Ollie Phillips: Marcus Smith ready to start against Australia November 12, 2021 He is a mercurial talent who was destined to be in an England jersey and tomorrow against Australia Marcus Smith will get his first taste of top-level international rugby. Smith’s previous two England starts have come in under-strength sides who played the USA and Canada during the summer. This weekend he will wear No10 against [...]
Rob Simmons: Australia can beat England if they go through the front door November 12, 2021 International rivalries make sport tick. The anticipation ahead of the match, the key moments, the celebration, the comedown. Fixtures often rooted in factors long reaching from sport. When England and Australia meet each other in a sporting arena, winning feels just that little bit more meaningful. Rob Simmons, member of the rugby institution that is [...]
Joe Marler out of Australia match following positive Covid-19 test November 9, 2021 Joe Marler will miss England’s next autumn international against Australia on Saturday after testing positive for Covid-19. The prop, who plays for defending premiership champions Harlequins, tested positive in both his lateral flow and PCR tests. In a statement, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) said: “Joe Marler has tested positive for Covid and will be [...]
England’s fly-half options offer glimpse into an exciting future November 7, 2021 In England’s dominant win over Tonga on Saturday, the scoreline was never really going to be the point of discussion. For the first time since the 2020 Six Nations more than 80,000 spectators packed into Twickenham, and at the weekend they were offered a glimpse of what a future England side could look like. Amid [...]
Aleki Lutui: Tonga need to express themselves against England November 5, 2021 It hasn’t been the easiest of periods for the paradise island nation of Tonga, somewhat isolated from the rest of the world during the pandemic with many unable to return home for nearly two years. In difficult times people look to sport for hope and in the ‘Ikale Tahi, the national rugby side, the people [...]
Five things: Derby day win for Sarries as Ford shines for Tigers October 31, 2021 Derby day victory for Saracens as domestic action continued, internationals returned and George Ford shined in five things we’ve learned. Derby day delight Yesterday the London bragging rights were up for grabs as Harlequins hosted Saracens at the Stoop. In their 22-29 win over their rivals, Sarries showed their skill in controlling their opposition and [...]
The November international window helps and hinders rugby October 29, 2021 November to northern hemisphere rugby fans is equivalent to being a child in the world’s biggest toy shop. The domestic leagues are in full flow and the prospect of continental club rugby is on the horizon, but to top it off the best of the world’s international sides come to Europe for autumn tours. Windows [...]
Ollie Phillips: The Premiership is just so competitive October 28, 2021 The Premiership is producing some of the best rugby that it ever has, and the lack of England internationals over the coming weeks will make games even more unpredictable. Eddie Jones’s autumn squad is already at a training camp in Jersey, meaning a host of stars are unavailable for selection on a weekend full of [...]
New stadium in Cornwall could change the sporting landscape October 27, 2021 For a region boasting a population of 550,000, it has long been an anomaly that Cornwall lacks a large-scale sports stadium. That could begin to change today, however, as a decision at today’s Budget could set in motion a series of events resulting in a major shift of Cornwall’s sporting landscape. The Stadium for Cornwall [...]
Why sport is playing against the clock when it comes to the climate crisis October 26, 2021 It is becoming increasingly apparent that the climate crisis touches everything and sport – often played outdoors and shaped by the weather – is, not surprisingly, no exception. Winter sports are in serious trouble. Alpine glaciers and skiing seasons are rapidly shrinking. Not a single event on last year’s biathlon circuit could proceed without using [...]
