Sam Vesty is the brains behind Northampton’s dazzling attack – Getty Images/David Rogers Northampton are making a name for themselves as English rugby’s greatest showmen. With ambition and courage, the Saints have climbed to the top of the Premier League and play the most attractive rugby in the competition. This weekend the battle continues on … Read more
Will Evans celebrates Sam Riley’s decisive try against Glasgow Warriors – Getty Images Danny Wilson’s tone was telling. With a shrug and a half-grin, the Harlequins head coach clearly knew this was a big statement; even after a thrilling win over Glasgow Warriors, in which Will Evans excelled. “We had some big players in the … Read more
Mikel Arteta’s side are leading the way, but Manchester City and Liverpool are hot on their heels (Martin Rickett/PA) (PA Archive) Wolves manager Gary O’Neil exclaimed: “What’s the point of VAR?” His side felt disadvantaged after more decisions proved crucial in the defeat at Fulham. Newcastle boss Eddie Howe branded a penalty against his own … Read more
Bayonne is a city full of fanatics, bursting with pride for their club – Getty Images/Anthony Dibon The appeal of French rugby clichés is enormous, but it is not what it once was. In the age of ultra-professionalism, the tales of biting and gouging have thankfully disappeared, the days of pre-match wine for the players … Read more
The pressure is on Fabien Galthie – Getty Images/Stu Forster “If the players give up on him, it’s over,” was the grim warning to France coach Fabien Galthie from predecessor Guy Noves after Les Bleus slogged to a fortunate draw against Italy last month. “So he would take into account protecting them.” Noves should know. … Read more
Marcus Smith looked set to become England’s first choice before a calf injury struck – Getty Images/Warren Little This looked to be the Six Nations for Marcus Smith to finally clinch England’s fly-half berth. The original apprentice seemed ready to work full-time, and conditions were quite good. Owen Farrell, who looked set to move on … Read more
England did not make optimal use of Ollie Lawrence – PA/Andrew Milligan Before the emergence of Tom Curry and Sam Underhill some six years ago, England did a bustling trade in six-and-a-halfs; bruising, industrious back-rowers who were not considered cunning or mobile enough to be labeled ‘real opensides’. Chris Robshaw and James Haskell famously leaned … Read more
Liverpool should have too much firepower for Sparta Prague – Reuters/Andrew Boyers Liverpool were drawn against Sparta Prague in the last 16 of the Europa League, while Brighton face another tough test in their first season in Europe with a draw against Roma. West Ham will again face their group opponents Freiburg, while Rangers will … Read more
Fabien Galthie has problems to solve for France – Getty Images/Andy Buchanan Who are you and what have you done with the boys in Bleu? A rejuvenated France that banished the traditional Gallic clichés; the France that dazzled; the France where fans could dream of bold and daring people with ball in hand. After an … Read more