For the Love of the Game
Everyone who has ever played rugby has felt the same familiar overwhelming brimming of anticipation and eagerness. A massive fixture lies tantalising in reach on the Saturday afternoon, but a full week of work is required first. A glance at the clock re-affirms that gameday is still some time away so all you can do…
Do not get too excited yet – young Pollock still has years to go
It is not very often you have players surrounded by hype right out of their school days. Players all develop at different rates and many take different routes to get the professional game. England’s highest points scorer, Owen Farrell, first appeared for Saracens at the age of 17 whilst compatriot, George Ford, holds the record…
Gatland needs to change his approach or face the consequences
You would be forgiven for thinking that the appointment of Warren Gatland in 2022 to return to his beloved Wales was a shrewd and excellent decision at the time. Gatland is arguably one of the greatest coaches of all time and has lead teams to success wherever he has gone, not just the Welsh national…
Are Rugby Players Getting Bigger?
By Ben Nurse Death, taxes, Saracens being good. Just as the sky is blue and the grass is green, some things in this life are for certain and none more so than amateur-era rugby players constantly reminding you how much better the game was in their day. Among other complaints such as, there is too…
Mercer and his nightmare homecoming
Zach Mercer was once seen as England’s missing piece. The misfiring Billy Vunipola, the unimpressive Alex Dombrandt and the strange lack of inclusion for Ben Earl meant a return for Mercer would ensure he would thrust straight into the starting XV. Especially as the 2023 Rugby World Cup was just around the corner, Mercer would…
Louis Rees-Zammit and the American Dream
Louis Rees-Zammit sets off on a new adventure. Is it going to be a successful one? It takes a pretty big news story to overshadow the squad releases for the 6 Nations, but that’s exactly what we got this week. Welsh wing superstar Louis Rees-Zammit announced that he was to leave the world of rugby…
What the England squad could look like for Six Nations opener
With England’s Six Nations squad being announced on Wednesday morning, questions start to appear over where which players will start and which will be not involved at all. Steve Borthwick led his England side to a fourth-place finish last year in his first Six Nations as head coach and will be keen to improve on…
The State of Anglo-Welsh Rugby
An examination into the affairs of both English and Welsh rugby union and what is going on. Over the history of rugby, Anglo-Welsh clashes have been sights to remember. With two great rugby nations going head to head in club rugby form, these matches always provide great entertainment. And that is no different heading into…
From Tbilisi to Paris; The Weird and Wonderful Life of Nika Amashukeli
How the Georgian went from an under-20s international to the youngest referee at Rugby World Cup 2023. Those familiar with the ‘Butterfly Effect’ will be aware of how one tiny decision in someone’s past can change their life forever. On the 15th September 2007, a star-studded Ireland team, containing the likes of Brian O’Driscoll and…
The Incredible Rise of Georgia Under-20s
Silence falls around the Avchala Stadium as England under-20s flanker Tristan Woodman carries into contact. A single bellowing scream of encouragement echoes through the ground as Woodman is collected by Georgia’s Ghaniasvili and Lomidze and held gratefully in their grasp. Everyone holds their breathe as referee Nika Amashukeli holds out his arm towards the Georgians…
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