Liam Heagney

The 'frightening to see' praise for 'in his prime' Peter O'Mahony

Last Saturday’s defiant performance by Peter O’Mahony for Munster has earned him effusive praise from ex-Scotland internationa…

Liam Heagney

12 May 2022, 4:03

'Right runway' has rugby believing in 'a billion-dollar World Cup'

World Rugby boss Alan Gilpin has shrugged off fears that selling 2031 World Cup tickets in the USA will be a hard sell, claiming t…

Liam Heagney

12 May 2022, 13:22

World Rugby makes ambitious 'do what we say on the tin' promise

World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin has insisted his organisation is doing everything it can to ensure that the likes of second-tier natio…

Liam Heagney

12 May 2022, 13:27

Munster player ratings vs Toulouse | Champions Cup quarter-final

Munster player ratings live from Aviva Stadium: Defending champions Toulouse are just two games away from successfully retaining t…

Opinion

Liam Heagney

07 May 2022, 13:38

'If ever there is a day that sums up Munster rugby it's today'

Saturday night won’t be the last time Johann van Graan will sit in the hot seat in the Aviva Stadium media conference room refle…

Liam Heagney

07 May 2022, 14:45

Wasps: The Blair difference at Edinburgh compared to Cockerill

Wasps boss Lee Blackett is braced for a very different Edinburgh threat this Saturday now that the Scottish side is coached by Mik…

Liam Heagney

07 May 2022, 5:46

'A big mistake': Ruddock wades into row over bombshell WRU report

Grand Slam-winning coach Mike Ruddock has explained why it would be a big mistake if the WRU followed through on a recommendation …

Liam Heagney

07 May 2022, 7:02

Confirmed: Newcastle name new boss as Dean Richards steps down

Newcastle have confirmed that Dean Richards will step down as director of rugby at the end of the current season, with head coach …

Liam Heagney

06 May 2022, 11:17

How 'really coachable' 19-year-old produced a 20-minute MOTM cameo

Last Sunday presented an incredible situation for the 19-year-old London Irish rookie Henry Arundell to capture the imagination an…

Liam Heagney

06 May 2022, 8:41

'He's well primed': Tuilagi back for Sale after last week's rest

Manu Tuilagi has been recalled to the Sale XV for their Heineken Champions Cup quarter-final away to Racing on Sunday but he won�…

Liam Heagney

06 May 2022, 7:22

'I'm not sure I'm a fan of a golden point to tell you the truth'

London Irish head coach Les Kiss has shared his thoughts on whether a golden point tiebreaker needs to be introduced in the Gallag…

Liam Heagney

05 May 2022, 14:05

The half-time motivational chat that Sale admit they got so wrong

Sale are heading to Paris this weekend to take on Racing 92 with the painful half-time from their previous Heineken Champions Cup …

Liam Heagney

05 May 2022, 14:16

'We trialled it seven weeks ago': Wasps reveal new Mitchell role

Lee Blackett has revealed to RugbyPass that ex-England assistant John Mitchell is now doing a different role at Wasps following a …

Liam Heagney

03 May 2022, 9:47

Wasps explain why Crossdale hasn't played Premiership since January

Wasps boss Lee Blackett has explained why England prospect Ali Crossdale hasn’t featured in his team’s Gallagher Premiership s…

Liam Heagney

05 May 2022, 6:48

'We look after each other and his mates have been strong for him'

London Irish head coach Les Kiss has shed light on the growing influence of ex-Ireland out-half Paddy Jackson in recent years at t…

Liam Heagney

04 May 2022, 14:05

Mike Prendergast coming home to Munster after nine years in France

Ex-Munster scrum-half Mike Prendergast is to rejoin the Irish club as its new attack coach from Racing 92. The soon-to-be 45-year-…

Liam Heagney

04 May 2022, 12:20

'Yard quicker up top': Wasps' verdict on Hougaard position switch

Wasps have been singing the praises of ex-Springboks international Francois Hougaard, their scrum-half signing last summer from Wo…

Liam Heagney

04 May 2022, 7:11

'You said Chris Ashton would only end up playing at Doncaster'

The Rugby Pod have this week celebrated the remarkable feat of Chris Ashton in setting a new all-time try-scoring record in the Ga…

Liam Heagney

04 May 2022, 6:20

'Unforgivable ineptitude': Pontypool demand WRU resignations

Rugby at grassroots level in Wales has been thrown into turmoil this week following an extraordinary statement by Pontypool after …

Liam Heagney

04 May 2022, 4:32

Sale factor 'black swan moment' into their plan for Finn Russell

Sale boss Alex Sanderson has spoken about the threat that the maverick Finn Russell presents to the Sharks' Heineken Champions Cup…

Liam Heagney

03 May 2022, 12:24

'Final stages are tears and blood, business made on human misery'

Biarritz president Jean-Baptiste Aldige has branded the current promotion format to the Top 14 from Pro D2 as "tears and blood, a …

Liam Heagney

03 May 2022, 4:58

RFU statement: The hospitalisation of CEO Bill Sweeney

The RFU have issued a statement on the health of Bill Sweeney, the chief executive who was admitted to the hospital last Friday wi…

Liam Heagney

03 May 2022, 5:46

'I'm going to say it frankly - Bath need to get rid of Hooper'

Rugby Pod co-hosts Jim Hamilton and Andy Goode have doubled down on the criticism voiced earlier this season about Bath boss Stuar…

Liam Heagney

03 May 2022, 6:43

'We all s**t ourselves because Tom Youngs was there'

Ex-Leicester teammates Jim Hamilton and Andy Goode have recalled the botched robbery simulation of the Tigers academy house that r…

Liam Heagney

03 May 2022, 8:01

'Lot of work trying to make sure he doesn't make the same mistake'

Lee Blackett has given his assessment on how Jacob Umaga has responded after getting red carded in two consecutive games during th…

Liam Heagney

01 May 2022, 5:26

'To have an owl follow you around, I feel that would be quality'

Ollie Hassell-Collins can't disagree with the description of him that London Irish boss Declan Kidney delivered to RugbyPass in Ja…

Interview

Liam Heagney

01 May 2022, 4:57

'You have a drink, the veils drop and they get to shoot at me'

With a big Heineken Champions Cup quarter-final on the horizon next weekend away to Racing, Sale director of rugby Alex Sanderson …

Interview

Liam Heagney

01 May 2022, 4:25

'Unbelievable': Early Chris Ashton strike breaks Premiership try record

Former England winger Chris Ashton needed just four minutes of Saturday's Leicester versus Bristol game to score the try that made…

Liam Heagney

30 Apr 2022, 11:01

'I never turned into an alcoholic, I can't give you that headline'

Second-year head coach George Skivington has candidly spoken about his coping mechanisms when it comes to handling the immense pre…

Liam Heagney

30 Apr 2022, 4:23

'More surgeries this year than I've seen in 22 years in the sport'

Stuart Hooper has claimed he has never seen a team suffer as many surgeries as Bath have this season in his 20-plus years in rugby…

Liam Heagney

30 Apr 2022, 6:21

'Disgraceful what we saw today, disrespectful to the occasion'

Ugo Monye has described Saturday's Bath display as disgraceful - they were humiliated 64-0 at Gloucester and stay bottom of the Pr…

Liam Heagney

30 Apr 2022, 12:54

'One hell of a journey': Ex-Wasps back row Thompson calls it quits

Ex-Wasps and Leicester back row Guy Thompson has announced on social media that he will retire from playing at the age of 35 when …

Liam Heagney

30 Apr 2022, 5:34

'Feels like a natural fit': Redpath appointed London Scottish DoR

Ex-Scotland scrum-half Bryan Redpath has jumped back into frontline rugby coaching, agreeing to become director of rugby at Londo…

Liam Heagney

30 Apr 2022, 4:03

Cipriani statement: 'My last games in England are fast arriving'

Danny Cipriani has confirmed he will finish up at Bath at the end of the current season and embark on a different rugby experience…

Liam Heagney

29 Apr 2022, 12:09

'You respect anyone playing at that age, Johnny, Smith, Thorn'

Bristol boss Pat Lam has suggested he wouldn't be in the least bit surprised to see John Afoa play Gallagher Premiership rugby nex…

Liam Heagney

30 Apr 2022, 3:45

'To get cancer kind of put a whole new twist on everything'

Worcester forward Joe Batley sounds like he has got it sussed at the age of 25. It has been another season of strife at Sixways bu…

Interview

Liam Heagney

23 Apr 2022, 4:55

'If it was up to me I'd live on a little island and fish all day'

Out of favour England winger Adam Radwan was quick out of the blocks this week when quipping to RugbyPass that he had the perfect …

Interview

Liam Heagney

27 Apr 2022, 14:04

The Wasps message for England about 'ultimate team guy' Robson

Lee Blackett reckons it would be great to see Dan Robson back in an England shirt following his impressive form in recent weeks fo…

Liam Heagney

29 Apr 2022, 9:56

'We do get overlooked quite a bit, the RFU, RPA, agents, whatever'

Long-serving Newcastle boss Dean Richards has touched on the isolation within rugby that is felt by the Falcons and Sale, their no…

Liam Heagney

29 Apr 2022, 7:05

'He's another Antoine example, we found him playing in Ebbw Vale'

Pat Lam has described Toby Fricker - last weekend's Bristol match-winner against Gloucester in the Gallagher Premiership - as anot…

Liam Heagney

29 Apr 2022, 8:52

Exeter statement: Defence coach Salvi exits with immediate effect

The difficult season that Exeter have experienced has had a casualty, defence coach Julian Salvi exiting the Chiefs with immediate…

Liam Heagney

29 Apr 2022, 7:54

The England 'rabbit hole' Sale opted not to go into with Tom Curry

Alex Sanderson has explained why he took the decision not to talk too much with Tom Curry about his latest Six Nations with Englan…

Liam Heagney

29 Apr 2022, 5:40

Bath rate Ewels' response to 'huge moment in a young man's career'

Bath boss Stuart Hooper has given his take on how skipper Charlie Ewels has coped with the enormity of the red card he shipped wit…

Liam Heagney

29 Apr 2022, 4:32

Bath respond to speculation that Watson to Leicester is done deal

Bath boss Stuart Hooper has reacted to media speculation this week that Anthony Watson, the England and Lions player, will definit…

Liam Heagney

28 Apr 2022, 6:52

Prop's forged passport sees Spain kicked out of the 2023 World Cup

Spain have been thrown out of the 2023 World Cup in France after a disciplinary hearing found that they had played an ineligible p…

Liam Heagney

28 Apr 2022, 9:15

A painful training ground clash with Etzebeth still haunts Kolisi

Springboks skipper Siya Kolisi has recalled the terrible day when he was left wincing in pain after his friend Eben Etzebeth targe…

Liam Heagney

28 Apr 2022, 11:46

Steffon Armitage to quit Top 14 for the French third tier

Former England back-rower Steffon Armitage is set to swap Biarritz and life in the Top 14 for a stint at Nationale level, the thir…

Liam Heagney

28 Apr 2022, 11:03

Siya Kolisi: Where I'd like to play if I ever left South Africa

Springboks World Cup-winning skipper Siya Kolisi has revealed where he would like to play his club rugby if he ever left South Afr…

Liam Heagney

28 Apr 2022, 4:43

The one Cipriani at Bath aspect that DoR Hooper 'can't argue with'

Bath director of rugby Stuart Hooper has delivered his verdict on the year Danny Cipriani has spent at the Gallagher Premiership c…

Liam Heagney

28 Apr 2022, 12:14

New Munster signing suffers a season-ending injury at Bristol

New Munster signing Antoine Frisch has played his last match for Bristol as an injury sustained in last Friday's Gallagher Premier…

Liam Heagney

27 Apr 2022, 6:51

Injured England duo Lawes and Curry return to Premiership action

Courtney Lawes and Tom Curry, the duo who captained England in their recent five-game Guinness Six Nations campaign, are back in a…

Liam Heagney

28 Apr 2022, 8:26

'Departs with our love': Alapati Leiua leaves Bristol for Pro D2

Bristol have confirmed that Alapati Leiua will depart the Gallagher Premiership club at the end of the season to join French Pro D…

Liam Heagney

28 Apr 2022, 8:03

'Nugget' tactic mined by Sale on recent visit by Springboks bosses

It was quite the bye-week last week for Alex Sanderson and his fellow Sale coaches, beginning with a jolly in Barcelona and ending…

Liam Heagney

27 Apr 2022, 4:23

'Bit of a freak moment' has ruled Quirke out for Sale and England

Up-and-coming scrum-half Raffi Quirke has been ruled out from playing in the remainder of this season's campaign with Sale and fro…

Liam Heagney

26 Apr 2022, 12:38

What Andy Goode made of Henry Slade as the Exeter No10

Ex-England international Andy Goode has rated the performance of Henry Slade, the Test level midfielder who started his first matc…

Liam Heagney

26 Apr 2022, 8:07

The 'brilliant bloke' Gloucester verdict on their Georgian gamble

Gloucester boss George Skivington has given his verdict on Giorgi Kveseladze, the unheralded Georgian international that the Galla…

Liam Heagney

27 Apr 2022, 8:01

What Gloucester make of hosting Worcester so soon after hearing

It was last Thursday when that cancelled Premiership verdict was published and the clubs will now face off on Wednesday night in t…

Liam Heagney

26 Apr 2022, 10:08

Loosehead Dave Kilcoyne ruled out of Ireland tour to New Zealand

Ireland loosehead Dave Kilcoyne has been ruled out of their July tour to New Zealand following a disappointing injury update issue…

Liam Heagney

26 Apr 2022, 6:34

'Where can I address the flowers?': Genge issues Moore response

England vice-captain Ellis Genge has taken to Twitter to issue his response to comments by ex-Test level hooker Brian Moore in a …

Liam Heagney

26 Apr 2022, 6:04

'When your knee goes at England camp, that's just the game'

Beno Obano can't wait. The Bath prop is nearly mended from the ACL ruptured last October, but it's not just the prospect of an app…

Interview

Liam Heagney

24 Apr 2022, 4:14

Concern over 'creating false market for English-qualified players'

London Irish director of rugby Declan Kidney has dived into an issue that is sure to dominate the conversation around the Gallaghe…

Liam Heagney

24 Apr 2022, 3:45

Esterhuizen excellence in a different sport lifts Harlequins' mood

Andre Esterhuizen showed his prowess at another sport this week to help lift the gloomy mood at Harlequins following their dramati…

Liam Heagney

22 Apr 2022, 14:12

'He is playing like a guy that wants to take the club somewhere'

