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 [...]
Premiership: Five things we learned as Saracens shine October 25, 2021 Premiership rugby’s Saracens’ fast and loose play is producing very attractive rugby and Irish finally get their long-awaited win. Sale, though, struggled against undefeated Leicester while Bath were valiant in their loss. Here’s five things we learned from the weekend’s Premiership action. Silky Saracens Saracens backed up their rampant 71-17 victory over Bath last week [...]
Ollie Phillips: Bath’s senior players need to step up October 22, 2021 If last week’s 17-71 mauling taught Bath anything it’s that they need to step up. They were totally outclassed by a Saracens side boasting a full starting XV of internationals, but that’s no excuse. Though they were without their bulldozing No8 Taulupe Faletau through injury, Bath were still able to field Jonathan Joseph, Anthony Watson, [...]
Premiership Rugby attendances fall by a quarter October 20, 2021 Premiership rugby clubs are struggling to attract supporters back to matches, with attendances down by a quarter so far this season. After five rounds of fixtures, the average attendance for a game in England’s top division has been 10,748. That is a 25.9 per cent decrease on the average for the last full season played [...]
London Irish’s home comforts aren’t enough. They need a win October 20, 2021 Exiled from the capital for over two decades but now finding their feet back in the Big Smoke, there is a charm to the London Irish story. Moving home is never easy, but in the Brentford Community Stadium they have a more permanent base. Now they need to show they can make it work on [...]