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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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: 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
'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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
EPCR name referees for Leinster-Toulouse, Sharks-Gloucester finals
There had been a suggestion, namely from the likes of pundit Andy Goode, that Luke Pearce should be the English official entrusted…
Liam Heagney
15 May 2024, 6:29
Stuart McCloskey explains his online bust-up with Stephen Ferris
Following Ulster’s 14-53 EPCR Challenge Cup quarter-final hammering at Clermont on April 13, the 2009 Grand Slam winner posted a…
Liam Heagney
15 May 2024, 6:04
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
Exeter statement: Immediate effect retirement of Rory O’Loughlin
The 2023 Premiership Rugby Cup winner played his last match for the Chiefs in January, but that start in the Investec Champions Cu…
Liam Heagney
15 May 2024, 2:50
Ospreys name seven end-of-season leavers, including Alex Cuthbert
Cuthbert joins fellow departing Wales internationals George North and Nicky Smith. But unlike North and Smith, who have secured …
Liam Heagney
15 May 2024, 2:44
The Mark McCall prediction about the departing Vunipola brothers
Saracens confirmed on Tuesday that the 31- and 33-year-old brothers will exit the English Gallagher Premiership club at the end of…
Liam Heagney
14 May 2024, 14:38
What George Skivngton discovered 'watching that game back four times'
Set to play the Durban-based Sharks in the EPCR Challenge Cup final on May 24 at Tottenham, the Kingsholm outfit sent their second…
Liam Heagney
14 May 2024, 13:40
Sale explain 'getting rinsed' reason why Tom Curry won't face Saracens
The Sharks will go into the rematch without their fit-again England back-rower even though they know a loss to the second-place Lo…
Liam Heagney
14 May 2024, 12:05
The special 'tough f***er' description of Leinster boss Leo Cullen
Hamilton was part of the Leicester squad in the mid-noughties looking to prosper from the retirement of the legendary Martin Johns…
Liam Heagney
14 May 2024, 8:52
Saracens confirm the end-of-season exits of Billy and Mako Vunipola
Title-chasing Saracens have officially confirmed that brothers Billy and Mako Vunipola will leave the club at the end of the 2023/…
Liam Heagney
14 May 2024, 8:26
Gloucester statement: Kingsholm exit of Jonny May confirmed
Gloucester have confirmed the end-of-season exit of Jonny May, the former England winger who called time on his international care…
Liam Heagney
14 May 2024, 7:14
Ireland have at last reacted to the Eben Etzebeth 'arrogance' claim
There has finally been an Ireland reaction to the claim made a fortnight ago by Eben Etzebeth that the Irish reacted arrogantly af…
Liam Heagney
14 May 2024, 6:36
'Have you ever seen him warm up? You should watch his warm-up'
The Argentine back-rower was immense in the Gallagher Premiership champions’ 41-20 Ashton Gate raid.
Liam Heagney
12 May 2024, 5:01
Bobby Skinstad names his hardest man in rugby and it's not Bakkies
The 47-year-old Skinstad was the guest on episode 230 of Eventful Lives with Dodge Woodall, the founder of the famed Bournemouth …
Liam Heagney
12 May 2024, 4:58
Damning 'not what we trained, not what we planned' Bristol verdict
It was no surprise where the finger of blame was pointed. Just eight minutes into the match he was heard bellowing adjacent to the…
Liam Heagney
12 May 2024, 4:52
Jack Cornelsen: 'I don’t have that many bad things to say about him'
Along the way the Australian became Japanese-eligible, debuting versus the British and Irish Lions and he has since gone on to sta…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
12 May 2024, 4:30
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 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 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
Bobby Skinstad: 'One very freaky story haunts me to this day'
The 47-year-old was the guest on episode 230 of Eventful Lives with Dodge Woodall, the founder of the famed Bournemouth 7s Festiva…
Liam Heagney
11 May 2024, 5:08
Sale statement: Alex Sanderson contract extension
The Sharks’ 31-22 success against the Tigers lifted the Manchester outfit into third in the table with one regular season match …
Liam Heagney
11 May 2024, 1:46
Billy Vunipola retained on bench as Saracens make four XV changes
The back-rower, who was a 57th-minute introduction last time out at The Rec on April 26, found himself tasered twice in a bar in M…
Liam Heagney
10 May 2024, 7:18
Semi-final citing hands Toulouse a Champions Cup final headache
The Argentine back was a 69th-minute replacement for midfielder Paul Costes but his part in finishing out the 38-26 semi-final vic…
Liam Heagney
10 May 2024, 6:43
James Coughlan poised to take charge at Biarritz – report
Olympique are a very different club these days from their Top 14 title-winning heyday of the mid-noughties, an era accompanied by …
Liam Heagney
10 May 2024, 5:21
Will Greenwood: ‘The RFU dropped a huge ball with us’
The 2003 Rugby World Cup winner has been coaching at grassroots level with Maidenhead and believes he can improve international-le…
Liam Heagney
10 May 2024, 4:32
Exeter statement: The confirmed exit of Ollie Devoto
No indication was given about where the 30-year-old will move following his eight seasons at Sandy Park.
Liam Heagney
09 May 2024, 13:39
Scarlets confirm exit of 13 players, two staff, four academy hopefuls
The Welsh region, who play their final home game of the 2023/24 season this Saturday versus Ulster, will lose a vast amount of Tes…
Liam Heagney
09 May 2024, 13:18
Cancelled: Next month's Owen Farrell return to international rugby
It was just 13 days ago when the former England skipper announced he would end his recent Test sabbatical by lining out for an Ian…
Liam Heagney
09 May 2024, 12:38
RFU statement: Billy Vunipola issued with formal warning
The England No8 was arrested in Spain last week during a trip to Mallorca with Saracens.
Liam Heagney
09 May 2024, 10:30
Dragons confirm nine departures, including exit of Sio Tomkinson
The list includes Sio Tomkinson, their 2022 Super Rugby Pacific signing, and Argentina scrum-half Gonzalo Bertranou, a starter for…
Liam Heagney
09 May 2024, 8:40
Connacht confirm two signings from Leinster, including Ben Murphy
Scrum-half Ben Murphy – the son of interim Ulster head coach Richie – and dual-position prop Temi Lasisi have decided their ca…
Liam Heagney
09 May 2024, 8:13
The four No10s Fin Smith is currently taking inspiration from
The 21-year-old is enjoying his breakthrough year with England, having been capped twice off the bench during the recent Guinness …
Liam Heagney
09 May 2024, 6:43
Newcastle make a Pollard, Ford understudy their sixth new signing
The Falcons are rooted to 10th and last place in the current Gallagher Premiership campaign, but the capture of Wilkinson is the c…
Liam Heagney
08 May 2024, 10:22
Louis Rees-Zammit: Mahomes, route running, settling in at Chiefs
The 23-year-old has been living his American dream since he quit rugby last January to successfully participate in the internation…
Interview
Liam Heagney
08 May 2024, 6:30
'Bulls***': Ex-England international calls out Eben Etzebeth
It was last week when the Springboks talisman was interviewed on The Rugby Pod while he was in London ahead of the Sharks’ EPCR …
Liam Heagney
07 May 2024, 14:02
Stuart Hogg given court order, has trial date set – report
It emerged over the weekend that the former full-back was due to answer a domestic charge this week relating to an incident that t…
Liam Heagney
07 May 2024, 10:32
World Rugby confirms July referee list, including Springboks-Ireland
Thirty referees in total have been selected to take charge of 49 men’s internationals.
Liam Heagney
07 May 2024, 6:43
Fin Smith explains the Leinster 'chaos' that caught out Northampton
The Gallagher Premiership leaders found their way back from a 3-20 early second-half deficit to leave the URC side frantically def…
Liam Heagney
07 May 2024, 5:59
The 'most important' thing Leo Cullen said post-game about Leinster
There was even the frivolous revelation that Garry Ringrose is a Spurs fan, as is Cullen’s father, and that the May 25 final at …
Liam Heagney
05 May 2024, 4:30
Lawrence Dallaglio: 'A real problem and it’s only going to get worse'
It was in 2009, a year after his retirement from playing, when Wasps legend Dallaglio, the 2003 Rugby World Cup winner with Englan…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
05 May 2024, 4:27
Courtney Lawes: 'Disappointing thing is we didn’t really test them'
The 35-year-old had hoped to be leading his Saints out at Tottenham in the May 25 final in his final season at the Gallagher Premi…
Liam Heagney
04 May 2024, 17:12
Northampton player ratings vs Leinster | 2023/24 Champions Cup
Here, Leinster won again, but there was a world of a difference in how this 17-20 nerve-shredder unfolded in front of 82,300 enthr…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
04 May 2024, 14:57
The 'hug tackle' testimony Maro Itoje gave at disciplinary hearing
The England second row was sin-binned by referee Luke Pearce at the time, but he was later cited and had to attend a disciplinary …
Liam Heagney
03 May 2024, 10:21
Harlequins keep the faith, changing just one of their match day 23
The Londoners beat off Gallagher Premiership leaders Northampton with a 41-32 win at Twickenham last Saturday.
Liam Heagney
03 May 2024, 7:32
Leinster change two, but Ringrose and Keenan remain absent
The Irish province swatted aside their French rivals, winning 40-13 after successive narrow defeats to Ronan O’Gara’s team in …
Liam Heagney
03 May 2024, 7:11
The Dallaglio verdict on Saints, Quins in 'shot to nothing' semis
No English club has featured in the decider since Exeter lifted the trophy in the behind-closed-doors October 2020 showpiece again…
Interview
Liam Heagney
02 May 2024, 6:36
Championship bust-up sees ex-England hooker Cairns cop 12-game ban
The 45-year-old, who won his only Test cap away to South Africa in 2007, coached the Wirral club to promotion two seasons ago.
