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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.

74 Articles
LONG READ
Opinion

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
Mick Cleary
22 Jan 2025, 2:43
LONG READ
Opinion

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
Mick Cleary
15 Jan 2025, 5:45
LONG READ
Opinion

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
Mick Cleary
12 Jan 2025, 7:22
LONG READ
Opinion

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
Mick Cleary
12 Dec 2024, 3:07
LONG READ
Opinion

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
Mick Cleary
25 Nov 2024, 7:28
LONG READ
Opinion

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
Mick Cleary
18 Nov 2024, 4:27
LONG READ
Opinion

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
Mick Cleary
11 Nov 2024, 6:46
LONG READ
Opinion

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
Mick Cleary
04 Nov 2024, 4:22
LONG READ
Opinion

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
Mick Cleary
25 Oct 2024, 5:46
LONG READ
Opinion

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
Mick Cleary
17 Oct 2024, 11:49
LONG READ
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
Mick Cleary
09 Oct 2024, 3:28
LONG READ
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
Mick Cleary
25 Sep 2024, 8:26
LONG READ
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
Mick Cleary
16 Sep 2024, 3:36
LONG READ
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
Mick Cleary
06 Sep 2024, 6:57
LONG READ
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
Mick Cleary
26 Aug 2024, 6:07
LONG READ
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
Mick Cleary
15 Jul 2024, 5:44
LONG READ
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
Mick Cleary
08 Jul 2024, 5:14
LONG READ
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
Mick Cleary
04 Jul 2024, 6:56
LONG READ
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
Mick Cleary
24 Jun 2024, 3:56
LONG READ
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
Mick Cleary
17 Jun 2024, 3:09
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