The 'turning point' Andy Farrell rued in Ireland's All Blacks loss
The statistical reality was that the much fancied Irish had taken a hammering on the penalty count, conceding 13 penalties to just…
Liam Heagney
09 Nov 2024, 5:27
Contributors
Liam Heagney
@heagneyl
A seasoned rugby journalist, Liam hails from Limerick and has covered World Cups, Lions tours, Six Nations Championships and European Cup campaigns since 2000. He became a content editor at RugbyPass in 2019 after joining from the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday in Ireland.
Four talking points as in-the-shadows England welcome the Wallabies
Last weekend’s defeat to New Zealand was England’s fifth reverse in seven outings, but a three wins from four Autumn Nations S…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
09 Nov 2024, 2:54
Four talking points as 'hold my beer' Ireland beaten by All Blacks
The consensus was that Ireland would giddily deliver a performance reflective of their World Rugby number one ranking and stick it…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
09 Nov 2024, 2:34
11 XV changes for the Springboks who also go with 7/1 bench split
South Africa clinched The Rugby Championship title with a 48-7 win over Argentina in Mbombela on September 28 and their Autumn Nat…
Liam Heagney
08 Nov 2024, 8:54
Seven changes, including one new cap, as winless Wales change it up
The Welsh went down 28-36 to Australia in Melbourne on July 13 and they will go in against the Fijians with four changes to the ba…
Liam Heagney
08 Nov 2024, 6:10
Eight All Blacks XV changes as team named to play Georgia
The tourists opened their two-match European tour with a 38-24 win over Munster in Limerick last Saturday and they have now change…
Liam Heagney
08 Nov 2024, 5:19
Four talking points as Andy Farrell's Ireland host the All Blacks
That Rugby World Cup quarter-final, which ended 28-24 in favour of the All Blacks, was one of the sport’s best ever games and th…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
08 Nov 2024, 2:43
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii included for Wallabies debut versus England
Australia were beaten 13-33 by New Zealand in their most recent outing, the September 28 Rugby Championship loss in Wellington.
Liam Heagney
07 Nov 2024, 8:14
Springboks name replacement after tour-ending Ruan Nortje injury
The Boks are preparing this week for Sunday’s November opener away to Scotland but they have lost Nortje to a midweek leg injury…
Liam Heagney
07 Nov 2024, 5:48
A dozen changes for France versus Japan after troubled summer tour
The French were beaten 25-33 in Buenos Aires on July 13, a result that gave the Pumas a one-all Test series draw.
Liam Heagney
07 Nov 2024, 5:17
Seilala Mapusua has secured new job eight months after Samoa exit
Despite coming within a whisker of ambushing England in their final pool match in Lille at Rugby World Cup 2023, Mapusua learned t…
Liam Heagney
05 Nov 2024, 13:40
Four talking points after England name team to host the Wallabies
Here are the RugbyPass talking points following the latest England team selection:
Analysis
Liam Heagney
05 Nov 2024, 12:35
England name same XV for Australia but 6/2 bench tactic is binned
There is one positional switch in the XV, Ollie Lawrence and Henry Slade swapping positions, but Borthwick’s bench has been tact…
Liam Heagney
05 Nov 2024, 10:45
Paddy Jackson's second season at Lyon is all but over – report
It was the summer of 2023, following the collapse of London Irish, when Jackson linked up with Lyon, his second Top 14 club after …
Liam Heagney
05 Nov 2024, 8:24
Jonny Hill learns disciplinary hearing fate after fan altercation
The 30-year-old became the subject of a police investigation following a June 1 altercation with a fan in the stands following Sha…
Liam Heagney
05 Nov 2024, 7:30
Clive Woodward thunders into Eddie Jones debate ignited by Danny Care
He enjoyed Six Nations title success during his initial two years in charge but the rumbustious way he ran his operation left much…
Liam Heagney
05 Nov 2024, 6:06
Rob Kearney’s All Blacks verdict: ‘They're scared of Ireland now...’
While New Zealand travelled to the Irish capital on Sunday following their narrow 24-22 win over England in London the previous da…
Liam Heagney
05 Nov 2024, 5:22
Asher Opoku-Fordjour called up as England make two squad changes
Marler’s retirement has now opened up a spot for Opoku-Fordjour, the Sale prop who has been packing down at tighthead for the Sh…
Liam Heagney
03 Nov 2024, 13:30
Bryan Habana: 'Rassie is fair while being harsh in many instances'
The Springboks have become back-to-back Rugby World Cup champions, while the former winger is now thriving in his transition from …
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
03 Nov 2024, 3:34
Jacob Stockdale: 'That was a turning point, that really got to me'
Exclusion drove Stockdale daft and it needed the lay-off that came with a January 2022 ankle operation for him to finally realise …
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
03 Nov 2024, 3:15
Four England talking points after width of post loss to All Blacks
It’s a Steve Borthwick trait, spin the positive, talk about learning and be the epitome of the glass-half-full guy, but the time…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
03 Nov 2024, 2:45
The Steve Borthwick reaction to a cruel England defeat
The Allianz Stadium hosts were 22-14 ahead when Borwthick called ashore Ben Spencer on the hour, with Marcus Smith following him t…
Liam Heagney
02 Nov 2024, 14:49
Danny Care delivers a brutal insight to Eddie Jones' England
The 37-year-old Harlequins No9 retired from international rugby earlier this year and an extract from his new book, Everything Hap…
Liam Heagney
02 Nov 2024, 9:33
Ben Youngs: 'Anyone removing an Aaron Smith will feel the dent'
Recently retired players often find it difficult to watch from the stands an international team they have invested so much blood, …
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
02 Nov 2024, 4:22
All four team selections for Autumn Nations Series round one
The schedule kicks off on Saturday in London with Steve Borthwick’s England hosting the All Blacks just 16 weeks after the New Z…
Liam Heagney
01 Nov 2024, 5:53
Joe Marler apologises for 's**thouse' attempt to spark haka debate
The loosehead, who left the England squad base at Pennyhill last Monday night for personal reasons, unloaded on the pre-game New Z…
Liam Heagney
01 Nov 2024, 5:00
Ronan O'Gara breaks silence on the Munster head coach vacancy
Corkman O’Gara was the out-half when Munster won the Heineken European Cup in 2006 and 2008 and has been frequently linked with …
Liam Heagney
01 Nov 2024, 6:40
Peter O'Mahony declared fit as Munster/All Blacks XV name teams
O’Mahony, the 2024 Guinness Six Nations title-winning skipper with Ireland, limped off with a first half hamstring injury versus…
Liam Heagney
31 Oct 2024, 13:54
Nine changes for Scotland versus Fiji 14 weeks after successful tour
The Scots were 31-19 winners in Montevideo on July 27, an historic day when Duhan van der Merwe became his country’s all-time re…
Liam Heagney
31 Oct 2024, 10:06
11 All Blacks changes as Robertson names team to take on England
New Zealand ran out convincing 64-19 winners in Yokohama in the opening match of their five-game trip and they have now unveiled a…
Liam Heagney
31 Oct 2024, 7:38
Four England changes as Borthwick names team to face All Blacks
It was July 13 when the English were beaten 17-24 at Eden Park, leaving them with a 2-0 series defeat as they had lost 15-16 the p…
Liam Heagney
29 Oct 2024, 11:00
Munster issue update on the Peter O'Mahony injury rehab
The title-winning Guinness Six Nations 2024 skipper with Ireland was a first half casualty in his province’s October 5 URC win o…
Liam Heagney
30 Oct 2024, 13:00
Joe Marler restores X account, explains blasting 'ridiculous' haka
The 34-year-old, who on Tuesday wasn’t included in Steve Borthwick’s match day 23 to face the All Blacks next Saturday in Lond…
Liam Heagney
30 Oct 2024, 8:32
Joe Marler deletes his X account after blasting 'ridiculous' haka
The loosehead was excluded earlier in the day from Steve Borthwick’s match day 23 for this Saturday’s Autumn Nations Series op…
Liam Heagney
30 Oct 2024, 7:17
Borthwick explains backing Ben Spencer for first England Test start
Quick ruck speed has been fundamental to the upgraded England attack plan that was unveiled in the Guinness Six Nations win over I…
Liam Heagney
30 Oct 2024, 6:47
Four talking points about England team that will play the All Blacks
Borthwick wasn’t scheduled to declare his hand until Thursday lunchtime, but he decided to go early and name a team showing four…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
29 Oct 2024, 12:49
Leinster raid Cardiff to bolster Leo Cullen's staff
It was August 1 when the Irish province advertised the vacancy, a recruitment opening that had O’Donnell taking to LinkedIn to e…
Liam Heagney
29 Oct 2024, 10:23
League legend gives three reasons why Andy Farrell cracked union
Having starred in league, winning multiple trophies and representing Wigan, England and Britain, the now 49-year-old made the swit…
Liam Heagney
29 Oct 2024, 6:44
Munster confirm shock exit of head coach Graham Rowntree
Away defeats at Leinster, Stormers and Sharks in recent weeks left Munster in 12th place in the 16-team tournament and their admin…
Liam Heagney
29 Oct 2024, 7:02
Springboks name backline player to replace tighthead Frans Malherbe
The back-to-back Rugby World Cup champions had already lost Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Damian Willemse for the November tour to Scotl…
Liam Heagney
29 Oct 2024, 5:35
Nick Isiekwe: 'It has taught me resilience, you can’t just give up'
It was October 15, on a shivering morning in Cardiff at the Investec Champions Cup launch, when the lock – who doubles up at bli…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
27 Oct 2024, 4:05
Joey Carbery: 'That's a big thing I don’t think people say enough'
What was obvious from a 20-minute conversation with RugbyPass is that the soon-to-be 29-year-old has enjoyed settling into the rhy…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
20 Oct 2024, 3:35
The Gloucester verdict as Charlie Atkinson heads back to Leicester
The former England U20 title winner joined Tigers during the winter of 2022 after Wasps went bust, but he was mainly confined to c…
Liam Heagney
20 Oct 2024, 3:30
Four talking points as 'new spirit' Saracens pip Bristol in classic
Overall, the nine-try, 72-point belter was yet another classic showcase of a fabulously entertaining Gallagher Premiership, but th…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
20 Oct 2024, 3:16
Saracens player ratings vs Bristol – 2024/25 Gallagher Premiership
Saracens looked set to be agonisingly beaten by a single point following a Lam-ball home team performance illuminated by a Fitz Ha…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
19 Oct 2024, 13:22
Mark McCall chuffed Saracens beat a style 'unique in world rugby'
Alex Lozowski, who is back in the England squad and looking for a first cap since 2018, was dead-eyed off the kicking tee, scoring…
Liam Heagney
19 Oct 2024, 14:23
The moment Nigel Owens knew Jonathan Davies would be 'special'
The former centre spent 15 seasons with the Scarlets first team and another two at Clermont before deciding to finish up.
Liam Heagney
19 Oct 2024, 5:39
Viliame Mata: 'To tick that off would be massive for me'
Gallagher Premiership round seven away to Harlequins on November 29 is the Bears’ debut date ringed in his calendar but who know…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
19 Oct 2024, 2:10
All 10 team selections for Gallagher Premiership round five
Twenty-eight of the 36 players named by Steve Borthwick in the England squad for the upcoming Autumn Nations Series will start for…
Liam Heagney
18 Oct 2024, 11:12
Bristol change four, Saracens seven for top-table Premiership clash
The Bristol XV shows four changes to take on a second-place Saracens who arrive with seven alterations, including the absence of B…
Liam Heagney
18 Oct 2024, 8:00
Gloucester explain why Wales hopeful Gareth Anscombe isn't kicking
There were just 20 minutes gone at Kingsholm when he was forced off and the No10 jersey will now be worn by Charlie Atkinson at Ma…
Liam Heagney
18 Oct 2024, 7:07
Exeter join away fans segregation debate, name team for Newcastle
The Devon-based club, who have been part of the English top flight since 2010, have expressed alarm that steps could be taken to p…
Liam Heagney
17 Oct 2024, 7:46
Saracens' verdict on Alex Lozowski England call, Onyeama-Christie op
Last capped in 2018, midfielder Lozowski will head to next week’s warm-weather training camp in Spain along with clubmates Ellio…
Liam Heagney
17 Oct 2024, 5:55
The Gloucester reaction to having 0 players in latest England squad
Gloucester and Newcastle were the two Gallagher Premiership clubs overlooked in the Test squad of 36 announced on Wednesday by Ste…
Liam Heagney
17 Oct 2024, 3:30
Stade Francais statement: The promotion of assistant Paul Gustard
The 48-year-old Gustard, who exited Quins in early 2021, got back on track as an assistant at Benetton for their 2021/22 season an…
Liam Heagney
16 Oct 2024, 13:19
Exeter sign a 'big, mobile front row forward' from South Africa
Exeter director of rugby Baxter had spoken in recent weeks about the possibility of bolstering his squad and the latest adjustment…
Liam Heagney
16 Oct 2024, 12:00
SA Rugby explain decision to postpone private equity meeting
A statement read: “SA Rugby have postponed a planned special general meeting (SGM) to consider a proposal to conclude a private …
Liam Heagney
16 Oct 2024, 8:41
Borthwick names England squad of 36 for the Autumn Nations Series
It was October 4 when the head coach initially named a squad for a three-day training camp from October 7 in London, a 36 that had…
Liam Heagney
16 Oct 2024, 6:30
Five England winners and losers as Borthwick names November squad
They will assemble next Monday at Pennyhill Park before flying to Girona for a warm-weather training camp ahead of the November 2 …
Analysis
Liam Heagney
16 Oct 2024, 7:41
'Jack Nowell is my greatest success, he got his medals'
Google search hyperbaric oxygen treatments and you will come across the likes of LeBron James, the USA basketball legend, making u…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
13 Oct 2024, 4:13
Levani Botia: 'You have to be a man when you walk inside prison'
His forearm got busted at Bordeaux and 22 weeks on, he is still waiting to add to an appearance tally stuck at 201. Frustrating? Y…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
13 Oct 2024, 3:53
All 10 team selections for Gallagher Premiership round four
With England versus New Zealand on the November 2 horizon and Steve Borthwick poised to name his Test squad on Wednesday for the f…
Liam Heagney
11 Oct 2024, 9:27
Fit Joe Marler makes bench as Harlequins, Saracens name derby teams
Beaten last weekend away to champions Northampton, Quins have included full-back Leigh Halfpenny for Jarrod Evans, wing Caden Murl…
Liam Heagney
11 Oct 2024, 8:27
Three changes for Leinster, four for Munster for sold-out URC derby
Leo Cullen’s unbeaten URC table-toppers defeated Benetton 35-5 last weekend in Italy and they have altered their line-up with tw…
Liam Heagney
11 Oct 2024, 7:40
WRU obituary: Death of Kevin Bowring, Wales' first professional coach
The 70-year-old, who suffered a heart attack, was Wales’ first professional coach having answered an advert when the game turned…
Liam Heagney
11 Oct 2024, 5:08
Two referees handed Test debuts as November appointments confirmed
Another Australian, Reuben Keane, and Jeremy Rozier of France will make their Test debuts over the course of a November internatio…
Liam Heagney
11 Oct 2024, 4:45
London Irish lodge application with RFU to play in 2025/26 Tier 2
The Exiles were one of three Gallagher Premiership clubs to go bust during the 2022/23 season, following Worcester Warriors and Wa…
Liam Heagney
09 Oct 2024, 14:50
Mark Mapletoft rewarded for U20s title double with England A role
Shelved in 2016, the RFU revived the A-team concept earlier in 2024 for a February match against a Portugal development XV that ha…
Liam Heagney
09 Oct 2024, 7:34
Northampton statement: Tom Pearson contract extension agreed
It was Monday when RugbyPass reported that the one-cap back-rower, who is currently in England training ahead of the Autumn Nation…
Liam Heagney
09 Oct 2024, 4:22
Three Pumas, two ABs make SA website's Rugby Championship 2024 XV
Rassie Erasmus’ Springbok team lifted the trophy for the first time since 2019 with a 48-7 round six win over Argentina in Mbomb…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
09 Oct 2024, 6:50
Fiji RU statement: RWC player contracts and payments were honoured
The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) board of trustees have issued a lengthy statement in response to comments made by 2023 Rugby World Cup …
Liam Heagney
09 Oct 2024, 4:01
David Ribbans: 'It's the reason why I'm here, not still in England'
Toulon is now home, not Northampton, and it’s all about doing his very best in the Top 14, not perspiring over whether his effor…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
06 Oct 2024, 3:23
11 Emerging Ireland changes for tour-ending Cheetahs game
The Irish youngsters followed up their opening-round success over the Currie Cup Pumas with a 29-24 win over Western Force last Su…
Liam Heagney
08 Oct 2024, 10:20
'Exciting opportunity' sees Dragons agree to release Steff Hughes
A former league winner with Scarlets in 2017, Hughes has made just one appearance so far this term for the Newport-based region.
