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.
Farell jnr proved his class and composure for a Lions team which delivered a statement performance, albeit against weak opposition…
There is a worrying feeling these Lions are not yet on top of their game, but the real business is yet to come.
The 'limp' win over the Waratahs raised serious questions about the tourists' readiness for a full-blooded Test series against the…
Andy Farrell has myriad conundrums to solve as the Lions near their defining moment but the captain's form is not a worry
The Lions head coach, while pleased with a convincing victory over Western Force, has demanded much more intensity
The Lions' Dublin send-off was always going to be a distraction from the real business at hand, but now it is time to 'circle the …
The coach has a set of non-negotiables to deliver as the British and Irish Lions prepare to play their first match of 2025 against…
The neutral, looking at the form guide, would expect a comfortable Bath win but Leicester's grit and guile shouldn't be underestim…
Michael Cheika and a host of senior pros are leaving Leicester, but substantial foundations are in place for their successors.
The back-row balance will be key to the Lions overpowering and outwitting the Wallabies and the scrap for a starting shirt will be…
England's new generation of No.9s will have to go some to match the class and durability of retiring duo.
The new British and Irish Lions captain will take his earring assuredness to the Wallabies, a distinctive multi-layered modern man…
Warren Gatland forged a sense of togetherness in his 2013 Lions but faced personal 'vitriol' after leaving out a legend.
Marred by newspaper columns and controversy, Graham Henry's 2001 vintage still served up a fabulous Test series against the Wallab…
After brawls, drama and excitement, an initially controversial tour cemented Australia's place on the Lions southern hemisphere ag…
Europe's elite tournament needs more uncertainty rather than another shakedown towards an inevitable Leinster-Toulouse final.
A game between two three-time winners of the Champions Cup should whet the appetite of fans but Saracens' weakened side risks its …
Steve Borthwick's men were much maligned at the start of the Six Nations but their renaissance is gathering momentum
Wales will aim to harness the passion of their home crowd but the game will be decided by form, not historical enmity, with Englan…
England are in the mix for an unlikely shot at the Six Nations Championship to prove that baby steps are turning into real signs o…
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