Opinion
Mike Blair is a loss to Scottish rugby - it didn't have to be this way
Scottish coaches are subject to myriad demands and off-field tasks which detract from their skillsets
Jamie Lyall
28 Feb 2023, 7:41
Contributors
Jamie Lyall
@jlyall93
After abandoning a career in veterinary medicine, Jamie turned to sports journalism six years ago, aiming to harness his passions for sport, writing, and complementary pre-match buffets. While his career has not grown as prolifically as his body fat percentage, he was fortunate enough to learn his trade with Planet Rugby and BBC Scotland before entering the freelance world. He has since been offered several brilliant opportunities to launch his commentary career, and when not writing for RugbyPass, can often be found bellowing names into a microphone for the BBC, BT Sport and others.
Exclusive
'Nobody in world rugby can do what he does' - inside the rise of Duhan van der Merwe
Duhan van der Merwe's jet-propelled journey from unknown winger to global superstar, by those who know him best.
Jamie Lyall
23 Feb 2023, 3:19
Analysis
Mike Brown proves the doubters wrong
Left on the professional scrapheap at 37, Mike Brown never gave up hope and he had his day in the sun with Leicester Tigers
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
20 Feb 2023, 8:22
Analysis
The Richie Graynaissance: A 'genetic freak' who is playing his best-ever rugby at 33
After years in the international wilderness, Richie Gray has come roaring to the fore aged 33. This is how.
Jamie Lyall
10 Feb 2023, 7:59
Analysis
The Irish eyes are smiling
Ireland showed they can walk the walk without a gamut of frontline stars in a battle for the ages against an obdurate, gifted Fren…
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
13 Feb 2023, 9:05
Opinion
Scottish rugby enters uncharted territory
Early in the second half, a wave of anxiety swept around Murrayfield. You could feel the nerves in the simmering atmosphere.
Jamie Lyall
12 Feb 2023, 4:02
Exclusive
Sebastian Negri: 'They broke my aunt's arms, cut my uncle's ear and my mum was held hostage'
After fleeing Zimbabwe and Robert Mugabe's gangs, Sebastian Negri found sanctuary, joy and pride in Italy.
Jamie Lyall
09 Feb 2023, 4:47
Analysis
Van der Merwe's heroics silence the Twickenham masses
A try for the ages lights up a thrilling opening weekend of Six Nations rugby as Scotland, Ireland and France register away wins
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
06 Feb 2023, 8:48
Six Nations: Team of round one
After a rout in Rome, a hoodoo shattered, and a needle-laden Cardiff tussle, The XV picks out the stars of the opening round of th…
Jamie Lyall
08 Feb 2021, 10:00
Exclusive
Jake Polledri: 'The hardest thing is having no answers'
The Gloucester favourite is back in international waters after two years of pride-shattering injury and personal loss.
Jamie Lyall
02 Feb 2023, 16:44
Interview
Nick Grigg: Sumo wrestling, pub knock-outs, fireworks and the Calcutta Cup
Scotland's Nick Grigg has gone from Glasgow to Japan and experienced rugby's weird and wonderful, but he will never forget the 201…
Jamie Lyall
03 Feb 2023, 12:04
This, surely, is Scotland's time to come of age
Down on the touchline, the Scotland players walked over to where their relatives were housed.
Jamie Lyall
05 Feb 2023, 4:19
Opinion
Scotland will beat England or die trying
England have laid paws on the Calcutta Cup once in five years. Their towering home record has gone up in smoke.
Jamie Lyall
02 Feb 2023, 12:45
Analysis
Is Welsh belief growing with the return of Warren Gatland?
The influence of the legendary Welsh coach has been seen after an upturn in fortunes for the beleaguered Welsh regions
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
23 Jan 2023, 9:41
Exclusive
Dave Cherry: 'If I see lads wasting an opportunity, I have a word'
Dave Cherry ended Scotland's worst rugby hoodoo on debut. He talks eye gouges, kiwi bars and the Calcutta Cup
Jamie Lyall
01 Feb 2023, 2:58
Analysis
RFU tackle-law debacle highlights rugby's existential crisis
The challenge for rugby to become a safer sport but still retain the elements that have made it a cherished sport to so many has b…
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
30 Jan 2023, 10:39
Analysis
Which players will light up the Six Nations?
A few players will have points to prove when the Six Nations kicks off in February.
Jamie Lyall
19 Jan 2023, 12:37
Exclusive
Mike Cusack: Veet cream, Normandy beaches and life in the French sixth tier
Former Scotland prop Mike Cusack finds himself living amid the history of Normandy and coaching in the French sixth tier.
Jamie Lyall
18 Jan 2023, 4:27
Analysis
Will Eddie have the last laugh?
The sacked England coach has gone home where he hopes to leave a legacy with the Wallabies, starting with a World Cup run in Franc…
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
16 Jan 2023, 8:23
Exclusive
Rob du Preez: Sale's brotherhood, fancy dress and 'big dog' siblings
Rob du Preez is at the forefront of a clutch of fearsome siblings steering Sale towards the Premiership summit.
Jamie Lyall
12 Jan 2023, 3:10
