The Leinster injury update that has boosted Ireland's Six Nations
Interim head coach Simon Easterby, who is filling in for the sabbatical-taking British and Irish Lions boss Andy Farrell, is due t…
Liam Heagney
14 Jan 2025, 9:00
Contributors
Liam Heagney
@heagneyl
A seasoned rugby journalist, Liam hails from Limerick and has covered World Cups, Lions tours, Six Nations Championships and European Cup campaigns since 2000. He became a content editor at RugbyPass in 2019 after joining from the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday in Ireland.
Abraham Papali'i: 'After four reds you kind of get used to it'
His rugby league tackle technique fell foul of the referees, resulting in three red cards in nine months.
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
19 Jan 2025, 3:02
Kepu Tuipulotu: 'I just thought England was the correct pathway for me'
Having graduated from Caldicott and Harrow schools and skippered the English at U18s, the 19-year-old Pontypool-born hooker recent…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
26 Jan 2025, 3:56
Getting to Know: England U20s hooker Kepu Tuipulotu
Ahead of facing the Irish in the U20s opener, the son of ex-Dragons centre Sione and younger brother of Wales women’s internatio…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
28 Jan 2025, 3:09
England name Curry twins, one uncapped player for start in Ireland
The head coach has included the Curry twins for a first-ever Test start together, called up the uncapped Cadan Murley for a start …
Liam Heagney
28 Jan 2025, 8:00
Ex-Ireland assistant Les Kiss gives his Six Nations title verdict
Farrell has temporarily stepped away at the helm to prepare for his head coaching role with the 2025 British and Irish Lions, leav…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
29 Jan 2025, 2:24
'I'm not really too sure why the surprise' over Henry Pollock
It was January 21, seven days after his 20th birthday, when the back-rower was one of five additional players called up by Borthwi…
Liam Heagney
29 Jan 2025, 3:17
France change five for their Six Nations opener with Wales
Les Bleus closed off their unbeaten Autumn Nations Series with a commanding 37-23 victory over the Pumas and they now return to ac…
Liam Heagney
29 Jan 2025, 4:15
Lawrence Dallaglio recalls the day 'Welsh supporter gobbed on me'
The Welsh were using the home of English football as their ground in that year’s Five Nations due to the construction of the Mil…
Liam Heagney
29 Jan 2025, 9:36
Munster confirm two signings from Leinster, including Michael Milne
It was earlier in January when RugbyPass exclusively reported that loosehead Milne and hooker Barron were set for moves to Limeric…
Liam Heagney
29 Jan 2025, 12:55
The 'brilliant idea' that has boosted Mark Mapletoft's England U20s
It was at the start of January when the former Newcastle Falcons boss was added to the English age-grade management ticket and he …
Liam Heagney
30 Jan 2025, 2:46
Survey reveals dread of being stuck in the pub with England fans
The 2025 tournament gets underway on Friday night when France host Wales in Paris and it continues on Saturday with Scotland welco…
Liam Heagney
31 Jan 2025, 4:21
England hopeful Fin Smith a late Northampton withdrawal in Paris
The Saints confirmed less than an hour before kick-off in Paris that the 22-year-old was ill and would not be wearing the No10 shi…
Liam Heagney
11 Jan 2025, 10:58
Late Leinster change sees Jordie Barrett move from sub to starter
When Leo Cullen’s match day 23 was originally announced on Friday lunchtime, it had Jordan Larmour named to start on the right w…
Liam Heagney
11 Jan 2025, 4:54
The Saracens loss at Munster that was 'so special' for Nick Isiekwe
He had played off the bench in the 2019 final win over Leinster in Newcastle, but that celebratory Saracens day wasn’t what came…
Liam Heagney
11 Jan 2025, 3:26
RFU agree to hold SGM, publish an open letter from Bill Beaumont
CEO Bill Sweeney has been facing demands for his removal and a total of 141 signatories were included in a letter sent to the RFU …
Liam Heagney
10 Jan 2025, 12:23
Big blow for England as Bath confirm a major Sam Underhill setback
The 28-year-old was a starter in his country’s two most recent matches, the Autumn Nations Series fixtures versus South Africa a…
Liam Heagney
10 Jan 2025, 8:47
Munster make three changes but no Peter O'Mahony, Saracens alter two
There is no return for O’Mahony, whose last appearance came in the December 13 defeat at Castres.
Liam Heagney
10 Jan 2025, 7:55
Michael Cheika: 'There is still always the time to rip into someone'
Now aged 57 with a wealth of coaching experience under his belt, including guiding the Wallabies to the 2015 Rugby World Cup final…
Liam Heagney
10 Jan 2025, 6:46
Maro Itoje ends his association with Roc Nation Sports
The England lock generated headlines in late 2020 with his decision to exit Stellar Group and hook up with musician Jay-Z’s spor…
Liam Heagney
10 Jan 2025, 4:24
'Great story': Ex-England 7s Jamie Adamson secures Super Rugby deal
Having progressed to the Great Britain set-up, the 25-year-old last featured at the January 2024 HSBC event in Perth.
Liam Heagney
10 Jan 2025, 3:35
Wallabies 'uninvite' Langi Gleeson after French club deal – report
The 14-cap 23-year-old featured off the bench in all four of his country’s recent Autumn Nations Series matches in the UK and Ir…
Liam Heagney
09 Jan 2025, 6:25
Mack Hansen banned for ref blast but free to play in Six Nations
The Connacht winger got himself in trouble last month for his post-game comments criticising the officials following a United Rugb…
Liam Heagney
09 Jan 2025, 4:35
Lewis Ludlam: 'You make your decisions and you live by them'
For sure, life is certainly different these past few months for the 29-year-old who quit the Gallagher Premiership for a three-yea…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
09 Jan 2025, 2:55
Blow for La Rochelle as Tolu Latu cops ban ahead of Leinster match
The 31-year-old was cited by officials in France following a 50th minute yellow card in last Sunday’s Top 14 win over Toulouse.
Liam Heagney
08 Jan 2025, 11:39
Boost for Owen Farrell just days after he was labelled Top 14 flop
Midi Olympique, the biweekly rugby newspaper, listed the former England skipper at No1 when explaining its top 10 of underwhelming…
Liam Heagney
08 Jan 2025, 10:42
'Abyss of dismay': Owen Farrell branded a Top 14 transfer flop
The 33-year-old quit Saracens to take up a two-year deal at Racing 92, but the first part of his Parisian stay hasn’t resulted i…
Liam Heagney
04 Jan 2025, 4:10
The Stuart Lancaster verdict on Camille Chat's sudden Racing exit
The long-serving hooker fell foul of the club last month when he allegedly turned up drunk at their training centre a few days aft…
Liam Heagney
08 Jan 2025, 10:15
Theo Dan update included in Saracens' eight-player injury bulletin
This Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup trip to Munster is his club’s final fixture before Steve Borthwick’s January 14 annou…
Liam Heagney
08 Jan 2025, 6:01
Sam Simmonds' Montpellier replacement a blow for Wallabies – report
With Simmonds set to join Lyon for the 2025/26 Top 14, the 2022 champions have been searching for a successor for the player they …
Liam Heagney
08 Jan 2025, 4:38
Camille Chat breaks silence on his immediate effect Racing 92 exit
The former France hooker allegedly turned up drunk at the club’s training centre last month on the Monday after he had started a…
Liam Heagney
08 Jan 2025, 4:02
Racing 92 confirm the immediate effect exit of Camille Chat
Last capped in the 2021 Six Nations, the 29-year-old hooker has been released by the Parisians even though they still have a dozen…
Liam Heagney
07 Jan 2025, 13:30
Two Exeter Chiefs players booked in for surgery after ACL injuries
Winger Olly Woodburn and tighthead Ehren Painter are the latest players to be sidelined with long-term issues, while discussions o…
Liam Heagney
07 Jan 2025, 13:01
Leinster issue latest update on the fitness of Tadhg Furlong
The Ireland tighthead, who missed his country’s entire four-match Autumn Nations Series, has featured just twice this season for…
Liam Heagney
07 Jan 2025, 10:36
Teddy Iribaren has left La Rochelle with immediate effect
The veteran No9 had made just four Top 14 appearances this season, his last coming as a starter in the late November loss to Vanne…
Liam Heagney
07 Jan 2025, 11:35
Connacht confirm Mark Sexton exit, two player contract extensions
The Irish province didn’t say what offer the attack coach has accepted, but it is believed he will link up with Ulster where Ric…
Liam Heagney
07 Jan 2025, 7:44
Confirmed: Charles Ollivon will miss the entire Six Nations for France
The Toulon skipper lasted just minutes of his team’s league win over Racing 92 and fears that his season was prematurely over ha…
Liam Heagney
07 Jan 2025, 5:05
Ex-England prop Perry Freshwater lines up new Top 14 role – report
L’Equipe have reported that scrum coach Freshwater, the ex-Leicester front-rower who won the 2009 Top 14 with Perpignan as a pla…
Liam Heagney
07 Jan 2025, 4:12
Jeremy Davidson steps away from Castres head coach role
Irishman Davidson had been told earlier this season that his contract would not be renewed at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.
Liam Heagney
07 Jan 2025, 3:43
Toby Knight banned despite Saracens claiming red was a yellow card
The soon-to-be 22-year-old was given his marching orders by referee Karl Dickson just 14 minutes into the Londoners’ Gallagher P…
Liam Heagney
03 Jan 2025, 10:53
27 uncapped players in England U20s squad of 32, new coach added
The defending age-grade Six Nations and World Rugby Championship holders have retained the still-underage Josh Bellamy, Jack Brack…
Liam Heagney
03 Jan 2025, 9:56
All 10 team selections for Gallagher Premiership round 10
Last week’s post-Christmas block of fixtures took us beyond the halfway point in this season’s Gallagher Premiership and a num…
Liam Heagney
03 Jan 2025, 7:09
Banned ex-Springbok Elton Jantjies breaks his silence
It was January 2024 when the 46-cap South African international was suspended following the positive June 2023 test for Clenbutero…
Liam Heagney
03 Jan 2025, 5:21
England referee gets 'South Africa vs France' Champions Cup clash
With the respective 2024 Challenge Cup and Champions Cup champions facing off in Durban on January 11 with XVs likely to feature n…
Liam Heagney
03 Jan 2025, 4:31
Three Springboks, three All Blacks named in L’Equipe's Best XV 2024
Voted by fans of the French daily sports newspaper, the XV also has three Irish players along with a six-strong France representat…
Liam Heagney
03 Jan 2025, 3:56
The motivation that convinced Nick Timoney to sign new Ulster deal
The 29-year-old back-rower generated interest abroad in his services for the 2025/26 season but has instead decided his future is …
Liam Heagney
02 Jan 2025, 12:29
Northampton explain why they are releasing assistant Matt Ferguson
The former England women’s assistant helped the Saints to win the league title last June under Phil Dowson but he will now depar…
Liam Heagney
02 Jan 2025, 10:30
Bristol statement: £5.5million loss confirmed in 2023/24 report
Currently in second place in the Gallagher Premiership heading into Saturday’s round 10 trip to Saracens, Pat Lam’s Bears have…
Liam Heagney
02 Jan 2025, 10:08
Teddy Thomas banned for glamour games against Toulouse, Leinster
The Toulouse-bound back was yellow carded in his team’s December 21 Top 14 win over Clermont, but his foul play on Theo Giral re…
Liam Heagney
02 Jan 2025, 7:49
Two England U20 World Cup winners poised for Premiership debuts
Ben Waghorn was a starter in the World Rugby U20 Championship final last July in Cape Town with Lucas Friday appearing off the ben…
Liam Heagney
02 Jan 2025, 6:51
Six Nations headache for France as Gael Fickou undergoes operation
The outside centre, a starter in the recent Autumn Nations Series wins over New Zealand and Argentina, was injured on club duty wi…
Liam Heagney
02 Jan 2025, 4:09
Jamal Ford-Robinson: 'In the gym we’re not lifting as frequently'
Kingsholm was preparing to throw open its gates to welcome fans to an opening training session when there was a sudden commotion i…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
27 Dec 2024, 10:00
Levan Maisashvili: 'Everyone was joking, you still like South Africa!'
Following a month-long coma and weeks of rehabilitation at a Johannesburg hospital after he woke, he beat the odds and was delight…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
27 Dec 2024, 4:00
Wallace Sititi: 'No, not in a million years... just crazy to say'
After featuring 13 times in the run to an Auckland final against the Blues, Scott Robertson wanted a look and the rest is now hist…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
24 Dec 2024, 16:00
Nemani Nadolo: 'Now I cut grass, do gardens, cut hedges for a living'
It was at the Hong Kong 10s the other week when RugbyPass caught up with the 36-year-old who had pitched up in the Far East to rol…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
24 Dec 2024, 19:00
David Ribbans: 'It's the reason why I'm here, not still in England'
Toulon is now home, not Northampton, and it’s all about doing his very best in the Top 14, not perspiring over whether his effor…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
25 Dec 2024, 4:00
World Rugby U20 Championship: The RugbyPass team of the tournament
England flew out of South Africa last Saturday evening to Heathrow as the rightful champions, the consistency of their potent scru…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
25 Dec 2024, 6:00
Jacob Stockdale: 'That was a turning point, that really got to me'
Exclusion drove Stockdale daft and it needed the lay-off that came with a January 2022 ankle operation for him to finally realise …
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
25 Dec 2024, 8:00
Asher Opoku-Fordjour: 'You want to be the one that dominates'
Marler is not alone in liking the look of Asher Opoku-Fordjour. Alex Sanderson, the youngster’s boss at the Sharks, is constantl…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
25 Dec 2024, 10:00
Alex McHenry: 'It was shocking, lives turned upside down'
Harry Viljoen’s squad were brutally told that the business had gone into liquidation, that they no longer had jobs and that the …
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
26 Dec 2024, 4:00
Matt Ferguson: 'A player said I was a disgrace, let the school down'
The unsung assistant coach had just spent 40 minutes the other day with RugbyPass discussing the captivating resurgence of Northam…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
26 Dec 2024, 6:00
Rob Baxter: 'There's a few good years left in me yet hopefully'
It would be understandable if the prospect of a 16th consecutive season as the Devon club’s director of rugby is wearying on the…
Interview
Liam Heagney
26 Dec 2024, 8:00
Jack Nowell: 'You can’t fault what I’m doing at the moment'
Ile de Re is an Atlantic coast island connected to the French mainland via a 2.9km toll bridge and the Nowells are well settled ju…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
26 Dec 2024, 10:00
Jonny Wilkinson: 'From the very beginning, I was driven by huge fear'
It’s 10 years ago this very weekend when he last laced up, guiding Toulon with aplomb around the Stade de France to see off Cast…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
27 Dec 2024, 6:00
Ehren Painter: ‘I’ve had some PBs. Do they humble you? Absolutely’
For a man of that size, you imagine every pre-season is a tortuous existence but it sounds like the recent months preparing with t…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
27 Dec 2024, 8:00
'One of the deadliest wingers in rugby' has decided his future
It was in early December when RugbyPass reported that Ulster were likely to win the race to retain Stockdale, who had been sounded…
Liam Heagney
24 Dec 2024, 7:17
'It's love': Ronan O'Gara has made his peace with Christophe Urios
The pair were even sanctioned by league officials in France in 2022 for their tempestuous behaviour towards each other.
