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 doContinue reading “For the Love of the Game”
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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 recordContinue reading “Do not get too excited yet – young Pollock still has years to go”
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 nationalContinue reading “Gatland needs to change his approach or face the consequences”
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 tooContinue reading “Are Rugby Players Getting Bigger?”
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 wouldContinue reading “Mercer and his nightmare homecoming”
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 rugbyContinue reading “Louis Rees-Zammit and the American Dream”
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 andContinue reading “From Tbilisi to Paris; The Weird and Wonderful Life of Nika Amashukeli”
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 GeorgiansContinue reading “The Incredible Rise of Georgia Under-20s”
“We want to write our names alongside theirs in history” Sam James: The chance to re-create history
17 years ago a wide-eyed Sam James was a ball-boy at Edgeley Park, Sale Sharks former home in Stockport. As with any boy or girl who has picked up or kicked an oval or round ball, Sam dreamed of re-creating the success of the heroes whom he watched every week. Unlike most kids, however, SamContinue reading ““We want to write our names alongside theirs in history” Sam James: The chance to re-create history”
Why English Rugby is Unsustainable
The problems with England’s elite game and what needs to be done. The Ancient Greek myth of Icarus highlights the dangers of extreme hubris and arrogance. It features a young and foolish boy who begins the story as a proud and virtuous man but is corrupted when handed excessive power. Icarus is overcome and giddyContinue reading “Why English Rugby is Unsustainable”
The Match Report 