Articles
News & Opinions articles
Topical articles and commentary on rugby events around the world.
Wallabies-Lions 3: A tale of two stalwartsAs we prepare for the most anticipated game, outside of a World Cup, in years; a series decider of perhaps the closest matched teams in recent history (would a draw in the final game be that big of a surprise?), one cannot help but be struck by the bold yet contrasting selection decisions of both Robbie Deans and Warren Gatland.
Five youngsters to watch for at the 2013 Rugby World Cup SevensRR has been spying on the Sevens teams preparing for the impending RWC. Here’s the players you should be looking out for…
Beale’s Boots and the Lucky LionsWayne Smith tips Australia to level the series in Melbourne
Steve Walsh neutrality called into questionJG calls for an IRB investigation into the unethical behavior of the ARU and Steve Walsh
Lions Inept PerformanceThe defeat against the Brumbies was sadly one of the most inept performances in Lion’s history. It will have little bearing on Saturday’s test match, but it showed the heavy downside of Gatland’s policy of cutting selection corners for the benefit of the test team.
The 'RR' looks at the rising stars emerging from the Junior World ChampionshipWith New Zealand, South Africa, England and Wales through to the semi-finals, and all have had to do it the hard way, the 2013 Junior World Championships is living up to expectations.
Ben Youngs must start for the LionsWayne Smith praises the rugby being played by the Lion’s thus far and thinks that Ben Youngs must be included in the starting lineup.
Ode To BoweIt must be hoped that reports of Tommy Bowe’s tour ending injury have been greatly exaggerated.
Lions back three shine but more pack drill requiredThe Lions opening match against the Force brought Gatland some good news and a huge work schedule
You can always rely on France to be unreliableWayne Smith previews the forthcoming series between New Zealand and France and is ready to be amazed
The Lions and Wallabies need some x-factorBrian Ashton looks ahead to the Lions tour and prays that both sides play the creative game that is part of their history
A Reffing DisasterDylan Hartley’s red card ruined the Premiership Final but has a storm like this one been brewing for some time now?
Congratulations to Joe Schmidt & Martin CastrogiovanniJoe Schmidt & Martin Castrogiovanni both signed-off in style this weekend. Here’s what happened…
Toulon's Triumph Highlights Rugby's ProblemToulon’s efficient, defensive orientated style won out over a more attack-minded Clermont side this weekend. But did the ‘showcase’ European final highlight a need for a change in attitude or possibly even the rules?
Heineken Cup Final Preview - A Splash of Panache is RequiredThe all French final will see few Frenchmen compete for Europe’s premier club trophy. Paul Rees analyses how the final will likely play out
The spirit of rugby is under threatJG notes an increase in the hectoring of officials and wants us all to do something about it.
An open letter to TGR Davies CBE, Chairman British and Irish Lions CommitteeWe received this letter from David Stewart, a site member, and thought the rest of our members should read it
Leigh Halpenny Interview: 'Back where it all began'Leigh Halfpenny shows The Rugby Site where it all began for him and tells us about the players that inspired him.
The Fickleness of FateChris Robshaw isn’t going to Australia with the Lions, Sam Warburton is and as captain. Before the Six Nations finale, the story looked very different.
Aviva Premiership Awards - Round-UpA round-up of the Aviva Premiership, end of season awards
Warren Gatland: A biographyA look at the career of The Rugby Site’s latest recruit
Lancaster’s collective cost England players a Lions placeGatland has selected a fine Lions squad. Here Hallers analyses some of the surprise selections and offers an explanation for some tour omissions.
Warren Gatland Joins The Rugby SiteLions and Wales head coach, Warren Gatland has joined our growing team of top coaches and players.
Congratulations to Sam Warburton & Leigh HalfpennyThe Rugby Site would like to congratulate Sam Warburton on having been named captain of the British and Irish Lions
Gatland’s Three Big ChallengesWarren Gatland has selected a fine Lions squad but there are three big issues that Gatland must address if the Lions are to be successful.
Joe Schmidt Announced as Ireland Head CoachThe IRFU have appointed Joe Schmidt to the position of head coach
Warburton and Robshaw to lead LionsWayne Smith chairs the Rugby Site’s selection of a Lions squad ahead of Warren Gatland’s announcement next week.
What Price Two All French FinalsPaul Rees expects that the new increase to the French salary cap will create an even bigger gap between the haves and have-nots of European rugby
The Lions Dirt Trackers Will Determine Success or FailureJG looks at recent Lions history and says that the attitude of the players who don’t make the test side will hold the key to the tour.