Liam Heagney
24 Dec 2024, 6:49
Kieran Read names his 2025 British and Irish Lions captain
The 39-year-old led New Zealand to their Test series draw versus Sam Warburton’s class of 2017.
Liam Heagney
24 Dec 2024, 6:12
Where are they now? The 42-player 2021 British and Irish Lions squad
Gatland selected 42 players in total – 37 in his original squad with five more added along the way. Of the 13 English, 12 Welsh,…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
15 Dec 2024, 3:36
A 22-word RFU statement has ended Felix Jones' time with England
It was last August when it emerged that the Irishman, a double Rugby World Cup winner assisting South Africa, wanted to leave just…
Liam Heagney
13 Dec 2024, 9:00
All 24 team selections for Investec Champions Cup round two
It was the French who caught the eye in round one with six of their eight teams winning, including Stade Rochelais and Toulon away…
Liam Heagney
13 Dec 2024, 8:28
Lawrence Dallaglio wades into the debate over Champions Cup status
The format of the 30-year-old tournament has changed in recent seasons, while teams from South Africa have also been permitted to …
Liam Heagney
13 Dec 2024, 7:34
O'Gara: '10-15 bottles of beer after the game is thing of the past'
The 21-year-old Jegou and French teammate Hugo Auradou were arrested in the aftermath of their July 6 Test debuts against the Pum…
Liam Heagney
13 Dec 2024, 5:31
'Dead solid' reason why Sale are liking well-travelled Irish hooker
The Dundalk-born hooker has been over and back across the Irish Sea ever since deciding to join the Saracens academy in 2017 as a …
Liam Heagney
13 Dec 2024, 5:03
Northampton release two, confirm immediate effect hooker signing
Thornbury and Spencer were both short-term signings, with Spencer already snapped up by Ospreys ahead of their round two EPCR Chal…
Liam Heagney
12 Dec 2024, 10:58
Sale explain why Jonny Hill is ready for first start since January
The 30-year-old, who is out of contract at the Gallagher Premiership outfit at the end of this season, suffered a serious knee inj…
Liam Heagney
12 Dec 2024, 9:38
Stade Francais pair banned but Toulon back-rower is hit hardest
Toulon back-rower Yannick Youyoutte has been suspended for five matches following his altercation with Stormers’ Manie Libbok.
Liam Heagney
12 Dec 2024, 7:50
Sam Warburton responds to Clive Woodward, names Gatland successor
The Welsh national team are currently in free fall under head coach Warren Gatland, with defeat to South Africa in their closing A…
Liam Heagney
12 Dec 2024, 7:04
Steve Borthwick confirms uncapped England fixture against France
The Allianz Stadium fixture will take place a week after the 2024/25 Gallagher Premiership June 14 final at the same venue.
Liam Heagney
12 Dec 2024, 5:44
Harlequins statement: Lengthy new contract signed by Marcus Smith
The back-in-favour England out-half had been touted for a move elsewhere in the Gallagher Premiership or to the French Top 14, but…
Liam Heagney
12 Dec 2024, 5:20
Lawrence Dallaglio posts poignant Tom Voyce message
Northumbria Police have said that Voyce is believed to have gone into the River Aln near Alnwick, Northumberland, and officers are…
Liam Heagney
11 Dec 2024, 8:15
Leicester's Harry Simmons confirms his immediate effect retirement
Having sustained an eye injury last January, he spent the whole of 2024 exploring ways that might allow him to get back on the pit…
Liam Heagney
11 Dec 2024, 4:20
Mike Phillips has doubled down on his criticism of Warren Gatland
It was last month, following Wales’ loss to Fiji in the Autumn Nations Series, when retired scrum-half Phillips let loose on Gat…
Liam Heagney
11 Dec 2024, 3:08
The Champions Cup 'change in results' Premiership clubs prediction
The Sale boss saw his team thumped 19-38 at Glasgow last Saturday night, one of the six losses inflicted on England’s top-flight…
Liam Heagney
11 Dec 2024, 2:41
FFR statement: The dismissed Hugo Auradou, Oscar Jegou rape case
The 21-year-old French forwards were arrested in the aftermath of their July 6 Test debuts against the Pumas in Mendoza.
Liam Heagney
10 Dec 2024, 11:52
The George Ford reaction at Sale after his 'fringe' England part
It was 2014 when Lancaster awarded Ford his Test debut, but the out-half will be plotting against his former head coach this weeke…
Liam Heagney
10 Dec 2024, 10:54
Two internationals back for Munster but no sign yet of Conor Murray
The Irish province opened their latest Investec Champions Cup campaign with a 33-7, bonus point win over Stade Francais in Limeric…
Liam Heagney
10 Dec 2024, 7:21
The Blair Kinghorn verdict on 'normal bloke' Antoine Dupont
It was around this time last year when the long-serving Edinburgh player quit the URC for the Top 14 and his one-year anniversary …
Liam Heagney
10 Dec 2024, 5:17
Toulouse plan January tribute in South Africa for Medhi Narjissi
The defending Top 14/Champions Cup champions are poised to play a January match away to the Sharks in Durban and they will use tha…
Liam Heagney
10 Dec 2024, 4:23
Mohamed Haouas faces February court appearance after weekend arrest
The front rower, whose catalogue of previous non-sporting transgressions include domestic violence, was detained on Saturday night…
Liam Heagney
10 Dec 2024, 3:59
Ireland player ratings | 2024 Autumn Nations Series
What was particularly evident in selection was the reliance on a core of forwards – of the seven players that started all four m…
Opinion
Liam Heagney
01 Dec 2024, 2:51
Four talking points as Ireland limit another TRC team to one try
Test rugby is a results business and winning – no matter how ugly – is the currency that matters. Just ask England boss Steve …
Analysis
Liam Heagney
01 Dec 2024, 2:15
The Andy Farrell verdict on ‘feeling sorry for ourselves’ Ireland win
The unsettled Irish trailed the Wallabies 0-10, 5-13 and 15-19 at various stages during an Autumn Nations Series encounter where t…
Liam Heagney
30 Nov 2024, 13:12
Ireland player ratings vs Australia | 2024 Autumn Nations Series
Andy Farrell came into this expecting his Irish side to produce their best performance of this Autumn Nations Series but they fail…
Opinion
Liam Heagney
30 Nov 2024, 11:40
All 10 team selections for Gallagher Premiership round seven
This weekend’s return of the Gallagher Premiership following a five-week hibernation was given its banner headline on Wednesday …
Liam Heagney
29 Nov 2024, 7:36
Clive Woodward names Lions Text XV of 8 Irish, 4 Scots, 3 English
The curiosity about Woodward’s preferred Lions XV is that three of his pack picks haven’t played a single minute of the Autumn…
Liam Heagney
29 Nov 2024, 8:51
Fit-again Alex Mitchell set to play his first match in 140 days
Mitchell's last outing was England’s July 13 tour-ending game away to the All Blacks in Auckland.
Liam Heagney
29 Nov 2024, 8:08
21 of 31 England November picks feature in this weekend's Premiership
Twenty-one of the 31 England players capped by Steve Borthwick over the course of the four-game Autumn Nations Series will feature…
Liam Heagney
29 Nov 2024, 6:53
Four Ireland team talking points, including Sam Prendergast at No10
Just five of the seven changes made for last week versus Fiji from the November 15 win over Argentina were reversed for this Satur…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
28 Nov 2024, 10:37
Ireland confirm an €18.4million deficit in latest financial report
The loss was €1.4m less than originally budgeted for in a year where revenues fell to €79m, down from their €92m income in 2…
Liam Heagney
28 Nov 2024, 12:29
Five changes for Ireland but Sam Prendergast retains No10 shirt
The Irish defeated Fiji 52-17 last weekend with a much changed XV following their 22-19 close shave with Argentina.
Liam Heagney
28 Nov 2024, 8:10
Wallabies make six changes for Ireland but Suaalii is fit to start
Australia lost 13-27 to Scotland last Sunday and the reaction has been to alter one back and five forwards.
Liam Heagney
28 Nov 2024, 8:28
The Nigel Owens verdict on 'always illegal' Sam Prendergast yellow
The 21-year-old was sin-binned by referee Hollie Davidson just eight minutes into his first international start for his shoulder-t…
Liam Heagney
28 Nov 2024, 6:09
'Don’t believe any other sources': Steven Kitshoff's post-op message
The double Rugby World Cup-winning prop has been sidelined since suffering the early September injury when playing Currie Cup for …
Liam Heagney
28 Nov 2024, 4:49
Teddy Thomas the latest La Rochelle player to join Toulouse – report
The 31-year-old, who last featured at Test level in the 2020 Autumn Nations Cup, is currently bang in form for La Rochelle, the cl…
Liam Heagney
28 Nov 2024, 4:06
The 'gratitude' reaction to Semore Kurdi’s sell Newcastle decision
Newcastle are currently bottom of the league with just one win in six games and they finished in last place in 2023/24 following a…
Liam Heagney
28 Nov 2024, 3:36
Rassie Erasmus has posted an X audio message from his hospital bed
Fresh from last year’s successful retention of the Rugby World Cup, the Boks rounded off their 13-game 2024 season with a comfor…
Liam Heagney
27 Nov 2024, 14:00
Harlequins statement: Joe Marler's immediate-effect retirement
The 34-year-old confirmed on November 3 that he was calling time on his international career and 24 days later, his club exit from…
Liam Heagney
27 Nov 2024, 9:15
Springboks confirm their six-game home fixtures schedule for 2025
The back-to-back Rugby World Cup champions ended their 2024 schedule with a comprehensive win over Wales in Cardiff last Saturday.
Liam Heagney
27 Nov 2024, 8:24
David Moffett launches Warren Gatland attack, names next Wales coach
Wales finished their latest Autumn Nations Series campaign last Saturday with a thud, their 45-12 loss to the Springboks with Gatl…
Liam Heagney
27 Nov 2024, 5:26
Paul O'Connell has had his say on the Munster head coach vacancy
Rowntree, the 2023 URC title-winning boss, left the role following a difficult start of the 2024/25 season in which the Irish prov…
Liam Heagney
27 Nov 2024, 2:39
Leicester explain their signing of ex-Wallabies forward Jed Holloway
The second-place Tigers play at Sale this Sunday and ahead of that game, they have confirmed the short term signing of Holloway wh…
Liam Heagney
27 Nov 2024, 2:59
England player ratings | 2024 Autumn Nations Series
Forty players – 22 forwards and 18 backs – were in camp over the four match weeks, 19 appearing as starters, 12 as replacement…
Opinion
Liam Heagney
27 Nov 2024, 1:55
'It’s harsh saying it but I’m speaking facts and truths on El-Abd'
An old university friend, El-Abd was an usher at Borthwick’s wedding but his honeymoon as part-time England defence coach ended …
Liam Heagney
26 Nov 2024, 8:01
'You could have four starting Scottish backs in that Lions team'
Scotland finished the 2024 Guinness Six Nations in fourth place with just two wins in their five matches, but they have now follow…
Liam Heagney
26 Nov 2024, 7:20
Wallace Sititi: 'No, not in a million years... just crazy to say'
After featuring 13 times in the run to an Auckland final against the Blues, Scott Robertson wanted a look and the rest is now hist…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
24 Nov 2024, 17:14
Pieter-Steph du Toit crowned World Rugby men's 15s player of the year
The Springboks flanker had previously won the award in 2019, the same year as his country’s Rugby World Cup final win in Japan.
Liam Heagney
24 Nov 2024, 14:34
Seven Springboks make World Rugby men’s 15s dream team of the year
Just four countries gained selection, with Andy Farrell’s Ireland providing four players, New Zealand three and Argentina one.
Liam Heagney
24 Nov 2024, 14:25
Ellie Kildunne named World Rugby women's 15s player of the year
The 25-year-old beat fellow nominees Alex Matthews, her English teammate, Canada’s Alex Tessier and Pauline Bourdon Sansus of Fr…
Liam Heagney
24 Nov 2024, 14:03
The full list of 2024 World Rugby Awards winners
Fourteen separate 2024 World Rugby Awards were up for grabs in Monaco on Sunday night.
Liam Heagney
24 Nov 2024, 14:48
Andy Farrell: ‘The best is yet to come, it has to be’
Andy Farrell has suggested that fans are in for a treat next Saturday when Ireland bring the curtain down on their 2024 Autumn Nat…
Liam Heagney
24 Nov 2024, 3:00
Joe Bailey: 'Maro Itoje is the sort of player I want to be'
This jump from young gun to fully fledged international-level pro, though, is never the same across the board. There are those whe…
Interview
Liam Heagney
24 Nov 2024, 3:30
Four Ireland talking points after they soundly see off hyped Fiji
The Autumn Nations Series situation Ireland currently find themselves still has the encouraging potential to become even better ne…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
24 Nov 2024, 2:00
Stephen Smith: 'Four of the top nations are leveraging our platform'
Steve Borthwick wasn’t shy last weekend in volunteering a specific reason why England had just been knocked over by South Africa…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
24 Nov 2024, 2:30
Ireland player ratings vs Fiji | 2024 Autumn Nations Series
The final tally was eight tries to two but Andy Farrell’s side didn’t have it all their own way initially as a stupid Sam Pren…
Opinion
Liam Heagney
23 Nov 2024, 11:29
Four talking points as Ireland shake up their team to host Fiji
There are seven changes to the starting XV, including two new caps in the pack, while there is also a first start for Sam Prenderg…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
21 Nov 2024, 10:44
Munster have lost another coach with immediate effect
Ahead of the league’s resumption next week following its Autumn Nations Series break, Munster will go in against the Lions in Li…
Liam Heagney
22 Nov 2024, 13:25
Four talking points as England resist wholesale change versus Japan
Usually there is one November match where the leading Six Nations teams roll the dice and massively change up their XV.
