Big Bill Mata and the importance of recruitment
The Fijian juggernaut will depart Edinburgh a legend, and an example of looking after your talent.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
07 Jan 2024, 14:41
Contributors
Jamie Lyall
@jlyall93
After abandoning a career in veterinary medicine, Jamie turned to sports journalism six years ago, aiming to harness his passions for sport, writing, and complementary pre-match buffets. While his career has not grown as prolifically as his body fat percentage, he was fortunate enough to learn his trade with Planet Rugby and BBC Scotland before entering the freelance world. He has since been offered several brilliant opportunities to launch his commentary career, and when not writing for RugbyPass, can often be found bellowing names into a microphone for the BBC, BT Sport and others.
Asher Opoku-Fordjour: 'Sale, England, the Lions... I want to do it all'
Sale's precocious prop talks race, rugby and being read the riot act by his coach.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
11 Jan 2024, 6:24
Jacob Stockdale: 'I showed Andy Farrell I'm not a diva'
After two years of frustration, the Ulster flying machine is showcasing his vast talent again.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
12 Jan 2024, 7:19
How Scotland's 'Humble Huw' Jones confounded his critics and rose again
Dogged by unfair perceptions, the centre's close confidants reveal his true character.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
30 Jan 2024, 4:23
Ross Vintcent: 'I was lost, up the creek without a paddle'
The Italy debutant was left adrift during covid, but his riveting journey from Dubai to the Six Nations soon gathered pace.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
09 Feb 2024, 17:43
Rugby World Cup stories: Facing Jonah
What was it really like to face Jonah Lomu, rugby's game-changing phenomenon, in the 1995 World Cup?
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
26 Jul 2023, 3:12
Rugby World Cup stories: Chickens, 'The Terminator' and Ian Rush - How Samoa shocked the world
How donated chickens, a team talk in a castle and a broken fax machine powered Samoa to a stunning Rugby World Cup debut
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
19 Jul 2023, 3:41
Rupeni Caucaunibuca: 'I spent my money on people who didn’t have it. I gave it from my heart'
RugbyPass tracks down one of the game's enduring talents and tells his astonishing, mystical and heartwrenching tale
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
08 Jul 2023, 5:29
Rory Sutherland: Glasgow among suitors for Worcester and Scotland prop
A return to Scotland could be on the cards for Rory Sutherland, but not to the prop's former club, Edinburgh.
Exclusive
Jamie Lyall
28 Sep 2022, 9:53
Exclusive: 'If you don't get results, they shoot you' - Why coaching is more brutal than ever
Social media venom and jumpy CEOs: the toll of the job on coaches and their families.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
08 Jul 2023, 4:07
Rugby World Cup stories: 'Argentina is not the a** of the world!'
In the first of a special new series, the inside story of Argentina's incredible 2007 World Cup is revealed
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
05 Jul 2023, 4:52
'Dominici was smoking a cigar': Argentina's 2007 World Cup remembered in new RugbyPass series
A new RugbyPass series tells the biggest stories from the World Cup, starting with Argentina in 2007.
Exclusive
Jamie Lyall
03 Jul 2023, 9:58
Kiss and Goosen emerge as Edinburgh candidates
Les Kiss emerges as a contender for the Edinburgh head coach job weeks after the demise of London Irish.
Exclusive
Jamie Lyall
26 Jun 2023, 7:15
Kelly Brown: 'If I hadn't worn a helmet, I'd be dead'
Saracens stalwart Kelly Brown reflects on his trophy-laden career and a near-fatal bike crash as he prepares to leave rugby.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
11 Jun 2023, 3:15
The players who lit up the nine Rugby World Cups
With 100 days to go to the Rugby World Cup, RugbyPass revisits the feats of those who set the global showpiece ablaze
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
31 May 2023, 11:33
Saracens back on their perch to continue the dynasty
Despite spirited resistance from Sale Sharks, few members of the Twickenham crowd doubted Mark McCall's men would wrestle back the…
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
29 May 2023, 11:18
Adam Hastings: 'When you're injured, you question a lot of things'
Adam Hastings has recovered from two spectacularly ill-timed injuries to target a place in Scotland's Rugby World Cup squad
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
27 May 2023, 16:51
Jackson Wray: 'Saracens showed critics we are stronger than any of you think'
Jackson Wray has experienced glory, despair and tumult as he bids to end a 15-year Saracens career with a ninth trophy.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
26 May 2023, 9:33
Charles Piutau: 'People said you leave New Zealand to retire'
Charles Piutau was written off when he left New Zealand aged 24, but has found an exhilarating career path in Europe.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
25 May 2023, 3:32
RugbyPass Plus' URC team of the season
After a frenetic campaign, RugbyPass Plus selects its United Rugby Championship team of the season.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
25 May 2023, 8:03
La Rochelle complete the modern-day miracle
It's been a challenging season in rugby but the Heineken Cup final showed the game can reach parts few other sports can on a breat…
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
22 May 2023, 8:20
Sam Nixon: Jeremy Clarkson, Sir Alex Ferguson and life in the madcap ProD2
A fed-up Sam Nixon almost retired at 25, but returning to France and the turbulent waters of the ProD2 has given the prop a new le…
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
19 May 2023, 12:01
'Steely Franco Smith confounds critics as Glasgow stand on brink of history'
Franco Smith's appointment was met with indifference by many Glasgow fans. In his first season, his side are one match away from S…
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
18 May 2023, 11:06
Jono Ross: 'People said I was going to a nothing club'
Sale Sharks totem Jono Ross has his say on the salary cap, fan abuse and Premiership owners as he explains his decision to retire.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
28 Apr 2023, 5:01
Sione Vailanu: 'I was out of shape and lazy; I had to push myself'
Sione Vailanu talks devastating tsunamis, being coached by Jonah Lomu, and losing 15KG to become Glasgow's colossus.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
26 Apr 2023, 5:27
Saracens' road to redemption gathers pace
The late Premiership Final loss to Leicester Tigers will have hurt Mark McCall's men and they will be fired to reclaim their title
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
24 Apr 2023, 10:13
Francke Horn: 'I could hardly breathe... my heart was damaged'
The Lions fulcrum nearly had his career ended by a heart condition but has become of the URC's top performing back-rows.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
21 Apr 2023, 3:37
All hail Chris Ashton, the Premiership's first try-centurion
The much-travelled England wing has spent a career scoring tries and he crossed an impressive milestone against Exeter Chiefs
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
17 Apr 2023, 8:32
How Dennis Rodman and Kobe Bryant fuelled new-look Glasgow's rise
Glasgow drew inspiration from basketball stars during a brutal pre-season programme to set them up for success
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
05 Apr 2023, 16:07
Heineken Cup nears the business end as the elite show their class
Domestic rugby's premier competition has been whittled down to the final eight and there are some tantalising fixtures in store
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
03 Apr 2023, 8:36
'Daring, gallus and honest, Stuart Hogg has defined a Scottish era'
Stuart Hogg retires young, but retires a giant of Scottish sport.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
28 Mar 2023, 4:39
Stafford McDowall: 'I thought I was stopping rugby and going back to the farm'
Stafford McDowall was almost released by Glasgow last season, but has become a key cog in their run to knockout rugby
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
30 Mar 2023, 3:03
Irish march towards Premiership play-offs
Declan Kidney has inspired an epic turnaround with a roster full of gifted youngsters and they have silverware in their sights
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
27 Mar 2023, 11:08
RugbyPass+ Team of the Six Nations
There were a glut of seismic individual performances during the fabled tournament but a composite team had to be selected
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
20 Mar 2023, 6:13
'Scotland face more banana skins than the Rainbow Road'
Scotland must win, and win well, against Italy to maintain their Six Nations progress.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
17 Mar 2023, 6:11
Ireland are masters of all they survey, now for the World Cup
The feats of Andy Farrell's squad will be lauded in the years to come but they must now rid themselves of the World Cup hex
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
20 Mar 2023, 10:37
Scotland can dare to dream after ending Six Nations account in credit
Gregor Townsend's men can look to the World Cup with hope after stressing the world's best with substance and style
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
20 Mar 2023, 5:32
'Beating Ireland would be Scotland's greatest win of the century'
The stakes, the silverware and the bubbling enmity between Scotland and Ireland make Sunday's clash a Six Nations whopper.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
11 Mar 2023, 3:58
Battered Ireland close in on a Grand Slam
Andy Farrell's men have shown throughout the tournament that they can adapt and thrive and that bodes well for a World Cup tilt
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
13 Mar 2023, 8:45
Bristol Bears bare their teeth as renaissance gathers momentum
Pat Lam's side have been in the doldrums but a sense of rejuvenation is in the air at Ashton Gate
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
06 Mar 2023, 7:48
Shotguns, mushrooms and Eddie Jones: Alex Codling's French odyssey
Alex Codling's two crazy years with runaway ProD2 leaders Oyonnax have featured weapons, mushrooms and the home of nougat.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
08 Mar 2023, 7:09
Steve Diamond appointed Edinburgh boss effective immediately
Steve Diamond has been appointed Edinburgh head coach until at least the end of the season. Diamond was on a three-man shortlist..…
Exclusive
Jamie Lyall
09 Mar 2023, 9:46
Steve Diamond on shortlist to replace Mike Blair at Edinburgh
Former Sale Sharks and Worcester Warriors director of rugby Steve Diamond is in contention to replace Mike Blair as Edinburgh head…
Exclusive
Jamie Lyall
06 Mar 2023, 7:35
Progress of Ollie Lawrence sees England's overreliance on Manu Tuilagi dwindle
The Six Nations gives players a platform to rewrite their stories and the Bath centre is proving he can thrive in adversity
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
27 Feb 2023, 9:35
Mike Blair is a loss to Scottish rugby - it didn't have to be this way
Scottish coaches are subject to myriad demands and off-field tasks which detract from their skillsets
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
28 Feb 2023, 7:41
'Nobody in world rugby can do what he does' - inside the rise of Duhan van der Merwe
Duhan van der Merwe's jet-propelled journey from unknown winger to global superstar, by those who know him best.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
23 Feb 2023, 3:19
Mike Brown proves the doubters wrong
Left on the professional scrapheap at 37, Mike Brown never gave up hope and he had his day in the sun with Leicester Tigers
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
20 Feb 2023, 8:22
The Richie Graynaissance: A 'genetic freak' who is playing his best-ever rugby at 33
After years in the international wilderness, Richie Gray has come roaring to the fore aged 33. This is how.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
10 Feb 2023, 7:59
The Irish eyes are smiling
Ireland showed they can walk the walk without a gamut of frontline stars in a battle for the ages against an obdurate, gifted Fren…
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
13 Feb 2023, 9:05
Scottish rugby enters uncharted territory
Early in the second half, a wave of anxiety swept around Murrayfield. You could feel the nerves in the simmering atmosphere.
Opinion
Jamie Lyall
12 Feb 2023, 4:02
Sebastian Negri: 'They broke my aunt's arms, cut my uncle's ear and my mum was held hostage'
After fleeing Zimbabwe and Robert Mugabe's gangs, Sebastian Negri found sanctuary, joy and pride in Italy.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
09 Feb 2023, 4:47
Van der Merwe's heroics silence the Twickenham masses
A try for the ages lights up a thrilling opening weekend of Six Nations rugby as Scotland, Ireland and France register away wins
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
06 Feb 2023, 8:48
Six Nations: Team of round one
After a rout in Rome, a hoodoo shattered, and a needle-laden Cardiff tussle, The XV picks out the stars of the opening round of th…
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
08 Feb 2021, 10:00
Jake Polledri: 'The hardest thing is having no answers'
The Gloucester favourite is back in international waters after two years of pride-shattering injury and personal loss.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
02 Feb 2023, 16:44
Nick Grigg: Sumo wrestling, pub knock-outs, fireworks and the Calcutta Cup
Scotland's Nick Grigg has gone from Glasgow to Japan and experienced rugby's weird and wonderful, but he will never forget the 201…
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
03 Feb 2023, 12:04
This, surely, is Scotland's time to come of age
Down on the touchline, the Scotland players walked over to where their relatives were housed.
