Liam Heagney

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, 7:05

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, 7:43

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, 9:56

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, 6:32

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, 10:00

'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, 4:42

'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, 3:00

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, 12:11

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, 5:22

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, 4:54

'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, 3:52

'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, 3:16

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, 6:15

'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, 3:42

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, 3:17

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, 8:57

'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, 8:43

'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, 6:54

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, 10:42

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, 11:17

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, 3:52

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, 6:30

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, 7:38

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, 7:03

'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, 10:43

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, 3:29

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, 3:49

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, 14:12

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, 3:09

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, 3:17

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, 4:17

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, 13:17

'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, 5:01

'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, 8:51

'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, 7:33

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, 6:39

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, 3:49

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, 10:30

'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, 11:27

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, 9:42

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, 4:46

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, 6:50

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, 6:24

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, 5:42

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, 5:05

'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, 3:00

'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, 3:15

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, 12:10

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, 8:10

'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, 6:03

'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, 5:30

'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, 4:14

'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, 3:42

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, 7:19

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, 9:38

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, 9:10

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, 6:42

'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, 5:59

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, 4:14

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, 5:08

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, 5:00

'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, 3:39

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, 14:51

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, 3:10

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, 8:49

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, 7:44

'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, 4:27

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, 4:50

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, 6:02

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, 5:40

'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, 11:19

'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, 10:11

'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, 7:50

'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, 13:03

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, 7:19

'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, 6:40

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, 3:06

'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, 4:11

'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, 7:09

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, 5:25

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, 9:47

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, 11:12

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, 10:29

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, 11:28

'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, 9:29

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, 5:18

'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, 4:22

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, 7:00

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, 13:00

'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, 5:06

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, 6:23

'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, 9:12

'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, 10:02

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, 7:51

'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, 11:53

'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, 8:30

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, 11:04

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, 7:34

'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, 5:30

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, 4:25

'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, 8:55

'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, 2:54

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, 6:37

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, 6:13

'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, 4:31

'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, 3:36

'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, 10:36

'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, 5:21

'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, 4:00

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, 3:08

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, 6:06

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, 3:48

'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, 6:58

'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, 10:59

'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, 2:33

'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, 5:25

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, 12:09

'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, 6:22

'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, 6:04

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, 5:06

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, 4:23

'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, 3:23

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, 8:46

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, 7:29

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, 3:09

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, 4:06

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, 7:37

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, 5:40

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, 13:39

'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, 5:04

'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, 8:39

'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, 6:19

'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, 2:47

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, 3:50

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, 3:27

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, 12:40

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, 9:55

'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, 18:47

'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, 2:23

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, 8:18

'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, 11:16

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, 3:23

'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, 7:46

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, 6:15

'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, 10:25

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, 5:32

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, 4:51

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, 4:05

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, 14:01

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, 3:51

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, 4:12

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, 11:24

'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, 4:51

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, 6:30

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, 7:20

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, 8:22

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, 7:31

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, 8:36

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, 5:09

'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, 5:24

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, 10:10

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, 8:08

'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, 7:13

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, 4:15

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, 9:08

'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, 9:45

'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, 6:49

'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, 6:17

'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, 5:05

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, 4:23

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, 2:36

'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, 4:23

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, 11:43

'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, 3:44

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, 6:51

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, 9:19

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, 8:52

'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, 7:08

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, 7:06

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, 11:16

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, 8:54

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, 5:05

'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, 6:30

'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, 6:00

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, 4:30

'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, 5:29

'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, 3:57

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, 3:33

'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, 11:44

'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, 6:05

'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, 4:56

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, 4:28

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, 4:58

'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, 3:57

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, 7:35

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, 3:23

'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, 6:56

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, 9:59

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, 9:12

'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, 7:59

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, 3:54

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, 7:02

'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, 5:41

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, 4:33

'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, 8:32

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, 9:59

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, 10:14

'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, 6:36

'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, 7:30

'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, 4:03

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, 5:46

'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, 5:22

'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, 4:45

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, 10:24

'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, 6:05

'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, 5:08

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, 3:54

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, 5:09

'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, 3:40

'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, 12:35

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, 11:04

'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, 9:17

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, 8:19

'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, 7:05

'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, 4:35

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, 4:45

'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, 7:05

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, 7:46

'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, 8:23

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, 6:03

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, 10:53

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, 3:55

'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, 4:38

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, 7:20

'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, 6:23

'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, 11:43

'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, 5:53

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, 4:14

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, 9:11

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, 4:46

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, 9:57

'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, 5:27

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, 3:33

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, 5:18

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, 13:36

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, 12:36

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, 10:51

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, 7:20

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, 6:35

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, 5:56

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, 6:03

'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, 4:37

'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, 3:42

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, 9:53

'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, 9:02

'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, 6:47

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, 3:58

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, 10:47

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, 8:40

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, 4:16

'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, 6:39

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, 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, 5:23

