Liam Heagney

The 2017 Lions lesson colouring Gatland's thinking regarding 2021 Test team selection

Warren Gatland has chosen some familiar combinations to face Japan but he insists it's no set indicator regarding Lions Test team …

Liam Heagney

23 Jun 2021, 4:06

'He knows when to suck in the big ones': How Marler repaid Harlequins' VIP treatment

The birth of his fourth child on Thursday ignited a special Premiership weekend for Harlequins and star loosehead Joe Marler.

Liam Heagney

22 Jun 2021, 14:08

'That speaks volumes': How Lions vote told Gatland all he needed to know about Farrell

Owen Farrell has only just linked up with the Lions but his immense presence has already been felt, according to boss Warren Gatla…

Liam Heagney

22 Jun 2021, 13:57

The 2 messages taken by the Lions from England football's contact tracing debacle

The contract tracing misfortune that has happened to the England football at the Euros hasn't been lost on Lions boss Warren Gatla…

Liam Heagney

22 Jun 2021, 12:46

Gatland explains his 'no English' Lions XV and addresses Finn Russell injury scare

Warren Gatland has been speaking at a media briefing after his selection of the Lions team that will face Japan this Saturday in E…

Liam Heagney

22 Jun 2021, 8:53

No England player in starting XV as Lions name team to play Japan on Saturday

Warren Gatland has named his first team of the 2021 Lions tour, a selection that will take on Japan at Murrayfield this Saturday. …

Liam Heagney

22 Jun 2021, 6:05

Manu Tuilagi has withdrawn from the England squad 41 hours after call-up

With Sale beaten in the Premiership semi-finals, Manu Tuilagi was included in the revised England squad published on Sunday.

Liam Heagney

22 Jun 2021, 5:22

'The last few weeks all the top teams' 9s are having big games... it works straight into my hands'

Eddie Jones has claimed the ruck is speeding up around the world and potential England summer No9 Dan Robson has been enjoying him…

Liam Heagney

20 Jun 2021, 6:42

'I read that and thought, f***, if a farmer from Ballymena can do that then I can'

Philip Matthews was touted as a nailed-on Lions pick and potential captain who was snubbed for 1989 Australia tour but played agai…

Liam Heagney

20 Jun 2021, 5:57

'There's a little prop family going around world rugby, you recognise each other's weirdness'

Lions pick Tadhg Furlong has been talking props, from Andrew Porter, Kyle Sinckler and Mako Vunipola to Springboks rival Steven K…

Liam Heagney

20 Jun 2021, 4:11

'We've a guy wiped out in the first 2 minutes... and it's a yellow card': Tuilagi incident queried

Cards were a controversial feature of last weekend Exeter versus Sale game and the issue arose again this weekend to leave Rob Bax…

Liam Heagney

19 Jun 2021, 15:12

'It's not as if Stuart is a bad guy...' Exeter explain axing Hogg, confirm Cuthbert is leaving

Exeter won their way through to the Premiership final after dropping Lions pick Stuart Hogg to the bench and starting Jack Nowell …

Liam Heagney

19 Jun 2021, 14:31

'It's just quite the most unbelievable club game of rugby I've seen for some time, if ever'

Harlequins were facing Premiership semi-final humiliation when trailing 28-0 at Bristol but they produced an extraordinary comebac…

Liam Heagney

19 Jun 2021, 12:03

'People think I'm a little more hot-headed... I've never had a red card for ill-discipline nor a yellow'

Potential England summer skipper Ellis Genge has a fiery reputation amongst the general rugby public but he insists it's a misconc…

Liam Heagney

19 Jun 2021, 4:30

Why 'credible witness' Dickson in Skinner case was treated differently at Ewers hearing

It was curious how Karl Dickson was called a credible witness at one Exeter hearing but blamed at a second hearing for yellow card…

Liam Heagney

19 Jun 2021, 4:10

The Dai Young lesson feeding into this weekend's Millard plan for Harlequins

Harlequins boss Billy Millard has strong Bristol connections but something learned from Dai Young is foremost in his mind this wee…

Liam Heagney

19 Jun 2021, 3:57

Exeter confirm that banned Dave Ewers was due for England summer series call-up

It was thought the ban for Dave Ewers would extend into next season but Exeter have revealed the uncapped back row was set for Eng…

Liam Heagney

18 Jun 2021, 10:44

Exeter bench Lions pick Stuart Hogg for semi-final rematch versus Sale

Stuart Hogg is tipped to be the starting Lions No15 against the Springboks on July 24 but he won't start for Exeter vs Sale this S…

Liam Heagney

18 Jun 2021, 8:30

Fit-again Sinckler back to face old side Harlequins as semi-final teams named

Kyle Sinckler is one of four changes to the Bristol side that started their last outing at Leicester; Harlequins make just one swi…

Liam Heagney

18 Jun 2021, 7:54

Saracens select all five Lions to start the second leg despite a 60-0 lead over Ealing

Despite being 60 points ahead in their two-match Championship final, Saracens have named all five of their Lions to start versus E…

Liam Heagney

18 Jun 2021, 7:21

Ex-All Blacks winger Waisake Naholo is one of nine players leaving London Irish

London Irish spent a fortune bringing in ex-All Blacks winger Waisake Naholo but he made just four appearances for the club in two…

Liam Heagney

18 Jun 2021, 5:26

Lukewarm reaction to title-chasing Bristol winning a host of individual awards

Individual awards and nominations have flooded into Bristol this week but Premiership title-chasing boss Pat Lam has downplayed th…

Liam Heagney

18 Jun 2021, 4:52

'The players mentioned exactly that': Why card trick left Sale flummoxed at Exeter

Sale in the Alex Sanderson era have shown they can play when a man down but they came unstuck when cards left them a man up at Exe…

Liam Heagney

18 Jun 2021, 4:09

'I'm glad I've found my smile again, I went away from that a couple of years ago'

Player of the year nominee Marcus Smith has given a rare media interview ahead of his Premiership semi-final appearance for Harleq…

Liam Heagney

17 Jun 2021, 17:10

The logic behind Bristol switching 21-year-old rookie Kloska from hooker to prop

Bristol are busy trying to win this year's Premiership title but Pat Lam already has 2021/22 plans, including a switch for George …

Liam Heagney

17 Jun 2021, 14:37

Lions verdict on training week pick Kelleher

Ireland hooker Ronan Kelleher is in an awkward situation this week, training with the Lions in Jersey but not being an official sq…

Liam Heagney

17 Jun 2021, 14:08

'Trust us... we won't push you too far': Reassuring Lions message as injury scare dismissed

Assistant coach Robin McBryde has been speaking about the hectic Lions schedule on Jersey and has dismissed one early injury conce…

Liam Heagney

17 Jun 2021, 9:36

'He obviously looked at the fine print and went for the weirdest outfits'

South African Stephan Lewies is revelling in the diversity that exists in the Harlequins squad, with special praise reserved for J…

Liam Heagney

17 Jun 2021, 7:41

'Players aren't stupid... they're the most educated group we have ever had in the history of rugby'

Exeter boss Rob Baxter believe current policing trends in the Premiership are causing frustrations and players are feeling very ag…

Liam Heagney

17 Jun 2021, 4:21

'We've got 94 per cent availability': Bristol's rude health 52 weeks into non-stop year

Pat Lam exuded pride in midweek that Bristol have arrived into the Premiership playoffs just two players down following 52 weeks o…

Liam Heagney

16 Jun 2021, 15:11

'A really important skill to train': Why Proudfoot mirrors Jones by also coaching elsewhere

Eddie Jones has been hugely criticised for coaching elsewhere but England assistant Matt Proudfoot has explained the value gained …

Liam Heagney

16 Jun 2021, 14:23

'It's created a new dynamic': The recent growth England have identified in Ellis Genge

England have given an update on Ellis Genge after the loosehead arrived into this week's 34-player training camp as the most cappe…

Liam Heagney

16 Jun 2021, 11:10

Another rookie called up by Ireland as rotten injury run continues for Garry Ringrose

An injury-hit season for Garry Ringrose has had a cruel sequel as the midfielder has now pulled out of the Ireland summer series s…

Liam Heagney

16 Jun 2021, 10:33

Leicester confirm 10 senior player departures but no word on Mike Ford's rumoured exit

Mike Ford joined Leicester in March 2019 but the ex-Bath boss has reportedly been cast aside 27 months later amid another revamp a…

Liam Heagney

16 Jun 2021, 9:00

'There's a huge amount of inconsistency': Baxter hits out after Ewers, Skinner bans

Rob Baxter wasn't happy about the decision-making process that landed Exeter forwards Dave Ewers and Sam Skinner in trouble.

Liam Heagney

16 Jun 2021, 7:11

Injury rules one of Newcastle's uncapped contingent out of the England squad

Of the 21 uncapped players chosen by England for this week's training, Newcastle had the biggest representation with five rookies…

Liam Heagney

16 Jun 2021, 6:27

Huge blow to Exeter's title hopes as Skinner and Ewers contest charges and lose

Two Exeter forwards that started last Saturday's win over Sale - Sam Skinner and Dave Ewers - will miss the rest of the Premiershi…

Liam Heagney

16 Jun 2021, 4:47

'Everyone should get behind them... they have done their time': Rival boss salutes Saracens

With Saracens all but officially back in the Premiership after a 60-0 first leg Championship final win, a rival boss has hailed th…

Liam Heagney

16 Jun 2021, 4:24

'He told me I'd never play for Wales': One coach's brutal put-down of a 16-year-old Rees-Zammit

Louis Rees-Zammit is set to tour with the Lions aged 20 but he hasn't forgotten what was brutally said to him as a 16-year-old in …

Liam Heagney

15 Jun 2021, 14:08

The reason why ex-England prop Dan Cole insists rugby should remain a winter sport

The average points per Premiership game increased recently but Leicester prop Dan Cole doesn't believe it's enough to abandon wint…

Liam Heagney

15 Jun 2021, 13:53

'A little Irish jockey, he rode the golden unicorn': The Sale update on injured MacGinty

Out-half AJ MacGinty was one of three key Sale players injured at Exeter last Saturday and Alex Sanderson has now provided an upda…

Liam Heagney

15 Jun 2021, 12:44

What Warren Gatland inspiringly said when he first met up with his 2021 Lions players

It was last month in London when Warren Gatland first spoke to his 2021 Lions players and a new documentary has revealed what he s…

Liam Heagney

15 Jun 2021, 9:06

'Where it stands at this moment...': Andy Farrell addresses rumours he will join Lions next month

Andy Farrell has been linked to a mid-tour Lions call-up next month and the Ireland boss has now reacted to those rumours.

Liam Heagney

15 Jun 2021, 7:32

Tom Homer has retired with immediate effect rather than take up French move

Tom Homer was set to swap London Irish for a stint in France next season but the 31-year-old has instead opted to retire.

Liam Heagney

15 Jun 2021, 7:21

'No poor brother in this scenario': Sanderson on the Curry twins and how he tells them apart

The return of Ben Curry to the Sale mix alongside twin brother Tom has challenged Alex Sanderson to make sure he identifies them c…

Liam Heagney

15 Jun 2021, 5:40

In pictures: The 2021 Lions hold their first training session in Jersey

The build-up to the Lions tour has begun with 25 of the 37 chosen players training in Jersey along with week-long trainee Ronan Ke…

Liam Heagney

15 Jun 2021, 4:13

'I played for my schools second-team': The humble beginnings of rookie Springboks boss

Although still waiting for his debut Test match as Springboks head coach, Jacques Nienaber has had a baptism of fire off the field…

Liam Heagney

13 Jun 2021, 10:20

Saracens braced for the Exeter-like threat Ealing possess in one aspect of their game

Saracens have reached the business end of their Championship campaign with Mark McCall pinpointing one Exeter-like threat posed by…

Liam Heagney

13 Jun 2021, 5:24

'This playoff is my swansong... unfortunately age catches up with us all'

Kieran Murphy is determined to be celebrating promotion with Ealing when his 3-country, 4-club, 10-year career ends next Sunday at…

Liam Heagney

13 Jun 2021, 5:10

'I remember it was stressful. I don't envy anyone in that position'

A year after he was struggling for a deal, recalled Scotland centre Matt Scott has advice for out-of-contract players fretting ove…

Liam Heagney

13 Jun 2021, 5:05

Springboks to keep using intriguing good cop, bad cop referee tactic versus the Lions

The Springboks will be reprising against the Lions the intriguing good cop, bad cop tactic they successfully used at the World Cup…

Liam Heagney

13 Jun 2021, 3:25

Video: Steffon Armitage wins Biarritz Top 14 promotion with sudden death shootout kick

Steffon Armitage dramatically decided the Basque derby, his shootout winner getting Biarritz promoted at the expense of rivals Bay…

Liam Heagney

12 Jun 2021, 16:06

High shot on de Klerk results in red card and likely semi-final ban for Exeter's Skinner

Exeter and Sale provided a rip-roaring Premiership spectacle on Saturday and the red card for Sam Skinner was a major talking poin…

Liam Heagney

12 Jun 2021, 12:07

Bristol the big winners after points allocated following cancelled Premiership matches

Bristol were the big winners after Premiership Rugby reached a verdict on the points split following two round 22 cancellations.

Liam Heagney

12 Jun 2021, 9:56

'They're a massive benchmark, always were for Saracens and now hopefully Sale'

Sale versus Exeter isn't yet a rivalry anywhere near Saracens versus Exeter, but Alex Sanderson is salivating that it is now set t…

Liam Heagney

12 Jun 2021, 7:49

Eight players to leave Bristol and a promising hooker will transition into a prop

Premiership title-chasers Bristol have confirmed a half-dozen full-time players and two triallists will leave at the end of the se…

Liam Heagney

12 Jun 2021, 6:26

'I'd pent-up frustration, a lot I probably didn't realise': Marcus Watson's emotional Wasps return

Set to turn 30 later this month, Marcus Watson had an early birthday present last weekend when he finally made it back into the Wa…

Liam Heagney

12 Jun 2021, 5:00

Final round of the Gallagher Premiership hit by a second match cancellation

The final round of the Premiership lost the Worcester-Gloucester match on Tuesday and now Bristol versus London Irish is off.

Liam Heagney

12 Jun 2021, 4:12

The incredible 1974 Lions treasure that Springboks boss Nienaber was given by his father

New Springboks boss Jacques Nienaber has revealed his passion for the upcoming Test series against the Lions was ignited many year…

Liam Heagney

11 Jun 2021, 12:28

Saracens name a dozen internationals in star-studded XV for promotion final first leg

Saracens are 160 minutes from promotion and they have chosen a team full of stars for the Championship final first leg versus Eali…

Liam Heagney

11 Jun 2021, 8:46

Exeter and Sale make four changes each, with good news for Simmonds and Tuilagi

Teams have been named for Saturday's Exeter versus Sale showdown and there is good news regarding Sam Simmonds and Manu Tuilagi.

Liam Heagney

11 Jun 2021, 7:34

'Might present him with the park bench': Jones' quip over de Glanville Barbarians antics

Tom de Glanville paid a heavy price for his Barbarians antics but Eddie Jones has chosen him for England training eight months lat…

Liam Heagney

11 Jun 2021, 6:56

'I'm not allowed to talk about him getting naked because his grandma had a go at him'

Young front-rower Bevan Rodd got some stick at home after Alex Sanderson revealed how he celebrates Sale wins in the dressing room…

Liam Heagney

11 Jun 2021, 6:04

'Maybe he was starting to get a bit too comfortable': Sinckler's invaluable Lions lesson

Eddie Jones has been speaking about the Lions call-up for Kyle Sinckler 31 days after he was left out of the original squad for So…

Liam Heagney

11 Jun 2021, 5:19

Leicester skipper Tom Youngs cited for post-game incident versus Bristol

It was reported on Tuesday that players were in the clear over the Leicester vs Bristol bust-up but Tigers' Tom Youngs was cited o…

Liam Heagney

11 Jun 2021, 4:31

This week's two match cancellations in South Africa will be a Lions tour concern

Just 22 days before the first Lions match in South Africa, their opponents have worryingly had their final Rainbow Cup match cance…

Liam Heagney

11 Jun 2021, 4:08

Eddie Jones has been at it again, doing some coaching outside of his England job

Eddie Jones was criticised for coaching recently in Japan and the England boss has now admitted he did more coaching elsewhere thi…

Liam Heagney

10 Jun 2021, 15:20

'He's got something about him': The unknown 20-year-old lock called up by England

London Irish don't get much attention from England but Eddie Jones has chosen three players in his training squad, including Chuny…

Liam Heagney

10 Jun 2021, 14:14

'Dean has uncanny eye to pick out talent, they usually come through unusual pathways'

Seven clubs have provided uncapped players to the latest England squad and Newcastle lead the way with five rookies chosen.