With Exeter having doubts that England back-rower Sam Simmonds will play for them again this season due to a hip/groin injury desc…

Liam Heagney

22 Apr 2022, 3:51

The 'no airs or graces' backstory to an unexpected England call-up

London Irish boss Declan Kidney has given an insight into Tom Pearson, the unknown rookie flanker surprisingly called into the Eng…

Liam Heagney

21 Apr 2022, 14:30

Baxter gives his take on Jack Nowell wearing the Munster shirt

Last Saturday's bizarre sight of Exeter winger Jack Nowell wearing a Munster jersey while seated in the Thomond Park stands on his…

Liam Heagney

21 Apr 2022, 7:47

Exeter roll back the years with their Slade positional switch

Playoff-chasing Exeter have turned the clock back five years regarding Henry Slade and the part the England midfielder will play i…

Liam Heagney

22 Apr 2022, 8:21

Two changes for Harlequins for a game that has poignant dedication

Defending champions Harlequins have welcomed club skipper Stephan Lewies to the fold following injury for this Saturday's Gallaghe…

Liam Heagney

22 Apr 2022, 7:42

Gloucester, Worcester statements: Clubs respond to hearing outcome

Both Gloucester and Worcester have issued club statements following the decision on Thursday evening by an independent Sport Resol…

Liam Heagney

22 Apr 2022, 5:32

The 'adversity' message Pat Lam has for frustrated Bristol fans

Pat Lam has issued a message to frustrated Bristol fans to keep the faith, that there is every reason for them to be excited about…

Liam Heagney

22 Apr 2022, 4:02

Premiership statement: Gloucester-Worcester cancellation verdict

Gloucester have had their Gallagher Premiership playoff qualification hopes boosted by the outcome of the investigation into the l…

Liam Heagney

21 Apr 2022, 12:00

'What a trooper': The pain barrier on-loan Lane battled at Bristol

Emergency Bristol full-back Rich Lane has likely played the last time for the Bears as an injury sustained in last weekend's Heine…

Liam Heagney

21 Apr 2022, 14:17

Exeter update leaves Simmonds the latest doubt for England tour

Exeter are still awaiting feedback before reaching a decision on the best treatment for the injury that has sidelined Sam Simmonds…

Liam Heagney

21 Apr 2022, 6:28

The 'full-blooded' Exeter emotions as Saracens look to 'dent' them

Exeter boss Rob Baxter reckons there is no underestimating the importance of the outcome of this Sunday's renewal of their edgy ri…

Liam Heagney

21 Apr 2022, 14:07

The 'surprise' survey result fuelling Harlequins' title defence

Tabai Matson believes Harlequins are ready to launch a powerful end-of-season Gallagher Premiership title defence because of the r…

Liam Heagney

21 Apr 2022, 4:03

'Bursting their backside' video has Bristol enthused for the future

Pat Lam has isolated one moment from last Friday night's Heineken Champions Cup exit that fills him with confidence that Bristol w…

Liam Heagney

21 Apr 2022, 4:48

'It sounds barbaric looking back now, you have to laugh at it'

It's crazy how it has all turned out for Donnacha Ryan. There he is living the life in France as a first-year Top 14 forwards coac…

Interview

Liam Heagney

10 Apr 2022, 4:06

Bristol reveal 'season-ending' operation for Radradra this week

Bristol boss Pat Lam has confirmed that Semi Radradra is set to undergo knee surgery for the second time in six months, bringing a…

Liam Heagney

20 Apr 2022, 9:59

What Declan Kidney has made of Munster and their Ed Sheeran gaffe

Ex-Munster boss Declan Kidney was diplomacy personified when quizzed this week about the bizarre decision by his old club to sched…

Liam Heagney

20 Apr 2022, 12:46

Munster bring in Irish-qualified Antoine Frisch from Bristol

Bristol have confirmed that French midfielder Antoine Frisch will leave at the end of the current Gallagher Premiership season and…

Liam Heagney

20 Apr 2022, 11:04

The conversation Harlequins had with Marcus Smith over missed kick

Harlequins skipper Stephan Lewies has claimed that last Saturday's costly missed kick from Marcus Smith wasn't mentioned in their …

Liam Heagney

20 Apr 2022, 4:20

'Farcical': Eliminated Harlequins hit out at Champions Cup format

Harlequins senior coach Tabai Matson has branded the new home-and-away round-of-16 format in the Heineken Champions Cup as farcica…

Liam Heagney

19 Apr 2022, 14:32

'Fantastic competitor' Vito hints he will 'probably' soon retire

Double All Blacks World Cup winner Victor Vito has suggested he is poised to retire from playing at the age of 35. Capped on 33 oc…

Liam Heagney

20 Apr 2022, 4:47

Rowntree: Why the England gang of 2015 have 'prospered' in Ireland

New Munster head coach Graham Rowntree has spoken about how the failed 2015 England coaching ticket is now a success in various ro…

Liam Heagney

19 Apr 2022, 6:23

'I was being lineout-lifted in the bar for about three hours after'

England international Jack Nowell has told all about his epic stag party last weekend in Ireland which resulted in him getting hil…

Liam Heagney

19 Apr 2022, 8:07

'Horrible': Andy Goode reviews miss that will 'haunt' Marcus Smith

Ex-England international Andy Goode has reviewed the missed conversion from Marcus Smith that eliminated Harlequins from the Heine…

Liam Heagney

19 Apr 2022, 5:16

The 'downward spiral' Sam Simmonds injury update from Exeter

Exeter boss Rob Baxter hasn't written off the chances of Sam Simmonds playing again for the Chiefs this season even though he is u…

Liam Heagney

16 Apr 2022, 13:32

Exeter player ratings vs Munster | Champions Cup round of 16

Exeter player ratings live from Thomond Park: This was epic Easter fare every bit as absorbing and exhausting as the tumult the la…

Opinion

Liam Heagney

16 Apr 2022, 12:25

'A lot of teams would like to have those unsuccessful seasons'

Rob Baxter claimed on Saturday night that numerous clubs would love to have the type of season that Exeter have endured - getting …

Liam Heagney

16 Apr 2022, 15:09

Exeter missing Sam Simmonds as Munster bring back their stars

Sam Simmonds will be absent for Exeter this Saturday in Limerick as they seek to protect a five-point first leg European advantage…

Liam Heagney

15 Apr 2022, 8:21

'I was back at the airport with another hangover 24 years on'

It's a weird coincidence not lost on Andy Nicol, the Bath Heineken Cup-winning captain. Not since that fateful January 1998 day in…

Interview

Liam Heagney

14 Apr 2022, 13:20

How 'one of the most penalised props' is now so dominant for Quins

Scrum coach Adam Jones has hailed the transformation this season at Harlequins by their 30-year-old tighthead Will Collier. The pr…

Liam Heagney

15 Apr 2022, 11:39

End is nigh for banned Latu at Stade after club owner's outburst

Ex-Wallabies hooker Tolu Latu is set to leave Stade Francais after a suspension for his latest red card reportedly prompted a stin…

Liam Heagney

15 Apr 2022, 10:07

'The magic in his feet' reason why Sale are promising to entertain

Alex Sanderson is hoping that his youthful back three of Luke James, Arron Reed and Tom Roebuck can let rip at Ashton Gate and tip…

Liam Heagney

15 Apr 2022, 6:04

Ex-All Blacks winger Waisake Naholo has picked up an MLR deal

Former All Blacks winger Waisake Naholo has signed for Rugby United New York in the MLR after failing to pick up a team for the 20…

Liam Heagney

15 Apr 2022, 4:55

Punishment meted out for 'head-high Challenge Cup assault'

Former Argentine sevens player Axel Muller has been banned for five matches following his ugly red-carded hit last Friday night fo…

Liam Heagney

14 Apr 2022, 11:41

LNR publishes the result of its O'Gara, Urios disciplinary hearing

Ronan O'Gara and Christophe Urios have learned their fate following a tempestuous sideline clash during a recent Top 14 match.

Liam Heagney

14 Apr 2022, 6:28

Why Nigel Owens won't support the 20-minute red card law trial

Retired Test referee Nigel Owens has doubled down on his fears that the 20-minute red card in rugby won't change player behaviour.

Liam Heagney

14 Apr 2022, 4:32

Lowry reveals the reason for abandoning trademark white scrum cap

Ulster full-back Michael Lowry has revealed why he has dispensed with his trademark white scrum cap in recent months. The distinct…

Liam Heagney

13 Apr 2022, 7:52

Premiership Rugby statement on cancelled Gloucester-Worcester game

Premiership Rugby officials have issued an update regarding the adjudication of the cancelled March 25 Gallagher Premiership match…

Liam Heagney

13 Apr 2022, 6:31

Finn Russell has broken his silence about difficult Six Nations

Finn Russell has given his take on his difficult Guinness Six Nations campaign which culminated in him getting dropped to the Scot…

Liam Heagney

13 Apr 2022, 9:51

'Smoked by Burger and de Villiers': The England debut from hell

Mike Brown has painfully recalled his hellish England Test debut 15 years ago as a wide-eyed 21-year-old on the receiving end of a…

Liam Heagney

12 Apr 2022, 13:10

The latest 'mind-stretching' Sale exercise to improve their play

Alex Sanderson has revealed that one of the world's leading neuropsychologists visited the Sale squad at their Carrington training…

Liam Heagney

13 Apr 2022, 5:19

'Low degree of force' sees Gibson-Park free to play after hearing

Ireland scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park has been cleared to play for Leinster in Friday's Heineken Champions Cup round of 16 second…

Liam Heagney

13 Apr 2022, 4:46

'Unbelievable' Mike Brown verdict on new England full-back Steward

Mike Brown has run his critical eye over the new England full-back Freddie Steward and given the first Test season rookie a glowin…

Liam Heagney

13 Apr 2022, 4:15

The message Declan Kidney has for new Munster boss Rowntree

Two-time Heineken Cup winner Declan Kidney has given his reaction to ex-England assistant Graham Rowntree becoming the new head c…

Liam Heagney

12 Apr 2022, 7:43

'Nobody has pushed him out the door': Irish address O'Brien exit

London Irish have confirmed that the salary cap cuts across the Gallagher Premiership weren't to blame for the announcement last F…

Liam Heagney

12 Apr 2022, 13:24

Massive ban given to Tolu Latu following his latest red card

Tolu Latu of Stade Francais has been suspended for eleven weeks for his latest Heineken Champions Cup red card brandished last Sat…

Liam Heagney

12 Apr 2022, 11:12

Gibson-Park cited for yellow-carded clash with Marmion

European rugby officials have arranged six disciplinary hearings following last weekend's Champions and Challenge Cup action - fou…

Liam Heagney

12 Apr 2022, 10:45

Eddie Jones' 'secret' 5am CCTV surveillance of his England squad

Mike Brown has revealed that Eddie Jones used to organise 5am walkthroughs for his England squad that the coach didn't turn up for…

Liam Heagney

12 Apr 2022, 5:35

Watch: 'Reckless, exactly what we don't like to see in the game'

Defending European champions Toulouse were beaten 26-20 at home on Saturday by Ulster, the Heineken Champions Cup holders losing t…

Liam Heagney

09 Apr 2022, 12:29

Two late changes for Munster, including the absence of Simon Zebo

Irish hopes that Munster can ambush Exeter in their round of 16 Heineken Champions Cup clash in England on Saturday evening have b…

Liam Heagney

09 Apr 2022, 9:42

An ancient Japanese phrase has Sale believing they can win Europe

Alex Sanderson has likened his Sale team to the ancient Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi. Heading into this Saturday's Champions C…

Liam Heagney

09 Apr 2022, 5:22

Soon-to-retire referee Poite lines up a very different rugby role

Romain Poite is poised to take on a Top 14 role with a difference when his French rugby federation contract as a full-time referee…

Liam Heagney

09 Apr 2022, 6:45

The 'bit rainy faced' tribute Sale have paid to Faf de Klerk

Sale boss Alex Sanderson has explained why Faf de Klerk will exit the Gallagher Premiership club at the end of this season with th…

Liam Heagney

08 Apr 2022, 8:56

The 'very strategic' variation Harlequins are getting heads around

Tabai Matson has painted this Sunday's clash between his English title-winning Harlequins and the French title-chasing Montpellier…

Liam Heagney

08 Apr 2022, 8:42

'At Leicester last time I got sacked over lemon and herb chicken'

Freddie Burns is back enjoying himself at Leicester this season, becoming an integral part of the Steve Borthwick squad that is ch…

Liam Heagney

07 Apr 2022, 14:41

'I'd love Rassie in the England job, he sounds an absolute legend'

Ex-England out-half Freddie Burns has claimed he would love Rassie Erasmus, the controversial South African rugby boss, to succeed…

Liam Heagney

07 Apr 2022, 14:32

Farrell included as Saracens make 11 changes for a must-win game

Mark McCall has made eleven changes - including the recall of Owen Farrell - to his Saracens XV for Friday's must-win Challenge Cu…

Liam Heagney

07 Apr 2022, 8:16

Seven changes for Leinster, including a recall for Johnny Sexton

Leinster have made seven changes to their Champions Cup starting XV following last weekend's URC win over Munster, including the r…

Liam Heagney

07 Apr 2022, 7:46

The poignant 2021 Lions interview with the late Tom Smith

The British and Irish Lions have republished the now poignant interview they did last year ahead of the 2021 trip to South Africa …

Liam Heagney

07 Apr 2022, 7:11

Tributes paid to ex-Ukraine captain killed in the war with Russia

Oleksi Tsibko, a former skipper of the Ukraine national team who went on to become his country's rugby union president, has been k…

Liam Heagney

07 Apr 2022, 5:12

'Alignment camps vital': Nienaber explains plan for 2022 Springboks

Springboks boss Jacques Nienaber has outlined his plans for the team in 2022, a campaign that will get underway with alignment cap…

Liam Heagney

07 Apr 2022, 5:38

'No way I'm saying no': Lynagh clears up his Test level allegiance

England squad pick Louis Lynagh has addressed the commentary that he is still eligible for Australia and Italy after the recent Gu…

Liam Heagney

06 Apr 2022, 12:35

O'Gara banned and fined at the first of two disciplinary hearings

La Rochelle boss Ronan O'Gara has been banned from matchday coaching duties for the upcoming two-legged Heineken Champions Cup rou…

Liam Heagney

06 Apr 2022, 14:48

'I'm not surprised': The O'Driscoll verdict on O'Gara for England

Brian O'Driscoll has given his verdict on Ronan O'Gara ambitiously throwing his hat into the mix for the England head coach job.

