Chris Jones

English rugby shake-up includes new £12m television deal for remodelled Championship

The most extensive shake-up of the sport since rugby went professional is expected to be put before the 11 Championship clubs at t…

Chris Jones

31 Jul 2020, 4:48

Wasps' Gopperth backs 22-year-old England prospect Umaga to avoid pitfalls of second season syndrome

Umaga is the son of Mike, the former Samoa international and rugby league player, and the nephew of Tana, the ex-All Blacks captai…

Chris Jones

04 Aug 2020, 12:26

'It wasn't reckless. It was good constructive rugby and he couldn't have done any more'

George Skivington, the new Gloucester head coach, praised outside half Danny Cipriani’s masterclass in how to exploit 14-man Wor…

Chris Jones

15 Aug 2020, 14:12

World Cup winner backs Willis to force change in Eddie Jones' back row thinking

Head coach Jones has tinkered with his back row combinations and at last year’s World Cup opted to play with two recognised open…

Chris Jones

17 Aug 2020, 9:49

Row brewing over Sale's South Africans not taking the knee

The Premiership restarted last Friday with South Africans at Sale opting not to take the knee, a decision that has been queried ba…

Chris Jones

18 Aug 2020, 4:48

Diamond dismisses Sale race row over South African players not taking the knee

Sale boss Steve Diamond has responded after the pre-match stance of his South African players prior to last Friday's Premiership m…

Chris Jones

18 Aug 2020, 6:53

Ex-Lions prop fears union going down the league route to solve scrummaging 'mess'

Former Lions prop Dai Young, who earned international Test caps at both union and league, fears for the set-piece in the 15-a-side…

Chris Jones

19 Aug 2020, 13:19

'Across the board our endeavour and skill has to change' - Diamond concerned by Sale's ill-discipline

Sale were pushing leaders Exeter hard before the lockdown but defeats by Harlequins and the Chiefs have seen Diamond’s men drop …

Chris Jones

24 Aug 2020, 6:39

'The more recognised names are the loudest on the pitch' - Skivington says Saracens still have 'Wolfpack mentality'

The Gloucester head coach has warned his side to prepare for a tough battle when they face Sarries at Allianz Park on Wednesday.

Chris Jones

24 Aug 2020, 12:35

'On our day off yesterday, Lood was still here at Carrington - he's an absolute pro'

Springboks giant Lood de Jager shored up the Sale lineout in a vital midweek Premiership win over Wasps that left Sharks boss Stev…

Chris Jones

27 Aug 2020, 14:02

Dallaglio: Why Wasps DNA can help Cipriani and co fulfil Gloucester's potential

With Danny Cipriani having played with the new Gloucester coaching trio at Wasps, Lawrence Dallaglio predicts this DNA can bring s…

Chris Jones

28 Aug 2020, 11:32

Revitalised Sale's radical breakdown rethink

After conceding 40 penalties in Premiership losses to Harlequin and Exeter, Sale adopted a radical approach to the breakdown in th…

Chris Jones

29 Aug 2020, 15:54

Schalk Brits has named the player he thinks should replace Snyman in the Springboks squad

With RG Snyman unavailable until 2021 due to injury, Schalk Brits has picked who he thinks should be the second row's Springboks s…

Chris Jones

01 Sep 2020, 8:57

'He still has six per cent less muscle on that leg compared to his other one'

Having had two surgeries on his patella tendon and dealt with the setback of a leg infection, Josh Beaumont has one final hurdle b…

Chris Jones

01 Sep 2020, 14:04

Wasps bring in Championship hooker as injured Taylor waits on scan result

Wasps lost four players to Premiership injury inside 34 minutes on Monday and they are likely to need cover at hooker due to the T…

Chris Jones

02 Sep 2020, 9:47

Lood de Jager suffers third serious shoulder injury

Lood de Jäger has been hit by a third serious shoulder injury and is set to miss Sale’s bid for the Gallagher Premiership title…

Chris Jones

06 Sep 2020, 5:33

Easter eager to compile dossiers on Gallagher Premiership opponents as Newcastle tread water

Nick Easter is a veteran of 15 seasons as a player but he is facing a unique new Gallagher Premiership challenge as Newcastle’s …

Chris Jones

26 Jul 2020, 5:45

Fiji's invite is for November only but here is why they would be a long-term Six Nations asset

The politics surrounding the game in Fiji leave much to be desired but there is one very good reason why they would be a useful as…

Chris Jones

24 Jul 2020, 13:21

'A lot of the time a young black kid is told to go on the wing because you're going to be an athlete, not a decision-maker'

New Leicester No10 Zack Henry claims too many coaches equate a player’s skin colour with selection in particular positions on th…

Chris Jones

22 Jul 2020, 13:34

'Adam rang me when this appeared and he has no idea where it came from'

Harlequins boss Paul Gustard has dismissed claims that former Wales prop Adam Jones is quitting the club to take up a new role wit…

Chris Jones

20 Jul 2020, 10:29

Ex-England forward Palmer wants to follow Alex King into Premiership coaching role from France

Tom Palmer, the former England, Wasps and Gloucester lock, completed a remarkable clean sweep of domestic and European titles and …

Chris Jones

20 Jul 2020, 5:29

Criticism mounting after RFU decision shuts famed academy that produced likes of Danny Care

Danny Care was one of many England players to come through the academy system in Leeds - now Yorkshire - but that facility has now…

Chris Jones

16 Jul 2020, 7:09

Eddie Jones: England pay cut is not 'any grand gesture by me'

With the Rugby Football Union making 139 redundancies to try and cut costs, England boss Eddie Jones has made no big deal about hi…

Chris Jones

16 Jul 2020, 5:35

Jamie Roberts in talks over shock Welsh club move

Qualified doctor Jamie Roberts has been working with the NHS since returning from South Africa but he is now in talks about joinin…

Chris Jones

15 Jul 2020, 6:46

41 days after Burgess let rip, George Ford has responded to the stinging allegations

Sam Burgess launched a stinging verbal tirade at George and Mike Ford on June 3 and the Leicester out-half has now responded to th…

Chris Jones

14 Jul 2020, 11:24

Steve Diamond reveals Manu Tuilagi was being chased by 'three or four' clubs

The Sale boss also confirmed that the England international has joined the Sharks on the same financial terms as the rest of the s…

Chris Jones

13 Jul 2020, 8:50

'If we don't fulfil our potential under these guys then we will have let ourselves down'

Scrumhalf Ben Youngs believes struggling Leicester will deliver a different style of play under new head coach Steve Borthwick to …

Chris Jones

12 Jul 2020, 6:19

The London Irish Premiership restart riddle that Darren Childs still doesn't have an answer for

The Premiership will finally return on August 14 but league CEO Darren Childs had no clarity at Friday's fixtures launch regarding…

Chris Jones

10 Jul 2020, 11:20

'The Heineken Cup will hurt... but at the same time what a great opportunity'

It's 10 years since Dragons last graced Europe's premier tournament but Dean Ryan believes it will be an important, bruising exper…

Chris Jones

09 Jul 2020, 12:37

The fraught Tuilagi split: Ben Youngs on why Leicester U-turn would be 'a little crazy'

Manu Tuilagi was one of five players who opted to leave Leicester rather than accept a pay cut and Ben Youngs can't see a U-turn h…

Chris Jones

08 Jul 2020, 11:46

England to stage Six Nations warm-up match prior to Italy in search of cash boost

Having just shed 139 jobs due to the pandemic, the RFU will look to claw back some cash by staging a Six Nations warm-up game for …

Chris Jones

07 Jul 2020, 6:19

Worcester insist they are standing by Michael Fatialofa as he faces £100,000 medical bills

Warriors co-owners Colin Goldring and Jason Whittingham confirmed to RugbyPass they are funding an extension of the visas for Mich…

Chris Jones

06 Jul 2020, 6:03

Diamond: 'We have had no discussions about Manu Tuilagi'

Steve Diamond, the Sale Sharks director of rugby, has denied opening talks with Leicester’s Manu Tuilagi, but revealed the club …

Chris Jones

05 Jul 2020, 4:05

Barritt: Saracens player exodus 'incredibly frustrating'

Saracens captain Brad Barritt has revealed the loss of key members of the club’s high-profile squad following their relegation t…

Chris Jones

02 Jul 2020, 12:04

Baber signs new deal to mastermind Fiji's Olympic title defence

Baber’s deal was scheduled to end in December but with the Olympics being delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Fiji rugby offic…

Chris Jones

01 Jul 2020, 6:48

New Zealand head coach gives honest opinion on young sensation Caleb Clarke

Clark Laidlaw believes live-wire Blues wing Caleb Clarke can help New Zealand win Olympic Games gold in Tokyo next year after help…

Chris Jones

30 Jun 2020, 7:31

Bristol's big name signings to be given European Cup green light

European rugby officials are set to allow Semi Radradra, Jonny Gray and Aled Davies to play in key quarter-final matches in the He…

Chris Jones

29 Jun 2020, 6:36

Wigglesworth commits short-term future to Saracens but accepts new club on horizon

Saracens scrum-half Richard Wigglesworth, who is on course to become the first Premiership player to appear in 300 games, has sign…

Chris Jones

25 Jun 2020, 7:37

Wilson returns to Newcastle after just 3 games while bizarre reason keeps Sale waiting on Wiese

Mark Wilson had played just three times when the season stopped for Sale who are still awaiting the arrival of Cobus Wiese from So…

Chris Jones

23 Jun 2020, 14:11

Martin Offiah has had his say on possible Swing Low, Sweet Chariot RFU ban

The RFU have revealed they are reviewing Swing Low, Sweet Chariot… Martin Offiah, whom it was first sung about at Twickenham, ha…

Chris Jones

19 Jun 2020, 6:12

'I'm not sure Bastareaud was a smart signing... you want proper value and Robshaw ticks that box'

Getting bang for buck with overseas signings is crucial to MLR and USA boss Gary Gold believes San Diego Legion have hit the jackp…

Chris Jones

18 Jun 2020, 4:46

European clubs point finger of blame in global calendar discussions

European clubs have defended their stance at the World Rugby global calendar talks following criticism that they were unwilling to…

Chris Jones

16 Jun 2020, 9:58

Gatland gives his take on speculated 2021 Lions tour delay

Warren Gatland is set to take the Lions to South Africa in July 2021 but the coach has admitted this date could be pushed back fur…

Chris Jones

12 Jun 2020, 8:27

It's war: RPA go legal over permanent Premiership wage cut threat

Damian Hopley has warned that RPA members will take legal action to protect their rights after Premiership clubs threaten permanen…

Chris Jones

10 Jun 2020, 8:01

England centre Marchant available for Super Rugby return

England centre Joe Marchant will be allowed to remain in New Zealand playing for the Blues while his club Harlequins are following…

Chris Jones

08 Jun 2020, 16:12

Jones backs Borthwick to become England head coach

Eddie Jones is backing his former No2 Steve Borthwick to follow him into the England head coach role after working alongside the f…

Chris Jones

08 Jun 2020, 11:19

Harlequins shed light on first tentative steps towards a return to play

Harlequins have given a forensic insight into how Gallagher Premiership clubs are taking the first tentative steps towards a retur…

Chris Jones

08 Jun 2020, 10:29

Richard Hibbard insists he can play on forever... well, at least until he is 40

Richard Hibbard, the 36-year-old Dragons hooker, is preparing for his 17th season in pro rugby and feels he can go on until he is …

Chris Jones

05 Jun 2020, 13:27

Confirmed: First ever home-and-away Six Nations one of 3 options on table for Test restart

With the traditional November tour fixtures under threat, the RFU have revealed England could be involved in an extended Six Natio…

Chris Jones

04 Jun 2020, 8:19

Kyran Bracken's 3 sons are all following in the No9 footsteps of their ex-England scrum-half father

There is a spike in sons following their fathers into rugby and former England player Kyran Bracken is no difference as his three …

Chris Jones

04 Jun 2020, 7:36

Players formulating battle plan to stop 25 per cent pay cuts becoming permanent

English rugby top professional players are formulating a battle plan to head of attempts by the cash strapped Gallagher Premiershi…

Chris Jones

31 May 2020, 9:38

The Top 14's latest Fiji signings in talks to keep Olympic 7s dream alive

Fiji pair Tuimaba and Botitu have secured deals in the Top 14, but they are hoping for a compromise to release them for Olympics 7…

Chris Jones

29 May 2020, 13:00

'I'm not scaremongering': Ex-Ireland skipper Keith Wood has grave fears for 'complicated' rugby

Former Ireland captain Keith Wood has major fears for the future of rugby, including the complexity of the laws and its precarious…

Chris Jones

27 May 2020, 14:45

'It was still painful to watch': Itoje uses lockdown to finally review World Cup final loss with England

It wasn’t until the recent lockdown suspension of rugby that Maro Itoje finally found the urge to review the World Cup loss by E…

Chris Jones

26 May 2020, 9:00

Eddie Jones wants to have football style run of the touchline

Eddie Jones is set to adopt a football manager role and start patrolling the touchline, insisting spending the second half close t…

Chris Jones

25 May 2020, 10:18

The latest Brooke off the rugby production line is qualified for England and has just signed his first contract

As Zinzan Brooke prepares for the 25th anniversary of the most remarkable drop goal ever scored at a Rugby World Cup, the legendar…

Chris Jones

25 May 2020, 7:09

Hastings floats common-sense alternative to 'desperate' WR plan for new rugby hybrid

Former Scotland and Lions captain Gavin Hastings believes controversial World Rugby plans to scrap scrums, line outs and mauls to …

Chris Jones

23 May 2020, 8:49

Sale outline exactly what they have been up to amid accusations of breaking Premiership training rules

Steve Diamond’s Sale were alleged to have broken ranks with their Premiership rivals on Monday by organising limited collective …

Chris Jones

21 May 2020, 7:53

'As much as I love Joe Marler, I wouldn't want to be in isolation with that guy'

Joe Marler has a colourful reputation, leaving England boss Eddie Jones claiming the prop is the person he would least like to be …

Chris Jones

19 May 2020, 14:30

'A shambles': Premiership rivals furious over Sale breaking ranks

Premiership clubs could be given green light on Wednesday to start training again - something Sale have already done after breakin…

Chris Jones

19 May 2020, 12:39

'There is obviously something wrong' - Vickery warns Gloucester must rediscover their identity after Ackermann exit

As Gloucester begin their search for a new coaching set up following Johan Ackermann’s departure for Japan, former captain Phil …

Chris Jones

18 May 2020, 10:53

Sale add to South African contingent, beating Saracens to sign Cobus Wiese

Cobus Wiese, who plays lock or flanker at the Stormers, chose Sale after Saracens were automatically relegated from the Gallagher …

Chris Jones

14 May 2020, 12:32

'It's not a holiday camp': James Haskell warns England's Japan-bound Premiership players

The globetrotting career of James Haskell saw him join the Tokyo-based Ricoh Black Rams in late 2011… that experience has left h…

Chris Jones

13 May 2020, 14:32

RFU issue statement amid latest Premiership Rugby club-versus-country fears

Premiership Rugby (PRL) and Ligue Nationale de Rugby (LNR) had demanded they are consulted before any plans are confirmed for the …

Chris Jones

12 May 2020, 6:07

The 'objectionable' All Blacks guru Eddie Jones didn't like but thought was 'a great coach'

Eddie Jones, who follows a punishing personal work schedule, has revealed he gives himself an appraisal as England head coach ever…

Chris Jones

11 May 2020, 16:33

Brits: World Champions loss is Leicester's massive gain

Schalk Brits admits the loss of fitness expert Aled Walters is a massive blow for the World Cup winning Springboks but a significa…

Chris Jones

11 May 2020, 12:57

Jono Ross uses cattle to maintain his record breaking tackling excellence

In lockdown on his wife’s family farm near Bulawayo, Jono Ross took a refined approach to training to ensure his Sale tackling t…

Chris Jones

09 May 2020, 9:54

Ex-New Zealand and Wales chief: 'Do fans want to watch that rubbish?'

