Club before country as Francis signs at Chiefs

WALES prop Tomas Francis has ended speculation over his immediate future by extending his contract at Exeter Chiefs.

Fans will remember the players who stayed loyal

This is a time when you have to try to find some positives somewhere, and as the clubs continue to attempt to re-sign players for the remainder of this season, maybe loyalty can be one of the plus points to emerge.

Blundell's have flown flag for Devon for 150 years

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

Why Are We Waiting So Long For Rugby?

Read his expert opinion every week

High time Cardiff put up a statue for Billy

THE MAN TRULY IN THE KNOW

Now Manu and Faletau are wanted in France

FRENCH COLUMN

Never say never, but I can't see an exodus to America

OUTSPOKEN AND UNMISSABLE EVERY WEEK

Diversity sounds good – but are the people there?

A FRONT ROW VIEW OF THE GAME

‘Iron Mike' cuts all ties with Gloucester

MIKE Teague’s disenchantment with Gloucester has led the talismanic England and Lions flanker who played with such distinction for the club to demand the return of his memorabilia at Kingsholm.

Champion Boks must declare war on drugs

A weekly look at the game’s other talking points

Kiwis slap embargo on foreign coaches

GUEST COLUMNIST

Daft money in Japan is bubble waiting to burst

With no rugby being played, it’s money, or rather the lack of it, that’s dominating the headlines.

Beauden adds gloss to the Japan adventure

WALES AND LIONS LEGEND

Hogg Can Finally Show His Lions Credentials

Nick Cain looks at the contenders for each position

World Cup run put Samoa on the map

APOLLO PERELINI THE FORMER SAMOA AND SALE SHARKS BACK ROWER

Takeover soap opera rumbles on at Beziers

A lot can happen in a month. A month ago, French clubs were taking their first, cautious steps out of lockdown. Players were undergoing a series of medical tests and beginning socially distanced individual training programmes.

Winning the World Cup made it right time to go

After nearly 400 games for club and country, South Africa and Bath star Francois Louw has called it a day. The World Cup-winning back row offers NEALE HARVEY his views on his career, the state of world rugby and what the future holds for himself and Bath.

Sedbergh had full set of England captains

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

Mum's verdict wins captaincy of Lions for ‘honest' son Martin

Brendan Gallagher continues his expert and authoritative look at the history of Rugby Union

Lam has the ability to turn his Bears into champions

I wouldn’t underestimate anything about Pat Lam, because his pedigree and talent as a coach is proven, which is why Bristol have put their faith in him.

Forget protein, players need shrinking pills!

When it comes to progress, rugby stands on the brink of herd immunity. The only sector not in a state of arrested development is strength and conditioning – something of a growth industry, if you’ll pardon the pun – and that brings problems that may prove insurmountable.

Furbank: I don't plan to be 2-cap wonder

WITH the groin strain that curtailed his Six Nations fully healed, England and Northampton full-back George Furbank is desperate to re-establish his Test credentials.

Cotton and co wallow in not-so-glorious mud

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

Now Rugby Men Should Take A Knee Says Yarde

With a new contract signed and sealed, Marland Yarde is looking forward to picking up where he left off at Sale Sharks and potentially staying on at the north’s premier club well into his 30s.

So stylish even Sir Clive came for a lesson

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

Serevi was a showboat but also a serial winner

Brendan Gallagher delves into some of rugby’s most enduring photographs, and explains the story behind the iconic image

Rugby must not go soft on the true red card offences

ALL those supporters from the UK and around the world who tuned into the Super Rugby Aeotearoa matches in New Zealand last weekend will feel a tinge of jealousy.

Driven by desire for Bristol's champagne!

MY LIFEIN RUGBY HAYDN THOMAS THE FORMER EXETER CHIEFS, GLOUCESTER & BRISTOL SCRUM-HALF

Test cauldron was relaxation for undercover cop Crowley

Brendan Gallagher continues his enthralling series by looking at the best rugby-playing police officers

We must make our clubs more user-friendly for the local fans

Q&A JOHN INVERDALE ON THE RECORD