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James Harrington

James Harrington is a freelance sports journalist and editor, based near Toulouse in southwest France, whose key focus is on the French rugby scene. He has worked with World Rugby, EPCR, RugbyPass, Rugby World, the Irish Examiner, SA Rugby Mag, Irish Independent, ESPN, and The Rugby Paper.

Nathan Hines' radical idea to lighten the load on his Top 14 players
With Montpellier suffering from an academy depleted under former coach Jake White, their current assistant has a suggestion to bet…
James Harrington
18 Jan 2020, 1:23
'When I get the clips from the analysts and there's Leinster coming up, it's a worse feeling in the gut'
Lyon attack coach Kendrick Lynn on the injury crisis at the club ahead of the weekend's Champions Cup match against undefeated Lei…
James Harrington
11 Jan 2020, 1:24
Ma'a Nonu on verge of shock return to Toulon - reports
Blues' star Ma'a Nonu could make a dramatic return to the French club on a lucrative one-year deal, and boss Mourad Boudjellal is …
James Harrington
29 May 2019, 7:00
What's at stake and for who ahead of the final round of regular Top 14 season
Four Top 14 teams are battling it out for three play-off places as the gruelling French league enters the final weekend - here's h…
James Harrington
22 May 2019, 10:23
Four in frame for France role after Laporte rejects reports Galthie has the job
We list the candidates who could still be in the running to take over from Jacques Brunel after FFR President Bernard Laporte has …
James Harrington
18 Apr 2019, 10:08
Former All Black Simon Mannix has fallen on his own sword at struggling Top 14 outfit
Simon Mannix felt he was on to a good thing in France, but Pau's consistent struggles to break into the Top 14's higher reaches ha…
James Harrington
16 Apr 2019, 2:39
Raka nearly stopped French citizenship plans due to online abuse
Clermont winger Alivereti Raka has his sights set on going to the World Cup with France - but revealed vicious online comments mea…
James Harrington
15 Apr 2019, 5:23
Laporte explains why France said 'non' to a foreign coach
The results are in. They have been counted and verified. And they have told FFR President Bernard Laporte to stop looking beyond F…
James Harrington
12 Apr 2019, 2:40
Galthie to join France coaching set-up 'within days' - reports
Former international scrum-half Galthie to take on short-term role, despite not having been involved in coaching a senior men's si…
James Harrington
11 Apr 2019, 13:19
Fijian winger Filipo Nakosi 'to follow brother Josua Tuisova out of Toulon exit door'
Following months of rumours, Nakosi is set to be reunited with former Agen boss Mauricio Reggiardo at reigning Top 14 champions Ca…
James Harrington
04 Apr 2019, 12:47
New France coach 'will be appointed before 2019 World Cup'
FFR President Bernard Laporte plans to appoint next coach of France's national rugby side before the tournament in Japan - but two…
James Harrington
04 Apr 2019, 10:10
It's off - Dan Carter's return to Racing 92 has been stopped
"Dan Carter cannot play rugby in France," Racing 92 reveal after medical advice from experts at the Ligue National de Rugby
James Harrington
02 Mar 2019, 9:58
Parra and Lopez are the latest to be sacrificed on Brunel's bloody altar
At the start of the Six Nations, Clermont's Morgan Parra and Camille Lopez were France's first-choice halfbacks. Three games later…
James Harrington
27 Feb 2019, 10:45
Savea's not alone - the full scale of Boudjellal's fury at misfiring Toulon
All Black Julian Savea was not the only Toulon player to bear the brunt of club president Mourad Boudjellal's anger following the …
James Harrington
18 Feb 2019, 2:09
Dan Carter is returning to France to play rugby - reports
Dan Carter is set to return to Europe to play rugby again according to reports from France, as he seeks a temporary release from J…
James Harrington
15 Feb 2019, 3:05
'They hurt me, and they're going to have to explain themselves' - ex-France coach Noves
Noves - who turned 65 in early February - is claiming €2.9million in back pay on his reported €800,000-a-year contract, plus 1…
James Harrington
13 Feb 2019, 10:15
Boudjellal reveals leaving date as Toulon soap saga takes fresh twist
Toulon boss Mourad Boudjellal reveals when he'll quit club and promises fireworks before he goes - including a sizeable player cul…
James Harrington
06 Feb 2019, 7:49
Former teen prodigy nears playing return after year out of game
Mathieu Jalibert is targeting a late February comeback after resuming squad training at Bordeaux nearly a year after suffering a s…
James Harrington
23 Jan 2019, 12:06
Sam Whitelock - and maybe another All Black - to be unveiled at Toulon, reports
