Liam Heagney

How Wales have rated Josh Adams on his return to training following two-game ban

Josh Adams created the wrong type of headlines for Wales before the start of the Six Nations with his two-game ban for a protocols…

Liam Heagney

18 Feb 2021, 8:57

Fit-again Hastings set to play his first match in 16 weeks after dislocated shoulder

Glasgow No10 Adam Hastings played his last game of rugby on October 31 when Scotland defeated Wales in the Six Nations at Llanelli…

Liam Heagney

18 Feb 2021, 7:52

New Wales star Rees-Zammit to start Premiership derby for Gloucester

There will be no rest for Louis Rees-Zammit this week as the Wales match-winner at Murrayfield has been chosen to start with Glouc…

Liam Heagney

18 Feb 2021, 7:17

Exeter detail latest Cuthbert setback after he was hailed as 'phenomenal' last weekend

Despite going 18 weeks in between games, Alex Cuthbert was in flying form in his two-match Exeter comeback that has now suffered a…

Liam Heagney

18 Feb 2021, 6:14

World Rugby issues response to concussion demands of new Progressive Rugby lobby group spearheaded by James Haskell

Ex-England player James Haskell is spearheading the new Progressive Rugby lobby group and a letter has generated a response from W…

Liam Heagney

18 Feb 2021, 5:10

Rees-Zammit vs May: 'They run against each other a lot in training, they're well versed on each other's strengths and weaknesses'

It's the England vs Wales head-to-head everyone is salivating over, the battle between Gloucester teammates Jonny May and Louis Re…

Liam Heagney

18 Feb 2021, 4:25

Recall for Demba Bamba one of three changes to France squad versus Scotland

Fresh from Six Nations wins over Italy and Ireland, the France squad to face Scotland shows three changes including a recall for D…

Liam Heagney

17 Feb 2021, 11:10

'That doesn't mean you lump them straight back in': Exeter welcome back Hogg and co but are coy about this weekend's selection

Stuart Hogg is back at Exeter along with Jonny Gray and Tomas Francis but Rob Baxter was coy about whether he will play them this …

Liam Heagney

17 Feb 2021, 8:20

6-game ban given to Motu Matu'u of London Irish

Veteran London Irish hooker Motu Matu'u has paid a heavy price for a red-carded reckless tackle last Saturday at Sandy Park.

Liam Heagney

17 Feb 2021, 4:30

Zander Fagerson's Six Nations campaign is over following 4-game ban

Scotland tighthead Zander Fagerson has paid a heavy price for his red-carded collision with Wyn Jones in last Saturday's Six Natio…

Liam Heagney

16 Feb 2021, 17:32

'We are very, very close. Seeing that happen to him was just horrible'

Tom Willis was somehow able to put his brother Jack's devastating injury with England out of his mind to impress with Wasps on Sun…

Liam Heagney

16 Feb 2021, 14:44

Wasps respond to speculation that Lima Sopoaga is joining Lyon

Now in his third season with Wasps, former All Blacks out-half Lima Sopoaga has been linked with a move to Lyon for the 2021/22 se…

Liam Heagney

16 Feb 2021, 14:11

Confirmed: France boss Galthie tests positive for Covid-19

Preparations by France for their round three Six Nations match have been disrupted by Fabien Galthie testing positive for Covid-19…

Liam Heagney

16 Feb 2021, 12:09

'He's heavily motivated now': Wasps provide latest update on Jack Willis' England injury

It's now three days since Jack Willis was seriously injured while playing for England and Wasps have now had their say on their ba…

Liam Heagney

16 Feb 2021, 9:57

'It's a red card, it's not even up for debate': The Rugby Pod's reaction to Fagerson's sending-off

The second-half red card brandished to Zander Fagerson was a major talking point in the Scotland defeat last weekend to Wales.

Liam Heagney

16 Feb 2021, 7:39

Ireland squad update: A dozen players released back to their provinces

Rookie Six Nations boss Andy Farrell is picking up the pieces after the worst Ireland start to a championship since 1998.

Liam Heagney

16 Feb 2021, 6:18

Entire France team and management placed in isolation

Testing in France following their round two win in Ireland has resulted in the Fabien Galhie and his Six Nations squad going into …

Liam Heagney

16 Feb 2021, 5:21

'I'm under no illusions, I'm not the same player I was at Clermont'

Clermont legend Nick Abendanon thought his career was over ten months ago but a Pro D2 adventure at Vannes has rekindled his love …

Liam Heagney

14 Feb 2021, 4:38

'Smart way to finish. Absolutely brilliant': England's response to Jonny May's try-scoring acrobatics

Jonny May took a big leap at Twickenham to score against Italy and fire his way into second place on the all-time England try-scor…

Liam Heagney

13 Feb 2021, 15:19

Eddie Jones' reaction to England shockingly falling behind to minnows Italy

England eventually beat Italy by a 23-point margin but the defending champions were sucker-punched in the opening minutes by Monty…

Liam Heagney

13 Feb 2021, 14:31

'That's up to the referee to interpret': Eddie Jones on the crocodile roll that seriously injured Jack Willis

England boss Eddie Jones has reacted to the sickening knee injury suffered by Jack Willis in the Six Nations win over Italy.

Liam Heagney

13 Feb 2021, 12:55

11th-hour Ireland cover call-ups for John Cooney and the uncapped Harry Byrne

Amid fear their four selected half-backs versus France could pull up injured pre-game, Ireland have called in John Cooney and Harr…

Liam Heagney

13 Feb 2021, 10:27

'They were all coming back just hating it, it was just an absolute slog but I get a feeling this is different now'

Nick Abendanon used to regularly heard gripes about the France set-up from his old Clermont teammates but those criticisms have st…

Liam Heagney

13 Feb 2021, 7:27

'Whether his focus is to prove people right or wrong, whatever his driver is it's working very well for him'

It's nearly three years since Sam Simmonds was last capped by England but his try-scoring Exeter form is showing up Test pick Bill…

Liam Heagney

13 Feb 2021, 5:38

Double trouble, naughty rucking, six-day turnarounds and very different MOTMs... the build-up to Scotland vs Wales

Unless the encounter is drawn, Scotland or Wales will head into round three in a few weeks' time with a Grand Slam still in their …

Liam Heagney

13 Feb 2021, 4:52

'Eddie calls him sardines. I don't know why' - Ellis Genge breathlessly describes the personality of each of England's props

The England props are a diverse group of personalities and Ellis Genge has filmed a Reservoir Dogs style piece to give insight on …

Liam Heagney

13 Feb 2021, 4:00

Why Ireland are backing Billy Burns for start a week after shock error against Wales

It's been a roller coaster few days for Billy Burns, getting hammered for last Sunday's error as a sub to now starting for Ireland…

Liam Heagney

12 Feb 2021, 13:45

Vote of confidence for struggling Gloucester boss George Skivington

First-time head coach George Skivington has received a vote of confidence from a rival as bottom side Gloucester host high-flying …

Liam Heagney

12 Feb 2021, 9:04

'It stunk on so many grounds': Farrell bites back over French attack on Sexton

Before Johnny Sexton was ruled out by Ireland medics, his health was subject to negative comments in France from two neurologists.

Liam Heagney

12 Feb 2021, 8:03

France make two changes for Sunday's clash with Ireland

Fabien Galthie has named his France team for their showdown with Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin this weekend.

Liam Heagney

12 Feb 2021, 6:53

Four changes for Ireland including fresh set of half-backs

Beaten by Wales last Sunday in Cardiff, Andy Farrell has named the Ireland team that will look to pick up the pieces versus France…

Liam Heagney

12 Feb 2021, 6:35

How Bristol have rated 19-year-old Ioan Lloyd in his two Premiership starts at No10

With Callum Sheedy away with Wales, 19-year-old Ioan Lloyd has been the Bristol No10 for his first time in recent Premiership matc…

Liam Heagney

12 Feb 2021, 5:48

Exeter's comeback update on Jack Nowell 16 weeks after the England winger last played a match

It was October 24, in the Premiership final win over Wasps, when Jack Nowell played his last match for Exeter before toe ligament …

Liam Heagney

12 Feb 2021, 5:02

'We want him to be a 50-cap player': The England verdict on their axing of Ollie Lawrence

Ollie Lawrence has paid a heavy price for defeat to Scotland, but England coach Eddie Jones believes the axe will be a long-term p…

Liam Heagney

12 Feb 2021, 4:10

Eddie Jones' most bizarre reason yet why England lost to Scotland

The fallout from last weekend's shock loss has been difficult for England and Eddie Jones has now given another layer to the post-…

Liam Heagney

11 Feb 2021, 17:00

Wales shed light on why they have chosen uncapped Halaholo rather than recall popular veteran Roberts

Uncapped Willis Halaholo has been called up to the Wales bench for Saturday, a decision likely to upset fans wanting Jamie Roberts…

Liam Heagney

11 Feb 2021, 14:44

'I don't want the Bears organisation to be reliant on any individual'

Irresistible Semi Radradra will be sidelined until April at the earliest and Pat Lam is keen for Bristol to show they are not a on…

Liam Heagney

11 Feb 2021, 13:53

Josh Macleod's joy and despair: Back row stretchered off at training 30 minutes after being told he would debut for Wales

Josh Macleod experiencd an incredible 30 minutes on Wednesday, going from being told he would debut for Wales to suffering a serio…

Liam Heagney

11 Feb 2021, 11:17

Cameron Redpath's 2021 Six Nations could be over after just one Scotland game

Test debut star Cameron Redpath presented with an injury last Sunday that Scotland haven't been able to put a definite timeframe o…

Liam Heagney

11 Feb 2021, 9:53

England explain reverting back to Ford and dropping half of their beaten Six Nations pack

Beaten England have outlined the reasons why they have dropped one-third of the starting Six Nations XV ambushed last weekend by S…

Liam Heagney

11 Feb 2021, 8:53

Scotland make three injury-enforced changes to their team to play Wales

Fresh from their incredible win away to England, Scotland have named their team for the round two Murrayfield clash with Wales thi…

Liam Heagney

11 Feb 2021, 7:20

Wales make five changes for Saturday's round two trip to Scotland

Beating Ireland in round one was a massive boost for Wayne Pivac who has now picked his Wales team for round two away to Scotland.…

Liam Heagney

11 Feb 2021, 7:08

England make five changes for their round two game with Italy

Ambushed in round one by Scotland, Eddie Jones has named the England team for their round two match at Twickenham versus Italy.

Liam Heagney

11 Feb 2021, 6:05

'Think how aggressive he used to be in tackling and smashing people': Ex-England international claims Farrell isn't the feared player he once was

Owen Farrell was red-carded in September and ex-England out-half Andy Goode believes fear of more cards has drained his tackling p…

Liam Heagney

10 Feb 2021, 13:06

The Exeter reaction to having Harry Williams back after latest England axe

Exeter's Harry Williams earned his 19th England cap last weekend but he has been cut from the squad by Eddie Jones for the game ve…

Liam Heagney

10 Feb 2021, 7:10

Marcus Smith signs long-term Harlequins contract extension

Months of speculation linking Marcus Smith to a switch to France or a rival Premiership club have now ended with his new Harlequin…

Liam Heagney

10 Feb 2021, 6:00

Rugby Pod's damning England verdict: 'There is no free-thinking in there at all and that comes from having a coach like Eddie Jones'

The Rugby Pod have not held back in their criticism of last weekend's defeat for England, blaming Eddie Jones for how it all unrav…

Liam Heagney

10 Feb 2021, 5:39

Jones strenuously defends under-fire Farrell, insisting England are not in any slump

Eddie Jones faced media three days after the shock England loss to Scotland and he vigorously defended the reputation of skipper O…

Liam Heagney

09 Feb 2021, 17:00

Red-carded O'Mahony banned until round five of the Six Nations

Peter O'Mahony was red-carded by Wayne Barned early in the first half in Cardiff and will now miss the next three Ireland matches.…

Liam Heagney

09 Feb 2021, 13:52

Eddie Jones' latest take on England's failure: 'There is five million situations in the game, we don't coach five million situations'

Beaten England boss Eddie Jones has held a media conference three days after the shock Six Nations ambush by Scotland at Twickenha…

Liam Heagney

09 Feb 2021, 11:59

125kg Wales prospect Carwyn Tuipulotu has signed his first professional contract

The son of Tongan international Kati Tuipulotu, 125kg back row Carwyn has been making a name for himself this season at PRO14 Scar…

Liam Heagney

09 Feb 2021, 10:32

Worcester issue statement in response to Fatialofa tweet over unpaid medical bills

Michael Fatialofa was hit with a six-figure medical bill in July last year and his Tuesday morning tweet generated a response from…

Liam Heagney

09 Feb 2021, 9:21

Confirmed: Wales face major rejig as 4 starters versus Ireland ruled out of Scotland match

Sunday's Six Nations win for Wales over Ireland has come at a heavy price as four starters have been ruled out of round two select…

Liam Heagney

09 Feb 2021, 8:59

England add two forwards to their Six Nations squad to take on Italy

Ambushed in the opening round of the Six Nations by Scotland, England have made two changes to their round two squad to face Italy…

Liam Heagney

09 Feb 2021, 6:38

Ireland add two forwards to their squad to face France

Ireland have reacted to the opening round Six Nations defeat to Wales by calling up two Leinster forwards for the round two game w…

Liam Heagney

09 Feb 2021, 6:15

Ireland player ratings vs Wales | 2021 Six Nations

It was a frustrating Six Nations day in Cardiff yet again for beaten Ireland and their inconsistencies were mirrored in the player…

Liam Heagney

07 Feb 2021, 12:53

'It was an incredible debut': Scotland verdict on first Redpath outing

Cameron Redpath played like a seasoned international player when he made his Test debut as a 21-year-old for Scotland on Saturday.…

Liam Heagney

07 Feb 2021, 4:17

'My first taste of French rugby, the first scrum fell and it was a 15-on-15 brawl. It was sink or swim - I had to punch back'

Josh Strauss felt set for the final part of his career with the Bulls, but he is instead back in France where he earned first stri…

Liam Heagney

07 Feb 2021, 4:03

'Everyone's a good selector after the game. I'm sure you're a good selector after the game'

England boss Eddie Jones was cranky at his post-match media conference on Saturday, but he still managed to heartily congratulate …

Liam Heagney

06 Feb 2021, 15:37

'Vunipola, if we didn't know the pubs were closed you'd swear he had been in one. He was out of shape'

Ex-Scotland coach Matt Williams has claimed on Irish TV the England players from Saracens, including Billy Vunipola, weren't at th…

Liam Heagney

06 Feb 2021, 14:25

Saracens beaten for the second time in three weeks by Ealing

The Trailfinders Cup has gone from bad to worse for Saracens as they have been beaten for a second time in recent weeks by Ealing.…

Liam Heagney

06 Feb 2021, 11:04

Skivington braced for return to former club 8 months after awkward exit

It's now eight months since George Skivington quit London Irish for Gloucester and he makes his first trip back there this Saturda…

Liam Heagney

06 Feb 2021, 6:01

'He was very bad at rugby': New France wing Gabin Villiere was written off as an 18-year-old

Gabin Villiere was a skinny 18-year-old scrum-half who couldn't pass or kick but he is now playing Six Nations for France on the w…

Liam Heagney

06 Feb 2021, 5:15

'Don't be a control freak over absolutely everything': Lee Blackett's secret to first-year success at Wasps

Set to reach the end of his first year in charge at Wasps, Lee Blackett outlines why he has been a success as a rookie Premiership…

Liam Heagney

06 Feb 2021, 4:50

Handbrake attacks, Faz vs Finn, Redpath's defection and the maturing of Beno... the build-up to England vs Scotland

With multiple subplots surrounding the latest England vs Scotland Six Nations clash, RugbyPass looks at some key issues to watch o…