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, 3:46

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, 10:03

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, 13:24

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, 6:48

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, 9:20

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, 7:01

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, 8:47

'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, 6:06

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, 4:44

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, 4:16

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, 3:40

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, 7:20

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, 4:20

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, 4:59

'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, 10:53

'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, 9:45

'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, 3:52

'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, 5:27

'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, 6:42

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, 5:40

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, 7:14

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, 10:04

'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, 9:32

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, 7:53

'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, 6:15

'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, 5:28

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, 4:24

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, 8:04

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, 10:21

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, 4:08

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, 8:41

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, 7:48

'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, 5:53

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, 5:19

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, 4:44

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, 6:24

'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, 10:45

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, 3:43

'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, 8:44

'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, 4:17

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, 5:22

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, 6:00

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, 4:47

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, 4:35

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, 11:20

'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, 7:58

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, 4:57

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, 7:08

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, 5:36

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, 3:53

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, 2:43

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, 6:02

'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, 10:54

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, 3:57

'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, 5:25

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, 8:10

'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, 6:55

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, 9:37

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, 11:02

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, 4:25

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, 7:48

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, 5:49

'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, 11:29

'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, 9:09

'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, 4:07

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, 5:05

'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, 6:01

'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, 5:15

'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, 6:50

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, 10:35

'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, 7:31

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, 5:45

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, 6:15

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, 9:12

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, 3:45

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, 4:04

'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, 14:00

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, 5:49

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, 10:29

'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, 7:54

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, 4:50

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, 7:38

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, 5:15

'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, 8:15

'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, 3:45

'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, 6:50

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, 5:44

'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, 7:16

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, 6:19

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, 1:40

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, 2:12

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, 5:39

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, 9:05

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, 4:14

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, 9:24

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, 12:31

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, 5:15

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, 10:40

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, 5:22

'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, 9:45

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, 7:43

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, 6:18

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, 4:29

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, 4:00

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, 3:47

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, 6:07

'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, 5:14

'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, 4:14

The shambolic backstory to Ireland's heaviest ever Test defeat

How times change. Next Saturday a sell-out 51,000 crowd will assemble confident Ireland can put one over the visiting New Zealand.…

Liam Heagney

11 Nov 2018, 4:39

'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, 5:52

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, 4:58

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, 4:08

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, 8:48

Woodward names the player England must build their backline around

Former England coach Clive Woodward has chosen the player he believes that struggling England must build their backline around - a…

Liam Heagney

22 Jun 2022, 6:30

'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, 7:38

Shaun Edwards didn't fly to Japan with France on Wednesday night

Assistant coach Shaun Edwards was prevented from flying to Japan with France on Wednesday evening for their upcoming two-Test tour…

Liam Heagney

23 Jun 2022, 4:52

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, 6:08

'The Jasper Wiese try was a play Wiggy brought in on Thursday'

Freddie Burns has revealed why veteran scrum-half Richard Wigglesworth was the recipient of so many on-field plaudits after Leices…

Liam Heagney

23 Jun 2022, 4:04

'South Africans ate at one table, the Fijians at another...'

Montpellier owner Mohed Altrad has sung the praises of Philippe Saint-Andre, who has transformed the Top 14 club and qualified the…

Liam Heagney

22 Jun 2022, 8:59

The 10-word Kevin Sinfield pep talk that inspired Freddie Burns

Gallagher Premiership match-winner Freddie Burns has revealed his amazement that a half-time prediction from Leicester Tigers assi…

Liam Heagney

22 Jun 2022, 8:10

Clive Woodward gets stuck in again to 'just plain daft' Eddie Jones

World Cup winner Clive Woodward has yet again torn strips off Eddie Jones, castigating the England coach for last Sunday’s embar…

Liam Heagney

22 Jun 2022, 5:08

'Accepted the charge': Davies cited for Premiership final yellow

Saracens scrum-half Aled Davies is to face further action over his much-debated shoulder-to-head tackle on Leicester hooker Julian…

Liam Heagney

22 Jun 2022, 3:49

'I feel like I can fit in': Newcastle sign Moroni from Leicester

Life after becoming a Gallagher Premiership title winner last Saturday hasn’t taken long to move on for Argentina midfielder Mat…

Liam Heagney

22 Jun 2022, 4:19

'There is always going to be a bad time to bring something in'