Second row Whitelock turned down a new deal with NZRU for move to Toulon - and he could be joined in south of France by another Al…
James Harrington
12 Dec 2018, 5:56
The new measures French clubs want to use to beat Premiership sides to big-name players
French clubs are looking to gain the upper hand when it comes to recruiting top talent once again with concerns over missing out o…
James Harrington
10 Dec 2018, 5:02
French club willing to sacrifice players to land Read in French mega-money deal - reports
All Blacks' captain Kieran Read is so keen on a post-World Cup career in Paris that he is even willing to forgo even more money el…
James Harrington
26 Nov 2018, 5:50
Six Nations beware... Alivereti Raka is about to become a French citizen
Alivereti Raka will formally become a French citizen on December 8, 2018, after his name appeared on a list of new nationals publi…
James Harrington
26 Nov 2018, 3:03
Top14 giants Toulouse have their eye on one massive Premiership lock - reports
James Harrington
25 Oct 2018, 4:15
All seven Top 14 clubs and their injuries ahead of the opening Champions Cup weekend
As the 20 clubs at European rugby's top table gear up for the opening round of this season's Champions Cup, RugbyPass checks out w…
James Harrington
10 Oct 2018, 7:32
Two of five new Toulon recruits identified as club scrambles to make up lost Top 14 ground
It's not panic. Toulon, 11th in the Top 14 after the first six weeks of the season, have found two of the five players they are - …
James Harrington
03 Oct 2018, 5:48
Pressure on Pro 14's Warriors as Top 14 club makes move for Stuart Hogg - reports
Scotland and Lions fullback Stuart Hogg is a target for a mega-rich Top 14 club as Glasgow Warriors seek to finalise a deal with t…
James Harrington
21 Sep 2018, 2:06
French clubs set to break Carter record to bag Beauden Barrett - and other post-World Cup player rumours
French clubs could start a bidding war for All Black Beauden Barrett, according to reports, with the reserve price set at €1.5mi…
James Harrington
13 Sep 2018, 8:12
Toulon face battle to keep Guirado as rival plans massive offer - reports
Billionaire-bankrolled Top 14 giants Montpellier are working to prise France captain Guilhem Guirado from Toulon after next year's…
James Harrington
03 Sep 2018, 2:01
Video - Horrific injury 'ends season' for Delon Armitage after just 64 minutes
The worst fears of Lyon coach Pierre Mignoni were confirmed on Monday after medical tests revealed that fullback Delon Armitage's …
James Harrington
27 Aug 2018, 9:02
Four French clubs are chasing Anthony Watson's signature - reports
Versatile England and Bath back Anthony Watson has been linked with a move to the Top 14, according to reports in France.
James Harrington
27 Aug 2018, 7:06
Your 2018/19 Top 14 season club-by-club preview
Budgets, players to watch, arrivals and departures - and an overview of each club at the start of the new season. Welcome to the R…
James Harrington
24 Aug 2018, 6:35
The RugbyPass 'Top 14 team of the Season'
Almost 11 months after it kicked off, Castres Olympique were crowned Top 14 champions as the final whistle blew on French rugby's …
James Harrington
05 Jun 2018, 3:51
Bryan Habana has explained why he turned down another season of rugby
Bryan Habana considered moving to another club for a swansong season before he announced his retirement this week.
James Harrington
25 Apr 2018, 11:25
Police raid French Rugby headquarters
Police have raided the headquarters of the French Rugby Federation (FFR), as part of an investigation into alleged favouritism and…
James Harrington
23 Jan 2018, 10:11
Nonu close to Toulon exit - reports
Speculation is mounting that former All Black Ma'a Nonu will leave Toulon for another Top 14 club at the end of the current campai…
James Harrington
14 Jan 2018, 4:35
Finally, better injury news for Clermont
Top 14 champions Clermont look to have turned an injury corner heading into the crucial fifth round of the Champions Cup.
James Harrington
11 Jan 2018, 9:00
How French rugby has already changed under Jacques Brunel
The Guy Noves era at France ended three weeks ago, when he was unceremoniously dumped from the job he claimed to love and replaced…
James Harrington
10 Jan 2018, 19:24
Semi returns to Toulon - but huge offer awaits him at rival club
Semi Radradra belatedly returned to training with Top 14 Toulon on Wednesday, January 3, amid rumours that he will walk out on the…
James Harrington
03 Jan 2018, 9:50
Clermont plan raid on Japan's Top League to bolster depleted side: reports
With 10 backs and five forwards currently out of action, Top 14 side Clermont will try to tempt three international backs from the…
James Harrington
03 Jan 2018, 3:46
Noves becomes first France coach to be sacked
It's official. Guy Noves has lost his job as head coach of France.
