Opinion
Six Nations
Contributors
Daniel Gallan
@danielgallan
Daniel Gallan is a journalist and university lecturer specialising in the politics and history of sport at St Mary's University and the University of East London. From Johannesburg and now based in London, he has contributed to The Guardian, CNN, ESPN, The Telegraph and various sports titles around the world.
223 Articles
Latest
19 days ago Six Nations
How the new scrum-half law may shape attacking rugby
24 days ago Six Nations
Rugby needs to get over itself and stop being so precious
34 days ago International Rugby
Europe's copycats show Springboks deserve respect
38 days ago Six Nations
The Azzurri are a good example of multiculturalism in a changing world
Exclusive
Salmaan Moerat: 'I’ve not really processed the magnitude of leading the Springboks'
The politically engaged first Muslim captain of South Africa is unique in his background, ability and leadership credentials.
Daniel Gallan
09 Jan 2025, 10:43
Opinion
What should be on a rugby Christmas wish list for 2025?
What should Santa Claus deliver for the sport of rugby union this festive season?
Daniel Gallan
24 Dec 2024, 3:42
Exclusive
'Springbok Galacticos can't go it alone for trophy-hunting Sharks'
Lesser known names must step up if the franchise is to fulfil its aim of winning the URC and Champions Cup this season.
Daniel Gallan
19 Dec 2024, 7:44
Opinion
South Africans rugby teams aren't helping themselves in Europe
What’s the opposite of exploding out of the blocks? Last week, in the opening round of continental domestic rugby, South Africa…
Daniel Gallan
12 Dec 2024, 4:47
Opinion
Bok report card: All 51 South Africa players rated for 2024
The Springboks came within two late kicks of a perfect record across 2024. A Ciaran Frawley drop goal in the 80th minute in Durban…
Daniel Gallan
06 Dec 2024, 8:16
Opinion
England needs a new domestic dynasty. Without one they'll never win in Europe again
The likes of Saracens, Leicester and Wasps used to rule in Europe but their star has dimmed and they are playing catch-up
Daniel Gallan
05 Dec 2024, 10:32
Opinion
What has happened to Aphelele Fassi?
In December 2023, when Aphelele Fassi spoke exclusively to Rugbypass...
Daniel Gallan
24 Nov 2024, 4:09
Opinion
The Springboks have something you don't have
Before the final whistle sounds in Cardiff, the Springboks will have fielded 52 players across the calendar year. Jean Kleyn, who …
Daniel Gallan
22 Nov 2024, 5:56
Opinion
'Steve Borthwick hung his troops out to dry - he should take some blame'
The England head coach shoulders some responsibility for his side's disappointing autumn results.
Daniel Gallan
21 Nov 2024, 5:05
Opinion
This Springboks team still relies largely on vibes
Rassie Erasmus asked this question after his team claimed yet another scrappy win against a top tier team. Just like the one point…
Daniel Gallan
16 Nov 2024, 16:03
Opinion
South Africa will beat England at a canter
Apologies in advance because I have a similarly annoying rhetorical of my own: Am I the only one who thinks that South Africa will…
Daniel Gallan
15 Nov 2024, 5:09
Opinion
'Who gives a crap?' Animosity towards the Springboks is proof of their dominance
Isn't hostility a sign you're on top? For the Springboks' detractors, that might explain a lot.
Daniel Gallan
15 Nov 2024, 3:19
Analysis
The odd post-match demeanor of Rassie Erasmus and his Springboks
If you missed it, you might assume that the Springboks monstered their Scottish counterparts with another brutal display of Bomb S…
Daniel Gallan
10 Nov 2024, 14:00
Opinion
How Rassie Erasmus' risky plan could backfire
As if we didn’t already know, none of us can predict what Rassie Erasmus is going to do next. Because not even the best and brig…
Daniel Gallan
08 Nov 2024, 10:25
Opinion
Borthwick the innovator needs to trust his instincts and cut England loose
England must rally against inherent conservatism to unleash a backline of gifted athletes or risk mediocrity
Daniel Gallan
08 Nov 2024, 5:46
Opinion
It's about time rugby kicked out one of its values
Last Saturday, after Mark Tele’a carried several English players on his back en route to a blockbuster try in the right corner, …
Daniel Gallan
08 Nov 2024, 5:08
Opinion
Rassie Erasmus' Boks selection policy is becoming bizarre
Let’s start with the glaring caveat: Rassie Erasmus knows a thing or two about rugby. He’s on track to retire as the most deco…
Daniel Gallan
01 Nov 2024, 11:18
Opinion
Would a Springboks B team really conquer the world?
South Africa's phenomenal depth and conveyor belt of muscular titans makes this a question worth asking.
Daniel Gallan
01 Nov 2024, 3:08
Opinion
Did Rassie Erasmus miss a trick with his latest South Africa squad?
Rassie Erasmus’ latest Springboks squad selection serves as evidence of two important truths in elite sport: nothing comes easy …
Daniel Gallan
23 Oct 2024, 7:34
Analysis
'No scrum, no win' - Why props could become rugby's new poster boys
The front-row juggernauts are big athletes with big personalities, and a job which requires brain as well as brawn.
Daniel Gallan
22 Oct 2024, 7:47
