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.
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…
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…
Clear 
