The British and Irish Lions moved a step closer to a ‘home’ tour after Boris Johnson announced plans for sporting crowds to return by the summer. Switching matches away from South Africa, where eight fixtures are scheduled for July and August, would be unprecedented in the history of rugby's greatest touring team. But it has emerged as the most attractive […]

Saracens have signed 17-times capped United States scrum-half Ruben De Haas on a two-year deal. The 22-year-old will join the former English and European champions from South African franchise the Cheetahs this summer. De Haas told the club website: “When I heard I had the opportunity to come to Saracens, it was a no-brainer. “With the success Saracens have had over […]

Under-fire England captain Owen Farrell has been given a timely boost with Elliot Daly revealing he moved clubs in order to play with him. Farrell has been way off his best in this Six Nations, leading former team mates and ex-players to question his place in the side. But ahead of England’s must-win trip to unbeaten Wales on Saturday, Daly […]

The Premiership and Six Nations are on red alert but the safety message has not got through to the players… headcases must see red for high shots Match officials have no choice as contact with the head must be eradicated There were five dismissals in England’s top division over the weekend The common feature was a look of incredulity on […]

The Fast Show: England star Jonny May has edge in speed over Wales speedster Louis Rees-Zammit as Gloucester wingers get set to go toe-to-toe in the Six Nations May and Rees-Zammit are primed for a high-speed Six Nations duel on Saturday May scored an extraordinary try last time out by hurdling Italy’s Sperandio Rees-Zammit’s stunning solo effort sealed a thrilling victory […]

Eddie Jones has declared that evolving England’s misfiring attack will be key to any potential triumph at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, insisting that New Zealand “run World Rugby”. The last year may have shown the folly in making sweeping, long-term predictions, but England’s head coach is looking ahead nonetheless. Even in the middle of a Six Nations campaign Jones […]

‘The English aren’t all bad – Joe Marler gave me a naked hug!’: Dan Biggar discusses the Six Nations’ feistiest rivalry with Miek Brown as they reveal the secrets of the England-Wales divide… and sparks will fly, even without fans! England will face up to old rivals Wales next Saturday in the Six Nations   Dan Biggar is Wales Mr Angry, […]

Leicester Tigers boss Steve Borthwick insists red card madness MUST stop after FIVE Premiership players were dismissed in two days The Premiership saw five red cards handed out in just two days this weekend  Jasper Wiese, Hanro Liebenberg and Kieran Brookes went in Leicester v Wasps The day before, Bath and Gloucester had also seen players sent packing  Tigers boss Steve […]

France prop Mohamed Haouas and wing Gabin Villiere are latest players in squad to test positive for Covid-19… after scrum-half Antoine Dupont and head coach Fabien Galthie also contracted virus ahead of Six Nations clash against Scotland next Sunday France’s Gabin Villiere and Mohamed Haouas have tested positive for Covid-19 The pair are now in self-isolation for 10 days and will miss […]

New Zealand’s Dan Carter has announced his retirement from professional rugby after an illustrious 19-year career, the 38-year-old said on Saturday. Carter, who was capped 112 times by New Zealand, leaves the game as the highest point scorer in test rugby with 1,598, more than 350 points clear of England’s Jonny Wilkinson. The flyhalf was part of two World Cup […]