Liam Heagney
08 Oct 2024, 9:47
Bristol sign a Bears old boy as cover for injured Heward, Naulago
Noah Heward and Siva Naulago have both been sidelined and the director of rugby has reacted by offering the newly capped USA inter…
Liam Heagney
08 Oct 2024, 8:14
The Peter O'Mahony update Munster fans didn't want to hear
The veteran back-rower and tighthead Oli Jager were starters in last Saturday’s rain-sodden win over Ospreys.
Liam Heagney
08 Oct 2024, 7:13
The 'big difference' Tomos Williams has found playing in Premiership
The 29-year-old scrum-half is three games into his new adventure in England with Gloucester, whom he joined in the summer after a …
Liam Heagney
08 Oct 2024, 6:50
Four talking points as Bristol storm Bath to bag bragging rights
The sense of Bristol jubilation and Bath distress was very evident at The Rec when referee Christophe Ridley called a halt to an e…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
06 Oct 2024, 3:14
England player watch: Bristol's Harry Randall vs Bath's Ben Spencer
With Borthwick favourite Mitchell now laid up, Saturday’s script was for the long lycra-sleeved Spencer to produce a show of for…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
06 Oct 2024, 3:48
Pat Lam talks up Harry Randall for England after Bristol derby win
As it stands, there are fears that first choice No9 Mitchell will be unavailable as he has yet to pay this season for Northampton …
Liam Heagney
05 Oct 2024, 13:56
Nigel Owens' verdict on the 20-minute red card trial
It was last May when World Rugby signalled it would also be trialling this revised sanction, explaining that the 20-minute red wou…
Liam Heagney
05 Oct 2024, 5:32
The 'spot on' reason why Bristol retain full faith in Max Malins
Stationed at full-back, he is already four tries up just two games into the campaign and on the hunt for more when the Bears visit…
Liam Heagney
05 Oct 2024, 1:49
All 10 team selections for Gallagher Premiership round three
There are just four weeks to go before the All Blacks arrive at Allianz Stadium on November 2, so players will be vying to impress…
Liam Heagney
04 Oct 2024, 9:05
Leicester explain why they won't appeal the Michael Cheika ban
The head coach was charged with disrespecting an independent match day doctor following the September 21 Gallagher Premiership win…
Liam Heagney
04 Oct 2024, 13:49
'Sweet spot' reason why Sale believe in England recall Cowan-Dickie
Injury and form have meant that the 31-year-old hooker was last capped when Eddie Jones was still in charge of the national side, …
Liam Heagney
04 Oct 2024, 8:21
Borthwick names 36-man squad for next week's England training camp
It was June 10 when Borthwick last announced an England squad, naming the 36 he was taking with him for the summer tour to Japan a…
Liam Heagney
04 Oct 2024, 7:01
England boosted by 62-word Sale statement on George Ford fitness
There were fears that the out-half was set for a long lay-off and could miss the four-match series, which starts on November 2 ver…
Liam Heagney
03 Oct 2024, 19:55
Michael Cheika ban: RFU publish 12-page disciplinary hearing verdict
It was Tuesday of this week, 10 days after the Sandy Park match ended with Tommy Reffell’s decisive converted try, when it emerg…
Liam Heagney
03 Oct 2024, 14:09
Bristol explain latest Siva Naulago lay-off, likely Grondona debut
The 33-year-old Fijian started the new Gallagher Premiership season looking dangerous, scoring against both Newcastle and Gloucest…
Liam Heagney
03 Oct 2024, 11:04
Exeter confirm their signing of 'valuable asset' Franco Molina
The second row has just completed his first involvement in The Rugby Championship, making six appearances for Los Pumas – three …
Liam Heagney
03 Oct 2024, 7:00
The 10-word Will Carling response to an old-school rucking video
The now 58-year-old ex-Test midfielder spotted a clip online on the APSM Rugby Channel from the 1995 Five Nations game in London v…
Liam Heagney
03 Oct 2024, 6:42
The Afolabi Fasogbon voice note after his clash with Ellis Genge
The recent World Rugby U20 Championship title-winning tighthead with England packed down against the established England Test-leve…
Liam Heagney
03 Oct 2024, 5:25
England player watch: Northampton out-half Fin Smith vs Exeter
Five caps off the bench is the story of this 22-year-old fledgling Test career but in delivering a player-of-the-match effort to e…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
29 Sep 2024, 3:22
Latest Northampton update on 'up in the air' Alex Mitchell absence
Steve Borthwick’s first-choice England scrum-half was originally set to play against Bedford in Northampton’s final pre-seas…
Liam Heagney
02 Oct 2024, 4:11
Alex Sanderson: 'I haven’t felt pain like it for 20 years'
The Sharks director of rugby has since sufficiently recovered to attend his latest media briefing ahead of next Friday’s home cl…
Liam Heagney
02 Oct 2024, 3:50
Police delay leaves Sale uncertain when Jonny Hill can play again
It was June 1 when the out-of-favour England lock got involved in a post-game altercation with a fan at The Rec after Bath had bea…
Liam Heagney
01 Oct 2024, 13:13
Headache for England as Sale confirm George Ford muscle tear
Out-half Ford limped off with a quad muscle issue after just seven minutes of last Saturday’s Gallagher Premiership loss at Sara…
Liam Heagney
01 Oct 2024, 12:22
The 'worm burner' that put an end to Brian O'Driscoll goal-kicking
The legendary Ireland and British and Irish Lions midfielder has become a very entertaining pundit in recent years, often revealin…
Liam Heagney
01 Oct 2024, 10:05
RFU statement: Michael Cheika charged with prejudicial conduct
The Sandy Park fixture was the Australian’s first competitive game in charge of Leicester, a match they won 17-14 with a last-ga…
Liam Heagney
01 Oct 2024, 7:24
Worcester Warriors confirm application to play in new Tier 2
It was last Friday when the latest English rugby council meeting outlined that additional teams wanting to take part in the revamp…
Liam Heagney
01 Oct 2024, 5:28
Four talking points as Northampton hold off a late Exeter rally
RugbyPass was at cinch Stadium @ Franklin’s Gardens for Saturday’s six-try clash of the clubs with the reimagined crests. It d…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
29 Sep 2024, 3:52
Alex McHenry: 'It was shocking, lives turned upside down'
Harry Viljoen’s squad were brutally told that the business had gone into liquidation, that they no longer had jobs and that the …
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
29 Sep 2024, 3:00
'Told you he is a bit strange': The making of Bevan Rodd 2:0
The opposition’s loosehead last weekend was none other than his new Test rival Baxter and Sanderson was pleased with how his pla…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
28 Sep 2024, 3:15
Northampton explain reasons why Chunya Munga 'looks ready' to shine
Having previously been unable to convince Chunya Munga that his development would be best served at Franklin’s Gardens, the dire…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
28 Sep 2024, 3:05
RFU confirm deadline for additional teams to apply for new Tier 2
There has been much debate in recent times about how best to reimagine the current 12-team Championship beneath the Gallagher Prem…
Liam Heagney
27 Sep 2024, 12:09
All 10 team selections for Gallagher Premiership round two
The Gallagher Premiership table after round one highlighted how you can get strange quirks in this game, defending champions North…
Liam Heagney
27 Sep 2024, 10:53
Steve Borthwick names Joe El-Abd as his new England defence coach
It was August 24 when it emerged that Felix Jones wanted to quit as Borthwick’s assistant despite only being in the role since t…
Liam Heagney
26 Sep 2024, 8:00
The 'wasted up there' reason Alex Sanderson backs his sideline view
The Sharks director of rugby always makes a point of watching his team’s matches from the sideline.
Liam Heagney
26 Sep 2024, 6:46
The ‘really unacceptable’ things Northampton are looking to fix
The defending champions conceded 14 penalties at The Rec and they also had a yellow card brandished to new signing Josh Kemeny tow…
Liam Heagney
26 Sep 2024, 6:05
Where are they now? The last Jersey Reds team before its collapse
They were due to fly to Penzance the following Thursday for Friday's PRC game versus the Cornish Pirates, but the journey never ha…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
26 Sep 2024, 2:39
Tim Nanai-Williams secures a second Pro D2 medical joker lifeline
Overlooked by his country for 2023 Rugby World Cup squad selection, the 35-year-old originally joined the Pro D2 outfit last Septe…
Liam Heagney
25 Sep 2024, 12:46
The Sale update on Tom Curry concussion, Jonny Hill police matter
Curry was a first-half head knock casualty in last Sunday’s low-frills opening round league win over Harlequins, while Hill is s…
Liam Heagney
25 Sep 2024, 12:04
The Premiership round one trend that 'surprised' Phil Dowson
His Saints defeat at Bath was the third season in succession they have been beaten in round one.
Liam Heagney
25 Sep 2024, 4:59
The Northampton latest on the Alex Mitchell injury
The England scrum-half had been named to start in the Saints team for their September 13 friendly versus Bedford, but he was a lat…
Liam Heagney
24 Sep 2024, 12:31
Erasmus explains why he is starting much-criticised Manie Libbok
He also heaped praise on Eben Etzebeth after his inclusion in the starting line-up left him poised to become the most capped Sprin…
Liam Heagney
24 Sep 2024, 9:01
Nine changes for the Springboks, including a start for Manie Libbok
South Africa were denied clinching the title with one game to spare when defeated 28-29 by Los Pumas in Santiago del Estero after …
Liam Heagney
24 Sep 2024, 8:35
Dragons statement: The long-term unavailability of Ollie Griffiths
Having debuted for the region in 2014/15, the 2017 Wales Test team pick made a half-dozen URC/Challenge Cup appearances last seaso…
Liam Heagney
24 Sep 2024, 7:42
Emerging Ireland forced into three changes for South African tour
The tour head coach had last week unveiled his original selection to travel to Bloemfontein for the October matches versus the Pum…
Liam Heagney
24 Sep 2024, 6:39
The Premiership 'bugbear' an ex-England player wants out of the game
Luke Pearce, the match referee at The Rec last Friday night, didn’t buy into the No8’s complaint about what he alleged happene…
Liam Heagney
24 Sep 2024, 5:53
Ernst van Rhyn: 'I’m not dirty... but I like a physical confrontation'
Pre-season was only a few weeks old when the Sale boss giddily enthused about the character of his Stormers signing, describing hi…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
22 Sep 2024, 4:52
The 19-stone prop with the second highest Sale squad standing jump
A former Warrington Wolves academy member who crossed codes to become an England U18 and U20s union pick, Onasanya was set to join…
Liam Heagney
21 Sep 2024, 3:22
The rookie winger Exeter have tipped for Feyi-Waboso-like progress
Feyi-Waboso’s breakthrough season at the Chiefs was so fantastic that he even made a Test debut off the England bench last Febru…
Liam Heagney
21 Sep 2024, 3:16
A dozen 2024 champions named in new 50-man England U20s EPS squad
It was last March when the class of 2023/24 clinched the championship with a win away in France and they followed up that success …
Liam Heagney
20 Sep 2024, 11:12
All 10 team selections for Gallagher Premiership round one
All 10 clubs have named their teams and numerous selections catch the eye. For instance, Beno Obano, whose red card was influentia…
Liam Heagney
20 Sep 2024, 10:20
How a one-page hotel note saved Pat Lam from the sack at Bristol
It was last January when the Bears director of rugby slunk out of the Galway Sportsground having seen his team comfortably beaten …
Liam Heagney
20 Sep 2024, 3:17
The Ireland tactic Bath expect to see a lot of in the Premiership
Now in charge at Bath, last season’s Gallagher Premiership finalists, his off-season included keeping an eye on the various tour…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
20 Sep 2024, 3:07
Exeter explain how Christ Tshiunza can 'accelerate' his career
The forward has been branded a utility player given his ability to double up as a back row and at lock.
