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News & Opinions articles
Topical articles and commentary on rugby events around the world.
North vs SouthEach year rugby people endlessly compare the game in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere. They argue about who would win a hypothetical Grand Final between the Heineken Cup and Super Rugby champions. Similar comparisons are made between Six Nations and Tri Nations (from this year to be known as The Rugby Championship). As ever in rugby debates, objectivity is in short supply!
One day soon Japan may replace Italy in the Six NationsMark Reason wonders whether Italy deserve their place in the Six Nations for eternity.
The Heineken Cup barometerThe Heineken Cup is not a reliable barometer when it comes to the Six Nations, which may be why France are the favourites to win the championship this year while Ireland are dominating the club/provincial scene in Europe.
6 Nations Anticipation...With the quarter finalists having been decided for the Heineken Cup,the European focus can now shift to the 6 Nations. National coaches will have keenly observed their charges in club and provincial colours as they prepare for the the next 2 months of international championship rugby.
Connacht's HeroesConnacht’s win over Harlequins in the Heineken Cup is probably the most famous in the history of the Irish province. Connacht has a mere 7% of the rugby players registered in Ireland and has long been the poor relation of the four proud provinces. Rugby will always battle with Gaelic Football, Hurling and Soccer in this predominantly rural province. The Irish inter provincial championship was established in the 1920’s and Connacht has a mere 2 wins to it’s name over that time.
Wales v IrelandWales, like England, have opted for a dash of youth in their Six Nations squad. Six uncapped players in their 35 include the 18-year old wing Harry Robinson, who has made his mark on the sevens circuit.
England’s club owners launch another ruinous takeover bidMark Reason despairs at the English clubs’ latest attempt to hijack the season in order to fund their daft wage bills.
Lions 2013Lions CEO John Feehan has confirmed that the coach for the 2013 tour to Australia will be announced after the 6N’s. It would appear that the choice is between Warren Gatland, Andy Robinson and Declan Kidney, with Ian McGeechan always a possibility.While Robinson and Kidney are quality coaches with some notable successes, surely the position is Gatland’s to lose.
England needs a great leader to compete at the next World CupMark Reason likes the start that Stuart Lancaster has made as England coach, but wonders if there is a captain out there to continue the good work.
JG's Round-UpOur undercover man’s weekly round up of news from around the rugby world, this week featuring: the Quins size of heart, Robeshaw for England Captain, 6 Nations anticipation, Sexton versus O’Gara and new appointments.
England’s Perfect TeamThe RFU has a wonderful opportunity to imitate cricket and take the rugby team to the number one position in the world.
Heroes Rugby ChallengeA couple of snippets from the Heroes Rugby Challenge lead-up and match.
JG's Round-UpOur undercover man’s weekly round up of news from around the rugby world, this week featuring: Mallet and Smith for the England job, Northampton’s season, Vern Cotters chances for the NZ job and the Russian Exchange.
Touch, pause…Engage?Mark Reason wonders if a great Wallaby side in the making will once more collapse at the 2015 World Cup.
JG's Round-UpOur undercover man’s weekly round up of news from around the rugby world, this week featuring: praise for Englands Womens victory, Ronan O’Gara notching up his 200th Heineken Cup appearance, the Heineken Cup’s rugby feast and Ben Ryan’s leadership of the English Sevens squad.
Lawrence Dallaglio on the Heroes Rugby ChallengeLawrence Dallaglio speaks with The Rugby Site at The Heroes Rugby Challenge Captains Run, Friday December 2nd.
The Joy of ShaneMark Reason looks back over the career of a little man who did great things and proved, as if it ever needed proving, that fast feet and clever hands are more valuable than sheer bulk
Shane Williams - bloody legend!It is always sad to see the retirement of players who have contributed significantly to the game over many years. However, in certain instances you sense the end of an era and that will be the case when Shane Williams plays his 87th and final Test for Wales against Australia at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday. While he will continue to perform on the domestic front for the Ospreys, he will be sorely missed on the International stage.
Graham Henry Coaching Q & A - Rosslyn Park RFCGraham Henry in an exclusive coaches insight Q&A session at Rosslyn Park RFC. Involving some of the biggest names in world rugby, The Rugby Site offers high quality rugby coaching videos and online forums to a global rugby community. Get inside the game now at www.therugbysite.com.
Leaky England sinks to new depthsMark Reason wonders why the RFU is wasting money on an enquiry into leaks, when it is the England team they should be fixing.
JG's Round-UpOur undercover man’s weekly round up of news from around the rugby world, this week featuring: the Heroes Rugby Challenge, Bath’s Beaver Fever, Welsh sense of injustice and the loss of a South African “trailblaizer”.
England search for manager is already a shamblesMark Reason looks at the resignation of Martin Johnson and fears that the RFU lollipops will make Jonny Wilkinson the new man in charge.
Live Stream - Graham Henry 16/11/11Graham Henry’s live question and answer session with The Rugby Site members.
Congratulations: Ultimate Insider Pass WinnerA big congratulations to Ian Trevis for winning our Ultimate Insiders Pass competition in conjunction with the Heroes Rugby Challenge. Ian has won…
JG's Round-UpOur undercover man’s weekly round up of news from around the rugby world, this week featuring: the Heineken Cup v Super Rugby debate, Celtic teams performance in the opening round, Jim Mallinder inspiring Northampton and the filling of vacant coaching positions…
Are Fans Still Thirsty for Heineken Cup Action?Mark Reason wonders how many people will watch the first weekend of the Heineken Cup and would bet his mortgage on the average attendance not being close to the crowds who turn out for Aussie Rules.
Rugby’s Core ValuesWhile winning the Webb Ellis Cup was the goal of every player who participated in RWC 2011, for many this may have been unrealistic and for most it was unrealized. Having had time to consider the tournament, below are listed a number of individuals who deserve recognition for the manner in which they conducted themselves, often in the face of adversity. They each demonstrated an intrinsic understanding and embodiment of rugby’s core values…
Why were England so bad? ask Sir CliveEngland stank out the World Cup like rotting fish. But if you want to know the cause of the stench, look no further than the English clubs.
World Cup XVA collection of The Rugby Site contributors give their RWC2011 World XV picks:# Jake White – World Cup winning South African Coach# Mark Reason – Sports Journalist: The voice of reason# Eddie Jones – ex. Australia & South Africa Coach# Brendon Ratcliffe – The Rugby Sites waterboy# JG – Our undercover man inside the game
Cheers TedAs Graham Henry today announced publicly that he is stepping down from the All Blacks head coach role, here at The Rugby Site we wanted to take a moment to acknowledge his contribution to the game.
