Josh Raisey

Sara Cox made Premiership history this week that has been much praised

The Bank Holiday Bath vs Wasps Premiership fixture created history as Sara Cox became the first female official of a league match …

Josh Raisey

02 Sep 2020, 12:31

Marcus Smith has explained exactly why he packed down in a Harlequins scrum last weekend

Harlequins rounded off last Sunday's Premiership win over Northampton with an interesting scrum tactic that Marcus Smith has now e…

Josh Raisey

03 Sep 2020, 9:03

The biggest transfers in rugby union history

While the game may not have had deals struck for hundreds of millions, that does not mean that there have not been some landmark m…

Josh Raisey

06 Sep 2020, 4:22

Fans hail Umbro for dialling it down with new England rugby kit

Umbro have been praised for the simplicity of their new England rugby kit, which was launched today after months of waiting.

Josh Raisey

07 Sep 2020, 8:47

The tool the All Blacks use 'better than anyone else'

21-year-old Caleb Clarke became one of the latest uncapped players to be called up to the All Blacks squad having previously come …

Josh Raisey

07 Sep 2020, 9:58

Marler sparks Twitter spat over Premiership player welfare

Joe Marler has started in four of the five Premiership restart matches played so far by Harlequins, clocking up 271 minutes over a…

Josh Raisey

08 Sep 2020, 9:41

2 ex-Test stars voice pre-hearing support for red card Farrell

The high tackle which led to the sending off of Owen Farrell was indefensible, but two old stagers have now come to the support of…

Josh Raisey

08 Sep 2020, 12:17

Many fans angry that 'charity work' helped halve Owen Farrell's ban to five games

England captain Owen Farrell was looking at a 10-game ban for his red card with Saracens before character references helped reduce…

Josh Raisey

09 Sep 2020, 4:54

Wayne Barnes has opened a Twitter account and some of the reaction has been priceless

Referee Wayne Barnes has picked a curious week in the Premiership judiciary to open an account on Twitter, but he arrival has been…

Josh Raisey

09 Sep 2020, 12:18

Tigers fans have their say on record Leicester loss... and the consensus isn't what you might expect

Social media has made unpleasant viewing for anyone involved with Leicester, but there is an encouraging consensus regarding new b…

Josh Raisey

10 Sep 2020, 7:04

Redundant England 7s players launch their own rebuild

It was August when the RFU scrapped the England 7s programme and the players are now launching a campaign to get back in the game.…

Josh Raisey

11 Sep 2020, 9:51

A favourite emerges to usurp Ben Youngs' hold on the England No9 jersey

Ben Youngs has for a considerable time been the regular England scrum-half, but the Premiership form of Bath signing Ben Spencer i…

Josh Raisey

15 Sep 2020, 4:45

Pollard breaks silence after his devastating injury

The Springboks were dealt a huge blow with the serious injury Handre Pollard picked up last weekend in the Top 14 with Montpellier…

Josh Raisey

16 Sep 2020, 8:09

Haskell distances himself from Billy Vunipola's views on religion

Billy Vunipola was a guest on a podcast co-hosted by James Haskell who has taken to Twitter to issue a disclaimer regarding some r…

Josh Raisey

21 Aug 2020, 12:09

Cash-strapped RFU have done the unthinkable, refusing to cut expenses budget of 55-member council

The cash-strapped RFU have recently made severe cuts, but its council have failed to take one for the team by not agreeing to cut …

Josh Raisey

21 Aug 2020, 10:21

Online campaign ignites to get redundant RFU referee Doyle into the Guinness PRO14

Long-serving referee JP Doyle has been made redundant by the RFU, leading to calls for the Guinness PRO14 to snap up the Irish off…

Josh Raisey

21 Aug 2020, 5:17

The Sale 'no knee' discussion has taken another fresh twist in South Africa

The sight of most Sale players not taking a knee before the start of last weekend's Premiership match has stoked heated debate in …

Josh Raisey

20 Aug 2020, 13:51

Marler and Robshaw lead the tributes to the retiring Jack Clifford

There was genuine sadness among the rugby circle in England in midweek when Harlequins flanker Jack Clifford revealed his retireme…

Josh Raisey

20 Aug 2020, 11:00

James Roberts provides update on his health as Welsh derbies to proceed as planned

New Dragons signing Jamie Roberts was ruled out of involvement in this weekend's PRO14 restart when he tested positive for coronav…

Josh Raisey

20 Aug 2020, 9:25

Ex-Harlequins forward scolds South African minister over Sale 'no knee' criticism

Amid the no knee fallout Sale boss Steve Diamond dismissed as a “storm in a teacup”, Renaldo Bothma has posted a response to S…

Josh Raisey

19 Aug 2020, 7:21

Why the North is tipped by fans to win the all-New Zealand bragging rights

The die has been cast ahead of the novel inter-island derby at the end of August in New Zealand with fans tipping the North after …

Josh Raisey

18 Aug 2020, 11:05

Bristol hit back after introducing 'system players'

Bench players have undergone some interesting name changes in recent years, most famously when given the title ‘finishers’ by …

Josh Raisey

17 Aug 2020, 4:24

Every country in the world where you can be paid to play rugby

There are plenty of countries where the game is growing, with professional competitions in all four corners of the world.

Josh Raisey

16 Aug 2020, 8:06

Joe Marler has written soon-to-be-published book on his colourful career's 'ups and downs'

Colourful England and Lions prop Joe Marler has taken to social media to reveal he has written a soon-to-be-published book on his …

Josh Raisey

13 Aug 2020, 7:05

Premiership's anti-racism campaign takes Ford-Robinson by surprise

Every Premiership club is showing solidarity this weekend in the fight against racism, a campaign that has surprised Gloucester pr…

Josh Raisey

13 Aug 2020, 5:47

'Id like to turn that question to you Gus' - Sonny Bill Williams turns table on interviewer

Speaking to Phil Gould on Nine Network’s 100% Footy, the 35-year-old flipped the interview and posed a challenge to the broadcas…

Josh Raisey

10 Aug 2020, 13:38

'No one would be prouder than him that I'm coming to represent the rugby supporters of Gwent'

The 33-year-old represented the Stormers before the Super Rugby season was halted by the COVID-19 outbreak.

Josh Raisey

04 Aug 2020, 7:50

Fans up in arms after UK sports minister suggests grassroots scrums could be banned

A suggestion by the UK sports minister that scrums could be banned at grassroots level until at least Christmas has not gone down …

Josh Raisey

29 Jul 2020, 11:18

Blood's thicker than water as Bath prop Beno Obano tells cousin Maro Itoje about his many career setbacks

In the company of his cousin Maro Itoje, Bath prop Beno Obano used his podcast appearance to reflect on the many setbacks he has h…

Josh Raisey

28 Jul 2020, 13:26

Warren Gatland is taking a battering on social media

Gatland's Chiefs are on an unprecedented losing streak and have zero wins from their opening six matches in Super Rugby Aotearoa.

Josh Raisey

27 Jul 2020, 11:49

The Beast joins Kolisi in addressing BLM movement

Kolisi shared a video last week explaining the struggles he has faced throughout his professional career.

Josh Raisey

27 Jul 2020, 9:10

There has been a lot of online love for Turner-Hall following his Harlequins return

Five years after injury prematurely ended his playing career, Jordan Turner-Hall is returning to Harlequins in a different capacit…

Josh Raisey

25 Jul 2020, 8:54

Ralepelle given stinging rebuke by Jacques Burger on Twitter following latest drugs ban

Former Saracens star Jacques Burger has slammed Chiliboy Ralepelle after the ex-Springboks hooker was banned for 8 years after ano…

Josh Raisey

24 Jul 2020, 9:47

Will Carling wades into England World Cup row sparked by Clive Woodward

Criticism by Clive Woodward of England preparations for the 2019 World Cup final generated a storm - ex-skipper Will Carling is th…

Josh Raisey

23 Jul 2020, 7:30

Nadolo calls out casual racism over new Leicester signing

Nemani Nadolo has taken umbrage at some social media comments following the signing by Leicester of fellow his Fijian Kini Murimur…

Josh Raisey

21 Jul 2020, 6:22

Kolisi speaks on Black Lives Matter movement

The World Cup winner recounted his experiences growing up, having come from a township in Port Elizabeth to become the Springboks�…

Josh Raisey

20 Jul 2020, 6:06

Freddie Burns on why Gatland and Jones are the real Saracens relegation winners

It was initially feared that automatic Premiership relegation for Saracens would be a massive blow for England and the Lions but o…

Josh Raisey

17 Jul 2020, 12:04

Gloucester release pictures of ex-Bath skipper Matt Garvey in training

Eyebrows were raised when recent skipper Matt Garvey was released by Bath but he has now hooked up with rivals Gloucester ahead of…

Josh Raisey

17 Jul 2020, 11:34

Harlequins post pictures of Blues loanee Joe Marchant back on the training ground

England midfielder Joe Marchant has celebrated his 24th birthday back in training with Harlequins following his recent loan stint …

Josh Raisey

16 Jul 2020, 7:27

Kolbe the latest Springboks player to gain Jay-Z approval

It was shortly after the World Cup when Springboks captain Siya Kolisi was snapped up by Roc Nation Sports, the agency that have n…

Josh Raisey

15 Jul 2020, 9:05

Fans have their say as Wales dwell on possible Twickenham move

The Principality Stadium is currently the Dragon's Heart Hospital for the Covid-19 pandemic, leaving Wales needing another ground …

Josh Raisey

14 Jul 2020, 12:15

Sale share pictures of Tuilagi already in the thick of it at Carrington

The Manu Tuilagi move to Sale was only confirmed on Monday but the midfielder is already in the thick of training ahead of next mo…

Josh Raisey

14 Jul 2020, 11:35

Just hours after Tuilagi's Sharks signing, Tigers release first image of Nemani Nadolo in training

The Tigers’ flagship summer signing Nemani Nadolo has begun training with his new team as they prepare for the Gallagher Premier…

Josh Raisey

13 Jul 2020, 11:38

Veainu 'genuinely wanted to stay' at Leicester

The Tonga international left the club following the ultimatum handed to Tigers players to sign new contracts with pay cuts.

Josh Raisey

13 Jul 2020, 6:42

Former All Blacks explain exactly why they are bankrolling the new MLR team in Hawaii

The decision by a high profile group of former All Blacks to set-up a new MLR club in Hawaii has been excitedly received.

Josh Raisey

10 Jul 2020, 13:57

Clermont take to Instagram to celebrate arrival of new signing Matsushima

Six months after it was confirmed he would switch from Top League to Top 14, Japan winger Kotaro Matsushima has arrived in Clermon…

Josh Raisey

10 Jul 2020, 12:33

The sad end to magnificent 20-year Tuilagi Leicester dynasty

The Tuilagi name has been woven into the fabric of Leicester success over the past two decades, but the 20-year link is now broken…

Josh Raisey

10 Jul 2020, 8:59

Pay cut rebel Greg Bateman posts parting message to Leicester fans

After opting not to accept a pay cut, Greg Bateman has posted a final message after finishing up at Leicester at the end of a five…

Josh Raisey

09 Jul 2020, 11:13

The branding debate that has split Exeter Chiefs fans

Exeter have been known as the Chiefs since 1999 but a debate has now ignited on whether the Gallagher Premiership club should chan…

Josh Raisey

08 Jul 2020, 12:48

Genge and Ludlam respond to latest photographic mix-up

There was a backlash in June when the BBC confused Ellis Genge and Lewis Ludlam, but the error has now happened again elsewhere to…

Josh Raisey

08 Jul 2020, 11:44

Brown posts photos of his long-awaited return to team training at Harlequins

After surgery last November, 34-year-old Mike Brown was expected to be out for nine months and he has now returned to team trainin…

Josh Raisey

08 Jul 2020, 7:27

Fans give verdict on whether Veainu has damaged reputation at Leicester with awkward exit

Supporters have had their say about the Welford Road legacy of Telusa Veainu after he joined Stade Francais following his awkward …

Josh Raisey

07 Jul 2020, 12:26

Goneva admits he's 'slowly winding down'

Vereniki Goneva has bid farewell to the Gallagher Premiership ahead of his move to Stade Montois in France.

Josh Raisey

04 Jul 2020, 15:02

Long-awaited results of Dyantyi PED case could be on the horizon

The eight-year ban handed to former South Africa hooker Mahlatse ‘Chiliboy’ Ralepelle has raised questions about the future of…

Josh Raisey

04 Jul 2020, 12:23

'I've no doubt trophies are on the way soon' - Madigan says goodbye to Bristol

The Irishman spent three years at Bristol since arriving from Bordeaux in 2017, and saw a monumental change in that space of time.

Josh Raisey

03 Jul 2020, 5:05

Nic White leaves for Australia

Australia scrum-half Nic White has departed for his second spell with the Brumbies, bringing his three years with Exeter Chiefs to…

Josh Raisey

01 Jul 2020, 9:50

Springbok star Franco Mostert the latest to bid farewell to Premiership

South Africa and Gloucester second row Franco Mostert is the latest player to say goodbye to his club as contracts are running out…

Josh Raisey

30 Jun 2020, 11:03

Barrett provides update following surgery on season-ending injury

The 26-year-old was expected to lead Scott Robinson’s side in this year’s Super Rugby Aotearoa campaign, but was ruled out for…

Josh Raisey

29 Jun 2020, 10:02

Reinach marks final day as a Saint

The South African leaves Franklin’s Gardens as one of the club’s great players in recent times and a very popular figure among…

Josh Raisey

26 Jun 2020, 11:58

The average height and weight of pro-rugby players by position in Europe

Within each nation, the league is often a bellwether of how its representative team plays, as it is often the platform in which pl…

Josh Raisey

26 Jun 2020, 10:31

Harlequins post emotional goodbye to their beloved prop Mark Lambert

Retiring Harlequins prop Mark Lambert has been showered in praise from his former teammates. 

