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.
Patience is wearing thin for Steve Borthwick after England register their fifth consecutive loss with familiar failings
Steve Borthwick's men are finding new ways to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory and it is becoming a problem
England yet again fluffed their lines against the All Blacks when they had built a comfortable lead and questions are being asked
The core of England's lineup, from hooker through to full-back, will be key to their hopes of breaking new ground this November
With upheaval in the camp, Steve Borthwick has chosen not to rock the boat with selection but expectation is still heaped on Engla…
Domestic derbies and national rivalries are a rich part of rugby offering compelling drama.
The Autumn Series is fast-approaching and England have decisions to make over the shape of the squad
The new campaign must deliver some lessening of the gloom and uncertainty which has dominated of late.
The RFU's new Professional Game Agreement places more control in the head coach's hands, but more pressure upon his shoulders.
The revolving door environment created by Eddie Jones has returned under Steve Borthwick and stability must be found
England will rue two Tests that got away from them in New Zealand but they have much to be optimistic about
However you dress it up, an improving England missed a gilt-edged chance to register a first win on New Zealand soil for 21 years
Steve Borthwick has slowly turned his England team from unloved no-hopers to thrill seekers - a win in New Zealand would be seismi…
The Brave Blossoms were spirited opponents but there will be a step up in class when England travel to New Zealand
England have booked a date in Tokyo with their irrepressible former coach in Japan and fireworks are guaranteed
England coach Steve Borthwick has some tough calls to make as he whittles down his squad for Japan and New Zealand
It's one last dance for some Saracens legends and Northampton will be wary of the dangerous but ailing North Londoner's
The aristocratic Top 14 side are stacked with superstars and will fancy their chances against a similarly star-studded Leinster si…
The shellacking dished out by Northampton has been defended by head coach George Skivington after his high-stakes selection gamble
The club versus country debate has been rumbling on for eons but there are tentative signs progress is inbound, at last
Clear 