Jamie Lyall
05 Feb 2023, 4:19
Scotland will beat England or die trying
England have laid paws on the Calcutta Cup once in five years. Their towering home record has gone up in smoke.
Opinion
Jamie Lyall
02 Feb 2023, 12:45
Is Welsh belief growing with the return of Warren Gatland?
The influence of the legendary Welsh coach has been seen after an upturn in fortunes for the beleaguered Welsh regions
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
23 Jan 2023, 9:41
Dave Cherry: 'If I see lads wasting an opportunity, I have a word'
Dave Cherry ended Scotland's worst rugby hoodoo on debut. He talks eye gouges, kiwi bars and the Calcutta Cup
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
01 Feb 2023, 2:58
RFU tackle-law debacle highlights rugby's existential crisis
The challenge for rugby to become a safer sport but still retain the elements that have made it a cherished sport to so many has b…
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
30 Jan 2023, 10:39
Which players will light up the Six Nations?
A few players will have points to prove when the Six Nations kicks off in February.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
19 Jan 2023, 12:37
Mike Cusack: Veet cream, Normandy beaches and life in the French sixth tier
Former Scotland prop Mike Cusack finds himself living amid the history of Normandy and coaching in the French sixth tier.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
18 Jan 2023, 4:27
Will Eddie have the last laugh?
The sacked England coach has gone home where he hopes to leave a legacy with the Wallabies, starting with a World Cup run in Franc…
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
16 Jan 2023, 8:23
Rob du Preez: Sale's brotherhood, fancy dress and 'big dog' siblings
Rob du Preez is at the forefront of a clutch of fearsome siblings steering Sale towards the Premiership summit.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
12 Jan 2023, 3:10
Farrell divides opinion like no other
The high-profile Saracen is in hot-water after a dubious tackle but his enduring qualities endear him to team-mates
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
09 Jan 2023, 7:18
Tom Jordan: 'Where is this going...am I even good enough?'
Tom Jordan swapped New Zealand for Scotland in his arduous quest to make it as a professional player.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
08 Jan 2023, 3:41
Antoine Frisch: 'They said I wasn't good enough - I took that personally'
Ejected from the Stade Francais academy at 19, Antoine Frisch has taken a circuitous route to success at Munster
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
05 Jan 2023, 4:27
Scottish rugby's wish list for 2023
There are hopes north of the border that the New Year can bring a wave of optimism but there is clearly much work to be done
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
03 Jan 2023, 7:20
'I feel let down': Rory Sutherland on Worcester, Ulster and the Top 14
Rory Sutherland describes how Worcester "dragged my family through the dirt", why he can't stay at Ulster, and the allure of a Top…
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
24 Dec 2022, 6:11
Borthwick eyes English revival
The England fightback has started with the appointment of well-regarded Cumbrian and his assistant Kevin Sinfield
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
19 Dec 2022, 9:33
'Bags were packed to go home, but we stuck it out' - WP Nel eyes World Cup farewell
Isolated and grief-stricken, WP Nel almost left Scotland months after arriving. Now, the 36-year-old is eyeing a third Rugby World…
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
16 Dec 2022, 18:41
Watson magic gives rugby fans some festive cheer
While rugby fans froze at games, or kept themselves toasty by the fireside, they could all rejoice seeing Anthony Watson back in f…
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
12 Dec 2022, 9:50
Finn Russell: Life-altering Bath gold must come with silverware
Finn Russell will earn life-altering money at Bath, but the silverware he seeks would be truly defining.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
21 Dec 2022, 7:15
Saracens big-guns look to assert themselves in the post-Eddie Jones era
Edinburgh stormed the StoneX a year ago in a landmark win but Saracens' England stars are smarting for a campaign which saw Eddie …
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
09 Dec 2022, 8:37
Eddie Jones awaits his fate
The England head coach role could soon be vacant as the pressure mounts a year out from the World Cup in France
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
05 Dec 2022, 9:09
Team of the Autumn Series
After five action-packed weekends of scintillatingTest rugby, RugbyPass+ selects its team of the Autumn Nations Series.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
29 Nov 2022, 10:03
England feel the hurt and Eddie Jones feels the heat
The RFU is none too pleased with England's performances this Autumn, while in Wales, the crisis button is close to being pushed
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
28 Nov 2022, 8:14
Scotland must embrace Finn Russell to fuel World Cup dream
This Autumn Nations Series must end Scotland's long-running Finn Russell saga once and for all as the fly-half makes a sensational…
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
22 Nov 2022, 4:43
Steward takes charge as England momentum is restored
After their shock loss to Argentina, England steady the ship to down Japan as the All Blacks juggernaut rolls into town
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
14 Nov 2022, 9:10
England's stirring comeback fires up Twickenham faithful
England were on the canvas with nine minutes left to go before staging a famous 19-point recovery job to stun the All Blacks
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
21 Nov 2022, 7:06
England left with more questions than answers
England were yet again left to search for positives after a narrow loss to Argentina, ramping up the pressure on Eddie Jones
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
07 Nov 2022, 12:37
Luck of the Irish runs out at Quins
Harlequins into raptures as contentious stoppage time try breaks the hearts of London Irish fans as chaos reigns at The Stoop
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
31 Oct 2022, 8:58
'Russell sideshow rumbles on as self-flagellating Scotland lose game of inches'
After Blair Kinghorn's miss, the Finn Russell sideshow is sure to intensify, but neither is the reason Scotland lost to Australia.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
30 Oct 2022, 6:35
The fight for Worcester Warriors not to be forgotten
With the Warriors sunk and doubts still surrounding Wasps' short-term future as a Premiership Rugby club, rugby's financial climat…
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
10 Oct 2022, 9:39
The Finn Russell and Gregor Townsend standoff that has no winners
The perplexing, maddening dispute between Scotland's single-minded coach and his mercurial fly-half has broken cover to leave fans…
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
27 Oct 2022, 4:01
Marcus Smith rekindles the magic as Autumn Tests loom
The Harlequins playmaker shows his superstar worth as the Sale Sharks machine finally grinds to a halt with their first Premiershi…
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
24 Oct 2022, 5:20
'For some of these guys, this could be it. There's a realistic chance they won't find a new club.'
An elite rugby agency takes RugbyPass inside the chaotic recruitment scenes as Worcester Warriors went to the wall.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
20 Oct 2022, 10:48
Mired in crisis, yet Premiership Rugby provides a joyous spectacle
The financial crisis around English rugby is dominating headlines off the pitch, which is at odds with the glittering rugby on it
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
17 Oct 2022, 8:06
'Since I've been at this club, I've never laid eyes on Colin Goldring'
Murray McCallum lost his father, then his job, but remains a beacon of positivity as the former Worcester Warrior searches for a n…
Interview
Jamie Lyall
13 Oct 2022, 7:21
Saracens lay down a marker as McFarland takes flight
Mark McCall's men exacted the perfect revenge mission on Leicester Tigers as the reigning champs were eviscerated
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
03 Oct 2022, 5:27
Ashton takes flight to write himself into the record books
The former England wing has finally drawn level with Tom Varndell as the Premiership top scorer in a weekend Leicester booked thei…
Jamie Lyall
28 Mar 2022, 6:41
Mike Blair: 'I want Edinburgh to be constantly innovating'
Mike Blair didn't want the Edinburgh job at first, but has transformed the ailing club as a rookie head coach.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
29 Sep 2022, 16:43
Rugby must not forget about Worcester Warriors
Worcester Warriors are a club that needs the support of the game in financially troubling times, and the hope is that rugby at Six…
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
26 Sep 2022, 8:22
Matt Fagerson: 'At Glasgow we lost part of our DNA. Our work ethic was questioned'
Matt Fagerson laments Glasgow's identity crisis as he talks brotherhood, marriage, social media abuse and why size doesn't matter.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
14 Sep 2022, 3:23
Evolution in the east, revolution in the west as Scotland's teams gear up
Straight-talking Franco Smith must revitalise Glasgow Warriors while at Edinburgh, Mike Blair aims to build on the promise of last…
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
16 Sep 2022, 4:57
Theo McFarland: 'We didn't have a rugby ball - we used a Pepsi bottle filled with banana leaves'
Theo McFarland grew up playing rugby with a Pepsi bottle. He has been a debt collector and a basketballer. This is his journey to …
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
11 Sep 2022, 4:06
URC signings of the season
World champions, All Blacks and returning giants - who are the most eye-catching additions of the new URC season?
Jamie Lyall
08 Sep 2022, 12:31
Raymond Rhule: 'Rugby refuses to tap into personality, players must be seen and not heard'
Raymond Rhule wishes rugby embraced its sparkling characters, rather than shunning them.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
02 Sep 2022, 16:32
Who will be the Premiership signings of the season?
As Premiership clubs tool up for the long season ahead, which of their new signings will make the biggest impact?
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
01 Sep 2022, 4:28
Adam Radwan: 'Last season was my hardest; I had nothing away from rugby'
Newcastle's flying machine talks fishing with Dean Richards, being released at 18 and his England ambitions
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
28 Aug 2022, 16:40
Franco Smith: 'I chose to go to hard places but Glasgow is different'
Franco Smith's road less travelled has brought him to Glasgow, where he must lift the "gloom" hanging over the Warriors.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
12 Aug 2022, 16:31
Summer Tests: Who would be picked in a World XV right now?
Rugby has been fortunate enough to feast on three weekends of sumptuous top-class Test action, where a select band of players have…
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
19 Jul 2022, 7:36
Ireland on top of the world as they humble All Blacks
The rugby world was turned on its head as Ireland defeated the All Blacks in the Series decider, leaving England to follow suit, w…
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
18 Jul 2022, 10:24
How Evan Roos went from coffee shop tears to Springbok debut
Early last year, Evan Roos was poised to give up rugby. On Saturday, he will become a Springbok. This is his story.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
05 Jul 2022, 9:04
Uncertain England left looking for answers
The Southern Hemisphere are victorious as England yet again flatter to deceive, Ireland are blown away and Scotland are downed by …
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
04 Jul 2022, 7:33
'If I don't perform, my family don't eat': Hacjivah Dayimani's incredible tale
Hacjivah Dayimani's journey from township kid, child labourer and petrol station worker to URC winner.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
29 Jun 2022, 3:25
URC team of the season
The Pro14 is consigned to the history books and the rebranded United Rugby Championship has a heavy South African influence, as ou…
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
21 Jun 2022, 8:46
Premiership final: Sean Maitland's Saracens 'revolution'
Sean Maitland has his eyes on yet another Saracens trophy, but says this Premiership title would mean more than the rest.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
17 Jun 2022, 2:14
Alan Solomons: 'Springboks should stay with New Zealand and Australia'
In a wide-ranging interview, Alan Solomons argues the Springboks should remain in the south, why coaching is becoming more ruthles…
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
16 Jun 2022, 3:32
The rugby world mourns the loss of Phil Bennett
The world of rugby mourns the loss of the iconic Phil Bennett, Saracens and Leicester Tigers book a heavyweight clash at Twickenha…
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
13 Jun 2022, 7:55
Nathan Doak: 'I fell out of love with the game'
Ulster's young sensation Nathan Doak is astonishingly candid on Gary Neville, Tom Brady, and how covid leeched his love of rugby.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
10 Jun 2022, 16:32
Kyle Hatherell: 'We woke up to giraffes on our front lawn'
Kyle Hatherell has endured wildfires and rejection, worked call centre and factory jobs on his road to the Premiership.
