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.
Steve Borthwick is yet again under-fire for England's brand of rugby and the visit of Italy is the time prove his doubters wrong
England may have the Calcutta Cup back but there was little jubilation after a win which raised more questions.
Bottling emotion and making steady selections are key if England are to end their drought against Scotland.
Just when hope was starting to drain from England's fans at Twickenham, Steve Borthwick's side pulled off a victory to lift the sp…
Steve Borthwick's men flatter to deceive as their hopes go South with a second-half implosion in Dublin and France are up next
There is plenty on the line in both the short and medium term for Ireland and England on Saturday.
There is little room for error in England's preparation for the 2025 Six Nations and the pressure is on them to find an upturn in …
There is a changing of the guard as England captain and optimism abounds at the start of a year where Steve Borthwick must improve…
The Ireland head coach will approach the Lions gig in the same indefatigable manner he has approached every role
Aftercare for players, the RFU's policy on overseas talent and Premiership travails are all high on the agenda for the next 12 mon…
The clock is ticking on the 2027 World Cup and England must decide when to discard those players past their prime
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.
Clear 
