Alex Shaw
17 Mar 2018, 14:09
England vs Ireland: Player-vs-player preview ratings
From Grand Slam hopefuls gunning for a historic third-successive title to trying to salvage anything from a disastrous campaign, E…
Alex Shaw
15 Mar 2018, 11:37
The complex and deep-seated factors underpinning England's breakdown malaise
The fallout from England’s loss to Scotland at Murrayfield is nothing new. There are exceptions, but for the most part, Engl…
Alex Shaw
06 Mar 2018, 13:37
Five coaches who could solve England's attacking woes
Just over two years since Eddie Jones and the Rugby Football Union (RFU) halted their search for a permanent attack coach, the Aus…
Alex Shaw
14 Mar 2018, 5:05
Leicester cult hero on the move
According to a report in The Rugby Paper, Leicester’s versatile front-rower Logovi’i Mulipola could be on his way out of Welfo…
Alex Shaw
13 Mar 2018, 5:00
Six U18s players that are primed for rapid Premiership rises
The top six U18 teams in England met at Allianz Park on Sunday to decide the final standings for the 2018 season, and there was pl…
Alex Shaw
12 Mar 2018, 7:25
Rest England players before they are flogged to death... and bring back Tuilagi
After an impressive performance in Dublin stretched Ireland’s lead at the top of the Six Nations table to 10 points, England nee…
Alex Shaw
11 Mar 2018, 4:29
England Player Ratings vs France
England failed to rebound from their Calcutta Cup loss, going down 22-16 to France in Paris, with Ireland being crowned Six Nation…
Alex Shaw
10 Mar 2018, 12:49
Bristol's recruitment spree continues
Despite Bristol announcing nine new signings back in January, as well as the high-profile addition of Charles Piutau earlier in th…
Alex Shaw
09 Mar 2018, 4:55
France vs England: Player-vs-Player Ratings
Will France build on their victory over Italy or will England bounce back from their Calcutta Cup loss?
Alex Shaw
08 Mar 2018, 4:45
Two All Blacks set to join Boyd at Northampton
Two fellow Kiwis could be on their way to join Chris Boyd at Aviva Premiership club Northampton according to reports.
Alex Shaw
06 Mar 2018, 3:29
Top 10 Northern Hemisphere signings for seaon 2018-19
With much of the transfer business now concluded in the northern hemisphere, we thought we would look at the 10 most influential s…
Alex Shaw
05 Mar 2018, 5:17
Irish must not throw the baby out with the bathwater
It was an unenvious position for Nick Kennedy and his coaching staff to be in right from day one.
Alex Shaw
02 Mar 2018, 4:28
Tigers to lose another hooker
It looks as though Leicester are set to lose another of their promising hookers, as George McGuigan closes in on a return to Newca…
Alex Shaw
28 Feb 2018, 3:15
A hot favourite has emerged in bid to sign Springbok Venter
According to Rapport, Francois Venter could be the next big name to announce a move to the Aviva Premiership, with Worcester Warri…
Alex Shaw
26 Feb 2018, 6:45
England short of game-winners, heavy on game-managers
The next two weeks in the England rugby camp are going to be fascinating.
Alex Shaw
25 Feb 2018, 4:42
Six Nations XV of Round 3
The 2018 Six Nations passed the halfway mark this weekend, as the runners and riders positioned themselves for their final push fo…
Alex Shaw
25 Feb 2018, 10:52
Scotland vs England: England Player Ratings
The 125th edition of the Calcutta Cup played out today and, with little surprise, it duly delivered a fascinating rugby spectacle.
Alex Shaw
24 Feb 2018, 13:06
Scotland vs England: Player-vs-Player Preview Ratings
It may have been a rather one-sided match-up in recent years, but there is still something very special about the Calcutta Cup, es…
Alex Shaw
22 Feb 2018, 5:27
Mallinder set for Welsh move
The former Northampton Saints director of rugby has been out of work since he was sacked from his role at Franklin’s Gardens in …
Alex Shaw
20 Feb 2018, 13:12
SRU looking to the Premiership for 'third side'
The latest interesting piece of Anglo-Scottish news is that the Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) are looking into the prospect of invest…
Alex Shaw
19 Feb 2018, 4:25
England's Calcutta Cup centre conundrum
Heading into Calcutta Cup week, there aren’t too many selection issues on England head coach Eddie Jones’ plate.