Chief World Rugby medic Eanna Falvey has reported he has received little negative feedback ahead of the July 1 changes to rugby’…

Liam Heagney

21 Jun 2022, 12:51

'I guess it's what I mean by a battle we will never ultimately win'

World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin has acknowledged that concussion is a battle that rugby will never ultimately win but he believes that…

Liam Heagney

21 Jun 2022, 5:00

Parkes skippers new Barbarians squad for Spain after England win

The Barbarians have named a completely new squad to play Spain this weekend following last Sunday's explosive win over England at …

Liam Heagney

21 Jun 2022, 6:09

RFU statement: The use of instrumented mouthguards in 2022/23

All elite teams across rugby in England are to be offered the use of instrumented mouthguards next season following satisfaction w…

Liam Heagney

21 Jun 2022, 6:34

Bristol take Pro D2 route again, making another offbeat signing

Bristol boss Pat Lam has given the French Pro D2 another go as a recruiting ground, signing versatile forward Morgan Eames from Be…

Liam Heagney

21 Jun 2022, 9:40

'Listen, it will be phenomenal for us, for South Africa'

Springboks boss Jacques Nienaber can’t wait for July 2 in Pretoria, the first time in 35 months that South Africa will play a Te…

Liam Heagney

21 Jun 2022, 11:53

'Am I still going to coach? Yes, when he factors me in'

Dean Ryan has opened up on the new restructure at the Dragons that has seen Scarlets backs coach Dai Flanagan appointed as head co…

Liam Heagney

21 Jun 2022, 10:05

Ford faces missing start of new season at new club Sale - report

George Ford is believed to be an injury doubt for the start of next season at his new club Sale as an operation will be required t…

Liam Heagney

21 Jun 2022, 7:33

Wales call up a second uncapped tighthead to tour South Africa

Uncapped Scarlets prop Harri O’Connor has been called up to the Wales squad for next month’s South Africa tour. It means that …

Liam Heagney

21 Jun 2022, 9:00

CEO Wray pens 'powerful' letter to Saracens fans after Prem final

Saracens CEO Lucy Wray penned an extensive open letter to her club’s fans while sitting in the car on her way home from Twickenh…

Liam Heagney

21 Jun 2022, 3:43

'He was almost like a second dad, middle of the night phone calls'

Recalled England scrum-half Danny Care has reflected on his early years at Harlequins, recalling how the London club quickly convi…

Liam Heagney

18 Jun 2022, 4:06

'He isn't bitter, he loves the place. He messaged me last week'

It’s crazy how life can work out. There was Ellis Genge on Saturday evening looking as proud as punch, arriving in for his post-…

Interview

Liam Heagney

20 Jun 2022, 2:55

'Any beer in here? They don't do champagne anymore when you win'

It was pantomime at Twickenham when Leicester hero Freddie Burns arrived in to say his piece to the media around an hour after ful…

Interview

Liam Heagney

19 Jun 2022, 3:15

Five major reasons why Leicester are champions of England again

We’re frequently told how rugby is increasingly becoming a younger man’s game. Leicester, for instance, had two starting 21-ye…

Analysis

Liam Heagney

19 Jun 2022, 5:15

Saracens player ratings vs Leicester | Gallagher Premiership final

Saracens player ratings live from Twickenham: All week the vibe had been that Mark McCall’s Saracens were on the verge of Gallag…

Opinion

Liam Heagney

18 Jun 2022, 12:00

'I'm not bothered, I'm not after praise from people I don't know'

Being Owen Farrell, the Saracens and England captain, can’t be an easy gig with so much attention focused on everything that you…

Interview

Liam Heagney

18 Jun 2022, 2:36

Last-gasp Burns drop goal wins Leicester the Premiership title

Whatever way it panned out, English rugby was going to have its headline story coming out of Twickenham on Saturday... and it went…

Liam Heagney

18 Jun 2022, 10:48

Saracens make one change as they name team for Premiership final

Saracens boss Mark McCall has made one change team for Saturday’s Gallagher Premiership final following last weekend’s impress…

Liam Heagney

17 Jun 2022, 6:11

'We got all the heat': Saracens recall humiliating loss at Pirates

Saturday in front of a packed house at Twickenham with the Premiership title up for grabs will be quite the contrast for Saracens …

Liam Heagney

18 Jun 2022, 3:13

The 'dark conversations' that jolted Koch into action at Saracens

Springboks World Cup winner Vincent Koch is looking to sign off on his six-year stint at Saracens with another Gallagher Premiersh…

Liam Heagney

17 Jun 2022, 10:59

'I'm biased... but Billy has been outstanding for Saracens'

