Rugby is forgiving and Howley deserves that

RROB Howley’s nine-month ban (with a further nine months suspended) for breaching World Rugby’s gambling regulations is not something to be taken lightly.

We got over 1991 – now class of 2019 must develop

HAVING played for England when we lost the 1991 World Cup final to Australia gives me a shared experience with where the current squad are after their loss to South Africa last month.

Moriarty should stay in Wales with the Dragons

ROSS Moriarty has quickly become one of Wales’ most important players. That might seem a strange thing to say given he was on the bench for a couple of games at the World Cup, but Ross is a vital figure.

House of Lancaster is fighting for the future of Yorkshire

Neale Harvey talks to young fly-half Dan Lancaster about his love for Carnegie and the influence of his dad, Stuart

Williams and Watkins add to woe for Wales

WALES are resigned to starting the Six Nations without yet another of their Grand Slam winners, Liam Williams.

Warriors get red card instead of winning try

MATT Fagerson was red-carded in a dramatic final minute as Glasgow Warriors’ hopes of reaching the knock-out stages were dealt a huge blow by defeat to La Rochelle.

Van Rensburg's found happy place at Sharks

ROHAN Janse van Rensburg is reaping the rewards of a healthier lifestyle after kicking junk food and sweets into touch.

Saints lads have hope despite hammering

A BEST runners-up spot is the most Northampton Saints can hope in the Champions Cup quarterfinals after Leinster ran in seven tries for the second week running.

Players will fight to keep Lions alive roars Nowell

JACK Nowell insists the ‘old school’ ethos of the British & Irish Lions will survive no matter what obstacles hard-nosed administrators throw in their way.

Phipps fears Folau has damaged the Wallabies

WALLABIES ace Nick Phipps is concerned with the damage done to Australian Rugby Union by Israel Folau.

No more false starts, cull the scrum cheats

I suspect I’m about to hack off all front rowers past and present but hopefully they will read on because I am also going to defend them to the hilt. Sort of.

Kruis hails Saracens stars of the future

GEORGE Kruis has warned Premiership rivals that Saracens will emerge stronger from their current predicament thanks to the top-level exposure younger stars are getting.

Jamie's weight insult spurs Sarries retaliation

A MUNSTER medic poking fun at Jamie George’s weight sparked an old fashioned bust-up at Allianz Park.

Hogg can be the missing link for Exeter in Europe

“Hogg reads the game very well and has the speed to make those attributes count”

Ruddock can revive the ailing Ospreys

IT’S great to see Mike Ruddock back in Welsh rugby but there’s a big task ahead of him. Personally, I hope Mike stays longer than the month he’s been signed up for as a consultant but I guess we will just have to wait and see how he goes. I think Mike is the right man to get the Ospreys back on the right path. He’s a very shrewd operator and he demands high standards so I’m sure he will have identified areas of their rugby operation that need improving. I think he will make an instant impact and he is exactly what they need to get them back on track.

It beggars belief that the Lions are treated so badly

THE Lions have announced the itinerary for their five-week 2021 tour of South Africa, and with it comes a huge sense of disappointment that the Premiership has not shifted their position.

Curry orders Sharks to put on a killer show

BEN Curry wants his side to put on a performance that will turn part-time fans into diehard regulars when Sale Sharks take on Exeter Chiefs in this weekend’s only all-English European tie.

Basham's Dismissal Has Ryan Baffled

DIRECTOR of rugby Dean Ryan was baffled by the decision to send off Taine Basham in Dragons’ defeat at Worcester Warriors.

PRL secrecy is an insult to all club rugby fans

IS Premiership Rugby fit for purpose? Is the governing body of the multi-million pound club game in England understaffed, overworked or just plain incompetent? I ask because on their website, in the salary cap section, PRL trumpets the success of the league in providing a level playing field by pointing to ‘five different Premiership rugby champions in the last six years’.

Ospreys pay for Evans early red

DAN Evans was red carded after just 37 seconds for kicking Teddy Thomas in the head as the Ospreys suffered a heavy Champions Cup defeat.

It's much ado about nothing at Thomond

IT’S not often that Munster and Saracens miss their cue and disappoint in Europe but, even given difficult second half conditions, this was a sterile affair lacking any real drama and failed to live up to its pre-match hype.

Piutau Makes His Bears Appealing On And Off Field

BRISTOL winger Charles Piutau says earning power was only part of the equation that persuaded to extend his contract at Ashton Gate.

England Fire Till Burns Right For Launchbury

JOE Launchbury has revealed that his burning desire to continue fighting for his country persuaded him to eschew exploring opportunities abroad in favour of a new contract at Wasps.

Cooney Gives Quins Late Kick In The Teeth

PAUL Gustard refused to give up the ghost on Quins’ European dreams despite an agonising and devastating late defeat at Kingspan Stadium.

Samson's Back With Help Of Dad's Kidney

NEALE HARVEY talks to Vili Ma’asi after his life-changing gift to son Samson.

Devastating As Saints March All Over Tigers

DYNAMIC Northampton maintained their strangle-hold over their arch-rivals in the most convincing manner possible.

Future's Bright For Ireland Insists Rory

RORY Best has hit back at Ireland’s critics and insists they will be a force to be reckoned with under Andy Farrell.

Bears Send Out Their Big Boys For Exiles Clash

BRISTOL roll out big guns Nathan Hughes, John Afoa and brothers Charles and Siale Piutau against an Irish side that features star Australian signing Adam Coleman on the bench.

How Much Longer Can Baa-Baas Last?

The Barbarians are one of the most iconic brands in rugby, but are they still relevant in today’s world?

Assault-Charge Jennings Gets A New Chance

FALLEN former Sale Sharks and England U20s midfield star Mark Jennings has spoken of how the combined assistance of the Rugby Players Association, Wilmslow Rugby Club and longtime friend Jonny Kennedy has provided him with salvation.