Analysis
Liam Heagney
22 Nov 2024, 10:11
The nine players not used by England in this Autumn Nations Series
Borthwick called up a total of 40 players across the series – 22 forwards and 18 backs – and 31 were subsequently selected in …
Liam Heagney
22 Nov 2024, 8:26
Two changes for England who also name Opoku-Fordjour on their bench
The English lost out 20-29 to the Springboks and they will close out their Autumn Nations Series with one change to their starting…
Liam Heagney
22 Nov 2024, 7:30
Five changes for the All Blacks, including the return of Sam Cane
The All Blacks went down 29-30 in Paris last Saturday and the reaction for their tour-ending game in Turin has been to alter two b…
Liam Heagney
21 Nov 2024, 5:38
Seven changes for Ireland, including two new caps in their pack
Beaten by New Zealand in their opening November match, the Irish got their Autumn Nations Series back on track with a 22-19 succes…
Liam Heagney
21 Nov 2024, 8:08
David Campese names his Springbok world player of the year winner
South African trio Eben Etzebeth, Cheslin Kolbe and Pieter-Steph du Toit have been included on the four-strong shortlist completed…
Liam Heagney
21 Nov 2024, 3:32
The Springboks confirm one change made to team named on Tuesday
Ox Nche was initially one of eight players retained from last Saturday’s starting side versus England named to start versus the …
Liam Heagney
20 Nov 2024, 12:20
Two props signed short term as Munster turn to home and South Africa
The Irish province, who got rid of head coach Graham Rowntree last month after just two wins in six league matches this season, ar…
Liam Heagney
20 Nov 2024, 11:46
David Campese takes back his Joe Schmidt coaching Australia criticism
Australia are currently two wins from two on their Autumn Nations Series tour having picked off England and Wales, and they next t…
Liam Heagney
20 Nov 2024, 6:55
France change four for their series-ending game with Argentina
The French, who defeated New Zealand 30-29 at Stade de France last Saturday, are looking to close out an unbeaten Autumn Nations S…
Liam Heagney
20 Nov 2024, 4:18
Wallabies tour is over for Samu Kerevi after disciplinary verdict
The centre, who was making his 50th Test appearance, was red carded in the opening minute of the second half last Sunday following…
Liam Heagney
20 Nov 2024, 3:03
Junior Kpoku snubs England approach to extend Top 14 deal - report
The 19-year-old originally joined the Parisians in November last year from Exeter but was able to continue to play at age-grade le…
Liam Heagney
19 Nov 2024, 11:57
Seven Springboks changes for tour-ending game versus Wales
The South Africans beat the English 29-20 at in London last weekend and they will now aim to complete their three-game Autumn Nati…
Liam Heagney
19 Nov 2024, 8:21
Elliot Daly released as England make two changes to squad for Japan
The arrival of Eddie Jones’ Japan at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham will bring the curtain down on a four-match November programme …
Liam Heagney
19 Nov 2024, 7:30
'Ellis Genge, I have never seen his defence so bad'
There has also been a call for a more experience Test level operator to be appointed above Steve Borthwick to offset the head coac…
Liam Heagney
19 Nov 2024, 6:39
The 'too small, physically out of his depth' Sam Prendergast verdict
The 21-year-old made his debut last Friday when Andy Farrell ushered him into the action versus Argentina on 62 minutes.
Liam Heagney
19 Nov 2024, 4:53
The full Steve Borthwick Q&A transcript after latest England loss
Essentially, he came out fighting for his credibility, defending the progress of his team and defending the coaching of that team …
Interview
Liam Heagney
17 Nov 2024, 1:45
Four England talking points after they blow it again down the finish
The very same English administrators who sacked Eddie Jones are facing the dubious prospect of potentially seeing the Australian s…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
17 Nov 2024, 3:09
Steve Borthwick insists he has RFU's 'absolute support and belief'
Having already agonisingly lost to New Zealand and Australia in this Autumn Nations Series by two- and five-point margins, they ag…
Liam Heagney
16 Nov 2024, 15:21
England player ratings vs South Africa | 2024 Autumn Nations Series
There was plenty of razzle dazzle in a five-try opening 26 minutes followed by the drama of early second-half tries chalked off at…
Opinion
Liam Heagney
16 Nov 2024, 14:10
The Ireland verdict on their two No10s against Argentina
The Irish hung onto a 22-19 win in the Autumn Nations Series, despite being held scoreless after Jack Crowley’s conversion of Jo…
Liam Heagney
16 Nov 2024, 3:13
Brett Robinson's first media briefing as new World Rugby chair
The former Wallabies international was joined by ex-England full-back Jonathan Webb, who was elected as vice-chair, and Word Rugby…
Interview
Liam Heagney
15 Nov 2024, 1:53
Andy Farrell: 'If I can try and sum it up of where we are at...'
The Irish have played two of their four November matches, following their opening 13-23 defeat to New Zealand with a 22-19 win ove…
Liam Heagney
16 Nov 2024, 2:19
Four Ireland talking points as they cling to a win over Argentina
Friday’s Autumn Nations Series result in Dublin was ultimately as expected, an Ireland win by a close margin over an Argentina t…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
16 Nov 2024, 3:02
Brett Robinson names the thing 'he really wants to get stuck into'
The Australian was named successor to Bill Beaumont on a four-year term when he pipped fellow candidates Abdelatif Benazzi (France…
Liam Heagney
14 Nov 2024, 12:52
Four talking points as England name team to host the Springboks
Steve Borthwick kept to his schedule this week, sticking to the plan that had his latest England team announcement pencilled in fo…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
14 Nov 2024, 8:44
Four changes for England, including the axing of scrum-half Spencer
Hurt by last weekend’s clock-in-the red 37-42 defeat to Australia, three alterations have been made to the back line and one to …
Liam Heagney
14 Nov 2024, 7:30
Springboks make 12 changes and move away from 7/1 bench split
South Africa were 32-15 winners in Edinburgh in their Autumn Nations Series opener and they have now altered all seven of their st…
Liam Heagney
14 Nov 2024, 4:52
Four changes for France as Galthie names team to host All Blacks
The French opened their Autumn Nations Series with a 52-12 Stade de France victory and they have now altered three backs and one f…
Liam Heagney
14 Nov 2024, 4:09
Four Ireland talking points as Aki axed and two rookies make bench
Robbie Henshaw has been named at inside centre at the expense of Bundee Aki. At the same time, uncapped duo Thomas Clarkson and Sa…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
13 Nov 2024, 10:12
Just one XV change for Ireland, but two rookies named on the bench
The Irish were off the pace in their Autumn Nations Series opener, the 10-point defeat seeing them relinquish the World Rugby No1 …
Liam Heagney
13 Nov 2024, 8:04
Worcester statement: Application to join the new Tier 2 league
The Warriors last played in September 2022, beating Newcastle at Sixways before getting suspended from the Gallagher Premiership a…
Liam Heagney
13 Nov 2024, 7:07
Four changes for Wales as Warren Gatland looks to end winless run
The Welsh were beaten 19-24 last Sunday at Principality Stadium by Fiji and they will go in against the Wallabies with two alterat…
Liam Heagney
13 Nov 2024, 6:06
Munster confirm the signing of an Irish rugby legend's son
The Wood name has been synonymous with Irish rugby over the years, hooker Keith Wood following in the footsteps of his prop father…
Liam Heagney
13 Nov 2024, 5:45
Bob Skinstad hails being part of 'sleeping giant' club takeover
The 48-year-old had been chasing a takeover for a number of years with fellow investors, who include retired All Blacks No10 Andre…
Liam Heagney
13 Nov 2024, 3:36
Semi Radradra cops a campaign-ending ban for his Fiji red card
Playing on the wing in Cardiff, the 32-year-old was initially only yellow carded by referee Luc Ramos following his shoulder-to-th…
Liam Heagney
12 Nov 2024, 15:04
Scott Cummings banned following his red-carded Franco Mostert clash
The 27-year-old second row was originally yellow carded by referee Christophe Ridley for his early first-half clear-out on Franco …
Liam Heagney
12 Nov 2024, 15:32
Jonathan Davies' verdict on Warren Gatland's six wins from 22 run
Gatland’s second coming as Wales boss has been terrible as just six wins in 22 matches have been recorded and they are currently…
Liam Heagney
12 Nov 2024, 10:36
England player ratings vs Australia | 2024 Autumn Nations Series
Here are the RugbyPass England player ratings following a brilliantly bonkers 10-try thriller eventually won at the death by the W…
Opinion
Liam Heagney
09 Nov 2024, 11:50
England player ratings vs New Zealand | Autumn Nations Series 2024
England came into this Autumn Nations Series opener in London confident of notching just their ninth-ever victory in this 46th enc…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
02 Nov 2024, 12:26
Danny Care's 'foolish not to try that tactic' England prediction
Despite finessing their attack since March, England have lost six of the last eight Test matches.
Liam Heagney
12 Nov 2024, 5:52
'I'm sorry, George Ford’s time is up as an England player'
The 31-year-old has failed to best use his experience when featuring off the bench in the recent losses versus Australia and New Z…
Liam Heagney
12 Nov 2024, 5:06
Evan Roos: 'That has been a massive calming relief for myself'
Having missed last year’s Rugby World Cup through non-selection, his 2024 international year was cut short after just two appear…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
10 Nov 2024, 2:57
Four talking points after a 'bonkers' England loss to Australia
Friday night lights in Dublin was supposed to provide this weekend’s Autumn Nations Series fireworks, not Saturday afternoon in …
Analysis
Liam Heagney
10 Nov 2024, 2:54
Steve Borthwick explains where blame lies for latest England defeat
The head coach was left looking on with bewilderment as Australia struck with an 83rd minute converted try to clinch a 42-37 win i…
Liam Heagney
09 Nov 2024, 12:49
England's Tom Curry ruled out of potential Bongi Mbonambi reunion
Having verbally clashed at last October’s Rugby World Cup semi-final in Paris, a divisive situation where the English back-rower…
Liam Heagney
09 Nov 2024, 14:17
The 'turning point' Andy Farrell rued in Ireland's All Blacks loss
The statistical reality was that the much fancied Irish had taken a hammering on the penalty count, conceding 13 penalties to just…
Liam Heagney
09 Nov 2024, 4:27
Four talking points as in-the-shadows England welcome the Wallabies
Last weekend’s defeat to New Zealand was England’s fifth reverse in seven outings, but a three wins from four Autumn Nations S…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
09 Nov 2024, 1:54
Four talking points as 'hold my beer' Ireland beaten by All Blacks
The consensus was that Ireland would giddily deliver a performance reflective of their World Rugby number one ranking and stick it…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
09 Nov 2024, 1:34
11 XV changes for the Springboks who also go with 7/1 bench split
South Africa clinched The Rugby Championship title with a 48-7 win over Argentina in Mbombela on September 28 and their Autumn Nat…
Liam Heagney
08 Nov 2024, 7:54
Seven changes, including one new cap, as winless Wales change it up
The Welsh went down 28-36 to Australia in Melbourne on July 13 and they will go in against the Fijians with four changes to the ba…
Liam Heagney
08 Nov 2024, 5:10
Eight All Blacks XV changes as team named to play Georgia
The tourists opened their two-match European tour with a 38-24 win over Munster in Limerick last Saturday and they have now change…
Liam Heagney
08 Nov 2024, 4:19
Four talking points as Andy Farrell's Ireland host the All Blacks
That Rugby World Cup quarter-final, which ended 28-24 in favour of the All Blacks, was one of the sport’s best ever games and th…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
08 Nov 2024, 1:43
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii included for Wallabies debut versus England
Australia were beaten 13-33 by New Zealand in their most recent outing, the September 28 Rugby Championship loss in Wellington.
Liam Heagney
07 Nov 2024, 7:14
Springboks name replacement after tour-ending Ruan Nortje injury
The Boks are preparing this week for Sunday’s November opener away to Scotland but they have lost Nortje to a midweek leg injury…
Liam Heagney
07 Nov 2024, 4:48
A dozen changes for France versus Japan after troubled summer tour
The French were beaten 25-33 in Buenos Aires on July 13, a result that gave the Pumas a one-all Test series draw.
Liam Heagney
07 Nov 2024, 4:17
Seilala Mapusua has secured new job eight months after Samoa exit
Despite coming within a whisker of ambushing England in their final pool match in Lille at Rugby World Cup 2023, Mapusua learned t…
Liam Heagney
05 Nov 2024, 12:40
Four talking points after England name team to host the Wallabies
Here are the RugbyPass talking points following the latest England team selection:
Analysis
Liam Heagney
05 Nov 2024, 11:35
England name same XV for Australia but 6/2 bench tactic is binned
There is one positional switch in the XV, Ollie Lawrence and Henry Slade swapping positions, but Borthwick’s bench has been tact…
Liam Heagney
05 Nov 2024, 9:45
Paddy Jackson's second season at Lyon is all but over – report
It was the summer of 2023, following the collapse of London Irish, when Jackson linked up with Lyon, his second Top 14 club after …
Liam Heagney
05 Nov 2024, 7:24
Jonny Hill learns disciplinary hearing fate after fan altercation
The 30-year-old became the subject of a police investigation following a June 1 altercation with a fan in the stands following Sha…
Liam Heagney
05 Nov 2024, 6:30
Clive Woodward thunders into Eddie Jones debate ignited by Danny Care
He enjoyed Six Nations title success during his initial two years in charge but the rumbustious way he ran his operation left much…
Liam Heagney
05 Nov 2024, 5:06
Rob Kearney’s All Blacks verdict: ‘They're scared of Ireland now...’