Josh Raisey

25 Jun 2020, 8:47

How the heights and weights of full-backs compare across the Premiership, Top 14 and PRO14

What these stats do is help reveal the lack of variation among full-backs within and between leagues in Europe compared to most ot…

Josh Raisey

24 Jun 2020, 13:10

The Cardiff mural incident that has Sam Warburton talking Black Lives Matter

Sam Warburton, the former Wales and Lions captain, has tended to avoid mixing politics and sport but an incident in Cardiff has le…

Josh Raisey

24 Jun 2020, 9:21

Tweet to Dragons winger Ashton Hewitt the reason for Katie Hopkins' Twitter ban

Ashton Hewitt has been vocal on social media during the Black Lives Matter movement and a reply by the Dragons wing provoked contr…

Josh Raisey

23 Jun 2020, 12:42

Gloucester CEO Lance Bradley has just quit Twitter

The reign of Lance Bradley as Gloucester CEO has had its critics and it has finally taken its toll on him as he is taking a break …

Josh Raisey

23 Jun 2020, 8:38

The average height and weight of fly-halves in Europe

The increase in the size of rugby players over the past thirty years is plain to see, and something that is substantial.

Josh Raisey

21 Jun 2020, 12:05

'It can go for me; I hate it': Ex-England hooker Brian Moore weighs in on Swing Low, Sweet Chariot ban debate

The RFU review of Swing Low, Sweet Chariot has generated heated debate - England hooker Brian Moore had now had his say on the fav…

Josh Raisey

19 Jun 2020, 11:47

Tupou posts footage of his 200kg bench press

S&C coaches have moved rugby away from a ‘bulk at all costs’ mindset, but Reds prop Taniela Tupou is chuffed to have joined th…

Josh Raisey

19 Jun 2020, 6:50

It's just like 'self-marking your homework': Stinging criticism for World Rugby governance review

World Rugby promised a post-election independent governance review but Pacific Rugby Players boss Dan Leo is unimpressed by what h…

Josh Raisey

18 Jun 2020, 9:06

Legendary Parisse bestows similar 'legend' status on the retiring Zanni

Sergio Parisse forged an immense reputation with Italy and it’s a status he feels the newly-retired Alessandro Zanni is also wor…

Josh Raisey

17 Jun 2020, 13:20

Courtney Lawes endures Twitter backlash after controversial parenting tip

England lock Courtney Lawes has come under Twitter fire after his response to Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford on scho…

Josh Raisey

17 Jun 2020, 7:39

Worcester video of Fatialofa return to Sixways goes viral

Five months after getting stretchered to hospital with a spinal injury, Michael Fatialofa is back at Worcester and continuing his …

Josh Raisey

16 Jun 2020, 11:15

Size differences in scrum-halves across the Premiership, PRO14 and Top14

There is a notion of what a player in this position should look like compared to others where there is more of a mixed bag.

Josh Raisey

15 Jun 2020, 11:30

How the heights and weights of wingers compare across the Premiership, Top 14 and PRO14

Variation shines when comparing early January wingers across the Premiership, PRO14 and Top 14, Montpellier fielding players with …

Josh Raisey

14 Jun 2020, 6:00

Gutted Cook posts farewell message to Bath ahead of Bristol switch

Chris Cook is one of 16 players leaving Bath and the send-off hasn't been what he would have liked due to the pandemic suspension …

Josh Raisey

12 Jun 2020, 11:16

Haskell and Fekitoa to the fore as social media highlights just how popular Ashley Johnson was at Wasps

Three-cap Springboks forward Ashley Johnson is leaving Wasps after eight seasons, an exit that has highlighted his popularity at t…

Josh Raisey

12 Jun 2020, 6:15

Michael Fatialofa takes another step towards recovery from horrific injury

The continued recovery of Worcester Warriors’ Michael Fatialofa from a serious spinal injury has taken another astonishing turn,…

Josh Raisey

10 Jun 2020, 16:37

Past and present Springboks continue to help during pandemic

A number of players have been shopping and packing food parcels for delivery as part of the South Africa Rugby Legends Association…

Josh Raisey

08 Jun 2020, 11:19

How rugby players reacted to Black Lives Matter protests

Rugby players across the world have joined in or shown their support for the international human rights movement Black Lives Matte…

Josh Raisey

08 Jun 2020, 10:55

Ben Te'o NRL return timed to imperfection

The announcement that former England and British and Irish Lions centre Ben Te’o would be converting back to rugby league on Thu…

Josh Raisey

06 Jun 2020, 9:40

Dave Rennie winning over Australia fans with his voluntary 30% pay cut

With Rugby Australia under severe financial difficulties, new Wallabies coach Dave Rennie is reported to have agreed to a voluntar…

Josh Raisey

05 Jun 2020, 13:53

The Injury Prone Rugby XV

Some players attract injuries due to the way they play or through misfortune - here’s a RugbyPass Injury Prone XV including the …

Josh Raisey

04 Jun 2020, 13:07

The Unlucky England team of the decade

With England having a high turnover of players under Johnson, Lancaster and Jones, RugbyPass selects an XV of those considered the…

Josh Raisey

03 Jun 2020, 13:33

Super Rugby Aotearoa's red card sub law has divided opinion

Proposals for a tied match golden point and stricter breakdown refereeing haven’t caused uproar, but the change to the Super Rug…

Josh Raisey

02 Jun 2020, 13:06

The average weight and height of loosehead props in Europe

RugbyPass looks at the weight and height of loosehead props across the Premiership, PRO14 and Top 14 to see how the leagues’ No1…

Josh Raisey

01 Jun 2020, 11:20

Speargate: The 2005 scandal that changed the way rugby polices the contact area

In the history of rugby, no clearout at a ruck has ever been as contentious as the one that gave birth to the infamous Speargate L…

Josh Raisey

01 Jun 2020, 10:08

Has NRL shown Super Rugby how best to create a closed doors atmosphere?

With Super Rugby preparing for its New Zealand comeback, the NRL has restarted with virtual noise that accompanied the play. 

Josh Raisey

28 May 2020, 13:56

The changing weights of Rugby World Cup-winning hookers

Twelve years after South Africa’s second Rugby World Cup title, the hookers in Rassie Erasmus’ 2019 Springboks were noticeably…

Josh Raisey

28 May 2020, 13:33

Mixed reaction to World Rugby's 10 temporary law changes

To facilitate a quicker return to playing during the Covid-19 pandemic, World Rugby have introduced 10 optional law changes.

Josh Raisey

28 May 2020, 12:52

Ex-Harlequins centre tells secret behind 2012 Premiership success

Jordan Turner-Hall has been remembering the day Harlequins toppled Leicester in 2012 to win their first Premiership crown. 

Josh Raisey

27 May 2020, 12:43

'What a 10 years it has been': Steenson on Exeter's high-flying decade since promotion

The 36-year-old Steenson has shared photos of the boots and kicking tee he used when helping Exeter to reach England’s top fligh…

Josh Raisey

26 May 2020, 10:27

'Abysmal' Tietjens branded 'the absolute worst we have ever had'

Departing Samoa Sevens coach Gordon Tietjens has been labelled as the “absolute worst” coach the team has ever had by former X…

Josh Raisey

23 May 2020, 10:50

The new state-of-the-art Premiership facility Bristol hope can take them to the next level

Work on the development of the new Bristol training ground re-commenced this past week, providing yet another boost to the big-spe…

Josh Raisey

23 May 2020, 6:17

How the heights and weights of hookers compare across the Premiership, Top 14 and PRO14

Cultural norms shine through when comparing hookers across the Premiership, PRO14 and Top 14, but there is still a model of what s…

Josh Raisey

22 May 2020, 13:10

'Third neck injury the end of this journey': Bleyendaal issues poignant farewell message

Tyler Bleyendaal, the 29-year-old Munster and ex-Crusaders player, retired on Wednesday on medical grounds after sustaining anothe…

Josh Raisey

21 May 2020, 10:37

Dyantyi posts cryptic Instagram reminder of his forgotten talents

Suspended Aphiwe Dyantyi has shared a highlights reel of his career, including footage of his time with the Lions and the Springbo…

Josh Raisey

21 May 2020, 7:33

Try stat highlights why Wasps kept hold of Thomas Young

The exit of his father Dai from the club in February and Wales’ 60-cap selection rule could have seen Thomas Young leave Wasps.

Josh Raisey

20 May 2020, 13:22

Greig Laidlaw posts 'crazy times' farewell after three years at Clermont

Leaving Clermont is proving emotional even though it was long expected that ex-Scotland skipper Laidlaw would move on at the end o…

Josh Raisey

19 May 2020, 12:47

Brown shares update on comeback from knee surgery

The 34-year-old shared with his followers on Instagram videos of himself running and squatting in the gym almost six months after …

Josh Raisey

18 May 2020, 5:15

Rugby's post-padding law change begs the question: Why not change the posts entirely?

World Rugby announced a tweak to the laws this week by making it no longer possible to place the ball at the base of the posts to …

Josh Raisey

17 May 2020, 11:44

Remembering the dirty tactics that undermined the flair of the France 1999 RWC side

France produced a performance for the ages in the semi-final versus New Zealand but that win and the final defeat to Australia wer…

Josh Raisey

15 May 2020, 13:01

The reason France-bound Dillyn Leyds is gutted to be leaving the Stormers

Stormers coach John Dobson revealed this week that Dillyn Leyds has played his final match for the club before a move to La Rochel…

Josh Raisey

15 May 2020, 10:21

Brad Mooar issues classy farewell message to the Scarlets

After only one year at the helm of the Scarlets, Brad Mooar is leaving to team up with new All Blacks head coach Ian Foster. 

Josh Raisey

14 May 2020, 13:05

Pimp my ride taken to extreme scrum practice level by Ofa Tu'ungafasi

It’s hard for a single player to replicate the force of a Test scrum, particularly when confined to their garden, but All Blacks…

Josh Raisey

13 May 2020, 12:51

Ex-All Black Cory Jane's ingenious selection formula for dream North vs South Island game

New Zealand is the first country to announce a return to matches post-coronavirus, but ex-All Black Cory Jane wants more than just…

Josh Raisey

12 May 2020, 13:13

The 'Best Cross-Code XIII' that left Ben Te'o annoyed over Danny Cipriani

The Fox League selection featured a blend of pace, power and guile from some of the best players union has to offer, but the omiss…

Josh Raisey

12 May 2020, 12:00

New captain Cane hopes to lead All Blacks later this year

The 28-year-old was named the successor to Kieran Read last week by head coach Ian Foster.

Josh Raisey

11 May 2020, 5:00

Springboks' most ripped player labels S&C coach Aled Walters 'one of or if not the best in the business'

Leicester Tigers’ incoming head of physical performance Aled Walters has been described as “one of or if not the best in the b…

Josh Raisey

09 May 2020, 4:43

There has been a lot of love online for Census Johnston after veteran prop announces his retirement

Ex-Samoa prop Census Johnston took to Twitter on his 38th birthday to confirm his retirement, sparking an outpouring of praise fro…

Josh Raisey

07 May 2020, 9:36

Wasps release their 'Legend XV'

There are unsurprisingly some legends of the game included in the Wasps ‘Legend XV’ voted for by the Premiership club’s fans…

Josh Raisey

06 May 2020, 8:36

The appointment of Sam Cane as All Blacks skipper has divided opinion

It was known for much of 2019 that Kieran Read would be retiring as All Blacks captain, but Sam Cane was rarely mentioned as a pos…

Josh Raisey

05 May 2020, 12:32

Jonathan Davies floats 'turn back the clock' idea for regional rugby restart in Wales

Rather than wait for the travel restrictions to lift in a PRO14 tournament that caters for teams from five countries, the ex-Wales…

Josh Raisey

05 May 2020, 11:55

Sevens star calls for 'All-star tournament'

Two-time World Rugby sevens player of the year Perry Baker has called for an “all-star tournament” on Twitter.

Josh Raisey

04 May 2020, 13:32

O'Connor 'rebuilds from scratch' with legendary kicking coach during time off

The 29-year-old recently shared clips on Instagram of himself working alongside the kicking coach, and explained how he had to reb…

Josh Raisey

04 May 2020, 6:11

A 'should have been' Lions XV

Selecting a British and Irish Lions squad is a devilishly hard job for any coach, and there are invariably some players who are bi…

Josh Raisey

03 May 2020, 2:24

New York's parting message to Bastareaud

Rugby United New York have shared a video thanking Mathieu Bastareaud for his time with them ahead of his return back to France ne…

Josh Raisey

02 May 2020, 13:56

The 'Deserved More Test Caps' XV

Be it down to injury, politics or simply a case of them not fitting in, there are many retired players who should have plenty more…

Josh Raisey

01 May 2020, 5:47

10 rugby coaches that bounced back after getting the sack

There are some rugby coaches that have never recovered from being sacked, and it altogether ended their careers. At the same time,…

Josh Raisey

29 Apr 2020, 10:17

How the heights and weights of locks compare across the Premiership, Top 14 and PRO14

RugbyPass has sifted through the size of every starting lock in all the fixtures from the first week of January, calculated the av…

Josh Raisey

28 Apr 2020, 12:40

'Utter rubbish' - Ferris jumps to the defence of papped Ulster players

Former Ulster and Ireland flanker Stephen Ferris has responded to The Belfast Telegraph after it exposed Craig Gilroy training wit…

Josh Raisey

24 Apr 2020, 14:08

Focus now shifts to Dave Rennie and whether he will still coach the Wallabies

The Kiwi is due to succeed Michael Cheika as head coach but Raelene Castle’s resignation as Rugby Australia’s chief executive …

Josh Raisey

23 Apr 2020, 10:58

Every country the Lions have faced outside of 'The Big Three'

World Rugby chairman candidate Agustín Pichot is hoping to expand the Lions tour to a worldwide scale. 

