CATEGORIES

We're expecting a brutal clash, admits Chisholm

JAMES Chisholm adImits he is not one of the flashier players who wear the Harlequins' multi-coloured jersey, but the back rower proved his worth at a bitterly cold Newcastle in the last round of the Premiership.

We know this is a must-win match, admits van Graan

BATH make five changes as they look to kickstart their Champions Cup campaign against Clermont Auvergne.

Lawrence's play-acting was shameful to watch

OLLIE Lawrence's sham injury in the closing minutes of a knife-edge finish between Northampton and Bath at Franklin's Gardens last weekend has seen some commentators get themselves in an almighty tangle.

Williams out to prove his worth again

JAMES Williams saw off the challenge of Virimi Vakatawa last season and having recovered from a shoulder injury now has the task of again making himself a fixture in Bristol's midfield where Benhard van Rensburg and Kalaveti Ravouvou have been creating havoc.

Toulouse on easy street as the sun beats down

THIS match proved more of a damp squib rather than a tournament classic as reigning champions Toulouse showcased their class by navigating difficult conditions to get past a toothless Sharks.

Bassett shines to make sure for Leicester

JOSH warmed Bassett the hands and hearts of the Welford Road faithful with a fine hat-trick as Tigers cruised into the Champions Cup knockout stages.

Saracens miss out but still in contention

SARACENS - high in effort, determination and ticker but low in poise, finesse and attacking nous missed a golden opportunity to claim a rare win at Thomond and take control of their pool going into Round 4.

Pollock power show can't rescue Saints

HENRY Pollock lined up what could be a very happy birthday with a two-try burst in a power-packed display but Northampton had nothing to celebrate.

My four changes that will fire up England

WHOEVER is in the England squad for the Six Nations to be announced on Tuesday by Steve Borthwick I cannot imagine that there will be too much in the way of change.

Grace out to seize his chance

CARDIFF have revealed how the signing of Regan Grace was made possible by an injury to one of their Wales stars.

Beaumont isn't I fear right man for the job

RUGBY Union's dire inability to handle the crisis threatening a great sport's future is reflected in Sir Bill Beaumont's hasty appointment as interim Rugby Football Union chairman.

Inter-club rivalry is pushing us on - Ramm

JAMES Ramm believes the fierce but friendly rivalry among Northampton's backs off the field can help inspire the club to more silverware on it.

Du Preez always up for the fight, says Sanderson

RECORD-breaking Rob du Preez has been hailed as \"a great player\" by his Sale Sharks boss Alex Sanderson.

Underhill expected to miss Six Nations

ENGLAND flanker Sam Underhill is an injury doubt for the Six Nations after Bath announced he requires ankle surgery.

Diamond set to open player contract talks

STEVE Diamond will start contract talks this week with players he wants to retain next season still unsure whether there will be relegation from the Premiership this season.

Sale told: Time you won again

PHILIPPE Saint-Andre has assessed Sale's title prospects and declared: \"It's about time they won something again.\"

Edwards gives Gatland a little to think about

A TERRIFIC effort from Ospreys should have seen victory and it was rough justice that high-flying Cardiff escaped with an undeserved draw.

Cowan-Dickie: I'm back and buzzing

LUKE Cowan-Dickie's journey back to the pinnacle of rugby is nothing short of extraordinary.

Clow keeps Rams in touch at the top

RAMS inward approach is paying dividends with the club involved in another title race thanks in part to free scoring flyer Zachary Clow.

Powell powers over to take Quins home

PLAYMAKER Kayleigh Powell powered past four defenders to score the eighth Harlequins try and narrowly edge out a spirited Trailfinders side to secure a late comeback win in a 15-try derby thriller.

Hathaway can follow Zam Skivington

GEORGE Skivington has backed Josh Hathaway to continue to go from strength to strength as the young winger attempts to follow in the slipstream of Louis Rees-Zammit and be a big hit for club and country.

Hybrid Hash will tie Borthwick in knots

THE description 'Hybrid Central Contracts' does not inspire confidence. Hybrid usually means a bit of this, and a bit of that — and 'Hybrid Hash' would be a more apt term for the RFU contracts given to 17 England players just before the autumn series slump.

Quins leave it late to power past Falcons

MARCUS Smith showed his class on Friday night, being an imperious creator and finisher as Harlequins romped to an emphatic five-try victory on Tyneside.

We need to see a complete shake-up

A NEW year and change is on the way across many aspects of the game, not least with the possibility of an SGM creating a complete change at the RFU.

Cool McBryde steals it for RGC

BILLY McBryde held his nerve to land a last kick of the match conversion to snatch a stunning 4139 win for RGC over leaders Ebbw Vale at Parc Eirias.

Century of highs for La Rochelle

AN IMPRESSIVE milestone at Stade Marcel Deflandre was reached last night, where La Rochelle hosted their 100th sell-out match in a row – either side of the period of pandemic restrictions – a run stretching back to January 2, 2016.

Williams bowing out a happy man

HAVING taken Cambridge to dizzy heights during his seven-seasons in charge, Richie Williams has decided it's time for the club to have a reset under new leadership.

Youngs steps up to make sure for Tigers

LEICESTER needed a burst of magic from old favourite Ben Youngs to finish off stubborn Exeter who led going into the final quarter.

Time for Saints to push Bath up front

NORTHAMPTON are the Premiership's reigning champions, and when you are in that position you want to defend your title.

Lam: Harding is good enough for England

PAT Lam's new year wish is for his Bristol captain Fitz Harding to gain international recognition after a number of eye-catching performances by the back rower.