While New Zealand travelled to the Irish capital on Sunday following their narrow 24-22 win over England in London the previous da…
Liam Heagney
05 Nov 2024, 4:22
Asher Opoku-Fordjour called up as England make two squad changes
Marler’s retirement has now opened up a spot for Opoku-Fordjour, the Sale prop who has been packing down at tighthead for the Sh…
Liam Heagney
03 Nov 2024, 12:30
Bryan Habana: 'Rassie is fair while being harsh in many instances'
The Springboks have become back-to-back Rugby World Cup champions, while the former winger is now thriving in his transition from …
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
03 Nov 2024, 2:34
Jacob Stockdale: 'That was a turning point, that really got to me'
Exclusion drove Stockdale daft and it needed the lay-off that came with a January 2022 ankle operation for him to finally realise …
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
03 Nov 2024, 2:15
Four England talking points after width of post loss to All Blacks
It’s a Steve Borthwick trait, spin the positive, talk about learning and be the epitome of the glass-half-full guy, but the time…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
03 Nov 2024, 1:45
The Steve Borthwick reaction to a cruel England defeat
The Allianz Stadium hosts were 22-14 ahead when Borwthick called ashore Ben Spencer on the hour, with Marcus Smith following him t…
Liam Heagney
02 Nov 2024, 13:49
Danny Care delivers a brutal insight to Eddie Jones' England
The 37-year-old Harlequins No9 retired from international rugby earlier this year and an extract from his new book, Everything Hap…
Liam Heagney
02 Nov 2024, 8:33
Ben Youngs: 'Anyone removing an Aaron Smith will feel the dent'
Recently retired players often find it difficult to watch from the stands an international team they have invested so much blood, …
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
02 Nov 2024, 3:22
All four team selections for Autumn Nations Series round one
The schedule kicks off on Saturday in London with Steve Borthwick’s England hosting the All Blacks just 16 weeks after the New Z…
Liam Heagney
01 Nov 2024, 4:53
Joe Marler apologises for 's**thouse' attempt to spark haka debate
The loosehead, who left the England squad base at Pennyhill last Monday night for personal reasons, unloaded on the pre-game New Z…
Liam Heagney
01 Nov 2024, 4:00
Ronan O'Gara breaks silence on the Munster head coach vacancy
Corkman O’Gara was the out-half when Munster won the Heineken European Cup in 2006 and 2008 and has been frequently linked with …
Liam Heagney
01 Nov 2024, 5:40
Peter O'Mahony declared fit as Munster/All Blacks XV name teams
O’Mahony, the 2024 Guinness Six Nations title-winning skipper with Ireland, limped off with a first half hamstring injury versus…
Liam Heagney
31 Oct 2024, 12:54
Nine changes for Scotland versus Fiji 14 weeks after successful tour
The Scots were 31-19 winners in Montevideo on July 27, an historic day when Duhan van der Merwe became his country’s all-time re…
Liam Heagney
31 Oct 2024, 9:06
11 All Blacks changes as Robertson names team to take on England
New Zealand ran out convincing 64-19 winners in Yokohama in the opening match of their five-game trip and they have now unveiled a…
Liam Heagney
31 Oct 2024, 6:38
Four England changes as Borthwick names team to face All Blacks
It was July 13 when the English were beaten 17-24 at Eden Park, leaving them with a 2-0 series defeat as they had lost 15-16 the p…
Liam Heagney
29 Oct 2024, 10:00
Munster issue update on the Peter O'Mahony injury rehab
The title-winning Guinness Six Nations 2024 skipper with Ireland was a first half casualty in his province’s October 5 URC win o…
Liam Heagney
30 Oct 2024, 12:00
Joe Marler restores X account, explains blasting 'ridiculous' haka
The 34-year-old, who on Tuesday wasn’t included in Steve Borthwick’s match day 23 to face the All Blacks next Saturday in Lond…
Liam Heagney
30 Oct 2024, 7:32
Joe Marler deletes his X account after blasting 'ridiculous' haka
The loosehead was excluded earlier in the day from Steve Borthwick’s match day 23 for this Saturday’s Autumn Nations Series op…
Liam Heagney
30 Oct 2024, 6:17
Borthwick explains backing Ben Spencer for first England Test start
Quick ruck speed has been fundamental to the upgraded England attack plan that was unveiled in the Guinness Six Nations win over I…
Liam Heagney
30 Oct 2024, 5:47
Four talking points about England team that will play the All Blacks
Borthwick wasn’t scheduled to declare his hand until Thursday lunchtime, but he decided to go early and name a team showing four…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
29 Oct 2024, 11:49
Leinster raid Cardiff to bolster Leo Cullen's staff
It was August 1 when the Irish province advertised the vacancy, a recruitment opening that had O’Donnell taking to LinkedIn to e…
Liam Heagney
29 Oct 2024, 9:23
League legend gives three reasons why Andy Farrell cracked union
Having starred in league, winning multiple trophies and representing Wigan, England and Britain, the now 49-year-old made the swit…
Liam Heagney
29 Oct 2024, 5:44
Munster confirm shock exit of head coach Graham Rowntree
Away defeats at Leinster, Stormers and Sharks in recent weeks left Munster in 12th place in the 16-team tournament and their admin…
Liam Heagney
29 Oct 2024, 6:02
Springboks name backline player to replace tighthead Frans Malherbe
The back-to-back Rugby World Cup champions had already lost Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Damian Willemse for the November tour to Scotl…
Liam Heagney
29 Oct 2024, 4:35
Nick Isiekwe: 'It has taught me resilience, you can’t just give up'
It was October 15, on a shivering morning in Cardiff at the Investec Champions Cup launch, when the lock – who doubles up at bli…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
27 Oct 2024, 3:05
Joey Carbery: 'That's a big thing I don’t think people say enough'
What was obvious from a 20-minute conversation with RugbyPass is that the soon-to-be 29-year-old has enjoyed settling into the rhy…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
20 Oct 2024, 2:35
The Gloucester verdict as Charlie Atkinson heads back to Leicester
The former England U20 title winner joined Tigers during the winter of 2022 after Wasps went bust, but he was mainly confined to c…
Liam Heagney
20 Oct 2024, 2:30
Four talking points as 'new spirit' Saracens pip Bristol in classic
Overall, the nine-try, 72-point belter was yet another classic showcase of a fabulously entertaining Gallagher Premiership, but th…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
20 Oct 2024, 2:16
Saracens player ratings vs Bristol – 2024/25 Gallagher Premiership
Saracens looked set to be agonisingly beaten by a single point following a Lam-ball home team performance illuminated by a Fitz Ha…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
19 Oct 2024, 12:22
Mark McCall chuffed Saracens beat a style 'unique in world rugby'
Alex Lozowski, who is back in the England squad and looking for a first cap since 2018, was dead-eyed off the kicking tee, scoring…
Liam Heagney
19 Oct 2024, 13:23
The moment Nigel Owens knew Jonathan Davies would be 'special'
The former centre spent 15 seasons with the Scarlets first team and another two at Clermont before deciding to finish up.
Liam Heagney
19 Oct 2024, 4:39
Viliame Mata: 'To tick that off would be massive for me'
Gallagher Premiership round seven away to Harlequins on November 29 is the Bears’ debut date ringed in his calendar but who know…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
19 Oct 2024, 1:10
All 10 team selections for Gallagher Premiership round five
Twenty-eight of the 36 players named by Steve Borthwick in the England squad for the upcoming Autumn Nations Series will start for…
Liam Heagney
18 Oct 2024, 10:12
Bristol change four, Saracens seven for top-table Premiership clash
The Bristol XV shows four changes to take on a second-place Saracens who arrive with seven alterations, including the absence of B…
Liam Heagney
18 Oct 2024, 7:00
Gloucester explain why Wales hopeful Gareth Anscombe isn't kicking
There were just 20 minutes gone at Kingsholm when he was forced off and the No10 jersey will now be worn by Charlie Atkinson at Ma…
Liam Heagney
18 Oct 2024, 6:07
Exeter join away fans segregation debate, name team for Newcastle
The Devon-based club, who have been part of the English top flight since 2010, have expressed alarm that steps could be taken to p…
Liam Heagney
17 Oct 2024, 6:46
Saracens' verdict on Alex Lozowski England call, Onyeama-Christie op
Last capped in 2018, midfielder Lozowski will head to next week’s warm-weather training camp in Spain along with clubmates Ellio…
Liam Heagney
17 Oct 2024, 4:55
The Gloucester reaction to having 0 players in latest England squad
Gloucester and Newcastle were the two Gallagher Premiership clubs overlooked in the Test squad of 36 announced on Wednesday by Ste…
Liam Heagney
17 Oct 2024, 2:30
Stade Francais statement: The promotion of assistant Paul Gustard
The 48-year-old Gustard, who exited Quins in early 2021, got back on track as an assistant at Benetton for their 2021/22 season an…
Liam Heagney
16 Oct 2024, 12:19
Exeter sign a 'big, mobile front row forward' from South Africa
Exeter director of rugby Baxter had spoken in recent weeks about the possibility of bolstering his squad and the latest adjustment…
Liam Heagney
16 Oct 2024, 11:00
SA Rugby explain decision to postpone private equity meeting
A statement read: “SA Rugby have postponed a planned special general meeting (SGM) to consider a proposal to conclude a private …
Liam Heagney
16 Oct 2024, 7:41
Borthwick names England squad of 36 for the Autumn Nations Series
It was October 4 when the head coach initially named a squad for a three-day training camp from October 7 in London, a 36 that had…
Liam Heagney
16 Oct 2024, 5:30
Five England winners and losers as Borthwick names November squad
They will assemble next Monday at Pennyhill Park before flying to Girona for a warm-weather training camp ahead of the November 2 …
Analysis
Liam Heagney
16 Oct 2024, 6:41
'Jack Nowell is my greatest success, he got his medals'
Google search hyperbaric oxygen treatments and you will come across the likes of LeBron James, the USA basketball legend, making u…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
13 Oct 2024, 3:13
Levani Botia: 'You have to be a man when you walk inside prison'
His forearm got busted at Bordeaux and 22 weeks on, he is still waiting to add to an appearance tally stuck at 201. Frustrating? Y…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
13 Oct 2024, 2:53
All 10 team selections for Gallagher Premiership round four
With England versus New Zealand on the November 2 horizon and Steve Borthwick poised to name his Test squad on Wednesday for the f…
Liam Heagney
11 Oct 2024, 8:27
Fit Joe Marler makes bench as Harlequins, Saracens name derby teams
Beaten last weekend away to champions Northampton, Quins have included full-back Leigh Halfpenny for Jarrod Evans, wing Caden Murl…
Liam Heagney
11 Oct 2024, 7:27
Three changes for Leinster, four for Munster for sold-out URC derby
Leo Cullen’s unbeaten URC table-toppers defeated Benetton 35-5 last weekend in Italy and they have altered their line-up with tw…
Liam Heagney
11 Oct 2024, 6:40
WRU obituary: Death of Kevin Bowring, Wales' first professional coach
The 70-year-old, who suffered a heart attack, was Wales’ first professional coach having answered an advert when the game turned…
Liam Heagney
11 Oct 2024, 4:08
Two referees handed Test debuts as November appointments confirmed
Another Australian, Reuben Keane, and Jeremy Rozier of France will make their Test debuts over the course of a November internatio…
Liam Heagney
11 Oct 2024, 3:45
London Irish lodge application with RFU to play in 2025/26 Tier 2
The Exiles were one of three Gallagher Premiership clubs to go bust during the 2022/23 season, following Worcester Warriors and Wa…
Liam Heagney
09 Oct 2024, 13:50
Mark Mapletoft rewarded for U20s title double with England A role
Shelved in 2016, the RFU revived the A-team concept earlier in 2024 for a February match against a Portugal development XV that ha…
Liam Heagney
09 Oct 2024, 6:34
Northampton statement: Tom Pearson contract extension agreed
It was Monday when RugbyPass reported that the one-cap back-rower, who is currently in England training ahead of the Autumn Nation…
Liam Heagney
09 Oct 2024, 3:22
Three Pumas, two ABs make SA website's Rugby Championship 2024 XV
Rassie Erasmus’ Springbok team lifted the trophy for the first time since 2019 with a 48-7 round six win over Argentina in Mbomb…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
09 Oct 2024, 5:50
Fiji RU statement: RWC player contracts and payments were honoured
The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) board of trustees have issued a lengthy statement in response to comments made by 2023 Rugby World Cup …
Liam Heagney
09 Oct 2024, 3:01
David Ribbans: 'It's the reason why I'm here, not still in England'
Toulon is now home, not Northampton, and it’s all about doing his very best in the Top 14, not perspiring over whether his effor…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
06 Oct 2024, 2:23
11 Emerging Ireland changes for tour-ending Cheetahs game
The Irish youngsters followed up their opening-round success over the Currie Cup Pumas with a 29-24 win over Western Force last Su…
Liam Heagney
08 Oct 2024, 9:20
'Exciting opportunity' sees Dragons agree to release Steff Hughes
A former league winner with Scarlets in 2017, Hughes has made just one appearance so far this term for the Newport-based region.
Liam Heagney
08 Oct 2024, 8:47
Bristol sign a Bears old boy as cover for injured Heward, Naulago
Noah Heward and Siva Naulago have both been sidelined and the director of rugby has reacted by offering the newly capped USA inter…
Liam Heagney
08 Oct 2024, 7:14
The Peter O'Mahony update Munster fans didn't want to hear
The veteran back-rower and tighthead Oli Jager were starters in last Saturday’s rain-sodden win over Ospreys.