Liam Heagney

06 Feb 2021, 3:21

Andy Farrell rubbishes Irish media claims that 'useless' Wales are ripe for a thrashing

Media pundits in Ireland have been busy this week writing off Wales as useless but Andy Farrell has wisely chosen not to agree wit…

Liam Heagney

05 Feb 2021, 9:13

'He is one of those players that didn't have the escalator through the pathway... he's a fighter'

Sam Underhill's absence created a vacancy in the England back row this weekend and Eddie Jones sounds glad Mark Wilson will fill i…

Liam Heagney

05 Feb 2021, 8:19

Andy Farrell explains why Ireland have gone for 'surprise pick' James Lowe

It's eleven weeks since James Lowe last played a rugby match of any kind but that inactivity has not stopped him being picked by I…

Liam Heagney

05 Feb 2021, 7:54

Ireland make four changes to their team to face Wales

Having ended 2020 with a third-place Nations Cup finish, Andy Farrell has named his Ireland team to face Wales in Six Nations 2021…

Liam Heagney

05 Feb 2021, 6:12

Josh Strauss' Twickenham 2019 confession: 'I'd forgotten my boots, if I had told Gregor he would have blown a gasket'

The incredible Scotland comeback wasn't the only memorable thing for Josh Strauss vs England in 2019 - he turned up to play minus …

Liam Heagney

05 Feb 2021, 5:11

The remarkable stat that Eddie Jones miscalculated about 'project player' Ollie Lawrence

Ollie Lawrence has recently forced his way into the England XV but Eddie Jones was mistaken about one statistic he outlined on his…

Liam Heagney

05 Feb 2021, 3:40

'He's strong through the middle of his body, his hips and his torso, so he can get through contact'

Cameron Redpath has only ever started 13 Premiership matches but that was ample exposure to showcase why is he is now a Scotland s…

Liam Heagney

04 Feb 2021, 14:44

'There were no cheap shots': Bruising training game versus Ulster has Ireland primed for Six Nations

Country vs province games have been frowned on since Munster beat Ireland in 1999 but there was a throwback 'friendly' last weeken…

Liam Heagney

04 Feb 2021, 13:40

'He spent most of the time on the toilet' - England verdict on inexperienced injury replacements Hill and Stuart

With Kyle Sinckler and Joe Launchbury absent, there is a 97-cap shortfall in the England pack with Jonny Hill and Will Stuart pick…

Liam Heagney

04 Feb 2021, 13:10

One uncapped player included as Italy make six changes for opener against France

Beaten last time out by Wales a Llanelli, Italy have opted to change six of their XV for this Saturday's Six Nations clash with Fr…

Liam Heagney

04 Feb 2021, 10:34

Eddie Jones has pop at Scotland, questioning whether Hogg and co can handle Calcutta Cup pressure

It wouldn't be a proper Calcutta Cup build-up without England boss Eddie Jones tossing a verbal grenade the way of Scotland.

Liam Heagney

04 Feb 2021, 9:44

'Fearless mindset': The reason why Scotland have picked Cameron Redpath for his Test debut

Having suggested a few weeks ago that Cameron Redpath could enjoy a 10-year Scotland career, Gregor Townsend has now given him a d…

Liam Heagney

04 Feb 2021, 9:06

Eddie Jones explains 10/12 rejig that sees George Ford benched this weekend

George Ford has been an England regular at No10 in recent times but Eddie Jones has changed tack for Six Nations opener versus Sco…

Liam Heagney

04 Feb 2021, 8:04

Scotland make five changes to their Six Nations team to play England

Gregor Townsend has named his Scotland team to face England at Twickenham in this Saturday's Six Nations opener.

Liam Heagney

04 Feb 2021, 7:08

England make four changes to face Scotland in Six Nations opener

England boss Eddie Jones has named his team to face Scotland on Saturday in London in the opening round of the Guinness Six Nation…

Liam Heagney

04 Feb 2021, 6:04

Years after he quit playing, rookie England assistant Robinson is still coping with concussion symptoms

Rookie England coach Ed Robinson was only 19 when a complex concussion ended his playing career and to this day he still has sympt…

Liam Heagney

04 Feb 2021, 4:54

The Rugby Pod is divided over who will win the Six Nations

England are widely fancied to retain the Six Nations title but the verdict of Andy Goode wasn't fully supported on this week's The…

Liam Heagney

03 Feb 2021, 8:06

International Rugby Players union issues statement following World Rugby update on June/November Test windows

It's been a busy Wednesday for Test rugby's future, International Rugby Players joining the All Blacks and World Rugby in making h…

Liam Heagney

03 Feb 2021, 7:03

World Rugby, countries and players issue joint statement on potential new competition from 2024

It was January last year when a World Rugby workshop in London started looking again at the global calendar after failed Nations L…

Liam Heagney

03 Feb 2021, 4:26

'When I was here 20 years ago I had the chance to stay on as well and I went back to New Zealand probably too early'

Having missed 2003 World Cup glory with England due to quitting for New Zealand, John Mitchell wasn't going to make the same decis…

Liam Heagney

03 Feb 2021, 3:35

'No one could be working any harder': George Skivington's message to worried Gloucester fans

It's been a painful time for Gloucester since George Skivington took over, the latest loss coming with concerns over an injury to …

Liam Heagney

02 Feb 2021, 14:51

The one major difference from the Joe Schmidt era Paul O'Connell has spotted under Andy Farrell

Paul O'Connell finished as captain to Joe Schmidt's Ireland in 2015 and one major difference has now struck him working under Andy…

Liam Heagney

02 Feb 2021, 14:13

England give Mako injury update, size up back row selection battle between Wilson and Earl

England latest on the rehabilitation of prop Mako Vunipola and how Mark Wilson and Ben Earl are shaping up in their back row selec…

Liam Heagney

02 Feb 2021, 9:50

'I really took it out on people if I had a bad game': Monty Ioane on converting to Islam, his dapper tattoos and uncle Digby's tears on his Italy debut

Buoyed by his recent conversion to Islam, the stylish Monty Ioane is poised to light up the Six Nations with minnows Italy.

Liam Heagney

31 Jan 2021, 5:00

'I have got four plates in my jaw that are permanent... unfortunately, you get a minority that takes the law into their own hands and get away with it'

Before he became a Harlequins star, Alex Dombrandt considered quitting after twice having his jaw broken during on-pitch assaults …

Liam Heagney

31 Jan 2021, 4:01

How David Beckham is keeping Billy Vunipola company ahead of England title defence

England are preparing for the Six Nations at the home of English football and Billy Vunipola is taking heart from a particular Bec…

Liam Heagney

30 Jan 2021, 8:40

Lyon won't be signing Marcus Smith but they have taken interest in an Irish player's CV

Harlequins out-half Marcus Smith, the uncapped England prospect, has been linked to Top 14 and rival Premiership clubs in recent m…

Liam Heagney

30 Jan 2021, 7:05

'Being reckless is not a trait you want but sometimes how I play my best is just throwing my body into things'

England No8 Billy Vunipola has revealed a candid pep talk from Eddie Jones was pivotal in getting him back to his wrecking-ball be…

Liam Heagney

30 Jan 2021, 5:38

Alex Dombrandt's dog walks have him backing the Gallagher Premiership's 'Tackling Tomorrow. Together' initiative

Walks around Guildford have opened the eyes of Alex Dombrandt of Harlequins to the struggles local businesses are facing in the pa…

Liam Heagney

29 Jan 2021, 13:07

Marler's availability is silver lining as Harlequins change 5 for first match since Gustard exit

It has been an unsettled time at Harlequins after Paul Gustard's sudden exit but a silver lining was Joe Marler not joining up wit…

Liam Heagney

29 Jan 2021, 8:42

A 2018 Barbarians appearance helped convince Worcester to sign Chris Ashton, but he won't debut this weekend

It has been revealed a 2018 appearance for the Barbarians vs England was a factor in convincing Worcester to sign Chris Ashton thi…

Liam Heagney

29 Jan 2021, 6:44

John Afoa strikes again, 'taking the Mickey' out of Pat Lam and his Bristol staff

The mood has been good at Bristol during their 20-day break in between games, veteran John Afoa again starring at the Bears Got Ta…

Liam Heagney

29 Jan 2021, 4:22

'Performance culture expert' reviewing Gustard-less Harlequins and will report to the board next month

Ex-solicitor who now works as a performance culture expert was engaged by Harlequins to do a root and branch review before Paul Gu…

Liam Heagney

28 Jan 2021, 14:11

Caretaker Billy Millard has held his first Harlequins media briefing as Paul Gustard's replacement

Caretaker Billy Millard has spoken to the media eight days after being handed the reins at Harlequins following Paul Gustard's exi…

Liam Heagney

28 Jan 2021, 10:22

'Fly-half is his No1 position': Ioan Lloyd to make first start as a Premiership ten

19-year-old Wales cap Ioan Lloyd has made his previous six Gallagher Premiership starts for Bristol at either wing or full-back.

Liam Heagney

28 Jan 2021, 8:14

PRO14 accused of 'shambles' over Kleyn ban compared to Liam Williams' Six Nations suspension

The PRO14 ban for Jean Kleyn of Munster has been labelled a shambles when compared to the suspension that Scarlets' Liam Williams …

Liam Heagney

28 Jan 2021, 6:48

'England will be a good barometer when it comes to it, how much we have improved'

With Ireland losing their last 4 games to England by an aggregate 131-54, Johnny Sexton accepts their next Six Nations clash will …

Liam Heagney

28 Jan 2021, 6:12

Bristol's player release rebuke: 'If the WRU or the Scottish want to make that happen, pay the clubs'

Wales boss Wayne Pivac had pleaded for England-based players such as Bristol's Callum Sheedy not to have to go back to their clubs…

Liam Heagney

28 Jan 2021, 5:06

How Kyle Sinckler is coping with F-bomb ban: 'Today we came off our team run and he was one of the most vocal'

Two weeks after Kyle Sinckler was banned for the start of the Six Nations, Bristol boss Pat Lam has outlined how his England prop …

Liam Heagney

27 Jan 2021, 13:14

Lyon raid Leicester to sign Jordan Taufua as medical joker for injured Mathieu Bastareaud

One-time All Blacks prospect Jordan Taufua struggled to get in the Leicester side this season and he has now left to join Lyon in …

Liam Heagney

27 Jan 2021, 11:09

'Now I'm close to it, the actual main goal is to beat Mark Cueto'

Chris Ashton is just 4 tries behind Tom Varndell on the all-time Premiership list but he has quipped how beating pal Mark Cueto is…

Liam Heagney

27 Jan 2021, 5:00

'I was picking his brains': Tom Youngs is nearly 7 years older than Leicester's latest recruit but the learning never stops

Veteran Tom Youngs has an interesting few months ahead at Leicester following the arrival of Argentine hooker Julian Montoya.

Liam Heagney

27 Jan 2021, 4:22

Paolo Odogwu jokes at his own expense, admitting he signed new club contract 15 days before England call-up

People feel Paolo Odogwu is quids in at Wasps, signing a new deal after England call-up, but he has admitted he put pen to paper b…

Liam Heagney

27 Jan 2021, 3:36

'It was pretty competitive, I'll tell you': Leicester revive old school tactic of full-on, in-house trial match

Without a match since January 3, Leicester got stuck into each with a trial game in which skipper Tom Youngs was on the losing sid…

Liam Heagney

26 Jan 2021, 15:20

Ashton's first Worcester media conference: Quins fallout, family upheaval and that sought-after Premiership try record

England wing Chris Ashton has taken his first media conference as a Worcester player after signing from Harlequins at the start of…

Liam Heagney

26 Jan 2021, 12:53

'Some Quins players had clandestine meetings with the CEO': The Rugby Pod's inside story on hurried Gustard exit

Reports last week suggested Paul Gustard was sacked for poor results but The Rugby Pod have a different take on what happened at H…

Liam Heagney

26 Jan 2021, 9:56

Sam Underhill becomes third England forward to drop out of Six Nations squad

England lost two forwards on Monday for the 2021 Six Nations and they have now lost a third as back row Sam Underhill has opted ou…

Liam Heagney

26 Jan 2021, 8:11

Paul Gustard has landed a surprise new job in Italy just 6 days after leaving Harlequins

There was much speculation about the next destination for Paul Gustard after he left Harlequins last week but Italy wasn't mention…

Liam Heagney

26 Jan 2021, 7:01

'There were tears and I broke down in front of the missus one day... I'd do anything to go back and play'

The one-year anniversary of the tackle-causing stroke which ended the career of Bristol midfielder Will Hurrell didn't pass withou…

Liam Heagney

24 Jan 2021, 5:17

'That was pure speculation. I have not been involved in any of that stuff since I was a young kid'

Two Alun Walker tries helped Ealing beat Saracens and saw him linked to a Scotland call-up, but he isn't the type to easily get ca…

Liam Heagney

24 Jan 2021, 5:02

'He was on his bed stark-bollock naked, they ran in, flipped his bed, turned his room over and then just legged it'

Mike Brown has picked ex-England and Harlequins forward Nick Easter as the ninth player to be selected on the RugbyPass Offload To…

Liam Heagney

24 Jan 2021, 4:53

England's mission: 'The ball is in play 32 minutes... and we want to be an impossible team to play against'

With England heading into 2021 unbeaten in their last eight outings, Eddie Jones has set them a mission for their Six Nations titl…

Liam Heagney

23 Jan 2021, 10:25

Virimi Vakatawa suffers Six Nations injury scare

Virimi Vakatawa was included in the 37-strong France squad named on January 11 but there is now a doubt over his Six Nations parti…

Liam Heagney

23 Jan 2021, 9:57

'You do get some autocratic bullies as coaches. It's my way or the highway and they surround themselves with yes men'

Former Premiership and PRO14 tighthead John Andress, who is now an agent, has reflected on the coaches he encountered during his l…

Liam Heagney

23 Jan 2021, 7:05

Sinckler ban and Redpath defection off limits at England squad announcement

Chatty Eddie Jones unveiled his England Six Nations squad on Friday but Kyle Sinckler and Cameron Redpath were 2 names that made h…

Liam Heagney

23 Jan 2021, 6:44

The Bob Dwyer advice which convinced Eddie Jones that 'world-class' Paolo Odogwu was England must-pick

When it came to considering Paolo Odogwu for an England call-up, long-ago advice from Bob Dwyer made the difference for Eddie Jone…

Liam Heagney

23 Jan 2021, 5:30

England's verdict on the 62-day layoff between games for skipper Farrell and other Saracens players

Saracens players like England skipper Owen Farrell won't have played any game in nine weeks when they line up against Scotland on …

Liam Heagney

23 Jan 2021, 3:47

'Has it been disruptive? Not one iota': Eddie Jones' self-isolation boast

England boss Eddie Jones was four days down, six more to go in self-isolation when he unveiled his 28-strong Six Nations squad on …

Liam Heagney

22 Jan 2021, 13:48

'There was no hesitation about the fact that he wanted to play for England'

In a week Cameron Redpath was lost to Scotland, Eddie Jones has expressed delight Harry Randall and Paolo Odogwu have declared for…

Liam Heagney

22 Jan 2021, 13:15

'I was actually planning that night out with Alex Cuthbert with ten minutes left of the game'

England were tipped to win the 2013 Six Nations Grand Slam in Cardiff but it instead became one of greatest nights out for Jamie R…

Liam Heagney

22 Jan 2021, 5:54

'Sometimes within the England team we do have that problem of egos or cliques or groups, people put on pedestals'

RugbyPass Offload guest Mike Brown has revisted the fall-out regarding Sam Burgess quiting rugby union after the 2015 World Cup wi…

Liam Heagney

22 Jan 2021, 4:22

What happened to the 8 uncapped England players chosen last January for the start of the 2020 Six Nations

Unlike this Friday's 2021 Six Nations squad announcement, Eddie Jones had ample room for fresh faces when he unveiled England Clas…

