RFU statement: England arrange 'benchmark' pre-World Cup friendly
Eddie Jones has added an away date in Ireland to the World Cup 2023 build-up he has planned for his England squad next year. It is…
Liam Heagney
19 Oct 2022, 9:21
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.
The 'sensible' Exeter reaction to the England snub of Henry Slade
Exeter boss Rob Baxter has reacted magnanimously to the decision on Monday by Eddie Jones not to recall the fit-again Henry Slade …
Liam Heagney
19 Oct 2022, 12:54
Curtis Langdon becomes 14th Worcester player to find a new club
Out-of-work England international Curtis Langdon has become the 14th Worcester player to quickly find a new club after the cash-st…
Liam Heagney
19 Oct 2022, 13:21
'Really not sure if the relationship recovers from this'
Gregor Townsend’s decision to leave Finn Russell out of the Scotland squad for the upcoming Autumn Nations Series has been a hot…
Liam Heagney
19 Oct 2022, 14:34
'If you count Derek's loans in there as well, it's over £100m'
Wasps CEO Stephen Vaughan has explained the staggering nine-figure level of debt that left the Gallagher Premiership club in need …
Liam Heagney
20 Oct 2022, 4:15
The 'cheery, jolly' 20-year-old Kiwi making rapid strides at Irish
Declan Kidney has given his approval to the rapid progress Chandler Cunningham-South has made at London Irish since joining the Ga…
Liam Heagney
23 Oct 2022, 4:47
The 'mega' Quirke reaction when 'told by Eddie he had three games'
Sale boss Alex Sanderson has revealed the depth of his admiration for the maturity shown by young Raffi Quirke in his recent comeb…
Liam Heagney
23 Oct 2022, 5:15
'A free bar - and chip butties for everyone!'
Ex-footballer Roddy Collins has hilariously recounted how he became a friend for life with Shaun Edwards after he mistook the curr…
Liam Heagney
23 Oct 2022, 5:59
Argentina assemble squad of 29 for their pre-England training camp
Michael Cheika has brought together a squad of 29 for this week’s three-day Argentina training camp at Sale, the Manchester-base…
Liam Heagney
25 Oct 2022, 5:16
The 'quite weird' Redpath reaction to his Scotland unavailability
Cameron Redpath is finally back to full fitness and is raring to go with Scotland, but the Bath midfielder is unavailable for this…
Liam Heagney
25 Oct 2022, 7:15
Ireland statement: Positive injury update for Farrell's squad
Andy Farrell has had a fitness boost ahead of this November’s Autumn Nations Series, as Ireland have reported that the recent in…
Liam Heagney
25 Oct 2022, 7:51
The 'better watch what I say' Irish update on the injured Arundell
London Irish boss Declan Kidney has confirmed that teenage sensation Henry Arundell is still in with a shout of playing for Englan…
Liam Heagney
25 Oct 2022, 9:21
Saracens' update on England doubt Farrell three days after injury
Saracens have provided an update on the first steps being taken by Owen Farrell in his bid to get back fit in time for the start o…
Liam Heagney
25 Oct 2022, 10:37
Barbarians name Marchant as one of three more players to face ABs
Joe Marchant has become the latest out-of-favour England player to accept an invitation from the Barbarians to join their squad fo…
Liam Heagney
25 Oct 2022, 12:46
Redundant Wasps boss Blackett has landed temporary role next month
Lee Blackett has found himself his first temporary coaching work since Wasps went to the wall on October 17.
Liam Heagney
25 Oct 2022, 13:18
RFU statement: Communications with the administrators at Wasps
The RFU has provided its latest update on the distressing situation at Wasps, the Gallagher Premiership club that ceased trading o…
Liam Heagney
18 Oct 2022, 13:18
Sale reveal meeting lined up with some out-of-work Wasps targets
Sale boss Alex Sanderson has revealed he is due to meet with some out-of-work Wasps players on Friday, three days after the clubs …
Liam Heagney
18 Oct 2022, 12:45
The Springboks have reacted to Wasps making prop Koch redundant
Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber have shared their thoughts on Springboks tighthead Vincent Koch being made redundant by Wasps …
Liam Heagney
18 Oct 2022, 10:55
Erasmus breaks silence on Munster return and his 2019 Foley promise
South Africa director of rugby Rassie Erasmus has revealed that he will next month keep the poignant promise he made in 2019 about…
Liam Heagney
18 Oct 2022, 8:42
Another Premiership club fills the calendar with a Barbarians date
Harlequins have followed Northampton in securing a fixture with the famed Barbarians to help plug the unexpected gaps in their pla…
Liam Heagney
18 Oct 2022, 7:55
No Dan Biggar as Wales name five uncapped players in 35-man squad
Dan Biggar has not been included in Wales’ 35-man Autumn Nations Series squad due to the continued assessment of his knee injury…
Liam Heagney
18 Oct 2022, 7:34
Erasmus explains why Jantjies hasn't gotten a Springboks recall
South Africa director of rugby Rassie Erasmus has explained why the Springboks will not be recalling the out-of-favour Elton Jantj…
Liam Heagney
18 Oct 2022, 7:10
Springboks name 26-man squad for Stellenbosch training camp
Jacques Nienaber’s Springboks have named a 26-strong squad for a three-day training camp next weekend at Stellenbosch to begin p…
Liam Heagney
18 Oct 2022, 6:08
The NFL-style leadership Wasps want introduced into Premiership
Wasps CEO Stephen Vaughan has called for an overhaul in the way Premiership Rugby are allowed to run the English top flight. The c…
Liam Heagney
18 Oct 2022, 5:39
Wasps name where they want to play if and when they return
Wasps CEO Stephen Vaughan has named the venue he wants the club to play at if and when they return to playing. The Gallagher Premi…
Liam Heagney
18 Oct 2022, 4:20
The 'top of the list' impression Cokanasiga has made at Leicester
Leicester boss Steve Borthwick has shared his thoughts about the impact that Phil Cokanasiga, the 21-year-old signed from London I…
Liam Heagney
16 Oct 2022, 5:45
What Exeter want Joe Simmonds to 'really buy into' after form dip
How typical. No sooner had Joe Simmonds managed to get his hands back on the treasured No10 jersey at Exeter did another curveball…
Liam Heagney
16 Oct 2022, 5:30
Watch: 'Rees-Zammit has come up with an extraordinary play here'
Louis Rees-Zammit has carved out an enviable reputation for scoring tries but Gloucester were left celebrating his ability on the …
Liam Heagney
15 Oct 2022, 13:23
'I'm grieving': Lawrence Dallaglio breaks silence on Wasps' demise
Wasps legend Lawrence Dallaglio has broken his silence on the RFU suspension of the club from the Gallagher Premiership after they…
Liam Heagney
15 Oct 2022, 10:19
Danny Cipriani claims 'there is too much ego and fear in rugby'
Former England international Danny Cipriani has called on Gallagher Premiership rugby to quickly heed the wake-up call that is the…
Liam Heagney
15 Oct 2022, 9:27
The Rassie Erasmus documentary and his advice for 'flawless people'
Rassie Erasmus is set to return to the international stage with a bang in the coming weeks as the release of the documentary filme…
Liam Heagney
14 Oct 2022, 11:18
'Every Tuesday we look to embrace chaos, look to make them fail'
Chaos at training on Tuesdays has been the key ingredient in helping Sale to improve their on-field behaviour in this season’s G…
Liam Heagney
14 Oct 2022, 10:34
How Ben Loader 'took it on the chin' at Irish and came back better
London Irish Declan Kidney had lauded the impressive reminder that one-time England prospect Ben Loader gave to him about his tale…
Liam Heagney
14 Oct 2022, 7:42
Ex-All Black Fifita must attend tackle school or delay Tonga debut
Former All Blacks forward Vaea Fifita must successfully come through tackle school or his intended debut for Tonga will be pushed …
Liam Heagney
14 Oct 2022, 6:41
Etzebeth to play his first club match in South Africa since 2019
Springboks lock Eben Etzebeth is set to play his first club game in South Africa in more than three years when he debuts for the C…
Liam Heagney
14 Oct 2022, 6:14
The 'nowhere near' Exeter update on Nowell contract negotiations
Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter has delivered an update on the Gallagher Premiership club’s contract negotiations with Engla…
Liam Heagney
14 Oct 2022, 5:35
Sanderson: The 'really smart and concise' Lucy Wray interview
Sale boss Alex Sanderson has described the loss of Worcester and Wasps from this season’s Gallagher Premiership as a tragedy, bu…
Liam Heagney
14 Oct 2022, 4:39
Gloucester statement: Mark Atkinson ruled out for rest of season
England prospect Mark Atkinson will miss the rest of the 2022/23 season following an injury sustained while playing for Gloucester…
Liam Heagney
13 Oct 2022, 12:15
The 'incredibly ambitious' Leicester verdict on Genge replacement
Steve Borthwick has delivered a glowing verdict on the impact so far at Leicester of James Cronin, the loosehead signed during the…
Liam Heagney
13 Oct 2022, 11:27
Premiership Rugby and RFU issue joint statement on Wasps
Premiership Rugby and the RFU have issued a joint statement following Wednesday’s suspension of the financially troubled Wasps f…
Liam Heagney
13 Oct 2022, 10:31
Anthony Seibold is reportedly set to quit as an England assistant
Eddie Jones is braced for another backroom staff reshuffle less than a year out from the World Cup following reports in Australia …
Liam Heagney
13 Oct 2022, 10:00
An 'are people still mad at Nigel Wray' post has fired up Twitter
Retired Saracens second row Jim Hamilton has fired up Twitter with a post wondering if rugby fans were still mad at Nigel Wray for…
Liam Heagney
13 Oct 2022, 8:34
'I bet the RFU wishes they had a viable second tier of rugby'
Seasoned Championship player Ollie Stedman has criticised the RFU for its mismanagement of the second tier of English rugby and ha…
Liam Heagney
13 Oct 2022, 7:49
11-team league leaves Leicester without a home game for 50 days
Defending Gallagher Premiership champions Leicester are set to be hit hard in the pocket in the coming weeks as the reduction of t…
Liam Heagney
13 Oct 2022, 5:22
Saracens wickedly troll Bristol with Earl contract extension video
Saracens have brilliantly trolled Bristol on social media with their coverage of Ben Earl agreeing to a contract extension with th…
Liam Heagney
13 Oct 2022, 4:38
RFU statement: Wasps' Gallagher Premiership suspension confirmed
Financially stricken Wasps have been officially suspended by the RFU from participation in the Gallagher Premiership until further…
Liam Heagney
12 Oct 2022, 14:17
The 'common sense' reasons why Rob Baxter wants 10-team Premiership
Exeter boss Rob Baxter has explained at length why he believes a ten-team Gallagher Premiership could be the best solution for the…
Liam Heagney
12 Oct 2022, 12:20
Exeter statement: Friendly to replace called-off Wasps game
Exeter have moved quickly to fill the sudden void in their match calendar, announcing that they will host Bristol in a friendly at…
Liam Heagney
12 Oct 2022, 11:43
Curtis Rona has left London Irish with immediate effect
Former Wallabies midfielder Curtis Rona has quit London Irish with immediate effect to take up an opportunity in Japan. A recent m…
Liam Heagney
12 Oct 2022, 11:02
Wasps' 358-word statement: Administration, called-off Exeter match
Wasps have issued a 358-word statement explaining why they will fall into administration in the coming day and won’t play their …
Liam Heagney
12 Oct 2022, 9:18
Players told at lunchtime that Wasps have gone into administration
Cash-strapped Wasps will fall into administration in the coming days after their attempt to play for time to seek out fresh invest…
Liam Heagney
12 Oct 2022, 8:46
London Irish address the speculation that Curtis Rona went AWOL
Declan Kidney has responded to speculation that ex-Wallabies midfielder Curtis Rona went AWOL at London Irish amid speculation tha…
Liam Heagney
12 Oct 2022, 8:01
RFU statement: Vunipola banned for 'very high level' recklessness
Mako Vunipola has been banned following his red card in last Sunday’s Gallagher Premiership win for Saracens at Newcastle - but …
Liam Heagney
12 Oct 2022, 7:16
Sale statement: 'Huge coup' regarding in-demand du Preez twins
Sale have finally come clean on their big social media tease, revealing that South African twins Jean-Luc and Dan du Preez have bo…
Liam Heagney
12 Oct 2022, 7:01
The 'very standard, boring message' from Baxter on Exeter vs Wasps
Rob Baxter has reacted to speculation over the status of next Saturday’s Gallagher Premiership fixture where rejuvenated Exeter …
Liam Heagney
12 Oct 2022, 5:52
'At Exeter I'd issues, I used that as a learning and I'm thankful'
Nemani Nadolo is proud that he will soon leave the Gallagher Premiership with his head held very high following his exemplary two-…
Interview
Liam Heagney
12 Oct 2022, 4:20
Springboks fly-half Elton Jantjies set for Top 14 switch - report
Elton Jantjies is set to be handed a timely career boost, with media reports in France stating that the out-of-favour Springboks f…
Liam Heagney
11 Oct 2022, 14:15
'Brutally honest': Nadolo on World Cup 2023 and quitting Leicester
Nemani Nadolo has finally shed light on why he has quit the title-winning Leicester with less than a year to go before potentially…
Liam Heagney
11 Oct 2022, 13:23
'Don't mention a word': Sanderson silent on Sale speculation
Sale boss Alex Sanderson has refused to give anything away regarding his club’s big contract news reveal which is scheduled for …
Liam Heagney
11 Oct 2022, 12:44
Saracens statement: Two players signed from Worcester
Saracens have become the latest club to bolster their squad following the tragic demise of Worcester, with Mark McCall adding Tom …
Liam Heagney
11 Oct 2022, 12:20
'I actually like the fact Lawrence speaks the way that he does'
Former Scotland second row Jim Hamilton has backed Lawrence Dallaglio for his much-criticised show of support for the financial tr…
Liam Heagney
11 Oct 2022, 10:13
The 'most scary thing' Schalk Burger ever saw on the rugby field
Schalk Burger has labelled Samoan powerhouse Henry Tuilagi as the scariest thing he ever saw on the rugby field with the Springbok…
Liam Heagney
11 Oct 2022, 9:15
France 2023 statement: The sacking of CEO Claude Atcher
Claude Atcher has been sacked as CEO for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France after a French labour investigation concluded that he …
Liam Heagney
11 Oct 2022, 6:48
Joe Marchant becomes latest England player linked to Top 14 switch
England midfielder Joe Marchant has been strongly linked with a switch to the Top 14 following next year’s World Cup in France. …
Liam Heagney
11 Oct 2022, 6:22
Video: Christian Wade scores a try for Racing on his Top 14 debut
Former England international Christian Wade scored a try last Saturday on his Top 14 debut with Racing 92 four years after he play…
Liam Heagney
11 Oct 2022, 5:35
Ex-Newcastle owner Mike Ashley interested in buying Wasps - report
Former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley has reportedly held talks about taking over the financially stricken Wasps, who are in d…
Liam Heagney
11 Oct 2022, 5:01
Bath statement: Two loan deals, including Lawrence, made permanent
The future of England midfielder Ollie Lawrence has been decided as he has signed a long-term deal with Bath, who have also signed…
Liam Heagney
11 Oct 2022, 4:30
'I never really saw it as wow, I'm playing with Atonio and Skelton'
Leicester academy graduate Harry Glynn definitely won’t forget his swashbuckling first Top 14 start for La Rochelle, the 21-year…
Interview
Liam Heagney
09 Oct 2022, 4:15
Ulster statement: Sutherland deal and talks with a Springboks prop
Dan McFarland’s Ulster have confirmed they have signed Rory Sutherland on a short-term deal, adding that negotiations are at an …
Liam Heagney
08 Oct 2022, 12:33
BT presenter curiously casts doubt on next weekend's Wasps fixture
BT Sport rugby frontman Craig Doyle has ignited speculation about Wasps, the financially stricken Gallagher Premiership club.