Jamie Lyall
07 Jun 2022, 6:47
Premiership play-off draw adds spice to the sparkle
Saracens will face Harlequins in the first of two tasty Premiership play-off games, while Leicester Tigers host a rejuvenated Nort…
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
06 Jun 2022, 7:18
URC play-offs: Magnus Bradbury's last dance
From Dublin to Table Mountain, Magnus Bradbury's Edinburgh career has spanned grave trauma, captaincy controversy and exhilarating…
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
03 Jun 2022, 16:43
La Rochelle's fairy-tale story strikes a blow for the underdog
La Rochelle wrote themselves into the history books with a seismic Champion Cup win to further enhance the reputation of Ronan O'G…
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
30 May 2022, 8:24
What to do about Scotland's player logjam
For the first time ever, Scotland's pro-teams are better resourced than their English rivals. But how can they ensure opportunitie…
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
31 May 2022, 17:44
Cornell du Preez: 'Two people died in the beds next to mine' - from intensive care to Toulon glory
Crazy meetings, intensive care units and giving up Test rugby - Cornell du Preez's journey to the cusp of European glory.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
25 May 2022, 9:13
Smokin' Joe lands knockout punch for Quins
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
23 May 2022, 9:59
Edinburgh and Glasgow contest biggest Scottish derby in years
Two trophies, Champions Cup qualification and inter-city bragging rights are at stake in a colossal Scottish showdown.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
20 May 2022, 3:48
Duncan Taylor: 'I've spent 40% of my career injured' but Saracens star still hungry for glory
Duncan Taylor reckons he's spent 40% of his career injured, but his hunger to keep playing burns bright.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
13 May 2022, 16:41
Is Johnny Sexton set to become Ireland's greatest player?
Johnny Sexton inches up towards the top of Irish greats, Leo Cullen every inch the equal of Stuart Lancaster and Gabin Villiere ma…
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
16 May 2022, 7:13
Henry Arundell announces himself on the world stage
The London Irish wunderkind has caught the attention of Eddie Jones, while Leicester Tigers reach their ceiling against Leinster a…
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
09 May 2022, 8:04
Edinburgh's Ben Vellacott seeks Wasps redemption
Ben Vellacott talks attempted stabbings, impact sub frustration and facing former side Wasps.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
06 May 2022, 4:15
Saracens getting in the groove for trophy hunt
The five-time Premiership Champions served notice against Exeter Chiefs that they won't rest until they get their crown back
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
25 Apr 2022, 13:29
URC breakout stars of the season
RugbyPass Plus selects its breakout stars of the inaugural United Rugby Championship season.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
28 Apr 2022, 13:17
Rugby's next frontier at hand as records tumble and big questions loom
Women's rugby could be the game's next great frontier on a weekend when records fell, losing streaks ended and huge questions were…
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall
02 May 2022, 7:44
Leicester Tigers setting the pace
Freddie Steward leads the English charge as the giants of the game assemble for a no-holds barred battle to be crowned kings of Eu…
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
18 Apr 2022, 6:21
Rivals to tread Care-fully around the dangerous Quins
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
04 Apr 2022, 10:17
George McGuigan: 'My first year at Newcastle was a disaster'
From training-ground stamps to try-scoring fame, George McGuigan talks training-ground stamps, try-scoring records and England omi…
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
01 Apr 2022, 16:00
Six Nations: Team of the championship
Over 15 Tests, hundreds of players thrust themselves into action in front of watching millions but only the peerless 15 could make…
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
22 Mar 2022, 16:11
Six Nations: Controversy and collapse mire Scotland again
After a tame and error-laden Six Nations blighted by another team culture issue, Scotland have more uncomfortable questions to ans…
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
20 Mar 2022, 17:07
Hines' Calcutta Cup of tears
Nathan Hines talks walking out on Scotland, jousting with Eddie Jones and Calcutta Cup joy.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
02 Feb 2022, 5:44
Rugby shows vision to widen its congregation
Rugby returned to terrestrial TV in a boon to domestic rugby and with the Six Nations just days away, rugby is set to return to ce…
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
31 Jan 2022, 6:55
Can Scotland's best squad in a generation rise to the occasion?
Scotland are being talked up by those in the know as serious contenders, a side that England should respect and even fear but hope…
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
04 Feb 2022, 9:36
Six Nations: Scotland dare to dream
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
07 Feb 2022, 10:27
'If we win, I would cry': Paolo Garbisi on fashion, law and England
Paolo Garbisi was 14 when Italy last won a Six Nations match. The fly-half starlet talks fashion, family, France and facing Englan…
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
12 Feb 2022, 3:55
Six Nations: Tuilagi storms back into the Six Nations reckoning
The return of Manu Tuilagi has lifted the spirits of England fans while rugby mourns the passing of Steve Black and fans rage abou…
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
21 Feb 2022, 10:14
England stutter to victory but are still in the Six Nations running
England get the job done after narrowly beating an improving Wales side, while Scotland lick their wounds after a French mauling a…
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
28 Feb 2022, 10:09
Saracens peg back Tigers in the race for the Premiership
Saracens beat the league leaders Leicester, Duhan van der Merwe's red card kicks off social media frenzy and the Welsh regions are…
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
07 Mar 2022, 6:20
Scotland need to arrest Six Nations slide and regain momentum
Gregor Townsend has plenty of raw talent at his disposal yet consistency eludes his Scotland squad and that is a source of great f…
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
12 Mar 2022, 3:45
Six Nations: Charlie Ewels pays the ultimate price to set-up classic encounter
England fade late in a compelling Six Nations clash, Wales give France a mighty fright and Saracens learn to win without their sup…
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
14 Mar 2022, 11:13
Ref Watch: Why 'too picky' Matthew Carley is on to a winner
The business end of the 2022 Six Nations is upon us and it is no coincidence that World Rugby has upped the refereeing ante throug…
Analysis
Paul Smith
13 Mar 2022, 4:59
Six Nations: Marcus Smith sparkles but sterner tests await
The Six Nations delivers on thrills and spills as England and Wales rebound, while only France can win the elusive Grand Slam...
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
14 Feb 2022, 10:26
'I don't say this lightly. He is in the top five young players I've ever coached'
Paul Gustard reflects on his Harlequins exit, and how the Benetton players he coaches can stun England.
Interview
Jamie Lyall
11 Feb 2022, 16:20
The Flying Scotsman
Scotland centurion Sean Lamont talks Mustangs, brotherhood, naked calendars, and Craig Joubert.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
08 Jun 2021, 12:08
Scotland's gloriously ugly Calcutta Cup win must now be backed up
England would be 'going after' Scotland, he said. Could the Scots handle the pressure of being ‘red-hot favourites’, he ponder…
Jamie Lyall
06 Feb 2022, 3:51
Pool noodles, rituals and special forces - meet rugby's lineout king
Simon Hardy has coached many of the world's top hookers using swimming gear, Swiss balls and hype music.
Jamie Lyall
30 Jan 2022, 7:00
Is George Ford primed as a starter or support act?
The 77-cap England fly-half is to be parachuted back into the England squad in the wake of Owen Farrell's injury with a point to p…
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
24 Jan 2022, 9:41
'I had to work nightshift in an Amazon warehouse' - Kyle Rowe, from redundancy to Scotland squad
Kyle Rowe's journey from unwanted winger working nightshift in a warehouse to the Scotland Six Nations squad.
Interview
Jamie Lyall
23 Jan 2022, 3:44
Mother Hibbard
The Dragons hooker opens up about the major influence in his life and career
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
11 Dec 2020, 16:07
'People believe it was a fluke' - Cadan Murley's Harlequins ambition
Cadan Murley talks Premiership glory, army beginnings and house-sharing with Marcus Smith.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
21 Jan 2022, 3:03
Does glory or Groundhog Day beckon for Scotland?
Scotland boast an unprecedented array of talent, but will it be enough to end their brutal championship drought?
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
18 Jan 2022, 9:29
Opportunity knocks for England's shining stars
This week will be make or break for rugby stars up and down the country with squads being named for the Six Nations and a few play…
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
17 Jan 2022, 10:41
Blonde ambition
Faf de Klerk has spent a career confounding critics and his bite around the fringes may trouble the Lions
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
02 Apr 2021, 5:22
'There is a problem with money every tour' - Takulua shares Tongan frustrations
Captain Sonatane Takulua talks meagre wages and the future of Tongan rugby.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
13 Jan 2022, 3:46
'I was laughing as I went on' - Ewan Ashman's remarkable rise
Ewan Ashman talks spectacular debuts, blink-and-you'll-miss-them loan spells and rebuffing England.
Jamie Lyall
13 Jan 2022, 7:22
Wasp bite downs mighty Tigers
A resurgent Wasps upset the form-book and down unbeaten Tigers as the countdown for the Six Nations continues apace
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
10 Jan 2022, 12:03
2021: Review of the year
2021 saw Harlequins rejuvenated, the England Women go unbeaten and the Springboks bludgeon their way to victory. It also saw fans …
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
03 Jan 2022, 6:05
Smith and Fish serve up a festive feast of rugby
Harlequins and Cardiff served up a festive delight while Leicester continued their unbeaten run as European rugby was ravaged by C…
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
20 Dec 2021, 8:44
Dupont is surging towards greatness
Antoine Dupont bewitches the rugby world, Munster marvel agains Wasps and Edinburgh down the mighty Saracens
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
13 Dec 2021, 9:23
'He pointed his gun on my chest' - Van Rensburg's journey from armed robbery to salvation
Armed robbery, bereavement and trauma feature in the remarkable journey of Rohan Janse van Rensburg.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
11 Dec 2021, 15:58
Tigers continue to bare their teeth
Leicester Tigers continue to blaze a trail in the Premiership, while Munster and Cardiff scramble to prepare for Europe after Sout…
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
06 Dec 2021, 9:55
Premiership heavyweights go toe-to-toe
Saracens come out on top in slugfest over Sale, the Samoans put on a sad show at Twickenham and the URC flies in to Covid chaos
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
29 Nov 2021, 7:07
England quicken the pulse but Eddie Jones will not rest on his laurels
The rugby world had its best day since crowds returned as France won hearts, England showed elan and Ireland finally kicked off th…
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
22 Nov 2021, 9:31
Factory to phenomenon: Melani Nanai's emotional voyage
An emotional Melani Nanai talks factory work, family and faith.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
25 Nov 2021, 2:35
World XV of the Autumn Series
As a breathless 2021 draws to a close, RugbyPass selects its international team of the year.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
25 Nov 2021, 9:18
Raffi Quirke: Catch him if you can
Meet Raffi Quirke, Sale's resident barber, budding restaurateur and future England scrum-half.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
18 Sep 2021, 4:24
England's future is in safe hands with Steward
Leicester’s full-back plans to get the Tigers back to the top - and keep his England starting spot
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
29 Aug 2021, 4:46
'He could win 100 caps - he's f***ing talented': Ewan Ashman by those who know him
How Ewan Ashman went from unknown club prospect to Scotland's try-scoring hooker extraordinaire.
Jamie Lyall
11 Nov 2021, 11:22
Rebuilding the fortress
England continue the Wallabies poor run at Twickenham, Courtney Lawes playing the best rugby of his life, Wales searching for big …
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
15 Nov 2021, 11:21
Scotland the braves
The first full round of inter-Hemisphere tests since the 2019 World Cup kicked off with a bang.
FEATURE
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
08 Nov 2021, 11:59
Scotland v Australia: The Murrayfield duel
Sunday's autumn international at Murrayfield pits two cerebral coaches and former Glasgow men against each other.