Liam Heagney

21 Jan 2021, 13:44

'A fat black eye to go with the non-selection as well. Te'o is a handy one with his fists'

Mike Brown has had his say on RugbyPass Offload 17 months after an England team social in Italy didn't turn out as planned due to …

Liam Heagney

21 Jan 2021, 8:20

'He used to go off at players like Marland Yarde all the time, little nicknames, little comments to try and wind him up'

Last capped in 2018, Mike Brown has delivered a compelling look back on how mentally testing his time with England was under Eddie…

Liam Heagney

21 Jan 2021, 4:38

Raisuque learns his fate for bizarre 'referee-lifting' Pro D2 celebration

Josaia Raisuque, the Fijian winger at Pro D2 Nevers, was red-carded on January 9 for lifting a referee into the air to celebrate w…

Liam Heagney

20 Jan 2021, 15:48

Why Scotland have 38 at training next week while round one rivals England will make do with 28

Gregor Townsend has selected a Scotland Six Nations squad of 35 and an additional three youngsters for training next week at Oriam…

Liam Heagney

20 Jan 2021, 14:15

Trading places

Former prop John Andress is using the personal touch to guide players through tough times

LONG READ

Liam Heagney

20 Jan 2021, 12:12

'It could be a 10-year international career': Scotland celebrate capture of ex-England age-grade player Redpath

Ex-England U20 Cameron Redpath turned down Scotland for the Autumn Nations Cup but he is now ready to follow in the footsteps of d…

Liam Heagney

20 Jan 2021, 9:37

Kyle Sinckler's riveting citing hearing evidence: Claims tackle was potential leg-breaker, accuses Exeter players of laughing at him

The short form judgment wasn't published last week when Kyle Sinckler was banned but the RFU have now revealed what happened at th…

Liam Heagney

20 Jan 2021, 5:04

'I'll choose my words carefully': EPCR boss hits out at French government's Champions Cup call-off

Ex-England wing Simon Halliday is EPCR chairman and he has been left flabbergasted by French government interference in the Champi…

Liam Heagney

20 Jan 2021, 4:16

'He's sorry for leaving, he wants his house back': The Rugby Pod debates Chris Ashton's next move

The future of veteran winger Chris Ashton is unclear as he is leaving Harlequins, whom he joined last March after exiting Sale in …

Liam Heagney

19 Jan 2021, 13:59

'Rugby needs good news': EPCR boss delivers update on whether South African clubs like the Bulls can play Champions Cup

Powerhouse South African franchises such as the Bulls, who will soon play in PRO16, want to also qualify for the European Champion…

Liam Heagney

19 Jan 2021, 11:54

'I knew I wasn't going to sign back with Munster, I knew that already in December 2019'

It's 8 years since Arno Botha won his last Springboks cap but he is dreaming big now he is back in South Africa after flourishing …

Liam Heagney

17 Jan 2021, 5:50

'When I was skinny as a rake, I wasn't very filled out so everyone would want a fight with you if you were in a nightclub'

It's 7 years since giant-like Dominic Bird was last capped by the All Blacks but he is now performing to the peak of his powers at…

Liam Heagney

17 Jan 2021, 4:32

'Conor Murray is quite a tricky guy': Referee JP Doyle names his most annoying players

Five months on from his redundancy as an RFU referee, JP Doyle has listed the most annoying verbal players he came across in his c…

Liam Heagney

16 Jan 2021, 7:11

'There's loads of them': Saracens reel off list of stars to watch out for in the Championship

Saracens will field an inexperienced squad in this year's Championship but Mark McCall believes there have many young stars in the…

Liam Heagney

16 Jan 2021, 5:55

The Sinckler F-bomb fallout: 'This is something you can't let go any further'

England prop Kyle Sinckler and Wales back Liam Williams didn't cover themselves in glory last weekend with the way they spoke to r…

Liam Heagney

16 Jan 2021, 5:00

Championship latest: 'There's definitely going to be a competition'

There has been speculation that Saracens could get promoted without playing a game, but Mark McCall has admitted that won't be the…

Liam Heagney

16 Jan 2021, 4:15

'Billy is a little different, always has been'

The Trailfinders Cup was a window for England players at Saracens to get some club game time but only Billy Vunipola will tog out …

Liam Heagney

15 Jan 2021, 13:43

Saracens confirm new head and defence coaches in wake of Sanderson's exit

Saracens have reacted quickly to the loss of assistant Alex Sanderson, promoting Joe Shaw to head coach and Adam Powell to defence…

Liam Heagney

15 Jan 2021, 8:52

Likely Champions Cup round of 16 draw will see Exeter visit Wasps, Radradra back at Bordeaux

6 Premiership, 6 Top 14 and four PRO14 teams are set to be involved in a knockout round of 16 to restart the stalled Champions Cup…

Liam Heagney

15 Jan 2021, 5:16

Exeter's verdict on how Jack Nowell is coping mentally 12 weeks into his latest long injury layoff

England's Jack Nowell is on the road to recovery after playing through the pain barrier to help Exeter win the Premiership/Europea…

Liam Heagney

15 Jan 2021, 4:17

'It's not a good look for those clubs because they are kind of endorsing his beliefs by saying come play with us'

Media speculation linking Israel Folau to a rugby union return with Toulon in the Top 14 has horrified Simon Zebo, Racing 92's Iri…

Liam Heagney

14 Jan 2021, 14:21

'Alex Sanderson is the biggest loss at Saracens bar an Owen Farrell or a Maro Itoje'

Ex-England back row Alex Sanderson has become a massively respected part of the furniture at Saracens since he retired from playin…

Liam Heagney

14 Jan 2021, 10:28

'It's f***in' bleak... Saracens will get a shock': Gary Graham on what life will be like for the relegated Londoners in the Championship

Gary Graham has a Championship warning for Saracens after emerging at Jersey and then experiencing the second-tier again with Newc…

Liam Heagney

14 Jan 2021, 9:23

Referee JP Doyle still in dark over exactly why he was singled out for RFU redundancy

It is now five months since it emerged that popular Premiership referee JP Doyle was made redundant by the Twickenham-based RFU in…

Liam Heagney

14 Jan 2021, 6:24

Exeter react to Tomas Francis exit, outline who they are looking at to replace him

Tomas Francis has been on the books at Exeter since 2014 but he has now been forced to leave by being 8 caps short of the WRU's 60…

Liam Heagney

14 Jan 2021, 4:52

Baxter does Premiership fixtures U-turn, issues update on Simmonds injury

Exeter boss Rob Baxter voiced a call last Saturday asking Premiership officials to bring forward fixtures to fill the void left by…

Liam Heagney

13 Jan 2021, 14:09

Six Nations to kick-off as scheduled, but women's and U20s tournaments shelved until later in 2021

Fears the 2021 men's Six Nations could be delayed have been allayed, meaning England will play Scotland at Twickenham on February …

Liam Heagney

13 Jan 2021, 9:55

Kyle Sinckler banned for F-bomb, will miss England's Six Nations opener

England prop Kyle Sinckler was cited following Bristol's win at Exeter, threatening his availability for the start of the 2021 Six…

Liam Heagney

13 Jan 2021, 5:54

'It ain't on': Yellow carding of 2 props at same time in Exeter versus Bristol game criticised by Ellis Genge

The top of the table Premiership meeting between Exeter and Bristol struggled for first-half momentum due to a malfunctioning scru…

Liam Heagney

09 Jan 2021, 12:57

Nemani Nadolo can't get his head around criticism of 11-try Bath vs Wasps thriller

The online reaction to the Friday night Gallagher Premiership try-fest featuring Bath and Wasps has bemused Leicester winger Neman…

Liam Heagney

09 Jan 2021, 7:51

'It would be a lie if I didn't say there were some markers we wanted to put down'

There were fears the 2020/21 Premiership could suffer without the Exeter versus Saracens rivalry but Chiefs versus Bristol can fil…

Liam Heagney

09 Jan 2021, 6:29

'He's a tough bugger': Bristol's verdict on the progress of 79kg scrum-half Harry Randall

Bristol boss Pat Lam was smitten when he first saw scrum-half Harry Randall play for Hartpury against the Bears in the 2017/18 Cha…

Liam Heagney

09 Jan 2021, 5:05

'Not enough games disrupted for that to be a reason to force a ring-fencing'

There have been calls for Premiership relegation to be scrapped but the message coming out of Bath is very different to that.

Liam Heagney

08 Jan 2021, 11:40

'Snowball fight to decide the winner, Gloucester?'

The pandemic has done much to affect the Premiership but bad weather is the latest headache ahead of the Gloucester visit to Newca…

Liam Heagney

08 Jan 2021, 6:15

'The main thing for me at Sale is I can't really slag anyone off, I probably wasn't all there myself'

Bath had to pay a fee in excess of £100,000 to Sale last February to recruit Cameron Redpath and they seem to now be reaping the …

Liam Heagney

08 Jan 2021, 5:34

'You could see some ridiculous celebrations'

London Irish have scored just three tries in the Premiership but Declan Kidney has predicted what may happen after a clampdown on …

Liam Heagney

08 Jan 2021, 4:00

The Bath verdict on Ben Spencer after 14 appearances since his switch from Saracens

Ben Spencer won a load of trophies with Saracens and the scrum-half is now bringing that experience into the mix at ambitious Bath…

Liam Heagney

07 Jan 2021, 13:45

'I don't think it's really appropriate when people are quite ill'

Irish got four points despite being to blame for two Premiership cancellations but Declan Kidney deems it inappropriate to talk ab…

Liam Heagney

07 Jan 2021, 8:49

'For me to sit here now and say it should shut up shop, I just couldn't do that and be honest with myself'

It was 2010 when Exeter first joined the Premiership and Rob Baxter has now shared his thoughts on the current ring-fencing debate…

Liam Heagney

07 Jan 2021, 7:51

An 'alignment group' and 'ABC' analysis - how Bristol have upped the dressing room ante during recent Premiership intervals

Bristol have looked a transformed team in recent Premiership second-halves and Pat Lam has explained what they get up to at half-t…

Liam Heagney

06 Jan 2021, 13:35

Light shed on Alex Cuthbert's latest injury absence which is now 14 weeks and counting

Ex-Wales winger Alex Cuthbert made an instant impact at Exeter when he joined in 2018 but he has since been struck by series of in…

Liam Heagney

06 Jan 2021, 11:21

Defending champions Exeter react to drastic call from France to cancel this season's Champions Cup

Exeter are hoping to welcome Toulouse to Sandy Park this month but there are calls elsewhere in France to scrap the 2020/21 Champi…

Liam Heagney

06 Jan 2021, 7:31

'Can you imagine Siya Kolisi living in Cov?' The Rugby Pod on the Wasps-in-for-Springboks-skipper rumour

The Rugby Pod have their say on a Christmas cracker, the rumour that Premiership finalists Wasps are in for South Africa skipper S…

Liam Heagney

05 Jan 2021, 13:43

'The Dan du Preez incident has been blown out of all proportion': Sale latest on citing and brawl-causing water carrier incidents

A citing involving Dan du Preez from Saturday versus Gloucester has generated headlines for Sale as has a brawl involving their wa…

Liam Heagney

05 Jan 2021, 9:00

'I said take a bit off the back and sides and then just make the top a bit fluffier'

An extraordinary head of hair accompanied Duncan Weir when he returned to the Scotland No10 shirt last November and he has now had…

Liam Heagney

05 Jan 2021, 7:16

Video: Rees-Zammit starts 2021 with electric try just days after Ian McGeechan name-checks him as Lions tour bolter

Louis Rees-Zammit was name-checked as a Lions tour bolter earlier this week and he started his 2021 with Gloucester with an exhila…

Liam Heagney

02 Jan 2021, 12:46

The grape-into-wine analogy that left Pat Lam smiling heading into 2021 with his Bristol Bears

2020 Premiership rugby will be remembered for the difficulties caused by the pandemic but Bristol boss Pat Lam isn't all doom and …

Liam Heagney

02 Jan 2021, 8:08

Video: How referee Nigel Owens reacted when he realised he had no yellow card to sin-bin a Dragons player

Referee Nigel Owens has a much-lauded reputation for his way with words and events in Llanelli on New Year's Day have added to his…

Liam Heagney

02 Jan 2021, 7:27

Wasps' verdict on winger Paolo Odogwu's rare four-game run as their starting No13

Paolo Odogwu is more recognised as a winger at Wasps but he recently enjoyed a four-game run as Lee Blackett's starting No13.

Liam Heagney

02 Jan 2021, 6:41

'Everyone needs to be a little careful' - Double-winning Exeter's response to latest Esportif Premiership player salary report

Esportif's salary report claims No10 is best-paid Premiership position and openside the worst, but Exeter aren't reading much into…

Liam Heagney

02 Jan 2021, 5:31

'I asked someone what do they mean by hairdryer. I'd never heard that expression'

Pat Lam was compared to Alex Ferguson following the Boxing Day win at Harlequins but the comparison was lost on the Bristol boss. …

Liam Heagney

31 Dec 2020, 13:50

The one Premiership Covid-19 protocol that Northampton boss Chris Boyd still can't fully get his head around

Chris Boyd is chuffed with how Northampton have risen to the challenge of Covid but one Premiership protocol continues to bemuse t…

Liam Heagney

31 Dec 2020, 6:43

Testing change ensures Bristol's New Year Day game goes ahead despite absence of all 6 front rowers from win at Quins

Bristol have lost 1 front row to Covid and 5 others to isolation protocols but their Premiership game against Newcastle will still…

Liam Heagney

30 Dec 2020, 11:18

'Missing them? I wouldn't think so' - League leaders Exeter on Premiership life without fierce rivals Saracens

Exeter have netted four bonus-point wins in four Premiership games but they insist the league isn't suffering from the absence of …

Liam Heagney

30 Dec 2020, 8:18

Exeter deliver update on severity of Stuart Hogg's hamstring injury five and a half weeks before 2021 Six Nations start

The sight of Stuart Hogg limping away from the Exeter fray with a hamstring injury six weeks before Six Nations left Scotland fans…

Liam Heagney

30 Dec 2020, 6:11

'I had to have a word with him and I used the word stupid'

Charlie Atkinson has bounced back from being recklessly hit by Owen Farrell, but his teenage exuburence isn't fully to the liking …

Liam Heagney

30 Dec 2020, 4:46

Chris Boyd's blunt verdict on Northampton's underwhelming 2020

Northampton were tipped to challenge for honours at the start of 2020 but the Chris Boyd set-up won just 6 of 24 matches this cale…

Liam Heagney

29 Dec 2020, 13:01

No10 now the best paid position in the Premiership and Top 14, but it remains tough love for those at hooker

The Esportif Intelligence comparison of rugby player salaries in England, France and PRO14 is a talking point at this time every y…

Liam Heagney

29 Dec 2020, 11:25

'We wouldn't even dare consider him for this week': Lee Blackett issues update on injured Wasps duo Kibirige and Barbeary

Sunday's Premiership win for Wasps at Sale came at a price and boss Lee Blackett has now given an update on Zach Kibirige and Alfi…

Liam Heagney

29 Dec 2020, 10:23

'The defence will probably carve some of the plaintiffs to pieces' - Ethienne Reynecke fears concussion lawsuit will turn ugly

Ethienne Reynecke predicted in 2016 that rugby faced the ticking concussion lawsuit timebomb: now it's here he assesses how it wil…

Liam Heagney

20 Dec 2020, 5:27

It's now 13 defeats in a row for Northampton, but Chris Boyd hasn't lost all hope yet

It's August 22 since Northampton last won a match, but Chris Boyd hasn't lost all hope yet in his Saints despite latest defeat at …

Liam Heagney

19 Dec 2020, 14:05

'I don't see Tom Wood as a dirty player necessarily': Leinster react to incident with van der Flier

The main talking point with Leo Cullen in Dublin after Leinster defeated Northampton was Tom Wood's breakdown tackle on Josh van d…

Liam Heagney

19 Dec 2020, 11:31

Northampton lose yet again but the margin wasn't the rout predicted for bonus-earning Leinster

It was always expected Northampton would give second best to Leinster in Dublin but they went down fighting after a very slow star…

Liam Heagney

19 Dec 2020, 10:13

'Neil Best picked up the goldfish out of bowl, put it in his pint and downed it. The fish was never seen again'

Christmas parties were a topic on this week's RugbyPass Offload and Dylan Hartley told an incredible story about high jinx at Nort…

Liam Heagney

19 Dec 2020, 4:54

Andrew Brace brandishes red card just seven minutes into his latest Anglo-French fixture

Referee Andrew Brace was in the eye of an England-France Nations Cup final storm and he was quickly centre of attention again on F…

Liam Heagney

18 Dec 2020, 15:53

Bath, Glasgow and defending champions Exeter all handed 28-0 defeats after round two cancellations

Virus outbreaks have led to EPCR taking draconian action against Bath, Glasgow and Exeter following Champions Cup round two cancel…

Liam Heagney

18 Dec 2020, 13:25

European game at Scarlets is off as Toulon fail to turn up after travelling to Wales

A fourth round two match in the Champions Cup has been called off after Toulon refused to turn up at Scarlets on Friday night.