Liam Heagney
08 Oct 2022, 12:12
Nigel Owens explains 'illegal trends' URC want to stamp out
Nigel Owens has revealed why he recently accepted an invite from URC referees boss Tappe Henning to become part of the four-strong…
Liam Heagney
08 Oct 2022, 7:21
'These are the special games and they have the gravitas'
Sale boss Alex Sanderson hasn’t shied away from acknowledging the importance of this Saturday’s trip by his unbeaten Sharks to…
Liam Heagney
08 Oct 2022, 5:25
How Freddie Clarke became an overnight success at the age of 29
Imagine becoming an overnight success at the age of 29. That is essentially what happened to Gloucester academy graduate Freddie C…
Liam Heagney
08 Oct 2022, 5:05
'I saw Jonny May in the kit shed and I was like wow, this is cool'
Freddie Steward was all sweetness and light when he took 18 minutes out of his Thursday afternoon to entertain a group of journali…
Interview
Liam Heagney
08 Oct 2022, 4:15
Six changes for winless Bath, including a debut for Ollie Lawrence
Out-of-favour England midfielder Ollie Lawrence has been given an immediate chance to quickly continue his club career as he has b…
Liam Heagney
07 Oct 2022, 8:50
Will Skelton has his say on Kerr-Barlow's Wallabies ambition
Lock Will Skelton has given his view on the ambition of his La Rochelle club colleague Tawera Kerr-Barlow, the 2015 All Blacks Wor…
Liam Heagney
07 Oct 2022, 6:00
Finn Russell shares thoughts on Racing future after Lancaster deal
Finn Russell has shared his thoughts on his contract situation at Racing 92, the French club where ex-England coach Stuart Lancast…
Liam Heagney
07 Oct 2022, 5:29
The early season Bristol verdict on Sheedy vs MacGinty No10 battle
Pat Lam has given his verdict on having Wales’ Callum Sheedy going head to head this season with the USA’s AJ MacGinty for the…
Liam Heagney
07 Oct 2022, 4:21
Cardiff statement: 'False information on social media sites'
Dai Young’s Cardiff have issued a statement criticising social media speculation that some players have had their contracts term…
Liam Heagney
06 Oct 2022, 17:38
Ex-Ireland hooker reveals the club that Rory Sutherland is joining
Lions prop Rory Sutherland has reportedly found himself a new club in the URC, but it isn’t with any of the teams he was initial…
Liam Heagney
06 Oct 2022, 17:07
Joe Batley becomes the latest Worcester player to find a new club
Joe Batley has become the latest Worcester player to find alternative employment, the forward finding a new club just a day after …
Liam Heagney
06 Oct 2022, 16:33
Sean O'Brien agrees to play at grassroots AIL level in Ireland
Former British and Irish Lions back-rower Sean O’Brien has agreed to prolong his career at grassroots level in Ireland by signin…
Liam Heagney
06 Oct 2022, 11:33
Wasps explain Barbeary op logic, give verdict on Koch's first week
Wasps have explained why they decided to have the hamstring injury sustained by England hopeful Alfie Barbeary operated on rather …
Liam Heagney
06 Oct 2022, 10:47
Joey Carbery handed an exciting new role at Munster
Ireland hopeful Joey Carbery has been handed a potentially exciting new role at Munster as the out-half regular has been named to …
Liam Heagney
06 Oct 2022, 8:51
RFU statement: Referees complain over physical appearance feedback
Ten referees in England have raised concerns in an external RFU investigation about potential barriers to progression and feedback…
Liam Heagney
06 Oct 2022, 7:17
The canny 'saw your head drop' input George Ford is having at Sale
New signing George Ford is still a number of months away from making his Sale debut but Alex Sanderson has hailed the influence th…
Liam Heagney
06 Oct 2022, 6:43
'It's never nice to see, I've been through something similarish'
Wasps boss Lee Blackett has explained why he has every sympathy for Worcester following the liquidation of their squad this week -…
Liam Heagney
06 Oct 2022, 5:39
The 'miss you' Ben Earl tweet that Bristol had to quickly clarify
The Bristol Bears social media team were in overdrive this week, excelling with its coverage of the club's signing of Max Malins f…
Liam Heagney
06 Oct 2022, 4:34
Gloucester sign Mayco Vivas with immediate effect
Gloucester have signed prop Mayco Vivas with immediate effect following the completion of his Rugby Championship campaign with Arg…
Liam Heagney
05 Oct 2022, 14:16
The salty six-word Ted Hill reaction to Prem boss Massie-Taylor
Frustrated Ted Hill quickly fired back a six-word reply on social media following the publication of a statement on the Worcester …
Liam Heagney
05 Oct 2022, 12:55
'Can't wait to get started': Edinburgh sign Duhan van der Merwe
Edinburgh have moved quickly to re-sign Scotland winger Duhan van der Merwe after he became a free agent on Wednesday following an…
Liam Heagney
05 Oct 2022, 12:27
What Wasps' players were told Wednesday about second court filing
Wasps boss Lee Blackett has shed light on the latest goings-on at the financially troubled Gallagher Premiership club, revealing t…
Liam Heagney
05 Oct 2022, 11:34
RFU statement: Premiership relegation confirmed for Worcester
The RFU has explained it will wait a few days before making a definitive decision on whether Worcester will remain suspended for t…
Liam Heagney
05 Oct 2022, 10:45
Excitement over Luatua's Samoa call-up is ruined by Bristol update
Excitement that Steven Luatua was one of two former All Blacks named in the 31-strong Samoa squad for their upcoming European tour…
Liam Heagney
05 Oct 2022, 10:10
Damning 52-word 'darkest day for English rugby' Steve Diamond post
Worcester boss Steve Diamond has branded Wednesday, October 5, as the darkest day for English rugby. The Warriors director of rugb…
Liam Heagney
05 Oct 2022, 8:54
Ted Hill posts emotional 'unbelievably sad day' Worcester message
England international Ted Hill has tweeted his thanks to Worcester on what he described as an unbelievably sad day for the suspend…
Liam Heagney
05 Oct 2022, 8:13
'On the lash' pictures and texts have made Jonny Hill a hit at Sale
Sale have hailed the immediate impact that new signing Jonny Hill has made in his short time so far at the Manchester-based Gallag…
Liam Heagney
05 Oct 2022, 7:39
Saracens' 'difficult decision' reaction to Malins joining Bristol
Saracens have given their reaction to the decision by England international Max Malins to rejoin Bristol for the 2023/24 season. T…
Liam Heagney
05 Oct 2022, 5:26
'Fantastic' Barnes set to overtake Owens' Test referee record
England referee Wayne Barnes is set to make history when he takes charge of his 100th and 101st Test matches during the upcoming N…
Liam Heagney
05 Oct 2022, 4:55
'He's in tremendous shape, body weight is good, he's lean, ripped'
England have declared themselves pleased with what they saw of Manu Tuilagi at this week’s three-day training camp in London ahe…
Liam Heagney
05 Oct 2022, 4:28
'Hope to carry on where I left off': Bristol sign Max Malins
Bristol have confirmed that England international Max Malins will join them from Saracens for the second time in July 2023. The wi…
Liam Heagney
04 Oct 2022, 13:19
Skivington's Gloucester promise: 'That's not the route we go down'
George Skivington has admitted he won’t be following local rivals Bath and recruiting a raft of new players from crisis-hit Worc…
Liam Heagney
04 Oct 2022, 12:27
Saracens statement: Jamie George injury update
Saracens have confirmed that Jamie George will miss the upcoming Autumn Nations Series with England following an injury to his foo…
Liam Heagney
04 Oct 2022, 10:23
'I don't know why they've signed a 10 at the back end of his career'
Former Leicester lock Jim Hamilton has questioned the wisdom of the Tigers shelling out a massive amount of money to sign Springbo…
Liam Heagney
04 Oct 2022, 8:56
Ex-England player doesn't want 'bang average' Welsh in Premiership
Former England international Andy Goode has explained why he doesn’t want Welsh clubs joining the Gallagher Premiership now or a…
Liam Heagney
04 Oct 2022, 7:48
SA Rugby statement: Rassie Erasmus and the upcoming A team tour
Fresh from the expiry of his lengthy World Rugby ban, South Africa director of rugby Rassie Erasmus has given himself an additiona…
Liam Heagney
04 Oct 2022, 5:35
Sam Simmonds breaks silence on quitting Exeter for Montpellier
Sam Simmonds has explained why he is quitting Exeter for Montpellier next season, a move that will prevent him from being selected…
Liam Heagney
04 Oct 2022, 5:04
The Diamond 'mess' reaction to Worcester quartet joining Bath
Worcester boss Steve Diamond has tweeted his reaction to four Warriors players joining Bath on loan this week. The Sixways club is…
Liam Heagney
04 Oct 2022, 4:35
'There was one kid that told me I was rubbish, it was good to hear'
You’d think the last thing a professional rugby player would want to do on his day off is talk rugby yet there was England and N…
Interview
Liam Heagney
02 Oct 2022, 3:37
'Whipped off quite quickly': Pollard debut lasts just 27 minutes
Handre Pollard limped off just 27 minutes into his Leicester debut just five weeks after a knee injury prematurely ended his Rugby…
Liam Heagney
01 Oct 2022, 13:14
The 'shut up by people in powerful positions' Erasmus retweet
Springboks World Cup winner Rassie Erasmus has celebrated the expiry of his hefty World Rugby ban by attending Saturday’s URC wi…
Liam Heagney
01 Oct 2022, 11:00
Montpellier statement: Court date for title celebration bar fight
Top 14 champions Montpellier are standing by the players who were last week taken into police custody in France and will come befo…
Liam Heagney
30 Sep 2022, 10:56
Bath reveal double injury blow while Dunn mullet also bites dust
Struggling Bath have had their troubling start to the new 2022/23 Gallagher Premiership worsened by the revelation that new signin…
Liam Heagney
30 Sep 2022, 8:43
Leicester pick Watson to start with Pollard also primed for debut
New marquee signings Anthony Watson and Handre Pollard are set to make their Leicester debuts this Saturday when the defending Gal…
Liam Heagney
30 Sep 2022, 8:05
Vunipola's 'adapt' warning as Saracens change two for Leicester
Billy Vunipola has issued a warning to his Saracens team after Mark McCall named an XV showing two changes to face Gallagher Premi…
Liam Heagney
30 Sep 2022, 7:32
Mtawarira posts new Genge message 18 months after critical tweet
Former Springboks prop Tendai Mtawarira has welcomed Ellis Genge to the Roc Nation fold 18 months after he called the England fron…
Liam Heagney
30 Sep 2022, 6:35
Ex-All Blacks fly-half Aaron Cruden confirms his new Japanese club
Former All Blacks fly-half Aaron Cruden has confirmed the identity of his new club in Japan, the ex-Test level player announcing h…
Liam Heagney
30 Sep 2022, 5:45
Erasmus confirms his ban is over and names his stadium return
September 30 is a momentous day in the Springboks career of Rassie Erasmus as the ten-month ban handed down to the SA director of …
Liam Heagney
30 Sep 2022, 5:02
'Perfect fit' ex-All Black touted to replace Lancaster at Leinster
Former Leinster boss Matt Williams has suggested the Irish province should cast their net wide and tease out the situation regardi…
Liam Heagney
30 Sep 2022, 4:23
URC statement: Bundee Aki cops hefty ban for his latest red card
Bundee Aki faces missing the entire Ireland Autumn Nations Series after he was handed a hefty ban following his latest red card. T…
Liam Heagney
29 Sep 2022, 10:55
IRFU statement: 97-word comment issued on concussion court case
The IRFU have issued a short statement after it emerged that three former players - two of them ex-Ireland internationals - have s…
Liam Heagney
29 Sep 2022, 10:11
Ex-European Cup winner 'so tired fighting' on Atlantic solo row
Former Heineken Cup winner Damian Browne has just over 100 nautical miles to cover after nearly 15 weeks rowing the Atlantic, most…
Liam Heagney
29 Sep 2022, 9:44
Three Irish players named as concussion lawsuit proceedings begin
Three players - two of them former Ireland internationals, including David Corkery - have begun legal proceedings against the IRFU…
Liam Heagney
29 Sep 2022, 8:04
Bottom side Newcastle include Pumas duo while Bristol change five
Los Pumas centres Matias Orlando and Matias Moroni have been named to start by Newcastle in Friday night’s Gallagher Premiership…
Liam Heagney
29 Sep 2022, 7:31
'Andy Farrell will not be travelling, so what I am missing here?'
An ex-Ireland and Lions out-half has questioned the value of the Emerging Ireland tour to South Africa, a trip that Andy Farrell i…
Liam Heagney
29 Sep 2022, 6:20
Trailer for England documentary gets the World Cup pulses racing
A trailer for the two-part documentary on the England women’s rugby team has whetted the appetite ahead of the October 8 start o…
Liam Heagney
29 Sep 2022, 5:28
What 'frustrates' Wayne Smith the most and the law he would change
Blacks Ferns director of rugby Wayne Smith has revealed what he describes as the part of the game that leaves him most frustrated.