Exclusive

Liam Heagney

05 Apr 2022, 9:02

'He tried to syringe or use a knife and it created more infection'

What happened to Coenie Oosthuizen last Friday to force him to pull out of the Sale XV that was to take on Saracens at home in the…

Liam Heagney

06 Apr 2022, 11:03

'I'd love Manu to get almighty shot off on Radradra at some point'

Sale boss Alex Sanderson is salivating over the prospect of two of the world's best midfielders - Manu Tuilagi and Semi Radradra o…

Liam Heagney

06 Apr 2022, 3:41

'It was a No1 bucket list experience - mind-blowing and insane'

Ask Brian O'Driscoll for a bit of positivity and the legendary Lions, Ireland and Leinster midfielder nails the request with aplom…

Interview

Liam Heagney

06 Apr 2022, 7:19

Genge hits back at allegation that England tactic left sour taste

Ellis Genge has hit back at critics who claimed the England tactic of having the loosehead stand in the backfield and run the ball…

Liam Heagney

05 Apr 2022, 15:06

'Billy keeps walking past saying, Beyonce, what's wrong with you?'

Double Heineken Champions Cup winner Jim Hamilton has amusingly recalled the incredible 24 hours he had when Saracens won the 2017…

Liam Heagney

05 Apr 2022, 7:36

Ronan O'Gara to face two Top 14 disciplinary hearings in a week

La Rochelle boss Ronan O'Gara is to face two Top 14 disciplinary hearings in a week following incidents during recent matches in t…

Liam Heagney

05 Apr 2022, 15:41

'What I'm hearing is the final is going to be in South Africa'

The inaugural season of the United Rugby Championship is poised to have an intriguing twist as it is rumoured that the June 18 URC…

Liam Heagney

05 Apr 2022, 6:00

Sale statement: De Klerk and de Jager will leave at end of season

Sale have confirmed one of the worst-kept secrets in English rugby - that Springboks World Cup winners Faf de Klerk and Lood de Ja…

Liam Heagney

05 Apr 2022, 12:11

Sanderson: 'Legacy of all that South African influence' at Sale

Alex Sanderson has farewelled the high watermark of the South African influence at Sale following the confirmation on Tuesday afte…

Interview

Liam Heagney

05 Apr 2022, 14:45

'Not the end I hoped for': Dan Leavy retires with immediate effect

Ireland and Leinster back-rower Dan Leavy has retired from the game with immediate effect at the age of just 27. The forward had h…

Liam Heagney

05 Apr 2022, 5:19

'Niall Horan, Eddie Jordan... famous friends pop down to say hello'

Topsy Ojo is loving the craic now that London Irish are back in the English capital city and thriving at their new Brentford Commu…

Interview

Liam Heagney

03 Apr 2022, 4:11

Pat Lam breaks his silence over alleged Bristol salary cap trouble

Bristol boss Pat Lam has broken his silence about allegations that the Bears have started a player fire sale to ensure they come i…

Liam Heagney

02 Apr 2022, 14:14

'It's very poignant for Chris, the last few years have been tricky'

Ex-England international Topsy Ojo has saluted the achievement of Chris Ashton in becoming the equal all-time record Premiership t…

Interview

Liam Heagney

02 Apr 2022, 5:28

Bristol Bears statement: Alleged Premiership salary cap problem

Bristol Bears have issued a statement in response to a damaging newspaper story claiming that a 2022/23 Premiership salary cap pro…

Liam Heagney

01 Apr 2022, 9:13

Russian captain to play first Premiership game since war outbreak

Russia rugby skipper Kirill Gotovtsev is set to play his first Gallagher Premiership match for Gloucester since the outbreak of th…

Liam Heagney

01 Apr 2022, 8:55

England wing Cokanasiga to make his first Bath start in 10 months

England winger Joe Cokanasiga will make his first start of the 2021/22 Gallagher Premiership season after coming through unscathed…

Liam Heagney

01 Apr 2022, 7:24

'We're sorry to see him go': Hughes' loan deal at Bath is over

Nathan Hughes' loan at Bath will end next Monday, leaving the No8 returning to Bristol to see out the final months of his existing…

Liam Heagney

01 Apr 2022, 5:21

'Wasn't an extreme act of foul play' but Toomaga-Allen still banned

Ex-All Blacks prop Jeff Toomaga-Allen has been banned for three games for striking in Wasps' Premiership Rugby Cup win over Sarace…

Liam Heagney

01 Apr 2022, 6:23

Bristol salary cap gaffe has sparked a player fire sale - report

Ex-England second row Dave Attwood won't be the first top player to exit Bristol as it has been reported a fire sale is underway d…

Liam Heagney

01 Apr 2022, 5:38

Kobus van Wyk has exited Leicester with immediate effect

Leicester Tigers will see out their double-chasing 2021/22 campaign minus South African Kobus van Wyk who has been granted an earl…

Liam Heagney

31 Mar 2022, 11:55

Nathan Hughes' bold Pacific Islands prediction for World Cup 2023

Ex-England back-rower Nathan Hughes has declared himself available to be called up to play at Test level by Fiji. World Rugby have…

Liam Heagney

31 Mar 2022, 11:32

What Hughes said when asked if his relationship has soured with Lam

It's been one of the major stories of this year's Gallagher Premiership season - what has gone wrong for Nathan Hughes at Pat Lam'…

Liam Heagney

31 Mar 2022, 8:57

Ex-England full-back Ben Foden has retired with immediate effect

Ex-England full-back Ben Foden has confirmed his retirement from playing at the age of 36. The 34-time Test cap between 2009 and 2…

Liam Heagney

31 Mar 2022, 6:20

'If you come back under 120 you're not going back to England camp'

Ex-England No8 Nathan Hughes has revealed the complicated fluctuating weight battle he endured during his three-year Test career d…

Liam Heagney

31 Mar 2022, 5:36

'Now that's what I call a genuine hard man': Nigel Owens picks the hardest player he had ever come across

Referee Nigel Owens has written the foreword to a new book, Hard Men of Rugby, with a special mention for ex-All Blacks skipper Ri…

Liam Heagney

27 Oct 2020, 14:42

'Chris will bring a new dimension': Bath sign Cloete from Munster

Damian de Allende won’t be following Johann van Graan to Bath next season but the South African coach won’t be leaving Munster…

Liam Heagney

30 Mar 2022, 6:00

'Very easy choice': Ex-England back Abendanon extends Pro D2 deal

The Nick Abendanon adventure in France will continue until summer 2023 at the very least as the 35-year-old ex-England player has …

Liam Heagney

30 Mar 2022, 10:14

Woodward slams RFU: 'How can a fan pick the England rugby coach?'

Ex-England coach Clive Woodward has become the latest person to question the ability of RFU CEO Bill Sweeney to recruit Eddie Jone…

Liam Heagney

29 Mar 2022, 10:25

Worcester's 'victim' status in record-equalling 92 Ashton tries

Premiership Rugby have taken a deep dive into the try-scoring of Chris Ashton, the ex-England winger who last Sunday entered the t…

Liam Heagney

30 Mar 2022, 7:09

'The London Irish thing fell through, they didn't have the dollar'

The Rugby Pod show co-hosts Andy Goode and Jim Hamilton delved into the latest transfer rumours in this week’s show, providing u…

Liam Heagney

30 Mar 2022, 5:11

de Allende confirms he is quitting Munster, but Bath not on radar

Springboks World Cup winner Damian de Allende has confirmed that he will be leaving Munster at the end of the current season after…

Liam Heagney

29 Mar 2022, 9:35

Sale docked five match points for fielding an ineligible player

Sale will finish bottom of Pool Two in the Premiership Rugby Cup after having five match points deducted for fielding an ineligibl…

Liam Heagney

29 Mar 2022, 11:25

Worcester cancellation row: 'Hybrid game' solution was turned down

Worcester boss Steve Diamond has defended his club over last Friday’s late cancellation of their Gallagher Premiership at playof…

Liam Heagney

29 Mar 2022, 12:23

'He's coming in his prime': Sale raid Exeter to sign O'Flaherty

Sale have raided Exeter for the second time in three months, adding winger Tom O’Flaherty to their December signing of England s…

Liam Heagney

29 Mar 2022, 7:16

'There is only one man for the job and it's 'f**kin' smash 'em'

Ex-England out-half Andy Goode and his fellow Rugby Pod co-host Jim Hamilton, the ex-Scotland lock, have outlined their dissatisfa…

Liam Heagney

29 Mar 2022, 6:30

'I'm quite confident I could still perform at the highest standard'

Nigel Owens hasn't got a minute to waste in his new career on the farm, looking after 90 acres of his own land and renting 25 more…

Interview

Liam Heagney

27 Mar 2022, 4:14

The 'rolled his sleeves up' Isiekwe moment much lauded by Saracens

Saracens boss Mark McCall has hugely sung the praises of Nick Isiekwe, the lock who ended a yawning four-year gap without a Test c…

Liam Heagney

26 Mar 2022, 5:38

'We just saw Kyle at the door going, no, you're not leaving'

Freddie Steward has revealed some brilliant behind the scenes insight into life in England camp this season, naming the players wh…

Liam Heagney

26 Mar 2022, 7:49

Bristol make a big prediction on England career of Harry Randall

Pat Lam has predicted that Test level newcomer Harry Randall has a potentially long England career ahead of him after the Bristol …

Liam Heagney

26 Mar 2022, 6:25

'I wasn't performing, I wasn't in the right headspace to lead'

Exeter talisman Joe Simmonds won’t lie. He’d love the Chiefs to do another magical Gallagher Premiership/Heineken Champions Cu…

Interview

Liam Heagney

25 Mar 2022, 5:17

Canny ref message from London Irish amid glut of Premiership reds

Declan Kidney has got no hang-ups about the high number of Gallagher Premiership matches that London Irish have been involved in t…

Liam Heagney

26 Mar 2022, 6:10

The 'smashing' verdict of ex-Ireland boss Kidney on Andy Farrell

Former Ireland boss Declan Kidney believes that the upcoming tour to New Zealand 14 months before the start of the 2023 World Cup …

Exclusive

Liam Heagney

24 Mar 2022, 12:34

'He was desperate': The legacy Fekitoa is driven to leave at Wasps

Lee Blackett has enthusiastically explained that ex-All Blacks midfielder Malakai Fekitoa is desperate to end his stint at Wasps a…

Liam Heagney

25 Mar 2022, 13:33

Worcester statement: Gloucester match cancelled over lack of props

Friday night’s Gallagher Premiership clash between Gloucester and Worcester at Kingsholm has been cancelled just five hours befo…

Liam Heagney

25 Mar 2022, 11:02

Six Nations statement: Tomas Francis' concussion versus England

Six Nations officials have published their investigation into the concussion controversy over Wales prop Tomas Francis, who was al…

Liam Heagney

25 Mar 2022, 8:09

Hogg left out as Exeter name team to take on a stacked Leicester

Rob Baxter has slotted England internationals Henry Slade and Sam Simmonds straight back into his Exeter team following the comple…

Liam Heagney

25 Mar 2022, 10:34

Owen Farrell is back as Saracens show their spurs for Bristol

England skipper Owen Farrell is set to play for a star-studded Saracens XV on Saturday for the first time since October 24, the ou…

Liam Heagney

25 Mar 2022, 8:40

How the 29 England players capped in the 2022 Six Nations rated

Collectively, the Guinness Six Nations campaign was a best-forgotten endeavour for England as they managed just two wins from five…

Analysis

Liam Heagney

23 Mar 2022, 12:36

'There must have been, he's lying to us, tell us the truth...'

Out-of-favour Scotland forward Ryan Wilson was tongue-in-cheek branded a dinosaur when reacting to international newcomer Freddie …

Liam Heagney

24 Mar 2022, 10:58

How 'loved' Ellis Genge tactic ultimately left sour England taste

It was quite an eye-catching statistic, prop forward Ellis Genge emerging as the England player that made the most metres away to …

Liam Heagney

23 Mar 2022, 5:33

'An inspiration': England skipper Farrell fit for Saracens return

Saracens have confirmed that Owen Farrell is in the mix for them this Saturday in the Gallagher Premiership having fought back to …

Liam Heagney

23 Mar 2022, 11:28

The Jack Willis situation: 'It was a pretty smart play by England'

Wasps boss Lee Blackett has hailed the England decision to call the fit-again Jack Willis into their squads for the recent round f…

Liam Heagney

23 Mar 2022, 6:21

Worcester statement: Willi Heinz has left with immediate effect

Former England scrum-half Willi Heinz has been released from his contract with Worcester by mutual agreement to return to his nati…

Liam Heagney

22 Mar 2022, 13:01

What Wasps have made of Alfie Barbeary not getting an England cap

Wasps boss Lee Blackett has reported that Alfie Barbeary has returned to the fold at the Gallagher Premiership club feeling “rea…

Liam Heagney

22 Mar 2022, 12:21

'Eddie Jones and England are deluded': Rugby Pod's damning verdict

The Rugby Pod have become the latest critics to heavily unload on Eddie Jones and the RFU following another Guinness Six Nations c…

Liam Heagney

22 Mar 2022, 9:49

Goode takes swipe at Woodward's 'ridiculous rugby oracle' persona

Ex-England international Andy Goode has taken a swipe at Clive Woodward for the ridiculous persona he has when commentating on rug…

Liam Heagney

22 Mar 2022, 7:42

The Springboks transformation that Jones wants England to mirror

Eddie Jones has insisted that England are on track to peak at the 2023 World Cup, insisting he has no regrets about not blooding y…

Liam Heagney

21 Mar 2022, 4:44

England's verdict on how new assistants fared in first Six Nations

Eddie Jones has given his seal of approval to the three assistant coaches that worked for the first time under him with England in…

Liam Heagney

20 Mar 2022, 18:00

'100 per cent I'm coaching well': Jones fights corner at debrief

Eddie Jones insisted on Sunday morning from Paris that his England team are just “three per cent off” where they need to be to…

Liam Heagney

20 Mar 2022, 4:31

The message Farrell delivered with All Blacks next for Ireland

No sooner had Andy Farrell trooped in off the Aviva Stadium pitch on Saturday night did thoughts quickly turn to what is on the ho…

Liam Heagney

20 Mar 2022, 4:30

Sexton settles some scores, with even Schmidt in the line of fire

Johnny Sexton used the Triple Crown success as the platform to fire back at detractors who had written off the Ireland team under …

Liam Heagney

20 Mar 2022, 5:18

Townsend explains how relations can be mended with Hogg and co

Scotland boss Gregor Townsend believes it will be possible to have a positive long-term relationship with the likes of Stuart Hogg…

Liam Heagney

19 Mar 2022, 17:40

Stuart Hogg breaks silence on Scotland team disciplinary breach

Scotland skipper Stuart Hogg has broken his silence over last weekend’s breach of team protocol which resulted in the full-back …

Liam Heagney

19 Mar 2022, 16:44

Ireland player ratings vs Scotland | Six Nations 2022

Ireland player ratings live from Aviva Stadium: A sun-kissed afternoon gave way beery twilight celebrations as Ireland clinched th…

Opinion

Liam Heagney

19 Mar 2022, 15:35

The Nowell plan to kill time waiting for 'latest ever kick-off'

Rejuvenated England winger Jack Nowell has explained how he will manage his time waiting around for the late 9pm Parisian kick-off…

Liam Heagney

19 Mar 2022, 5:30

England hint at a tactic that doesn't involve Steward at 14 or 15

England attack coach Martin Gleeson hasn’t dismissed the idea of Freddie Steward being used as a first receiver outside Marcus S…

Liam Heagney

18 Mar 2022, 11:54

'Don't believe that for a second': England dismiss attack allegation

New England attack coach Martin Gleeson has dismissed claims that the team is low on confidence due to its blunt attack in this ye…

Liam Heagney

18 Mar 2022, 12:48

Maro Itoje: 'Do I think I have got the best prep in the world?'