James Harrington
27 Dec 2017, 4:15
'We can't go on like this' - report could seal Noves' fate
The future of France coach Guy Noves could be decided before Christmas, with Bordeaux's Jacques Brunel reportedly ready to take ov…
James Harrington
20 Dec 2017, 5:52
Mourad Boudjellal 'looking to offload Toulon'
Mourad Boudjellal is again looking for a buyer for Top 14 club Toulon, according to reports in the French media
James Harrington
13 Dec 2017, 2:30
Video - Wesley Fofana goes full Michael Jackson following Twitter bet
France and Clermont centre Wesley Fofana promised to show off a few dance moves if the country's tennis stars won a 10th Davis Cup…
James Harrington
30 Nov 2017, 7:10
Speculation mounting on who will takeover from failing Noves regime
Fabien Galthie has rejected suggestions he could replace France coach Guy Noves, whose future is under scrutiny following a dismal…
James Harrington
30 Nov 2017, 7:04
Rival club preparing huge deal for Semi Radradra - reports
Bordeaux have made an audacious bid to tempt Semi Radradra away from Top 14 rivals Toulon, according to reports in the French rugb…
James Harrington
27 Nov 2017, 0:46
Even by his standards, Mourad Boudjellal's latest tantrum is particularly childish
Toulon boss Mourad Boudjellal declared war on Sunday matches after watching his side slump to a 40-29 home defeat against Racing 9…
James Harrington
23 Nov 2017, 11:34
Luke McAlister set for mid-season Toulon exit - reports
With Clermont's interest in 30-cap All Black McAlister as cover for the injured Camile Lopez said to be cooling, Top 14 basement s…
James Harrington
01 Nov 2017, 19:11
Two of Clermont's biggest stars are leaving the club
Duo will join Raphael Chaume and the retiring Aurelien Rougerie in leaving the club at the end of the season - amid fears Noa Naka…
James Harrington
26 Oct 2017, 8:28
Malakai Fekitoa passes his first trial by media at Toulon
Malakai Fekitoa survives his first grilling by the French press as a Toulon player unscathed
James Harrington
26 Oct 2017, 6:09
Is another Fijian talent about to decamp to the French?
Speculation mounts that Clermont winger Alivereti Raka may have a France future in mind after he was omitted from Fiji's November'…
James Harrington
18 Oct 2017, 8:45
Disappointed Webb 'unaware Toulon move would mean Wales exile'
The Wales scrum-half insists he was unaware his move to Top 14 side Toulon would put his international ambitions on hold - but coa…
James Harrington
16 Oct 2017, 11:24
The revealing truth about the next French squad
What the next France squad will tell you about the relationship between head coach Guy Noves and FFR president Bernard Laporte
James Harrington
11 Oct 2017, 8:01
Is Freddie Michalak ready for one more Top 14 season?
The talk in France right now is all about whether a player for whom the word 'mercurial' could have been invented has one more sea…
James Harrington
10 Oct 2017, 10:47
Three to see in the Top 14 this weekend: Radradra, Lambie and Fofana
Semi Radradra a surprise inclusion in Toulon starting line-up, while Pat Lambie will debut for Racing at 15 and Wesley Fofana retu…
James Harrington
06 Oct 2017, 3:07
Pat Lambie fast-tracked into Racing colours after concussion
Racing 92 have one eye on their European Champions Cup campaign as they consider naming South African Pat Lambie in their squad fo…
James Harrington
02 Oct 2017, 10:06
Rhys Webb's future seems all but decided: reports
Toulon are stepping up their efforts to tempt Welsh scrum-half Rhys Webb to the Top 14 next season, after missing out on the signa…
James Harrington
27 Sep 2017, 8:39
Finn Russell set for Top 14 move: reports
Scotland's Finn Russell could be on the verge of joining Top 14 side Racing 92, according to reports in the French media.
James Harrington
25 Sep 2017, 6:43
Ryan's France Sevens job tip of a big Bleu rugby iceberg
Coach who masterminded Fiji's sevens glory at Rio joins France as a consultant - and it's just one part of a slow rebirth of the F…
James Harrington
21 Sep 2017, 5:48
Stade Francais in the pink as Jules Plisson and four more French stars decide their futures
Rivals have been circling Stade, hoping to tempt Jules Plisson, Jonathan Danty, Remi Bonfils, Paul Gabrillagues and Alexandre Flan…
James Harrington
19 Sep 2017, 11:15
Fresh twist in the Johan Goosen saga
And it's not good news for fans of Pro 14 new boys Cheetahs ... it seems Goosen is on the verge of a dramatic return to the Top 14
James Harrington
14 Sep 2017, 1:37
Chiefs prop 'set for Stade Francais move'
Tongan Siegfried Fisi'ihoi is set to join Top 14 outift Stade Francais, subject to passing a medical, according to reports in the …
James Harrington
12 Sep 2017, 6:37
Johan Goosen could return to top-flight rugby ... in Pro 14: reports
A mystery benefactor has offered to buy 'retired' South African star Goosen out of his five-year deal at Racing 92 for €1.5milli…
James Harrington
11 Sep 2017, 3:49
French international set to play his first Top 14 game in four years
The Top14 is about to see a return of a one of the national team's most outstanding athletes - writes James Harrington.
