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.
The RFU's new Professional Game Agreement places more control in the head coach's hands, but more pressure upon his shoulders.
The new campaign must deliver some lessening of the gloom and uncertainty which has dominated of late.
The Autumn Series is fast-approaching and England have decisions to make over the shape of the squad
Domestic derbies and national rivalries are a rich part of rugby offering compelling drama.
With upheaval in the camp, Steve Borthwick has chosen not to rock the boat with selection but expectation is still heaped on Engla…
Steve Borthwick finally has a performance and result to build upon as Twickenham erupts, but it must not be a one-off
Steve Borthwick's men are expected to be another bump in the road on Ireland's triumphant path to the Grand Slam, can they spring …
Steve Borthwick's men fumbled the ball, tried to play too much rugby and were ultimately undone by Duhan van der Merwe's brillianc…
Steve Borthwick has shed his conservative image by dropping the dependable Freddie Steward for the creative George Furbank
Steve Borthwick's side have identity, but remain too formulaic and too blunt in attack.
England and Wales are sides in transition and both coaches must empower their players to cut loose and play on instinct
Jamie George is hugely experienced and a popular member of the squad and his relationship with Steve Borthwick will be pivotal
The new skipper has much on his plate, but there are reasons for cautious English optimism.
Andy Farrell's honesty, personality, charisma and humility means the 2025 tourists will be in good hands.
Steve Borthwick has tweaked his coaching team ahead of the 2024 Six Nations, emboldened by a strong showing in France
What must the England coach address as a new year and a new World Cup cycle begins?
After so long in the doldrums, a 'well-balanced' Bath side look 'in reasonable shape' for a tilt at honours
With the Rugby World Cup filed away, attention will soon turn to the British & Irish Lions tour to Australia, and the planning nee…
Economic forces have forced the likes of Henry Arundell and Jack Willis over the channel to France and they shouldn't be published…
Steve Borthwick's side have put respectability into the shirt but it is a mirage to suggest all in rosy in England's garden
