Opinion
Nations Championship
Mick Cleary: 'There was plenty to admire in England’s showing, even if the madcap finish scrambled many minds.'
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Contributors
Mick Cleary
Mick Cleary was sports feature writer for The Observer from 1988-1997 covering Wimbledon, Tour de France, F1, cricket, golf, athletics and horse racing. In 1997 he became Chief Rugby Correspondent of The Daily Telegraph. He has covered eight Rugby World Cups as well as seven Lions tours. Cleary has also written several books on the sport.
132 Articles
Latest
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Opinion
Mick Cleary: 'McCall prefers the shadows but the more he shuns the spotlight, the more it seeks him out.'
The long-serving Saracens Director of Rugby leaves a genuine legacy as one of the Gallagher Prem greats but he has one last shot a…
Mick Cleary
03 Jun 2026, 13:36
12
Opinion
Mick Cleary: 'The manner of UBB’s victory should provide an inspiration to others.'
The chasing pack shouldn't give up hope, Bordeaux can be caught but for an English or Irish to topple them, would be some feat
Mick Cleary
25 May 2026, 8:30
12
Opinion
Mick Cleary: 'Giving the world champions a run for their money would rightly set the tone for the next 15 months.'
The England head coach has a fresh looking squad and multiple selection conundrums to address for the Nations Championship
Mick Cleary
19 May 2026, 6:44
1
Opinion
Mick Cleary: 'Bath will be deflated but should be inspired to reach for even greater heights.'
Johann van Graan's men were beaten but unbowed but realise there are levels required to topple Europe's best
Mick Cleary
05 May 2026, 10:40
Opinion
Mick Cleary: 'They breed ‘em different in Bordeaux as Bath Rugby are about to find out.'
Bordeaux-Begles had a fearsome reputation, spearheaded by Vincent Moscato and the current day iteration are no less dangerous for …
Mick Cleary
30 Apr 2026, 1:41
4
Opinion
Mick Cleary: 'Are we about to witness two of the greatest Champions Cup quarter-finals?'
Even those with the longest memories will struggle to recall better ties in prospect than Bath v Northampton and Bordeaux-Begles v…
Mick Cleary
10 Apr 2026, 3:34
2
Opinion
Mick Cleary: 'Only a fool would write Saracens off in the long-term. They merit more respect than that.'
Mark McCall built an empire that is in transition and they are big underdogs against Bath, but don't bet against them causing an u…
Mick Cleary
01 Apr 2026, 0:28
3
Opinion
Mick Cleary: 'Borthwick’s men must commit themselves to a wholly different way of playing.'
England have lost four games in the Six Nations for the first time but their brilliant display in Paris provides a route forward
Mick Cleary
16 Mar 2026, 4:46
22
Opinion
Mick Cleary: 'Just get out there and give it a go. That’s all England expects.'
A first ever loss to Italy after 35 years of fixtures has left England bereft and in search of leadership and clarity. Next stop, …
Mick Cleary
09 Mar 2026, 6:53
16
Opinion
Mick Cleary: 'This is the most challenging ten days of Borthwick’s career.'
After tearing up the team that misfired against Scotland and Ireland, Steve Borthwick and England travel to Rome with a point to p…
Mick Cleary
04 Mar 2026, 4:09
7
Opinion
Mick Cleary: 'Two more England losses and the vultures will be licking their lips.'
Steve Borthwick's men put in one of their worst performances in his three-year tenure as England coach and warning signs are writ-…
Mick Cleary
23 Feb 2026, 1:52
25
Opinion
Mick Cleary: 'England are yet to deliver a statement win on the road. Until they do claims they're World Cup contenders must be in question.'
England fans hope a no-show in Murrayfield is just a blip and not the start of a decline in fortunes as the World Cup approaches
Mick Cleary
16 Feb 2026, 2:47
13
Opinion
Mick Cleary: 'England approach Murrayfield with relish, no matter what awaits them.'
Steve Borthwick's England swatted aside a listless Welsh side knowing stiffer challenges lie ahead with Murrayfield looming
Mick Cleary
09 Feb 2026, 4:07
2
Opinion
Mick Cleary: 'England are in a good place. And Itoje on the bench proves that.'
Steve Borthwick has consulted with the England captain about his return from compassionate leave and it shows England's confidence
Mick Cleary
04 Feb 2026, 5:09
4
Opinion
Mick Cleary: 'What McCall helped build at Saracens is bearing the self-same fruit for England.'
As Mark McCall prepares to step down after 15 years at the Saracens coal face, Steve Borthwick respects all that he has done for E…
Mick Cleary
27 Jan 2026, 7:02
7
Opinion
Mick Cleary: 'England need to set a target. They need to win the 2026 Six Nations Championship.'
Steve Borthwick is riding the crest of a wave but the next six months will tell us if England are really ready to be World Cup con…
Mick Cleary
22 Jan 2026, 5:03
5
Opinion
Mick Cleary: Five reasons for Steve Borthwick to be cheerful
The England head coach is approaching the 2026 Six Nations in a position of strength as he builds towards the World Cup next year
Mick Cleary
08 Jan 2026, 3:53
15
Opinion
Mick Cleary: 'We should applaud to the rafters the news that rugby on ITV is back with a bang.'
Top-level rugby wants to grow and putting the Nations Championship on free-to-air with ITV in a bumper deal is a fillip for the sp…
Mick Cleary
11 Dec 2025, 6:08
6
Opinion
Mick Cleary: 'Appetites for adventures Down Under have been well and truly whetted'
While there is little jeopardy for the top sides in the early stages, RWC27 promises to put on a show that will enchant across the…
Mick Cleary
03 Dec 2025, 6:30
1
Opinion
Mick Cleary: 'England are aiming high and have every reason to do so.'
Steve Borthwick deserves credit for turning England from plucky losers to triumphant victors in a stunning 12 month period
Mick Cleary
24 Nov 2025, 13:08
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