James Harrington
08 Sep 2017, 8:43
Look who's backing France's 2023 Rugby World Cup bid
Dan Carter has emerged as France's not-very-secret weapon in its bid to win the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
James Harrington
07 Sep 2017, 5:11
Toulon hatch bizarre plan concerning powerhouse Tuisova's on field position
Should he stay or should he go? The Fijian Olympic Sevens champion has has touched down 24 times in 66 outings since joining th…
James Harrington
05 Sep 2017, 5:29
Rhys Webb 'on sale' in England and France: reports
French media reports claim that Rhys Webb is looking for a new club in England or France when his contract at Pro 14 side Ospreys …
James Harrington
04 Sep 2017, 5:49
After Eddie Jones phonecall, Carl Fearns wants to play for France...but there's a hitch
Liverpudlian in Lyon Carl Fearns has set his sights on playing international rugby for France following a telephone conversation w…
James Harrington
30 Aug 2017, 6:43
So...Carl Hayman is coming out of retirement
Former All Black Carl Hayman has agreed to come out of retirement to play in the French Federale 3 - the fifth, and very firmly am…
James Harrington
28 Aug 2017, 12:13
BREAKING: Stade Francais player sacked for 'gross misconduct'
Fijian winger Josaia Raisuqe has been sacked by Top 14 side Stade Francais for gross misconduct in relation to an incident in a Pa…
James Harrington
18 Aug 2017, 11:20
REPORTS: Christian Lealiifano on verge of joining Pro14 heavyweights on short term deal
Little more than a month after he returned to action following an 11-month battle with leukaemia, Australian international Christi…
James Harrington
14 Aug 2017, 10:32
SURVEY: 13 head-coaches anonymously responded to a Top14 survey
We're not talking pundits, commentators or journalists. We're not even talking former players or ex-coaches with media training wh…
James Harrington
14 Aug 2017, 6:21
Will Genia's French adventure is officially over
Will Genia's French adventure is officially over, with Stade Francais' manager this week telling French sports weekly L'Equipe tha…
James Harrington
10 Aug 2017, 5:02
REPORTS: Stade Francais sign former England flyhalf
South African Meyer Bosman's rugby career looks to be on its last legs after his club, Top 14 side Stade Francais, reportedly agre…
James Harrington
09 Aug 2017, 5:32
REPORTS: La Rochelle may have bagged a World Cup winning All Black
Another World Cup-winning All Black is on the verge of joining a Top 14 side for the new season, which kicks off on August 26, acc…
James Harrington
07 Aug 2017, 2:41
Toulon embroiled in David and Goliath fight with Zebre
Top 14 giants Toulon are engaged in a tug-of-war with Italian Pro 14 outfit Zebre over a player they signed as a replacement for L…
James Harrington
03 Aug 2017, 9:42
BIG BUCKS: The Top 14's top seven overseas signings for the new season
Of the 201 confirmed new arrivals at France's Top 14 clubs this summer, 59 are overseas players. Not all those 59 are new to th…
James Harrington
02 Aug 2017, 8:41
Are Montpellier about to be barred from this seasons Top 14?
A missing signature on a single piece of paper could leave Aaron Cruden kicking his heels in frustration at Montpellier when the s…
James Harrington
01 Aug 2017, 8:15
BREAKING: Leigh Halfpenny may just have agreed terms with a club
The future appears to be clearing for out-of-work Wales and Lions fullback Leigh Halfpenny, according to reports. After weeks o…
James Harrington
31 Jul 2017, 3:21
The difficult third season for All Black laden Pau
Things are moving fast at ambitious Top 14 side Pau - or Section Paloise, to give the club its Sunday name. Three seasons ago, …
James Harrington
30 Jul 2017, 6:02
Two French legends stand on the verge of a decade old Top14 record
The name Laurent Arbo is probably not one many rugby fans outside France will recognise. He did not grace the international sc…
James Harrington
24 Jul 2017, 19:42
Amid odd Toulon statements, speculation mounts around club's two biggest signing
It's no huge surprise, given the huge amount of money sloshing about, that the Top 14 is a storm-tossed maelstrom of rumour and sp…
James Harrington
20 Jul 2017, 9:44
What now for Leigh Halfpenny?