Liam Heagney

10 Jun 2021, 9:11

Ulster dramatically do U-turn on their deal to sign Nakarawa after a medical

It was January when Ulster thought they had pulled off a coup by signing Fijian talisman Leone Nakarawa from Glasgow for next seas…

Liam Heagney

10 Jun 2021, 8:33

21 uncapped players named in 34-strong England summer series training squad

England boss Eddie Jones has shaken up his squad by inviting 21 uncapped players along to training next Monday ahead of the summer…

Liam Heagney

10 Jun 2021, 7:09

England prop Marler mischievously tweets 'let's talk' to American MLR team

With Harlequins in the Premiership semi-finals, England prop Joe Marler has got up to mischief on Twitter with a come-and-get-me M…

Liam Heagney

10 Jun 2021, 5:25

McCall identifies what has made him most proud of Saracens these past 20 months

The crisis that engulfed Saracens was extraordinary and long-serving boss Mark McCall has learned so much about the club these pas…

Liam Heagney

10 Jun 2021, 3:24

'The fire just ran up into the canister, the canister fell and the petrol fell over their legs'

Springboks head coach Jacques Nienaber has reacted to the weekend burns incident that injured Damian de Allende and RG Snyman.

Liam Heagney

09 Jun 2021, 14:11

The Sale news from South Africa that should concern title rivals Exeter, Bristol and Quins

Lood de Jager was expected to miss the remainder of the Premiership season following his latest Sale setback at the end of March. …

Liam Heagney

09 Jun 2021, 12:42

'Five to 16 weeks... surgeon will know once he has opened it up and had a good look'

Wednesday is a big day for the Springboks as the injured Duane Vermeulen will be operated on following his ankle injury last Frida…

Liam Heagney

09 Jun 2021, 9:30

'It really bulletproofed a lot of his key muscles': How Bristol saved Sinckler's season

Pat Lam has revealed the injured Kyle Sinckler wouldn't have been in a position to accept his Lions call-up but for muscle work at…

Liam Heagney

09 Jun 2021, 8:53

Sale's JP du Preez pays heavy price for striking with the elbow versus Harlequins

Last Friday's win for Sale over Harlequins has had a downside as JP du Preez has been banned following his citing for striking wit…

Liam Heagney

09 Jun 2021, 7:52

'I'm absolutely over the moon I received an email that there is an enquiry going on'

The touchline row that erupted last Saturday at Leicester is now subject to an RFU investigation and Bristol boss Pat Lam can't wa…

Liam Heagney

09 Jun 2021, 7:01

Harlequins confirm Nathan Earle is among 11 players who are set to leave

Nathan Earle had hopes of making an England breakthrough but he is now one of the eleven players set to leave title-chasing Harleq…

Liam Heagney

09 Jun 2021, 5:16

'He rarely speaks': Leicester's compelling insight on new Springboks recruit Wiese

Leicester signed Jasper Wiese from the Cheetahs fire sale last year and have since turned him into a Springboks pick ready to face…

Liam Heagney

09 Jun 2021, 4:40

'Would you do 10 or 12 hours? We've no budget for it but it could lead somewhere'

Carving out a professional level coaching career wasn't easy for Ian Costello but the Wasps assistant will leave the Premiership a…

Liam Heagney

09 Jun 2021, 4:16

'We know they are going to come after us... last time we got beaten up'

It's a little over 15 weeks since 14-man Wasps suffered painfully against 13-man Leicester, a Premiership less that hasn't been fo…

Liam Heagney

08 Jun 2021, 14:04

'I'm sure whoever is investigating it will see it as well': Leicester latest on subgate

Saturday's Premiership match culminated in heated exchanges and Leicester boss Steve Borthwick has given his latest take on what h…

Liam Heagney

08 Jun 2021, 13:56

'I was too upright': Ribbans' England debut hopes recede following ban

South African import David Ribbans has hopes of making an England debut this summer but his Northampton red card has scuppered tha…

Liam Heagney

08 Jun 2021, 6:37

Springboks centre Damian de Allende sheds light on what caused scary fire pit accident

Within hours of their latest Springboks selection, Saturday night took a frightening turn for the worse for Damian de Allende and …

Liam Heagney

08 Jun 2021, 5:55

'Brussow kept grabbing it': Jordy Reid on dreadlocks, missed tackles and Gloucester

Growing his hair long was a post-school dare but dreadlocks now mean Jordy Reid is instantly recognisable as a bundle of energy at…

Liam Heagney

06 Jun 2021, 6:20

'I remember a pretty blunt conversation with him': The making of Exeter's Tom O'Flaherty

Soon-to-be 27-year-old winger Tom O'Flaherty is having his best season yet at Exeter and it could lead to a first England call-up …

Liam Heagney

06 Jun 2021, 5:35

What Erasmus reckons Lions boss Warren Gatland will make of the Springboks squad

With his 46-strong Springboks squad now announced, Rassie Erasmus has a go at guessing how Lions boss Warren Gatland might react t…

Liam Heagney

06 Jun 2021, 5:00

'Well done': Title-chasing Sale hailed as club with third-highest Springboks pick

The 46-strong Springboks squad included players from 19 different clubs across five different countries, with Sale checking in thi…

Liam Heagney

06 Jun 2021, 4:59

'When I first started off at Saracens it was awful, I almost kicked it like a football'

Relegation was a crushing blow for Saracens but it has worked in favour of Elliott Obatoyinbo, their artistic, scratch golfer full…

Liam Heagney

06 Jun 2021, 4:30

Rassie Erasmus delivers final blow to the already damaged Rainbow Cup

It was hoped the June 19 cross-hemisphere final in Italy would salvage damaged credibility but the latest Rainbow Cup blow has bee…

Liam Heagney

05 Jun 2021, 15:25

'We expected some big losses and I think Duane is going to be one of them'

Duane Vermeulen was a Springboks powerhouse at the World Cup, producing a man of the match display in the final against England. …

Liam Heagney

05 Jun 2021, 14:36

Video: Explosive Leicester versus Bristol touchline bust-up leaves sour post-match taste

Saturday's intense Gallagher Premiership clash at Welford Road between Leicester and Bristol had an incredible finish with tempers…

Liam Heagney

05 Jun 2021, 13:07

What made Etzebeth change position aged 16 and what his biggest fear in life is

Springboks enforcer Eben Etzebeth has given a revealing interview to Midi Olympique covering a myriad of topics, including what sc…

Liam Heagney

05 Jun 2021, 10:58

'A lot of players went through a slump': Why Wasps are 28 points worse off than last term

Eight months on from Wasps contesting the Premiership final, they are now in a messy squabble to finish a miserable eighth on the …

Liam Heagney

05 Jun 2021, 4:31

'He wants feedback... that's hugely infectious': The Borthwick effect at Leicester

Ben Youngs has played just six Premiership games this term but he has seen more than enough to appreciate the Borthwick effect at …

Liam Heagney

05 Jun 2021, 4:15

Abraham Papali'i banned following third red card in nine months at Connacht

Abraham Papali’i has been having a difficult time with his discipline at Connacht, the back-rower suffering three red cards in n…

Liam Heagney

04 Jun 2021, 7:13

'He's the best part of 21-stone but ridiculously fit, low body fat, just an anomaly'

There were fears about the Harlequins scrum without Kyle Sinckler but South African Wilco Louw has admirably filled the tighthead …

Liam Heagney

04 Jun 2021, 3:58

'Pretty difficult': The idea Jones should practice coaching at a Premiership club, not Japan

The idea that Premiership clubs should allow England boss Eddie Jones to coach with them to stop Japanese trips deemed unworkable …

Liam Heagney

03 Jun 2021, 14:37

Update on ex-Saracens hooker McElroy who is 12 weeks into Bristol trial after limbo

Four years on from Ireland's Tadgh McElroy being axed from an age-grade World Cup after signing for Saracens, he is on trial at La…

Liam Heagney

03 Jun 2021, 14:29

Championship final details confirmed in favour of appeal-threatening Saracens

A threatened appeal by Saracens could have prolonged the Championship season but favourable details have been confirmed for two-le…

Liam Heagney

03 Jun 2021, 9:07

'Chucking a few grenades': Harlequins hit back after Sanderson labels them 'ungracious'

Sale boss Alex Sanderson was uncomplimentary about Harlequins on Wednesday and the London club's assistant Adam Jones has now issu…

Liam Heagney

03 Jun 2021, 7:58

The England spot where Jones most wants new talent, and his message to Simmonds

Eddie Jones will unveil his summer series squad on June 10 and he has highlighted the area where he most wants fresh England talen…

Liam Heagney

03 Jun 2021, 6:19

'I'd like to liken him to the next Ian Whitten': Exeter confirm signing of Sean O'Brien

Exeter have a habit of signing non-frontline players and unheralded Connacht centre Sean O'Brien has become the latest Rob Baxter …

Liam Heagney

03 Jun 2021, 6:04

'What we are seeing from him is more like when he played at Brighton College'

It won't be until June 10 that Marcus Smith learns whether he has made the England squad but the indications from Eddie Jones are …

Liam Heagney

03 Jun 2021, 4:04

'They came in as angry guys and are now maturing into very aggressive, consistent players'

It's four weeks since Kyle Sinckler and Ellis Genge learned they wouldn't be 2021 Lions, rejection England boss Eddie Jones has no…

Liam Heagney

02 Jun 2021, 17:05

'It's gone down a second': Difference in ruck speed elsewhere preys on England's mind

England boss Eddie Jones has been busy watching rugby elsewhere since a disastrous Six Nations and he has a particular insight int…

Liam Heagney

02 Jun 2021, 14:22

'I've never been so nervous in my life': What really spooked Tuilagi before his Sale return

The ever-popular Manu Tuilagi was an entertaining guest on the latest Rugby Pod show where he reflected on his return at Sale from…

Liam Heagney

02 Jun 2021, 14:06

'Heartbreaking': Wasps confirm uncapped England prospect Odogwu has torn his ACL

Hopes that uncapped England prospect Paolo Odogwu would be capped next month have been dashed after a medical update from Wasps.

Liam Heagney

02 Jun 2021, 10:52

'I'm a coach, I've got to practice': Jones breaks silence over criticised Japanese trip

Ahead of the June 10 announcement of the England summer series squad, Eddie Jones has spoken to the media for the first time since…

Liam Heagney

02 Jun 2021, 10:17

'It's poor recruitment if you bring over someone hoping they are going to be good'

Ex-All Blacks back-rower Steven Luatua has missed five of the six Bristol defeats this season, an absence that highlights his impo…

Liam Heagney

02 Jun 2021, 8:29

'He's a kid out of school and it can be daunting Naiyaravoro sprinting flat out at you'

Charlie Atkinson doesn't turn 20 until October but he has thrived in his dozen Premiership appearances for Lee Blackett's Wasps th…

Liam Heagney

02 Jun 2021, 4:28

'The guy was going to run the story anyway, you might as well tell him why'

Ben Youngs has explained why it was important he controlled the story of his Lions unavailability rather than it get negatively in…

Liam Heagney

01 Jun 2021, 13:31

'I wasn't talking about the Biggar incident...': Wasps boss Blackett clarifies criticism

It was felt Wasps boss Lee Blackett was talking about an incident involving Dan Biggar when he criticised refereeing standards las…

Liam Heagney

01 Jun 2021, 10:58

'I reckon my speed hit 8.8 metre per second which is a pretty good stat for a forward'

Heather Fisher is one of rugby's most recognisable figures and the soon-to-be 37-year-old is now primed for starring with Team GB …

Liam Heagney

01 Jun 2021, 5:48

The Springboks address issue of 'taking the knee' against the Lions

The Springboks have had their say on the Black Lives Matter campaign that has seen players in the UK taking the knee before matche…

Liam Heagney

30 May 2021, 5:56

'He's looking big, strong and quick' - Devoto tipped for England call-up

Lengthy waits in between caps is the tale of the Ollie Devoto Test career, but Exeter feel he can be optimistic about the next Eng…

Liam Heagney

30 May 2021, 5:52

'He's got something up his sleeve': How the Springboks view Gatland and his 2021 Lions

A slugfest unfolded the last time Gatland faced off against Erasmus but the Springboks boss is expecting the Lions to do things di…

Liam Heagney

30 May 2021, 5:30

'I remember sitting with his dad in the office': The Springboks on the Lion that got away

Duhan van der Merwe represented the 2014 Junior Springboks at the World Cup but he is now a Lions pick looking to win in South Afr…

Liam Heagney

30 May 2021, 4:30

'I probably haven't got the clearance from the board to talk in that level of detail'

Having some fans back at Premiership matches suggests normality is returning but Rob Baxter is concerned over the missing millions…

Liam Heagney

29 May 2021, 7:24

'He's really knocked the door down on that side': How the Springboks now rate Jasper Wiese

The career of Jasper Wiese looked to have stalled last year but his move to Leicester has now put him in Springboks selection cont…

Liam Heagney

29 May 2021, 6:37

'I'm actually about 108kgs - when I first joined out of school I was 92kgs'

Arriving into the Harlequins academy as a skinny lad, there was one particular must-do for Jack Kenningham - that was piling on so…

Liam Heagney

29 May 2021, 4:51

Springboks radically change their tune: 'The nice thing is our old dogs, our big dogs got better offers overseas'

For years South Africa officials bemoaned the loss of Springboks to overseas clubs but Rassie Erasmus is now glad numerous star pl…

Liam Heagney

28 May 2021, 11:42

Henry Slade issues statement following criticism over newspaper interview claim

England midfielder Henry Slade has come under fire for a newspaper interview and he has now issued a statement via his Exeter Chie…

Liam Heagney

28 May 2021, 11:09

What the Springboks really think of Gatland's 'hobbit-like' Lions picks and when they will finally announce their own tour squad

22 days after the Lions showed their hand, Springboks boss Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber have commented on Warren Gatland's …

Liam Heagney

28 May 2021, 9:31

'It's not me that has ever forgotten about Luke Morahan': The still-thriving Australian who scored the first Bristol try of the Lam era

Just three names from Pat Lam's first Bristol teamsheet in 2017 are still starring at the club, including the unsung winger Luke M…

Liam Heagney

28 May 2021, 5:17

'He's boisterous, he's loud': The forgotten England fringe player looking to remind everyone that class is permanent

Having already missed 16 months between games, the last thing England fringe Nathan Earle needed was another lengthy absence at Ha…

Liam Heagney

27 May 2021, 15:06

'Learning his trade at a cutting edge': Why the 19-year-old brother of an England winger has suddenly had his progress accelerated at London Irish

London Irish boss Declan Kidney has placed his trust in recent weeks in Phil Cokanasiga, the 19-year-old younger brother of Englan…

Liam Heagney

27 May 2021, 14:37

'As good as the Lions was, guys, the best thing in your life this weekend is playing Newcastle'

Sam Simmonds and the other three Exeter players picked for the 2021 Lions were in London on Wednesday to meet up with Gatland and …

Liam Heagney

27 May 2021, 8:05

Manu Tuilagi set to play his first Sale match in eight months while Bristol call on Thacker who has been missing since October

It has been a very long time in between drinks (games) for fit-again pair, Manu Tuilagi of Sale and Bristol's Harry Thacker.

