Club Rugby Supplies Grand Finale For The Ages
There is no such thing as a perfect ending to a sporting season, but club rugby in Europe is making a good effort and all credit to those on and off the field who have been part of it. The best ever one might say, and in the aftermath of pandemics, bankruptcies and legal challenges […]
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 […]
Broken dreams for Champions Cup semifinalists
The brutality of semifinals is that no one remembers the loser. However, for Saracens, Wasps, Toulouse and Racing 92 there were many mitigating circumstances…
European Rugby Scales The Heights
I feel compelled to reflect on last weekend’s European action simply because the quality of what was on offer reached a new record in my view and also there were some conclusions reached I feel are premature. I know I am biased but the adage of the European Cup being like International rugby played in club jerseys was never truer.
Europe’s best deliver an Easter treat
The Double-Header weekends of the Heineken Champions Cup have been one of the season’s highlights so far. The last 16 format created supreme drama and stunning quality between Europe’s top clubs. These formats and dates have been moved around partly through Covid driven necessity and partly in a constant search to improve the competition. I know that personally, having spent many months at that particular negotiating table. You cannot stand still, and with both the domestic leagues and International tournaments rightly seeking to generate more relevance and interest, the world’s premier club competition is doing the same- and to great effect.
European Club Finals An Exceptional Showcase As Gamechanging Decisions Loom Large
Was it really 6 weeks ago that Saracens took their game to new levels by shutting out Leinster in the Heineken Champions Cup Final. It was a ruthless show of how to close out a pressure game from behind – a true International game in club jerseys.
Scottish Rugby In Bloom For The 6 Nations?
It may have appeared that Round 6 of the Heineken Champions Cup and Challenge Cup was confirming known truths about Irish dominance and the resurgence of Toulouse as well as a brooding Saracens who look very tough and menacing at full strength.
Irish Repeat Success In Europe But No Racing Certainty
Some say that Ireland is God’s own country and certainly the rugby gods smiled on them with a clean sweep of European wins this past weekend, a triumphant National team this autumn and the good news goes on, it’s no coincidence.
Money Starts To Talk As The Premiership Heats Up
It’s World Cup Year (almost), and rugby seemingly makes headlines on a daily basis. Journos are back to their editors with begging bowls for more space – they will get it too.