Liam Heagney
29 Sep 2022, 4:56
Diamond tweets five-word reply after Wasps' 'stands as one' message
Worcester boss Steve Diamond has tweeted his reply to a tweet from Wasps, another seriously financially troubled Gallagher Premier…
Liam Heagney
27 Sep 2022, 5:39
Gloucester's Worcester message after second call-off in six months
Gloucester have sent Worcester a message after the second Gallagher Premiership game between the clubs at Kingsholm in the last si…
Liam Heagney
27 Sep 2022, 3:33
'I want to talk positively, I'm not hunting for negative things'
It’s the curse of the in-the-bag, rainy day interview - by the time you get to publish, events can have moved on rapidly. So it …
Interview
Liam Heagney
27 Sep 2022, 2:37
'His old man was getting stuck into him, calling him soft'
Adam Jones has an amusing tale to tell about Jack Kenningham, the effervescent youngster who came from nowhere to make himself an …
Liam Heagney
25 Sep 2022, 5:42
The upside to why Jones thinks 'rugby is a s*** sport sometimes'
Harlequins assistant Adam Jones has explained why he thinks rugby is a crap sport at times but even that negative aspect has its u…
Liam Heagney
25 Sep 2022, 5:20
'That's something he learned off Phipps, one of world rugby's best'
London Irish head coach Les Kiss has revealed the legacy of Ben White learning the Gallagher Premiership ropes under Nick Phipps l…
Liam Heagney
25 Sep 2022, 4:00
The 'first thing' Borthwick thinks of when picking Freddie Steward
Freddie Steward has been chosen in the Leicester team for Saturday’s Gallagher Premiership derby at Northampton and Tigers boss …
Liam Heagney
24 Sep 2022, 6:22
Leicester explain why Anthony Watson has yet to play Prem for them
Leicester boss Steve Borthwick has explained why Tigers fans are still waiting to see new signing Anthony Watson in Gallagher Prem…
Liam Heagney
24 Sep 2022, 5:54
'I'd love to make star signings, at times you get frustrated'
New Newcastle boss Dave Walder has shared his thoughts on the financial state of rugby in England following a week in which the fu…
Liam Heagney
24 Sep 2022, 4:52
'Really uncomfortable' Wasps prognosis for latest Barbeary injury
All hope that Wasps' Alfie Barbeary had of finally becoming a capped England international in 2022 has been dashed by his latest i…
Liam Heagney
24 Sep 2022, 4:16
George McGuigan and his 'constant dialogue with England'
Dave Walder is hoping that Newcastle can get two hookers - the uncapped George McGuigan and the six-cap Jamie Blamire - named in t…
Liam Heagney
23 Sep 2022, 9:57
'I have the down moments, the uncertainty, the financial pressure'
Former England full-back Mike Brown has spoken about his struggle transitioning from being a high-profile rugby player to life aft…
Liam Heagney
23 Sep 2022, 9:43
'There's nothing in this group where you see he is like a sheep'
London Irish head coach Les Kiss has explained how a first Test cap with England has elevated the confidence of Will Joseph, the r…
Liam Heagney
23 Sep 2022, 7:54
The Gloucester verdict on back three Carreras as the Argentina No10
Gloucester boss George Skivington has given his verdict on watching club full-back/wing Santiago Carreras become the regular start…
Liam Heagney
23 Sep 2022, 7:15
Jake White makes 'I'll buy their first beer' promise to Bulls fans
World Cup-winning coach Jake White has committed to buying a round of drinks for 1,000 Bulls fans following Saturday’s home URC …
Liam Heagney
23 Sep 2022, 4:52
Chris Farrell stood down by Munster over French court case
Ireland midfielder Chris Farrell has been stood down with immediate effect by Munster after the Bordeaux Court of Appeal confirmed…
Liam Heagney
23 Sep 2022, 4:17
Jonathan Thomas has a new job eight months after exiting Worcester
Former Worcester head coach Jonathan Thomas has landed himself a new role eight months after he left the Warriors following the ar…
Liam Heagney
22 Sep 2022, 13:11
The 'surreal, bizarre' London Irish verdict on playing with just 12
London Irish head coach Les Kiss has proudly reflected on the crazy period after half-time last Saturday where his team had to pla…
Liam Heagney
22 Sep 2022, 12:17
The 'incredibly powerful kid' starring for Andre-less Harlequins
Harlequins have given their verdict on Lennox Anyanwu, the 21-year-old who has worn the No12 jersey so far this season with Andre …
Liam Heagney
22 Sep 2022, 11:42
Argentina change two backs and include uncapped forward on bench
Michael Cheika has made two changes to his Argentina team for this Saturday’s Rugby Championship finale versus the Springboks in…
Liam Heagney
22 Sep 2022, 8:38
Ex-Premiership title winner posts dire 'two more teams' warning
Retired Gallagher Premiership title winner Jim Hamilton has warned that the top-flight in England hasn’t felt the worst of the f…
Liam Heagney
22 Sep 2022, 8:03
Six changes for Wasps as they name team despite administration
Wasps have shrugged off the devastating news that they are to appoint an administrator to help find a solution to their financial …
Liam Heagney
22 Sep 2022, 7:30
The 'right on the edge' hunch Gloucester have about Jack Singleton
Gloucester boss George Skivington has praised hooker Jack Singleton for his can-do attitude in offsetting his England frustrations…
Liam Heagney
22 Sep 2022, 4:49
The 'every second' promise Leicester have made about Nemani Nadolo
Steve Borthwick has called on Leicester to appreciate every last second Nemani Nadolo will spend at the English club before his mi…
Liam Heagney
22 Sep 2022, 4:29
Ronan O'Gara slapped with heavy ban at Top 14 disciplinary hearing
Heineken Champions Cup-winning coach Ronan O’Gara has been banned for six weeks by officials in France following his latest brus…
Liam Heagney
22 Sep 2022, 4:17
The 'clocking off' Worcester post that won Twitter Wednesday night
Worcester were lauded on Wednesday night for posting what numerous people described as the tweet of the season during their Premie…
Liam Heagney
22 Sep 2022, 4:09
Wasps statement: Club's 138-word response to administration reports
Wasps have issued a 138-word statement following reports on Wednesday that the financially stricken Gallagher Premiership club had…
Liam Heagney
21 Sep 2022, 15:12
Wasps going into administration and facing relegation - reports
Financially troubled Wasps are poised to enter administration, a development that will leave them vulnerable to relegation from th…
Liam Heagney
21 Sep 2022, 14:17
'Am I allowed to say? I think he is available'
Marcus Smith is poised to play his first match of the season for Harlequins next Sunday at Exeter after assistant coach Adam Jones…
Interview
Liam Heagney
21 Sep 2022, 11:43
'All parties remain concerned': Worcester given two RFU deadlines
The continued participation of Worcester in the 2022/23 Gallagher Premiership has been thrown into yet more doubt after the RFU is…
Liam Heagney
21 Sep 2022, 9:51
'Incredible': Erasmus tweets about smart tactics' of Sexton, Steyn
South Africa director of rugby Rassie Erasmus has tweeted praise for veteran pair Johnny Sexton and Frans Steyn and the way they a…
Liam Heagney
21 Sep 2022, 8:33
French trial prosecutors want Laporte and Altrad to serve jail time
The prosecution team in the high-profile French rugby trial has outlined at the Paris Criminal Court the punishments it wants to b…
Liam Heagney
21 Sep 2022, 7:39
'Big leg day' video shows free agent Jack McGrath is fighting back
Ex-Ireland loosehead Jack McGrath - who featured in all three 2017 Lions Test matches versus the All Blacks - has been charting hi…
Liam Heagney
21 Sep 2022, 6:01
22-man Worcester squad includes assistant coach and retired player
Stricken Worcester have finally confirmed their team for Wednesday night’s first-round match as they begin their defence as Prem…
Liam Heagney
21 Sep 2022, 5:17
Easter slams 'false promises' and retweets damning Worcester story
Former England back-rower Nick Easter has tweeted his frustration over the ongoing saga of broken promises at crisis club Worceste…
Liam Heagney
21 Sep 2022, 4:49
'It's incredible that he is back and fighting, he is revved up'
Gloucester boss George Skivington has described the incredible fightback that Jake Polledri has gone through to get back into prof…
Interview
Liam Heagney
20 Sep 2022, 12:27
The car park call that has Gloucester hopeful Worcester will turn up
Gloucester boss George Skivington is hopeful that a request from Worcester for car parking spaces to be reserved at Kingsholm is a…
Liam Heagney
20 Sep 2022, 11:30
The 'mental health' reason why Springboks resisted Jantjies recall
Springboks boss Jacques Nienaber has explained why he opted not to bring seasoned fly-half Elton Jantjies back into the fold this …
Liam Heagney
20 Sep 2022, 10:42
Fit-again Jake Polledri named to play his first match in 22 months
Gloucester back-rower Jake Polledri will play for his first match in nearly two years when he lines out for his club in Wednesday�…
Liam Heagney
20 Sep 2022, 7:50
Leiua secures URC contract seven weeks after Pro D2 deal torn up
Former Samoan international Alapati Leiua has secured a deal at the Stormers for the new URC season seven weeks after he had a two…
Liam Heagney
20 Sep 2022, 7:24
Irish bolster squad with two front rowers and a back from Scotland
London Irish have bolstered their Gallagher Premiership front row resources by bringing in two short-term signings from Edinburgh,…
Liam Heagney
20 Sep 2022, 6:42
Red-carded Sale prop Schonert banned after head-on-head charge
Sale prop Nick Schonert has been banned for three matches following his first-half red card last Saturday versus Bath in the Galla…
Liam Heagney
20 Sep 2022, 6:05
Two changes to Springboks team and bomb squad is also beefed up
Jacques Nienaber has named a Springboks team showing two changes for this Saturday’s Rugby Championship finale versus Argentina …
Liam Heagney
20 Sep 2022, 5:46
'New Zealand was massive for my development... I'd recommend it to anyone'
Joe Marchant was at it again on Saturday, the midfielder demonstrating his invaluable backline flexibility by filling in on the Ha…
Interview
Liam Heagney
18 Sep 2022, 4:42
'I've learned recently to be more self-deprecating than arrogant'
Spotting the lesser spotted things has become a trademark of Healey since he swapped the boots for commentary booth, going on to b…
Interview
Liam Heagney
18 Sep 2022, 4:00
Grim injury bulletin from Bath on England duo Underhill and Obano
Flanker Sam Underhill is set to miss the England autumn Test programme because of a shoulder problem that requires surgery, while …
Liam Heagney
17 Sep 2022, 13:10
Wales skipper Dan Biggar a late withdrawal for Northampton
Wales skipper Dan Biggar was a late withdrawal from the Northampton team on Saturday for their round two Gallagher Premiership gam…
Liam Heagney
17 Sep 2022, 9:10
'He didn't look like he has been away at all, let alone two years'
Last Sunday in Manchester wasn’t just a celebration of an opening round Gallagher Premiership win for Sale, there was also great…
Liam Heagney
17 Sep 2022, 7:03
'You don't get many opportunities to see two greyhounds going at it'
Lee Blackett has outlined his satisfaction that one-time England prospect Ali Crossdale has dusted himself down following an initi…
Liam Heagney
17 Sep 2022, 6:30
'People outside don't big him up much, he is not as flashy'
Pat Lam likes his marquee signings at Ashton Gate, the likes of ex-All Blacks Charles Piutau and Steven Luatua along with England …
Liam Heagney
17 Sep 2022, 5:14
'You said the word sensational, I think he has got a big way to go'
One of the left-field success stories of the 2021/22 Gallagher Premiership season was the breakthrough at Saracens of the unherald…
Liam Heagney
17 Sep 2022, 4:42
'We're kind of like a fat, overweight, totally unfit rugby team...'
