Jamie Lyall Freelance commentator for BBC Scotland and BT Sport After abandoning a career in veterinary medicine, Jamie turned to sports journalism six years ago, aiming to harness his passions for sport, writing, and complementary pre-match buffets. While his career has not grown as prolifically as his body fat percentage, he was fortunate enough to learn his trade with Planet Rugby and BBC Scotland before entering the freelance world. He has since been offered several brilliant opportunities to launch his commentary career, and when not writing for RugbyPass, can often be found bellowing names into a microphone for the BBC, BT Sport and others.

Van der Merwe's heroics silence the Twickenham masses

A try for the ages lights up a thrilling opening weekend of Six Nations rugby as Scotland, Ireland and France register away wins

This, surely, is Scotland's time to come of age

Down on the touchline, the Scotland players walked over to where their relatives were housed.

Nick Grigg: Sumo wrestling, pub knock-outs, fireworks and the Calcutta Cup

Scotland's Nick Grigg has gone from Glasgow to Japan and experienced rugby's weird and wonderful, but he will never forget the 201…

Jake Polledri: 'The hardest thing is having no answers'

The Gloucester favourite is back in international waters after two years of pride-shattering injury and personal loss.

Scotland will beat England or die trying

England have laid paws on the Calcutta Cup once in five years. Their towering home record has gone up in smoke.

Dave Cherry: 'If I see lads wasting an opportunity, I have a word'

Dave Cherry ended Scotland's worst rugby hoodoo on debut. He talks eye gouges, kiwi bars and the Calcutta Cup

RFU tackle-law debacle highlights rugby's existential crisis

The challenge for rugby to become a safer sport but still retain the elements that have made it a cherished sport to so many has b…

Is Welsh belief growing with the return of Warren Gatland?

The influence of the legendary Welsh coach has been seen after an upturn in fortunes for the beleaguered Welsh regions

Which players will light up the Six Nations?

A few players will have points to prove when the Six Nations kicks off in February.

Mike Cusack: Veet cream, Normandy beaches and life in the French sixth tier

Former Scotland prop Mike Cusack finds himself living amid the history of Normandy and coaching in the French sixth tier.

Will Eddie have the last laugh?

The sacked England coach has gone home where he hopes to leave a legacy with the Wallabies, starting with a World Cup run in Franc…

Rob du Preez: Sale's brotherhood, fancy dress and 'big dog' siblings

Rob du Preez is at the forefront of a clutch of fearsome siblings steering Sale towards the Premiership summit.

Farrell divides opinion like no other

The high-profile Saracen is in hot-water after a dubious tackle but his enduring qualities endear him to team-mates

Tom Jordan: 'Where is this going...am I even good enough?'

Tom Jordan swapped New Zealand for Scotland in his arduous quest to make it as a professional player.

Antoine Frisch: 'They said I wasn't good enough - I took that personally'

Ejected from the Stade Francais academy at 19, Antoine Frisch has taken a circuitous route to success at Munster

Scottish rugby's wish list for 2023

There are hopes north of the border that the New Year can bring a wave of optimism but there is clearly much work to be done

'I feel let down': Rory Sutherland on Worcester, Ulster and the Top 14

Rory Sutherland describes how Worcester "dragged my family through the dirt", why he can't stay at Ulster, and the allure of a Top…

Finn Russell: Life-altering Bath gold must come with silverware

Finn Russell will earn life-altering money at Bath, but the silverware he seeks would be truly defining.

Borthwick eyes English revival

The England fightback has started with the appointment of well-regarded Cumbrian and his assistant Kevin Sinfield

'Bags were packed to go home, but we stuck it out' - WP Nel eyes World Cup farewell

Isolated and grief-stricken, WP Nel almost left Scotland months after arriving. Now, the 36-year-old is eyeing a third Rugby World…

Watson magic gives rugby fans some festive cheer

While rugby fans froze at games, or kept themselves toasty by the fireside, they could all rejoice seeing Anthony Watson back in f…

Saracens big-guns look to assert themselves in the post-Eddie Jones era

Edinburgh stormed the StoneX a year ago in a landmark win but Saracens' England stars are smarting for a campaign which saw Eddie …

Eddie Jones awaits his fate

The England head coach role could soon be vacant as the pressure mounts a year out from the World Cup in France

Team of the Autumn Series

After five action-packed weekends of scintillatingTest rugby, RugbyPass+ selects its team of the Autumn Nations Series.

