Russell has been captain for a long time - Hogg

FINN Russell captained Scotland for the first time last weekendin their win over France and former teammate Stuart Hogg says the Bath bound flyhalf is a natural leader

Ramos steals it as Scotland go close

SCOTLAND the brave produced a superb performance in defeat in the sultry heat of Saint Etienne but were finally undone with a late penalty by Tomas Ramos

No excuses - Wales simply switched off

For about 60 minutes of England versus Wales, I wondered why I was watching it – it hadn’t been the best of matches and I was finding it difficult to fathom why there was only nine points between the countries

At last! The old hands finally agree to come to the party

I THINK it's the Buddists who insist one of the biggest problems in this world is people mistakenly thinking they have time

Ford puts England or on the front foot

THERE was a moment six minutes into the second-half which summed up England. Courtney Lawes stole a lineout near Wales’s line, prime attacking ball with the opposition not set up in defence

England break cover to glimpse new life

OWEN Farrell’s sending off in the 63rd minute of this helter-skelter second warm-up Test against Wales was the catalyst not only for this game to come to life, but also for England to get a glimpse of resurrection

Motorbiking duo riding to raise funds for Doddie

LEN Bage and Robin Down are fundraising for My Name’5 Doddie Foundation as they embark on a 1,300-mile motorbike ride this month across the UK visiting each professional rugby club in England, Wales and Scotland

Blake out to make No.2 slot his own

A HOOKER crisis at Kingsholm last season saw tyro Seb Blake chucked in at the deep end but now he wants to make the Gloucester No.2 jersey his own

Hill: We must clarify Championship role

FORMER Richmond boss Steve Hill says it’s disappointing how the Championship has changed its regulations around dual registration and questions the identity of certain clubs that appear to be used as development tools for Premiership teams

Major blow as Farrell set to miss Argentina

Farrell faces a ban after becoming the first England player to have a yellow card upgraded to a red by the new ‘Bunker’ review system, following a high tackle on Taine Basham

Chester ready for test against best in West

A RESHUFFLE of National Two meant much confusion during the off season for Chester but after receiving confirmation of a place in the West league, head coach Guy Ford is excited for the new season.

Bercis buzzing for a shot at big boys

JOE Bercis is set to become the all-time appearance holder for Ampthill this season and aims to put a torrid time with injuries behind him as he targets a top five Championship finish.

Honey aiming to make his mark at Rams

DEADEYE goal kicker Fraser Honey has taken the step up to National 1 side Rams and is hoping to secure a place in the club’s prolific backline.

'I've given everything I could to the game'

Ben Jaycock sits down with Stuart Hogg to discuss his career and his plans for the future

Crowds need to be part of the action

\"Of the nine stadia hosting the World Cup, only two could be described as outsized\"

Sanderson looking for an extra 12%

ALEX Sanderson believes Sale will need to improve by at least 12 per cent if they are going to go one better than last season and win the Premiership.

Mentality of the players holds key

\"Everyone should look to improve and be brave - and that's coaches as well as players\"

Mo'unga on target to deny Wallabies

RICHIE Mo’unga kicked a last-minute penalty to complete New Zealand’s comeback win over a much-improved Australia in the second Bledisloe Cup match in Dunedin.

Fagerson fear mars Scotland fightback

GREGOR Townsend was left with mixed emotions after watching his side shrug off the blow of having a man sent off to conjure a thrilling victory at Murrayfield.

Italy make Ireland fight all the way

IRELAND started and finished strongly but were made to work hard in between times by an Italy side that refused to give this game up as a lost cause.

England need to start trusting their instincts

\"The contrast with Wales who were full of trickery and no-look flicks was vivid\"

Next week matters for Borthwick's men

\"England's coach was philosophical after defeat in a match they were expected to win\"

Morgan shows way for Wales as England struggle to spark

WALES have been holding out for a hero, and yesterday in Cardiff they found one in Jac Morgan.

Financial stability is our priority - Durkin

CORNISH Pirates chairman Paul Durkin has branded the RFU “the only body in sport who haven’t reinstated Covid cuts”.

Borthwick decides to see the positives

STEVE Borthwick remained positive after seeing his England team get well beaten by an inexperienced Wales side in Cardiff last night.

'Time England had central contracts'

Ben Jaycock talks to former Ireland captain Rob Saunders, who won 12 caps between 1991 and 1994 before venturing into business life in the City, about the state of game in Britain and Ireland

Northumbria I'm Scottish born but at heart

WHEN we beat France in the final round of the 1999 Five Nations we had a big night out in Paris but made it home in time to watch England v Wales at Wembley – the final match of the Championship – on TV the following day. None of us had the foggiest that we might’ve had a chance of winning the whole thing! It only dawned on me when the final whistle blew and England had been beaten that it was a possibility.

YOUNG GUNS: EPIROKODRAVA EALING TRAILFINDERS WING

After being made redundant at Wasps last year, Epi Rokodrava fell off the radar of England U20s but the hefty Ealing Trailfinders Academy wing is hoping to make it back into the fold for next year's Six Nations.

Matthews striving for more medals

HAVING hoisted the Premier 15s title in June, Alex Matthews has ticked off virtually ever accolade in the sport but the Gloucester-Hartpury and England back row is more driven than ever to push her personal standards.

Bordeaux put their faith in Gazzotti

“The flanker who starred in the U20s World Cup is keen to hit the Top 14 as soon as possible”