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 [...]
No surprises England squad wastes precious opportunity October 18, 2024 It is very sensible, that England squad, isn’t it? There are no thrills or spills, no rogue actors or dazzling potential debutant. It is very Steve Borthwick. And that is no bad thing. This 36-man training squad will be tasked with taking on the southern hemisphere’s big three nations in New Zealand, Australia and South [...]
Football and Formula 1 most popular sports among Gen Z, but not rugby October 17, 2024 Football, running and Formula 1 are the most popular sports among Gen Z adults, but rugby does not feature in the top 15. Analysis by accounting firm EY has unearthed the top 15 sports among adults aged 18-27. Interestingly wellness sports and hiking make the Gen Z list while larger sports such as rugby union [...]
Will any team ever be relegated from the Premiership? Doubt it October 14, 2024 Exeter Chiefs and Newcastle Falcons are without a win this year but neither will be relegated from the Premiership due to the system. At the 65-minute mark in the Premiership match between Exeter Chiefs and Bristol Bears in Devon, the home side were 32-12 up on their West Country rivals. But come full-time the Bristolians [...]
Harlequins beat Saracens 1,700 days after last derby victory October 13, 2024 Harlequins put an end to Saracens’s unbeaten start to the season, beating their rivals 17-10 in the London derby. Fin Baxter and Lennox Anyanwu crossed for the Twickenham side with Marcus Smith adding seven points off the tee while Hugh Tizard scored the away side’s only try. Five points off the boot of England returnee [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Lions’ share: Rugby stars to receive cut of profits for first time October 7, 2024 British and Irish Lions players will receive a share of the profits for the first time from the rugby team’s tour to Australia next year. The move is part of a new partnership model between Lions bosses and players, which will also include collaboration on the schedule before and during the summer 2025 tour. “This [...]
Earl at the double as perfect Saracens go top of the Premiership October 6, 2024 England back row Ben Earl scored two tries as Saracens made it three wins from three in the Premiership and went top of the table with a 29-14 victory over Exeter at the StoneX Stadium. Once they hit the front, there was little doubt the Premiership’s only remaining 100 per cent record would be maintained [...]
Is Pat a Lam to the slaughter at Bristol Bears? Not quite October 4, 2024 It’s not an official law of rugby, but as a rule of thumb you should not score 41 points and still lose a game. And that’s exactly what Bristol Bears did against Gloucester last Friday in round two of the Premiership. Sure, defence was optional for both teams in the West Country derby that finished [...]