Liam Heagney
01 May 2024, 12:38
Eben Etzebeth has his say on who next Springboks captain should be
With Siya Kolisi, the skipper of the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cup-winning teams now based in France, there has been talk that Ras…
Liam Heagney
01 May 2024, 8:33
Alex Codling breaks silence, outlines his future after Newcastle
The 50-year-old ex-England second row had jumped at the opportunity to succeed Dave Walder, agreeing to become head coach at Kings…
Liam Heagney
01 May 2024, 7:45
RFU statement: Cited Maro Itoje 'free to play with immediate effect'
The 29-year-old was yellow-carded for his 29th-minute collision at The Rec, but he was subsequently cited and had to appear at a d…
Liam Heagney
01 May 2024, 6:00
Three Northampton signings, including a National League 2 back-rower
Luke Green, Fyn Brown and Archie Benson will join ahead of the 2024/25 campaign from San Diego Legion, Doncaster Knights and Lucto…
Liam Heagney
01 May 2024, 5:54
The Springbok Eben Etzebeth calls ‘one of the hardest men in rugby’
The 33-year-old Mbonambi became a pivotal part of South Africa’s successful Rugby World Cup title defence in 2023 after Malcolm …
Liam Heagney
01 May 2024, 3:01
How 'goosebump tone-setter' has Fin Smith set for ‘hostile’ Leinster
Saints will visit the 82,300-capacity Dublin stadium, which is steeped in national symbolism as the site of the 1920 Bloody Sunday…
Liam Heagney
01 May 2024, 2:51
The post-game Ireland arrogance that left Eben Etzebeth in shock
South Africa were beaten 8-13 by the Irish in Paris but the defending champions from 2019 went on to retain their crown by defeati…
Liam Heagney
30 Apr 2024, 11:50
Dragons statement: David Buttress steps down as chairman
This vacancy will be filled by co-owner David Wright, but no replacement was named for the position of CEO with interim boss Grae…
Liam Heagney
30 Apr 2024, 9:34
Eben Etzebeth names 'biggest life achievement', issues Boks warning
The 32-year-old is currently in London preparing for the Sharks’ EPCR Challenge Cup semi-final versus Clermont at the Twickenham…
Liam Heagney
30 Apr 2024, 8:06
RFU statement: Maro Itoje cited for yellow-carded tackle
The second row collided with Alfie Barbeary approaching the 30-minute mark with his team 5-0 ahead in a match they were to win 15-…
Liam Heagney
30 Apr 2024, 6:36
Newcastle sign 23-year-old identical twin props for next season
Tighthead Callum and loosehead Connor Hancock are currently involved with England Students, who take on France Universities this S…
Liam Heagney
30 Apr 2024, 4:41
Ben Woods: 'I don’t know a player that hasn’t had some struggles afterwards'
The pandemic wasn’t in the script when he transferred from Legion Sports Management in the summer of 2018. Neither was the colla…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
28 Apr 2024, 3:18
Maggie Alphonsi: 'With Joe Marler, the reality is that's social media'
For sure, her live appearance on the BBC will be a tad more glamourous pitchside at Stade Chaban Delmas rather than sitting in her…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
27 Apr 2024, 3:28
Jannes Kirsten named for Bulls debut 11 months after Exeter exit
The 30-year-old, who notched a Heineken Champions Cup/Gallagher Premiership double in his first season in England in 2019/20, deci…
Liam Heagney
26 Apr 2024, 8:18
Test sabbatical over as Owen Farrell will take on France in June
The 32-year-old announced a Test rugby sabbatical away from England duty following the completion of last year’s Rugby World Cup…
Liam Heagney
26 Apr 2024, 7:03
Son of a Wallaby legend set for Aussie Sevens debut in Singapore
The son of former Wallaby and Rugby World Cup winner David, Wilson is one of two changes to John Manenti’s side from Hong Kong.
Liam Heagney
25 Apr 2024, 16:55
New Premiership salary cap report names best, worst paid positions
The document, which covers the 2022/23 season, is the third annual report to be publicly published by the English league’s admin…
Liam Heagney
25 Apr 2024, 12:48
Sixways statement: Financial collapse of Worcester owners Atlas
It was last May when the Jim O'Toole and James Sandford Atlas consortium became owners of the Sixways-based club that hasn't playe…
Liam Heagney
25 Apr 2024, 12:13
One change for six-in-a-row title-chasing England heading to France
The English, who are chasing a sixth successive championship title but a first with their Kiwi coach in charge, turned on the styl…
Liam Heagney
25 Apr 2024, 12:00
Aaron Cruden explains the reason why he turned down Ulster
The 2011 Rugby World Cup winner is currently a free agent having returned to New Zealand last year to play for Waikato in the NPC …
Liam Heagney
25 Apr 2024, 10:37
Wales alter four – all backs – for history-making game in Cardiff
The Welsh have lost all four matches so far in this year’s championship and they are set to finish last as they trail fifth-plac…
Liam Heagney
25 Apr 2024, 8:14
Ireland change three following last Saturday's hammering by England
The Irish embarrassingly lost out 10-88 at Twickenham against the defending champions and the reaction for this Saturday’s third…
Liam Heagney
25 Apr 2024, 7:36
Scotland change three for Ireland, name two uncapped players as sub
The Scots bounced back from their round three disappointment against England to defeat Italy 17-10 in Parma last Saturday, a victo…
Liam Heagney
25 Apr 2024, 6:21
Rugby Australia statement: Melbourne Rebels' administration
The Rebels went into voluntary administration in January with Rugby Australia taking over their competition licence and covering p…
Liam Heagney
25 Apr 2024, 3:58
Steve Diamond: 'It was like going to a funeral for six hours'
The bottom-of-the-table Falcons slumped to their 15th successive Gallagher Premiership defeat this season, getting annihilated 85-…
Interview
Liam Heagney
24 Apr 2024, 13:04
The Newcastle update on the GB7s Olympics approach for Adam Radwan
The tournament at the Stade de France, which is set to see Antoine Dupont represent France and Michael Hooper play for Australia, …
Liam Heagney
24 Apr 2024, 11:17
Bristol confirm three new signings, including recruit from Leicester
A recent renaissance in results has fired the Bears into the end-of-season play-off positions, but they also believe they have rec…
Liam Heagney
24 Apr 2024, 7:15
Exeter Chiefs statement: The immediate effect exit of Jonny Gray
It was last December when RugbyPass reported that the Scottish forward, a 2020 Heineken Champions Cup and Gallagher Premiership do…
Liam Heagney
23 Apr 2024, 7:30
Wales Rugby League statement: Richard Hibbard appointed as new CEO
The retired 40-year-old, who toured Australia with the 2013 British and Irish Lions, enjoyed a stellar 19-year career as a union p…
Liam Heagney
23 Apr 2024, 6:51
The Owen Farrell conversations Lancaster is most looking forward to
Farrell, who took a Test rugby sabbatical following England’s bronze medal finish at the recent World Cup, is set to join Lancas…
Liam Heagney
23 Apr 2024, 5:31
Nemani Nadolo: 'Now I cut grass, do gardens, cut hedges for a living'
It was at the Hong Kong 10s the other week when RugbyPass caught up with the 36-year-old who had pitched up in the Far East to rol…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
21 Apr 2024, 3:02
Jaw-dropping attack stats and three other England talking points
They repeatedly smashed the 61-missed-tackles Irish, the last pass finally sticking in a sumptuous 14 tries to one Guinness Six Na…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
21 Apr 2024, 2:55
Lima Sopoaga: ‘We wish we left New Zealand sooner’
Then came that weekend, the sealing of promotion with the Shimizu Koto Blue Sharks, the Division Three Tokyo club he signed for on…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
21 Apr 2024, 2:43
England: 'Only that style of rugby will bring people to watch us'
The English stretched their Guinness Six Nations winning streak to 28 with a swashbuckling 88-10 win over the outclassed Irish.
Liam Heagney
20 Apr 2024, 13:29
England player ratings vs Ireland | 2024 Guinness Women's Six Nations
Round four was the occasion when it all gelled, England winning 88-10 and scoring 14 tries in the process.
Analysis
Liam Heagney
20 Apr 2024, 11:33
RFU statement: 14-team Championship agreed in principle for 2025/26
Promoted Chinnor will join the current 11 clubs in next season’s league but the decision on how the Championship would jump to 1…
Liam Heagney
19 Apr 2024, 12:37
Five Six Nations changes for Wales, including a new cap on the wing
The Welsh were well beaten 5-36 last Saturday by Ireland in Cork and the response has been to alter four of the backline and one o…
Liam Heagney
19 Apr 2024, 7:20
The Nemani Nadolo verdict on Drua transformation of Fijian rugby
The franchise was originally launched in 2017 to take part in the Australian National Championship, but that participation was end…
Liam Heagney
18 Apr 2024, 13:40
Recall for skipper Marlie Packer as England change two for Ireland
Looking to win their sixth successive championship title, the English came away from Edinburgh last weekend with a 46-0 round thre…
Liam Heagney
18 Apr 2024, 11:00
Four changes for Scotland with Italy away next in the Six Nations
The Scottish boss was disappointed that his selection failed to fire a shot in their 0-46 home loss to England last weekend in Edi…
Liam Heagney
18 Apr 2024, 6:32
Two changes for Ireland for Six Nations trip to leaders England
The Irish snapped their recent championship losing streak with a commanding 36-5 win last weekend over Wales in Cork and they now …
Liam Heagney
18 Apr 2024, 5:54
The 'outstanding' Warren Gatland tribute to the retiring Ken Owens
The 37-year-old, who was his country’s most capped hooker, also worked with Gatland on two British and Irish Lions tours but he …
Liam Heagney
17 Apr 2024, 12:37
Exeter confirm the exit of South African back-rower Aidon Davis
It was 2022 when the soon-to-be 30-year-old agreed to move to the Gallagher Premiership from the Currie Cup Cheetahs.