England feel the hurt and Eddie Jones feels the heat

The RFU is none too pleased with England's performances this Autumn, while in Wales, the crisis button is close to being pushed

Scotland must embrace Finn Russell to fuel World Cup dream

This Autumn Nations Series must end Scotland's long-running Finn Russell saga once and for all as the fly-half makes a sensational…

England's stirring comeback fires up Twickenham faithful

England were on the canvas with nine minutes left to go before staging a famous 19-point recovery job to stun the All Blacks

Steward takes charge as England momentum is restored

After their shock loss to Argentina, England steady the ship to down Japan as the All Blacks juggernaut rolls into town

England left with more questions than answers

England were yet again left to search for positives after a narrow loss to Argentina, ramping up the pressure on Eddie Jones

Luck of the Irish runs out at Quins

Harlequins into raptures as contentious stoppage time try breaks the hearts of London Irish fans as chaos reigns at The Stoop

'Russell sideshow rumbles on as self-flagellating Scotland lose game of inches'

After Blair Kinghorn's miss, the Finn Russell sideshow is sure to intensify, but neither is the reason Scotland lost to Australia.

The Finn Russell and Gregor Townsend standoff that has no winners

The perplexing, maddening dispute between Scotland's single-minded coach and his mercurial fly-half has broken cover to leave fans…

Marcus Smith rekindles the magic as Autumn Tests loom

The Harlequins playmaker shows his superstar worth as the Sale Sharks machine finally grinds to a halt with their first Premiershi…

'For some of these guys, this could be it. There's a realistic chance they won't find a new club.'

An elite rugby agency takes RugbyPass inside the chaotic recruitment scenes as Worcester Warriors went to the wall.

Mired in crisis, yet Premiership Rugby provides a joyous spectacle

The financial crisis around English rugby is dominating headlines off the pitch, which is at odds with the glittering rugby on it

'Since I've been at this club, I've never laid eyes on Colin Goldring'

Murray McCallum lost his father, then his job, but remains a beacon of positivity as the former Worcester Warrior searches for a n…

The fight for Worcester Warriors not to be forgotten

With the Warriors sunk and doubts still surrounding Wasps' short-term future as a Premiership Rugby club, rugby's financial climat…

Saracens lay down a marker as McFarland takes flight

Mark McCall's men exacted the perfect revenge mission on Leicester Tigers as the reigning champs were eviscerated

Mike Blair: 'I want Edinburgh to be constantly innovating'

Mike Blair didn't want the Edinburgh job at first, but has transformed the ailing club as a rookie head coach.

Rory Sutherland: Glasgow among suitors for Worcester and Scotland prop

A return to Scotland could be on the cards for Rory Sutherland, but not to the prop's former club, Edinburgh.

Rugby must not forget about Worcester Warriors

Worcester Warriors are a club that needs the support of the game in financially troubling times, and the hope is that rugby at Six…

Evolution in the east, revolution in the west as Scotland's teams gear up

Straight-talking Franco Smith must revitalise Glasgow Warriors while at Edinburgh, Mike Blair aims to build on the promise of last…

Matt Fagerson: 'At Glasgow we lost part of our DNA. Our work ethic was questioned'

Matt Fagerson laments Glasgow's identity crisis as he talks brotherhood, marriage, social media abuse and why size doesn't matter.

Theo McFarland: 'We didn't have a rugby ball - we used a Pepsi bottle filled with banana leaves'

Theo McFarland grew up playing rugby with a Pepsi bottle. He has been a debt collector and a basketballer. This is his journey to …

URC signings of the season

World champions, All Blacks and returning giants - who are the most eye-catching additions of the new URC season?

