Northern | US

Contributors

Ben Coles

A rugby journalist since 2011, attending multiple Rugby World Cups, Ben currently writes for The Observer, specialising in long-form interviews and features, having previously spent eight years with The Telegraph. He also hosts ‘The Rugby Bunker’ on YouTube featuring guests from around the world to discuss the latest topics in the sport.

18 Articles

Reinforcements for Red Roses ahead of Women's Six Nations title decider

Head coach John Mitchell has made seven changes to his side with Lilli Ives Campion, Sadia Kabeya and Maddie Feaunati all back fro…

Ben Coles
Ben Coles
14 May 2026, 7:00

Ireland welcome back Eve Higgins to take on Wales

Eve Higgins returns to the starting side in Ireland's only change from their loss to France last time out in Clermont-Ferrand

Ben Coles
Ben Coles
07 May 2026, 4:35

France freshen up pack for Scotland challenge in Edinburgh

Yllana Brosseau, Siobhan Soqeta, and Charlotte Escudero all come into the starting XV as France look to record their fourth win of…

Ben Coles
Ben Coles
07 May 2026, 3:11

Ireland swap locks in only change to take on France in Clermont

Dorothy Wall returns to the starting lineup in place of Ruth Campbell in the only change for Ireland after their convincing win ov…

Ben Coles
Ben Coles
23 Apr 2026, 4:26

Bethan Lewis to captain Wales against England as Sean Lynn makes two changes

Lewis takes over the captaincy after with Kate Williams sidelined with a calf strain ahead of facing England in Bristol

Ben Coles
Ben Coles
23 Apr 2026, 4:06

Five changes for Scotland Women as Demi Swann makes first start

Exeter's Swann comes in for her first start with captain Rachel Malcolm fit to play at No 8 in a rejigged Scottish back row

Ben Coles
Ben Coles
23 Apr 2026, 2:57

Triple change for Ireland as Robyn O'Connor makes debut

Leinster wing O'Connor makes her XVs debut for Ireland after previously playing sevens, while Nancy McGillivray and Ruth Campbell …

Ben Coles
Ben Coles
16 Apr 2026, 6:34

Wales make two changes after taking 'a real step forward'

Impressive performance in defeat to Scotland described as "a real step forward" by coach Sean Lynn, who brings in Jasmine Joyce an…

Ben Coles
Ben Coles
16 Apr 2026, 5:21
LONG READ
Interview

The du Preez brothers prepare for the long goodbye from Sale Sharks 'home'

Alex Sanderson pays tribute to Dan du Preez, the final brother to depart Manchester for Bath after sterling service to Sale Sharks

Ben Coles
Ben Coles
27 Mar 2026, 14:51
LONG READ
Opinion

Do England need to start worrying about their hooker depth ahead of the World Cup?

With Jamie George turning 37 during the RWC and Luke Cowan-Dickie 34, who is the best person to replace them if they don't go the …

Ben Coles
Ben Coles
28 Feb 2026, 2:07
LONG READ
Interview

Thriving at Leicester after years on the move, Billy Searle has found his club

Settled at last at professional club number eight, Searle's form has been rewarded with an England 'A' call-up and the PREM player…

Ben Coles
Ben Coles
17 Feb 2026, 4:00
LONG READ
Interview

'The Truth' about Lucas Friday, the teenage England scrum-half prospect stunning team-mates in training

England Under-20s scrum-half mentored by Danny Care on his ACL recovery, idols growing up and practicing in the garden with father…

Ben Coles
Ben Coles
13 Feb 2026, 3:34
LONG READ
Exclusive

George Hendy: 'What Furbs has done for my personal development has been massive.'

The Northampton Saints back three player was unlucky to miss out on England selection but is happy to bide his time and wait for h…

Ben Coles
Ben Coles
05 Feb 2026, 11:09
Close Panel
Close Panel

Edition & Time Zone

{{current.name}}
Set time zone automatically
{{selectedTimezoneTitle}} (auto)
Choose a different time zone
Close Panel

Editions

Close Panel

Change Time Zone

Close
ADVERTISEMENT