Liam Heagney

27 May 2021, 7:27

'A world-class performance team': Wales the dominant player as Lions boss Gatland names his 15 medical, S&C and analysis staff

Warren Gatland is sticking to what he knows best as he has chosen numerous familiar faces on his 2021 Lions high performance staff…

Liam Heagney

27 May 2021, 6:51

'Getting a tighthead that can scrum and run is as rare as teddy bear s*** - and you can quote me on that!'

Alex Sanderson has colourfully savoured the emergence of youthful front-rowers at Sale, insisting the future is very bright at the…

Liam Heagney

27 May 2021, 5:01

Mike Brown's Harlequins career is over as appeal fails

Mike Brown of Harlequins had his appeal hearing into his six-game ban on Wednesday night and the RFU have now published its verdic…

Liam Heagney

27 May 2021, 4:05

'Admiration from a lot of the world-class guys': Why university recruit Harding fits the Bristol bill

It's rare for a universities player to quickly make the Premiership grade but Fitz Harding has slotted in nicely this year at Bris…

Liam Heagney

26 May 2021, 13:27

The London Irish verdict on how their ex-assistant Skivington is doing nearly a year after acrimonious exit to become Gloucester boss

Last June's exit of assistant coach George Skivington from London Irish to take over at Gloucester wasn't without its share of acr…

Liam Heagney

26 May 2021, 13:13

In pictures: Warren Gatland's 2021 Lions squad assembles for administration day in London

Warren Gatland's 2021 Lions squad have met up in London for an administrative day ahead of their eagerly awaited tour to South Afr…

Liam Heagney

26 May 2021, 9:09

'Pretty dark moments': Ex-All Black Nick Evans explains why the time wasn't right to succeed Paul Gustard and become a Premiership head of rugby

There was speculation that Nick Evans could be a worthy head of rugby at Harlequins but the Kiwi has explained why the timing wasn…

Liam Heagney

26 May 2021, 7:10

'I'm getting a bit nerdy here': Ali Price names his favourite No9 and it's not Conor Murray, his Lions rival who is currently nursing a pre-tour injury

Scotland's Ali Price has revealed his current favourite No9 and it isn't Lions rival Conor Murray who has picked up an injury at M…

Liam Heagney

26 May 2021, 5:30

Major setback for Scotland's Cameron Redpath as Bath confirm he faces surgery on Wednesday

After missing nine weeks with a neck injury earlier this year, Bath centre Cameron Redpath is now facing a longer, more serious st…

Liam Heagney

25 May 2021, 13:55

The 'bit of responsibility' Mike Brown has taken on at Harlequins training as he awaits his appeal hearing on Wednesday night

Nick Evans of Harlequins has been talking about Mike Brown, who will have his appeal against a six-match ban heard on Wednesday ni…

Liam Heagney

25 May 2021, 13:02

'If you're in a number of car crashes it's prudent probably not to be in the car': The London Irish verdict on Brophy-Clews' concussion-enforced retirement

London Irish have been reflecting on the series of concussions that have brought an end to the career of 24-year-old Theo Brophy-C…

Liam Heagney

25 May 2021, 10:16

'At different times I have tried to get him back': The player Pat Lam offered to Sale in 2016 that he has unsuccessfully tried to sign since then

It was Pat Lam who arranged a move to Sale for AJ MacGinty, the out-half he has tried to bring to Bristol on a few occasions since…

Liam Heagney

25 May 2021, 7:48

19-year-old poleaxed by the red-carded Owen Farrell earns Wasps contract promotion

It was last September when Wasps teenage Charlie Atkinson was hit with a red-carded high shot from Owen Farrell at Saracens.

Liam Heagney

25 May 2021, 6:57

'I've got a fever': Ex-European Cup winner's bid to climb Everest is delayed by quarantine

Former Leinster lock Damian Browne - who also played for Connacht, Northampton, Brive and Oyonnax - was climbing Everest until he …

Liam Heagney

25 May 2021, 6:23

Ex-England scrum-half Hill quits as Rouen boss after eight-year stint

Ex-Worcester boss Richard Hill first headed across the Channel in 2013 and he helped Normandy minnows Rouen rise from Federal 2 to…

Liam Heagney

25 May 2021, 4:48

'The boys love him, trust him': The 21-year-old rookie back-rower who is suddenly tackling up a storm in Harlequins' Premiership title chase

Alarm bells should have rung at Harlequins after Will Evans' season-ending injury but rookie Jack Kenningham hasn't looked too sha…

Liam Heagney

23 May 2021, 4:00

Lions Watch: Saracens player ratings vs Coventry

Promotion-chasing Saracens were in action at Coventry on Saturday and here is how their five Lions tour picks rated in their lates…

Liam Heagney

22 May 2021, 14:03

The criticism that breaks the heart of CJ Stander... and the hint that he might not yet be finished playing rugby

Nine weeks after playing for Ireland for the last time, the retiring CJ Stander made a farewell Irish TV appearance on The Late, L…

Liam Heagney

22 May 2021, 8:13

Ex-Ireland lock Dan Tuohy back in rugby 15 months after a horror injury forced his retirement

Dan Tuohy won 11 caps in his Ireland career but a serious injury playing Pro D2 in France forced him into retirement in February 2…

Liam Heagney

22 May 2021, 6:13

Saracens change five for sold-out fixture at Coventry, including a front row switch for suspended Springboks prop Koch

The Championship promotion race is entering its final weeks and Saracens take on Coventry this Saturday without the suspended Vinc…

Liam Heagney

22 May 2021, 4:44

'I'm incredibly sad': Theo Brophy-Clews has retired from playing with immediate effect at the age of only 24

London Irish back Theo Brophy-Clews last just minutes of April's Challenge Cup quarter-final defeat at Bath, the last game of his …

Liam Heagney

21 May 2021, 12:25

Six Nations strikes new free-to-air exclusivity deal with ITV and BBC

There were fears the Six Nations was set to go behind a paywall in the UK but a deal has been struck to continue with free-to-air …

Liam Heagney

21 May 2021, 9:28

'Occasionally you have to go to the police and make a big fuss'

Leicester are enjoying the hype of reaching the Challenge Cup final but it wasn't that long ago when they were often abused on soc…

Liam Heagney

21 May 2021, 8:37

La Rochelle change two and Toulouse three as teams named for their all-French European decider

The La Rochelle and Toulouse teams have been named for this Saturday's all-French Champions Cup showpiece final at Twickenham.

Liam Heagney

21 May 2021, 7:48

The fear stalking Luke Pearce ahead of becoming the youngest ever referee for a Champions Cup final

RFU referee Luke Pearce will create history on Saturday but he has one fear about being in charge of the all-French Champions Cup …

Liam Heagney

21 May 2021, 7:12

'I have no cruciate in my left knee... I'd an ACL reconstruction my first year in England and the graft never actually took'

Johne Murphy can't lose with an interest in both Leicester and Montpellier camps on Friday, but he will feel a pinch running the n…

Liam Heagney

21 May 2021, 5:47

Mike Brown might not be finished yet at Harlequins as he launches appeal against six-game ban

The long-serving Mike Brown isn't giving up on his Harlequins career without a fight as he has launched appeal against his lengthy…

Liam Heagney

20 May 2021, 11:57

Challenge Cup finalists Leicester and Montpellier each make two changes from their semi-final XVs

Leicester and Montpellier have named their teams for Friday night's Challenge Cup final at Twickenham which will have 10,000 fans …

Liam Heagney

20 May 2021, 7:31

'It wouldn't surprise me if Conor O'Shea goes back there...' The Rugby Pod speculates on the identity of the new Harlequins boss

The Rugby Pod's Andy Goode was all chat about Harlequins this week and he has quipped that Conor O'Shea could return to the hot-se…

Liam Heagney

20 May 2021, 5:20

'We're going to meet up at Darren Garforth's house for a socially distanced pint': 20 years on from Leicester's breakthrough European title

It's now 20 years since Leicester won their first European Cup, a final World Cup winner Ben Kay calls his 'favourite rugby match'…

Liam Heagney

19 May 2021, 13:43

'What I don't think people will ever focus on is that he is getting really, really good': The Ellis Genge improvement a blind eye is being turned to

An England World Cup winner has claimed that Leicester prop Ellis Genge isn't getting enough credit for some much-improved parts o…

Liam Heagney

19 May 2021, 8:38

'I'm not sure what the reason is': Cheslin Kolbe's staggering comparison about World Cup and European final nerves

World Cup-winning Springboks winger Cheslin Kolbe has made a staggering admission ahead of this Saturday's European final with Tou…

Liam Heagney

19 May 2021, 7:35

'They have allowed me to be me': What an ecstatic Sam Simmonds had to say in the wake of his Premiership try-scoring record

Sam Simmonds made breaking records look easy on Tuesday night and he reflected on his Premiership career with Exeter in the afterm…

Liam Heagney

19 May 2021, 4:17

'What a player, what a record, what an achievement!': Lions pick Sam Simmonds needs just 24 minutes at Irish to shatter 23-year-old Premiership try-scoring mark

Exeter were in Premiership action at London Irish on Tuesday and the record-breaking scoring exploits of Sam Simmonds lit up the n…

Liam Heagney

18 May 2021, 15:56

Delayed U20s Six Nations to be played at one venue with 26 players in each matchday squad

No match has been played in the U20s Six Nations since Scotland beat Wales at Colwyn Bay in March 2020 before the lockdown.

Liam Heagney

18 May 2021, 12:28

'This is the unfortunate side of professional sport': James Cronin quits Munster

James Cronin has represented Munster on 142 occasions and scored 20 tries since making an April 2013 debut versus Leinster.

Liam Heagney

18 May 2021, 9:54

'First week back on the farm complete': Ex-Scotland midfielder Alex Dunbar has confirmed his retirement

Alex Dunbar went to France after falling down the Glasgow pecking order under Dave Rennie and the ex-Scotland midfielder has now r…

Liam Heagney

18 May 2021, 7:52

'We don't want be a feeding ground for other clubs': Irish out to ensure history doesn't repeat itself with latest crop of rising academy stars

London Irish have a history as a feeder club for their Premiership rivals, something Declan Kidney wants to put a stop to under hi…

Liam Heagney

18 May 2021, 4:15

'We created a system' - The former England No8 that helped mould Sam Simmonds

Lions selection for Sam Simmonds is one of 2021's biggest rugby stories but it might not have happened if Thomas Waldrom hadn't wo…

Liam Heagney

16 May 2021, 5:18

'The morning of the World Cup quarter-final I was on my phone gambling literally up until ten minutes before we left on the bus'

It was 15 months ago when ex-Wales hooker Scott Baldwin went public with a gambling addiction he now updates RugbyPass about.

Liam Heagney

16 May 2021, 4:27

'That is bizarre': Ellis Genge's blunt reaction to his first-half yellow card which he followed by scoring a try with bruising carries on his return

Ellis Genge has an eventful half for Leicester, disputing his yellow card with referee Luke Pearce and then coming back on to quic…

Liam Heagney

15 May 2021, 11:58

'It's one of my major regrets': There is something Rhys Priestland would do very differently if he had his time over again

With his six-year stint at Bath nearly over Bath, Rhys Priestland is heading back to Wales as a better player than the one who lef…

Liam Heagney

15 May 2021, 8:35

'Any abusive comments are plainly unacceptable': The worrying social media warning contained in the Mike Brown red card written judgment

A footnote was included in the Mike Brown judgment, warning social media about its abusive comments on the Harlequins player.

Liam Heagney

15 May 2021, 5:46

'I felt like a criminal': Jack Yeandle on the disciplinary process following first red card in his lengthy Premiership career

Jack Yeandle had played more than 200 Premiership games without a hitch for Exeter before he was red-carded at Sale in late Februa…

Liam Heagney

15 May 2021, 4:43

'There's no way that is nothing': Pair of Irish Lions clash over unsuccessful captain's challenge regarding alleged foul play

Two of Gatland's Lions picks were at odds with each other in Dublin, Iain Henderson wanting Robbie Henshaw punished for alleged fo…

Liam Heagney

14 May 2021, 16:57

'A bit of a crippling blow...': Update issued by Exeter on latest Jack Nowell injury setback

Jack Nowell was making just his third appearance of the season last Saturday for Exeter when he went off early in the second half.…

Liam Heagney

14 May 2021, 12:02

'A free trial': How Jake Kerr curiously went from unwanted Leicester hooker into the thrust of Bristol's Premiership title battle

Jake Kerr became rather anonymous after Steve Borthwick took over Leicester but his unusual trial switch to Bristol has revived hi…

Liam Heagney

14 May 2021, 8:50

Amor and Ryles exit as Jones and England take action following disastrous Six Nations

The RFU gave Eddie Jones a vote of confidence last month following the Six Nations but the England boss has now lost two of his as…

Liam Heagney

14 May 2021, 8:21

McCall names the Saracens players who have most caught his eye on their tier-two Championship adventure

The Championship has been a very different experience to what Saracens have been used to but some unheralded names have impressed.…

Liam Heagney

14 May 2021, 7:28

Lions confirm revised tour schedule in South Africa... and it's bad news for fans

Revised details have finally been confirmed for the Lions tour to South Africa and it is disappointing news for fans who had match…

Liam Heagney

14 May 2021, 5:05

'I was in a pretty bad place': Tom de Glanville opens up on his Barbarians ban and how he rebounded at Bath

After being held to account for his game-cancelling Barbarians antics, 20-year-old Tom de Glanville has bounced back impressively …

Liam Heagney

14 May 2021, 4:41

Harlequins at 'pointy end' of 16-week search for a Paul Gustard replacement

It was January when Paul Gustard finished at Harlequins and the London club has taken its time to fill the head of rugby vacancy. …

Liam Heagney

13 May 2021, 14:18

'Gutted': Harlequins finally react to Mike Brown's season-ending ban and whether they might appeal

Harlequins have reacted to the ban handed down in midweek to the red-carded Mike Brown which has ended the veteran's long stint at…

Liam Heagney

13 May 2021, 11:44

The thinking behind Bristol handing England full-back Max Malins the No11 jersey for the first time in his Premiership career

Full-back/out-half Max Malins made his first Premiership start in November 2017, but last Saturday Bristol picked him to wear the …

Liam Heagney

13 May 2021, 6:47

'The reddest of red cards' missed by Wayne Barnes is belatedly punished as Toulouse skipper Marchand banned for Champions Cup final

Toulouse will have to play their Champions Cup final versus La Rochelle without their skipper Julien Marchand after his ban for fo…

Liam Heagney

13 May 2021, 4:59

The 'lovely moment' that stood out for Mark McCall when Saracens learned Billy Vunipola hadn't made the Lions

Saracens were the club to score the biggest representation on the 2021 Lions but the news didn't arrive without sadness for Billy …

Liam Heagney

12 May 2021, 11:56

What Pat Lam said to Kyle Sinckler in the Bristol dressing room last Saturday after his much-praised emotional reaction to Lions omission

The exclusion of Kyle Sinckler from the Lions resulted in Bristol boss Pat Lam seeing his prop react to adversity in an inspiring …

Liam Heagney

12 May 2021, 9:40

'One of the standout props in the Championship for quite a while': Wasps sign Bomber Hislop

Robin Hislop has long had dreams of joining a Premiership club on a permanent basis and Wasps have now chased down the prop's sign…

Liam Heagney

12 May 2021, 7:15

Tom Dunn learns his fate after second Bath red card in six weeks

Bath hooker Tom Dunn was sent off for the second time in six weeks during last Saturday's Premiership defeat at home to Bristol.