Alex Shaw
18 Feb 2018, 11:05
New Zealand Rugby vetting plans scream of arrogance
With moves to the northern hemisphere confirmed for the likes of Brad Shields, Lima Sopoaga, Charlie Ngatai and Seta Tamanivalu, a…
Alex Shaw
15 Feb 2018, 13:11
Munster in for English full-back?
With northern hemisphere rugby in the midst of contract season, deals are seemingly being announced on a daily basis.
Alex Shaw
13 Feb 2018, 2:58
Police prevent French team from departing Edinburgh - reports
The French Rugby Federation (FFR) have confirmed that some of the players involved in their 32-26 loss to Scotland in Edinburgh on…
Alex Shaw
12 Feb 2018, 6:13
Six Nations XV of Round 2
Another fascinating weekend of Six Nations rugby is in the books and the Grand Slam dreams of England and Ireland both live on.
Alex Shaw
11 Feb 2018, 11:28
Jekyll and Hyde England on collision course with Ireland
Mission Grand Slam remains on. Mission history-making third-straight title remains on. But boy, England were made to work hard for…
Alex Shaw
10 Feb 2018, 15:44
England Player Ratings vs Wales
After all the entertainment of the pre-match press conferences over the past week, England and Wales finally met on Saturday after…
Alex Shaw
10 Feb 2018, 13:26
England vs Wales: Keys to Victory
A Grand Slam decider at Twickenham this Saturday? The Irish will certainly have something to say about that, but it has undoubt…
Alex Shaw
09 Feb 2018, 4:13
England vs Wales: Player-vs-Player Preview Ratings
After both recording comfortable victories in the opening round, England and Wales meet at Twickenham on Saturday, in a game that …
Alex Shaw
08 Feb 2018, 5:48
RFU and SRU set for tug-of-war over starlet with a famous name
The England U20s side to take on their Welsh counterparts this weekend was named earlier today and there was one particularly note…
Alex Shaw
07 Feb 2018, 10:44
Nine clubs have found themselves needing a very specific type of player
With the season of contract negotiations long since underway and much business having already been agreed, there is one clear tend…
Alex Shaw
05 Feb 2018, 13:02
Sam Simmonds' metres per carry stat and more from Round 1
It was an exciting weekend of rugby to kick off the 2018 NatWest Six Nations, with pre-tournament favourites England and Ireland b…
Alex Shaw
05 Feb 2018, 6:00
England Player Ratings vs Italy
England got their 2018 Six Nations campaign underway with a resounding away win in Rome, although they were made to work hard for …
Alex Shaw
04 Feb 2018, 11:09
Simmonds and co impress, but fault lines exist in Eddie's England
England’s trip to Rome on Sunday bordered on something resembling the perfect start to the Six Nations for Eddie Jones and his m…
Alex Shaw
04 Feb 2018, 14:11
Italy vs England: Head-to-head Preview Ratings
After the drama of Italy unleashing “The Fox” last season and the general tension surrounding the comments of the two respecti…
Alex Shaw
02 Feb 2018, 7:55
Landing spots for Quade Cooper - an evaluation
In one of the more noteworthy Super Rugby offseason storylines, Reds head coach Brad Thorn made the decision to cut fly-half Quade…
Alex Shaw
02 Feb 2018, 7:44
U20 Six Nations - Players to Watch
Whilst excitement levels are understandably peaking for the 2018 edition of the Six Nations, it’s younger counterpart, the U20 S…
Alex Shaw
01 Feb 2018, 7:00
This is what we know about England's three main injury worries
With just days to go before England kick off their 2018 Six Nations campaign, there are fitness concerns surrounding three of thei…
Alex Shaw
30 Jan 2018, 8:53
The RugbyPass Six Nations 2018 Preview Series - Wales
Coming into the 2018 Six Nations, there is a positivity around Wales’ chances that has been absent for the last two or three tou…
Alex Shaw
27 Jan 2018, 3:13
England's selection battles for Italy
Having enjoyed plenty of success since Eddie Jones arrived as head coach, England have developed the core of their side in a winni…
Alex Shaw
29 Jan 2018, 0:39
Leicester lock to exit club this summer?