Josh Raisey

20 Apr 2020, 12:01

Cup-winning Boks busy saluting front line healthcare workers

The tables have turned in South Africa as it was just a few months ago that fans were cheering Siya Kolisi and co... now the playe…

Josh Raisey

18 Apr 2020, 3:16

It's Bristol as you have never seen them before... rhythmic gymnastics and John Afoa hypnotically gyrating

Rugby fans from all corners of the world have been impatiently waiting for a team to produce a gymnastics montage from their back …

Josh Raisey

17 Apr 2020, 12:00

Ex-international admits scary encounter with Alesana Tuilagi still haunts him five years later

The ex-Tigers and Samoa winger was one brother from the iconic family that had a long history of making the life of opposition pla…

Josh Raisey

16 Apr 2020, 13:01

Underdog Pichot issues encouraging message to rugby's emerging nations

The ex-Argentina captain is looking to put his experience as a player and as World Rugby's vice-chairman to good use if he wins ne…

Josh Raisey

14 Apr 2020, 12:28

Wasps greats show support for ex-star now working for the NHS

The 35-year-old was once tipped to be an England captain but was forced to retire from the game in 2012 at the age of 27 due to an…

Josh Raisey

14 Apr 2020, 11:30

Biting, eye-gouging and ref abuse: The longest bans in rugby union history

Bans are something that receive a lot of attention these days in rugby, particularly due to how arbitrary and inconsistent they ca…

Josh Raisey

13 Apr 2020, 9:35

Ex-Scotland international Doddie Weir issues coronavirus plea to the UK government

The 49-year-old, who won 61 caps for his country and toured South Africa with the 1997 series-winning Lions, was diagnosed with MN…

Josh Raisey

09 Apr 2020, 10:40

'People are dying' - Jamie Roberts starts daily blog in fight against pandemic

Welsh great Jamie Roberts has said that it is a “privilege” to be able to volunteer as an honorary fellow with the NHS Cardiff…

Josh Raisey

09 Apr 2020, 6:58

Sean O'Brien posts heartfelt message after his short-lived return to playing

Despite joining London Irish last summer from Leinster, a serious hip injury prevented him from making his Premiership debut until…

Josh Raisey

08 Apr 2020, 12:08

The average height and weight of outside centres

While it is hard to perfectly describe what an ideal outside centre looks like, there are still expectations and requirements amon…

Josh Raisey

08 Apr 2020, 11:22

Five of the most infamous drugs bans in rugby

Doping cases in elite pro rugby are rare, but they receive a lot of attention when they happen... RugbyPass sifts through some of …

Josh Raisey

07 Apr 2020, 11:50

Eight players who are set to potentially benefit from the virus suspension of the rugby season

When the action does restart after the pandemic-enforced layoff, some teams will be handed the very welcome return of players who …

Josh Raisey

07 Apr 2020, 11:13

Six Premiership players who could benefit most from a stint in Super Rugby

Crossing the equator for Super Rugby is a path not taken often enough by northern hemisphere players, but RugbyPass has identified…

Josh Raisey

06 Apr 2020, 6:30

Where are they now: the Welsh Grand Slam champions of 2012

Wales entered the 2012 Six Nations in high spirits, after a young squad of players came fourth in the Rugby World Cup in New Zeala…

Josh Raisey

05 Apr 2020, 8:17

Former Wales lock goes the whole hog to help NHS

As the UK rallies in support of the NHS during the coronavirus pandemic, former Wales and Harlequins lock Olly Kohn has done his p…

Josh Raisey

04 Apr 2020, 4:17

Six times rugby players smashed it on debut

Every professional player dreams of the perfect start to their career, be it for their club, country or even when switching from a…

Josh Raisey

04 Apr 2020, 4:05

The most picked England XV of the Eddie Jones' era

With Eddie Jones signing a new contract with England this week to keep him at the helm until the 2023 Rugby World Cup, there has b…

Josh Raisey

03 Apr 2020, 11:09

11 rugby household names who may have unwittingly played their final games

The current coronavirus pandemic has decimated rugby and other sports competitions across the world, leaving many suspended, postp…

Josh Raisey

02 Apr 2020, 9:21

George Kruis threatens to swap sports in April Fool's Day Tweet

This time away from playing and training has given players licence to be as creative as possible with their April Fool’s Day jok…

Josh Raisey

01 Apr 2020, 14:25

Nigel Owens' farming exploits go viral, the World Cup final referee claiming he has never been as nervous in his life

The coronavirus pandemic has meant that many involved in rugby have had the chance to try their hand at something else and the vet…

Josh Raisey

01 Apr 2020, 10:37

Test scrum-halves discuss switch to vegan diet

Switching to a vegan or plant-based diet is a growing trend amongst sportspeople across the world.

Josh Raisey

30 Mar 2020, 11:00

The average height and weight of a Northern Hemisphere inside centre

Of all the positions on a rugby field, inside centre is probably the most diverse. The role and shape of players in this position …

Josh Raisey

27 Mar 2020, 13:42

Where are they now: France's 2010 Grand Slam winning team

The strangest thing is that the decade actually started with a lot of promise for France under Marc Lièvremont, with a Grand Slam…

Josh Raisey

27 Mar 2020, 5:12

Has Matt Giteau played his last game of professional rugby?

Former Australia centre Matt Giteau has said that he is hoping to get the opportunity to play for Suntory Sungoliath again after t…

Josh Raisey

25 Mar 2020, 10:12

Where are they now: The 2014 England U20 world champions

The English youngsters made it back-to-back victories at the World Rugby Under-20s Championship in 2014, defeating South Africa 21…

Josh Raisey

24 Mar 2020, 13:48

The devastating XV Bristol Bears might field next season

Pat Lam's Bears have already been the busiest team in the Gallagher Premiership ahead of next season.

Josh Raisey

23 Mar 2020, 10:39

Where are they now: The 2013 England U20s world champions

England won the first of their three World Rugby U20s Championships last decade in 2013, defeating Wales 23-15 in the final in Van…

Josh Raisey

22 Mar 2020, 3:58

The unlikely Welshman Will Greenwood just tipped for Lions duty

Former England centre Will Greenwood has said that Wales centre Nick Tompkins would make the British and Irish Lions tour if it we…

Josh Raisey

19 Mar 2020, 14:03

From Roberts' generous NHS gesture to Mbanda joining Italian Yellow Cross... how rugby has reacted to pandemic

With all rugby in Europe suspended for the foreseeable future due to the coronavirus outbreak, players have been doing their bit i…

Josh Raisey

19 Mar 2020, 13:00

Five of the biggest Gallagher Premiership signings going in 2020/21

RugbyPass takes a look at some of the biggest Gallagher Premiership signings ahead of the 2020/21 season. 

Josh Raisey

19 Mar 2020, 10:37

Gym-loving ex-All Black gets creative during pandemic isolation

With clubs ceasing to train collectively amid the suspension of all rugby, Northampton's Ben Franks has ‘Frankensteined' a prowl…

Josh Raisey

19 Mar 2020, 6:15

Ex-Wallaby Giteau outlines fears of being stranded in Japan away from family

With the global pandemic worsening, Top League players are urging Japanese officials to quickly make a decision as they face being…

Josh Raisey

18 Mar 2020, 9:42

Questions raised about timing of Wales' players Caribbean holiday

With much of Europe going into lockdown in reaction to the coronavirus pandemic, flights are being restricted more and more, leavi…

Josh Raisey

17 Mar 2020, 13:49

Just one Scot makes the ITV Six Nations XV

Scotland followed narrow losses to Ireland and England with wins over Italy and France, but their improvement wasn't reflected in …

Josh Raisey

17 Mar 2020, 11:43

Jonny May gives post-surgery update

The Leicester Tigers star was forced from the field after only eight minutes during England’s victory over Wales in the Guinness…

Josh Raisey

16 Mar 2020, 6:30

'Utterly shambolic' - Furious online reaction to Six Nations' last minute cancellation

Despite leaving it late, the Guinness Six Nations encounter between Wales and Scotland has eventually been postponed. 

Josh Raisey

13 Mar 2020, 11:53

Many people can't get their head around Wales Scotland going ahead

This year’s Six Nations Super Saturday has only the one solitary game, between Wales and Scotland, but that is a growing concern…

Josh Raisey

12 Mar 2020, 12:16

'Gutted' Sexton opens up about Ireland's coronavirus-hit Six Nations

A number of games have been postponed in this year’s Championship, including Ireland’s fixture with Italy last weekend in Dubl…

Josh Raisey

12 Mar 2020, 10:09

Ex-England captain fears Dublin 'trial by social media' for Joe Marler

There is a clear divide in opinion over the incident and Lewis Moody is concerned the English forward has been condemned on social…

Josh Raisey

11 Mar 2020, 5:59

Blaine Scully shares his retirement message on Twitter

The 32-year-old left the Cardiff Blues at the end of last season and has since been without a club, although he led his country at…

Josh Raisey

10 Mar 2020, 13:30

Japan's Top League suspended for three weeks after drug arrest

The suspension follows a two week hiatus that the league has had due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Josh Raisey

09 Mar 2020, 13:07

Rugby World Cup winner's Test career hangs in the balance after his decision to stay at Saracens

After reports emerged yesterday that Saracens and South Africa prop Vincent Koch will remain with his club in the Championship nex…

Josh Raisey

06 Mar 2020, 15:00

Wales share picture of injury doubt Dan Biggar at captain's run training

It looked as though the fly-half would miss out on this Test when he was forced off the field last weekend against Saracens with a…

Josh Raisey

06 Mar 2020, 9:26

Marler posts cryptic tweet after Eddie Jones' latest England selection

The coach has continued to push the envelope with his selections, attempting to remould players in different positions and adoptin…

Josh Raisey

05 Mar 2020, 12:15

Two new additions can't thwart Eddie's Six Nations selection masterplan

England have made two changes to their team to face Wales this weekend in the Six Nations from the one that beat Ireland two weeks…

Josh Raisey

05 Mar 2020, 11:01

Jonny Wilkinson spotted in England camp this week

England’s game is so heavily built upon kicking, so having a guru to call upon of the likes of the ex-World Rugby player of the …

Josh Raisey

05 Mar 2020, 4:09

The confusing Mako Vunipola fallout: RFU accused of overreacting, Saracens under fire for their response

What is clear is that England and Saracens cannot have completely different reactions to these circumstances without raising more …

Josh Raisey

04 Mar 2020, 12:46

Cheslin Kolbe spotted training with Super Rugby's Stormers

The South African franchise shared a photo on Instagram of the winger clad in their training kit, alongside Jamie Roberts in a ses…

Josh Raisey

04 Mar 2020, 7:01

IRFU under fire after Joey Carbery's season-ending setback

The Ireland international was already nursing a wrist injury but is now ruled out until 2020/21 pre-season after dealing with an a…

Josh Raisey

03 Mar 2020, 13:07

Biggar injury could force Pivac into surprise fly-half selection

Biggar sustained a knee injury while playing for Northampton Saints against Saracens over the weekend.

Josh Raisey

02 Mar 2020, 11:47

Politicians launch bid to prevent Six Nations going behind paywall

Fans and journalists have staunchly argued against the possibility of the Championship moving behind a paywall in 2022.

Josh Raisey

02 Mar 2020, 8:47

England fixture with Italy discussed in Parliament amid coronavirus fears

The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Matt Hancock has addressed England’s upcoming fixture against Italy in the Six…

Josh Raisey

26 Feb 2020, 11:54

Cipriani shares final message before taking social media break

The grieving Gloucester out-half is taking a break from social media for Lent, but he reassured his followers that he will be back…

Josh Raisey

26 Feb 2020, 9:00

Williams reveals why he couldn't resist an earlier than planned exit from Saracens

The full-back was only due to move back to Wales at the end of the season, but the deal has been brought forward and he will be ab…

Josh Raisey

26 Feb 2020, 6:06

Fans believe Twickenham is the ideal stage to give Rees-Zammit a Test debut

Johnny McNicholl is likely to be promoted from the bench to face England and Liam Williams is conveniently nearing a return, but c…

Josh Raisey

26 Feb 2020, 3:43

Fresh concerns for North's future after his latest concussion

The 27-year-old came off the field in the eleventh minute against France last Saturday after clashing with Gael Fickou in the air,…

Josh Raisey

25 Feb 2020, 12:03

Sexton's ex-Ireland teammate tackles online abuse in wake of loss to England

The trolls got stuck into the Irish skipper's afternoon to forget at Twickenham where his wayward kicking was compounded by an err…

Josh Raisey

25 Feb 2020, 6:34

Officials in firing line after England's win over Ireland

Some of the officiating during England's Six Nations win over Ireland has come in for heavy criticism.

Josh Raisey

24 Feb 2020, 10:11

Cipriani admits planning to take his own life in emotional video

Danny Cipriani has released a video message today following the death of his ex-girlfriend Caroline Flack last Saturday.

Josh Raisey

21 Feb 2020, 8:06

Absent Bristol Bears player reveals he suffered stroke

Bristol Bears centre Will Hurrell has revealed that the injury that forced him from the field against Leicester Tigers in January …

Josh Raisey

21 Feb 2020, 7:38

'Some of what I've been reading will effect players' - Ex Wales wing hits out at 'armchair fans' and trolls

Former Wales international Tom James has addressed the “negativity” he has seen on social media following the announcement of …

Josh Raisey

21 Feb 2020, 6:09

'The sky's the limit' for Wade in the NFL

Sean McDermott, head coach of the NFL’s Buffalo Bills, has said that it is a “joy” to have Christian Wade in their team.

