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Whither England (Women)?
2022-05-03 09:35
England Women's 24-12 win over France at the weekend, which secured a Grand Slam, their 23rd victory in a row and a fourth successive Women's Six Nations title, means that they are… Read More
Big Win For Ireland
2022-05-03 09:00
Many congrats to Heaton Moor RUFC's Mike Ireland, who played his final game for the club this weekend at the age of 56, captaining the club's 3rd XV alongside his SEVEN sons in the Heaton Mo… Read More
Chris Ashton: Record Breaker
2022-05-01 07:49
Huge congrats to Leicester's Chris Ashton who yesterday became the Premiership's all-time top try-scorer.Ashton's 20-minute first-half hat-trick against Bristol at Welford Road took his… Read More
Pain In Spain - Again!
2022-04-28 13:56
It would appear that Spain, for the second Rugby World Cup running, have been kicked out of the competition, having been found guilty of breaching player eligibility laws by selecting South… Read More
Good Luck Tom Youngs
2022-04-28 09:30
Huge kudos to Leicester and former England and Lions hooker Tom Youngs, who this week announced that he was hanging up his boots with immediate effect at the age of 35.Youngs has been o… Read More
England Women Go In Search Of Another Slam
2022-04-27 16:42
England's women may well be on the brink of another Six Nations Grand Slam as they head to France this weekend.Their record so far - four wins from four games, having scored 42 tries and con… Read More
Patrick Crabtree RIP
2022-04-27 08:32
More gloomy news I'm afraid, as I discovered recently that former Barnes Rugby Club stalwart, Patrick Crabtree, had died on Easter Monday, after a year long battle with cancer. I can't… Read More
Ealing Dream Remains On Hold
2022-04-26 09:31
Sadly I still can't claim to have ever played for a Premiership club following the news last week that Ealing Trailfinders have chosen not to pursue their appeal against the decision to deny… Read More
Out Of Order?
2022-04-26 09:18
Interesting minor spat between Leicester and England prop Ellis Genge and former England hooker Brian Moore.Moore had commented on the fact that, during Leicester Tigers loss to Harlequ… Read More
More Sad News
2022-04-07 14:56
Another really sad piece of news, as it has been reported this week that Oleski Tsibko, former captain of Ukraine's national rugby team and former president of the Ukrainian Rugby Feder… Read More
Tom Smith RIP
2022-04-07 11:47
Terribly sad news that Tom Smith, former Scotland and Lions prop, has passed away, aged just 50, after a battle with colon cancer, having been diagnosed in 2019.Smith was a phenome… Read More
Eddie Is At It Again
2022-04-05 16:41
Weeks after another awful England Six Nations campaign, it turns out that Eddie Jones is back in Japan, reprising his consultancy role with Japanese club Suntory Sungoliath.The RFU is said t… Read More
Victorious Ealing Now In Limbo
2022-04-04 11:36
Well done to Ealing Trailfinders who, by virtue of their 60-10 victory over Richmond at the weekend, sealed the 2021-22 RFU Championship title. The story should have had the perfect en… Read More
Things That Make Me Feel Old #7
2022-04-04 09:30
Remember Kyran Bracken - that young fella that used to play for England between 1993 and 2004? Yes? Well his son, Charlie, made his first team debut for Saracens against Wasps last week.Yep… Read More
US Investment A
2022-04-01 09:51
I was intrigued to read this morning that the proposed $200 million investment in New Zealand Rugby by global finance company Silver Lake - which has been agreed by NZR and currently awaits… Read More
RIP Maddy Lawrence
2022-03-29 11:47
My condolences and sympathies go out to the family and friends of Maddy Lawrence, a 20 year old student at the the University of West England, who has tragically passed away following an inj… Read More
RFU Dishonesty Is Concerning
2022-03-22 11:47
Whether or not Eddie Jones is replaced as England's head coach - and I fear that we are, for better or for worse, stuck with him until after the World Cup next year - the RFU statement issue… Read More
England Watch - Is It Time For Eddie To Go?