Last season, Leigh Halfpenny was the third highest-earner in France's Top 14, behind Dan Carter and Matt Giteau. Today, with pre-s…
James Harrington
19 Jul 2017, 6:29
Done deals: Comings and goings in the Top 14 transfer market
Which French clubs have been busy recruiting players ahead of the new Top 14 season? James Harrington checks out the key deals clu…
James Harrington
29 Jun 2017, 9:08
9 coaches who could take on France job if it all goes bad for Noves
Bernard Laporte has told Guy Noves that France must win three of their four November internationals. But what happens if it all go…
James Harrington
28 Jun 2017, 8:41
Who is the Lions' first Test captain Peter O'Mahony?
Introducing the quiet Munsterman who, two years after suffering a career-threatening injury, will lead the tourists out to face th…
James Harrington
22 Jun 2017, 8:58
Bank of Mourad saves Toulon from Top 14's financial police
The galacticos of French rugby were threatened with relegation to the ProD2 after a €2million hole was discovered in club financ…
James Harrington
21 Jun 2017, 11:26
Lions' pre-season is over
The Lions victory in the opening match of their tour was hardly convincing. But do not write them off just yet, writes James Harri…
James Harrington
05 Jun 2017, 5:58
9 of the best responses to the haka - and four cultural ideas for Gatland's Lions
As Warren Gatland's Lions prepare to face their first haka, James Harrington counts down nine epic moments from hakas past
James Harrington
02 Jun 2017, 0:42
World Cup 2023: Last-ditch problems with two bids
Irish and French bids hit stumbling blocks shortly before the deadline for submissions
James Harrington
01 Jun 2017, 14:21
Why Lions' coach Ackermann is wrong on red cards
Taking red card sanction out of the game would turn rugby into a lawless free-for-all, writes James Harrington
James Harrington
31 May 2017, 13:08
Guess who's coming (back) to Toulon
By special request, and for two days only...
James Harrington
30 May 2017, 8:00
The definitive-ish Rugby Pass Top 14 team of the season
James Harrington nominates his Top 14 all-stars XV for a fantasy match against Dan Johansson's all-star Premiership side There …
James Harrington
26 May 2017, 9:09
Short notice... But is anyone available for a game of rugby?
Asking for a friend... If you have nothing better to do in the next few hours, one club has issued a plea for some players with…
James Harrington
26 May 2017, 6:55
There was something rotten in Jake White's Montpellier
French media reports have torn White's coaching tenure to shreds. Big style
James Harrington
25 May 2017, 4:55
The greatest trick Gatland's Lions could pull on this tour
A surprise player boost to the Lions' Dublin training camp may distill a little extra team spirit - but the tourists still head so…
James Harrington
24 May 2017, 5:30
Ban balls-up leaves Jacques du Plessis free to play in Top 14 knockout phase
James Harrington
19 May 2017, 8:19
South Africa cannot support six rugby franchises, so why is Mark Alexander trying?
SA Rugby is in talks with organisers of 'international competitions' in a bid to keep all six major rugby franchises. James Harrin…
James Harrington
18 May 2017, 10:16
Size matters for England in Argentina
Relatively unknown monsters in England shirts are heading to South America next month. James Harrington wonders why. England co…
James Harrington
16 May 2017, 8:25
Forget eligibility rules, Super Rugby can plug PI player drain - Dan Leo
World Rugby's changes to Regulation 8 will do little to stop the plunder of the Pacific Islands' player stocks, ex-Samoa captain D…
James Harrington
15 May 2017, 6:44
Here's when we will really notice rugby's Regulation 8 Effect – it's sooner than you might think
James Harrington
11 May 2017, 13:30
Filling in the gaps in the draw for the 2019 World Cup
There are a few holes in the draw for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan. James Harrington has done his best to fill them There yo…
James Harrington
10 May 2017, 7:15
The Top 14 season in review - club by club
Six teams and five matches remain in the race for the French championship's Bouclier de Brennus - but the regular Top 14 season is…
James Harrington
09 May 2017, 9:13
That was the Aviva Premiership season that was
The 2016/17 Premiership season is over, bar the playoff shouting. James Harrington runs the rule over the 12 clubs' campaigns. …
James Harrington
08 May 2017, 5:45
Premiership final weekend permutations
Both home semi-finals are still up for grabs, as is the last automatic Champions Cup slot. James Harrington has worked out who nee…