Mako Vunipola has hailed the efforts of his younger brother Billy to impress this season at Saracens and remind Eddie Jones that h…

Liam Heagney

17 Jun 2022, 9:26

Wasps' request for £13m public money bail-out fires up Twitter

Wasps have encountered heavy criticism online after it emerged they have asked the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) for £1…

Liam Heagney

17 Jun 2022, 7:37

Barbarians name a star-studded Top 14 XV to face England on Sunday

Fabien Galthie has named a star-studded Barbarians team skippered by Charles Ollivon to take on England this Sunday at Twickenham.…

Liam Heagney

16 Jun 2022, 11:00

Danny Care makes the bench as England name team for the Barbarians

Danny Care is poised to complete his shock England comeback after being named on the bench for Sunday’s non-cap international ag…

Liam Heagney

17 Jun 2022, 6:30

'Freak': Skelton names toughest team and best player he has faced

Barbarians lock Will Skelton has revealed the team that he finds the toughest to play against and the best player he has ever face…

Liam Heagney

17 Jun 2022, 4:35

The England verdict on Schickerling, their Namibian-born tighthead

England forwards coach Richard Cockerill has given his verdict on Patrick Schickerling, the 23-year-old uncapped Namibian-born tig…

Liam Heagney

17 Jun 2022, 3:59

'I was sold the dream by Venter, he could sell anything to anyone'

Charlie Hodgson has never forgotten the first impression Brendan Venter made when courting him to sign for Saracens. The seasoned …

Interview

Liam Heagney

16 Jun 2022, 12:00

Saracens face 'forensic' financial audit if crowned Prem champions

Following the implementation of toughened-up salary cap regulations after the Lord Myners review, Saracens will face an extended f…

Liam Heagney

16 Jun 2022, 2:53

'First time I got hungover, Schalk Burger fed me pints all night'

Barbarians lock Will Skelton has recounted the first time that he wound up hungover following a night out with Saracens that ended…

Liam Heagney

16 Jun 2022, 6:37

Breaking: The 2020/21 Premiership salary cap report by numbers

Premiership Rugby's salary cap report has confirmed that the average income of a player in the English top-flight with over 50 int…

Liam Heagney

15 Jun 2022, 16:00

World Rugby statement: TMO to be given 'greater scope' from July 1

Quicker, accurate decision-making is the rationale behind trial amendments to the Television Match Official (TMO) protocol announc…

Liam Heagney

16 Jun 2022, 5:27

'It makes me laugh actually': The backs chat that amuses Vunipola

England and Saracens front-rower Mako Vunipola has taken a tongue-in-cheek swipe at moaning backs. The prop is preparing to play i…

Liam Heagney

16 Jun 2022, 4:28

'Real step forward': Premiership publishes 20/21 salary cap report

New Premiership Rugby CEO Simon Massie-Taylor has insisted the strengthened salary cap is fit for purpose now that the league’s …

Liam Heagney

15 Jun 2022, 16:10

'He's dropped in very easily': The England verdict on Care return

Richard Cockerill has explained how well veteran scrum-half Danny Care has fitted into the England squad this week following his s…

Liam Heagney

15 Jun 2022, 7:46

'This is a brilliant move': London Irish sign Italy's Luca Morisi

London Irish have bolstered their ranks with the signing of another Italian international, this time midfielder Luca Morisi from B…

Liam Heagney

15 Jun 2022, 7:00

Harlequins confirm seven exits, including their ex-NFL recruit

Beaten in last Saturday’s Gallager Premiership semi-final by Saracens, 2021 champions Harlequins have confirmed the names of the…

Liam Heagney

15 Jun 2022, 6:23

Banned Robinson explains his 'hung me out to dry' tackle on Biggar

One-time England prospect Sean Robinson has suffered a double punishment for his red-carded tackle on Wales out-half Dan Biggar du…

Liam Heagney

15 Jun 2022, 5:48

'Welcome': Pro D2 club confirms signing of Scotland forward Harley

Record Glasgow appearances holder Rob Harley has secured himself a two-year deal to extend his career in France.