Following the signing of Will Spencer last week, Leicester Tigers could be preparing to lose Dom Barrow come the summer, with Sale…
Alex Shaw
29 Jan 2018, 4:55
Six Nations 2018 Preview - England
England come into the 2018 Six Nations bidding to win their third-straight championship, a feat that has not been achieved since F…
Alex Shaw
28 Jan 2018, 3:11
The Premiership's Champions Cup annus horribilis - why?
The ink was barely dry on the quarter-final match-ups of the Champions Cup this past weekend before the public dissection of the P…
Alex Shaw
24 Jan 2018, 4:36
Rugby's butterfly effect - has one signing set off a Premiership chain reaction?
In the last two weeks, the first dominos have fallen in a carousel of wing moves affecting Premiership clubs for the 2018/19 seaso…
Alex Shaw
22 Jan 2018, 13:51
Champions Cup XV of Round 6
The pool stage of the Champions Cup came to a thrilling conclusion this past weekend, as 14 teams bade to join Leinster in the kno…
Alex Shaw
21 Jan 2018, 20:17
Does adventurous England selection promise fireworks?
England head coach Eddie Jones announced his squad to play Italy earlier today and it has thrown up some surprising names. Glou…
Alex Shaw
18 Jan 2018, 5:35
Have England already found an eventual replacement for Jamie George?
After years of debates in the media and amongst fans over the identity of who England’s openside flanker should be, it seems the…
Alex Shaw
16 Jan 2018, 13:59
Champions Cup XV of Round 5
The penultimate round of the European Rugby Champions Cup brought contrasting fortunes for some of the tournament’s front-runner…
Alex Shaw
14 Jan 2018, 16:07
Threat of the NFL looms for English rugby
For a long time now, English rugby has been the king of the castle. We have seen this season, however, that there is a new play…
Alex Shaw
10 Jan 2018, 9:28
Ins and outs expected as Harlequins set to overhaul engine room
It could be a new-look engine room for Harlequins next season, with sources confirming to RugbyPass that lock Charlie Matthews loo…
Alex Shaw
08 Jan 2018, 4:17
Analysis - What you need to know about England's U20 Squad
The 2017/18 England U20 Elite Player Squad was named on Wednesday afternoon and it brought with it plenty of unfamiliar faces.
Alex Shaw
04 Jan 2018, 5:36
With Cipriani on verge of England exit, these are Wasps options
It is closing in on crunch time for Wasps and Danny Cipriani.
Alex Shaw
03 Jan 2018, 4:36
Five steps to save London Irish from the drop
Heading into Christmas, they lost the potential 10-point swing result at the bottom of the table with Worcester Warriors, 23-8, be…
Alex Shaw
02 Jan 2018, 6:09
RugbyPass' breakout XV of 2018
It is fair to say to that 2017 delivered its fair share of exciting rugby prospects. Down in New Zealand, Jordie Barrett and Ri…
Alex Shaw
29 Dec 2017, 6:59
Top 30 Players of 2017
With 2017 nearly at its close and 2018 knocking on the door, we decided to take a look back at a memorable year of rugby by compil…
Alex Shaw
27 Dec 2017, 14:08
BREAKING: Premiership Christmas lists revealed
With Christmas just days away now, RugbyPass has obtained top secret information from the North Pole, regarding the letters to San…
Alex Shaw
24 Dec 2017, 13:49
Alex Lewington set to move to Premiership London rivals
A product of the Leicester Tigers academy, Lewington joined London Irish in 2013 and has made a significant impact for the Exiles,…
Alex Shaw
19 Dec 2017, 5:24
The RugbyPass Champions Cup XV - Round 4
The European Champions Cup pools really began to take shape this week, as the “double header” rounds, perhaps the most tactica…
Alex Shaw
17 Dec 2017, 13:36
Five up-and-coming coaches to keep an eye on
In the wake of Jim Mallinder’s departure from Northampton Saints on Tuesday, the rumour mill has whirred into action around the …
Alex Shaw
14 Dec 2017, 1:21
Did the Pro14 just prove it's better than the Premiership?
It was a harrowing weekend for English clubs in the Champions Cup.