Liam Heagney

12 May 2021, 6:31

Mike Brown's career at Harlequins is over after hefty ban for red card

Mike Brown was red-carded for the first time last Sunday and he has now found out if he can play again for Harlequins before he le…

Liam Heagney

12 May 2021, 5:46

Bath explain why they didn't appeal Obano ban as they brace themselves for another Dunn red card suspension

Stuart Hooper was agitated when he learned Beno Obano has been banned for five games but he has reflected on that and other Bath r…

Liam Heagney

12 May 2021, 4:12

Bath react to reports that Toulon are courting Jonathan Joseph even though he is under contract until summer 2022

Bath centre Jonathan Joseph recently spoke of fears that his England career could be over, prompting an approach from Toulon in th…

Liam Heagney

11 May 2021, 12:30

'My girlfriend was looking at me like what the f***? I felt exactly the same': How one of the Lions' biggest surprise picks reacted to tour selection

The inclusion of Chris Harris in the Lions squad wasn't met by universal approval and selection even shocked the Scotland midfield…

Liam Heagney

11 May 2021, 8:25

'I like their kit, like where they play, like the place they are from... I might be a good fit': Danny Care names the MLR team he would love to play for

The Lions ultimately didn't want Danny Care last week but the Harlequins scrum-half has quipped there is one MLR team he could be …

Liam Heagney

11 May 2021, 7:00

'Ridiculously reckless': The Rugby Pod reacts to Mike Brown's red-carded stamp and gives its verdict on Marcus Smith's latest magic

Mike Brown and Marcus Smith were the two main talking points following last Sunday's epic 94-point encounter featuring Harlequins …

Liam Heagney

11 May 2021, 5:14

'We've been quite ruthless': The science behind the hectic Worcester recruitment drive amid huge exodus of 20 players

The 15-season Worcester Premiership history is perpetual lower-end suffering, but ambitious new boss Jonathan Thomas plans to shat…

Liam Heagney

09 May 2021, 5:44

'I felt sad that he couldn't speak to me because I had known him for a very long time'

Luther Burrell didn't play much for Warrington but the ex-England centre left league with an invaluable life lesson he is using at…

Liam Heagney

09 May 2021, 4:57

'I got slated by everybody under the sun but the quote I live by is the best revenge is living well'

Ex-England back-rower James Haskell is two years retired this weekend and his 24 months out of the game have been lively, to say t…

Liam Heagney

09 May 2021, 4:23

'I've got so much anger inside me right now... but I used it in a positive way': An emotional Kyle Sinckler's extraordinary post-game live TV interview

Emotional England and Bristol prop Kyle Sinckler had to fight back the tears when asked during a live TV interview about his Lions…

Liam Heagney

08 May 2021, 14:06

2021 Lions pick Dan Biggar lasts just 20 minutes of Saturday's Premiership outing with Northampton

Less than 50 hours after Lions selection, Dan Biggar was in the wars for Northampton as he lasted just 20 minutes of their Premier…

Liam Heagney

08 May 2021, 10:13

'Really got me excited': The persuasive effect that watching Elliot Daly in the Championship had on Lions assistant Townsend

England's Elliot Daly hasn't started a Test match at outside centre since 2016 but Gregor Townsend has explained why the Lions hav…

Liam Heagney

07 May 2021, 14:00

'You don't want to see your child hurt whatever': The emotional toll Jack Willis' latest serious knee injury had on his family

The day the Lions announced their 2021 squad coincided with injured England back-rower Jack Willis posting his latest mini-documen…

Liam Heagney

07 May 2021, 8:54

'It's going to be brutal at times': The chastening 2009 tour lesson that influenced Lions selection of Jonny Hill

All the pre-squad announcement Lions lock talk was Jones, Itoje and Ryan but Test rookie Jonny Hill forced his way in for a very g…

Liam Heagney

07 May 2021, 6:34

'Made for playing that stage': The South African the Lions couldn't afford to ignore

It was only last October when Duhan van der Merwe became eligible for Scotland but the South African's try-scoring has made him a …

Liam Heagney

07 May 2021, 5:07

'If we do go fishing...': Lions quip over gunboat standoff that unfolded at pre-tour Jersey base

Warren Gatland's Lions are due to assemble next month in Jersey, the Channel Island where gunboats patrolled this week's fishing p…

Liam Heagney

07 May 2021, 4:32

'Kyle's unlucky... Billy, we look at No8s being explosive': Why England duo Sinckler and Vunipola didn't make the Lions cut

England forwards Kyle Sinckler and Billy Vunipola were two of the headline omissions when Warren Gatland announced his 2021 Lions …

Liam Heagney

07 May 2021, 4:05

The telling statistic that counted against Sexton in his Lions out-half selection battle with Russell

Ireland's Johnny Sexton has recently been nursing concussion but Warren Gatland has insisted this isn't why the veteran didn't mak…

Liam Heagney

06 May 2021, 17:05

'A real point of difference': The evidence that convinced the Lions to back Sam Simmonds even though he hasn't played a Test in 38 months

You have to back to March 2018 to find the last time Sam Simmonds played for England but this ongoing omission didn't dent his Lio…

Liam Heagney

06 May 2021, 17:00

'I'm not holding my breath': What Jack Conan said 15 days ago when asked about his Lions chances

Having only made his first Ireland start for 18 months in March, a Lions call was the furthest thing from the mind of Leinster's J…

Liam Heagney

06 May 2021, 9:01

Warren Gatland names his official 2021 British and Irish Lions squad

Following months of speculation, Warren Gatland has finally unveiled his 36-strong 2021 Lions tour squad for South Africa.

Liam Heagney

06 May 2021, 6:54

'The fact some ex-players nowhere near as good as him were criticising him wound him up a bit': The making of Lions skipper Alun Wyn Jones

Criticism from ex-players not as good as him was seemingly pivotal in propelling expected Lions captain Alun Wyn Jones back to his…

Liam Heagney

06 May 2021, 4:13

'Sean Holley announced the boys who made it and also announced the boys who hadn't which was a bit weird and awkward'

Adam Jones, who hopes some Harlequins players hear good Lions news on Thursday, has recalled the awkwardness of his 2009 selection…

Liam Heagney

05 May 2021, 13:21

'We have got to have hopes of getting quite a few in': The eve-of-selection mood at Exeter

Exeter had just one Lions squad pick in 2017 but the Sandy Park expectation is for this number to be greater when the 2021 squad i…

Liam Heagney

05 May 2021, 11:45

Toulouse skipper Marchand cited after officials miss 'the reddest of red cards'

Ex-Lions skippers Brian O'Driscoll and Sam Warburton were left incensed by the alleged foul play of Toulouse skipper Julien Marcha…

Liam Heagney

05 May 2021, 10:05

'Do you want to go?': How shock Gatland call unfolded 32 days after Haskell's 2017 Lions rejection

James Haskell wasn't an original Lions pick in 2017 but a call from out of the blue four-and-a-half weeks later changed everything…

Liam Heagney

05 May 2021, 6:57

'We're struggling to get a visa': The red tape threatening NFL kicker dream of ex-Junior Springbok who twice tore kicking leg's ACL

A second torn ACL looked to have ended the pro sports career of Lloyd Greeff but the ex-Junior Springboks wing is now chasing an N…

Liam Heagney

05 May 2021, 3:41

'Duty of care': Worcester explain why they have loaned out a rookie tighthead and replaced him with an ex-Wales prop

The decision to send a rookie tighthead out on a Championship loan has resulted in Worcester bringing in ex-Wales player Scott And…

Liam Heagney

04 May 2021, 13:10

4 England outsiders - including uncapped Marcus Smith - said to be in contention for Lions selection on Thursday

Four players unwanted by Eddie Jones' England, including Harlequins' Marcus Smith, are said to be in contention for Lions squad se…

Liam Heagney

04 May 2021, 10:18

9 handling errors, 8 missed tackles, 10 turnovers, 3 penalties and 2 cards... the Moneyball-style stats that could count against Russell's Lions hopes

Head-to-head stats for every position following the Six Nations have been compared and they suggest Finn Russell might be a risky …

Liam Heagney

04 May 2021, 8:39

Springboks injury jinx strikes again at second row as RG Snyman suffers a fresh blow

26-year-old Springboks lock RG Snyman has been out of action since rupturing his ACL just seven minutes into his Munster debut las…

Liam Heagney

04 May 2021, 6:53

'He has got a British passport which is handy': Nadolo's verdict on Northampton signing his 6ft 6in, 128kg cousin Willemsen

Nemani Nadolo's English-qualified cousin Duane Ratu Willemsen was trying to make it in NRL before signing for Northampton last mon…

Liam Heagney

02 May 2021, 5:54

'It's not great and all you can do is send him a message, give him a call, apologise'

It was a break by Jonathan Joseph that tempted Joe Launchbury into making the tackle that ruptured his ACL and ruined his Lions dr…

Liam Heagney

02 May 2021, 4:18

LIONS WATCH: Saracens player ratings vs Nottingham

Here are the Saracens player ratings from Nottingham on Saturday, just days before Warren Gatland unveils his 2021 Lions tour pick…

Liam Heagney

01 May 2021, 14:25

'That is the reddest of red cards': Ex-Lions skippers O'Driscoll and Warburton raging over unpunished Marchand headshot

Toulouse skipper Julien Marchand escaped a likely red card during his team's victory in Saturday's all-French Champions Cup semi-f…

Liam Heagney

01 May 2021, 12:37

Wasps lock Levi Douglas joins Toulon despite Launchbury's ACL injury

Wasps lost Joe Launchbury to an ACL last Sunday but that hasn't prevented them from allowing Levi Douglas to link up with French c…

Liam Heagney

01 May 2021, 4:25

Jonathan Joseph fears his England career is over at the age of 29

It was November in Llanelli when Jonathan Joseph was last picked to play for England by Eddie Jones and he now fears his Test care…

Liam Heagney

01 May 2021, 4:00

What Bath make of the transfer system that this weekend sees Zach Mercer come up against his new club Montpellier

Unlike football's transfer windows, rugby's system leads to situations such as Zach Mercer playing for Bath against his new club M…

Liam Heagney

30 Apr 2021, 9:23

How the Leicester dressing room reacted to Steve Borthwick sacrificing Lions coaching role

Leicester boss Steve Borthwick had the chance to reprise his 2017 Lions role but he turned down Gatland's invite to fully focus on…

Liam Heagney

30 Apr 2021, 8:53

Leinster change three from the XV that dethroned European champions Exeter

Leinster earned great praise for going to Sandy Park and dethroning Exeter and they have now named their Champions Cup semi-final …

Liam Heagney

30 Apr 2021, 7:41

Twickenham to host fan-friendly European finals next month with details also confirmed for next season's format

With Marseille ruled of hosting, EPCR have turned to Twickenham to stage next month's Champions Cup and Challenge Cup finals.

Liam Heagney

30 Apr 2021, 5:21

'I'm cleaning about 140, 150 at the moment and box squatting just short of 200'

Nemani Nadolo scored two tries on his Leicester return after eleven weeks out, a show of force he attributes to taking up powerlif…

Liam Heagney

30 Apr 2021, 3:55

'It will be interesting to see who goes back': Nemani Nadolo on Fijian Drua's Super Rugby invite and whether he might join up

With Fijian Drua invited to the 2022 Super Rugby party, Nemani Nadolo airs his thoughts on their invite and whether he might leave…

Liam Heagney

29 Apr 2021, 17:00

'Not shirking anything': Bath give verdict on 19-year-old sensation Orlando Bailey and update Danny Cipriani situation

Injuries at out-half have thrust teenager Orlando Bailey into the Bath limelight in recent weeks ahead of Danny Cipriani's schedul…

Liam Heagney

29 Apr 2021, 6:24

'He's devastated': Bath cry foul over the length of ban given to Beno Obano

England prop Beno Obano is set to miss huge games for Bath following his suspension for the red card he picked up at Wasps last Su…

Liam Heagney

28 Apr 2021, 12:22

Friday night rugby returns to the Six Nations as 2022 fixtures confirmed

The dust only recently settled on a dramatic 2021 Six Nations and the fixtures have now been confirmed for the 2022 campaign.

Liam Heagney

28 Apr 2021, 9:32

Heavy price paid by Springboks centre Esterhuizen and England prop Obano following Premiership red cards

Andre Esterhuizen and Beno Obano became the latest players to get Premiership red cards last weekend and they have now learned the…

Liam Heagney

28 Apr 2021, 9:13

'Heartbroken is an understatement: George North ruled out of the Lions tour with injury

Wales back George North has become the second player in recent days to be ruled out of Lions selection contention with a serious k…

Liam Heagney

28 Apr 2021, 5:39

'I definitely see him a lot more in that England jersey': What the Leicester dressing room thinks of new Test cap George Martin

George Martin was capped last month by England at the age of 19 and his form since them back at Leicester has been exemplary.

Liam Heagney

28 Apr 2021, 5:21

'What would be the bigger headline, Sexton or Finn not going?' - Rugby Pod tackles hottest Lions selection debate

Warren Gatland will unveil his Lions squad on May 6 and The Rugby Pod have been debating if Finn Russell will be a selection winne…

Liam Heagney

27 Apr 2021, 13:21

Johnny Sexton denied final audition before Lions squad announcement

Ireland skipper Johnny Sexton was hoping to play for Leinster in the Champions Cup semi-final ahead of the May 6 Lions squad annou…

Liam Heagney

27 Apr 2021, 9:37

'I was that drunk I didn't notice I was in a fire': Carl Fearns recounts crazy first week at Lyon and also revisits infamous Bath pub bust-up with Gavin Henson

New Newcastle signing Carl Fearns has guested on this week's The Rugby Pod, recalling his introduction at Lyon and his Gavin Henso…

Liam Heagney

27 Apr 2021, 9:09

Premiership Rugby's row with the Lions over pre-tour player release has finally ended with an agreement

Players at Premiership clubs in England - and Saracens - faced not being able to link upon with the Lions until after their June 2…

Liam Heagney

27 Apr 2021, 7:38

Wasps issue Joe Launchbury injury update that has confirmed the worst for the England second row

Joe Launchbury only returned to action last month after missing the Six Nations and Wasps have now issued an update on his latest …

Liam Heagney

27 Apr 2021, 7:19

'I give him a call and he will give me advice': Alex Sanderson still using Saracens hotline 14 weeks into his Sale tenure

It's 14 weeks since Alex Sanderson was unveiled as new Sale boss but his old Saracens links remain strong as they plot a Premiersh…

Liam Heagney

25 Apr 2021, 6:00

'I was just bricking it for the whole weekend, so nervous, sick with nerves... worried if I make a mistake what are people going to think of me'

Jack Conan was a nervous wreck when emerging Leinster but he is now in the prime of his career and loving the pit in the stomach f…

Liam Heagney

25 Apr 2021, 4:58

'Brad Shields was moving house and couldn't take a spa pool': The tricks of the trade that have Jimmy Gopperth still going strong at nearly 38

Veteran Jimmy Gopperth never made the All Blacks but it hasn't stopped him from enjoying an enviable career that shows no signs of…

Liam Heagney

25 Apr 2021, 4:16

Leinster and Munster player ratings - Rainbow Cup round one

Here are the Leinster and Munster player ratings from the Rainbow Cup opener where the result from the recent PRO14 final was reve…

Liam Heagney

24 Apr 2021, 16:59

Paolo Odogwu has broken his silence on his uncapped Six Nations with England and how he would react if Italy called again

Huge excitement accompanied the England call-up of Paolo Odogwu and he has now broken his silence after an uncapped Six Nations ca…

Liam Heagney

23 Apr 2021, 12:50

Saracens make one change as their XV remains stacked with household names for top-table Championship clash with Ealing

The biggest game of the Championship so far this season will be played on Sunday when a stacked Saracens XV hosts leaders Ealing. …

Liam Heagney

23 Apr 2021, 8:31

'I have this debate with our props all the time': The tighthead mindset champions Exeter are trying hard to change

Exeter have numerous obvious first-choice players but the rotation by Rob Baxter at tighthead has been in full swing again in rece…

Liam Heagney

23 Apr 2021, 7:26

'Right now it's probably the one position the coaches haven't inked in': Why there is no clarity yet over who will be Lions No10

Many positions on the Lions have standout candidates but out-half doesn't and Sam Warburton is wondering if 2021 will be Dan Bigga…

Liam Heagney

23 Apr 2021, 7:10

Exeter highlight major flaw in debate that Premiership rugby should become a summer sport

Premiership scorelines have grown in recent weeks amid the improved weather but Exeter are not in favour of a switch to summer rug…

Liam Heagney

22 Apr 2021, 12:51

'It's almost like shamelessly going wherever the money is': Ex-Wales captain's withering put-down of disastrous PRO14/Rainbow Cup