Raymond Rhule: 'Rugby refuses to tap into personality, players must be seen and not heard'

Raymond Rhule wishes rugby embraced its sparkling characters, rather than shunning them.

Who will be the Premiership signings of the season?

As Premiership clubs tool up for the long season ahead, which of their new signings will make the biggest impact?

Adam Radwan: 'Last season was my hardest; I had nothing away from rugby'

Newcastle's flying machine talks fishing with Dean Richards, being released at 18 and his England ambitions

Franco Smith: 'I chose to go to hard places but Glasgow is different'

Franco Smith's road less travelled has brought him to Glasgow, where he must lift the "gloom" hanging over the Warriors.

Summer Tests: Who would be picked in a World XV right now?

Rugby has been fortunate enough to feast on three weekends of sumptuous top-class Test action, where a select band of players have…

Ireland on top of the world as they humble All Blacks

The rugby world was turned on its head as Ireland defeated the All Blacks in the Series decider, leaving England to follow suit, w…

How Evan Roos went from coffee shop tears to Springbok debut

Early last year, Evan Roos was poised to give up rugby. On Saturday, he will become a Springbok. This is his story.

Uncertain England left looking for answers

The Southern Hemisphere are victorious as England yet again flatter to deceive, Ireland are blown away and Scotland are downed by …

'If I don't perform, my family don't eat': Hacjivah Dayimani's incredible tale

Hacjivah Dayimani's journey from township kid, child labourer and petrol station worker to URC winner.

URC team of the season

The Pro14 is consigned to the history books and the rebranded United Rugby Championship has a heavy South African influence, as ou…

Premiership final: Sean Maitland's Saracens 'revolution'

Sean Maitland has his eyes on yet another Saracens trophy, but says this Premiership title would mean more than the rest.

Alan Solomons: 'Springboks should stay with New Zealand and Australia'

In a wide-ranging interview, Alan Solomons argues the Springboks should remain in the south, why coaching is becoming more ruthles…

The rugby world mourns the loss of Phil Bennett

The world of rugby mourns the loss of the iconic Phil Bennett, Saracens and Leicester Tigers book a heavyweight clash at Twickenha…

Nathan Doak: 'I fell out of love with the game'

Ulster's young sensation Nathan Doak is astonishingly candid on Gary Neville, Tom Brady, and how covid leeched his love of rugby.

Kyle Hatherell: 'We woke up to giraffes on our front lawn'

Kyle Hatherell has endured wildfires and rejection, worked call centre and factory jobs on his road to the Premiership.

Premiership play-off draw adds spice to the sparkle

Saracens will face Harlequins in the first of two tasty Premiership play-off games, while Leicester Tigers host a rejuvenated Nort…

URC play-offs: Magnus Bradbury's last dance

From Dublin to Table Mountain, Magnus Bradbury's Edinburgh career has spanned grave trauma, captaincy controversy and exhilarating…

What to do about Scotland's player logjam

For the first time ever, Scotland's pro-teams are better resourced than their English rivals. But how can they ensure opportunitie…

La Rochelle's fairy-tale story strikes a blow for the underdog

La Rochelle wrote themselves into the history books with a seismic Champion Cup win to further enhance the reputation of Ronan O'G…

Cornell du Preez: 'Two people died in the beds next to mine' - from intensive care to Toulon glory

Crazy meetings, intensive care units and giving up Test rugby - Cornell du Preez's journey to the cusp of European glory.

Smokin' Joe lands knockout punch for Quins

Edinburgh and Glasgow contest biggest Scottish derby in years

Two trophies, Champions Cup qualification and inter-city bragging rights are at stake in a colossal Scottish showdown.

Is Johnny Sexton set to become Ireland's greatest player?

Johnny Sexton inches up towards the top of Irish greats, Leo Cullen every inch the equal of Stuart Lancaster and Gabin Villiere ma…

Duncan Taylor: 'I've spent 40% of my career injured' but Saracens star still hungry for glory

Duncan Taylor reckons he's spent 40% of his career injured, but his hunger to keep playing burns bright.