Liam Heagney

18 Dec 2020, 12:21

'Cipriani was never that good anyway': Ex-England player launches withering attack

Danny Cipriani quit Gloucester on Tuesday and his sudden exit has drawn the ire of one ex-England international in his Telegraph c…

Liam Heagney

18 Dec 2020, 5:50

Cocoa butter, hair dryers, nail filing and John Barclay's bush: Some of rugby's extreme grooming habits

Bizarre grooming was a topic of discussion on RugbyPass Offload, with ex-Scotland back row John Barclay among the players mentione…

Liam Heagney

17 Dec 2020, 14:30

'There has been a lot of upheaval but none of those decisions were made to deliberately get them wrong'

European rugby for Ben Kay meant winning Champions Cup with Leicester, not competing in the second-tier Challenge Cup which the cl…

Liam Heagney

17 Dec 2020, 14:14

Paul Gustard responds to Munster's inflammatory 'late hits' accusation

Munster were fuming on Sunday over alleged deliberate Harlequins tactics: Paul Gustard has now responded to the inflammatory accus…

Liam Heagney

16 Dec 2020, 14:54

'It was a little bit scary' - Paul Deacon on filling the Sale shoes of the texting Steve Diamond

Life after Dimes at Sale wasn't something Paul Deacon thought he would ever have to experience but he has now done a week as caret…

Liam Heagney

16 Dec 2020, 14:02

Premiership turns down BT Sport's £40million-a-year rights bid - reports

The buy-in by CVC into the Premiership was always likely to up the financial ante and BT Sport could be a casualty for the 2021/22…

Liam Heagney

16 Dec 2020, 5:00

'Oh my Bastareaud, have you seen the size of him at No8?'

The Rugby Pod couldn't allow the Champions Cup impact of Mathieu Bastareaud for Lyon last Sunday to pass without discussion.

Liam Heagney

15 Dec 2020, 11:51

Danny Cipriani has left Gloucester with immediate effect, Hastings signing made official

Less than a day after RugbyPass revealed Gloucester would sign Adam Hastings, Danny Cipriani has quit the Premiership club.

Liam Heagney

15 Dec 2020, 9:15

'It was somewhat skill, somewhat fortuitous... Most of the boys were just perplexed with how I managed to make it come off'

Anyone who thinks Exeter are boring better revise that opinion following the worldie of a Premiership try scored by Tom O'Flaherty…

Liam Heagney

06 Dec 2020, 6:23

The verdict on Farrell's first year as Ireland boss: 42 players, nine games, three bad defeats and an IRFU vote of confidence

Andy Farrell was a cosy in-house appointment by the IRFU who have defended the Ireland coach as still being the right man for the …

Liam Heagney

06 Dec 2020, 4:59

The 'evidence' from win over Italy that has England convinced there isn't such a thing as a France B team

The France XV for Sunday's Nations Cup final contains 0 starters that defeated Ireland and just 1 starter from the team that beat …

Liam Heagney

05 Dec 2020, 14:37

'His leg drive, his ability to not accept a close contact and just go down is pretty special'

Concussed just 4 minutes into his debut last February, Caelan Doris has rebounded excellently for Ireland and was Saturday's man o…

Liam Heagney

05 Dec 2020, 13:03

Ireland player ratings vs Scotland - Autumn Nations Cup

Ireland player ratings: They limped to victory 10 months ago when Scotland visited Dublin but there was no debate in Saturday's re…

Liam Heagney

05 Dec 2020, 12:13

Three tries in 12-minute spell either side of the break decisive for Ireland in third-place playoff

Ireland only beat Scotland ten months ago by a narrow margin but there was no debate about the comfort of this Autumn Nations Cup …

Liam Heagney

05 Dec 2020, 11:18

'I've heard rumours of lads doing 20kms in the first two days of their week, that's like ruin-your-knees time'

George Kruis tells RugbyPass All Access how he is settling into life in Japanese club rugby, his leaving of England and his 2021 L…

Liam Heagney

05 Dec 2020, 7:10

'Gengey wasn't happy': The reason Joe Marler adopted an emergency position at England scrum training last week, and it wasn't at prop

Joe Marler and Mako Vunipola were in their element during an appearance on this week's England Rugby podcast hosted by Dylan Hartl…

Liam Heagney

05 Dec 2020, 4:50

'You never put it to bed': Eddie Jones on the scar of England's 13-month-old World Cup final loss to the Springboks

It's 13 months since England lost the World Cup final to the Springboks and that painful scar won't ever fully heal for coach Eddi…

Liam Heagney

04 Dec 2020, 17:00

The 2009 France ambush that England fans have been warned to remember going into Sunday's final

France are coming to London with a Nations Cup team that has already been written off, but Eddie Jones has a warning for England f…

Liam Heagney

04 Dec 2020, 8:13

Jones confronts claim he hasn't evolved England after picking 13 of his World Cup final XV for Nations Cup decider

Eddie Jones was put on the spot on Friday following his latest England team selection but he had a statistic ready to rebuke the a…

Liam Heagney

04 Dec 2020, 7:32

'I said Kyle would be a good rolling sub (in league). He can do ten minutes... but that would be him done'

The full-time arrival of Jason Ryles in the England set-up from NRL has resulted in plenty of rugby league chat amongst George For…

Liam Heagney

04 Dec 2020, 5:04

'It's brilliant': The British and Irish Lions tour idea that could financially help the Pacific Islands

The combined Pacific Islands team toured on three occasions in the 2000s and Mike Umaga believes the time is ripe for restarting t…

Liam Heagney

04 Dec 2020, 4:07

'I know his mum is scared because he does look young'

Wasps' exciting young out-half Jacob Umaga has been involved in England training this autumn but it has left his mother worried. …

Liam Heagney

03 Dec 2020, 14:33

Andy Farrell has turned to the man who transformed Irish amateur boxing to get Ireland out of a mental rut

2020 hasn't been the best first year in charge of Ireland for Andy Farrell and he has now admitted to bringing in mental prep expe…

Liam Heagney

03 Dec 2020, 12:36

Billy Vunipola has his say on 62-day winter break in between England games if Saracens don't deliver 'something in the pipeline'

England No8 Billy Vunipola faces a nine-week break in between games after this Sunday unless limbo Saracens manage to get back on …

Liam Heagney

03 Dec 2020, 5:28

'No-one gave South Africa stick for winning the World Cup but they played a pretty defensive set-piece, kicking based game'

European teams are being heavily criticised for dull rugby but Dylan Hartley says the trend began with the Springboks at the 2019 …

Liam Heagney

02 Dec 2020, 14:50

Eddie Jones cuts England squad to 27 for Nations Cup final

With the countdown on towards Sunday's Nations Cup final versus France, Eddie Jones has cut his England squad to 27.

Liam Heagney

02 Dec 2020, 13:32

'I'm not sure whether we will get back to those days of exceptional or extraordinary scores, I don't think that's good for the game either'

Northern hemisphere Test rugby is under fire for lack of entertainment and England assistant John Mitchell says breakdown laws nee…

Liam Heagney

02 Dec 2020, 8:45

'He was just a brilliant dude, a brilliant dude that filled the cracks of a post-rugby career with s***'

The rugby world was in mourning last week following the death of Christophe Dominici, the France great warmly remembered on The Ru…

Liam Heagney

02 Dec 2020, 5:11

'Billy is his main No8': The Rugby Pod on why Vunipola is still the man for Eddie Jones' England

There have been recent claims that Billy Vunipola is on the way out with England but The Rugby Pod have jumped to the defence of t…

Liam Heagney

01 Dec 2020, 13:45

'He was shocking': The Rugby Pod's brutal verdict on Romain Poite's Wales vs England scrum decisions

Romain Poite was in the firing line in Llanelli and The Rugby Pod have now weighed in with a stinging verdict on his Wales vs Engl…

Liam Heagney

01 Dec 2020, 9:42

Ireland issue lengthy medical bulletin, Burns and Lowe ruled out of playoff versus Scotland

Andy Farrell's Ireland look to be limping towards the finishing line following a disappointing campaign in the Autumn Nations Cup.

Liam Heagney

01 Dec 2020, 6:13

Uncapped Barbeary chosen in 33-strong England squad but Joseph will miss Nations Cup final versus France

Eddie Jones has picked a 33-strong squad for Sunday's Nations Cup final versus France, two players less than the 35 that assembled…

Liam Heagney

01 Dec 2020, 4:56

How a sliding doors moment at 24 changed the rugby life of Agustin Creevy

Agustin Creevy was set to sign for current club London Irish in 2009 before a phone call ultimatum from Argentina changed his life…

Liam Heagney

29 Nov 2020, 5:53

'The longest NFL field goal is probably 60 yards and that is also very doable with a rugby union ball'

It's a decade since injury for Saracens wrecked Derick Hougaard but he is back chasing an improbable NFL dream just shy of his 38t…

Liam Heagney

29 Nov 2020, 4:15

'Nothing's frustrating': England captain's defensive retort to questions on latest low-frills display

England yet again didn't produce Nations Cup fireworks but what transpired against Wales didn't frustrate skipper Owen Farrell.

Liam Heagney

28 Nov 2020, 15:17

'At half-time, it could have been like watching a psycho horror movie'

The England display at Llanelli lacked attacking fluency but Eddie Jones was pleased as his team showed second-half composure unli…

Liam Heagney

28 Nov 2020, 14:29

'We're not a team humming along like a big V8 revving down the highway... we have always got problems'

Nations Cup favourites England have admitted to having problems but they claim they would be more worried if they hadn't any issue…

Liam Heagney

28 Nov 2020, 8:07

'Happy and good is unacceptable. What would Callum say?'

Callum Sheedy was a kid in the shadows when Pat Lam arrived at Bristol in 2017 but the coach feels Wales now have a jewel on their…

Liam Heagney

28 Nov 2020, 7:44

England boss Eddie Jones has ridiculed the term 'playmaker'

England boss Eddie Jones has been pushing back traditional rugby boundaries in recent weeks and he has now tackled the playmaker t…

Liam Heagney

28 Nov 2020, 7:29

'Name me another tighthead prop who has played the amount of league games John Afoa has?'

Tighthead John Afoa turned 37 last month but there is no sign at all that the ex-All Black front row is slowing down at Bristol.

Liam Heagney

28 Nov 2020, 4:10

Tremendous reaction to referee Nigel Owens being gifted special golden whistle ahead of 100th Test

Social media has been busy with rugby luminaries praising this Saturday's 100th Test milestone in the stellar career of referee Ni…

Liam Heagney

27 Nov 2020, 11:33

Stand by for more boring England rugby: 'You never want your attack to be in place too far ahead of the World Cup'

England have shipped criticism for not entertaining in recent outings but Eddie Jones isn't looking to finesse his attack any time…

Liam Heagney

27 Nov 2020, 6:54

Eddie Jones has a message for critics of under-pressure Wayne Pivac

Having known Wayne Pivac since 2007, England's Eddie Jones has a message for the many critics of the Wales boss who has had a diff…

Liam Heagney

27 Nov 2020, 3:45

'They didn't have Maradona but they had some great players and had a great team'

The All Blacks got a mention when Eddie Jones was put on the spot regarding whether rugby has any Diego Maradona-type figures.

Liam Heagney

27 Nov 2020, 2:49

The kicking tactic Beauden Barrett was encouraged to use by Dave Alred, who helped Wilkinson's England to RWC glory

Headlines were made in January when Dave Alred, famed for kick coaching with England, went to work with Beauden Barrett of the All…

Liam Heagney

26 Nov 2020, 15:24

'He's like a bit of wagyu beef: massaged every day, stretched, fired up - he's just so professional'

Jonny May jumped to joint-second in the all-time England record try-scoring list last Saturday, potency attributable to his profes…

Liam Heagney

26 Nov 2020, 13:57

'He just bumbles about doing his job': Ex-captain singles out England's current unsung hero

There has been huge praise for the likes of Curry and Underhill but former England captain Dylan Hartley has singled out his unsun…

Liam Heagney

26 Nov 2020, 10:21

Eddie Jones salutes the late Dominici and Maradona, lauds Nigel Owens' weekend milestone

England boss Eddie Jones has reflected on this week's tragic loss of two sports heroes, but on a happier note recognised a rugby m…

Liam Heagney

26 Nov 2020, 9:40

'They're in a situation they probably relish... they have been written off'

Mindful that Wales are under heaps of pressure following their first year under Wayne Pivac, England boss Eddie Jones has sounded …

Liam Heagney

26 Nov 2020, 8:36

England make 1 change to their XV to face Wales

Eddie Jones has made one change to the England XV for Wales following last Saturday's Nations Cup win over Ireland.