Liam Heagney
19 Sep 2024, 3:18
The Bath prediction about Billy Sela, their U20s World Cup winner
Signed by the Bath senior academy in 2023, the 19-year-old tighthead was an age-grade Six Nations winner with Mark Mapletoft’s E…
Liam Heagney
18 Sep 2024, 11:52
The Felix Jones comment about Harry Randall that delighted Bristol
Injury and lack of form left the Bristol half-back surplus to requirement at international level, a predicament not helped by Stev…
Liam Heagney
18 Sep 2024, 12:23
The personal reason why Toby Booth would back British/Irish league
Speculation emerged last week that the Gallagher Premiership was interested in joining up with the 10 Irish, Scottish and Welsh cl…
Liam Heagney
18 Sep 2024, 9:45
Exeter deliver 'good picture' injury update on Vermeulen, Wimbush
The Chiefs lost back-rower Vermeulen to a 54th-minute setback in last Saturday’s pre-season win over Ulster, while midfielder Wi…
Liam Heagney
18 Sep 2024, 7:47
Rassie Erasmus issues rebuke to injury-hiding Feinberg-Mngomezulu
The Test rookie hasn’t travelled to Argentina for this Saturday’s round five match and it has now emerged that he won’t feat…
Liam Heagney
18 Sep 2024, 6:47
Prendergast included in Emerging Ireland squad of 33 for South Africa
Easterby, who will become the interim Ireland Test team coach when Farrell is on his sabbatical in charge of the 2025 British and …
Liam Heagney
18 Sep 2024, 5:50
Graham Rowntree insists no fallout with Peter O'Mahony – report
It was last November when it was confirmed that O’Mahony, who first captained Munster in a competitive game on September 3, 2011…
Liam Heagney
18 Sep 2024, 5:16
Johann van Graan: How Beno Obano has coped with his Prem final red
The 2023/24 English club showpiece fixture was in its 22nd minute last June at Twickenham when play was stopped after the front-ro…
Liam Heagney
17 Sep 2024, 11:35
Rassie Erasmus makes 10 changes to Springboks team to face Argentina
South Africa have confirmed a team selection where Jessie Kriel, Handre Pollard, Ox Nche, Ruan Nortje and Jasper Wiese are the fiv…
Liam Heagney
17 Sep 2024, 10:08
Springboks omit six of Saturday's starters from squad for Argentina
South Africa have taken a stranglehold on the tournament with four successive wins in 2024 and with a campaign-ending rematch with…
Liam Heagney
10 Sep 2024, 7:18
Springboks fly out to Argentina with a warning from Rassie Erasmus
The South Africans flew out of Cape Town on Saturday ahead of their September 21 Santiago del Estero clash with Los Pumas and they…
Liam Heagney
14 Sep 2024, 7:41
Toby Booth names which Ospreys player should captain Wales
The regional head coach last year saw his club duo – hooker Dewi Lake and back row Jac Morgan – named as co-captains for Rugby…
Liam Heagney
17 Sep 2024, 9:31
Alex Sanderson's early impression of Waisea Nayacalevu at Sale
The 33-year-old Tuilagi has linked up with Bayonne in the Top 14 and the Sale vacancy has been filled by Nayacalevu, the 34-year F…
Liam Heagney
17 Sep 2024, 7:05
Brian O'Driscoll's bold Premiership prediction about Saracens
Crowned champions of England six times since 2011, Saracens have been end-of-season semi-finalists in 13 of the last 15 years, onl…
Liam Heagney
17 Sep 2024, 4:37
Tom Curry: 'I remember the day so clearly... I was just in tears'
Opposition players can expect to be treated that same violent way in the coming weeks and months, but the back row’s media image…
Interview
Liam Heagney
16 Sep 2024, 13:00
Why Tom Curry is backing Steve Borthwick despite England exodus
Defence coach Felix Jones handed in his resignation out of the blue, head of strength and conditioning Aled Walers quit to work in…
Liam Heagney
16 Sep 2024, 13:00
What Tom Curry said when asked would he shake Bongi Mbonambi's hand
Curry claimed that he was called a “white c**t” by Mbonambi, but a World Rugby investigation found insufficient evidence.
Liam Heagney
16 Sep 2024, 13:00
TNT Sports snap up ex-England players after loss of Stuart Hogg
It was July 2023 when Hogg quit playing with immediate effect, calling time on his original plan to retire following the Rugby Wor…
Liam Heagney
13 Sep 2024, 8:57
Ollie Thorley: 'I’m hitting well over 10 metres per second'
He is a man on a mission, claiming he has never felt as good and hoping that a consistent show of speed at Kingsholm and around th…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
15 Sep 2024, 3:26
URC statement: British and Irish league speculation
A media report emerged on Thursday claiming that the Premiership in England was in negotiations with the URC with a view to mergin…
Liam Heagney
13 Sep 2024, 11:20
Ryanair claim Leinster face away match flight chaos this winter
The Irish province are due to play at Bristol on December 8 and at La Rochelle on January 12 in the Investec Champions Cup, while …
Liam Heagney
12 Sep 2024, 12:37
Sale update the Jonny Hill police situation, RFU disciplinary
It was June 1, after an epic Gallagher Premiership semi-final was won 31-23 by Bath, when Hill, who had sat in the coaches’ box …
Liam Heagney
12 Sep 2024, 9:56
Tom Franklin moves to Top 14 after agreeing early Western Force exit
Rrather than return to Perth for the 2025 Super Rugby season as originally contracted, he has instead arrived in France and will s…
Liam Heagney
11 Sep 2024, 12:46
Christian Wade makes a bold Premiership try record prediction
The 33-year-old is poised for his first top-flight campaign since quitting Wasps in the early stages of the 2018/19 season for a s…
Liam Heagney
11 Sep 2024, 6:09
Stuart Hogg facing stalking charges against a second woman – report
Last weekend’s maiden run in Montpellier’s 22-26 home loss to Lyon was followed by his arrest on Tuesday morning back in Scotl…
Liam Heagney
11 Sep 2024, 4:36
'Can we campaign for the Lions to flip tour and go to South Africa?'
Speaking in the wake of last Saturday’s record trouncing for Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies away to Argentina, Andy Goode has claimed…
Liam Heagney
10 Sep 2024, 9:09
Watch: Manu and Posolo Tuilagi celebrate family reunion with fans
Ex-England midfielder Manu is Posolo’s uncle and while he was unable to play in the opening round league match at Parc des Sport…
Liam Heagney
10 Sep 2024, 5:58
Doncaster recruit Bath duo on a season-long Championship loan
The Knights, who open their campaign at home to Ampthill on September 21, have already recruited big for the upcoming second-tier …
Liam Heagney
10 Sep 2024, 5:08
RFU double down and reiterate Allianz is 'right deal for the game'
Eyebrows were raised when the RFU confirmed on August 5 that it had agreed a 10-year deal worth in excess of £100million to allow…
Liam Heagney
09 Sep 2024, 13:00
Bill Sweeney: Why Qatar's Nations Championship offer was rejected
It was last October in Paris, in the week leading up to the Rugby World Cup final between South Africa and New Zealand, when World…
Liam Heagney
09 Sep 2024, 13:00
Ehren Painter: ‘I’ve had some PBs. Do they humble you? Absolutely’
For a man of that size, you imagine every pre-season is a tortuous existence but it sounds like the recent months preparing with t…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
08 Sep 2024, 3:27
'I didn’t really appreciate it until I got a punch in the gut'
What ‘saved’ Skivington was his foresight in writing off early the 2023/24 league and instead throwing everything into the cup…
Interview
Liam Heagney
08 Sep 2024, 3:15
Watch: Owen Farrell finishes on losing side in his Top 14 debut
Eleven months after leading his country to a bronze medal finish in Paris at Rugby World Cup 2023, he made his first league start …
Liam Heagney
08 Sep 2024, 2:56
Watch: Jonny May scores his first Pro D2 try for Soyaux Angouleme
Just 11 months ago, he was starting on the wing in the Rugby World Cup semi-final versus South Africa in Paris.
Liam Heagney
07 Sep 2024, 8:06
Adam Hastings to play for Glasgow despite fears aunt may have died
The soon-to-be 28-year-old has returned to Scotstoun after three years at Gloucester and head coach Franco Smith has confirmed tha…
Liam Heagney
07 Sep 2024, 4:11
'High profile, high achiever' long shortlist has delighted the RFU
Sweeney was enthused by the midweek call that was had with the recruitment agency heading up the job search to find the right pers…
Liam Heagney
07 Sep 2024, 3:28
The 'excited' Irishman fighting hard for Steve Borthwick's England
Contrast that short-lived Felix Jones flirtation with the joined-at-the-hip relationship O’Shea, another former Ireland full-bac…
Liam Heagney
07 Sep 2024, 3:18
'He's choosing his house on can he get all his recovery equipment in'
It was last March when Gloucester announced they were signing the now 33-year-old Wade and ahead of their September 21 Premiership…
Liam Heagney
06 Sep 2024, 3:26
Ex-Championship prop handed an on-trial match start for Ulster
The 26-year-old former classroom assistant, who featured for the province’s age-grade teams, had been playing in the English Cha…
Liam Heagney
06 Sep 2024, 10:17
End of Toby Booth era confirmed as Ospreys name 2025/26 coaching team
Friday’s shake up emerged with three weeks still to go before the Welsh regional side begins its new URC campaign with a Septemb…
Liam Heagney
06 Sep 2024, 13:27
England statement: Steve Borthwick recruits Gloucester's Dan Tobin
The appointment of Tobin follows the recent departures of head of strength and conditioning Aled Walters, who has joined Andy Farr…
Liam Heagney
06 Sep 2024, 9:45
The 'brilliant' reason Billy Sela was name checked at RFU PGP launch
While the optimum number of matches for senior players has been set at 30, it is lower for the U20s and an interesting reference w…
Liam Heagney
06 Sep 2024, 8:12
Bristol statement: Operation has sidelined new signing Viliame Mata
It was last January when Bristol revealed that the Fijian back-rower would join them for the 2024/25 season from Edinburgh, the Sc…
Liam Heagney
06 Sep 2024, 5:25
The England pathway statistic described as 'phenomenal'
The pipeline funnelling talented youngsters into the age-grade system didn’t go unmentioned at the Allianz Stadium presentation …
Liam Heagney
06 Sep 2024, 3:03
Jack Regan explains his immediate-effect retirement from playing
The Irishman created headlines with a 2021 Super Rugby breakthrough at the Highlanders. This resulted in a move to Ospreys but inj…
Liam Heagney
06 Sep 2024, 6:14
How RFU's new PGP will even help Finn Russell after Scotland duty
It was Wednesday afternoon at Allianz Stadium, the new brand name for Twickenham following its recent naming rights deal, that RFU…
Liam Heagney
05 Sep 2024, 4:47
Bill Sweeney's 'underperformed massively' assessment of England
The CEO, who gave his 100 per cent backing to the head coach following recent staff upheaval, didn’t pull his punches at the All…
Liam Heagney
05 Sep 2024, 4:07
The Bill Sweeney verdict on the England assistant staff upheaval
Optimism has been dented in recent weeks, though, by the decision of strength and conditioning expert Walters to jump ship and joi…
Liam Heagney
04 Sep 2024, 14:07
'There will obviously be an occasion where there is disagreement'
The new eight-year plan governing the professional game in England, which allows for an elite playing squad of 50, was unveiled at…
Liam Heagney
04 Sep 2024, 11:59
RFU statement: New men’s professional game partnership unveiled
The agreement will enable head coach Borthwick to have the final say on all sports science and medical issues regarding the manage…
Liam Heagney
04 Sep 2024, 10:00
FFR statement: The return to France of Hugo Auradou, Oscar Jegou
It was following a 28-13 win in Mendoza, the July 6 Test match in which both forwards were selected to start by head coach Fabien …
Liam Heagney
04 Sep 2024, 5:10
The reassuring reply for fans worried about Gloucester's finances
The professional game in England has struggled coming out of the pandemic, with top-flight clubs Worcester Warriors, Wasps and Lon…
Liam Heagney
04 Sep 2024, 2:52
URC statement: Postponement of opening round South African derbies
All 16 teams in the five-nation tournament won last season by Glasgow in the June final away to the Bulls in Pretoria had been pen…
Liam Heagney
03 Sep 2024, 12:45
The prediction George Skivington has made about Louis Rees-Zammit
It was last January when the 23-year-old sensationally quit Kingsholm for a shot at American football via the sport’s internatio…
Liam Heagney
03 Sep 2024, 12:16
The Gloucester reaction to the latest Zach Mercer exit speculation
The 27-year-old back-rower is under contract at Kingsholm until the summer of 2027, but it emerged last weekend that Toulon have p…
Liam Heagney
03 Sep 2024, 11:12
Jamal Ford-Robinson: 'In the gym we’re not lifting as frequently'
Kingsholm was preparing to throw open its gates to welcome fans to an opening training session when there was a sudden commotion i…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
01 Sep 2024, 4:27
Rusi Tuima: 'It suits my frame, the size, I can use my weight'
It’s quite the change from lockdown and the copious amounts of his mother’s wholesome home cooking in nearby Plymouth.
Interview
Liam Heagney
31 Aug 2024, 5:25
Jimmy Gopperth shows he has still got it at the age of 41
It was the summer of 2023, having finished up at Leicester Tigers, when the Kiwi opted to try his luck in the French Pro D2.
Liam Heagney
31 Aug 2024, 4:57
Kansas City Chiefs explain reason for releasing Louis Rees-Zammit
There was an option to keep Rees-Zammit on their books over the autumn and winter as part of their practice squad. However, the 23…
Liam Heagney
30 Aug 2024, 13:36
Courtney Lawes' 52-minute Pro D2 debut ends with a win for Brive
The 35-year-old joined the second-tier side on a two-year deal from Northampton, whom he led to Gallagher Premiership title glory …
Liam Heagney
30 Aug 2024, 5:00
Final details confirmed for 25 URC games, including Christmas derbies
Exact details for the entire opening round weekend on September 21 but 10 other rounds have now been adjusted – including rounds…
Liam Heagney
29 Aug 2024, 12:30
Jason Robinson backs 'naturally gifted' rookie for 2025 Lions tour
The famed home nations combination side are due to visit Australia next June, 24 years after Robinson set the game of union alight…
Liam Heagney
29 Aug 2024, 9:09
Hadleigh Parkes back in New Zealand, named on weekend NPC bench
The soon to be 37-year-old finished up finished a four-season stint earlier this year in Japan League One, spending two years with…
Liam Heagney
29 Aug 2024, 4:05
Louis Rees-Zammit fails to make Kansas City Chiefs roster – report
Tuesday was decision day for Rees-Zammit, with Kansas head coach Andy Reid facing a deadline to officially confirm his squad ahead…
Liam Heagney
27 Aug 2024, 15:51
Parents break silence on disappearance of Medhi Narjissi – report
The French team were in the southern hemisphere for the annual six-team International Series when the 17-year-old Toulouse fly-hal…
Liam Heagney
27 Aug 2024, 13:25
Dragons' Lloyd Fairbrother confirms his immediate-effect retirement
It was January 1 this year when the 32-year-old made the last of his 172 appearances and a back injury sidelined him since then.