Liam Heagney

15 Jun 2022, 4:18

Why Itoje wouldn't oppose moving Premiership final from Twickenham

Saracens and England talisman Maro Itoje would have no problem with the Gallagher Premiership final being played away from Twicken…

Liam Heagney

15 Jun 2022, 2:36

'I was very close to going out to the real world, then Chris came'

Lewis Ludlam will never forget the inspiration that soon-to-depart Northampton boss Chris Boyd wielded when the pair first talked …

Interview

Liam Heagney

10 Jun 2022, 3:10

'I'd very little reservations about staying, I knew we'd be back'

Maro Itoje has explained he never doubted that Saracens would be back in the big time, that days such as this Saturday’s Gallagh…

Liam Heagney

14 Jun 2022, 16:00

'That's a mouthful but I'm pleased there is now clarity'

Springboks boss Jacques Nienaber has finally explained why injured Springboks Cobus Reinach and Johan Goosen have stayed with the …

Liam Heagney

14 Jun 2022, 10:38

Revealed: 'Wicked' pub meeting put Saracens on road to Prem final

England international Elliot Daly has described how a pub meeting became the catalyst for Saracens to begin the remarkable journey…

Liam Heagney

14 Jun 2022, 9:17

'We don't shy away from it, there's no awkwardness'

Rival internationals Elliot Daly and Nick Tompkins have explained why they are currently making such a consistently potent midfiel…

Liam Heagney

14 Jun 2022, 6:51

Leinster raid Crusaders to source a replacement for Contepomi

Leinster have announced a replacement for departing assistant coach Felipe Contepomi, signing another former player of theirs, And…

Liam Heagney

14 Jun 2022, 3:58

'I will always be very grateful to him for opening the door'

It’s crazy how it has all worked out so successfully for Mike Prendergast in France. When the ex-Munster scrum-half took the plu…

Interview

Liam Heagney

12 Jun 2022, 3:30

Leinster player ratings vs Bulls | URC semi-final

Leinster player ratings live from The RDS: Exeter boss Rob Baxter sprung to mind in the closing minutes of this shock URC semi-fin…

Opinion

Liam Heagney

11 Jun 2022, 2:40

'Guys must understand it's a proper bloody challenge for us now'

The world was a very different place when Leo Cullen last pulled up a chair and shared his thoughts after a Leinster URC semi-fina…

Liam Heagney

11 Jun 2022, 5:55

'La Rochelle's pack is 1,000kgs, so I learned a lot of things'

Jake White was keen to emphasise how one swallow doesn’t make a summer, that a URC semi-final win over Leinster can’t be the b…

Liam Heagney

11 Jun 2022, 4:11

Massive shock in Dublin as Bulls dethrone URC champions Leinster

Defending champions Leinster were dramatically knocked out of the United Rugby Championship courtesy of a brilliant Bulls ambush i…

Liam Heagney

10 Jun 2022, 15:38

'It's a proper rivalry, I'd say there is as close to hatred there'

Jamie George can’t wait to get stuck into Harlequins on Saturday when Saracens renew their feisty relationship with their fierce…

Liam Heagney

11 Jun 2022, 2:51

URC statement: Where the 2022 final will be played

United Rugby Championship officials have finally ended speculation that South Africa was poised to stage the final of the 201/22 U…

Liam Heagney

21 Apr 2022, 7:49

'I will make sure that I will never let that happen again'

Saracens’ Jamie George has shed some light on why things didn’t work out for him in the second half of 2021, the hooker slippi…

Liam Heagney

07 Jun 2022, 9:42

'Leicester, heads down, can absolutely annihilate Northampton'

World Cup winner Lewis Moody has made a smashing promise to himself about Leicester: if the Tigers defeat Northampton on Saturday …

Interview

Liam Heagney

09 Jun 2022, 10:36

'Ambition was to stick two fingers up to everyone critical of us'

Dean Ryan, Rob Andrew and Tony Underwood have delivered a compelling insight into how Newcastle Falcons made history 24 years ago …

Liam Heagney

10 Jun 2022, 13:14

'You destroy young people when you give them false hope'

Soon-to-depart Northampton boss Chris Boyd has taken a potshot at Eddie Jones’ penchant for calling up-and-coming prospects into…

Liam Heagney

10 Jun 2022, 11:44

The rival Premiership player that has most impressed Mark McCall

Title-chasing Saracens boss Mark McCall has named a Leicester Tigers forward as the rival club player that has impressed him most …

Liam Heagney

10 Jun 2022, 10:35

Saracens change 13 and Harlequins two as semi-final teams named

Saracens have made 13 changes to their XV for this Saturday’s Gallagher Premiership semi-final at home to defending champions Ha…

Liam Heagney

10 Jun 2022, 6:25

'A no-brainer to extend': Arundell agrees to new London Irish deal

Teen sensation Henry Arundell has committed to an unspecified length, long-term contract at London Irish.