Jamie Lyall
06 Nov 2021, 5:54
Bath looking to arrest worrying downturn in form
Bath head to Leicester Tigers is a state of disarray, Worcester finally get an all important win and Will Jordan announces himself…
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
01 Nov 2021, 12:28
Gareth Baber talks Fijian hostels, 3am meetings, Olympic gold and Edinburgh
From a 3am near-sacking to Olympic sevens gold, Gareth Baber brings hard-earned Fijian wisdom to his new role at Edinburgh.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
21 Oct 2021, 7:44
'I dreamed of being a farmer': Vaea Fifita's Tongan odyssey
From stark poverty and family strife to the summit of professional rugby, this is Vaea Fifita's story.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
24 Oct 2021, 2:58
Adam Hastings talks initiations, AirBnB and Gloucester's Shed
Adam Hastings is glad he left Glasgow Warriors for the relentless 'pressure' of the Premiership - even if it meant losing his hair…
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
08 Oct 2021, 3:20
Hot Rodd: Sale's dancing prop
Sale and England squad member Bevan Rodd talks scrum anguish, eclectic upbringings and naked dancing.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
03 Oct 2021, 3:11
Sean Robinson: Newcastle's line-out physicist
Sean Robinson never thought he would use his physics degree, love for problem-solving and mathematical aptitude to decipher Gallag…
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
02 Oct 2021, 2:39
The Lions are up and running
The Lions are purring but the spectre of Covid tracks them around South Africa
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
05 Jul 2021, 12:54
Saracens power up
The Basque derby was settled in bonkers fashion as the Premiership campaign ended on a bumper weekend of rugby.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
14 Jun 2021, 8:29
Six Nations: Team of round 2
A capitulation at Twickenham, slugfest in Edinburgh and arm-wrestle in Dublin, who made our XV of Round 2?
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
15 Feb 2021, 8:42
Agony and ecstasy
A modern-day classic in Paris, a humbling in Dublin and a walkover in Edinburgh, the Six Nations finale had it all
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
22 Mar 2021, 10:20
Reasons to be cheerful?
As we enter 2021, there are no guarantees a new year will signal a new dawn.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
01 Jan 2021, 4:59
Set for lift-off
The XV has enlisted experts all over the world to select players they expect to make a big impression in 2021
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
02 Jan 2021, 15:51
Six Nations preview: Italy
The Azzurri are going with youth as they seek their first Six Nations win since 2015
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
05 Feb 2021, 11:36
Six Nations talking points
Against the backdrop of coronavirus angst and bonkers refereeing, the show goes on.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
12 Mar 2021, 5:17
Six Nations preview: Scotland
Can Gregor Townsend make Scotland contenders on the road, to align with their home dominance?
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
04 Feb 2021, 6:58
Laying down a marker
Leinster will be left to take on the power of the Top 14 and English contenders fell by the wayside in Europe
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
12 Apr 2021, 8:38
Premiership final: The key battles
Where might Saturday's mouth-watering Premiership Final be won and lost?
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
25 Jun 2021, 13:03
The miracle of Ashton Gate
An astonishing weekend of rugby featured comebacks, trophies and breathtaking drama
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
21 Jun 2021, 8:30
Rugby reprises the feel-good factor
The Gallagher Premiership form book is ripped up, Scotland’s women upset the form book and Zebo returns
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
27 Sep 2021, 9:00
In with the new
After a grim last season, can Scotland's new-look pro-teams deliver a rousing campaign?
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
23 Sep 2021, 14:11
Montpellier's a winning proposal for Mercer
The former Bath No8 is a man on a mission following his move to France
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
17 Sep 2021, 12:08
Eyes on the prize
A Test match in all but name, the clash with South Africa A has shown the Lions precisely what awaits.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
15 Jul 2021, 7:31
Huw Jones' Harlequins harmony
Huw Jones and Harlequins are a match made in rugby heaven.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
09 Jul 2021, 3:37
England's next generation step-up
Some of England's fresh faces may be coming men, but others have already arrived.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
06 Jul 2021, 10:10
'Lads did get shot. Lads did get killed. Lads did get blown up'
Nineteen-year-old Lewis Bean landed in sprawling Camp Bastion and marvelled at the world he had entered.
Jamie Lyall
04 Jul 2021, 5:20
Harlequins set to sign Scotland centre Huw Jones
Scotland centre Huw Jones is considering a contract offer from newly-crowned Premiership champions Harlequins.
Jamie Lyall
28 Jun 2021, 11:48
'I can promise you, when I went back to the changing room, I destroyed everything'
Romain Poite is as disarmingly honest off the field as he is firm and resolved on it. The public persona – the game face – is …
Jamie Lyall
27 Jun 2021, 3:42
John Hardie's race is run
The Scotland backrow reflects on a career of glory, trauma and fulfilment as he hangs up his boots
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
23 Jun 2021, 4:26
Discarded: Why Jack Cosgrove feels betrayed after a life-changing injury cost him career
Jack Cosgrove can remember sitting on a log in Pontcanna Fields, rain stinging his cheeks as he wondered whether to go home to a l…
Jamie Lyall
19 Jun 2021, 4:28
Lightening the Lood
Sale's giant Springbok talks family, injury, and facing the Lions
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
18 Jun 2021, 16:59
Premiership team of the season
As a madcap campaign draws to a close, The XV selects its team of the season from England's top flight.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
18 Jun 2021, 5:45
The gloves are off
Coaching flare-ups, desperate injuries and Premiership drama featured on a tumultuous weekend's rugby.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
07 Jun 2021, 11:43
The Bear Cub
After sparkling form and an England call-up, Harry Randall had to deal with injury lows but he's back to spearhead a Bears title p…
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
05 Jun 2021, 4:11
Reclaiming their crown
Toulouse and Montpellier were the big winners from a weekend where crowds started to make their presence felt again
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
24 May 2021, 7:52
The biggest game of Charlie Faumuina's life
It is striking to hear Charlie Faumuina, a 50-Test All Black and World Cup winner, a prop who has faced the British and Irish Lion…
Jamie Lyall
21 May 2021, 12:25
'I was living a double life, going to school in one of the rich and fancy suburbs, where I saw things that I could only dream of'
Dillyn Leyds on the prospect of two Cape Town kids from the wrong side of the tracks getting ready for the La Rochelle vs Toulouse…
Jamie Lyall
20 May 2021, 8:03
Strength through pain
Kyle Sinckler's emotive interview stood out on a weekend of sparkling rugby and controversy
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
10 May 2021, 7:23
Laying the myth to rest
Eight Scottish Lions is a deserved return for a side that has shown it can thrive away from Murrayfield
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
09 May 2021, 17:25
The Tongan tornado
Malakai Fekitoa overcame near-permanent disability to reach the pinnacle of world rugby.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
24 Apr 2021, 4:33
'When Gregor spoke to me, I was angry... For me to be denied that opportunity hurts'
Sean Maitland has a smile on his face and a spring in his step as he trots down to breakfast in the Scotland team hotel.
Jamie Lyall
18 Apr 2021, 3:01
'You get your head kicked in by a lot of angry Welshmen, especially having the accent I have'
As lockdown birthdays go, James Lang’s was a howler. The centre spent the first night of his 27th year chasing shadows around Th…
Jamie Lyall
17 Apr 2021, 6:38
Earning the right
Wanted by Scotland and England, Cam Redpath smashed a Calcutta Cup hoodoo on debut. This is his story.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
16 Apr 2021, 13:19
'Rugby is everywhere. You go into a petrol station - people will talk to you about rugby'
The scrutiny on Ulster Rugby is intense; the expectations towering, even for an assistant coach, as that thick Belfast brogue made…
Jamie Lyall
09 Apr 2021, 6:24
Ruling the roost
Sam James isn't chicken about talking up Sale's chances of challenging at the top
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
09 Apr 2021, 4:27
Never give up hope
A scintillating Six Nations, a try-fest in the Premiership and a familiar Pro14 ending, it's all in our weekend wrap
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
29 Mar 2021, 8:49
'I thought it was a p***-take... five clubs were looking for a lock, one was Toulon. I just told him: get me there'
Andy Cramond fetched up on the Cote d’Azur a bundle of nerves, convinced that the most storied club in Europe had made some terr…
Jamie Lyall
25 Mar 2021, 14:18
On a wing and a prayer
Scotland can still party like it's 1999 in France despite missing Sean Maitland
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
24 Mar 2021, 13:33
Why Ben Vellacott is heading north at the third time of asking
For Ben Vellacott, the 2023 World Cup is Everest. But if the electric little scrum-half is to make it out of the foothills, his su…
Jamie Lyall
23 Mar 2021, 15:00
Groundhog Day
More heartbreak and yet more frustration. Will Scotland ever become Six Nations contenders?
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
20 Mar 2021, 5:06
Cockerill on 4-man shortlist for Clermont top job
Edinburgh’s Richard Cockerill is on a four-strong shortlist of candidates to become the next Clermont head coach.
Jamie Lyall
18 Mar 2021, 13:23
'When I told him that Gregor Townsend had called me, my dad was a bit quiet and taken aback'
Little Josh Bayliss clamped himself to his father’s legs and wept, arms straining in the forlorn hope that through sheer will al…
Jamie Lyall
14 Mar 2021, 7:42
Who is Sione Tuipulotu and is he Scotland's next centre?
The Scottish roots of Jaqueline Anne Thomson have given powerful back Sione Tuipulotu a pathway from Japan to Glasgow and maybe Te…
Jamie Lyall
09 Mar 2021, 14:20
The arms race
How do you keep top players in Scotland? And how do you replace the ones who leave? Recruitment supremo Jan McGinity lifts the lid…
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
05 Mar 2021, 8:57
Out in the cold
Can even a rugby nation as rich as England afford to keep ignoring the untapped brilliance on its shores?
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
04 Mar 2021, 7:17
'The PRO14 benefited from the Cheetahs... it was a very shocking thing to have to accept'
A recent Currie Cup and Super Rugby Unlocked winner with the Bulls, Sintu Manjezi is still unhappy over how Cheetahs were treated …
Jamie Lyall
02 Mar 2021, 13:15
Scotland centre Huw Jones to join Bayonne
Scotland centre Huw Jones will leave Glasgow for Top 14 side Bayonne at the end of the season. The 27-year-old's Warriors contract…
Jamie Lyall
26 Feb 2021, 3:54
Thrill seekers
Welsh enigma, Sinners become Saints, Ireland's redemption man, Munster's old dog for the hard road
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
22 Feb 2021, 10:03
'I can't sulk or be upset. Gregor and I have been in contact and he's told me what I need to do'
In a year of chicanes, Rory Hutchinson began the new season injured, spent much of the middle chunk negotiating a Covid-19 outbrea…
Jamie Lyall
21 Feb 2021, 6:54
'Us jackalers have to firstly accept that we're going to be on the end of massive collisions, probably higher than anything else in the game'
“I feel like I’m 35,” laughs 24-year-old Will Evans, as he enters the Zoom meeting with a spectacular shiner around his left…
Jamie Lyall
18 Feb 2021, 15:13
'How can I put this? Every time that I tried something different, he had a counter'
Boan Venter .spent Valentine’s Day alone in self-isolation half the world away from his fiancée. Holed up in the plush Edinburg…
Jamie Lyall
18 Feb 2021, 8:36
'Montpellier have all the money in the world, they can get close to success, but it was guys collecting paycheques'
In an Auckland hotel bed, Nic White stirred and reached for his mobile phone. The screen illuminated, displaying a slew of missed …
Jamie Lyall
14 Feb 2021, 3:09
Tables Turned
George Turner began the season as Scotland's third-choice hooker. He started 2021 by conquering Twickenham. This is his story.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
12 Feb 2021, 5:37
Scotland's madcap, glorious truth? This was no heist
At the end of it all, rain lashing at his brow and pride erupting in his heart, Stuart Hogg sank to his haunches and stared into t…
Jamie Lyall
07 Feb 2021, 5:10
The cup of hope
Scottish rugby history is littered with false dawns. Is the perennial Six Nations optimism merited, or does yet more agony beckon?