Liam Heagney

26 Nov 2020, 6:04

'I reckon there was a red card and probably two yellow cards for them'

Ryan Wilson spoke recently about being a hate figure in the Munster dressing room and tensions boiled over at Scotstoun on Monday …

Liam Heagney

25 Nov 2020, 15:22

'He said 20 per cent and I said, Wow' - Lam reacts to Sinckler's Bristol 'struggle' claim

England prop Kyle Sinckler has made some candid admissions following his move to Bristol, prompting a response on Wednesday from P…

Liam Heagney

25 Nov 2020, 9:26

'He's going through a legal process at the minute... I hope he gets everything he is owed'

Last Saturday was the first Leicester game in 23 years without Geordan Murphy and The Rugby Pod have had their say on the situatio…

Liam Heagney

25 Nov 2020, 8:07

'A proper matriarch': Steve Diamond's poignant tribute to his late 85-year-old mother who moulded his tough love approach to rugby management

Four family deaths have affected the Sale squad in recent weeks, including the passing of the influential mother of boss Steve Dia…

Liam Heagney

25 Nov 2020, 5:58

How the rugby world reacted to the tragic death of Christophe Dominici

Tragic news emerged from Paris on Tuesday that ex-France star Christophe Dominici was dead at 48, uniting the rugby world in grief…

Liam Heagney

24 Nov 2020, 16:39

'It just sucks watching it on TV': Nemani Nadolo on hotel quarantine life with Fiji in France

The Autumn Nations Cup hasn't turned out as Nemani Nadolo wanted, the Fiji squad in French hotel isolation following a mass virus …

Liam Heagney

24 Nov 2020, 14:56

Sale's reason for cheer after one weekend statistic improved radically from 30 to 80 percent

Sale scratched a 7-year Premiership opening weekend itch last Friday and one aspect of play particularly pleased boss Steve Diamon…

Liam Heagney

24 Nov 2020, 14:42

Kicking up a storm

Dave Alred puts the boot in on critics who want to see more running rugby

LONG READ

Liam Heagney

24 Nov 2020, 12:37

France great Christophe Dominici dead at 48

Christophe Dominici shot to fame as a try-scorer when France knocked the All Blacks out of the 1999 World Cup semi-finals in Londo…

Liam Heagney

24 Nov 2020, 11:27

'How s*** is some of the ruggers?': The Rugby Pod's blunt weekend verdict

England easily beat Ireland in last weekend's headline Autumn Nations Cup game but Andy Goode of The Rugby Pod didn't jump out of …

Liam Heagney

24 Nov 2020, 9:16

'It was one of those situations I didn't want to be involved in... but we weren't willing to just let it slide'

Siale Piutau begins his 15th year as a pro player on Sunday believing Bristol will be transformed as a club after winning a Europe…

Liam Heagney

22 Nov 2020, 3:13

Jones quickly starts England build-up to Wales with Stereophonics reference and Llanelli 'stadium' quip

It hasn't taken Eddie Jones long to start the pre-Nations Cup game verbals ahead of next Saturday's trip by England to play Wales.…

Liam Heagney

21 Nov 2020, 15:31

'I remember watching him in the 2015 World Cup and at one stage he was going to end up in Row K'

Jonny May lit up Twickenham against Ireland with a swashbuckling display that left Eddie Jones purring after the 18-7 England vict…

Liam Heagney

21 Nov 2020, 13:52

Ireland player ratings vs England - Autumn Nations Cup

Ireland ran into an Autumn Nations Cup white wall against England in London, losing 18-7 after a display where their attack was to…

Liam Heagney

21 Nov 2020, 12:35

Jones puts pressure on Saturday's referee Pascal Gauzere after England's stuttering Italian job with the Frenchman in charge

Three weeks after taking charge of England in Rome, ref Pascal Gauzere will officiate against Ireland with Eddie Jones playing min…

Liam Heagney

20 Nov 2020, 14:05

'We went to Harlequins and we thought we were Real Madrid': Sale's disastrous 7-year opening day run:

Opening weekend in the Premiership has long been a horror show for Steve Diamond's Sale, their last win coming in September 2013. …

Liam Heagney

20 Nov 2020, 12:32

England's bench is down 206 caps compared to RWC final, and the number gets worse if Ford is excluded

A year since England lost the World Cup final to South Africa, their squad evolution is evident in their Nations Cup bench inexper…

Liam Heagney

20 Nov 2020, 8:17

The Bath squad update that should worry the 13 Barbarians players charged by the RFU

Rugby was a laughing stock last month when behaviour by a Barbarians squad that included Bath's Tom de Glanville led to a match ca…

Liam Heagney

20 Nov 2020, 6:09

Four answers, no insight... how England skipper Owen Farrell kept mention of Ireland dad Andy under wraps ahead of Saturday's reunion

Saturday will see a Farrell family reunion at Twickenham but just don't as England captain Owen for insight into Ireland boss Andy…

Liam Heagney

20 Nov 2020, 4:19

'To use the phrase, I've been head cook and bottle washer' - Steve Diamond's revised Sale job brief

The lockdown in England last March coincided with Steve Diamond taking on extra responsibilities at Sale, but that has now been re…

Liam Heagney

20 Nov 2020, 3:30

'I heard someone call them the United Nations': England's verdict on 1/3 of Ireland XV qualifying under residency

England boss Eddie Jones couldn't resist a tongue-in-cheek comment on the Ireland XV containing three New Zealanders and two South…

Liam Heagney

19 Nov 2020, 17:00

The Welford Road signing that has reminded Tom Youngs of Leicester in their pomp

Leicester have suffered training ground closure and Geordan Murphy's exit in recent weeks but Tom Youngs insists is not all doom a…

Liam Heagney

19 Nov 2020, 14:28

'I was talking to one of our players who in their family three people lost their jobs'

England have continued to play matches during a lockdown where they ramifications have not gone unnoticed by Eddie Jones.

Liam Heagney

19 Nov 2020, 9:17

England explain why they have reverted to World Cup back row and kept Ford in reserve

Back row recalls for Tom Curry and Sam Underhill and keeping George Ford in reserve were prime talking points in the England selec…

Liam Heagney

19 Nov 2020, 7:22

England make 4 changes to their XV to face Ireland

Fresh from the win over Georgia, Eddie Jones has made four changes to his England XV to face Ireland in the Nations Cup on Saturda…

Liam Heagney

19 Nov 2020, 6:09

Borthwick breaks silence following snap exit of Leicester legend Murphy

Two assistant coaches and director of rugby Geordan Murphy have left Leicester in the 19 weeks since head coach Steve Borthwick st…

Liam Heagney

18 Nov 2020, 14:40

England shed light on their exclusion of Jack Willis

There was great hype after the debut performance last weekend of Jack Willis but England have explained why he won't feature again…

Liam Heagney

18 Nov 2020, 9:51

Why Andy Farrell is confident Ireland rookie Ross Byrne won't repeat his August 2019 England nightmare

His only previous Test start - an Ireland hammering at Twickenham - cost Ross Byrne an RWC squad place but he is backed for a happ…

Liam Heagney

18 Nov 2020, 9:19

Ireland make 4 changes to their XV for visit to Twickenham

Having defeated Wales 32-9 in their Autumn Nations Cup opener, Ireland have made four changes to their XV to play England away nex…

Liam Heagney

18 Nov 2020, 7:47

Freddie Burns' hilarious training ground introduction to Japan

Freddie Burns has left Bath for a new adventure in Japan and the settling-in period for the ex-England out-half has had amusing mo…

Liam Heagney

18 Nov 2020, 6:31

Nations Cup thrown into chaos as 29 positive Fiji tests for Covid confirmed, game with Italy cancelled

The Nations Cup suffered a blow when last Sunday's Fiji vs France match was cancelled but it's now in chaos following a second can…

Liam Heagney

17 Nov 2020, 13:55

Sale on cusp of 2 overseas signings, admit Tuilagi was hit by Covid

Steve Diamond is set to tackle the Sale injury list, with cover for Lood de Jager one of two Premiership signings to be unveiled n…

Liam Heagney

17 Nov 2020, 13:26

England cut squad to 25, omit two starters from pack vs Georgia

England beat Georgia 40-0 but two of their Nations Cup starting pack are excluded from the squad of 25 for the round two clash wit…

Liam Heagney

17 Nov 2020, 12:25

Steve Diamond breaks silence, criticises Lam, Monye and Solomons as RFU report 'exonerates' Sale

Sale boss Steve Diamond has come out swinging ahead of the RFU report into the Sharks which is said to 'exonerate' them of wrongdo…

Liam Heagney

17 Nov 2020, 8:05

France go top of Group B after being awarded 28-0 win over Fiji

With France vs Fiji cancelled, Nations Cup organisers were left having to decide a result in the boardroom rather than on the fiel…

Liam Heagney

17 Nov 2020, 4:31

'It's a really bad game of musical chairs: twelve chairs, 13 clubs and somebody misses out - relegation doesn't serve any sort of purpose'

Promoted Newcastle open their Premiership campaign next weekend and Mick Hogan has a stark message about their lost year in the Ch…

Liam Heagney

15 Nov 2020, 6:41

'We'd 18 scrums and 12 mauling contests, so that's 30 contests where you basically go 8-vs-8 which is unusual'

Mindful of their infamous scrummaging session last year with Georgia, Eddie Jones says England proved a point at Twickenham on Sat…

Liam Heagney

14 Nov 2020, 14:32

Has Eddie Jones handed hurting Wales their November 28 team talk with description of next weekend's England vs Ireland game?

Ireland are next up for England in the Nations Cup but the status Eddie Jones has given that match could be taken as a slight by W…

Liam Heagney

14 Nov 2020, 13:45

'It's a word every coach would like to keep on using'

Andy Farrell was pleased with the one word that summed up Ireland on Friday night but it might not be heard after visiting England…

Liam Heagney

14 Nov 2020, 8:32

'He thinks he's a fly-half already': The Murray-at-10 cameo had Farrell salivating

Benched versus Wales, veteran Ireland scrum-half Conor Murray came into the fray late but he impressed playing in a very different…

Liam Heagney

14 Nov 2020, 6:40

Wayne Pivac insists he hasn't lost the Wales dressing room, provides evidence supporting his claim

Wayne Pivac has had a horrible baptism of fire but he saw something in the Wales dressing room that said he hasn't lost the dressi…

Liam Heagney

14 Nov 2020, 4:20

Ireland player ratings vs Wales - Autumn Nations Cup

Having had their Six Nations title hopes ended by France on October 31, here is how the Ireland players rated in their Nations Cup…

Liam Heagney

13 Nov 2020, 17:05

Ireland eventually grab deserved 23-point winning margin as Wales' losing streak goes on

Struggling Wales arrived in Dublin lacking confidence and their resistance eventually caved in, leaving Ireland to win by 32-9. …

Liam Heagney

13 Nov 2020, 16:05

Ireland forced to make 2 late changes to their starting XV

Ireland picked their XV on Tuesday to play Wales in Friday's Autumn Nations Cup but two players, including Jacob Stockdale, have p…

Liam Heagney

13 Nov 2020, 12:48

England's embarrassment of openside riches: From a pair of 6-and-a-halves to four out-and-out 7s

Eddie Jones used to quip he only had two six-and-a-halves at flanker but the England coach is now revelling in having four out-and…

Liam Heagney

13 Nov 2020, 8:10

England aren't starting nine forwards versus Georgia, but Eddie Jones has still 'invented' a new position for one player in his XV

England won't start with forwards as backs and vice-versa on Saturday but Eddie Jones has still coined a new position for one of h…

Liam Heagney

13 Nov 2020, 5:30

Eddie Jones compares England newcomer Jack Willis to 63-cap ex-Wallabies forward

Eddie Jones is giving Jack Willis his first run at Test level, a selection that has the England boss remembering one ex-Wallabies …

Liam Heagney

12 Nov 2020, 17:00

'We hated ye': Simon Zebo lifts the lid on spicy Munster rivalry with Ryan Wilson's Glasgow

Munster vs Glasgow became a feisty rivalry some years ago, with Simon Zebo taking dressing room heat for following Ryan Wilson on …

Liam Heagney

12 Nov 2020, 14:48

Ex-Ireland player's frank assessment of Pivac's Wales: 'There's no fear playing them like in the past'

From World Cup semi-finalists to losing 5 games in a row: ex-Ireland player Simon Zebo outlines what is gone wrong with Wayne Piva…

Liam Heagney

12 Nov 2020, 13:17

'He's flippin' tough': Eddie Jones on what he likes about new England cap Jack Willis

The inclusion of Jack Willis for a first England cap was the main talking point after Eddie Jones named his XV to play Georgia on …

Liam Heagney

12 Nov 2020, 8:06

Ryan Wilson revisits infamous 2018 Owen Farrell tunnel-gate row, which had consequences a year later at Twickenham

Winding England up is something Ryan Wilson of Scotland really enjoys and his memories of 2018 and 2019 were hilarious on RugbyPas…

Liam Heagney

11 Nov 2020, 14:15

Ireland outcast Simon Zebo has a message for James Lowe, the latest New Zealander to get an Irish cap

Although a born and bred Irishman, Simon Zebo is not eligible to currently play for Ireland who this Friday give a debut to Kiwi J…

Liam Heagney

11 Nov 2020, 11:21

The extraordinary rise of Semi Radradra: From working in a goldmine for $2 an hour to captaining Fiji

Handed the captaincy of Fiji, Semi Radradra has given a rare interview and has opened up about his extraordinary rise from humble …

Liam Heagney

11 Nov 2020, 5:08

Incredible Super Rugby/Champions Cup sub stat puts Gibson-Park, Ireland's new No9, firmly under spotlight

Jamison Gibson-Park has made a career coming off the Super Rugby/Champions Cup bench but he will start as Ireland No9 on Friday in…

Liam Heagney

10 Nov 2020, 14:31

Nigel Owens owns up to schoolboy error, also amusingly blames Wayne Barnes for why he won't referee at RWC 2023

Veteran referee Nigel Owens has always been an entertaining presence on social media but two messages this week lit up Twitter.

Liam Heagney

10 Nov 2020, 9:35

7 changes for Ireland against Wales, debut cap for Lowe

Andy Farrell has reacted to the Six Nations loss to France by making seven chances to the Ireland XV to face Wales on Friday.

Liam Heagney

10 Nov 2020, 7:57

Fixtures unveiled for 2021 Sky Super Rugby Aotearoa season, one delicious format twist added

After the excellence of the 2020 Super Rugby Aotearoa tournament, plans have been unveiled for 2021 with Sky now the official spon…

Liam Heagney

10 Nov 2020, 4:41

'Sorry, I'm getting a little bit emotional' - the grim reality of liquidating a professional rugby club

Ex-Springboks fly-half Braam van Straaten is fighting the fallout from the liquidation of Southern Kings which put 52 people out o…

Liam Heagney

08 Nov 2020, 11:16

How Ian McGeechan knew, years ago, that Warren Gatland was right for the Lions

There was no such thing as apps, avatars and instant communication when a 27-year-old Ian McGeechan toured South Africa with the 1…

Liam Heagney

08 Nov 2020, 5:24

'One thing certain is having been away, to get back into it has reignited that spark and love for the game'

Back in rugby consulting for minnows Georgia, David Humphreys talks Autumn Nations Cup and breaks silence on his June exit from Gl…

Liam Heagney

08 Nov 2020, 4:00

Jones hints he could start 9 England forwards against Georgia

England boss Eddie Jones has teased he could do to Georgia next weekend what he did to them with Japan in 2015 just before Brighto…

Liam Heagney

08 Nov 2020, 2:42

Ian McGeechan's verdict on injured Manu Tuilagi's Lions chances, picks his 2021 1st Test XV

Ian McGeechan has his say on injured Manu Tuilagi's race against time and sifts through his preferred 2021 Lions 1st Test XV.

Liam Heagney

07 Nov 2020, 8:45

A 2013 remark about Brian O'Driscoll losing the Ireland captaincy should be foremost in Johnny Sexton's thoughts

Sexton and Farrell took it in turns Thursday to draw a line under last Saturday's controversy, but the Ireland duo have unfinished…

Liam Heagney

05 Nov 2020, 13:47

'If you were a betting man you'd be pretty excited about seeing him play for Ireland'

Having served his three-year residency, New Zealander James Lowe is now eligible to represent Ireland in this month's Autumn Natio…

Liam Heagney

05 Nov 2020, 10:42

Sexton and Farrell try to clear the air after messy fallout from Saturday night's infamous substitution

Ireland's title-losing Six Nations loss to France has been eclipsed by talk surrounding Johnny Sexton and his substitution by Andy…

Liam Heagney

05 Nov 2020, 7:43

What Jamie Roberts would do to fix Wayne Pivac's struggling Wales

The mood among Wales fans has been dark since Saturday's latest loss and Jamie Roberts has identified the areas Wayne Pivac must f…

Liam Heagney

05 Nov 2020, 6:28

The England training ground attitude that makes Maro Itoje stand out from the crowd

Maro Itoje is widely recognised as an England great but what makes him tick on the training ground? Dylan Hartley provides a telli…

Liam Heagney

04 Nov 2020, 14:14

What AWJ pulled out of his luggage on the 2017 Lions left CJ Stander gobsmacked

CJ Stander shared a room with Alun Wyn Jones on the 2017 Lions and he was left gobsmacked by the Welsh skipper's level of professi…

Liam Heagney

04 Nov 2020, 9:27

Ex-England skipper Hartley weighs in on whether Saracens should be automatically allowed rejoin the Premiership

Dylan Hartley once played a season in the Championship with Northampton and he has now had his say on the Saracens promotion specu…

Liam Heagney

04 Nov 2020, 8:36

'He's not in the best 4 second rows': The Rugby Pod's shock AWJ Lions selection call

The Rugby Pod has no room for romance in selecting the form second rows for the 2021 Lions, excluding veteran Wales skipper Alun W…

Liam Heagney

04 Nov 2020, 6:19

Gatland breaks silence on whether disgraced Rob Howley is being considered as a 2021 Lions assistant

Rob Howley assisted Warren Gatland on the 2013 and 2017 Lions but his star has fallen since his gambling ban from the sport.

