“I don’t feel I am able to fulfill my responsibilities at the moment in my current mindset.” Wallabies captain Michael Hooper has been given the backing of his teammates, head coach and the wider rugby community after withdrawing from international duty due to personal reasons. In a statement released by Rugby Australia, it was stated […]

3 years ago

At this stage, it is purely wishful thinking Friday night saw the 2022/23 Premier League season get underway, but not before we got the vital predictions of Roy Keane, Jamie Carragher, Micah Richards and Gary Neville. The Sky Sports pundits were up in front of a footy-mad studio audience, and there were few ripples when […]

3 years ago

“What was the question? Was it hard leaving home? I just went on a massive rant!” Naitoa Ah Kuoi proudly displays ‘Mum’ on his head-gear, his father, Ken, is his rugby hero, he speaks from the heart, sings Stevie Nicks in interviews, loves Bob Marley and paints his nails. He is pretty It is after […]

3 years ago

“We were begging people to host, in their stadiums, a women’s game in the Euros.” England are the champions of Europe after beating Germany 2-1, following extra time, in the Women’s Euro 2022 final, in front of more than 87,000 fans at Wembley. Alex Scott and Ian Wright both spoke superbly after Sarina Wiegman’s side […]

3 years ago

The four England players included all finished the season strongly. Ireland and France are the number one and two side in the world, right now, but The Rugby Championship may shake up the World Rugby rankings. In the latest, extensive ‘World Class’ selection France, Ireland and England rugby players share 20 of the 33-man squad […]

3 years ago

On the nose, and no arguing either One day out from the Women’s Euro 2022 final between England and Germany, and three-quarters of the ITV studio panel were getting very excited. Roy Keane had been here before. Last summer, Keane was part of the ITV punditry panel, alongside an excitable Gary Neville and Ian Wright, […]

3 years ago

‘It’s only a matter of time.’ There will be some individuals out there on Planet Earth this weekend telling themselves that Erling Haaland may not be all that he’s cracked up to be. Roy Keane is not one of them. Haaland had a tough competitive debut for Manchester City as he missed two gilt-edged chances […]

3 years ago

‘This will define a player, these moments’ At the end of last season, as Manchester City celebrated another league title at Eastlands, Roy Keane was asked if he had any advice for Jack Grealish. “Yeah,” Keane quickly shot back. “Stay off the top shelf!” Keane and Grealish go back a stretch, due to the Birmingham […]

3 years ago

“I’d rather my mate cry on my shoulder than go to his funeral next week.” Paddy Pimblett had the O2 Arena rocking, heaving and then welling up after another impressive victory, followed by an emotional and powerful interview with Michael Bisping. ‘The Baddy’ made good on his pre-fight predictions to see off American fighter Jordan […]

3 years ago

‘This was another really close call… ‘ When you are compiling a World XV of the best players operating on the globe, every position will require some serious mulling. Leading Welsh rugby writer Simon Thomas tackled the massive undertaking, this week, after the summer series of Test matches between the leading rugby nations. When all […]

3 years ago

“They have turned their backs on what has allowed them to get in this position.” Ahead of what could be his final competitive Open appearance at St Andrew’s Old Course, Tiger Woods firmly laid down his position on LIV Golf, LIV golfers, and players turning their backs on the PGA and DP World Tours. LIV […]

3 years ago

“I decided not to demand that All Blacks head coach Ian Foster front late on Sunday morning. Not him.” It was hard not to feel for All Blacks head coach Ian Foster, on Saturday, after he had to bat away questions on his future in the role, after the Test Series loss to Ireland. The […]

3 years ago

“He offers an attacking threat, and scores tries” Warren Gatland has now been British & Irish Lions head coach on three occasions, and assistant on the 2009 tour, and is the frontrunner to lead the Lions again in 2025 [feels ages away, right?]. Being tasked as the head coach to pick a squad of players […]

3 years ago

“What did you say? What did you say?” Eddie Jones achieved a great deal in his time as head coach with Australia, but some misguided souls must reckon he should have steered clear of Test rugby after that. After a successful Super Rugby stint with the Brumbies, Jones was coach of Australia from 2001 to […]

3 years ago

The reactions of Dustin Johnson, Scottie Scheffler and the whole 11th tee gallery said it all Viktor Hovland may be doing all he can to spoil the major dreams of his Ryder Cup Team Europe buddy, but he had to pay dues to Rory McIlroy here. Heading into the third round of The Open Championship, […]

3 years ago

AUSTRALIA 17-21 ENGLAND In the final ever Test rugby game at the Sydney Cricket Ground, England were able to stave off an Australian comeback. Marcus Smith came up big, too. Our England player ratings also have two high-scoring forwards. England went 3-0 ahead through Owen Farrell but Australia looked dangerous with ball-in-hand. After one close […]

3 years ago

It was a simple, lovely show of respect. As Tiger Woods walked to the 18th tee at the St Andrew’s Old Course, possibly for the final time as a professional golfer, he had only one thought on his mind. Woods was +7 and knew he would not be sticking around for the weekend, at The […]