Liam Heagney
17 Apr 2024, 9:42
Montpellier explain giving troubled Mohamed Haouas 'a second chance’
It was last year when the 30-year-old had an impending three-year contract with Clermont ripped up following a court conviction fo…
Liam Heagney
17 Apr 2024, 9:11
'It has left a sour taste': Lima Sopoaga hits out at changes in Samoa
Samoan officials told Mapusua earlier this year that he wouldn’t be kept on and the position has since been given to Mahonri Sch…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
16 Apr 2024, 13:50
Bath statement: The signing of Leinster lock Ross Molony
It was last December when Johann van Graan lost out to the Irish province in the race to sign Springboks forward RG Snyman, who de…
Liam Heagney
16 Apr 2024, 6:52
Stormers statement: The signing of lock JD Schickerling
Having debuted for the Cape Town franchise in 2016, Schickerling switched to the Far East in 2021 but will now return after agreei…
Liam Heagney
16 Apr 2024, 6:33
Patrick Pellegrini: 'All these fans going nuts is a great memory'
Just a few weeks earlier, he was hidden away, performing in a Premiership Rugby Cup campaign. Then came the emergency call from Fr…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
14 Apr 2024, 3:52
Red mist and three other talking points after England 'nil' Scotland
Scotland on Saturday was another example, the sold-out attendance of 7,774 being double the 3,988 at the Hive when England previou…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
14 Apr 2024, 2:57
The John Mitchell verdict on Amy Cokayne red in latest England win
The numerical disadvantage didn’t greatly impede the English – they ‘won’ the hooker’s 10-minute first-half absence 7-0 …
Liam Heagney
13 Apr 2024, 14:16
England player ratings vs Scotland | 2024 Guinness Women's Six Nations
It was an afternoon where the weather was four seasons piled into one, but the greasy/windy/rainy/sunny elements didn’t throw a …
Analysis
Liam Heagney
13 Apr 2024, 12:06
From a coma to Hong Kong 7s: The 'unbelievable' Abi Burton story
Great Britain player Abi Burton is another example of a player going from fighting for life to starring back out on the rugby fiel…
Interview
Liam Heagney
13 Apr 2024, 3:29
Leicester confirm 10 leavers list includes Wiese, Porter and Dolly
The exits of players such as Springboks No8 Jasper Wiese and Scotland midfielder Matt Scott were already known, while former Walla…
Liam Heagney
12 Apr 2024, 11:30
The ‘eyes on it’ reason why Tom Biggs is aiming for Thailand success
It was early last Sunday when RugbyPass bumped into Tom Biggs in the Hong Kong Stadium tunnel.
Interview
Liam Heagney
12 Apr 2024, 6:04
Two changes for Scotland, including return of the fit-again Skeldon
The Scots lost out 5-15 to France at home in round two of the Guinness Six Nations and they have now changed one of their backs an…
Liam Heagney
11 Apr 2024, 9:20
Ellis Genge criticises class divide, talent ID system in English rugby
He also queried rugby’s talent identification, taking issue that it could miss out on a player such as Alex Dombrandt who only s…
Liam Heagney
11 Apr 2024, 8:43
One change for Ireland, who also end exile of sub Cliodhna Moloney
The restoration of co-captain Edel McMahon in place of the absent Grace Moore is the only starting team alteration as Bemand has o…
Liam Heagney
11 Apr 2024, 7:50
Four changes for Wales as team named for Ireland Six Nations trip
The Welsh were beaten 10-46 by England at Bristol in their last outing and the response has been to alter two backs and two forwar…
Liam Heagney
11 Apr 2024, 7:21
Ronan O'Gara explains strategy behind La Rochelle visit to Cork
Cork to Dublin is a three-hour journey by bus but the former Munster and Ireland out-half preferred to take that approach for this…
Liam Heagney
11 Apr 2024, 6:34
'Fascinating continent' inspiring Simon Amor after his England exit
The tunnel area last weekend in Hong Kong was like a Formula One pit lane pre-race, a cosmopolitan melting pot of players and coac…
Interview
Liam Heagney
11 Apr 2024, 3:45
SA Rugby statement: Bulls' R4.1m travel arrangements
The Pretoria franchise defeated Lyon last Saturday in their round-of-16 tie at home at Loftus, but they didn’t know until the fo…
Liam Heagney
10 Apr 2024, 3:58
Perry Baker drops retirement hint despite wowing fans in Hong Kong
The USA legend is just months shy of his 38th birthday in June, but he reminded everyone at the weekend that he still has serious …
Interview
Liam Heagney
09 Apr 2024, 14:35
Nadine Roos' verdict on the latest South Africa last-place finish
The last time RugbyPass caught up with Nadine Roos, she was out the back of the tournament-hosting complex in Stellenbosch showing…
Interview
Liam Heagney
09 Apr 2024, 10:28
The 'special' Paris return Harry Glover wants after a 'crazy series'
It was July 2020 when the RFU informed him that contracts for the England sevens programme were terminated and it left the 2018 Ru…
Interview
Liam Heagney
09 Apr 2024, 5:57
Curious Ireland 'boys are frustrated getting bronze' Hong Kong verdict
Their team didn’t exist when David Nucifora pitched in Dublin in 2014 with a grand plan to get the Irish high performing across …
Interview
Liam Heagney
09 Apr 2024, 5:18
France issue Olympics warning after Dupont-less show in Hong Kong
Support for the French was abundant in the Far East decider but there was a franticness to their play in this sold-out decider com…
Interview
Liam Heagney
09 Apr 2024, 4:54
The blunt Baber verdict on fifth place Fiji's conditioning levels
The Welshman was at the helm when the Fijians successfully defended their gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics.
Interview
Liam Heagney
07 Apr 2024, 23:00
Jannes Kirsten: 'I got hit by the prop, he absolutely humbled me'
Kirsten played 80 Champions Cup/Gallagher Premiership matches across four seasons for Exeter, including a pivotal part in their 20…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
07 Apr 2024, 4:23
'That killed us': The Ireland verdict on latest 7s semi-final loss
Five weeks ago in Los Angeles, the French narrowly won the last-four match 24-26. In Hong Kong, though, there was no tight finish …
Interview
Liam Heagney
07 Apr 2024, 4:14
Zac Ward: 'Ah, man, he’s the GOAT; I’ve said it from day one'
On Saturday, Terry Kennedy added to his legend, opening his box of tricks to eventually edge Ireland into the semi-finals at the H…
Interview
Liam Heagney
06 Apr 2024, 8:20
RECAP: New Zealand, Australia, France faultless at Hong Kong 7s
All three sides have already secured their spots in Spain, but series leaders Australia have the chance to secure their top-two se…
Liam Heagney
05 Apr 2024, 11:14
RECAP: Series leaders Argentina lose twice on Hong Kong 7s opening day
Los Pumas Sevens came into the weekend with the chance to become the men’s SVNS 2024 League Winners if they maintained their 20-…
Liam Heagney
05 Apr 2024, 10:58
'We really hurt them... that is what Springboks 7s stands for'
In Snyman, who debuted for the series-winning Blitzboks in 2008 and was an Olympic Games bronze medallist in 2016, they have a tem…
Interview
Liam Heagney
05 Apr 2024, 8:21
Ireland: ‘It’s just getting into the groove of all that again’
The Irish opened their campaign with a morning defeat against South Africa, a team they had beaten in the pool stages on the previ…
Interview
Liam Heagney
05 Apr 2024, 7:44
Great Britain's Alex Davis: 'Not how we planned our first day going'
Both sides lost twice during Friday’s opening day and now face a head-to-head to decide who keeps alive their chance of making t…
Interview
Liam Heagney
05 Apr 2024, 7:09
Kevon Williams: ‘Something pumping in the air… fans go wild’
Kevon Williams, the 32-year-old reared in Texas and New Mexico, has been involved with the USA since getting his initial chance in…
Interview
Liam Heagney
04 Apr 2024, 8:17
Britain skipper Robbie Fergusson: ‘It will be a hell of a journey’
Bagging a spare seat on a shuttle bus to the stadium across on the Island was the quest, with either Britain or Australia the opti…
Interview
Liam Heagney
04 Apr 2024, 2:28
Harry McNulty: 'The one thing I still haven’t done in my career'
When the accessories box was opened at the stadium, he dived in and wound-up wearing cat ears and a bow tie in the pictures that w…
Interview
Liam Heagney
04 Apr 2024, 2:11
Vatemo Ravouvou: 'Hong Kong is like a home ground in Fiji’
The Fijians currently stand third overall in the 12-team 2023/24 series heading into the sixth leg in the Far East, but the quarte…
Interview
Liam Heagney
03 Apr 2024, 15:22
Ireland player ratings vs Italy | 2024 Guinness Women's Six Nations
Not since April 2022, when Scotland were edged by a point in Belfast, have the Irish managed a victory in this championship and th…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
31 Mar 2024, 13:13
RFU statement: The Harlequins versus Bath Irne Herbst sin-bin
Bath boss Johann van Grann confirmed in the aftermath of his team’s 36-40 defeat that he had spoken with referee Anthony Woodtho…
Liam Heagney
31 Mar 2024, 6:29
The stark Six Nations warning issued by England boss John Mitchell
The English sit on top of the table with two wins from two following Saturday’s 46-10 win over Wales in Bristol.