Liam Heagney

10 Jun 2022, 4:20

'He'll light up the attack': Barbarians name Ollivon as skipper

France captain Charles Ollivon will lead the Barbarians in their non-cap international against England at Twickenham on Sunday wee…

Liam Heagney

09 Jun 2022, 8:53

Sexton only makes bench as Leinster change just two for semi-final

Defending champions Leinster have made just two changes to their XV for this Friday’s URC semi-final at home to the Bulls, Leo C…

Liam Heagney

09 Jun 2022, 7:33

'Real power': Saracens sign an Italian-based Argentine tighthead

Saracens have momentarily turned away from the buildup to Saturday’s Gallagher Premiership semi-final versus title holders Harle…

Liam Heagney

09 Jun 2022, 6:30

'I remain furious with the organisers': Toulouse hit out at EPCR

Toulouse took part last month in their fourth successive Heineken Champions Cup semi-final, but the French giants remain furious w…

Liam Heagney

09 Jun 2022, 5:09

A mind coach is one of four new appointments unveiled at Bath

Incoming head of rugby Johann van Graan has kickstarted his new reign at Bath by unveiling the appointment of four experienced pro…

Liam Heagney

09 Jun 2022, 4:44

'Can't wait to kick on': England pick Joseph signs Irish contract

New England squad call up Will Joseph has signed a new contract at London Irish, ending speculation that he would look to progress…

Liam Heagney

09 Jun 2022, 4:22

Springboks: 'The other big thing that we would like to achieve'

Springboks boss Jacques Nienaber has identified the two major growth areas for his team in 2022. The South African squad has assem…

Liam Heagney

09 Jun 2022, 3:38

Gustard breaks quit silence after Benetton appoint ex-Exeter coach

Ex-England assistant Paul Gustard has broken his silence over his decision to quit Benetton, the Italian URC franchise who have ap…

Liam Heagney

09 Jun 2022, 3:00

No Hogg or Russell as Scotland name their 40-man summer tour squad

Scotland boss Gregor Townsend has included six uncapped players in a Grant Gilchrist-captained 40-man squad for the summer tour to…

Liam Heagney

08 Jun 2022, 5:12

Springboks' Welsh discovery after 'a proper Six Nations analysis'

Jacques Nienaber has insisted he hasn’t bought into the doom and gloom currently surrounding the soon-to-tour Wales team, the Sp…

Liam Heagney

08 Jun 2022, 8:03

Springboks explain Jantjies' selection despite last month's arrest

Springboks boss Jacques Nienaber has explained why he has stood by Elton Jantjies despite the arrest last month of the NTT Docomo …

Liam Heagney

08 Jun 2022, 9:49

'I've unfinished business': Mark Wilson becomes a Newcastle coach

Recently-retired England back-rower Mark Wilson is back in rugby after agreeing to become a coach at Newcastle under Dave Walder, …

Liam Heagney

08 Jun 2022, 5:39

Row over Fijian wing's contract dents Pro D2 playoff preparations

Mont-de-Marsan preparations for this weekend’s relegation/promotion final at home to Perpignan have been clouded by long-serving…

Liam Heagney

08 Jun 2022, 6:17

Matt Giteau's Giltinis the latest team disqualified by the MLR

Major League Rugby has been rocked by a second disqualification inside a week, the LA Giltinis joining Austin Gilgronis in getting…

Liam Heagney

07 Jun 2022, 11:54

Biarritz sign Tomane, confirm Cronin for Leicester among 19 exits

Relegated Biarritz have confirmed the signing of former Wallabies midfielder Joe Tomane just a day after the club named the 19 pla…

Liam Heagney

08 Jun 2022, 4:18

Confirmed: Gustard for Stade along with 8 players including Parra

Ex-England assistant and former Harlequins boss Paul Gustard has been confirmed as a new assistant coach at Stade Francais, the Fr…

Liam Heagney

08 Jun 2022, 3:41

Sinckler ignites Twitter debate with 'worrying times ahead' tweet

England prop Kyle Sinckler has ignited a debate on social media after tweeting on Tuesday afternoon about his concerns that upward…

Liam Heagney

07 Jun 2022, 11:24

'He now knows, especially having seen people like Jack Nowell'

Incoming Northampton director of rugby Phil Dowson has hailed the rapid progress of rookie winger Tommy Freeman. Restored to full …

Liam Heagney

07 Jun 2022, 10:40

Toulon unveil ex-referee Poite as their latest new signing

Toulon have unveiled ex-referee Romain Poite as their latest new signing for the 2022/23 season. The club’s push to make this se…

Liam Heagney

07 Jun 2022, 12:55

Uncapped Saracens prop Wainwright called up to tour by Wales

Wayne Pivac has announced a change to his Wales squad ahead of next month’s three-Test series away to South Africa, the coach na…

