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Chris Jones

Rugby and tennis correspondent of the Evening Standard for 22 years . Now in Sunday Times, ESPN,Mail on Sunday, Express, Mailonline and RugbyPass.

1130 Articles

Ex-boss on why 'high IQ' Byron McGuigan makes sense for England

Sale Sharks boss Alex Sanderson believes Byron McGuigan can help England shut down opposition attacks by using his “very high ga…

Chris Jones
Chris Jones
23 Oct 2025, 11:17
Exclusive

Vunipola brothers could be set for shock Rugby World Cup role

England and Lions star Mako Vunipola is hoping to be part of the Tonga coaching set up at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, w…

Chris Jones
Chris Jones
22 Oct 2025, 1:59

Sanderson responds to Martin links as Sale try to earn back reputation

Sale Sharks boss Alex Sanderson has admitted the team’s “horrendous” 65-14 mauling by Saracens has damaged their reputation…

Chris Jones
Chris Jones
21 Oct 2025, 7:55

'People move on': The reception expected for Chick's Newcastle return

Callum Chick is guaranteed the most emotional welcome any visiting captain will receive from the Newcastle Red Bulls faithful when…

Chris Jones
Chris Jones
17 Oct 2025, 1:24

England handed mixed news over availability of Curry brothers

Ben Curry will miss England’s Autumn Nations Series campaign after undergoing surgery to solve a hamstring problem that was thre…

Chris Jones
Chris Jones
14 Oct 2025, 9:02

Possible surgery puts Ben Curry at heart of Sale and England tug-of-war

England flanker Ben Curry may need further surgery and a six week lay-off to solve a hamstring injury that could threaten his avai…

Chris Jones
Chris Jones
07 Oct 2025, 7:09

'Big future': Sale reveal huge body transformation for 6 foot 9 league convert Bamber

Sale Sharks boss Alex Sanderson believes towering lock Ben Bamber, who put on 8kg after pre-season and shaved 50 seconds off his f…

Chris Jones
Chris Jones
02 Oct 2025, 5:45
Interview

Byron McGuigan's message to Steve Borthwick after England defence trial

Sale Sharks defence coach Byron McGuigan insists that Lee Blackett’s departure from Bath to take up his new attack role with Eng…

Chris Jones
Chris Jones
01 Oct 2025, 2:53

Reports on Owen Farrell leave Mark McCall confused

Saracens boss Mark McCall has warned the club’s PREM Rugby rivals that Owen Farrell is “flying” in training and ready to pro…

Chris Jones
Chris Jones
25 Sep 2025, 3:12
Exclusive

Homecoming hero George McGuigan sets new PREM record

The lure of Newcastle has proved too strong for the try-scoring hooker, who always manages to find his way back to the North East.

Chris Jones
Chris Jones
24 Sep 2025, 4:48
Exclusive

The Welshman in France eager to plunder Wales' shrinking URC talent pool

Gareth Baber, who led Fiji to a remarkable Olympic sevens gold medal defence in Tokyo, has his own personal experience of a Welsh …

Chris Jones
Chris Jones
04 Sep 2025, 4:14
Exclusive

The 'made in heaven' coach switch-up ex-England star urges Borthwick to make

Dan Robson is urging England to make a “match made in heaven” by bringing in Lee Blackett as attack coach after he made a majo…

Chris Jones
Chris Jones
30 Aug 2025, 1:13
Exclusive

Dean Richards itching to 'get back into the game' and eyes Test role

Dean Richards, one of the legendary figures of English rugby, is ready to end his self imposed exile from the Gallagher PREM havin…

Chris Jones
Chris Jones
28 Aug 2025, 4:13
Interview

'George Ford is the best 10 in the world but doesn’t get recognition'

Former England star Toby Flood rates George Ford the best fly-half in the world and says he deserves to be England’s starting No…

Chris Jones
Chris Jones
26 Aug 2025, 2:42
Opinion

Ditch South African teams and get Americans in: Ex-England star Nick Easter

The former No.8 would love to see US-based teams take part in the URC.

Chris Jones
Chris Jones
20 Aug 2025, 4:18
Interview

Mark Evans on the bold move that could make the next Lions tour matter

The British and Irish Lions should dismiss talk of a money spinning match in France and opt for a clash with Fiji in the build up …

Chris Jones
Chris Jones
04 Aug 2025, 7:41
Exclusive

Lions legend John Bentley has an interesting take on whitewash talk

John Bentley is backing the current British and Irish Lions to avoid the pitfalls the 1997 Lions fell into and achieve an historic…

Chris Jones
Chris Jones
29 Jul 2025, 5:02
Exclusive

George Gregan backs Ardie Savea 'clone' to keep the Lions series alive

Wallaby legend George Gregan is backing Joe Schmidt’s players to keep the British and Irish Lions series alive by “ writing th…

Chris Jones
Chris Jones
23 Jul 2025, 6:00
Exclusive

'I know what I would do': Rob Henderson wades into Lions centre debate

Rob Henderson knows all about the benefits of picking a proven centre combination for the first Test of a British and Irish Lions …

Chris Jones
Chris Jones
15 Jul 2025, 0:20
Exclusive

'Graham Henry wasn't exactly welcoming': Life as a late Lions call-up

Andy Nicol believes Ben White will make the most of his late Lions call-up, an experience he can relate to after being drafted in …

Chris Jones
Chris Jones
02 Jul 2025, 10:00