Maro Itoje has insisted his preparation to play could still be better even though his recent progress was this week hailed by Engl…

Liam Heagney

18 Mar 2022, 12:42

Maro Itoje issues 'confrontational' warning to France

Maro Itoje has insisted that wounded England are not in Paris to simply make up the numbers when they take on the Grand Slam-chasi…

Liam Heagney

18 Mar 2022, 9:04

Maro Itoje's verdict on the Mona Lisa after a trip to the Louvre

Maro Itoje has soaked up so much of Paris this week that the England lock even gave his verdict on the Mona Lisa on Friday ahead o…

Liam Heagney

18 Mar 2022, 9:40

'Missing out on the Lions stung him a fair bit, more than he felt'

England are backing Sam Underhill to deliver on Saturday night in Paris and demonstrate that he should have been picked on the 202…

Liam Heagney

18 Mar 2022, 6:17

The 'one-off selection' that England felt compelled to gamble on

Eddie Jones believes England fans will see a very different George Furbank in Paris this Saturday than the rookie who struggled on…

Liam Heagney

18 Mar 2022, 5:43

'Okay, fine': Townsend throws light on his axing of Finn Russell

Gregor Townsend has cagily defended his decision to start Blair Kinghorn as the Scotland out-half for only the second time in his …

Liam Heagney

17 Mar 2022, 9:21

England spring Furbank, Sinckler surprises as five changes made

Eddie Jones has made five changes to his England team to take on France this Saturday night in Paris following last weekend’s 15…

Liam Heagney

17 Mar 2022, 12:22

Jones outlines why England revamp includes Furbank at full-back

Eddie Jones has explained his much-changed England team selection to face France, an XV that includes a surprise first start at fu…

Liam Heagney

17 Mar 2022, 14:02

England defend Sinckler decision five days after prop failed HIA

England boss Eddie Jones has defended the decision to select Kyle Sinckler on the bench for Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations fina…

Liam Heagney

17 Mar 2022, 18:00

George: The 'good plan' areas where England are targeting France

Jamie George has identified the main areas where he feels England can get at France and ambush their Guinness Six Nations Grand Sl…

Liam Heagney

17 Mar 2022, 5:00

Finn Russell dropped as Scotland make two changes for Ireland game

Gregor Townsend has announced a Scotland team to face Ireland this Saturday in Dublin that shows two changes - including the bench…

Liam Heagney

17 Mar 2022, 8:25

Andy Farrell makes three changes for title-chasing Ireland

Title-chasing Andy Farrell has made three changes to his Ireland team to face Scotland this Saturday in Dublin following last week…

Liam Heagney

17 Mar 2022, 9:37

Impressive newcomer Capuozzo rewarded as Italy make two changes

Kieran Crowley has picked an Italy team for this Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations finale in Wales that contains two changes from …

Liam Heagney

17 Mar 2022, 10:15

Ireland explain Hansen inclusion, react to Scotland axing Russell

Ireland coach Andy Farrell has explained why Mack Hansen is back in the starting line-up to face a Scotland team this Saturday tha…

Liam Heagney

17 Mar 2022, 12:04

France make one change for their Grand Slam decider versus England

Fabien Galthie has named a France side to play England in this Saturday’s title-deciding Six Nations game that shows one change …

Liam Heagney

17 Mar 2022, 7:08

'She was bloody right': The anthem advice that shook up O'Driscoll

Brian O’Driscoll has revealed it took the intervention of his mother to cop himself on and sing both Ireland anthems with real p…

Liam Heagney

17 Mar 2022, 8:00

Six Nations statement: Charlie Ewels' disciplinary hearing outcome

England second row Charlie Ewels has been banned for three games following last Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations red card. The lo…

Liam Heagney

16 Mar 2022, 10:47

'A deeply unpleasant experience': London Irish coach banned

London Irish have been dealt a blow with the suspension of midfielder Curtis Rona and assistant coach Brad Davis following a virtu…

Liam Heagney

16 Mar 2022, 10:21

'It's something we've talked about, chopping the big fellas down'

Sam Simmonds has spoken about how last Saturday’s red card for Charlie Ewels has helped focus the minds of England players as th…

Liam Heagney

16 Mar 2022, 6:19

'I thought, who is going to argue with them two, so I picked them'

France defence coach Shaun Edwards has explained the logic behind selecting the no-nonsense Paul Willemse and Romain Taofifenua as…

Liam Heagney

16 Mar 2022, 5:32

Premiership Rugby statement: Leicester salary cap investigation

Premiership Rugby have issued a Tuesday lunchtime statement confirming their salary cap investigation into Leicester Tigers is ove…

Liam Heagney

15 Mar 2022, 10:12

'A brilliant opportunity for me': JP Doyle is back in rugby

Ex-RFU referee JP Doyle has been named as Scottish rugby’s high-performance referee coach in a newly created role put in place b…

Liam Heagney

16 Mar 2022, 12:48

'Wow, what an athlete, he is almost like an NFL player'

Shaun Edwards has given his rundown on the current England team, the France defence coach singling out a number of players - inclu…

Liam Heagney

15 Mar 2022, 8:02

Max Malins the big casualty as England cut squad to 28 for France

Max Malins was the biggest casualty when Eddie Jones cut his England squad from 34 t0 28 on Tuesday afternoon ahead of this Saturd…

Liam Heagney

15 Mar 2022, 10:46

Four awful England takeaways that spinning Eddie Jones can't ignore

It’s getting silly now, all this talk about new England attack coach Martin Gleeson honing a new style of rugby that has never b…

Liam Heagney

13 Mar 2022, 4:53

Rees-Zammit and Jones are back as Wales make 7 changes for Italy

Wales coach Wayne Pivac has named a starting team to face Italy this Saturday in the Guinness Six Nations that shows seven changes…

Liam Heagney

15 Mar 2022, 11:19

Leicester statement: Tigers respond to £300k salary cap punishment

Leicester Tigers have issued their response after the conclusion of the Premiership Rugby salary cap investigation resulted in the…

Liam Heagney

15 Mar 2022, 11:59

The 'big' reason why one England player doesn't want Jones sacked

Knives have been sharpened for Eddie Jones in the wake of the England loss to Ireland - but one player who had plenty to feel aggr…

Liam Heagney

15 Mar 2022, 9:44

'It's reckless - there is one loser here and it is James Ryan'

Former Scotland second row Jim Hamilton had predicted that red-carded England lock Charlie Ewels will be on the receiving end of a…

Liam Heagney

15 Mar 2022, 6:18

'Second rows of his size and calibre are like teddy bear s***'

One of the downsides of the annual Guinness Six Nations is how the spotlight turns away from the Gallagher Premiership and some he…

Liam Heagney

13 Mar 2022, 7:30

Barnes' new assistant ref is ex-player he red-carded for stamping

Wayne Barnes has tweeted about this Sunday’s very different reunion with Nick Wood nine years after he sent the ex-Gloucester pr…

Liam Heagney

13 Mar 2022, 6:00

'Not over': The forgotten England prop tipped for a future recall

Rob Baxter is tipping forgotten England tighthead Harry Williams to fight his way into Test level contention again once he fully g…

Liam Heagney

13 Mar 2022, 5:28

Jones takes swipe at referee Raynal but it's not over the red card

England boss Eddie Jones has taken a swipe at referee Mathieu Raynal for the way he officiated the scrum in Saturday’s 32-15 Gui…

Liam Heagney

12 Mar 2022, 15:18

'Congratulations': The compliment Ireland paid to beaten England

Andy Farrell was gracious in victory at Twickenham on Saturday night, the Ireland coach paying compliment to one particular aspect…

Liam Heagney

12 Mar 2022, 16:17

Ireland player ratings vs England | Six Nations 2022

Ireland player ratings: Andy Farrell’s Ireland arrived at sunny Twickenham on Saturday labelled as red-hot favourites by Eddie J…

Opinion

Liam Heagney

12 Mar 2022, 14:05

Maro Itoje fit and will start for England

Maro Itoje will start for England in this Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations round four game at Twickenham, putting an end to fears…

Liam Heagney

12 Mar 2022, 10:40

Grassroots club suspends player for racially abusing Cooper Vuna

An English grassroots club has suspended a player after he racially abused Cooper Vuna, the ex-Wallabies and Tongan international,…

Liam Heagney

12 Mar 2022, 7:57

'Cam Neild, who was sparked out, passed his HIA after the game'

Sale boss Alex Sanderson is happy with the way concussion is being handled at the Gallagher Premiership club, their medics making …

Liam Heagney

12 Mar 2022, 6:00

'We've got ourselves on a pathway that feels a little wrong to me'

Rob Baxter has outlined his ongoing unease with the pathway that Premiership Rugby have embarked on, looking to increase the size …

Interview

Liam Heagney

11 Mar 2022, 5:33

'That's not going to happen, not even in my wildest dreams'

England boss Eddie Jones has claimed it took his squad until their fallow week training camp in London to get back to the levels o…

Liam Heagney

11 Mar 2022, 12:24

RFU statement: Six Nations over for van der Merwe as appeal fails

An appeal by Duhan van der Merwe to overturn the three-week ban that ruled him out of the remaining two Scotland games in the Guin…

Liam Heagney

11 Mar 2022, 7:59

'We'd a good catch-up with World Rugby on Monday'

England scrum coach Matt Proudfoot is hoping his pack can get into its groove at the set-piece quicker than has been the case so f…

Liam Heagney

11 Mar 2022, 12:05

England confirm Itoje contingency plan and how long they will wait

Assistant coach Matt Proudfoot has claimed that England are "really optimistic" that Maro Itoje will play against Ireland on Satur…

Liam Heagney

11 Mar 2022, 6:58

Henry Slade: 'The thing I like about both Joe and Marcus'

Henry Slade has explained what he likes about starting for England with Marcus Smith positioned inside him at out-half and with Jo…

Liam Heagney

11 Mar 2022, 8:39

England suffer eve-of-Test blow as Cockerill can't attend the game

The England preparations for this Saturday's Guinness Six Nations game against Ireland at Twickenham have suffered another covid b…

Liam Heagney

11 Mar 2022, 5:01

The awkward moment when Jones hinted he didn't write his books

England boss Eddie Jones has never been a coach that has been shy of putting his thoughts down on paper.

Liam Heagney

11 Mar 2022, 3:42

England's taunt: 'Ireland haven't played a team like us before'

Eddie Jones sounded like he had his wires weirdly crossed when speaking in the embargoed section of his England media briefing on …

Liam Heagney

10 Mar 2022, 17:00

The 'strange way' Sexton reacted when Farrell first spoke to him

Johnny Sexton is heading to Twickenham reinstated as Andy Farrell’s Ireland skipper nine years after their first conversation pr…

Liam Heagney

10 Mar 2022, 13:38

Jones explains an England team that includes Marchant back at No13

Eddie Jones has explained his logic behind this week’s latest midfield reshuffle, the England coach opting to promote Joe Marcha…

Liam Heagney

10 Mar 2022, 8:59

Farrell explains Ireland changes and what 'explosive' bench can do

Andy Farrell is hoping that an “explosive” Ireland bench featuring four 2021 Lions tourists can successfully tip the outcome t…

Liam Heagney

10 Mar 2022, 7:09

Johnny Sexton recalled as Ireland name team with six changes

Johnny Sexton was given further cause to celebrate this week after he was restored to the Ireland No10 jersey on Thursday when And…

Liam Heagney

10 Mar 2022, 6:08

'No disrespect': Wales robustly defend selection of Tomas Francis

Wales boss Wayne Pivac has insisted he has not made a grave error by including Tomas Francis in his starting team to take on Franc…

Liam Heagney

09 Mar 2022, 10:17

Fresh delay for Tuilagi after latest Sale conversation with England

Manu Tuilagi hasn’t started back training with the Sale squad this week as was hoped for following his recent hamstring injury s…

Liam Heagney

09 Mar 2022, 11:40

'It was the right package for him at the time'

Exeter have admitted they have no cause for complaint that Jonny Hill hasn’t made it back in time from injury to feature in this…

Liam Heagney

09 Mar 2022, 13:56

'Oh God, wow. Has Eddie got some sort of deal with 365?'