2022-03-21 14:07
So, England finished in third place in the 2022 Six Nations behind France and Ireland, two excellent teams.No disgrace in that, you might think, but only two victories out of five in the Six… Read More
2022-03-21 12:00
Not everyone will agree, but here it is, the TF team of the tournament aka the Six Nations 2022 CHAMPS:15. Ange Capuozzo - a superstar is born. What an impact. 14. Josh A… Read More
Six Nations 2022 - Verdict
2022-03-21 10:49
And so another Six Nations reaches its conclusion. Plenty of positives for some teams, plenty of negatives for others. Super Saturday delivered up a surprise in Cardiff but was otherwise fai… Read More
You Have To Feel Sorry For...Max Malins
2022-03-18 11:27
It is not the fault of Max Malins that he is not an international standard winger. He is a very, very good fly half. He is an excellent fullback. But an international winger? No, talented fo… Read More
Wales Get All Sentimental
2022-03-16 07:42
The selection of Alun Wyn Jones by Wales to start against Italy in Cardiff on Saturday makes little rugby sense.Jones has played no rugby whatsoever since injuring his shoulder playing for h… Read More
Viva España
2022-03-15 15:40
Many congratulations to Spain on their qualification for Rugby World Cup 2023 in France.Their 33-28 victory against Portugal in Madrid on Sunday sealed Spain's qualification, the f… Read More
Six Nations 2022 - Round 4 Verdict
2022-03-14 10:30
A quick summary of this weekend's Six Nations action:Friday night in Cardiff saw Wales take on France, a match in which the French started like a whirlwind and thereafter sat back and defend… Read More
Six Nations 2022 - Round 4 Predictions
2022-03-10 15:21
The Six Nations is back with us this weekend. Here is what's going to happen, almost definitely (maybe):The hors d'oeuvres to the weekend's action is Wales vs France in Cardiff. Just ab… Read More
Premiership Pulls Up The Drawbridge?
2022-03-02 15:34
Yesterday’s announcement by the RFU that Doncaster Knights and Ealing Trailfinders have not met the minimum standards criteria for promotion to the Premiership, has been met with under… Read More
England Watch - Same Old Problems
2022-03-01 10:19
England’s narrow (some might even say fortuitous) victory over Wales at the weekend told us nothing new about this England squad. It is somewhat damning that, following Manu Tuila… Read More
Six Nations 2022 - Round 3 Verdict
2022-02-28 10:16
Thoughts on Round 3 of the 2022 Six Nations: Scotland v France Wow, great game. High quality throughout and Scotland, I thought, played as well as I've seen them play for quite some tim… Read More
Six Nations 2022 - Round 3 Predictions
2022-02-25 10:34
Blogging about rugby as people lose their lives to war in Ukraine does seem somewhat pointless and I did seriously consider giving it a miss.  That said, I am not sure how not blogging… Read More
2022-02-24 13:09
Very saddened by the news that dual-code legend, Va’aiga Tuigamala, has died, aged just 52.“Inga the Winger” was a phenomenal player in the 90s, a giant of a man and a true… Read More
South Africa To Join Six Nations?
2022-02-18 14:40
It's a fallow Six Nations week but the competition remains firmly front of mind amidst reports of plans for the Springboks to join the competition – possibly at exp… Read More
Waiting For Manu...