James Harrington
05 May 2017, 8:26
Number-crunching the final weekend of the tight Top 14
As the Top 14 season enters its final week, the play-off permutations are so complex they would have Pierre de Fermat, of brain-mu…
James Harrington
04 May 2017, 5:00
How Europe can make Super Rugby great again
Super Rugby could do worse than follow the successful European Champions Cup model, writes James Harrington On the whole, south…
James Harrington
02 May 2017, 9:56
Want to win a rugby tournament? Opt for age
They may be slower and not quite so powerful as they once were, but the old men of rugby can give so much more than their tyro cou…
James Harrington
01 May 2017, 8:58
Defence the best form of attack for Gatland's Lions
The Lions will leave the sparkling rugby to All Blacks when they arrive in New Zealand, but the tourists could well win the work-r…
James Harrington
27 Apr 2017, 12:22
11 memorable dates in Thierry Dusautoir's career
It's almost impossible to distill the career of soon-to-retire rugby legend Thierry Dusautoir into just a few key moments – but …
James Harrington
24 Apr 2017, 11:28
A British and Irish Lions' Coulda-Shoulda By-The-Phones Matchday 23
The time has come to second-guess Warren Gatland's Lions' picks and suggest who else could or should be on the plane to New Zealan…
James Harrington
21 Apr 2017, 8:48
The Gospel According to Saint Warren
Let There Be Lions 1 In the beginning was the speculation about the Lions' touring squad to New Zealand. 2 And the speculati…
James Harrington
19 Apr 2017, 9:20
The decline and fall of Toulouse
Don't blame coach Ugo Mola for Toulouse's failings this season. After 22 years of Guy Novès, change was needed – but off-field …
James Harrington
17 Apr 2017, 6:08
Echoes of Racing-Stade merger in Western Force's fight for Super Rugby survival
There is something familiar about Western Force's fight for Super Rugby survival following SANZAAR's decision to cull three franch…
James Harrington
13 Apr 2017, 16:54
Who'll join Wasps, Chiefs and Saracens in the Aviva Premiership Playoffs?
One spot is still to be decided in English top flight, while over in France nine teams are still in the running for three playoff …
James Harrington
10 Apr 2017, 13:32
Brock James: I would have played for France if they asked
Last summer, Brock James joined La Rochelle after a decade at Top 14 rivals Clermont. He spoke to James Harrington about his new c…
James Harrington
07 Apr 2017, 9:00
Top 14 Power Rankings: Big spending no guarantee of success
With just four rounds of the Top 14 season to go, James Harrington looks at the clubs' successes and failures on – and in some c…
James Harrington
06 Apr 2017, 8:19
Good week, bad week: Chris and Dan set to break try records
A rare appearance for Chris Ashton in the 'good' column this week, but no such luck for Willie Le Roux. Oh, Willie... GOOD WEEK…
James Harrington
05 Apr 2017, 5:21
Pity the coaches on European rugby's managerial merry-go-round
Toulon's Mike Ford is just the latest victim of European clubs' short-term glory-now thinking in a big-money game where failure is…
James Harrington
04 Apr 2017, 7:52
Where did it all go wrong for Ospreys? And all the other European rugby talking points
Ups and downs for potential Lions, new questions over Mike Ford's brief future at Toulon, Saracens next in line to try and tame th…
James Harrington
03 Apr 2017, 11:00
Toulon is dead … Long live Toulon
What looks like the slow and painful decline and fall of the Top 14's original Galacticos is actually a chance to rebuild the club…
James Harrington
30 Mar 2017, 8:47
Good week, bad week: Jonathan Joseph in A Tweet Too Far
England player chose the wrong moment to tell the Twittersphere all about his footwear – but another international picked the ri…
James Harrington
28 Mar 2017, 7:31
Aviva Premiership Power Rankings: Everyone's chasing Saracens
Shamelessly stealing Scotty Stevenson's Super Rugby Power Rankings format and passing it off as his own, James Harrington rates th…
James Harrington
28 Mar 2017, 5:20
Weekend talking points: Lions' speculation, Rassie rumours, and the return of European rugby
There's still plenty of time to wonder who will make the plane for this summer's big New Zealand tour before Warren Gatland spoils…
James Harrington
27 Mar 2017, 4:37
Concussion - 'Something is broken in the game of rugby'
Other than being elite-level rugby players, what do Ben Smith, Conor Murray, Bernard Foley, Alexis Palisson, Sekope Kepu, Stuart H…
James Harrington
24 Mar 2017, 5:37
Good week, bad week: Who'd be a citing commissioner?
