Competition Law likely to have a place in sport long into the future November 26, 2021 Although historically associated more with corporate CEOs in smoke-filled rooms than the world of sport, competition law has certainly hit the back pages in 2021. The ever-increasing commercialisation of sport means that this crossover is only likely to continue and, in the case of football, could soon ultimately decide the future. European Super League While [...]
The Raeburn and Utrecht Shields: The newest, oldest trophies in rugby? November 25, 2021 It’s the one thing clubs strive for. Silverware. A piece of, usually, silver metal or varnished wood shaped into something teams grow to idealise. The trophies of note tend to be the ones which have been around for the longest, and adopting new ones doesn’t always have a lasting effect. So just what happens if [...]
International rugby players will soon be allowed to switch allegiances, World Rugby says November 24, 2021 From the beginning of next year, rugby players will be allowed to adopt a second international side – assuming they’ve given up playing for the first. Players will only be able to make the transfer once, and will need to stand-down from their first country for three years before they become available for the second [...]
Retired professional rugby players more likely to be depressed, anxious and irritable November 24, 2021 A new study has found that retired professional rugby players were more likely to be depressed, anxious and irritable compared to amateur players or non-contact athletes. The former top players who took part in the study had suffered more concussions on the pitch than those in the other groups, and the researchers believe this could [...]
Rugby in review: England’s year dissected November 24, 2021 Former Sale Sharks winger and 55-cap England back Mark Cueto, and City A.M.’s Matt Hardy, dissect Eddie Jones’ side across 2021. It’s been an extraordinary year for rugby. Initially empty stadiums, new found stars and the development of world class squads. For England though, it hasn’t all been plain sailing. So just how has this [...]
Jones impressed with England’s character following autumn internationals November 23, 2021 The international season is done for another year, the roars of Twickenham have ceased and the party is over. But how has England coach Eddie Jones assessed the autumn? Three wins from three for Jones’ England this Autumn. A rout of Tonga was expected, as was the edging-out of Australia, but the scalp of the [...]
Record £3.2bn in private equity deals for sports teams as funds target football, rugby and F1 November 22, 2021 The last twelve months saw a record £3.2bn of sports team acquisitions by private equity funds, almost treble last year’s total, as they targeted football, rugby and Formula 1 teams, according to new data shared with City A.M. this afternoon. Last year saw an all-time high of 11 PE purchases of stakes in sports teams [...]
Georgia on my mind: The business of rugby November 22, 2021 Fans back packing stands, pints flowing, and roofs being raised. International rugby’s back and, as the inaugural Autumn Nations Series draws to a close, the on-pitch balance of power between the hemispheres seems delicately poised. Away from the pitch though, tensions exist as to the direction the sport should take post-pandemic. A tough 2020 for [...]
Ollie Phillips: The Boks play simple, boring rugby, but winning is winning November 19, 2021 In tomorrow’s match with South Africa, England have their hardest test. Why? Because they know exactly what they’ll be coming up against. The Springboks don’t often play exciting rugby – it’s simple, boring rugby. They try to bully you, outmuscle you and, when in doubt, send the ball skyward and harass the catcher. It’s not [...]
The Red Roses have shown domestic investment can shift the tectonic plates November 15, 2021 The mighty Black Ferns? Routed twice. The North American might of Canada? Toppled. The Red Roses have had an autumn international window of dreams thus far. A total of 99 points were shipped by New Zealand at the hands of England – that wasn’t supposed to happen – and further 51 points were put on [...]