Farrell could be the answer at centre – but he isn’t right now

- November 19, 2014

Owen Farrell could well be England's long term twelve. Stuart Lancaster is openly known to be keen on trying him there with George Ford at fly-half, and it seems increasingly likely that this afternoon it is the combination that will be announced to take on Samoa.As has been widely noted,

England’s travails against New Zealand highlight how much they need Tuilagi

- November 12, 2014November 12, 2014

Still, the right centre partnership evades England. Kyle Eastmond and Brad Barritt were solid against New Zealand, but never really threatened their opposite numbers too much. Much has been made of Owen Farrell not giving them a good platform from which to attack, which is true in part, but more

What price professionalism for the local rugby fan?

- October 29, 2014

Why do you support a rugby team? Most people start following the rugby club most local to them - that's just common sense. You gradually grow attached to your club as a part of the local identity you feel; the rituals and routines of visiting your ground on a matchday,

No room for sentiment in Lancaster’s new England

- October 22, 2014

This time a year ago, Christian Wade was all set to start his first home England international, expected to be named on the wing for the game against Australia. Then, at the worst possible time, injury hit.He missed the entire series and, as it happened, most of the rest of

Beale not the problem at the heart of Wallaby mess

- October 15, 2014

Kurtley Beale has made some errors of judgement in his time, of that there is no doubt. Getting drunk and attacking your own teammates is not a brilliant idea, nor is sending derogatory text messages about a team official to members of the squad. Sending the message to the team

Wasps fans fall by the wayside to show dark side of professionalism

- October 8, 2014

For certain parties, Wasps' move to the Ricoh Arena in Coventry is excellent news. Andy Goode, for example, is moving back to his home town, which will be nice for him. Land Rover have a Premiership club a mere 15 minutes down the road from their HQ, and by the

After 2011 debacle, Lancaster’s new deal is even more significant

- October 1, 2014October 1, 2014

Two things immediately sprung to mind after reading this morning of the new, bumper, deal offered to Stuart Lancaster and his coaches:1. It was shrewd of the RFU to give Lancaster et al their backing now, so they can relax and concentrate on the Rugby World Cup next year. 2. Hold

England player ‘gag’ a smart move by Lancaster

- September 24, 2014

It was reported yesterday that England players would not be allowed to write columns or make video diaries during the World Cup next year, as they have done at previous tournaments and indeed as most sportsmen do across all sports when there are major sporting occasions.The decision came from

Selection headaches mounting at wrong time for Lancaster

- September 17, 2014

Competition for places is, normally, an excellent problem (if such a thing exists) for an international head coach to have. It pushes players to new levels, knowing they can't rest on their laurels with someone snapping at their heels to take their place.A year out from a World Cup,

Recruitment vs Retention: contrasting emotions on opening weekend

- September 10, 2014

The opening round of the Aviva Premiership was a record-breaking one. Gloucester's 6-53 loss to Northampton Saints was their heaviest defeat ever in the league, while Exeter's 52-0 demolition job on London Welsh was the first time they had surpassed the half century mark.It is dangerous to draw too many