‘Borthwick’s England squad prolongs status quo, but that’s no bad thing’ July 7, 2023 When I looked at Steve Borthwick’s 36-man England World Cup training squad, which will be finalised next month, my first feeling was that it represented the status quo. There’s no huge shock inclusion; no Sam Burgess or Willi Heinz to throw fans into a frenzy. And while there are some shocking omissions – Alex Mitchell [...]
‘England must back Mercer if Vunipola can’t make Rugby World Cup’ June 30, 2023 It’s going to be a huge blow for England if Billy Vunipola is unable to play a part in the Rugby World Cup this year. The Saracens No8 is explosive from the base and one of the few lads in Steve Borthwick’s set-up who can provide consistent gainline-breaking ball. The fact that he is rehabilitating [...]
We love Bazball and Gazball, now England Rugby needs Borthball June 23, 2023 Wow. What a conclusion that was to the opening Ashes Test on Tuesday at Edgbaston between England and Australia. From day one to five it was so entertaining. England lost but I wasn’t sulking about the result. Instead I was thinking about the opening shot on the first day, Joe Root’s reverse ramp shot for [...]
Ollie Phillips: Tackle-bag carriers must not poison England squad June 14, 2023 It must be a weird feeling being one of the fringe players in England head coach Steve Borthwick’s first World Cup training squad, because the odds are that you’ll be dropped. Next Monday sees the addition of players from Northampton Saints and Leicester Tigers – I estimate that to be more than 10 and closer [...]
Ollie Phillips: England should let the shackles off at front row and midfield June 9, 2023 On Monday morning, England head coach Steve Borthwick will name his initial training squad for this year’s Rugby World Cup. Though players from the four sides who made the Premiership semi-finals will not be included in the first squad of the summer, it’s hard to get excited given some of England’s selection woes. Today I [...]
‘Quality of rugby incredible but off field the sport is a total mess’ June 2, 2023 It has been a totally infuriating season as a rugby fan. There’s no denying the product on the field is outstanding – last week’s Premiership final showed that – but the sport needs to be honest with itself off the field and sort itself out. Rugby union as we know it is in bedlam; broadcast [...]
‘I’m happy to see Sale in Premiership final but Sarries will win title No6’ May 26, 2023 I should preface this column by saying that I am really happy Sale are in the Premiership final this Saturday. It’s not only good for the area but it’s good for rugby to see a new face at the showpiece Twickenham event – one that has not been there since 2006, when I was playing [...]
Leicester and Saracens star in my Premiership rugby Team of the Season May 12, 2023 It is that time again when everyone with an interest in rugby names their Premiership Team of the Season. I am no different, so here goes. It took a small amount of debate with City A.M. colleagues but, all in all, this was one of the easiest XVs to put together. Front row Gloucester loosehead [...]
‘Gloucester cannot blame injuries, they’ve fallen off a cliff in 2023’ May 5, 2023 Alongside the coaches, players, fans and pundits, I have no idea how Gloucester have fallen so fast and hard in the Premiership table. And I am not having injuries as an excuse. Third after five games, seventh after eight and 10th after 19; the fall from grace has been pretty dramatic. And it’s not the [...]
Record breaking Women’s Six Nations match is great send-off for Middleton’s England April 28, 2023 This weekend’s Six Nations showdown between England and France is a glass ceiling-smashing moment for women’s sport. More than 53,000 fans will be at Twickenham to watch this year’s championship decider. That bodes really well for the 2025 World Cup, with the Rugby Football Union hoping to sell out the final at the same stadium. [...]