How the overwrought daytime soap opera in Paris can't hide Welsh problems; the continuing woes of Jacky and Thomas; Bucharest deli…
James Harrington
21 Mar 2017, 7:09
18 and out: All the talking points from the final weekend of the Six Nations
What went on in Paris, how the English loss might work in their favour, Vern's send-off, and what Warren Gatland said. Whatever…
James Harrington
20 Mar 2017, 5:47
Racing boss walks away from Stade union
It is safe to say it has been an unusual week in French rugby - and little of what has happened has troubled the positive side of …
James Harrington
19 Mar 2017, 13:52
Carter contract 'safe' - but what about others caught in Stade-Racing chaos?
Dan Carter is expected to play for Paris's new Top 14 super-club if the planned merger of Racing 92 and Stade Francais goes ahead,…
James Harrington
17 Mar 2017, 8:33
Six Nations Preview: Ireland vs England
James Harrington
16 Mar 2017, 9:05
Six Nations Preview: France vs Wales
James Harrington
16 Mar 2017, 8:24
Six Nations Preview: Scotland vs Italy
James Harrington
16 Mar 2017, 7:51
England vs New Zealand: The match everyone wants in 2017 ... but rugby does not need
James Harrington
16 Mar 2017, 7:45
Doubts cast over Racing 92-Stade Francais merger
Could player power be about to scupper Paris clubs' planned union? All is not well in the pro-Racing 92-Stade Francais merger c…
James Harrington
15 Mar 2017, 13:48
How the final act of the 2017 Six Nations could change the 2019 World Cup
The Irish should be cheering on the French this weekend. More weirdly, and depending on what happens in Paris, Welsh rugby fans ma…
James Harrington
15 Mar 2017, 9:51
Good week, bad week: England's seven-try MVP
James Harrington
14 Mar 2017, 14:29
125 years of French rugby history swept away in a single day
Fallout from the shock news that two of France's oldest clubs are set to merge.
James Harrington
13 Mar 2017, 13:45
Who's going to start for Stade Racing Francais Metro? And other talking points from the weekend's rugby
James Harrington
13 Mar 2017, 13:00
Is Goosen set for Racing return?
James Harrington
13 Mar 2017, 12:20
Top 14 two to become one in Paris as Racing 92 and Stade Francais announce merger plans
James Harrington
13 Mar 2017, 4:54
Toulouse 'to adopt two-doctor approach to HIAs' after Palisson incident
James Harrington
10 Mar 2017, 9:12
Six Nations Preview: Italy vs France
James Harrington
09 Mar 2017, 8:19
Six Nations Preview: England vs Scotland
James Harrington
09 Mar 2017, 7:04
France call up 20-year-old Dupont as injury cover
James Harrington
08 Mar 2017, 8:40
Six Nations Preview: Wales vs Ireland
James Harrington
08 Mar 2017, 8:11
Good week, bad week: Why Wales are desperate for a win
James Harrington
07 Mar 2017, 12:57
The opening salvos in French rugby's new battle over central contracts have begun
James Harrington
07 Mar 2017, 12:35
Was Alexis Palisson another case of concussion mismanaged?
James Harrington
06 Mar 2017, 3:25
An end to promotion play-offs ... what a smart idea
James Harrington
03 Mar 2017, 8:18
In defence of Eddie Jones' call to change the ruck laws
James Harrington
02 Mar 2017, 7:30
Bernard Laporte's country-first changes are set for a backlash from clubs
James Harrington
27 Feb 2017, 8:27
What The Fox? Four talking points from the weekend's Six Nations
James Harrington
27 Feb 2017, 5:42
Six Nations Preview: England vs Italy
James Harrington
24 Feb 2017, 2:24
Why Georgia deserves a place in the Six Nations
James Harrington
23 Feb 2017, 9:46
Six Nations Preview: Ireland vs France
James Harrington
23 Feb 2017, 6:26
Six Nations Preview: Scotland vs Wales
James Harrington
23 Feb 2017, 4:46
Left-field options for the Lions captaincy? Five players Warren Gatland should consider
James Harrington
16 Feb 2017, 11:00
Colin Slade: 'No one gives up the All Blacks easily'
James Harrington
15 Feb 2017, 1:27
Toulon expects… cross-coder Ben Barba to emulate SBW
James Harrington
14 Feb 2017, 3:35
'Six Nations > Rugby Championship' and other talking points from Round Two
James Harrington
13 Feb 2017, 5:09
Six Nations 2017: France vs Scotland Preview
James Harrington
09 Feb 2017, 17:55
Six Nations 2017: Wales vs England Preview
James Harrington
09 Feb 2017, 9:14
Six Nations 2017: Italy vs Ireland Preview
James Harrington
09 Feb 2017, 7:05
Changing Top 14 rules mean fewer raids on southern rugby
James Harrington
07 Feb 2017, 5:59
Why 15-Win England Need a Change: Six Talking Points from the First Round of the Six Nations
James Harrington
06 Feb 2017, 7:52
The 2017 Six Nations Will Have an Effect on the 2019 World Cup
James Harrington
03 Feb 2017, 8:41
Six Nations 2017: The Tournament Starts Here
James Harrington
02 Feb 2017, 5:50
Six Nations 2017 Preview: Discount the Mongrel Welsh at Your Peril
James Harrington
01 Feb 2017, 6:15
Six Nations 2017 Preview: Scotland the Brave
James Harrington
01 Feb 2017, 5:57
Six Nations 2017 Preview: The Only Way Is Up For Italy
James Harrington
31 Jan 2017, 7:47
Six Nations 2017 Preview: Ireland Aren't Changing What Isn't Broken
James Harrington
31 Jan 2017, 7:15
Italy: Down But Not Out
James Harrington
30 Jan 2017, 8:24
Six Nations 2017 Preview: How Strong Is Novès' French Revolution?
