Six Nations: Ireland look set for Grand Slam challenge as England fade February 25, 2024 The Six Nations title is in Ireland’s and Ireland’s hands alone after the middle weekend of the competition concluded yesterday. Because the Emerald Isle are the only unbeaten side remaining in the competition and have a lacklustre England and a misfiring Scotland between them and a second consecutive Grand Slam. An unbeaten campaign this year [...]
Live Six Nations table after Italy draw 13-13 with France February 25, 2024 Paolo Garbisi hit the post with a last minute penalty as Italy fell agonisingly short of a first ever win in France in the Six Nations. The Italian No10 hit the post after rushing his kick despite illegal charges from French players as the sides drew 13-13 in Lille. The result puts Italy level on [...]
Why is it called the Calcutta Cup? When was it made? Is it from India? Why do England and Scotland compete for it? February 23, 2024 This weekend Scotland host England in the oldest international rugby fixture in the world. The Calcutta Cup has been in Scottish hands for three years thanks to matches in the Six Nations, but when did it start, how did it get its name and who owns it? History of the Calcutta Cup According to the [...]
How do England beat Scotland at Murrayfield in Six Nations? February 23, 2024 Scotland have not been kind to England in the last couple of years and this weekend’s Six Nations clash at Murrayfield gives the home side the chance of winning a fourth consecutive Calcutta Cup. But since the tournament expanded to include Italy in 2000, the 12 fixtures in Edinburgh have seen England win six to [...]
I love it: Ben Earl on Murrayfield and Test rugby challenges February 21, 2024 England back-row Ben Earl has said he loves the niggle and atmosphere Murrayfield provides ahead of his side’s clash with Scotland in the Calcutta Cup on Saturday. England head to Edinburgh on a run of three consecutive losses in the fixture but have won their opening two matches of this year’s Six Nations. Scotland are [...]
England face Calcutta Cup conundrum with returning centres February 20, 2024 England have confirmed that they’ll have centre partnership headaches ahead of this weekend’s Calcutta Cup clash with Scotland after the return of both Manu Tuilagi and Ollie Lawrence this week. Steve Borthwick’s side have previously used Fraser Dingwall and Henry Slade in the centres for their wins against both Italy and Wales but could use [...]
Ollie Phillips: Ireland top my Six Nations half term report card February 16, 2024 It’s half term and even the Six Nations is taking a week off. So in this fallow week, after two rounds, it’s about time we handed out some reports and grades. I am a firm but fair teacher and my grades reflect that, so here goes. Top of the Six Nations class Ireland – A+ [...]
Rugby round up: Descriptive audio, colour blindness and England A February 15, 2024 Despite the lack of Six Nations this week to get fans and others alike talking about rugby, the sport has seen a number of exciting announcements this week. From new audio description at the Six Nations to changes to aid colour blindness and the England A announcement. Here’s what you may have missed. Six Nations [...]
Tuilagi returns to England Six Nations squad after injury recovery February 14, 2024 England have recalled centre Manu Tuilagi to their 36-man training squad ahead of their Calcutta Cup clash with Scotland next weekend. Tuilagi missed England’s wins over Italy and Wales with a groin injury but the 108kg centre is back as they seek to beat Scotland for the first time in three years. The Sale Shark [...]
Neil Barnes: Netflix, coaching Italy, Eddie Jones and Six Nations February 13, 2024 When you meet ex-Italy assistant coach Neil Barnes in Six Nations rugby’s Netflix drama Full Contact, his bluntness scares the bejesus out of you. “For F**k’s sake”, “hit that p***k” and “give the ball to Capu-whatever-his-name-is [Ange Capuozzo], he’s f*****g quick” were just some of the wholesome proverbs that the non-Italian speaking New Zealander utters. [...]