Leicester’s season is not yet at the halfway point but some deeply uncomfortable statistics are already stacking up. This was the Tigers’ eighth straight defeat in all competitions, the club’s worst run since 1975, and their final two pool games in Europe are now all but academic following this latest four-try reverse in front of…
Lima Sopoaga snatches thrilling late win for Wasps over Newcastle
A late Lima Sopoaga penalty snatched a 23-22 victory for Wasps at Kingston Park. The Falcons led 15-13 at half time and then 22-13 when Johnny Williams grabbed his second try, but a scorching 60th-minute score from Juan de Jongh converted by Sopoaga made it 22-20 and the Wasps fly-half then landed a crucial 45-metre…
World must march in union to secure future of international rugby
The Welsh Rugby Union chief executive, Martyn Phillips, has backed calls by Agustín Pichot for action to be taken to secure the future of international rugby, saying the current formula does not have any long-term sustainability. The WRU has announced a bumper turnover of £97m for the last financial year, up £22m, thanks in part…
Harlequins’ Paul Gustard condemns Dave Ward’s trial by social media
Paul Gustard, the Harlequins head of rugby, has called for rugby fans and pundits to think twice before they rush to condemn players on social media following controversial incidents. The Quins hooker, Dave Ward, was widely accused of stamping and spitting in their win against Wasps last Saturday but, ultimately, neither allegation resulted in a…
Owen Farrell expects to be fit to face Ireland in England’s Six Nations opener
Owen Farrell has declared himself on course to lead England in their Six Nations opener in Ireland despite undergoing thumb surgery last weekend, handing Eddie Jones a major boost. Farrell had an operation on a thumb tendon Saturday, putting into question is participation against the defending champions in Dublin on 2 February. Over the weekend…
Northampton secure victory in breathless encounter at Bristol
Another weekend, another points fest. This one topped 80, the odd try in 11 earning Northampton their second win of the season. Under Chris Boyd, the improvement in their game has been obvious; here, it yielded the full five points. It meant Bristol’s first home loss of their return to the top flight fell at…
Bath’s Todd Blackadder urges Freddie Burns to ‘get back on the horse’
Todd Blackadder has urged Freddie Burns to “get back on the horse” on Saturday after his calamitous errors, insisting he has no problem throwing the Bath fly-half into the line of fire against Wasps. Burns’s clangers – celebrating a try too early and being caught unawares before dotting the ball down soon after missing a…
Team of the autumn internationals: from Cokanasiga to Leitch
Backs 15) Damian McKenzie (New Zealand) Will always keep opponents interested but no one on the planet has better footwork. Israel Folau runs him close although his old testament attitudes hardly help his case to be included in a world team. 14) Joe Cokanasiga (England) Early days but has already made a serious impression at…
Edinburgh have firm grip on Pool Five after victory at Newcastle
Much has rightly been made of Newcastle’s rise under Dean Richards but this match underlined the excellent work being done by another former Leicester legend as Richard Cockerill’s Edinburgh claimed a famous and deserved victory. Both men enjoyed glittering careers during their spells at Welford Road and both ended up being sacked. While Richards went…
European Champions Cup 2018-19: pool-by-pool guide
Pool 1 A pool featuring four former winners and 11 titles but it is hard to see anything other than Leinster topping it with ease. Indeed, few would bet against them claiming a fifth title in May and becoming Europe’s most successful side, having pulled level with Toulouse last season. Back-to-back fixtures against Bath will…