For a sense of just how long overdue Dan Robson’s first England cap is, Dai Young’s explanation for taking him off in the latter stages of Wasps’ defeat by Leinster on Sunday is revealing. “I wouldn’t live with myself if he got a bump in the last 12 minutes.” Granted Wasps’ European campaign was long…
Leicester must play ‘million times better’ after Bristol loss, says Spencer
The Leicester lock Will Spencer pulled no punches after the Tigers found themselves drawn into the midst of the Premiership’s relegation battle, conceding his side need to be “a million times better” following the heavy defeat by Bristol. Kyle Eastmond sees red as hapless Leicester crash to defeat at Bristol Leicester went down 41-10 at…
A coach-less Wallabies team at the World Cup? It’s not as mad as it sounds
With Rugby Australia’s board scheduled to meet on Monday to discuss the immediate future of Michael Cheika, one argument being trotted out for the retention of the Wallabies coach is that there is no genuine alternative. Most leading coaches are already locked up for the World Cup in Japan next year and Rugby Australia would…
Wallabies hit record low in world rankings after loss to Argentina
The Wallabies have fallen to their lowest ever world rugby ranking after Saturday’s 23-19 loss to Argentina in the Rugby Championship. Australia dropped two places to No7, their worst position since the current rankings system began 15 years ago. The Wallabies are now just ahead of France, Argentina and Fiji, while at the top Ireland…
Saracens confident Maro Itoje will not be tempted away next summer
Saracens are confident Maro Itoje will sign a new deal and disappoint other clubs keen to make him one of the best-paid players in the country. With Itoje’s current contract at the Premiership champions due to expire next summer, the Guardian understands Harlequins could be among the suitors should the England forward opt for a…
How juice drink billionaire bankrolled Germany’s Rugby World Cup charge
Hans-Peter Wild is a billionaire, with a billionaire’s idea of what “a little bit of money” means. That is how much his local rugby club, Heidelberger RK, asked him for in 2003. “They didn’t want very much, maybe €20,000,” he says. Fifteen years later, €20,000 has turned into €20m. Wild, whose family made their money…
Bath hang on for first home win as Saints’ Dan Biggar misses final kick
Two weeks after Bath’s opening home match of the season had ended in a draw when they conceded a late try and conversion, they again faced the prospect of throwing away victory at the climax when failure to clear their line allowed Tom Collins to plunder a try that presented Dan Biggar with the opportunity…
Newcastle’s Simon Hammersley: ‘A decent team is going to go down’
It has never been tighter at the bottom of the Premiership. Newcastle go into Sunday’s home fixture against Gloucester at the foot of the table despite winning their last two matches and are one of four former champions in the wrong half of the table. The Falcons made the play-offs last season after finishing fourth,…
Dan Cole and Ben Moon back at England coalface for heavy duty France game
England have kept France guessing by naming Joe Cokanasiga, Brad Shields, Dan Cole and Ben Moon in a 25-man squad for Sunday’s Six Nations game at Twickenham. The quartet replace Mike Brown, Harry Williams, Ellis Genge and the injured Maro Itoje, with the fit-again centre Ben Te’o also surplus to requirements. The recalled Cole and…
Danny Cipriani avoids ban as RFU decides to take no further action
Danny Cipriani is free to make his first Gloucester appearance on Thursday after avoiding any further punishment from the Rugby Football Union on Wednesday night, escaping with what amounts to a slap on the wrist. The RFU charge of “conduct prejudicial to the interest of the game” was upheld after around five hours of deliberation…