A chief architect of the original SANZAR, David Moffett also led a revolution in Welsh rugby but he now has grave fears for the sp…

Chris Jones

06 May 2020, 5:13

Report: Revolutionary 12 team World Nations Championship to be backed by WR

A revolutionary World Nations Championship, involving the top tier of 12 teams in a global competition, is now right back on the a…

Chris Jones

02 May 2020, 17:36

'The days of flogging a player have gone... but we must be really adaptable to finish the Premiership'

With the Top 14 season terminated and speculation the Guinness PRO14 might go the same way, the English top-flight is shaping up t…

Chris Jones

01 May 2020, 13:19

'We haven't made England the best paid international squad in the world for the last 16 years by going into meetings and agreeing the first number put on the table'

Premiership players chiefs will take part in one of the most important meetings in the history of the sport in England today to tr…

Chris Jones

30 Apr 2020, 5:19

'Pretty juvenile' - Friday hits back at Dan Leo threat to Olympic sevens

Mike Friday, the USA Sevens coach, today warned Dan Leo not to use the sport as a political football by threatening to get it bann…

Chris Jones

29 Apr 2020, 5:55

'My jersey was covered in blood' - The day the England Fun Bus started its record breaking journey

When Jason Leonard emerged from the underground changing room into the intimidating atmosphere of the Velez Sarsfield stadium in B…

Chris Jones

26 Apr 2020, 7:14

'Ugly controversy' rolls on as former Fiji PM fires off

The row over Francis Kean’s failed bid to join the World Rugby executive committee continues in Fiji with former prime minister …

Chris Jones

23 Apr 2020, 4:51

Latest radical idea to finish the Premiership would have major impact on title race

Officials are said to be looking at all potential options, but this latest formula will surely not find favour with mid-table club…

Chris Jones

21 Apr 2020, 6:57

'It's not broken for Tier 1 - but for Tier 2 you are caught between the devil and the deep blue sea'

Gary Gold, the vastly experienced USA Rugby head coach, knows all about rugby’s world-wide cash crisis and will discover in the …

Chris Jones

19 Apr 2020, 7:52

Twickenham won't host all 57 of the Premiership's remaining matches

A newspaper report claimed English Rugby HQ would stage all remaining games as the stadium’s Marriott hotel was seen as perfect …

Chris Jones

18 Apr 2020, 7:08

Josh Beaumont opens up on very different personal battle compared to his electioneering dad

Bill is attempting to hold onto the chairmanship of World Rugby while his son is devising novel ways of completing his seven-month…

Chris Jones

15 Apr 2020, 10:05

Andy Marinos insists he isn't 'rubbishing' Super Rugby with his latest scheduling plan

The SANZAAR chief claims his plan is chiefly designed to find a way out of the restrictions imposed on rugby in the southern hemis…

Chris Jones

14 Apr 2020, 8:22

Lions tour takes on extra importance as South Africa Rugby feels financial strain of COVID-19

The Springboks are staging a three test series with the Lions next year.

Chris Jones

13 Apr 2020, 12:49

Chilling warning for top French clubs facing cash crisis

A leading French rugby official has issued a chilling warning about the financial impact of COVID-19.

Chris Jones

13 Apr 2020, 5:16

Nigel Owens uses his column to break some massive career news

Nigel Owens has postponed retirement from top flight refereeing and admits he could stay in the game for another two years with th…

Chris Jones

11 Apr 2020, 3:38

English rugby's top players will need 'four weeks'

Saracens performance director Phil Morrow sits on an advisory group for Premiership Rugby and is predicting it will take a month o…

Chris Jones

10 Apr 2020, 6:11

Sale Sharks to order Springboks back to club as Premiership completion plan to be unveiled

Sale Sharks, who stand second in the Gallagher Premiership, are planning to recall their Springboks players who have returned to S…

Chris Jones

08 Apr 2020, 7:20

'We have a long history of injuries to developing players who are asked to play injured'

Nearly a year into his role at Rodney Parade, Dean Ryan has grounds for optimism that struggling Dragons are finally ready to brea…

Chris Jones

07 Apr 2020, 12:32

Bring back Folau? RWC winning Wallaby coach's radical, wrecking ball suggestions for saving rugby in Australia

Bob Dwyer, the World Cup-winning coach who helped turn the Wallabies into a major rugby force, has launched a withering attack on …

Chris Jones

06 Apr 2020, 7:14

Harlequins flanker Semi Kunatani arrested in Fiji

The country’s leaders condemned the actions of Fijians who have ignored instructions to self-isolate due to the risk of catching…

Chris Jones

06 Apr 2020, 4:09

Letters being sent to all Premiership players as entire league gets furloughed

England’s Premiership rugby clubs are informing players they are being furloughed during the COVID-19 crisis with individual let…

Chris Jones

01 Apr 2020, 8:25

'I heard some people die next to me' - ICU left Fatialofa traumatised

Michael Fatialofa has spoken for the first time of his battle to walk again after suffering a catastrophic neck injury playing for…

Chris Jones

01 Apr 2020, 4:57

Fiji and the contractual dilemmas caused by the postponed Tokyo Games

Last week’s announcement that the Olympics have been delayed a year has caused sevens coach Gareth Baber an unexpected headache,…

Chris Jones

31 Mar 2020, 14:13

Dan Leo's message to cash strapped Tier 1 countries: 'Welcome to our world'

Dan Leo, CEO of the Pacific Rugby Players Welfare organisation, has a message for Tier 1 rugby nations as they face serious financ…

Chris Jones

29 Mar 2020, 4:52

The real priority for World Rugby right now and it isn't bailouts for unions

World Rugby chiefs insist the sport is united as it faces the financial crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, but calls by John …

Chris Jones

25 Mar 2020, 6:40

How over 300 tackles a season left Jono Ross' shoulder 'hanging on'

The Sale Sharks back row had continued to maintain his reputation as the iron man of the sport in the English league despite requi…

Chris Jones

24 Mar 2020, 11:00

Championship side warn that COVID-19 has left their future in doubt

Coventry Rugby’s Butts Park Arena has been closed to ensure they follow Government advice which has disrupted the club’s opera…

Chris Jones

23 Mar 2020, 8:29

Plastic surgeons nearly gave up fight to close wound in PSDT's leg

The 27-year-old’s leg was saved by the skill of the surgeons who operated on him in South Africa.

Chris Jones

23 Mar 2020, 7:30

Saracens will not be saved from relegation

Saracens will not be saved from relegation and players are not threatening to strike as English rugby struggles to cope with the f…

Chris Jones

21 Mar 2020, 6:21

'Anyone can support a team when they are winning trophies'

The London club's strength of character has been severely tested, but long-serving Brad Barritt predicts they will remain a major …

Chris Jones

19 Mar 2020, 11:05

This summer's London and Paris sevens set to be sacked off

World Rugby are expected to announce next week that the London and Paris legs of HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series are to join a grow…

Chris Jones

18 Mar 2020, 7:30

Sensational Vunipola brothers report well wide of the mark

There has been speculation the England pair are looking at Super Rugby as an option following Saracens’ relegation to the Champi…

Chris Jones

17 Mar 2020, 9:20

Revealed: PSDT nearly lost his leg last month due to freak injury

The 2019 World Rugby player of the year will be out of action for another three months with a problem described as very rare by St…

Chris Jones

17 Mar 2020, 8:10

The Sharks teammate Faf de Klerk is backing for a Test recall

The scrum-half has forced his way back into the South Africa team since moving to Sale in 2017 and is predicting similar success f…

Chris Jones

16 Mar 2020, 6:57

Why the World's best sevens player has knife and fork written on his boots

Jerry Tuwai, the reigning World Rugby Men’s Sevens Player of the Year, has revealed why he puts the words “knife” and “for…

Chris Jones

15 Mar 2020, 16:00

Man tasked with saving Championship expects ringfencing to go ahead

The ex-chief executive of the South African Rugby Union recently spent 26 days working at crisis club Saracens, during which time …

Chris Jones

12 Mar 2020, 8:24

Diamond slams green-eyed critics of Sale's Springbok recruitment drive

Next weekend’s Premiership Rugby Cup final is not the most important in English rugby, but it offers the Manchester club the cha…

Chris Jones

12 Mar 2020, 4:15

Monye fears Marler's England career could be over

Former England wing Monye knows Marler well and believes the prop could retire for a second time from test rugby after the inciden…

Chris Jones

09 Mar 2020, 8:06

Kruis explains wave as he walked off the pitch and it's not what you think

England lock George Kruis denied he was waving goodbye to Twickenham for the last time after helping defeat Wales 33-30 in what is…

Chris Jones

07 Mar 2020, 16:30

'Gutted' Mako Vunipola: Eddie apologised to me on phone after medical ban

Mako Vunipola today admitted he was gutted to be banned by England’s medical staff from facing Wales at Twickenham.

Chris Jones

07 Mar 2020, 11:03

Neil Back: England will target Biggar and his injured knee

Neil Back spent his England career hunting outside halves and today warned Wales No10 Dan Biggar to expect a torrid examination of…

Chris Jones

06 Mar 2020, 5:14

'In the last twelve months I've had two shoulder operations, won the World Cup and moved to England - a pretty busy time'

The Springbok lock is ready to make his Sale debut on Friday having recovered from the painful shoulder injury suffered when tackl…

Chris Jones

04 Mar 2020, 5:03

Six Nations insider fears sponsor backlash over £300m paywall deal

Six Nations chiefs have been warned they could face a backlash from sponsors if they take the Championship away from terrestrial t…

Chris Jones

02 Mar 2020, 5:24

Six Nations £300m paywall deal: 'We would not rule anything out'

Six Nations chiefs are distancing themselves from “speculative” claims the tournament will operate behind a paywall under a ne…

Chris Jones

01 Mar 2020, 12:01

'All that went through my mind was take everything, don't shoot my brother and my friend'

Gloucester flanker Ruan Ackermann has revealed he sought help to deal with the flashbacks he endured following a frightening gunpo…

Chris Jones

26 Feb 2020, 7:45

Six Nations issues update on status of Italy's coronavirus-threatened game with England

Measures to combat the outbreak in the Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna and Veneto regions have forced Italian rugby authorities to cancel…

Chris Jones

25 Feb 2020, 8:45

French flair must still exist in more structured approach, says Edwards

France made it three wins in a row with a pulsating 27-23 victory against reigning champions Wales on Saturday.

Chris Jones

24 Feb 2020, 7:45

George Ford's warning for England's future opponents

George Ford has warned England’s opponents they are creating the best defence in world rugby under the direction of John Mitchel…

Chris Jones

23 Feb 2020, 14:01

Marland Yarde 'faster' than before horrendous knee injury after turning to top sprint coach to revive England career

Marland Yarde is using one of the world’s top sprint coaches to relaunch his England rugby career after overcoming a horrendous …

Chris Jones

19 Feb 2020, 5:33

Sevens postponements have Fiji fearing French-based stars won't make the Olympics

Gaining release of some world-class players from their clubs is now tougher as the Singapore and Hong Kong postponements have coun…

Chris Jones

18 Feb 2020, 13:15

Zach Mercer used LEGO to rebuild his England career

Bath No8 Zach Mercer built at LEGO version of the Statue of Liberty to keep him “sane” during four months out of the game and …

Chris Jones

15 Feb 2020, 13:26

'Pretty juicy' - Dombrandt vs Tuisue in battle of the Test hopefuls

Harlequins No8 Alex Dombrandt and London Irish opposite number Albert Tuisue know all about international rejection and will use t…

Chris Jones

14 Feb 2020, 6:13

17 stone centre credits genes and not weight training for massive physique

Rohan Janse van Rensburg wants to power Sale into the Gallagher Premiership play-offs and relaunch his Springbok career with the a…

Chris Jones

13 Feb 2020, 8:50

'We were already going to be facing Saracens with our hands tied behind our backs - now they have tied our legs as well'

A shock RFU budget cut has left clubs such as Paul Turner's Ampthill furious they will face the relegated Londoners whose fall fro…

Chris Jones

12 Feb 2020, 8:55

RPA warns of a mass player revolt over Seven Nations plot

The chief executive of the Rugby Players Association, which looks after England’s leading players, has warned against expanding …

Chris Jones

10 Feb 2020, 13:05

'Hate is for terrorists. Not rugby players'

Former Scotland captain Peter Brown, elder brother of fellow international Gordon, has tried to defuse what he believes is needles…

Chris Jones

07 Feb 2020, 8:45

Jones ramps up verbal attacks on Scotland with comments about their tactics

Eddie Jones has continued his war of words with Scotland claiming Gregor Townsend’s side are one of the “biggest kicking teams…

Chris Jones

06 Feb 2020, 6:49

Steve Diamond gives wonderfully blunt assessment of England's 'Curry at 8' experiment

Eddie Jones' decision to go with Tom Curry as his No8 in Paris came in for much criticism... now Curry's club coach, Sale's Steve …

