Opinion
Autumn Nations Series
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.
64 Articles
Latest
10 days ago Autumn Nations Series
England have become the nearly men of international rugby
17 days ago Autumn Nations Series
England are so near yet so far from becoming a winning machine
27 days ago International Rugby
Mick Cleary: 'These are defining weeks for Borthwick's regime'
35 days ago International Rugby
Steve Borthwick has lost some key lieutenants but is still hopeful
Opinion
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
09 Oct 2024, 2:28
Opinion
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
25 Sep 2024, 7:26
Opinion
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
16 Sep 2024, 2:36
Opinion
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
06 Sep 2024, 5:57
Opinion
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
26 Aug 2024, 5:07
Opinion
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
15 Jul 2024, 4:44
Opinion
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
08 Jul 2024, 4:14
Opinion
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
04 Jul 2024, 5:56
Analysis
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
24 Jun 2024, 2:56
Opinion
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
Mick Cleary
17 Jun 2024, 2:09
Opinion
Mick Cleary: 'The All Blacks in New Zealand give you nowt without sweat and toil.'
England coach Steve Borthwick has some tough calls to make as he whittles down his squad for Japan and New Zealand
Mick Cleary
06 Jun 2024, 4:44
Opinion
Mick Cleary: 'One thing is for sure – Saracens will not go gently into the night.'
It's one last dance for some Saracens legends and Northampton will be wary of the dangerous but ailing North Londoner's
Mick Cleary
31 May 2024, 2:30
Opinion
Mick Cleary: 'Stade Toulousain are not without their imperfections and vulnerabilities'
The aristocratic Top 14 side are stacked with superstars and will fancy their chances against a similarly star-studded Leinster si…
Mick Cleary
23 May 2024, 2:47
Opinion
Mick Cleary: 'How difficult must it be to be a Glaws fan and keep frustrations in check?'
The shellacking dished out by Northampton has been defended by head coach George Skivington after his high-stakes selection gamble
Mick Cleary
15 May 2024, 4:23
Opinion
Mick Cleary: 'What England desperately need is a feeling of everyone pulling in the same direction'
The club versus country debate has been rumbling on for eons but there are tentative signs progress is inbound, at last
Mick Cleary
01 May 2024, 1:50
Opinion
Mick Cleary: 'There is no such thing as a run-of-the-mill, tepid, easy-as-it-goes East Midlands Derby'
For all the talk of exotic World Club Championships, it is affairs closer to home that stir the blood with the East Midlands derby…
Mick Cleary
18 Apr 2024, 2:10
Opinion
Mick Cleary: 'Warren Gatland didn’t bother asking Feyi-Waboso who he fancied playing for. Baxter left nothing to chance.'
The Chiefs have nothing to lose when heading to Toulouse and have a puncher's chance of causing an upset
Mick Cleary
10 Apr 2024, 10:57
Opinion
Mick Cleary: 'It's hard to know why Farrell was never loved in the manner Jonny Wilkinson was'
The Saracens legend will soon be plying his trade in France and England fans should be left with regrets over his treatment
Mick Cleary
04 Apr 2024, 4:03
Opinion
Mick Cleary: 'England proved they are more than a limited, functional side'
In embracing attacking rugby, Steve Borthwick has proven himself to his players and the wider public.
Mick Cleary
18 Mar 2024, 6:03
Opinion
Mick Cleary: 'What England were missing was what they produced big time on Saturday – a statement victory'
Steve Borthwick finally has a performance and result to build upon as Twickenham erupts, but it must not be a one-off
Mick Cleary
11 Mar 2024, 4:12