Credibility of the Rainbow Cup was damaged before this weekend's start and a prominent ex-Wales player has now joined a chorus of …

Liam Heagney

22 Apr 2021, 12:43

'There's nothing worse than seeing that Stuart Hogg try. How he kicks it and gets on the end of it, it's a disgrace'

Wasps folded in an embarrassing fashion last Saturday at Premiership champions Exeter, a fade-out Lee Blackett never wants to witn…

Liam Heagney

22 Apr 2021, 12:26

'Hamish Watson is never too small': Ex-Lions skipper's ringing endorsement for the Scottish back row whose size has divided opinion

A post-Six Nations debate has been raging about the stature of Scotland's Hamish Watson and an-ex Lions skipper has now had his sa…

Liam Heagney

22 Apr 2021, 8:07

Bristol change seven for Friday's top-table Premiership clash while Exeter hand Jack Nowell first start in six months

The teams are in for Friday night's top-table Premiership clash at Ashton Gate between leaders Bristol and defending champions Exe…

Liam Heagney

22 Apr 2021, 7:31

Gibbes gets Clermont job while O'Gara earns promotion at La Rochelle

Kiwi Jono Gibbes and Irishman Ronan O'Gara will end their successful coaching partnership at double chasing La Rochelle this summe…

Liam Heagney

22 Apr 2021, 5:18

The three Saracens players ex-Lions skipper Warburton believes will '100 per cent go on tour'

The Test-playing contingent at Saracens have had a hard time in 2021 and Sam Warburton has now given his verdict on their Lions to…

Liam Heagney

22 Apr 2021, 4:21

Warburton names his Lions captain and identifies the six players he feels are bankers to start first Test versus the Springboks

Skipper in 2013 and 2017, Sam Warburton has identified his successor and named six players who will definitely start in the first …

Liam Heagney

21 Apr 2021, 17:00

Etzebeth picks the Lions locks he expects to face in July with the Springboks

With just over 13 weeks to go before the first Test, Springboks talisman Eben Etzebeth has named the Lions locks he expects to be …

Liam Heagney

21 Apr 2021, 14:31

'That is just agents looking for more money': Wasps outline their next move at No10 after losing Lima Sopoaga to Lyon

With ex-All Blacks back Lima Sopoaga snapped up by Lyon for next season, Wasps have reflected on the gap his exit leaves in their …

Liam Heagney

21 Apr 2021, 14:27

The frightening reason why Wasps have booked Matteo Minozzi in for unexpected surgery

A doctor recently made a frightening discovery when he routinely checked out the eyesight of Wasps full-back Matteo Minozzi.

Liam Heagney

21 Apr 2021, 11:30

'He threatened the surgeon he better do a good job, the best job he has ever done'

According to Alex Sanderson, Lood de Jager has returned to the Sale set-up on a relentless mission to get fit for the Springboks i…

Liam Heagney

21 Apr 2021, 8:28

'I bailed out of the tackle...': Sale's Rob du Preez cops ban for last weekend's red card

Sale out-half Rob du Preez was sent off by referee Adam Leal last weekend and appeared before an online disciplinary panel on Tue…

Liam Heagney

21 Apr 2021, 5:58

Ex-Junior Springboks set for NFL trial after consistently kicking 75-yard field goals in practice

Lloyd Greeff made it as far as Junior Springboks in his rugby career but he will head to California next month dreaming of making …

Liam Heagney

21 Apr 2021, 5:21

Sam Warburton unveils the Canterbury jersey the Lions will wear versus the Springboks

The countdown to the Lions tour in South Africa accelerated on Wednesday with the unveiling of the Canterbury jersey that will be …

Liam Heagney

21 Apr 2021, 4:47

'What he was willing to sacrifice in wages to stay here...': Sale shed light on why Manu Tuilagi was convinced to stay

Sale pulled off a coup on Monday when announcing that Manu Tuilagi will stay at the club for another two years, pleasing boss Alex…

Liam Heagney

20 Apr 2021, 14:12

'The bone actually came through the skin...': Etzebeth on the gruesome injury that gave Springboks fans a recent fright

Eben Etzebeth recently gave Springboks fans a fright when it emerged he had been injured in a training ground accident with Toulon…

Liam Heagney

20 Apr 2021, 10:43

Eddie Jones to remain England head coach after RFU publishes in-depth Six Nations review

The RFU have outlined their stance on Eddie Jones 31 days after the 2021 England Six Nations campaign finished on a losing note in…

Liam Heagney

20 Apr 2021, 9:10

'That is why the football one has created a bit of a furore': Exeter wade into Super League debate and its relevance for rugby

With six Premier League football teams set to join a breakaway European league, Exeter boss Rob Baxter has given a rugby viewpoint…

Liam Heagney

20 Apr 2021, 7:01

'So impressed with how good an athlete he is': Why England recall Joe Marchant has thrived at Harlequins following Super Rugby loan

Joe Marchant spent half of 2020 in New Zealand with the Blues and Harlequins are now reaping the reward of that ambitious loan spe…

Liam Heagney

18 Apr 2021, 5:00

The Scottish sheep farmer's son called 'Bomber' whose insider knowledge of Saracens is about to be tested

It's been quite the career for farm-reared Robin Hislop but the Doncaster Bomber won't face his old Saracens friends due to untime…

Liam Heagney

18 Apr 2021, 4:14

Wayne Barnes has a dig at himself on Twitter following Friday night's play-stopping gaffe at Northampton

Veteran referee Wayne Barnes unwittingly became London Irish's 16th man during one first-half incident at Northampton on Friday.

Liam Heagney

17 Apr 2021, 11:17

'That is the eureka moment': What convinced Bristol to keep faith in their 30-something veterans

It's increasingly difficult in rugby to play on into your mid to late 30s but Bristol duo John Afoa and Dave Attwood are bucking t…

Liam Heagney

17 Apr 2021, 4:19

'I quite like tired defences, it would be an interesting change in the laws'

With his props playing the full 80 in a recent European match, Wasps boss Lee Blackett has spoken about rugby reducing its eight-m…

Liam Heagney

16 Apr 2021, 11:35

The dressing room message that got Bath over the line against Irish in Europe 12 days after losing to them in the Premiership

Bath needed a response coming up against Irish 12 days after losing to them in the Premiership and Stuart Hooper knew which button…

Liam Heagney

16 Apr 2021, 11:30

JP Doyle is back refereeing eight months after he was made redundant by the RFU

It was August when it emerged that popular referee JP Doyle has been made redundant by the RFU but he has now reappeared in the ML…

Liam Heagney

16 Apr 2021, 9:36

'It's a little bit of science, a little bit of art': Why Bristol have never picked the same 23 week to week in the four-year Pat Lam era

Despite Bristol leading the Premiership, Pat Lam has revealed why he will always look to change his matchday 23 from one week to t…

Liam Heagney

16 Apr 2021, 8:10

'Forget Jacob, this is just normal young kids': The Wasps view on Umaga's challenging second season

Young Tana Umaga enjoyed a stellar breakthrough year at Wasps but his second Premiership season hasn't been without its difficulti…

Liam Heagney

15 Apr 2021, 12:41

'He's like a social glue player': Why Danny Care is back to his best aged 34 and winning individual awards with Harlequins

Such is the rich vein of form 34-year-old Danny Care is enjoying at Harlequins that he has been touted as a possible 2021 Lions to…

Liam Heagney

15 Apr 2021, 7:14

Bath the latest Premiership club to answer Gatland's Lions selection threat

Warren Gatland ignited a firestorm with his Lions selection threat and Bath have become the latest Premiership club to answer back…

Liam Heagney

15 Apr 2021, 5:04

Hamish Watson has spoken about Lions selection hopes following his award-winning Six Nations campaign

Scotland back row star Hamish Watson has been talking about his Lions tour selection chances following a stellar Six Nations campa…

Liam Heagney

14 Apr 2021, 13:12

Bristol revise the heated first impression of their Champions Cup crash

The dust has settled on the Bristol Champions Cup exit, with boss Pat Lam taking frustrations out on the training ground and not o…

Liam Heagney

14 Apr 2021, 12:48

Simon Zebo opens door to Ireland Test recall after signing deal taking him back to Munster from Racing

It was 2018 when Simon Zebo joined Racing, putting his Ireland Test career on hold, but that can now resume as he is returning to …

Liam Heagney

14 Apr 2021, 8:36

'What I was meaning...': Hamish Watson has again revisited his comments about Zander Fagerson's Six Nations red card

Scotland forward Hamish Watson had plenty to say at the time about the red card for Zander Fagerson and he has now revisited the c…

Liam Heagney

13 Apr 2021, 12:52

Wasps address speculation linking Martin Gleeson to England and rumours concerning fellow assistants Everard and Munster target Costello

There have been rumours swirling around about Lee Blackett's staff at Wasps, including speculation that Martin Gleeson is wanted b…

Liam Heagney

13 Apr 2021, 10:48

Warren Gatland names his four Lions tour assistants

It was November when Warren Gatland was initially due to name his Lions assistants but the announcement was pushed back until now.…

Liam Heagney

13 Apr 2021, 4:37

'I tried to get my thrill by drinking, being stupid and getting outrageously drunk... it took its toll in terms of my mental state'

Premiership title winner Tom Stephenson grew so tired of his mental health and drinking demons that he quit playing at the age of …

Liam Heagney

11 Apr 2021, 4:00

'Should it have been yellow card, red card, why is it neither? Explain': Raynal's divisive 'no card' head shot decisions

Two 'no card' Exeter decisions made by referee Mathieu Raynal on Saturday bemused BT Sport's experts and divided opinion on Twitte…

Liam Heagney

10 Apr 2021, 15:20

Sale player ratings vs La Rochelle - 2021 Champions Cup quarter-final

Sale were in France on Saturday looking to win their way through to a first-ever Champions Cup semi-final just six days after visi…

Liam Heagney

10 Apr 2021, 12:21

'He's just a gainline monster... the props love him scrummaging on them because he gives flat out energy and weight at scrum time'

So much Exeter back row talk focuses on Sam Simmonds, but Rob Baxter has highlighted the valuable role of Dave Ewers and Jacques V…

Liam Heagney

10 Apr 2021, 5:57

Double champions Exeter explain why their five-metre attack is so brutal to stop

How Exeter cut teams open with their five-metre attack was pivotal to last season's Champions Cup and Premiership title glories.

Liam Heagney

09 Apr 2021, 12:04

Ex-England lock Dave Attwood signs Bristol contract extension four days after his 34th birthday

Dave Attwood never imagined he would still be going strong at the age of 34 but he has just agreed on an extension with high-flyin…

Liam Heagney

09 Apr 2021, 11:32

Saracens up the Championship ante by naming a star-studded XV to face Bedford that includes Itoje and co

Saracens began their Championship campaign with two wins in three games but the inclusion of Maro Itoje and others now sees them u…

Liam Heagney

09 Apr 2021, 7:24

The Sale reaction to the corner-cutting disadvantage no other Champions Cup quarter-finalist has had to put up with this week

Sale are looking to progress to their first-ever Champions Cup semi-final but they go into the quarter-final at a serious disadvan…

Liam Heagney

09 Apr 2021, 5:45

Steve Borthwick on why the suddenly free-scoring Charlie Clare is just the ticket for Leicester

Steve Borthwick is a coach who is difficult to please but Leicester hooker Charlie Clare is doing something right judging by rece…

Liam Heagney

09 Apr 2021, 4:53

'That is a frustration... we are going to the TMO an awful lot to try and find some form of foul play'

Rugby refereeing has come in for much scrutiny in 2021 and Brian O'Driscoll has now outlined his frustrations with what is going o…

Liam Heagney

08 Apr 2021, 14:14

Rob Baxter tackles hype that this is the year of the French in the Champions Cup

There has been much chatter about five French clubs qualifying for the Champions Cup last-eight but Exeter boss Rob Baxter isn't b…

Liam Heagney

08 Apr 2021, 7:55

Nemani Nadolo's 128kg cousin has signed Northampton academy contract after leaving NRL

A cousin of Leicester's Nemani Nadolo, 20-year-old Duane Ratu Willemsen has arrived at Northampton following a stint in Australia'…

Liam Heagney

08 Apr 2021, 5:48

Faf de Klerk has broken his silence about being on the receiving end of X-rated Jake Ball tackle

Last Sunday's contact by Jake Ball with the head of Faf de Klerk generated a big reaction and the Sale scrum-half has now broken h…

Liam Heagney

07 Apr 2021, 14:25

'They are on the radar': The unheralded Sale players England are considering as potential summer tour picks

With youngsters like prop Bevan Rodd emerging under Alex Sanderson, England assistant Matt Proudfoot was a visitor to Sale trainin…

Liam Heagney

07 Apr 2021, 13:25

'Frank Murphy, why didn't you check it?' The Rugby Pod on the refereeing decision that saved 'chokers' Clermont at Wasps

Clermont pulled off a last-gasp Champions Cup escape at Wasps last Saturday that has left The Rugby Pod up in arms on their latest…

Liam Heagney

07 Apr 2021, 8:39

Double-winning boss Rob Baxter has given his reaction to the £2.26million loss posted by Exeter

The financial picture in England for club rugby can't be good when the usually profitable Rob Baxter-coached Exeter report a whopp…

Liam Heagney

07 Apr 2021, 7:15

Sale issue de Jager injury update following training ground setback

World Cup winner Lood de Jager had been having a hard time with injury and Sale have given an update on the lock's latest setback.…

Liam Heagney

07 Apr 2021, 4:55

'Quality of Eddie Jones brought his game on without question': Borthwick on what England exposure did for Leicester teenage George Martin

George Martin was called up by England in February and Steve Borthwick has now explained what England exposure did for the Leicest…

Liam Heagney

07 Apr 2021, 4:03

'That is what differentiates him': Brian O'Driscoll has singled out what makes Antoine Dupont a rugby superstar up there with football's Messi

Brian O'Driscoll was left wowed by Antoine Dupont after seeing the France scrum-half in person last Saturday in the Toulouse win o…

Liam Heagney

06 Apr 2021, 14:28

'When you look at that last scrum where Jasper Wiese scored, six of the eight forwards were 21 or under'

After years of stagnation at Leicester, the no-nonsense approach of ex-England assistant Steve Borthwick is starting to pay divide…

Liam Heagney

06 Apr 2021, 14:20

'A smack in the mouth': Warren Gatland's Lions tour recce to Guernsey wasn't universally popular with locals

Despite tight quarantine restrictions on Guernsey, Lions boss Warren Gatland carried out an Easter inspection of rugby and hotel f…

Liam Heagney

06 Apr 2021, 7:30

Ealing add former Ireland scrum-half to their coaching roster

Ex-Ireland half-back Kieran Campbell has carved out his reputation as the Ulster academy boss since 2015 and he is now joining Eal…

Liam Heagney

06 Apr 2021, 6:59

'When I was a bit younger a coach said that I would never be a scrum-half... I was a bit podgy'

A resilient child growing up, Exeter No9 Jack Maunder has published an early development book that he even recently read to kids a…

Liam Heagney

04 Apr 2021, 4:57

Exeter player ratings vs Lyon - 2020/21 Champions Cup

Here is how the Exeter players rated after they recovered from some early Lyon headaches to bounce back and win their Champions Cu…

Liam Heagney

03 Apr 2021, 15:08

Harlequins confirm Mike Brown will leave at the end of this season

Ex-England full-back Mike Brown is to finish up at Harlequins after 17 seasons with a switch to Newcastle likely for next season. …

Liam Heagney

03 Apr 2021, 10:31

Wasps player ratings vs Clermont - 2020/21 Champions Cup

Here are the player ratings after Wasps looked to have done enough for a Champions Cup win over Clermont before suffering a late a…

Liam Heagney

03 Apr 2021, 10:05

Injured England flanker Jack Willis has issued an update on how long he will be out of the game

England flanker Jack Willis is filming a documentary of his injury recovery and he has given an update on when he expects to play …

Liam Heagney

03 Apr 2021, 6:42

'Tony Spreadbury was in with me last week... we're losing games by a point and every penalty counts'

