Leicester Tigers end their season with a comfortable home win against Exeter Chiefs – Graham Chadwick/Getty Images Leicester Tigers 40 Exeter Chiefs 22 There was a time when entering a tiger’s den came with a warning of real threat. Leicester were the dominant force in English rugby, regularly hunting down their prey with ruthless efficiency.… Read More »
Phil Dowson trusts his players to make good decisions on the pitch – Getty Images/David Rogers It is early January and the clock has ticked past 20 minutes at Sandy Park, where Northampton conceded their fourth try against Exeter Chiefs. In the windswept stands, director of rugby Phil Dowson entertains some dark thoughts about his… Read More »
‘Basic principles agreed’ ahead of Club World Cup launch in 2028 Momentum is building towards the first Club World Cup in 2028, with power brokers hoping to stage the 16-team tournament over four weeks in the northern hemisphere in June that year. Insiders suggested there was “positive momentum” behind the plans and that “fundamental principles… Read More »
Gloucester welcomes Prime Minister to Kingsholm – Reuters/Leon Neal Premiership clubs were running on fumes by the end of January. Almost five months ago, on September 1, more than one senior team had played a friendly match. A massive series, widely referred to as “brutal”, began before the World Cup and consisted of 22 matches… Read More »
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso made an immediate impact for England – Getty Images/David Rogers Immanuel Feyi-Waboso may have appeared unflappable in a “fairytale” start for England, but the 21-year-old had to endure an emotional rollercoaster during the dramatic victory over Ireland. After the 23-22 victory was achieved with the last goal scored by Marcus Smith in the… Read More »
Red Roses will look to repeat Six Nations Grand Slam triumph in 2023 – Getty Images/Glyn Kirk England head coach John Mitchell has named three players in the Red Roses squad for the Women’s Six Nations team, including the surprise selection of winger Maddie Fe’aunati. Fe’aunati arrived in Premiership Women’s Rugby from New Zealand’s top… Read More »
Junior Kpoku (centre) remains an integral part of the England system despite his club’s move to France – Bob Bradford/Getty Images What good are your teammates when you talk so much about Siya Kolisi? When asked about their impact on the game, Junior Kpoku looks over his shoulder to check if his friends are listening.… Read More »
Tony Rowe, Chief Executive and Chairman of Exeter Chiefs – Getty Images/Bob Bradford Exeter Chiefs have released a bizarre 640-word statement in which CEO Tony Rowe blasted critics who claimed the club was a “fading dynasty”. The document, published on Friday evening under the title ‘Club Statement: Tony Rowe warns skeptics’, reveals Exeter’s improved performances… Read More »
Henry Slade expected to impress on both sides of the ball at Murrayfield – Getty Images/Dan Mullan After making two appearances alongside Fraser Dingwall in this Six Nations campaign, Henry Slade departed for England alongside 12 other centres. This is just one short of Michael Atherton’s tally for opening partners during his England Test cricket… Read More »
Lizzie Hanlon’s flexibility and strength, initially built through diving, helps prevent injuries – Emma Ralph/England Rugby When Lizzie Hanlon abandoned a promising diving career in her youth, she never expected that life as an international rugby player would beckon. However, her performance for Exeter Chiefs in the women’s top rankings this season made a lot… Read More »