Liam Heagney
27 Aug 2024, 12:32
Red tape leaves Lyon's Semi Radradra stuck in Fiji – report
The 32-year-old midfielder, who moved back to France last season after a three-year stint in England with Bristol, played for Fiji…
Liam Heagney
27 Aug 2024, 10:59
Springboks make nine changes to their team to host the All Blacks
Erasmus has now changed three backs, six of his pack and also restored the bench bomb squad to its traditional number of six forwa…
Liam Heagney
27 Aug 2024, 6:04
Scottish RU statement: The two-year signing of David Nucifora
The 62-year-old posted to his LinkedIn account on his final work day in Dublin that he would be staying involved in rugby.
Liam Heagney
27 Aug 2024, 6:42
Gloucester add to coaching staff, give first verdict on new signings
The Kingsholm boss also delivered his first verdict on the club’s major new signings, Wales half-backs Gareth Anscombe and Tomos…
Liam Heagney
26 Aug 2024, 9:57
Levan Maisashvili: 'Everyone was joking, you still like South Africa!'
Following a month-long coma and weeks of rehabilitation at a Johannesburg hospital after he woke, he beat the odds and was delight…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
21 Jul 2024, 2:41
James Coughlan: 'It’s been a mental few weeks but really exciting'
The 2024/25 Pro D2 season gets going next weekend, with Olympique pencilled in for a Friday night home clash versus Valence Romans…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
25 Aug 2024, 4:03
Christ Tshinuza: 'I couldn’t believe it, your whole body feels it'
Rob Baxter’s Chiefs had played him at openside but Gatland wanted to reprise the role he had given the 22-year-old in his sole F…
Interview
Liam Heagney
25 Aug 2024, 3:56
Joe van Niekerk names the moment he felt he belonged as a Springbok
The retired 44-year-old debuted for his country in 2001 but it wasn’t until the following year that he finally became comfortabl…
Liam Heagney
24 Aug 2024, 10:25
Ex-England No10 explains how Australia can exploit 'feeble' Argentina
The retired fly-half believes that rugby union is in dire need of a competitive Australia, especially as their recent efforts in h…
Liam Heagney
24 Aug 2024, 5:30
The Jacques Nienaber update on the Dan Sheehan, RG Snyman injuries
Sheehan required knee treatment following a first-half tackle on Eben Etzebeth and although he played on and had a pivotal role in…
Liam Heagney
24 Aug 2024, 4:07
Rob Baxter: 'There's a few good years left in me yet hopefully'
It would be understandable if the prospect of a 16th consecutive season as the Devon club’s director of rugby is wearying on the…
Interview
Liam Heagney
24 Aug 2024, 2:56
Courtney Lawes enjoys debut Brive win over a Farrell-less Racing
Eleven weeks after skippering Northampton to glory in the Gallagher Premiership final over Bath, Lawes began his new adventure in …
Liam Heagney
23 Aug 2024, 5:00
The tribute French rugby have planned for the missing Medhi Narjissi
The 17-year-old, a son of former Agen hooker Djalil Narjissi, was in South Africa as part of the French U18 team for the Internati…
Liam Heagney
22 Aug 2024, 5:05
The afternoon Rob Baxter call to Steve Borthwick about new PGB deal
During his 40-minute media briefing, the long-serving director of rugby willingly embraced questions regarding the proposed new PG…
Interview
Liam Heagney
21 Aug 2024, 12:02
Exeter latest on recruitment, 'touch and go' Jenkins/Slade update
Rob Baxter has insisted that his Exeter recruitment drive hasn’t ended despite Tuesday’s confirmation of the signings of midfi…
Liam Heagney
21 Aug 2024, 11:04
Premiership club confirms signing of Stormers prop Kwenzo Blose
Blose was on the 15-strong list of end-of-season leavers unveiled by the John Dobson-coached URC franchise in June and having sinc…
Liam Heagney
20 Aug 2024, 9:58
Exeter confirm midfield signing despite Super Rugby injury setback
Chiefs fans will have to wait a while before the Super Rugby Pacific recruit is available for selection as he arrived in England w…
Liam Heagney
20 Aug 2024, 8:35
La Rochelle's Raymond Rhule ruled out until 2025 – report
The 31-year-old South African has been a key player in the evolution of La Rochelle with Ronan O’Gara at the helm and he was a l…
Liam Heagney
20 Aug 2024, 5:44
Ulster statement: The trialling of Ireland Olympian Zac Ward
The forward enjoyed a productive season with his country on the HSBC SVNS circuit and was then involved in a sixth-place finish at…
Liam Heagney
20 Aug 2024, 5:16
Louis Rees-Zammit has shrugged off his midweek training absence
It was reported on Wednesday that the ex-Wales and Gloucester winger has sat out that day’s practice with a back injury.
Liam Heagney
17 Aug 2024, 7:02
Edinburgh explain signing Scott Mathie, new role for Rob Chrystie
The Free Jacks retained their champion status with a 20-11 win over Seattle in San Diego in the early August final, and it has now…
Liam Heagney
17 Aug 2024, 4:52
Exeter statement: Double surgery setback for Dafydd Jenkins
The 21-year-old finished out last season with three appearances for Wales on their Australian tour.
Liam Heagney
17 Aug 2024, 4:27
The 'wisdom' that has earned Australian referee Angus Gardner praise
Los Pumas emerged victorious in Wellington, defeating the All Blacks 38-30 with an unstoppable second half comeback, and ahead of …
Liam Heagney
16 Aug 2024, 7:51
Released Bristol prop Jay Tyack has confirmed a Championship return
It was May 7 when the tighthead was named in the 17-strong list of players that were departing Ashton Gate following the end of th…
Liam Heagney
16 Aug 2024, 5:20
Rassie Erasmus builds his perfect player using parts of 13 Springboks
Featuring in episode seven of Rassie on Alles on the Springboks social media channels, the South Africa head coach gave a lengthy …
Liam Heagney
15 Aug 2024, 7:25
The Andy Reid verdict on Louis Rees-Zammit's Kansas City Chiefs debut
Back in training ahead of next Saturday’s home pre-season fixture versus Detroit Lions at Arrowhead Stadium, Reid was asked for …
Liam Heagney
14 Aug 2024, 12:26
Star-studded cast confirmed for the SuperSevens opening round
It was the Antoine Dupont-inspired French that finished as men’s champions at Paris 2024 at the end of July following three sold…
Liam Heagney
14 Aug 2024, 8:26
Andrew Mehrtens is looking to buy into a French Pro D2 club – report
The new Pro D2 season gets underway with an opening round presenting Beziers with a trip along the Mediterranean coast to play Nic…
Liam Heagney
14 Aug 2024, 6:44
Nine Irish make columnist's first Test British and Irish Lions XV
It will be July 19 next year, following warm-up matches versus Argentina, Western Force, the Reds, the Waratahs, the Brumbies, and…
Liam Heagney
14 Aug 2024, 5:15
The Springboks prediction Bryan Habana has made about Eben Etzebeth
It was Tuesday when Rassie Erasmus unveiled a much-rotated Rugby Championship XV, making 10 changes for this Saturday’s second-r…
Liam Heagney
14 Aug 2024, 4:36
Racing statement: Nolann Le Garrec signs for La Rochelle
The 22-year-old, who made his club first-team breakthrough in the 2020/21 campaign, has since gone on to be capped on five occasio…
Liam Heagney
13 Aug 2024, 7:56
Springboks change 10 of their XV, make bomb squad a 5/3 split
South Africa blew away the Wallabies in last weekend’s opening-round encounter, comfortably winning 33-7 in Brisbane and install…
Liam Heagney
13 Aug 2024, 7:01
Kaleem Barreto explains his U-turn with Great Britain men's sevens
Following an eighth-place finish at the Grand Final in Madrid, Barreto and co were agonisingly denied qualification for the Paris …
Liam Heagney
13 Aug 2024, 5:24
La Rochelle statement: Oscar Jegou
Both had been under house arrest since July 17 and had to wear electronic tags due to accusations of aggravated rape following a n…
Liam Heagney
13 Aug 2024, 4:30
Fixtures revised as France pull out of U18 International Series
Out-half Medhi Narjissi was swept out to sea when hit by a wave while taking part in a recovery session at Dias Beach on the Cape …
Liam Heagney
10 Aug 2024, 10:09
Rees-Zammit reveals most 'super weird' thing ahead of Kansas debut
The former Wales winger exited union on January 16 to join the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program, a 10-week trial that …
Liam Heagney
10 Aug 2024, 10:58
Christophe Ridley highlights three things he has learned as a referee
The 31-year-old refereed his first Gallagher Premiership final in June when Northampton defeated Bath at Twickenham.
Liam Heagney
10 Aug 2024, 8:03
Northampton name new CEO less than six weeks after vacancy arose
The reigning Gallagher Premiership champions ultimately didn’t have to look very far to recruit Darbon’s successor as Chapman …
Liam Heagney
09 Aug 2024, 11:46
'Australian rugby has suffered from string of wrongly recruited Kiwis'
Robbie Deans (2008-13) and Dave Rennie (2020-22) both had stints in charge of Australia that failed to deliver success.
Liam Heagney
09 Aug 2024, 9:33
Mike Friday calls it quits and exits USA 7s after a 10-year stint
It was 2014 when the former England sevens player took charge across the Atlantic, but the 52-year-old is now finishing up followi…
Liam Heagney
08 Aug 2024, 11:58
Vaea Fifita explains why he has signed Scarlets contract extension
There had been rumours that the forward, who switched his country allegiance and represented Tonga at last year’s Rugby World Cu…
Liam Heagney
08 Aug 2024, 11:20
FFR statement: The latest update in the search for Medhi Narjissi
The 17-year-old Toulouse fly-half, the son of former Agen hooker Jalil Narjissi, was taking part in a recovery session at Dias Bea…
Liam Heagney
08 Aug 2024, 10:53
Bradley Roberts has announced his immediate-effect retirement
The South African-born front-rower made a 2021 Test debut for Wales against the country of his birth, going on to win five caps in…
Liam Heagney
08 Aug 2024, 8:43
RFU statement: The exit of Aled Walters as head of England S&C
The Welshman, who was a Rugby World Cup winner with South Africa in 2019, was recruited by Borthwick for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Liam Heagney
08 Aug 2024, 9:00
SA Rugby issues message after France U18s player swept out to sea
“SA Rugby have sent condolences and offered support to French rugby and the family of 17-year-old player Medhi Narjissi, who was…
Liam Heagney
08 Aug 2024, 8:17
Toulouse statement: The disappearance of 17-year-old Medhi Narjissi
It was reported that the 17-year-old son of former Agen hooker Jalil Narjissi was swept out to sea by a wave.
Liam Heagney
08 Aug 2024, 5:48
Stuart Hogg will miss the start of 2024/25 Top 14 season – report
The ex-Scotland captain announced in July that he was coming out of retirement and had signed a medical joker deal to move to the …
Liam Heagney
08 Aug 2024, 7:39
Ben Lam quits union for rugby league with immediate effect
The 33-year-old, who was out of contract after finishing up at Montpellier, had been rumoured to be staying in the Top 14, with Ca…
Liam Heagney
08 Aug 2024, 6:15
Six changes for Argentina, uncapped U20 also named on their bench
They have made two alterations to their pack and four in the backline for their opening-round match of The Rugby Championship in W…
Liam Heagney
08 Aug 2024, 4:33
The Clive Woodward verdict on Twickenham becoming Allianz Stadium
It was Monday evening when the RFU caught the rugby world unguarded by unveiling a sponsorship deal worth more than £10million a …
Liam Heagney
07 Aug 2024, 11:54
First unofficial depth chart highlights status of Louis Rees-Zammit
The defending SuperBowl champions will commence their campaign on September 9 with a home outing versus the Baltimore Ravens, and …
Liam Heagney
07 Aug 2024, 10:55
Ox Nche tackles allegation that law variation will depower scrums
The Sharks loosehead has been named to start for South Africa versus Australia in Brisbane on Saturday, a fixture that will see tw…
Liam Heagney
07 Aug 2024, 9:14
What Cobus Reinach makes of rookie No10, No8 Springboks starters
South Africa open their 2024 Rugby Championship campaign away to the Wallabies in Brisbane and Rassie Erasmus has selected fly-hal…
Liam Heagney
07 Aug 2024, 8:38
Lance Bradley puts figure on extra funding needed by Wales' regions
This past season was the first time in the three editions of the URC involving four South African franchises in a 16-team tourname…
Liam Heagney
07 Aug 2024, 6:41
Ex-All Black Jack Goodhue names his most difficult Top 14 opponent
Capped 19 times by New Zealand but just five times in the Ian Foster era, the 29-year-old last year decided to quit the Crusaders …
Liam Heagney
07 Aug 2024, 5:40
Michael Cheika explains reason he felt compelled to join Leicester
The Wallabies’ 2015 Rugby World Cup final coach was based in Paris while in charge of Los Pumas, whom he guided for a fourth-pla…
Liam Heagney
06 Aug 2024, 11:12
Toulon statement: Melvyn Jaminet’s contract 'substantially modified'
The 25-year-old full-back was investigated for a social media video which resulted in him being sent home from his country’s Jul…
Liam Heagney
06 Aug 2024, 10:10
The Rassie Erasmus verdict on the Siya Kolisi to Sharks speculation
It was last Friday when RugbyPass exclusively reported that the double Rugby World Cup-winning captain would be leaving Racing 92 …
Liam Heagney
06 Aug 2024, 8:04
What Erasmus wants from Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu in first Test start
The Stormers youngster has made four recent appearances off the bench for South Africa, but he has now been upgraded to start at f…
Liam Heagney
06 Aug 2024, 7:26
12 Springboks changes, including first start for Feinberg-Mngomezulu
South Africa were 64-21 winners in Bloemfontein over their European visitors on July 20 with a largely second string team and Eras…
Liam Heagney
06 Aug 2024, 5:03
Simon Middleton explains four lessons since exiting England role
Having been an assistant for the 2014 Rugby World Cup win in France, Middleton became the English team's head coach in 2015 and hi…
Liam Heagney
06 Aug 2024, 4:20
SA Rugby statement: The Siya Kolisi club contract buy-out
RugbyPass reported on Friday that Kolisi had held showdown talks with the Parisian club and wants to head home to South Africa aft…
Liam Heagney
03 Aug 2024, 13:54
Bordeaux statement: The signing of assistant Shaun Sowerby
The 46-year-old, who won his only South Africa cap in 2002 versus Samoa, carved out a playing career in France after exiting the S…
Liam Heagney
03 Aug 2024, 6:07
The 'aggressive' reason why Sam Warburton likes the look of England
Beaten finalists in 2007 and 2019, the English were eliminated by defending champions South Africa in the semi-finals at the most …
Liam Heagney
03 Aug 2024, 4:52
Ex-Ireland assistant Mike Catt linked with a Super Rugby role
It was last December when it was confirmed by the IRFU that the 2003 Rugby World Cup winner with England would be stepping away as…
Liam Heagney
03 Aug 2024, 4:41
12 referees from seven countries named for 2024 Rugby Championship
Andrea Piardi from Italy is one of 12 referees from seven countries appointed for a tournament which will kick-off on August 10 wi…
Liam Heagney
02 Aug 2024, 10:23
The tribute Joe Gray has paid to the 'life-changing' Rob Hunter
It was two years ago when the front-rower, capped once for his country in 2014, stepped away from a stellar 16-year career with No…
Liam Heagney
02 Aug 2024, 7:44
Edinburgh statement: The signing of Matt Scott for the third time
The Scotland midfielder had been a free agent since finishing up at Leicester Tigers at the end of the 2023/24 season.
