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.
England have booked a date in Tokyo with their irrepressible former coach in Japan and fireworks are guaranteed
England coach Steve Borthwick has some tough calls to make as he whittles down his squad for Japan and New Zealand
It's one last dance for some Saracens legends and Northampton will be wary of the dangerous but ailing North Londoner's
The aristocratic Top 14 side are stacked with superstars and will fancy their chances against a similarly star-studded Leinster si…
The shellacking dished out by Northampton has been defended by head coach George Skivington after his high-stakes selection gamble
The club versus country debate has been rumbling on for eons but there are tentative signs progress is inbound, at last
For all the talk of exotic World Club Championships, it is affairs closer to home that stir the blood with the East Midlands derby…
The Chiefs have nothing to lose when heading to Toulouse and have a puncher's chance of causing an upset
The Saracens legend will soon be plying his trade in France and England fans should be left with regrets over his treatment
In embracing attacking rugby, Steve Borthwick has proven himself to his players and the wider public.
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