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
05 Feb 2021, 10:25
'That was bad, really bad. He turned me inside out, I got an absolute spanking'
John Afoa can still feel the tension coursing through his teenage body on that cold night in Pukekohe in 2002.
Jamie Lyall
29 Jan 2021, 5:55
Building the dynasty
Brendan Venter helped spawn the careers of some of English rugby's sharpest coaches. This is his dynasty.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
27 Jan 2021, 9:10
'They felt it would be best to amputate my leg' - Bobby de Wee and the 'shark attack'
Bobby de Wee likes to tell people that the vivid scar running from his left hip to his knee is the legacy of a childhood shark att…
Jamie Lyall
25 Jan 2021, 14:07
The 6 foot 8 flyhalf who went from Loughborough's 5ths to the engine room of Toulouse
For two hours at a time, twice a day, Thibaud Flament sits inside the hyperbaric chamber in a Toulouse hospital, oxygen mask strap…
Jamie Lyall
24 Jan 2021, 3:26
From lost boy to libert
Kurtley Beale has charted a turbulent path from troubled wonderkid and rehab patient to joyous Racing 92 galactico.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
24 Jan 2021, 4:00
Winners and losers from Scotland's 35-man Six Nations squad
It is typically hard to predict a Gregor Townsend squad and even harder to guess how Scotland will fare this spring, as they look …
Jamie Lyall
21 Jan 2021, 5:54
'All I ever wanted to do was be an All Black. And then it all gets taken away'
There were more than 36,000 souls teeming inside Suncorp Stadium on 13 May 2012, but slumped deep in the innards of the ground, Ri…
Jamie Lyall
18 Jan 2021, 14:40
'I remember justifying it to myself, but it was all just lies so I could eat Deliveroo and burgers'
Just get to the breakdown, Scott Steele would tell himself, as his lungs burned and his thighs screamed and his breath rasped in g…
Jamie Lyall
17 Jan 2021, 3:53
Escaping the straitjacket
With his bright dreadlocks and custom boots, Paolo Odogwu is a splash of colour in an often-grey sport.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
14 Jan 2021, 7:42
'There are frustrations, definitely': Nakarawa finally ready to play for Glasgow after 11 months absence
Amid fears their marquee acquisition has been proved a highly expensive mistake, Glasgow want to see Leone Nakarawa quickly find b…
Jamie Lyall
13 Jan 2021, 4:05
Catch me if you can
Randall admiration, Six Nations fears, Falcons march on, flying ref sees red, Ospreys renaissance, Irish elite
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
11 Jan 2021, 6:29
'I grew up in a house with no internet. I didn't really know a whole lot about rugby'
After an avalanche of paperwork and form-filling, the Kalamafoni family - the Scarlets number eight, his wife and three young chil…
Jamie Lyall
10 Jan 2021, 7:34
'There were a number of clubs interested. We got to quite far down the line with discussions'
In these strained days of seemingly relentless bleak news for Scottish rugby, the retention of Hamish Watson by Edinburgh is a tim…
Jamie Lyall
10 Jan 2021, 2:54
Loyalty and legacy
England's new tyro talks LeBron James, Eddie Jones and making an indelible footprint.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
09 Jan 2021, 3:34
'I knew I needed to get out of there' - Jamie Bhatti on why he simply had to leave Edinburgh
Jamie Bhatti was two reps into the dreaded bronco test, a hideous assortment of sprints that is rugby’s universal fitness benchm…
Jamie Lyall
27 Dec 2020, 13:28
Soldiering on
The second weekend of Champions Cup action brought Covid chaos, comebacks and Christmas cheer
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
22 Dec 2020, 2:48
The hardest Yarde
Campaigner, crusader, winger, Marland Yarde is a voice for change in rugby.
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
15 Dec 2020, 11:36
Adam Hastings to sign for Gloucester
Adam Hastings is set to become the next Scotland star to leave Glasgow Warriors after agreeing a move to Gloucester next season.
Jamie Lyall
14 Dec 2020, 14:51
'Having played the game for a few years doesn't make you a good coach' - Brock James on resharpening Ospreys' attacking talons
The former Clermont out-half is looking forward to his latest coaching challenge having signed a three-year deal in Swansea.
Jamie Lyall
09 Dec 2020, 12:47
For Robbie Fergusson, vomiting on the pitch was the final straw that gave way to a cancer diagnosis at 20
Robbie Fergusson drifted out of the GP surgery utterly stupefied, as though the entire Melrose pack had just trampled over the top…
Jamie Lyall
08 Dec 2020, 14:13
'Some of my mates were like, 'Chill out, man, what are you doing?' But I didn't care'
Juan de Jongh tells a story about the Olympic village, a smartphone and Serena Williams.
There he was, at the heart of the acti…
Jamie Lyall
06 Dec 2020, 4:35
'In the moment, I didn't even know the hit was illegal... the physio and medic said just to stay down'
Twenty-year-old Andre Esterhuizen sat in Jake White’s office as the world champion coach peered over his spectacles and delivere…
Jamie Lyall
28 Nov 2020, 5:36
'In my head I thought, s***, we are going to beat them, we are actually going to beat the Boks"
What does it mean to become naturalised? How does it feel to embed oneself so deeply in another country that when you sport its em…
Jamie Lyall
27 Nov 2020, 13:12
'Our history is just war, and trying to survive around big countries when you are small. It is our blood'
Beka Gorgadze has not been home to Georgia for nearly six months now, kept away from his doting mother on the outskirts of Tbilisi…
Jamie Lyall
26 Nov 2020, 14:34
The hurt locker
Thibault Giroud has applied sports science to make France one of the world's most durable teams
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
21 Nov 2020, 13:17
The vacant Scotland Number 8 throne and the five that would be king
To complete the back-row trident, Scotland need a number 8 to make the position his own.
Jamie Lyall
21 Nov 2020, 2:55
'He wants a massive pack of forwards that just wants to f*** everybody up. That's a legacy you can leave behind'
Ferreira was nine when his mother died in a car crash. His parents were separated by then. Father Kiewiet worked brutal hours on t…
Jamie Lyall
15 Nov 2020, 3:08
Why Scottish rugby is in a very different place a year on from arguably the nation's most humiliating defeat in Yokohama
Scottish rugby has long done a fine line in false dawns and shootings stars, had its quest for sustained glory dashed more often t…
Jamie Lyall
13 Nov 2020, 6:41
Hunger games
Jake Polledri is building a fearsome reputation as a ball-carrier and is Italy's new totem
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
08 Nov 2020, 16:14
Cowboy boots
Gopperth is the sheriff in town as Wasps prepare for final showdown
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
21 Oct 2020, 12:49
The pain game
Dave Ewers has overcome eviction, injuries and self-doubt to be on the cusp of glory
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
17 Oct 2020, 3:26
Family guy
Imhoff is a father figure for Racing's band of brothers in Champions Cup showpiece
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
16 Oct 2020, 14:38
Culture vulture
Townsend channels Fergie and Pep to get a team-first ethos with Scotland
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
13 Oct 2020, 12:49
'I've certainly reflected on the events and what I could have done better with Finn'
It wasn’t quite Roy Keane and Mick McCarthy in the cloying Saipan heat, but the Finn Russell dispute wasn't easy for Scotland bo…
Jamie Lyall
13 Oct 2020, 5:14
'You go from being furloughed, questioning what you're doing with your life, to training against those boys - it was awesome'
Robin Hislop was at a loose end when Saracens came calling, offering the Doncaster prop six weeks he will remember fondly for the …
Jamie Lyall
11 Oct 2020, 5:01
Winners and losers from Gregor Townsend's Scotland squad announcement
Two newly-eligible South Africans make the cut in a 40-man group which contains plenty of talking points ahead of the autumn inter…
Jamie Lyall
12 Oct 2020, 13:02
Mind games
Racing 92 attack coach Mike Prendergast explains Finn Russell's modus operandi
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
06 Oct 2020, 13:54
Rarely has there been a more appetising time to be a young PRO14 player in Scotland
Edinburgh and Glasgow arrive into the new PRO14 campaign after contrasting fortunes last season, but both will now look to give yo…
Jamie Lyall
03 Oct 2020, 4:18
'It's so unfair, they are throwing us out of the bus'
Harold Verster vows to fight fire with fire after Cheetahs were unceremoniously kicked out of the PRO14 by an SA Rugby vote on Tue…
Jamie Lyall
01 Oct 2020, 10:06
The forgotten man
Once heralded a superstar, Huw Jones saw his stock plummet but his self-belief has never waned
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
30 Sep 2020, 9:30
The plan to turn Fiji into a team that 'consistently beats tier one nations'
New Fiji assistant Daryl Gibson will always cherish the people of Glasgow, the tsunami of love and support he felt across Scotland…
Jamie Lyall
27 Sep 2020, 4:12
'We could name hundreds of coaches - Jose Mourinho, Steve Hansen, Eddie Jones - who have coached higher than they played'
Finished as a player at the age of 25, new Glasgow boss Danny Wilson has had to work hard all the way through his coaching career …
Jamie Lyall
26 Sep 2020, 3:37
'After almost 10 months straight of rugby, I blew out... but I'm down to 146kgs today'
Ben Tameifuna landed himself in hot water with Racing after the World Cup but he now has his weight under control at new club Bord…
Jamie Lyall
20 Sep 2020, 3:40
Edinburgh can't afford a repeat in France having 's**t the bed' against Ulster
The recent defeat to Ulster was the fourth knockout stage Edinburgh defeat on Richard Cockerill’s watch, a habit that must be br…
Jamie Lyall
18 Sep 2020, 14:23
'In spite of everything the past turbulent year, Saracens is a club that does a lot of stuff right'
Now coaching at Glasgow, Kelly Brown has nothing but a fondness for Saracens despite a turbulent year that has seen them relegated…
Jamie Lyall
18 Sep 2020, 4:37
Embracing the chaos
The Scotland captaincy and domestic stability have left Stuart Hogg re-energised at Exeter
FEATURE
Jamie Lyall
18 Sep 2020, 3:20
'I've read somewhere that I can curl 80kg; I'm not sure anyone alive can do that. But the truth is...'' - Etzebeth
There is a great Eben Etzebeth fable, enshrined in rugby legend, that feeds the narrative of physical freakery and rampant aggress…
Jamie Lyall
13 Sep 2020, 6:16
'I felt really frustrated and angry and there was many a sleepless night'
The career of Scotland international Adam Ashe withered under Dave Rennie at Glasgow, but the now free agent isn't holding a grudg…
Jamie Lyall
10 Sep 2020, 14:16
'We've got to sharpen ourselves up... we're a bit frightened about upsetting English clubs'
Alan Tait identified some gems for the Scotland rugby set-up during his time as an SRU scout, but he is worried about shortcomings…
Jamie Lyall
09 Sep 2020, 14:14
'Fraser Brown can think what he wants - he's on holiday'
Edinburgh boss Richard Cockerill has been good value in the lead-up to their first PRO14 semi-final appearance, a match they shoul…
Jamie Lyall
04 Sep 2020, 10:40
'I've had about 6 concussions but the one at Murrayfield really knocked me around - that was the one I struggled to come back from'
Blade Thomson encountered a whole cocktail of bad things in late 2018, including concussion which delayed his Scotland debut and n…
Jamie Lyall
30 Aug 2020, 5:06
They seem an incongruous old match, the pugnacious, bull-headed Englishman and the decaying Scottish pro team - but they have hit it off spectacularly
Edinburgh looked like a fix-up-and-quickly-flip chance for Richard Cockerill to re-establish his credentials rather than a club he…
Jamie Lyall
27 Aug 2020, 14:38
Nadolo can't wait to form 39-stone partnership with Tuilagi
