There remains a mathematical chance of London Irish avoiding relegation from the Premiership this season but any realistic hope of a reprieve was in effect ended on Sunday by a runaway Exeter. Although better sides than Irish would have struggled to stop the galloping Chiefs, for whom the England back-row Sam Simmonds scored a hat-trick of tries,…
Exeter march on and show no sign of letting up in victory over Sale
Exeter had already secured home advantage in the play-offs but there was no letting up from the champions who ensured they will finish at the top of the table for the first time with a bonus point victory over opponents on the trail of the Champions Cup who refused to go away. There is a…
Jacques Brunel has brought France together, but can he bring success?
Back in 2009, Jacques Brunel made a bet with his players at Perpignan. If they won the championship that season, Brunel would give a piggyback to their prop, Sebastian Bozzi. Brunel is a slight man, Bozzi is not. The latter came in at 19 stone. Brunel was 55 years old. Well, Perpignan beat Clermont in…
Eddie Jones threatens England changes for likely Paris ‘slogathon’
Eddie Jones has warned that “no one is indispensable” as he mulls over his best options for the key Six Nations away game against France on Saturday. The probability of wet weather in Paris may influence England’s selection in certain areas, not least at half‑back, the back-row and in midfield. Eddie Jones’s recipe for England…
Greig Laidlaw’s nerveless kicking carries Scotland to cathartic win over France
This will hardly have Scotland dreaming of a first championship of the century but they are back on track at least. They were their usual selves, brilliant when the mood took them, all over the place when the mind wandered. But the relentless accuracy of Greig Laidlaw, restored to the team and a much-needed focus…
Andrew Conway’s late try sends Munster into Champions Cup semis
With the clock in the red and the home support on their feet, Toulon were doing their damnedest to keep their Champions Cup hopes alive. Phase after phase, knowing a successful penalty would be enough – but just when they were getting into shooting range they were penalised for holding on at the tackle. Chris…
Rugby Union: Signs good for a Wallabies side learning to coach itself
When Rod Macqueen coached the Wallabies during their last golden era his ultimate objective was to develop a team that was capable of coaching itself. With great leaders such as John Eales and George Gregan steering the team, the empowered Wallabies held the Bledisloe Cup for five years, won the 1999 World Cup and defeated…
Eddie Jones apologises for offensive comments about Ireland and Wales
Eddie Jones and the Rugby Football Union have both issued apologies after video footage emerged of the England head coach referring to “the scummy Irish” and Wales as a “little shit place” during a speech last year. Jones said he was “very sorry” for remarks he concedes were inexcusable. Jones made the comments during a…
Cipriani and Haskell keep World Cup hopes alive after joining new clubs
James Haskell and Danny Cipriani have forgone financial gain to keep alive their hopes of appearing at the World Cup next year. Moves to Northampton and Gloucester respectively were confirmed yesterday with both players opting against potentially lucrative moves abroad to stay in the Premiership and remain eligible for England. Wasps announced towards the start…
John Afoa aims for glorious Gloucester sign-off in Challenge Cup final
Gloucester have prioritised performance over results since Johan Ackermann took charge in August but their season will be defined by the outcome of their final match of the campaign. Green shoots of recovery have been clear under the South African head coach but a second consecutive Challenge Cup final defeat, when they face Cardiff Blues…