Interview
Gallagher Premiership
'In the quest for cohesion, going with players from a specific club can be a useful shortcut'
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Contributors
Neil Squires
Neil Squires is the ex-rugby union correspondent for the Daily Express and has covered eight Rugby World Cups and 30 Five/Six Nations Championships. He has also written four books on the sport including the well-received but commercially catastrophic House of Lancaster, released with impeccable timing, to coincide with England's 2015 World Cup campaign.
103 Articles
Latest
Six Nations
England have plenty of second-rows but they do not have another Itoje
22
8 days ago
Investec Champions Cup
Bielle-Biarrey taunting Pollock may offend but also attract new fans
22
16 days ago
Gallagher Premiership
Chris Robshaw delivers Harlequins 'confidence' verdict
21 days ago
United Rugby Championship
Josh Macleod putting a brave face on with Scarlets future uncertain
43 days ago
Interview
Ross Byrne: 'I've played Munster many times away. I have a very good record there'
Munster away in the Champions Cup can be daunting but Ross Byrne will lean into his Leinster experience to rally Gloucester.
Neil Squires
10 Dec 2025, 6:57
Analysis
Can Bath fly the flag for England to disrupt French domination of the Champions Cup?
Johann van Graan's Bath appear to be best place to wage an assault on a Champions Cup dominated by the French giants
Neil Squires
03 Dec 2025, 3:59
9
Opinion
'Unique Earl could not have done much more this autumn to show his value to England’
Ben Earl's autumn form shows that despite opting to do without Tom Willis, England are in safe hands at No 8.
Neil Squires
27 Nov 2025, 5:52
28
Opinion
‘If Fin Smith is going to be Ford’s back-up at RWC27, he needs more caps before then’
While George Ford is shaping to be England's No.10 as they build towards RWC27, Fin Smith also needs more opportunities.
Neil Squires
18 Nov 2025, 9:23
11
Interview
Ollie Hassell-Collins: ‘I’ve still got my sights set on England but I don’t want to force it’
The Leicester wing would love to add to his two caps, but last year's top Prem try-scorer faces fierce competition.
Neil Squires
12 Nov 2025, 0:29
3
Opinion
'England must use 'superstar' Feyi-Waboso more if they want to be true sum of their parts’
Exeter's exciting wing is only 10 caps into his Test career, but England need to get him into the game more.
Neil Squires
04 Nov 2025, 3:42
4
Opinion
England’s missing link Furbank leaves Borthwick with familiar full-back dilemma
George Furbank may be Steve Borthwick's favoured choice but his injury misfortune means Freddie Steward and Marcus Smith are vying…
Neil Squires
29 Oct 2025, 0:03
7
Opinion
‘Branding Willis a mercenary does not add up. He and Ford have more in common than you might expect’
Tom Willis' decision to move to France, and George Ford's to stay at Sale, are not so different in their reasoning.
Neil Squires
23 Oct 2025, 1:35
18
Opinion
Who is the Gallagher Prem's greatest overseas import?
As Len Ikitau prepares to make his Exeter debut, RugbyPass ranks the top 10 overseas signings to grace England's top flight.
Neil Squires
15 Oct 2025, 2:12
21
Interview
Maverick Bristol ringmaster won’t change Bears' fearless high-wire act despite injuries
However challenging the current circumstances, Pat Lam remains soldered to his unique brand of attacking rugby.
Neil Squires
08 Oct 2025, 1:24
3
Exclusive
Paul Brown-Bampoe: Exeter's box-office banker turned try machine
The flying wing was not considering a career in rugby two years ago, but has surged to the forefront of this new-look Chiefs side.
Neil Squires
30 Sep 2025, 9:34
Exclusive
Ben Youngs: 'I’m super-proud to have been a one-club man but I don’t look back and wish I was still playing.'
As the new PREM season is about to get underway, the England record-cap holder is getting used to life as a former player...
Neil Squires
24 Sep 2025, 2:15
1
Interview
‘You don't want to become stagnant' - England hybrid Hill’s back-up plan for Bath
Ted Hill aims to help Bath back up their trophy-laden last season - and prove his value to England's cause.
Neil Squires
17 Sep 2025, 3:01
Opinion
Why English rugby needs Christian Wade and his Mission 102
For too long, rugby has stifled individuality, and the prolific wing's quest to break the league try record will be eye-catching w…
Neil Squires
10 Sep 2025, 6:42
1
Opinion
'Things are still too quiet' - English rugby needs a transfer window
The English game is still fighting for eyeballs - introducing a football-style transfer window would add some much-needed spice.
Neil Squires
02 Sep 2025, 5:09
11
Opinion
Tour fortunes of English Lions blur selection picture for Borthwick
England supplied 10 Test Lions but strong displays by other players in Argentina gave Steve Borthwick food for thought.
Neil Squires
06 Aug 2025, 3:38
27
Opinion
‘Lions tours are wonderfully uplifting but the trail of hard luck stories is long and painful'
Those part of the triumph are etched into history; the ones who might have been are quickly washed away.
Neil Squires
30 Jul 2025, 8:31
Interview
‘USA have a way to go to fulfil Moonshot mission but 2031 RWC will be a success’
The Eagles may be shooting for the stars on the field but will put on a 'huge show' when they host the RWC.
Neil Squires
24 Jul 2025, 0:05
8
Opinion
Iconic Lions moments of the professional era: 10-6
Bentley's belter, Dawson's dummy and North's fireman's lift on Folau feature in the latest of our iconic Lions moments.
Bryn Palmer Neil Squires
17 Jul 2025, 0:28
Opinion
Iconic Lions moments of the professional era: 15-11
Gibbs tramples The Ox, Warburton sweet-talks the ref and a selection bombshell feature in the latest of our 25 iconic Lions moment…
Bryn Palmer Jamie Lyall Neil Squires Owain Jones Pat McCarry
16 Jul 2025, 1:00