Josh Raisey

20 Feb 2020, 14:15

Rugby 'rotten from the core' - retiring ex-Ireland lock signs off with a bang

Former Ireland lock Dan Touhy has said that rugby is “starting to look like it’s rotten from the core”, after announcing his…

Josh Raisey

20 Feb 2020, 10:12

Nigel Owens' tremendous gesture to help clubs flooded by Storm Dennis

The hugely popular referee took to Twitter to offer his assistance to clubs in the UK whose clubhouses and pitches were left devas…

Josh Raisey

20 Feb 2020, 4:28

Growing campaign for Genge to start in place of the absent Vunipola

Eddie Jones will be in quandary as to who he will replace the Saracens loosehead with given the events of the Guinness Six Nations…

Josh Raisey

19 Feb 2020, 4:59

Fans warm to the prospect of some Wasps legends returning post-Young

Ever since the Welshman stepped back from his first-team duties last week, there has been plenty of speculation as to who could be…

Josh Raisey

18 Feb 2020, 13:29

Storm Dennis caused devastating damage to some UK grassroots clubs

A number of clubs in Wales and England have taken to Twitter to illustrate the full force the storm had on their pitches and clubh…

Josh Raisey

17 Feb 2020, 9:51

The verdict is in on the Kolbe-at-No10 experiment

Speed meant there was never any doubt the 26-year-old was going to cause havoc at fly-half, but there was a huge amount more requi…

Josh Raisey

17 Feb 2020, 7:14

The 'Came through the RFU Championship' XV

The RFU Championship has received a lot of attention over the past few days after the Rugby Football Union’s decision to cut its…

Josh Raisey

15 Feb 2020, 5:11

The ProD2 adjustment the RFU Championship could make

Former Bath prop Kane Palma-Newport, who is currently playing for US Colomiers in France’s second division, has weighed in on th…

Josh Raisey

13 Feb 2020, 13:33

Louw capture the latest example of Quins following Sale's South African model

The London club's tactic of recruiting South African players under Paul Gustard is not new in the Gallagher Premiership as Steve D…

Josh Raisey

13 Feb 2020, 12:53

Slade's inclusion leaves fans hopeful of an England midfield revival

The Exeter midfielder is in the 25-man Test squad for rehabilitation alongside partner Manu Tuilagi ahead of Ireland’s visit to …

Josh Raisey

13 Feb 2020, 5:48

Even a current England player has called the RFU's Championship budget cut 'pure garbage'

The Rugby Football Union have faced an almighty backlash after announcing it will be slashing its Championship funding by almost h…

Josh Raisey

13 Feb 2020, 4:21

Last thing Eddie Jones needed was Dombrandt winning an award on same day he was ignored by England

Fans have criticised the England boss after a 25-man training squad ahead of the contest against Ireland listed a back row devoid …

Josh Raisey

12 Feb 2020, 11:19

Why fans are saluting Dai Young despite his trophy-less stint at Wasps

The ex-Wales prop, who has been at the club since 2011, has been replaced by Lee Blackett on an interim basis which starts with Sa…

Josh Raisey

11 Feb 2020, 13:34

Henson wades into Russell row with stinging rebuke for senior player groups

The Racing 92 player has been the centre of attention after going home from the Scotland training camp ahead of the Six Nations...…

Josh Raisey

11 Feb 2020, 10:13

Fans in Wales hoping Young's situation with Wasps can tempt him home

Having been with Wasps since 2011, the ex-Wales prop is currently enduring a tricky spell with the two-time Heineken Cup winners …

Josh Raisey

11 Feb 2020, 8:47

Hartley says weekend's events threaten to 'end rugby as you know it'

The former England captain has has his say on a number of incidents that sparked controversy as England beat Scotland on Saturday.…

Josh Raisey

10 Feb 2020, 11:32

A familiar problem continues to plague the French

France raced to an early lead against Italy, and dominated the opening 20 minutes of the match with tries from Teddy Thomas and Ch…

Josh Raisey

10 Feb 2020, 5:45

Why England are in dire need of greater competition at scrum-half

Having an edge to selection is often the bedrock upon which great teams are formed, but Eddie Jones has lost out in that departmen…

Josh Raisey

07 Feb 2020, 10:43

Forgotten Irish backrow closing in on return to rugby after horror injury

Ireland and Leinster flanker Dan Leavy has given an update on his long road to recovery following a devastating knee injury last M…

Josh Raisey

07 Feb 2020, 10:38

Shock as Castres hooker gets away with lenient ban for heinous clear-out

In the most recent round of Top 14 action, Marc-Antoine Rallier saw red for a hit that was simply despicable in the modern game.

Josh Raisey

07 Feb 2020, 7:01

Tompkins' promotion from the bench is proving popular

After the 42-0 victory over Italy last weekend, the main question was what Wayne Pivac would do with George North, Johnny McNichol…

Josh Raisey

07 Feb 2020, 3:35

England fans decide whether Eddie Jones has addressed the issues flagged in France

After a humbling loss in Paris, there were vocal demands all week for changes and the coach has responded by making five to the st…

Josh Raisey

06 Feb 2020, 9:48

French international punished for trying to feign injury

The incident featuring Geoffrey Doumayrou was handled brilliantly by referee Thomas Charabas in La Rochelle’s contest with Montp…

Josh Raisey

06 Feb 2020, 8:12

Fans point fingers after Fox Sports ends 25-year association with Australian rugby

The TV company has been a dominant player in Australia since the sport turned professional, but its imminent departure has left Ru…

Josh Raisey

05 Feb 2020, 16:25

Watson injury opens door for uncapped 23-year-old sensation

Following confirmation that Anthony Watson won't be travelling to Edinburgh due to injury, there has been a show of online support…

Josh Raisey

05 Feb 2020, 14:00

Brown provides update on recovery after knee surgery

The 72-cap England international went for an operation after playing through the beginning of this campaign with a knee complaint.…

Josh Raisey

05 Feb 2020, 12:19

The Curry at No8 debate rages on

Whenever a player is played out of position, they are often the first one to be blamed when the result goes badly... this is the t…

Josh Raisey

05 Feb 2020, 3:40

Why fans fear Andy Farrell's Irish evolution is moving too slowly

The Englishman is supposed to be moving Ireland on from the Joe Schmidt era but supporters fear his XV for Wales is too similar to…

Josh Raisey

04 Feb 2020, 11:31

The sole positive from England's loss to France

Eddie Jones' side were well beaten in Paris but despite being 24 points down with 20 minutes remaining, they still managed to do s…

Josh Raisey

04 Feb 2020, 6:06

Fears are growing that the Finn Russell issue runs far deeper than first thought

It was hoped the Scotland star's omission from the Test squad might last just one game, but he hasn't been included for Six Nation…

Josh Raisey

04 Feb 2020, 4:56

Harlequins team-mates pay tribute to departing Robshaw who is due for MLR talks this week

After 16 years at the Stoop, the former England skipper's announcement that he will leave at the end of this season and likely joi…

Josh Raisey

04 Feb 2020, 3:35

The reason why everyone thinks France are ready to challenge for the Six Nations

In a match where England had significantly more possession, territory and carries, they found it almost impossible to penetrate th…

Josh Raisey

03 Feb 2020, 8:57

Why are referees ignoring the rules around rucking conga?

Exeter Chiefs are often associated with this conga, shown clearly in their recent Premiership Rugby Cup match against Harlequins.

Josh Raisey

03 Feb 2020, 6:41

Rees-Zammit mania continues among Welsh fans despite his exclusion

The hysteria surrounding the Gloucester winger over the past few weeks has barely been seen before for a player so young... and it…

Josh Raisey

30 Jan 2020, 13:24

England fans wary after France name fear inducing backline

The new era of French rugby has begun under Fabien Galthié after he named a young and exciting team to face England in the Six Na…

Josh Raisey

30 Jan 2020, 12:07

Fans satisfied that form players have been rewarded by Scotland

Gregor Townsend has made ten changes from their last outing, a reshuffle that includes the inclusion of uncapped Australian-born b…

Josh Raisey

30 Jan 2020, 7:06

Wales fans warming to an alternative to putting North at No13

While Jonathan Davies and Willis Halaholo are still set to miss the entire tournament, Wayne Pivac’s problems have eased with th…

Josh Raisey

29 Jan 2020, 11:39

The timing of the France 2023 RWC pool draw has caused upset

There were 18 months between the 2015 RWC final and the group stage draw for Japan 2019, but that window to get better results has…

Josh Raisey

29 Jan 2020, 9:48

How the Murray-ahead-of-Cooney selection went down with Irish fans

The Ireland No9 shirt for the Guinness Six Nations opener against Scotland has been the subject of much debate over the course of …

Josh Raisey

29 Jan 2020, 7:39

Fiji fans feel Cotter is the right appointment to take them forward

It has been known for some time that the Kiwi would be leaving Montpellier at the end of this season, but his choice of destinatio…

Josh Raisey

28 Jan 2020, 13:14

Matsushima's confirmed switch from Japan to France could be a game-changer

It's a rare enough occurrence for a Japanese player at the top of his game to take his chances in the Top 14, but there are hopes …

Josh Raisey

28 Jan 2020, 11:56

Farrell's first XV isn't the revolution some Ireland fans hoped for

With the Englishman finally taking the reins after working under Joe Schmidt since 2016, a contingent of Irish fans had their fing…

Josh Raisey

28 Jan 2020, 11:13

Beaumont's radical suggestion met with mixed reaction

World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont has shown an interest in a major change in the laws of rugby.

Josh Raisey

27 Jan 2020, 11:02

Fans question Jones over Dombrandt exclusion as Harlequins star shines again

The powerful back-row was one of a number of notable Harlequins players to miss out when Eddie Jones named his England squad last …

Josh Raisey

27 Jan 2020, 6:44

Scottish fans welcome the one silver lining to their terrible week

It's been Six Nations torture so far for the Scots, Darcy Graham's injury on Friday following Thursday's confirmation that naughty…

Josh Raisey

25 Jan 2020, 6:16

It's the Bloodgate versus Salarygate showdown

This is the first league match since it was announced that reigning champions Saracens will be relegated to the Championship at th…

Josh Raisey

24 Jan 2020, 12:23

Fans slam 'mind-boggling' Champions Cup quarter-final schedule

The annual four-match feast of quarter-final rugby has been ruined as fans will only be able to watch two of the three matches sch…

Josh Raisey

24 Jan 2020, 9:56

Nick Easter's radical salary suggestion for Saracens in the Championship

The former England and Harlequins No8 has explained on Twitter how relegation could serve the dethroned Premiership champions well…

Josh Raisey

24 Jan 2020, 4:20

Zebo's cryptic Finn Russell Tweets are perlexing the internet

Simon Zebo, club teammate of Scotland’s Finn Russell, has left a series of cryptic Tweets after the Scot returned to Racing 92 f…

Josh Raisey

23 Jan 2020, 11:25

Upset Scotland fans hit out at the SRU after Finn Russell's sanction

Given the considerable impact this decision could have on Gregor Townsend’s team, it's understandable the Scottish public want m…

Josh Raisey

23 Jan 2020, 9:14

Backlash from fans over RFU's potential U-turn on England not picking overseas-based players

The RFU announced in 2010 that any overseas player after the 2011 World Cup would not be selected for England unless there were 'e…

Josh Raisey

23 Jan 2020, 7:55

Reactions are mixed to Leicester's latest coaching reshuffle

Ex-England captain Steve Borthwick is set to finish his time working under Eddie Jones and link up at Welford Road as head coach u…

Josh Raisey

21 Jan 2020, 14:01

Beauden Barrett copies Wilkinson tactic to solve his game's biggest weakness

Despite being named the World Rugby player of the year on two occasions, one area of the New Zealand star's armoury comes in for r…

Josh Raisey

21 Jan 2020, 11:58

Zebo's bold claim about his Racing team-mate's current form heading into the Six Nations

The Parisian club's outside centre bagged two tries in the first half at Saracens last Sunday, running in from 40 metres for their…

Josh Raisey

21 Jan 2020, 7:36

Eddie Jones has baffled fans with his England scrum-half selection

This is a burst of young players in what was already a fairly youthful England team, but options remain limited at No9 as the coac…

Josh Raisey

21 Jan 2020, 5:15

Ex-England hooker's tweets explain key advantage Saracens had with their bigger squad

Having a host of internationals and an academy set-up that produced high-class player after high-class player allowed the north Lo…

Josh Raisey

21 Jan 2020, 4:02

The position that Eddie Jones forgot to select?

Eddie Jones has named his 34-man England squad for the upcoming Six Nations, and, as expected, there has been a significant overha…

Josh Raisey

20 Jan 2020, 16:36

Cryptic Brits post leaves people guessing

Having won the recent World Cup with the Springboks, the former Bulls hooker brought the curtain down on his career by appearing f…

Josh Raisey

18 Jan 2020, 7:48

Saracens fans demand an official update from the club

The club held a players/staff meeting Friday morning but nothing official was confirmed in its aftermath and fans want answers as …

Josh Raisey

18 Jan 2020, 5:38

Rival fans take great delight that Saracens are set for the drop

The reigning European and English champions now have a matter of days to show that they are working within the salary cap for the …

Josh Raisey

17 Jan 2020, 9:03

Ex-Saracens boss has his say on club's threatened automatic relegation

As revealed by RugbyPass on Thursday, Saracens have been told they have a matter of days to comply with the salary cap or face aut…

Josh Raisey

17 Jan 2020, 5:08

Roberts' ex-teammate wants more European players to make the move south

The Welsh centre left Bath with immediate effect on Thursday and is set to team up with the Cape Town-based Stormers ahead of the …

Josh Raisey

17 Jan 2020, 3:21

Fans hail du Preez's Scotland recall after his unique and harrowing injury

The Worcester back row has been called up to Gregor Townsend’s squad for the Six Nations two years after he earned his sixth and…

Josh Raisey

16 Jan 2020, 8:52

Wales' 60-cap rule is again causing confusion on both sides of the Severn

The presence of ten English-based players in Wayne Pivac’s Wales squad for the Six Nations has reopened the debate surrounding t…

Josh Raisey

16 Jan 2020, 4:40

England's Freddie Burns revels in younger brother's Ireland call-up

The Ulster fly-half is one of five uncapped players in Andy Farrell’s squad, alongside provincial team-mate Tom O’Toole and Le…

Josh Raisey

15 Jan 2020, 13:15

Fans react to Tompkins' Wales call-up: 'England, what have you done?'

