Itoje calls playing for England ‘Mecca’ amid LIV-style breakaway plans November 18, 2024 England international Maro Itoje has said that playing for his country is the “Mecca” amid reports that a LIV Golf-style breakaway league could draw players away from representing the Red Rose. The plan is said to be backed by US investors and could recruit 200 of rugby’s top players for a 2026 launch. The Rugby [...]
Inside the Boks: Why South Africa send strongest message in sport November 11, 2024 For world champions South Africa rugby means more than just 80 minutes once per week. So why are the Boks pushed by culture and a desire to guide a nation? When Vinicius Jr’s off-the-ball antics in this season’s Clasico caught the attention of fans, some suggested it contributed to his failed attempt to win a [...]
Jersey RFC: The club resetting how rugby can be done November 7, 2024 This Saturday, while England take on Australia in the Autumn Nations Series, Jersey RFC will be hosting London Welsh in a top-of-the-table clash in Regional 1 South Central, the fifth tier of English rugby. A decade or so ago this could have been a Premiership fixture, but rugby finances in south London and in the [...]
Cole didn’t expect Marler retirement ahead of Autumn Nations Series November 4, 2024 Tighthead prop Dan Cole admitted he was surprised by the timing of the international retirement of his fellow front rower Joe Marler. Marler decided to hang up his international boots just days after he caused a furore with his comments describing the New Zealand haka as “ridiculous”. “Did I think he would go last Sunday? [...]
Marler retires from ‘dream bubble’ England career November 3, 2024 Loosehead prop Joe Marler has retired from international rugby with 95 England caps to his name. It comes a week after he left the England training squad for “personal reasons”. Last week he also caused a stir for stating the New Zealand cultural pre-match challenge, the Haka, was “ridiculous” and “needs binning”. “Playing for England [...]
Rugby’s ‘A’ games hidden gems in Autumn Nations Cup period October 25, 2024 Rugby’s ‘A’ games are crucial for development and capture, and are the hidden gems of this year’s Autumn Nations Cup period. This weekend, when Japan and New Zealand clash in Yokohama, marks the start of the rugby’s Autumn international period. The majority of major southern hemisphere teams travel to Europe to face the best of [...]
Rugby is staring into the abyss when it comes to Gen Z October 19, 2024 Look at rugby in Britain today and objectively try to answer the following questions. Is it appealing to you? Is it sexy enough to invest in? Would I take my kids or young relatives to watch it? These are the questions rugby chiefs will always be grappling with, and good luck to them. But rugby [...]
Derby weekend can ignite spark in Premiership October 11, 2024 This weekend Premiership Rugby has deliberately created drama with the continuation of derby weekend, where all five fixtures are focused on local rivalries. Sale Sharks play Newcastle Falcons, Gloucester host Bath, Northampton travel to Leicester, Exeter Chiefs take on Bristol Bears and unbeaten Saracens head south to Harlequins. Derby days are always special days as [...]
Arsenal are overachieving in the Premier League, but do fans appreciate it? October 10, 2024 In a parallel universe, Arsenal have already beaten Manchester City to the title. Forget Pep and Mikel’s inflamed war of words in this season’s scrap for the Premier League trophy; the Gunners have bagged the prize for outperforming their playing budget. Football, though, must ultimately be about fans’ dreams, not investors’ and bank managers’ bottom [...]
Mayor Khan bound to need to step in against NIMBYs over Twickenham plans October 8, 2024 London won against the capital’s NIMBYs when the GLA approved plans for Wimbledon’s expansion. And they’ll probably need to do the same when councils inevitably block the Rugby Football Union’s bid to host more events at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium. “London is the sporting capital of the world and this decision will not only ensure Wimbledon [...]