Chris Jones

05 Feb 2020, 8:54

Haskell: Jones right to select Curry at No8

The England coach has faced a backlash for switching the blindside to cover for the injured Billy Vunipola in the Six Nations defe…

Chris Jones

04 Feb 2020, 7:38

Italy's continued inclusion in Six Nations questioned after 23rd consecutive loss

Italy coach Franco Smith has defended their right to be in the Six Nations championship despite the 42-0 loss to Wales in Cardiff …

Chris Jones

01 Feb 2020, 15:56

'While South Africa were tremendous in the final, if they played five times, England would win four'

Casteignede is backing “x-factor” scrum half Antoine Dupont to provide the magic to give France victory over England in their …

Chris Jones

31 Jan 2020, 4:18

'France 2023 could be a real watershed moment for Fijian rugby'

Vern Cotter is taking over from John McKee as their head coach when his Montpellier contract ends in July and Alex King has given …

Chris Jones

30 Jan 2020, 14:09

Jamie Joseph desperate to avoid club rugby conflict in Japan

Jamie Joseph, who led Japan to the quarter-finals of the 2019 Rugby World Cup, has made it clear the new domestic professional lea…

Chris Jones

29 Jan 2020, 9:19

'Is there frustration? Absolutely' - England scrumhalf Robson won fight with DVT, now he must win over Eddie Jones

Dan Robson won his battle to save his rugby career and now wants to convince Eddie Jones that he is the scrumhalf England need to …

Chris Jones

26 Jan 2020, 6:17

'People talk about Sarries being relegated and that taking a bit of pressure off... you'd be lying to say it doesn't'

Wasps boss Dai Young believes his club can now concentrate all its efforts on qualifying for next season’s Heineken Cup competit…

Chris Jones

25 Jan 2020, 13:34

'He was a bit of a maverick' - England back Thorley taking inspiration from unlikely hero

Gloucester wing Ollie Thorley is taking inspiration from “maverick” former Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli as he attempts to …

Chris Jones

24 Jan 2020, 9:14

Parisse send-off: Italy boss strongly defends controversial plan

Italy coach Franco Smith has defended his decision to give former captain Sergio Parisse a final farewell cap against England in R…

Chris Jones

23 Jan 2020, 5:54

Jones and Farrell: England 'best thing' for Saracens players

Eddie Jones believes England’s Six Nations campaign can help his Saracens players deal with the ramifications of relegation from…

Chris Jones

22 Jan 2020, 9:31

Pivac: 'Massive' Warburton role in Wales set up revealed

Wayne Pivac, the new Welsh coach, and captain Alun Wyn Jones today revealed details of the key role Sam Warburton has been given i…

Chris Jones

22 Jan 2020, 6:31

Phil Davies' Namibian plan to bolster Yorkshire's Championship survival bid

The former Premiership outfit are adrift at the bottom of the English Championship having hit serious financial problems that have…

Chris Jones

21 Jan 2020, 12:22

Furious club owner can't fathom why Saracens are allowed complete this season's Premiership campaign

The salary cap-bursting London club have accepted automatic relegation from the top flight at the end of the season, but one rival…

Chris Jones

21 Jan 2020, 11:15

Jones gives honest assessment of new coaches at rival Six Nations teams after naming England squad

The England head coach wants his team to play the 'greatest rugby' the sport has ever seen in the upcoming Six Nations championshi…

Chris Jones

20 Jan 2020, 8:48

Dean Richards' pointed warning to Championship-bound Saracens

The Newcastle boss, who took Harlequins back up to the top flight of the English game in 2006, is on course to do the same with Ne…

Chris Jones

20 Jan 2020, 4:29

Saracens to hold crisis talks with Jones and Gatland as possible player exit strategy emerges

Saracens are to hold talks with Eddie Jones and Warren Gatland to discover what implications relegation to the Championship for br…

Chris Jones

18 Jan 2020, 7:59

Saracens: 'Club prepared to do whatever is reasonably required'

As revealed by RugbyPass, an automatic drop to the second tier of English rugby is on cards for 2020/21 due to the club's inabilit…

Chris Jones

17 Jan 2020, 5:28

Heavyweight prop snubbed by Gatland who bench presses 210kg ready for Six Nations debut

WillGriff John, the 20-stone Sale Sharks prop, has taken a circuitous route to the top... now that he has reached it, he tells Rug…

Chris Jones

15 Jan 2020, 7:27

Exclusive: Bring in NFL style coach's challenge is the call from top English club chiefs

Wasps’ Dai Young, Gloucester’s Johan Ackermann and Sale’s Steve Diamond are unhappy with the current Television Match Offici…

Chris Jones

13 Jan 2020, 12:34

MacGinty's season all but over after brutal injury

The Sale out-half was hurt in the defeat at La Rochelle, 15 months after he shipped a similar injury that kept him out for twelve …

Chris Jones

11 Jan 2020, 4:12

Sale boss not sold on Eddie Jones' outrageous Ben Curry position change request

Eddie Jones believes Sale flanker Ben Curry, twin brother of Tom, could become an international scrumhalf but the Gallagher Premie…

Chris Jones

09 Jan 2020, 12:30

Man who axed 18 Saracens 'mercenaries' has no fears for club's future

Two of the architects of Saracens' success have dismissed fears that looming job and pay cuts will seriously undermine the club’…

Chris Jones

08 Jan 2020, 6:41

Job and salary cuts facing Saracens stars

Edward Griffiths, the new Saracens chief executive, has told the club’s high-profile squad some players may have to leave or fac…

Chris Jones

06 Jan 2020, 8:01

Recent monstrous tackles confirm Fekitoa's reputation as Wasps midfielder to be feared

It has taken a while for the former All Black midfielder to get into the swing of things in England following his switch from Fran…

Chris Jones

03 Jan 2020, 12:48

Lood de Jager may have just cut his recovery time from shoulder surgery in half

The South African second row was expected to be sidelined for up to six months following his post-World Cup final operation, but t…

Chris Jones

02 Jan 2020, 6:40

Baber: Talks ongoing with European clubs as gold medal pressure mounts

Gareth Baber knows all about the weight of national expectation as he attempts to mastermind Fiji’s defence of their HSBC World …

Chris Jones

30 Dec 2019, 4:48

Gloucester boss's proposal for how Wales could use Louis Rees-Zammit

Johann Ackermann is urging Wales to include flying wing Louis Rees-Zammit in their Six Nations squad after 18-year-old scored a ha…

Chris Jones

28 Dec 2019, 12:24

World Rugby insist controversial changes to the Sevens format will not be revoked

Reports claim coaches and players are considering taking their grievances to the International Court of Sport Arbitration.

Chris Jones

23 Dec 2019, 12:56

Akker van der Merwe doesn't like the weather in Manchester

Springbok hooker Akker van der Merwe survived a match halting hail storm at Exeter and is now determined to stop a Northampton sto…

Chris Jones

19 Dec 2019, 7:39

'Tex has been one of our most impressive summer signings... he's a smashing guy who is full of energy and life'

Harlequins' hopes in Europe have died a death but Paul Gustard is pinning his hopes on the club's Fijian flavour lighting up their…

Chris Jones

18 Dec 2019, 4:24

Brad Shields a major Six Nations doubt for England

England flanker Brad Shields has injured the foot that ruled him out of the Rugby World Cup again and faces at least another month…

Chris Jones

14 Dec 2019, 13:35

'People will already be writing us off... that is a motivating point'

The defending HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series champions failed to get out of their pool last weekend in Dubai and are gunning to ma…

Chris Jones

12 Dec 2019, 14:23

Mucking in not a problem for Tom Curry as he gets ready for his 28th game in 2019

The young Sale back row is showing no signs of slowing down despite a hectic schedule club schedule following on from his World Cu…

Chris Jones

11 Dec 2019, 10:05

The Brits verdict on England lining up Proudfoot, architect of their RWC scrum demise

With the set-piece being where the rot set in for Eddie Jones in the World Cup final, Schalk Brits weighs up whether recruiting th…

Chris Jones

10 Dec 2019, 12:05

Wounded Harlequins view Anthony Joshua as ideal inspiration for hitting back at Ulster

The Londoners stayed on in Belfast on Saturday night and watched the English boxer regain his heavyweight belts to the opponent he…

Chris Jones

10 Dec 2019, 6:20

Japanese virus could cost Moriarty Six Nations

Ross Moriarty, the Wales and Dragons No.8, is battling to be fit for the Six Nations after contracting a virus at the Rugby World …

Chris Jones

08 Dec 2019, 6:30

James Horwill is poignantly trying to emulate his late friend Dan Vickerman by winning the Varsity

The world of rugby was plunged into sadness when the former Australian lock took his own life in 2017... now his Test team pal is …

Chris Jones

03 Dec 2019, 11:51

Sale Sharks' pursuit of Nakarawa intensifies as lock's career at Racing in tatters

Sale Sharks will this week step up their bid to sign Fijian lock Leone Nakarawa, the former European Player of the Year, who is cu…

Chris Jones

01 Dec 2019, 8:36

Saracens' radical step in bid to head off more accusations about their finances from rival clubs

With no let-up in the negative publicity surrounding Saracens and the salary cap saga, the Londoners are considering a radical mid…

Chris Jones

26 Nov 2019, 10:14

'It is not something to be proud of and it's an area that we are constantly working on'

Fiji were crowned HSBC World Rugby Sevens champions last season but coach Gareth Baber had identified one unwanted reputation his …

Chris Jones

26 Nov 2019, 5:29

Eddie Jones entering tug-of-war over England attack guru

The man who masterminded England's attack at the Rugby World Cup is said to be the target of Dave Rennie and Rugby Australia.

Chris Jones

25 Nov 2019, 6:00

Kearns spews damning indictment of Aussie rugby on NZ radio show

World Cup winner Phil Kearns has delivered a damning indictment of Australian rugby, claiming Dave Rennie, the new Wallaby coach, …

Chris Jones

24 Nov 2019, 14:14

Sponsorship expert's stark warning for 'toxic' Saracens

After deciding not to appeal the 35-point deduction and a £5.3million fine imposed by Premiership Rugby, the credibility of the L…

Chris Jones

19 Nov 2019, 5:35

'I am done with the Sharks' - 'Beast' Mtawarira considering overseas offers

Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira has confirmed he is considering offers to continue his remarkable rugby career outside South Africa, …

Chris Jones

17 Nov 2019, 17:00

Schalk Brits has revealed the special game he wants to play just before his 40th birthday

It was Wednesday when it emerged the popular South African hooker was retiring for a second time but even that announcement was pr…

Chris Jones

14 Nov 2019, 8:20

'Ever since I have been at Saracens, we have been universally disliked... it's not really new to us'

After dealing with a lively reception from the crowd at Gloucester, Alex Lozowski's Saracens are next off to Paris as they try to …

Chris Jones

13 Nov 2019, 11:59

Du Preez places his Springboks hopes on 'doing a Faf' at Sale

Having seen Faf de Klerk become a national hero in South Africa, Robert du Preez is hoping a rich vein of form at Sale can force h…

Chris Jones

13 Nov 2019, 8:11

Kiss: How Naholo behaved in London Irish training shows he's not just about the pension pot

Les Kiss, the London Irish head coach, insists All Black Waisake Naholo has a key mentoring role to play at the club and believes …

Chris Jones

11 Nov 2019, 5:22

Sale won't see World Cup winner de Jager in action in Manchester until 2020

South Africa are arriving home to celebrate their World Cup win and the price Lood de Jager will pay for getting injured in the fi…

Chris Jones

05 Nov 2019, 12:36

How having a star-studded squad will hinder - not help - Saracens' bid to avoid relegation

Saracens have, on paper, a star-studded team capable of going on a relegation-preventing winning run, but their efforts will be hi…

Chris Jones

05 Nov 2019, 8:11

'You have to surround yourself with other great leaders and Owen has the core of Saracens' leadership group with him'

Chris Robshaw's reputation took a hammering following questionable decisions at the ill-fated 2015 World Cup, but Brad Barritt bel…

Chris Jones

11 Sep 2019, 13:51

Nakarawa isn't bothered about Wallabies' adopted Fijians

Lock Leone Nakarawa insists he is not “bothered” about facing four Fijian born players who will be lining up for Australia whe…

Chris Jones

09 Sep 2019, 13:48

Wilson: The journey for us is only just starting

Mark Wilson was battling to establish himself in the Newcastle Falcons back row as England staged the 2015 Rugby World Cup, but fo…

Chris Jones

09 Sep 2019, 9:45

Jones: 'Mako definitely won't be ready for the start of RWC'

England's Mako Vunipola was expected to be fully fit within 10 days of getting injured against Ireland on August 24, but Eddie Jon…

Chris Jones

06 Sep 2019, 18:31

'I'm amazed people are that critical. If you're an English supporter you must love the club'

Saracens may be under investigation for the way they organise their financial affairs off the pitch, but no one can question the w…

Chris Jones

05 Sep 2019, 15:41

'It would be a nightmare to defend against Schalk if he picks the ball up off the base of the scrum and uses his footwork'

A squad of 31 players will force teams to improvise at the World Cup and Jacques Burger believes South Africa can benefit from the…

Chris Jones

03 Sep 2019, 8:01

Irish legend tips Eddie Jones' England to win the World Cup

It's not often that England get support from their Six Nations rivals but one Ireland legend is backing them to lift the World Cup…

Chris Jones

29 Aug 2019, 10:21

Zinzan Brooke: Brodie Retallick's delayed influence can mirror England's Richard Hill in 2003

Zinzan Brooke has no trouble with Steve Hansen picking an injured Brodie Retallick, claiming the second row's eventual comeback ca…

Chris Jones

28 Aug 2019, 13:53

Playing two fiercely competitive No7's can be highly effective

Tom Curry’s all-consuming desire to become England’s first-choice No6 at the Rugby World Cup allowed him to shrug off a high s…

Chris Jones

26 Aug 2019, 10:18

Maro Itoje's Tuilagi verdict: 'When Manu is at his best he is an absolute monster'

England have been waiting years to properly get the injury-hit Manu Tuilagi back in harness, but the levels he hit at Twickenham o…

Chris Jones

24 Aug 2019, 13:48

Mata: Creating World Cup history would surpass 2016 Rio gold medal

Viliame Mata was part of the Fijian squad that clinched sevens gold at the Rio Olympics but he believes creating RWC history next …

