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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.

116 Articles
LONG READ
Opinion

'Setting a sky-high entry cost to the Prem is not going to help with the expansion process'

Clubs wanting to join England's top tier will now need 'tens of millions' just to buy a share after promotion and relegation was d…

Neil Squires
Neil Squires
25 Mar 2026, 10:00
LONG READ
Opinion

Should England stick or twist with Borthwick? RWC27 clock cannot be used as an excuse

The idea the coach must be given the rest of the four-year cycle because he has been in place for most of it is fanciful.

Neil Squires
Neil Squires
19 Mar 2026, 6:21
LONG READ
Interview

Six Nations Super Saturday makes for ‘a gluttonous orgy of bog-eyed consumption’

The driving force behind the Championship finale recalls the sceptics and scheduling issues behind the 'triple bill' concept.

Neil Squires
Neil Squires
11 Mar 2026, 10:31
LONG READ
Interview

‘You never want to be that first England team that loses to Italy’

England are 'on a hiding to nothing' in Rome but this week's trip brings genuine unease for red rose supporters.

Neil Squires
Neil Squires
03 Mar 2026, 5:18
LONG READ
Exclusive

'Is this my fault?' - How Borthwick's shepherd's crook might affect vanquished England stars

Luther Burrell reflects on the "brutal" nature of first-half subs having suffered the same grim fate as Luke Cowan-Dickie and Fred…

Neil Squires
Neil Squires
25 Feb 2026, 1:18
LONG READ
Opinion

Ahead of his return to Twickenham, Andy Farrell is approaching a contract crossroads

As he approaches a decade working with the Ireland, tasting remarkable success, the decorated coach's next move is an intriguing d…

Neil Squires
Neil Squires
18 Feb 2026, 9:28
LONG READ
Opinion

Freddie Steward and Fraser Dingwall are quietly becoming crucial for England

Wales thrashing comes with its caveats but the centre and full-back are making real strides in an England shirt

Neil Squires
Neil Squires
11 Feb 2026, 8:19
LONG READ
Opinion

Can Wales win a match and will Borthwick smile? Ten key Six Nations questions

As the great jamboree looms into view, RugbyPass tackles the big issues facing this year's edition.

Neil Squires
Neil Squires
03 Feb 2026, 3:01
LONG READ
Interview

'In the quest for cohesion, going with players from a specific club can be a useful shortcut'

Steve Borthwick may pick as many as eight Northampton players in his 23 to face Wales in their Six Nations opener.

Neil Squires
Neil Squires
28 Jan 2026, 3:27
LONG READ
Opinion

'England are not short of second-rows. But they do not have another Itoje'

If anything befell Maro Itoje, Steve Borthwick would struggle to replace his totemic captain despite having plenty of good locks.

Neil Squires
Neil Squires
21 Jan 2026, 1:47
LONG READ
Opinion

‘Gloating at opponents should never be part of rugby’s fabric but devilry can have an allure’

Louis Bielle-Biarrey taunting Henry Pollock might offend rugby traditionalists but social media attention may attract a new audien…

Neil Squires
Neil Squires
13 Jan 2026, 6:32
LONG READ
Exclusive

'I love this club, but these are tough times' - Chris Robshaw's Harlequins verdict

As his former side lurches from loss to loss and battles off-field issues, its ex-captain believes a big performance is building.

Neil Squires
Neil Squires
08 Jan 2026, 3:01
LONG READ
Exclusive

Josh Macleod: Scarlets captain 'cracking on' as D-day looms for his region

With one Welsh region set to be culled, the four sides do battle over the festive period with their very futures at stake.

Neil Squires
Neil Squires
17 Dec 2025, 5:01
LONG READ
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
Neil Squires
10 Dec 2025, 6:57
LONG READ
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
Neil Squires
03 Dec 2025, 3:59
LONG READ
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
Neil Squires
27 Nov 2025, 5:52
LONG READ
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
Neil Squires
18 Nov 2025, 9:23
LONG READ
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
Neil Squires
12 Nov 2025, 0:29
LONG READ
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
Neil Squires
04 Nov 2025, 3:42
LONG READ
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
Neil Squires
29 Oct 2025, 0:03
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