Liam Heagney
02 Aug 2024, 7:34
The Exeter update on 'relatively complex' Henry Slade injury setback
The 31-year-old was a starter in all three recent Test matches away to Japan and New Zealand (twice) following a Guinness Six Nati…
Liam Heagney
02 Aug 2024, 6:51
David Nucifora issues final message as Ireland high performance boss
The ex-Australian hooker arrived in Dublin in 2014 to take on a newly created position to transform the sport for the Irish and hi…
Liam Heagney
02 Aug 2024, 4:57
Sam Warburton sets 'sack' deadline for Warren Gatland as Wales boss
Wales lost all five matches in the 2024 Six Nations and have since been beaten by South Africa and Australia (twice), leaving them…
Liam Heagney
01 Aug 2024, 9:20
Jake White's All Blacks-like prediction about Bulls' David Kriel
The 25-year-old, who has signed a contract extension through to 2027, was previously considered as only a full-back/utility, but h…
Liam Heagney
01 Aug 2024, 8:01
Billy Vunipola's first impression of his new life at Montpellier
The 31-year-old, who was at Saracens from 2013 to 2024, has quit the Gallagher Premiership for the Top 14 for the next few years a…
Liam Heagney
31 Jul 2024, 12:13
The Rassie Erasmus verdict on Joe Schmidt's Wallabies
Former Ireland head coach Schmidt is currently three wins from three as Australia head coach following their recent 2-0 series suc…
Liam Heagney
31 Jul 2024, 8:43
Ex-England skipper Phil de Glanville pens six-point RFU reflection
The 55-year-old, who was capped on 38 occasions between 1992 and 1999, was awarded a distinguished member badge following the end …
Liam Heagney
31 Jul 2024, 5:12
Four World Rugby U20 Championship 2024 sign off talking points
We can’t sign off on Cape Town 2024, though, without properly reflecting on what the latest edition of the pinnacle internationa…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
28 Jul 2024, 3:30
World Rugby U20 Championship: The RugbyPass team of the tournament
England flew out of South Africa last Saturday evening to Heathrow as the rightful champions, the consistency of their potent scru…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
28 Jul 2024, 3:26
Zachary Porthen: 'We clearly at times couldn’t handle the pressure'
The next step on Porthen’s pathway is the Western Province U21s and a shot at eventually making their Currie Cup mix. He’s hop…
Interview
Liam Heagney
21 Jul 2024, 3:03
Nathan Catt: 'I think that’s sexy... it's unbelievable the progress'
The scrum generally gets a bad rep, its critics vocal that it takes up too much time and whatnot. But when it works, as it has sum…
Interview
Liam Heagney
21 Jul 2024, 2:55
The 2009 defeat that inspired Mark Mapletoft to 2024 England U20s glory
A green bottle of Castle Lite was suddenly the beverage of choice… and why not? England had just been crowned champions. “I've…
Interview
Liam Heagney
20 Jul 2024, 2:58
Yago Fernandez Vilar: 'Spanish rugby is growing and we’re proving it'
They certainly enjoyed their first-ever campaign at the tournament and the excellent news for them is that they will compete in ne…
Interview
Liam Heagney
20 Jul 2024, 5:48
'He’s lying, it’s all Asher!': England U20s' Cape Town title party
Mark Mapletoft's side were immense in putting manners on a French side who needed a last-second converted consolation to massage t…
Interview
Liam Heagney
20 Jul 2024, 2:07
Glory for England U20s as second-half power show dethrones France
Ahead by a single point at the break after riding their luck at times during an edgy opening half, Mark Mapletoft’s dynamos took…
Liam Heagney
19 Jul 2024, 15:03
Baby Blacks clinch best U20 Championship finish since 2017 title win
Both teams were soundly beaten in the semi-finals, New Zealand swatted aside 55-31 by French flair while Ireland were depowered 31…
Liam Heagney
19 Jul 2024, 12:36
Junior Boks end poor Championship run with seven-try win over Wales
Bafana Nhleko’s injury-hit side had lost twice to Argentina and England in their recent outings at a variety of venues following…
Liam Heagney
19 Jul 2024, 9:54
Sudden death try sees Spain relegate Fiji from World U20 Championship
The Fijians ultimately paid a heavy price for card trouble, suffering three yellows and one red over the course of an exhausting 9…
Liam Heagney
19 Jul 2024, 8:55
Willie Faloon: 'I wouldn’t have done an awful lot differently'
Defeat when a team hasn’t performed fully is the worst kind of loss. That was the ordeal Ireland were put through in Cape Town o…
Interview
Liam Heagney
15 Jul 2024, 8:17
'URC is the only proper competition where we can be involved'
The former national team boss, who stepped down after Rugby World Cup 2023 to become his union’s high-performance boss, claimed …
Interview
Liam Heagney
19 Jul 2024, 4:50
4 England vs France World Rugby U20 Championship final talking points
A high-scoring shootout is the expectation, although the forecasted rain could temper attacking ambition. Here are the RugbyPass t…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
19 Jul 2024, 2:21
Getting to know: South Africa U20s back row Thabang Mphafi
He started all three of their pool matches, packing down at openside, blindside and then No8 in the final game against the English…
Interview
Liam Heagney
19 Jul 2024, 2:05
England U20s Ollie Allan: 'It has worked out, I've got myself here'
Thirteen months ago, he was suddenly made redundant. London Irish collapsed, leaving the senior academy member at an awkward loose…
Interview
Liam Heagney
19 Jul 2024, 2:01
France U20s skipper Hugo Reus: 'We need to win for my village'
Four times he has flown south from France in the last 13 months, his involvement at the 2023 and 2024 World Rugby U20 Championship…
Interview
Liam Heagney
19 Jul 2024, 1:51
Two England changes for World U20 Championship final versus France
Mark Mapletoft’s side demonstrated their ability to squeeze teams in that last four success, holding the Irish scoreless in the …
Liam Heagney
17 Jul 2024, 13:14
'You shouldn’t really judge a whole programme on one particular game'
If the double doesn’t materialise, though, he doesn’t want people judging the RFU’s pathway programme based on a single resu…
Interview
Liam Heagney
18 Jul 2024, 3:51
Getting to know: Italy U20s No8 Jacopo Botturi
Skipper Botturi, who led the team to two wins – including a victory away to France – in a fourth-place Six Nations finish, wil…
Interview
Liam Heagney
18 Jul 2024, 3:03
Philippe Boher: 'We adapted our rugby specifically for this group'
France, of course, had their dominance in this grade interrupted by the pandemic after their two-in-a-row of 2018 and 2019, but th…
Interview
Liam Heagney
18 Jul 2024, 2:51
Where are they now? The 2016 England U20 Championship-winning team
Ten of Martin Haag’s class of 2016, who defeated Ireland 45-21 in the final in Manchester, went on to play Test-level rugby, eig…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
18 Jul 2024, 2:36
France make two changes for U20 Championship final versus England
The French, who are chasing a fourth successive world title in a row, swatted aside New Zealand 55-31 in their semi-final last Sun…
Liam Heagney
17 Jul 2024, 8:22
Getting to know: England U20s scrum-half Ollie Allan
With that pesky leg ailment since healed, Allan has returned to the England squad and been a key component in what has been achiev…
Interview
Liam Heagney
17 Jul 2024, 3:17
Brent Liufau: 'Special night playing against my cousin for New Zealand'
France versus New Zealand was a spicy rematch last Sunday at the World Rugby U20 Championship. The French, the defending three-in-…
Interview
Liam Heagney
16 Jul 2024, 5:51
'The bright side' Vernon Bason has taken from heavy loss to France
The Baby Blacks had defeated France in a pool match in Stellenbosch 10 days earlier, Rico Simpson kicking an 80th-minute penalty t…
Interview
Liam Heagney
16 Jul 2024, 15:03
Four World Rugby U20 Championship semi-final talking points
Sunday at the World Rugby U20 Championship in Cape Town began with a blue sky, quite the contrast to match day there’s brutal we…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
15 Jul 2024, 10:44
'The lads don't understand the magnitude of doing things like that'
He had just witnessed his team go to the well, grinding out a dogged 17-12 win over South Africa at the World Rugby U20 Championsh…
Interview
Liam Heagney
10 Jul 2024, 4:40
Ireland coach Andy Farrell: 'I’m jealous of that'
Andy Farrell was directed into a vast Kings Park boardroom next door where the long long-table set up now dwarfed the water bottle…
Liam Heagney
15 Jul 2024, 3:00
Mark Mapletoft: 'Four-fifths up the mountain... now for the summit'
Having drawn their last two matches with Ireland, they finally put the squeeze on the age-grade rivals, dominating in the scrum an…
Interview
Liam Heagney
15 Jul 2024, 6:55
England U20s hooker Craig Wright: 'It’s a real weapon of ours'
With Ireland eventually beaten 31-20, the hooker had just finished belting out Zombie in his team’s dressing room when he stroll…
Interview
Liam Heagney
15 Jul 2024, 5:40
England scrum their way to U20 final with deserved win over Ireland
Two points up at the break, Mark Mapletoft’s side took a firm grip on the previously frenetic exchanges and the second period be…
Liam Heagney
14 Jul 2024, 12:27
Seven-try France hammer New Zealand to book U20 final versus England
Beaten 26-27 by an 80th-minute Baby Blacks penalty in a July 4 pool match in Stellenbosch, the French only reached the last four a…
Liam Heagney
14 Jul 2024, 14:54
Jono Gibbes' reaction to France U20s putting 55 points on New Zealand
The Baby Blacks came into the fixture at the Cape Town Stadium having beaten the French 27-26 just 10 days earlier in a pool match…
Interview
Liam Heagney
14 Jul 2024, 17:18
Caelan Doris and three other South Africa vs Ireland talking points
What an epic we were treated to in Durban on Saturday. The atmosphere at Kings Park was tremendous and the calibre of the rugby on…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
14 Jul 2024, 5:55
Nathan Michelow: 'It's one that we all want to smash them in really'
The lobby of the England team hotel in Cape Town was as busy as a railway station concourse when RugbyPass dropped by in midweek t…
Interview
Liam Heagney
14 Jul 2024, 4:39
Four World Rugby U20 Championship semi-final talking points
It was last Tuesday following match day three when the appetising semi-final line-up was confirmed, pitting Rugby Championship cha…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
14 Jul 2024, 4:22
Ireland player ratings versus South Africa – Castle Lager Test Two
Here, amid the disco/swim club vibe reverberating around the ground, they brought their razzle and dazzle and led 10-0, 16-6 and 1…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
13 Jul 2024, 14:00
The Andy Farrell answer to Ireland or South Africa being world No1
The Irish travelled to the southern hemisphere four months after clinching back-to-back Six Nations titles and their tour to the h…
Liam Heagney
14 Jul 2024, 0:23
The Andy Farrell, Rassie Erasmus verdict on Ireland drop goal winner
Seven days after Andy Farrell and Rassie Erasmus shared different perspectives on the TMO decisions that were the hot topic coming…
Liam Heagney
14 Jul 2024, 0:16
What Rassie Erasmus said on refereeing in Springboks loss to Ireland
Trailing 6-16 at the break, South Africa roared back in the second half to take a 24-19 lead on 65 minutes after Handre Pollard su…
Liam Heagney
14 Jul 2024, 0:06
World Rugby U20 Championship match day four semi-final guide
It's semi-finals Sunday at the World Rugby U20 Championship and following last Tuesday’s weather-affected schedule, the hope wil…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
13 Jul 2024, 23:52
Liam Jack: 'I'd to grab an emergency passport to get on the ride'
Halfway through the conversation, he was approached by staff to see if he was interested in availing of any spa treatments – fac…
Interview
Liam Heagney
13 Jul 2024, 23:29
Ciaran Frawley: 'The strike was the ugliest drop goal I've ever hit'
Hang it in the Louvre. Ireland rugby fans have long cherished some famous last-gasp drop goals. Ronan O’Gara to clinch the 2009 …
Interview
Liam Heagney
13 Jul 2024, 15:50
New Zealand U20s change 10 in the hunt for a repeat win over France
Knowing they effectively had a ‘gimme’ versus minnows Spain on match day three, they rested numerous first-choice players but …
Liam Heagney
12 Jul 2024, 15:56
England U20s make two changes for semi-final with Ireland
The reigning age-grade Six Nations champions completed their Pool C campaign with a gruelling 17-12 win over South Africa last Tue…
Liam Heagney
12 Jul 2024, 10:34
World Rugby U20 Championship semi-final pairings confirmed
Meanwhile, England will take on Ireland in the other semi-final following the outcome of match day three at the tournament in Sout…
Liam Heagney
09 Jul 2024, 17:45
Lyon statement: Recruitment of New Zealand U20s boss Jono Gibbes
It was January 2023 when a Champions Cup hammering at home to Leicester spelled the end for the 47-year-old at a club he agreed to…
Liam Heagney
12 Jul 2024, 14:14
Three Ireland U20s changes but no recall for skipper Evan O'Connell
They also confirmed that skipper Evan O’Connell, the nephew of Paul O'Connell who last took the field in the July 4 pool win ove…
Liam Heagney
12 Jul 2024, 11:07
Four changes for France for their U20s rematch with New Zealand
The French qualified for the last four with a 29-11 bonus-point win over Wales last Tuesday in Athlone, a result that was perfect …
Liam Heagney
12 Jul 2024, 8:44
Getting to Know: England U20s No8 Nathan Michelow
A knock prevented Michelow from togging out for the middle game versus Fiji but he was in the thick against southern hemisphere he…
Interview
Liam Heagney
12 Jul 2024, 2:56
Getting to know: New Zealand U20s lock Liam Jack
Graham Jack, the lanky lock’s father, was a 1998 Super Rugby champion playing in the Crusaders engine room.
