BUCS the trend? Why Uni rugby should be at the core of English reformation October 25, 2022 University rugby (BUCS) has all the capabilities to be the next generator of internationals should the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and Premiership Rugby restructure its pathways. A week ago, the RFU’s chief executive Bill Sweeney stated that the “once nuclear” option of central contracts for England internationals was on the table in order to solve [...]
Formula 1 circus heads to United States under Red Bull cloud October 21, 2022 The title may have been wrapped up by Max Verstappen and the constructors’ title is within reach of his team Red Bull, but as the Formula 1 circus heads to the southern grandeur of the United States this weekend a sense of uncertainty in the sport continues to linger. Last week Red Bull – and [...]
From Liverpool’s Under-18s coach via Rangers to Aston Villa: What is next for Steven Gerrard? October 21, 2022 Steven Gerrard’s sacking at Aston Villa leaves the former England and Liverpool midfielder having to consider what comes next. After all, the football star is just 42 years old. Considering the route Gerrard has taken – from Liverpool’s Under-18s coach, via Rangers to Aston Villa – it is evident he is no drop-in celebrity manager. [...]
Blues cruise: How Potter’s serene start could prove pivotal for Chelsea October 21, 2022 It has been six weeks since two 47-year-olds took on the biggest jobs of their careers and it’s fair to say that it has gone better for Graham Potter than Liz Truss. While Truss was forced out of Downing Street after 44 catastrophic days as Prime Minster, new Chelsea manager Potter has enjoyed a serene [...]
Ollie Phillips: Premiership turmoil, Bangkok and Russell finished? October 20, 2022 I have steered clear of talking about Premiership clubs Wasps and Worcester Warriors thus far given the uncertainty surrounding the futures of the players, but I feel like I should offer some thoughts. Look at the talent across the two clubs: Ollie Lawrence, Jack and Tom Willis, Alfie Barbeary and the rest. The players are [...]
Ed Warner: Don’t criticise British Cycling for accepting sponsorship from Shell October 20, 2022 Disclaimer No1: I don’t think I’ve written anything in support of British Cycling down the years. Quite the opposite in fact. But I can’t bring myself to add my name to the lengthening petition that splutters in indignation about the governing body’s sponsorship deal with Shell. So, here’s a first for me. British Cycling’s eight-year [...]
Six Nations set for Netflix show as rugby union seeks Drive to Survive effect October 19, 2022 Six Nations chiefs are hoping to develop their fanbase through a new series set to be shown on streaming site Netflix. Rugby bosses have held talks with programme makers and a deal is thought to be close, paving the way to start at next year’s edition of the international tournament. The programme is expected to [...]
London legend: City grandee and former Tottenham Hotspur chairman Tony Berry dies October 19, 2022 London’s business community remembers the life of Tony Berry who has passed away aged 81 after a long illness. Generally considered a leading London businessmen of his generation, Berry’s drive and deal-making took him to the chairmanship of a £1bn-valued company. After qualifying as a management accountant with Guinness he joined Bovril then took a [...]
Jamie George: Premiership turmoil ‘darkest week in rugby history’ October 18, 2022 England hooker Jamie George has described recent days in the Premiership as the “darkest week in rugby history” after Wasps joined Worcester Warriors in administration. The Saracens front rower is out of England’s Autumn Nations Series with metatarsal damage but says watching domestic rugby’s financial crisis worsen is concerning. Wasps plunged into administration on Monday [...]
Rugby chief suggests French-style governance can save game in England October 16, 2022 England rugby chief Bill Sweeney has insisted the Premiership and Championship should look across the Channel to France for inspiration as the domestic game faces a crisis unlike anything it has seen in the professional era. Two clubs – Worcester Warriors and Wasps – have been suspended from the league after going into administration, with [...]