3 years ago

NEW ZEALAND 22-32 IRELAND Wellington was the setting Andy Farrell’s Irish side created history against the All Blacks. Here are our full Ireland player ratings after another night to remember. Ireland started superbly in the opening stages, for the third Test running, and were rewarded with a rolling maul try for Josh van der Flier. […]

3 years ago

‘Lefty’ is happy to be here. He’s super happy. He’s “ecstatic”. And don’t try and suggest otherwise. At the age of 52, Phil Mickelson is over at St Andrew’s for a crack at winning a second Claret Jug. Mickelson took a short golfing sabbatical after some ill-judged comments on LIV Golf and the breakaway series’ […]

3 years ago

“We go into this Test with a strong squad of 23. It’s a young, inexperienced but together group.” Eddie Jones has made three changes to his starting England team for Saturday’s Test Series decider against the Wallabies, in Sydney. Danny Care returns as England look to secure another series win Down Under. England defeated Australia […]

3 years ago

“Unfortunately, he has to go.” South African referee Jaco Peyper was almost apologetic as he told All Blacks captain Sam Cane that his teammate, Angus Ta’avao had to go. Watching from Brisbane, Eddie Jones made note of the incident. The England head coach was getting his team ready to play the Second Test against Australia […]

3 years ago

Ireland could have finished the day as world number one, had they not conceded a late try in Dunedin. The latest round of Test matches, this weekend, has seen a big shift in the top 10 of the World Rugby rankings, and a new No.1. After a weekend that saw the northern hemisphere nations bounce […]

3 years ago

AUSTRALIA 17-25 ENGLAND It was not always pretty for Eddie Jones’ side, but the Test Series Down Under goes to a decider. Here are our full England player ratings after the Second Test, in Brisbane. England hit the front with an early Billy Vunipola try and they had a choke-hold on the Wallabies for most […]

3 years ago

Sam Underill replaces the injured Tom Curry and Danny Care drops to the bench. One week after scoring a consolation try on his debut, scrumhalf Jack van Poortlviet gets his first start in an England team named to face the Wallabies in this weekend’s Second Test. England head coach Eddie Jones has made five changes […]

3 years ago

“Owen gave me one of his shirts after the game to say well done.” Although he will always cherish the England jersey he made a try-scoring debut in, Henry Arundell absolutely loved the post-match gesture from Owen Farrell. It was a strange day out for Eddie Jones’ men in Perth, last Saturday. They squandered a […]

3 years ago

“I have a lot of time for the Irish in how they approach life and, certainly, rugby.” Richie McCaw played Ireland 14 times in his long and successful Test rugby career. He finished with a 14-0 record. The former All Blacks captain made his Test debut at Lansdowne Road in November 2001, in team that […]

3 years ago

AUSTRALIA 30-28 ENGLAND The Wallabies have defeated England for the first time since the 2015 World Cup after coming from behind, with a man down, to beat Eddie Jones’ men. England were 6-3 ahead when Australian lock Darcy Swain was red-carded for a reckless headbutt on England lock Jonny Hill, after some unsavoury hair-pulling scenes. […]

3 years ago

The Quins half backs will get their first start together in Test rugby. Eddie Jones has fully embraced the returning Danny Care as the veteran scrumhalf starts in his England team to face the Wallabies in this weekend’s First Test. The England head coach has opted for a lot of familiar faces to take on […]

3 years ago

“I’m going to take it with me.” Named captain of Ireland for the first time, Bundee Aki was tasked with leading the poignant Irish tribute to the late Sean Wainui. At Waikato Stadium, before his side took on the Maori All Blacks, the Connacht centre broke from the Irish ranks, walked forward and laid down […]

3 years ago

“People hate confidence. That’s why people aren’t a big fan of me.” So said Brooks Koepka on Friday at the US Open. He then went on to shoot 75 and 77 on his way to a +12 total that was 18 shots worse off than this year’s champion, Matt Fitzpatrick. In what could now be […]

3 years ago

“I don’t understand this meanness.” Romain Ntamack has played a staggering 32 times for club and country, this season. He started 30 of those games, scored 10 tries, logged 2,380 minutes, reached two semis with Toulouse and helped France to a Grand Slam. He would have so dearly loved that 33rd game. On Friday night, […]

3 years ago

“I needed to accept being gay myself before I could address it with others.” Leinster star Nick McCarthy has publicly come out, through his club, as being gay. The scrumhalf is hopeful that his coming out will act as a positive for others and he paid tribute to his teammates and all at the club […]

3 years ago

“Six is the number!” Not long after he clinched his first ever major, Matt Fitzpatrick was targeting five more, and trying to keep as straight a face as possible. The Sheffield native carded a superb final round of 68 to beat Will Zalatoris and Scottie Scheffler to the 2022 US Open at The Country Club, […]

3 years ago

“This squad is a real mix of young, talented players and some very experienced, senior players.” Eddie Jones has named a 36-player squad for England’s summer tour to Australia, and there are Test returns looming for Danny Care and Billy Vunipola. 10 of the squad announced by Jones, today, were part of the last England […]