The 24-year-old Saracens midfielder comes in during an injury crisis at outside centre which sees the likes of Jonathan Davies and…

Josh Raisey

15 Jan 2020, 12:24

Boks fans change tune about Proudfoot's controversial England comment

Following the confirmation on Monday that the South African forwards coach is joining England, some Springboks fans were critical …

Josh Raisey

15 Jan 2020, 9:04

Reinach: My 'impossibly hard decision' to leave Saints

The recent World Cup winner with South Africa arrived at the Saints from Super Rugby’s Sharks and soon became a fan favourite wh…

Josh Raisey

14 Jan 2020, 12:28

Anger grips Scotland after revelation that SRU's top executive was paid £933,000 last year

The Offside Line website has revealed that fees and salaries for all the Scottish Rugby Union's company directors jumped from £1.…

Josh Raisey

14 Jan 2020, 10:38

Why Gloucester had to move quickly to pen Rees-Zammit down to contract extension

Had the 18-year-old not signed this new deal, it would have been bitterly disappointing for the English club to have lost the Wels…

Josh Raisey

14 Jan 2020, 5:17

Steve Borthwick's revised England role leaves fans confused

With new forwards coach Matt Proudfoot fresh from guiding the Springboks to World Cup glory, some fans are perplexed by his predec…

Josh Raisey

14 Jan 2020, 3:45

The George North/Josh Adams experiment that will pique Wayne Pivac's interest this weekend

Wayne Pivac currently has a dearth of options in the No13 Wales Test shirt, with first-choice Jonathan Davies, Willis Halaholo and…

Josh Raisey

10 Jan 2020, 10:48

Munster crisis over for now, but fears remain over Hanrahan

With Joey Carbery and Tyler Bleyendaal off-limits due to injury, fans of the Irish province are concerned that the hamstrung Hanra…

Josh Raisey

10 Jan 2020, 8:21

Quins fans not amused by Alex Dombrandt's selection for Friday's European dead rubber

With the London club out of the running for European qualification, some people can't understand why the back row will face Bath w…

Josh Raisey

10 Jan 2020, 3:59

No sign of 'Rees-Zammit for Wales' calls dying down ahead of the Six Nations

The 18-year-old enjoyed a barnstorming December with Gloucester, racking up five Gallagher Premiership tries to win the league's p…

Josh Raisey

09 Jan 2020, 11:15

Toulon owner follows through on Rhys Webb threat

In the first fixture since Toulon owner Bernard Lemaitre suggested Ospreys-bound scrumhalf Rhys Webb will not play for the club ag…

Josh Raisey

09 Jan 2020, 9:05

Size differences in No8s across the Premiership, PRO14 and Top 14

RugbyPass assesses the heights and weights of the various No8s that started league matches in France, England and the PRO14 last w…

Josh Raisey

09 Jan 2020, 8:00

Ulster's unusual tactic to ensure kickers are prepared for Clermont's cauldron

Stade Michelin has a reputation for being one of the most intimidating venues on the European circuit and it has left the Irish pr…

Josh Raisey

08 Jan 2020, 12:23

Jacques Burger let's slip the reason he turned down defence coach role at RWC

Former captain Jacques Burger has made some telling comments about the state of Namibian rugby following a restructure of the nati…

Josh Raisey

06 Jan 2020, 12:00

Andy Goode calls attention to annoying rugby 'bugbear'

There are certain laws in rugby, and indeed all sports, where players will continuously try to push their luck.

Josh Raisey

06 Jan 2020, 8:44

High tackles grab headlines again and it's not just Farrell's latest effort

High tackles were at the centre of attention again in round eight of the Gallagher Premiership as cards were, or more importantly,…

Josh Raisey

06 Jan 2020, 6:48

Many Scotland fans are happy Jonny Gray is going to Exeter Chiefs

There are fears the lock's exit is another sign of Glasgow's slow, distressing drift away from rugby's top table, but the upside i…

Josh Raisey

04 Jan 2020, 4:13

Webb's sudden Six Nations eligibility has sparked lively Welsh scrum-half debate

Gareth Davies, Tomos Williams and Aled Davies were the three scrum-halves Warren Gatland brought to the World Cup, but Wayne Pivac…

Josh Raisey

03 Jan 2020, 12:50

Bath's world-class back row is finally starting together for the first time in two years

It has been ages since the Rec-based club managed to have Francois Louw, Sam Underhill and Taulupe Faletau wearing the starting ba…

Josh Raisey

03 Jan 2020, 11:10

Fans call for more Nakarawa-like signings to stem the tide at faltering Glasgow

Leone Nakarawa’s return to Glasgow Warriors is hopefully the beginning of a number of new signings for many supporters of the cl…

Josh Raisey

02 Jan 2020, 14:53

Dombrandt omission sparks Harlequins rumour mill

Harlequins have announced their team to head north and face Sale Sharks on Friday night and Alex Dombrandt’s absence has raised …

Josh Raisey

02 Jan 2020, 10:05

The very mixed reaction to Nigel Wray's departure bombshell

Nigel Wray has left a mixed legacy throughout the rugby world after he announced his departure as Chairman of Saracens with immedi…

Josh Raisey

02 Jan 2020, 9:41

Wasps team versus Harlequins hailed the strongest this season

After a tough start to the season, Wasps’ injury woes look to be coming to an end, and fans feel the team to face Harlequins at …

Josh Raisey

21 Dec 2019, 3:11

Bastareaud the butt of weather jokes as he adjusts to winter in New York

The former France midfielder captured the rugby imagination when his MLR move was announced but it hasn't been all plain sailing f…

Josh Raisey

20 Dec 2019, 12:29

Leicester respond to fans querying Saturday's team selection

Every move Tigers are making this season is the subject of severe scrutiny by their fans, and the club have taken to social media …

Josh Raisey

20 Dec 2019, 8:43

It's an All Blacks clean sweep as they take all four semi-final spots in player of the decade vote

World Rugby have left it to the fans to decide who should be player of the decade and the round-by-round vote has been dominated b…

Josh Raisey

20 Dec 2019, 5:01

Scotland have just lost 207 caps of experience through retirements, but fans still hopeful of bright future

The quick succession exits of John Barclay, Tommy Seymour and Greig Laidlaw have taken a wealth of experience out of Scotland but …

Josh Raisey

20 Dec 2019, 3:55

Stuart Hogg leads the praise as Scotland players react to Greig Laidlaw's retirement

Since making his debut in 2010, the 34-year-old amassed the second-most points in Scotland’s history - 714 - and captained them …

Josh Raisey

19 Dec 2019, 10:50

The Mtawarira MLR move has sparked an intriguing online debate

The United States’ Major League Rugby has welcomed another superstar of the game to the league after it was announced on Wednesd…

Josh Raisey

19 Dec 2019, 7:56

World Rugby lets fans vote for player of the decade

With just days now left remaining in the 2010s, the game's global governing body have come up with a novel way of allowing support…

Josh Raisey

18 Dec 2019, 10:16

Twitter erupts as clue dropped on the next superstar to sign for MLR

The United States’ Major League Rugby (MLR) is set to have another star name join the league, according to Americas Rugby News w…

Josh Raisey

18 Dec 2019, 8:42

Richie McCaw's law change suggestion proves popular with fans

New Zealand's two-time World Cup-winning captain has suggested one radical change should be made in rugby and his idea has been mu…

Josh Raisey

18 Dec 2019, 8:00

Why the Ford-Farrell axis was England's best 10-12 combination over the past four years

The Test level partnership of the Leicester and Saracens playmakers has been Eddie Jones' go-to, the coach picking them together f…

Josh Raisey

18 Dec 2019, 5:15

Irish fans suspect it's the end of an era after Rob Kearney's omission

With the veteran full-back set to be 37 by the time of the next World Cup in France, Andy Farrell has decided to omit him from his…

Josh Raisey

17 Dec 2019, 3:33

'It's just sad to me and smacks more of an illness than nefariousness'

Following ex-Wales scrumhalf Rob Howley’s ban for breaching betting rules, a tonne of support has poured in for the former coach…

Josh Raisey

16 Dec 2019, 11:31

Jones faces No.8 selection dilemma

Only months after Eddie Jones opted to take one specialist No.8 to the Rugby World Cup, it has quickly become one of the most comp…

Josh Raisey

16 Dec 2019, 10:17

Irish fans hit peak Cooney-hype; demand the Ulster 9 starts Six Nations

Ulster’s John Cooney has cemented himself as many fans’ favourite to start for Ireland at the Six Nations, as he continued his…

Josh Raisey

16 Dec 2019, 8:15

Brown provides surgery update as he faces long road to recovery

Harlequins fullback Mike Brown has provided an update on Instagram following his recent knee surgery. 

Josh Raisey

16 Dec 2019, 5:31

Size differences in No.7s in the Premiership, PRO14 and Top 14

RugbyPass assesses the heights and weights of the various opensides that started league matches in France, England and the PRO14 a…

Josh Raisey

15 Dec 2019, 2:59

Gloucester selection raises eyebrows and ire ahead of crucial European clash

The fortunes of Gloucester have changed a lot in the past week. The Cherry and Whites went from rock bottom of Pool Five in the Ch…

Josh Raisey

14 Dec 2019, 5:39

The awards keep on coming for in-demand Kolisi

It's has been a whirlwind time for the Springboks captain since skippering his country to World Cup glory and the celebrations con…

Josh Raisey

13 Dec 2019, 7:28

John Cooney's cryptic message after recent upturn in form

The Ulster half-back must be hoping new Ireland boss Andy Farrell likes his poetry after taking to social media to post a curious …

Josh Raisey

12 Dec 2019, 9:58

Fans feel for overlooked Scott Robertson

Ian Foster and Scott Robertson each had one main selling point in their race to become the new All Blacks coach.

Josh Raisey

11 Dec 2019, 17:02

A two-year contract for Ian Foster keeps the door ajar for Warren Gatland

New All Blacks coach Ian Foster has been signed on for a two-year contract. Some fans have speculated that this could pave the way…

Josh Raisey

11 Dec 2019, 16:15

Fans clamouring for more change at struggling Leicester

Reports emerged on Tuesday that Tigers have parted company with assistant coach Mark Bakewell, but supporters feel much more needs…

Josh Raisey

11 Dec 2019, 12:23

Controversial try off the kicking tee in France only eventually disallowed after review

There was brief consternation in a ProD2 match last weekend when a score in the corner created from a kick off the kicking tee was…

Josh Raisey

11 Dec 2019, 10:37

15 for 10: Toulon - an all-decade XV

The RugbyPass series crosses the Channel for a look at a French club that came from nowhere to dominate the European landscape in …

Josh Raisey

11 Dec 2019, 4:29

Here's proof that last Sunday wasn't the first time Cipriani pulled off that bizarre kick

Gloucester beat Connacht in last weekend's Champions Cup round three, but the main talking point has been whether or not their mav…

Josh Raisey

10 Dec 2019, 10:04

Watch: Painful footage of Lood de Jager injury is released

The 26-year-old Springbok left the pitch clutching his left shoulder after 21 minutes of the Rugby World Cup final against England…

Josh Raisey

09 Dec 2019, 10:49

England's 'Unluckiest XV' of the last decade

This has been a mixed decade for the England rugby team, filled with some great highs and all-time nadirs.

Josh Raisey

09 Dec 2019, 9:39

The jaw-dropping Crusaders stat that favours Robertson's All Black ambitions

As New Zealand grows ever closer to finding out who will be the next All Blacks coach, broadcaster Scotty Stevenson revealed a sta…

Josh Raisey

09 Dec 2019, 8:14

Munster fans still wary of depleted Saracens

Prioritising Premiership survival following a 35-point salary cap deduction, the London club are fielding a much-changed XV in Lim…

Josh Raisey

07 Dec 2019, 2:47

Nakarawa's sacking has fans of other European clubs pleading for him to join them

With the ball-playing Fijian now kicked out at Racing, fans of other clubs around Europe are salivating at the prospect that he is…

Josh Raisey

06 Dec 2019, 8:35

Desperate Ospreys fans fear quick fix

The news that former Grand Slam-winning coach Mike Ruddock has joined the struggling Ospreys on a short-term basis has been welcom…

Josh Raisey

05 Dec 2019, 11:16

The 'loss that continues to haunt NZ Rugby'

The life of an All Blacks winger is alarmingly short and Bristol Bears’ Charles Piutau can attest to that.

Josh Raisey

04 Dec 2019, 11:58

The tried and tested Bok trick that lies in wait for 2021 Lions

The schedule for the British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa in 2021 has been announced, and it involves eight matches in fiv…

Josh Raisey

04 Dec 2019, 10:12

British and Irish League debate is dismissed as a deflection tactic

It was in Wales last Friday when it was claimed by the Ospreys hierarchy that a British and Irish League would be formed in 2022. …

Josh Raisey

04 Dec 2019, 4:28

Swoop for another Fijian winger sees NRL journalist hit out at Rugby Australia

Rugby Australia have a penchant for signing Pacific Island players and their latest raid - this time from rival code NRL - has dra…

Josh Raisey

03 Dec 2019, 12:25

Brits' farewell message after 'craziest month' of his life

The veteran Springboks' story these past 18 months has warmed the hearts of rugby fans the world over, from retirement to World Cu…

Josh Raisey

03 Dec 2019, 7:13

Ex-Leicester teammates call for stay of execution for Murphy

Leicester Tigers’ heavy derby defeat to Northampton Saints on Saturday has meant that the pressure is mounting on head coach Geo…

Josh Raisey

02 Dec 2019, 11:05

Teammate and former England player backs Thacker to wear the rose

After playing a key part in Bristol Bears’ pulsating 27-27 draw with London Irish on Sunday, Harry Thacker’s credentials for a…

Josh Raisey

02 Dec 2019, 7:54

Bundee Aki: 'I never' questioned allegiance

Ireland international Bundee Aki has laid to rest weeks of speculation that he may be moving abroad by signing a three-year deal w…

Josh Raisey

30 Nov 2019, 7:10

Some England fans are questioning O'Shea over his record with Italy

There was a lot of love going around on Friday morning when the Irishman was announced as the RFU's new performance director, but …

Josh Raisey

29 Nov 2019, 11:44

Pocock scoops a very non-rugby award

The Wallaby back row's Test career was the envy of many but he just picked up a prestigious award in Australia for very different …

Josh Raisey

29 Nov 2019, 6:15

Eben Etzebeth checks in for work at Toulon

With their World Cup celebrations now over, Eben Etzebeth is the latest European-based Springbok to check-in for the winter club d…

Josh Raisey

28 Nov 2019, 11:29

Launchbury compared to legends Dallaglio and Shaw after agreeing new deal

With Wasps struggling to compete for trophies, their skipper must have been tempted to jump ship and play his club rugby elsewhere…

Josh Raisey

28 Nov 2019, 10:47

Uproar after Bourgarit's eye-gouging gets ban just two weeks worse than Addison's badly-timed tackle

European rugby disciplinary hearings handed out punishments on Wednesday after last weekend's round two action that have left fans…

Josh Raisey

28 Nov 2019, 7:07

Ospreys boss: Rugby's most unwanted job?

After winning just one of their opening eight games of the season, the Ospreys have parted ways with head coach Allen Clarke.