Liam Heagney

07 Jun 2022, 9:26

Saracens issue Michael Jordan-like Farrell warning to Harlequins

Saracens hooker Jamie George has issued a warning to Harlequins, claiming that skipper Owen Farrell has been wielding an intense M…

Liam Heagney

07 Jun 2022, 7:00

Esterhuizen explains why Care should be back with England ASAP

Andre Esterhuizen has backed calls for Danny Care, his on-fire Harlequins colleague, to be recalled to the England set-up by Eddie…

Liam Heagney

07 Jun 2022, 8:12

South Africa dominate URC dream team XV with 10 players picked

Three clubs from South Africa have provided ten picks in a URC dream team XV padded out by five more players from three of the Iri…

Liam Heagney

07 Jun 2022, 7:44

'Looking good': Esterhuizen on Springboks recall and Owen Farrell

Harlequins midfielder Andre Esterhuizen has spoken about his chances of a Springboks recall this month and about this weekend’s …

Liam Heagney

07 Jun 2022, 5:22

'It gave us a Caucaunibuca': Biarritz in dark over AWOL Kuridrani

Relegated Biarritz have admitted they are in the dark as to the whereabouts of former Wallabies midfielder Tevita Kuridrani, who m…

Liam Heagney

07 Jun 2022, 3:50

Paul Gustard to be unveiled at Stade Francais on Tuesday - report

Ex-England defence coach Paul Gustard is reportedly in France ahead of his likely Tuesday unveiling as a new Stade Francais assist…

Liam Heagney

07 Jun 2022, 4:25

Haskell issues three-minute video apology after social media storm

Ex-England international James Haskell has published a three-minute video on Instagram to explain the social media storm he ignite…

Liam Heagney

17 May 2022, 11:04

'I was so not shocked. Shocked is not the right word'

Dillyn Leyds can’t quite believe that La Rochelle had to call a stop in midweek to the incredible celebrations ignited by last w…

Interview

Liam Heagney

05 Jun 2022, 4:23

'I rather the regulation bent or manipulated than a broken neck'

Worcester boss Steve Diamond has shared his latest thoughts on the Gallagher Premiership cancellation controversy with Gloucester,…

Liam Heagney

05 Jun 2022, 3:05

Glasgow humiliated by Leinster in a 76-point, 12-try URC mauling

A fifth European star eluded Leinster with last week’s Heineken Champions Cup showcase showpiece final defeat to La Rochelle in …

Liam Heagney

04 Jun 2022, 11:07

'It takes a bit to get used to new norm of playing rugby in June'

Leo Cullen has played down the significance of Leinster hammering Glasgow in the URC quarter-finals at the RDS, the Irish province…

Liam Heagney

04 Jun 2022, 12:39

Ex-England player argues Simmonds could be alternative to Tuilagi

Ex-England international Austin Healey has floated a radical tactic involving Sam Simmonds so that Eddie Jones can have a reliable…

Liam Heagney

04 Jun 2022, 7:55

'I was probably a bit more anxious then, a little bit more nervous'

Dean Richards has claimed he is stepping away from front-line rugby a mellower character at the age of 58 than what he was like wh…

Liam Heagney

04 Jun 2022, 5:42

'I'd two or three offers abroad but I've unfinished Prem business'

Steve Diamond believes the eleven months he spent away from rugby after quitting as Sale boss have him primed to be a long-term su…

Liam Heagney

04 Jun 2022, 5:05

'There's an argument I might not be talented enough in this role'

Alex Sanderson hasn’t shied away from the criticism that Sale have not delivered on their full potential this season, finding th…

Liam Heagney

04 Jun 2022, 3:17

'It was hell for teams to play at Sandy Park, that has ebbed away'

Rob Baxter has recognised that Exeter need to tweak their mindset and remember that their best seasons are built on them being hor…

Liam Heagney

04 Jun 2022, 3:12

'I was kind of lost in the rugby world, my name had gone quiet'

Joel Kpoku can’t quite believe it has turned out so good so quickly for him at Lyon. His December Top 14 debut was a disaster, i…

Liam Heagney

22 May 2022, 3:22

'I played rugby a year ago, I couldn't walk for three weeks after'

Nathan Hines will be glued to the TV this Saturday in Manchester, watching from afar as his old club Leinster goes in search of it…

Interview

Liam Heagney

27 May 2022, 4:22

'Chip on shoulder leaving Ulster motivates me in darkest times'

Long-serving Worcester hooker Niall Annett has given himself a career pat on the back ahead of his final match for the Gallagher P…

Interview

Liam Heagney

03 Jun 2022, 3:11

'I'm a huge believer that the league table doesn't lie'