When RugbyPass caught up with Nick Mullins on September 7 when he was high up in the BT Tower overlooking the kaleidoscopic London…
Interview
Liam Heagney
17 Sep 2022, 4:15
The 44-second 'thank goodness' video appeal from Steve Diamond
Worcester boss Steve Diamond has posted a short video message to social media expressing his thanks that this Sunday’s Gallagher…
Liam Heagney
16 Sep 2022, 10:38
Worcester, Exeter name teams after in-doubt match gets go-ahead
Worcester have belatedly named their team for Sunday’s Gallagher Premiership match at home to Exeter after they were finally giv…
Liam Heagney
16 Sep 2022, 10:10
RFU statement: The Worcester Premiership match versus Exeter
This Sunday’s Gallagher Premiership match between Worcester and Exeter at Sixways has been given permission by the RFU to procee…
Liam Heagney
16 Sep 2022, 8:19
Saracens include Farrell but no sign yet of Smith for Harlequins
England skipper Owen Farrell will captain Saracens this Saturday at The Stoop but he won’t face Test teammate Marcus Smith as Ha…
Liam Heagney
16 Sep 2022, 7:42
'I don't think it is as big a shift as some people are saying'
Rob Baxter has played down the significance of no longer having a hands-on match day role at Exeter, the director of rugby instead…
Liam Heagney
16 Sep 2022, 6:59
Munster-style coaching has piqued the Sale focus for Bath trip
Sale boss Alex Sanderson has warned his Sharks they have much to worry about when they visit a revitalised Bath on Saturday in rou…
Liam Heagney
16 Sep 2022, 6:08
The busted myth that left Wasps leaning on psychologist this week
Wasps boss Lee Blackett has revealed that the wounding nature of their opening round Gallagher Premiership loss at Gloucester last…
Liam Heagney
16 Sep 2022, 6:00
PGB statement: Requirements for promotion to the Premiership
The professional game board at the RFU have agreed to loosen the criteria governing the minimum stadium capacity rule that prevent…
Liam Heagney
16 Sep 2022, 5:14
'It's just gold what these guys have done, both of them'
Pat Lam had declared himself hugely impressed by the way England front row duo Ellis Genge and Kyle Sinckler have taken the younge…
Liam Heagney
16 Sep 2022, 4:39
The curious 'too up and down' verdict by nearly champions Saracens
Mark McCall has curiously labelled Saracens’ 2021/22 return to the Gallagher Premiership as inconsistent even though they just l…
Liam Heagney
16 Sep 2022, 4:10
RFU statement: Worcester set Friday deadline or face suspension
Troubled Worcester Warriors face suspension by the RFU if a deadline of 12 noon on Friday regarding their ability to safely hold m…
Liam Heagney
15 Sep 2022, 15:51
Seven changes for Argentina as Cheika reacts to Hamilton hammering
Michael Cheika has made seven changes to his Argentina side as they look to remain in The Rugby Championship title race with this …
Liam Heagney
15 Sep 2022, 9:49
Exeter explain how robbery left Vermeulen stranded in South Africa
Exeter back-rower Jacques Vermeulen will finally fly back into England this weekend after being stranded at home in South Africa f…
Liam Heagney
15 Sep 2022, 8:44
The Bristol verdict on a rare Premiership match without having TMO
Pat Lam has admitted he will be glad that the TMO will be back in action when Bristol face Wasps this Saturday in Coventry followi…
Liam Heagney
15 Sep 2022, 7:02
Wasps deliver 'not as bad as feared' update on injured Minozzi
Wasps boss Lee Blackett has expressed relief that the serious-looking injury suffered by Matteo Minozzi in the opening minutes of …
Liam Heagney
15 Sep 2022, 6:40
Worcester statement: Gone into administration letter sent in error
Financially stricken Worcester have issued a statement following an apology on Thursday from the Department of Digital, Culture, M…
Liam Heagney
15 Sep 2022, 5:50
'As of now, quarter to 10, I haven't had any information'
Rob Baxter has explained that Exeter are very much in the dark as to the status of this Sunday’s scheduled away Gallagher Premie…
Liam Heagney
15 Sep 2022, 5:27
'He'd be a brilliant coach, the Ford apple doesn't fall far'
Sale boss Alex Sanderson has predicted that new signing George Ford has the potential to be a brilliant coach once his playing car…
Liam Heagney
14 Sep 2022, 14:03
'Very concerning': Jantjies' wife breaks silence, slams Springboks
Iva Jantjies has broken her silence after her husband Elton was sent home by the Springboks last Sunday following newspaper allega…
Liam Heagney
14 Sep 2022, 12:19
'We had a freeze on, unfortunately the timing wasn't right'
Wasps boss Lee Blackett has admitted they did put in an offer for Christian Wade but it came too late for their former record-scor…
Liam Heagney
14 Sep 2022, 11:11
'Apologetic, remorseful and ashamed' Annett banned after red card
New Bath hooker Niall Annett has been banned following one of the most bizarre non-debuts ever in the Gallagher Premiership last w…
Liam Heagney
14 Sep 2022, 8:50
Four capped players named in the 35-man Emerging Ireland squad
Robert Baloucoune, Caolin Blade, Shane Daly and Max Deegan are the four players previously capped by Andy Farrell at Test level wi…
Liam Heagney
14 Sep 2022, 8:19
'It is what it is': Bristol confirm lengthy spell out for Luatua
Bristol have admitted that the pre-season injury suffered last month by former All Blacks back-rower Steven Luatua has turned out …
Liam Heagney
14 Sep 2022, 7:40
The '80 per cent sure' Springboks update on injured Pollard and Am
Jacques Nienaber has delivered an update on how long injured Springboks duo Handre Pollard and Lukhanyo Am will potentially be abs…
Liam Heagney
14 Sep 2022, 6:25
'Even this morning he was out at 7:30 with Callum doing a session'
Bristol have confirmed that kicking coach Dave Alred will remain at the Gallagher Premiership club through to the end of the 2022/…
Liam Heagney
14 Sep 2022, 5:11
Saracens update: Nick Isiekwe a doubt for 2023 Six Nations start
Saracens boss Mark McCall has provided an update on the length of time that England lock Nick Isiekwe will be missing from the gam…
Liam Heagney
14 Sep 2022, 4:06
Worcester statement: Club sale is agreed with 'an interested party'
Worcester co-owners Colin Goldring and Jason Whittingham have agreed on terms with an undisclosed buyer for the financially strick…
Liam Heagney
13 Sep 2022, 12:28
Springboks tactic sees Nienaber avoid Jantjies questions from media
Jacques Nienaber’s Springboks team announcement from Buenos Aires on Tuesday passed off without a single question being put to h…
Liam Heagney
13 Sep 2022, 12:12
Erasmus tweets back at Springboks legend who made Jantjies joke
Rassie Erasmus has responded on Twitter after he was tagged by a legendary Springboks back-rower in an awkward message about Elton…
Liam Heagney
13 Sep 2022, 11:29
Starting team unchanged but Springboks shake up their bomb squad
Jacques Nienaber has named a Springboks team to play Argentina this Saturday in Buenos Aires that shows no changes from the XV tha…
Liam Heagney
13 Sep 2022, 10:47
'It's a pity the season doesn't start a bit later sometimes'
Saracens boss Mark McCall has bemoaned how the Gallagher Premiership in England doesn’t start a bit later so that all the Englan…
Liam Heagney
13 Sep 2022, 10:29
'I watched it without getting too animated, but I care deeply'
If proof was needed that Henry Slade isn’t far from a return to the pitch with Exeter following the summer shoulder surgery, the…
Interview
Liam Heagney
13 Sep 2022, 8:09
Leinster add two more staff, including an ex-Gaelic footballer
Leo Cullen has completed his backroom staff ahead of the new URC season with Leinster, confirming that ex-Dublin and Leitrim Gaeli…
Liam Heagney
13 Sep 2022, 6:18
'What has transpired over the last six years has been a disgrace'
Legendary Munster out-half Tony Ward has slammed the downturn in the province’s fortunes in recent times, describing the past si…
Liam Heagney
13 Sep 2022, 5:22
'I was all over the shop, sleeping in the car outside rugby stadiums'
You know an interview has gone rollickingly well when the interviewee wraps things up by saying, “You have my number, if you eve…
Interview
Liam Heagney
11 Sep 2022, 4:35
Video: Arundell needs just seconds as a sub to craft wonder try
Teenage sensation Henry Arundell needed "no longer than about 40 seconds" off the London Irish bench on Saturday to continue the s…
Liam Heagney
10 Sep 2022, 14:00
'Correct decision': Freddie Burns quickly goes from hero to villain
Just 19 minutes of the new Gallagher Premiership season were all that was needed for the title-clinching Freddie Burns to go from …
Liam Heagney
10 Sep 2022, 11:02
'You could go a 1,000 years and never meet anyone as extraordinary'
BT Sport struck the perfect chord on Saturday when they launched live TV coverage of the new 2022/23 Gallagher Premiership season …
Liam Heagney
10 Sep 2022, 10:12
Premiership Rugby statement: How tribute will be paid to the Queen
Premiership Rugby have issued a statement explaining how tribute would be paid this weekend to the late Her Majesty Queen Elizabet…
Liam Heagney
10 Sep 2022, 8:51
The 'honestly' Tommaso Allan reply when asked about Marcus Smith
It’s surely one of the most difficult jobs anywhere in club rugby, being the understudy to Harlequins’ Marcus Smith, but Itali…
Interview
Liam Heagney
10 Sep 2022, 7:23
'I told them one or two things I'd do differently from day one'
New director of rugby Dave Walder is full of optimism that his Newcastle can be a bit more consistent this term than they were in …
Interview
Liam Heagney
10 Sep 2022, 6:06
'We were very open about that, we would have got a better Adam'
New Newcastle boss Dave Walder has admitted to RugbyPass that the Falcons got their strategy wrong last season with England prospe…
Liam Heagney
09 Sep 2022, 12:53
Crisis club Worcester names team for its Premiership London opener
Worcester have named the match day 23 for its opening game of the 2022/23 Gallagher Premiership season, a fixture at London Irish …
Liam Heagney
09 Sep 2022, 12:04
The 'ironic' reaction when Steve Diamond contacted agents this week
Worcester boss Steve Diamond has claimed that the suggestion there were upwards of 80 players from last season left uncontracted h…
Liam Heagney
09 Sep 2022, 8:34
Premiership Rugby statement: Gallagher Premiership round one games
Premiership Rugby bosses have announced that all six opening round Gallagher Premiership matches this weekend will definitely stil…
Liam Heagney
09 Sep 2022, 8:00
'File has made good progress lately': Lancaster linked with Top 14
Ex-England boss Stuart Lancaster has been linked with a switch next season from Irish club Leinster to the Top 14. His English tea…
Liam Heagney
09 Sep 2022, 6:30
Speculation that Duhan van der Merwe could join Racing has ended
The rumoured move of Duhan van der Merwe from cash-strapped Worcester to Racing 92 has reportedly ended with the Parisians turning…
Liam Heagney
09 Sep 2022, 5:25
'I think he is at peace with it now, he struggled for a few weeks'
New Newcastle director of rugby Dave Walder has explained how ex-England back-rower Mark Wilson has taken to coaching in his first…
Liam Heagney
08 Sep 2022, 9:55
Fit-again Manu Tuilagi at No12 as Sale and Northampton name teams
England powerhouse Manu Tuilagi will play his first rugby match in 16 weeks after Sale named him to start in their Gallagher Premi…
Liam Heagney
08 Sep 2022, 7:37
Genge and Sinckler included as Bristol and Bath name round one teams
England vice-captain Ellis Genge will start for Bristol in this Friday’s Ashton Gate west country derby versus Bath.
Liam Heagney
08 Sep 2022, 7:13
'Since I became a coach, I had never seen that. I call that class'
Bordeaux boss Christophe Urios has hailed the immediate impact of their Congolese signing Madosh Tambwe, revealing that the two-tr…
Liam Heagney
08 Sep 2022, 5:31
'There are no more operations, he looks like a new man'
Exeter have expressed delight that long-time absentee Ollie Devoto is finally on the mend following a double hip operation after a…
Liam Heagney
08 Sep 2022, 4:36
'As a raw talent with potential, he's as good as anyone at tighthead'
Alex Sanderson reckons Sale will only have themselves to blame if promising 21-year-old tighthead James Harper doesn’t become a …
Liam Heagney
08 Sep 2022, 3:54
'On match days, Rob necessarily won't be with the team'
Exeter head coach Ali Hepher has explained that long-serving director of rugby Rob Baxter will have a less hands-on role with the …
Liam Heagney
07 Sep 2022, 11:36
Pro D2 club tweets the name of Vakatawa replacement at Racing
A Pro D2 French club has named the player that will replace Virimi Vakatawa at Racing after the shock Monday revelation that the F…
Liam Heagney
07 Sep 2022, 7:06
'He was playing in a lot of pain towards the end of last season'
Exeter have revealed the real reason why Stuart Hogg didn’t travel on the three-Test Scotland tour to Argentina in July was beca…
Liam Heagney
07 Sep 2022, 6:21
'The job has been very good, I was gone out of it for a few years'
Declan Kidney allowed himself a chuckle when it was put to the London Irish boss that he is now fourth on the list of current long…
Interview
Liam Heagney
07 Sep 2022, 5:00
Bath statement: Appointment of Ben Spencer as new club captain
Ben Spencer has been named Bath club captain for the 2022/23 season. The England scrum-half arrived at The Rec for the post-lockdo…
Liam Heagney
07 Sep 2022, 4:48
The new 'greater understanding of what breaks' Manu Tuilagi
Sale boss Alex Sanderson believes the Gallager Premiership club and England are now much better aligned in their quest to get Manu…
Liam Heagney
07 Sep 2022, 4:08
Marco van Staden names his new club 67 days after exiting Leicester
Springboks back-rower Marco van Staden has named his new club 67 days after it was confirmed by Leicester that they had agreed on …
Liam Heagney
06 Sep 2022, 13:09
'This is a sticky subject': Sale break silence on Marland Yarde exit
Sale boss Alex Sanderson has broken the club’s silence on its terminated relationship with Marland Yarde, the ex-England interna…
Liam Heagney
06 Sep 2022, 11:59
'I didn't feel any symptoms': Vakatawa explains shock retirement
France midfielder Virimi Vakatawa has explained the reason why he has retired from playing rugby with immediate effect at the age …
Liam Heagney
06 Sep 2022, 7:58
'It's non-negotiable, I'm playing that game, no one is stopping me'
Bristol boss Pat Lam has hailed the phenomenal impact of Ellis Genge around the club as he prepares to feature in Friday’s Galla…
Liam Heagney
06 Sep 2022, 7:22
'Something you dream of': Mercer to play against All Blacks XV
Zach Mercer, the likely 2023 World Cup call-up for England, will get an early chance to take on international opposition as he has…
Liam Heagney
06 Sep 2022, 7:04
Corruption trial against Bernard Laporte opens on Wednesday
French rugby president Bernard Laporte, the current World Rugby vice-chairman, will be in court this Wednesday in France to answer…
Liam Heagney
06 Sep 2022, 6:06
Erasmus tweets promise following criticism from Springboks legend
Rassie Erasmus has again been busy on Twitter, this time reacting to online criticism from a former Springboks back-rower about So…
Liam Heagney
06 Sep 2022, 5:23
'All of them are social animals, they are great craic'
Alex Sanderson is liking the altered feel of his Sale squad, believing it now adds great credence to how he believes the Mancheste…
Interview
Liam Heagney
05 Sep 2022, 6:25
'I was in denial I was missing it, I didn't admit it to myself'
It’s taken eight years but Brian O’Driscoll, the legendary Ireland midfielder who retired in 2014 after 15 years at the very t…
Interview
Liam Heagney
04 Sep 2022, 4:23
'I'm hoping I haven't changed, fame isn't a massive thing for me'
If Tommy Freeman is indicative of the level-headedness of the new breed of youngsters making their way with England a year out fro…
Interview
Liam Heagney
04 Sep 2022, 3:33
Video: The awkward All Blacks moment Jason Ryan snubbed Joe Schmidt
The All Blacks got their Rugby Championship title challenge back on track with a 53-3 thrashing of Argentina, but one of the main …
Liam Heagney
03 Sep 2022, 9:46
Video: Eben Etzebeth confronts Allan Alaalatoa in an angry bust-up
Saturday’s Rugby Championship encounter in Sydney had a feisty denouement when a mass scuffle that had Eben Etzebeth and Allan A…
Liam Heagney
03 Sep 2022, 8:29
Edinburgh statement: Stadium emergency results in abandoned match
Edinburgh have issued a statement after “an emergency situation inside the stadium” resulted in the abandonment of their home …
Liam Heagney
03 Sep 2022, 5:06
Marland Yarde tweets apology eight months after arrest by police
Former England international Marland Yarde has issued an apology eight months after his arrest by police which ended his five-year…
Liam Heagney
03 Sep 2022, 4:09
Statement: Worcester co-owners put Morecambe FC up for sale
The precarious financial situation at Worcester has spilt over from the Gallagher Premiership into football’s League One in Engl…
Liam Heagney
02 Sep 2022, 14:39
'I've been made homeless': How dire the Worcester plight really is
A coordinated social media video campaign on Friday highlighting that the Worcester players and staff remain unpaid has revealed t…
Liam Heagney
02 Sep 2022, 9:30
The post-tour change Irish have seen in new England cap Arundell
Declan Kidney had given his verdict on what becoming a newly capped England player has done for the teenage Henry Arundell now tha…
Liam Heagney
02 Sep 2022, 8:37
'I'm honoured': Former Russia coach Lyn Jones starts a new job
Ex-Russia boss Lyn Jones has landed himself a new coaching job with the Netherlands ten months after he stepped away from the coun…
Liam Heagney
02 Sep 2022, 7:19
Benetton statement: Monty Ioane exits with 'mental health issues'
Italian URC club Benetton have revealed their contract with Monty Ioane has been terminated by mutual agreement just months after …
Liam Heagney
02 Sep 2022, 6:40
'We're really frustrated, we haven't been paid - we need answers'
Worcester players and staff have flooded Twitter with a coordinated series of video messages after it emerged on Friday morning th…
Liam Heagney
02 Sep 2022, 6:04
Christian Wade names the city where he expects to play his rugby
Ex-Wasps star Christian Wade has teased that his return to rugby is near four years after his last Gallagher Premiership appearanc…
Liam Heagney
02 Sep 2022, 4:50
Saracens statement: England lock Nick Isiekwe will undergo surgery
Nick Isiekwe will miss England’s Autumn Nations Series after Saracens confirmed that he will undergo an unspecified operation th…
Liam Heagney
02 Sep 2022, 4:27
All Blacks face a new rankings low if beaten again by Argentina
Ian Foster’s struggling All Blacks face a new world rankings low if they are beaten for the second successive Saturday at home b…
Liam Heagney
01 Sep 2022, 13:40
The new-season 'promise' Freddie Burns has made to Steve Borthwick
Steve Borthwick was in his element on Thursday, returning to Twickenham 75 days after his significant transformation of fallen gia…
Liam Heagney
01 Sep 2022, 10:55
'Worcester are not out of the woods yet, let's be frank about that'
Worcester boss Steve Diamond gave his London Irish counterpart Declan Kidney a massive handshake on his way out the door at Twicke…
Liam Heagney
01 Sep 2022, 9:39
'Positive energy' Diamond tweet will delight all Worcester fans
Worcester boss Steve Diamond has tweeted confirmation that all his players have been paid and that their Gallagher Premiership sea…
Liam Heagney
01 Sep 2022, 3:23
'Fantastic example' Matawalu takes up a Welsh Premiership deal
One of the most curious transfers of the summer was confirmed on Wednesday evening when Welsh Premiership club Pontypridd revealed…
Liam Heagney
31 Aug 2022, 19:47
'Unethical to play': Diamond tweet confirms Worcester game is off
The Gallagher Premiership future of financially stricken Worcester Warriors was plunged into further turmoil ahead of the new 2022…
Liam Heagney
31 Aug 2022, 12:16
Rassie Erasmus laughs off story about urinating Springboks player
Rassie Erasmus has laughed off a newspaper article claiming that a complaint was made against an unnamed Springboks player for uri…
Liam Heagney
31 Aug 2022, 9:18
'You just take it, maybe it is my bad, my mistake...'