Joe Marler has quipped that England boss Eddie Jones must have a deal with the bookies after learning that Ireland were midweek fa…

Liam Heagney

09 Mar 2022, 13:49

Wales make four changes, including a recall for Josh Navidi

Wales boss Wayne Pivac has named a starting XV to face France on Friday that shows four changes from the Guinness Six Nations roun…

Liam Heagney

09 Mar 2022, 9:12

'It is doubtful he will play this weekend'

Exeter boss Rob Baxter has explained he had no issue with Scotland surprisingly calling up Jonny Gray for this week’s Guinness S…

Liam Heagney

09 Mar 2022, 5:54

France make one change and also alter forwards/backs bench split

France coach Fabien Galthie has named a starting XV to face Wales on Friday in Cardiff that shows just one change from their Guinn…

Liam Heagney

09 Mar 2022, 6:33

What Joe Marler said when asked who has the world's best front row

Joe Marler is usually the type of laidback character that is more inclined to crack a joke than answer a serious question seriousl…

Liam Heagney

09 Mar 2022, 8:34

'He accepted he was reckless': Naulago banned after his latest red

Bristol winger Siva Naulago has been banned for four matches following his red card versus Bath last Saturday in his first game ba…

Liam Heagney

09 Mar 2022, 5:04

Sam Underhill is cut by England as Jones reduces his squad to 26

Eddie Jones has trimmed his England squad to face Ireland next Saturday in the Guinness Six Nations to 26 players, excluding the l…

Liam Heagney

08 Mar 2022, 14:12

'Maybe that seems silly... but it keeps me fresher'

Joe Marler has praised the in/out nature of his Six Nations involvement with England, a flexibility that has enabled him to be at …

Liam Heagney

08 Mar 2022, 14:49

The 'massive lump' compliment England have paid Tadhg Furlong

England sub loosehead Joe Marler might only get a short few minutes playing against Tadhg Furlong, the starting Ireland tighthead …

Liam Heagney

08 Mar 2022, 14:33

How 'underrated knowledge' has accelerated the maturity of Genge

Joe Marler has paid tribute to positional rival Ellis Genge, who has burst from the pack to make the England No1 jersey his own in…

Liam Heagney

08 Mar 2022, 13:22

'Really nice tasty training session... Gengey punched me 4 times'

Joe Marler has reported there was an added edge to England training on Tuesday morning at Pennyhill Park that wasn’t evident in …

Liam Heagney

08 Mar 2022, 9:39

England hope a 'pretty cool' cider night can help against Ireland

England are hoping that a cider tasting session that involved exercises with a communications expert can help them get the better …

Liam Heagney

08 Mar 2022, 5:28

'Scrums were like a necessary evil to me, I'd just hit and hope'

Sixteen weeks on from the proudest moment of his career, London Irish tighthead Ollie Hoskins is still living the dream. He is in …

Liam Heagney

06 Mar 2022, 3:22

The change England need to leave teams 'quaking in their boots'

Legendary Ireland and Lions midfielder has claimed that Eddie Jones’ current England team doesn’t have opposition sides quakin…

Liam Heagney

05 Mar 2022, 10:17

'Real shame': 3 Prem coaches on cancelled promotion and bye-weeks

This past week changed the outlook of the upcoming 2022/23 Gallagher Premiership season.

Analysis

Liam Heagney

06 Mar 2022, 4:38

'C'mon, who are you trying to kid?': Dallaglio lashes Eddie Jones

Famed ex-England No8 Lawrence Dallaglio has turned the heat up on Eddie Jones ahead of next weekend’s Guinness Six Nations game …

Liam Heagney

05 Mar 2022, 11:03

Some 'unbelievably dangerous individuals' are worrying Bath

Stuart Hooper reckons that the major slump in results that Bristol have suffered in this season’s Gallagher Premiership is simil…

Liam Heagney

05 Mar 2022, 5:25

'Steve's brave': Leicester boss Borthwick is impressing Saracens

Back-at-work Saracens boss Mark McCall has saluted the excellent Leicester transformation orchestrated this season by Steve Borthw…

Liam Heagney

05 Mar 2022, 5:06

Long-serving former CEO Simon Cohen to sue Leicester Tigers

Simon Cohen is suing Leicester Tigers, the Gallagher Premiership club where he worked as CEO for eight years until his sudden May …

Exclusive

Liam Heagney

04 Mar 2022, 14:39

'Terrifying': Mike Brown fears losing job after Newcastle decision

BT Sport rugby commentator Nick Mullins has confirmed that ex-England full-back Mike Brown is on the lookout for a new employer af…

Liam Heagney

04 Mar 2022, 6:24

'Salary cap now was could we get a dispensation on a dispensation'

Pat Lam has shed light on the madcap, behind the scenes drama that resulted in Bristol hurriedly bringing in three additional play…

Liam Heagney

05 Mar 2022, 4:22

'Gatland always had a way of delivering bad news quite well'

Lawrence Dallaglio accumulated quite the stash of war stories over the course of his legendary career with Wasps and England.

Interview

Liam Heagney

03 Mar 2022, 14:13

Six Nations sledgegate: 'He should take it as a compliment'

Ospreys boss Tony Booth reckons Wales hooker Dewi Lake should take it as a compliment that England resorted to sledging him when h…

Liam Heagney

04 Mar 2022, 4:53

'A step up from what we've played so far': How England eye Ireland

Richard Cockerill is braced for a thorough round four Guinness Six Nations examination when England host Ireland at Twickenham on …

Liam Heagney

04 Mar 2022, 4:13

'He's a hard bugger, I knew when he went down he'd done something bad'

Jack Nowell has wished Luke Cowan-Dickie, his Exeter and England pal, well after it was confirmed on Thursday that the hooker will…

Liam Heagney

03 Mar 2022, 13:03

'Significant' injury rules Cowan-Dickie out of the Six Nations

Luke Cowan-Dickie will play no further part in the Guinness Six Nations with England because of the knee injury sustained against …

Liam Heagney

03 Mar 2022, 5:46

'Positive news': The England update Jonny Hill fans have waited for

England have revealed that Jonny Hill came through unscathed from two days of full training with them, putting him in line for a p…

Liam Heagney

03 Mar 2022, 9:39

'I don't think we would do anything differently'

England assistant Richard Cockerill has suggested they would not do anything differently if they had their matchweek back over aga…

Liam Heagney

03 Mar 2022, 9:01

Joe Marler to start for Harlequins after England squad omission

England sub loosehead Joe Marler is set to top up his game time ahead of the remainder of the Guinness Six Nations by starting for…

Liam Heagney

03 Mar 2022, 7:17

'His actions are showing he can stay in that team for a long time'

Pat Lam has shared his thoughts on how he feels Harry Randall performed in his first two Guinness Six Nations matches at the start…

Liam Heagney

03 Mar 2022, 4:11

Disciplinary hearing rubs salt into wounding Hame Faiva red card

Italy hooker Hame Faiva has had salt rubbed into the wound of his Guinness Six Nations red card as he will now miss the remainder …

Liam Heagney

03 Mar 2022, 4:34

'We're struggling to see how we can manage him potentially better'

Alex Sanderson has refused to write off the ambition of Manu Tuilagi to play for England in this season’s Guinness Six Nations, …

Liam Heagney

02 Mar 2022, 12:10

3 starters against Wales excluded as England name a 25-man squad

England flanker Tom Curry, hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie and utility back Elliot Daly are the three starters from last weekend’s Guin…

Liam Heagney

02 Mar 2022, 8:56

'Bizarre': How vegetables injury sidelined Bristol's Fitz Harding

Bristol boss Pat Lam has quipped that fast-rising back-rower Fitz Harding needs to improve his food preparation skills after a sel…

Liam Heagney

02 Mar 2022, 14:00

Crowley takes to Twitter to defend rookie Test referee Amashukeli

Italy boss Kieran Crowley has taken to Twitter to defend Georgian referee Nika Amashukeli, who found himself at the centre of a bi…

Liam Heagney

02 Mar 2022, 7:21

'We're certainly hopeful': The latest Saracens update on Farrell

Mark McCall has used his first media briefing back at the helm at Saracens to provide the latest update as to when the injured Owe…

Liam Heagney

02 Mar 2022, 4:00

'He understands his best weight for his power and his size'

Away from the suffocating confines of Twickenham last Saturday where England managed just a single try from a lineout overthrow ag…

Liam Heagney

02 Mar 2022, 4:32

'Business as normal': Saracens' Mark McCall back at work after break

Mark McCall had returned to work as the Saracens director of rugby just over a month after it was revealed on January 28 by the Ga…

Liam Heagney

01 Mar 2022, 10:40

Bath tackle a 'few red flags' waved after Underhill skips comeback

Bath boss Stuart Hooper has insisted that Sam Underhill hasn’t suffered a fresh concussion setback and that his late withdrawal …

Liam Heagney

01 Mar 2022, 13:35

Cryptic Erasmus tweet about the tackle that left Adams needing HIA

Springboks World Cup winner Rassie Erasmus has ended his recent Twitter hibernation by posting twice about last Saturday’s late-…

Liam Heagney

01 Mar 2022, 8:55

Bath announce three signings and name their new attack coach

The huge overhaul at Bath ahead of the summer arrival of Johann van Graan as the Gallagher Premiership club's new head coach from …

Liam Heagney

01 Mar 2022, 6:54

The subtle dig Andy Farrell has aimed at Jones' 'new' England

Andy Farrell has taken a subtle dig at Eddie Jones’ ‘new’ England ahead of the March 12 visit by Ireland to Twickenham for a…

Liam Heagney

01 Mar 2022, 5:52

Ireland name 27-man squad as preparations start for England game

Andy Farrell has named a 27-man Ireland squad for this week’s fallow-week Guinness Six Nations camp in Dublin which includes a f…

Liam Heagney

01 Mar 2022, 5:02

'Kruis is just making a load of coin... bloody hell, good for him'

The past fortnight has been quite the contrasting time for 32-year-olds rugby players Ben Youngs, George Kruis and Mark Wilson, a …

Liam Heagney

25 Feb 2022, 12:10

Ireland player ratings vs Italy | Six Nations 2022

Ireland player ratings: Eight points behind France with an inferior 36-points difference coming into this Guinness Six Nations rou…

Opinion

Liam Heagney

27 Feb 2022, 12:14

We like Crowley but Italy keep finding terrible ways to lose

An upset Guinness Six Nations result was never on the cards before kick-off in Dublin on Sunday.

Analysis

Liam Heagney

27 Feb 2022, 12:58

'It's just weird': Even Ireland were miffed by uncontested scrums

What unfolded in Dublin on Sunday did little for rugby as a spectacle, practically a full hour of the Ireland versus Italy Guinnes…

Liam Heagney

27 Feb 2022, 13:56

'I'm still able to go for my Nandos, I don't get hassled too much'

Impressive performances this month are nothing new to Marcus Smith, the exuberant out-half who has fast become the latest poster b…

Interview

Liam Heagney

19 Feb 2022, 3:40

An ex-England No9 isn't sure about Randall as a Test scrum-half

Harry Randall is set to appear in the biggest rugby match of his career this Saturday, the 24-year-old getting chosen at the start…

Liam Heagney

26 Feb 2022, 6:53

England pay 'frightening' ref Adamson a contact area compliment

England have paid a compliment to Mike Adamson, the referee whose ability to properly manage this Saturday’s Guinness Six Nation…

Liam Heagney

25 Feb 2022, 12:04

Emotional Andy Farrell's lovely tribute to the late Inga Tuigamala

Ireland coach Andy Farrell has paid a beautifully emotional tribute to Va'aiga Tuigamala, his former Wigan rugby league teammate w…

Liam Heagney

25 Feb 2022, 11:55

Debut for Lowry as Ireland change six but Sexton given bench role

Ireland boss Andy Farrell has made six changes to his team to take on Italy this Sunday in the Guinness Six Nations, having a debu…

Liam Heagney

25 Feb 2022, 8:11

England give update on seriousness of the latest Tuilagi injury

England assistant coach Richard Cockerill has delivered an update on the fresh hamstring problem that ruled Manu Tuilagi out of co…

Liam Heagney

25 Feb 2022, 6:26

'The thing that kills me': Kyle Sinckler as you've never seen him

England prop Kyle Sinckler is set to appear in a compelling documentary on Monday about his native south London and how it kills h…

Liam Heagney

25 Feb 2022, 8:43

Three changes for Italy for Sunday's game away to Ireland

Italy boss Kieran Crowley has made three changes to his team to take on Ireland this Sunday in the Guinness Six Nations in Dublin.

Liam Heagney

25 Feb 2022, 7:27

The 78 per cent Test stat that has England aiming for a fast start

Eddie Jones has placed his faith in Harry Randall quickening the England tempo from the kick-off on Saturday in the hope that the …

Liam Heagney

25 Feb 2022, 4:45

'Wasn't that impressed': Jones' brutal first impression of Lawes

England boss Eddie Jones has admitted that he wasn’t a fan of his current skipper Courtney Lawes when he first arrived from Japa…

Liam Heagney

25 Feb 2022, 3:45

London Irish sign Noel Reid, one of the Leicester gang of five

London Irish have signed Noel Reid, the former Ireland international who was one of the five players who left Leicester in summer …

Liam Heagney

24 Feb 2022, 12:18

Unbeaten France make one change to their team to face Scotland

Fabien Galthie has made one change to his France team to take on Scotland this Saturday at Murrayfield following the round two Gui…

Liam Heagney

24 Feb 2022, 6:15

England make four changes but no recall for benched Ben Youngs

Eddie Jones has recalled the Courtney Lawes and Manu Tuilagi to his starting England XV to face Wales this Saturday, the inclusion…

Liam Heagney

24 Feb 2022, 6:38

Scotland make three changes to their pack to face the French

Gregor Townsend has made three changes to his Scotland team - all in the pack - to face France this Saturday at Murrayfield follow…

Liam Heagney

24 Feb 2022, 7:35

One distinct aspect of Welsh play fed into England picking Nowell

Jack Nowell lasted only 16 minutes in his first England start in 28 months in the February 13 win over Italy, but he still did eno…

Liam Heagney

24 Feb 2022, 15:36

England rocked by the news that Manu Tuilagi is OUT of Wales game

England have been dealt a massive blow less than 48 hours out from their Guinness Six Nations match versus Wales on Saturday as it…

Liam Heagney

24 Feb 2022, 14:52

'I was really relieved that my head stuff wasn't really serious'

Reinstated England skipper Courtney Lawes has spoken of his relief at finally being able to overcome the concussion issue that lef…

Liam Heagney

24 Feb 2022, 14:36

Jones: 'Edge' logic of Manu recall and restoring Lawes as captain

Eddie Jones has explained his logic for recalling the fit-again Manu Tuilagi and Courtney Lawes to his England team to face Wales,…

Liam Heagney

24 Feb 2022, 9:47

'I don't think he is healthy': Jones butts into Rees-Zammit debate

England boss Eddie Jones has suggested that Louis Rees-Zammit was excluded from the Wales team to play at Twickenham on Saturday b…

Liam Heagney

24 Feb 2022, 9:05

'Iain has left Ireland camp': Henderson tests positive

Ireland preparations for their Guinness Six Nations round three game at home to Italy has hit another bump in the road as Iain Hen…

Liam Heagney

23 Feb 2022, 10:25

England explain 'pace on the game' reason for backing No9 Randall

A desire to put pace on the game is the prime reason given by Eddie Jones for retaining the youthful Harry Randall at scrum-half i…

Liam Heagney

24 Feb 2022, 8:36

'They're obviously quite sad and have nothing else better to do'

Ellis Genge has revisited the controversy that arose last year following the defeat for England by Wales in Cardiff.

