CATEGORIES

Burns gets a bashing for being English!

I never cease to be amazed by the differing ways in which supporters react to players’ indiscretions. When Billy Burns missed touch at the end of the Wales v Ireland game, he came in for some shocking abuse from some so-called fans – including a couple who played the nationality card, accusing him of being English!

Try-fests are no help in spotting true talent

Only another week to go until we will at last have what we hope will be some proper rugby. As much as the continuation of the Premiership has been good for keeping the profile of the game out in the public eye, the truth is the games have no meaning.

Sarries boys fit and ready vows George

JAMIE George insists he is fit and fired up for England’s Six Nations opener against Scotland on Saturday at Twickenham – despite not playing since December 6.

Enemies of academies get their facts wrong

Midway through the savagely funny second season of Jesse Anderson’s media big-shot drama Succession, one of the principal characters is talking to a mature student who has spent years working on his second PhD at an Ivy League university. “Just think,” she says. “When you’re done, you won’t have to waste the 12 seconds it takes to look up something on Wikipedia.”

Almond got it wrong but he was still right

NEXT Saturday is the 150th anniversary of the Scotland v England fixture – the world’s oldest international rugby match – and among many things a glorious chance to doff a cap to one HH Almond and his words of wisdom amidst the controversy and rancour that often attaches itself to this annual tribal gathering.

To be fair, Saracens should stay down another season

As much as I believe we should all understand the work and efforts of those who are running and funding the Premiership clubs, I can’t help think that there should be a more level playing field for all our clubs.

Don't stop us, we're only getting started

Daniel Gallan talks to Ealing captain Rayn Smid after last week’s landmark victory

Sanderson has ability to make Sharks big fish

THERE is a temptation to think that any new director of rugby, like Alex Sanderson at Sale Sharks, will have all the time he needs to get everything he wants to across.

Time to stop humiliating sides at the World Cup

World Cups produce non-playing “villains” as well as rogues of the on-field variety.

Falcons' camaraderie reminds me of Quins

Jon Newcombe talks to Nick Easter about his new job as Falcons defence coach

Alldritt's out of running for Italy with knee injury

La Rochelle put their recent coronavirus outbreak behind them and briefly moved to the head of the Top 14 with a six-try 40-3 demolition of Bayonne at Stade Marcel Deflandre on Friday evening.

Dan's the man to turn Wales into contenders

THE 2021 Six Nations will be an interesting study in contrasting styles and it will be fascinating to see how the contest plays out.

Cov's array of talent just freakish for 1970s

MENTION in this column last week of the passing of former Coventry and England lock John Barton called to mind that famous picture of eleven England internationals lining up for Coventry just before the start of their 1973-74 season.

Alun Wyn looks set to eclipse Willie John

Willie John McBride has been sitting all alone at the top of a mountainous pile since belatedly calling it a day almost half a century ago.

Ace Evans pushes his case for Wales

JARROD Evans gave watching Wales coach Wayne Pivac a firm nudge by producing the only moment of class in a dour derby which saw Blues seal a quickfire double over their rivals.

‘Yoga-trance' saw Tim smash kicking records

Brendan Gallagher delves into some of rugby’s most enduring images, their story and why they are still so impactful

Jonny finds some more hills to climb

ENGLAND and Exeter lock Jonny Hill insists he is not in the business of reflecting on past glories as he resets his sights after a stellar end to 2020 for both club and country.

Itoje's excellence shows why locks are top earners

AT first glance reports that second rows are now the most valuable players in the European club game based on a recent survey of wages across Premiership, the Top 14, and the PRO14, was a bit of a surprise.

Harry has to be a key influencer every week

HARRY Randall played really well last weekend, picking up the man-of-the-match award in Bristol’s win over Exeter.

Women thrived in wartime

Brendan Gallagher begins a new series charting the history of the women’s game

Connolly and Foley ruined my Bath team

KEVIN MAGGS THE FORMER IRELAND, BRISTOL, BATH AND ULSTER CENTRE AND FORMER COACH OF MOSELEY

Highs and lows of Will's rollercoaster

Steffan Thomas talks to former Wasp Will Taylor about life after quitting rugby age 25

Backs are turning into grunts now

HEARTFELT apologies in advance to forwards everywhere for this treacherous item because I know how incredibly hard you all work and heavens knows the bloody backs already get more than enough glory, headlines and sponsorships.

Bristol boy Joe's done with clapping Exeter

LIONHEART lock Joe Joyce believes Bristol Bears’ multi-million-pound training ground investment has left the squad with nowhere to hide in their quest for domestic and European domination.

All Blacks deal casts doubt over CVC cash

Well, who would have thought it? Rugby seems to be the new darling of the investment industry and those who have taken the first offer now appear to be somewhat inept.

When the Prince made England Sevens kings

Brendan Gallagher delves into some of rugby’s most enduring images, their story and why they are still so impactful

Suddenly, Oakham find magic of the Cup

Brendan Gallagher continues his series looking at rugby’s great schools

Magician Marcus has bounty on head

LONDON Irish stalwart Blair Cowan has identified Marcus Smith as the man to stop if his side are to get their show on the road with a win after a three-week hiatus.

Promotion-relegation must be put on ice

There have been lots of moans about the way points are allocated when a game has to be cancelled because of Covid, but precious few sensible alternative suggestions as to how the current situation could be handled.

Lions must be touring underdogs to survive

THE fate of the 2021 Lions has caused much heated debate this week with the options seemingly ranging from cancel for a year, cancel until 2025 or stage a unique home series in Britain and Ireland of three Test matches and perhaps the already scheduled warm-up game against Japan.