Alex Shaw
11 Dec 2017, 8:47
The RugbyPass 'Champions Cup XV' - Round 3
It was a weekend to forget for the English clubs in the Champions Cup, whilst it offered much-needed lifelines for the two Welsh r…
Alex Shaw
10 Dec 2017, 13:40
SARU green light two South African teams for Anglo-Welsh Cup venture
The South African Rugby Union (SARU) have decided today that the Griquas and Pumas will be the two teams put forward to join the A…
Alex Shaw
08 Dec 2017, 6:04
Teen rugby sensation sets sights on the NFL
Rugby’s loss was American Football’s gain this week, as former age-grade standout Tyrese Johnson-Fisher announced that he woul…
Alex Shaw
07 Dec 2017, 4:22
Ten top talents to watch in the U18s English Premiership
The U18 Premiership season begins in two weeks’ time and it will pitch the best players from academies up and down England again…
Alex Shaw
30 Nov 2017, 14:52
No PDV return - how the new Springbok coaching ticket is actually shaping up
The rumour mill surrounding Alistair Coetzee’s future as the head coach of the Springboks whirred back into action yesterday.
Alex Shaw
03 Dec 2017, 5:16
The Best Uncapped XV in the World?
The last month has seen plenty of new faces on the international scene, with the autumn internationals proving the perfect testing…
Alex Shaw
27 Nov 2017, 20:14
Five Takeaways from the November Tests and an International stock check
Barring one last Test between Wales and South Africa, the autumn internationals are now in the books and being pored over from Edi…
Alex Shaw
26 Nov 2017, 7:28
Player Ratings: England vs Samoa
England wrapped up their autumn series today with a 48-14 victory over an outclassed Samoa side at Twickenham, securing their thir…
Alex Shaw
25 Nov 2017, 11:32
Bath on the brink of losing one of their biggest weapons
Bath Rugby could be on the brink of losing one of their biggest weapons, with the club apparently at loggerheads on a new deal for…
Alex Shaw
22 Nov 2017, 4:14
Is it time England fans started valuing this 'unfashionable' trio of players?
As trios go, these three players take an inordinate amount of flak from rugby fans and even some sections of the media.
Alex Shaw
20 Nov 2017, 13:49
England Player Ratings vs Australia
England blew the cobwebs and some of their lingering criticisms away with a 30-6 victory over Australia today, their fifth over th…
Alex Shaw
18 Nov 2017, 11:26
Bath prop Auterac set to leave for Premiership rivals
The transfer season is beginning to ramp up in the northern hemisphere and the next name that is set to hit the rugby headlines is…
Alex Shaw
14 Nov 2017, 5:19
BREAKING: Harry Thacker is set to leave Leicester Tigers
With a perfect record of eight wins from eight games, Pat Lam’s Bristol are looking in good shape to return the to Premiership a…
Alex Shaw
13 Nov 2017, 10:28
Player Ratings: England vs Argentina
England got their autumn off to a victorious start at Twickenham earlier today, defeating Argentina, 21-8, in a resilient but rust…
Alex Shaw
11 Nov 2017, 12:09
Rising Star - In Ollie Lawrence, Worcester may have found England's next Manu Tualagi
It’s fair to say things aren’t looking too pretty for Worcester Warriors right now.
Alex Shaw
10 Nov 2017, 8:45
RWC 2019 Schedule: Winners and Losers
It may seem like a small thing, but the scheduling of fixtures at the Rugby World Cup can be the difference between qualifying for…
Alex Shaw
02 Nov 2017, 4:55
Ten players to watch in the November Tests
The beginning of the autumn internationals proper are now just days away, as the southern hemisphere’s elite round off their sea…
Alex Shaw
06 Nov 2017, 5:12
EXCLUSIVE: Leicester Tigers snap up top rugby scout
Having made an encouraging start to the Premiership season, Leicester Tigers have moved to bolster their off-field staff with the …
Alex Shaw
31 Oct 2017, 13:01
The full story on Marland Yarde's expected Sale move
The rugby rumour mill has been on overdrive this past weekend, as stories emerged that Harlequins wing Marland Yarde is set to joi…
Alex Shaw
30 Oct 2017, 3:03
A look at Eddie Jone's potential starting XV for Argentina
England head coach Eddie Jones named his 34-man squad for the November Tests earlier today, but surprises were few and far between…
Alex Shaw
26 Oct 2017, 5:03
Exclusive: Southern Hemisphere looks set to compete in Anglo-Welsh Cup
Following on from our exclusive earlier this month that the South African Rugby Union (SARU) were in advanced talks to create two …
Alex Shaw
24 Oct 2017, 4:36
Champions Cup XV of Round 2
From Exeter’s historic 27-24 victory over Montpellier in the south of France to Munster’s tight, ferocious and emotionally-cha…
Alex Shaw
22 Oct 2017, 14:26
Cheetahs face player exodus as European clubs swoop
After a tumultuous summer of "will they" or "won't they", the Toyota Cheetahs and Southern Kings have begun to find their feet in …
Alex Shaw
20 Oct 2017, 7:00
14 Welsh players affected by the Senior Player Selection Policy
With the news breaking on Tuesday that the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) will be scrapping their so-called “Gatland’s Law” and int…
Alex Shaw
18 Oct 2017, 3:52
Champions Cup XV of Round 1
The Champions Cup kicked off this weekend and reminded us all just what we have been missing over the last five months.
