Springboks Explore The Art Of The Possible
Ireland and South Africa, the two best sides in the world, have been pre-eminent in integrating new players seamlessly into their squads. That much has been obvious in the last few weeks if not years. All nations have their eye on 2027 and it is no secret that…
A European Rugby Special comes to London
So it came to pass that the two National proxies of Irish and French rugby came through the sternest of tests to set up a Champions Cup Final which already has us salivating and could surpass anything that the designated venue of Tottenham Hotspur’s new stadium has hosted in any sport. I always say that […]
Red Roses In Bloom For Grand Slam Decider
It is a truism in sport that you can only play the opposition in front of you. So it was at Twickenham when the ‘Red Roses’ England Women’s team inflicted a humiliating defeat on the Irish to set up a decider in Bordeaux against France – English teams can win in Bordeaux, n’est-ce pas? Ask […]
Harlequins Paint Vivid Colours Across Europe
The multicoloured maverick club that is Harlequins book-ended my rugby career. A mid-Varsity flirtation with this amazing club was certainly fun…
Can England Light It Up In Lyon?
For those who do not know, England’s last 6 Nations destination, Lyon, has an amazing history dating back to Roman times. Also the Festival of Light ( Fête de Lumières) on December 4th each year is an incredible event based on a city’s prayers to the Virgin Mary against a 17th Century plague. Lyon is also a culinary […]
Stuck In The Middle – An English Dilemma
I remember making my ‘second’ England début in 1986 against Wales at Twickenham. Opposite me was John Devereux, Bridgend, Lions and Rugby League International on his eventual CV. He was one of a multitude of top class Welsh centres in the game at that time. I was instructed to break the gain line and it […]
Scotland Provide First Real Test For English Revival
They say lightning doesn’t strike twice. My first Six Nations weekend’s successful predictions were not replicated due to a disallowed last minute try at Murrayfield. My old playing colleague, Jeff Probyn, dredged up in his media column the ‘non-try’ by Tony Stanger which won the Grand Slam for Scotland in the infamous ‘Grudge’ match as […]
England’s Centres of Attention
Another wild weekend of high scoring Premiership rugby indicates, besides attacking intent, either a total lack of defence, pressure or an insatiable lust for losing bonus points! Either way the sizeable crowds are loving it although the defence coaches will be tearing their hair out. The clubs seem to be taunting Steve Borthwick who will […]
England Excitement Builds From European Renaissance
Some people write almost as much about the format of Rugby’s Champions Cup as they do about the rugby itself. I know from experience and particularly when Covid had such an impact a couple of years ago. Well, we have been treated to four special weekends and with more to come in the Round of […]
England’s Cause For Optimism In Europe
No this headline is not a new post Brexit assessment. When I was Chairman of Europe, Jacky Lorenzetti owner of Racing 92 made a post match speech and was passionate about the sporting connections in rugby remaining constant, Brexit or no. Sports crosses all boundaries and represents true values in life. More of that later. […]