Springboks prop Trevor Nyakane has addressed the issue of gamesmanship in rugby following last weekend’s incidents in his team�…
Liam Heagney
31 Aug 2022, 8:46
Jesse Kriel sizes up task of replacing 'amazing rugby' Lukhanyo Am
Jesse Kriel has been speaking about the task of matching the impeccable recent form of Lukhanyo Am when he steps into the No13 Spr…
Liam Heagney
31 Aug 2022, 7:15
IRFU statement: Emerging Ireland tour to South Africa
Andy Farrell is looking to quickly build on the recent Ireland tour to New Zealand by sending an Emerging Ireland squad to South A…
Liam Heagney
31 Aug 2022, 6:32
The ex-Springboks' deal that ended the Wasps recruitment freeze
Wasps’ new deal for Francois Hougaard, the ex-Springboks scrum-half, was the moment that ended the recruitment freeze that hit t…
Liam Heagney
31 Aug 2022, 5:51
New Glasgow skipper's 'ridiculous' target after Leinster thrashing
New Glasgow skipper Kyle Steyn has set a bold target just months after the humiliating URC quarter-final loss at Leinster.
Liam Heagney
31 Aug 2022, 5:05
Springboks statement: Pollard and Am's Championship-ending injuries
Jacques Nienaber’s Springboks will finish out their Rugby Championship campaign without fly-half Handre Pollard and centre Lukha…
Liam Heagney
31 Aug 2022, 4:23
RPA statement: Worcester players' employment rights
The RPA have issued a statement with the involvement of Worcester in the looming Gallagher Premiership season remaining in serious…
Liam Heagney
30 Aug 2022, 15:01
Northampton CEO's letter to fans on the 'stark' Worcester reminder
Northampton CEO Mark Darbon has penned an open letter to Saints fans ahead of the 2022/23 Gallagher Premiership season that dwells…
Liam Heagney
30 Aug 2022, 12:24
'It's not dog-eat-dog': Wasps' verdict on the crisis at Worcester
Wasps boss Lee Blackett has claimed he won’t look to sign players from troubled Gallager Premiership rivals Worcester even thoug…
Liam Heagney
30 Aug 2022, 11:25
Leaked email claims Worcester won't get paid this month - report
Beleaguered Worcester are set to be plunged into a fresh stage of its financial crisis as a leaked email has reportedly revealed t…
Liam Heagney
30 Aug 2022, 9:22
Springboks explain why Mostert is starting ahead of two-try Smith
The Springboks have explained why sub lock Franco Mostert has been chosen ahead of two-try sub back-rower Kwagga Smith as next Sat…
Liam Heagney
30 Aug 2022, 8:20
The 'mature' reason why Springboks named 19-year-old wing Moodie
Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber is backing the Test debut-making Canan Moodie to make his mark when he runs out wearing the No14…
Liam Heagney
30 Aug 2022, 7:30
'Bona fide freak of an athlete': Freeman inks new Northampton deal
England newcomer Tommy Freeman has capped his brilliant breakthrough year at Test level by inking a new unspecified length, long-t…
Liam Heagney
30 Aug 2022, 5:51
Gloucester statement: Zach Mercer joins from Montpellier
Zach Mercer has put himself in the shop window for England selection for the 2023 World Cup finals in France after Gloucester offi…
Liam Heagney
30 Aug 2022, 5:12
Eight changes for Springboks, including debut for a 19-year-old
Head coach Jacques Nienaber has made eight changes to his starting Springboks team to take on the Wallabies in this Saturday’s R…
Liam Heagney
30 Aug 2022, 4:51
Munster statement: Venue for November game versus the Springboks
Munster have confirmed where they will host the Springboks, announcing that the 45,000-capacity Páirc Uí Chaoimh GAA ground in C…
Liam Heagney
27 Aug 2022, 9:36
Christian Wade scores twice in first rugby match in four years
Christian Wade has demonstrated he hasn’t lost the knack of scoring tries as the 31-year-old ran in two for Racing in their open…
Liam Heagney
27 Aug 2022, 8:31
'A few sort of simple errors': Cane explains shock All Blacks loss
All Blacks skipper Sam Cane has blamed "a few simple errors" for his team’s latest damaging setback, Saturday’s demoralising 2…
Liam Heagney
27 Aug 2022, 6:24
Steve Diamond tweet: The pre-season Worcester game in Scotland
Worcester boss Steve Diamond has tweeted that next weekend’s pre-season battle of the Warriors friendly versus Glasgow will go a…
Liam Heagney
26 Aug 2022, 11:10
Ex-All Black Francis Saili in limbo as new French season kicks off
Former All Blacks midfielder Francis Saili is facing having to play for Biarritz in this season's Pro D2 after rumoured Top 14 mov…
Liam Heagney
26 Aug 2022, 9:08
'Can't wait to get started': Stade name replacement for Laumape
Stade Francais have named their replacement for the Japanese-bound Ngani Laumape, confirming the signing of midfielder Jeremy Ward…
Liam Heagney
26 Aug 2022, 8:13
Christian Wade to play first rugby match in four years on Saturday
Former England international Christian Wade is set to play his first rugby match in four years when he lines out this Saturday for…
Liam Heagney
26 Aug 2022, 6:09
Worcester owners: 'Asset stripping accusation is completely false'
Co-owner Colin Goldring has issued a near 1,300-word statement rebutting the accusation that the Worcester Warriors club owners - …
Liam Heagney
26 Aug 2022, 5:15
'Sam's been in': Free agent Lewis on trial at a Premiership club
It was June 1 when Worcester confirmed that flanker Sam Lewis would depart Sixways when his contract expired at the end of 2021/22…
Liam Heagney
25 Aug 2022, 10:45
Anthony Watson: 'My favourite thing about Leicester so far...'
Fit-again England back Anthony Watson has revealed his favourite thing so far at Leicester since his summer switch to the Gallaghe…
Liam Heagney
25 Aug 2022, 10:08
'Great core of homegrown': Harlequins confirm 68-man 2022/23 squad
Harlequins have confirmed a 68-man senior squad - consisting of 43 senior players and bolstered by 25 from the club’s senior aca…
Liam Heagney
25 Aug 2022, 7:49
'An impressive athlete': Wasps hand trialist a full-time deal
Financially troubled Wasps have unveiled their sixth signing ahead of their 2022/23 season, confirming that trialist Cam Dodson ha…
Liam Heagney
25 Aug 2022, 7:17
'He gave me a discount': Warm Foster welcome in Razor heartland
All Blacks boss Ian Foster has reported that he has been warmly received in Christchurch - the heartland of Scott Robertson territ…
Liam Heagney
25 Aug 2022, 6:05
Report: Worcester owners sell Sixways car park... to themselves
Attention in recent days has switched to the curious selling off of some valuable Worcester Warriors assets at Sixways to separate…
Liam Heagney
25 Aug 2022, 5:23
Rennie names Wallabies side with six changes and beefed up bench
Dave Rennie has made six changes as the Wallabies look to bounce back from their recent heavy defeat to Argentina when they host t…
Liam Heagney
25 Aug 2022, 3:36
Bayonne statement: Police arrest of the club's assistant coach
Top 14 newcomers Bayonne have issued a statement following the arrest of lineout coach Antoine Battut and their former physical tr…
Liam Heagney
24 Aug 2022, 12:43
Northampton explain new deal for 'real scrum time handful' Iyogun
Phil Dowson has explained why Northampton were so keen to get Emmanuel Iyogun to sign an unspecified length, new long-term contrac…
Liam Heagney
24 Aug 2022, 10:19
Mohed Altrad has his say on Zach Mercer to Gloucester speculation
Montpellier owner Mohed Altrad has had his say on speculation linking Zach Mercer to a switch to Gloucester and a return to the Ga…
Liam Heagney
24 Aug 2022, 9:52
'That was hell, that was honestly hell'
Former Gloucester lock Ed Slater has provided a compelling insight about how he was diagnosed with MND. It was July when the Galla…
Interview
Liam Heagney
24 Aug 2022, 8:08
Springboks statement: Confirmed November tour match with Munster
Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber are taking their Springboks ‘home’ to Ireland next November after a fixture between Munste…
Liam Heagney
24 Aug 2022, 7:51
'I'm available for the Wallabies': Ex-AB Kerr-Barlow wants to swap
All Blacks World Cup winner Tawera Kerr-Barlow has reiterated his desire to change allegiance and line out for the Wallabies. The …
Liam Heagney
24 Aug 2022, 5:23
'Can't wait to get to work': Ngani Laumape confirms his new club
Just weeks after negotiating the early termination of his Top 14 contract with Stade Francais, former All Blacks midfielder Ngani …
Liam Heagney
24 Aug 2022, 4:44
A one-word Steve Diamond tweet has fired-up the Worcester fans
Steve Diamond has garnered much love and sympathy for his Worcester players with a one-word tweet posted on Tuesday.