Liam Heagney

24 Feb 2022, 3:08

'He's just a f***in legend, I love him to bits'

Ellis Genge has paid a tribute to Ben Youngs, his Leicester teammate who is set to become the most capped England of all time when…

Liam Heagney

23 Feb 2022, 17:00

'Blown away': Leicester snap up little known Kiwi Sean Jansen

Double-chasing Leicester have bolstered their back row options ahead of the business end of the season by snapping up the relative…

Liam Heagney

23 Feb 2022, 11:47

Very different outcomes from Chick and Coleman red card hearings

England’s Callum Chick and Australia’s Adam Coleman have had very different outcomes following their virtually held disciplina…

Liam Heagney

23 Feb 2022, 11:31

Rees-Zammit set to be axed by Wales for England game - reports

Wayne Pivac is reportedly set to explode a Guinness Six Nations selection bombshell on Thursday by axing Louis Rees-Zammit from hi…

Liam Heagney

23 Feb 2022, 5:11

'It's so tough': The interview that moved Ben Youngs to tears

Record-breaking England scrum-half Ben Youngs was moved to tears this week when talking about his older brother Tom on the England…

Liam Heagney

23 Feb 2022, 8:51

The Colwyn Bay game where Wales picked Dombrandt to face England

Five years ago current England back-rower Alex Dombrandt had a very different Six Nations experience than the one he is preparing …

Liam Heagney

23 Feb 2022, 7:07

One starter from Rome omitted as England cut squad from 35 to 25

England boss Eddie Jones has cut his Test week squad from 35 to 25 ahead of this Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations round three gam…

Liam Heagney

22 Feb 2022, 13:49

'Nothing's ruled out with Manu': The difference Tuilagi is making

Martin Gleeson is so glad to have the fit-again Manu Tuilagi back in the England ranks because of the added dimension he brings, t…

Liam Heagney

23 Feb 2022, 4:10

England fire warning shot after Lawes, Manu training ground update

Martin Gleeson has sidestepped the question as to who will skipper England next Saturday against Wales now that Courtney Lawes is …

Liam Heagney

22 Feb 2022, 11:06

The teenage backline positions that hugely helped Alex Dombrandt

Packing down at No8 for England and Harlequins is where Alex Dombrandt is developing his burgeoning reputation as a player to watc…

Liam Heagney

22 Feb 2022, 9:32

'He can do it, definitely': The added dimension Manu Tuilagi craves

It will be at next Thursday’s latest Guinness Six Nations team announcement when England officially confirm they are rolling the…

Liam Heagney

20 Feb 2022, 4:00

Austin Healey bites back after Eddie Jones' 'egg-on-face' jibe

Austin Healey has bitten back after England boss Eddie Jones had a laugh at his expense during last Sunday’s media briefing in R…

Liam Heagney

19 Feb 2022, 10:42

'We have made some signings and expect to announce them soon'

Wasps have hinted they already have signings in the bag following the February 2 confirmation that seasoned duo Jimmy Gopperth and…

Liam Heagney

19 Feb 2022, 6:49

'My nose is incredibly happy, I'm fed up having things stuck up it'

Newcastle boss Dean Richards has hailed the decision by Premiership Rugby to end with immediate effect the weekly routine covid te…

Liam Heagney

19 Feb 2022, 5:22

'In Johnny's head that doesn't work': O'Gara on Sexton vs Carbery

Ronan O’Gara believes Ireland must give Joey Carbery a run of games as the starting Ireland No10 to bring on his game further ra…

Liam Heagney

18 Feb 2022, 10:02

'He came from the side and crushed my ribs, it was a big welcome'

Toa Halafihi last Sunday found himself running down the Stade de France tunnel to make a Test debut he would never have imagined h…

Interview

Liam Heagney

13 Feb 2022, 3:45

'It's odd, the biggest cheer was when Ford did a spiral bomb'

Newcastle are currently on a five-game losing run in the Gallagher Premiership but the director of rugby Dean Richards has insiste…

Liam Heagney

18 Feb 2022, 4:22

'I hate talking about people being retired, it sounds terrible'

Dean Richards had a candid confession to make after spending some time at his Newcastle media briefing on Thursday talking about t…

Liam Heagney

17 Feb 2022, 14:46

'So much more to his game': Scotland's loss is Saracens' gain

It’s nearly eleven months since Sean Maitland won the last of his 53 Scotland caps but Saracens can’t get enough of their 33-y…

Liam Heagney

17 Feb 2022, 14:38

'He's probably sick to death of my voice on a Monday and Tuesday'

Harlequins boss Tabai Matson has highlighted how energising an experience training with England has been for Louis Lynagh, even th…

Liam Heagney

17 Feb 2022, 13:59

'Oddly, I just sat down with Adam now talking it through'

Dean Richards turned up late to his already rearranged Newcastle media briefing on Thursday due to his need to chew the fat with A…

Liam Heagney

17 Feb 2022, 10:54

Saracens coach Joe Shaw has given an Owen Farrell injury update

Saracens head coach Joe Shaw has delivered an update on how England skipper Owen Farrell has got down to the business of his lates…

Liam Heagney

17 Feb 2022, 4:19

'Joe's never done it before': Launchbury's new England experience

This week’s inclusion of Joe Launchbury in the England training squad in London at the expense of Nick Isiekwe - a starter versu…

Liam Heagney

17 Feb 2022, 4:57

'Tank's a whole lot more dangerous': Eben Etzebeth joins Sharks

Springboks enforcer Eben Etzebeth will join the Durban-based Sharks from Toulon at the end of the current season in Europe.

Liam Heagney

17 Feb 2022, 6:38

'Excellent character' Siva Naulago learns red card hearing verdict

Bristol winger Siva Naulago has been banned following his Gallagher Premiership red card against London Irish.

Liam Heagney

17 Feb 2022, 5:39

What Marcus Smith has made of Manu Tuilagi's England squad return

Marcus Smith had admitted he is loving rubbing shoulders once more with the fit-again Manu Tuilagi, someone he vividly remembers w…

Liam Heagney

16 Feb 2022, 11:58

What Harlequins have made of the England release of Joe Marler

Tabai Matson has admitted he is in the dark about what this week’s release of Joe Marler back to Harlequins means for the looseh…

Liam Heagney

16 Feb 2022, 14:35

'I fell to my arse... and I'm too ashamed to watch it back'

Luke Cowan-Dickie has spoken for the first time since his high profile Guinness Six Nations error versus Scotland resulted in his …

Liam Heagney

16 Feb 2022, 12:25

The Saracens reaction to curious England rejection of Nick Isiekwe

Saracens have confirmed that a knock wasn’t the reason why Nick Isiekwe was omitted from the squad of 25 training with England i…

Liam Heagney

16 Feb 2022, 10:44

'They were stealing my money': Smith's tongue-in-cheek Wales story

New England talisman Marcus Smith has tongue-in-cheek quipped that Dan Biggar and his fellow Wales players “were stealing his mo…

Liam Heagney

16 Feb 2022, 9:10

'Really tough': What Barbeary found most challenging about England

Wasps boss Lee Blackett has given kudos to Alfie Barberary, the uncapped 21-year-old back-rower who in recent weeks has managed to…

Liam Heagney

16 Feb 2022, 4:42

How 'frustrated, emotional' Quirke is coping with England setback

Sale boss Alex Sanderson has explained how rookie scrum-half Raffi Quirke has been coping in recent weeks with his rejection by En…

Liam Heagney

16 Feb 2022, 6:40

Jones names 25-strong England training squad that includes Tuilagi

England boss Eddie Jones has named a 25-man squad for this week’s fallow week training camp in London ahead of the February 27 G…

Liam Heagney

15 Feb 2022, 14:19

'Every last scrap': Sale explain why Tuilagi is ready for England

Sale have explained why they believe the time was right for Manu Tuilagi to return to the Test fold with England, the powerhouse m…

Liam Heagney

15 Feb 2022, 15:25

'He has been called in': Sale confirm Tuilagi recalled by England

Sale boss Alex Sanderson has confirmed on Tuesday that Manu Tuilagi has been recalled to the England squad for the fallow week tra…

Liam Heagney

15 Feb 2022, 11:33

Ex-England back-rower Teimana Harrison linked with move to France

PRO D2 club Provence are reportedly interested in bolstering their pack with two players who have huge Gallagher Premiership exper…

Liam Heagney

15 Feb 2022, 8:01

The Twitter reaction to retirement of 'nicest bloke' Mark Wilson

Danny Care and Mike Brown were two of the many players to lead the tributes on social media after England back-rower Mark Wilson a…

Liam Heagney

15 Feb 2022, 6:52

The reaction to 'rangy' Ollie Chessum, the latest new England cap

There were just 15 minutes remaining at Stadio Olimpico last Sunday when Ollie Chessum entered the Guinness Six Nations arena to r…

Liam Heagney

15 Feb 2022, 4:42

'Proved his quality': Tadhg Beirne signs a lengthy IRFU extension

Ireland forward Tadhg Beirne has agreed to an IRFU central contract that will see him play his rugby at Munster until July 2025.

Liam Heagney

15 Feb 2022, 5:48

Two young England prospects sign contract extensions at Bath

Recent England Six Nations squad call up Orlando Bailey and Max Ojomoh, who was in last year's summer series squad, have given str…

Liam Heagney

15 Feb 2022, 5:27

The England verdict on how the Smith/Randall combination performed

Marcus Smith’s new Six Nations half-back partnership with Harry Randall has been given a seal of approval by England boss Eddie …

Liam Heagney

13 Feb 2022, 14:31

Eddie Jones fires back at Austin Healey after England win in Rome

England boss Eddie Jones finished off his post-match media briefing in Rome following his team’s 33-0 win by taking a tongue-in-…

Liam Heagney

13 Feb 2022, 13:53

Ireland player ratings vs France | Six Nations 2022

Ireland player ratings: That was a Guinness Six Nations thriller where the result gloriously hung in the balance right until the f…

Liam Heagney

12 Feb 2022, 14:28

England assistant reckons losing to Scotland 'could be good for us'

New England attack coach Martin Gleeson has suggested that last weekend’s round one Guinness Six Nations defeat to Scotland coul…

Liam Heagney

12 Feb 2022, 8:13

The message Sinckler has given to rare England starter Will Stuart

Rare England starter Will Stuart has revealed the message he has got from fellow tighthead Kyle Sinckler ahead of this Sunday’s …

Liam Heagney

12 Feb 2022, 7:03

Why a day at the beach was just the tonic for 'heartbroken' Exeter

Rob Baxter has explained why he changed things up at Exeter training this week by taking his squad off to the beach in Exmouth on …

Liam Heagney

12 Feb 2022, 4:38

The one thing England 'can't afford to do' early on against Italy

Eddie Jones has highlighted the one thing his England team can’t afford to do early on against Italy on Sunday in round two of t…

Liam Heagney

12 Feb 2022, 4:27

The 'welcome' Sale have planned for Diamond 14 months after he quit

Sale boss Alex Sanderson is keen on having a catch-up beer on Saturday with his Sharks predecessor Steve Diamond - but there will …

Liam Heagney

12 Feb 2022, 4:12

The Springboks great that England have likened Alex Dombrandt to

England coach Eddie Jones has claimed that Alex Dombrandt, his team’s No8 for Sunday’s Guinness Six Nations match away to Ital…

Liam Heagney

12 Feb 2022, 3:48

The 'ruthless' Muhammad Ali vision England have for bench in Rome

England boss Eddie Jones wants his experienced, caps-heavy replacements bench to strike a Muhammad Ali versus Sonny Liston type po…

Liam Heagney

11 Feb 2022, 17:00

'A loss to Italy does not seem completely ridiculous'

Former England international Austin Healey is giving Italy a sporting chance of causing a Guinness Six Nations upset this Sunday i…

Liam Heagney

11 Feb 2022, 9:34

Kieran Crowley makes three changes to his Italy team for England

Italy have made three changes for this Sunday’s Guinness Six Nations match at home to England following last Sunday’s 37-10 lo…

Liam Heagney

11 Feb 2022, 8:49

A shaken-up England explain their half-dozen changes for Italian job

England boss Eddie Jones has explained why he has made six changes to his starting team to face Italy this Sunday in the Guinness …

Liam Heagney

11 Feb 2022, 7:53

Sinckler benched as Jones makes six changes to his England team

England boss Eddie Jones has made six changes to his starting team to face Italy this Sunday in the Guinness Six Nations following…

Liam Heagney

11 Feb 2022, 6:40

Shock Ireland selection as skipper Johnny Sexton is ruled out

Ireland boss Andy Farrell has resisted the temptation to recall Lions duo Iain Henderson and Robbie Henshaw to his starting line-u…

Liam Heagney

10 Feb 2022, 6:07

Courtney Lawes is ruled out as England cut squad from 36 to 27

Eddie Jones has trimmed his England squad of 36 down to 27 ahead of Sunday’s Guinness Six Nations round two match away to Italy …

Liam Heagney

09 Feb 2022, 13:52

How Joey Carbery reacted when he saw Johnny Sexton pull up lame

Joey Carbery has explained what ran through his mind on Wednesday when noticed that Johnny Sexton was no longer training with Irel…

Liam Heagney

10 Feb 2022, 14:11

The training ground moment that sidelined Ireland's Johnny Sexton

Andy Farrell has explained how veteran Johnny Sexton promptly withdrew himself from Ireland training on Wednesday as soon as he fe…

Liam Heagney

10 Feb 2022, 7:24

Scotland explain Sione Tuipulotu promotion and front row strategy

Gregor Townsend has explained why he has opted to start Test level rookie Sione Tuipulotu at No12 this week following his efforts …

Liam Heagney

10 Feb 2022, 9:36

The Exeter reaction to a Calcutta Cup that featured so many Chiefs

Last Saturday was one of those crazy high and low days for Rob Baxter and Exeter. A Chiefs side missing a plethora of its establis…

Liam Heagney

10 Feb 2022, 14:20

England to host Barbarians 20 months after 'laughing stock' cancellation

England are set to host the Barbarians at Twickenham next June 20 months after the embarrassing cancellation of the previously pla…

Liam Heagney

10 Feb 2022, 8:25

Debate over Murrayfield scrum finale is still raging days later

Days after the result-confirming series of clock-in-the-red scrums at Murrayfield and the debate over whether England should have …

Liam Heagney

10 Feb 2022, 14:05

Scotland ring the changes and make five alterations to face Wales

Scotland boss Gregor Townsend has made five changes to his starting XV for this Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations round two match …

Liam Heagney

10 Feb 2022, 7:42

'He was actually really angry that I didn't know what I'd done'

Ex-All Blacks scrum-half Tawera Kerr-Barlow is one heck of a storyteller, his entertaining yarns - including an incredible story a…

Interview

Liam Heagney

06 Feb 2022, 3:54

'Much less in-house bitching': Life with England after latest loss

Joe Marler has given the current England set-up under Eddie Jones the highest of praise for how tight-knit the squad is - quite a …

Liam Heagney

10 Feb 2022, 3:51

Leicester statement: Chris Ashton has joined with immediate effect

Steve Borthwick’s Leicester have signed former England international Chris Ashton on a short-term deal eight days after the free…

Liam Heagney

09 Feb 2022, 12:50

England name 36-man squad that includes uncapped Irish back row

England boss Eddie Jones has confirmed following a Tuesday evening training session at Pennyhill Park that he has a 36-man squad w…

Liam Heagney

08 Feb 2022, 14:43

Jones: 'We left 15 points out there at least from our calculation'

Eddie Jones has suggested England should have been comfortable winners of last Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations, claiming his tea…

Liam Heagney

08 Feb 2022, 8:28

'The right thing': How the Tuilagi, Jones call unfolded on Monday

Alex Sanderson has shed light on the conversation that was had between England boss Eddie Jones and fit-again midfielder Manu Tuil…

Liam Heagney

09 Feb 2022, 12:25

'Cockers has been giving me the eyes of, 'Any danger this week?'