2022-02-15 17:51
Last week former Wales and Lions captain Sam Warburton, speaking on the BBC, drew attention to England’s “ridiculous” reliance on Manu Tuilagi. As he points… Read More
Correction
2022-02-15 13:21
In my post yesterday - England watch - any reasons to be cheerful? - I mistakenly stated that on Sunday Ben Youngs equalled the record for the number of England caps.I should, of course, hav… Read More
2022-02-14 12:02
A couple of cracking games in the Six Nations this weekend, and one not quite so cracking. Here's what I made of it all: Wales v ScotlandNot the highest quality match by any means but a… Read More
Jack Jeffery RIP
2022-02-14 11:32
My thoughts and best wishes go out to the family, friends and team mates of 27 year old Evesham Rugby Club player, Jack Jeffery, who tragically died after suffering a serious injury in… Read More
Six Nations 2022 - Round 2 Predictions
2022-02-11 11:57
And on we go to Round 2 of the 2022 Six Nations. Here is what is going to happen - well, possibly, more or less...First up, Wales vs Scotland in Cardiff. The Welsh were terrible last week in… Read More
Last Chance Saloon Re-opens For Business
2022-02-10 11:44
It may be as a consequence of the UK emerging from Covid restrictions, but it appears that the famous old establishment, The Last Chance Saloon, is back in business.I am referring to news th… Read More
More Thoughts About England
2022-02-08 16:13
For the third consecutive Six Nations, England have begun the competition with a defeat. Clearly this doesn't bode well for any aspirations Eddie Jones may have had in terms of winning… Read More
2022-02-07 16:55
With Round 1 of the 2022 Six Nations done and dusted, here is what I thought of it all: Ireland v WalesI thought Ireland would be pretty damned impressive and so it proved. The most acc… Read More
Six Nations 2022 - Round 1 Predictions
2022-02-04 17:09
A word of warning. My success rate when it comes to predicting Six Nations results has been less than impressive over the years, so for those that expect some kind of competency, please look… Read More
2022-02-04 11:25
Sorry to hear that Brian Moore will be co-commentating on his last men's Six Nations match during Saturday's forthcoming Calcutta Cup clash.It appears that Moore is a victim of the new BBC/I… Read More
You Have To Feel Sorry For...Ben Curry
2022-02-03 12:51
Pleased as I am that Tom Curry will skipper England against the Scots this weekend (I would have preferred Maro Itoje, but that's no slur on Curry's ability or potential), the man I feel sor… Read More
Six Nations 2022 - A Preview Of Sorts
2022-02-01 11:40
So, the 2022 Six Nations is very nearly upon us and, whisper it quietly, it just might avoid the sterility of 2021 and take place in packed stadia. Received wisdom – given the per… Read More
All Change At Chiefs
2022-01-27 17:45
Good to see that Exeter Chiefs have now confirmed that, with effect from the 2022-23 season, the club will drop its indigenous American-themed branding and logo, replacing it with… Read More
We No Longer Need To Talk About Owen!
2022-01-26 11:42
News that Owen Farrell has had ankle surgery means that the debate about the merits or otherwise of his inclusion as captain in England's Six Nations squad can be put to bed.Whatever your vi… Read More
And Now For Something Quite Nice...
2022-01-25 13:58
With social media largely full of bile and vitriol, every now again it is nice to read something that makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside, especially when it is rugby related.In this instanc… Read More
2022-01-20 19:17
Absolutely delighted by the news that ITV has agreed a deal with Premiership Rugby to show a number of live matches as well as a weekly Premiership highlights programme.With 5 live matc… Read More
We Need To Talk About Owen
2022-01-18 11:54
Probably the biggest headline to emerge from today's announcement of England's Six Nations squad is the inclusion of Owen Farrell as fly half and captain.Farrell, remember, hasn't played any… Read More
Numbers Suggest Rugby In Crisis
2022-01-14 08:00
I was alarmed to read in The Guardian earlier this week about the results of a recent survey which showed an alarming decline in the number of people participating in rugby over the last fiv… Read More
Tigers In The Dock?
2022-01-04 11:19
A belated Happy New Year one and all!The main news to emerge during the festive period (or, as it was known to the TF household, the Omicron period) was the confirmation by Leicester Tigers… Read More
Merry Xmas 2021
2021-12-24 07:36
However you are spending Christmas this year, stay safe and have a very cool yule and a Happy New Year.See you one the other side Read More
Touch - RFU Loses Out To RFL
2021-12-21 18:05
News of an interesting development (well, at least I think it’s interesting) with the announcement today of a partnership between the England Touch Association (ETA) and Rugb… Read More
Home Is Where The Heart Is
2021-12-16 17:30
A bit of a bombshell at Leicester Tigers this week with news that captain and England loosehead Ellis Genge has opted not to extend his contract at the end of this season and will therefore… Read More
Parisse Eyeing Italy Return?
