Best of 2021: England rugby’s year dissected January 1, 2022 England rugby enjoyed highs and lows in 2021. In November, former Sale Sharks winger and 55-cap England back Mark Cueto, and Morning Wire’s Matt Hardy, dissected Eddie Jones’ side across 2021. First published on 24 November. It’s been an extraordinary year for rugby. Initially empty stadiums, new found stars and the development of world class [...]
Ollie Phillips: 2021 had some of the best rugby I’ve ever seen December 30, 2021 These past 12 months have had it all when it comes to rugby. We have seen the resurgence of some, and the tailing off of others. But in all, the rugby has been outstanding and all eyes now point to a dazzling 2022. Here are my moments and takeaways from the year. Best rugby I’ve [...]
Premiership Rugby Cup: A competition for future stars or just a fixture clog? December 29, 2021 It’s not too common to see midweek fixtures in English rugby but tonight the Premiership Rugby Cup continues as Worcester Warriors host Gloucester Rugby at Sixways. The Cup, formerly known as the Anglo-Welsh Cup, is consists of the 13 Premiership teams in three pools based on regionality. But for a number of years now it’s [...]
Leicester Tigers under investigation for potential salary cap breach December 28, 2021 Current Premiership table topers Leicester Tigers are under investigation for a potential breach of the regulated salary cap. The inquiry is said to relate to Worldwide Image Management (WIM), historic image rights payments and links to the east Midlands club. The investigation is understood to be under the watch of Andrew Rogers, the league’s salary [...]
Talking points: Premiership Rugby’s festive feast of tries, triumphs and storylines December 28, 2021 Like the left over port and cheese on Boxing Day, this weekend’s Premiership rugby action certainly did not disappoint. Covid-19 managed to scupper just one game out of the six – Newcastle Falcons vs Sale Sharks – a pretty good effort all round. Leicester Tigers remained lossless while Bath Rugby can’t buy a look in [...]
1872 Cup rugby match between Glasgow and Edinburgh off over Covid-19 December 27, 2021 Today’s 1872 clash between Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh Rugby has been postponed after positive Covid-19 tests were returned by the Warriors. The Cup, usually played over two legs, fall as regular season fixtures in the United Rugby Championship (URC). The news comes as Scottish Covid-19 rules are in place that would have limited the number [...]
Best of 2021: Why did Exeter start the Premiership Rugby season without a main sponsor? December 25, 2021 When this Premiership Rugby season began in September, Exeter’s opening match saw them face Leicester Tigers without a main sponsor. Here Matt Hardy took at look as to why that could have been using industry commentators and experts. Since the article’s original publish date, on September 25, Exeter Chiefs have found a main sponsor – [...]
Best of 2021: ‘Nigel Wray deserves credit after building Saracens’ dynasty’ December 24, 2021 In October, Nigel Wray relinquished his majority control of Saracens after 25 years at the club. Here Matt Hardy looked back on a controversial but highly influential period for the City grandee. Originally published on October 5. Empires fall and dynasties cease, but one thing remains when you’ve done something right or simply left your [...]
Danny Care interview: Harlequins star on playing abroad and the importance of fans December 22, 2021 At the age of 34, you’re usually classed as tethering on the edge of retirement in rugby. But Harlequins star Danny Care’s new lease of life, post-England career, has seen him return to being one of the in-form scrum-halves in Europe. Playing in a side littered with quality, Care is a senior member of a [...]
Scotland follows Wales in banning fans from sport due to Covid-19 December 21, 2021 Scotland has followed Wales in banning spectators from sport in response to increasing numbers of Covid-19 cases. First minister Nicola Sturgeon said most sport due to take place in Scotland over the Christmas period would be “effectively spectator-free”. From Boxing Day for a period of up to three weeks, outdoor events will be limited to [...]