Liam Heagney
23 Aug 2022, 12:16
Ex-Ireland forward lands Munster job one season after retirement
Former Ireland back-rower Tommy O’Donnell has secured a Munster coaching role one year after his retirement from playing. It was…
Liam Heagney
23 Aug 2022, 9:54
Duckworth family statement: Financial crisis at Worcester Warriors
The family of the late Cecil Duckworth, the former owner of the Worcester who led the club to their first-ever Premiership promoti…
Liam Heagney
23 Aug 2022, 8:06
'Incredibly sad': Sanderson tweets support for Worcester fundraiser
Ex-England back-rower Pat Sanderson has tweeted his support for an online fund-raising initiative set up to raise money for people…
Liam Heagney
23 Aug 2022, 7:30
'We will be challenging James': Retired Davies' new Scarlets job
Ex-Wales back-rower James Davies is back in the game just over 20 weeks since his retirement as a Scarlets player was confirmed be…
Liam Heagney
23 Aug 2022, 7:00
'We're excited': Bath hero Jon Callard is back working at The Rec
Jon Callard is back at Bath after agreeing to become kicking coach at the club now headed up by Johann van Graan for the 2022/23 s…
Liam Heagney
23 Aug 2022, 6:29
Morecambe statement: The crisis at 'owners in common' Worcester
League One football club Morecambe, the other sports business owned by the Worcester Warriors owners Colin Goldring and Jason Whit…
Liam Heagney
23 Aug 2022, 6:05
Ex-Harlequins boss Mark Evans joins a Super Rugby Pacific club
Fijian Drua have named Mark Evans, the former Saracens director of rugby and Harlequins CEO and coach, as the new CEO ahead of the…
Liam Heagney
23 Aug 2022, 5:30
'I'm pleased': Ex-Wasps lock James Gaskell confirms his new club
James Gaskell has become the latest out-of-contract Gallagher Premiership player to finally find himself a new club, Japanese club…
Liam Heagney
23 Aug 2022, 4:57
'I hope and pray that rugby will get through this dark moment'
James Drake is feeling conflicted. He loves his rugby. Has done so ever since he was enchanted as a young boy playing at schools l…
Interview
Liam Heagney
21 Aug 2022, 3:47
'A real mess': Worcester set to go into administration - report
Gallagher Premiership strugglers Worcester are poised to go into administration as early as Monday amid reports that the tax bill …
Liam Heagney
20 Aug 2022, 12:44
'I wouldn't like to be in his place in a few years, it's worrying'
Geoffrey Sella, the son of the legendary Philippe Sella who retired from professional rugby after a series of debilitating concuss…
Liam Heagney
20 Aug 2022, 7:05
'Several frustrating years': Will Witty explains his Exeter exit
Will Witty has explained why he quit Exeter for the chance to join Perpignan in the Top 14. The 27-year-old bailed out of the Chie…
Liam Heagney
20 Aug 2022, 5:56
Wasps statement: Club admit HMRC dialogue over unpaid tax bill
Wasps have become the second Gallagher Premiership club this week to confirm they are in talks with the HM Revenue and Customs (HM…
Liam Heagney
20 Aug 2022, 5:28
Springboks statement: Squad finally in Adelaide after travel delay
Jacques Nienaber’s Springboks have finally touched down in Adelaide reportedly in high spirits after their original travel plan …
Liam Heagney
20 Aug 2022, 4:33
Ex-Wallabies Phipps and Naiyaravoro join the same club
Two of the many players left without a Gallagher Premiership contract at the end of the 2021/22 season have finally secured their …
Liam Heagney
19 Aug 2022, 8:35
'A lot of notes to go over': AJ MacGinty's first Bristol interview
New Bristol signing AJ MacGinty has given his first interview as a Bears player, explaining why he joined the Gallagher Premiershi…
Liam Heagney
19 Aug 2022, 7:56
Kaino names 2023 World Cup favourites and it isn't the All Blacks
Double World Cup winner Jerome Kaino has named his favourites for the 2023 World Cup - and it’s not the All Blacks even though h…
Liam Heagney
19 Aug 2022, 5:58
'Long-term contract on table': Gloucester sign Zach Mercer - report
A long-term deal has reportedly been struck that will see England prospect Zach Mercer leave Montpellier at the end of the 2022/23…
Liam Heagney
19 Aug 2022, 4:57
Wallabies statement: Dave Rennie confirms change to coaching staff
The Wallabies will take on the Springboks next week in Adelaide in round three of the Rugby Championship a coach down after Dave R…
Liam Heagney
19 Aug 2022, 4:23
Leicester statement: Hanro Liebenberg succeeds Genge as captain
Steve Borthwick has named Hanro Liebenberg as the new Leicester Tigers captain following the off-season departure to Bristol of El…
Liam Heagney
18 Aug 2022, 10:59
Christian Wade linked with medical joker move to the Top 14
Former England international Christian Wade has been linked with a move to the Top 14 nearly four years after he played his last r…
Liam Heagney
18 Aug 2022, 10:12
'Why I have been looking at the market': Baxter explains Sio deal
Exeter boss Rob Baxter has explained what convinced him to sign seasoned Wallabies front-rower Scott Sio. The expectation was that…
Liam Heagney
18 Aug 2022, 8:59
17-page case study published on how 'crisis' Munster beat Wasps
Former Wasps assistant coach Ian Costello has published a compelling 17-page case study on Linkedin examining how crisis-hit Munst…
Liam Heagney
18 Aug 2022, 8:02
'Are you completely unhinged?': Ex-Quins CEO fires up Prem debate
Wednesday’s revelation that Worcester are facing a winding-up petition from HMRC due to an unpaid tax bill ignited a lively Twit…
Liam Heagney
18 Aug 2022, 6:41
Ngani Laumape posts intriguing 'goosebumps' tweet from Wellington
Former All Blacks midfielder Ngani Laumape has ratcheted up speculation about where he will next play after posting an intriguing …
Liam Heagney
18 Aug 2022, 5:33
Wasps statements: Training ground ownership change, Arena update
Troubled Wasps have issued separate statements clarifying why club owner Derek Richardson has given up his 50 per cent share in th…
Liam Heagney
18 Aug 2022, 4:54
URC statement: 'Blown away' by TV audiences for the 2021/22 season
URC champions DHL Stormers were the most viewed team in the league last season with a total TV audience coming in at over 7.2milli…
Liam Heagney
17 Aug 2022, 11:14
Worcester statement: HMRC winding-up petition issued against club
Worcester have insisted it is business as usual at Sixways despite Wednesday's shock revelation that the Gallagher Premiership clu…
Liam Heagney
17 Aug 2022, 10:59
'The first time I met Max I basically got naked in front of him'
Ex-England back-rower James Haskell has spoken about his bizarre first meeting with Max Guazzini, the former splash-the-cash owner…
Liam Heagney
17 Aug 2022, 8:30
'Super excited about the move': Exeter sign Wallabies prop Sio
Exeter have staged a coup by capturing the signature of Wallabies loosehead Scott Sio on an unspecified length long-term deal from…
Liam Heagney
17 Aug 2022, 7:36
The painful Jonny Gray legacy that forced Henry Slade into surgery
Recuperating England midfielder Henry Slade has revealed that a legacy injury sustained when tackling Jonny Gray in 2018 was the r…
Liam Heagney
17 Aug 2022, 6:46
'Chance to develop his game': Jersey bring in Irish prop McGrath
Jersey Reds have confirmed the signing of Irish tighthead Greg McGrath ahead of the start of the 2022/23 Championship campaign. Th…
Liam Heagney
17 Aug 2022, 6:22
'Today's not really about Razor. Today's about Ian and his team'
A penny for the thoughts of Scott Robertson after it was announced on Wednesday by New Zealand Rugby that Ian Foster will coach th…
Liam Heagney
17 Aug 2022, 5:45
'Joe Schmidt has been on my radar probably for a couple of years'
Ian Foster has explained why he has now asked Joe Schmidt to have greater involvement in coaching the All Blacks. The ex-Ireland b…
Liam Heagney
17 Aug 2022, 5:03
Wasps latest: Football fans to protest, charity shut down
Coventry City fans are planning to protest at the Coventry Building Society Arena when Wasps play their first match of the new 202…
Liam Heagney
16 Aug 2022, 11:24
'Absolutely deplorable': Ex-NZR CEO savages 'incompetent' Robinson
Ex-New Zealand Rugby CEO David Moffett has doubled down on last month’s criticism of current NZR boss Mark Robinson, branding th…
Liam Heagney
16 Aug 2022, 9:32
'Nick Phipps gave me a few pointers on how to get settled'
Joe Powell has credited fellow Aussie Nick Phipps - the player he has replaced as London Irish scrum-half for the 2022/23 season -…
Liam Heagney
16 Aug 2022, 7:05
'There are cracks in their system and they need us more than ever'
RA boss Hamish McLennan has doubled down on his criticism of the current Australia/New Zealand Super Rugby Pacific partnership, in…
Liam Heagney
16 Aug 2022, 6:08
The 11 RPA achievements that ex-CEO Damian Hopley is most proud of
Ex-England international Damian Hopley has finished up as CEO of the RPA after a final day that included a visit to Wasps - his fo…
Liam Heagney
16 Aug 2022, 4:54
'Proud is an understatement, mate': Cane reacts to All Blacks win
Sam Cane was left beaming with pride in Johannesburg after the All Blacks upset the odds to defeat the Springboks 35-23 in Saturda…
Liam Heagney
13 Aug 2022, 13:35
Another Springboks back gets concussed tackling Caleb Clarke
The depth of the Springboks bench containing just two replacement backs was put to the test for the second successive Rugby Champi…
Liam Heagney
13 Aug 2022, 12:04
'We're now desperate': Latest Coventry statement on pitch at Wasps
The very public squabble between Coventry City FC and Wasps over the qualify of the Building Society Arena pitch has taken another…
Liam Heagney
13 Aug 2022, 10:17
World Rugby statement: Will Skelton red card disciplinary hearing
Red-carded Barbarians lock Will Skelton will miss the opening two rounds of the new Top 14 season at La Rochelle after it was fina…
Liam Heagney
13 Aug 2022, 9:19
'Interesting': Agen have broken silence on Mike Brown speculation
Agen have broken silence on speculation linking them to signing Mike Brown, the ex-England full-back who is a free agent ahead of …
Liam Heagney
13 Aug 2022, 8:05
'It's embarrassing': Graham Henry wades into the All Blacks crisis
Former All Blacks boss Graham Henry had waded into the crisis that has engulfed Ian Foster’s struggling side, writing a 457-word…
Liam Heagney
13 Aug 2022, 5:35
'You could write a book about Julian White's disciplinary hearings'
Former Leicester CEO Simon Cohen has reminisced about some of the scrapes that ex-Tigers, England and Lions tighthead Julian White…
Liam Heagney
13 Aug 2022, 4:40
'What an absolute binfire': Ex-employee's brutal Wasps verdict
A former long-serving Wasps employee has labelled the Gallagher Premiership club “an absolute binfire” in a bruising tweet pos…
Liam Heagney
11 Aug 2022, 9:23
Argentina team shows four changes for rematch with the Wallabies
Michael Cheika has made four changes to his Argentina team for this Saturday’s Rugby Championship round two meeting with Austral…
Liam Heagney
11 Aug 2022, 8:46
'Not true': The Freddie Burns sacked by Leicester at Nandos story
Title-winning hero Freddie Burns has had his wings clipped by ex-Leicester CEO Simon Cohen after the 2022 Gallagher Premiership fi…
Liam Heagney
11 Aug 2022, 8:05
Confirmed: Run-on Tomahawk Chop chant gets the chop at Exeter
Exeter have announced that their Tomahawk Chop chant will no longer be played at games. The chant was a familiar sound on matchday…
Liam Heagney
11 Aug 2022, 7:03
Rassie Erasmus tweets 'spot on' 34-word reply to Barrett interview
Springboks director of rugby Rassie Erasmus has tweeted his verdict on what All Blacks fly-half Beauden Barrett had to say about b…
Liam Heagney
11 Aug 2022, 6:09
Foster makes four changes in latest All Blacks team to face Boks
Ian Foster has named an All Blacks team for next Saturday’s rematch with the Springboks in Johannesburg showing four changes - t…
Liam Heagney
11 Aug 2022, 5:45
When 'riot police came and pepper sprayed everybody' at Leicester
The infamous occasion when Leicester lost the 2007 Heineken European Cup final to Wasps at Twickenham and the riot police turned u…
Liam Heagney
10 Aug 2022, 11:53
Ex-Springboks midfielder assaulted following last Saturday's win
Former Springboks midfielder Grant Esterhuizen has taken to social media in an effort to track down two men who allegedly assaulte…
Liam Heagney
10 Aug 2022, 8:20
'Ashamed': Ex-All Blacks player defends Ian Foster on Twitter
Former All Blacks winger Julian Savea has jumped to the defence of Ian Foster, stating that he is ashamed of how the coach is curr…
Liam Heagney
10 Aug 2022, 6:53
'Still motivated to perform': Sale sign free agent Jason Woodward
Ten weeks after Gloucester announced that one-time England prospect Jason Woodward was leaving them at the end of the 2021/22 seas…
Liam Heagney
10 Aug 2022, 5:38
Wasps statement: Coventry City pitch damage criticism
Wasps CEO Stephen Vaughan has fired back at Coventry City following criticisms by the football club about the state of the Coventr…
Liam Heagney
10 Aug 2022, 5:14
Training ground injury sees Springboks parachute rookie into XV
Jacques Nienaber’s Springboks have been forced into making a change to the starting XV to face the All Blacks next Saturday, rep…
Liam Heagney
10 Aug 2022, 4:55
'I heard Julian White berate Manu for not punching properly'
Former Leicester CEO Simon Cohen has revisited the infamous 2011 occasion when Manu Tuilagi ignited a media storm after wildly pun…
Liam Heagney
09 Aug 2022, 12:43
Colomiers statement: Contract terminated after failed doping test
Hooker Youssef Saaidia has been sacked by Colomiers just weeks before the start of the new Pro D2 season in France. The 27-year-ol…
Liam Heagney
09 Aug 2022, 10:57
A 12-word Ngani Laumape tweet has whipped up his online followers
Former All Blacks midfielder Ngani Laumape has ignited an online debate with his first Twitter message since suddenly exiting Stad…
Liam Heagney
09 Aug 2022, 10:11
'Belittled': Woodward fires back at Jones' 'insulting' comments
Clive Woodward has yet again verbally blasted Eddie Jones, branding the current England head coach’s comments on English rugby's…
Liam Heagney
09 Aug 2022, 7:23
'A great addition to our squad': Saracens sign a Championship prop
Beaten finalists Saracens have added to their squad ahead of the new 2022/23 Gallagher Premiership season by signing James Flynn, …
Liam Heagney
09 Aug 2022, 6:27
Vermeulen back as Springboks make five team changes for All Blacks
Jacques Nienaber has named a Springboks team showing five changes for next Saturday’s Rugby Championship rematch with the All Bl…
Liam Heagney
09 Aug 2022, 5:46
Leicester Tigers statement: The departure of Nemani Nadolo
Gallagher Premiership champions Leicester have issued a statement after it emerged overnight from Australia that Fijian winger Nem…
Liam Heagney
09 Aug 2022, 4:33
Sam Cane's 'small margins' reaction to 16-point All Blacks defeat
Under-fire All Blacks skipper Sam Cane has refused to write off his team’s two-match series in South Africa, alleging that the f…
Liam Heagney
06 Aug 2022, 14:36
Springboks red: 'It's a quickly made decision, the right decision'
The match-winning Springboks finished their round one Rugby Championship victory with 14 players after rookie winger Kurt-Lee Aren…
Liam Heagney
06 Aug 2022, 13:36
Faf de Klerk knocked out in horror first-minute collision
Seasoned Springboks scrum-half Faf de Klerk was knocked out just 34 seconds into Saturday’s Rugby Championship match at home to …
Liam Heagney
06 Aug 2022, 11:51
Cash shortfall leaves club facing English top flight expulsion