Wasps arrive into Champions Cup action on Saturday with the reputation of being the most indisciplined team in this season's Premi…

Liam Heagney

03 Apr 2021, 4:29

EPCR award Leinster a walkover after controversial cancellation of game with Toulon

Toulon were left angered that close contact tracing would rule out their front row, leaving Leinster receiving a Champions Cup wal…

Liam Heagney

02 Apr 2021, 13:39

'He is nowhere near the finished product': Wasps' verdict on Matteo Minozzi, but it isn't a negative

It has been a difficult time for Matteo Minozzi, opting out of playing for Italy and struggling for form at Wasps, but Lee Blacket…

Liam Heagney

02 Apr 2021, 12:52

'It's disgusting': Toulon president slams decision to cancel his team's match at Leinster

Leinster versus Toulon was set to be the highlight of the Champions Cup restart but it was cancelled less than five hours before k…

Liam Heagney

02 Apr 2021, 11:13

'Damaging nonsense': Danny Cipriani issues stern rebuke after allegations made about him being a bad influence on Rees-Zammit

New Bath signing Danny Cipriani has hit out at allegations that he led new Wales star Louis Rees-Zammit astray while playing for G…

Liam Heagney

02 Apr 2021, 10:38

Champions Cup restart thrown into chaos by Leinster versus Toulon cancellation

Following a horrible winter of cancellations, the Leinster versus Toulon round of 16 match was set to get the Champions Cup going …

Liam Heagney

02 Apr 2021, 7:57

Exeter keep two of their Six Nations contingent on the bench despite 14 changes to their XV to play Lyon

Defending champions Exeter are back on Heineken Champions Cup duty this Saturday and they have shaken up their XV after last weeke…

Liam Heagney

02 Apr 2021, 7:37

Report claims Laumape in line for Top 14 move from Hurricanes while ex-All Blacks lock Bird is set to quit Racing

Reports have emerged in France that All Blacks midfielder Ngani Laumape is touted for a Top 14 move but it's the reverse for Domin…

Liam Heagney

02 Apr 2021, 6:27

'Maybe four but at least three of them were deserved': Nigel Owens reviews the five Six Nations red cards and hands out end-of-tournament awards

Last Friday's red card for Finn Russell made it five reds for this year's Six Nations and Nigel Owens has given his end-of-tournam…

Liam Heagney

02 Apr 2021, 5:19

'I was in a pretty rough place': How celebrations went for surprise call-up Ryan Wilson following Scotland's win in Paris

Ryan Wilson hadn't played for Scotland since October 2019 but an incredible chain of events resulted in him being in the thick of …

Liam Heagney

01 Apr 2021, 12:48

'That's not going to suit Finn, a bloke that is just going to kick the nuts off the ball': Surprise Lions XV calls as RugbyPass Offload co-hosts agree on only nine picks

RugbyPass Offload co-host Ryan Wilson has clashed with Mike Phillips over whether Finn Russell should start for the Lions.

Liam Heagney

01 Apr 2021, 11:09

Hefty ban is given to Worcester's red-carded Chris Ashton with lesser suspensions for Bath duo Tom Dunn and Will Muir

England pair Chris Ashton and Tom Dunn were respectively red-carded for Worcester and Bath while Dunn's teammate Will Muir was cit…

Liam Heagney

01 Apr 2021, 10:44

Leinster make four Champions Cup changes for Toulon following their latest PRO14 title success

Ambushed by Saracens at home in September, Leinster have named the team they hope can make Champions Cup amends versus Toulon.

Liam Heagney

01 Apr 2021, 7:52

Gloucester make one change as they prepare to host 'seriously big man' Will Skelton and La Rochelle

Ex-Saracens forward Will Skelton is on a European mission this Friday with La Rochelle against a Gloucester XV containing one chan…

Liam Heagney

01 Apr 2021, 7:25

Stuart Lancaster has commented on the pressure his England successor Eddie Jones is now currently under

Stuart Lancaster knows what it is like when the media in England ramp up the pressure and he has reflected on the Eddie Jones situ…

Liam Heagney

31 Mar 2021, 13:08

Double champions Exeter issue warning to trophy rivals

With six wins in nine Premiership games and their Six Nations players back, Rob Baxter reckons double champions Exeter are perfect…

Liam Heagney

31 Mar 2021, 7:23

'Social media shot up after the Scotland game. I got 70,000 people following me... it was very weird'

Louis Rees-Zammit has told The Rugby Pod what it was like becoming an overnight sensation as part of the 2021 Wales Six Nations ti…

Liam Heagney

31 Mar 2021, 6:39

'He has got such X-factor... when he has a seven out of ten he is not happy with that'

Alfie Barbeary, the 20-year-old December Premiership player of the month and an England training call-up, is back fit and buzzing …

Liam Heagney

31 Mar 2021, 4:42

'I had him and scrubbed him out': Shock Lions XV calls as Rugby Pod co-hosts agree on only nine picks

With the 2021 Six Nations over and Wales crowned champions, Rugby Pod co-hosts Andy Goode and Jim Hamilton have picked their Lions…

Liam Heagney

30 Mar 2021, 14:15

Former All Blacks midfielder Malakai Fekitoa has his say on speculation linking him and Charles Piutau to Tonga switch

There has been much speculation about whether former All Blacks pair Malakai Fekitoa and Charles Piutau can qualify to play for To…

Liam Heagney

30 Mar 2021, 13:51

'Very surprised with the process of Wayne Barnes... but in France you don't get all the pictures'

Wayne Barnes gave Scotland an awful Six Nations fright with his red card for Finn Russell near the end of last Friday's win over F…

Liam Heagney

30 Mar 2021, 7:46

Fans' poll picks Lions Test team featuring 5 English, 4 Welsh, 3 Irish and 3 Scottish while Billy Vunipola doesn't even make the plane

A Lions app has been taking votes on the squad for the July tour and the collated information doesn't make good reading for Billy …

Liam Heagney

30 Mar 2021, 5:26

'When I first arrived at Sarries I had broken my arm and I was 156, 157kgs... my playing weight is about 140'

Will Skelton was a casualty of Saracens' salary cap drama but life at La Rochelle is sweet and he is maintaining his good habits f…

Liam Heagney

28 Mar 2021, 7:24

'I'm going to play for England one day, what are you going to do?': How Zoe Harrison dealt with her name-calling secondary school bullies

Zoe Harrison always wanted to become an England rugby star and no amount of name-calling at school was going to ruin her dream.

Liam Heagney

28 Mar 2021, 6:00

'Sometimes he is coming up with five scrum penalties on his own': Leinster pay trophy-lifting tribute but coy on future of Bent, Fardy and Toner

Lifting the PRO14 trophy usually only means one thing for a player at Leinster, that he is leaving the club at the end of the seas…

Liam Heagney

28 Mar 2021, 5:45

'Winning can make you a little bit week, soft, whatever it is, and we need to ensure that doesn't happen for us next week'

Leinster were beaten by Saracens after last year's PRO14 final win and Leo Cullen is intent Toulon won't do the same after the lat…

Liam Heagney

28 Mar 2021, 4:55

'Borthwick is a good fit... but it's going to probably be five years until Leicester are anywhere near competing at that top table'

Leicester were serial trophy winners when Neil Back was in his pomp but he feels there is long wait to go before Tigers can dream …

Liam Heagney

28 Mar 2021, 4:00

'They are a phenomenal rugby team... but that is not good enough for us to lose in a final'

Munster fell to their latest inevitable defeat to Leinster in Dublin and it left Johann van Graan in awe of the repeat PRO14 champ…

Liam Heagney

27 Mar 2021, 16:24

Incurable Munster travel sickness in Dublin strikes again as Leinster make it a deserved PRO14 title four-peat

Numerous pundits had predicted a Munster upset but they were proven wide of the mark as the Leinster monopoly of the PRO14 continu…

Liam Heagney

27 Mar 2021, 15:16

'I'm about 92, 93kgs... I don't like feeling too heavy when I'm not strong enough to move it quickly'

Set to turn 22 in early April, England midfield prospect Fraser Dingwall feels he is now at his best fighting weight for Northampt…

Liam Heagney

27 Mar 2021, 6:30

'My parents rang worried': It's now a year since the last Bristol vs Harlequins Ashton Gate clash was followed by lockdown

54 weeks after Bristol hosted Harlequins in the last game before the first lockdown, Pat Lam and Adam Jones reflect on an extraord…

Liam Heagney

27 Mar 2021, 6:15

Only one member of Saracens' six-strong England contingent will face Richmond

Jamie George is the only member of the six-strong England contingent from Saracens who will be on Championship duty this weekend.

Liam Heagney

26 Mar 2021, 9:03

14 of the 19 Leinster and Munster players who helped Ireland to beat England will start Saturday's PRO14 final

Saturday's PRO14 final features all 19 Leinster and Munster players who played last week for Ireland, but there is a twist regardi…

Liam Heagney

26 Mar 2021, 8:25

'We maybe owe Wales a favour from 1999'

It was 1999 when Welsh heroics handed Scotland the title and Gregor Townsend now wants a Six Nations win in Paris to repay that fa…

Liam Heagney

26 Mar 2021, 6:25

'I wasn't sat there thinking this was going to be hard': Ewels never saw England's Ireland crash coming

Charlie Ewels was sat in the Aviva Stadium dressing room pre-game fully believing England were set for another good Six Nations da…

Liam Heagney

26 Mar 2021, 5:24

Bristol explain the No1 trait necessary to regularly make a success of trial signings like Bryan Byrne

Bryan Byrne only ever started six league games with Leinster but the hooker has quickly become an invaluable part of the Bristol s…

Liam Heagney

25 Mar 2021, 15:06

The Gavin Henson lesson that won't be lost on Charlie Ewels when Danny Cipriani walks through the Bath door

Charlie Ewels will be Danny Cipriani's captain at Bath from May onwards and a lesson from the past regarding Gavin Henson is on hi…

Liam Heagney

25 Mar 2021, 14:51

'That's a bit of a misconception': Stuart Hooper explains precisely why Bath have gambled on signing maverick Cipriani

It was November 21 when Danny Cipriani last played for Gloucester and he will end his Premiership sabbatical when he arrives at Ba…

Liam Heagney

25 Mar 2021, 13:17

Hefty ban handed down to Mateo Carreras after his citing for contact with the eye of Wasps' Josh Bassett

There was controversy during last Friday's Newcastle versus Wasps Premiership match and Mateo Carreras has now paid a hefty price.…

Liam Heagney

25 Mar 2021, 7:34

'His durability is outstanding': How Harlequins have reaped the huge benefit of Joe Marler's England no-show

Severe bubble restrictions saw Joe Marler turn down his 2021 England call-up and Harlequins have reaped the rewards in the past ei…

Liam Heagney

25 Mar 2021, 5:24

'It's an important game for Finn': How Scotland believe the Russell effect can work in their favour in France

Over the concussion he suffered versus Ireland, Finn Russell has been recalled to the Scotland XV for the Six Nations re-fixture i…

Liam Heagney

24 Mar 2021, 15:20

Exeter react to loss of two Scotland players this week and give update on Henry Slade's England injury

Agreement between PRL and the SRU has left Exeter without Hogg and Skinner this week, while they are also missing England's Henry …

Liam Heagney

24 Mar 2021, 14:59

'There was some good banter between Sheedy and the England boys'

It's been back to work at Bristol this week for their Six Nations players and Wales' Callum Sheedy has been quick to get in on the…

Liam Heagney

24 Mar 2021, 10:14

Townsend's take on Scotland being restricted to just five Premiership picks versus France

Gregor Townsend has reacted to the deal that limited the Scotland Six Nations pick vs France to just five Premiership-based player…

Liam Heagney

24 Mar 2021, 10:01

Four changes for Scotland as they seek to deny France a Six Nations title win

Gregor Townsend has named his Scotland team for their final match of the 2021 Six Nations, Friday’s away date versus France.

Liam Heagney

24 Mar 2021, 8:45

France make five changes to XV to face Scotland in Six Nations title decider

Not since 2010 have France been crowned Six Nations champions and Fabien Galthie has named the team he hopes will bridge that gap.…

Liam Heagney

24 Mar 2021, 7:52

The verdict is in from the Paul Willemse 'eye area contact' red card disciplinary hearing

Paul Willemse was red-carded by Luke Pearce near the end of last Saturday's dramatic comeback win by France versus Wales in the Si…

Liam Heagney

23 Mar 2021, 17:46

'It was f***ing horrendous': What Adam Jones felt when France struck at the death but he now predicts a Lions tour silver lining for Wales

A three-time Grand Slam winner, Adam Jones was left gobsmacked by last-gasp France but he hopes Wales players will now dominate th…

Liam Heagney

23 Mar 2021, 15:27

Bundee Aki has learned his fate after last Saturday's red card and it's a longer ban than Peter O'Mahony got

Bundee Aki was red-carded playing for Ireland in last Saturday's win over England and he has now learned how long his suspension w…

Liam Heagney

23 Mar 2021, 14:14

What Rob Baxter really feels about England boss Eddie Jones and his treatment of the snubbed Sam Simmonds

Exeter boss Rob Baxter was diplomatic last month when asked about Sam Simmonds for England but he has now opened up further on the…

Liam Heagney

23 Mar 2021, 9:01

Leicester confirm the RugbyPass story that Freddie Burns has joined them for next season

It was last Wednesday when RugbyPass confirmed that Freddie Burns would definitely return to Leicester Tigers for the 2021/22 seas…

Liam Heagney

23 Mar 2021, 7:55

'This year it hasn't gone so well and there is massive scrutiny': Rob Baxter on speculation he will replace Eddie Jones as England coach

The capitulation by England in the 2021 Six Nations has prompted many calls for Exeter boss Rob Baxter to now replace Eddie Jones.…

Liam Heagney

23 Mar 2021, 7:25

'He's gutted, Bundee. He is good mates with Billy as well'

Saturday's red card was the second for Bundee Aki in 17 months and Ireland boss Andy Farrell has given his verdict on this latest …

Liam Heagney

21 Mar 2021, 6:00

'I was, F***, this is an All Black hitting me in the head, this is going to be great, he is going to be gone, one of their main players'

The breakthrough of Irish lock Jack Regan at the Highlanders is a Hollywood-esque story 13 months after he was released by Ulster.…

Liam Heagney

21 Mar 2021, 5:00

'We don't want to be one of those clubs that send loads of clips in to try and influence things'

England and Wasps recently invited referees to training but bringing officials in is something Premiership champions Exeter tend t…

Liam Heagney

21 Mar 2021, 5:00

What Andy Farrell said in the dressing room to the retiring CJ Stander after Ireland did clinical number on England

CJ Stander played his 51st and last game for Ireland on Saturday and Andy Farrell had a message for him in the post-game dressing …

Liam Heagney

21 Mar 2021, 4:41

'A lot of positive things in the game': Eddie Jones' bizarre take on England's latest bruising loss

Despite a third defeat in 2021 and a fifth-place Six Nations finish, Eddie Jones has insisted things are not all that bad for Engl…

Liam Heagney

20 Mar 2021, 16:41

Ireland player ratings vs England - 2021 Six Nations

Here are the Ireland player ratings after they delivered a 'statement' win over England to finish their 2021 Six Nations campaign …

Liam Heagney

20 Mar 2021, 15:30

Having moaned on Thursday about media 'rat poison', Eddie Jones better brace himself for another deluge after meekly losing this battle of the also-rans

Eddie Jones doesn't like it but there are valid reasons - as highlighted by Ireland on Saturday - why the England critics are out …

Liam Heagney

20 Mar 2021, 13:57

'I don't think I opened the curtains for about three weeks after that'

Worcester boss Jonathan Thomas is enjoying the 2021 Wales revival, rekindling memories of going from 2007 RWC elimination to 2008 …

Liam Heagney

20 Mar 2021, 6:00

'Sheedy came back from Jersey a new man and obviously the rest is history'

Callum Sheedy is poised to become a Grand Slam winner but Jonathan Thomas recalls a time when Billy Searle was ahead of him at Bri…

Liam Heagney

20 Mar 2021, 5:30

Premiership Rugby issues statement on Scotland player release versus France

The rearranged France versus Scotland game takes place on March 26 and Premiership Rugby have issued a statement on player release…

Liam Heagney

19 Mar 2021, 14:39

The 7.15am Tuesday meeting that struggling Wasps hope will turn around their Premiership season

It has been difficult for Wasps in the Premiership recently as they have lost six of the seven games payed since the two-week Janu…

Liam Heagney

19 Mar 2021, 10:27

What Grand Slam-chasing Wayne Pivac now thinks of the critics who wanted him sacked last November

Just 18 weeks ago Wayne Pivac fielded queries on whether he had lost the Wales dressing room - now he is on the cusp of Grand Slam…

Liam Heagney

19 Mar 2021, 9:27

The England barb that Conor Murray has dismissed as 'outside noise'

Conor Murray is set to make his first Ireland start since round one and his style of play has been commented on by England boss Ed…

Liam Heagney

19 Mar 2021, 6:26

Wales highlight the most improved aspect of their play in 2021 and salute Alun Wyn Jones' influence this week

With a Grand Slam tilt very new territory for Wayne Pivac, he has been happy that Wales veteran Alun Wyn Jones is wielding influen…

Liam Heagney

19 Mar 2021, 5:50

Eddie Jones sheds light on why Paolo Odogwu is still uncapped after eight weeks in England set-up

Uncapped Paolo Odogwu arrived into England camp as a player on form at Wasps but he will leave empty-handed as he didn't make a Te…

Liam Heagney

19 Mar 2021, 4:59

'That rat poison gets into players' heads': Eddie Jones fires back at England critics

With England back on track and looking to finish the Six Nations with a win in Ireland, Eddie Jones has had a pop at recent critic…

Liam Heagney

18 Mar 2021, 18:00

The startling French statistic that has Grand Slam-chasing Wales working extra hard on the training pitch

One particular statistic is on the mind of Wayne Pivac as Wales prepare for this Saturday's Grand Slam assignment in France.