Josh Raisey

27 Nov 2019, 12:07

'My oh my' - How the rugby world reacted to Radradra to Bristol

Bristol Bears announced one of the biggest signings in recent years on Wednesday, as Fiji and Bordeaux star Semi Radradra is set t…

Josh Raisey

27 Nov 2019, 8:33

Radradra's mouthwatering potential partnership with All Blacks star

Bristol Bears shocked the rugby world on Wednesday by announcing the signing of one of the most in-demand players on the planet, F…

Josh Raisey

27 Nov 2019, 5:27

Why England haemorrhaging coaches won't faze Jones

England’s confirmation that attacking coach Scott Wisemantel will move on from his position may not come as a surprise to many.

Josh Raisey

27 Nov 2019, 3:47

Fans' message to Premiership Rugby: Audit all the clubs now, not just Saracens

Rival clubs are still suspicious of Saracens despite their salary cap punishment, but fans belives any mid-seaosn audit should cov…

Josh Raisey

26 Nov 2019, 11:54

Halaholo hits back at his Welsh critics after ACL injury

It has been a difficult week for the Cardiff Blues midfielder after his criticised Welsh squad call-up was followed by his likely …

Josh Raisey

26 Nov 2019, 10:13

World Cup fatigue? Nobody told these England players

A Rugby World Cup is not simply six weeks of rugby, it is the end of months of preparation for the players, which can take a while…

Josh Raisey

25 Nov 2019, 10:04

The ridiculous Jack Willis turnover rate stat

Prior to their Challenge Cup contest with Agen at the Ricoh Arena over the weekend, Wasps shared an impressive stat about flanker …

Josh Raisey

25 Nov 2019, 9:49

Has Jonny May's latest omission by Leicester revealed the extent of his RWC injury?

Tigers have made use of all but one of their England World Cup contingent since their return from Japan.

Josh Raisey

22 Nov 2019, 9:06

Dyantyi sends message as doping hearing looms

It has been months since samples provided by the up-and-coming South African talent produced positive results, but he has revealed…

Josh Raisey

22 Nov 2019, 7:04

There has been a whole lot of Twitter love for Toby Booth joining Harlequins

The former London Irish boss stepped away from Bath last summer but he hasn't been out of the Premiership for long after getting a…

Josh Raisey

22 Nov 2019, 3:34

Public sentiment no longer behind Giteau's Law?

There are changes afoot in Australian rugby with new coach Dave Rennie arriving in 2020.

Josh Raisey

21 Nov 2019, 10:26

Mixed reaction to Glasgow's appointment of Wilson as Rennie's successor

It was always going to be a tough task for the Warriors to recruit a coach of similar calibre to the Super Rugby winner who will l…

Josh Raisey

21 Nov 2019, 5:44

UN law quoted after Kerevi's Fijian comments spark eligibility debate

The Wallabies player wasn't too happy that the comments he made about Fiji were allegedly taken out of context, but the freedom to…

Josh Raisey

20 Nov 2019, 12:53

Gavin Henson queries residency rules after two more Kiwis become 'Welsh'

It was a long time ago when the maverick ball player won his last Wales cap - August 2011 - but he is still not shy speaking up ab…

Josh Raisey

20 Nov 2019, 5:35

Some fans believe Marmion's Connacht extension is first sign of salary cap fall-out at Saracens

With the scrum-half deciding to stay on at Connacht, some feel it's a first sign that Saracens' salary cap punishment by Premiersh…

Josh Raisey

19 Nov 2019, 12:43

The broken leg heroics of Leicester's Sam Aspland-Robinson

The winger had an injury-plagued time at Harlequins and while that misfortune has now continued at Leicester, his selflessness las…

Josh Raisey

19 Nov 2019, 11:45

The depressing reaction to Justin Tipuric's rumoured move

Reports emerged over the weekend in The Rugby Paper that Wales and British and Irish Lions flanker Justin Tipuric could make a £5…

Josh Raisey

18 Nov 2019, 12:34

Salary cap scandal: Which Premiership club is next in the firing line?

Reigning Champions Cup and Gallagher Premiership winners Saracens released a statement confirming they will not contest the fine a…

Josh Raisey

18 Nov 2019, 12:04

Samu Kerevi addresses outrage at Fiji switch reports

Wallabies centre Samu Kerevi caused quite a stir recently with comments made at a function in Fiji about switching allegiances ahe…

Josh Raisey

18 Nov 2019, 9:38

Saracens in no way weak heading to Paris despite so many missing players

With so much focus foisted on Saracens in the wake of the salary cap scandal, it has crept under the radar that the XV chosen to f…

Josh Raisey

15 Nov 2019, 11:19

Is this the weekend that could turn Leicester Tigers' miserable season around?

Having fluffed their lines in 2018/19, it has been a miserable start to 2019/20 for the East Midlands club who hope the return of …

Josh Raisey

15 Nov 2019, 8:29

Clive Woodward left perplexed by Shaun Edwards' latest move

Twelve years after England previously missed out on the former Wasps coach, the 2003 World Cup-winning boss is bemused that France…

Josh Raisey

14 Nov 2019, 12:20

Sonny Bill Williams is unveiled by his new Canadian side... in London

Super League newcomers Toronto Wolfpack made sure they grabbed the media spotlight in England by unveiling the former All Black at…

Josh Raisey

14 Nov 2019, 11:14

World Rugby's 'agreement' with the SRU hasn't gone down well in Scotland

A resolution has finally been reached in the World Cup row between World Rugby and the Scottish Rugby Union, but Scotland fans are…

Josh Raisey

14 Nov 2019, 6:39

Gatland names nailed-on 2021 Lions and they're mostly Englishmen

British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland has suggested that his squad to face world champions South Africa in the 2021 Li…

Josh Raisey

13 Nov 2019, 12:08

Does anyone really know what to expect from Shaun Edwards' appointment?

It's finally officially confirmed that the former Wales assistant has thrown his lot in with France, but will they listen to him o…

Josh Raisey

13 Nov 2019, 8:57

'They [Te'o-Brown] weren't the only two players that had differences, there were others...'

Asked to comment on the England football row, Eddie Jones referred back to the Ben Te'o-Mike Brown incident and suggested it wasn'…

Josh Raisey

12 Nov 2019, 13:56

Barbarians boss Eddie Jones has created a new position for Mathieu Bastareaud

It was only November 2 when England lost the World Cup final but Eddie Jones sounds like he has quickly rediscovered his appetite …

Josh Raisey

12 Nov 2019, 10:07

Wales' decision to play Davies against the All Blacks is now under scrutiny

Jonathan Davies played through the pain barrier in Wales' semi-final defeat and with the seriousness of his knee injury now diagno…

Josh Raisey

12 Nov 2019, 7:39

Nigel Wray receives unlikely backing of comedy legend

Saracens have endured one of the worst weeks off the field in living memory as they were handed a £5.36m fine by Premiership Rugb…

Josh Raisey

11 Nov 2019, 13:24

Midfield mass: The changing weight of centres since the 1987 Rugby World Cup to present day

The centres have also seen quite an evolution over the years, and that is made no clearer than comparing the finalists in each Rug…

Josh Raisey

11 Nov 2019, 9:38

England's other giant Pacific Island No.8 wants his jersey back

The Bristol Bears pulled off a sensational victory against the Exeter Chiefs on Sunday, fighting back from a 17-0 deficit at halft…

Josh Raisey

11 Nov 2019, 8:11

The positional square-off facing England's Wilson at Sale Sharks

After a busy summer, Sale Sharks have perhaps not made the start to the Gallagher Premiership season that they would have wanted.

Josh Raisey

09 Nov 2019, 5:03

Retiring Hartley's parting shots for the online nauses and trolls

The former England and Northampton skipper confirmed his retirement from rugby on Thursday and he was busy in the aftermath on soc…

Josh Raisey

08 Nov 2019, 11:39

Former sevens boss urges fans to trust clubs like Exeter with post-RWC player welfare

With player welfare a hugely important topic, one former coach is defending Exeter for selecting World Cup final players to play i…

Josh Raisey

08 Nov 2019, 9:54

Tributes galore for the retiring Dylan Hartley... even referee Nigel Owens has wished him well

Dylan Hartley had his controversies over the years, but it is a measure of the former England and Northampton hooker that so many …

Josh Raisey

07 Nov 2019, 14:05

Why Boks had the World Cup final won as early as the pre-game coin toss

Much has been made about how the Springboks physically dominated England, but a former South African assistant has made a startlin…

Josh Raisey

07 Nov 2019, 11:41

Retiring Dylan Hartley explains why best day of his career wasn't with England

Dylan Hartley has enjoyed some memorable achievements with England, but the now-retired Test skipper has described a particular da…

Josh Raisey

07 Nov 2019, 8:46

Why handing Saracens' last two titles to Exeter would only create more controversy

The Saracens salary cap row has led to call for their 2018 and 2019 titles to be taken from them, but simply giving the honours to…

Josh Raisey

07 Nov 2019, 7:49

Nakawara case raises awkward questions about Top14's treatment of PI players

Racing 92 lock Leone Nakawara’s no-show to training since the Rugby World Cup is one story this week that could have major conse…

Josh Raisey

06 Nov 2019, 15:15

Go easy on the England players, they're not the first RWC team to take off medals

The reaction to some of the England team refusing to wear their silver medals after the Rugby World Cup final has been staggering …

Josh Raisey

06 Nov 2019, 6:18

Rival ex-chairman congratulates Premiership Rugby for Saracens punishment

There hasn't been a whole lot of sympathy for Saracens since PRL revealed its salary cap findings, with an ex-Gloucester boss the …

Josh Raisey

05 Nov 2019, 12:07

Fans fear the Saracens controversy will damage Eddie Jones' England

With the Saracens squad providing so many players to Eddie Jones' England, fans fear the fall-out from the salary cap controversy …

Josh Raisey

05 Nov 2019, 9:16

Jones is the popular option to stay in charge until 2023

Jones is contracted with the RFU until 2021, but it is unclear what the future holds for him after England's Rugby World Cup final…

Josh Raisey

04 Nov 2019, 10:49

The long term problem for England that was never solved

After England’s miserable Rugby World Cup final loss to South Africa in Yokohama on Saturday, a phrase that has haunted the team…

Josh Raisey

04 Nov 2019, 9:06

England players' medal reaction has upset a lot of people on Twitter

The England team were understandably bitterly disappointed after they fell to the Springboks in the World Cup final on Saturday, b…

Josh Raisey

02 Nov 2019, 10:18

There's been quite a reaction to the controversial omissions from the POTY shortlist

The World Rugby player of the year shortlist has been announced, and three players from this Saturday’s Rugby World Cup final ha…

Josh Raisey

01 Nov 2019, 15:47

'It's hard for brown/black people to even be considered to coach'

Jamie Joseph's success coaching Japan has resulted in him being nominated for World Rugby's coach of the year, but can he go all t…

Josh Raisey

01 Nov 2019, 10:35

Another Premiership player allowed to skip a match to watch a brother in the RWC final

Social media has illustrated its positive use this week, campaigning for Ben Curry and Marcus Watson to skip Premiership games and…

Josh Raisey

01 Nov 2019, 8:11

The 'dreadful game of rugby' that bored the world

Last week's World Cup mixtures were a bit of a mixed bag, but they were both considerably more enthraling than what was going on i…

Josh Raisey

31 Oct 2019, 22:04

Liam Williams savages fan on Twitter after being accused of 'arrogance'

Wales and Saracens fullback Liam Williams isn’t going to lie down and let anyone accuse him of arrogance, as he has put a fan in…

Josh Raisey

31 Oct 2019, 10:57

Forget Jones and Erasmus, Jamie Joseph is fans' favourite to be coach of the year

Five coaches are shortlisted for World Rugby's coach of the year award and while Saturday's World Cup-winning coach will likely ge…

Josh Raisey

31 Oct 2019, 7:46

People are concerned for Leigh Halfpenny after latest concussion

Thomas Francis, Aaron Wainwright, George North and Leigh Halfpenny are fresh injuries to go alongside the myriad casualties that t…

Josh Raisey

30 Oct 2019, 15:44

The solid reason why TJ Perenara might not win 'Try of the Year'

TJ Perenara’s try against Namibia looks like the clear favourite, and the majority of fans on social media seem to agree.

Josh Raisey

30 Oct 2019, 14:57

Nigel Owens' classy response to Garces being named RWC final ref

The verdict is clearly that Nigel Owens was more deserving of taking charge of his second final, having supervised the 2015 showca…

Josh Raisey

30 Oct 2019, 9:49

Leicester Tigers fans already fearing the worst two games into season

English and European giants Leicester Tigers endured their annus horribilis last season, finishing eleventh in the Gallagher Premi…

Josh Raisey

30 Oct 2019, 8:48

All Blacks fans wondering if XV versus Wales would have beaten England

With Ryan Crotty and a number of other seasoned internationals recalled to the New Zeland XV to face Wales, some ABs fans believe …

Josh Raisey

30 Oct 2019, 7:39

A 'Watson To World Cup' campaign has now launched after the Curry success

Following social media's success convincing Sale to allow Ben Curry to watch twin Tom play in the World Cup final, a campaign has …

Josh Raisey

29 Oct 2019, 10:12

Ben Curry responds after social media campaign gets him to Japan to watch England twin Tom

The power of social media has been evident in recent days as support for Ben Curry has convinced Sale to allow him to skip a leagu…

Josh Raisey

29 Oct 2019, 5:59

'We hate the English, but...' - old enemy of England can't help but be impressed

After England’s historic victory over New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup semi-final on Saturday, former France international Fre…

Josh Raisey

28 Oct 2019, 15:33

Springboks must improve tactics or they'll lose to England

South Africa booked their place in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final against England with an attritional win over Wales on Sunday, bu…

Josh Raisey

28 Oct 2019, 12:27

Wales fans still buoyant despite their injury worries ahead of semi-final

Wales have not had much luck with injuries at this World Cup, but they have an ability to roll with the setbacks and still produce…

Josh Raisey

25 Oct 2019, 8:18

The quiet return of Mark Wilson is long overdue according to England fans

Eddie Jones has tweaked the team that overcame Australia last weekend ahead of the Rugby World Cup semi-final clash against the Al…

Josh Raisey

24 Oct 2019, 11:35

Stuart Hogg set for Exeter debut and he'll have another British and Irish Lion alongside

Exeter Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter has had the luxury of being able to call upon two British and Irish Lions for the match agains…

Josh Raisey

24 Oct 2019, 9:56

Remarkable stat suggests Elliot Daly is Eddie's real golden boy at the back

There are still calls from fans for Eddie Jones to move Elliot Daly from fullback and switch him with Anthony Watson on the wing.