Liam Heagney
31 Mar 2024, 5:05
Charles Piutau: 'You always saw that on the papers or the news'
It was tough going on Good Friday, his connection regularly lagging when speaking with RugbyPass about his latest rugby adventure,…
Interview
Liam Heagney
31 Mar 2024, 3:57
Bristol, you beaut, and three other England Six Nations talking points
Saturday’s defeat of Wales means they have now won 26 championship games on the bounce since March 2018, an incredibly consisten…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
31 Mar 2024, 3:30
England player ratings vs Wales | 2024 Guinness Women's Six Nations
John Mitchell’s England made it two wins from two in the Guinness Six Nations with an eight-try, 46-10 win over Wales in Bristol…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
30 Mar 2024, 15:03
'I said to Bruce...': The Bath message as fans finally dare to dream
Not since Bath last reached the final in 2015 has there been such optimism generated about the club last crowned champions of Engl…
Interview
Liam Heagney
30 Mar 2024, 4:54
'Until you have lived it and got burned, it’s very hard to react'
Having been in charge at Gloucester since the summer of 2020, you’d think he would have seen and experienced it all at Kingsholm…
Interview
Liam Heagney
30 Mar 2024, 4:11
Ireland change four as they look to end winless Six Nations run
The Irish opened their campaign with a 17-38 loss to France last weekend in Le Mans, a display where they received kudos for their…
Liam Heagney
29 Mar 2024, 8:27
What Italy finally winning has done for Stephen Varney at Gloucester
It was the 2020 Autumn Nations Series when the soon-to-be 23-year scrum-half was first capped by the Azzurri but until the last tw…
Liam Heagney
28 Mar 2024, 13:15
'Gold': The glowing Bath verdict on Springboks prop Thomas du Toit
The Springboks front-rower joined the Gallagher Premiership club from the Sharks in Durban, and he has helped to transform the Eng…
Liam Heagney
28 Mar 2024, 12:32
Seven changes for John Mitchell's England in Six Nations round two
The defending champions eventually put Italy to the round one sword last Sunday in Parma, winning 48-0 despite the loss of Sarah B…
Liam Heagney
28 Mar 2024, 12:00
Wales change six heading to England for Six Nations round two
The Welsh were pipped 18-20 by Scotland in last weekend’s opening round and the reaction has been to change two of the starting …
Liam Heagney
28 Mar 2024, 8:39
Two changes for Scotland as they look to build on Six Nations win
The Scots got off to a flyer last weekend in Cardiff, beating Wales 20-18 and securing their highest-ever world ranking as they mo…
Liam Heagney
28 Mar 2024, 8:07
Ardie Savea: 'It still stings not being able to win the World Cup'
We were ostensible online to chat about the World Rugby player of the year’s new Japanese adventure, a stint at the high-flying …
Interview
Liam Heagney
28 Mar 2024, 7:04
'Crikey': Son of league legend Martin Offiah picked by England U18s
Age-grade coach Jonathan Pendlebury has included the London and South Central academy winger in the 26-strong squad for the eight-…
Liam Heagney
27 Mar 2024, 11:27
George Skivington: The Zach Mercer 'ability you couldn’t coach'
Skivington believes in-form Mercer is still a potential Borthwick pick for the upcoming summer tour to Japan and New Zealand despi…
Liam Heagney
27 Mar 2024, 9:54
England No8 Sarah Beckett banned after leg-breaking croc roll tackle
The English forward was yellow carded 11 minutes into last Sunday’s opening-round match in Parma, but her foul play was upgraded…
Liam Heagney
27 Mar 2024, 7:33
Recent England A pick Rusi Tuima signs Exeter contract extension
The 23-year-old lock, who until this season played at back row, is part of the new guard making rapid progress at the Chiefs.
Liam Heagney
27 Mar 2024, 7:00
Career lifeline in France for George Tilsley after his Agen sacking
Following four seasons at Perpignan, the 32-year-old versatile back was signed by Toulouse last summer, but he never got to play f…
Liam Heagney
27 Mar 2024, 6:12
Exeter statement: Exit of Jack Nowell's brother Frankie to Australia
Jack's brother Frankie will travel further afield as he will look to fire up his career with a stint in the Australian Shute Shiel…
Liam Heagney
27 Mar 2024, 5:27
RFU statement: TMO reaction to alleged foul play against Owen Farrell
Ex-England scrum-half Austin Healey spotted a clear-out by Lewies while working as a co-commentator for TNT Sports at the top-flig…
Liam Heagney
27 Mar 2024, 5:02
Rugby Australia statement: Max Jorgensen signs new Waratahs deal
It also ensures his availability for the Wallabies whose upcoming schedule includes the eagerly awaited 2025 tour of Australia by …
Liam Heagney
27 Mar 2024, 4:24
The Gloucester verdict on the NFL progress of Louis Rees-Zammit
The ex-Wales winger quit rugby in January to take on a 10-week international player pathway crash course that could ultimately lea…
Liam Heagney
26 Mar 2024, 12:17
Stormers statement: New CEO and a new role for John Dobson
It was last September when clubs in the region initially voted in favour of an equity deal that would take the province out of adm…
Liam Heagney
26 Mar 2024, 6:46
Jacques Nienaber explains a Springboks 'innovation' he won't forget
Jones, who joined the Boks as defence consultant in 2019, was working as attack coach when he and Nienaber went their separate way…
Liam Heagney
26 Mar 2024, 5:49
The verdict on England after 21 games with Steve Borthwick as boss
Having only been beaten by France with a monster last-minute penalty kick from the halfway line in Lyon, he just needed to leave t…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
24 Mar 2024, 4:28
Irish rugby 'in another lifetime': Pizzas, beer and late to bed
White, who now has worked 30 years in the pro game in a variety of roles with multiple teams, recalled how he was the first full-t…
Liam Heagney
22 Mar 2024, 4:45
Toby Flood: 'Horrible and nasty' duo made difference for England
Steve Borthwick’s squad enjoyed a March renaissance which saw them upset the double Grand Slam-chasing Ireland and come within a…
Liam Heagney
21 Mar 2024, 10:11
Six changes for WXV3 champions Ireland, including one new cap
The Irish clinched WXV3 title success in Dubai in their last outing, coming from behind to defeat Spain 15-13 on October 28 and ro…
Liam Heagney
21 Mar 2024, 9:15
Jack van Poortvliet set to play first match since his England injury
The 22-year-had had been named on August 7 in Steve Borthwick’s squad for the finals, but his trip to France 2023 was scuppered …
Liam Heagney
21 Mar 2024, 8:38
The Sanderson theory on why George Ford still has his England critics
The recently-turned 31-year-old finished out the Guinness Six Nations with excellent performances versus Ireland and France.
Interview
Liam Heagney
21 Mar 2024, 5:51
Leicester statement: The signing of Wallabies midfielder Izaia Perese
The weekly RugbyPass transfers column explained that Tigers boss Dan McKellar had moved to strengthen his squad for next season wi…
Liam Heagney
21 Mar 2024, 4:22
'I've got a bottle of wine in the car and I'm off to Manu's house'
It was last February when the 32-year-old first told the director of rugby that he thought the time was ripe for him to move in fr…
Interview
Liam Heagney
20 Mar 2024, 15:17
Sale: Tom Curry could play before end of the season despite hip op
The England openside returned from the Rugby World Cup to learn that he required season-ending hip surgery.
Liam Heagney
20 Mar 2024, 14:14
RFU statement: Doncaster eligible for Gallagher Premiership promotion
Doncaster have been cleared for Gallagher Premiership promotion provided they finish the current season as Championship champions …
Liam Heagney
20 Mar 2024, 10:12
England player ratings | The 31 players capped in Six Nations 2024
Eight players started in all five matches with two – Maro Itoje and Ben Earl – playing in all 400 minutes. There were 15 backs…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
20 Mar 2024, 8:48
Exeter statement: Immanuel Feyi-Waboso contract extension
The 21-year-old from Cardiff has enjoyed a coming-of-age season at Sandy Park and his winter exploits with the Chiefs vaulted him …
Liam Heagney
20 Mar 2024, 7:06
Bayonne statement: Confirmed signing of Manu Tuilagi
The centre came off the bench in Lyon last Saturday night to feature for his country in their Guinness Six Nations match versus Fr…
Liam Heagney
19 Mar 2024, 16:23
Sale statement: Confirmed exit of England midfielder Manu Tuilagi
It was exclusively reported by RugbyPass last Saturday that the midfield powerhouse would stay on in France following that night�…
Liam Heagney
19 Mar 2024, 14:29
Christopher Raymond: Meet the Kiwi with a Netherlands World Cup dream
For Raymond, a Sacred Heart College Auckland graduate, featuring across the Tasman in Australia in three years would be quite the …
Interview
Liam Heagney
19 Mar 2024, 14:08
John-Wessel Bell: 'We can give a lot to the world, we can shock teams'
The thrilling 11-try bronze medal clash with Romania hadn’t started well for the Spanish as they quickly fell 12 points behind. …
Interview
Liam Heagney
19 Mar 2024, 8:45
Ryan Godsmark: 'Big dream is to go to the World Cup' with Belgium
Fast forward 11 months and the work leave sacrifice wasn’t as onerous when RugbyPass touched base again with Godsmark.