Chris Jones

24 Aug 2019, 4:06

Saracens to sign Damian Willemse if he is ignored by the Springboks

Damian Willemse is a fringe players sweating on whether he will make the Springboks' World Cup squad, but his possible exclusion i…

Chris Jones

23 Aug 2019, 5:00

'There is an outstanding record of guys who have lost their way finding their way again at Sale'

Sale skipper Jono Ross is chuffed with his club's reputation under Steve Diamond in reforming players and setting them on the path…

Chris Jones

21 Aug 2019, 14:27

Saracens in the dark about Michael Cheika's latest play for Will Skelton

With the clock counting down to the Wallabies' World Cup squad announcement, Michael Cheika mentioned Will Skelton could be a cont…

Chris Jones

20 Aug 2019, 6:04

Pacific Island players reaching 'boiling point' over Northern blockade

Seilala Mapusua, the former London Irish and Samoa centre, has warned World Rugby that frustration over the constant loss of talen…

Chris Jones

19 Aug 2019, 4:32

George Ford on the key difference between the RWC squads of Lancaster's failures and Jones' hopefuls

With the start of England's 2019 World Cup campaign now just weeks away, George Ford explains the one key difference between now a…

Chris Jones

16 Aug 2019, 12:03

The bitter disappointment that fuels Maro Itoje

Maro Itoje can still remember the moment four years ago when his World Cup dream was shattered by Stuart Lancaster, a bitter disap…

Chris Jones

15 Aug 2019, 9:22

'What you're seeing now are players doing incredibly well on the sevens series and then getting picked up by 15s'

Fiji blazed the trail but with England's Ruaridh McConnochie the latest in a long list of players successfully using sevens toward…

Chris Jones

14 Aug 2019, 14:04

Slade's near-miss: When the injury happened last week it was a case of 'oh no, not now'

Injury in the days leading up to England's RWC squad announcement wasn't ideal for Henry Slade, but he is relieved he didn't suffe…

Chris Jones

13 Aug 2019, 13:33

Manu Tuilagi reveals new nickname after making England's RWC squad

Previous World Cups have been unkind to Manu Tuilagi but he is aiming to make it third time lucky after finding favour with Englan…

Chris Jones

12 Aug 2019, 14:07

Fiji add firepower to their line up for Samoa clash

Harlequins new signings Vereniki Goneva and Tevita Cavubati have been drafted into the Fiji team to face Samoa in Suva on Saturday…

Chris Jones

08 Aug 2019, 12:51

'We couldn't say anything at that point because things needed to be signed'

Ireland rugby fans will get an indication of what the future could hold for their national team against Italy in Dublin on Saturda…

Chris Jones

08 Aug 2019, 12:05

Jonathan Davies recalls a very different 'warm-up' to the 1987 Rugby World Cup

England and Wales arrive at Twickenham on Sunday for the opening Rugby World Cup warm-up game having followed intensive training p…

Chris Jones

07 Aug 2019, 13:39

Phil Davies denies it's jobs for the 'boyos' with Welsh hires

Namibia coach Phil Davies believes his decision to enlist two coaches from Welsh club rugby to help prepare the Rugby World Cup mi…

Chris Jones

06 Aug 2019, 6:33

Fiji to experiment on Samoa and Tonga

Defending champions Fiji will use their final Pacific Nations Cup match with Samoa to try out new combinations ahead of the Rugby …

Chris Jones

05 Aug 2019, 4:51

'When the Wasps fans see him they'll say 'he's small' but so is Kolbe and Jason Robinson'

Italy fullback and new Wasps signing Matteo Minozzi will signal the end of an 11-month battle to overcome a horrific knee ligament…

Chris Jones

01 Aug 2019, 8:11

Jones sends message from Fiji on what MLR can do for game in Canada

The day-to-day existence for Canadian players wasn't great when Kingsley Jones took over, but he now believes exposure to the MLR …

Chris Jones

31 Jul 2019, 11:22

Christian Wade has taken the next key step in his rugby to NFL journey

Christian Wade never had to think much about wearing protection when he played rugby, but it is now very much part of the agenda a…

Chris Jones

30 Jul 2019, 4:36

McKee IDs Fiji's headline mistakes against Japan

Fiji head coach John McKee and his players return home tomorrow (Mon) determined to address the “critical mistakes” that under…

Chris Jones

28 Jul 2019, 10:43

Fiji to unleash two of its biggest guns

Fresh from sharing their two-Test series with the Maori All Blacks, Fiji coach John McKee is aiming to unleash some of his big gun…

Chris Jones

23 Jul 2019, 3:47

Fiji draft 9 players as 27-man squad named for Pacific Nations

Rugby Head Coach John McKee has drafted in nine players for the first match of their defence of the World Rugby Pacific Nations C…

Chris Jones

21 Jul 2019, 4:35

Six Nations will no longer be shown exclusively on free-to-air TV

Following the failure of World Rugby to set up the Nations Championship, investment firm CVC are set to buy into the Six Nations w…

Chris Jones

12 Jul 2019, 9:24

Fiji could lose Radradra and three other key players for Maori game

Head coach John McKee may be forced to leave out key backline threats including Semi Radradra and Vereniki Goneva when Fiji face t…

Chris Jones

10 Jul 2019, 6:56

'I don't know where the rumours are coming from... he has not walked out of the team'

In camp preparing for a two-match series with New Zealand Maori, Fiji boss John McKee has been forced to assure fans that an assis…

Chris Jones

05 Jul 2019, 13:07

Just three spots up for grabs as Jones hints he knows the identity of 28 of England's RWC 31

Eddie Jones announced a squad of 38 names on Thursday and he has hinted that 28 of those names are already definitely in his 31-st…

Chris Jones

05 Jul 2019, 4:33

Jones insists England can still win the World Cup despite dumping three players with over 250 caps

Eddie Jones has shown no loyalty to three veteran England players with a multitude of caps, but it doesn't bother him as he feels …

Chris Jones

04 Jul 2019, 9:40

'The World Cup is a hell of an opportunity... our mentality has changed and we now go out to win'

It's a daunting step up, going from playing at English Championship level to facing the might of New Zealand, but Janco Venter can…

Chris Jones

03 Jul 2019, 14:17

'It's very pleasing so many of our players are with top professional clubs'

Fiji's preparations for the World Cup are underway and John McKee has saluted the calibre of player he has in his squad due to the…

Chris Jones

02 Jul 2019, 13:52

Date set for 'the biggest decision in the history of professional rugby in England'

English rugby chiefs will be asked to support controversial plans for a 13 team Gallagher Premiership with an end to automatic rel…

Chris Jones

27 Jun 2019, 9:22

'If I was a betting man I would be expecting to be waving goodbye to James shortly'

Steve Diamond is in the habit of successfully rehabilitating renegade rugby players and it appears James O'Connor is about to swop…

Chris Jones

25 Jun 2019, 14:33

EXCLUSIVE: 'I may have to look at my technique' - Vunipola on injury, rehab and the World Cup

Mako Vunipola will join England’s World Cup training camp tomorrow having discarded his crutches and tells Chris Jones about the…

Chris Jones

24 Jun 2019, 6:10

Personal tragedy fuelling Fijian Asaeli Tuivuaka's rise on the sevens circuit

Asaeli Tuivuaka came away from Paris at the start of June as a World Sevens champions, but behind the Fijian's emergence is a hear…

Chris Jones

20 Jun 2019, 14:33

Jake White's Japanese club hit by arrest of their fly-half on cocaine charge

An arrest on the suspicion of possessing cocaine of a fly-half has led to Jake White's Toyota Verblitz team in Japan withdrawing f…

Chris Jones

20 Jun 2019, 8:13

Sevens stars and the MLR-effect - why USA could be World Cup 'banana skin'

A year ago Gary Gold guided the USA to an historic win over Scotland and now the Eagles head coach is planning to use the internat…

Chris Jones

18 Jun 2019, 7:32

Dominiko Waqaniburotu rewarded as Fiji's 42-man squad named

Dominiko Waqaniburotu was at the heart of Fiji's shock win over France last November, a success now rewarded with him keeping the …

Chris Jones

15 Jun 2019, 15:27

George North saw gremlins in 2015 pre-season running - now Paul Stridgeon aims to make Wales even fitter

George North claimed in 2015 he went 'to places no man should go to'... now Wales are aiming to push the barriers even further as …

Chris Jones

14 Jun 2019, 12:26

Fiji's bid to retain Olympic gold has received a funding boost

Winning gold medals at an Olympics doesn't come cheap, but defending men's sevens champions Fiji have taken steps to ensure they w…

Chris Jones

13 Jun 2019, 14:23

'England will be based around the Saracens machine and that mindset will pay real dividends'

Saturday's Top 14 final between Toulouse and Clermont will showcase potent French firepower, but Alex King believes a Saracens-min…

Chris Jones

12 Jun 2019, 13:53

Island nation is prepared to offer Israel Folau a Test level return

Rugby Australia's contract termination has ended Israel Folau's Wallaby career, but another Test-playing nation has outlined plans…

Chris Jones

12 Jun 2019, 10:52

'This will be the best prepared Fijian team to travel to a Rugby World Cup'

There were fears last month when Fiji lost some staff, but they have regrouped and believe they are ready to deliver their best-pr…

Chris Jones

10 Jun 2019, 5:25

Pau sign replacement for disgraced All Black Carl Hayman

Former Cardiff Blues favourite and Taranaki forwards coach Paul Tito has accepted a three-year deal to replace the disgraced All B…

Chris Jones

09 Jun 2019, 9:08

Former Bath coach appointed Fiji Rugby backs coach for RWC

Former Bath head coach Tabai Matson says he is “honoured and humbled” to be appointed the backline coach for the Fiji Rugby Wo…

Chris Jones

08 Jun 2019, 4:48

Fiji Sevens prodigy won't be cashing in overseas

Fiji Sevens star Meli Derenalagi insists he will not be cashing in on his new found fame as the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Rookie of …

Chris Jones

06 Jun 2019, 11:14

Saracens critics motivated by 'jealousy' - Wray

Saracens have started work on a new £23m stand at their Allianz Park stadium but owner Nigel Wray denies the Heineken Cup and Gal…

Chris Jones

06 Jun 2019, 6:28

England legend Martin Johnson believes that Dylan Hartley is a must at the Rugby World Cup

World Cup winning captain Martin Johnson is backing Dylan Hartley to be included in Eddie Jones’s England squad for this year’…

Chris Jones

05 Jun 2019, 5:43

Fiji coach reveals what's next for Nasoko after Edinburgh deal falls through

Former captain Kalione Nasoko will undergo knee surgery in Australia to ensure he can help Fiji defend their Olympic Sevens gold m…

Chris Jones

04 Jun 2019, 7:19

England 'Pool of Death' rival has insider knowlege on Mitchell's defensive system - MacGinty

US Eagles outside half AJ MacGinty believes their inside information on England defence coach John Mitchell will help unlock Engla…

Chris Jones

03 Jun 2019, 6:53

Ben Ryan: 'Somebody should be pointing fingers'

Great Britain defied the odds to win a silver medal in the Rio Olympic sevens tournament despite a haphazard build-up which saw th…

Chris Jones

03 Jun 2019, 4:50

Jaguares coach strikes back at Phil Kearns' claims they cheated SANZAAR

Jaguares coach Gonzalo Quesada has hit back at claims the South American franchise was “cheating” by featuring the majority of…

Chris Jones

30 May 2019, 6:49

Rival coach launches claims of illegality against both Fiji and Australia on eve of Paris Sevens finale

Fiji and Australia have faced claims they were breaking the law with their ruck play leading into the title-deciding final leg of …

Chris Jones

29 May 2019, 7:30

'At this rate there won't be sport in five years and there won't be the Springboks'

SA Rugby chief executive Jurie Roux has claimed the future of the Springboks is in serious danger if plans for new television rule…

Chris Jones

28 May 2019, 8:35

The car park calling-out incident that convinced James Haskell that Dylan Hartley must go to Japan

Dylan Hartley has not played any rugby this year but has to lead England to the Rugby World Cup with his ability to “call out”…

Chris Jones

26 May 2019, 7:19

Ex-All Black calls on England to select 'devastating' Mike Brown

All Black Nick Evans believes Mike Brown has turned himself into an attacking force Eddie Jones must include in England’s World …

Chris Jones

23 May 2019, 7:40

Fans told to stay away from Fiji Sevens players in London

Fiji Sevens coach Gareth Baber is today celebrating his birthday but the squad is avoiding any distractions.

Chris Jones

23 May 2019, 4:02

Fiji's World Cup preparations dealt a blow as coach cut from staff

The perennial problem of keeping rugby in Fiji on budget has forced head coach John McKee to release one of his support staff ahea…

Chris Jones

21 May 2019, 8:23

Steve Hansen weighs in on South African refereeing controversy

Steve Hansen has flagged up the thorny issue of inconsistent refereeing in the build-up to the All Blacks attempt to make history …

Chris Jones

20 May 2019, 6:03

'One week a lad can be farming in his village and the next he is playing in Hong Kong'

Gareth Baber is en-route to link up with his Fiji Sevens squad in London having overcome the latest set-back in a season that has …

Chris Jones

20 May 2019, 5:35

'It is has been quiet in terms of contact...Hopefully, I can rock up'

Scrumhalf Faf de Klerk flies home to South Africa tomorrow to start preparing for the Springboks assault on the World Cup.

Chris Jones

19 May 2019, 5:56

Fiji fly out for London Sevens minus their hospitalised coach

Fiji's season on the international sevens circuit has been eventful and the latest drama has concerned the hospitalisation of thei…

Chris Jones

17 May 2019, 4:39

'All of the island nations are going to front up... it makes us dangerous at the World Cup'

A good first impression with Samoa at the under-20 World Cup first put Elia Elia on Harlequins' radar... now he's wants to represe…

Chris Jones

15 May 2019, 14:11

'We're in the process of identifying someone to supplement and add to our current coaching group'

Speculation about Conor O'Shea's position in charge of Italy has grown with Cheetahs' revelation Franco Smith is leaving, but the …

Chris Jones

15 May 2019, 11:31

'Some may say I turned my back to Fiji, but it isn't the full story... I wanted to give our local players a chance'

Taqele Naiyaravoro has been capped in the past by Australia, but he has now explained why he played for them and why he wants to p…

Chris Jones

14 May 2019, 15:20

'We could be accused of emulating other clubs and we do pinch other people's ideas... plagiarism is part of the deal'

Steve Diamond's spending spree has been reminiscent of how Saracens initially went about their business of becoming a success - bu…

Chris Jones

14 May 2019, 14:31

Fiji 7s coach struck down with bacterial infection as squad named

Fiji’s bid to recapture the HSBC World Rugby Sevens title has received a major boost with Waisea Nacuqu, who broke his collar bo…

Chris Jones

13 May 2019, 5:56

Hateful derision of club drove Saracens players on - Goode

Alex Goode, the European Player of the Year, believes the constant criticism and claims of salary cap breaches has helped turn Sar…

Chris Jones

12 May 2019, 6:01

Maro Itoje: 'It was all part of the master plan'

Maro Itoje has set his sights on another Heineken Cup and Premiership double after helping Saracens outmuscle Leinster to become E…

Chris Jones

11 May 2019, 16:21

Fan behaviour threatens future of Army versus Navy game

The famous Army versus Navy rugby match, which attracted a sell out 80,000 crowd to Twickenham, is under threat due to the behavio…

Chris Jones

09 May 2019, 11:16

Giant Taqele Naiyaravoro's Fijian World Cup dream hanging by a thread

The Fiji sevens squad are currently undergoing intensive training in an attempt overtake the USA.

