Saracens’ relegation from the Premiership is a sad moment for English rugby and salary cap rules must change as a result January 23, 2020 Saracens are being relegated and, putting the specifics aside for a moment, I think that is a sad state of affairs for English rugby. Former chairman Nigel Wray has apologised for his actions in failing to comply with the Premiership salary cap, but I have sympathy for him. In many ways what he did – [...]
Six Nations 2020 squads: Rees-Zammit a hugely exciting prospect for Wales, Sexton uncertainty a problem for Ireland January 16, 2020 Squads for the Six Nations started to be announced this week and the call-up of Louis Rees-Zammit for Wales has been the standout selection so far. The Gloucester winger is riding a wave at the moment. He is in outstanding form for his club, having scored nine tries in 12 appearances this season, and looks [...]
Eddie Jones must look to Ben Spencer and Dan Robson to answer England scrum-half dilemma January 9, 2020 Eddie Jones has hinted he could make a number of changes when he names his England squad for the Six Nations in 11 days’ time and I’m intrigued to see where he goes. It is the start of a new Rugby World Cup cycle and, while I don’t think he will make immediate wholesale alterations, [...]
Japan pulled off an incredible Rugby World Cup this year capped off by Siya Kolisi lifting the trophy December 19, 2019 Without doubt, the highlight of the year was the Rugby World Cup. It was held in Asia for the first time and Japan did a magnificent job as hosts. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly; it is truly an amazing place. Despite the tragedy of Typhoon Hagibis, which ripped through the country and caused devastation, [...]
All Blacks new head coach Ian Foster has massive shoes to fill December 12, 2019 Ian Foster will have massive shoes to fill as the All Blacks new head coach. It is a job you would simultaneously love and loathe because New Zealand are already at the top; the expectation is that you keep them there. It will be no easy feat to replace Steve Hansen, who has stepped down [...]
Northampton Saints’ clash with Leinster will be a real test of their credentials this campaign December 5, 2019 Northampton’s double-header against Leinster in the Champions Cup, starting on Saturday, will provide a great test of where they really stand this season. The Saints have had a flying start to the campaign and smashed Leicester 36-13 last weekend in the East Midlands derby to go top of the Premiership. It has always been a [...]
Bristol Bears have the potential to become Premiership big-hitters under Pat Lam and Steve Lansdown November 28, 2019 Bristol Bears turned heads on Wednesday when they announced the signing of Fijian international Semi Radradra on a three-year contract from next season. It is a huge statement from Bristol – one which shows their growing reputation and position within the Premiership’s hierarchy. They may have to pay over the odds for him, but Radradra [...]
Exeter Chiefs are underdogs no longer – they must step up and end their European hoodoo in the Champions Cup November 21, 2019 This season is a big one for Exeter Chiefs. They are no longer an up-and-coming side who can rely on their underdog status to temper ambition. Saracens’ 35-point deduction in the Premiership means they are hindered both domestically and in the Champions Cup and Exeter really should be the team to benefit. Understandably, the Chiefs [...]
Saracens’ Premiership points deduction leaves the Champions Cup wide open for challengers November 14, 2019 Saracens’ 35-point deduction for breaching Premiership salary cap rules has dominated the news in recent weeks and I think it will have a big knock-on effect in the Champions Cup, which starts this weekend. After Sarries’ impressive away win at Gloucester at the weekend, head coach Mark McCall said that he would prioritise league games [...]
Eddie Jones has enriched English rugby but the RFU should try and hire Steve Hansen November 7, 2019 Firstly, I want to hold my hands up: I called the Rugby World Cup final completely wrong. I have rewatched the match since to try to make sense of it, and although Kyle Sinckler’s early injury helped give South Africa the ascendancy in the scrum, it was far from the biggest factor in England’s 32-12 [...]