'The public doesn't give a rat's ass that he hasn't played in 16 weeks'
Springboks head coach Jacques Nienaber has come up with a unique way of portraying the South African public’s attitude to the de…
Chris Jones
14 Aug 2023, 7:36
Contributors
Chris Jones
@chrisjonespress
Rugby and tennis correspondent of the Evening Standard for 22 years . Now in Sunday Times, ESPN,Mail on Sunday, Express, Mailonline and RugbyPass.
Exclusive
'It makes me laugh when coaches of richer nations moan about only having 10 days'
Mark Evans, the Fijian Drua CEO, believes the 33 strong Fiji squad that will arrive in France in two contingents starting tomorrow…
Chris Jones
10 Aug 2023, 7:53
Nienaber explains why Lood de Jager has missed out again
Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber insists former Sale Sharks lock Lood de Jager remains a key member of the squad despite missing S…
Chris Jones
04 Aug 2023, 5:45
Albert Tuisue switches position as Fiji name team to play Japan
Gloucester No.8 Albert Tuisue has been drafted into the second row as the Flying Fijians attempt to finish their Pacific Nations C…
Chris Jones
03 Aug 2023, 4:45
Radradra named captain as Fiji name team to face Samoa
Fiji Water Flying Fijians coach Simon Raiwalui has handed the captaincy to centre Semi Radradra and named five new caps in his squ…
Chris Jones
27 Jul 2023, 5:08
Interview
Samoa boss Mapusua explains delayed arrival of Lima Sopoaga in Apia
Relocating his family for a new rugby life in Japan is hampering the attempt of Lima Sopoaga, the former All Blacks fly-half, to l…
Chris Jones
26 Jul 2023, 6:44
Nienaber lays bare Pollard and Kolisi's World Cup selection chances
Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber is ready to take the key injured pair of captain Siya Kolisi and outside half Handre Pollard to …
Chris Jones
21 Jul 2023, 6:12
Interview
'I'd a bit of a tear in my eye; it was very moving, a proud moment'
Fiji head coach Simon Raiwalui had a tear in his eye when his players linked arms and sang their pre-game song Vanua Domoni as the…
Chris Jones
20 Jul 2023, 3:56
Exclusive
'I know this will send shivers down the spines of their fans'
Andy Nicol is adamant Scotland can cause a Rugby World Cup upset despite the hammer blow of losing Stuart Hogg, their talismanic f…
Chris Jones
13 Jul 2023, 7:32
Flying Fijians receive financial breakthrough with World Cup looming
The Pacific Players Association has helped broker a daily allowance increase for the Flying Fijians achieved against the backdrop …
Chris Jones
12 Jul 2023, 4:45
Rupeni Caucaunibuca defends Fiji training camp call
Rupeni Caucaunibuca, one the greatest Fijian players who set the 2003 Rugby World Cup alight...
Chris Jones
07 Jul 2023, 3:52
Exclusive
'Anyone who moves to France and wins Player of the Year is really something'
All Black Bruce Reihana has been left “shocked” by Steve Borthwick’s decision to dump Zach Mercer from the 41-strong officia…
Chris Jones
30 Jun 2023, 13:57
Sevens takes a hit, but Fiji safeguard Rugby World Cup bonuses
Fiji Rugby Union trustees board interim chairman Peter Maze has confirmed that while the investigation into the union’s financia…
Chris Jones
27 Jun 2023, 10:06
Fijiana players finally paid missing money totalling £60,271 for representing the country
The Fiji Rugby Union will pay the Vodafone Fijiana XVs players a total of £60,271 ($172,600 ) to end a damaging row over payments…
Chris Jones
23 Jun 2023, 8:21
Jake White not to blame for Bulls problems
Blue Bulls Rugby Union (BBRU) president Willem Strauss has insisted that veteran coach Jake White should not be hammered for a dis…
Chris Jones
23 Jun 2023, 4:55
Rassie addresses Boks' talk that he regards as 'stupid'
Rassie Erasmus is doing his best to dampen expectations as the Springboks prepare to launch their bid to retain the Rugby World Cu…
Chris Jones
23 Jun 2023, 4:45
Exclusive
Samoa add another weapon to their World Cup armoury
Theo McFarland, whose outstanding season at Saracens was ended by an anterior cruciate ligament injury, is on course to add his ta…
Chris Jones
22 Jun 2023, 6:22
Exclusive
London Irish owner turned down 'two or three' offers to buy club
Mick Crossan, the London Irish owner who has seen the Premiership outfit suspended from the league and forced into administration.…
Chris Jones
10 Jun 2023, 4:00
Interview
Mark Evans warns Wales and Australia before RWC as Fijian Drua make big strides
The challenge facing Warren Gatland’s Wales and the Wallabies under Eddie Jones at the Rugby World Cup has suddenly become even …
Chris Jones
05 Jun 2023, 9:18
Fijian Drua lay out the law on future recruitment policy
Fijian Drua CEO Mark Evans has revealed the Super Rugby Pacific franchise has already filled its squad for next season’s campaig…
Chris Jones
02 Jun 2023, 5:15