Chris Jones

09 May 2019, 4:39

'It will be fascinating to see how this plays out at the World Cup' - Hopley on South Africa's RWC player rep

Having a dedicated players' union representative as part of a Test team's management staff was unheard of until last month's appoi…

Chris Jones

08 May 2019, 13:23

'I feel that we get the short end of the stick a lot of times in South Africa'

Veteran Schalk Brits, who will be 38-years-old on May 16, wants to see an overhaul of the Super Rugby judicial committee hearing s…

Chris Jones

07 May 2019, 10:24

Why Sevu Reece may never play for Fiji

Head coach coach John McKee believes Crusaders winger Sevu Reece wants to play for Fiji at the World Cup.

Chris Jones

06 May 2019, 4:31

Fijian duo could yet make final legs of World Series

Jerry Tuwai and Waisea Nacuqu could defy injury worries and force their way back into the Fijian 7s squad for the final legs of th…

Chris Jones

03 May 2019, 6:09

Bristol Bears' new signings better be ready for a massive playbook

Samoa captain Chris Vui has helped Bristol Bears defy the doom mongers with a high risk attacking game plan that could earn a top …

Chris Jones

02 May 2019, 3:45

From American football to rugby union and bulking up 25kg - Saracens prop Titi Lamositele's journey

Prop Titi Lamositele was an American football star at High School running for 2172 yards and scoring 17 touchdowns and that explos…

Chris Jones

01 May 2019, 8:54

Fiji 7's coach lays out crucial changes needed to keep team competing for future honours

Head coach Gareth Baber, who has guided Fiji to within three points of HSBC World Sevens Series leaders USA despite injury disrupt…

Chris Jones

29 Apr 2019, 5:31

Sharks head coach lambasted in astonishing open letter

Sharks head coach Robert du Preez has been accused of operating a culture of “fear” and should be dumped along with his entire…

Chris Jones

26 Apr 2019, 4:42

'Media frenzy sits around relegation in most English sport... but is it good for young player development?'

Nearing the end of his first season at Northampton, Super Rugby winner Chris Boyd debates whether the drama of relegation is good …

Chris Jones

25 Apr 2019, 10:01

'China asked us if Fiji could supply about 200 coaches which was impossible for us'

So impressed are the Chinese with the success of Fiji in the Sevens game that they recently made an extraordinary request to the O…

Chris Jones

25 Apr 2019, 5:11

The Canadian lock that Newcastle are relying on to avoid the drop

When Evan Olmstead left Newcastle last year they were a top four club... now he's back from New Zealand and helping them fight for…

Chris Jones

24 Apr 2019, 5:09

RPA takes swipe at EPCR's 'watered down statement' after Vunipola fan incident

Damian Hopley will raise serious concerns over player safety with English rugby chiefs tomorrow after Saracens No.8 Billy Vunipola…

Chris Jones

23 Apr 2019, 13:47

London Irish powerhouse has warning for teams playing Fiji in the World Cup

Albert Tuisue has powered London Irish back into the English Premiership and now wants to help Fiji win the World Cup in Japan.

Chris Jones

22 Apr 2019, 10:48

'I haven't had any contact with England this season' - the English qualified backrow being left out in the cold

Sale Sharks captain Jono Ross is the hardest working player in the Gallagher Premiership and admits he is getting increasingly fru…

Chris Jones

18 Apr 2019, 7:53

Robshaw: Ex-England captain took Kyle Sinckler aside over discipline

Former captain Chris Robshaw believes he has recaptured the form to keep his World Cup dream alive and is “desperate” to convi…

Chris Jones

17 Apr 2019, 9:41

NZR predict staggering NZ$30 million losses

The New Zealand Rugby Union has posted a NZ$1.9 (£900,000) million loss for 2018 and is predicted to be facing a massive NZ$30m (…

Chris Jones

17 Apr 2019, 6:13

Danny Cipriani: When and where he will retire

Sometime England star Danny Cipriani has revealed he will finish his playing career at Gloucester after signing a new three-year d…

Chris Jones

14 Apr 2019, 4:44

Springbok Pollard set to land £1m-a-season move - reports

Springbok and Bulls flyhalf Handre Pollard could be heading to France at the end of this year's Rugby World Cup in Japan in what w…

Chris Jones

12 Apr 2019, 11:38

'Maybe I need a chest protector... it was a big old slap (from Sinckler) and it wasn't necessary at all'

Harlequins' Kyle Sinckler saw yellow for his unnecessary attack on Faf de Klerk last Friday, but the Sale scrum-half knows it won'…

Chris Jones

10 Apr 2019, 14:29

Fiji head coach hails Tuwai as 'four players on the field' and reveals Singapore strategy

Fiji coach Gareth Baber has paid tribute to Jerry Tuwai, describing the play-maker as “four players on the field” after securi…

Chris Jones

09 Apr 2019, 10:27

'Physically, it was a shock to the system ' - Wade surprised by NFL call-up

Former England wing Christian Wade admitted it was a “huge surprise” to discover today that he had been drafted to the NFL Buf…

Chris Jones

08 Apr 2019, 12:16

Sacked Guy Noves awarded hefty sum in FFR firing case

Sacked French rugby coach Guy Noves has been handed €1m by an industrial tribunal who ruled he was unfairly dismissed by the Fre…

Chris Jones

08 Apr 2019, 9:50

Ford: 'It isn't the biggest game I have played for Leicester'

George Ford has delivered a damning assessment of Leicester as they head into a potential relegation decider with Newcastle on Fri…

Chris Jones

07 Apr 2019, 17:02

The Springbok rival that's kept Danny Care's England World Cup dream alive

Scrumhalf Danny Care is taking inspiration from Faf de Klerk’s return from test exile to power his bid to help England win the W…

Chris Jones

03 Apr 2019, 6:06

Details of the Kitshoff deal that denied Sale Sharks and kept him in South Africa

Sale Sharks have failed in their bid to sign Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff after the Stormers put together package worth nearly R…

Chris Jones

01 Apr 2019, 15:11

New Fiji 7's captain makes honest admission ahead of 'Pool of Death' in HK Sevens

New Fiji Sevens captain Paula Dranisinukula know he faces a massive task as he spearheads the team’s attempt at a remarkable fif…

Chris Jones

01 Apr 2019, 5:46

EXCLUSIVE: Will Skelton will not be going to the Rugby World Cup

With the World Cup looming Saracens lock Will Skelton has finally ended speculation about his Wallabies future.

Chris Jones

29 Mar 2019, 12:32

The Super Rugby record 'The Beast' is about to break and the fellow Bok he's taking it from

Tendai 'Beast' Mtawarira has been hailed as a rugby legend as he prepares to equal Adriaan Strauss' record as the most capped Sout…

Chris Jones

28 Mar 2019, 12:37

Ex-Wallaby captain Horwill weighs in on World Rugby's controversial 'jackal' proposal

Former Wallaby skipper James Horwill has warned proposed law changes aimed at driving the “jackal” out of the sport could fund…

Chris Jones

27 Mar 2019, 10:57

Fiji name new 7s captain after Edinburgh bound Nasoko ruled out

Fiji Sevens Coach Gareth Baber has been robbed by injury of captain Kalione Nasoko who will miss the defence of the HSBC Hong Kong…

Chris Jones

27 Mar 2019, 9:12

Fiji player's Edinburgh contract doubts as two teammates face court appearances

Head coach Gareth Baber has revealed key forward Mesulame Kunavula will not be joining Edinburgh this season and has returned to t…

Chris Jones

25 Mar 2019, 6:21

Wales get Rugby World Cup pool warning as Fiji's 'Demolition Man' set to be unleashed

Fiji Head Coach John McKee has some bad news for World Cup pool opponents Wales and Australia with the “Demolition Man” Lepani…

Chris Jones

23 Mar 2019, 5:38

Ellis Genge: 'It is the darkest place the club's been...Geordan was speechless'

England prop Ellis Genge has admitted the Leicester players are letting the club down after they slumped to 29-15 loss to arch-riv…

Chris Jones

23 Mar 2019, 5:06

Kenyan Rugby boycott could be about to end

Kenya Rugby Union chiefs believe they have finally agreed a pay deal that will see striking players return for the four remaining …

Chris Jones

21 Mar 2019, 13:06

Fiji's Rugby World Cup preparations just got significantly tastier

Fiji coach John McKee is in Japan this week finalising preparations for their World Cup campaign which now includes a two-match se…

Chris Jones

20 Mar 2019, 13:48

Dean Richards on what's really holding England back and the obvious solution

Dean Richards believes ring-fencing the Gallagher Premiership is the only way to boost England’s chances of future World Cup and…

Chris Jones

20 Mar 2019, 9:11

Matavesi makes astonishing claim over Fiji's World Cup prospects

Josh Matavesi has warned Grand Slam champions Wales they face a Fiji team that is ready to shock the sport by winning the World Cu…

Chris Jones

19 Mar 2019, 15:07

England's RWC 'Pool of Death' just got a whole lot deadlier as Argentina set to unleash European based players

Mario Ledesma, the Argentina coach, has delivered more bad news for England by revealing his is ready to use previously ignored Eu…

Chris Jones

18 Mar 2019, 9:44

Struggling Fiji set projected return date for their Sevens skipper

Fiji sevens prop Paula Draunisinikula is ready to take over the leadership of the team’s defence of their HSBC Hong Kong Sevens …

Chris Jones

15 Mar 2019, 12:05

Fiji on cusp of hosting leg of Sevens Series thanks to a little help from a friend

Despite failing to convince World Rugby to let Fiji host a leg of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, the reigning Olympic champio…

Chris Jones

14 Mar 2019, 6:20

Drink driving Fiji 7s captain now faces race against time to make Hong Kong

Fiji Sevens captain Kalione Nasoko, who will be sentenced for drink driving on March 29, is battling to overcome a knee cartilage …

Chris Jones

13 Mar 2019, 14:27

'Breeding farms' - Incensed Samoan PM the latest to launch broadside on World Rugby greed

Samoa's Prime Minister has attacked World Rugby’s plans to launch a Nations Championship insisting the proposed structure will m…

Chris Jones

13 Mar 2019, 8:09

Itoje leaves England camp as Eddie names 31-man squad

England head coach Eddie Jones has finally accepted that Maro Itoje needs to be allowed to fully recover from the knee injury that…

Chris Jones

11 Mar 2019, 6:03

'Twickenham is nice. You don't get people spitting on you'

Eddie Jones has painful personal memories of last season’s Calcutta Cup disaster and is promising to repay Scotland with a inten…

Chris Jones

11 Mar 2019, 5:35

'I'm lucky to be alive because I was basically dead three times in 2018'

Former Saracens hooker Ethienne Reynecke will be 37-years-old on March 20th - a birthday he never thought would be celebrated afte…

Chris Jones

08 Mar 2019, 5:06

'We have always been open to conversations with Wales and Scotland about the possibility of Team GB'

England rugby chiefs insist they not scrapping their Sevens squad but admit they are in talks with Wales and Scotland in a bid to …

Chris Jones

08 Mar 2019, 4:15

Ex-All Black nicknamed 'The Hacksaw' calls time at 37

Former All Black Sam Tuitupou has finally decided to quit rugby at 37-years-old and set up his own player agency. Tuitupou won …

Chris Jones

06 Mar 2019, 10:05

Fiji 7s wing Nacuqu suffers season ending injury

The problems continue to pile up for Gareth Baber the Fiji Sevens coach who has now lost wing Waisea Nacuqu with a fractured colla…

Chris Jones

06 Mar 2019, 4:40

'Mako is the great deceiver'

Phil Morrow calls Mako Vunipola the “Great Deceiver” and predicts the prop will be an even more powerful force when he complet…

Chris Jones

05 Mar 2019, 8:24

Saracens are spending £2m over the salary cap - and it's legal

Saracens are adamant they are playing by the Gallagher Premiership salary regulations which allows the club to spend nearly £9m…

Chris Jones

04 Mar 2019, 7:13

Radical proposal for Pacific teams in response to controversial Nations League

Dan Leo, the former Samoa lock and current player welfare manager for Pacific players based in Europe, has made a radical proposal…

Chris Jones

01 Mar 2019, 4:51

Fiji prepare for 3-day 'overseas' training camp in Toulouse

Fiji head coach John McKee is in France preparing for an important three-day camp with his overseas based players in the build up …

Chris Jones

27 Feb 2019, 16:27

Cockerill's plan to raid Pacific Islands for the next 'Tuilagi'

Edinburgh boss Richard Cockerill is planning to raid the Pacific Islands for more “x-factor” players to join Fijian star Vilia…

Chris Jones

27 Feb 2019, 5:12

'It is making Wallabies think twice about going overseas' - Castle shares Giteau law stance

The RA chief executive made her comments in the wake of South Africa’s decision to scrap their rule which says non-Super Rugby p…

Chris Jones

25 Feb 2019, 17:27

Fiji 7s get double boost ahead of Las Vegas

Fiji’s bid to win the Las Vegas leg of the HSBC World Sevens Series has been give a double boost with wingers Alasio Naduva and …

Chris Jones

25 Feb 2019, 12:40

Fiji Sevens captain's grovelling apology for 'error of judgement' but European move a step closer

Fiji Sevens captain Kalione Nasoko, who has made a public apology for his arrest for drink driving, but it's not stopped a top Eur…