Interview
Liam Heagney
12 Jul 2024, 2:36
Bafana Nhleko: 'South Africa fans have every right to be upset'
His team not only needed to beat England in the puddles of Athlone but they also had to win by a margin wide enough so that the ma…
Interview
Liam Heagney
10 Jul 2024, 3:45
The 'silver lining' Wales have taken from latest U20s loss to France
A year ago, 19-43 was the margin of defeat which left them contesting the fifth to eighth placings on match day four. That 24-poin…
Interview
Liam Heagney
10 Jul 2024, 4:20
The 'so perfect' France reaction to keeping alive U20s title defence
Any suggestion that their last-gasp defeat to New Zealand last Thursday had loosened their grip on the trophy they have won for th…
Interview
Liam Heagney
10 Jul 2024, 4:00
Joe Bailey: From 'horrible' to 'everyone singing, dancing, hugging'
The World Rugby U20 Championship Pool C fixture on the Cape Flats had been deadlocked since the 51st-minute and the Exeter lock ha…
Interview
Liam Heagney
10 Jul 2024, 3:31
An 86th-minute try clinches England U20s the win over South Africa
Repeated infringing from the Junior Boks, which included the yellow carding of Divan Fuller, meant the match continued level until…
Liam Heagney
09 Jul 2024, 15:13
The Ireland U20s verdict on making semi-final without playing Australia
The Irish, who had nine points after two matches, were due to take on Australia, who had six points, on Tuesday in the final round…
Liam Heagney
09 Jul 2024, 10:08
U20 champions France see off Wales to keep their title defence alive
With Pool A leaders New Zealand expected to run up a big score in the 7pm kick-off in Stellenbosch and progress with a total of 15…
Liam Heagney
09 Jul 2024, 12:46
Live blog: World Rugby U20 Championship 2024 in Cape Town – Day Three
While the schedule in South Africa is officially listed as the final round of the pool stage, it’s essentially the quarter-final…
Liam Heagney
09 Jul 2024, 5:57
World Rugby statement: The Ireland-Australia U20s match cancellation
The teams were set to kick-off at 2pm local time in a match to decide who would finish top of Pool B and advance to next Sunday’…
Liam Heagney
09 Jul 2024, 10:47
Getting to Know: England U20s lock Junior Kpoku
Kpoku was given a dice roll as an in-camp forfeit and rolling a six meant dying his hair or getting a buzz. The upside was that wh…
Interview
Liam Heagney
09 Jul 2024, 3:14
Four World Rugby U20 Championship match day three talking points
Wales versus defending champions France in Pool A is essentially a play-off to decide who clinches the single best runner-up spot …
Analysis
Liam Heagney
09 Jul 2024, 2:48
World Rugby U20 Championship match day three game-by-game guide
Three matches are scheduled for Athlone: Ireland-Australia (2pm local time), France-Wales (4:30pm) and South Africa-England (7pm).…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
08 Jul 2024, 8:35
Kwagga Smith and three other South Africa vs Ireland talking points
Despite knocking around at altitude for over a week, Ireland were flat for far too long a stretch on the high veldt while South Af…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
07 Jul 2024, 2:31
The ‘slow poison’ that Rassie Erasmus loved about his Springboks
Only Pieter-Steph du Toit and Kwagga Smith from the starting pack remained on the field with the match delicately poised at 13-8 i…
Liam Heagney
07 Jul 2024, 10:20
The reason why Andy Farrell believes Ireland can level Test series
The reigning Guinness Six Nations champions never got going in Pretoria until it was too late, losing 20-27 at Loftus Versfeld and…
Liam Heagney
07 Jul 2024, 6:52
Rassie Erasmus claims beating Ireland wasn’t ‘monkey off the back win'
Before this weekend’s 27-20 win in Pretoria, the Springboks had lost their last three encounters with Ireland, losing in Dublin …
Liam Heagney
07 Jul 2024, 7:36
England statement: Call-up for uncapped prop Emmanuel Iyogun
Marler’s early exit resulted in a Test debut for his Harlequins teammate Fin Baxter, who didn’t let his side down in his maide…
Liam Heagney
07 Jul 2024, 3:30
Asher Opoku-Fordjour: 'You want to be the one that dominates'
Marler is not alone in liking the look of Asher Opoku-Fordjour. Alex Sanderson, the youngster’s boss at the Sharks, is constantl…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
07 Jul 2024, 2:36
Ireland player ratings versus South Africa – Castle Lager Test One
After all the talk, South Africa’s big day finally arrived and they had their chance to avenge last September’s Rugby World Cu…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
06 Jul 2024, 14:28
The Andy Farrell reaction to the TMO calls that went against Ireland
Andy Farrell has given his reaction to a frustrating 20-27 defeat for Ireland on Saturday evening in Pretoria, suggesting his team…
Liam Heagney
06 Jul 2024, 15:13
Four talking points after World Rugby U20 Championship match day two
There were thrilling finishes, loads of excellent tries and even the novelty of needing a review to judge whether the final kick o…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
05 Jul 2024, 7:09
What last-gasp hero Finn Treacy made of Ireland's 24-phase try
The Irish looked set to be beaten as they had surrendered an early 12-0 lead and were trailing 15-16 and were fortunate not to be …
Interview
Liam Heagney
05 Jul 2024, 4:42
The Junior Boks explanation for their heavy defeat to Argentina
The Junior Boks had won the previous two games they had played against the Argentinians. Now, with the tables drastically turned, …
Interview
Liam Heagney
05 Jul 2024, 3:33
The Rico Simpson verdict on his TMO-reviewed game-winning kick
The Baby Blacks place-kicker had his frustrations during his team’s ding-dong match with France, the defending champions.
Interview
Liam Heagney
05 Jul 2024, 2:43
Jono Gibbes' ‘do-or-die’ reaction to late, late New Zealand U20s win
The Baby Blacks trailed 0-11 at the break following an opening period where they were heavily penalised on the penalty count, culm…
Interview
Liam Heagney
04 Jul 2024, 20:01
Recap: World Rugby U20 Championship 2024 in Cape Town – Day Two
RugbyPass will spend the day at the Danie Craven where the all-European clash of the Irish and the Georgians gets things going at …
Liam Heagney
04 Jul 2024, 6:41
Four World Rugby U20 Championship match day two talking points
It’s the sort of programme that should have rugby fans having two gadgets on the go at the same time so that none of the action …
Analysis
Liam Heagney
04 Jul 2024, 1:42
Lucas de la Rua: 'You're almost in shock, there’s nothing you can do'
His exotic-sounding name is rooted in the Iberian Peninsula as both his parents hail from Spain, but he is very much a born-and-ra…
Interview
Liam Heagney
04 Jul 2024, 2:12
Getting to Know: South Africa U20s full-back Bruce Sherwood
The Capetonian, who celebrated his 20th birthday last week ahead of the opening-round win over Fiji at DHL Stadium, was part of Ba…
Interview
Liam Heagney
04 Jul 2024, 2:04
Getting to Know: England U20s loosehead Asher Opoku-Fordjour
A year ago he was coming to the age-grade event in Cape Town off the back of a challenging season in England. Part of the Wasps ac…
Interview
Liam Heagney
03 Jul 2024, 2:42
World Rugby U20 Championship match day two game by game guide
Three matches are scheduled for Stellenbosch: Ireland vs Georgia (kick-off 2pm local), France vs New Zealand (4:30pm) and South Af…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
03 Jul 2024, 3:03
Harry McLaughlin-Phillips: 'I've got a pretty cruisy lifestyle'
A veteran of last year’s age-grade tournament where the Aussies placed fifth, the straight-shooting No10 has returned to South A…
Interview
Liam Heagney
03 Jul 2024, 2:28
The Finn Carnduff verdict on England U20s making 12 changes
What the wholesale shake-up said about England is that they trust their strength in depth, but also that skipper Finn Carnduff is …
Interview
Liam Heagney
02 Jul 2024, 12:50
Baby Blacks change five for massive U20s clash with champions France
The Kiwis got the show on the road with a 41-34 Pool A win over Wales at Athlone and they have now changed three forwards and two …
Liam Heagney
02 Jul 2024, 11:31
Ireland U20s confirm seven changes for match day two versus Georgia
The Irish were impressive 55-15 opening day winners over Italy last Saturday at DHL Stadium and Willie Faloon has now changed four…
Liam Heagney
02 Jul 2024, 10:14
Mapletoft names England U20s team showing 12 changes to face Fiji
The English were impressive 40-21 comeback winners over Argentina on opening day at the Championship last Saturday and coach Mark …
Liam Heagney
02 Jul 2024, 9:51
Junior Boks make three changes, opt for a six/two bench split
The age-grade South Africans got their World Rugby U20 Championship off to a winning start with a 57-7 victory over Fiji last Satu…
Liam Heagney
02 Jul 2024, 9:25
Junior Wallabies fly in four replacements for match day two
Four players were ruled out through injury following the 35-11 win and will miss the remainder of the tournament. Meanwhile, lock …
Liam Heagney
02 Jul 2024, 8:59
Fagmie Solomons: 'If you play there they will burn down this house’
It turned out that the welcoming host was rugby royalty, none other than Fagmie ‘Fluffy’ Solomons. He was the ridiculously tal…
Interview
Liam Heagney
02 Jul 2024, 2:57
Getting to know: France U20s out-half Hugo Reus
Reus was only a late confirmation in the French squad, as it wasn’t until La Rochelle were eliminated from the Top 14 at the sem…
Interview
Liam Heagney
02 Jul 2024, 2:37
Junior Kpoku: 'That wasn't down to me, it was all behind closed doors'
The dramatic thing is, he wasn’t long packing up again in Devon and taking a giant October leap across the Channel. Stuart Lanca…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
30 Jun 2024, 3:11
The England U20 verdict on 17-year-old debut maker Lucas Friday
The hat-trick scoring jack Bracken wasn’t the player that coach Mark Mapletoft reserved special praise for in the aftermath of t…
Interview
Liam Heagney
01 Jul 2024, 3:59
Getting to know: Wales U20s openside Lucas de la Rua
Lucas de la Rua was the starting Wales No7 on both occasions and his year in between these age-grade World Cup clashes featured a …
Interview
Liam Heagney
01 Jul 2024, 3:16
Four talking points after World Rugby U20 Championship day one
Saturday’s opening round of the 2024 World Rugby U20 Championship produced a feast of age-grade entertainment. There were some e…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
30 Jun 2024, 5:27
Eddie Andrews: 'We've seen players commit suicide... I was fortunate'
What took place in 2004 is the reference point for this particular interview as that two-game series heralded the arrival of Andre…
Interview
Liam Heagney
30 Jun 2024, 3:09
Junior Boks boss Bafana Nhleko: ‘Two things stand out for me’
The Junior Boks spluttered their way into the semi-finals at the 2023 World Rugby U20 Championship, inconsistencies that Ireland e…
Interview
Liam Heagney
30 Jun 2024, 3:02
Jack Bracken: 'Third try was pretty good; lucky with the bounce'
Jack Bracken wasn’t part of the England squad that clinched the Six Nations U20s title 15 weeks ago, yet he was in Cape Town on …
Interview
Liam Heagney
30 Jun 2024, 2:16
The Faloon, O’Connell verdict as Ireland U20s soothe Italian pain
Numerous winning teams caught the eye on Saturday across the opening round of the World Rugby U20 Championship, but Ireland deserv…
Interview
Liam Heagney
30 Jun 2024, 2:40
Live blog: World Rugby U20 Championship 2024 in Cape Town – Day One
Five of the Six Nations countries and all four Rugby Championship participants are now in South Africa along with Georgia, Spain a…
Liam Heagney
29 Jun 2024, 5:58
What would leave Mark Mapletoft 'pretty devastated as a coach'
Having clinched the Six Nations title with a spectacular win away to France in Pau last March, the English have been drawn in a po…
Interview
Liam Heagney
29 Jun 2024, 3:01
The play where South Africa are expecting 'a lot more gamesmanship'
Six round one pool matches are on the schedule, with the host nation rounding off the three-game DHL Stadium programme with an eve…
Interview
Liam Heagney
29 Jun 2024, 2:56
Four World Rugby U20 Championship opening round talking points
It won’t be until the July 19 final that the 2024 champions become known, but this weekend’s six-match round one is set to del…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
29 Jun 2024, 2:04
Getting to know: Australia U20s out-half Harry McLaughlin-Phillips
However, if selection was a criteria that included good manners and conversational ability, then Harry McLaughlin-Phillips has eve…
Interview
Liam Heagney
29 Jun 2024, 1:41
Mark Mapletoft: Why England U20s invited RugbyPass to film Embedded
The English open their Pool C campaign this Saturday with a heavyweight clash versus Argentina in Athlone and the first episode of…
Liam Heagney
28 Jun 2024, 5:24
World Rugby U20 Championship: Pool C team by team guide
It will be round three in Athlone on July 9 when that fancied duo – last year’s beaten semi-finalists – go head-to-head in a…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
28 Jun 2024, 2:34
World Rugby U20 Championship: Pool B team by team guide
Australia felt hard done by in their round two loss to Ireland in Paarl because in the aftermath of their 10-30 defeat, Irish back…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
28 Jun 2024, 2:24
World Rugby U20 Championship: Pool A team by team guide
The Spanish have the honour of opening the pool the DHL Stadium this Saturday, taking on a French team that didn’t fire on all c…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
28 Jun 2024, 2:13
Getting to know: New Zealand U20s hooker Vernon Bason
For a country with a glittering heritage in the tournament, especially in the early years when they won four in a row, seventh pla…
Interview
Liam Heagney
28 Jun 2024, 2:00
Mark Mapletoft: 'Stuff like that winds me up, it’s cheap and easy'
Given that they are about to fly to South Africa for the World Rugby U20 Championship, a tournament that will be played in the sou…
Interview
Liam Heagney
16 Jun 2024, 2:24
Getting to know: Wales U20s blindside Ryan Woodman
The back-rower has timed him run to rude health perfectly to ensure he is fit and ready to lead Wales out when they take on New Ze…
Interview
Liam Heagney
27 Jun 2024, 2:07
Five 2023 U20 Championship players who are already playing Test rugby
Multiple stars were born, especially from the better performing European teams who had the advantage of having a taxing Six Nation…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
27 Jun 2024, 2:15
Getting to know: Ireland U20s out-half Jack Murphy
The youngster demonstrated he had nerves of steel during the recent age-grade Six Nations, calmly kicking late penalties for the I…
Interview
Liam Heagney
26 Jun 2024, 2:45
Where are they now? The 2023 England World Rugby U20 Championship team
His preparations consisted of an on-the-fly drawn two-match series in Georgia before flying to South Africa where his English youn…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
26 Jun 2024, 2:35
Where are they now? The 2008 New Zealand U20 Championship winners
It was music to New Zealand ears. They had won the final of the U19s tournament that was staged in Ireland in 2007, and it was onl…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
26 Jun 2024, 2:04
Where are they now? The 2012 South Africa U20 Championship winners
A crowd of 33,210 turned up at the now-closed Newlands to see an age-grade South African side inspired by a then 18-year-old Handr…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
25 Jun 2024, 5:23
Where are they now? The 2023 Ireland U20 Championship runners-up team
Ireland went into last year’s World Rugby U20 Championship with very high hopes after clinching their second successive Six Nati…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
25 Jun 2024, 3:45
Where are they now? The 2016 five to follow U20 Championship players
A glossy 28-page programme was published for that edition of the tournament and the preview intro certainly hyped what was set to …
Analysis
Liam Heagney
25 Jun 2024, 3:37
Where are they now? The 2023 France U20 Championship-winning team
Les Bleus had won the 2018 and 2019 tournament finals in Beziers and Rosario but the pandemic forced the cancellation of the next …
Analysis
Liam Heagney
23 Jun 2024, 3:02
Jack Murphy: 'It was a bit weird and took a while to get used to'
His cake and candles milestone is July 15, four days before the DHL Stadium final of the 2024 World Rugby U20 Championship in Cape…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
23 Jun 2024, 2:58
Leicester statement: The immediate effect exit of Dan McKellar
The 2021/22 Gallagher Premiership champions embarked on an extensive recruitment search after it was announced in December 2022 th…
Liam Heagney
22 Jun 2024, 12:17
England player ratings vs Japan | 2024 Lipovitan D Challenge Cup
In fielding a team showing just four changes from the dramatic high scoring defeat at Lyon to France, three injury-enforced altera…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
22 Jun 2024, 4:39
Dylan Hartley: 'I would have started Fin Smith against Japan'
Northampton rookie Smith recently helped the Saints to Gallagher Premiership glory at Twickenham, but he has only been chosen as a…
Liam Heagney
21 Jun 2024, 10:34
Fumiaki Tanaka: 'As a human being, Eddie Jones is very mild now'
This dynamic of Jones going head to head with his former comrades – including his old Cherry Blossom/Red Rose assistant Steve Bo…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
21 Jun 2024, 5:18
Census Johnston: 'Too many get lost in the systems after footy'
After a glittering career mostly spent in Europe that included packing down with Toulouse for eight seasons as well as stints at B…
Interview
Liam Heagney
16 Jun 2024, 2:13
'Christ, that’s going to sting for a while, I’m not going to lie'
The Irish side were heavily tipped to qualify for the final and host the Bulls next Saturday in Limerick.
