The sudden and extremely sad death of Munster coach Anthony Foley cast the darkest of shadows over the opening weekend of the European Champions Cup and Challenge Cup. His loss is felt in his home province and across all the nations – but the highs and lows of the weekend’s on-field action still deserve to be acknowledged.Top clash finish: Sean Maitland about to touch down under pressure. (Photo: Getty Images)The Saints Sean Maitland and Saracens Only a top-class finisher can touch down a try when the combined power of …Continue reading »
In snatching back the lead from Wasps just before half-time on Sunday afternoon at Allianz, Saracens showed the opportunism and problem-solving ability of a champion side.DescriptionMore than any athletic attribute, the one quality that Maro Itoje’s clubmates value highest in their young lock is an …Continue reading »
It was a weekend laden with tries as the Aviva Premiership and the Guinness Pro12 teams served up some scintillating rugby. Who were the major stars and who lost their sparkle?Flying start: Alofa Alofa scored a memorable try on his first start at the Stoop. (Photo: Getty Images)The Saints Silver service from the No 10s Harlequins outside-centre Alofa Alofa scored his first try for his new club …Continue reading »
The start of the Champions and Challenge Cup starts in 10 days time and for the tournament's organisers the action can't come quickly enoughThe Champs: Saracens are favourites to go back-to-backThe Champions Cup starts in earnest this month with enough high-profile clashes to whet the appetite of the most ardent …Continue reading »
Chris Ashton’s latest brush with the law has put his future in doubt but he should stand and fight his ground – for his England place and not in disciplinary hearingsPause for thought: Chris Ashton has 12 week to ponder his latest setbackJournalists all around the rugby-playing globe were hunched over their laptops waiting for news of Chris Ashton’s disciplinary hearing to …Continue reading »