DMP Durham Sharks face getting kicked out of the Allianz Premier 15s in England due to a cash shortfall ahead of the 2022/23 seaso…
Liam Heagney
06 Aug 2022, 8:20
Coventry City statement: Commonwealth Games rugby 7s pitch damage
Coventry City FC have revealed that a Saturday night pitch inspection needs to be passed if their first home match of the English …
Liam Heagney
06 Aug 2022, 7:35
Bath confirm 'imposing second row' signing after three-week trial
Johann van Grann has made yet another signing ahead of his first Gallagher Premiership campaign in charge at Bath, announcing that…
Liam Heagney
06 Aug 2022, 6:56
Ex-England coach takes a swipe at 'contact skills' coach adverts
Ex-England boss Brian Ashton has had a pop at the number of recruitment adverts for contact skills coaches in rugby, grumbling tha…
Liam Heagney
06 Aug 2022, 6:18
'After 16 years' neck abuse, it was time to get it fixed with 10th op'
Recently retired ex-England hooker Joe Gray has warned about the dangers of the scrum after posting some post-operation pictures f…
Liam Heagney
06 Aug 2022, 5:37
'I was meant to be a girl, the scans showed that I'd be a girl'
Flying Wales and Lions winger Louis Rees-Zammit has made a startling admission - that he was meant to be born a girl. The 21-year-…
Liam Heagney
06 Aug 2022, 4:42
Ex-Wales centre bolsters Biarritz after Saili, Kuridrani exits
Relegated Top 14 side Biarritz have announced the signing of Tyler Morgan, the former Scarlets midfielder who last weekend represe…
Liam Heagney
05 Aug 2022, 10:53
'Still trying to figure out if my old man had too much to drink'
Rookie All Blacks winger Leicester Fainga’anuku has spoken about the incredible name on his birth certificate - Leicester Ofa Ki…
Liam Heagney
05 Aug 2022, 10:02
'We still have a couple of slots': The gaps Exeter want to fill
Exeter boss Rob Baxter has suggested that further signings could be made by the Gallagher Premiership club before the new season g…
Liam Heagney
05 Aug 2022, 7:47
Boudjellal names stars he would recruit if still involved in rugby
Former Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal has named the southern hemisphere stars of today that he would recruit if he was still invol…
Liam Heagney
05 Aug 2022, 7:03
Ex-Wasps Test level lock snapped up by Pro D2 club Nevers
An ex-Wasps Test level lock, Lasha Jaiani, has signed for promotion-chasing Nevers ahead of the 2022/23 Pro D2 in France. The Geor…
Liam Heagney
05 Aug 2022, 4:58
WRU statement: Wales assistant Gareth Williams quits for Scarlets
Wales assistant coach Gareth Williams has quit the Wayne Pivac set-up, joining Scarlets as their defence coach after working in th…
Liam Heagney
04 Aug 2022, 11:47
Argentina make nine changes and name Montoya as captain
Michael Cheika has shaken up his Argentina team for Saturday’s Rugby Championship game at home to Australia, making nine changes…
Liam Heagney
04 Aug 2022, 9:40
Laporte No1 in latest top 50 most influential people in rugby list
Nineteen people from England have been named in the latest Rugby World magazine biennial list of the 50 most influential people in…
Liam Heagney
04 Aug 2022, 8:39
'Thank God he has left the league': Ojomoh names toughest opponent
Bath midfielder Max Ojomoh has admitted he is glad that Nathan Hughes has quit the Gallagher Premiership in favour of a switch to …
Liam Heagney
04 Aug 2022, 7:39
'Will only drive standards': Ealing sign an Aussie Super Rugby No9
Ambitious English Championship side Ealing have signed Jack Grant, the 28-year-old NSW Waratahs scrum-half who made nine appearanc…
Liam Heagney
04 Aug 2022, 6:23
All Blacks make four changes for Championship opener versus Boks
All Blacks boss Ian Foster has named a team to face the Springboks on Saturday in Nelspruit containing four changes from the XV be…
Liam Heagney
04 Aug 2022, 5:16
The important phone call Arendse will make before facing All Blacks
Rookie Springboks winger Kurt-Lee Arendse has promised to make sure he does one particular thing before facing the All Blacks on S…
Liam Heagney
04 Aug 2022, 4:46
Northampton confirm 60-strong Dowson squad for 2022/23 season
New Northampton director of rugby Phil Dowson will lead a group of 60 players in his first season at the helm - up from 58 in 2021…
Liam Heagney
03 Aug 2022, 14:24
Castrogiovanni accused of never being eligible to play for Italy
Famed Italy tighthead Martin Castrogiovanni has been accused of never being eligible to play for the Azzurri after he talked about…
Liam Heagney
03 Aug 2022, 11:03
St Helens statement: Serious injury for Racing signing Regan Grace
New Racing 92 signing Regan Grace won’t enjoy a seamless transition from rugby league to union as St Helens, his Super League cl…
Liam Heagney
03 Aug 2022, 10:20
4Ed campaign launches with next week's Ed Slater charity cycle
Ed Slater is to embark on a 350-mile charity cycle from Kingsholm to Welford Road Mattioli Woods and back via a number of other ru…
Liam Heagney
03 Aug 2022, 9:47
Progressive Rugby statement: Seven-point plan to make rugby safer
Concussion awareness group Progressive Rugby have called on World Rugby to fast-track a package of player welfare requirements int…
Liam Heagney
03 Aug 2022, 8:01
Exeter sign 'explosive, dangerous, quality player' Solomone Kata
Exeter have made Tonga international Solomone Kata their fifth signing ahead of the 2022/23 season, the 27-year-old agreeing to a …
Liam Heagney
03 Aug 2022, 7:48
'I'm thinking of playing in goggles just in case'
Wallabies utility back Tom Wright has revived memories of the infamous 2014 night when kicker Bernard Foley had his shots at goal …
Liam Heagney
03 Aug 2022, 7:06
Scarlets issue 'truly overwhelming' Phil Bennett family statement
The family of the late Phil Bennett, the former Lions and Wales star out-half who sadly passed away in June at the age of 73, have…
Liam Heagney
03 Aug 2022, 5:44
Explained: What seduced Castres into signing 'unemployed' Nakarawa
Beaten Top 14 finalists Castres have explained why they have gambled on signing Leone Nakarawa, the Fijian forward whose career ha…
Liam Heagney
03 Aug 2022, 5:16
Woki: 'Everything said or written about our relationship is wrong'
France Grand Slam winner Cameron Woki has slammed the critics who claimed that a bust-up in his relationship with Christophe Urios…
Liam Heagney
03 Aug 2022, 4:40
'I'll never forget': Laumape posts farewell Stade Francais message
Former All Blacks midfielder Ngani Laumape has posted his Parisian farewell message on social media after it was confirmed by Stad…
Liam Heagney
02 Aug 2022, 11:53
'Adapting' Hidalgo-Clyne checks in at seventh club in four years
Well-travelled Scotland scrum-half Sam Hidalgo-Clyne has revealed first impressions of his new life in Italy, the soon-to-be 29-ye…
Liam Heagney
02 Aug 2022, 10:45
Vannes have torn up their two-year deal to sign Alapati Leiua
Former Samoan international Alapati Leiua has had his deal to join Vannes scrapped just weeks ahead of the start of the 2022/23 PR…
Liam Heagney
02 Aug 2022, 8:20
'I'm not sure he's up to it': Ex-Bok heaps pressure on Sam Cane
A former Springboks forward has heaped the pressure on All Blacks skipper Sam Cane ahead of Saturday’s Rugby Championship opener…
Liam Heagney
02 Aug 2022, 7:42
De Villiers: Boks can 'definitely win both games against All Blacks'
Former Springboks midfielder Jean de Villiers is backing Jacques Nienaber’s squad to deliver a 2-0 series win over the wounded A…
Liam Heagney
02 Aug 2022, 6:40
'Depth of knowledge stood out': Glasgow appoint Franco Smith
Glasgow have appointed Franco Smith as their new head coach on an initial two-year contract. The 50-year-old joins from the Italia…
Liam Heagney
02 Aug 2022, 6:27
Faf de Klerk starts as Springboks make three changes for All Blacks
Faf de Klerk has been recalled to start by the Springboks in this Saturday’s Rugby Championship opener at home to the All Blacks…
Liam Heagney
02 Aug 2022, 5:59
Devastating injury update for Wallabies' Samu Kerevi - report
Rugby Australia has yet to have their say but it is believed that Samu Kerevi will miss the rest of 2022 following the injury sust…
Liam Heagney
02 Aug 2022, 5:20
'I'm proud': Richards' first post-Newcastle gig is quite poignant
Ex-Newcastle boss Dean Richards has landed himself his first coaching opportunity since quitting the Falcons after ten years as th…
Liam Heagney
02 Aug 2022, 4:52
Scottish Rugby statement: Siobhan Cattigan Sunday Times article
The Scottish rugby union have issued a statement following the publication of a harrowing interview with the family of the late Si…
Liam Heagney
31 Jul 2022, 11:04
'Cardio' Nadolo tweet sums up watching Fiji in men's sevens action
Fiji winger Namani Nadolo has perfectly summed up in a single tweet what watching his country play men’s sevens rugby is like.
Liam Heagney
31 Jul 2022, 10:32
Leicester to fill hooker gap with short-term Super Rugby signing
Gallagher Premiership champions Leicester have reportedly signed NSW Waratahs hooker Tom Horton ahead of the September start of th…
Liam Heagney
31 Jul 2022, 8:53
The 'heartbreaking' Twitter reaction to harrowing Cattigan story
An extraordinary interview with the family of the late Siobhan Cattigan, a Scotland women’s rugby player who died in November 20…
Liam Heagney
31 Jul 2022, 8:14
'Treatment of Foster by his own community nothing short of shameful'
Ex-Scotland boss Matt Williams has hit out at the New Zealand media and All Blacks fans for their treatment of Ian Foster in the w…
Liam Heagney
31 Jul 2022, 7:15
'Stupid way to behave': Ex-Ireland player's shock concussion claim
Ex-Ireland hooker Bernard Jackman has admitted he suffered approximately 25 concussions during his final year as a player, the maj…
Liam Heagney
31 Jul 2022, 6:28
Willie le Roux tackles critics, explains his new bomb squad role
Seasoned Springboks full-back Willie le Roux has addressed the criticism he regularly receives and has also spoken about what it h…
Liam Heagney
31 Jul 2022, 5:24
Pro D2 hooker banned by the French Anti-Doping Agency - report
Colomiers hooker Youssef Saaidia has been temporarily suspended by the French Anti-Doping Agency ahead of the start of the new 202…
Liam Heagney
30 Jul 2022, 9:41
Charity cycles, including one for Tom Smith, raise nearly 200k
Two separate week-long UK charity cycles - one in honour of the late Lions prop Tom Smith, the other headed by another Lions forwa…
Liam Heagney
30 Jul 2022, 8:48
'Results put him in trouble': The Carl Hayman verdict on Ian Foster
Former All Blacks prop Carl Hayman has given his verdict on the Ian Foster situation as boss of New Zealand, who have flown to Sou…
Liam Heagney
30 Jul 2022, 6:53
The Fiji reaction to losing assistant Jason Ryan to the All Blacks
Fiji boss Vern Cotter has finally shared his thoughts on the sudden loss of forwards coach Jason Ryan to the All Blacks. The assis…
Liam Heagney
30 Jul 2022, 6:19
Wasps statement: The latest delay to stadium bondholders repayment
Wasps’ worrying delay in repaying their bondholders has taken another twist following the latest statement from the club admitti…
Liam Heagney
30 Jul 2022, 5:44
NZR boss Robinson breaks silence and sparks confusion over Foster
New Zealand Rugby boss Mark Robinson has broken his silence on the messy post-Ireland Test series loss fallout - but he tellingly …
Liam Heagney
30 Jul 2022, 5:08
'I never freaked out but I'd to hate all opponents to be stronger'
Legendary Georgia forward Mamuka Gorgodze has reflected on his stellar career, explaining how he survived in the Top 14 and enjoye…
Liam Heagney
29 Jul 2022, 11:45
Seven votes the margin as RFU changes gender participation policy
Rugby Football Union (RFU) council members have narrowly back a recommendation that will see transgender women banned from playing…
Liam Heagney
29 Jul 2022, 11:21
Lyon sign Top League Kiwi as medical joker cover for Lima Sopoaga
Lyon have confirmed they have drafted in former Hurricanes out-half Fletcher Smith as medical joker cover for former All Blacks ha…
Liam Heagney
29 Jul 2022, 9:04
New IRFU deal means Farrell won't succeed Jones as England coach
Speculation that Andy Farrell could succeed Eddie Jones as England boss following the 2023 World Cup in France has been buried aft…
Liam Heagney
29 Jul 2022, 7:24
An ex-NZR boss has called on 'out of touch' CEO Robinson to resign
Ex-New Zealand rugby boss David Moffett has slammed current NZR CEO Mark Robinson, claiming he should return home from attending t…
Liam Heagney
29 Jul 2022, 7:00
Rabbitohs boss Demetriou fires back at Eddie Jones over 'dream job'
South Sydney Rabbitohs' Jason Demetriou hasn’t taken kindly to England boss Eddie Jones claiming that coaching the NRL club is h…
Liam Heagney
29 Jul 2022, 6:22
Bath confirm six injured players will miss start of Premiership
New Bath head of medical services Rory Murray has issued a lengthy squad injury update at the end of the Gallagher Premiership clu…
Liam Heagney
29 Jul 2022, 5:47
'It's hurtful… it's ridiculous how ruthless it has actually been'
Scrum-half Aaron Smith has launched a defiant defence of Ian Foster and Sam Cane prior to the All Blacks flying out to South Afric…
Liam Heagney
29 Jul 2022, 5:17
Nigel Owens wades into the row over the 20-minute red card trial
Centurion referee Nigel Owens has re-stated his dissatisfaction with the 20-minute red card law trial. It was last March, in an in…
Liam Heagney
29 Jul 2022, 4:43
Elevator moment convinced Rokocoko about 'rugby scientist' Schmidt
Legendary All Blacks winger Joe Rokocoko has recalled the seminal elevator moment that convinced him that Joe Schmidt, Ian Foster�…
Liam Heagney
28 Jul 2022, 12:20
'Hasn't disappointed': Ibitoye's first interview as Bristol player
Ex-England age-grade star Gabriel Ibitoye has given his first interview as a Bristol player following the completion of his overse…
Liam Heagney
28 Jul 2022, 8:58
Sale explain how long new signing George Ford will be absent for
Alex Sanderson has shed light on how much of the upcoming 2022/23 season that England international George Ford will miss at his n…
Liam Heagney
28 Jul 2022, 8:08
Leinster recruit from Google to replace retiring CEO Mick Dawson
Leinster have recruited Google managing director Shane Nolan as their new CEO to replace Mick Dawson, the official who is retiring…
Liam Heagney
28 Jul 2022, 6:36
South African sides skip opening weekend as URC fixtures unveiled
The United Rugby Championship (URC) has unveiled its fixtures for the new 2022/23 season which begins in 50 days’ time - on Sept…
Liam Heagney
28 Jul 2022, 5:57
RFU statement: Ex-Premiership player banned for prohibited substance
Former Sale, Northampton and Wasps midfielder Chris Mayor - a 2006 Premiership winner with the Sharks - has been banned from all s…
Liam Heagney
28 Jul 2022, 5:35
French Top 14 facing nightmare ban on matches at night - report
Rugby in France is facing a possible ban on nighttime matches as early as the upcoming start of the new 2022/23 Top 14 and Pro D2 …
Liam Heagney
28 Jul 2022, 4:53
Springboks give mid-camp update on fitness of Vermeulen and Steyn
The Springboks have given an update on Duane Vermeulen and Frans Steyn, the World Cup-winning duo recalled to their Rugby Champion…
Liam Heagney
28 Jul 2022, 3:43
'You just learn': Springboks' verdict on All Blacks staff changes
Springboks boss Jacques Nienaber has given his reaction to last weekend’s shake-up of the All Blacks staff, Crusaders’ Jason R…
Liam Heagney
27 Jul 2022, 11:54
'I'd jump at it': England boss Eddie Jones reveals his dream job
England boss Eddie Jones has added to the speculation that he would love the chance to swap codes and coach in the Australian NRL.
