Why Sam Burgess Should Not Be Included in England’s Six Nations Squad

There was great fuss and fanfare at the arrival of Sam Burgess to rugby union. After a glittering career in league with the South Sydney Rabbitohs, the lad from Dewsbury decided to leave his brothers Down Under and try his hand at 15-a-side. No sooner was the news out than Burgess was being heralded by many as the answer to England’s midfield dilemma; the man who would make the difference in... 

Power Ranking Europe’s Top 15 Club Teams After Weekend of January 2-4

This week, a change at the top of Europe’s power ranking and signs of a good second half of the season to come from Wasps, Leicester and Leinster, who all improve their standings. There were some timely performances from players vying for international spots, particularly by England wide men, with Christian Wade looking lethal for Wasps, Jack Nowell starring for Exeter, David Strettle bagging... 

Best XV in World Rugby for Weekend of January 2-4

The new year began much as the old one was seen out in England. Wasps picked up where they left off after their opening match at their new Coventry home, demolishing Sale Sharks at the Ricoh to keep the new ground buzzing, while Leicester Tigers ground out another win, this time gaining revenge for their heavy loss at Bath earlier this term. In France, Stade Francais followed a rousing win at home... 

Brodie Retallick: World Rugby’s Player of 2014

Nothing provokes debate like a player of the year list, perhaps except the choice of the man at the top of any such compilation. Except when that man is Brodie Retallick and when he has had a year like the one just passed. Unlike the anointment of his coach Steve Hansen as coach of the year, it is just about impossible to quibble with the naming of the young New Zealand second row as the best player... 

Power Ranking Europe’s Top 15 Club Teams After Weekend of December 26-28

The final power ranking of the year accounts for a shock in Paris, a comeback in Manchester and a despair in Dublin. Toulon were humbled by Stade Francais in the Top 14 while the usual home-and-away Jekyll-and-Hyde form of many of the top French sides continued. In England, the leaders ploughed on while the chasing pack kept up the pursuit. The Pro 12 sees Welsh and Scottish sides setting the pace... 

Best XV in World Rugby for Weekend of December 26-28

This week’s team features a number of heavyweight names from the pack of Toulouse with a smattering of talent from the Bath back line. After their seventh straight win, Mike Ford’s Bath are established as the key contenders to reigning champions Northampton, who had another stellar showing from Samu Manoa to thank for a win against Harlequins. In a suffocating contest in France, Toulouse... 

Joe Schmidt: World Rugby’s Coach of 2014

The year of 2014 saw Ireland take home the Six Nations crown and New Zealand walk off with the Rugby Championship, again. The All Blacks then came north and conquered all before them to round off a year that saw only a draw with Australia and defeat in South Africa blot an otherwise impressive record. Steve Hansen has even been able to develop greater strength in depth thanks to injuries and a rotation... 

Power Ranking Europe’s Top 15 Club Teams After Weekend of December 19-21

The last pre-Christmas ranking follows a return to domestic action for Europe’s top clubs. In order to give them a rank, both league and European form is taken into credit, which means teams firing in both the Champions Cup and their league take top billing. In the case of teams playing in Europe’s second-tier competition, the Challenge Cup, if they are bombing on in their league as well... 

Best XV in World Rugby for Weekend of December 19-21

The last weekend before Christmas produced some crackers across Europe’s best leagues to give us a strong World Rugby XV for the festive period. We were spoiled for choice at fly-half with plenty of No. 10s racking up impressive totals, while more than one No. 8 also enjoyed fruitful weekends. There were some reminders for a few Six Nations coaches, as a couple of players pressed their claims... 

5 Rule Changes We’d Love to See for Rugby in 2015

Rugby’s lawmakers have been tinkering with the game for decades. From changing the points system to meddling with the scrum and offside line, regulations have been evolving almost seasonally. But there are some more radical changes that could really make a difference to the sport for the better. Some hark back to the good old days, others are a bit more extreme, but the five law changes we have... 

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