Opinion
Australia
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.
83 Articles
Latest
9 days ago Australia
The 2001 Lions tour was troubled but tremendously compelling theatre
14 days ago Australia
How Australia went from mundane waypoint to go-to Lions destination
22 days ago Investec Champions Cup
Europe's elite Champions Cup needs more jeopardy and uncertainty
29 days ago Investec Champions Cup
With a weakened side Saracens travel to Toulon in hope not expectation
Opinion
Mick Cleary: 'England are back among the heavyweights.'
Steve Borthwick's men were much maligned at the start of the Six Nations but their renaissance is gathering momentum
Mick Cleary
17 Mar 2025, 6:39
Opinion
'Wales v England has a special resonance and can make a mockery of what has gone before’
Wales will aim to harness the passion of their home crowd but the game will be decided by form, not historical enmity, with Englan…
Mick Cleary
13 Mar 2025, 11:48
Opinion
Mick Cleary: 'Maro has drawn something from England. One day, those small steps might turn into a stride.'
England are in the mix for an unlikely shot at the Six Nations Championship to prove that baby steps are turning into real signs o…
Mick Cleary
10 Mar 2025, 10:11
Opinion
Mick Cleary: Five non-negotiables England need to display against Italy
Steve Borthwick is yet again under-fire for England's brand of rugby and the visit of Italy is the time prove his doubters wrong
Mick Cleary
03 Mar 2025, 4:53
Opinion
England’s clunky chariot desperately trying to splutter into life
England may have the Calcutta Cup back but there was little jubilation after a win which raised more questions.
Mick Cleary
24 Feb 2025, 7:41
Opinion
Mick Cleary: England's five non-negotiables for Calcutta Cup glory
Bottling emotion and making steady selections are key if England are to end their drought against Scotland.
Mick Cleary
17 Feb 2025, 16:42
Opinion
Mick Cleary: 'England are back in the fight, no longer the object of scorn.'
Just when hope was starting to drain from England's fans at Twickenham, Steve Borthwick's side pulled off a victory to lift the sp…
Mick Cleary
10 Feb 2025, 3:35
Opinion
Mick Cleary: 'It's about time England started shaping their own narrative and got the job done.'
Steve Borthwick's men flatter to deceive as their hopes go South with a second-half implosion in Dublin and France are up next
Mick Cleary
03 Feb 2025, 3:48
Opinion
'This Ireland-England fixture is back with a tingling, resonant feel'
There is plenty on the line in both the short and medium term for Ireland and England on Saturday.
Mick Cleary
30 Jan 2025, 5:25
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
22 Jan 2025, 2:43
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
15 Jan 2025, 5:45
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
12 Jan 2025, 7:22
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
12 Dec 2024, 3:07
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
25 Nov 2024, 7:28
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
18 Nov 2024, 4:27
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
11 Nov 2024, 6:46
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
04 Nov 2024, 4:22
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
25 Oct 2024, 5:46
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
17 Oct 2024, 11:49
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, 3:28