Loosehead Joe Marler has explained he has been busy on the England training ground at Pennyhill this week to ensure he won’t eve…

Liam Heagney

09 Feb 2022, 10:18

Video: What Itoje said in beaten England Murrayfield changing room

The latest episode in the weekly RFU video series on the England team has revealed that Maro Itoje was the player who rallied his …

Liam Heagney

09 Feb 2022, 4:03

What Exeter made of the yellow-carded Cowan-Dickie England error

Rob Baxter has claimed that if there was any front-rower he would have backed to catch a crossfield kick it would have been Luke C…

Liam Heagney

09 Feb 2022, 6:20

Danny Cipriani wades into debate over Marcus Smith substitution

Ex-England out-half Danny Cipriani had waded into the red-hot debate about the decision by Eddie Jones to remove on-song No10 Marc…

Liam Heagney

09 Feb 2022, 5:03

The Wallabies lesson helping Eddie Jones coach England this week

Eddie Jones has revealed that a chastening experience he endured nearly 20 years ago as head coach of the Wallabies will ensure he…

Liam Heagney

09 Feb 2022, 2:48

Jones: No regrets over 'gut feeling' subs policy that hurt England

England boss Eddie Jones has insisted he has no regrets regarding his decision-making at Murrayfield during last Saturday’s Guin…

Liam Heagney

08 Feb 2022, 17:10

England pick Joe Launchbury but there is no call for Manu Tuilagi

England boss Eddie Jones has recalled fit-again Joe Launchbury to his squad for next Sunday's round two Guinness Six Nations match…

Liam Heagney

08 Feb 2022, 7:23

Watch: The bonkers two-balls-on-pitch Top 14 finish at Biarritz

The Top 14 has a habit of throwing up some of the most bizarre sights you will ever see anywhere in rugby and what unfolded with t…

Liam Heagney

08 Feb 2022, 5:00

Bakkies Botha hits out at Toulon for hitting rock bottom in France

Legendary Springboks second-rower Bakkies Botha has taken to Twitter to mourn the weekend Top 14 result that has left Toulon - the…

Liam Heagney

08 Feb 2022, 4:21

Some of the best grassroots rugby photos you will ever see...

With the Twickenham World Rugby Museum currently playing host to a wonderful exhibition showcasing the excellent work of the first…

Liam Heagney

08 Feb 2022, 3:39

Townsend: What Scotland must now do to 'deliver something special'

There was a time when Scotland beating England was the be-all and end-all for them but not anymore judging by the composed manner …

Liam Heagney

06 Feb 2022, 6:04

The five nastiest Murrayfield takeaways that most sickened England

Defeat for England in the opening round of the 2022 Guinness Six Nations will be sickening for them. They were coasting midway thr…

Liam Heagney

06 Feb 2022, 5:40

The 'smallest budget' reminder Pat Lam has on Bristol office wall

Don’t talk to Bristol boss Pat Lam about the alleged hardships of Gallagher Premiership clubs with reduced budgets struggling to…

Liam Heagney

06 Feb 2022, 5:00

'The U15s from my club in Manchester would beat us at the moment'

New boss Steve Diamond has accepted he needs to act quickly on the training ground if there is to be an upward swing in the fortun…

Interview

Liam Heagney

06 Feb 2022, 5:20

'Wait for the video... I have got the production team on it now'

Eddie Jones managed to find some room for levity in the wake of Saturday’s 20-17 loss to Scotland, the beaten England coach quip…

Liam Heagney

05 Feb 2022, 14:58

Whoops, Eddie Jones, it's happened again as England implode

Whoops, Eddie Jones, it happened again. Whereas the Australian’s reign as England coach started out with some extravagance when …

Opinion

Liam Heagney

05 Feb 2022, 14:19

England arrive to boos but there is no repeat of 2020 bottle-gate

England arrived to a chorus of boos at Murrayfield on Saturday for their Guinness Six Nations opener but there was no repeat of th…

Liam Heagney

05 Feb 2022, 11:00

'I think half the time he doesn't know what he is doing...'

Finn Russell has received a glowing endorsement from Stuart Hogg, his Scotland skipper, ahead of this Saturday’s Guinness Six Na…

Liam Heagney

04 Feb 2022, 14:25

The emotion Simmonds feels over his first England start in 4 years

Recalled England No8 Sam Simmonds insists he hasn’t felt any added pressure this week after earning a first start for his countr…

Liam Heagney

04 Feb 2022, 14:16

'It is what it is… they are grim conversations, extremely tough'

Six Nations hype is simmering six days out from the start of the 2022 tournament but steer clear of asking former Wallabies lock L…

Liam Heagney

30 Jan 2022, 4:00

Hogg's classy response to Jones' 'Scotland red-hot favourites' quip

Stuart Hogg has sidestepped getting involved in the discussion about Eddie Jones tagging Scotland as “red-hot favourites” for …

Liam Heagney

04 Feb 2022, 10:15

England bank on two advantages versus 'red-hot favourites' Scotland

England boss Eddie Jones is banking on two particular areas of play tipping the balance in his team’s favour when they take on �…

Liam Heagney

03 Feb 2022, 8:45

Six Nations boost for England as Manu Tuilagi is picked by Sale

Missing England midfielder Manu Tuilagi is poised to play his first match in eleven weeks after he was named on the Sale bench for…

Liam Heagney

04 Feb 2022, 9:27

How Elliot Daly went from England axe to 'significant' in 17 days

It’s been quite a few weeks for Elliot Daly, the 29-year-old who has gone from getting axed by Eddie Jones on January 18 to bein…

Liam Heagney

04 Feb 2022, 8:55

The plan England have hatched to take away Finn Russell's 'weapons'

New England defence coach Anthony Seibold is hoping the plan he has formulated can be executed to such an effective degree that Sc…

Liam Heagney

04 Feb 2022, 7:09

'We'd a 19-year-old second row on the bench, I don't think we've ever had that'

A glance at the current Gallagher Premiership table makes for very unusual reading for serial finalists Exeter heading into their …

Liam Heagney

04 Feb 2022, 4:26

Seibold's eye-opening 2018 meeting at Saracens with Owen Farrell

Anthony Seibold's first impression of Owen Farrell in 2018 was immense, the then NRL boss comparing the England captain to some NR…

Liam Heagney

10 Nov 2021, 4:39

'My overall feeling was Mark's my friend, the biggest concern was for him'

It was a jolting 70-word bolt from the blue statement that Saracens issued last Friday afternoon, announcing that long-serving bos…

Liam Heagney

04 Feb 2022, 4:06

Eddie Jones' 'blatantly honest' claim about Scotland's development

Eddie Jones has startingly claimed that Gregor Townsend’s Scotland are “probably two years ahead” of England in terms of the…

Liam Heagney

04 Feb 2022, 3:56

The 'Scotland brag' that England want Marcus Smith to silence

Eddie Jones has no concerns about the speculation that Scotland will get at Marcus Smith, the rookie England out-half, when the Gu…

Liam Heagney

03 Feb 2022, 17:00

England explain the selection of unheralded duo Ludlam and Isiekwe

You would have very got long odds a few weeks ago on Eddie Jones naming an England team to face Scotland this Saturday with Lewis …

Liam Heagney

03 Feb 2022, 9:45

Saracens: How Nick Isiekwe ended 44-month wait for England recall

You have to go back 44 months to find the last time that Saracens lock Nick Isiekwe was capped by England. He had just turned 20 a…

Liam Heagney

03 Feb 2022, 14:44

Sanderson's 6:30am phone call after Raffi Quirke England omission

Sale boss Alex Sanderson has revealed how he made a 6.30am phone call to his brother Pat, his fellow ex-England international, aft…

Liam Heagney

03 Feb 2022, 14:42

The advice Will Carling has given new England skipper Tom Curry

New England skipper Tom Curry has spoken about the advice he has received from the legendary Will Carling which helped him go from…

Liam Heagney

03 Feb 2022, 11:44

Scotland make three changes to their pack for clash with England

Gregor Townsend has named a Scotland team for this Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations opener at home to England that contains three…

Liam Heagney

03 Feb 2022, 8:17

England name Six Nations team with 7 changes from Springboks win

Eddie Jones has named an England team for this Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations opener away to Scotland that shows seven changes …

Liam Heagney

03 Feb 2022, 6:31

The All Blacks great rookie skipper Tom Curry has been likened to

Eddie Jones has backed Tom Curry to impress after the 23-year-old back-rower was named the youngest England captain since Will Car…

Liam Heagney

03 Feb 2022, 7:30

'An inspiration to so many being the lightest pro rugby player'

Pat Lam will allow himself a hearty chuckle when it is confirmed later on Thursday that Harry Randall has made the England matchda…

Liam Heagney

03 Feb 2022, 4:00

Bristol tidy up 'a few misconceptions' after Hughes' Bath debut

Pat Lam has reflected on last week’s Gallager Premiership man of the match debut by Nathan Hughes, the out-of-favour No8 that Br…

Liam Heagney

02 Feb 2022, 15:07

'He's not a dick with it': Why Tom Curry is set to skipper England

So excited are Sale about the likely prospect that Tom Curry will skipper England in this Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations opener…

Liam Heagney

02 Feb 2022, 14:49

The Sale update that will have England and Springboks fans smiling

Sale boss Alex Sanderson is poised to unleash fit-again duo Manu Tuilagi and Faf de Klerk in this weekend’s Gallagher Premiershi…

Liam Heagney

02 Feb 2022, 11:54

Wasps confirm the exits of both Jimmy Gopperth and Malakai Fekitoa

Wasps have confirmed the end-of-season departures of Jimmy Gopperth, who has been linked with a two-year switch to Leicester, and …

Liam Heagney

02 Feb 2022, 12:24

The alleged England stigma Steve Diamond dismisses as 'bulls**t'

Steve Diamond has dismissed as bulls**t the suggestion that players need to be playing for the best clubs in England in order to g…

Liam Heagney

02 Feb 2022, 8:38

The Exeter verdict on Jonny Hill losing out this week with England

Exeter have admitted it wasn’t a great surprise that Jonny Hill won’t be fit in time for England to face Scotland this weekend…

Liam Heagney

02 Feb 2022, 6:47

England cut their squad to 29 ahead of their Six Nations opener

Eddie Jones has retained 29 players ahead of England’s opening Guinness Six Nations match this weekend. England will travel to E…

Liam Heagney

01 Feb 2022, 14:27

Leicester confirm 'sound-out conversation' with Chris Ashton

Leicester boss Steve Borthwick has confirmed that free agent Chris Ashton visited the Tigers training ground on Tuesday in the hop…

Liam Heagney

01 Feb 2022, 12:41

Gilroy cited for 'the tackle everyone is trying to get away from'

Former Ireland winger Craig Gilroy escaped with just a yellow card for a high tackle during last Friday night’s United Rugby Cha…

Liam Heagney

01 Feb 2022, 14:00

England deliver the latest update on their wait for Courtney Lawes

England assistant Matt Proudfoot has described Courtney Lawes as "raring to go" for Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations match away t…

Liam Heagney

01 Feb 2022, 10:17

Worcester statement: Scott Baldwin has left with immediate effect

Ex-Wales hooker Scott Baldwin has been released from his Worcester contract on compassionate grounds. The 33-year-old, who arrived…

Liam Heagney

01 Feb 2022, 12:09

England's Dolly and Heyes among new deals announced by Leicester

Rookie England hooker Nic Dolly has agreed on a new deal at Leicester, the club he joined just last March from Coventry. Having in…

Liam Heagney

01 Feb 2022, 6:58

Ford and Smith named in 15-strong European player of the year list

Five Gallagher Premiership players - including George Ford of Leicester and Harlequins' Marcus Smith - have been named on the Hein…

Liam Heagney

01 Feb 2022, 8:57

'Scotland in a Grand Slam decider...': The Rugby Pod predictions

With giddy Guinness Six Nations atmosphere in the air, The Rugby Pod has been busy in this week’s latest episode giving its uniq…

Liam Heagney

01 Feb 2022, 5:17

What Smith as the England 10 means for Youngs compared to Ford

Centurion Test scrum-half Ben Youngs has explained he doesn’t really have to change his game when paired together with internati…

Liam Heagney

31 Jan 2022, 4:50

Why Ben Youngs craves 'Raffi's D and Harry's feel for when to tap'

Twelve years after making a Test level debut against Scotland in March 2010 as a fresh-faced 21-year-old, Ben Youngs will head bac…

Liam Heagney

31 Jan 2022, 4:00

'It's going to be hostile... I'm sure I'm going to get plenty abuse'

England boss Eddie Jones has claimed he will happily accept being on the receiving end of plenty of verbal abuse at Murrayfield ne…

Liam Heagney

30 Jan 2022, 4:00

How Nathan Hughes reacted to his man of the match debut at Bath

Former England No8 Nathan Hughes royally illustrated how he still has what it takes to shine at Gallagher Premiership level by pro…

Liam Heagney

29 Jan 2022, 6:45

Saracens statement: Mark McCall to take 'break' as director of rugby

Mark McCall, the long-serving director of rugby at Saracens, is to take a short break from his role at the Gallagher Premiership c…

Liam Heagney

28 Jan 2022, 9:40

'Combine him and Marcus Smith, you'd have the best attacking 10/12 in the Six Nations'

Gloucester boss George Skivington has endorsed the suggestion by ex-England international Austin Healey that Eddie Jones must pick…

Liam Heagney

28 Jan 2022, 4:08

Red-carded Latu learns fate after 'abusive' chat with Wayne Barnes

Stade Francais hooker Tolu Latu has been suspended for one week following his red-carding by referee Wayne Barnes during last Sund…

Liam Heagney

27 Jan 2022, 5:19

'Wayne wasn't having it... he looked me dead in the eyes'

Stade Francais skipper Tala Gray has relived the dramatic moment when he tried to appease Wayne Barnes after the furious referee h…

Liam Heagney

28 Jan 2022, 9:17

Townsend faces a nervous Saturday as Hogg and co start for Exeter

It will be a nervous Saturday for Scotland boss Gregor Townsend as skipper Stuart Hogg and second row duo Jonny Gray and Sam Skinn…

Liam Heagney

28 Jan 2022, 7:28

World Rugby statement: Why Six Nations has adopted scrum law trial

With just a week to go to the start of the 2022 championships, World Rugby and Six Nations Rugby have confirmed the use of a close…

Liam Heagney

28 Jan 2022, 4:52

Weaponised maul has Gloucester fielding calls 'all over the world'

When it comes to the Gallagher Premiership, Opta provides a multitude of statistics that can take any rugby fan down a rabbit hole…

Analysis

Liam Heagney

27 Jan 2022, 13:58

'He nailed Vermeulen and Steve rang going 'We have got our man!'