Liam Heagney
15 Jun 2024, 16:16
Some TV critics reckon 'Leo Cullen is under a lot of pressure now'
The 20-25 loss in South Africa has left the Irish province without a trophy since 2001 – a drought that retired internationals T…
Liam Heagney
15 Jun 2024, 13:11
Clive Woodward has named the England XV he wants to see play Japan
Steve Borthwick’s squad are in Tokyo for a fixture versus the Japanese that will be streamed live in the UK and Ireland on Rugby…
Liam Heagney
15 Jun 2024, 5:07
English Championship statement: ‘We have got what we came for’
Clubs in the second division of English rugby recently reiterated their concerns for the future, claiming on June 3 that they had …
Liam Heagney
14 Jun 2024, 15:21
RFU statement: Professional game partnership, Championship update
The update emerged on Friday following the latest RFU council meeting.
Liam Heagney
14 Jun 2024, 11:41
Ireland include four uncapped players in U20 Championship squad
Forwards Max Flynn and Mikey Yarr, along with backs Ruben Moloney and Jake O'Riordan are the new names added to the squad that Ric…
Liam Heagney
14 Jun 2024, 9:48
Will Goodrick-Clarke signs a deal taking him back the Premiership
The prop was made redundant last June when London Irish folded and he opted to play second-tier rugby with a view to getting back …
Liam Heagney
14 Jun 2024, 7:36
George Gregan: 'I’m thinking that guy will play with Joe Schmidt'
Over the course of his stellar 139-cap career, he was their starting No9 when France were beaten in the 1999 Rugby World Cup final…
Interview
Liam Heagney
13 Jun 2024, 11:53
Uncapped brothers included as Wales name U20 Championship squad
The Welsh signed off on the recent Six Nations with a fifth place finish following home wins over Scotland and Italy and are now p…
Liam Heagney
13 Jun 2024, 9:50
The disciplinary hearing evidence presented by red-carded Beno Obano
Last Saturday’s Gallagher Premiership final had stopped in the 22nd minute so that referee Christophe Ridley and his officials c…
Liam Heagney
13 Jun 2024, 8:43
RFU statement: Beno Obano banned after red card decision upheld
The English league’s showpiece fixture was in its 22nd minute when the play was stopped after the front-rower’s shoulder colli…
Liam Heagney
13 Jun 2024, 8:00
NZR statement: Two coaches added to Scott Robertson’s All Blacks
The new head coach is just over three weeks out from his first match in charge – the July 6 meeting with England in Dunedin – …
Liam Heagney
12 Jun 2024, 16:18
The Test rookie touted by Conrad Smith for All Blacks selection
The 42-year-old told RugbyPass that he has been following the Super Rugby Pacific season closely and wants the uncapped Billy Proc…
Interview
Liam Heagney
12 Jun 2024, 14:02
Georgia U20s repeat 2023's heroics, beating England to share series
Defeat 12 months ago ultimately didn’t hamper Mark Mapletoft’s side as they progressed through their pool in South Africa to m…
Liam Heagney
12 Jun 2024, 12:32
Gus Warr one of 10 uncapped players in 37-strong Scotland tour squad
The dual-qualified half-back had been touted for a potential call-up by Steve Borthwick’s England, but that hasn’t materialise…
Liam Heagney
12 Jun 2024, 8:32
Titans statement: Wallabies' Carter Gordon quits union for NRL
Last weekend’s Super Rugby Pacific quarter-final loss at the Hurricanes was Carter’s last match for the Melbourne Rebels as th…
Liam Heagney
12 Jun 2024, 3:33
Where are they now? The 2017/18 Northampton senior academy
It was post-game last Saturday at Twickenham when Phil Dowson paid tribute to the foundation laid at Northampton by Chris Boyd, wh…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
12 Jun 2024, 6:01
Watch: Courtney Lawes' final Northampton dressing room speech
The Test-level retired England forward is joining Brive in the Pro D2 in France next season and the 35-year-old signed off on his …
Liam Heagney
12 Jun 2024, 4:06
Soyaux-Angouleme confirm the signing of ex-England winger Jonny May
The out-of-contract Gloucester winger was originally touted for a second-tier switch across the Channel on June 1 when Fissler Con…
Liam Heagney
11 Jun 2024, 12:04
Ex-England player's theory about why Ted Hill hasn't made tour squad
The impact of the 25-year-old back-rower was one of the prime reasons why Bath reached the league final and came so agonisingly cl…
Liam Heagney
11 Jun 2024, 6:40
George Hendy: 'Tom James is not a happy man with me at the moment'
Saints were trailing 18-21 when Hendy, who had come on for Burger Odendaal and was soon at fault for the game-levelling Bath try s…
Liam Heagney
11 Jun 2024, 7:59
England U20s change 12 for their rematch with Georgia in Tbilisi
The English are in Eastern Europe for a two-match rehearsal ahead of the upcoming Junior World Championship in Cape Town.
Liam Heagney
11 Jun 2024, 10:52
Jonny May poised to officially name his new French club – report
It was June 1 when RugbyPass reported that the Pro D2 club were interested in the 34-year-old who retired from Test rugby followin…
Liam Heagney
11 Jun 2024, 8:37
Why Alex Waller's career ended 'pretending I needed the toilet'
There were 52 minutes gone when Northampton decided to make a change at loosehead, swapping the starting Waller for replacement Em…
Liam Heagney
11 Jun 2024, 4:44
RFU statement: George Ford ruled out of England tour
Ford was expected to be named on Monday in the official tour squad along with fellow out-halves Marcus Smith and Fin Smith, but th…
Liam Heagney
09 Jun 2024, 7:31
The Northampton injury update on England hopeful Fin Smith
The 22-year-old missed the closing 10 minutes of Saturday’s Gallagher Premiership final through injury, leaving the field with N…
Liam Heagney
09 Jun 2024, 4:59
The Obano red card and four other Premiership final talking points
We’ve got our rugby back. Saturday’s sold-out Gallagher Premiership final was a vibrant celebration of the elite club game at …
Analysis
Liam Heagney
09 Jun 2024, 4:02
Northampton player ratings vs Bath | 2023/24 Premiership final
Northampton player ratings live from Twickenham: The Saints came marching into London looking to end their 10-year wait for a Gall…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
08 Jun 2024, 12:42
What Johann van Graan has been saying about the Beno Obano red card
The final against Northampton was just 22 minutes old and tied at three points each when the England loosehead was sent off after …
Liam Heagney
08 Jun 2024, 16:10
Courtney Lawes and three other Premiership final talking points
We are set for a potential classic to unfold at Twickenham on Saturday after first versus second in the Gallagher Premiership regu…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
08 Jun 2024, 1:55
Matt Ferguson: 'A player said I was a disgrace, let the school down'
The unsung assistant coach had just spent 40 minutes the other day with RugbyPass discussing the captivating resurgence of Northam…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
08 Jun 2024, 2:01
Exeter statement: The signing of Jimmy Roots, Ethan’s young brother
His signing follows a prop exodus at the Gallagher Premiership club, a list of departures that includes former England hopeful Pat…
Liam Heagney
07 Jun 2024, 8:03
Bath select an unchanged team for the Gallagher Premiership final
The Sharks were seen off on a 31-23 scoreline at The Rec and the reaction from Bath, who are chasing a first league title since 19…
Liam Heagney
07 Jun 2024, 7:21
No Northampton changes in team named for Gallagher Premiership final
The Saints dethroned the defending champions 22-20 at Franklin’s Gardens and so impressed was Dowson with his squad that he has …
Liam Heagney
07 Jun 2024, 7:11
Billy Searle has joined his third French club in the space of a year
Agen recently finished their Pro D2 campaign in 13th, one place ahead of Biarritz, and they have now recruited the 28-year-old for…
Liam Heagney
06 Jun 2024, 10:19
The bold prediction that Ben Kay has made about the future of Bath
There’s nothing worse than having to jazz up a poor on-pitch spectacle to keep viewers tuned in, but the calibre of the entertai…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
06 Jun 2024, 3:27
'There's a bit of Farrell, he doesn’t mind trying to throw a big hit'
The recently turned 22-year-old out-half will start this weekend’s Gallagher Premiership final as the Northampton No10 versus Ba…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
05 Jun 2024, 7:28
Newcastle statement: The exit of defence coach Scott Baldwin
The retired Wales hooker joined the Gallagher Premiership club last summer as part of the refreshed management ticket under new bo…
Liam Heagney
05 Jun 2024, 8:10
Omar Hassanein: 'We can’t just dump them at any point in their lives'
Trafalgar Square was a haven for football last Thursday morning with a bustling fans village having just opened ahead of the UEFA …
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
05 Jun 2024, 3:16
Latest twist has emerged in the Stuart Hogg return-to-play saga
It was last July when he brought forward his planned retirement by three months, claiming that he didn’t have it in him to play …
Liam Heagney
04 Jun 2024, 9:45
The 'bit of s*** already' Ollie Lawrence has had from Fin Smith
The pair have remained buddies since their days together at Worcester, whose October 2022 liquidation resulted in both players qui…
Liam Heagney
04 Jun 2024, 7:26
Namibia RU: Lifetime playing ban for player who attacked referee
He has also been suspended from all forms of rugby – including coaching, refereeing and administration – for 156 weeks through…
Liam Heagney
04 Jun 2024, 6:09
Leinster make offer for Rabah Slimani to replace Ala’alatoa – report
The 34-year-old tighthead’s 57-cap Test career ended following the 2019 Rugby World Cup, so there would be no international dist…
Liam Heagney
04 Jun 2024, 4:38
Seven uncapped players named in 19-strong England training squad
England signed off on their recent Guinness Six Nations with a third-place finish following a narrow March 16 defeat to France in …
Liam Heagney
26 May 2024, 13:00
Seven Sale, six Saracens players named in England squad of 33
Steve Borthwick last week gathered 19 players for a week one training camp where selection was limited to players from the six clu…
Liam Heagney
03 Jun 2024, 13:00
Championship statement: 'We continue to seek urgent meetings'
In April, the governing body of English rugby agreed in principle that the 2025/26 Championship should consist of 14 clubs, two m…
Liam Heagney
03 Jun 2024, 12:00
Bath player ratings vs Sale | 2023/24 Premiership semi-final
On paper, a home semi-final gave the success-starved 1996 champions every chance of reaching a first Premiership final since 2015.
