Some Thoughts after three Rounds A If you had to guess which team turned up so late that they couldn’t have a Captain’s Run, which would you suggest? Correct, Wales. Sean Lynn was very diplomatic, saying they will have another look at the matter. More to the point, why did the logistics officials book a
Scotland v Italy The Hive, Edinburgh Scotland had high hopes of a home win after their defeat of Wales and decent showing in France. It was not to be, a grave disappointment to players, staff and crowd. Both sets of backs had been written up pre-match. As things turned out, it was the Azzurre who
And they were 6 Nations – Round 3 – Saturday Games Ireland v England Virgin Media Park, Cork English players and staff have been heard saying they want to face competition, to be tested to the full. Ireland provided just that, but for the first 55 minutes only. Across the first half they gave England
Six Nations – Round Three After a week’s break the 6N gets under way on Saturday. Fixtures: Saturday 12 April: France v Wales, Stade Amédée-Domenech, Brive; KO 12.45 BST Ireland v England, Musgrave Park, Cork; KO 16.45 BST Sunday 13 April Scotland v Italy, The Hive, Edinburgh; 15.00 BST France v Wales – Keep your
Appointments In a surprise move Dave Ward, head coach of Bristol Bears, leaves his post. Depending on the nature of his ‘new opportunity’, it may well mean the departure of his wife, Abbie, from the Bears’ squad too. What are the odds on Bears picking a woman to replace him? About 100-1 against? I’ll be
The REC got under way at the end of last month, Spain beating Portugal away from home 19-7. On 6 April Las Leonas beat Sweden 69-0. There we see all too clearly the hard job Rugby Europe has finding the best way to organise its member teams. It wants to provide chances for everyone, but
The French co-coaches have posted the names of 32 players to form the squads for the last three matches of the current Six Nations. They are: Forwards: Zago, Bernadou, Berthoumieu, Bigot, Brosseau, Champon, Domain, Escudero, Fall Raclot, M. Feleu, T. Feleu, Joyeux, Khalfaoui, Lazarko, R. Ménager, Mwayembe, Okemba, Riffonneau, Backs: Amédée, Arbey, Arbez, Bordes, Boulard,
It’s strange how quickly opinions alter. In Game One an established star is an automatic starter; by Game Two she is a back number, replaced by the latest favourite of the public and social media. Here’s what may be close to the strongest starting Fifteen England can put out: 15 KILDUNNE 14 DOW 13 JONES
Rugby Canada have made no secret of their desire to win the World Cup. Last month they set up a fund to reach $1m to support the squad on their journey. They have just announced that they have already reached half way to the target. In addition, a tour of South Africa will take place
There have been end-of-season retirements. I list them separately at the end. 1 March Super Aupiki Round One: Chiefs Manawa 25 Matatū 31; Hurricanes Poua 10 Blues 50 1 March Super W Round 1: Waratahs 17 Fijiana Drua 23; Western Force 29 Brumbies 29 1 March Celtic Challenge R9: Gwalia 17 Wolfhounds 48; Edinburgh 18
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