Contributors
Mick Cleary
Mick Cleary was sports feature writer for The Observer from 1988-1997 covering Wimbledon, Tour de France, F1, cricket, golf, athletics and horse racing. In 1997 he became Chief Rugby Correspondent of The Daily Telegraph. He has covered eight Rugby World Cups as well as seven Lions tours. Cleary has also written several books on the sport.
Latest
England's five non-negotiables for Calcutta Cup glory
England snatched victory from the jaws of defeat against France
England show signs of improvement before failing when it matters
Ireland v England could be pointer to both team's fortunes at RWC2027
Mick Cleary: Five things Steve Borthwick has to do in Girona
There is little room for error in England's preparation for the 2025 Six Nations and the pressure is on them to find an upturn in …
Mick Cleary: 'Itoje has it within his grasp to do for England what John Eales did for Australia'
There is a changing of the guard as England captain and optimism abounds at the start of a year where Steve Borthwick must improve…
Mick Cleary: 'Owen Farrell has been bedevilled by injury. But you write him off at your peril. He is a contender.'
The Ireland head coach will approach the Lions gig in the same indefatigable manner he has approached every role
Mick Cleary: Five things English rugby must fix in 2025
Aftercare for players, the RFU's policy on overseas talent and Premiership travails are all high on the agenda for the next 12 mon…
Mick Cleary: 'Borthwick deserves the benefit of the doubt at this juncture. Just.'
The clock is ticking on the 2027 World Cup and England must decide when to discard those players past their prime
Mick Cleary: 'England are not far off. But the margin is there. It’s palpable.'
Patience is wearing thin for Steve Borthwick after England register their fifth consecutive loss with familiar failings
Mick Cleary: 'England need to get angry, with themselves and with their coaches.'
Steve Borthwick's men are finding new ways to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory and it is becoming a problem
Mick Cleary: 'Borthwick needs to have faith in Marcus Smith'
England yet again fluffed their lines against the All Blacks when they had built a comfortable lead and questions are being asked
Mick Cleary: 'The strength of England's spine will determine defining weeks for Borthwick's regime'
The core of England's lineup, from hooker through to full-back, will be key to their hopes of breaking new ground this November
Mick Cleary: 'England need to knock over one of the Big Two this autumn, as a bare minimum'
With upheaval in the camp, Steve Borthwick has chosen not to rock the boat with selection but expectation is still heaped on Engla…
Mick Cleary: 'Rivalry is a box-office ticket, ripe for indulgence and legitimate exploitation'
Domestic derbies and national rivalries are a rich part of rugby offering compelling drama.
Mick Cleary: The key selection questions Steve Borthwick has to answer
The Autumn Series is fast-approaching and England have decisions to make over the shape of the squad
Mick Cleary: 'This is the most significant season in Premiership history'
The new campaign must deliver some lessening of the gloom and uncertainty which has dominated of late.
Mick Cleary: 'It's up to Steve Borthwick to make England's brave new world work'
The RFU's new Professional Game Agreement places more control in the head coach's hands, but more pressure upon his shoulders.
Mick Cleary: 'England are running through coaches like the Tory Party used to do Prime Ministers'
The revolving door environment created by Eddie Jones has returned under Steve Borthwick and stability must be found
Mick Cleary: 'There is now a clear sense of identity about this England team.'
England will rue two Tests that got away from them in New Zealand but they have much to be optimistic about
Mick Cleary: 'England had a chance. They blew it. They need to take that hurt and use it.'
However you dress it up, an improving England missed a gilt-edged chance to register a first win on New Zealand soil for 21 years
Mick Cleary: 'Respect from the All Blacks? You have to chisel it from them'
Steve Borthwick has slowly turned his England team from unloved no-hopers to thrill seekers - a win in New Zealand would be seismi…
Mick Cleary: 'Marcus Smith did what he simply had to do and that is declare himself as starting test fly-half'
The Brave Blossoms were spirited opponents but there will be a step up in class when England travel to New Zealand
Mick Cleary: 'You could fill a shrink’s notepad with all sorts of theories as to why Eddie Jones is as he is.'
England have booked a date in Tokyo with their irrepressible former coach in Japan and fireworks are guaranteed