‘Borthwick’s England squad prolongs status quo, but that’s no bad thing’ July 7, 2023 When I looked at Steve Borthwick’s 36-man England World Cup training squad, which will be finalised next month, my first feeling was that it represented the status quo. There’s no huge shock inclusion; no Sam Burgess or Willi Heinz to throw fans into a frenzy. And while there are some shocking omissions – Alex Mitchell [...]
Rugby World Cup Barometer: Farrell to lead England in France July 6, 2023 | Sponsored In the lead up to the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Morning Wire has put together a barometer in partnership with City Index to assess whose form is hot – and whose is not – in the race to be part of the tournament in France later this year. Player of the week Even though he [...]
‘England must back Mercer if Vunipola can’t make Rugby World Cup’ June 30, 2023 It’s going to be a huge blow for England if Billy Vunipola is unable to play a part in the Rugby World Cup this year. The Saracens No8 is explosive from the base and one of the few lads in Steve Borthwick’s set-up who can provide consistent gainline-breaking ball. The fact that he is rehabilitating [...]
Leinster’s Sexton to face disciplinary panel over misconduct charges June 29, 2023 Johnny Sexton will face a disciplinary panel next month over misconduct charges relating to the Champions Cup final last month. As revealed by Morning Wire, the Irish stalwart fly-half was slapped with three misconduct charges relating to his behaviour when Leinster lost 27-26 to La Rochelle in the Champions Cup final. He was alleged to [...]
Rugby World Cup Barometer: Whitelock key to All Black success June 29, 2023 In the lead up to the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Morning Wire has put together a barometer in partnership with City Index to assess whose form is hot – and whose is not – in the race to be part of the tournament in France later this year. Player of the week Sometimes fans get [...]
Exclusive: Northampton Saints to appoint ex-League boss Radford as defence coach June 27, 2023 Premiership rugby club Northampton Saints are set to appoint former Castleford Tigers boss Lee Radford as their defence coach, Morning Wire understands. Saints have been in the market for an addition to their coaching team since former defence lead Ian Vass left the club last Friday. A move to rugby union and Northampton would make [...]
England No8 Vunipola faces race to be fit for Rugby World Cup June 26, 2023 England No8 Billy Vunipola faces a race to be fit for this year’s Rugby World Cup after the Saracens star underwent surgery on his knee. The back-row will rehabilitate with the England squad and is aiming to be fit for the autumn. “The medical team are positive about my prospects, and I understand exactly what [...]
Wales coach Gatland won’t apologise for pushing players “to the limit” ahead of Rugby World Cup June 25, 2023 Wales head coach Warren Gatland has said he would not apologise for pushing his players “to the limit” ahead of this autumn’s Rugby World Cup. Since naming a 54-man squad in May, four players – Alun Wyn Jones, Justin Tipuric , Cory Hill and Rhys Webb – withdrew from the squad over new contracts or [...]
We love Bazball and Gazball, now England Rugby needs Borthball June 23, 2023 Wow. What a conclusion that was to the opening Ashes Test on Tuesday at Edgbaston between England and Australia. From day one to five it was so entertaining. England lost but I wasn’t sulking about the result. Instead I was thinking about the opening shot on the first day, Joe Root’s reverse ramp shot for [...]
Rugby World Cup Barometer: Hit the road, Jack, right to Borthwick June 22, 2023 | Sponsored In the lead up to the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Morning Wire has put together a barometer in partnership with City Index to assess whose form is hot – and whose is not – in the race to be part of the tournament in France later this year. Player of the week A couple of [...]