Liam Heagney
08 Oct 2024, 6:13
The 'big difference' Tomos Williams has found playing in Premiership
The 29-year-old scrum-half is three games into his new adventure in England with Gloucester, whom he joined in the summer after a …
Liam Heagney
08 Oct 2024, 5:50
Four talking points as Bristol storm Bath to bag bragging rights
The sense of Bristol jubilation and Bath distress was very evident at The Rec when referee Christophe Ridley called a halt to an e…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
06 Oct 2024, 2:14
England player watch: Bristol's Harry Randall vs Bath's Ben Spencer
With Borthwick favourite Mitchell now laid up, Saturday’s script was for the long lycra-sleeved Spencer to produce a show of for…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
06 Oct 2024, 2:48
Pat Lam talks up Harry Randall for England after Bristol derby win
As it stands, there are fears that first choice No9 Mitchell will be unavailable as he has yet to pay this season for Northampton …
Liam Heagney
05 Oct 2024, 12:56
Nigel Owens' verdict on the 20-minute red card trial
It was last May when World Rugby signalled it would also be trialling this revised sanction, explaining that the 20-minute red wou…
Liam Heagney
05 Oct 2024, 4:32
The 'spot on' reason why Bristol retain full faith in Max Malins
Stationed at full-back, he is already four tries up just two games into the campaign and on the hunt for more when the Bears visit…
Liam Heagney
05 Oct 2024, 0:49
All 10 team selections for Gallagher Premiership round three
There are just four weeks to go before the All Blacks arrive at Allianz Stadium on November 2, so players will be vying to impress…
Liam Heagney
04 Oct 2024, 8:05
Leicester explain why they won't appeal the Michael Cheika ban
The head coach was charged with disrespecting an independent match day doctor following the September 21 Gallagher Premiership win…
Liam Heagney
04 Oct 2024, 12:49
'Sweet spot' reason why Sale believe in England recall Cowan-Dickie
Injury and form have meant that the 31-year-old hooker was last capped when Eddie Jones was still in charge of the national side, …
Liam Heagney
04 Oct 2024, 7:21
Borthwick names 36-man squad for next week's England training camp
It was June 10 when Borthwick last announced an England squad, naming the 36 he was taking with him for the summer tour to Japan a…
Liam Heagney
04 Oct 2024, 6:01
England boosted by 62-word Sale statement on George Ford fitness
There were fears that the out-half was set for a long lay-off and could miss the four-match series, which starts on November 2 ver…
Liam Heagney
03 Oct 2024, 18:55
Michael Cheika ban: RFU publish 12-page disciplinary hearing verdict
It was Tuesday of this week, 10 days after the Sandy Park match ended with Tommy Reffell’s decisive converted try, when it emerg…
Liam Heagney
03 Oct 2024, 13:09
Bristol explain latest Siva Naulago lay-off, likely Grondona debut
The 33-year-old Fijian started the new Gallagher Premiership season looking dangerous, scoring against both Newcastle and Gloucest…
Liam Heagney
03 Oct 2024, 10:04
Exeter confirm their signing of 'valuable asset' Franco Molina
The second row has just completed his first involvement in The Rugby Championship, making six appearances for Los Pumas – three …
Liam Heagney
03 Oct 2024, 6:00
The 10-word Will Carling response to an old-school rucking video
The now 58-year-old ex-Test midfielder spotted a clip online on the APSM Rugby Channel from the 1995 Five Nations game in London v…
Liam Heagney
03 Oct 2024, 5:42
The Afolabi Fasogbon voice note after his clash with Ellis Genge
The recent World Rugby U20 Championship title-winning tighthead with England packed down against the established England Test-leve…
Liam Heagney
03 Oct 2024, 4:25
England player watch: Northampton out-half Fin Smith vs Exeter
Five caps off the bench is the story of this 22-year-old fledgling Test career but in delivering a player-of-the-match effort to e…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
29 Sep 2024, 2:22
Latest Northampton update on 'up in the air' Alex Mitchell absence
Steve Borthwick’s first-choice England scrum-half was originally set to play against Bedford in Northampton’s final pre-seas…
Liam Heagney
02 Oct 2024, 3:11
Alex Sanderson: 'I haven’t felt pain like it for 20 years'
The Sharks director of rugby has since sufficiently recovered to attend his latest media briefing ahead of next Friday’s home cl…
Liam Heagney
02 Oct 2024, 2:50
Police delay leaves Sale uncertain when Jonny Hill can play again
It was June 1 when the out-of-favour England lock got involved in a post-game altercation with a fan at The Rec after Bath had bea…
Liam Heagney
01 Oct 2024, 12:13
Headache for England as Sale confirm George Ford muscle tear
Out-half Ford limped off with a quad muscle issue after just seven minutes of last Saturday’s Gallagher Premiership loss at Sara…
Liam Heagney
01 Oct 2024, 11:22
The 'worm burner' that put an end to Brian O'Driscoll goal-kicking
The legendary Ireland and British and Irish Lions midfielder has become a very entertaining pundit in recent years, often revealin…
Liam Heagney
01 Oct 2024, 9:05
RFU statement: Michael Cheika charged with prejudicial conduct
The Sandy Park fixture was the Australian’s first competitive game in charge of Leicester, a match they won 17-14 with a last-ga…
Liam Heagney
01 Oct 2024, 6:24
Worcester Warriors confirm application to play in new Tier 2
It was last Friday when the latest English rugby council meeting outlined that additional teams wanting to take part in the revamp…
Liam Heagney
01 Oct 2024, 4:28
Four talking points as Northampton hold off a late Exeter rally
RugbyPass was at cinch Stadium @ Franklin’s Gardens for Saturday’s six-try clash of the clubs with the reimagined crests. It d…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
29 Sep 2024, 2:52
Alex McHenry: 'It was shocking, lives turned upside down'
Harry Viljoen’s squad were brutally told that the business had gone into liquidation, that they no longer had jobs and that the …
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
29 Sep 2024, 2:00
'Told you he is a bit strange': The making of Bevan Rodd 2:0
The opposition’s loosehead last weekend was none other than his new Test rival Baxter and Sanderson was pleased with how his pla…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
28 Sep 2024, 2:15
Northampton explain reasons why Chunya Munga 'looks ready' to shine
Having previously been unable to convince Chunya Munga that his development would be best served at Franklin’s Gardens, the dire…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
28 Sep 2024, 2:05
RFU confirm deadline for additional teams to apply for new Tier 2
There has been much debate in recent times about how best to reimagine the current 12-team Championship beneath the Gallagher Prem…
Liam Heagney
27 Sep 2024, 11:09
All 10 team selections for Gallagher Premiership round two
The Gallagher Premiership table after round one highlighted how you can get strange quirks in this game, defending champions North…
Liam Heagney
27 Sep 2024, 9:53
Steve Borthwick names Joe El-Abd as his new England defence coach
It was August 24 when it emerged that Felix Jones wanted to quit as Borthwick’s assistant despite only being in the role since t…
Liam Heagney
26 Sep 2024, 7:00
The 'wasted up there' reason Alex Sanderson backs his sideline view
The Sharks director of rugby always makes a point of watching his team’s matches from the sideline.
Liam Heagney
26 Sep 2024, 5:46
The ‘really unacceptable’ things Northampton are looking to fix
The defending champions conceded 14 penalties at The Rec and they also had a yellow card brandished to new signing Josh Kemeny tow…
Liam Heagney
26 Sep 2024, 5:05
Where are they now? The last Jersey Reds team before its collapse
They were due to fly to Penzance the following Thursday for Friday's PRC game versus the Cornish Pirates, but the journey never ha…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
26 Sep 2024, 1:39
Tim Nanai-Williams secures a second Pro D2 medical joker lifeline
Overlooked by his country for 2023 Rugby World Cup squad selection, the 35-year-old originally joined the Pro D2 outfit last Septe…
Liam Heagney
25 Sep 2024, 11:46
The Sale update on Tom Curry concussion, Jonny Hill police matter
Curry was a first-half head knock casualty in last Sunday’s low-frills opening round league win over Harlequins, while Hill is s…
Liam Heagney
25 Sep 2024, 11:04
The Premiership round one trend that 'surprised' Phil Dowson
His Saints defeat at Bath was the third season in succession they have been beaten in round one.
Liam Heagney
25 Sep 2024, 3:59
The Northampton latest on the Alex Mitchell injury
The England scrum-half had been named to start in the Saints team for their September 13 friendly versus Bedford, but he was a lat…
Liam Heagney
24 Sep 2024, 11:31
Erasmus explains why he is starting much-criticised Manie Libbok
He also heaped praise on Eben Etzebeth after his inclusion in the starting line-up left him poised to become the most capped Sprin…
Liam Heagney
24 Sep 2024, 8:01
Nine changes for the Springboks, including a start for Manie Libbok
South Africa were denied clinching the title with one game to spare when defeated 28-29 by Los Pumas in Santiago del Estero after …
Liam Heagney
24 Sep 2024, 7:35
Dragons statement: The long-term unavailability of Ollie Griffiths
Having debuted for the region in 2014/15, the 2017 Wales Test team pick made a half-dozen URC/Challenge Cup appearances last seaso…
Liam Heagney
24 Sep 2024, 6:42
Emerging Ireland forced into three changes for South African tour
The tour head coach had last week unveiled his original selection to travel to Bloemfontein for the October matches versus the Pum…
Liam Heagney
24 Sep 2024, 5:39
The Premiership 'bugbear' an ex-England player wants out of the game
Luke Pearce, the match referee at The Rec last Friday night, didn’t buy into the No8’s complaint about what he alleged happene…
Liam Heagney
24 Sep 2024, 4:53
Ernst van Rhyn: 'I’m not dirty... but I like a physical confrontation'
Pre-season was only a few weeks old when the Sale boss giddily enthused about the character of his Stormers signing, describing hi…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
22 Sep 2024, 3:52
The 19-stone prop with the second highest Sale squad standing jump
A former Warrington Wolves academy member who crossed codes to become an England U18 and U20s union pick, Onasanya was set to join…
Liam Heagney
21 Sep 2024, 2:22
The rookie winger Exeter have tipped for Feyi-Waboso-like progress
Feyi-Waboso’s breakthrough season at the Chiefs was so fantastic that he even made a Test debut off the England bench last Febru…
Liam Heagney
21 Sep 2024, 2:16
A dozen 2024 champions named in new 50-man England U20s EPS squad
It was last March when the class of 2023/24 clinched the championship with a win away in France and they followed up that success …
Liam Heagney
20 Sep 2024, 10:12
All 10 team selections for Gallagher Premiership round one
All 10 clubs have named their teams and numerous selections catch the eye. For instance, Beno Obano, whose red card was influentia…
Liam Heagney
20 Sep 2024, 9:20
How a one-page hotel note saved Pat Lam from the sack at Bristol
It was last January when the Bears director of rugby slunk out of the Galway Sportsground having seen his team comfortably beaten …
Liam Heagney
20 Sep 2024, 2:17
The Ireland tactic Bath expect to see a lot of in the Premiership
Now in charge at Bath, last season’s Gallagher Premiership finalists, his off-season included keeping an eye on the various tour…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
20 Sep 2024, 2:07
Exeter explain how Christ Tshiunza can 'accelerate' his career
The forward has been branded a utility player given his ability to double up as a back row and at lock.
Liam Heagney
19 Sep 2024, 2:18
The Bath prediction about Billy Sela, their U20s World Cup winner
Signed by the Bath senior academy in 2023, the 19-year-old tighthead was an age-grade Six Nations winner with Mark Mapletoft’s E…
Liam Heagney
18 Sep 2024, 10:52
The Felix Jones comment about Harry Randall that delighted Bristol
Injury and lack of form left the Bristol half-back surplus to requirement at international level, a predicament not helped by Stev…
Liam Heagney
18 Sep 2024, 11:23
The personal reason why Toby Booth would back British/Irish league
Speculation emerged last week that the Gallagher Premiership was interested in joining up with the 10 Irish, Scottish and Welsh cl…
Liam Heagney
18 Sep 2024, 8:45
Exeter deliver 'good picture' injury update on Vermeulen, Wimbush
The Chiefs lost back-rower Vermeulen to a 54th-minute setback in last Saturday’s pre-season win over Ulster, while midfielder Wi…
Liam Heagney
18 Sep 2024, 6:47
Rassie Erasmus issues rebuke to injury-hiding Feinberg-Mngomezulu
The Test rookie hasn’t travelled to Argentina for this Saturday’s round five match and it has now emerged that he won’t feat…
Liam Heagney
18 Sep 2024, 5:47
Prendergast included in Emerging Ireland squad of 33 for South Africa
Easterby, who will become the interim Ireland Test team coach when Farrell is on his sabbatical in charge of the 2025 British and …
Liam Heagney
18 Sep 2024, 4:50
Graham Rowntree insists no fallout with Peter O'Mahony – report
It was last November when it was confirmed that O’Mahony, who first captained Munster in a competitive game on September 3, 2011…
Liam Heagney
18 Sep 2024, 4:16
Johann van Graan: How Beno Obano has coped with his Prem final red
The 2023/24 English club showpiece fixture was in its 22nd minute last June at Twickenham when play was stopped after the front-ro…
Liam Heagney
17 Sep 2024, 10:35
Rassie Erasmus makes 10 changes to Springboks team to face Argentina
South Africa have confirmed a team selection where Jessie Kriel, Handre Pollard, Ox Nche, Ruan Nortje and Jasper Wiese are the fiv…
Liam Heagney
17 Sep 2024, 9:08
Springboks omit six of Saturday's starters from squad for Argentina
South Africa have taken a stranglehold on the tournament with four successive wins in 2024 and with a campaign-ending rematch with…
Liam Heagney
10 Sep 2024, 6:18
Springboks fly out to Argentina with a warning from Rassie Erasmus
The South Africans flew out of Cape Town on Saturday ahead of their September 21 Santiago del Estero clash with Los Pumas and they…
Liam Heagney
14 Sep 2024, 6:41
Toby Booth names which Ospreys player should captain Wales
The regional head coach last year saw his club duo – hooker Dewi Lake and back row Jac Morgan – named as co-captains for Rugby…
Liam Heagney
17 Sep 2024, 8:31
Alex Sanderson's early impression of Waisea Nayacalevu at Sale
The 33-year-old Tuilagi has linked up with Bayonne in the Top 14 and the Sale vacancy has been filled by Nayacalevu, the 34-year F…
Liam Heagney
17 Sep 2024, 6:05
Brian O'Driscoll's bold Premiership prediction about Saracens
Crowned champions of England six times since 2011, Saracens have been end-of-season semi-finalists in 13 of the last 15 years, onl…
Liam Heagney
17 Sep 2024, 3:37
Tom Curry: 'I remember the day so clearly... I was just in tears'
Opposition players can expect to be treated that same violent way in the coming weeks and months, but the back row’s media image…
Interview
Liam Heagney
16 Sep 2024, 12:00
Why Tom Curry is backing Steve Borthwick despite England exodus
Defence coach Felix Jones handed in his resignation out of the blue, head of strength and conditioning Aled Walers quit to work in…
Liam Heagney
16 Sep 2024, 12:00
What Tom Curry said when asked would he shake Bongi Mbonambi's hand
Curry claimed that he was called a “white c**t” by Mbonambi, but a World Rugby investigation found insufficient evidence.