Josh Raisey

23 Oct 2019, 10:31

As Quade Cooper spat vitriol, his ex-teammate jumped to Cheika's defence

In the aftermath of Australia’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final loss to England on Saturday, it has not been pleasant for departin…

Josh Raisey

23 Oct 2019, 6:47

Tendai 'The Beast' Mtawarira sends apology

Springboks prop Tendai ‘The Beast’ Mtawarira has apologised to his opposing loosehead Keita Inagaki after his first half yello…

Josh Raisey

23 Oct 2019, 6:38

World Rugby accused of political correctness gone mad for punishing Peyper

Referee Jaco Peyper landed himself in trouble with World Rugby for a playful gesture in a picture taken with some Wales fans follo…

Josh Raisey

22 Oct 2019, 8:04

Pocock takes to Instagram to issue farewell message to Test rugby

David Pocock had signalled his intention to retire from Test rugby at the end of the World Cup and he has now taken to social medi…

Josh Raisey

22 Oct 2019, 6:22

Welsh fans relieved the dangerous Raka has missed French quarter-final selection

Since becoming eligible for France, Fijian Alivereti Raka has demonstrated a nose for a try which is why some Wales fans are celeb…

Josh Raisey

18 Oct 2019, 9:12

Clear winner in fans' choice for the unluckiest All Black squad member

Based on the team that defeated the Springboks in the opening match of their Rugby World Cup campaign, there are not too many surp…

Josh Raisey

17 Oct 2019, 13:23

Experienced Ireland XV generates mixed reaction

Joe Schmidt has chosen a dozen starters from last November's Dublin win over the All Blacks to start in Saturday's rematch in Toky…

Josh Raisey

17 Oct 2019, 10:34

England fans have their say on the benching of Ford

Despite playing a pivotal role during the World Cup pool stage, George Ford had relinquished the England No10 shirt for the quarte…

Josh Raisey

17 Oct 2019, 7:41

Lote Tuqiri highlights what he reckons is the key to beating England

Ahead of Australia’s quarter-final contest with England this Saturday, former Wallabies winger Lote Tuqiri has stressed that Mic…

Josh Raisey

16 Oct 2019, 12:38

It's seemingly Scotland versus the rest in their battle against World Rugby

The row between World Rugby and the Scottish Rugby Union over the last Sunday's Japan-Scotland pool match has caused a social medi…

Josh Raisey

16 Oct 2019, 8:23

Champions League winners the latest visitors as Harlequins continue to learn from football in pursuit of success

Harlequins boss Paul Gustard has no limitations bringing in outside expertise and his latest ruse ahead of the Premiership start w…

Josh Raisey

15 Oct 2019, 11:02

Fans divided as to where Japan's future best lies

Having beaten Ireland and Scotland to top Pool A at the World Cup, a debate has ignited on whether Japan should join Six Nations o…

Josh Raisey

15 Oct 2019, 10:29

Owens' appointment has Irish fans - and one former player - nervous about facing the All Blacks

Ireland fans are worried about next Saturday's quarter-final versus New Zealand as Nigel Owens left them frustrated when he previo…

Josh Raisey

15 Oct 2019, 5:54

Ireland fans aren't happy with Bundee Aki ban

Following his red card against Samoa on Saturday, Ireland centre Bundee Aki has been banned for three weeks, bringing an end to hi…

Josh Raisey

15 Oct 2019, 3:59

USA captain sends heartfelt message after winless Rugby World Cup

USA captain Blaine Scully has said that it was “an honor to serve” his team at the Rugby World Cup this year.

Josh Raisey

14 Oct 2019, 11:08

Scotland fans lament the coach that got away

After Scotland crashed out of the Rugby World Cup in the pool stages for only the second time on Sunday, there has been a fierce r…

Josh Raisey

14 Oct 2019, 10:29

Will Genia's Instagram message highlights how near the finish is for his stellar Test career

The long-serving Australian scrum-half has taken to social media to acknowledge that the end of his excellent international career…

Josh Raisey

12 Oct 2019, 4:41

The Pacific Islands 'Lost XV' - Rugby World Cup edition

For years the Pacific Islands have provided the world with some of the best rugby players, but a problem that the nations have fac…

Josh Raisey

12 Oct 2019, 2:31

Fans delighted the legendary Gorgodze gets to retire at RWC on his terms

Unlike Italy's Sergio Parisse whose farewell was ruined by match cancellation at the World Cup, Georgia’s Mamuka Gorgodze took h…

Josh Raisey

11 Oct 2019, 12:31

Scotland fans fire back at Eddie Jones over his 'no sympathy' jibe

Eddie Jones has ruffled Scottish feathers with his jibe about their qualification situation and how their hopes could be scuppered…

Josh Raisey

11 Oct 2019, 6:24

Burger poses question ahead of 2021 Lions tour

Former Namibia captain Jacques Burger has made a suggestion that the British and Irish Lions face Namibia in the upcoming tour of …

Josh Raisey

10 Oct 2019, 10:54

Fans gutted that Sergio Parisse is bowing out off the field - not on it - due to Hagibis

Saturday's fixture versus New Zealand was expected to be Sergio Parisse's Test level swansong, but the cancellation of the match i…

Josh Raisey

10 Oct 2019, 6:45

Leo: 'Fiji have outgrown the Pacific Nations Cup'

Former Samoa international and director of the Pacific Rugby Players Welfare Dan Leo has said that Fiji must play in either the Ru…

Josh Raisey

09 Oct 2019, 13:30

The English Toulon? Sale Sharks player depth encapsulated in remarkable Tweet

With one week to go until the Gallagher Premiership rugby season starts, Sale Sharks are the team that are showing the most promis…

Josh Raisey

09 Oct 2019, 12:20

England prospect Johnny Williams reveals cancer diagnosis on Instagram

Newcastle Falcons centre Johnny Williams has revealed on Instagram that he has recently finished chemotherapy having been diagnose…

Josh Raisey

09 Oct 2019, 8:55

Fijian legend can't believe Ken Owens didn't see red for yellow card tackle

Ken Owens' yellow card in the first half for a tip tackle on Fiji No8 Bill Mata was a major talking point in Oita and one Pacific …

Josh Raisey

09 Oct 2019, 8:37

Canadian Larsen showed class with red card apology in Springboks' dressing room

Getting sent off at a World Cup is a difficult ordeal for any player to cope with but Canada's Josh Larsen has gained kudos for hi…

Josh Raisey

09 Oct 2019, 7:15

Cobus Reinach catapults himself into contention on back of turbocharged hat trick

With three high-class scrumhalves competing with one another, Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus is in a good position at the en…

Josh Raisey

08 Oct 2019, 22:05

Eight years after what happened at RWC 2011, English and Welsh fans are wary of yet another France team in disarray

Rumours of internal strife have emerged from the France camp and have left some England and Wales fans worried this might somehow …

Josh Raisey

08 Oct 2019, 13:03

Referee Luke Pearce praised for handling of Canadian red card

Referees have not been popular at the World Cup but England's Luke Pearce bucked that trend with the decisive manner in which he h…

Josh Raisey

08 Oct 2019, 10:37

Close the polls early - the try of the tournament has already been scored

All Black TJ Perenara’s late finish against Namibia is a leading contender for the try of the Rugby World Cup despite the tourna…

Josh Raisey

08 Oct 2019, 2:38

The video clip that has split Bok fans along racial lines

A video has emerged online in the wake of South Africa’s comprehensive win over Italy on Friday that has flared tempers.

Josh Raisey

08 Oct 2019, 0:14

Name Kolbe 'World Player of the Year' and get it over with already

In light of his two-try display against Italy on Friday, calls are mounting for Cheslin Kolbe to be named World Rugby player of th…

Josh Raisey

05 Oct 2019, 10:14

Conspiracy? Smit tweets what many were thinking during Italian game

Rassie Erasmus and Conor O’Shea made it clear with their selections this week that South Africa’s contest with Italy would be …

Josh Raisey

05 Oct 2019, 9:37

Photo of the Tuilagi bros goes viral

In a week where the All Blacks’ Barrett brothers made headlines, the world was reminded that the Tuilagi family still go down as…

Josh Raisey

04 Oct 2019, 10:45

Semi Radradra 'best player at the Rugby World Cup'

Fiji finally clicked into gear at this year’s Rugby World Cup as they put Georgia to the sword at the Hanazono Rugby Stadium on …

Josh Raisey

03 Oct 2019, 20:25

England fans hit back at Creevy online following pre-game comments

The Pumas’ hooker Augustin Creevy has stoked the fire by accusing England of being “boring” and said that Saturday’s match…

Josh Raisey

02 Oct 2019, 22:52

Jamie Roberts makes bold claim about France this RWC

Wales and British and Irish Lions star Jamie Roberts has cast his opinion over France’s chances at this Rugby World Cup after th…

Josh Raisey

02 Oct 2019, 11:14

Exactly what Michael Hooper said to referee Romain Poite

Australia’s loss to Wales on Sunday in the Rugby World Cup offered a number of controversial moments, which chiefly left Michael…

Josh Raisey

02 Oct 2019, 1:53

Damian McKenzie shares update on ACL recovery

Damian McKenzie would have surely been a part of the New Zealand squad in Japan but for a devastating ACL injury in April which ru…

Josh Raisey

02 Oct 2019, 0:04

The David Pocock stat that Richie McCaw fans will hate

When David Pocock retires from international rugby at the end of the Rugby World Cup, many people may look back on who the flanker…

Josh Raisey

30 Sep 2019, 11:52

Despite loss one Wallaby has been singled out for lavish praise

Matt Toomua has received universal praise from fans and pundits in Australia after his heroic performance in the loss against Wale…

Josh Raisey

30 Sep 2019, 11:26

4G pitches strike again, this time the victim is Ben Curry

Ben Curry took to Twitter to highlight his injuries after he joined the long list of players who have suffered at the hands of art…

Josh Raisey

30 Sep 2019, 10:44

Three-week bans for all four punished players making no sense to fans

Four disciplinary hearings have so far taken place at the World Cup in Japan and fans are confused that the punishment for all fou…

Josh Raisey

27 Sep 2019, 11:08

Retro Peter Stringer tackle on Jonah Lomu goes viral after high tackle debate

High tackles are the hot topic at the 2019 World Cup and former Ireland player Peter Stringer has taken ex-England coach Clive Woo…

Josh Raisey

27 Sep 2019, 7:11

Some ex-players and Jamie Roberts fear a Hodge-like ban for Piers Francis

USA were on the receiving end of a red card in Kobe, but some current and ex-players believe England's Piers Francis should have b…

Josh Raisey

26 Sep 2019, 14:58

Hodge's disciplinary hearing excuse doesn't wash with fans

The evidence given by Reece Hodge at his disciplinary hearing in Japan has come under scrutiny with fans gobsmacked that he doesn'…

Josh Raisey

26 Sep 2019, 12:16

Calls for the legendary Parisse not to start against Springboks

Sergio Parisse was rested from Italy's win over Canada on Thursday, but the performance of the back row has led to calls not to st…

Josh Raisey

26 Sep 2019, 10:50

Clive Woodward slams decision to ban Reece Hodge

It's rare that an English man speaks up in favour of the Wallabies, but 2003 World Cup-winning coach Clive Woodward believes Reece…

Josh Raisey

26 Sep 2019, 7:16

Australian fans furious with 'ludicrous' Reece Hodge ban

World Rugby’s decision to ban Wallabies winger Reece Hodge for three weeks has not gone down well with the Australian public.

Josh Raisey

25 Sep 2019, 20:56

Emotional Uruguay captain gives 'best interview ever'

Uruguay were given no hope of upsetting Fiji after the islanders ran Australia so close last weekend, but they upset the odds and …

Josh Raisey

25 Sep 2019, 8:36

Upset Fiji fans turn on coach John McKee

Fiji's fixture against Uruguay was only supposed to have one outcome, but boss John McKee instead paid a heavy price for making tw…

Josh Raisey

25 Sep 2019, 6:38

Billy Vunipola reacts to getting smashed by Tonga's Zane Kapeli

Billy Vunipola has made a career out of smashing people in the contact but he was given a taste of his own medicine during England…

Josh Raisey

24 Sep 2019, 15:32

Fans see red after Samoa escape sending-offs within hours of World Rugby refereeing statement

It was poor timing, Samoa escaping two potential red cards within hours of a World Rugby statement promising to improve refereeing…

Josh Raisey

24 Sep 2019, 12:46

Michael Cheika faces overwhelming criticism after Fiji comments

Australia head coach Michael Cheika has faced a huge backlash from the rugby world after he criticised Fiji for their referral of …

Josh Raisey

23 Sep 2019, 20:17

RWC opening ceremony stuns fans around the world

It has been just over a decade since Japan were awarded the 2019 World Cup in July 2009 and the long wait ended in Tokyo with a sp…

Josh Raisey

20 Sep 2019, 10:27

Fans weigh in on the feisty Erasmus-Hansen war of words

Steve Hansen hasn't taken kindly to what Rassie Erasmus alleged about how New Zealand have traditionally been handled by referees …

Josh Raisey

19 Sep 2019, 10:48

Former team-mates have nothing but utmost respect for David Denton following his retirement

David Denton's issues with concussion have been well documented in recent years and his retirement from the game this week has spa…

Josh Raisey

18 Sep 2019, 11:33

It's not all doom and gloom... some Wales fans see a 'funny' side to the Howley debacle

It should be a disaster, losing a long-serving assistant coach on the eve of the World Cup, but some Wales fans believe their team…

Josh Raisey

18 Sep 2019, 9:16

Sports scientist highlights issue rugby is facing with drugs in wake of Dyantyi case

South Africa's reputation has taken a buffeting with Aphiwe Dyantyi's failed drugs test, but sports scientist Ross Tucker suggests…

Josh Raisey

17 Sep 2019, 12:35

The kick-off time in your region for every Rugby World Cup game

With Japan straddling the timezones of the UK and New Zealand and clocks changing in different parts of the world as the RWC goes …

Josh Raisey

17 Sep 2019, 7:47

What history tells us about caps at a Rugby World Cup

Out of the top six sides in the world rankings, arguably the form side in the world, South Africa, have the fewest caps, with 34 o…

Josh Raisey

16 Sep 2019, 8:43

South Africa are 2019's form side but they are just the sixth most experienced elite squad tipped for RWC glory

It's said that experience wins World Cups but South Africa would seem like they have it all to do as their squad is only the sixth…

Josh Raisey

10 Sep 2019, 11:58

Retiring Joe Rokocoko takes to Instagram to say a fond final farewell

Fijian-born Joe Rokocoko lit up the international scene with the All Blacks before shining in the French Top 14 where he has now c…

Josh Raisey

10 Sep 2019, 3:59

Toulon name stunning team line-up for Lyon despite World Cup drain

There may be a raft of players absent from the Top 14 with the World Cup only two weeks away, but there is still no lack in class …

Josh Raisey

07 Sep 2019, 4:10

Springboks fans revel in revenge win over Japan

South Africa have been living with the shame of losing to Japan at the 2015 World Cup but they have finally exorcised that ghost b…

Josh Raisey

06 Sep 2019, 10:08

Does Wales' back row have a size problem heading to the World Cup?