Chris Jones

22 Feb 2019, 4:21

Fiji 7s may lose speedster as team hit by more problems

The troubled Fiji Sevens squad have hit another problem as they prepare for the Las Vegas and Vancouver legs of the HSBC World Sev…

Chris Jones

21 Feb 2019, 4:23

Scotland's Josh Strauss left red-faced after airport bungle

Scotland have gained special clearance from French authorities to let No8 Josh Strauss take on Les Bleus in Paris on Saturday afte…

Chris Jones

20 Feb 2019, 8:32

New selector outlines what Quade Cooper has to change to make the Wallabies

Michael O’Connor, the new Wallaby selector, has made it clear Quade Cooper has to take less risks to earn a test recall followin…

Chris Jones

20 Feb 2019, 7:05

Fiji Sevens team in chaos - a court appearance, a bail extension and Top 14 poaching rumours

Fiji's Sevens team has been rattled by two players facing court proceedings and another being strong linked to a move to the Top 1…

Chris Jones

19 Feb 2019, 14:54

Former French flanker has theory on France's increasingly bizarre selection policy

Former captain Serge Betsen admits he has already ripped up his wish-list for France in this season’s Six Nations following loss…

Chris Jones

16 Feb 2019, 6:05

Overseas assistants added as Fiji 7s coach admits off-field issues have hurt the team

Fiji Sevens coach Gareth Baber has admitted recent disciplinary problems have made his job tougher as he prepares the Olympic cham…

Chris Jones

14 Feb 2019, 4:06

Untreated injuries and waiting for pay - the shocking truth on life after a World Cup repechage

The question of how smaller rugby unions treat and insure their players has been highlighted by the problems three Kenya players h…

Chris Jones

12 Feb 2019, 7:52

'South African players are very willing to listen but are a bit reluctant to change'

Former England captain Nick Easter is being hailed as an “exceptional coach” who will make a major impact in Super rugby with …

Chris Jones

11 Feb 2019, 10:37

The multi-millionaire who's been topping up Pocock's salary

Multi-millionaire David Paradice has been topping up David Pocock's current three year playing contract to ensure he remains in Au…

Chris Jones

10 Feb 2019, 6:10

Another Fiji Sevens player has been arrested

Gareth Baber, the Fiji Sevens head coach, is facing another major problem in what is turning out to be a season of serious set-bac…

Chris Jones

09 Feb 2019, 15:28

Why 'machine' Tom Curry is finally England's answer at No.7

Steve Diamond believes Tom Curry is a “machine” and will deliver another fearless performance against France to prove he is th…

Chris Jones

07 Feb 2019, 7:16

McCaw's solution to stop All Blacks player drain

All Blacks legend Richie McCaw never considered playing abroad but admits New Zealand have to accept the damaging player-drain is …

Chris Jones

07 Feb 2019, 5:01

Diamond breaks silence on Retallick £1m move

Sale Sharks headcoach Steve Diamond has spoken to the rumours around All Black Brodie Retallick signing for the Manchester based c…

Chris Jones

06 Feb 2019, 7:58

Bastareaud must switch position if he wants to continue his French Test career - Castaignede

Thomas Castaignede believes Mathieu Bastareaud could launch a new international career in a different position for France, insisti…

Chris Jones

06 Feb 2019, 4:29

The dangerous clearout method Pocock and other poachers need to be protected from

David Pocock needs to be protected from illegal neck rolls that have already forced him to miss key games for the Wallabies and is…

Chris Jones

06 Feb 2019, 3:48

EXCLUSIVE: Maro Itoje out of Six Nations

Maro Itoje is out for eight weeks after injuring medial ligaments in England’s outstanding victory over Ireland in Dublin forcin…

Chris Jones

04 Feb 2019, 5:06

Fiji coach responds as team rocked by shock retirements

Fiji head coach John McKee is confident his squad has enough strength in depth to deal with the decision by Montpellier wings Tim…

Chris Jones

31 Jan 2019, 16:54

'I am struggling to think of a test match contest that could be more physical in 2019'

Former captain Nick Easter is billing England’s battle with Grand Slam champions Ireland in Dublin on Saturday as the most feroc…

Chris Jones

30 Jan 2019, 10:15

Sam Cane might return from broken neck sooner than many fear

Chiefs head coach Colin Cooper is hoping All Blacks flanker Sam Cane will be given the green light to start playing again by the e…

Chris Jones

30 Jan 2019, 4:07

Rhys Webb's fiancee returns to Wales with the couple's three children in tow

Rhys Webb, the Wales scrumhalf who put his test career on hold to sign a big money deal with Toulon, is having to say goodbye to h…

Chris Jones

28 Jan 2019, 7:54

Video - 'Reckless' tackle breaks Baker's jaw in two places

Perry Baker, the World’s outstanding sevens player, is to undergo surgery to repair a double fracture of his jaw following a tac…

Chris Jones

28 Jan 2019, 4:32

How a Tongan revolution has transformed a small English club into promotion contenders

Four Tongan internationals headed by ex-Northampton prop Soane Tonga’uhia are powering a small Bedfordshire club towards the sec…

Chris Jones

25 Jan 2019, 10:28

Schmidt gives an emphatic answer to lingering Lions speculation

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has ruled himself out of taking charge of the British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa in 2021.

Chris Jones

23 Jan 2019, 9:22

All Blacks legend left O'Shea feeling like a novice

Italy head coach Conor O’Shea has been using Wayne Smith as his special “counsel” and admits the World Cup-winning All Black…

Chris Jones

23 Jan 2019, 7:15

EXCLUSIVE: Perry Baker dismisses 'word of mouth' rumours of code switch

Perry Baker, the World’s best sevens player, has dismissed claims he is to sign for Biarritz in France and insists his only targ…

Chris Jones

23 Jan 2019, 6:20

Fiji 7s leave door open for disgraced player

Coach Gareth Baber has insisted his Fiji Sevens squad will continue to operate a strict disciplinary policy heading into the defen…

Chris Jones

22 Jan 2019, 13:41

EXCLUSIVE: Toulon's rot could spread to French team warns man who coached both sides

Philippe Saint-Andre believes France’s hopes of dragging themselves back up the World rankings could be undermined by the dreadf…

Chris Jones

21 Jan 2019, 7:54

'This year is a big year and Fiji has got the confidence to beat big teams'

Vereniki Goneva believes Fiji’s stunning 21-14 historic first victory over France proved they can be a major force at the Rugby…

Chris Jones

18 Jan 2019, 4:36

Spying still a reality in rugby union

Eddie Jones has admitted spying on the opposition still happens in rugby union and will be taking measures to ensure the oppositio…

Chris Jones

17 Jan 2019, 13:22

'I had doubts if I would ever play test rugby again'

Vincent Koch has revealed he feared missing the 2019 Rugby World Cup after signing for Saracens but is backing Rassie Erasmus to m…

Chris Jones

17 Jan 2019, 5:18

Eddie Jones explains Dylan Hartley omission

Eddie Jones admits he does not know when captain Dylan Hartley will be fit to regain his place in the England squad for the Six Na…

Chris Jones

17 Jan 2019, 4:52

Fiji's new strategy to improve 15-man game and it could be bad news for 7's

The Fiji Rugby Union is taking steps to control the country’s love of Sevens which it believes is hampering attempts to make the…

Chris Jones

16 Jan 2019, 4:20

Two players stood down as Fiji 7s rocked by off-field incidents

Fiji, the reigning Olympic sevens champions, have been rocked by off-the-field problems in the build up to the Hamilton and Sydney…

Chris Jones

13 Jan 2019, 5:08

'He is a real physical specimen...and probably the premier No.7 in the country'

Sale captain Jono Ross believes Tom Curry has become England’s outstanding openside flanker and can make the problem No.7 jersey…

Chris Jones

10 Jan 2019, 12:16

Eddie Jones' damning England camp injuries statistics - report

Eddie Jones’s controversially tough England training sessions meant players were five times more likely to sustain injuries on i…

Chris Jones

09 Jan 2019, 7:58

A number of Kenyan Sevens players are boycotting their union

Kenya’s top sevens players are being asked to take a 50 per cent cut in their contracts as their cash strapped rugby union faces…

Chris Jones

09 Jan 2019, 5:05

'I was seriously ill and battling for my life. At times I felt like just stopping'

Billy Vunipola has been told to put a nightmare year that has seen him break his arm three times behind him and regain confidence …

Chris Jones

27 Dec 2018, 7:21

EXCLUSIVE: 'We have prepared the letters to take World Rugby to court'

England’s top clubs are paying 20 players more than £350,000 a season which has triggered the legal action being taken against …

Chris Jones

23 Dec 2018, 5:55

EXCLUSIVE: Burger to leave Saracens

World Cup winner Schalk Burger today confirmed he is leaving Saracens at the end of the season and will head back to South Africa …

Chris Jones

20 Dec 2018, 7:47

Why the search for a new England coach may lead to France

England are monitoring the progress of three French based coaches as they begin the task of preparing for life after Eddie Jones, …

Chris Jones

18 Dec 2018, 7:06

EXCLUSIVE: 'Faf is going to sign for three or four years'

Faf de Klerk, who was nominated as a World Rugby Player of the Year, is to sign a contract that will see him stay in the UK for at…

Chris Jones

16 Dec 2018, 6:45

Fiji 7's star makes sensational switch to 15-a-side and there'll be plenty of suitors

The Fiji Sevens squad is reeling after one of their Olympic gold medal winners has quit the Sevens circuit and move into the 15-a …

Chris Jones

14 Dec 2018, 3:58

EXCLUSIVE: 'The Springboks have only reached 50 per cent of where we need to be' - Faf de Klerk

Faf de Klerk started this year exiled from test rugby, but will head into 2019 as one of South Africa’s most important weapons a…

Chris Jones

12 Dec 2018, 14:00

How Samoa are stepping up player recruitment push as World Cup draws closer

Charles Piutau may have been ruled out of bidding for a place in the Tonga 2019 World Cup team, but Samoa are stepping up plans t…

Chris Jones

11 Dec 2018, 14:32

Erasmus drops Springboks bombshell

Rassie Erasmus has spoken about his future as Springboks head coach after taking on a "suicide job".

Chris Jones

10 Dec 2018, 4:35

The reasons why the Pacific Islands Super Rugby franchise bid has been rejected

Super Rugby chiefs are struggling to find a viable new format but one thing is clear they do not want Fiji, Tonga and Samoa to ent…

Chris Jones

06 Dec 2018, 5:06

'It was not his fault' - England's Ben Te'o returns to New Zealand despite playing just 33 minutes for Worcester this season

England centre Ben Te’o has been allowed to return to New Zealand despite making just one replacement appearance for Worcester W…

Chris Jones

05 Dec 2018, 7:26

'There will be no relegation' - club owner outlines reasons why Premiership will get rid of drop

With just four points separating bottom club Newcastle from sixth placed Bath, Premiership clubs are vocalising their determinatio…

Chris Jones

04 Dec 2018, 5:58

EXCLUSIVE: 'We are not the sick man of English rugby'

Nick Eastwood denies Wasps are the sick man of English rugby, weighed down by more than £50m of debt after their ground breaking …

Chris Jones

03 Dec 2018, 4:37

Where Brian O'Driscoll believes the All Blacks have failed

Brian O’Driscoll believes New Zealand have failed to replace key players, stripping the defending champions of their aura of inv…

Chris Jones

29 Nov 2018, 12:51

There's been a dramatic twist in Schalk Brits' search for a new club

Schalk Brits, who came out of retirement to play for South Africa in their series win over England in June, has had to find a new …

Chris Jones

28 Nov 2018, 5:07

EXCLUSIVE: Premiership Rugby Ltd agrees multi-million pound deal with CVC to sell stake

Just a few months after rejecting a £275million deal for a 50% stake, Premiership bosses have negotiated a new bumper deal with f…

Chris Jones

27 Nov 2018, 7:33

England regain power on the pitch but suffer £30.9 million pound loss off it

Eddie Jones may have put England’s Chariot back on track for next year’s World Cup in Japan after an impressive November serie…

Chris Jones

26 Nov 2018, 7:37

'I think 'disarray' is a little bit harsh mate' - Cheika comes out fighting after Beale and Ashley-Cooper sanctions

Wallabies head coach Michael Cheika has denied the team are in 'disarray' after a disciplinary issue involving Kurtley Beale and A…

Chris Jones

23 Nov 2018, 11:50

Beale lands himself in hot water again, the real reason behind his and Ashley-Cooper's Wallabies axing

Australia’s troubled season hit a new low today as it emerged that key players Kurtley Beale and Adam Ashley-Cooper were axed fo…

Chris Jones

23 Nov 2018, 10:15

How a Wallaby helped steer Ben Te'o's switch to union

England centre Ben T'eo has revealed how a current Wallaby was a key influence in his decision to make a code swap to union.