Alex Shaw
15 Oct 2017, 15:20
From viral sensation to bottom of the ladder: The next chapter in the Tyrese Johnson-Fisher story
At the U18 level, dedicated fans may know of a handful of players coming through at their club, province or region, but their know…
Alex Shaw
06 Sep 2017, 5:58
Every game in the 2017/18 Champions Cup predicted - this team wins
Alex Shaw
11 Oct 2017, 9:04
These are the 64 'Youngs Guns' you need to watch out for in this year's Champions and Challenge Cups
The registered Champions Cup and Challenge Cup squads for the Premiership, PRO14 and Top 14 sides have been released and excitemen…
Alex Shaw
08 Oct 2017, 9:10
EXCLUSIVE - SARU in advanced talks to add two teams to Anglo-Welsh Cup
Following the addition of the Cheetahs and Southern Kings to the Guinness PRO14 this season, the South African Rugby Union (SARU) …
Alex Shaw
09 Oct 2017, 4:31
Wasps are on the hunt for reinforcements...and they've got a war chest
With an unusually high amount of injuries in the early portion of this season, it shouldn’t be surprising to find that several P…
Alex Shaw
04 Oct 2017, 5:33
Mass postponements tarnish Premiership A League
Just a few short weeks into the season and the Premiership's A League is already coming in for heavy criticism.
Alex Shaw
02 Oct 2017, 6:05
The next man up in England's youth movement
After setting the World Rugby U20 Championship alight in the summer, Harlequins’ talented back Gabriel Ibitoye is ready to take …
Alex Shaw
30 Sep 2017, 5:33
The Super Rugbyfication of the Premiership and its fringe defence problem
For many years now, there has been a sizeable group of English rugby fans – and many fans from other northern hemisphere countri…
Alex Shaw
26 Sep 2017, 3:54
WRU preparing massive salary bid to bring Ross Moriarty home
It is no secret that the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) are keen to bring dynamic flanker Ross Moriarty back across the Severn and to tea…
Alex Shaw
25 Sep 2017, 6:54
Exclusive - Six clubs circling young Saracens star
They say it never rains but it pours and the forecast is certainly beginning to look cloudy in North London.
Alex Shaw
21 Sep 2017, 13:18
EXCLUSIVE: 48 polled Premiership players on what they really think of an extended season
When World Rugby announced its reforms for the global season back in March, it understandably provoked a mixed reaction.
Alex Shaw
20 Sep 2017, 5:08
Wasps target England fly-half for 2018/19 season
The 24-year-old is reportedly inching closer to a move, with Wasps leading the charge for his signature.
Alex Shaw
18 Sep 2017, 4:56
Northampton add Springbok to replace Picamoles
Northampton Saints’ reinvigoration of their playing squad after a lacklustre 2016/17 season continued at pace today, as the club…
Alex Shaw
13 Sep 2017, 9:03
Toulon add three to their summer shopping list
It was never going to take long into the season for perennial big spenders Toulon to be linked with a new batch of recruits.
Alex Shaw
12 Sep 2017, 5:34
Dylan Hartley's reign as England captain could be about to end
After a busy international summer that saw England take a largely developmental squad down to Argentina and record a 2-0 series vi…
Alex Shaw
10 Sep 2017, 18:49
Ryan head impact incident mars East Midlands derby
Northampton Saints secured the headlines on Saturday as they beat Leicester Tigers, 24-11, and emerged victorious from the East Mi…
Alex Shaw
10 Sep 2017, 6:59
Speculation mounts over Ben Te'o's future at Worcester
Recent reports that Bath were interested in buying out the remainder of Ben Te’o’s contract at Worcester Warriors and bringing…
Alex Shaw
04 Sep 2017, 12:19
Search