Henry Arundell announces himself on the world stage

The London Irish wunderkind has caught the attention of Eddie Jones, while Leicester Tigers reach their ceiling against Leinster a…

Edinburgh's Ben Vellacott seeks Wasps redemption

Ben Vellacott talks attempted stabbings, impact sub frustration and facing former side Wasps.

Rugby's next frontier at hand as records tumble and big questions loom

Women's rugby could be the game's next great frontier on a weekend when records fell, losing streaks ended and huge questions were…

URC breakout stars of the season

RugbyPass Plus selects its breakout stars of the inaugural United Rugby Championship season.

Saracens getting in the groove for trophy hunt

The five-time Premiership Champions served notice against Exeter Chiefs that they won't rest until they get their crown back

Leicester Tigers setting the pace

Freddie Steward leads the English charge as the giants of the game assemble for a no-holds barred battle to be crowned kings of Eu…

Rivals to tread Care-fully around the dangerous Quins

George McGuigan: 'My first year at Newcastle was a disaster'

From training-ground stamps to try-scoring fame, George McGuigan talks training-ground stamps, try-scoring records and England omi…

Ashton takes flight to write himself into the record books

The former England wing has finally drawn level with Tom Varndell as the Premiership top scorer in a weekend Leicester booked thei…

Six Nations: Team of the championship

Over 15 Tests, hundreds of players thrust themselves into action in front of watching millions but only the peerless 15 could make…

Six Nations: Controversy and collapse mire Scotland again

After a tame and error-laden Six Nations blighted by another team culture issue, Scotland have more uncomfortable questions to ans…

Six Nations: Charlie Ewels pays the ultimate price to set-up classic encounter

England fade late in a compelling Six Nations clash, Wales give France a mighty fright and Saracens learn to win without their sup…

Ref Watch: Why 'too picky' Matthew Carley is on to a winner

The business end of the 2022 Six Nations is upon us and it is no coincidence that World Rugby has upped the refereeing ante throug…

Scotland need to arrest Six Nations slide and regain momentum

Gregor Townsend has plenty of raw talent at his disposal yet consistency eludes his Scotland squad and that is a source of great f…

Saracens peg back Tigers in the race for the Premiership

Saracens beat the league leaders Leicester, Duhan van der Merwe's red card kicks off social media frenzy and the Welsh regions are…

England stutter to victory but are still in the Six Nations running

England get the job done after narrowly beating an improving Wales side, while Scotland lick their wounds after a French mauling a…

Six Nations: Tuilagi storms back into the Six Nations reckoning

The return of Manu Tuilagi has lifted the spirits of England fans while rugby mourns the passing of Steve Black and fans rage abou…

Six Nations: Marcus Smith sparkles but sterner tests await

The Six Nations delivers on thrills and spills as England and Wales rebound, while only France can win the elusive Grand Slam...

'If we win, I would cry': Paolo Garbisi on fashion, law and England

Paolo Garbisi was 14 when Italy last won a Six Nations match. The fly-half starlet talks fashion, family, France and facing Englan…

'I don't say this lightly. He is in the top five young players I've ever coached'

Paul Gustard reflects on his Harlequins exit, and how the Benetton players he coaches can stun England.

Six Nations: Scotland dare to dream

Scotland's gloriously ugly Calcutta Cup win must now be backed up

England would be 'going after' Scotland, he said. Could the Scots handle the pressure of being ‘red-hot favourites’, he ponder…

Can Scotland's best squad in a generation rise to the occasion?

Scotland are being talked up by those in the know as serious contenders, a side that England should respect and even fear but hope…

Hines' Calcutta Cup of tears

Nathan Hines talks walking out on Scotland, jousting with Eddie Jones and Calcutta Cup joy.

Rugby shows vision to widen its congregation

Rugby returned to terrestrial TV in a boon to domestic rugby and with the Six Nations just days away, rugby is set to return to ce…

Pool noodles, rituals and special forces - meet rugby's lineout king

Simon Hardy has coached many of the world's top hookers using swimming gear, Swiss balls and hype music.