Chris Jones

23 Nov 2018, 9:07

Fiji coach makes bold prediction as ten plays eight in the world rankings

Fiji may have never beaten France but head coach John McKee is predicting victory at Stade de France thanks to the inside knowledg…

Chris Jones

22 Nov 2018, 4:36

Sleeping giant have 'Everest to climb' to be ready for Pool A in Rugby World Cup

Former Wales flanker Lyn Jones admits he has an “Everest to climb” to make Russia competitive at next year’s Rugby World Cup…

Chris Jones

21 Nov 2018, 7:27

'He's my old mate...he's a streetfighter, so it does make them dangerous

Eddie Jones is predicting under-fire Michael Cheika will show his street-fighting skills and has warned the England players they w…

Chris Jones

19 Nov 2018, 4:05

The 'phenomenon' who is about the break Keith Wood's front row try scoring record and his incredible strike rate

Ireland legend Keith Wood's international try scoring record which took 63 tests in Irish and Lions colours over nine years to ama…

Chris Jones

16 Nov 2018, 6:49

Ex-Wallabies coach Jones' brutal attack on current team and names his new 4-person coaching panel

Grand Slam coach Alan Jones has branded the current Wallabies “unwatchable” and launched a withering assessment of the coachin…

Chris Jones

16 Nov 2018, 5:08

Wallaby great slaps Cheika with back-handed vote of confidence

Wallaby great David Campese is backing Michael Cheika, who has lost 13 of his last 16 matches in charge of Australia, to continue …

Chris Jones

15 Nov 2018, 8:26

World Rugby won't be bullied as Eddie Jones threatens boycott in wake of Underhill try controversy

World Rugby chiefs are refusing to get involved in a war of words with Eddie Jones who is threatening to boycott future meetings w…

Chris Jones

14 Nov 2018, 7:57

'I phoned Gregor to assure him I wanted to play for Scotland, and always wanted to play for my country'

Dean Richards warned Eddie Jones he was in danger of losing players to rival countries and that has happened with Newcastle flanke…

Chris Jones

12 Nov 2018, 7:57

‘I am onside here, I am going to charge it down’ - Lawes offers his first hand take on controversial off side decision

Courtney Lawes has given his first-hand account of the controversial decision that cost England dearly in their crunch November Te…

Chris Jones

11 Nov 2018, 14:59

Confident Itoje fires word of warning to All Blacks

Maro Itoje is predicting an England win against New Zealand and has “no doubt” that can be achieved if Eddie Jones’s men sti…

Chris Jones

09 Nov 2018, 15:35

Steve Hansen makes extraordinary claim about the significance of the England game

Coach Steve Hansen believes the looming clash with England at Twickenham is bigger than the All Blacks three test Lions series las…

Chris Jones

08 Nov 2018, 11:03

Dan Carter sends a warning to England

Dan Carter has warned England the All Blacks are now even better than the team he helped win the 2015 World Cup heading into Satur…

Chris Jones

08 Nov 2018, 4:26

England teammate says kicking god Wilkinson shaped Farrell in his own image and now he's 'a talent you very rarely see'

Jonny Wilkinson, the greatest kicker in English rugby history, has helped turn Owen Farrell into the biggest threat to New Zealand…

Chris Jones

07 Nov 2018, 4:01

How the most famous All Blacks jersey came to be owned by an Englishman and the special tribute planned for 1905 “Originals”

The All Blacks are to pay homage to their country’s most famous rugby jersey which is on display at Twickenham’s World Rugby M…

Chris Jones

05 Nov 2018, 23:42

Eddie Jones insists that England can "one hundred per cent" beat New Zealand

The war of words between England and New Zealand has started claiming England can "100 per cent" beat New Zealand.

Chris Jones

04 Nov 2018, 18:05

Jesse Kriel heaps praise on John Mitchell for crucial role in England win

Jesse Kriel heaps praise on Mitchell for defensive performance against Springboks.

Chris Jones

03 Nov 2018, 17:02

Tuilagi misinformation is Eddie Jones' first shot in propaganda war on Boks

Eddie Jones is claiming England will try and avoid too many damaging “collisions“ with the Springboks at Twickenham, but is se…

Chris Jones

25 Oct 2018, 13:59

Nick Easter picks his England backrow to face the Boks... but there's no room for Itoje

Nick Easter believes it would a mistake to hand Maro Itoje the England No6 jersey against a monstrous Springbok pack and is urging…

Chris Jones

24 Oct 2018, 15:08

The two things standing in the way of the ARU sacking Michael Cheika

Michael Lynagh believes Michael Cheika is bulletproof heading into next year’s World Cup in Japan even if the Wallabies continue…

Chris Jones

22 Oct 2018, 15:11

EXCLUSIVE: 'It is so hard' - Gridiron crossover star issues reality check for NFL bound Wade

A USA sevens star who moved from American Football to rugby union, has warned Christian Wade he faces one of sport’s toughest ch…

Chris Jones

20 Oct 2018, 6:32

EXCLUSIVE: Eddie Jones visited Newcastle following snub claim - Richards

Dean Richards has revealed Eddie Jones has finally found his way to Newcastle. Jones failed to attend any of their matches thi…

Chris Jones

17 Oct 2018, 15:12

'It is potentially changing the face of the game' - dangerous play sanctions have 'gone too far' - Pivac

Scarlets coach Wayne Pivac, who will take charge of Wales after next year’s World Cup, believes sanctions to deal with dangerous…

Chris Jones

17 Oct 2018, 4:58

Saracens reveal extent of Billy Vunipola injury

Saracens and England have been dealt a blow with the new that Billy Vunipola is set for another extended absence after his arm bre…

Chris Jones

15 Oct 2018, 11:21

Scotland suffer Laidlaw blow for Autumn internationals

Scotland plans for the Autumn internationals have suffered a blow with scrum half Greig Laidlaw set for an absence.

Chris Jones

15 Oct 2018, 5:20

EXCLUSIVE: World Rugby respond to allegations that Tier 2 nations 'handicapped' at World Cup

Chris Jones

12 Oct 2018, 16:15

EXCLUSIVE: True extent of Launchbury absence revealed and it's not good news for England

England have suffered another shattering blow with Wasps captain Joe Launchbury ruled out for a lengthy period after opting for su…

Chris Jones

12 Oct 2018, 4:21

The truth behind Joe Launchbury's latest omission as Wasps' lose three players

Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson will have ankle surgery that will rule him out of England’s November test matches and it is looking …

Chris Jones

11 Oct 2018, 10:07

Marland Yarde's worst injury fears confirmed

Marland Yarde’s hopes of breaking into the England squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup have suffered a major setback.

Chris Jones

09 Oct 2018, 6:34

EXCLUSIVE: 'I want to make it clear that no one broke any trust or created any animosity'

Dai Young is adamant his relationship with Willie le Roux has not been affected by the Springbok fullback’s international renais…

Chris Jones

08 Oct 2018, 10:37

EXCLUSIVE: 'The England selectors don’t show that interest' - Eddie Jones needs to stop snubbing Newcastle Falcons - Richards

Dean Richards has warned Eddie Jones that his continued absence from Newcastle Falcons matches could see English talent snapped up…

Chris Jones

04 Oct 2018, 5:28

EXCLUSIVE: 'It's his decision' - Mark McCall admits Saracens may not re-sign Will Skelton

Mark McCall has revealed Saracens want Wallaby lock Will Skelton to sign a new contract that would continue his self-imposed inter…

Chris Jones

03 Oct 2018, 9:48

'That's rubbish' - Conor O'Shea braced for the 'usual tripe' about Georgia entering the Six Nations

Conor O’Shea is braced for the “usual tripe” in the build-up to Italy’s clash with Georgia in Florence next month which is…

Chris Jones

01 Oct 2018, 9:38

'It was a light bulb moment' - Will Skelton reveals exactly how he went from 148kg to 135kg

A slimmed down Will Skelton could be heading back to Australia to bid for a World Cup squad place after using a weight loss App to…

Chris Jones

30 Sep 2018, 4:55

Exclusive: 'Something is fundamentally very wrong in rugby' - Phil Vickery

Former England captain Phil Vickery believes Joe Marler’s decision to quit international rugby is a "red flag" that rugby cannot…

Chris Jones

28 Sep 2018, 2:46

Pacific Islands Super Rugby team moves step closer...but based in Hawaii

A combined Pacific Islands team could be launched as a Super Rugby franchise based in Hawaii in 2020.

Chris Jones

27 Sep 2018, 6:10

'The most excited I have been for any job' - Rowntree explains why he's chosen Georgia

Graham Rowntree, the former British and Irish Lions coach who quit Harlequins in the summer, has revealed that becoming Georgia’…

Chris Jones

25 Sep 2018, 11:15

Sale's MacGinty reveals what life will be like for England players under 'intense' Mitchell

USA Eagles outside half AJ MacGinty has dismissed claims that John Mitchell does not have skills to be England’s new defence coa…

Chris Jones

21 Sep 2018, 9:12

Samoa confirm head coach amid pressure from World Rugby

The Samoa Rugby Union have appointed former Auckland Blues Assistant Coach Steve Jackson to replace Fuimaono Titimaea Tafua as hea…

Chris Jones

20 Sep 2018, 5:37

'There are not many props who can do that' - Project prop goes from fat to fit

Dean Richards is famously reticent when asked to praise individual Newcastle players but is convinced Sami Mavinga is on course to…

Chris Jones

17 Sep 2018, 12:08

'There wasn’t a strike threat'- RFU defend 28 new women's contracts in wake of 60 staff redundancies

English rugby chiefs today defended their decision to hand 28 full-time professional contracts to leading women players against a …

Chris Jones

17 Sep 2018, 9:33

'I was running during pre-season and knew it just wasn’t right' - Liam Williams on going under the knife

Liam Williams believes a groin operation has finally solved a recurring injury problem that threatened to disrupt his bid to help …

Chris Jones

13 Sep 2018, 6:21

RFU furious over article on Eddie Jones they've branded as 'absolute rubbish'

English rugby chiefs have dismissed as “absolute rubbish” a claim that head coach Eddie Jones is having to use his own salary …

Chris Jones

12 Sep 2018, 6:39

'Has he got an England future?' - Eddie Jones finally talks Cipriani/Ashton incidents

Eddie Jones today insisted the World Cup door was not closed on Danny Cipriani and Chris Ashton despite their failure to steer of …

Chris Jones

05 Sep 2018, 8:30

EXCLUSIVE: It's real...Nigel Wray reveals further details of Premiership takeover plan

Saracens owner Nigel Wray today confirmed to RugbyPass that private equity firm CVC Capital Partners has tabled a £275m deal to t…

Chris Jones

05 Sep 2018, 4:10

How Shields and Sopoaga can help combat the biggest threat to Wasps' season

All Black Lima Sopoaga and former Hurricanes captain Brad Shields are being tasked with formulating a new attacking strategy for W…

Chris Jones

30 Aug 2018, 7:20

'The market will be flooded ' - Jaco Kriel admits the real reason he chose now to move to England

Springbok flanker Jaco Kriel has admitted he signed for Gloucester this season to beat what he predicts will be a flood of players…

Chris Jones

29 Aug 2018, 5:10

EXCLUSIVE: Wasps face dilemma as full extent of Gopperth's injury revealed

Wasps are facing an outside half crisis before the season has started with veteran Jimmy Gopperth set to miss most the Premiership…

Chris Jones

26 Aug 2018, 13:43

EXCLUSIVE: Sale reveal agreement with Springboks over use of Faf de Klerk

Steve Diamond, the Sale director of rugby, has confirmed the club's stance on Springbok scrum half Faf de Klerk with the Premiersh…

Chris Jones

23 Aug 2018, 15:41

The Tongan 'Wilkinson' who is looking to put the boot into England at the World Cup

Sonatane Takulua may be in Jonny Wilkinson's shadow but he's relishing the challenge of proving Newcastle are now a Premiership fo…

Chris Jones

22 Aug 2018, 16:45

End policy confusion or watch the Pumas decline - Bosch

Marcelo Bosch is calling on Argentina’s rugby chiefs to end the confusion over European based players by confirming the selectio…

Chris Jones

20 Aug 2018, 7:53

RFU issue statement on Cipriani

The RFU have finally broken their silence on Danny Cipriani after the England outhalf was arrested and fined following an incident…

Chris Jones

17 Aug 2018, 9:53

19 game losing run won't deter Rugby World Cup's undisputed underdogs

Phil Davies and his Namibian players can clinch a sixth successive qualification for the Rugby World Cup by defeating Kenya in Win…

Chris Jones

16 Aug 2018, 9:34

EXCLUSIVE: 'I didn’t feel I could really influence what was going on' - Easter

Nick Easter had no idea he would be celebrating his 40th Birthday with a braai in Durban today as he launches a new chapter in his…

Chris Jones

16 Aug 2018, 4:12

Ex-All Black Evans gives Hansen advice on handling of Mo'unga

Nick Evans, the former All Black outside half, knows all about the pressures created by competition for the playmaker role in the …

Chris Jones

14 Aug 2018, 5:03

Once he wanted to be an All Black, now he wants to destroy them - Vunipola talks England vs NZ

Mako Vunipola used to dream about rampaging around in an All Black jersey causing the kind of mayhem that made Jonah Lomu his hero…

Chris Jones

11 Aug 2018, 6:23

EXCLUSIVE: Wasps' special deal with Springboks over use of Le Roux revealed

Willie Le Roux, the most experienced back in South Africa’s squad, has cut a unique deal with Wasps over how often he can play f…

Chris Jones

07 Aug 2018, 7:16

EXCLUSIVE: Springbok Brits confirms retirement u-turn and reveals latest on club search

Schalk Brits has exclusively confirmed to RugbyPass that he's ended his self-imposed retirement from rugby after being convinced b…

Chris Jones

03 Aug 2018, 6:09

Saracens forced to evolve in response to leaking of coaching talent - Sanderson

Paul Gustard’s arrival as Harlequins head of rugby is the latest example of Saracens impact on coaching around the rugby world a…

Chris Jones

13 Jul 2018, 9:09

All Black's concussion nightmare confounded consultants and nearly ended his Harlequins career

All Black centre Francis Saili has finally been cleared of the concussion symptoms that threatened to force him out of the game, e…

Chris Jones

11 Jul 2018, 7:48

Botha vows to 'make Germany great again' as Samoan clash looms

Former England lock Mouritz Botha has faced many challenges in his rugby career, but helping to “make Germany great again” aft…

Chris Jones

28 Jun 2018, 9:29

White issues Erasmus advice if Springboks are to be World Cup challengers

Jake White is urging Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus to follow his World Cup winning lead and bring in an experienced coach to hel…

Chris Jones

26 Jun 2018, 14:58

Rival No.8 who broke limb 3 times offers advice as plate inserted into Vunipola's arm

Billy Vunipola has undergone surgery to repair the arm he broke for a second time in England’s losing test series with South Afr…

Chris Jones

25 Jun 2018, 6:09

Ashton has some advice for Eddie Jones on handling Cipriani

Brian Ashton, the England head coach who launched Danny Cipriani’s international career in 2008 and then had to drop him for vis…

Chris Jones

23 Jun 2018, 6:58

Jones explains why Ford has been dropped for Cipriani

Danny Cipriani will make his first start for England for a decade after being handed the No10 jersey against South Africa on Satur…

Chris Jones

21 Jun 2018, 10:43

Exclusive: Saracens owner Wray addresses rumours of shock Brits return to club

Saracens owner Nigel Wray has spoken about Schalk Brits' shock comeback from retirement, with the South African linked to a return…

Chris Jones

19 Jun 2018, 16:05

RFU chiefs clarify position on Eddie Jones

With pressure mounting on Eddie Jones following a fifth Test defeat in a row, English rugby chiefs have had their say.