Liam Heagney

01 Nov 2020, 3:10

Ireland player ratings vs France - Six Nations Super Saturday

Ireland went into the Six Nations finale in Paris knowing a win by seven points would net them the title... here's how their playe…

Liam Heagney

31 Oct 2020, 18:30

England player ratings vs Italy - Six Nations Super Saturday

Here are the England player ratings after their 29-point win versus Italy put pressure on Six Nations title rivals Ireland and Fra…

Liam Heagney

31 Oct 2020, 14:40

Gatland has his say on 14-week pre-Lions gap facing Itoje and fellow Saracens stars following 2021 Six Nations

Star Saracens players like Maro Itoje face a 14-week break after the end of the 2021 Six Nations and the start of the Lions tour. …

Liam Heagney

31 Oct 2020, 8:03

Gatland's message to Wales fans who claim Scotland is must-win for under-pressure Pivac

New Wales boss Wayne Pivac is taking criticism for a 4-match losing streak but Warren Gatland wants fans to cut his fellow Kiwi so…

Liam Heagney

30 Oct 2020, 12:40

England's Plan B minus Farrell: 'Every time he has stepped into the 10 he looks an absolute natural there'

Eddie Jones hasn't picked a specialist 10 on the England bench, so he will improvise in an emergency with George Furbank or Henry …

Liam Heagney

30 Oct 2020, 12:39

England boss Jones: Barbarians fiasco has made rugby 'a bit of a laughing stock'

Eddie Jones has flown out for England's Six Nations finale in Rome still furious with last week's match-cancelling Barbarians fias…

Liam Heagney

30 Oct 2020, 5:19

'There is no anti-Scottish sentiment from me - I definitely want them to do well'

Just five of the 78 original picks for the 2013 and 2017 Lions tours were Scotland players but Warren Gatland insists he isn't ant…

Liam Heagney

29 Oct 2020, 14:40

13 Barbarians players charged by the RFU following cancelled England match

There is no end yet in sight to last weekend's embarrassing England match cancellation as the RFU have now charged 13 Barbarians p…

Liam Heagney

29 Oct 2020, 12:16

'He hits hard, carries hard, sort of a no-nonsense player similar to the George Kruis mould'

With George Kruis heading to Japan, Eddie Jones recently scoured the Premiership for an England lock and he found one in Jonny Hil…

Liam Heagney

29 Oct 2020, 8:24

England make 7 changes for Italian job, hand lock Jonny Hill a debut start

England have unveiled the team they hope can put up a big score on Italy on Saturday and leave them in the frame to win the Six Na…

Liam Heagney

29 Oct 2020, 7:14

Lions squad could accommodate as few as 35 players, Ireland boss Farrell in frame for assistant's role

The 2021 Lions could travel with six players fewer than in 2017, but Andy Farrell is in the frame as repeat assistant coach to Gat…

Liam Heagney

29 Oct 2020, 5:09

Gatland muddies Lions captain speculation by naming a whopping 17 players as possible 2021 skipper

Just when you though the list of who might captain the 2021 Lions was narrowing, Warren Gatland comes along with a list as long as…

Liam Heagney

28 Oct 2020, 18:23

Dad's Army: Gatland insists old age is no barrier to Sexton, Jones in Lions tour selection

Johnny Sexton will be 36 and Alun Wyn Jones nearly as old when next year's Lions Tests begin, but Warren Gatland insists age is no…

Liam Heagney

28 Oct 2020, 18:02

Boozing Barbarians have Dylan Hartley reminiscing about England's infamous dwarf tossing controversy

With the Barbarians cancellation the talk of rugby, Dylan Hartley has revisted the infamous England RWC 2011 carry-on in Queenstow…

Liam Heagney

28 Oct 2020, 13:39

Covid risk forces Ireland to bring 31-man squad to Paris, but still no room for Cooney

Covid meant recent Republic of Ireland soccer away games were a calamity, something Andy Farrell and Ireland rugby are intent not …

Liam Heagney

28 Oct 2020, 11:07

Ireland make one change for Six Nations title finale against France

Ireland head into the final match of their 2020 Six Nations campaign on the back of a 50-17 win last Saturday over Italy in Dublin…

Liam Heagney

28 Oct 2020, 8:55

'They haven't always been the easiest to deal with': Gatland fears Premiership threat could cost English-based players Lions places

Warren Gatland is worried preparations for the 2021 Lions tour to South Africa will be hurt by Premiership Rugby's player release …

Liam Heagney

28 Oct 2020, 8:33

'It's an incredible feat': Five years after nerve damage nearly ended his career, Cian Healy is about to become a Test centurion

Complications after neck surgery had prop Cian Healy on the verge of quitting in 2015 but he is now ready to win his 100th Ireland…

Liam Heagney

27 Oct 2020, 15:32

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

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

Liam Heagney

27 Oct 2020, 14:42

'It beggars belief' - Steenson on Simmonds' England snub, retirement and Exeter's naked bus celebrations

Having seen at first-hand the emergence of Joe Simmonds as No10 with double-winning Exeter, Gareth Steenson is confused by England…

Liam Heagney

27 Oct 2020, 8:11

'Getting out of the hotel is pretty much a no-go' - inside the Barbarians camp prior to the 'Hungry 12' fiasco

Barbarians selection for the now-cancelled England game was a reward for the form Tim Swinson had enjoyed after recently joining S…

Liam Heagney

25 Oct 2020, 6:38

Garry Ringrose's Six Nations is over with broken jaw

Garry Ringrose missed two of the three Ireland Six Nations games last February and he was in the wars again on Saturday in Dublin.…

Liam Heagney

24 Oct 2020, 14:35

Ireland player ratings vs Italy

Ireland got the Six Nations back up and running with a win over Italy where debut-making Will Connors was the official man of the …

Liam Heagney

24 Oct 2020, 13:50

Rookies help Ireland to bonus-point win but soft Italian tries leaves title door open for England

Ireland began the Six Nations restart with a 50-17 win over Italy, but they will fear they have left title door open for England t…

Liam Heagney

24 Oct 2020, 12:48

'My dad was thinking of sneaking in; I'd to tell him not to do it'

It was feared Dan Leavy might not play again following a horrible knee injury but his 573-day lay-off ended on Friday with Leinste…

Liam Heagney

24 Oct 2020, 7:52

'I can't see the logic behind not supporting the Championship as much as you possibly could'

Rob Baxter isn't alone in criticising the RFU's poor attitude towards the Championship as Wasps feel exactly the same way.

Liam Heagney

24 Oct 2020, 6:20

'I could actually write a book about all these characters in the Exeter changing room - it would be a best-seller'

Thomas Waldrom is 12,000 miles from Exeter but that doesn't stop him cheering... and cracking open breakfast time beers when they …

Liam Heagney

24 Oct 2020, 4:18

Trouble brewing

Andy Farrell needs to deliver a Six Nations title if he wants to be the toast of Ireland

LONG READ

Liam Heagney

24 Oct 2020, 3:25

Leavy's return after 573 days out with horror injury nearly gets storybook finish

After 19 months out, Dan Leavy was back in the Leinster colours on Friday night and he nearly enjoyed a try-scoring return.

Liam Heagney

23 Oct 2020, 16:46

Wasps name Premiership final XV showing four changes from semi-final win over Bristol

After huge speculation as to what the make-up of the Wasps XV would be, Lee Blackett has now announced his team for the Premiershi…

Liam Heagney

23 Oct 2020, 7:25

Referee Wayne Barnes tests positive for coronavirus and will miss Premiership final

There has been a further virus twist in the lead-up to the Premiership final, referee Wayne Barnes getting ruled out after a faile…

Liam Heagney

23 Oct 2020, 5:04

Nations Cup blow for Fiji as Semi Radradra ruled out until the end of November

Semi Radradra has lit up Bristol since his summer switch from Bordeaux but he won't carry that form into the Nations Cup wth Fiji.…

Liam Heagney

22 Oct 2020, 16:36

'That high tackle on Juan Imhoff, he nearly takes his head off, that's a red card'

Exeter were crowned Champions Cup champions last Saturday Racing full-back Simon Zebo has taken issue with a Henry Slade tackle.

Liam Heagney

22 Oct 2020, 13:16

Hotel bubble breach by Barbarians could see Sunday's England game cancelled

The Barbarians are scheduled to face England at Twickenham but the Twickenham fixture is now threatened with cancellation.

Liam Heagney

22 Oct 2020, 12:41

Blackett breaks silence, admits Wasps are 4 main men down for Saturday's final

Wasps have been given the go-ahead to play in Saturday's Premiership final but Lee Blackett says they will do so minus some famili…

Liam Heagney

22 Oct 2020, 9:20

'It was a pretty long walk of shame': Dylan Hartley revisits his infamous 2013 Premiership final red card

Ahead of Saturday's latest Premiership final, Dylan Hartley has candidly reflected on his infamous 2013 red card with Northampton.…

Liam Heagney

21 Oct 2020, 12:48

'I've every confidence everyone on the pitch in the final will be Covid-free and there won't be any danger to anybody'

It took until Wednesday before Wasps were cleared to play in the Premiership final and Exeter boss Rob Baxter welcomes their prese…

Liam Heagney

21 Oct 2020, 10:01

Farrell explains why he has gone for Ireland flankers with just 2 Test caps

The starting Ireland back row at Twickenham had 131 caps - next Saturday's against Italy will have just 43 after Farrell changes i…

Liam Heagney

21 Oct 2020, 8:52

Ireland make six changes to XV after England loss, handing debuts to Keenan and Connors

Following their Six Nations defeat to England last February, Ireland have made six changes to their XV to take on Italy on Saturda…

Liam Heagney

21 Oct 2020, 7:47

'Jonny Gray was quite disappointed... he was sitting next to us and didn't get in the photo'

A picture of old Scottish pals Stuart Hogg and Finn Russell went viral in the way of Exeter's European final win over Racing last …

Liam Heagney

20 Oct 2020, 9:52

'It's crazy that it happens now after us being squeaky clean for so long'

A virus outbreak has hit Wasps but defence coach Ian Costello is optimistic the spread will be contained and shutting down Exeter …

Liam Heagney

18 Oct 2020, 4:45

Champions Cup final's bizarre end: Referee Owens has feisty exchange with his TMO

Exeter were crowned first-time Champions Cup winners on Saturday evening but it took a while for Nigel Owens to blow his final whi…

Liam Heagney

17 Oct 2020, 16:29

Exeter player ratings vs Racing

Here's how Rob Baxter's Exeter players rated in a spectacular, high-scoring Champions Cup final win against Racing in Bristol.

Liam Heagney

17 Oct 2020, 15:17

The clinical August moment which convinced Rob Baxter his Exeter would challenge for two trophies in October

Exeter are ready for European and Premiership finals on successive Saturdays, something Rob Baxter was convinced in August could h…

Liam Heagney

17 Oct 2020, 7:25

'This academy kid who couldn't speak French, couldn't speak English, dropped into training and carved everyone up... he made all look like idiots'

Jamie Roberts spent two seasons at Racing and he has vivid memories of players like Virimi Vakatawa ahead of Saturday's Champions …

Liam Heagney

17 Oct 2020, 6:04

Video: 15 seconds was all it took for Bristol to score Radradra-inspired try on Friday night

Toulon were made to pay dearly after they kicked the ball to Semi Radradra at the start of Friday night's Challenge Cup final whic…

Liam Heagney

17 Oct 2020, 4:08

Genge sends Bristol a Euro Cup final good luck message from England camp

Bristol native Ellis Genge came through the ranks at his local club and he now hopes they are successful in Friday's Challenge Cup…

Liam Heagney

16 Oct 2020, 13:59

Andy Farrell breaks his silence on the Ireland axing of John Cooney

The absence of John Cooney from the Ireland squad announced last week was a major talking point and Andy Farrell has now explained…

Liam Heagney

16 Oct 2020, 10:01

England talk up de Glanville and Lawrence, sidestep the omission of Spencer

England assistant Simon Amor has sidestepping talk of Ben Spencer's omission and instead focused on the call-up of Tom de Glanvill…

Liam Heagney

16 Oct 2020, 8:57

Jamie Roberts reckons an Exeter 'weakness' running off 9 can help Racing to Euro glory

This Saturday's Champions Cup final is full of tactical intrigue and Jamie Roberts claims to have spotted a potential Exeter 'weak…

Liam Heagney

15 Oct 2020, 14:18

Jones confirms 26-strong squad attending England's latest three-day camp

England have started their latest three-day training camp and Eddie Jones had confirmed exactly who is with him at the Lensbury.

Liam Heagney

15 Oct 2020, 13:45

Time to re-Joyce

Second row's strong roots can help Bristol branch out in Challenge Cup final

LONG READ

Liam Heagney

15 Oct 2020, 12:59

'I was sat in the toilet and had an emotional breakdown': Hartley's nightmare Champions Cup final concussion

It's nine years since Northampton lost an epic Champions Cup final to Leinster, a defeat that left a horrible memory for Dylan Har…

Liam Heagney

14 Oct 2020, 15:29

'The more we talk about Joe Simmonds the less chance he will get picked... it happened to Maro'

Momentum is growing in the 'Joe Simmonds for England' campaign but Dylan Hartley has recalled what Eddie Jones did before to Maro …

Liam Heagney

14 Oct 2020, 13:19

Exeter issue Covid testing all-clear after 5am Wednesday start

Staff at Exeter were up as early as 5am on Wednesday morning as the results of the latest round of Covid testing arrived ahead of …

Liam Heagney

14 Oct 2020, 8:24

Baxter gives update on Nowell and other Exeter walking wounded

Jack Nowell hasn't played since a September 26 foot injury but Rob Baxter has confirmed he is back in the Exeter mix for Saturday'…

Liam Heagney

14 Oct 2020, 7:57

Match referee Nigel Owens has had his say on Saturday's Exeter vs Racing final

Saturday will be the seventh Champions Cup final Nigel Owens will take charge of and he set the scene on Tuesday on Irish breakfas…

Liam Heagney

13 Oct 2020, 14:29

From back-to-back Top 14 relegations to coaching a Racing attack that is the envy of Europe: the remarkable fall and rise of Mike Prendergast

It's quite the transformation for Mike Prendergast, the ex-Munster player going from coaching successive Top 14 relegations to a g…

Liam Heagney

11 Oct 2020, 7:14

Video: Malakai Fekitoa's cracking early try was his painful last act in Premiership semi-final win

There was huge interest in now Malakai Fekitoa would fare for Wasps in their Premiership semi-final but he lasted just nine minute…

Liam Heagney

10 Oct 2020, 9:15

SA Rugby issues statement casting doubt over Springboks' Rugby Championship participation

The Rugby Championship is supposed to start for the Springboks in four weeks in Brisbane but South Africa has still to confirm the…

Liam Heagney

10 Oct 2020, 4:39

He's 33 and a qualified doctor but Jamie Roberts fears retiring from rugby

Respected Wales midfielder Jamie Roberts made sure during his 20s he got his college qualifications but the thought of retiring fr…

Liam Heagney

09 Oct 2020, 14:26

Ryan Wilson on the annoying trait Maro Itoje and Bundee Aki have in common

Ryan Wilson checked in for his debut this week on the new RugbyPass Offload show and the Scotland back row made his mark when pres…

Liam Heagney

09 Oct 2020, 13:30

Jonny May's lockdown silver lining

A fractured cheekbone wrecked the Six Nations for Jonny May last March but the England winger hasn't missed any matches in the sev…

Liam Heagney

09 Oct 2020, 5:14

Simon Zebo on why he left Ireland and his situation with current boss Andy Farrell

Not since July 2017 has Simon Zebo featured for Ireland and another squad announcement on Thursday arrived minus his name.