Nemani Nadolo gets bashful when asked about wiring money to his Pacific Island brethren, as though taking credit for acts of kindn…
Jamie Lyall
25 Mar 2020, 7:38
There are reservations about some Cockerill methods, but this is Edinburgh's chance to turn PRO14 promise into substance
Richard Cockerill inherited a disparate and unreliable squad with little discernible culture but winning PRO14 derbies will see Ed…
Jamie Lyall
22 Aug 2020, 5:22
'I was going from 3 Tramadol pills a day to 9 a day, within a week'
Having grown up seeing his father battle heroin addiction, Grayson Hart is now in the painkilling CBD business which is popular wi…
Jamie Lyall
20 Aug 2020, 13:21
'I am a bit worried, to be fair...There just aren't the numbers now in terms of boys actually playing'
Eight months ago, Darcy Graham ripped Glasgow apart, his searing double at Murrayfield ensuring Edinburgh seized an 1872 Cup victo…
Jamie Lyall
16 Aug 2020, 4:27
Fans and journalists don't rate him, but this Scottish 'nobody' hasn't given up on winning them over
Chris Harris sputters into view on the screen sporting what might best be described as a divot in his forehead, as though Bryson D…
Jamie Lyall
15 Aug 2020, 5:51
The 6'8, 120kg Scottish qualified, Nigerian lock unearthed in SA but who's now caught Edinburgh's eye
When Olujare Oguntibeju played his first game of rugby, only around 18 months ago, he was so perplexed at stealing an opposition l…
Jamie Lyall
09 Aug 2020, 5:45
'It always felt like we were trying to catch up with Glasgow... we did not play the most exciting style at times'
After almost a decade of service to Edinburgh, making 125 appearances and playing under four head coaches, Dougie Fife is ready to…
Jamie Lyall
09 Aug 2020, 3:23
The Scottish cast-off coming up hard in New Zealand rugby
Hamilton Burr was sweeping up leaves on a stud farm in Waikato, carefully tip-toeing past mares he reckoned to be “worth more th…
Jamie Lyall
02 Aug 2020, 5:16
The extraordinary mental torment of Matt Smith: 'I'd always have thoughts of chucking myself... it got really bad at times'
Matt Smith endured harrowing thoughts of killing himself but the retired 23-year-old Glasgow forward is now at peace with a career…
Jamie Lyall
28 Jul 2020, 14:39
The first great casualty of rugby's new world order
Like prime Aston Martins flying out of the showroom, the finest Argentinean players have left Buenos Aires in waves these past few…
Jamie Lyall
26 Jul 2020, 13:57
'There was a stigma that if you weren't in a top Premiership club you weren't going to play for England'
Having made an England Test debut as a 19-year-old in 2018, the Ted Hill has now the youngest-ever captain at Worcester, his ambit…
Jamie Lyall
26 Jul 2020, 4:40
'It was a no-brainer': Ex-Bok Lionel Mapoe on startling shift from Top 14 to France's third tier Nicois
Capped by South Africa as lately as August 2018, Lionel Mapoe, the double Currie Cup champion and three-time Super Rugby finalist,…
Jamie Lyall
16 Jul 2020, 12:45
The ex-player injury study that has shocked ex-England back Jon Sleightholme into action 17 years after retirement
Jon Sleightholme was one of over 250 retired rugby union and league players who took part in an independent Durham University stud…
Jamie Lyall
16 Jul 2020, 12:31
'My mental health took a hit, I was so focused on filling the so-called boots of Cipriani'
Stung by the criticism he has faced in England, Lima Sopoaga opens up to RugbyPass about how he hated the game for a lot of his fi…
Jamie Lyall
12 Jul 2020, 3:54
Powered by family, freedom and square sausage, an injury-free Richie Gray is a tantalising Scotland prospect again
After eight seasons away - 7 in France, 1 in England - Richie Gray has settled back in life in Glasgow with renewed ambitions of r…
Jamie Lyall
11 Jul 2020, 3:48
'I guarantee there are two or three Darcy Grahams running about the streets of Hawick... the talent is still there'
Thirteen years after Border Reivers were disbanded, Rob Moffat has pitched up at Melrose determined to put the Borders area back o…
Jamie Lyall
09 Jul 2020, 12:30
There's a burgeoning hostility towards Warren Gatland in Scotland
There’s a popular theory in Scotland that Gatland has it in for their players, that he harbours a great bias against them and an…
Jamie Lyall
05 Jul 2020, 8:53
'Glasgow play a very fast, attacking brand of rugby. We want to keep that going'
New head coach Danny Wilson says he wants to bring a little more calmness to the Warriors as well as an improved defence.
Jamie Lyall
01 Jul 2020, 17:00
'I literally said to him, 'whatever money you have left in the budget, give me an offer''
When Matt Scott told his wife that Leicester Tigers had offered him a contract, bringing four months of gnawing uncertainty to an …
Jamie Lyall
28 Jun 2020, 3:10
'The first couple of weeks, he didn't really say much. Until he'd played a game'
Scott Murray: "Ma’a Nonu could make what he makes here in a month in France easily. The money isn’t brilliant."
Jamie Lyall
27 Jun 2020, 12:23
There is a danger Glasgow is seen as a retirement home for fondly remembered veterans, but Nakarawa remains a unique game-breaking weapon
The Fijian's contract extension doesn’t fix all of the problems at Glasgow, but another year of prime Leone Nakarawa is an exhil…
Jamie Lyall
24 Jun 2020, 13:41
'We can't spend £400,000 on a decent-level Super Rugby player. To me, that's crazy'
Jason O’Halloran’s departure will not be mourned in Glasgow as long and loud as those of Finn Russell, Stuart Hogg or Jonny Gr…
Jamie Lyall
21 Jun 2020, 4:10
Ex-All Black Tuitupou issues damning Pasifika assessment: 'Some Island teams go through coaches like rugby jerseys'
Having set up his own ProFifteen agency, Sam Tuitupou, the ex-All Blacks midfielder of Tongan descent, is demanding better Pasifik…
Jamie Lyall
26 May 2020, 14:10
'The worst thing you can do is become a victim because to be honest, no-one cares'
As a pupil back at Maritzburg College, Jesse Kriel would sneak into the gym at night, keeping the lights off to avoid alerting any…
Jamie Lyall
24 May 2020, 13:18
From starting against the All Blacks to rugby's scrap heap in just 24 months: the rise and fall of Darryl Marfo
In two years, Darryl Marfo went from starting for Scotland against the All Blacks to fourth-choice loosehead at Edinburgh and he…
Jamie Lyall
24 May 2020, 4:52
'I've never told this story before - I don't even think my Mrs knows'
As a little boy, Joseph Dweba would beg his parents for rugby boots, pleading for the most basic, mundane essentials that his frie…
Jamie Lyall
18 May 2020, 14:48
'Mum, I'm ok, but I've just been diagnosed with cancer - it's in my neck'
It wasn’t the hours of chemotherapy, the violent retching, the exhaustion, or the mental trauma of tackling Hodgkin’s Lymphoma…
Jamie Lyall
17 May 2020, 9:51
The ex-Scotland centre who wants to swap running down English channels for swimming one
Alex Grove won just three Scotland caps in a brief Test career but stubbornness instilled by his football star grandfather sees hi…
Jamie Lyall
10 May 2020, 3:10
'We made a mistake... I've apologised to the club and I apologise to the wider public too'
Apologetic for flouting social distancing restrictions this week, Sean Maitland tells RugbyPass his reasons for staying with Champ…
Jamie Lyall
08 May 2020, 5:36
'People can't say that northern hemisphere rugby is s***… it will be good for South Africa to go north'
With a second RWC winners’ medal in his pocket, Frans Steyn is trading the Top 14 for the PRO14 and believes his country's rugby…
Jamie Lyall
05 May 2020, 14:21
'I can't specify what happened but there were talks that if something didn't change, the players were going to have to do something'
These are brutal times for the free agent, particularly a back row the wrong side of 30, but sickness has taught Nasi Manu to cher…
Jamie Lyall
02 May 2020, 14:58
'I was on the sideline going, f***, I only retired a year-and-a-half ago and this is ridiculous'
Before we get to the savagery of modern rugby, life in France and with Scotland and the years of graft under the brilliant Vern Co…
Jamie Lyall
30 Apr 2020, 15:11
Many fans feel deflated at Danny Wilson's appointment. They shouldn't
The perception is that with Dave Rennie leaving and Wilson already on the payroll, Scottish Rugby have taken the cheapest route, n…
Jamie Lyall
26 Apr 2020, 11:35
The unimaginable personal tragedy that nearly ended the fledgling career of Jordan Venter
Fifteen-year-old Jordan Venter was dozing on the back seat when the car carrying his mother, stepfather and two stepbrothers was s…
Jamie Lyall
19 Apr 2020, 14:02
Leaving Bath was '100 per cent the best decision I have ever made'
There is nothing wrong with Nick Abendanon's 33-year-old body, but the financial chaos caused by the pandemic means retirement rat…
Jamie Lyall
19 Apr 2020, 5:30
How the 'rugby bubble' very nearly destroyed Graeme Morrison
Graeme Morrison sat listless and tortured in his parents’ Hong Kong apartment, gazing out of the open balcony doors and contempl…
Jamie Lyall
12 Apr 2020, 8:57
On the Brink: 'Freak accident' won't slow Leicester Tigers new backrow brute
Cyle Brink is an obsessive, unabashed adrenaline junkie. As a kid in Johannesburg, he would soup up cars and tear around the bush …
Jamie Lyall
09 Apr 2020, 6:13
'It was just pure, sheer devastation' - How Sam Skinner dealt with the worst news of his career
In the office of Britain’s top hamstring surgeon, the news struck Sam Skinner harder than any opponent, a double-dose of reality…
Jamie Lyall
03 Apr 2020, 4:57
'Nah, that's not him, this is not our guy. This guy is small and fat'
Loni Uhila’s mighty knees trembled as he walked through the door of his family home and came face to face with the father who ha…
Jamie Lyall
01 Apr 2020, 14:38
'If we don't stop the online idiocy, we're going to end up with broken players and a grossly diminished game'
There’s a pretty obvious line between performance critique and outright malevolence... players don’t need 52-year-old Dave fro…
Jamie Lyall
24 Mar 2020, 13:05
'I just gave him a wee pop to the balls… I might need to be a bit careful after all this Joe Marler stuff'
Edinburgh’s Luke Crosbie didn’t have access to lavish rugby school facilities growing up but his work ethic, which would make …
Jamie Lyall
17 Mar 2020, 14:11
'There was a losing culture. There are blokes that won't say that, but that was the truth
Dan Parks is talking about his great “reincarnation” as a Scotland player, the mortifying and largely self-inflicted collapse …
Jamie Lyall
13 Mar 2020, 7:01
Brink heads to the Premiership following immediate-effect release from Super Rugby's Lions
The powerful 26-year-old is currently working his way back to fitness following a ruptured Achilles tendon and is not expected to …
Jamie Lyall
10 Mar 2020, 8:47
'These are the kind of nasty, confrontational blokes Scotland need'
The Scottish pack were at the heart of a rousing afternoon… Jamie Ritchie and Hamish Watson hunted and scavenged like wild dogs,…
Jamie Lyall
10 Mar 2020, 7:52
'I've gone from Harlequins to Racing to Lyon to Exeter - four incredible top teams - when I could have been stuck at Scarlets playing for Llandovery'
Sam Hidalgo-Clyne's odyssey of loans, medical joker contracts and short-term deals was a voyage he willingly embraced in a bold qu…
Jamie Lyall
03 Mar 2020, 8:15
Forget talks of war, this seismic Calcutta Cup battle doesn't need hyping
Last Friday, Eddie Jones spoke about the visceral bludgeoning England would visit upon a callow France, the “absolute brutality…
Jamie Lyall
07 Feb 2020, 13:55
Scotland find another new way to lose, but the future looks bright
While Saturday's defeat to Ireland may feel like a missed opportunity, it could be the starting point for a heartening Six Nations…
Jamie Lyall
03 Feb 2020, 11:26
Everything is against this Scotland team... and best not mention Finn Russell
The grim business of the Finn Russell affair, the Scotland fulcrum’s murky exit from the Six Nations camp and the messy hullabal…
Jamie Lyall
30 Jan 2020, 10:03
Is Finn Russell's absence merely laddish exuberance gone too far, or is something more sinister at play?
