Joe Marler interview: All players should see a psychologist December 16, 2016 Reinvigorated England prop Joe Marler has urged every professional rugby player to consider seeing a psychologist, having reaped the rewards himself. The 26-year-old revealed in May that he was seeking professional help from a sports psychologist, former Northamptonshire, Gloucestershire and England spin bowler Jeremy Snape, to address a “lack of professional control”. Marler’s admission followed [...]
England captain Dylan Hartley free to play in Six Nations after receiving six-week ban December 14, 2016 England captain Dylan Hartley is free to play in the Six Nations after receiving a six week ban for striking Sean O'Brien in Northampton Saints' European Champions Cup clash with Leinster last week. Hartley will be permitted to play from 23 January — just under a fortnight before England begins their Six Nations defence against France at [...]
RFU boss Ian Ritchie backs Dylan Hartley as England captain despite latest brush with the law December 13, 2016 Rugby chief Ian Ritchie has defended Dylan Hartley’s conduct since being England skipper and believes he has sufficient credit in the bank to remain as captain despite the threat of a Six Nations ban. Northampton hooker Hartley is set to face an independent disciplinary hearing on Wednesday after being shown the third red card of [...]
Anthony Watson interview: Bath and England star on why he’s not letting himself think about the British Lions tour to New Zealand just yet December 13, 2016 Bath star Anthony Watson insists he has put thoughts of travelling to New Zealand with the British and Irish Lions next year to the back of his mind following three months out injured. The winger has been consigned to the opposite side of the touchline he is so used to hugging for England and Bath, [...]
Why Warren Gatland’s decision to hire Rob Howley could come back to haunt the British and Irish Lions on next summer’s tour to New Zealand December 12, 2016 The British and Irish Lions coaching set-up was finalised last week with the trio of Rob Howley, Steve Borthwick and Andy Farrell appointed to assist Warren Gatland on next summer’s tour to New Zealand and there must have been an interesting conversation between Gatland and Howley, given that the latter was only recruited as “option [...]
British and Irish Lions: Warren Gatland and Andy Farrell say autumn internationals prove New Zealand can be toppled on 2017 tour December 7, 2016 Warren Gatland's British and Irish Lions coaching team for the 2017 New Zealand tour have been given renewed belief that the All Blacks can be toppled by the northern hemisphere teams' performances in the Autumn internationals. Gatland has reunited with interim Wales coach Rob Howley and Ireland defence coach Andy Farrell, veterans of the 2013 tour of Australia, and [...]
England’s forward dominance against Australia ensures last laugh for innocent Dan Cole December 5, 2016 It’s not often that attention is focused on the burly beasts of the front row, but in the run-up to Saturday’s match proppery was the talk of the town. Not only did Dan Cole find himself at the centre of accusations of alleged illegal technique by Australia coach Michael Cheika, but elsewhere guilty verdicts were [...]
I knew from our first team meeting that Eddie Jones would turn England into a force, says scrum-half Ben Youngs December 4, 2016 England scrum-half Ben Youngs has paid tribute to head coach Eddie Jones for the unstinting belief he has engendered within the squad which has translated into a perfect record of 13 victories during 2016. The 27-year-old has flourished under Jones, who has said that Youngs could become as inspirational for England as Fourie du Preez [...]
Maintain your standards or risk the axe, Eddie Jones tells his England players after perfect year December 4, 2016 England head coach Eddie Jones has warned his record-equalling players that an unbeaten 2016 will not shield them from the axe should standards slip prior to next year’s Six Nations. Jones led England to their 14th consecutive victory – the 13th of his reign – with a 37-21 triumph over bitter foes Australia on Saturday, [...]
Betting: Australia to provide England with stern test at Twickenham December 2, 2016 A record-equalling 14th consecutive victory is the prize for England as they host Australia at Twickenham on Saturday. A win at the home of rugby will complete an unbeaten calendar year for Eddie Jones’ side and a fourth successive victory over The Wallabies. Australia will be seeking revenge after The Red Rose completed an unprecedented 3-0 [...]