2021-12-14 16:17
I was surprised to hear that legendary number 8, Sergio Parisse, is hoping for a recall to Italian colours for the 2022 Six Nations. Parisse was due to retire from international rugby f… Read More
Women's Players' Union Launches
2021-12-13 14:44
More progress in the world of Women’s Rugby with news today of the launch of a new players’ union - The Women's Rugby Association (WRA) – for women in the Premier 15s… Read More
OFCOM Set To Back Terrestrial Six Nations?
2021-12-11 08:10
Delighted to see this week that TV regulator OFCOM is considering a proposal from the BBC and ITV that the Six Nations be broadcast exclusively on free-to-air terrestrial TV for the next thr… Read More
Eddie Jones U-Turn On Itoje
2021-12-08 12:19
Eddie Jones has, it seems, performed a 180 degree turn in terms of his attitude towards the possibility of Maro Itoje captaining England.Quoted in his new book, Leadership, which was seriali… Read More
2021-12-07 15:15
My Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen,Yes, somewhat unbelievably another 12 months have flown by and 2021 will soon be disappearing into the rear view mirror.Time again, therefore, to gather togeth… Read More
Chapeau, Luke Pearce
2021-12-06 12:48
Experienced Premiership referee Luke Pearce has, quite rightly, received plenty of praise for the way he dealt with dissent in the Exeter vs Saracens game on Saturday.It is quite rare these… Read More
Billy Vunipola - Is He Back?
2021-11-29 12:38
There's a bit in the media this morning about Billy Vunipola's performance for Sarries yesterday vs Sale Sharks, with some even saying that it merited a return to the England fold.Well, I wa… Read More
Chiefs Set To Change Brand?
2021-11-26 11:58
Pleased to see that it appears that Exeter Chiefs will, after all, ditch their Native American branding.No final decision has been made but it seems the majority of fans support the cha… Read More
Maro Itoje - Not A Captain?
2021-11-25 18:27
Bizarre comments from Eddie Jones in saying that he doesn’t believe Maro Itoje will become England’s captain in the future.Itoje, according to Jones, is “very inward lookin… Read More
Eligibility Rules Revamped By World Rugby
2021-11-25 09:01
World Rugby’s decision to allow players to represent a second national team after a three-year stand-down period could be something of a game-changer.From 1st January 2022 an inte… Read More
Super Kevin Sinfield
2021-11-23 14:13
101 miles in 24 hours.Hats off to Rugby League legend and current Leicester Tigers coach Kevin Sinfield, who this morning completed a run of 101 miles in 24 hours – the “Extra-Mi… Read More
Whither England – November 2021
2021-11-22 11:45
A quick look at the state of the nation i.e. where I think the England rugby team sit following the 2021 Autumn international fixtures… Certainly Saturday’s last gasp win o… Read More
2021-11-09 17:12
Eddie Jones’ use of the example of 18 year old tennis star Emma Raducanu, when pointing out the pitfalls of fame for 22 year old England fly half Marcus Smith, was ill advised and ill… Read More
2021-11-09 16:04
It is somewhat debatable whether the incursion of a Wales fan on to the pitch cost Wales a try during last Saturday’s defeat by South Africa.Some die hard Welsh sup… Read More
Covid 1 England 0
2021-11-05 12:44
How can England captain Owen Farrell, who yesterday tested positive for Covid-19, possibly play against Tonga at Twickenham on Saturday?Farrell – currently in isolation and theref… Read More
2021-11-03 15:59
Well done to the Welsh Rugby Union who have announced the award of professional contracts to female players for the first time. Up to 10 women are to be awarded full-time contracts, wh… Read More
England Women Top Of The World
2021-11-01 10:52
Congrats to England's Women, whose record 43-12 victory over New Zealand in Exeter at the weekend reinforced their position as the number 1 ranked team in the world and showed that they will… Read More
2021-10-28 08:59