Liam Heagney
27 Jul 2022, 9:44
Exeter name the seven players they are lending to Cornish Pirates
Rob Baxter has named the seven Exeter Chiefs players who will be dual registered with Cornish Pirates, the Championship outfit tha…
Liam Heagney
27 Jul 2022, 9:10
'Paralysed' foot sees Renaldo Bothma retire with immediate effect
Ex-Harlequins back-rower Renaldo Bothma has had his hopes of representing Namibia at the 2023 World Cup dashed as he has been forc…
Liam Heagney
27 Jul 2022, 7:55
Munster medical bulletin provides latest RG Snyman injury update
Munster have provided an injury update on RG Snyman, the Springboks lock who has played just four times in two seasons for them du…
Liam Heagney
27 Jul 2022, 7:02
'Danny wore that one and I certainly owe him a few drinks'
Ex-Wallabies international Drew Mitchell has recalled the boozy night out in Melbourne with Danny Cipriani which culminated in the…
Liam Heagney
27 Jul 2022, 6:25
Irish players set to launch concussion case against IRFU - report
The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) is the latest organisation facing a concussion lawsuit as a number of ex-Irish players are t…
Liam Heagney
27 Jul 2022, 4:57
The promise Rowntree has made in first interview as Munster boss
Graham Rowntree has given his first interview since starting work as the new Munster head coach, welcoming the Irish province’s …
Liam Heagney
26 Jul 2022, 12:02
The defeat Morgan Parra most regrets, and his South African fury
Scrum-half Morgan Parra has revealed the one Clermont match he would revisit in order to change the result - and the veteran has a…
Liam Heagney
26 Jul 2022, 10:37
Stade Francais owner shares thoughts on 'vague' Laumape situation
The situation regarding Ngani Laumape at Stade Francais has been described as unresolved, the French club’s owner Hans-Peter Wil…
Liam Heagney
26 Jul 2022, 8:48
Robertson names two ex-England players he would love to coach with
Serial trophy winner Scott Robertson has included two ex-England players in the list of coaches he would love to work with in the …
Liam Heagney
26 Jul 2022, 6:49
Scott Robertson explains recent Sydney meeting with Eddie Jones
Crusaders boss Scott Robertson has shed light on his rendezvous with England boss Eddie Jones in Sydney in the lead-up to the rece…
Liam Heagney
26 Jul 2022, 5:25
'Cheika and I went at each other, it was pretty heated'
Retired Wallabies winger Drew Mitchell had recalled the heated row he had with coach Michael Cheika the night before the squad fle…
Liam Heagney
22 Jul 2022, 12:29
'Change is hard, all the old habits exist. Rugby's old and stodgy'
Big-spending Marco Masotti is banking that a massive shake-up in rugby around the world will eventually generate profits after his…
Liam Heagney
22 Jul 2022, 10:09
'He's got three bad games in him now before the shepherd's crook'
Ireland rugby legend Brian O’Driscoll has hailed the recent performances in New Zealand of Tadhg Beirne, reckoning that the lock…
Liam Heagney
22 Jul 2022, 7:01
NSW Waratahs confirm list of the 13 players that are leaving
Recent Super Rugby Pacific quarter-finalists the Waratahs have confirmed the full list of 13 players that are leaving them followi…
Liam Heagney
22 Jul 2022, 6:05
'I did something stupid, I had a horrible feeling inside me'
New Argentina assistant coach Felipe Contepomi has recalled the embarrassing gaffe where he wheeled away thinking he had landed a …
Liam Heagney
22 Jul 2022, 5:07
Nine teams - including Chile - named in Nigel Owens' Best July XV
Ireland have gained the most representation in the Best July Test Team XV named by retired referee Nigel Owens, who included picks…
Liam Heagney
21 Jul 2022, 11:35
'Should be a red': Owens' very different take on the Porter yellow
Retired centurion referee Nigel Owens has disagreed with last Saturday’s decision to only yellow card Andrew Porter for his head…
Liam Heagney
21 Jul 2022, 8:31
'Outstanding': Royal Marines put Exeter through pre-season paces
Exeter boss Rob Baxter admitted last season that his Chiefs would be going back to basics in preparation for the 2022/23 season - …
Liam Heagney
21 Jul 2022, 7:50
Robertson gets a new gig but it's not the All Blacks role he wants
Crusaders boss Scott Robertson will soon be involved in an All Blacks fixtures - but he won’t be working for Ian Foster’s team…
Liam Heagney
21 Jul 2022, 7:15
EPCR statement: Champions Cup fixtures confirmed for 2022/23 season
Ronan O’Gara’s La Rochelle will kick off their Heineken Champions Cup title defence in December at home to another European ti…
Liam Heagney
21 Jul 2022, 6:45
'He's made for this situation': How O'Driscoll would fix All Blacks
Legendary Ireland midfielder Brian O’Driscoll believes the All Blacks must quickly become brutal with their decision-making and …
Liam Heagney
21 Jul 2022, 6:15
Premiership winner Socino finds himself a new title-winning club
Gallagher Premiership title winner Juan Pablo Socino has found himself a new club a month after leaving Welford Road, the Argentin…
Liam Heagney
21 Jul 2022, 4:45
'Ability to play four positions very valuable': Bath sign van Velze
New Bath boss Johann van Graan promised on Tuesday in his first interview since taking charge that some new signings were imminent…
Liam Heagney
20 Jul 2022, 15:00
O'Brien, Jackson head big-name cast coaching London Irish amateurs
London Irish Wild Geese, the Regional 2 Thames amateur team attached to the Gallagher Premiership club, have unveiled a big-name c…
Liam Heagney
20 Jul 2022, 11:29
Video: Clarke plays peacemaker in All Blacks street altercation
Footage has emerged online of a Saturday night altercation in Wellington between All Blacks flanker Akira Ioane and legendary scru…
Liam Heagney
20 Jul 2022, 10:12
'He'll fit in well': Ulster sign Irish-qualified Aussie scrum-half
Ulster have bolstered their squad for the upcoming 2022/23 season with the signing of 23-year-old Irish-qualified scrum-half Micha…
Liam Heagney
20 Jul 2022, 8:54
World Rugby statement: England, Scotland and Wales' GB 7s decision
World Rugby has given its blessing for England, Scotland and Wales to unite as a British team on the Sevens Series circuit from 20…
Liam Heagney
20 Jul 2022, 6:49
Sale statement: Short-term signing of ex-England player Joe Simpson
Sale have boosted their scrum-half options by signing ex-England player Joe Simpson on a short-term deal. The 34-year-old thrived …
Liam Heagney
20 Jul 2022, 5:50
'Out cold': The concussion that 'scared the life' out of Joe Marler
Seasoned England international Joe Marler has revealed that a concussion some years ago scared the life out of him as it initially…
Liam Heagney
19 Jul 2022, 9:15
World Rugby statement: Andrew Porter citing complaint dismissed
Referee Wayne Barnes has had his decision to only yellow card Andrew Porter last Saturday in Wellington vindicated as the citing c…
Liam Heagney
19 Jul 2022, 8:38
'Dream big dreams': First van Graan interview as the new Bath boss
New head of rugby Johann van Graan has admitted he is dreaming of big things happening at struggling Bath. The South African has j…
Liam Heagney
19 Jul 2022, 7:50
Leicester statement: Olowofela exits Tigers with immediate effect
Leicester prospect Jordan Olowofela has left the Gallagher Premiership champions with immediate effect and has joined Nottingham a…
Liam Heagney
19 Jul 2022, 6:44
Fiery Bath baptism for van Graan as Premiership fixtures released
New Bath boss Johann van Graan will get an immediate taste of the hype surrounding the Gallagher Premiership as last season’s bo…
Liam Heagney
19 Jul 2022, 6:15
'I'll take hit': NZR explain reason why Foster presser cancelled
All Blacks communications boss Jo Malcolm has explained that she cancelled last Sunday’s planned post-Test series media event in…
Liam Heagney
19 Jul 2022, 4:45
On This Day - British and Irish Lions tie Test and series in New Zealand
Owen Farrell’s late penalty clinched the British and Irish Lions a 15-15 draw against New Zealand at Eden Park on this day in 20…
Liam Heagney
08 Jul 2022, 5:04
The Bryan Habana verdict on Toulon row between Botha and Etzebeth
Bryan Habana has given his verdict on the row earlier this year between Bakkies Botha and Eben Etzebeth, two fellow Springboks leg…
Liam Heagney
07 Jul 2022, 10:05
Five-strong Scotland revamp includes changing half of their pack
Gregor Townsend has shaken up his Scotland team in the hope of levelling their Test series with Argentina, the head coach making f…
Liam Heagney
07 Jul 2022, 7:19
Wales make just one change to the starting XV for second Boks Test
Wayne Pivac has made just one change to his Wales team for this Saturday’s second Test versus the Springboks in Bloemfontein, Al…
Liam Heagney
07 Jul 2022, 6:39
Star trio marked absent as Tonga change eight for Samoan game
Tonga have made eight changes to their starting line-up to play Samoa this weekend following last week’s disappointing 36-0 loss…
Liam Heagney
07 Jul 2022, 5:14
Ireland make one change but retain Johnny Sexton in starting team
Ireland boss Andy Farrell has shrugged off the concussion controversy surrounding Johnny Sexton, naming his skipper to start again…
Liam Heagney
07 Jul 2022, 3:12
England make four changes, including debuts for Porter and Freeman
Eddie Jones has made four changes to his England team for Saturday’s second Test versus Australia, handing surprise debuts to Gu…
Liam Heagney
07 Jul 2022, 2:40
The England Test forfeit Drew Mitchell has struck with Joe Marler
Former Wallabies winger Drew Mitchell has a very good Joe Marler reason to fully believe that Dave Rennie’s Australia will close…
Liam Heagney
06 Jul 2022, 13:31
Van Wyk finds a new club 97 days after quitting Leicester early
South African Kobus van Wyk has found a new club 97 days after quitting eventual Gallagher Premiership title winners Leicester. It…
Liam Heagney
06 Jul 2022, 11:40
The moment Gorgodze pulled out a knife in the Toulon dressing room
Springboks legend Bryan Habana has labelled Mamuka Gorgodze as one of the scariest guys he has ever played with, recalling the jaw…
Liam Heagney
06 Jul 2022, 10:24
'Best investment': Wales recruit ex-England out-half Stephen Myler
Hidden in the small print of Wednesday’s important announcement that the WRU have awarded 17 new full-time contracts for female …
Liam Heagney
06 Jul 2022, 8:16
The 'absolutely insane' Bryan Habana verdict on Henry Arundell
Legendary Springboks winger Bryan Habana has given his verdict on last Saturday’s compelling debut performance from England teen…
Liam Heagney
06 Jul 2022, 6:15
'Really love the ambition': Bristol fans react to Springboks visit
Bristol fans have been singing the praises of their Bears after it was confirmed on Tuesday morning that Ashton Gate will play hos…
Liam Heagney
05 Jul 2022, 10:45
Toulon sign Timani five months after failed Super Rugby exemption
French club Toulon have confirmed the signing of Sitaleki Timani, the ex-Wallabies second row who had his ties with Western Force …
Liam Heagney
05 Jul 2022, 8:43
Racing confirm three new signings, including Cameron Woki
Ambitious Racing 92 have confirmed three new additions for the 2022/23 season, including recent France Grand Slam winner Cameron W…
Liam Heagney
05 Jul 2022, 7:18
Springboks make 14 changes and include two new caps to start
Jacques Nienaber has made 14 changes to his Springboks side for Saturday’s second Test against Wales in Bloemfontein, lock Eben …
Liam Heagney
05 Jul 2022, 6:22
Springboks face Premiership opposition for first time since 2009
Jacques Nienaber’s Springboks are set to take on Gallagher Premiership opposition for the first time since 2009 as a November to…
Liam Heagney
05 Jul 2022, 5:29
Ignore the blarney and a heck of an Ireland tour awaits
Cut from the same tell-them-little-or-nothing cloth as his old Saracens mentor Mark McCall, it’s rare that Ireland boss Andy Far…
Opinion
Liam Heagney
26 Jun 2022, 5:00
From soundbites to rookies... four pressing England tour issues
It’s daft how these World Rugby tour schedules create yawning gaps in between particular types of fixtures... you have to go bac…
Opinion
Liam Heagney
26 Jun 2022, 4:47
Watch: Guirado slides into retirement with his Top 14 celebration
Ex-France hooker Guilhem Guirado enjoyed a rousing send-off after playing the final match of his stellar professional career, help…
Liam Heagney
25 Jun 2022, 7:07
'Staggering, he lived the most euphoric first half of his career'
French media have hailed the man of the match performance from Zach Mercer in Friday night’s Top 14 final win by Montpellier.
Liam Heagney
25 Jun 2022, 6:14
'Daunting walking in': A Maori great has given Ireland a pep talk
Ex-Munster midfielder Rua Tipoki has visited the Ireland squad at their Auckland hotel ahead of their opening tour match versus Ne…
Liam Heagney
25 Jun 2022, 5:14
'So f***in' proud to be associated with someone like Freddie Burns'
Jim Hamilton has provided a compelling account of his emotions while watching two of his former clubs Leicester and Saracens duke …
Liam Heagney
24 Jun 2022, 6:52
Bordeaux recruit an ex-referee but deal for former AB Saili is off
Laurent Cardona has become the latest retired referee to join the staff of a Top 14 club, linking up with Bordeaux for the 2022/23…
Liam Heagney
24 Jun 2022, 5:58
Ex-Bath duo on cusp of Top 14 glory along with benched Pollard
Two former Bath players - Zach Mercer and Henry Thomas - are on the verge of Top 14 glory in their first season at Montpellier aft…
Liam Heagney
24 Jun 2022, 5:08
Retiring duo Toner and Wood named to start for Barbarians in Spain
Ex-Wales midfielder Hadleigh Parkes will skipper the Barbarians in Saturday’s match versus Spain, the game that will the last pr…
Liam Heagney
23 Jun 2022, 9:48
'I've failed you guys, I won't make it to day seven!'
Hacjivah Dayimani has finally brought a halt to his lengthy celebrations following last Saturday’s URC title win by the Stormers…
Liam Heagney
23 Jun 2022, 8:38
Italy change eight for their first match since ambushing Wales
Kieran Crowley has made eight changes to his starting Italy XV for their first Test match since their shock Guinness Six Nations w…
Liam Heagney
23 Jun 2022, 7:08