Is George Ford primed as a starter or support act?

The 77-cap England fly-half is to be parachuted back into the England squad in the wake of Owen Farrell's injury with a point to p…

'I had to work nightshift in an Amazon warehouse' - Kyle Rowe, from redundancy to Scotland squad

Kyle Rowe's journey from unwanted winger working nightshift in a warehouse to the Scotland Six Nations squad.

'People believe it was a fluke' - Cadan Murley's Harlequins ambition

Cadan Murley talks Premiership glory, army beginnings and house-sharing with Marcus Smith.

Does glory or Groundhog Day beckon for Scotland?

Scotland boast an unprecedented array of talent, but will it be enough to end their brutal championship drought?

Opportunity knocks for England's shining stars

This week will be make or break for rugby stars up and down the country with squads being named for the Six Nations and a few play…

'I was laughing as I went on' - Ewan Ashman's remarkable rise

Ewan Ashman talks spectacular debuts, blink-and-you'll-miss-them loan spells and rebuffing England.

'There is a problem with money every tour' - Takulua shares Tongan frustrations

Captain Sonatane Takulua talks meagre wages and the future of Tongan rugby.

Wasp bite downs mighty Tigers

A resurgent Wasps upset the form-book and down unbeaten Tigers as the countdown for the Six Nations continues apace

2021: Review of the year

2021 saw Harlequins rejuvenated, the England Women go unbeaten and the Springboks bludgeon their way to victory. It also saw fans …

Smith and Fish serve up a festive feast of rugby

Harlequins and Cardiff served up a festive delight while Leicester continued their unbeaten run as European rugby was ravaged by C…

Dupont is surging towards greatness

Antoine Dupont bewitches the rugby world, Munster marvel agains Wasps and Edinburgh down the mighty Saracens

'He pointed his gun on my chest' - Van Rensburg's journey from armed robbery to salvation

Armed robbery, bereavement and trauma feature in the remarkable journey of Rohan Janse van Rensburg.

Tigers continue to bare their teeth

Leicester Tigers continue to blaze a trail in the Premiership, while Munster and Cardiff scramble to prepare for Europe after Sout…

Premiership heavyweights go toe-to-toe

Saracens come out on top in slugfest over Sale, the Samoans put on a sad show at Twickenham and the URC flies in to Covid chaos

World XV of the Autumn Series

As a breathless 2021 draws to a close, RugbyPass selects its international team of the year.

Factory to phenomenon: Melani Nanai's emotional voyage

An emotional Melani Nanai talks factory work, family and faith.

England quicken the pulse but Eddie Jones will not rest on his laurels

The rugby world had its best day since crowds returned as France won hearts, England showed elan and Ireland finally kicked off th…

Rebuilding the fortress

England continue the Wallabies poor run at Twickenham, Courtney Lawes playing the best rugby of his life, Wales searching for big …

'He could win 100 caps - he's f***ing talented': Ewan Ashman by those who know him

How Ewan Ashman went from unknown club prospect to Scotland's try-scoring hooker extraordinaire.

Scotland the braves

The first full round of inter-Hemisphere tests since the 2019 World Cup kicked off with a bang.

Scotland v Australia: The Murrayfield duel

Sunday's autumn international at Murrayfield pits two cerebral coaches and former Glasgow men against each other.

Bath looking to arrest worrying downturn in form

Bath head to Leicester Tigers is a state of disarray, Worcester finally get an all important win and Will Jordan announces himself…

'I dreamed of being a farmer': Vaea Fifita's Tongan odyssey

From stark poverty and family strife to the summit of professional rugby, this is Vaea Fifita's story.

Gareth Baber talks Fijian hostels, 3am meetings, Olympic gold and Edinburgh

From a 3am near-sacking to Olympic sevens gold, Gareth Baber brings hard-earned Fijian wisdom to his new role at Edinburgh.

