Latest Longform

Brain not brawn: the renaissance of Top 14 coaches

The traditional image of a hot-headed, combustible French coach has been replaced by a more reflective, intellectual coach that ha…

Smokin' Joe lands knockout punch for Quins

Will Collier: 'The front row at scrum time is the best place in the world'

A select member of the Quins front row forwards to have passed 200 appearances, Will Collier is playing the best rugby of his care…

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.

The inexorable rise of the golden oldies

By common convention, a rugby player was in decline once he hit 30, but a new wave of players are playing at the top level until t…

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.

Can they kick it? Yes they can

The very notion of a forward kicking the ball in open play used to provide mirth for fans but it's becoming increasingly commonpla…

England must embrace attacking flair of young firecrackers

When young Henry Arundell’s length-of-the-field try against Toulon went viral, something in the stratum of English rugby began t…

The Road To Perdition

While the first European penalty shoot out in 13 years played out to engrossed fans, many were left wondering if there's not a bet…

Sean O'Brien: The pathfinder

The abrasive backrow forward hangs up his boots this summer knowing he has blazed a trail on and off the field

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…