Liam Heagney

18 Mar 2021, 18:00

Jimmy Gopperth's honesty last Friday was widely acclaimed but Wasps aren't singing his praises

Jimmy Gopperth was complimented by match referee Karl Dickson and rugby fans last Friday but his candid call was not that popular …

Liam Heagney

18 Mar 2021, 15:46

Six Nations officials finally confirm date for rescheduled France versus Scotland match

Rugby fans now know when the 2021 Six Nations will end as tournament officials have at last confirmed a new date for France versus…

Liam Heagney

18 Mar 2021, 15:38

Farrell explains why he has axed Lowe and also rejigged the Ireland back row

Andy Farrell has made a half-dozen changes to his Ireland XV to take on England, including the unceremonious axing of winger James…

Liam Heagney

18 Mar 2021, 14:17

Scotland make seven changes for Italy while Stuart Hogg also switches position

Beaten by Ireland at home despite a late fightback, Scotland have announced their Six Nations team that will now host Italy this S…

Liam Heagney

18 Mar 2021, 10:15

'He is a big man, we're up against big men': The reason why Wales have made one change to Grand Slam-chasing pack and shaken-up their bench

Wales boss Wayne Pivac has explained why he resisted the temptation to stick with Cory Hill and instead start Adam Beard versus Fr…

Liam Heagney

18 Mar 2021, 9:26

'His preferred position': England explain why they have backed Elliot Daly for a first start since 2016 at outside centre

It's four years and four months since Elliot Daly last started a Test match at outside centre for England but he will wear No13 on…

Liam Heagney

18 Mar 2021, 8:25

England make one change to their team to face Ireland

Fresh from the revitalising win over France, Eddie Jones has named his England team for Saturday's Six Nations finale away to Irel…

Liam Heagney

18 Mar 2021, 7:08

'A lot of people probably look at it as a negative for Paolo but there is an argument both ways'

Paolo Odogwu had hoped Six Nations 2021 would see him capped by England but there are seemingly positives to him returning to Wasp…

Liam Heagney

17 Mar 2021, 15:18

Worcester respond to Hougaard joining rival Premiership club instead of heading overseas

Francois Hougaard was thought to be heading to Japan or South Africa but the half-back has instead joined a Premiership rival of W…

Liam Heagney

17 Mar 2021, 15:00

'I don't know if talks are still ongoing': The mystery surrounding France vs Scotland and whether Premiership players will be released

There is still no confirmation about the suggested March 26 France vs Scotland Six Nations re-fixture and the player release situa…

Liam Heagney

17 Mar 2021, 11:04

'I understand both sides of the argument': Premiership Rugby Cup cancelled

The 2020 Premiership Cup final was memorable for on and alleged off-field reasons but the 2021 competition has now been cancelled.…

Liam Heagney

17 Mar 2021, 10:28

Sam Underhill's crocodile roll verdict: 'I don't think the game would be any poorer if they got rid of it'

Crocodile roll debate intensified last month after Jack Willis' terrible injury and England back row Sam Underhill has now had his…

Liam Heagney

17 Mar 2021, 9:26

Exeter provide update on the England training ground injury suffered by Henry Slade

Henry Slade pulled up on the Six Nations training ground on Monday with England and Exeter have now provided an injury update.

Liam Heagney

17 Mar 2021, 8:20

Freddie Burns to return to Leicester Tigers

It was 2017 when Freddie Burns left Leicester for Bath but he is poised to now make his Welford Road return via his stint in Japan…

Liam Heagney

17 Mar 2021, 7:33

Wasps react to speculation linking them with a move for Manu Tuilagi

Manu Tuilagi only signed a one-year deal when he moved to Sale last summer and Wasps have become the latest club linked to him for…

Liam Heagney

17 Mar 2021, 5:27

'I have always played fairly': Peter O'Mahony breaks silence on his Six Nations red card

Back in the Ireland set-up following his Six Nations suspension, Peter O'Mahony has spoken about his February 7 red card away to W…

Liam Heagney

16 Mar 2021, 15:37

'A lot is said about England not wanting to attack but that has never been a message pushed on us as players'

Injury ruled Joe Launchbury out of the Six Nations but he has plenty to say about the criticism of the England attack prior to las…

Liam Heagney

16 Mar 2021, 15:02

Ex-England boss Stuart Lancaster rules out Premiership return as Leinster staff sign contract extensions

The name of Stuart Lancaster is mentioned every time a vacancy crops up in the Premiership but his stay at Leinster has more time …

Liam Heagney

16 Mar 2021, 14:21

'Shocked. Didn't see it coming': How Ireland skipper Sexton reacted when told CJ Stander is quitting

Ireland skipper Johnny Sexton hadn't a clue what was going on when called to a Monday meeting with Andy Farrell and the retiring C…

Liam Heagney

16 Mar 2021, 10:55

Ireland back row CJ Stander announces shock retirement

50-cap Ireland back row CJ Stander had caused a shock this Tuesday by announcing he will retire from all forms of rugby this summe…

Liam Heagney

16 Mar 2021, 6:24

'You can put Joe Schmidt, Wayne Smith, the great coaches in the world in there and it's not going to make a significant difference'

Defeat to Wales on Saturday was the 31st in a row for Italy in the Six Nations and it despaired an ex-Test coach and an ex-Italian…

Liam Heagney

14 Mar 2021, 6:00

'I was well underweight for what your average Premiership back-rower would be, I'm a good 11/12 kilos up on where I was'

If the traditional developmental ways of English rugby held sway, Matt Rogerson wouldn't be skippering London Irish but he defied …

Liam Heagney

14 Mar 2021, 5:30

'One of the best defensive 13s in the world game just now': The transformation of Chris Harris from Scotland nobody to potential Lions starter

Chris Harris initially made just five Scotland starts in 27 months but is now set for a 10th consecutive start and is touted as a …

Liam Heagney

14 Mar 2021, 5:19

'We got a new one today, the captain's challenge which we didn't know about... we must be off the memo list'

Eddie Jones was chuffed England beat France on Saturday but he was keen to query a late-game incident that saw a penalty decision …

Liam Heagney

13 Mar 2021, 15:45

'We're very pleased to be four from four with an opportunity that we can now finally talk about'

It has been an incredible time for Wayne Pivac, going from calls for him to be sacked to bringing Wales to within 80 minutes of a …

Liam Heagney

13 Mar 2021, 12:51

'They have created a modern version of their old roles': What Eddie Jones really thinks of Galthie's France

Eddie Jones is usually all for verbal sparring in Test match build-ups but the England boss has been nothing but courteous about F…

Liam Heagney

13 Mar 2021, 5:01

Scotland explain why first start in 17 months for a soon-to-be 35-year-old is best way to replace banned Fagerson

Not since October 2019 when Scotland were beaten by Japan and eliminated from the World Cup has WP Nel started a Test match for th…

Liam Heagney

12 Mar 2021, 13:47

'He's like a nice Pinotage, he has matured well': The making of 50-cap Anthony Watson

Things came easily for Anthony Watson early in his career but England boss Eddie Jones now has nothing but admiration for the matu…

Liam Heagney

12 Mar 2021, 13:35

'There wasn't going to be a 28-0 win or even a draw'

Scotland were blameless for the Six Nations postponement versus France but Gregor Townsend isn't cribbing his side didn't get a wa…

Liam Heagney

12 Mar 2021, 11:14

'I'm sure like a player they improve, they make mistakes and get better. We're expecting Andrew to referee the law'

Referee Andy Brace was a focus of attention when England played France in December and again last month in the Six Nations loss to…

Liam Heagney

12 Mar 2021, 9:13

Scotland make four changes, including a recall for Sean Maitland who lost with Saracens in the Championship last weekend

After an unscheduled four-week break in between Six Nations games, Gregor Townsend's Scotland return to action this Sunday against…

Liam Heagney

12 Mar 2021, 6:43

Ireland make three changes for Scotland but keep Conor Murray in reserve

Having seen Ireland get off to their worst start since 1998, Andy Farrell is now looking to build on the Six Nations win over Ital…

Liam Heagney

12 Mar 2021, 6:39

'Maro has had to carry the load': The reason Charlie Ewels has been chosen as Itoje's England lock partner

With Jonny Hill as his second row partner in February, Maro Itoje hasn't dominated for England and Charlie Ewels has been called u…

Liam Heagney

12 Mar 2021, 5:36

'He has made a few adjustments to his lifestyle': Why Cowan-Dickie is now getting a look-in as an England starter

First capped in 2015, it hasn't been until recent weeks that Luke Cowan-Dickie has come to the fore as a starting England option a…

Liam Heagney

12 Mar 2021, 4:45

'His skin folds have come down 15 per cent': How Ollie Lawrence responded to the England axe

Much was made last month about the callous way England dropped Ollie Lawrence but Eddie Jones has been enthused by the rookie's re…

Liam Heagney

12 Mar 2021, 3:26

'A bad call by the referee, unfair conditions in the game': How England have tailored training to ensure they cope with French adversity

Eddie Jones has used RFU referees at England training this week to create adverse situations so his players can cope with in-game …

Liam Heagney

11 Mar 2021, 17:00

Bristol bring in two Irish players, including a hooker whose 2017 signing by Saracens caused ructions with the IRFU

It was 2017 when a decision by Tadgh McElroy to join Saracens gave the IRFU the hump and the hooker has now pitched up at Pat Lam'…

Liam Heagney

11 Mar 2021, 16:37

'He's a real breath of fresh air... it's very rare that you get rapid and strong'

Siva Naulago, the British Army serviceman signed from Super League, has been on fire recently, scoring five Bristol tries in three…

Liam Heagney

11 Mar 2021, 14:27

'It's slightly weird for me because his dad was my idol growing up'

A fan of the legendary Michael Lynagh when growing up in Australia, Harlequins general manager Billy Millard is chuffed with Louis…

Liam Heagney

11 Mar 2021, 14:04

England explain gamble with Malins and what they admire most about this France side

Amid claims that France kick the most and the longest in world rugby, England have gone with rookie Max Malins as their starting f…

Liam Heagney

11 Mar 2021, 7:34

England make three changes, including giving Max Malins a first Test start

Beaten last time out by Wales in Cardiff, England have named their round four Six Nations team to face France this Saturday at Twi…

Liam Heagney

11 Mar 2021, 6:07

Six Nations finally seal £365million CVC deal

The money-spinning buy-in by investment company CVC into the Six Nations has been long talked about and has now been formally made…

Liam Heagney

11 Mar 2021, 4:17

Vunipola reacts to Saracens' shock Championship loss and whether contract has 'no promotion' clauses

With Mako Vunipola and co busy with England's Six Nations campaign, Saracens opened their Championship season last Saturday with a…

Liam Heagney

11 Mar 2021, 3:38

'There's no such thing as untouchables': Mako Vunipola on the allegation Eddie Jones has undroppable England favourites

Despite a deluge of criticism over how Eddie Jones picks his England teams, Mako Vunipola insists the coach doesn't have his favou…

Liam Heagney

10 Mar 2021, 17:02

'We are fortunate': Where Wayne Barnes has really stood out helping England at training this week

Test referees Wayne Barnes and Matthew Carley have visited the England camp this week to help iron out their Six Nations penalties…

Liam Heagney

10 Mar 2021, 13:24

'They had seven internationals playing with 165 caps': The Rugby Pod revels in Saracens' opening day Championship ambush

It was the weekend's top story, Saracens losing to Cornish Pirates in the Championship, and Andy Goode relished what unfolded at t…

Liam Heagney

10 Mar 2021, 12:46

'It's starting to heat up': Harlequins give director of rugby search update seven weeks after Paul Gustard's exit

Seven weeks after Paul Gustard left his director of rugby post, Harlequins general manager Billy Millard has provided a recruitmen…

Liam Heagney

10 Mar 2021, 11:04

'I'm not going to be Antoine Dupont... I'm going to be a Ben Youngs and the best version of myself'

Ben Youngs admires the style of play Antoine Dupont is producing at scrum-half but the England veteran isn't going to copy his Fre…

Liam Heagney

10 Mar 2021, 8:00

Wayne Pivac sheds light on why he is sticking by Dan Biggar and not starting Callum Sheedy for Wales

Wales made 10 changes when they last visited Rome two years ago but Wayne Pivac has just made two and has kept Callum Sheedy in re…

Liam Heagney

10 Mar 2021, 5:40

'The scar has cleared up, thanks for asking': Tom Curry two years on from being left a bloodied England mess by France

It's 25 months since Tom Curry was left a bloodied mess playing for England against France, the rival they are hosting again this …

Liam Heagney

10 Mar 2021, 3:53

England have taken the drastic action of having referees at training to help curb their Six Nations penalties problem

Eddie Jones' England are tied with Italy for the dubious title of most indisciplined Six Nations team, conceding 41 penalties in t…

Liam Heagney

09 Mar 2021, 17:03

'It's a constant discussion with Andy': The one thing rookie Test coach Paul O'Connell has found really challenging with Ireland

Six Nations title-winning skipper Paul O'Connell was brought back into the Ireland fold in January to accelerate progress under An…

Liam Heagney

09 Mar 2021, 13:45

Wales explain why they brought forward their XV announcement by two days and highlight what they want from the recalled Gareth Davies

Wales weren't due to name their round four XV until Thursday but Wayne Pivac showed his hand two days early for reasons explained …

Liam Heagney

09 Mar 2021, 12:43

'That is the great thing about the situation we are currently in': The straw England are clutching after losing Six Nations title grip

Defending champions England head into Six Nations round four with their title defence in ruins but they claim all isn't completely…

Liam Heagney

09 Mar 2021, 8:18

'That is a good observation backed up by measurement': Why England have Dupont in their sights

Grand Slam-chasing France are coming to Twickenham on Saturday and England have their sights set on livewire scrum-half Antoine Du…

Liam Heagney

09 Mar 2021, 7:28

Beyond bare-bones: The out-half crisis that has Premiership leaders Bristol set to use Ioan Lloyd's 18-year-old brother this Friday

Premiership leaders Bristol are beyond bare-bones as they prepare to host Wasps on Friday, an 18-year-old school out-half getting …