Interview
Liam Heagney
19 Mar 2024, 6:13
Richard Cockerill: 'We're probably too good for this tournament'
Cockerill shared a few minutes with RugbyPass to run the rule over a Rugby Europe Championship campaign well done with Georgia and…
Interview
Liam Heagney
18 Mar 2024, 4:29
Live blog: Rugby Europe Championship 2024 finals in Paris
For the first time, tournament organisers have decided to stage all the last-round matches at a single venue rather than at scatte…
Liam Heagney
17 Mar 2024, 8:23
Declan Danaher: 'Not bitter... those were 24 pretty cool years'
These past few weeks have been a sort of belated homecoming for Declan Danaher, the 44-year-old Londoner who has pitched up in Dub…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
17 Mar 2024, 6:00
Steve Borthwick: 'We weren’t beaten, we just ran out of time'
The English were on the cusp of nailing their first away win over France since 2016 but their 31-30 lead was snatched from them in…
Liam Heagney
17 Mar 2024, 4:42
The bold hunch Jamie George has about 'huge strides' England
England were ahead until the final minute in Lyon, falling to a 31-33 defeat from a monster Thomas Ramos penalty kick from halfway…
Liam Heagney
17 Mar 2024, 4:30
Electric attack and three other third-place England talking points
RugbyPass never imagined it would be sitting on a train pulling out of Lyon on Sunday morning filing a tournament-finishing piece …
Analysis
Liam Heagney
17 Mar 2024, 3:38
England player ratings vs France | 2024 Guinness Six Nations
England player ratings live from Groupama Stadium in Lyon: This was yet another Guinness Six Nations classic, a seven-try, 64-poin…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
16 Mar 2024, 17:50
Agony for Ireland as a gutsy England clinch Six Nations U20s title
The Irish closed out a hard-fought five-try, 36-0 win over Scotland in Cork, their last three tries coming in the closing 10 minut…
Liam Heagney
15 Mar 2024, 18:01
England U20s' Henry Pollock: 'Brotherhood aspect has been thriving'
It’s gone swimmingly for the youngster who only turned 19 in January, but he certainly isn’t the type to get carried away. Pub…
Interview
Liam Heagney
15 Mar 2024, 9:46
The Feyi-Waboso absence and three other England team talking points
Last weekend’s ambush of Ireland guaranteed that they will finish the tournament with more wins than losses for the first time s…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
14 Mar 2024, 12:43
Ireland name same starting team but abandon the six/two bench split
A last-gasp 22-23 loss on London put an end to Irish hopes of going for an unprecedented back-to-back Guinness Six Nations Grand S…
Liam Heagney
14 Mar 2024, 10:04
One XV change as England visit France; Tuilagi also named on bench
The English burst into life in their head coach’s 20th game in charge, ending Irish hopes of back-to-back Guinness Six Nations G…
Liam Heagney
14 Mar 2024, 10:00
Two changes to the Scotland XV and bench altered to a 5-3 split
Their 29-31 Stadio Olimpico setback quashed that ambition and rather than go to Dublin with a title shot, they will contest the mi…
Liam Heagney
14 Mar 2024, 9:10
France name an unchanged line-up to take on England in Lyon
The French gave their disappointing campaign a boost with their 45-24 success in Cardiff and the reaction ahead of welcoming the E…
Liam Heagney
14 Mar 2024, 6:43
Gloucester statement: The signing of Christian Wade from Racing
It was February 27 when we first published the rumour that the former England winger was being lined up for a switch to Kingsholm …
Liam Heagney
13 Mar 2024, 15:22
'Fearless, brave': From National One to a first England U20s start
It was ahead of the round two match at home to Wales in Bath when Makepeace-Cubitt came in from the cold of English third-tier rug…
Interview
Liam Heagney
13 Mar 2024, 14:11
Two changes for Ireland U20s in hunt for Six Nations title hat-trick
The Irish kept alive their hopes of securing a third successive Six Nations age-grade title by scoring a clock-in-the-red try to d…
Liam Heagney
13 Mar 2024, 13:37
Title-chasing England U20s change four, include two new starters
The English were denied a shot at the Grand Slam by Ireland’s last-gasp, game-levelling converted try at The Rec last Friday.
Liam Heagney
13 Mar 2024, 10:16
Four changes for Wales for the wooden spoon game versus Italy
The Welsh were beaten 24-45 by the French in Cardiff last Sunday and their reaction for the wooden spoon encounter versus the Ital…
Liam Heagney
13 Mar 2024, 7:40
Lood de Jager: 'I'm very thankful, it could have ended terribly'
Seven months ago there were grave fears that the Springbok lock’s stellar career might have suddenly abruptly ended at the age o…
Interview
Liam Heagney
12 Mar 2024, 6:50
Dylan Hartley: 'Watershed' England win, 'inspirational' Jamie George
The retired Test captain was there in person, lapping it all up – and he wouldn’t change a thing. Not even the dramatic way th…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
12 Mar 2024, 5:11
England squad update: One change as Cunningham-South is ruled out
The soon-to-be 21-year-old back-rower had played off the bench in all four of England’s matches so far in the 2024 championship.
Liam Heagney
10 Mar 2024, 13:30
Steve Borthwick names the three things that won it for England
Another dispiriting loss and the increased chance of a fourth successive two-wins-from-five Guinness Six Nations campaign – the …
Liam Heagney
10 Mar 2024, 7:09
Why England's Jamie George was 'in awe of the boys on the field'
It’s been a crippling few weeks for the new English skipper. His mother Jane, a massive rugby fan, tragically passed away in mid…
Liam Heagney
10 Mar 2024, 6:56
Joel Kpoku: 'It’s a contact sport, not touch... I got stuck in'
It was winter 2021 when the ex-England U20s lock quit Saracens for a leap into the unknown, a lockdown flight out of London into L…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
10 Mar 2024, 4:45
Fight of Earl and three other England beating Ireland talking points
Beating Ireland, European rugby’s long-established international rugby entertainers, was no mean feat. Even more fantastic was t…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
10 Mar 2024, 3:07
Borthwick: Clash with Farrell and what pleased him most about England
England boss Steve Borthwick has played down his half-time incident with Ireland coach Andy Farrell.
Liam Heagney
09 Mar 2024, 16:16
England player ratings vs Ireland | 2024 Guinness Six Nations
England player ratings live from Twickenham: Incredible, simply incredible. England weren’t given a hope in hell of causing an u…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
09 Mar 2024, 13:59
Six Nations statement: Fixtures confirmed for 2025 men’s championship
Tournament officials have confirmed that next year’s competition will open in Paris next January with France hosting Wales in a …
Liam Heagney
09 Mar 2024, 8:45
'The end of the game shows the character that is in this team'
The Irish only managed a 32-all draw away to England in Bath, but scratching the surface of that stalemate they were the team that…
Interview
Liam Heagney
09 Mar 2024, 5:54
'Fair contest in the air, it shouldn’t have been a penalty'
The English looked to have won it late on, Ben Waghorn seeing his 77th-minute try brilliantly converted from the touchline by Sean…
Interview
Liam Heagney
09 Mar 2024, 4:33
U20s title down to the wire after thrilling England-Ireland draw
Friday night at The Rec embellished this consensus, the quality of the edge-of-seat action igniting an electric atmosphere for the…
Liam Heagney
08 Mar 2024, 16:23
Unbeaten England U20s finding it 'very difficult to be too picky'
Defending champions Ireland are in town looking to get stuck into their hosts and England head coach Markl Mapletoft can’t wait …
Interview
Liam Heagney
08 Mar 2024, 7:20
Ben Redshaw: 'The way the boys looked up to Farrell was special'
The plan four months out from his 19th birthday was to get used to academy life at Newcastle under new boss Alex Codling, not to h…
Interview
Liam Heagney
08 Mar 2024, 3:10
'The dark arts of causing as much havoc as he possibly can'
McCarthy’s career has taken off like a rocket since he secured inclusion as a fringe player in Farrell’s Rugby World Cup squad…
Liam Heagney
08 Mar 2024, 2:58
'First time in a while I’d seen weight of shirt feel heavy on players'
The English had gone to Edinburgh last month looking to confidently build on their best start to the championship since 2019.
Liam Heagney
08 Mar 2024, 2:45
England explain continued backing of George Furbank at full-back
The Northampton No15 was a shock inclusion to face Scotland last month, his first Test selection in two years.
Liam Heagney
08 Mar 2024, 2:36
The curious Andy Farrell claim about 'fantastic side' England
The English saw their rare unbeaten start to the championship blown to smithereens in Scotland the last day and now they face the …
Liam Heagney
07 Mar 2024, 14:16
The U18 academy report on Danny Care, England’s latest Test centurion
the Harlequins No9 has been named on the Twickenham bench for Saturday’s visit by the Irish.
Liam Heagney
07 Mar 2024, 13:48
The Immanuel Feyi-Waboso reaction to getting first England start
The 21-year-old had announced himself on the international scene with a try-scoring effort off the February 24 bench against Scotl…
Liam Heagney
07 Mar 2024, 13:01
'Best in the world': The Steve Borthwick verdict on Farrell's Ireland
The Irish were eliminated in the quarter-finals in France, losing out to the All Blacks in a tournament where Borthwick’s Englis…
Liam Heagney
07 Mar 2024, 10:40
Ireland explain 'freak' James Ryan injury, excluding Garry Ringrose
A round two starter versus Italy, the lock provided bench cover behind Joe McCarthy and Tadhg Beirne in the wins over France and W…
Liam Heagney
07 Mar 2024, 9:18
Three changes for England, including a first start for Feyi-Waboso
The English had their best start to the championship since 2019 ruined by their 21-30 round three loss to Scotland in Edinburgh on…
Liam Heagney
07 Mar 2024, 9:00
One XV change for Ireland versus England, three bench alterations
With selection favourite Hugo Keenan now back to full fitness following the knee injury sustained against Italy in round two, Farr…
Liam Heagney
07 Mar 2024, 9:00
Four changes for Ireland U20s, including an entire new front row
The Irish were far too good last time out for the Wesh in Cork but that hasn’t prevented head coach Richie Murphy from altering …
Liam Heagney
06 Mar 2024, 12:33
Toby Flood wants George Ford to start, queries Ben Earl's weight
Former England out-half Toby Flood has given his verdict on the George Ford-Marcus Smith selection dilemma Steve Borthwick is faci…
Liam Heagney
06 Mar 2024, 11:35
Ex-England player likens 'destructive' van der Merwe to Jonah Lomu
England felt the wrath of van der Merwe on February 24 as he became the first Scottish player to score a try hat-trick in the Calc…
Liam Heagney
06 Mar 2024, 10:59
Unbeaten England U20s change five for visit of title rivals Ireland
The English were 30-17 winners away to Scotland the last time out, but they have now bolstered their side with some recalls, enfor…
Liam Heagney
06 Mar 2024, 9:21
Four changes for Wales and a positional switch for skipper Jenkins
The Welsh lost out 7-31 at Aviva Stadium on February 24 and they now go in against the French at Principality Stadium with an enti…
Liam Heagney
06 Mar 2024, 6:39
Hartley tackles boring England narrative, George Ford at No10
Former England skipper Dylan Hartley has taken issue with accusations that Steve Borthwick’s team is boring but added that a sta…
Liam Heagney
06 Mar 2024, 5:34
The Rassie Erasmus verdict on first 2024 Springboks coaches meeting
The 2023 SA Rugby director of rugby has taken over as head coach following the post-Rugby World Cup exit of Jacques Nienaber to Le…
Liam Heagney
05 Mar 2024, 8:47
Leinster lock Ross Molony poised for Premiership switch – report
Bath won’t be left empty-handed by Leinster’s recent signing of RG Snyman as they are reportedly poised to snap up Ross Molony…
Liam Heagney
05 Mar 2024, 8:18
Zach Mercer, Billy Vunipola again linked with Top 14 moves – report
Out-of-favour England No8s Zach Mercer and Billy Vunipola have both been linked with transfers to the Top 14 for the 2024/25 seaso…
Liam Heagney
05 Mar 2024, 5:33
Three changes to England squad, including return of Smith, Mitchell
Smith and Mitchell were with the squad in the north of England last week but weren’t officially part of the 36 as they were list…
Liam Heagney
03 Mar 2024, 13:00
Simon Raiwalui: 'Straight in the fire, I've been around the world'
He brilliantly guided Fiji last October to their first Rugby World Cup quarter-final appearance in 16 years and is now in the earl…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
03 Mar 2024, 4:00
The Super Round players who have caught the eye of Joe Schmidt
The New Zealander officially began work this weekend in a job he is contracted to do through to the completion of the 2025 British…
Liam Heagney
02 Mar 2024, 5:25
Glasgow statement: Six Nations campaign over for Sione Tuipulotu
The 27-year-old limped out of last weekend’s Calcutta Cup win over England, exiting the action at Scottish Gas Murrayfield short…
Liam Heagney
01 Mar 2024, 15:13
Exeter statement: Tony Rowe and the alleged 'fading dynasty'
The 2020 Gallagher Premiership and European Cup double winners endured an underwhelming 2022/23 campaign, finishing seventh in the…
Liam Heagney
01 Mar 2024, 12:13
Leinster find a different position for out-half Harry Byrne
The 24-year-old has started 35 times in his 60 appearances for the Irish province and has nearly always been named at fly-half.