Analysis
Liam Heagney
01 Jun 2024, 13:39
Ross Adair: From the rugby scrap heap to the Cricket World Cup
It was January 2019 when RugbyPass originally touched base with the former Ulster player who had fallen on hard times at Jersey an…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
03 Jun 2024, 4:06
Jonny Hill and three other Bath vs Sale talking points
There will always be a nagging old traditionalist feeling that the winners of a league in rugby should be the team at the top when…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
02 Jun 2024, 8:24
Dan Carter: 'When I did finish, it was like oh s***, who am I?'
It says a lot about Carter’s character and his enduring love for the game that he is prepared to muck in with the rank and file …
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
01 Jun 2024, 16:18
The 'no easy feat' tribute Bath have paid to Finn Russell
There were fears just eight weeks ago that the Scotland international’s season could be over as he left the pitch at Exeter’s …
Liam Heagney
02 Jun 2024, 6:35
Alex Sanderson: 'Victims of our own demise but all credit to Bath'
Last season’s beaten finalists appeared poised to reach a second successive final when they courageously fought back from traili…
Liam Heagney
02 Jun 2024, 4:36
Jonny Wilkinson: 'From the very beginning, I was driven by huge fear'
It’s 10 years ago this very weekend when he last laced up, guiding Toulon with aplomb around the Stade de France to see off Cast…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
02 Jun 2024, 3:41
Sale verdict on the Tom Curry comeback, his England tour prospects
The back-rower hadn't been on a rugby pitch since England clinched their bronze medal win over Argentina at the Rugby World Cup.
Liam Heagney
02 Jun 2024, 2:40
Rachael Burford: ‘I haven’t been emotional yet but I will be’
This Sunday, she will begin her own transition away from playing as Harlequins’ Premiership Women’s Rugby fixture versus Trail…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
02 Jun 2024, 3:00
Late Annett try sends Bath to the final for first time since 2015
In the end, this second semi came down to a training ground play that Bath would have executed time and time again out at Farleigh…
Liam Heagney
01 Jun 2024, 12:36
Sale statement: The post-game Jonny Hill altercation with a Bath fan
An epic last-four contest had just been settled in favour of Bath on a 31-23 scoreline when Hill, who had sat in the coaches' box …
Liam Heagney
01 Jun 2024, 14:19
Leinster hit back from Champions loss to put five tries on Connacht
They scored three tries to establish an insurmountable 21-0 lead and while they curiously didn’t score again for a full 40 minut…
Liam Heagney
31 May 2024, 16:38
Just one Bath change as they look to reach a first final since 2015
Bath blew away an understrength Northampton 43-12 in their last outing on May 18 to clinch second place on the table and secure a …
Liam Heagney
31 May 2024, 7:43
Manu Tuilagi-less Sale change two, name Tom Curry on a six/two bench
Tom Curry is set to play for the first time since October after he was named on a bench that has a six/two forwards/backs split. …
Liam Heagney
31 May 2024, 7:23
14 names on the Cardiff leavers list, including Halaholo and Timani
A statement read: “Cardiff Rugby can confirm 14 players will depart the club following the culmination of the 2023/24 season at …
Liam Heagney
31 May 2024, 4:33
Three changes for Saracens, including a recall for Billy Vunipola
The Montpellier-bound No8 hasn’t been in the starting team since the April 6 Investec Champions Cup hammering at Bordeaux, inste…
Liam Heagney
30 May 2024, 8:38
Northampton make 13 changes for semi-final, also name six/two bench
The table-topping Saints sent an understrength side to The Rec knowing they already had a semi-final fixture guaranteed for Frankl…
Liam Heagney
30 May 2024, 8:05
Kolisi, Carter, Wilkinson help launch Global Rugby Players Foundation
Supported by both World Rugby and International Rugby Players, former Wallabies captain George Gregan will chair the new independe…
Liam Heagney
30 May 2024, 5:00
Jack Nowell: 'You can’t fault what I’m doing at the moment'
Ile de Re is an Atlantic coast island connected to the French mainland via a 2.9km toll bridge and the Nowells are well settled ju…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
26 May 2024, 4:53
Munster statement: The signing of Thaakir Abrahams from Lyon
The 34-year-old ex-Ireland international decided not to continue playing in 2024/25, paving the way for the club to rubber-stamp t…
Liam Heagney
29 May 2024, 11:27
Ealing confirm five new signings, including Saints' Geordie Irvine
Fresh from their campaign-ending 59-12 win over Bedford last weekend, director of rugby Ben Ward has spent this week rolling out h…
Liam Heagney
29 May 2024, 11:07
The 'encouraging thing' fuelling Saracens for their away semi-final
The London club lost at Franklin’s Gardens nine weeks ago when they last visited, coming second best on a scoreline of 30-41.
Liam Heagney
29 May 2024, 7:29
'Sod it': Sale call out Premiership awards, tickets advert snubs
The director of rugby also called out a tournament tickets advert that failed to include a picture of any Sharks player.
Liam Heagney
29 May 2024, 5:55
Saracens clinch semi-final spot despite eight minutes with 13 players
Ashton Gate on Saturday afternoon was in keeping with this must-watch pattern, with two in-form title contenders putting their rec…
Liam Heagney
11 May 2024, 12:09
Saracens player ratings vs Bristol | 2023/24 Gallagher Premiership
Come the finish, it was the back-in-second-place Londoners who were cheering from the rooftops following their emphatic 41-20 succ…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
11 May 2024, 13:22
Saracens explain why Billy Vunipola had his game time restricted
The bonus-point victory qualified them for the end-of-season play-offs and left them in the driving seat to clinch a home semi-fin…
Liam Heagney
11 May 2024, 14:32
Saracens issue warning about a 'new level' Sale don't get credit for
The second place Londoners play host to the fourth place Manchester side this Saturday at the StoneX in the final round of the reg…
Liam Heagney
16 May 2024, 6:32
Sale stun champions Saracens in London to book semi-final at Bath
This fixture featuring last year’s Twickenham final clubs was the tie of the final Gallagher Premiership round. Second versus fo…
Liam Heagney
18 May 2024, 12:11
Japan-based Max Douglas becomes Scarlets' fourth 2024/25 signing
Dwayne Peel had already confirmed the signings of prop Alec Hepburn, hooker Marnus van der Merwe, and full-back Ellis Mee.
Liam Heagney
28 May 2024, 12:28
The Owen Farrell verdict on Fin Smith as Saracens prepare for Saints
The post-Rugby World Cup decision by the 32-year-old Farrell to take a Test rugby sabbatical resulted in the 22-year-old Smith get…
Liam Heagney
28 May 2024, 12:07
Latest Sale update on Tuilagi, Curry comes with an England warning
The Bayonne-bound Tuilagi limped off less than 18 minutes into the Sharks’ season-extending win at Saracens on May 18, damaging …
Liam Heagney
28 May 2024, 10:48
Ulster announce a second Super Rugby Pacific signing in 24 hours
Duffy previously assisted Murphy as part of the Ireland U20s management and he has now taken up the offer to switch from Perth to …
Liam Heagney
28 May 2024, 9:10
Leinster statement: The confirmed retirement of Rhys Ruddock
It was at the start of 2024 when he was linked with a change in allegiance from green to red, but no call-up materialised from War…
Liam Heagney
28 May 2024, 8:48
Sale statement: The signing of ex-Ireland full-back Will Addison
It was in mid-February when RugbyPass exclusively reported that the Sharks were poised to snap up their ex-full-back, who swapped …
Liam Heagney
28 May 2024, 7:02
'I struggle to say Antoine Dupont is the greatest of all time'
Co-hosts Jim Hamilton and Andy Goode are at odds over the claim that Antoine Dupont is the greatest rugby player of all time.
Liam Heagney
28 May 2024, 6:30
World Rugby U20s fixtures confirmed; Cape Town Stadium to host final
Having staged last year’s tournament at Athlone, Stellenbosch, and Paarl, an event won by France for the third time in a row, th…
Liam Heagney
28 May 2024, 4:14
Four Leinster talking points after latest Champions Cup final loss
The upside of being stuck on a brutally delayed Avanti train out of Euston that didn’t want to go anywhere fast on Saturday even…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
26 May 2024, 2:00
Leinster player ratings vs Toulouse | 2023/24 Champions Cup final
Leinster player ratings live from Tottenham Stadium: A fifth star on their shirt or confirmation that they are the Spurs of rugby …
Analysis
Liam Heagney
25 May 2024, 13:07
Toulon statement: The signing of Antoine Frisch from Munster
The 28-year-old was contracted with the Irish province until the summer of 2025 but an agreement has been struck to end his stay i…
Liam Heagney
24 May 2024, 10:21
Three talking points as Leinster and Toulouse name cup final teams
With the confirmation on Friday of the respective match day 23s, all is now in readiness for Saturday’s heavyweight Investec Cha…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
24 May 2024, 9:46
No Toulouse XV changes but bench includes son of ex-Leinster forward
Investec Champions Cup finalists Toulouse have named the same starting team they fielded in their semi-final win over Harlequins i…
Liam Heagney
24 May 2024, 7:30
Three changes for Leinster, who also go with a six/two bench split
The Irish province clung onto a 20-17 victory at Croke Park and they have now reacted by altering one back and two of their pack a…
Liam Heagney
24 May 2024, 7:00
Ellis Genge ruled out of the England tour to Japan and New Zealand
The 29-year-old loosehead prop damaged his left calf during a 35th-minute scrum at The Stoop versus Harlequins and he was helped f…
Liam Heagney
24 May 2024, 6:50
Brian O'Driscoll: The verdict on the Jacques Nienaber Leinster blitz
O’Driscoll sweetly set the scene for Saturday's appetising blockbuster when popping up on a Zoom call last Wednesday.
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
24 May 2024, 3:28
The Champions Cup final team Brian O’Driscoll wants Leinster to pick
Brian O’Driscoll has recommended Leinster make three changes to their XV for this Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup final vers…
Liam Heagney
23 May 2024, 13:14
Maeve Óg O'Leary: 'It’s iconic, it's unbelievable, really cool'
Maeve Óg O'Leary has the gift of the gab when she gets going. There were initial technical difficulties last week when she dialle…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
19 May 2024, 4:05
Jonathan Pendlebury: 'I don’t want to fluff it up too much'
Last month it was all go when the 41-year-old guided England to three successive wins Six Nations Festival wins in Parma.
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
19 May 2024, 4:23
Saracens vs Sale: Mouthpiece Ford, WrestleMania, and an X-rated tweet
When it came to the pivotal mover and shaker in the play-off race, it was the result at the at the home of the defending champions…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
19 May 2024, 3:48
The post-game Sale update on latest Manu Tuilagi injury
The England midfield powerhouse has signed a deal that will take him to Bayonne in the Top 14 next season and he now faces a race …
Liam Heagney
18 May 2024, 14:52
Beaten Saracens explain how pre-game injury has retired Sean Maitland
Mark McCall has sifted through the ashes of a terrible Saturday for Saracens where not only did a limp 10-20 defeat to Sale cost t…
Liam Heagney
18 May 2024, 14:10
Sale's Alex Sanderson: 'The anxiety, the irritation, the stress...'
It was January 2021 when the former England forward said his farewells, bringing the curtain down on more than a decade of assista…
Interview
Liam Heagney
18 May 2024, 2:31
Seven leavers confirmed by Gloucester, five seniors and two academy
The Cherry and Whites will next Friday look to add the EPCR Challenge Cup to the Premiership Rugby Cup they won in March.
Liam Heagney
17 May 2024, 11:41
Skivington makes 10 Gloucester changes after their 0-90 humiliation
The Cherry and Whites were blown away by 14 tries at Franklin’s Gardens, the 0-90 loss igniting massive criticism about the coac…
Liam Heagney
17 May 2024, 10:15
Saracens, Sale make two changes each; Farrell-Ford go head-to-head
Saturday’s round 18 match at the StoneX will be crucial in determining the end-of-season semi-final line up.
Liam Heagney
17 May 2024, 7:51
Harlequins confirm the 11 players leaving at the end of the season
The London club are currently in sixth place in the Gallagher Premiership ahead of Saturday’s final-round home match versus Bris…
Liam Heagney
17 May 2024, 4:25
Coventry agree to three extensions, including Patrick Pellegrini deal
Alex Rae’s side finished third last season, 11 points behind champions Jersey, and they are currently placed second, four points…
Liam Heagney
16 May 2024, 11:00
Connacht confirm 11 end-of-season leavers, name nine new arrivals
The Irish URC side have also confirmed their squad of 43 for the 2024/25 campaign, slightly down in size from 2023/24.
Liam Heagney
16 May 2024, 9:03
George Skivington on his online critics, CEO’s vote of confidence
The Cherry and Whites were humiliated last Saturday at Northampton, losing 0-90 in a damaging 14-try defeat.
Liam Heagney
16 May 2024, 8:04
Exeter statement: Henry Slade contract extension confirmed
Rob Baxter’s double-winning Premiership and Champions Cup squad of 2020 has been broken up in recent times, with numerous mainst…
Liam Heagney
16 May 2024, 7:15
Edinburgh make official their list of seven end-of-season leavers
A hip injury kept scrum-half sidelined for the whole 2023/24 campaign and his name was the final addition to an exit list that had…
Liam Heagney
15 May 2024, 16:18
Northampton sign legend's son to add a 'massive physical presence'
Former Tonga international Soane Tonga’uiha spent seven seasons at Franklin’s Gardens, the giant marrying his power to a reput…
Liam Heagney
15 May 2024, 10:27
Ex-Saracens tighthead Titi Lamositele is back in the Premiership
The confirmation comes in the same week that Harlequins admitted that Will Collier, the academy graduate who made a first-team deb…
Liam Heagney
15 May 2024, 8:22
Ulster confirm a nine-strong leavers list that includes Dave Ewers
The 33-year-old, a one-time England hopeful when Eddie Jones was in charge, joined the Irish province last summer following the ma…
Liam Heagney
15 May 2024, 8:03
Alex Sanderson recalls a booze-fuelled fight with Billy Vunipola
Now working as the Sale director of rugby, Sanderson is due to bring his Sharks to the StoneX this Saturday looking for a result a…
Liam Heagney
15 May 2024, 4:55