Adam Hastings talks initiations, AirBnB and Gloucester's Shed

Adam Hastings is glad he left Glasgow Warriors for the relentless 'pressure' of the Premiership - even if it meant losing his hair…

Hot Rodd: Sale's dancing prop

Sale and England squad member Bevan Rodd talks scrum anguish, eclectic upbringings and naked dancing.

Sean Robinson: Newcastle's line-out physicist

Sean Robinson never thought he would use his physics degree, love for problem-solving and mathematical aptitude to decipher Gallag…

Rugby reprises the feel-good factor

The Gallagher Premiership form book is ripped up, Scotland’s women upset the form book and Zebo returns

In with the new

After a grim last season, can Scotland's new-look pro-teams deliver a rousing campaign?

Raffi Quirke: Catch him if you can

Meet Raffi Quirke, Sale's resident barber, budding restaurateur and future England scrum-half.

Montpellier's a winning proposal for Mercer

The former Bath No8 is a man on a mission following his move to France

England's future is in safe hands with Steward

Leicester’s full-back plans to get the Tigers back to the top - and keep his England starting spot

Eyes on the prize

A Test match in all but name, the clash with South Africa A has shown the Lions precisely what awaits.

Should the Lions run away with the Test Series?

The Tier 1 nations walloped the emerging nations in a one-side weekend of rugby while the Lions limp on

Huw Jones' Harlequins harmony

Huw Jones and Harlequins are a match made in rugby heaven.

England's next generation step-up

Some of England's fresh faces may be coming men, but others have already arrived.

The Lions are up and running

The Lions are purring but the spectre of Covid tracks them around South Africa

Premiership final: The key battles

Where might Saturday's mouth-watering Premiership Final be won and lost?

John Hardie's race is run

The Scotland backrow reflects on a career of glory, trauma and fulfilment as he hangs up his boots

The miracle of Ashton Gate

An astonishing weekend of rugby featured comebacks, trophies and breathtaking drama

Lightening the Lood

Sale's giant Springbok talks family, injury, and facing the Lions

Premiership team of the season

As a madcap campaign draws to a close, The XV selects its team of the season from England's top flight.

Saracens power up

The Basque derby was settled in bonkers fashion as the Premiership campaign ended on a bumper weekend of rugby.

The Flying Scotsman

Scotland centurion Sean Lamont talks Mustangs, brotherhood, naked calendars, and Craig Joubert.

The gloves are off

Coaching flare-ups, desperate injuries and Premiership drama featured on a tumultuous weekend's rugby.

The Bear Cub

After sparkling form and an England call-up, Harry Randall had to deal with injury lows but he's back to spearhead a Bears title p…

The Chiefs take flight

The Exeter Chiefs are looking ominous as Tuilagi returns and Harlequins dazzle their way into the play-offs

Reclaiming their crown

Toulouse and Montpellier were the big winners from a weekend where crowds started to make their presence felt again

Strength through pain

Kyle Sinckler's emotive interview stood out on a weekend of sparkling rugby and controversy

Laying the myth to rest

Eight Scottish Lions is a deserved return for a side that has shown it can thrive away from Murrayfield

The Lions lowdown

Warren Gatland has just announced his 37-man squad for the tour of South Africa so here's your cheat sheet

Ready to step up

As the Rainbow Cup kicks into life and Premiership Rugby reaches its denouement, everyone is talking about the Lions

The Tongan tornado

Malakai Fekitoa overcame near-permanent disability to reach the pinnacle of world rugby.

Return of the Gat

Glorious free-flowing rugby, Lions talk and petty squabbles dominate the weekend's talking points

Earning the right

Wanted by Scotland and England, Cam Redpath smashed a Calcutta Cup hoodoo on debut. This is his story.

Laying down a marker

Leinster will be left to take on the power of the Top 14 and English contenders fell by the wayside in Europe

Ruling the roost

Sam James isn't chicken about talking up Sale's chances of challenging at the top

Blonde ambition

Faf de Klerk has spent a career confounding critics and his bite around the fringes may trouble the Lions

Never give up hope

A scintillating Six Nations, a try-fest in the Premiership and a familiar Pro14 ending, it's all in our weekend wrap

On a wing and a prayer

Scotland can still party like it's 1999 in France despite missing Sean Maitland

Agony and ecstasy

A modern-day classic in Paris, a humbling in Dublin and a walkover in Edinburgh, the Six Nations finale had it all

Who makes our Lions XV?