Liam Heagney
01 Mar 2024, 10:26
Gloucester back-rower Harry Taylor makes loan switch
The immediate effect switch from the Gallagher Premiership will enable the 22-year-old to go straight into the team for a start in…
Liam Heagney
01 Mar 2024, 7:34
World Rugby statement: Five Shape of the Game 2024 recommendations
The latest World Rugby Shape of the Game forum in London has put forward five recommendations for 2024 – speed and flow, languag…
Liam Heagney
29 Feb 2024, 15:23
Nigel Owens wades into Italy missed kick debate and Danty red card
Nigel Owens has reviewed the drama of Italy’s Paolo Garbisi missing his last-gasp penalty kick to beat France and the red card t…
Liam Heagney
29 Feb 2024, 13:26
The Ireland injury update and what they make of Borthwick's England
The Irish are two wins away from completing their historic first back-to-back Grand Slam campaigns in the Guinness Six Nations. St…
Liam Heagney
29 Feb 2024, 8:22
Glasgow Warriors statement: Huw Jones' contract extension
The centre had been linked with a trip to France this week with Montpellier looking to bring him to the Top 14 for the 2024/25 sea…
Liam Heagney
28 Feb 2024, 17:34
The 15 England players yet to play a single minute in this Six Nations
The question on the minds of English fans will be what the head coach can do to quickly improve his team for their round four Guin…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
28 Feb 2024, 9:07
Feyi-Waboso missing as England make two training squad changes
Having had a few days’ break since that Scottish Gas Murrayfield defeat, Borthwick has now updated his options for the fallow we…
Liam Heagney
28 Feb 2024, 8:15
The Simon Raiwalui verdict on the reimagined Pacific Nations Cup
Canada, Fiji, Japan, Samoa, Tonga and the USA will be guaranteed a minimum of three Tests and one home fixture, boosting developme…
Liam Heagney
28 Feb 2024, 4:12
Ban means Jonathan Danty will miss the rest of the Six Nations
The La Rochelle centre was initially yellow carded in Lille, but his foul play was upgraded to red during the interval and he didn…
Liam Heagney
27 Feb 2024, 13:01
La Rochelle confirm 10 contract extensions, including Jack Nowell
Among the quartet that have committed to the Top 14 club until 2029 is France No8 Gregory Alldritt, who sat out last Sunday’s Gu…
Liam Heagney
27 Feb 2024, 12:37
Ollie Hassell-Collins claims he'd 'never' turn down Wales – report
The Leicester back debuted for England in last year’s Guinness Six Nations opener at home to Scotland and he also started the fo…
Liam Heagney
27 Feb 2024, 10:03
Steve Boden breaks silence over why he quit Doncaster – report
The Yorkshire club were placed second behind Ealing Trailfinders in the Championship, but Boden has now stepped away after three a…
Liam Heagney
27 Feb 2024, 8:15
Sale statement: Signing of 'loves to bang hard' 134kg Le Roux Roets
The Gallagher Premiership club developed a habit under former director of rugby Steve Diamond for recruiting South Africans and th…
Liam Heagney
27 Feb 2024, 6:10
'Steve's seen something': England A verdict on Charlie Atkinson
The 22-year-old was a Christmas Eve arrival at Kingsholm from Leicester and despite only playing one match so far with his latest …
Liam Heagney
25 Feb 2024, 6:00
'Amazing trip; I learned how to tour with a senior men’s team'
Charlie Ewels was involved in the last game that his country played at A level, the Saxons’ 2016 tour win over South Africa A in…
Liam Heagney
25 Feb 2024, 3:47
Jamie George's warning to Ireland despite England flop in Scotland
England's recent winning streak was ripped asunder by the clinical finishing of Scotland winger Duhan van der Merwe, who bagged a …
Liam Heagney
25 Feb 2024, 3:36
Townsend: Why 'amazing' van der Merwe achievement won't beat last year
The 28-year-old South African is developing a habit of scoring in the world’s oldest rugby international fixture, his record now…
Liam Heagney
25 Feb 2024, 3:22
Four England talking points after their abject defeat in Scotland
Saturday was a brutal reminder that England remain a second-rate Guinness Six Nations team despite their Rugby World Cup bronze.
Analysis
Liam Heagney
25 Feb 2024, 3:04
'Painful lesson': The Steve Borthwick verdict on wounding England loss
Ten points up, England defensively wilted, enabling Duhan van der Merwe to grab the try hat-trick that allowed the Scots to close …
Liam Heagney
24 Feb 2024, 16:04
England player ratings vs Scotland | 2024 Guinness Six Nations
Player ratings: England title notions got a very rude awakening with this deflating 21-30 defeat in Scotland.
Analysis
Liam Heagney
24 Feb 2024, 13:55
The Skivington message for England A fans after eight-year absence
Not since the 2016 Saxons tour to South Africa have England fielded at A team level.
Liam Heagney
24 Feb 2024, 5:45
What England A expect from 'let me do my thing' Alfie Barbeary
The 23-year-old was initially set to miss this Sunday’s fixture versus Portugal at Mattioli Woods Welford Road through suspensio…
Liam Heagney
24 Feb 2024, 4:47
Northampton statement: Courtney Lawes signs for Brive
The England centurion, who retired from international rugby at the end of the recent Rugby World Cup, had been tipped in recent we…
Liam Heagney
23 Feb 2024, 12:00
Rassie Erasmus tweets clarification about his first Springboks camp
Erasmus named a 43-strong squad last Monday to attend a two-day camp in Cape Town from March 5.
Liam Heagney
23 Feb 2024, 7:44
France change two, give first start to 19-year-old Posolo Tuilagi
Fabien Galthie has made two changes to his France team to host Italy in Lille on Sunday, including giving the 19-year-old Posolo T…
Liam Heagney
23 Feb 2024, 6:34
Five Test players named in England A team, including Charlie Ewels
England have named an A team to take Portugal this Sunday in Leicester that includes eight players – including skipper Charlie E…
Liam Heagney
23 Feb 2024, 5:36
Four England talking points after Steward-less team named for Scotland
Most surprising of all was Borthwick’s decision to axe Freddie Steward and award George Furbank his first cap in two years. That…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
22 Feb 2024, 13:43
George Furbank starts for axed Steward as England make five changes
The full-back was originally axed for last October’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final win over Fiji in Marseille, the No15 shirt be…
Liam Heagney
22 Feb 2024, 10:00
Three changes for Scotland as Townsend names team to host England
Scotland will look to get their Guinness Six Nations campaign back on track versus England on Saturday with an XV containing three…
Liam Heagney
22 Feb 2024, 8:39
England explain two 'great changes' in Chandler Cunningham-South
The soon-to-be 21-year-old emigrated with his family to New Zealand at the age of four, returning 14 years later following an acad…
Liam Heagney
22 Feb 2024, 7:34
The Dylan Hartley verdict on the Finn Russell danger for England
The retired hooker’s old team head to Edinburgh on Saturday looking to extend their winning streak in the 2024 Guinness Six Nati…
Liam Heagney
22 Feb 2024, 5:03
England squad update: Harry Randall among four players released
Steve Borthwick has cut four players from his Guinness Six Nations squad for next Saturday’s round three match in Scotland, rele…
Liam Heagney
20 Feb 2024, 13:48
Newcastle statement: The immediate effect exit of Mateo Carreras
Newcastle have permitted the Argentina winger to exit the Gallagher Premiership for the Top 14 with immediate effect.
Liam Heagney
20 Feb 2024, 13:18
'Scotland by 10': Ex-England player criticises 'data-driven' Borthwick
The English have won their opening two matches in the championship for the first time since 2019 and they now go to Edinburgh look…
Liam Heagney
20 Feb 2024, 7:10
Wales make one XV change for Ireland, alter three of their bench
The Welsh went down 14-16 at Twickenham on February 10, their second consecutive loss in this year’s tournament.
Liam Heagney
20 Feb 2024, 6:07
TNT Sports clinch deal to broadcast Antoine Dupont's HSBC SVNS debut
The France men’s XV skipper decided last December to take a Test rugby sabbatical to play for his country at the upcoming Olympi…
Liam Heagney
20 Feb 2024, 5:51
Huge blow for England as Alex Mitchell ruled out versus Scotland
First-choice England scrum-half Alex Mitchell has been ruled out of next Saturday’s round three Guinness Six Nations game away t…
Liam Heagney
18 Feb 2024, 12:00
Vesty: 'I’m probably not a great example of it, I only got a couple'
The Northampton head coach only made two senior international appearances – versus Argentina in 2009 under Martin Johnson.