3 years ago

‘Watch this space’ Although he said he was ‘not a politician’, Graeme McDowell attempted to speak like a statesman ahead of the first-ever LIV Golf event. Safely back on Twitter, he was not afraid to fire some shots. The 2010 US Open champion is not in Brookline, this week, battling it out for a second […]

3 years ago

The last two leaders, heading onto the 18th tee, at the US Masters and US PGA carded double bogeys. Matt Fitzpatrick is your 2022 US Open champion after one hell of a final day at The Country Club, in Brookline, Massachusetts. Leading by one stroke, standing on the 18th tee, the English golfer strayed left […]

3 years ago

“I think I’ll get more emotional, the more I speak, so I’m trying to… erm… “ Ellis Genge welled up on a few occasions but, for the most part, held it together as he reflected on a superb Leicester Tigers comeback from also-rans and relegation-haunted to Premiership champions. The Leicester Tigers captain arrived at Welford […]

3 years ago

LEICESTER 15-12 SARACENS Cometh the 80th minute, cometh Freddie Burns. Leicester Tigers outhalf Freddie Burns entered the fray earlier than expected, after George Ford limped off. He had a fine game, then won it at the death with a clutch drop goal. Tigers, who only avoided Premiership relegation in 2020 after Saracens’ points deduction for […]

3 years ago

“You can disagree with me, but you can’t speak like that.” After a pretty average opening 20 minutes of the 2022 Gallagher Premiership Final, at Twickenham, it all suddenly came to life. Wayne Barnes and his Television Match Official also had a big call to make. Saracens were leading Leicester Tigers 3-0, after an early […]

3 years ago

“George has the ability to create from nothing.” Having battled Jonny Wilkinson for stints in the 10 jersey, at club and country, Charlie Hodgson can emphatise with George Ford. The former England and Lions outhalf shared his club career with Sale Sharks, first, then Saracens, and won three Premiership titles and a European Cup, along […]

3 years ago

“Once the opportunity came, it was too good to turn down.” Leicester Tigers are in the Gallagher Premiership final, this weekend, and are enjoying an upsurge in performances and results, after a tough spell. For all the positivity around Steve Borthwick’s side, they did let a great back three talent slip through their fingers. Mack […]

3 years ago

“I feel so lucky that we have him there.” Nigel Owens making a cameo appearance, along with some other Welsh sporting legends, in a feel-good Bollywood movie about a young rugby team that succeeded against the odds? Sign us up! This line of work often brings us into wild, weird and wonderful stories, pitches, suggestions […]

3 years ago

“It’s an exciting opportunity.” It is all go in Irish rugby coaching circles, today. Denis Leamy is leaving Leinster for Munster but, in Sean O’Brien, his replacement has already been found. Minutes after Leinster announced Leamy (contact skills coach) would be leaving their coaching set-up, Munster swooped in with the news he was going to […]

3 years ago

“Its an enormous honour for him.” Back in 2016, Josh van der Flier stood on a landing spot, outside the England press room, at Twickenham, overlooking a gym the senior players often use. Ireland had lost 21-10 to England, and it was a ruthless job by a team that Eddie Jones had quickly turned around […]

4 years ago

The Cork native was in the middle of a long response, delivered in flowing French, when he dropped in some English – ‘pick and go, pick and go, pick and go’! “There were ample excuses in the game to jump ship,” Ronan O’Gara said, in French, at a post-match press conference not long after his […]

4 years ago

The Munster legend helped deny his old interprovincial rivals with a coaching masterclass. Ronan O’Gara orchestrated a prolonged smack in the mouth for Leinster, then spent much of the post-match press conference praising them. The La Rochelle head coach is a European champion for the third time in his storied career, and the first as […]

4 years ago

For the Cork native, this is his third European Cup win, but first as coach. Ronan O’Gara could barely contain his emotions as his La Rochelle side became the champions of Europe for the first time in their history. The former Munster and Ireland outhalf spoke superbly on the pitch, at Stade Velodrome, this evening […]

4 years ago

“To pack two Six Nations titles, a Grand Slam and a winning tour to Australia, in a very short international career, is always quite nice.” For Jack Clifford, that was his Test career with England. It was a road to Twickenham, and beyond, that he had charted out for himself, from an early age. 10 […]

4 years ago

“I don’t think that’s the answer that you’re looking for.” Brian O’Driscoll is correct here. One story of a training ground bun-fight with Ronan O’Gara, or some post-match verbals, and it would be an easy write-up. Instead, O’Driscoll’s version of events is that hard words and opinions were often shared but it was never personal […]

4 years ago

Just pipping the excellent France back-row, Gregory Alldritt. Sean O’Brien and Alex Goode got together, put their medals on the table, and gave their take on who is Europe’s best rugby player. On Saturday, Sean O’Brien brought down the curtain on a 15-season career as a professional rugby player with his final game for London […]

4 years ago