James Harrington
30 Jan 2017, 6:50
Six Nations 2017 Preview: England Chase History
James Harrington
30 Jan 2017, 6:35
A Citizen Solution to the 'Project Player' Problem
James Harrington
24 Jan 2017, 12:48
The Six Nations, Wales' Roof and Rob Howley's Cunning Plan
James Harrington
23 Jan 2017, 5:43
Time to End Italian Clubs' Champions Cup Misery
James Harrington
17 Jan 2017, 12:38
Jamie Cudmore: 'Suspecting a Concussion Means It's Probably a Concussion'
James Harrington
16 Jan 2017, 11:00
The State of the Pools as the European Champions Cup Returns
James Harrington
09 Jan 2017, 5:42
Nine Northern Hemisphere Players to Watch Out For in 2017
James Harrington
03 Jan 2017, 7:31
Who May Be on Shortlist for Leicester Hotseat
James Harrington
02 Jan 2017, 7:40
'I Didn't Sign up to Be a Poster Boy': Treviso's Goggles-Wearing Fly-Half Ian McKinley
James Harrington
18 Dec 2016, 15:37
Six Super Rugby Heroes Who Turned Out To Be Top 14 Zeroes
James Harrington
16 Dec 2016, 15:22
Dylan Hartley's Ban Highlights Hidden Problem for Warren Gatland
James Harrington
14 Dec 2016, 9:21
Five Things We Learned From the Weekend's European Champions Cup
James Harrington
12 Dec 2016, 13:09
Laporte Sticks With Novès... For Now
James Harrington
12 Dec 2016, 12:54
Clermont Are White Hot as the Champions Cup Returns
James Harrington
06 Dec 2016, 12:34
England Have the All Blacks' Record in Their Sights, but What About the Number One Slot?
James Harrington
06 Dec 2016, 1:45
Lam to the Slaughter: Connacht's Pro12-Winning Coach Is Heading To Bristol
James Harrington
05 Dec 2016, 15:47
A Bitter Leadership Battle Paves the Way For Big Changes in French Rugby
James Harrington
03 Dec 2016, 16:49
Whisper It Quietly: French Flair Is Coming Back
James Harrington
21 Nov 2016, 13:45
Boudjellal Vs The International Window: Toulon's Owner Taking World Rugby To Court
James Harrington
15 Nov 2016, 4:39
The Autumn Internationals Preview: France
James Harrington
08 Nov 2016, 19:19
Conrad Smith's Challenge To Dan Carter
James Harrington
07 Nov 2016, 15:14
Diego Dominguez Hasn't Been Sacked, Toulon Just Have A New Head Coach
James Harrington
30 Oct 2016, 16:08
Champions Cup: Is It Too Early To Start Dreaming Of An All-Ireland Final?
James Harrington
24 Oct 2016, 16:34
Remembering Anthony Foley
James Harrington
17 Oct 2016, 14:39
A Pool-by-Pool Guide To The 2016/17 European Champions Cup
James Harrington
11 Oct 2016, 15:09
Jake White's Departure From Montpellier Is As Eyebrow-Raising As His Arrival
James Harrington
03 Oct 2016, 15:00
Guy Novès' Big Plans To Save French Rugby
James Harrington
26 Sep 2016, 16:19
The Most Frustrating Rugby Team In France
James Harrington
20 Sep 2016, 15:56
Matthieu Ugalde Enters Rugby's Eye Gouging Punishment Lottery
James Harrington
13 Sep 2016, 16:16
Turmoil In Toulon: French Rugby's Greatest Soap Opera
James Harrington
06 Sep 2016, 2:00
The Top 14 In Numbers: The Season So Far
James Harrington
29 Aug 2016, 15:22
Five Local Players To Watch In The Top 14 This Season
James Harrington
21 Aug 2016, 16:51
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