A bonkers Six Nations leaves Warren Gatland with much to ponder. Who makes our writers' Lions XVs?

Groundhog Day

More heartbreak and yet more frustration. Will Scotland ever become Six Nations contenders?

The beautiful game

Six Nations rugby proved what an attractive competition it can be for its new partners CVC this weekend

Six Nations talking points

Against the backdrop of coronavirus angst and bonkers refereeing, the show goes on.

Banging the drum

Sam Simmonds continues to shine, the Cornish Pirates shock Saracens and Leinster power on

The arms race

How do you keep top players in Scotland? And how do you replace the ones who leave? Recruitment supremo Jan McGinity lifts the lid…

Out in the cold

Can even a rugby nation as rich as England afford to keep ignoring the untapped brilliance on its shores?

Thrill seekers

Welsh enigma, Sinners become Saints, Ireland's redemption man, Munster's old dog for the hard road

Six Nations: Team of round 2

A capitulation at Twickenham, slugfest in Edinburgh and arm-wrestle in Dublin, who made our XV of Round 2?

Tables Turned

George Turner began the season as Scotland's third-choice hooker. He started 2021 by conquering Twickenham. This is his story.

Six Nations: Team of round one

After a rout in Rome, a hoodoo shattered, and a needle-laden Cardiff tussle, The XV picks out the stars of the opening round of th…

Six Nations preview: Italy

The Azzurri are going with youth as they seek their first Six Nations win since 2015

The cup of hope

Scottish rugby history is littered with false dawns. Is the perennial Six Nations optimism merited, or does yet more agony beckon?

Six Nations preview: Scotland

Can Gregor Townsend make Scotland contenders on the road, to align with their home dominance?

Building the dynasty

Brendan Venter helped spawn the careers of some of English rugby's sharpest coaches. This is his dynasty.

From lost boy to libert

Kurtley Beale has charted a turbulent path from troubled wonderkid and rehab patient to joyous Racing 92 galactico.

Escaping the straitjacket

With his bright dreadlocks and custom boots, Paolo Odogwu is a splash of colour in an often-grey sport.

Catch me if you can

Randall admiration, Six Nations fears, Falcons march on, flying ref sees red, Ospreys renaissance, Irish elite

Loyalty and legacy

England's new tyro talks LeBron James, Eddie Jones and making an indelible footprint.

Set for lift-off

The XV has enlisted experts all over the world to select players they expect to make a big impression in 2021

Reasons to be cheerful?

As we enter 2021, there are no guarantees a new year will signal a new dawn.

Soldiering on

The second weekend of Champions Cup action brought Covid chaos, comebacks and Christmas cheer

The hardest Yarde

Campaigner, crusader, winger, Marland Yarde is a voice for change in rugby.

Mother Hibbard

The Dragons hooker opens up about the major influence in his life and career

The hurt locker

Thibault Giroud has applied sports science to make France one of the world's most durable teams

Hunger games

Jake Polledri is building a fearsome reputation as a ball-carrier and is Italy's new totem

Cowboy boots

Gopperth is the sheriff in town as Wasps prepare for final showdown

The pain game

Dave Ewers has overcome eviction, injuries and self-doubt to be on the cusp of glory

Family guy

Imhoff is a father figure for Racing's band of brothers in Champions Cup showpiece

Culture vulture

Townsend channels Fergie and Pep to get a team-first ethos with Scotland

Mind games

Racing 92 attack coach Mike Prendergast explains Finn Russell's modus operandi

The forgotten man

Once heralded a superstar, Huw Jones saw his stock plummet but his self-belief has never waned

Embracing the chaos

The Scotland captaincy and domestic stability have left Stuart Hogg re-energised at Exeter