Liam Heagney

08 Oct 2020, 14:22

Jamie Roberts breaks silence on his positive Covid test, discusses major outbreak at Sale

Appearing on RugbyPass Offload, Dragons centre Jamie Roberts opens up about his mid-August encounter with Covid-19 and what happen…

Liam Heagney

08 Oct 2020, 9:36

'The waiting around on Monday and Tuesday was unique and challenging'

Bath endured a difficult few days after their draw at Saracens, but Stuart Hopper now believes they can go and win at Exeter.

Liam Heagney

08 Oct 2020, 8:56

Winners and losers from Andy Farrell's Ireland squad announcement

The delayed Six Nations resumes on October 24 in Dublin and Andy Farrell has unveiled his 35-man squad as Ireland go in search of …

Liam Heagney

08 Oct 2020, 6:41

'Everyone assumes the challenge is not to go out for a beer - that isn't the challenge'

With instances of Covid-19 on the rise in England, Rob Baxter believes rugby clubs like Exeter have never been as vulnerable to th…

Liam Heagney

08 Oct 2020, 4:02

'I just don't feel we are in a position to moan or whinge about not going out for a coffee'

Life this week in England camp is very different from what it was last March, but Jonny May isn't unsettled by the Covid-19 preven…

Liam Heagney

07 Oct 2020, 14:56

Baxter revisits his pre-Sale outbreak claim that the Premiership should stop Covid testing

A claim early last week by Exeter boss Rob Baxter that Coid testing in the Premiership should stop hasn't aged well in light of th…

Liam Heagney

07 Oct 2020, 14:15

'You can't blame Sale for saying we can fulfil a fixture'

Rob Baxter feels it's ridiculous Exeter only found out their Premiership semi-final opponents on Wednesday, but he isn't blaming S…

Liam Heagney

07 Oct 2020, 11:28

State of the art games room to keep England occupied at the Lensbury

Coronavirus restrictions will see Eddie Jones confine his England players to their new Lensbury team hotel where downtime activiti…

Liam Heagney

07 Oct 2020, 4:33

'Joe is an intriguing character... and I hope his book sells well'

Joe Marler has received kudos for his recent mental health revelations and England coach Eddie Jones has now had his say on the pr…

Liam Heagney

07 Oct 2020, 4:08

'When you're in your twenties and thirties, sometimes you make mistakes'

After England footballers ignited negative headlines last month, Eddie Jones wants to lay down the law to his rugby squad regardin…

Liam Heagney

06 Oct 2020, 17:00

'England were stupid... that has killed the Lions tour': Willie John McBride's lament for modern-day rugby

Professional rugby's myriad of problems are addressed in a compelling new book that contains a hard-hitting foreword by Lions lege…

Liam Heagney

06 Oct 2020, 14:14

The Super Rugby Aotearoa trend that has Eddie Jones worked up about life without Manu Tuilagi

Eddie Jones has England - minus the injured Manu Tuilagi - in for a camp and he will be telling them about a Super Rugby Aotearoa …

Liam Heagney

06 Oct 2020, 9:03

Virus-hit Sale finally name their XV to face Worcester

There has been huge interest in the goings-on at Sale and the Steve Diamond has now announced the Premiership XV that will face Wo…

Liam Heagney

06 Oct 2020, 7:13

Virus fears impact first day of England camp as Jones potentially 3 players short

Eddie Jones named a 28-strong England squad on Monday only to turn up for work on Tuesday in London three players short due to con…

Liam Heagney

06 Oct 2020, 5:44

The USA rugby player who isn't allowed to enter America || Rugby Pass documentary

In the latest RugbyPass Insiders documentary, we visit 28-year-old USA prop Paul Mullen who is stranded off the coast of Ireland d…

Liam Heagney

04 Oct 2020, 8:00

'On a one-to-one basis he has warned me to up my physicality to make me be the best Premiership player I can be'

Steve Borthwick has a no-nonsense reputation but his abrasive style is inspiring Tommy Reffell, the Leicester Welshman getting env…

Liam Heagney

04 Oct 2020, 4:52

Premiership Rugby confirms 21 positive tests for Covid-19 across three clubs

It's been quite an unsettling week for Premiership Rugby with the Sale versus Worcester game rescheduled and Northampton's match a…

Liam Heagney

03 Oct 2020, 13:15

'It will be one of those years where for the next 20, 30 years we will be talking about - do you remember the Covid? - for all the wrong reasons'

Steve Diamond was in his element on a media Zoom call Thursday... then Covid struck, resulting in a crazy 48 hours for Sale, his P…

Liam Heagney

03 Oct 2020, 12:14

Laporte wins France rugby election less than a fortnight after his police arrest

The outlook wasn't great for Bernard Laporte when taken into police custody less than a fortnight ago but he has won the election …

Liam Heagney

03 Oct 2020, 7:02

James Hook gives his verdict on which Wales players can make the Lions... and he also has special mention for one Scottish import

With a new book out and a new job at Ospreys, James Hook is well-positioned to judge the Lions selection chances next year of play…

Liam Heagney

03 Oct 2020, 6:32

Worcester issue response questioning Sale's claim that Sunday's match is definitely going ahead

Covid-19 affected Sale claimed on Friday night their Premiership game was still going ahead this Sunday but Worcester have now que…

Liam Heagney

02 Oct 2020, 19:01

Same as ever in Dublin - a pre-Six Nations Sexton injury scare and a Dragons thrashing by Leinster

RugbyPass was at the RDS to witness two habitual things, a Johnny Sexton injury scare with Ireland in Six Nations looming and Lein…

Liam Heagney

02 Oct 2020, 17:10

Sale issue statement confirming Covid-19 outbreak but insist it's business as usual this Sunday

Rumours were swirling around Sale regarding the health of their Premiership squad and they have now issued a statement confirming …

Liam Heagney

02 Oct 2020, 15:45

Critical Sale match faces cancellation as 16 players reportedly test positive for Covid-19

Steve Diamond told RugbyPass on Thursday how fortunate he was no-one close was poorly with Covid-19, but there is now reportedly a…

Liam Heagney

02 Oct 2020, 12:22

Great World Cup escape for Wales as World Rugby scrubs current 2023 draw rankings

Ireland had jumped to 4th and Scotland to 8th but the current rankings have been scrapped, leaving Wales celebrating for the Decem…

Liam Heagney

02 Oct 2020, 11:42

Covid outbreak at top-four club to impact on Premiership's Super Sunday finale

The Premiership is hyping a Super Sunday finale but it has emerged the final round of fixtures will be impacted by a Covid-19 outb…

Liam Heagney

02 Oct 2020, 8:38

'It's a whirlwind romance at the minute': Steve Diamond on whether Manu Tuilagi will extend his one-year Sale deal

Injury has sidelined Sale signing Manu Tuilagi for six months and he will be near the end of his one-year deal when he returns to …

Liam Heagney

02 Oct 2020, 5:11

UPDATED: Huge blow for England as Manu Tuilagi ruled out for 6 months

Manu Tuilagi was injured for Sale at Northampton on Tuesday and the title-chasing Premiership club have now reported the England m…

Liam Heagney

01 Oct 2020, 7:33

European finalists Racing plunged into Covid crisis - reports

With 9 cases of Covid-19 reported following midweek testing at Champions Cup finalists Racing, their league game at La Rochelle is…

Liam Heagney

01 Oct 2020, 6:09

Jim Hamilton laughs off cheerleading Finn Russell for Lions selection while seated alongside Dan Biggar

Jim Hamilton heaped weekend praise on Finn Russell, touting him for Lions selection without twigging why Dan Biggar didn't agree w…

Liam Heagney

30 Sep 2020, 11:07

'Sunday morning, I was a bit of a mess': How Tony Rowe celebrated Exeter's breathtaking European success

Last Saturday was a day Tony Rowe had long dreamed of achieving at Exeter but he felt lonely without any fans and took matters int…

Liam Heagney

30 Sep 2020, 7:12

Ex-Ireland full-back Rob Kearney signs one-year Super Rugby deal

Rob Kearney announced last Thursday that his time with Leinster and Ireland was over and he had now joined up with the Force for a…

Liam Heagney

29 Sep 2020, 5:21

Ex-Springbok quotes Ronald Reagan as crisis fund-raiser launched for unpaid Kings

Southern Kings were plunged into voluntary liquidation last weekend and a campaign has been launch to help their out-of-pocket PRO…

Liam Heagney

27 Sep 2020, 5:17

'That's the uglier side of the sport in some ways... but there is no animosity'

The inspired Ian McKinley story - how he became an Italy player despite blindness in one eye - hasn't had a happy ending with his …

Liam Heagney

27 Sep 2020, 4:18

Video: Racing's 'absolutely stunning score' created by the genius of Finn Russell

Racing were heading for a Champions Cup semi-final defeat in Paris when Finn Russell opened up his box of tricks to catch out Sara…

Liam Heagney

26 Sep 2020, 11:47

'I don't know if you can find a more heroic captain, leader and figure in the European game'

Semi-final defeat to Racing ended the stellar Champions Cup career of Brad Barritt and Brian O'Driscoll paid the Saracens stalwart…

Liam Heagney

26 Sep 2020, 10:55

Mako Vunipola has paid Vincent Koch the ultimate compliment

Mako Vunipola and Vincent Koch will look to repeat their set-piece heroics of Dublin in Paris on Saturday when Saracens play Racin…

Liam Heagney

26 Sep 2020, 3:55

'I love visiting restaurants with Cheslin because you're more than likely to get a couple of drinks or a meal free with it'

Jerome Kaino is an All Blacks World Cup winner but the popularity of clubmate Cheslin Kolbe, the Springboks World Cup winner, know…

Liam Heagney

25 Sep 2020, 13:35

Cheslin Kolbe's startling revelation about the origin of his mesmerising sidestep

Having made a career from leaving opponents grasping at thin air, Cheslin Kolbe has revealed the origin of his trademark South Afr…

Liam Heagney

24 Sep 2020, 17:00

Racing owner Lorenzetti lets slip the astronomical salary Maro Itoje wanted

Racing 92 had negotiations earlier this year with Maro Itoje and Parisian club president Jacky Lorenzetti has now revealed why tal…

Liam Heagney

24 Sep 2020, 13:18

'It came as a bit of a shock': Michael Rhodes' reaction after he learned he was cited this week

It was Monday, two days after the Saracens glory in Dublin, that Michael Rhodes learned he was being cited and could miss next Sat…

Liam Heagney

24 Sep 2020, 5:57

'I guess I was born with it': Chris Ashton's overwhelming desperation to score tries

Chris Ashton is one of rugby's most prolific try-scorers and the England winger, in a new column on The XV, claims it's a talent h…

Liam Heagney

23 Sep 2020, 14:12

Kini Murimurivalu's secret to success

Culture shock and lengthy injury nearly derailed Kini Murimurivalu in France but his faith helped him thrive and he now has big ho…

Liam Heagney

22 Sep 2020, 12:44

Leinster's shattered invincibility was bruising wake-up call after PRO14 cakewalk

How Leinster came up second best to Saracens was a bruising reminder that the PRO14 doesn't deliver the intensity necessary for Ch…

Liam Heagney

20 Sep 2020, 6:11

'A lot of people have been scared to say what Dylan said in his book - people needed to hear that'

The crippling toll rugby took on Dylan Hartley has left its mark on Teimana Harrison, the Northampton skipper plucked from Rotorua…

Liam Heagney

20 Sep 2020, 5:19

Saracens cause an upset, smashing Leinster's 25-game, 16-month unbeaten run

RugbyPass was at Aviva Stadium to see Saracens shrug off their doubters and shatter the 25-match winning streak Leinster had going…

Liam Heagney

19 Sep 2020, 12:02

'You can't keep a trophy if you're proven to have broken the rules'

Saracens' financial doping caused ructions in England and the furore has crossed the Irish Sea, leaving Leinster gunning to avenge…

Liam Heagney

19 Sep 2020, 4:20

'I just have a feeling things are coming together at the right time for us'

Much has changed since Saracens beat Leinster in the 2019 European final but it's still business as usual for the Londoners, warns…

Liam Heagney

19 Sep 2020, 4:00

Itoje wants year away from Saracens before career ends

Maro Itoje has been the subject of much speculation about a short-term move elsewhere during the season Saracens will soon spend i…

Liam Heagney

18 Sep 2020, 17:00

Wayne Barnes has launched a new video series, using his kids' superhero figures to explain uncontested scrums

With three recent Premiership games having gone to uncontested scrums, referee Wayne Barnes has launched a video series to explain…

Liam Heagney

18 Sep 2020, 15:04

It was a pity Leinster's invincible league campaign finished so anonymously, but they have entered the pantheon as the PRO14's greatest ever side

You were hard-pressed in Dublin on Saturday to twig a game of magnitude was taking place but there is no denying Leinster are the …

Liam Heagney

13 Sep 2020, 6:31

'I've proven I can cope at this level... at Leicester, I let one or two people's opinions have a huge impact on my mental state'

Negative comments about his size affected Harry Thacker at Leicester but the hooker's whirling dervish style has found a home at t…

Liam Heagney

13 Sep 2020, 4:11

Three-try Leinster seal PRO14 title hat-trick

RugbyPass was at the Aviva Stadium as Leo Cullen's Leinster stretched their winning streak to 25 games and collected a third succe…

Liam Heagney

12 Sep 2020, 15:40

Canny McFarland has cleaned up inherited Ulster mess, but few will begrudge Leinster their PRO14 title hat-trick

Ulster will ask PRO14 questions that anaemic Munster couldn't, but that won't be enough to halt the 24-game Leinster winning strea…

Liam Heagney

12 Sep 2020, 4:58

'A wise man, Richard Cockerill, once said to me an opinion without consequence is a terrible thing'

The run of poor post-lockdown results has heaped criticism on Leicester, but Geordan Murphy has explained how he handles the outsp…

Liam Heagney

11 Sep 2020, 13:29

Written judgment reveals what Owen Farrell said in his defence at his hearing

It was Tuesday when Owen Farrell received his five-game ban and the short-form written judgment on the England captain's hearing h…

Liam Heagney

11 Sep 2020, 11:37

Sexton and Cooney benched as Leinster and Ulster name their PRO14 final teams

Saturday night's PRO14 final between Leinster and Ulster will start with two of the 2019/20 season's best players - Sexton and Coo…

Liam Heagney

11 Sep 2020, 7:27

Leicester have given their verdict on whether first time captain Ellis Genge will skipper them again

Ellis Genge became the fifth Leicester captain in their six post-lockdown games when he skippered them in the record defeat on Wed…

Liam Heagney

11 Sep 2020, 3:34

Fixtures finally confirmed for November's one-off eight-team Nations Cup

Six Nations officials have finally released the fixtures for the one-off Autumn Nations Cup which will see England play three of f…

Liam Heagney

10 Sep 2020, 9:16

Worcester fire back after Pat Lam's live TV attack on Andrew Kitchener

Bristol have appealed the three-match ban given to Siale Piutau but Worcester boss Alan Solomons has labelled the Tongan last Frid…

Liam Heagney

10 Sep 2020, 7:31

First-time skipper Ellis Genge issues blunt assessment of unacceptable record Leicester loss

Ellis Genge was a first-time captain of Leicester on Wednesday night and he didn't sugarcoat their damaging record defeat when tal…

Liam Heagney

10 Sep 2020, 6:26

Video: 19-year-old Alfie Barbeary scores Wasps hat-trick his first Premiership start

36 tries were scored in the five Wednesday night Premiership games and the scoring potency of Wasps youngster Alfie Barbeary caugh…