"World 12s" - the new franchise-based 12-a-side competition planned for next year is - at least according to World Rugby - dead.Launched as long ago as September, the competition was due to… Read More
Results - Memory Lane
2021-10-26 10:57
New Zealand's massive win over the USA last weekend has got me thinking about some of the more extreme scorelines in games in which I have been involved.Biggest win? 108-0, playing for Peter… Read More
All Blacks Rout Not Good For Rugby
2021-10-25 11:06
USA 14 New Zealand 104.Let’s be honest, even a full strength US team was always going to struggle against the All Blacks in the "1874 Cup" in Washington at the weekend. So a fixture, p… Read More
2021-10-19 10:39
Interesting, very interesting.I am referring, of course, to the latest England squad selection by Eddie Jones."Experimental" is the word that comes to mind - with a couple of players in ther… Read More
2021-10-18 13:46
I see that the Exeter Chiefs/cultural appropriation malarkey reared its ugly head again at the weekend with Wasps asking the RFU to consider a ban on fans wearing Native American headdresses… Read More
Ruthless Sarries Are Back
2021-10-18 09:27
Saracens’ 71-17 away victory at Bath in the Premiership yesterday was really quite remarkable.We really should not be seeing results of this nature in this league. Bath, admittedly, we… Read More
2021-10-13 09:22
I have to admit, I’ve never been a fan of players wearing tights or leggings, even in training, so was not particularly impressed by World Rugby’s announcement that players at al… Read More
O2 Out Of Touch...
2021-10-08 11:08
Chatting in the bar following touch training this week I discovered, much to my surprise, that back in July this year the RFU announced the end of sponsorship by O2 of the RFU/O2 Touch progr… Read More
World Rugby Addresses Colour Blindness
2021-10-07 13:51
I was fascinated by World Rugby’s announcement yesterday of the introduction of new regulations, to take effect from the 2027 World Cup, that will prevent red/green kit clash… Read More
Yet Another England Kit Launch
2021-10-06 14:04
It's October, so it must be time for yet another England kit launch. So here it is! And, yes, it's white (mostly). Manufacturers Umbro have actually outdone themselves this ye… Read More
Future Looking Bright For Saracens
2021-10-06 09:07
No doubt there will be many out there who are very disappointed by news that Saracens are to be taken over in a £32million deal. The club’s critics still regard Sarries&rsqu&hell…Read More
Not The Best Start For Tom Ilube
2021-10-05 10:13
Tom Ilube, who was appointed chair of the Rugby Football Union in August (becoming the first black head of a major national sporting body), in many ways makes a lot of sense, especially when… Read More
Staying In Touch
2021-09-30 07:01
Usually my posts relating to touch rugby are limited to a few musings during the summer months of May to July when I gambol around the playing fields of Chesham, attempting and (more often t… Read More
Well Done Sara Cox
2021-09-29 09:28
Belated congratulations to Sara Cox who became the Premiership's first female referee on Saturday, taking charge of Harlequins vs Worcester at the Stoop.It's another milestone… Read More
Ibitoye On Heat
2021-09-28 13:12
Very surprised at the news that former Harlequin and England under 20s winger, Gabriel Ibitoye is joining Israeli club Tel Aviv Heat. At Quins, Ibitoye was looking every bit an England… Read More
What Will Eddie's
2021-09-23 13:04
The announcement of England's 45-strong training squad this week was as notable for its high profile omissions as it was for who was included.Leaving out the previously untouchable George Fo… Read More
Contact Training Limited
2021-09-23 10:15
New guidance from World Rugby limiting full-contact training to 15 minutes a week is a big step in the right direction. Research, based on a consultation of six hundred players in 18 co… Read More

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