Rob Baxter has drawn a line under the 2021/22 season at Exeter, accepting that his Chiefs weren't good enough to be a top-four tea…

Liam Heagney

03 Jun 2022, 11:15

'You always have an interest, particularly ones like Denny'

Sale boss Alex Sanderson will keep a Saturday morning eye on how the club’s ex-winger Denny Solomona will fare with the Highland…

Liam Heagney

03 Jun 2022, 2:24

Leicester get most picks in Greenwood's Premiership XV of the year

Leicester, Saracens and Harlequins are the dominant contributors in the Gallagher Premiership team of the season named by retired …

Liam Heagney

03 Jun 2022, 8:31

No Johnny Sexton as Leinster change seven for visit of Glasgow

Ireland skipper Johnny Sexton is among the absentees after Leinster decided to make seven changes for Saturday’s URC quarter-fin…

Liam Heagney

03 Jun 2022, 7:07

Obano starts first game in 7 months as Bath, Worcester name teams

Fit-again England prop Beno Obano will start his first game in just over seven months when Bath take on Worcester Warriors in thei…

Liam Heagney

03 Jun 2022, 6:40

'Size 15 feet, I don't need to grow more. Hopefully, I've stopped'

England prospect Joe Heyes reckons he has now filled out as best he can and is ready to accelerate his promising career with his c…

Liam Heagney

02 Jun 2022, 10:08

Sale statement: Manu Tuilagi to miss England tour to Australia

Sale have confirmed that Manu Tuilagi won’t be touring Australia with England in July despite recent projections that he was on …

Liam Heagney

02 Jun 2022, 5:16

'Reckless from my old mate, Eben, you could see it was head loss'

RugbyPass Offload duo Ryan Wilson and Max Lahiff have become the latest to pass judgement on the massively debated Eben Etzebeth r…

Liam Heagney

02 Jun 2022, 4:54

'We wouldn't be going down if there was relegation, not a chance'

Steve Diamond has insisted that if there was relegation in place at the end of the current 2021/22 Gallagher Premiership season, t…

Liam Heagney

02 Jun 2022, 8:05

'Haven't got that right': Richards names rugby's biggest problem

Ahead of his final game as the Newcastle director of rugby after a decade in charge at Kingston Park, Dean Richards has named what…

Liam Heagney

02 Jun 2022, 8:45

EPCR statement: Cheetahs included as 5 SA clubs get European entry

Five South African teams - including the Cheetahs - will participate in next season’s European tournaments after organisers EPCR…

Liam Heagney

02 Jun 2022, 2:59

Season potentially over for ex-ABs prop Faumuina after Top 14 ban

Ex-All Blacks prop Charlie Faumuina is poised to miss the remainder of the 2021/22 season in France unless defending champions Tou…

Liam Heagney

02 Jun 2022, 4:07

'First of its kind in SA': Erasmus visits black coaches initiative

Springboks director of rugby Rassie Erasmus has hailed a new initiative that is fast-tracking the development of elite black rugby…

Liam Heagney

02 Jun 2022, 3:34

'He sees any mistake as a learning as opposed to a loss of face'

Saracens assistant Kevin Sorrell has explained why unheralded signing Theo McFarland has become such a success for the title-chasi…

Liam Heagney

02 Jun 2022, 2:34

Mathieu Bastareaud posts his Lyon exit message on social media

Former France midfielder Mathieu Bastareaud has taken to social media to confirm that he will leave Lyon at the end of the current…

Liam Heagney

01 Jun 2022, 13:54

Richards rues 'incredibly loyal servant' not getting England cap

Ahead of his last game as Newcastle director of rugby, England Test selection was one topic Dean Richards touched on when reflecti…

Liam Heagney

01 Jun 2022, 13:14

'He won't leave as big a hole as he would have done a year ago'

Rob Baxter has farewelled Jonny Hill as an Exeter player by suggesting the departure of the England lock to Sale this summer won�…

Liam Heagney

01 Jun 2022, 6:43

'Time's right to move back home': O'Brien becomes a Leinster coach

Recently retired Sean O’Brien has finally made up his mind and confirmed his next move will be joining Leinster as their new con…

Liam Heagney

01 Jun 2022, 7:26

Ospreys confirm six players leaving along with assistant James

Toby Booth has confirmed that six players are leaving the Ospreys along with assistant coach Brock James now that their 2021/22 ca…

Liam Heagney

01 Jun 2022, 7:08

Test exile over for Creevy as Cheika names first Argentina squad

Veteran Agustin Creevy has had his wish granted regarding a Test level recall as new Argentina coach Michael Cheika. The 37-year-o…

Liam Heagney

01 Jun 2022, 5:35