Doing without the star out-half for any length of time is incredibly damaging to Scotland and Gregor Townsend... nobody comes out …
Jamie Lyall
28 Jan 2020, 14:40
15 for 10: Edinburgh - an all-decade XV
The past decade has seen the Scottish club shifting from extreme to extreme and back again - and they now appear to be going place…
Jamie Lyall
09 Jan 2020, 14:01
15 for 10: Glasgow Warriors - an all-decade team
The latest instalment in the decade-ending RugbyPass 15 for 10 series takes a look at Glasgow Warriors over the past ten years and…
Jamie Lyall
07 Jan 2020, 10:13
'Scotland punches above its weight... we do a lot better than people realise or understand'
Having coached for club and country, the Australia-bound Matt Taylor knows the Scottish game inside out... here is his to-do list …
Jamie Lyall
03 Jan 2020, 9:12
Glasgow Warriors' slow, distressing drift away from rugby's top table
Like great performers leaving the stage one by one, the eye-watering list of Glasgow departures grows by the season.
Jamie Lyall
02 Jan 2020, 12:26
Another Scottish international leaving Glasgow Warriors? Possible exit for Nick Grigg
Glasgow could be set to lose another Scotland international with clubs across Europe and in Japan chasing the signature of centre …
Jamie Lyall
02 Jan 2020, 7:12
'Do I f***' - Scottish prop doesn't regret ignoring injury that left him in wheelchair
Rory Sutherland, a great, hulking brute of a prop, lay in bed as helpless as an upturned beetle. There he would fester each mornin…
Jamie Lyall
23 Dec 2019, 3:19
Nakarawa will return to rugby in a matter of weeks
Glasgow Warriors hope Leone Nakarawa will be available for their Pro14 fixture against Benetton on 4 January as the Fiji lock near…
Jamie Lyall
19 Dec 2019, 4:34
'I think he is actually developing as a player. I'm seeing improvement in most areas of his game'
Rob Baxter believes Stuart Hogg could be the missing link in Exeter Chiefs’ quest to break new ground in the European Champions …
Jamie Lyall
09 Dec 2019, 11:05
'Joke! Joke, joke, joke' - Diamond post-match gag might land him in hot water with EPCR
In barely six minutes holding court in the Sale Sharks media lounge, Steve Diamond delivered a caustic savaging of teams who rest …
Jamie Lyall
09 Dec 2019, 4:32
'I knew nothing about Edinburgh. I didn't even know it was in Scotland. I'd never really heard of it'
Duhan van der Merwe's European geography was of no help when an email from Richard Cockerill arrived in 2017, but the South Africa…
Jamie Lyall
06 Dec 2019, 4:45
'Non-selection was the hardest...He just said, 'You're in a competitive position''
Alex Dunbar doesn’t enjoy looking back – not after the year he’s had, not after the hardship he’s endured.
Jamie Lyall
02 Dec 2019, 3:23
Glasgow fans can only feel shortchanged at the sight of Stuart Hogg lining up against them on Saturday
Less than a handful of games into his stint at Exeter, the Scotland international is poised to quickly remind the Warriors exactly…
Jamie Lyall
22 Nov 2019, 9:38
'Mate, has your manager not spoken to you? We've terminated your contract' - the harrowing rugby journey of Ratu Tagive
Ratu Tagive walked into the office of the Adina Hotel in Canberra, picked up the phone to his mother and began to weep.
Jamie Lyall
21 Nov 2019, 8:34
After goading Sale wing, ex-teammate not beyond targeting Stuart Hogg's hair line
On Saturday, Glasgow Warriors will come up against one of their greatest heroes, a man who enjoyed near-god-like status during his…
Jamie Lyall
18 Nov 2019, 3:49
A tale of two very different rugby teams set on one bruising collision course
Two clubs set on very different narrative trajectories will slug it out today. Jamie Lyall previews Glasgow Warriors versus Sale S…
Jamie Lyall
16 Nov 2019, 4:53
'Siya got hit in the mouth at school and was bleeding... I just remember him bouncing guys and carrying on'
Edinburgh's Mike Willemse has never forgotten his first encounter as a 14-year-old with Siya Kolisi... he was utterly transfixed b…
Jamie Lyall
14 Nov 2019, 12:50
Selecting the next man in at Glasgow will be a task of seismic importance for SRU
All the indications are that Dave Rennie will be leaving Glasgow at the end of this season, creating a vacancy that the SRU must w…
Jamie Lyall
08 Nov 2019, 11:51
'My first few games at Bath, I didn't really know how to play rugby'
Over five years ago, in his early days at the storied old Recreation Ground, a teenage Adam Hastings
felt like a little boy in a …
Jamie Lyall
06 Nov 2019, 12:03
'Following the herd doesn't cut the mustard, every team's got the opportunity to be unique'
As the director at Kobelco Steelers, former All Blacks assistant Wayne Smith has got his finger on the pulse as to why rugby in Ja…
Jamie Lyall
19 Oct 2019, 12:55
'I understand the criticism... there is a very proud patriotism here' - Aussie Nick Haining on targeting Test rugby with Scotland
Nick Haining never imagined his career turning out the way it has, going from the Western Force scrapheap to arriving at Edinburgh…
Jamie Lyall
25 Sep 2019, 14:06
'Limp, timid garbage' - abject Scotland save worst game for rugby's biggest occasion
In his post-match media conference, Gregor Townsend spoke with weary frustration about the horrors of what he had just witnessed, …
Jamie Lyall
23 Sep 2019, 2:41
'All the yahooing, patting the opposition on the head, that's complete rubbish... it's just not in the values or spirit of the game'
Eight years since guiding the All Blacks to World Cup glory, Graham Henry is concerned with gamesmanship and mental health issues …
Jamie Lyall
19 Sep 2019, 3:53
'My old man was keen for me to go and play for Samoa, but he knew it wasn't for the best'
Glasgow-bound Aki Seiuli is a destructive prop who was courted by Samoa but after an injury-hit 2019, he felt it best to recuperat…
Jamie Lyall
18 Sep 2019, 4:50
Georgian anthem balls-up can't mask the inexorable rise of Scotland's new rapier
As World Cup send-offs go, this was sound enough, a comprehensive Scotland victory over a tricky opponent, some wonderful tries to…
Jamie Lyall
07 Sep 2019, 11:09
Forget the tedious unveiling ceremony... Scotland's RWC squad was their most fiercely contested selection of the professional era
Ignore Tuesday's tedious unveiling ceremony in the Edinburgh rain... the job Gregor Townsend had in deciding Scotland's World Cup …
Jamie Lyall
04 Sep 2019, 6:12
'They were big animals. Buck Shelford, you didn't see men like him. Michael Jones, the Whetton brothers, they were f***ing ferocious'
Scotland's Alan Tait recalls how very different the World Cup was when launched in 1987: 'Your team room in the hotel had two frid…
Jamie Lyall
31 Aug 2019, 15:45
Moriarty: We dominated England physically
Wales physically dominated England in Saturday’s World Cup warm-up victory, says back-row Ross Moriarty.
Jamie Lyall
17 Aug 2019, 13:55
Welcome back Duncan Taylor, a creature so rare that fans must be wondering if he exists at all
Not since 2017 has Duncan Taylor worn a Scotland jersey, so watching him walk out in France next Saturday night will be like seein…
Jamie Lyall
15 Aug 2019, 15:19
'The thinking from some people who run the game is a bit blurred - they say certain things, but their actions are different'
Set to bow out from Georgia at the end of RWC, Milton Haig predicts a bright future for the eastern Europeans if World Rugby gives…
Jamie Lyall
14 Aug 2019, 15:32
Deon Davids' compelling insight into Southern Kings' chaos and why there aren't many coaches of colour at pro level in South Africa
After four years Deon Davids has stepped away from the chaos that exists at PRO14's Southern Kings, but his attempt to secure anot…
Jamie Lyall
30 Jul 2019, 14:05
Why Ben Vellacott put his England Qualified Player status ahead of representing Scotland
Ben Vellacott is a Scottish age-grade international Gregor Townsend took an interest in, but safeguarding a club career in England…
Jamie Lyall
23 Jul 2019, 14:50
'Sorry for the language, but I ****ed everyone up. I tackled the ***t out of everyone'
Cornal Hendricks’ insatiable desire to succeed has seen him beat desperate poverty and crime, a heart problem, the loss of his l…
Jamie Lyall
13 Jul 2019, 4:27
Josh Strauss to exit Sale Sharks contract a year early to sign for the Bulls
Scotland back-row Josh Strauss has agreed to join the Bulls and will leave Sale Sharks with a year left on his contract at the clu…
Jamie Lyall
14 Jul 2019, 17:25
'Guys are out of jobs' - Rugby agent details the brutal decisions facing players as the market implodes
There is a World Cup thundering down the tracks and rugby has never been more box-office, yet seldom has the life of the rugby age…
Jamie Lyall
08 Jul 2019, 13:40
'Not to take a stab at Super Rugby... but it seems to me the best players in the world are playing in Europe'
A stint in the Premiership at Northampton cultivated Nic Groom's preference for all things European and he can't wait to get back …
Jamie Lyall
27 Jun 2019, 15:13
Scottish club poised to snap up Kwagga Smith on a short-term deal
Kwagga Smith still has hopes he can make South Africa's World Cup squad, but he has a PRO14 plan B if that RWC selection doesn't m…
Jamie Lyall
23 Jun 2019, 6:42
It's rotten luck Glasgow will be up close and personal with Exeter's first real 'statement' signing
It's only now with the recent departed Stuart Hogg booked in for a Scotstoun return with Exeter that the mountain Glasgow have to …
Jamie Lyall
20 Jun 2019, 15:04
'I thought he was going to shake my hand... he headbutted me'
Luke Hamilton's eventful career is opening a new chapter in Japan, but he goes there worried about the long-term damage rugby migh…
Jamie Lyall
15 Jun 2019, 17:20
Is there an anti-Scottish agenda festering among Lions hierarchy, or is Gatland within his rights to ignore them?
Not since Tom Smith started 18 years ago have Scotland had a Lions Test starter and breaking that cycle will be difficult with War…
Jamie Lyall
13 Jun 2019, 14:57
'We were maybe a wee bit flash at times... we were just a bit soft'
Glasgow Warriors are charting the same rise that led to their only Pro12 title win of 2015, believe Pete Horne and Ryan Wilson.
