England were dire, and there’s no World Cup quick fix for Borthwick August 6, 2023 If any one of the 23 who played for England on Saturday in their 20-9 loss to Wales thought they were guaranteed to be one of the names Steve Borthwick lists in his Rugby World Cup squad tomorrow morning, they might want to think again. What unfolded under the roof of the Principality Stadium in [...]
‘Borthwick’s England must find French flair and adventure’ August 4, 2023 This is it for England, their World Cup gets real from this weekend. There is no easy fixture against Wales, there’s no friendly against the neighbours from over the Severn Bridge. It always has been, and always will be, war. And with Steve Borthwick set to name his final World Cup squad next Monday – [...]
England face interesting Test as Gatland picks mixed Wales squad August 2, 2023 England will go up against a blend of inexperienced and veteran players on Saturday as they get their Rugby World Cup warm-up schedule underway against Wales in Cardiff. Head coach Warren Gatland named his squad a day earlier than planned and has combined uncapped players with centurions in a 23 containing 672 international Wales caps. [...]
Scotland and Italy may not make World Cup quarters, but warm-up is important July 29, 2023 I was over the moon this week when I discovered that the northern hemisphere Rugby World Cup warm-ups were getting underway this week. It may not be the likes of France or England but it’s good to see international rugby back ahead of one of the biggest and most unpredictable World Cup events in a [...]
Rugby World Cup Barometer: Nuntz offers hope for Fijian depth July 27, 2023 | Sponsored In the lead up to the 2023 Rugby World Cup, City A.M. has put together a barometer in partnership with City Index to assess whose form is hot – and whose is not – in the race to be part of the tournament in France later this year. Rugby player of the week Fiji have [...]
Rugby World Cup Barometer: Grondona has coming of age match for Pumas July 20, 2023 | Sponsored In the lead up to the 2023 Rugby World Cup, City A.M. has put together a barometer in partnership with City Index to assess whose form is hot – and whose is not – in the race to be part of the tournament in France later this year. Player of the week Argentina flanker Santiago [...]
Harlequins and England No10 Marcus Smith signs contract extension July 19, 2023 Blockbuster England fly-half Marcus Smith has penned a contract extension with Harlequins, the club confirmed this morning. The talismanic No10 – who in 2021 became a British and Irish Lion – will stay with the London club beyond next season. It was understood that French giants and a number of Japanese clubs were interested in [...]
Sexton outcome marks official death of farce that is rugby values July 17, 2023 When European rugby chiefs released the verdict from the Johnny Sexton’s disciplinary hearing at 9:30pm on Sunday night, it marked the long, slow and painful death of the farce that is rugby values. Rugby values can be defined as the ideals some in the past have placed on the game, whereby everything is about respect [...]
Sexton let off with three-week ban and will be at Rugby World Cup July 16, 2023 Ireland No10 Johnny Sexton will feature at this year’s Rugby World Cup after an independent panel slapped the fly-half with a three-week ban for admitting to misconduct charges. Though Sexton admitted to misconduct and the disciplinary panel described his behaviour as aggressive, he will only miss Ireland’s three warm-up games. The misconduct occurred after the [...]
Rugby World Cup Barometer: Bok winger Arendse lights up Loftus July 14, 2023 | Sponsored In the lead up to the 2023 Rugby World Cup, City A.M. has put together a barometer in partnership with City Index to assess whose form is hot – and whose is not – in the race to be part of the tournament in France later this year. Player of the week: Being a winger [...]