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Neil Squires

Neil Squires is the ex-rugby union correspondent for the Daily Express and has covered eight Rugby World Cups and 30 Five/Six Nations Championships. He has also written four books on the sport including the well-received but commercially catastrophic House of Lancaster, released with impeccable timing, to coincide with England's 2015 World Cup campaign.

42 Articles
LONG READ
Opinion

'Exciting' or 'a terrible rule'? Why escort runners could define the Autumn Nations Series

World Rugby's new directive could have far-reaching consequences for the style and tactics of an evolving game.

Neil Squires
Neil Squires
07 Nov 2024, 4:17
LONG READ
Opinion

'There will be no honeymoon period for Borthwick's wedding usher El-Abd'

England's new defence coach is an energetic presence, but amidst a job share and tight time constraints, has much to prove.

Neil Squires
Neil Squires
01 Nov 2024, 5:14
LONG READ
Exclusive

Gabriel Ibitoye: Bristol's white-knuckle blueprint can '100% win trophies'

For the past 18 months, the Bears wing has been one of England's sharpest weapons, though national honours continue to elude him.

Neil Squires
Neil Squires
25 Oct 2024, 6:08
LONG READ
Opinion

'The picture looks bleak for Diamond's seemingly impossible job'

The Newcastle Falcons supremo wants no sympathy, but his team looks like a Championship side operating at the wrong level.

Neil Squires
Neil Squires
15 Oct 2024, 12:53
LONG READ
Opinion

Rory Underwood's other-worldly England record may never be broken

A phenomenal mark of 48 tries, achieved against the odds, is still a distant prospect for today's top English wingers.

Neil Squires
Neil Squires
10 Oct 2024, 10:05
LONG READ
Opinion

'New kids on the Premiership block will catch Borthwick's eye'

The England coach will be heartened by the emergence of three talented young tight-head props.

Neil Squires
Neil Squires
02 Oct 2024, 7:40
LONG READ
Opinion

'The Premiership's values can renew the league's diminished profile'

A solid culture, in contrast to some other sporting events, can help rugby increase its footprint in England.

Neil Squires
Neil Squires
26 Sep 2024, 9:41
LONG READ
Opinion

'Should Northampton Saints book another open-top bus? Probably not'

High-profile departures and salary cap laws will render back-to-back Premiership titles a huge ask.

Neil Squires
Neil Squires
20 Sep 2024, 4:52
LONG READ
Interview

Why leading Harlequins could help Alex Dombrandt find favour with England again

The powerful No 8 ‘has a positive energy' and will 'really embrace' being made captain, believes former skipper Chris Robshaw.

Neil Squires
Neil Squires
13 Sep 2024, 4:28
LONG READ
Opinion

Why England should host 'magnetic' Test series against southern hemisphere giants

Test series add something extra, and England should follow where South Africa and New Zealand lead.

Neil Squires
Neil Squires
09 Sep 2024, 12:34
LONG READ
Opinion

'A 10-team Premiership sells the English game, its devotees and broadcasters short'

The top flight is competitive and watchable, but its 20th September start date feels much too late.

Neil Squires
Neil Squires
29 Aug 2024, 7:05
LONG READ
Opinion

Dissenting voices mask the fact rugby fans can watch more live footage than ever

With Premier Sports strengthening their position as the home of rugby, rugby fans are voicing their dissatisfaction at added costs

Neil Squires
Neil Squires
21 Aug 2024, 7:30
LONG READ
Opinion

England's next golden generation must be given opportunity to thrive

Mark Mapletoft's young bucks have tasted glory but is there now a clear pathway to Steve Borthwick's senior team?

Neil Squires
Neil Squires
25 Jul 2024, 9:06
LONG READ
Opinion

'RFU would live to regret moral guardian angel Sinfield's departure'

Though no longer England defence coach, Kevin Sinfield's value to the RFU should be blindingly obvious.

Neil Squires
Neil Squires
17 Jul 2024, 3:47
LONG READ
Interview

Slow-burner George Furbank catches light as England attempt to storm All Blacks stronghold

The Northampton Saints full-back has cut a dash from deep and added some much-needed width to England's attack

Neil Squires
Neil Squires
11 Jul 2024, 17:25
LONG READ
Opinion

Bloodied but unbowed Dan Cole prepares for final hurrah

The adamantine Leicester Tigers tighthead knows he hasn't got long left at Test level and deserves every bit of praise coming his …

Neil Squires
Neil Squires
03 Jul 2024, 3:01
LONG READ
Opinion

Johnson happy to stay in shadows but coaching absence 'a terrible waste'

The England legend was badly burned by his experience as manager but his career is missing a post-script.

Neil Squires
Neil Squires
26 Jun 2024, 12:57
LONG READ
Opinion

Borthwick's Babes primed to take New Zealand by storm

With Test centurions Owen Farrell, Ben Youngs and Courtney Lawes absent, there is a youthful feel to England's touring party

Neil Squires
Neil Squires
12 Jun 2024, 18:32
LONG READ
Interview

Jon Callard: 'It'll be just like the old days. Last one off to Twickenham turn the light off'

Twenty-eight years after their last Premiership title, Bath tread a path to HQ once so familiar.

Neil Squires
Neil Squires
04 Jun 2024, 17:02
LONG READ
Interview

Tom Dunn: ‘Bath was a massive ship facing the wrong way.'

The piratical hooker has been at the coalface through a turbulent 12 years and wants to leave a tangible legacy.

Neil Squires
Neil Squires
30 May 2024, 16:56
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