“That ability, to do that, is superb.” Felix Jones, fresh off helping South Africa to back-to-back World Cup wins, is settling in as England’s defence coach, ahead of the 2024 Six Nations. The 36-year-old was highly sought-after, following his four-year stint with the Springboks. Steve Borthwick was able to recruit Jones and Kiwi coach Andrew […]

2 years ago

“It went down so badly!” Brian O’Driscoll was Ireland captain for 83 of the 133 Test caps he won with his country. By the time he retired, in 2014, he was a dab hand at press conferences and dealing with the media. That was not always the case. Back in 2003, after getting a taste […]

3 years ago

Not a bother to the men in green… In a little over two years, Ireland will embark on their ninth quest to win the William Webb Ellis trophy. In truth, Ireland would be delighted to get beyond that sticky quarter final stage but, sure, once we’re in the last four, we might as well go […]

9 years ago

All those pre-planned tweets and social media images that will never see the light of day… Planning ahead is often a good thing but even the best of intentions can’t twist fate’s arm. Newspapers, websites and the English Rugby Football Union will have done a big of the leg-work to prepare themselves in the eventuality […]

9 years ago

GRAND SLAMMED. That was the theme of newspaper headlines across world rugby’s main outposts as England fell short against a rampant, rabid Ireland at the Aviva Stadium. Eddie Jones tasted defeat for the first time in 19 matches but was gracious in handling the result… aside from one, tiny Leprechaun remark. The result did everything […]

9 years ago

IRELAND 13-9 ENGLAND It ends at 18. Ireland finished second in the 2017 Six Nations but were by far the better team against England at the Aviva Stadium this evening. They simply had to win and they did just that. Ireland poured into the Six Nations champions in the opening 40 minutes but were only […]

9 years ago