The Rugby Paper Magazine - April 21, 2024

In this issue

April 21, 2024

Quins duo tipped to power up England

WILL Collier and Fin Baxter could galvanise the England scrum with their technique and power, according to World Cup-winning scrum coach Phil Keith-Roach.

1 min

Be quick! McKellar's lowdown on Leinster

NORTHAMPTON had the chance last night to quiz Dan McKellar about their Champions Cup semi-final opponents Leinster but, before the East Midlands derby at Franklin’s Gardens, he said they would need do it quickly.

2 mins

Furbank: We were spoonfed too much

GEORGE Furbank feels Northampton’s rise this season is down to a pre-season meeting when the players resolved to take more responsibility.

3 mins

Barrett's Leinster move seems strange to me

JORDIE Barrett’s signing by Leinster on a six-month contract from December until the end of next season looks on the surface as if it is a win-win, with the world-class New Zealand and Hurricanes utility back joining a team of Irish internationals.

4 mins

Tigers demolished by Saints fireworks

NORTH AMPTON stormed to success on the back of a giddy second half for a memorable triumph over their arch-rivals.

2 mins

Rampant England on target for slam

HALF-TIME act Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s hit track Murder on the Dancefloor would have resonated heavily with Ireland as England ran riot in front of a huge crowd at Twickenham.

3 mins

RED ROSES

EXETER Chiefs prop Liz Hanlon is knocking on the door of an inaugural England cap and says she’s where she is today courtesy of her club’s formidable partnership with Exeter University.

2 mins

I'm loving every single minute

IN THE picturesque town of Pau nestled at the foot of the Pyrenees, Joe Simmonds has found more than just a rugby club; he’s found a new place to call home.

3 mins

Robertson will cash in on Barrett move

LOOKING at it from Leinster’s point of view, the signing of the world’s best inside centre is a proper coup.

1 min

Lion who enjoyed a taste of Italy

ANDREA Gazzi’s grave lies on the Inner Hebridean island of Islay, a long way from the fish-and-chip shop he left behind in Gorseinon.

3 mins

Scoring in Hell Fire Comer was great

SEEING Scottie Scheffler being presented with the Green Jacket for winning golf’s US Masters last week reminded me of the time I was presented with a red one having played my 100th game for Redruth. It might not have the same kudos in the wider sporting world but, for me, it is a treasured item from my four years at the club.

5 mins

S Africa is crying out for its own league

IF I remember my A level geography correctly, Africa is moving towards Europe at about the same rate as your fingernails grow which, among other things, suggests that the wholesale, no holds barred, in for a penny in for a pound merging of British, European and South African rugby was a tad premature.

4 mins

Crane: Sinckler's an emotional guy

JORDAN Crane feels England have failed to get the best out of Kyle Sinckler during his international career, with the tighthead prop set to be unavailable for his country from next season as he heads to the Top 14.

2 mins

YOUNG GUNS

Newcastle Falcons have endured a dismal campaign in the Premiership but tyro hooker Jacob Oliver believes the future is bright in the North East as he hopes to follow fellow academy graduates by breaking into the first team.

2 mins

Hurricanes storm in despite triple yellow

HURRICANES overcame a poor second half in which they conceded three yellow cards to beat Fijian Drua 38-15 and stretch their winning start to eight matches to end their opponent’s unbeaten record at home.

3 mins

Defeated, but Ukraine show grit and pride

SWITZERLAND was always going to be Ukraine’s toughest match of this three Test series and so it proved.

3 mins

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The Rugby Paper Magazine Description:

The Rugby Paper, the UK's number 1 selling rugby title, brings you exclusive stories, reports and features on your device, published in exceptional clarity. It contains renowned journalists such as Nick Cain and Peter Jackson, and famous former players as columnists including Jeremy Guscott and Jeff Probyn. Published every Sunday, The Rugby Paper covers Rugby Union from national teams and Premiership / Rabo Direct down to grass roots.