Eddie Jones opts for Owen Farrell instead of George Ford at fly-half in bid to make history Down Under June 9, 2016 England head coach Eddie Jones is convinced he has picked a side capable of making history after axing George Ford in favour of Owen Farrell at fly-half for Saturday opening Test against Australia in Brisbane. Farrell played every match of England’s grand slam-winning Six Nations campaign at inside centre but will now operate as the [...]
England boss Eddie Jones points to sacrifices made by Luther Burrell as Northampton centre called-up for tour of Australia May 30, 2016 England head coach Eddie Jones admits that Northampton Saints centre Luther Burrell’s abject refusal to accept his place in the international wilderness was key to his call-up for this summer’s three-Test tour of Australia. Burrell was today announced as the replacement for Manu Tuilagi, who was last week ruled out with a torn hamstring, in [...]
What next for Premiership champions Saracens after their domestic and European double? All eyes on another double according to veteran scrum-half Neil de Kock May 30, 2016 There will no be relaxation in all-conquering Saracens’ quest for a vice-like grip on a golden era of success, according to the north London club’s veteran scrum-half Neil de Kock. Former South Africa international De Kock played the final 11 minutes as Sarries dispatched Exeter Chiefs 28-20 at Twickenham on Saturday to retain their Premiership [...]
Saracens v Exeter Chiefs preview: Four things to look out for including Henry Slade’s big test and Chris Ashton’s try target in Aviva Premiership final May 26, 2016 The Aviva Premiership's first and second best teams, Saracens and Exeter Chiefs go head-to-head at Twickenham for the league's ultimate crown on Saturday afternoon. We pick out four things to look for in the final: Will big match experience count for Saracens? Newly-crowned European champions and league leaders Saracens are well acclimatised to the high-pressure surrounds [...]
Tuilagi and Farrell included in England’s squad to tour Australia despite injury May 22, 2016 England head coach Eddie Jones admits Manu Tuilagi’s involvement in next month’s tour of Australia remains on a knife-edge despite naming the powerhouse centre in his travelling party. Tuilagi, who has been restricted to just one Test appearance in almost two years by a combination of injury and suspension, hurt a hamstring in the Tigers’ [...]
England fly-half Owen Farrell demands Sarries retain Premiership title after ending wait for European glory May 15, 2016 England fly-half Owen Farrell has challenged his side to become the first English club since Wasps in 2004 to complete a European and domestic double after Saracens were crowned kings of the continent on Saturday. Farrell successfully kicked seven penalties as Sarries beat Racing 92 21-9 to seal their maiden European title, which for the [...]
Wasps make Kurtley Beale the highest paid player in Premiership Rugby May 13, 2016 Australia's Kurtley Beale will become the highest paid rugby player in England after putting pen to paper on a two-year contract with Wasps. Wallabies star Beale will be paid £750,000 per season, making him the best-paid player in the Aviva Premiership and the third best player in the world behind international teammate Matt Giteau and former All [...]
Marland Yarde interview: England wing puts O’Shea farewell to one side as Quins look to go distance in Europe May 13, 2016 England hopeful Marland Yarde is refusing to indulge in the tidal wave of emotional platitudes engulfing outgoing director of rugby Conor O’Shea as Harlequins bid for European Challenge Cup glory against Montpellier tonight. The clash at the Grand Stade de Lyon will mark the end of O’Shea’s six-year tenure at the Twickenham Stoop as he [...]
Saracens v Racing 92: Owen Farrell not focusing on Dan Carter ahead of European Champions Cup clash May 12, 2016 Saracens fly-half Owen Farrell insists he is not fazed by the prospect of going head-to-head with opposite number Dan Carter in Saturday’s European Champions Cup final against Racing 92. Former All Black Carter has enjoyed a fine debut season with Racing but Farrell, currently the competition’s leading points scorer with 106, insists he is focused [...]
Sarries have the international stars to achieve European glory May 12, 2016 No team has ever won every game of a victorious European rugby campaign, but that’s exactly what Saracens intend to do when they take on Racing 92 in the final of the Champions Cup tomorrow. History would suggest that it won’t happen, but form says otherwise. In recent weeks, Sarries have dispatched both Wasps and [...]