Jamie Lyall
26 May 2019, 7:51
The challengers keep coming, but so do Leinster
Rugby in Glasgow has exploded in the last few years but while everything was there for them to succeed in this year's PRO14 final,…
Jamie Lyall
26 May 2019, 6:52
Stuart Lancaster tips the man to replace Sean O'Brien
A little under three years ago, Stuart Lancaster was an unemployed rugby coach with the ugly feat of overseeing England’s worst-…
Jamie Lyall
26 May 2019, 4:36
Romance, momentum and belief lie firmly in one camp today
Leinster easily had Glasgow's number last season but while the Irish side's ruthlessness remains, Glasgow’s brawn has grown this…
Jamie Lyall
25 May 2019, 3:15
'Rugby brings everyone together, as cheesy as it sounds. It's got nothing to do with any of the bigoted nonsense that goes on'
Leinster's Leo Cullen brought Glasgow's Old Firm divide into the narrative for the PRO14 final, but Jon Welsh is keen not to take …
Jamie Lyall
25 May 2019, 4:16
Someone made a massive spray-painted sign saying, 'Celtic, we're coming for you - Warrior Nation'. Stuff like that is special
DTH van der Merwe was one of the stars when Glasgow made their 2015 Guinness title breakthrough - now he's back for seconds with t…
Jamie Lyall
23 May 2019, 15:33
'I thought, oh ****, nah, surely they're not going to play me in this game'
At the end of his fourth-ever game of professional rugby, Thomas Gordon wandered to the Scotstoun touchline exhausted, jubilant an…
Jamie Lyall
16 May 2019, 14:27
For a Townsend squad announcement, this one was unpredictably predictable
With the countdown definitely on for Japan, Scotland's training squad announcement highlights how the pool of players Gregor Towns…
Jamie Lyall
07 May 2019, 14:05
'You don't go into sevens for the money... the guys at the top of the Scotland set-up will be on £35k'
Having carved out a reputation for being fleet-footed on the sevens pitch, Mark Robertson will have to move quickly to have his Fr…
Jamie Lyall
05 May 2019, 4:20
'I saw The Greatest Schoeman t-shirts, but I don't think they wore them when I shouldered the guy from Munster'
Pierre Schoeman has proven to be one of Edinburgh's most popular ever overseas signings... but his first season boiled down to tha…
Jamie Lyall
25 Apr 2019, 15:27
'Everyone is quite obsessed with size back home, everyone wants to be bigger than the next person'
Ahead of Toulouse's European semi-final against Leinster, diminutive Cheslin Kolbe is reminding everyone that rugby is a game with…
Jamie Lyall
16 Apr 2019, 15:39
Slimmed down Scottish giant Gray reveling in new physique after losing 'four or five kilos'
These past two years, Richie Gray has been cruelly besieged by injury, his back, his calf and his hip doing their damnedest to kee…
Jamie Lyall
13 Apr 2019, 5:57
'It will be good to immerse myself in Scotland... and save my old man getting up at the crack of dawn to watch Super Rugby'
Playing rugby professionally wasn't on the mind of Murray Douglas when he landed in Melbourne in 2014, so his route into Super Rug…
Jamie Lyall
10 Apr 2019, 15:24
What Edinburgh and Glasgow must overcome to reach the Champions Cup semi's
Edinburgh Rugby and Glasgow Warriors face Munster and Saracens respectively in their Heineken Champions Cup quarter-finals and get…
Jamie Lyall
29 Mar 2019, 11:03
Newly minted Glaswegian understands those that don't want him in a Scottish jersey
Kyle Steyn tells a story about unity, forgiveness and love, the tale of a white South African cop assigned to protect Nelson Mande…
Jamie Lyall
28 Mar 2019, 15:58
How getting dissed in public by Gavin Hastings drove ex-Scotland full-back Brendan Laney's career
Former Scotland international Brendan Laney has been shaken by recent terror attacks that left 50 people dead in Christchurch, a l…
Jamie Lyall
27 Mar 2019, 16:01
'I stood up and was struggling to breathe... it was very scary' - Cornell du Preez on the moment he accidentally felt full force of Joe Launchbury
Initially, Cornell du Preez says, there was no pain – only fear. He got to his feet wheezing, the air catching in his throat and…
Jamie Lyall
20 Mar 2019, 16:32
Don't be seduced by the Calcutta Cup second half, it masks Scotland's grim failings
The danger when reviewing Scotland’s Six Nations championship is that the dizzying second half at Twickenham erases the horror o…
Jamie Lyall
18 Mar 2019, 13:36
Pre-match analysis: Scotland v Wales
When it comes to controversy, farce and an avalanche of statements, Brexit has nothing on Welsh rugby. In the midst of what could …
Jamie Lyall
08 Mar 2019, 6:00
'The Gray brothers, Gilchrist or Toolis - there's none you would class as hard men'
Jim Telfer talks about the toughest characters in the great Scotland teams of yore as a proud father would beam over his offspring…
Jamie Lyall
02 Mar 2019, 6:41
'We fill stadiums for the All Blacks but that's about it...If you don't try things, it's going to be a disaster'
When Gregor Townsend was handed the reins at Glasgow Warriors in 2012, he embarked on a voyage of discovery, a journey to the home…
Jamie Lyall
27 Feb 2019, 15:46
Pre-match analysis: France vs Scotland
Recently, the pilloried French coach Jacques Brunel has given the impression of a child at the controls of a fighter jet – pushi…
Jamie Lyall
22 Feb 2019, 10:44
'Unfit chubby n*****' - Nadolo on racism in rugby, traditional healers and why he quit Fiji
The immense toll of professional rugby catches up with everyone sooner or later, even those as mighty as Nemani Nadolo.
At only 3…
Jamie Lyall
20 Feb 2019, 16:13
One of the game's greatest minds believes rugby needs 'radical change'
When you hear Wayne Smith, one of the finest minds in the game, talk about the need for “radical change”, of a sport strugglin…
Jamie Lyall
16 Feb 2019, 7:03
Pre-match analysis - Scotland v Ireland
Scotland will be looking to register back-to-back wins when they face Ireland, while the current Six Nations champions are attempt…
Jamie Lyall
08 Feb 2019, 8:54
Unsettling moments will gnaw at Scotland as a wounded Irish stag limps towards Murrayfield
It was a bizarre and unsettling end, a late volley that leeched some joy from an otherwise powerful Scottish victory.
Scotland ha…
Jamie Lyall
03 Feb 2019, 6:45
Pre-match analysis - Scotland vs Italy
Like tortured veterans retelling the horrors of conflict, delve into the recesses of a Scottish rugby supporter’s mind and there…
Jamie Lyall
01 Feb 2019, 8:20
'What really has impressed me is the attitude of the players - they're desperate to get better'
As the crow flies, it’s a little over 4,500 miles from Salt Lake City to the rugged Borders of Scotland, but in the icy throes o…
Jamie Lyall
22 Jan 2019, 15:01
Watson set to snub both French and English suitors
Scotland flanker Hamish Watson is close to agreeing a new Edinburgh contract, despite interest from clubs in France and England.
…
Jamie Lyall
22 Jan 2019, 13:50
19 unavailable, 7 uncapped and a once-tarnished player - Scotland's squad analysed
It's 20 years since Scotland's 1999 Five Nations triumph, but is this class of 2019 capable of ending their Six Nations run withou…
Jamie Lyall
16 Jan 2019, 12:59
Cockerill and Rennie set to collide in heavyweight dust-up and Scottish rugby is the winner
As Edinburgh took control of their crucial Champions Cup skirmish with Newcastle Falcons, jammed their foot on the throat of their…
Jamie Lyall
19 Dec 2018, 15:57
Major update regarding Huw Jones and his club future
Huw Jones appears to have made his mind up regarding his club future.
Jamie Lyall
17 Dec 2018, 12:16
'Maybe 10 percent of the players are earning what they're supposed to earn'
From his home in Seattle far in the northwest of America, Waisale Serevi watched Fiji’s joyous autumn conquering of France, his …
Jamie Lyall
15 Dec 2018, 14:47
How two Tigers brought bite back to Edinburgh and Newcastle and the many subplots to their Champions Cup tussle
In his infamous book published almost 20 years ago, Richard Cockerill tells a story about the day he brought an almighty pasting u…
Jamie Lyall
07 Dec 2018, 9:04
The reasons why the Kolisi headbutt and lack of punishment sets a dangerous precedent
What is it they say about actions speaking louder than words? World Rugby makes a lot of noise about protecting the brains of play…
Jamie Lyall
20 Nov 2018, 5:23
Scotland are bringing a knife to a bazooka fight in an unwinnable war to keep star players
Finn Russell is gone. Stuart Hogg is going. It will take a monumental offer to stop Huw Jones following and more will be on their …
Jamie Lyall
19 Nov 2018, 12:48
Why Stuart Hogg had to leave Scotland and the reasons Exeter Chiefs are the perfect match
The smart money was always on Stuart Hogg leaving Glasgow this summer and the Sunday morning press release killed any lingering ho…
Jamie Lyall
13 Nov 2018, 9:32
Why a baby-faced Scotsman versus a Fijian colossus is one of the weekend's juicest subplots
The baby-faced tyro against the Fijian colossus. Glasgow’s precocious Warrior versus Edinburgh’s irresistible titan.
A blo…
Jamie Lyall
08 Nov 2018, 16:32
9 months on – why Scotland’s shot at redemption for Wales walloping may not be straightforward
Almost exactly nine months ago, Gregor Townsend sat in the Principality Stadium media room ashen-faced and reeling, wearing the lo…
Jamie Lyall
02 Nov 2018, 9:53
Scotland's 6 foot 5 inch replacement for Stuart Hogg
Blair Kinghorn is too modest to admit it and too wary of being labelled presumptuous to say more than a few reverential words abou…
Jamie Lyall
29 Oct 2018, 8:28
At 6 foot 6 and 120kg, the 24-year-old has a career tackle completion rate of 97.6 per cent - just how good can Jonny Gray get?
There’s an old Scottish legend, an ancient tale nannies use to cow unruly children and send toddlers scuttling off to bed, that …
Jamie Lyall
25 Oct 2018, 14:22
The gods have bestowed Scotland with a 6'6, 106kg, exquisitely-named thoroughbred forward - Scotland's Test squad unpacked
I don’t know if Gregor Townsend is a religious man, but he might be offering a few prayers of thanks for the heavenly 6’6 106k…
Jamie Lyall
18 Oct 2018, 12:28
From doldrums to competing with Europe's elite - why it's time for Scottish clubs to shine
Five years have passed since Edinburgh last dined at Europe’s top table, years in which the club stuttered, sank and decayed in …
Jamie Lyall
12 Oct 2018, 7:32
'He’s of interest to us' - Vern Cotter on the Top14 money myth and why Stuart Hogg will end up in England and not France
You can hear the wistfulness in Vern Cotter’s voice, sense those infamously terrifying eyes and baritone growl soften just a lit…
Jamie Lyall
04 Oct 2018, 15:10
Laidlaw's colossal scrap to retain Scotland No.9 jersey and the 4 players plotting his downfall
Only a few months ago, Greig Laidlaw was being written off and dumped on the Test rugby scrapheap in so many quarters.
He was too…
Jamie Lyall
01 Oct 2018, 12:54
Should Hogg stay or Hogg go?
Warriors want him to stay and have opened early discussions to that effect.
Several clubs in England and France are already ey…
Jamie Lyall
22 Sep 2018, 9:12
Mass effect - How Glasgow are muscling up
Last season, as the Pro14 reached its climax, a blueprint for beating Glasgow Warriors became brutally evident. Bludgeon them up f…
Jamie Lyall
14 Sep 2018, 5:35
From Glaswegian maverick to Dan Carter's replacement - why Finn Russell's Parisian epoch fascinates
Jamie Lyall assesses the impact that Russell's move will have on his own rugby and the fortunes of the national team.
Jamie Lyall
04 Sep 2018, 6:40
'That would have got me the sack at Leicester' - How Richard Cockerill reconstructed Edinburgh Rugby
For a painfully long time, Edinburgh were viewed as a joke.
Jamie Lyall
29 Aug 2018, 14:19
