The Tight Five - Handpicked Stories From The World Of Rugby

Ben Earl admits to the time his celebrations became 'too much'

Bob Salad II 1 hour ago

Personally, I'd like Borthwick to impose a ban on any England player celebrations outside of the opposition 22. You have to earn the right to start whooping it up. If you can't control your emotions, then how can you control the game?

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GS 1 hour ago

It is extremely telling that in last year's U20 Tournaments - Georgia played in the Tier 1 comp vs. Scotland (who won and will be promoted to T1 in 2025), who played in the Tier 2 comp.

When you exclude the imports/parents/grandparents rules, I think that accurately reflects the true strength of the two nations' rugby.

The question is whether it is healthy that we have effectively allowed historically strong nations to effectively game the system via their inherent ability to recruit via overseas players basis.

But then, on the other hand, it makes it challenging for developing nations to develop, e.g. how can Georgia compete on the global stage when likes of Scotland can block their ability to access comps like the six nations when it is probably unjustified based upon the actual playing strength of the two nations.

I guess that's the challenge/quandary for World Rugby.

Bristol statement: £5.5million loss confirmed in 2023/24 report

Bob Salad II 1 hour ago

I'm sure I'm overlooking significant pieces of the picture, but Bristol probably have some of the highest gate receipts in the Prem. and one of the smallest squads, so reporting such a large loss is pretty alarming.

Brodie Retallick becomes unlikely secret weapon in Japan

SC 3 hours ago

It’s is tragic that Brodie Retallick is not still eligible to play for the All Blacks.

He sacrificed so much money remaining in NZ for over a decade to play for the All Blacks and now his reward in the twilight of his career is banishment from test rugby.

What a great selection policy NZR !

Six Nations headache for France as Gael Fickou undergoes operation

WN 3 hours ago

Indeed he could be part of the touring team provided Racing don't play Top14 semi-final.

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GP 4 hours ago

Blair Murray shines on return as Scarlets claim bonus-point win over Dragons

Great to see Blair Murray doing so well playing for Wales.I rated him as a brilliant attacking back when he played for Canterbury in 2023. Keep it going Blair !!

Springboks dominate my team of 2024 – Andy Goode

Steve P 4 hours ago

That's a formidable team. Thanks for the great read.

3 Go to comments

GrandDisse 5 hours ago

Six Nations headache for France as Gael Fickou undergoes operation

A lot of interesting alternatives tbh: Gailleton, Depoortere, Barassi, maybe Frisch, Costes or Thomas as well.

Sad for Fickou who was really in form, but maybe that will give him the opportunity to be part of the summer tour in NZ.

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Ed the Duck 5 hours ago

So that would be the same granny that looked after them both as kids living in Australia? The same one that the SRU flew across from oz to reunite and surprise him before the Australia game and present him with the Hopetoun cup after the match?

Ed the Duck 5 hours ago

Healy moved because he could see the log jam in the Irish 10 pipeline, John Cooney attempted to make the same move pre wc, albeit at a different career stage, for similar selection based reasons. The interesting thing about Healy though is that he turned down glasgow for Edinburgh, presumably saw their style as closer to the Munster he was used to, and has suffered hugely from that call, to the extent that he’s not even in the match day squad on occasion these days.

Ed the Duck 5 hours ago

Tom Jordan might have something to say about that…

Ed the Duck 5 hours ago

Nope, he’s an entirely different player with quins and will never fit the England game plan in the same way. Fin Smith on the other hand…

Ed the Duck 5 hours ago

Agree with your MS assessment but the thing about MS is that he’s a square peg in a round hole with England. It’s crystal clear how well the quins game plan suits him down to the ground but England never have been, and never will be, that team.

Ed the Duck 5 hours ago

My understanding is that he was all but signed for Glasgow before $arrie$ came in with a bigger cheque, which probably illustrates the priorities involved. Possibly a shrewd move though because he has the opportunity to develop his skills, compete for trophies, get paid handsomely and still keep his three way eligibility hand open. What’s not to love…?