Liam Heagney
16 Sep 2024, 12:00
TNT Sports snap up ex-England players after loss of Stuart Hogg
It was July 2023 when Hogg quit playing with immediate effect, calling time on his original plan to retire following the Rugby Wor…
Liam Heagney
13 Sep 2024, 7:57
Ollie Thorley: 'I’m hitting well over 10 metres per second'
He is a man on a mission, claiming he has never felt as good and hoping that a consistent show of speed at Kingsholm and around th…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
15 Sep 2024, 2:26
URC statement: British and Irish league speculation
A media report emerged on Thursday claiming that the Premiership in England was in negotiations with the URC with a view to mergin…
Liam Heagney
13 Sep 2024, 10:20
Ryanair claim Leinster face away match flight chaos this winter
The Irish province are due to play at Bristol on December 8 and at La Rochelle on January 12 in the Investec Champions Cup, while …
Liam Heagney
12 Sep 2024, 11:37
Sale update the Jonny Hill police situation, RFU disciplinary
It was June 1, after an epic Gallagher Premiership semi-final was won 31-23 by Bath, when Hill, who had sat in the coaches’ box …
Liam Heagney
12 Sep 2024, 8:56
Tom Franklin moves to Top 14 after agreeing early Western Force exit
Rrather than return to Perth for the 2025 Super Rugby season as originally contracted, he has instead arrived in France and will s…
Liam Heagney
11 Sep 2024, 11:46
Christian Wade makes a bold Premiership try record prediction
The 33-year-old is poised for his first top-flight campaign since quitting Wasps in the early stages of the 2018/19 season for a s…
Liam Heagney
11 Sep 2024, 5:09
Stuart Hogg facing stalking charges against a second woman – report
Last weekend’s maiden run in Montpellier’s 22-26 home loss to Lyon was followed by his arrest on Tuesday morning back in Scotl…
Liam Heagney
11 Sep 2024, 3:36
'Can we campaign for the Lions to flip tour and go to South Africa?'
Speaking in the wake of last Saturday’s record trouncing for Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies away to Argentina, Andy Goode has claimed…
Liam Heagney
10 Sep 2024, 8:09
Watch: Manu and Posolo Tuilagi celebrate family reunion with fans
Ex-England midfielder Manu is Posolo’s uncle and while he was unable to play in the opening round league match at Parc des Sport…
Liam Heagney
10 Sep 2024, 4:58
Doncaster recruit Bath duo on a season-long Championship loan
The Knights, who open their campaign at home to Ampthill on September 21, have already recruited big for the upcoming second-tier …
Liam Heagney
10 Sep 2024, 4:08
RFU double down and reiterate Allianz is 'right deal for the game'
Eyebrows were raised when the RFU confirmed on August 5 that it had agreed a 10-year deal worth in excess of £100million to allow…
Liam Heagney
09 Sep 2024, 12:00
Bill Sweeney: Why Qatar's Nations Championship offer was rejected
It was last October in Paris, in the week leading up to the Rugby World Cup final between South Africa and New Zealand, when World…
Liam Heagney
09 Sep 2024, 12:00
Ehren Painter: ‘I’ve had some PBs. Do they humble you? Absolutely’
For a man of that size, you imagine every pre-season is a tortuous existence but it sounds like the recent months preparing with t…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
08 Sep 2024, 2:27
'I didn’t really appreciate it until I got a punch in the gut'
What ‘saved’ Skivington was his foresight in writing off early the 2023/24 league and instead throwing everything into the cup…
Interview
Liam Heagney
08 Sep 2024, 2:15
Watch: Owen Farrell finishes on losing side in his Top 14 debut
Eleven months after leading his country to a bronze medal finish in Paris at Rugby World Cup 2023, he made his first league start …
Liam Heagney
08 Sep 2024, 1:56
Watch: Jonny May scores his first Pro D2 try for Soyaux Angouleme
Just 11 months ago, he was starting on the wing in the Rugby World Cup semi-final versus South Africa in Paris.
Liam Heagney
07 Sep 2024, 7:06
Adam Hastings to play for Glasgow despite fears aunt may have died
The soon-to-be 28-year-old has returned to Scotstoun after three years at Gloucester and head coach Franco Smith has confirmed tha…
Liam Heagney
07 Sep 2024, 3:11
'High profile, high achiever' long shortlist has delighted the RFU
Sweeney was enthused by the midweek call that was had with the recruitment agency heading up the job search to find the right pers…
Liam Heagney
07 Sep 2024, 2:28
The 'excited' Irishman fighting hard for Steve Borthwick's England
Contrast that short-lived Felix Jones flirtation with the joined-at-the-hip relationship O’Shea, another former Ireland full-bac…
Liam Heagney
07 Sep 2024, 2:18
'He's choosing his house on can he get all his recovery equipment in'
It was last March when Gloucester announced they were signing the now 33-year-old Wade and ahead of their September 21 Premiership…
Liam Heagney
06 Sep 2024, 2:26
Ex-Championship prop handed an on-trial match start for Ulster
The 26-year-old former classroom assistant, who featured for the province’s age-grade teams, had been playing in the English Cha…
Liam Heagney
06 Sep 2024, 9:17
End of Toby Booth era confirmed as Ospreys name 2025/26 coaching team
Friday’s shake up emerged with three weeks still to go before the Welsh regional side begins its new URC campaign with a Septemb…
Liam Heagney
06 Sep 2024, 12:27
England statement: Steve Borthwick recruits Gloucester's Dan Tobin
The appointment of Tobin follows the recent departures of head of strength and conditioning Aled Walters, who has joined Andy Farr…
Liam Heagney
06 Sep 2024, 8:45
The 'brilliant' reason Billy Sela was name checked at RFU PGP launch
While the optimum number of matches for senior players has been set at 30, it is lower for the U20s and an interesting reference w…
Liam Heagney
06 Sep 2024, 7:12
Bristol statement: Operation has sidelined new signing Viliame Mata
It was last January when Bristol revealed that the Fijian back-rower would join them for the 2024/25 season from Edinburgh, the Sc…
Liam Heagney
06 Sep 2024, 4:25
The England pathway statistic described as 'phenomenal'
The pipeline funnelling talented youngsters into the age-grade system didn’t go unmentioned at the Allianz Stadium presentation …
Liam Heagney
06 Sep 2024, 2:03
Jack Regan explains his immediate-effect retirement from playing
The Irishman created headlines with a 2021 Super Rugby breakthrough at the Highlanders. This resulted in a move to Ospreys but inj…
Liam Heagney
06 Sep 2024, 5:14
How RFU's new PGP will even help Finn Russell after Scotland duty
It was Wednesday afternoon at Allianz Stadium, the new brand name for Twickenham following its recent naming rights deal, that RFU…
Liam Heagney
05 Sep 2024, 3:47
Bill Sweeney's 'underperformed massively' assessment of England
The CEO, who gave his 100 per cent backing to the head coach following recent staff upheaval, didn’t pull his punches at the All…
Liam Heagney
05 Sep 2024, 3:07
The Bill Sweeney verdict on the England assistant staff upheaval
Optimism has been dented in recent weeks, though, by the decision of strength and conditioning expert Walters to jump ship and joi…
Liam Heagney
04 Sep 2024, 13:07
'There will obviously be an occasion where there is disagreement'
The new eight-year plan governing the professional game in England, which allows for an elite playing squad of 50, was unveiled at…
Liam Heagney
04 Sep 2024, 10:59
RFU statement: New men’s professional game partnership unveiled
The agreement will enable head coach Borthwick to have the final say on all sports science and medical issues regarding the manage…
Liam Heagney
04 Sep 2024, 9:00
FFR statement: The return to France of Hugo Auradou, Oscar Jegou
It was following a 28-13 win in Mendoza, the July 6 Test match in which both forwards were selected to start by head coach Fabien …
Liam Heagney
04 Sep 2024, 4:10
The reassuring reply for fans worried about Gloucester's finances
The professional game in England has struggled coming out of the pandemic, with top-flight clubs Worcester Warriors, Wasps and Lon…
Liam Heagney
04 Sep 2024, 1:52
URC statement: Postponement of opening round South African derbies
All 16 teams in the five-nation tournament won last season by Glasgow in the June final away to the Bulls in Pretoria had been pen…
Liam Heagney
03 Sep 2024, 11:45
The prediction George Skivington has made about Louis Rees-Zammit
It was last January when the 23-year-old sensationally quit Kingsholm for a shot at American football via the sport’s internatio…
Liam Heagney
03 Sep 2024, 11:16
The Gloucester reaction to the latest Zach Mercer exit speculation
The 27-year-old back-rower is under contract at Kingsholm until the summer of 2027, but it emerged last weekend that Toulon have p…
Liam Heagney
03 Sep 2024, 10:12
Jamal Ford-Robinson: 'In the gym we’re not lifting as frequently'
Kingsholm was preparing to throw open its gates to welcome fans to an opening training session when there was a sudden commotion i…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
01 Sep 2024, 3:27
Rusi Tuima: 'It suits my frame, the size, I can use my weight'
It’s quite the change from lockdown and the copious amounts of his mother’s wholesome home cooking in nearby Plymouth.
Interview
Liam Heagney
31 Aug 2024, 4:25
Jimmy Gopperth shows he has still got it at the age of 41
It was the summer of 2023, having finished up at Leicester Tigers, when the Kiwi opted to try his luck in the French Pro D2.
Liam Heagney
31 Aug 2024, 3:57
Kansas City Chiefs explain reason for releasing Louis Rees-Zammit
There was an option to keep Rees-Zammit on their books over the autumn and winter as part of their practice squad. However, the 23…
Liam Heagney
30 Aug 2024, 12:36
Courtney Lawes' 52-minute Pro D2 debut ends with a win for Brive
The 35-year-old joined the second-tier side on a two-year deal from Northampton, whom he led to Gallagher Premiership title glory …
Liam Heagney
30 Aug 2024, 4:00
Final details confirmed for 25 URC games, including Christmas derbies
Exact details for the entire opening round weekend on September 21 but 10 other rounds have now been adjusted – including rounds…
Liam Heagney
29 Aug 2024, 11:30
Jason Robinson backs 'naturally gifted' rookie for 2025 Lions tour
The famed home nations combination side are due to visit Australia next June, 24 years after Robinson set the game of union alight…
Liam Heagney
29 Aug 2024, 8:09
Hadleigh Parkes back in New Zealand, named on weekend NPC bench
The soon to be 37-year-old finished up finished a four-season stint earlier this year in Japan League One, spending two years with…
Liam Heagney
29 Aug 2024, 3:05
Louis Rees-Zammit fails to make Kansas City Chiefs roster – report
Tuesday was decision day for Rees-Zammit, with Kansas head coach Andy Reid facing a deadline to officially confirm his squad ahead…
Liam Heagney
27 Aug 2024, 14:51
Parents break silence on disappearance of Medhi Narjissi – report
The French team were in the southern hemisphere for the annual six-team International Series when the 17-year-old Toulouse fly-hal…
Liam Heagney
27 Aug 2024, 12:25
Dragons' Lloyd Fairbrother confirms his immediate-effect retirement
It was January 1 this year when the 32-year-old made the last of his 172 appearances and a back injury sidelined him since then.
Liam Heagney
27 Aug 2024, 11:32
Red tape leaves Lyon's Semi Radradra stuck in Fiji – report
The 32-year-old midfielder, who moved back to France last season after a three-year stint in England with Bristol, played for Fiji…
Liam Heagney
27 Aug 2024, 9:59
Springboks make nine changes to their team to host the All Blacks
Erasmus has now changed three backs, six of his pack and also restored the bench bomb squad to its traditional number of six forwa…
Liam Heagney
27 Aug 2024, 5:04
Scottish RU statement: The two-year signing of David Nucifora
The 62-year-old posted to his LinkedIn account on his final work day in Dublin that he would be staying involved in rugby.
Liam Heagney
27 Aug 2024, 5:42
Gloucester add to coaching staff, give first verdict on new signings
The Kingsholm boss also delivered his first verdict on the club’s major new signings, Wales half-backs Gareth Anscombe and Tomos…
Liam Heagney
26 Aug 2024, 8:57
Levan Maisashvili: 'Everyone was joking, you still like South Africa!'
Following a month-long coma and weeks of rehabilitation at a Johannesburg hospital after he woke, he beat the odds and was delight…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
21 Jul 2024, 1:41
James Coughlan: 'It’s been a mental few weeks but really exciting'
The 2024/25 Pro D2 season gets going next weekend, with Olympique pencilled in for a Friday night home clash versus Valence Romans…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
25 Aug 2024, 3:03
Christ Tshinuza: 'I couldn’t believe it, your whole body feels it'
Rob Baxter’s Chiefs had played him at openside but Gatland wanted to reprise the role he had given the 22-year-old in his sole F…
Interview
Liam Heagney
25 Aug 2024, 2:56
Joe van Niekerk names the moment he felt he belonged as a Springbok
The retired 44-year-old debuted for his country in 2001 but it wasn’t until the following year that he finally became comfortabl…
Liam Heagney
24 Aug 2024, 9:25
Ex-England No10 explains how Australia can exploit 'feeble' Argentina
The retired fly-half believes that rugby union is in dire need of a competitive Australia, especially as their recent efforts in h…
Liam Heagney
24 Aug 2024, 4:30
The Jacques Nienaber update on the Dan Sheehan, RG Snyman injuries
Sheehan required knee treatment following a first-half tackle on Eben Etzebeth and although he played on and had a pivotal role in…
Liam Heagney
24 Aug 2024, 3:07
Rob Baxter: 'There's a few good years left in me yet hopefully'
It would be understandable if the prospect of a 16th consecutive season as the Devon club’s director of rugby is wearying on the…
Interview
Liam Heagney
24 Aug 2024, 1:56
Courtney Lawes enjoys debut Brive win over a Farrell-less Racing
Eleven weeks after skippering Northampton to glory in the Gallagher Premiership final over Bath, Lawes began his new adventure in …
Liam Heagney
23 Aug 2024, 4:00
The tribute French rugby have planned for the missing Medhi Narjissi
The 17-year-old, a son of former Agen hooker Djalil Narjissi, was in South Africa as part of the French U18 team for the Internati…
Liam Heagney
22 Aug 2024, 4:05
The afternoon Rob Baxter call to Steve Borthwick about new PGB deal
During his 40-minute media briefing, the long-serving director of rugby willingly embraced questions regarding the proposed new PG…
Interview
Liam Heagney
21 Aug 2024, 11:02
Exeter latest on recruitment, 'touch and go' Jenkins/Slade update
Rob Baxter has insisted that his Exeter recruitment drive hasn’t ended despite Tuesday’s confirmation of the signings of midfi…
Liam Heagney
21 Aug 2024, 10:04
Premiership club confirms signing of Stormers prop Kwenzo Blose
Blose was on the 15-strong list of end-of-season leavers unveiled by the John Dobson-coached URC franchise in June and having sinc…
Liam Heagney
20 Aug 2024, 8:58
Exeter confirm midfield signing despite Super Rugby injury setback
Chiefs fans will have to wait a while before the Super Rugby Pacific recruit is available for selection as he arrived in England w…
Liam Heagney
20 Aug 2024, 7:35
La Rochelle's Raymond Rhule ruled out until 2025 – report
The 31-year-old South African has been a key player in the evolution of La Rochelle with Ronan O’Gara at the helm and he was a l…
Liam Heagney
20 Aug 2024, 4:44
Ulster statement: The trialling of Ireland Olympian Zac Ward
The forward enjoyed a productive season with his country on the HSBC SVNS circuit and was then involved in a sixth-place finish at…
Liam Heagney
20 Aug 2024, 4:16
Louis Rees-Zammit has shrugged off his midweek training absence
It was reported on Wednesday that the ex-Wales and Gloucester winger has sat out that day’s practice with a back injury.
