Updated: Apr 24, 2023 4:43 pm Newcastle Falcons 5-66 Northampton Saints Northampton thrashed Newcastle at Kingston Park on Friday night, running in ten tries. It was one-way traffic as the Saints produced a ruthless, clinical display as Newcastle struggled to cope with their pace and physicality. The evening had started brightly for the Falcons, with …
Updated: Apr 17, 2023 1:19 pm After two weeks of mixed European exploits for the English sides, the Gallagher Premiership returned at the weekend. With the playoff picture heating up, there was plenty to play for. Bristol Bears 20-36 Sale Sharks Sale secured their place in the play-offs with an impressive win over Bristol at …
Updated: Apr 10, 2023 5:53 pm Leinster 55 v 24 Leicester Leinster continued their formidable recent form by romping past Leicester to set up a semi-final against Toulouse. The Dubliners got off to the best possible start, Garry Ringrose selling a wonderful dummy to scythe through the Leicester midfield and touch down inside two minutes. …
Updated: Apr 7, 2023 8:20 am Europe is heading towards its crunch stage, with eight sides battling it out for a place in the semi-finals at the weekend. The last sixteen provided a healthy slice of drama, but ultimately the eight home sides prevailed. Will home advantage prove key again? A week’s recovery offers little …
Updated: Apr 3, 2023 8:11 pm Despite some previous grumblings about the Champions Cup‘s convoluted format, the last sixteen provided some premium entertainment. With a healthy dosage of drama and some heartbreak, Europe’s elite (and South Africa) put on a show with several near-shocks. A rain-sodden Welford Road started the action on Friday night as …
Updated: Mar 30, 2023 2:57 pm The dust has settled on another epic Six Nations that saw Ireland emphatically seal a Grand Slam. It’s hard to bet against their premier province, Leinster, in Europe, but the likes of Toulouse, Saracens, and last year’s winners, La Rochelle, will be gunning for them. All of Europe’s leading …
Updated: Mar 27, 2023 1:31 pm Newcastle Falcons 17 v 12 Gloucester Newcastle survived an early red card to beat Gloucester and all-but end the visitors’ play-off hopes. It was a hugely impressive, gutsy win from the Falcons after a week of turmoil instigated by the departure of director of rugby Dave Walder. Ahead of …
Updated: Mar 23, 2023 10:53 am After another thrilling Six Nations that saw Ireland achieve a much-deserved Grand Slam, I have selected my team of the tournament. Unsurprisingly, it has a distinctly Irish and French favour! Front Row Embed from Getty Images Second Row Back Row Embed from Getty Images Half Backs Centres Embed from …
Updated: Mar 22, 2023 9:59 am France 41 v 28 Wales France ended their Six Nations with a stylish win against an improving Wales, but Ireland’s victory dashed their hopes of retaining their title. Les Blues headed into the game knowing they needed an emphatic victory to put pressure on Ireland, and they duly delivered, …
Updated: Mar 21, 2023 10:54 am Scotland 26 v 14 Italy Scotland survived a late Italian onslaught to end their Six Nations on a high with a bonus point victory. Leading 19-6 early in the second half, Scotland appeared to be coasting to a comfortable win, but not for the first time in this tournament, …