Warren Gatland places a huge amount on fitness, but his back row will likely have to be the most energetic unit at the World Cup d…

Josh Raisey

06 Sep 2019, 5:10

Paddy Jackson could make London Irish debut in Ireland next week

Former Ireland international Paddy Jackson could be playing his first game on Irish shores in over two years if he is named in the…

Josh Raisey

05 Sep 2019, 11:14

The prop stat that Ireland fans are lapping up

Joe Schmidt and Ireland fans had a lot of positives to take from their victory over Wales at the weekend, particularly a week afte…

Josh Raisey

05 Sep 2019, 3:06

England fans exasperated by Vunipola's status as the only player to start all four warm-up games

No England player has been busier than Billy Vunipola during the warm-up schedule for the World Cup, but fans are concerned that h…

Josh Raisey

04 Sep 2019, 11:32

Matt Kvesic's 11th-hour bench call-up has confused England fans

Eddie Jones is taking no chances with his official 31-strong squad, calling up three players - including Matt Kvesic - from outsid…

Josh Raisey

04 Sep 2019, 7:17

Damian Willemse signing a win for all concerned

After Saracens secured the signing of Damian Willemse yesterday as a medical joker, the deal has been seen as one that benefits ev…

Josh Raisey

04 Sep 2019, 1:30

Exclusion of Hutchinson and co is evidence of genuine Scottish strength in depth

Gregor Townsend's decision to omit a number of popular players from his World Cup squad is viewed by Scotland fans as evidence of …

Josh Raisey

03 Sep 2019, 14:30

Christian Wade's fledgling American football career given fresh hope after weekend blow

Christian Wade's NFL dream appeared to have died at the weekend when he failed to make the Bills' 53-man roster, but the ex-Englan…

Josh Raisey

03 Sep 2019, 14:02

Liam Squire praised by fans for making 'brave call'

One of the most high profile absences from Steve Hansen’s All Blacks squad this week was Liam Squire’s, after rumours had emer…

Josh Raisey

31 Aug 2019, 18:44

Dyantyi's positive B sample result is dividing opinion

Springbok rugby has found itself mired in two big controversies this week and the situation concerning Aphiwe Dyantyi and his fail…

Josh Raisey

30 Aug 2019, 10:41

World rankings ridiculed again as struggling Ireland handed opportunity to take No1 this weekend

World Rugby's rankings system has long been the butt of many jokes and the comedy is continuing as Ireland, fresh from record defe…

Josh Raisey

30 Aug 2019, 4:14

Welsh supporters respond to Agustin Pichot's world rankings comments

Welsh fans haven't been slow in tackling Agustin Pichot's claim that it is ridiculous how Wales climbed to No1 in the world rankin…

Josh Raisey

29 Aug 2019, 12:17

England fans question whether Vunipola was rushed back too soon

The sight of Mako Vunipola coming off injured against Ireland is something some England fans are querying, suggesting his comeback…

Josh Raisey

29 Aug 2019, 8:38

All Blacks fans get frank and question why Ngani Laumape has been excluded

Owen Franks was the headline omission from Steve Hansen's squad but Ngani Laumape is the player who is receiving most sympathy for…

Josh Raisey

28 Aug 2019, 7:36

Rob Kearney's late hit on Tom Curry still has fans bemused that it went unpunished

World Rugby is determined to make rugby safer, but some tackles that have passed in recent weeks without punishment have left fans…

Josh Raisey

28 Aug 2019, 4:57

Scotland fans astonished Richie Gray has been overlooked after Sam Skinner's injury

Scotland supporters had assumed the Top 14-winning Richie Gray would be the next man up in the event of an injury at lock, but he …

Josh Raisey

27 Aug 2019, 12:43

Skelton's contract extension highlights how Saracens are still the team to beat

Speculation that Will Skelton was an Australian World Cup squad target didn't amount to anything other than his club Saracens offe…

Josh Raisey

27 Aug 2019, 11:18

David Pocock shares medical tests footage as he recovers from injury

David Pocock's injury strife has been a constant companion throughout his stellar rugby career, but he now has every incentive to …

Josh Raisey

23 Aug 2019, 12:09

Scottish fans revel in Jim Mallinder's switch from old enemy England

Jim Mallinder's decision to jettison the RFU for Scott Johnson's performance director role at the SRU has left Scotland fans delig…

Josh Raisey

23 Aug 2019, 7:56

A Wallabies squad full of touching personal stories leaves the fans buzzing

Michael Cheika has pinned his colours to the mast with his Australian World Cup squad announcement and some of his picks have been…

Josh Raisey

23 Aug 2019, 6:06

Joe Marler leads the reaction to James Haskell's quirky sports career change

James Haskell's career switch from the Test rugby pitch with England to the MMA cage has caused a stir on social media with Joe Ma…

Josh Raisey

22 Aug 2019, 14:38

Worcester fans aren't looking back fondly on Ben Te'o unsuccessful Premiership spell

Ben Te'o cut his ties with Worcester at the end of last season but the revelation he is now joining Toulon after failing to make E…

Josh Raisey

22 Aug 2019, 8:56

Eddie Jones and England accused of moaning after World Rugby law amendment

England's complaints about Wales' try last Saturday have resulted in a World Rugby law amendment, but Eddie Jones and co have now …

Josh Raisey

22 Aug 2019, 5:03

Carbery injury leaves fans worried as Ireland's fringe out-halves have six caps between them

Joey Carbery's injury has exposed the lack of experience at out-half in the Ireland squad beneath Johnny Sexton and fans are split…

Josh Raisey

22 Aug 2019, 3:20

Pacific Islands profit share idea proves popular on social media

Dan Leo has got a bold plan to help Pacific Island Test-playing nations earn money from November tours to Europe and his idea has …

Josh Raisey

21 Aug 2019, 13:13

Praise heaped on Sergio Parisse for rare RWC milestone

Having appeared at his first RWC finals as an 18-year-old in 2003, Italy's Sergio Parisse is set to join an exclusive club of two …

Josh Raisey

21 Aug 2019, 5:52

Ex-France international stunned at Gabrillagues' lengthy ban compared to All Black Barrett's punishment

Fresh from seeing All Black Scott Barrett's three-week ban, one ex-French international is angry his compatriot Paul Gabrillagues …

Josh Raisey

21 Aug 2019, 3:55

Coetzee's terrible luck lamented by Springboks and Ulster fans

Just when it seemed everything was falling in Marcell Coetzee's favour following some injury-hit seasons, he now finds himself bac…

Josh Raisey

20 Aug 2019, 7:35

Not all Australian fans are warm to Cheika's idea of Will Skelton returning

Michael Cheika's suggestion that Will Skelton could somehow be an 11th-hour inclusion in Australia's squad for the World Cup has n…

Josh Raisey

20 Aug 2019, 5:55

Argentina World Cup omissions have left Twitter in shock

Argentina coach Mario Ledesma has named his 31-man squad for the World Cup today, and there are some very noticeable absences.

Josh Raisey

19 Aug 2019, 12:26

Dyantyi is a risk worth taking for some - despite Erasmus revelation

After South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus revealed that it was unlikely that Aphiwe Dyantyi will make the World Cup this year b…

Josh Raisey

19 Aug 2019, 8:47

Leinster take a gamble on an ex-American football lineman

Leinster's conveyor belt of talent is the envy of many of their rivals and they are not averse to taking a risk by recruiting from…

Josh Raisey

16 Aug 2019, 10:00

Heated debate over who should be Australia's No9 for World Cup

Nic White was only expected to provide cover behind Will Genia at RWC 2019, but his form in recent weeks has left that pecking ord…

Josh Raisey

16 Aug 2019, 8:15

France great believes Les Bleus can 'dominate the world'

Jacques Brunel named a strong France team to face Scotland on Saturday night in Nice, and Biarritz and France great Serge Betsen h…

Josh Raisey

16 Aug 2019, 4:02

The Ireland omission that has left many fans dumbfounded

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has trimmed down his squad ahead of their warm-weather training camp in Portugal, culling three pla…

Josh Raisey

15 Aug 2019, 11:08

The depressing stat that shows how strong Fiji could be

France have named their side to face Scotland in Nice on Saturday night, with the Fiji born Clermont Auvergne winger Alivereti Rak…

Josh Raisey

15 Aug 2019, 10:46

All Blacks are still Rugby World Cup favourites - at least according to Twitter

It is a weird thought but the All Blacks have only won one of their past four matches going into their Bledisloe Cup tie with the …

Josh Raisey

15 Aug 2019, 10:12

Rugby world rallies behind Anscombe on social media

Rugby's cruelty was revealed on Monday when injury ruled Gareth Anscombe out of the World Cup, but the game has since shown its se…

Josh Raisey

14 Aug 2019, 9:09

High tackle decision-making framework for referees shared on social media

Scott Barrett's red card sparked heated debate over whether it warranted a sending-off, leading to World Rugby highlighting its de…

Josh Raisey

14 Aug 2019, 7:13

Fans furious there are too many Tigers in England's RWC squad

Leicester's worst-ever Premiership season - an 11th place finish - wasn't reflected in Eddie Jones' England RWC squad as the Welfo…

Josh Raisey

13 Aug 2019, 8:40

Woodward's advice to England after Watson's long-awaited Test return

Anthony Watson's long-awaited return to fitness has given England a luxury of riches in the back three and former World Cup winnin…

Josh Raisey

13 Aug 2019, 6:15

Fans fuming after Gareth Ansombe injury - 'exactly why we don't play these meaningless games'

After Wales fly-half Gareth Anscombe was ruled out of the World Cup today after suffering an ACL injury against England on Sunday,…

Josh Raisey

12 Aug 2019, 22:12

England's squad has sparked fears that too much is expected of Billy Vunipola

Billy Vunipola was immense in England's win over Wales on Sunday, but some fans are worried after Monday's RWC squad announcement …

Josh Raisey

12 Aug 2019, 13:46

All Blacks fans call for Barrett to return to fly-half

With New Zealand winless since a scrappy opening round Rugby Championship win over Argentina, Steve Hansen's experiment of selecti…

Josh Raisey

12 Aug 2019, 9:07

The Welsh fans' pick to replace to Taulupe Faletau

Wales fans on social media are tipping Aaron Shingler to make the final World Cup squad, after a clavicle injury ruled Taulupe Fal…

Josh Raisey

03 Aug 2019, 4:15

Eight backs that could follow 'Basta' into the pack

After 54-cap France centre Mathieu Bastareaud was announced as number eight for Lyon today against Grenoble, he could start a tren…

Josh Raisey

03 Aug 2019, 3:01

Bastareaud moves into pack for first game with Lyon

Lyon have made the much-anticipated announcement that new signing Mathieu Bastareaud will start for them this evening against Gren…

Josh Raisey

02 Aug 2019, 6:22

Twitter: Welsh fans' somewhat surprising reaction to Taulupe Faletau injury

Welsh fans on social media are remaining upbeat despite the news that number eight Taulupe Faletau will miss the World Cup with a …

Josh Raisey

01 Aug 2019, 12:18

NRL fans already plotting how Radradra will fit into Eels backline

As rumours of the return of Fijian Semi Radradra to rugby league continue to grow, fans of his former club Parramatta Eels are plo…

Josh Raisey

01 Aug 2019, 8:49

Brexit's weak pound will play into Irish hands post-RWC

The Brexit situation is having an effect on the currency exchange markets that could play into Irish hands when they seek to recru…

Josh Raisey

31 Jul 2019, 7:48

How England's Class of 2015 is faring heading into RWC 2019

It's nearly four years since England spectacularly crashed out of their own home World Cup at Twickenham... RugbyPass assesses how…

Josh Raisey

31 Jul 2019, 6:31

Fans jump to Peter de Villiers' defence

Former Springboks coach Peter de Villiers' reputation has been under fire in recent times, but fans have his back after he was for…

Josh Raisey

30 Jul 2019, 8:55

All Blacks fans baffled by kicking strategy

Despite the draw against the Springboks at the weekend, it is unfair to judge the All Blacks combination of Richie Mo’unga and B…

Josh Raisey

29 Jul 2019, 12:01

A backfiring All Blacks gamble could pay off handsomely for Wales

Even World Rugby boss Brett Gosper has been busy spreading the message that the No1 ranking coveted by the All Blacks since 2009 i…

Josh Raisey

26 Jul 2019, 12:44

Fans fear the latest doping case is 'tip of the iceberg'

It has been a bad week for rugby's image as Hendre Stassen returning a positive B sample doping test has left fans believing drug-…

Josh Raisey

26 Jul 2019, 9:16

Biggest All Blacks/Springboks test match since the last World Cup?

Matches between the All Blacks and the Springboks are always momentous, but this weekend’s match in Wellington is surely the big…

Josh Raisey

25 Jul 2019, 16:56