Liam Heagney
17 Aug 2024, 6:02
Edinburgh explain signing Scott Mathie, new role for Rob Chrystie
The Free Jacks retained their champion status with a 20-11 win over Seattle in San Diego in the early August final, and it has now…
Liam Heagney
17 Aug 2024, 3:52
Exeter statement: Double surgery setback for Dafydd Jenkins
The 21-year-old finished out last season with three appearances for Wales on their Australian tour.
Liam Heagney
17 Aug 2024, 3:27
The 'wisdom' that has earned Australian referee Angus Gardner praise
Los Pumas emerged victorious in Wellington, defeating the All Blacks 38-30 with an unstoppable second half comeback, and ahead of …
Liam Heagney
16 Aug 2024, 6:51
Released Bristol prop Jay Tyack has confirmed a Championship return
It was May 7 when the tighthead was named in the 17-strong list of players that were departing Ashton Gate following the end of th…
Liam Heagney
16 Aug 2024, 4:20
Rassie Erasmus builds his perfect player using parts of 13 Springboks
Featuring in episode seven of Rassie on Alles on the Springboks social media channels, the South Africa head coach gave a lengthy …
Liam Heagney
15 Aug 2024, 6:25
The Andy Reid verdict on Louis Rees-Zammit's Kansas City Chiefs debut
Back in training ahead of next Saturday’s home pre-season fixture versus Detroit Lions at Arrowhead Stadium, Reid was asked for …
Liam Heagney
14 Aug 2024, 11:26
Star-studded cast confirmed for the SuperSevens opening round
It was the Antoine Dupont-inspired French that finished as men’s champions at Paris 2024 at the end of July following three sold…
Liam Heagney
14 Aug 2024, 7:26
Andrew Mehrtens is looking to buy into a French Pro D2 club – report
The new Pro D2 season gets underway with an opening round presenting Beziers with a trip along the Mediterranean coast to play Nic…
Liam Heagney
14 Aug 2024, 5:44
Nine Irish make columnist's first Test British and Irish Lions XV
It will be July 19 next year, following warm-up matches versus Argentina, Western Force, the Reds, the Waratahs, the Brumbies, and…
Liam Heagney
14 Aug 2024, 4:15
The Springboks prediction Bryan Habana has made about Eben Etzebeth
It was Tuesday when Rassie Erasmus unveiled a much-rotated Rugby Championship XV, making 10 changes for this Saturday’s second-r…
Liam Heagney
14 Aug 2024, 3:36
Racing statement: Nolann Le Garrec signs for La Rochelle
The 22-year-old, who made his club first-team breakthrough in the 2020/21 campaign, has since gone on to be capped on five occasio…
Liam Heagney
13 Aug 2024, 6:56
Springboks change 10 of their XV, make bomb squad a 5/3 split
South Africa blew away the Wallabies in last weekend’s opening-round encounter, comfortably winning 33-7 in Brisbane and install…
Liam Heagney
13 Aug 2024, 6:01
Kaleem Barreto explains his U-turn with Great Britain men's sevens
Following an eighth-place finish at the Grand Final in Madrid, Barreto and co were agonisingly denied qualification for the Paris …
Liam Heagney
13 Aug 2024, 4:24
La Rochelle statement: Oscar Jegou
Both had been under house arrest since July 17 and had to wear electronic tags due to accusations of aggravated rape following a n…
Liam Heagney
13 Aug 2024, 3:30
Fixtures revised as France pull out of U18 International Series
Out-half Medhi Narjissi was swept out to sea when hit by a wave while taking part in a recovery session at Dias Beach on the Cape …
Liam Heagney
10 Aug 2024, 9:09
Rees-Zammit reveals most 'super weird' thing ahead of Kansas debut
The former Wales winger exited union on January 16 to join the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program, a 10-week trial that …
Liam Heagney
10 Aug 2024, 9:58
Christophe Ridley highlights three things he has learned as a referee
The 31-year-old refereed his first Gallagher Premiership final in June when Northampton defeated Bath at Twickenham.
Liam Heagney
10 Aug 2024, 7:03
Northampton name new CEO less than six weeks after vacancy arose
The reigning Gallagher Premiership champions ultimately didn’t have to look very far to recruit Darbon’s successor as Chapman …
Liam Heagney
09 Aug 2024, 10:46
'Australian rugby has suffered from string of wrongly recruited Kiwis'
Robbie Deans (2008-13) and Dave Rennie (2020-22) both had stints in charge of Australia that failed to deliver success.
Liam Heagney
09 Aug 2024, 8:33
Mike Friday calls it quits and exits USA 7s after a 10-year stint
It was 2014 when the former England sevens player took charge across the Atlantic, but the 52-year-old is now finishing up followi…
Liam Heagney
08 Aug 2024, 10:58
Vaea Fifita explains why he has signed Scarlets contract extension
There had been rumours that the forward, who switched his country allegiance and represented Tonga at last year’s Rugby World Cu…
Liam Heagney
08 Aug 2024, 10:20
FFR statement: The latest update in the search for Medhi Narjissi
The 17-year-old Toulouse fly-half, the son of former Agen hooker Jalil Narjissi, was taking part in a recovery session at Dias Bea…
Liam Heagney
08 Aug 2024, 9:53
Bradley Roberts has announced his immediate-effect retirement
The South African-born front-rower made a 2021 Test debut for Wales against the country of his birth, going on to win five caps in…
Liam Heagney
08 Aug 2024, 7:43
RFU statement: The exit of Aled Walters as head of England S&C
The Welshman, who was a Rugby World Cup winner with South Africa in 2019, was recruited by Borthwick for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Liam Heagney
08 Aug 2024, 8:00
SA Rugby issues message after France U18s player swept out to sea
“SA Rugby have sent condolences and offered support to French rugby and the family of 17-year-old player Medhi Narjissi, who was…
Liam Heagney
08 Aug 2024, 7:17
Toulouse statement: The disappearance of 17-year-old Medhi Narjissi
It was reported that the 17-year-old son of former Agen hooker Jalil Narjissi was swept out to sea by a wave.
Liam Heagney
08 Aug 2024, 4:48
Stuart Hogg will miss the start of 2024/25 Top 14 season – report
The ex-Scotland captain announced in July that he was coming out of retirement and had signed a medical joker deal to move to the …
Liam Heagney
08 Aug 2024, 6:39
Ben Lam quits union for rugby league with immediate effect
The 33-year-old, who was out of contract after finishing up at Montpellier, had been rumoured to be staying in the Top 14, with Ca…
Liam Heagney
08 Aug 2024, 5:15
Six changes for Argentina, uncapped U20 also named on their bench
They have made two alterations to their pack and four in the backline for their opening-round match of The Rugby Championship in W…
Liam Heagney
08 Aug 2024, 3:33
The Clive Woodward verdict on Twickenham becoming Allianz Stadium
It was Monday evening when the RFU caught the rugby world unguarded by unveiling a sponsorship deal worth more than £10million a …
Liam Heagney
07 Aug 2024, 10:54
First unofficial depth chart highlights status of Louis Rees-Zammit
The defending SuperBowl champions will commence their campaign on September 9 with a home outing versus the Baltimore Ravens, and …
Liam Heagney
07 Aug 2024, 9:55
Ox Nche tackles allegation that law variation will depower scrums
The Sharks loosehead has been named to start for South Africa versus Australia in Brisbane on Saturday, a fixture that will see tw…
Liam Heagney
07 Aug 2024, 8:14
What Cobus Reinach makes of rookie No10, No8 Springboks starters
South Africa open their 2024 Rugby Championship campaign away to the Wallabies in Brisbane and Rassie Erasmus has selected fly-hal…
Liam Heagney
07 Aug 2024, 7:38
Lance Bradley puts figure on extra funding needed by Wales' regions
This past season was the first time in the three editions of the URC involving four South African franchises in a 16-team tourname…
Liam Heagney
07 Aug 2024, 5:41
Ex-All Black Jack Goodhue names his most difficult Top 14 opponent
Capped 19 times by New Zealand but just five times in the Ian Foster era, the 29-year-old last year decided to quit the Crusaders …
Liam Heagney
07 Aug 2024, 4:40
Michael Cheika explains reason he felt compelled to join Leicester
The Wallabies’ 2015 Rugby World Cup final coach was based in Paris while in charge of Los Pumas, whom he guided for a fourth-pla…
Liam Heagney
06 Aug 2024, 10:12
Toulon statement: Melvyn Jaminet’s contract 'substantially modified'
The 25-year-old full-back was investigated for a social media video which resulted in him being sent home from his country’s Jul…
Liam Heagney
06 Aug 2024, 9:10
The Rassie Erasmus verdict on the Siya Kolisi to Sharks speculation
It was last Friday when RugbyPass exclusively reported that the double Rugby World Cup-winning captain would be leaving Racing 92 …
Liam Heagney
06 Aug 2024, 7:04
What Erasmus wants from Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu in first Test start
The Stormers youngster has made four recent appearances off the bench for South Africa, but he has now been upgraded to start at f…
Liam Heagney
06 Aug 2024, 6:26
12 Springboks changes, including first start for Feinberg-Mngomezulu
South Africa were 64-21 winners in Bloemfontein over their European visitors on July 20 with a largely second string team and Eras…
Liam Heagney
06 Aug 2024, 4:03
Simon Middleton explains four lessons since exiting England role
Having been an assistant for the 2014 Rugby World Cup win in France, Middleton became the English team's head coach in 2015 and hi…
Liam Heagney
06 Aug 2024, 3:20
SA Rugby statement: The Siya Kolisi club contract buy-out
RugbyPass reported on Friday that Kolisi had held showdown talks with the Parisian club and wants to head home to South Africa aft…
Liam Heagney
03 Aug 2024, 12:54
Bordeaux statement: The signing of assistant Shaun Sowerby
The 46-year-old, who won his only South Africa cap in 2002 versus Samoa, carved out a playing career in France after exiting the S…
Liam Heagney
03 Aug 2024, 5:07
The 'aggressive' reason why Sam Warburton likes the look of England
Beaten finalists in 2007 and 2019, the English were eliminated by defending champions South Africa in the semi-finals at the most …
Liam Heagney
03 Aug 2024, 3:52
Ex-Ireland assistant Mike Catt linked with a Super Rugby role
It was last December when it was confirmed by the IRFU that the 2003 Rugby World Cup winner with England would be stepping away as…
Liam Heagney
03 Aug 2024, 3:41
12 referees from seven countries named for 2024 Rugby Championship
Andrea Piardi from Italy is one of 12 referees from seven countries appointed for a tournament which will kick-off on August 10 wi…
Liam Heagney
02 Aug 2024, 9:23
The tribute Joe Gray has paid to the 'life-changing' Rob Hunter
It was two years ago when the front-rower, capped once for his country in 2014, stepped away from a stellar 16-year career with No…
Liam Heagney
02 Aug 2024, 6:44
Edinburgh statement: The signing of Matt Scott for the third time
The Scotland midfielder had been a free agent since finishing up at Leicester Tigers at the end of the 2023/24 season.