Liam Heagney
18 Feb 2024, 6:30
What England A selection could do for 'powerful athlete' Tarek Haffar
Three Saints players – front-rower Haffar, Test-capped back-rower Tom Pearson and winger Ollie Sleightholme – were named last …
Liam Heagney
18 Feb 2024, 6:00
Conor O'Shea: 'What Steve did in a short sprint was incredible'
Conor O’Shea was like a circus ringmaster last Thursday, enthusiastically jumping on a Zoom call with a host of media representa…
Interview
Liam Heagney
18 Feb 2024, 4:09
The latest RFU update on 'agreed' England player hybrid contracts
Negotiations about the provision of a fixed fee top-up of about £160,000 per player on top of their Gallagher Premiership club co…
Liam Heagney
18 Feb 2024, 3:57
RFU statement: Deadline set for new-look English Championship plan
There has been much debate over the future of the tier-two league following the recent financial collapse of three Gallagher Premi…
Liam Heagney
16 Feb 2024, 12:34
The two England rookies who have most impressed Dylan Hartley
England have enjoyed their best start to the Guinness Six Nations since 2019, beating Italy and Wales in their opening matches to …
Liam Heagney
16 Feb 2024, 10:46
The thing Kevin Sinfield enjoys most about his changed England role
Kevin Sinfield has explained the aspect he enjoys most working with England in a different role during the current Guinness Six Na…
Liam Heagney
16 Feb 2024, 6:16
Vesty: What England A are hoping to see from Ollie Hassell-Collins
England A assistant coach Sam Vesty is hopeful that Ollie Hassell-Collins can use the February 25 fixture versus Portugal in Leice…
Liam Heagney
15 Feb 2024, 13:41
The RFU view on England A team 'capture' of dual-eligible players
England high performance boss Conor O’Shea has insisted that the revival of the A team after an eight-year break won’t be cyni…
Liam Heagney
15 Feb 2024, 13:17
England explain why Zach Mercer didn't make their A team squad
Conor O’Shea has shed light on the thinking behind the England A squad selection announced on Thursday, a 27-strong group that i…
Liam Heagney
15 Feb 2024, 10:54
Paolo Garbisi poised for immediate effect move to Toulon – report
The Italian playmaker has been on Guinness Six Nations duty in recent weeks, appearing at No10 in his country’s losses to Englan…
Liam Heagney
15 Feb 2024, 6:49
The reason why Tommaso Allan has put his Italy Test career on hold
A try-scorer against England in a round-one start, Allan was an unused sub for last Sunday’s 0-36 round-two loss to Ireland in D…
Liam Heagney
15 Feb 2024, 6:19
England name 27-strong squad for A team game versus Portugal
England have named a 27-strong provisional squad to take Portugal on February 25 in Leicester – including five Test-capped playe…
Liam Heagney
15 Feb 2024, 5:08
England make three squad changes, including return of Manu Tuilagi
Steve Borthwick has confirmed that a 36-strong England squad – including the fit-again Manu Tuilagi – has assembled for midwee…
Liam Heagney
14 Feb 2024, 7:30
Saracens statement: Immediate effect retirement of Tom Woolstencroft
Saracens hooker Tom Woolstencroft has called time on his playing career with immediate effect at the age of 29.
Liam Heagney
13 Feb 2024, 12:29
Wales squad update confirms bad news about rookie Archie Griffin
Wales have been dealt an injury blow ahead of their Guinness Six Nations round three game with Ireland.
Liam Heagney
13 Feb 2024, 7:25
The England changes Chris Ashton insists Steve Borthwick must make
Not since 2019 have the English won both their opening matches in the tournament and having beaten Italy and Wales in recent weeks…
Liam Heagney
13 Feb 2024, 6:24
The Ireland 'headaches' Andy Farrell explains he can't get enough of
Andy Farrell sat very prettily last Sunday in the Aviva Stadium media auditorium having just watched his Ireland team go two wins …
Liam Heagney
13 Feb 2024, 2:53
Four England talking points after their comeback win over Wales
Having lost a Rugby World Cup semi-final 16 weeks ago after leading for ages versus South Africa, England would have left Twickenh…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
11 Feb 2024, 2:06
'Biggest lesson' Steve Borthwick learned from England win over Wales
England head coach Steve Borthwick has celebrated seeing his team move to the top of the Guinness Six Nations by praising their de…
Liam Heagney
10 Feb 2024, 16:22
Steve Borthwick: 'The players handled it, the bench have been superb'
England boss Steve Borthwick has paid tribute to his bench after the introduction of a half-dozen replacements helped them to comp…
Liam Heagney
10 Feb 2024, 16:01
England player ratings vs Wales | 2024 Guinness Six Nations
England players ratings live from Twickenham: Steve Borthwick pitched up at Twickenham looking to see his team win their opening t…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
10 Feb 2024, 14:09
Ex-Ireland player no longer 'embarrassed' at winning only one cap
The forward, who also played club rugby in France with Toulouse and Dax, made his only Test-level appearance on a tour in 2003.
Liam Heagney
10 Feb 2024, 7:01
Christian Wade names the Six Nations player best suited to play NFL
The former England winger quit Wasps in 2018 to try and make it in the NFL and he spent three years at Buffalo Bills before making…
Liam Heagney
10 Feb 2024, 6:11
Four England talking points as Wales make Twickenham Six Nations visit
Here are the RugbyPass talking points with England looking to go two wins from two at the start of the Guinness Six Nations for th…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
10 Feb 2024, 5:07
Italy alter four of their XV for the round two game away to Ireland
The Italians had led the English 17-14 at half-time before losing 24-27 and their new boss Gonzalo Quesada has now announced a lin…
Liam Heagney
09 Feb 2024, 11:05
Six changes for Ireland as Andy Farrell names team to host Italy
The Irish were 38-17 winners in Marseille last Friday and the reaction has been to go with two backline alterations and four in th…
Liam Heagney
09 Feb 2024, 9:07
'Porter can do it, Thomas du Toit... we’ll see how Asher gets on'
Nathan Catt was in his element the other day. He had popped up on Zoom to generally preview Friday night’s England versus Wales …
Interview
Liam Heagney
09 Feb 2024, 4:07
Sam Warburton makes 'massive' Lions prediction about England rookie
Former British and Irish Lions skipper Sam Warburton has been so impressed by new England cap Chandler Cunningham-South that he ha…
Liam Heagney
09 Feb 2024, 3:49
England boss Borthwick on the 'version' of Wales he is expecting
Warren Gatland’s side produced a wildly oscillating performance versus Scotland, falling behind by 27 points before mounting an …
Liam Heagney
08 Feb 2024, 13:46
The two 'new' England leaders singled out by skipper Jamie George
The hooker was appointed by Steve Borthwick after Rugby World Cup captain Owen Farrell opted to take a Test rugby sabbatical while…
Liam Heagney
08 Feb 2024, 13:01
England: Standing Feyi-Waboso down against Wales wasn't considered
The 21-year-old was born and raised in Cardiff, but he is now in line to earn his second Test cap against his native country after…
Liam Heagney
08 Feb 2024, 10:11
Scotland confirm three changes for Saturday's clash with France
Gregor Townsend has confirmed a Scotland XV to host France this Saturday at Murrayfield that has three changes from last Saturday�…
Liam Heagney
08 Feb 2024, 8:41
No change to England XV to face Wales but one bench tweak confirmed
Steve Borthwick has ignored the temptation to tinker with his England selection for this Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations clash w…
Liam Heagney
08 Feb 2024, 8:00
Two changes for France as Galthie names team to play Scotland
France will pick up the pieces of their wounded Guinness Six Nations campaign by fielding a starting team away to Scotland on Satu…
Liam Heagney
08 Feb 2024, 5:38
Bernard Foley: 'I know I’m biased but rugby has got the best product'
Bernard Foley knows his stuff when it comes to promoting rugby in Japan... and back in his native Australia.
Interview
Liam Heagney
07 Feb 2024, 17:58
Archie McParland: 'Competing with Alex Mitchell is quite nice'
The current England Test No9 Alex Mitchell is Phil Dowson’s first-choice scrum-half at Northampton and his story about shrugging…
Interview
Liam Heagney
07 Feb 2024, 13:19
Dane Coles: 'I’m not going to be an ex-player that kicks up a fuss'
Coles' script had been long written: he was to retire from playing as soon as the All Blacks’ campaign at France 2023 ended. How…
Interview
Liam Heagney
07 Feb 2024, 13:19
Four changes for England U20s as team named to host Wales
The English chalked up a 36-11 success in Treviso but they will take the field at The Rec with three fresh faces in their backs an…
Liam Heagney
07 Feb 2024, 8:54
Liam Williams: 'There might be a couple of other Welshies coming over'
Snow had fallen in Funabashi when he touched down in the Far East for training with Kubota Spears ahead of the Rugby League One ch…
Interview
Liam Heagney
06 Feb 2024, 13:28
Harlequins statement: Jerry Flannery will depart in late February
Flannery’s friend Felix Jones recently stepped away from his role with South Africa following their back-to-back Rugby World Cup…
Liam Heagney
06 Feb 2024, 8:23
World Rugby statement: Referee change for Ireland versus Italy
Brousset had been named as the referee for the round two match featuring Andy Farrell’s defending champions against Gonzalo Ques…
Liam Heagney
06 Feb 2024, 7:51
SA Rugby statement: Rassie Erasmus to head coach, assistants named
With head coach Jacques Nienaber moving on to become senior coach at Leinster and assistant Felix Jones joining Steve Borthwick’…
Liam Heagney
06 Feb 2024, 7:18
Bernard Foley on Test recall chances with Schmidt now Wallabies boss
The 35-year-old Kubota Spears fly-half had looked set to go to the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France after starting three of Australi…
Liam Heagney
06 Feb 2024, 6:17
Dane Coles' verdict on Joe Schmidt taking over the Wallabies
It was in London last August when the front-rower reacted with dismay on learning that Steve Hansen, his 2015 World Cup winning bo…
Liam Heagney
06 Feb 2024, 5:31
England update: Marcus Smith to miss round two versus Wales
England out-half Marcus Smith has officially been ruled out of next weekend’s Guinness Six Nations round two match versus Wales …
Liam Heagney
04 Feb 2024, 13:30
Jamie George 'absolutely' believes England can be title contenders
The English have won the two most recent tournaments played after a Rugby World Cup, being crowned champions in 2016 and again in …
Liam Heagney
04 Feb 2024, 6:32
Four talking points after England's narrowest-ever win over Italy
Borthwick's chutzpah was difficult to digest given how this was an Italy, pulverized at the Rugby World Cup by New Zealand and Fra…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
04 Feb 2024, 4:51
Steve Borthwick takes aim at culture of fear in England times past
The 44-year-old, whose 57-cap international career spanned nine years from 2001 to 2010 under Clive Woodward, Andy Robinson, Brian…
Liam Heagney
04 Feb 2024, 4:37
'Very pleased': The Steve Borthwick reaction to England pipping Italy
The English went into their opening round Guinness Six Nations game with fans expecting them to impressively build on their bronze…
Liam Heagney
03 Feb 2024, 13:21
England player ratings vs Italy | 2024 Guinness Six Nations
England player ratings live from Stadio Olimpico: A nervous, close-run thing on the scoreboard for England wasn’t in the script …
Analysis
Liam Heagney
03 Feb 2024, 11:45
England's injury-hit build-up has final twist as Genge ruled out
Ellis Genge has pulled up lame and won't take his place on the bench in Rome.