Liam Heagney

10 Sep 2020, 4:57

Pat Lam didn't pull his verbal punches on live TV when raging over the Siale Piutau ban

Pat Lam has difficulty accepting why Siale Piutau received a three-match ban, the same as the Worcester player who attacked the Br…

Liam Heagney

09 Sep 2020, 7:14

Owen Farrell given 5-match ban

Such was the gravity of the tackle by Owen Farrell for Saracens that 10 games was the initially suggested ban before it was halved…

Liam Heagney

08 Sep 2020, 18:30

'One of the worst tackles I've ever seen': Even ex-Saracens lock Hamilton can't defend Owen Farrell

Jim Hamilton won a Premiership title and two European Cups with Owen Farrell but even he can't defend his former Saracens teammate…

Liam Heagney

08 Sep 2020, 7:06

Anglo-French feel to Champions Cup quarter-finals as veteran Owens given weekend off

Veteran referee Nigel Owens hasn't made the roster for this month's quarter-final weekend in the Heineken Champions Cup and Challe…

Liam Heagney

08 Sep 2020, 6:34

Manu Tuilagi scores just 25 minutes into Welford Road return

England midfielder Manu Tuilagi has scored for Sale on his return to Welford Road just two months after he dramatically quit Leice…

Liam Heagney

05 Sep 2020, 10:53

Video: Owen Farrell red-carded for shocking tackle, faces missing Saracens' Champions Cup quarter-final

Saracens were beaten 28-18 by Wasps at Allianz Park after Owen Farrell was red-carded on the hour mark by referee Christophe Ridle…

Liam Heagney

05 Sep 2020, 10:02

One ugly Friday night moment summed up the dull, insipid, uninspired van Graan era

Covid-era rugby at the Aviva isn't fun and the sterility extended to the pitch where Munster were again bumped off by Leinster in …

Liam Heagney

05 Sep 2020, 7:33

Unbeaten Leinster stay on course for PRO14 title hat-trick

RugbyPass were at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin where Leinster deservedly booked their spot in another Guinness PRO14 final with a w…

Liam Heagney

04 Sep 2020, 16:35

Exeter highlight change to Premiership refereeing since Wayne Barnes came out of quarantine

High penalty counts affected the Premiership restart but Exeter boss Rob Baxter says the now reduced figures were helped by the re…

Liam Heagney

04 Sep 2020, 7:34

The fear stalking Northampton: 'Did we get selection strategy wrong? Time will tell'

The post-lockdown Premiership form of Northampton is joint-ninth worst, but Chris Boyd defends selection of even-strength XVs rath…

Liam Heagney

04 Sep 2020, 3:56

Munster need the last laugh Friday... their sad record at Leinster has gone beyond a joke

Friday's PRO14 semi-final is must-win for Munster boss Johann van Graan, but they have just one victory at Leinster in the last 15…

Liam Heagney

03 Sep 2020, 13:50

Jones and his England staff shake off 6-month Test cobwebs... by coaching a Championship club

England boss Eddie Jones and his assistants haven't coached since the March win over Wales so they have been busy at Championship …

Liam Heagney

03 Sep 2020, 5:50

Baxter fears England will become next season's sick man of Europe

Exeter boss Rob Baxter claims English clubs won't be at full strength for 2020/21 Champions Cup pool games due to relentless Test …

Liam Heagney

03 Sep 2020, 3:45

The mind trick Jack Willis is playing on himself to ensure his jackalling is ready for England

The career of Jack Willis suffered a severe blow in 2018 but the back row had developed a mind trick that has put him on course fo…

Liam Heagney

02 Sep 2020, 13:07

'We need to win whether we're playing here or in Timbuktu'

With just one win in four restart games and without a Premiership win at Franklin's in 2020, Chris Boyd knows Northampton must bea…

Liam Heagney

02 Sep 2020, 8:55

Dylan Hartley and the Test rugby statistic that looks unfavourably on player welfare in England

Former England skipper Dylan Hartley has given awareness to a Test level statistic that doesn't reflect well on the Premiership an…

Liam Heagney

01 Sep 2020, 14:42

Video: The conversation that highlighted how Wayne Barnes remains one of the best refs around

Monday's Bank Holiday Premiership fixture saw veteran referee Wayne Barnes demonstrate his years of experience by calmly reaching …

Liam Heagney

01 Sep 2020, 6:42

'Drunks were trolling me... I was getting emails in the middle of the night'

28 months after the Harlequins sack, John Kingston opens up on online trolls, Richmond's bankruptcy and why he would take medals o…

Liam Heagney

30 Aug 2020, 3:57

Video: Ruthless Sale need just 32 minutes to secure four-try bonus point against Bristol

Having chosen an understrength XV, Bristol Bears were taken apart in the opening half-hour of their Gallagher Premiership match at…

Liam Heagney

29 Aug 2020, 11:07

Dylan Hartley sheds light on the painful daily legacy rugby is having on his body

It's 20 months since former England skipper Dylan Hartley last played a game, 9 since he retired, but his body is a painful daily …

Liam Heagney

29 Aug 2020, 9:04

Axed Premiership referee JP Doyle breaks his silence following RFU redundancy

One of many in English rugby recently made redundant by the cash-strapped RFU, JP Doyle, the now-former Premiership referee, has b…

Liam Heagney

28 Aug 2020, 13:09

The inspiring Ian McKinley is back in rugby, taking up a coaching position in his native Ireland

The career of Ian McKinley looked over in 2011 after the loss of sight in an eye, but the Irishman remarkably became an Italy inte…

Liam Heagney

28 Aug 2020, 4:40

Video: The try-creating offload that has Leicester salivating over Nemani Nadolo

It was 2011 when Nemani Nadolo last featured in a Premiership match, but he needed just 24 minutes of his Leicester debut to remin…

Liam Heagney

27 Aug 2020, 10:36

Nathan Earle surprises Kyle Sinckler's grassroots club Battersea, telling them they have made the Gallagher Club of the Season shortlist

Six clubs are contesting the Gallagher Club of the Season live vote, with Nathan Earle of Harlequins telling Battersea Ironsides t…

Liam Heagney

27 Aug 2020, 9:00

Watch: Saracens hooker Woolstencroft joins Premiership elite with second-half try hat-trick

Tom Woolstencroft had only previously scored two top-flight tries but the soon-to-be 26-year-old bagged a second-half hat-trick fo…

Liam Heagney

27 Aug 2020, 6:19

Video: The brave finish from Tom de Glanville that has left him sweating with a neck injury

A son of former England captain Phil, Tom de Glanville stepped up from the Bath academy in June to sign his first senior contract.…

Liam Heagney

27 Aug 2020, 4:43

Adam Hastings' love-hate Twitter relationship: 'It's not the nine good comments you remember, it's the one bad one'

Having suffered online criticism earlier in his career, Adam Hastings deleted his Twitter account when the Scotland Townsend-Russe…

Liam Heagney

26 Aug 2020, 14:19

Video: Veteran Exeter midfielder Phil Dollman gives Semi Radradra a taste of his own explosive medicine

Fans salivated last Friday after Semi Radradra tore Gloucester asunder but the Bristol midfielder was among those fooled Tuesday b…

Liam Heagney

26 Aug 2020, 5:35

Munster's worst fears confirmed over Snyman; has knock-on effects for the Springboks

As soon as RG Snyman landed awkwardly after an Aviva Stadium lineout there were fears the Munster and Springboks lock had suffered…

Liam Heagney

25 Aug 2020, 5:10

RG Snyman's debut for Munster lasted just seven minutes in Dublin

Lock RG Snyman, who arrived in Ireland after spending the early part of 2020 in Japan, had been chosen for his first appearance wi…

Liam Heagney

22 Aug 2020, 16:00

Video: Bath replacement Matavesi catches out Leicester with outrageous try-creating dummy

With the score 31-6 in favour of Bath, Josh Matavesi caught the ball in his own half from a Harry Potter clearance and then embark…

Liam Heagney

22 Aug 2020, 13:47

Bristol tweet containing 'disturbing' Radradra video goes viral

Bristol have celebrated how box-office centre Semi Radradra scored a try and made two others during a first-half onslaught at Glou…

Liam Heagney

22 Aug 2020, 8:54

The mystery of Borthwick's Leicester: 'We don't want to have to tell you how we are going to play'

Leicester are one game into the Borthwick era but rather than tell people what playing style they want, Geordan Murphy wants trait…

Liam Heagney

21 Aug 2020, 5:57

22 tries in 4 straight bonus-point wins... but rookie Wasps boss Blackett isn't milking the credit

Wasps looked destined for Premiership mediocrity when Dai Young left in February but Lee Blackett has transformed them despite his…

Liam Heagney

21 Aug 2020, 4:41

'I don't see him being overly dirty, he just got that one slightly wrong'

Wasps midfielder Malakai Fekitoa attended a virtual disciplinary hearing on Tuesday after a third foul play yellow card of the 201…

Liam Heagney

19 Aug 2020, 12:39

'There is a sub-section of fan sites and people who have never played who revel in calling people s***'

Despite lockdown putting his MMA on ice, James Haskell tells RugbyPass he has crammed so much into life in the 15 months since ret…

Liam Heagney

16 Aug 2020, 4:18

'Our books are open to the salary cap manager... we have no secret deals or anything like that'

High profile signings have led to speculation about Sale and the Premiership salary cap, a hot topic that has now been addressed b…

Liam Heagney

13 Aug 2020, 11:43

'When I was at Sarries I always felt on edge with the coaches, I never felt like I fully had their trust'

It's 16 months since ACL victim Nathan Earle last played a Harlequins match, a purgatory that ends with the Premiership's long-awa…

Liam Heagney

02 Aug 2020, 4:00

'It was the scariest phone call ever in my life. I was thinking, that's it, I'm going to die'

The lockdown abruptly ended his 17-year Harlequins career, but Mark Lambert tells RugbyPass how a 2005 brain injury nearly more de…

Liam Heagney

26 Jul 2020, 3:32

8 months on, Clive Woodward is still seething about some 'embarrassing' England World Cup final preparations

England were blown away by South Africa in the 2019 World Cup final, a defeat that still rankles with Clive Woodward eight months …

Liam Heagney

22 Jul 2020, 9:37

'I'm going to need a knee replacement, probably in my late 30s': The shattering toll rugby has taken on Alex Rieder

Alex Rieder didn't play much for Wasps but his story of a career cut short at the age of 28 due to serious injury is a stark remin…

Liam Heagney

19 Jul 2020, 3:50

'Yeah, I made a few errors but it was still an unbelievable experience... to say I'm a capped player is special'

Injury to Anthony Watson saw Eddie Jones place trust last February in 23-year-old rookie full-back George Furbank for the opening …

Liam Heagney

17 Jul 2020, 6:24

'Everyone has their own pathway in life': Manu Tuilagi issues farewell message to Leicester Tigers

Set to conduct his first media session as a Sale player on Tuesday, Manu Tuilagi has issued a statement reflecting on his departur…

Liam Heagney

14 Jul 2020, 5:31

'We had some players who probably weren't capable... we had to get rid of an awful lot'

Bears CEO Mark Tainton delves into the rollicking Bristol adventure, from the bleak outlook of 2017 relegation to signing world st…

Liam Heagney

12 Jul 2020, 4:59

Meet Crusaders' Irish prop who now wants to play for the All Blacks after growing up dreaming of facing the haka

Oliver Jager never thought of making the All Blacks when on a flying 2013 visit to Christchurch from Ireland, but the Crusaders pr…

Liam Heagney

10 Jul 2020, 14:34

Leicester confirm no Tuilagi U-turn, issue Taufua update

Speculation that there could be a change of heart in the Manu Tuilagi situation has been quashed after Leicester insisted the matt…

Liam Heagney

10 Jul 2020, 5:19

5 ex-All Blacks behind the new Hawaiian MLR franchise

With MLR revealing the success of an expansion bid from Kanaloa Hawaii, it has emerged that the 2021 newcomers are back-up by a pl…

Liam Heagney

10 Jul 2020, 4:49

Premiership restart set for Friday night live TV blockbuster with Chris Ashton firmly in the limelight

Premiership Rugby will reveal its fixtures reschedule this Friday and RugbyPass believes the August 14 live TV restart features As…

Liam Heagney

09 Jul 2020, 14:44

Maro Itoje tries his hand as a selector, picking a powerful Nigerian British XV

Maro Itoje, who recently said English rugby must do more in BAME communities to become an inclusive sport, has chosen his Nigerian…

Liam Heagney

08 Jul 2020, 14:11

'We were finding out about stuff in the bloody Daily Mail'

With the Premiership in financial turmoil since coronavirus struck, Wasps' Lima Sopoaga has criticised the way players learned abo…

Liam Heagney

08 Jul 2020, 13:26

Premiership Rugby confirms 6 players tested positive this week for Covid-19

The countdown to the August 15 Gallagher Premiership resumption has been affected by confirmation that 6 players tested positive t…

Liam Heagney

08 Jul 2020, 11:07

Where are they now? The South Africa team 25 years after their 1995 World Cup triumph

It's 25 years since Nelson Mandela handed Francois Pienaar the Rugby World Cup trophy - RugbyPass finds out what has happened to t…

Liam Heagney

24 Jun 2020, 7:10

Latest Doddie Weir Dodcast podcast: 'There is a glimmer of hope'

Scotland and 1997 Lion Doddie Weir is raising awareness of motor neurone disease through his My Name5 Doddie Foundation podcast, T…

Liam Heagney

23 Jun 2020, 8:36

Where are they now? The last England team of the amateur era 25 years after their 1995 World Cup exit

England had high hopes their last match of the old amateur era would be the 1995 World Cup final but it was instead a third-place …

Liam Heagney

23 Jun 2020, 4:40

'From being addicted to drugs and overdosing and having nothing in the bank, I've been able to turn my life around'

Mark Jennings, 27, bottled everything up for most of his life, taking refuge in alcohol and drugs and spiralling into a career-end…

Liam Heagney

21 Jun 2020, 4:00

Warren Gatland is enjoying having last laugh in Eddie O'Sullivan rivalry

Warren Gatland has delivered a withering putdown of Eddie O’Sullivan, the coach who succeeded him after he was sacked as Ireland…

Liam Heagney

19 Jun 2020, 13:26

The wager at stake in the latest Warren Gatland vs Eddie Jones rivalry

The Anglo-Welsh Gatland versus Jones rivalry is over following the Kiwi’s return to New Zealand but there is a wager regarding a…

Liam Heagney

19 Jun 2020, 12:04

England fans face Swing Low singing ban - reports

Swing Low, Sweet Chariot has been a regular with England fans since the late 1980s but the RFU now says it is under review due to …

Liam Heagney

18 Jun 2020, 11:58

Gatland has just offered Scotland players an olive branch ahead of 2021 Lions

Having chosen just three Scotland players on each of the 2013 and 2017 Lions tours, Warren Gatland wants that figure to rise in 20…

Liam Heagney

17 Jun 2020, 15:24

'It is definitely not a burning desire': Warren Gatland on his ambitions to become future All Blacks coach

Warren Gatland seems perfectly positioned to become future All Blacks coach now he has returned to work in New Zealand, but he isn…

Liam Heagney

17 Jun 2020, 13:45

Confirmed: Ex-England skipper Robshaw is moving to MLR on two-year deal

There have been plenty rumours linking Chris Robshaw to MLR, speculation that has proven true as the former England captain has se…

Liam Heagney

17 Jun 2020, 12:35

Sale issue statement on permanent salary cuts at the Premiership club

Premiership clubs voted last week to reduce the salary cap by £1.4 million for the 2021/22 season and Sale players have now agree…

Liam Heagney

17 Jun 2020, 4:44

The extraordinary extra distances now being run by Premiership referees compared to 10 years ago

Having started out running on an average of 4kms a match 10 years ago, JP Doyle reveals some staggering figures now recorded as a …

Liam Heagney

16 Jun 2020, 13:25