Jan McGinity figured it could work out like this, the fortunes of Leicester turning around hugely on the pitch with him no longer …

Interview

Liam Heagney

16 Jan 2022, 4:00

Andy Farrell's poignant message for son Owen at Six Nations launch

Ireland boss Andy Farrell had a poignant message for his son Owen, the stricken England skipper, at the Guinness Six Nations media…

Liam Heagney

26 Jan 2022, 14:32

The glaring Ireland omission Ronan O'Gara can't get his head around

Ireland jetted out at the start of the week to Portugal for some warm-weather training ahead of the Guinness Six Nations, but ther…

Liam Heagney

27 Jan 2022, 4:12

'Closing in on half a million pound at least to do a brand change'

Exeter owner Tony Rowe has revealed it will cost the club around £500,000 to undergo the brand change of its existing Chiefs logo…

Liam Heagney

27 Jan 2022, 10:16

England skipper Owen Farrell ruled out of entire 2022 Six Nations

England captain Owen Farrell has been ruled out of the entire Guinness Six Nations because of an ankle problem. Head coach Eddie J…

Liam Heagney

26 Jan 2022, 5:02

'We're not going to name it': England decide to play waiting game

Eddie Jones will delay publicly revealing his latest England squad leadership group until he names the team that will take on Scot…

Liam Heagney

27 Jan 2022, 4:54

How George Ford has fared settling back into life with England

One player’s agonising misfortune has very much become another player’s good fortune as England up their preparations for the …

Liam Heagney

26 Jan 2022, 15:08

'A player that gets fans out of seats': Scarlets sign Vaea Fifita

Scarlets have confirmed the signing of former All Blacks forward Vaea Fifita from Wasps. The 29-year-old, who can play at lock and…

Liam Heagney

26 Jan 2022, 9:23

The one thing Saracens reckon Owen Farrell will feel 'great' about

It has been a devastating few days for England skipper Owen Farrell as his need for an ankle operation on Wednesday morning ruled …

Liam Heagney

26 Jan 2022, 11:12

Lancaster: 'A real strength' that Ireland have compared to England

Ex-England boss Stuart Lancaster has explained why his country’s wider player pool from across the Gallagher Premiership is a fa…

Liam Heagney

25 Jan 2022, 6:21

Joe Marler withdrawn from the England training camp in Brighton

Seasoned loosehead Joe Marler has become the latest player to pull out of the England training camp in Brighton ahead of the Febru…

Liam Heagney

25 Jan 2022, 13:20

'Standout traits': The Leicester reaction to Ford's England recall

Steve Borthwick reckons George Ford owes his England call-up after ten months away from the international squad to his relentless …

Liam Heagney

25 Jan 2022, 12:08

Why an embarrassed Eddie Jones has admitted he is 'such a dodo'

England boss Eddie Jones somehow managed to drop himself in the mire on Tuesday when British Olympic gold medal winner Jessica Enn…

Liam Heagney

26 Jan 2022, 8:58

Lowe left out as Ireland name two uncapped players in squad of 37

Ireland boss Andy Farrell has named two uncapped players - Ulster’s Michael Lowry and Connacht’s Mack Hansen - in his 37-stron…

Liam Heagney

19 Jan 2022, 11:17

'Billows of smoke, then all of a sudden it lit up in a huge fire'

Eddie Jones has spoken about the Tuesday night fire drama that resulted in his England squad evacuating from their seafront hotel …

Liam Heagney

26 Jan 2022, 6:54

England squad evacuated from their Brighton hotel because of fire

England preparations for the upcoming Guinness Six Nations took another unexpected twist on Tuesday night when Eddie Jones’ squa…

Liam Heagney

26 Jan 2022, 4:41

The classy tweet Jonathan Thomas posted after his Worcester exit

Jonathan Thomas didn’t last all that long as the head coach at Worcester following the arrival of Steve Diamond as lead rugby co…

Liam Heagney

25 Jan 2022, 15:24

'What's the hate around Owen Farrell in the media...'

A former Saracens teammate of Owen Farrell has questioned the media narrative that wanted the England skipper pushed out of the Ed…

Liam Heagney

25 Jan 2022, 14:01

'That is the hope': Gloucester shed light on the Jonny May injury

Gloucester boss George Skivington has claimed he is in the dark as to the severity of the knee injury that this week ruled Jonny M…

Liam Heagney

25 Jan 2022, 10:25

Diamond now Worcester boss as Thomas exits with immediate effect

It has taken Steve Diamond just eight weeks to go from getting his foot in the door at Worcester as the lead rugby consultant to s…

Liam Heagney

25 Jan 2022, 9:35

Dragons sign Bradley Roberts four days after Hibbard retirement

New Wales hooker Bradley Roberts will join Dragons from Ulster for the 2022/23 season, the 26-year-old South African-born forward …

Liam Heagney

25 Jan 2022, 8:06

Wales to release 6 players for URC action, confirm 1 Covid positive

Wales boss Wayne Pivac has given permission for six United Rugby Championship players in his Guinness Six Nations squad - Rhys Car…

Liam Heagney

25 Jan 2022, 7:32

'I spent so much time in the gym I'd forgotten what it took to run'

It was so nearly the fully perfect week for Jack Nowell, the 28-year-old who was last Tuesday recalled to an England squad he hasn…

Interview

Liam Heagney

23 Jan 2022, 4:08

'We are in the middle of a bit of adversity on and off the field' - Sanderson

Sale boss Alex Sanderson got a touch emotional when he reflected on his rollercoaster first year as a Gallagher Premiership direct…

Liam Heagney

23 Jan 2022, 5:30

'That's nasty': Sam Underhill comeback lasts just 15 minutes

Liam Heagney

22 Jan 2022, 9:06

'It's frightening that the same official is doing England v Wales'

Scottish referee Mike Adamson ignited a social media inferno over his controversial handling of Friday night’s Heineken Champion…

Liam Heagney

22 Jan 2022, 3:44

Saracens' bold prediction 'once Gregor sees Andy in the flesh'

If there was one social media post that surely made every rugby fan smile this past week it was that of Saracens back-rower Andy C…

Liam Heagney

22 Jan 2022, 7:38

Saracens statement: Owen Farrell training ground injury setback

Owen Farrell appears to have been ruled out of contention for the upcoming England Six Nations opener away to Scotland on February…

Liam Heagney

21 Jan 2022, 6:42

The key factor England reckon will be decisive in 2022 Six Nations

England boss Eddie Jones reckons the upcoming 2022 Guinness Six Nations will be won by the team that proves to be the most adaptab…

Liam Heagney

22 Jan 2022, 4:36

EPCR statement: Northampton eliminated from the Champions Cup

Sunday’s match in Paris featuring Racing 92 and Northampton has become the third of the twelve planned round four Heineken Champ…

Liam Heagney

22 Jan 2022, 7:01

'He's basically going around giving stick to every injured player'

Luke Cowan-Dickie was forced to miss the Autumn Nations Series with England due to a significant ankle ligament injury, but Exeter…

Liam Heagney

22 Jan 2022, 5:57

The Esterhuizen-like player tipped for England start outside Smith

Former England utility back Austin Healey has called on Eddie Jones to pick Mark Atkinson as an Andre Esterhuizen-type player at i…

Liam Heagney

21 Jan 2022, 7:31

Leicester game cancelled just hours after naming XV for Bordeaux

Leicester have finished out their Heineken Champions Cup pool a day earlier than planned as it was decided that virus-hit Bordeaux…

Liam Heagney

21 Jan 2022, 11:28

Sam Underhill set for Bath start four days after England exclusion

Excluded England back-rower Sam Underhill will play his first club match in four weeks when he lines out for Bath in this Saturday…

Liam Heagney

21 Jan 2022, 10:49

'Scandalous': LNR threaten legal action over Toulouse 0 Cardiff 28

Legal action against the EPCR has been threatened by the Ligue Nationale de Rugby after defending Champions Cup champions Toulouse…

Liam Heagney

21 Jan 2022, 9:32

England squad includes 6 uncapped players but no recall for Ford

Eddie Jones has named a 36-strong squad for the 2022 Guinness Six Nations that includes six uncapped players - Orlando Bailey, Alf…

Liam Heagney

18 Jan 2022, 5:54

5 of the biggest casualties as England name Six Nations squad

Accused throughout the 2021 Guinness Six Nations of being too loyal to certain favourites, Eddie Jones has continued on his missio…

Analysis

Liam Heagney

18 Jan 2022, 14:05

England explain dropping Underhill and reveal Tuilagi setback

Eddie Jones has explained the absence of Sam Underhill and Manu Tuilagi - two starters in the win last time out versus the Springb…

Liam Heagney

18 Jan 2022, 7:40

Why Exeter admire Nowell for making 'various body transformations'

Exeter have claimed even better is still to come from Jack Nowell even though the winger has returned to top form this winter to e…

Liam Heagney

21 Jan 2022, 5:31

'Excessive': Pundits angry as Umaga red-carded again for Wasps

Boos rang around the Coventry Building Society Arena on Saturday after Jacob Umaga was controversially red-carded six minutes befo…

Liam Heagney

15 Jan 2022, 9:36

'AJ walks in and he's all flustered, like all red and stressed...'

Liam Heagney

20 Jan 2022, 13:42

How 'subtle' advice from an ex-All Black helped new England winger

Waisake Naholo never played all that much during his injury-hit two-year stay at London Irish which ended in June 2021 but the rol…

Interview

Liam Heagney

20 Jan 2022, 13:47

Saracens react to latest England snub for Billy and Mako Vunipola

Saracens boss Mark McCall has given his take on the decision by Eddie Jones not to recall Billy or Mako Vunipola to the England sq…

Liam Heagney

20 Jan 2022, 7:51

Newcastle stopped from going to Toulon following trip to Biarritz

Last weekend’s trip to Biarritz has had disappointing consequences for Newcastle as this Saturday’s Challenge Cup round four m…

Liam Heagney

21 Jan 2022, 4:27

Exeter in France: 'There's no Novak Djokovic business going on...'

Rob Baxter has avoided confirming in advance of Friday’s Exeter team announcement whether Henry Slade will be included in the Ch…

Liam Heagney

20 Jan 2022, 6:12

Chris Cook 'very happy' to quit Premiership for Italian URC spell

Ex-Bath and Bristol scrum-half Chris Cook has signed a short-term deal taking him to Zebre Parma, the Italian-based United Rugby C…

Liam Heagney

20 Jan 2022, 9:55

Bubble tweaked to ensure England don't repeat 2021 Odogwu 6N issue

England players chosen in Eddie Jones’ 36-strong squad for the upcoming Guinness Six Nations won’t experience the championship…

Liam Heagney

20 Jan 2022, 7:14

How Caelan Doris found 'peace of mind' after his concussion issues

Calean Doris has reflected on how he went from a concussion nightmare at the start of 2021 to finish the year getting voted as the…

Liam Heagney

19 Jan 2022, 6:27

EPCR statement: Bundee Aki verbal attack on referee Mathieu Raynal

Ireland midfielder Bundee Aki can rest easy ahead of the upcoming Guinness Six Nations after learning that his verbal altercation …

Liam Heagney

19 Jan 2022, 13:14

Townsend names five uncapped players in his 39-man Scotland squad

Gregor Townsend has named five uncapped players in his 39-man squad for the upcoming Guinness Six Nations, including Saracens back…

Liam Heagney

19 Jan 2022, 9:15

The GPS tweak which Sale hope can get Tuilagi back with England

Sale boss Alex Sanderson has explained they have adopted the GPS system used by England in order to get Manu Tuilagi fit “at som…

Liam Heagney

19 Jan 2022, 12:38

Why Owen Farrell's Saracens comeback will hinge on 'late decision'

England boss Eddie Jones is banking on his skipper Owen Farrell playing his first match in ten weeks this Sunday versus London Iri…

Liam Heagney

19 Jan 2022, 10:26

Jacob Umaga learns fate after second red card in two Wasps games

Wasps’ Jacob Umaga is set for another frustrating stint on the sidelines as he has received a four-week ban following last Satur…

Liam Heagney

19 Jan 2022, 8:59

Unexpected message has given Esterhuizen hope of Springboks recall

Harlequins powerhouse Andre Esterhuizen has received a timely pat on the back from Springboks head coach Jacques Nienaber as he at…

Liam Heagney

19 Jan 2022, 5:09

Why England like 'really good adjustment' made by recalled Nowell

England boss Eddie Jones has followed the lead of Exeter coach Rob Baxter by heaping praise on Jack Nowell for the way he had fine…

Liam Heagney

19 Jan 2022, 4:24

'Hey, that's life': Stockdale rules out Six Nations with Ireland

Ireland 2018 Grand Slam star Jacob Stockdale has taken to social media to confirm he will miss the upcoming Guinness Six Nations w…

Liam Heagney

18 Jan 2022, 4:29

'Extraordinary ability': Eddie Jones on his six new England picks

Eddie Jones has outlined his reasons for including each of the six uncapped players in his England squad that will assemble in Bri…

Analysis

Liam Heagney

18 Jan 2022, 8:38