Liam Heagney
03 Feb 2024, 7:58
The change that Chris Ashton is expecting from England in Italy
A disappointing two-wins-from-five Guinness Six Nations was followed by a repeatedly dour playing style at the Rugby World Cup.
Liam Heagney
03 Feb 2024, 3:38
Ex-Ireland player's one score prediction for Six Nations opener
The champions open their title defence with a massive fixture in Marseille 16 weeks after both the Irish and the French were knock…
Liam Heagney
02 Feb 2024, 10:21
The Handre Pollard advice that England's Finn Carnduff has lapped up
He is the third Leicester youngster in succession to be appointed age-grade captain, following in the slipstream of Emeka Ilione a…
Interview
Liam Heagney
02 Feb 2024, 7:51
The Keith Wood verdict on rookie Ireland out-half Jack Crowley
Veteran out-half Johnny Sexton called it quits at the end of the Rugby World Cup at the age of 38 and the recently-turned 24-year-…
Liam Heagney
02 Feb 2024, 6:05
England given meagre five per cent chance of Six Nations title glory
This weekend’s start to the 2024 championship will see defending champions Ireland go to France on Friday night with England vis…
Liam Heagney
02 Feb 2024, 5:29
England U20s explain their selection of Paris-based Junior Kpoku
The senior-level restriction hasn’t affected the 18-year Kpoku who has been popping across the Channel this winter from Paris to…
Liam Heagney
02 Feb 2024, 3:25
Three talking points as Steve Borthwick names England team for Italy
It was a selection with a difference, Steve Borthwick making eight changes to his starting XV from the team that ran out 15 weeks …
Analysis
Liam Heagney
01 Feb 2024, 12:23
The England age-grade verdict on Test rookie Chandler Cunningham-South
The 20-year-old will make his Test debut this Saturday in Rome just seven months after starring at the Junior World Championship i…
Liam Heagney
01 Feb 2024, 9:41
England name two new caps to start, include three more on the bench
Rookies Fraser Dingwall and Ethan Roots have been chosen to respectively start at inside centre and blindside, and there are three…
Liam Heagney
01 Feb 2024, 9:00
EPCR statement: Josh Caulfield banned after disciplinary appeal
EPCR opted to appeal the disciplinary committee’s decision and Caulfield will now face a stint on the sidelines.
Liam Heagney
01 Feb 2024, 6:55
Why Chris Ashton feels France are the Six Nations 'team to beat'
The French fell at the quarter-finals in their recent home Rugby World Cup, agonisingly losing to eventual winners South Africa by…
Liam Heagney
01 Feb 2024, 3:35
Alex Mitchell becomes the latest England injury doubt – report
Mitchell’s availability is now also uncertain as he didn’t take part in two days of practice in Spain at the start of this wee…
Liam Heagney
31 Jan 2024, 10:52
England name an U20s Six Nations team with eight new caps
Head coach Mark Mapletoft has called on seven players previously capped at this level, including skipper Finn Carnduff who was par…
Liam Heagney
31 Jan 2024, 8:36
Four changes for Ireland who also go with a six/two bench split
It was October 14 when the Irish were last in action, getting defeated 24-28 by New Zealand in Paris.
Liam Heagney
31 Jan 2024, 8:07
The BastaShow Baptiste Serin verdict on France versus Ireland
The Toulon scrum-half was tipped to regain his place in the French squad after failing to make the cut for Rugby World Cup.
Liam Heagney
31 Jan 2024, 7:05
France name Six Nations team with five changes from World Cup exit
The French were knocked out of their home World Cup with a 28-29 defeat to the Springboks in Paris on October 15 and their return …
Liam Heagney
31 Jan 2024, 5:41
Saracens statement: Maro Itoje contract extension
There were fears that the forward might seek out a move as he was reportedly set to lose his marquee player status if Owen Farrell…
Liam Heagney
31 Jan 2024, 4:55
The RFU rule Mike Tindall would happily bin to make England better
Head coach Steve Borthwick is heading into the start of the 2024 Guinness Six Nations unable to select four players who were part …
Liam Heagney
31 Jan 2024, 3:28
Billy Burns poised to stay on in Ireland after Ulster exit – report
Irish province Munster have had issues at out-half in recent times following what was initially a logjam in the position.
Liam Heagney
30 Jan 2024, 10:36
Steven Kitshoff keeps top spot in latest URC Top 100 player list
The top 20 features seven South Africans, six Irish, three Scots, three Italians and one Welshman in Ospreys flanker Morgan. There…
Liam Heagney
30 Jan 2024, 7:32
Three Six Nations challenges facing Steve Borthwick and England
RugbyPass sets the scene ahead of next Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations start for England away to Italy in Rome.
Analysis
Liam Heagney
30 Jan 2024, 6:51
Jimmy Gopperth: 'I've been blown away by the quality of the Pro D2'
For Gopperth – who turns 41 next June – the cross-Channel adventure has been invigorating for the New Zealander who played a d…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
28 Jan 2024, 4:30
'Has to be done': The refereeing change Nigel Owens wants to see
The ex-Welsh official had taken umbrage over the disciplinary hearing decision to rescind the red card brandished last weekend to …
Liam Heagney
27 Jan 2024, 12:26
Callum Sheedy set to quit Bristol and join Welsh URC club – report
The 28-year-old has starred for Pat Lam’s Bristol since a 2018 top-flight debut following an apprenticeship at Championship leve…
Liam Heagney
27 Jan 2024, 6:50
The Stuart Lancaster verdict on Owen Farrell’s Lions tour chances
The 32-year-old England Rugby World Cup captain has currently ruled himself out of selection for his country until the summer of 2…
Liam Heagney
27 Jan 2024, 5:28
Stuart Lancaster breaks silence on Racing's signing of Owen Farrell
The deal, which will be rubberstamped next week when Farrell visits Paris to undergo his medical, sent shockwaves through the game…
Interview
Liam Heagney
26 Jan 2024, 11:56
Lancaster: How Henry Arundell reacted to Racing signing Owen Farrell
The 32-year-old Farrell was confirmed last Monday as a new Racing recruit on a two-year deal that will begin this summer through t…
Liam Heagney
26 Jan 2024, 8:13
England statement: Replacement named as Nick Isiekwe drops out
It was last Tuesday when the RFU confirmed that three players – Bath’s Ollie Lawrence, Harlequins’ Oscar Beard and Sale’s …
Liam Heagney
26 Jan 2024, 6:00
Change confirmed to the match officials for Italy vs England
Pierre Brousset of France had been named as an assistant referee for the February 3 Stadio Olimpico fixture.
Liam Heagney
25 Jan 2024, 5:25
Confirmed: Eddie Jones to coach against England at Twickenham
The Australian was at the helm in England for seven years but his team’s disimproving results meant that an Autumn Nations Serie…
Liam Heagney
25 Jan 2024, 5:01
France statement: Six released from Six Nations squad, Tuilagi called up
Five up-and-coming youngsters will fill in for them at national team training.
Liam Heagney
25 Jan 2024, 4:44
Ex-Ireland back: How to be 'a successful player' under Joe Schmidt
The ex-Irish head coach, who assisted the All Blacks to their recent second-place finish at the Rugby World Cup, has now taken on …
Liam Heagney
25 Jan 2024, 4:02
Northampton lock Alex Moon 'on verge' of Top 14 deal – report
The French league demonstrated its increasing allure for players in England when Racing 92 confirmed on Monday the signing of Owen…
Liam Heagney
24 Jan 2024, 6:22
Cardiff statement: Helford Capital takeover deal confirmed
Club representatives met on Tuesday evening and it was ultimately decided that the best decision was for the Welsh region to accep…
Liam Heagney
24 Jan 2024, 4:11
'Glad I retired': Nigel Owens wades into Bristol red card debate
The Bears lock was sent off last Friday in Galway by French referee Pierre Brousset in the 13th minute of his team’s Investec Ch…
Liam Heagney
24 Jan 2024, 3:23
England name replacements for 3 players, including Ollie Lawrence
The head coach is holding a training camp this week in Girona, his team’s base ahead of their February 3 campaign opener away to…
Liam Heagney
23 Jan 2024, 12:00
Ireland update: Replacement named for the injured Tom Ahern
Three training panelists – Ahern and fellow uncapped players Oli Jager and Sam Prendergast – had been included for this Wednes…
Liam Heagney
23 Jan 2024, 10:33