Chris Jones

18 Jun 2018, 6:28

6ft 7 inch, 120kg Nick Isiekwe aims to bulk-up on 'special' diet

Nick Isiekwe is already one of England’s biggest forwards but the young Saracens lockintends to become an even more formidable p…

Chris Jones

07 Jun 2018, 8:58

England will use copycat blueprint to beat Boks - Venter

Brendan Venter expects England to copy the title-winning game plan he developed at Premiership champions Saracens to win the three…

Chris Jones

07 Jun 2018, 7:10

Springboks to make racial history against England

South African rugby is expected to make history again tomorrow when the Springboks name their first all black front row for the op…

Chris Jones

06 Jun 2018, 11:01

EXCLUSIVE: Ex-All Black coach believes England's 'brutal' SA tour is fatally flawed

Former All Black coach John Mitchell believes England's bid for a test series triumph in South Africa is fatally flawed because tw…

Chris Jones

05 Jun 2018, 7:12

'I've got family who have those views' - gay issue won't split Pocock and Folau

Israel Folau and David Pocock insist their very different views on homosexuality will not cause a rift in the Australia squad as t…

Chris Jones

04 Jun 2018, 5:03

Eddie Jones to enlist brain doctor to cure 'slowness' of English players

Eddie Jones has sought help from an expert in brain research to try and work out why his England players are slow to adapt to prob…

Chris Jones

31 May 2018, 6:53

'Eddie is flogging coaches too' - Moody backs former teammate for England defence job

Lewis Moody, the World Cup winning former captain, is urging Eddie Jones to consider former Wasps flanker Joe Worsley for the Engl…

Chris Jones

30 May 2018, 10:10

'Freak' Mako Vunipola ready to dismantle Springboks

Saracens captain Brad Barritt has warned South Africa that Mako Vunipola is the best prop in the world and will prove it for Engla…

Chris Jones

28 May 2018, 15:14

Farrell claims injury scare just 'cramp'

Captain Owen Farrell gave England an injury scare ahead of their three-test series in South Africa when he limped out of Saracens …

Chris Jones

26 May 2018, 15:23

Kruis: 'I will be out for eight to ten weeks'

England lock George Kruis has just one more game to negotiate before ankle surgery rules him out for two months and believes he ca…

Chris Jones

24 May 2018, 12:17

Finn Russell defends Glasgow's 4G pitch after Scarlets' player describes it as 'shocking'

Scotland Number 10 Finn Russell, who delivered the “miracle pass” which triggered England’s Six Nations demise, returns to h…

Chris Jones

23 May 2018, 8:29

"I just couldn’t turn this opportunity down" - Gustard

Paul Gustard insisted today he could not turn down the chance to become Harlequins head of rugby despite leaving England needing t…

Chris Jones

21 May 2018, 8:21

This is Harlequins new headcoach and it has implications for England

The rumours are true and it throws the cat among the pigeons.

Chris Jones

20 May 2018, 16:10

Hughes defies logic to set up titanic encounter with Vunipola

Nathan Hughes’ ability to defy medical opinion has set up a titanic clash with England No8 rival Billy Vunipola when Wasps attem…

Chris Jones

18 May 2018, 14:16

"I want to win 3-0" - near 'nutcase' Jones demands Bok destruction

Eddie Jones has rediscovered his mojo and is claiming that despite a disastrous Six Nations and appearing to be a “shambles”, …

Chris Jones

17 May 2018, 12:31

EXCLUSIVE - 'Pacific Super team CEO? No islander need apply'

Fiji international Josh Matavesi is backing plans to launch a combined Pacific Islands team into the Super Rugby competition in 20…

Chris Jones

16 May 2018, 15:05

EXCLUSIVE - 'Nervous' Haskell fears Hartley will make him change in portable toilet

James Haskell is confident his move from Wasps to Northampton Saints next season will help him avoid the P45 he believes Eddie Jon…

Chris Jones

14 May 2018, 9:21

EXCLUSIVE - Former Springbok on why England will win first ever series on South African soil

England are coming off three successive Six Nations defeats but Schalk Brits makes Eddie Jones’s men favourite to win next month…

Chris Jones

13 May 2018, 8:20

'He is different' - Dallaglio challenges Jones' perception of Cipriani and where exactly he should play

Lawrence Dallaglio has challenged Eddie Jones to ignore Danny Cipriani's controversial past and form his own opinion about one of …

Chris Jones

11 May 2018, 6:38

Eddie Jones comes out firing in defence of team selection

Eddie Jones was in bullish mood as he defended his right to pick Hurricanes captain Brad Shields and Wasps outside half Danny Cipr…

Chris Jones

10 May 2018, 5:34

Eddie Jones urged to pick backrower to face Springboks, and it's not Brad Shields

Eddie Jones is being urged to take young Wasps flanker Jack Willis on England’s three test tour of South Africa as the head coac…

Chris Jones

07 May 2018, 5:29

Zinzan Brooke has tipped who he wants to succeed Kingston at Harlequins

All Black great Zinzan Brooke, a former player-coach at Harlequins, has watched with increasing frustration the demise of one of t…

Chris Jones

04 May 2018, 13:51

Saracens running on empty? Don't bet on it warns Wigglesworth

England scrumhalf Richard Wigglesworth has warned their title-chasing rivals that Saracens are peaking at the right time to claim …

Chris Jones

03 May 2018, 10:04

Exclusive - Wasps address explosive claims that 3 of their biggest names on verge of walking

Wasps have dismissed claims England stars Joe Launchbury, Elliot Daly and Christian Wade are threatening to quit the Aviva Premier…

Chris Jones

26 Apr 2018, 5:25

"Am I upset? No" - Haskell gives exclusive update on his search for a new club

James Haskell is still searching for a new Aviva Premiership club to keep his England dream alive as he prepares for his final hom…

Chris Jones

23 Apr 2018, 15:33

Row erupts between Eddie Jones and New Zealand Rugby over Brad Shields

A row has erupted between England and New Zealand over Eddie Jones’s request to include Hurricanes forward Brad Shields in the E…

Chris Jones

19 Apr 2018, 5:37

Just a year out of school, Marcus Smith scoops 3 awards to round off remarkable debut season

Marcus Smith has capped a remarkable first season with Harlequins by scooping three awards including the Player’s Player of the …

Chris Jones

18 Apr 2018, 4:27

Exclusive: Ex-Wallaby captain Horwill responds to 'player power' allegations at Harlequins

Former Wallaby captain James Horwill has reacted to claims that player power played a major role in John Kingston’s axing.

Chris Jones

13 Apr 2018, 6:29

EXCLUSIVE: The per-season figure of the Premiership's multi-million pound sponsorship deal revealed

The Premiership will have a new title sponsor for next season, ending an eight-year partnership with Aviva. RugbyPass can exclu…

Chris Jones

12 Apr 2018, 5:26

The ultimate reason Kingston lost his job and why more could follow

Harlequins failure to qualify for the European Champions Cup is the reason John Kingston lost his job as director of rugby and oth…

Chris Jones

09 Apr 2018, 14:27

After massive losses revealed, Worcester Warriors face survival battle on and off pitch

Premiership club Worcester Warriors remain on course to avoid relegation, but their financial survival is a much bigger concern af…

Chris Jones

08 Apr 2018, 14:52

Nigel Wray responds as rumours of 'Saracens for sale' spread

Nigel Wray today dismissed claims Saracens are up for sale as “rubbish” as has assumed total control of the reigning European …

Chris Jones

03 Apr 2018, 4:27

Barritt describes gruesome facial surgery that will allow him to face Leinster

Brad Barritt will lead holders Saracens into their European Champions Cup quarter-final with Leinster with a titanium plate in hi…

Chris Jones

28 Mar 2018, 11:42

Controversial relegation shake-up for Premiership on the cards

London Irish could be exiled from the English Premiership for five years under a controversial proposal being put forward by the R…

Chris Jones

27 Mar 2018, 5:04

England players thrown back in at Premiership deep end

Despite concerns over a burnout, nine of the England match squad beaten by Grand Slam winners Ireland will return for the London d…

Chris Jones

23 Mar 2018, 8:01

Premiership unveil the perfect weapon in battle for control of English rugby

England’s top professional clubs have found the perfect weapon in their on-going battle for control of the game by appointing Ia…

Chris Jones

22 Mar 2018, 6:59

'Central contracts' plan for England players dealt crushing blow

England rugby chief Stephen Brown today killed off any idea of central contracts for Eddie Jones’s players and admitted the earl…

Chris Jones

21 Mar 2018, 10:17

"There's a certain amount of anger" - but Sinckler has found 'balance'

Prop Kyle Sinckler, who served a seven week ban for gouging this season, is one of England’s “angry” forwards who are being …

Chris Jones

16 Mar 2018, 9:03

Eddie Jones likens Bastareaud to 130kg hybrid of two Wallaby and All Black greats

Eddie Jones believes Mathieu Bastareaud is a potent combination of Wallaby great George Smith and All Black star Sonny Bill Willia…

Chris Jones

05 Mar 2018, 10:58

Vunipola singles out two Scots England simply weren't ready for

Mako Vunipola has given a brutally frank assessment of England’s failing against Scotland admitting England “let themselves do…

Chris Jones

26 Feb 2018, 8:51

England take drastic steps to combat cold in Edinburgh

With predicted single figure temperatures for match day, England have taken a radical step to combat the cold against Scotland in…

Chris Jones

20 Feb 2018, 4:39

EXCLUSIVE: 'This has been my toughest season' - Sinckler ready to control aggression

Having seen Harlequins teammate Joe Marler recalled to the England squad after his second ban of the season, Kyle Sinckler is desp…

Chris Jones

14 Feb 2018, 11:40

Courtney Lawes issues warning to those seeking to target Mike Brown

Courtney Lawes is ready to make the transformation from YouTube sensation to England talisman with Scotland set to feel the full f…

Chris Jones

12 Feb 2018, 16:00

Dallagio has selection advice for Eddie Jones as England hit by backrow crisis

Lawrence Dallaglio is urging Eddie Jones to pick the Exeter pair of Sam Simmonds and Don Armand to solve England’s Six Nations b…

Chris Jones

15 Jan 2018, 9:22

'I've tested the jaw out' - Itoje details extent of his jaw reconstruction

Maro Itoje has four metal plates in his jaw but insists he is ready for a whatever Ospreys throw at the Saracens lock in tomorrow�…

Chris Jones

12 Jan 2018, 15:10

McCall reveals behind the scenes talks that reignited Saracens season

Mark McCall believes clear the air talks were key to ending a seven game losing run and has put Saracens back on track to register…

Chris Jones

11 Jan 2018, 9:19

Cash rich Sale Sharks to search globe for player - Diamond

AJ MacGinty, the USA Eagles No10, is waiting to discover how seriously he damaged his knee helping defeat Harlequins 30-29 and Sal…

Chris Jones

08 Jan 2018, 6:13

EXCLUSIVE: Namibian Bothma to continue Jacques Burger's brutal European legacy

Harlequins flanker Renaldo Bothma has set himself the daunting challenge of replacing Jacques Burger as the face of Namibian rugby…

Chris Jones

14 Dec 2017, 13:23

EXCLUSIVE: Haskell reveals new strategy in bid to reclaim England spot

James Haskell has turned to a sports psychologist who helps mixed martial arts fighters and poker players in a bid to regain his E…

Chris Jones

06 Dec 2017, 6:37

EXCLUSIVE: Azzuri 'nowhere near' England or Ireland - O'Shea gives brutal assessment

Conor O’Shea accepts his Italy team will need England to suffer a serious drop in performance to give the Azzuri any chance of p…

Chris Jones

30 Nov 2017, 10:22

EXCLUSIVE: Details of England women's lucrative new deal revealed

England’s women’s players have struck a new new deal thrashed with the RFU after their one year full time contracts will contr…

Chris Jones

20 Nov 2017, 9:16

Eddie Jones makes public apology...before attacking journalist's 'professionalism'

Eddie Jones moved from defence to attack better than his players today as he dealt with the fall-out from the television pictures …

Chris Jones

13 Nov 2017, 15:25

EXCLUSIVE: Change rule or continue to watch Argentinian rugby decline - Bosch

Marcelo Bosch helped Argentina reach the 2015 World Cup semi-finals but fears the Pumas will not make a similar impact in Japan un…

Chris Jones

10 Nov 2017, 10:57

England scupper hopes for an unofficial fourth Lions test

The prospect of an unofficial “ fourth” Lions test against the All Blacks appears to have been scuppered by England’s decisi…

Chris Jones

10 Jul 2017, 21:40

Chris Ashton ready to unleash 'Le Splash'

Chris Ashton is ready to unleash “ Le Splash” on French rugby having started training with his new club Toulon after five year…

Chris Jones

07 Jul 2017, 9:45

Catrakilis has to fill big boots at Harlequins

Demetri Catrakilis is relishing the daunting job of replacing All Black Nick Evans as the Harlequins play-maker and main points sc…

Chris Jones

05 Jul 2017, 21:53

Queenstown welcomes some Lions

Now there are two Remarkables to be seen in Queenstown. One is a group of imposing figures seemingly dominating the winter sport m…

Chris Jones

04 Jul 2017, 1:39

Lions great Edwards wants Warburton recalled

Sir Gareth Edwards is urging Warren Gatland to recall British and Irish Lions captain Sam Warburton to the starting XV for the sec…

Chris Jones

26 Jun 2017, 0:03

Why Venter is the right man for the Boks

While the All Blacks and British and Irish Lions test series is dominating rugby, it is easy to miss the dramatic influence Dr Bre…

Chris Jones

23 Jun 2017, 5:08

Lions "amateur" selection

Arthur Porritt has a special place in New Zealand sporting history having won the country’s first Olympic medal, grabbing bronze…

Chris Jones

17 Jun 2017, 21:38

Premiership clubs ready to splash the cash

The good news is that Todd Blackadder had a very good holiday in Italy and Greece. The bad news for New Zealand rugby is that Blac…

Chris Jones

12 Jun 2017, 21:43

Four reasons for Lions hope

Conor Murray, Sean O’Brien, Jonathan Davies and George North remain untainted by the fall-out from the British and Irish Lions o…

Chris Jones

07 Jun 2017, 7:35

Gatland and Umaga square up to media

Warren Gatland bemoans the recurring questions about “Warrenball” while Sonny Bill Williams steps in to deflect attention from…

Chris Jones

06 Jun 2017, 3:55

Lions Attrition Rate

One of the few positives to come out of the British and Irish Lions debacle against the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians was the …

Chris Jones

05 Jun 2017, 4:19

Nick Evans could pose a rare opportunity for English rugby

Wayne Smith has made it clear he will never coach against the All Blacks when he stands down from his role at the end of this seas…

Chris Jones

02 Jun 2017, 7:59