Liam Heagney
02 Aug 2024, 6:34
The Exeter update on 'relatively complex' Henry Slade injury setback
The 31-year-old was a starter in all three recent Test matches away to Japan and New Zealand (twice) following a Guinness Six Nati…
Liam Heagney
02 Aug 2024, 5:51
David Nucifora issues final message as Ireland high performance boss
The ex-Australian hooker arrived in Dublin in 2014 to take on a newly created position to transform the sport for the Irish and hi…
Liam Heagney
02 Aug 2024, 3:57
Sam Warburton sets 'sack' deadline for Warren Gatland as Wales boss
Wales lost all five matches in the 2024 Six Nations and have since been beaten by South Africa and Australia (twice), leaving them…
Liam Heagney
01 Aug 2024, 8:20
Jake White's All Blacks-like prediction about Bulls' David Kriel
The 25-year-old, who has signed a contract extension through to 2027, was previously considered as only a full-back/utility, but h…
Liam Heagney
01 Aug 2024, 7:01
Billy Vunipola's first impression of his new life at Montpellier
The 31-year-old, who was at Saracens from 2013 to 2024, has quit the Gallagher Premiership for the Top 14 for the next few years a…
Liam Heagney
31 Jul 2024, 11:13
The Rassie Erasmus verdict on Joe Schmidt's Wallabies
Former Ireland head coach Schmidt is currently three wins from three as Australia head coach following their recent 2-0 series suc…
Liam Heagney
31 Jul 2024, 7:43
Ex-England skipper Phil de Glanville pens six-point RFU reflection
The 55-year-old, who was capped on 38 occasions between 1992 and 1999, was awarded a distinguished member badge following the end …
Liam Heagney
31 Jul 2024, 4:12
Four World Rugby U20 Championship 2024 sign off talking points
We can’t sign off on Cape Town 2024, though, without properly reflecting on what the latest edition of the pinnacle internationa…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
28 Jul 2024, 2:30
World Rugby U20 Championship: The RugbyPass team of the tournament
England flew out of South Africa last Saturday evening to Heathrow as the rightful champions, the consistency of their potent scru…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
28 Jul 2024, 2:26
Zachary Porthen: 'We clearly at times couldn’t handle the pressure'
The next step on Porthen’s pathway is the Western Province U21s and a shot at eventually making their Currie Cup mix. He’s hop…
Interview
Liam Heagney
21 Jul 2024, 2:03
Nathan Catt: 'I think that’s sexy... it's unbelievable the progress'
The scrum generally gets a bad rep, its critics vocal that it takes up too much time and whatnot. But when it works, as it has sum…
Interview
Liam Heagney
21 Jul 2024, 1:55
The 2009 defeat that inspired Mark Mapletoft to 2024 England U20s glory
A green bottle of Castle Lite was suddenly the beverage of choice… and why not? England had just been crowned champions. “I've…
Interview
Liam Heagney
20 Jul 2024, 1:58
Yago Fernandez Vilar: 'Spanish rugby is growing and we’re proving it'
They certainly enjoyed their first-ever campaign at the tournament and the excellent news for them is that they will compete in ne…
Interview
Liam Heagney
20 Jul 2024, 4:48
'He’s lying, it’s all Asher!': England U20s' Cape Town title party
Mark Mapletoft's side were immense in putting manners on a French side who needed a last-second converted consolation to massage t…
Interview
Liam Heagney
20 Jul 2024, 1:07
Glory for England U20s as second-half power show dethrones France
Ahead by a single point at the break after riding their luck at times during an edgy opening half, Mark Mapletoft’s dynamos took…
Liam Heagney
19 Jul 2024, 14:03
Baby Blacks clinch best U20 Championship finish since 2017 title win
Both teams were soundly beaten in the semi-finals, New Zealand swatted aside 55-31 by French flair while Ireland were depowered 31…
Liam Heagney
19 Jul 2024, 11:36
Junior Boks end poor Championship run with seven-try win over Wales
Bafana Nhleko’s injury-hit side had lost twice to Argentina and England in their recent outings at a variety of venues following…
Liam Heagney
19 Jul 2024, 8:54
Sudden death try sees Spain relegate Fiji from World U20 Championship
The Fijians ultimately paid a heavy price for card trouble, suffering three yellows and one red over the course of an exhausting 9…
Liam Heagney
19 Jul 2024, 7:55
Willie Faloon: 'I wouldn’t have done an awful lot differently'
Defeat when a team hasn’t performed fully is the worst kind of loss. That was the ordeal Ireland were put through in Cape Town o…
Interview
Liam Heagney
15 Jul 2024, 7:17
'URC is the only proper competition where we can be involved'
The former national team boss, who stepped down after Rugby World Cup 2023 to become his union’s high-performance boss, claimed …
Interview
Liam Heagney
19 Jul 2024, 3:50
4 England vs France World Rugby U20 Championship final talking points
A high-scoring shootout is the expectation, although the forecasted rain could temper attacking ambition. Here are the RugbyPass t…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
19 Jul 2024, 1:21
Getting to know: South Africa U20s back row Thabang Mphafi
He started all three of their pool matches, packing down at openside, blindside and then No8 in the final game against the English…
Interview
Liam Heagney
19 Jul 2024, 1:05
England U20s Ollie Allan: 'It has worked out, I've got myself here'
Thirteen months ago, he was suddenly made redundant. London Irish collapsed, leaving the senior academy member at an awkward loose…
Interview
Liam Heagney
19 Jul 2024, 1:01
France U20s skipper Hugo Reus: 'We need to win for my village'
Four times he has flown south from France in the last 13 months, his involvement at the 2023 and 2024 World Rugby U20 Championship…
Interview
Liam Heagney
19 Jul 2024, 0:51
Two England changes for World U20 Championship final versus France
Mark Mapletoft’s side demonstrated their ability to squeeze teams in that last four success, holding the Irish scoreless in the …
Liam Heagney
17 Jul 2024, 12:14
'You shouldn’t really judge a whole programme on one particular game'
If the double doesn’t materialise, though, he doesn’t want people judging the RFU’s pathway programme based on a single resu…
Interview
Liam Heagney
18 Jul 2024, 2:51
Getting to know: Italy U20s No8 Jacopo Botturi
Skipper Botturi, who led the team to two wins – including a victory away to France – in a fourth-place Six Nations finish, wil…
Interview
Liam Heagney
18 Jul 2024, 2:03
Philippe Boher: 'We adapted our rugby specifically for this group'
France, of course, had their dominance in this grade interrupted by the pandemic after their two-in-a-row of 2018 and 2019, but th…
Interview
Liam Heagney
18 Jul 2024, 1:51
Where are they now? The 2016 England U20 Championship-winning team
Ten of Martin Haag’s class of 2016, who defeated Ireland 45-21 in the final in Manchester, went on to play Test-level rugby, eig…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
18 Jul 2024, 1:36
France make two changes for U20 Championship final versus England
The French, who are chasing a fourth successive world title in a row, swatted aside New Zealand 55-31 in their semi-final last Sun…
Liam Heagney
17 Jul 2024, 7:22
Getting to know: England U20s scrum-half Ollie Allan
With that pesky leg ailment since healed, Allan has returned to the England squad and been a key component in what has been achiev…
Interview
Liam Heagney
17 Jul 2024, 2:17
Brent Liufau: 'Special night playing against my cousin for New Zealand'
France versus New Zealand was a spicy rematch last Sunday at the World Rugby U20 Championship. The French, the defending three-in-…
Interview
Liam Heagney
16 Jul 2024, 4:51
'The bright side' Vernon Bason has taken from heavy loss to France
The Baby Blacks had defeated France in a pool match in Stellenbosch 10 days earlier, Rico Simpson kicking an 80th-minute penalty t…
Interview
Liam Heagney
16 Jul 2024, 14:03
Four World Rugby U20 Championship semi-final talking points
Sunday at the World Rugby U20 Championship in Cape Town began with a blue sky, quite the contrast to match day there’s brutal we…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
15 Jul 2024, 9:44
'The lads don't understand the magnitude of doing things like that'
He had just witnessed his team go to the well, grinding out a dogged 17-12 win over South Africa at the World Rugby U20 Championsh…
Interview
Liam Heagney
10 Jul 2024, 3:40
Ireland coach Andy Farrell: 'I’m jealous of that'
Andy Farrell was directed into a vast Kings Park boardroom next door where the long long-table set up now dwarfed the water bottle…
Liam Heagney
15 Jul 2024, 2:00
Mark Mapletoft: 'Four-fifths up the mountain... now for the summit'
Having drawn their last two matches with Ireland, they finally put the squeeze on the age-grade rivals, dominating in the scrum an…
Interview
Liam Heagney
15 Jul 2024, 5:55
England U20s hooker Craig Wright: 'It’s a real weapon of ours'
With Ireland eventually beaten 31-20, the hooker had just finished belting out Zombie in his team’s dressing room when he stroll…
Interview
Liam Heagney
15 Jul 2024, 4:40
England scrum their way to U20 final with deserved win over Ireland
Two points up at the break, Mark Mapletoft’s side took a firm grip on the previously frenetic exchanges and the second period be…
Liam Heagney
14 Jul 2024, 11:27
Seven-try France hammer New Zealand to book U20 final versus England
Beaten 26-27 by an 80th-minute Baby Blacks penalty in a July 4 pool match in Stellenbosch, the French only reached the last four a…
Liam Heagney
14 Jul 2024, 13:54
Jono Gibbes' reaction to France U20s putting 55 points on New Zealand
The Baby Blacks came into the fixture at the Cape Town Stadium having beaten the French 27-26 just 10 days earlier in a pool match…
Interview
Liam Heagney
14 Jul 2024, 16:18
Caelan Doris and three other South Africa vs Ireland talking points
What an epic we were treated to in Durban on Saturday. The atmosphere at Kings Park was tremendous and the calibre of the rugby on…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
14 Jul 2024, 4:55
Nathan Michelow: 'It's one that we all want to smash them in really'
The lobby of the England team hotel in Cape Town was as busy as a railway station concourse when RugbyPass dropped by in midweek t…
Interview
Liam Heagney
14 Jul 2024, 3:39
Four World Rugby U20 Championship semi-final talking points
It was last Tuesday following match day three when the appetising semi-final line-up was confirmed, pitting Rugby Championship cha…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
14 Jul 2024, 3:22
Ireland player ratings versus South Africa – Castle Lager Test Two
Here, amid the disco/swim club vibe reverberating around the ground, they brought their razzle and dazzle and led 10-0, 16-6 and 1…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
13 Jul 2024, 13:00
The Andy Farrell answer to Ireland or South Africa being world No1
The Irish travelled to the southern hemisphere four months after clinching back-to-back Six Nations titles and their tour to the h…
Liam Heagney
13 Jul 2024, 23:23
The Andy Farrell, Rassie Erasmus verdict on Ireland drop goal winner
Seven days after Andy Farrell and Rassie Erasmus shared different perspectives on the TMO decisions that were the hot topic coming…
Liam Heagney
13 Jul 2024, 23:16
What Rassie Erasmus said on refereeing in Springboks loss to Ireland
Trailing 6-16 at the break, South Africa roared back in the second half to take a 24-19 lead on 65 minutes after Handre Pollard su…
Liam Heagney
13 Jul 2024, 23:06
World Rugby U20 Championship match day four semi-final guide
It's semi-finals Sunday at the World Rugby U20 Championship and following last Tuesday’s weather-affected schedule, the hope wil…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
13 Jul 2024, 22:52
Liam Jack: 'I'd to grab an emergency passport to get on the ride'
Halfway through the conversation, he was approached by staff to see if he was interested in availing of any spa treatments – fac…
Interview
Liam Heagney
13 Jul 2024, 22:29
Ciaran Frawley: 'The strike was the ugliest drop goal I've ever hit'
Hang it in the Louvre. Ireland rugby fans have long cherished some famous last-gasp drop goals. Ronan O’Gara to clinch the 2009 …
Interview
Liam Heagney
13 Jul 2024, 14:50
New Zealand U20s change 10 in the hunt for a repeat win over France
Knowing they effectively had a ‘gimme’ versus minnows Spain on match day three, they rested numerous first-choice players but …
Liam Heagney
12 Jul 2024, 14:56
England U20s make two changes for semi-final with Ireland
The reigning age-grade Six Nations champions completed their Pool C campaign with a gruelling 17-12 win over South Africa last Tue…
Liam Heagney
12 Jul 2024, 9:34
World Rugby U20 Championship semi-final pairings confirmed
Meanwhile, England will take on Ireland in the other semi-final following the outcome of match day three at the tournament in Sout…
Liam Heagney
09 Jul 2024, 16:45
Lyon statement: Recruitment of New Zealand U20s boss Jono Gibbes
It was January 2023 when a Champions Cup hammering at home to Leicester spelled the end for the 47-year-old at a club he agreed to…
Liam Heagney
12 Jul 2024, 13:14
Three Ireland U20s changes but no recall for skipper Evan O'Connell
They also confirmed that skipper Evan O’Connell, the nephew of Paul O'Connell who last took the field in the July 4 pool win ove…
Liam Heagney
12 Jul 2024, 10:07
Four changes for France for their U20s rematch with New Zealand
The French qualified for the last four with a 29-11 bonus-point win over Wales last Tuesday in Athlone, a result that was perfect …
Liam Heagney
12 Jul 2024, 7:44
Getting to Know: England U20s No8 Nathan Michelow
A knock prevented Michelow from togging out for the middle game versus Fiji but he was in the thick against southern hemisphere he…
Interview
Liam Heagney
12 Jul 2024, 1:56
Getting to know: New Zealand U20s lock Liam Jack
Graham Jack, the lanky lock’s father, was a 1998 Super Rugby champion playing in the Crusaders engine room.
Interview
Liam Heagney
12 Jul 2024, 1:36
Bafana Nhleko: 'South Africa fans have every right to be upset'
His team not only needed to beat England in the puddles of Athlone but they also had to win by a margin wide enough so that the ma…
Interview
Liam Heagney
10 Jul 2024, 2:45
The 'silver lining' Wales have taken from latest U20s loss to France
A year ago, 19-43 was the margin of defeat which left them contesting the fifth to eighth placings on match day four. That 24-poin…
Interview
Liam Heagney
10 Jul 2024, 3:20
The 'so perfect' France reaction to keeping alive U20s title defence
Any suggestion that their last-gasp defeat to New Zealand last Thursday had loosened their grip on the trophy they have won for th…
Interview
Liam Heagney
10 Jul 2024, 3:00
Joe Bailey: From 'horrible' to 'everyone singing, dancing, hugging'
The World Rugby U20 Championship Pool C fixture on the Cape Flats had been deadlocked since the 51st-minute and the Exeter lock ha…
Interview
Liam Heagney
10 Jul 2024, 2:31
An 86th-minute try clinches England U20s the win over South Africa
Repeated infringing from the Junior Boks, which included the yellow carding of Divan Fuller, meant the match continued level until…
Liam Heagney
09 Jul 2024, 14:13
The Ireland U20s verdict on making semi-final without playing Australia
The Irish, who had nine points after two matches, were due to take on Australia, who had six points, on Tuesday in the final round…
Liam Heagney
09 Jul 2024, 9:08
U20 champions France see off Wales to keep their title defence alive
With Pool A leaders New Zealand expected to run up a big score in the 7pm kick-off in Stellenbosch and progress with a total of 15…
Liam Heagney
09 Jul 2024, 11:46
Live blog: World Rugby U20 Championship 2024 in Cape Town – Day Three
While the schedule in South Africa is officially listed as the final round of the pool stage, it’s essentially the quarter-final…
Liam Heagney
09 Jul 2024, 4:57
World Rugby statement: The Ireland-Australia U20s match cancellation
The teams were set to kick-off at 2pm local time in a match to decide who would finish top of Pool B and advance to next Sunday’…
Liam Heagney
09 Jul 2024, 9:47
Getting to Know: England U20s lock Junior Kpoku
Kpoku was given a dice roll as an in-camp forfeit and rolling a six meant dying his hair or getting a buzz. The upside was that wh…
Interview
Liam Heagney
09 Jul 2024, 2:14
Four World Rugby U20 Championship match day three talking points
Wales versus defending champions France in Pool A is essentially a play-off to decide who clinches the single best runner-up spot …
Analysis
Liam Heagney
09 Jul 2024, 1:48