Liam Heagney

09 Mar 2021, 5:46

'When Gussy left you needed the support of senior players and Joe was to the forefront of that'

Joe Marler was due to be away with England but Harlequins are instead reaping the benefits of his decision to out of the Six Natio…

Liam Heagney

07 Mar 2021, 4:27

'C'mon, people have got to see this... pick him!': Lawrence Dallaglio's plea for England to select Sam Simmonds

Ex-England skipper Lawrence Dallaglio has called on Eddie Jones to pick Sam Simmonds after he again impressed for Exeter in the Pr…

Liam Heagney

06 Mar 2021, 13:20

Beaten Saracens stunned by Cornish Pirates in their first Championship game

Saracens are expected to walk promotion to the Premiership but their Championship campaign got off to a shock defeat at Cornish Pi…

Liam Heagney

06 Mar 2021, 12:40

'I understand that some pitches are like that... but I'm a fan of old school and grass'

With Saracens relegated, just two Premiership clubs are using artificial surfaces which old school Bristol boss Pat Lam is not a f…

Liam Heagney

06 Mar 2021, 11:19

'People complained about the way we were playing before Gussy left but we were still pretty either the top or the second top attacking team in the league'

Harlequins recently enjoyed a four-game winning streak but assistant Jerry Flannery explains the reason wasn't that Paul Gustard h…

Liam Heagney

06 Mar 2021, 8:13

'I was offered another two-year deal at Bristol and it would have been the easiest thing in the world to have stayed'

Worcester have lost all five games so far with Jonathan Thomas as their new head coach but the ex-Wales back row is well versed in…

Liam Heagney

06 Mar 2021, 6:00

'I can't believe there is any Premiership coach in the country practising diving into rucks and clear-outs with your arms tucked'

The Premiership has suffered a glut of recent red cards and Exeter boss Rob Baxter has tried to get to the bottom of what is going…

Liam Heagney

06 Mar 2021, 4:53

England's Jack Willis posts six-minute video diary detailing shocking array of damage to his knee and reveals when he might be back fit

Faced with a long recovery after his awful Six Nations setback, Jack Willis has posted a revealing Instagram video about his Engla…

Liam Heagney

05 Mar 2021, 12:13

Dan Lydiate revisits traumatic moment he 'obliterated' ACL on his Wales comeback

Veteran Wales flanker Dan Lydiate guested on RugbyPass Offload talking ACL, his emotional Wales recall and his fleeting time with …

Liam Heagney

05 Mar 2021, 11:07

Saracens pick Championship opener XV containing seven changes from last Premiership game 22 weeks ago

It's 22 weeks since Saracens bid farewell to the Premiership and they have now selected an XV for their Championship debut on Satu…

Liam Heagney

05 Mar 2021, 9:05

Potential England Six Nations boost as fit-again Underhill starts for Bath

Sam Underhill was named in the original England squad for the Six Nations on January 22 but a hip injury forced him out until now.…

Liam Heagney

05 Mar 2021, 8:13

'Baffling': Rob Baxter has final say on refereeing decision that sealed Exeter defeat at Sale

Exeter have been on the wrong side of dramatic recent finishes and Rob Baxter insists they were wrongly penalised at the death in …

Liam Heagney

05 Mar 2021, 7:40

Gael Fickou's potential signing by Racing could be followed by Simon Zebo re-joining Munster

Transfer rumours are heating up in France, the latest being Gael Fickou leaving Stade to join Racing who could lose Simon Zebo to …

Liam Heagney

05 Mar 2021, 6:22

'Drive for success as strong as ever': Ireland's Cian Healy signs new one-year IRFU deal

Cian Healy, the most capped Ireland prop, is the latest long-serving player to recently agree to contract extension terms with the…

Liam Heagney

05 Mar 2021, 5:40

'It's always dangerous when you walk in and you're telling fellas about a three and a five-year plan'

It's three years ago on March 9 when Declan Kidney first walked in the London Irish door, inheriting a mess that seems to finally …

Liam Heagney

05 Mar 2021, 5:15

Hastings' Scotland comeback hopes dashed by PRO14 ban

Fit-again Adam Hastings was hoping selection for Glasgow would lever him into Gregor Townsend's Scotland plans this month.

Liam Heagney

04 Mar 2021, 14:14

'Marcus, please man, get off the pitch. Save something for the weekend'

Disappointed Test fans want Marcus Smith playing for England but Harlequins are glad their workaholic is currently firing up the P…

Liam Heagney

04 Mar 2021, 13:10

Louis Lynagh won't be following his brother Tom to Super Rugby after signing Harlequins deal

Tom Lynagh, a son of the legendary Michael, was snapped up by the Reds last November but Louis is staying on Harlequins for the ne…

Liam Heagney

04 Mar 2021, 10:27

Wales issue Biggar injury update and size up prospect elsewhere of yet another scrum-half change

Dan Biggar limped out the win over England by Wales who also have concerns at scrum-half after Kieran Hardy's campaign-ending inju…

Liam Heagney

04 Mar 2021, 9:29

Jono Ross cops one-match Sale ban

Sale head into Friday night's Premiership action against Newcastle without their skipper Jono Ross who was called in by the RFU fo…

Liam Heagney

04 Mar 2021, 8:02

'He isn't perfect': Callum Sheedy became a Wales hero last Saturday but praise is hard-earned back at Bristol

Wales replacement Callum Sheedy came of age as a Test-playing out-half last Saturday but it's been busy as usual back at Bristol t…

Liam Heagney

04 Mar 2021, 7:20

Wales confirm that Kieran Hardy's Six Nations is over following injury against England

Rookie Kieran Hardy didn't look out of place against England but an injury last Saturday means he will miss remaining Wales Six Na…

Liam Heagney

04 Mar 2021, 6:25

'A huge privilege': Peter O'Mahony signs IRFU contract extension 25 days after his Ireland red card

Suspended Ireland forward Peter O'Mahony has put his stint on the sidelines to good use by finalising a contract extension with th…

Liam Heagney

04 Mar 2021, 6:05

Steve Borthwick singles out the Leicester staff member he says has especially driven recent improvements

With Leicester up to eighth in the Premiership, Steve Borthwick has been reflecting on his time at the club starting work on July …

Liam Heagney

04 Mar 2021, 5:31

'Can he play sevens with the injury toll he has had?' - Bristol question Piutau's Olympic chances

Bristol have responded to New Zealand media reports linking ex-All Blacks star Charles Piutau with a change in allegiance before t…

Liam Heagney

03 Mar 2021, 12:34

Courtney Lawes' Lions tour hopes massively dented as surgery needed to fix Six Nations injury

Veteran England forward Courtney Lawes faces a race against time to be fit for the Lions following his training ground misfortune …

Liam Heagney

03 Mar 2021, 11:46

Nigel Owens leaps to Owen Farrell's defence and offers advice to Maro Itoje

Veteran referee Nigel Owens has used his latest newspaper column to critique the efforts of England pair Owen Farrell and Maro Ito…

Liam Heagney

03 Mar 2021, 11:17

Kyle Eastmond has switched to Super League eight months after quitting Leicester

Ex-England midfielder Kyle Eastmond left Leicester as one of the five salary cap rebels last July and his next move has now been c…

Liam Heagney

03 Mar 2021, 10:42

'He's an international quality ten': Declan Kidney's take on the current form of exiled Ireland out-half Paddy Jackson

The recent Premiership form of Paddy Jackson has resulted in talk about his prospects with Ireland whom he hasn't been capped by s…

Liam Heagney

03 Mar 2021, 9:15

Uncapped David Ribbans called up by England who have now also changed restrictions on Premiership player release

Uncapped lock David Ribbans, the South African who qualifies for England through his grandfather, has been called up for Six Natio…

Liam Heagney

03 Mar 2021, 8:36

'Whether that is a mistake, that is not for me to say': Bristol on lack of England game time for Earl and Malins

Bristol have spoken about the tricky issue of Earl and Malins, along with the injured Randall, having limited or no England game t…

Liam Heagney

03 Mar 2021, 6:11

Bristol confirm the damaging extent of Harry Randall's ankle injury with England

Pat Lam was unsure last week about the prognosis for his injured England player Harry Randall but the Bristol coach has now shed l…

Liam Heagney

03 Mar 2021, 5:31

Top 14 wins jackpot with new €113.6million per year TV rights deal

French rugby has enjoyed a fantastic victory in the latest tender for Top 14 live TV rights, securing a 17 per cent increase on cu…

Liam Heagney

02 Mar 2021, 16:15

The Worcester verdict on Chris Ashton's first five weeks at his latest club

It took five weeks for Chris Ashton to appear on the Worcester teamsheet and they have now given their verdict on his settling-in …

Liam Heagney

02 Mar 2021, 13:17

Leicester respond to the death threats their England prop Ellis Genge received in recent days

Rugby's image was tarnished at the weekend by a variety of online abuse which included alleged death threats to England prop Ellis…

Liam Heagney

02 Mar 2021, 12:07

Worcester make Scott Baldwin their 6th signing for 2021/22

Scott Baldwin is the second player Worcester have signed from Harlequins in recent weeks after ex-England wing Chris Ashton.

Liam Heagney

02 Mar 2021, 11:18

'I'm sorry... I'm embarrassed by some of my comments': The Rugby Pod's Jim Hamilton has apologised 17 weeks after writing off Alun Wyn Jones' Lions chances

The Rugby Pod ignited a huge social media debate in November when Jim Hamilton said Alun Wyn Jones shouldn't be picked for the Lio…

Liam Heagney

02 Mar 2021, 8:17

'I'm not going into too many details but it can become a bit of a toxic environment'

England hopeful David Ribbans has been in organisations that couldn't handle losing but he had every belief Northampton would come…

Liam Heagney

28 Feb 2021, 4:00

'I was obese. I was eating burgers every day, microwave pizzas was me dinner, chocolate biscuits for breakfast'

Tighthead Alec Clarey has inspiringly gone from piling on the pounds as a non-sports playing 14-year-old to living the dream with …

Liam Heagney

28 Feb 2021, 3:30

'I want my dog to eat food so I'm not allowed to say anything': Eddie Jones on referee Gauzere

Eddie Jones opted not to speak his mind regarding the debatable decisions of refeere Pascal Gauzere in the England Six Nations los…

Liam Heagney

27 Feb 2021, 15:45

'It doesn't mean everything is fixed now': Six-try Ireland critique their Italian job

Johnny Sexton has drawn a line under the worst Ireland start to a championship since 1998, his team beating Italy in the Six Natio…

Liam Heagney

27 Feb 2021, 13:04

Ireland player ratings vs Italy - 2021 Six Nations

Here are the Ireland player ratings after they looked impressive in the first half in Italy but struggled in the second period in …

Liam Heagney

27 Feb 2021, 10:56

The Oldest Six Nations 2021 XV

Rugby is increasingly said to be no country for old men but this Oldest Six Nations 2021 XV packs quite a punch with its array of …

Liam Heagney

27 Feb 2021, 6:23

'You realised this guy's work rate is phenomenal but he is just in the wrong place'

Fijian Siva Naulago looked flummoxed when Bristol recently lost to Sale but the recruit from Super League was different gravy last…

Liam Heagney

27 Feb 2021, 5:38

Ellis Genge reveals England squad's heaviest bench presser after Maro Itoje is quizzed online

Maro Itoje broke up his week by asking England fans to tweet questions but he needed help from Ellis Genge on who bench presses th…

Liam Heagney

27 Feb 2021, 5:00

'I have no doubt there is going to be some altercations'

Wales assistant Neil Jenkins has shot back after England boss Eddie Jones made mischievous comments about Alun Wyn Jones' tactics.…

Liam Heagney

26 Feb 2021, 10:32

'You're never going to find me at a lower ebb than I am right now... and I don't feel that low'

Six weeks into life as a new director of rugby, ex-Saracens assistant Alex Sanderson has reflected on his settling-in period at Sa…

Liam Heagney

26 Feb 2021, 7:49

Courtney Lawes ruled out of the rest of the Six Nations

Eddie Jones wasn't initially sure how seriously injured Courtney Lawes was but the England forward has now been ruled out of the S…

Liam Heagney

26 Feb 2021, 7:28

'There is a lot of kick, kick, run, kick, kick, kick, run, kick, run sort of scenarios'

England boss Eddie Jones believes he has got the recent Wales revival under Wayne Pivac all worked out ahead of Saturday in Cardif…

Liam Heagney

26 Feb 2021, 5:19

'If you want to tidy up and make the game safer you have to call these': Bristol react to Bedlow ban

The Bristol squad is getting light on numbers for various reasons but Pat Lam won't argue with the three-game ban for Sam Bedlow. …

Liam Heagney

26 Feb 2021, 4:53

'I don't know too much about his celebrity status, I haven't checked his Instagram of late'

Louis Rees-Zammit was largely subdued when he first faced England 13 weeks ago but he is now firmly poster boy of the recent Wales…

Liam Heagney

26 Feb 2021, 4:07

'He has at times targeted various players in our team... we're going to have to deal with him'

With Alun Wyn Jones poised to play against England for the 23rd time in his Wales Test career, Eddie Jones has the lock in his cro…

Liam Heagney

25 Feb 2021, 17:00

Banned Scotland prop Fagerson could have a part to play yet in the Six Nations

Suspended Zander Fagerson was set to miss the remainder of the Six Nations with Scotland but he argued his case at an appeal heari…

Liam Heagney

25 Feb 2021, 12:29

Farrell defends picking an all-Leinster backline in an Ireland XV containing 11 players from the PRO14 champions

All seven Ireland backs for Saturday's game in Rome are from Leinster and Andy Farrell has included four more PRO14 champions in h…

Liam Heagney

25 Feb 2021, 11:08

Why Wales are backing a 184-cap duo that have started together just once before in their midfield

George North and Jonathan Davies have 184 Wales caps between them but they have only ever started once together as the No13/12 par…

Liam Heagney

25 Feb 2021, 9:40

'He slipped over': England explain Lawes training ground mishap that sees 19-year-old rookie Martin making the bench

Courtney Lawes was expected to start this weekend for England but a training ground injury has forced Eddie Jones into making a re…

Liam Heagney

25 Feb 2021, 7:38

Wales opt for five changes against England, four alterations coming in their backline

Having beaten Ireland and Scotland in their opening Six Nations games, Wales have now unveiled the XV for their Cardiff clash with…

Liam Heagney

25 Feb 2021, 7:09

Ireland change seven for their Italian job

Andy Farrell will seek to draw a line under the worst Ireland start to a championship since 1998 following successive Six Nations …

Liam Heagney

25 Feb 2021, 6:23

England change two of their starting pack to face Wales

Defending Six Nations champions England face a trip to Wales having got their title defence back on track with a round two win ove…

Liam Heagney

25 Feb 2021, 6:07

England bat away derogatory claims by legendary cricketer Ian Botham that they 'don't look a happy camp'

It was taking a while for the build-up to England versus Wales to turn spicy, but legendary cricketer Ian Botham has duly obliged.…

Liam Heagney

24 Feb 2021, 17:00

'Fingers crossed': Bristol still in the dark on the full extent of Harry Randall's England injury

It's been two days since Harry Randall withdrew from the England Six Nations squad and Bristol haven't been able to provide an inj…

Liam Heagney

24 Feb 2021, 12:23

Six Nations officials issue upbeat update on status of France vs Scotland

Hopes have considerably grown that the France vs Scotland match in the Six Nations will now go ahead as planned in Paris next Sund…

Liam Heagney

24 Feb 2021, 8:54

'That is something that sits in the back of my head': The mental scar driving England's Proudfoot on against Wales

Forwards coach Matt Proudfoot helped England to two 2020 wins over Wales but past Welsh scars with South Africa have him on edge t…

Liam Heagney

24 Feb 2021, 8:27

'He's a horrible person to run into if you're an attacker': Why Cowan-Dickie should keep his England place against Wales

The round two England win over Italy was only the fourth time in his 28-cap career that Luke Cowan-Dickie was chosen to start a ga…

Liam Heagney

24 Feb 2021, 5:32