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Dragons swoop for scrum-half Niall Armstrong

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 02:59:54 +0000

Dragons have signed Irish scrum-half Niall Armstrong after his departure from Exeter at the end of last season. The 25-year-old has trained with the Rodney Parade side throughout pre-season and replaces Dane Blacker, who has returned to Scarlets. The Belfast-born scrum-half, who made 20 appearances for Exeter, will contest the No.9 jersey with Wales international […]

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Charlie Hodgson transfers his rugby skills to business

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 02:59:31 +0000

As England’s all-time leading Premiership points scorer, Charlie Hodgson’s impact on British rugby is undisputed. With a decorated career spanning over a decade at Sale Sharks and Saracens, Hodgson earned 38 caps for England and played a crucial role in multiple Premiership and European victories. Renowned for his strategic vision as a fly-half and his […]

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Dream Team – George Boulton

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 02:59:30 +0000

George Boulton, the Dings Crusaders captain and former Hartpury and Cinderford inside centre, chooses the best XV he has played with or against... 1. George Porter – Happiness himself. Has a great sense of humour and is an all-round polite chap. Probably the best loosehead in the National Leagues on his day at Cinderford. Terrible […]

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Chris Hewett: Andy Farrell not alone with his ‘home’ Lions selections

Chris Hewett — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 02:59:29 +0000

“There's an epidemic sweeping through the England team, but it isn’t catching.” Attributed to John Arlott (who else?), the exquisite one-liner sprang to mind as a flurry of butterfingered spillages helped India build their winning second innings total at The Oval last weekend. On the other side of the world, meanwhile, there was something highly […]

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Chris Hewett: Wallabies make the obvious choice with Giteau Law change

Chris Hewett — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 02:59:28 +0000

Inevitable. Had to happen. Written in the stars. Quite why the Australian rugby hierarchy spent so long umming and aaahhing about picking Wallaby-class players from overseas is a mystery that passeth all understanding, for the very good reason that without them, there were never enough Wallaby-class players to fill a team. As of now, the […]

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Peter Jackson: The British and Irish Lions fail to impress Paul Turner

Peter Jackson — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 02:59:26 +0000

From the early days in Newbridge through to Sale’s rise as champions of England, Paul Turner has built an admirable track record for innovation, an endless quest to make the game more entertaining. He saw none of that from the Lions in Australia. “Boring rugby from the Lions,’’ Turner wrote on X. “No invention. No […]

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Sharks tale will concern 2031 hosts

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 02:59:25 +0000

ON Monday, Major League Rugby announced the winner of their inguaural executive of the year award: Milagros Cubelli, CEO of the Miami Sharks. “I have a strong background in entertainment and production,’’ she said. “We are a new team so you have to be smart in how you use your resources.’’ On Tuesday, The Guardian […]

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Stewart McKinney recalls the brutal Lions days of ’74

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 02:59:24 +0000

Long before the Lions failed to turn up in Sydney for their shot at something historic, one of their Old Invincibles had no choice but to give it a miss. Back home in Dungannon, Stewart McKinney did so for reasons far removed from any anxiety at the prospect of watching a Lions squad complete an […]

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Paul Rees: Money was the theme for the Lions – and that will not change

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 02:59:23 +0000

Paul Rees says that, as the Lions chase every pound, the home unions can't complain if players do the same As weary Lions’ supporters, some 40,000 of them, returned home last week broke but satisfied, they received an e-mail inviting them to fork out on a limited edition watch to commemorate the series victory. Called […]

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It’s the people you meet that make the difference

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 02:59:10 +0000

MY LIFEIN RUGBY STEVE BODEN THE FORMER DONCASTER, LEEDS AND JERSEY HOOKER AND COACH, WHO IS NOW COACHING AT COVENTRY WHEN I left Doncaster as both a player and a coach, I quickly realised that in sport, what matters most are the people, not necessarily the club itself. In professional sport you’re ultimately an employee […]

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Brendan Gallagher: British and Irish Lions tour no longer rugby’s Everest

Brendan Gallagher — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 02:59:09 +0000

The dust is beginning to settle on the 2025 Lions tour and that is a process that should be encouraged and indeed accelerated. One of the problems with Lions rugby is that it occupies too much of our rugby consciousness to the detriment of everything else. It uses up too many gigabytes. Already, for example, […]

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Oundle building a smart pathway

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 02:59:06 +0000

Ben Jaycock talks to coach Andy Key about the challenges of playing at level 4 after promotion from Regional 1 S-East OUNDLE will be testing themselves in the National Leagues for the first time next season, and coach Andy Key says the club are “chomping at the bit” to get stuck into level 4. The […]

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Young Guns – Ollie Davies

Ben Jaycock — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 02:59:03 +0000

Ollie Davies’s journey into rugby has always been rooted in the North West and is now part of the Sale Sharks senior setup and learning his trade under the watchful eye of George Ford. The 19-year-old fly-half is emerging as a bright prospect in English rugby, having already made two U20s Six Nations appearances at […]

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Springboks setting their sights on double top

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 02:59:02 +0000

Ben Jaycock looks forward to The Rugby Championship which starts next weekend Champions: South Africa celebrate with the trophy last season PICTURES: Getty Images TOURNAMENT favourites and defending champions South Africa return to action with one eye on immediate success and the other firmly fixed on the road to the 2027 World Cup. Hot on […]

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SQUADS

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 02:59:01 +0000

SOUTH AFRICA FORWARDS: Lood de Jager, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Jean-Luc du Preez, Eben Etzebeth, Vincent Kock, Siya Kolisi (c), Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Franco Mostert, Ox Nche, Ruan Nortje, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, Marnus van der Merwe, Marco van Staden, Boan Venter, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Cobus Wiese BACKS: Kurt-Lee Arendse, Damian de […]

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George McGuigan a Newcastle Falcon again

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 03 Aug 2025 02:59:56 +0000

Hooker George McGuigan has rejoined Newcastle Falcons for a third spell on a one-year contract. Newcastle, who finished bottom of the Premiership last season with two wins from 18 games, are on the verge of being taken over by energy drinks giant Red Bull. McGuigan, 32, left the club to join Gloucester in 2022. His […]

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Dream Team – Ben Penfold

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 03 Aug 2025 02:59:29 +0000

Ben Penfold, the Bury St Edmunds and former Cambridge & Hartpury college fly-half, chooses the best XV he has played with or against 1. Ellis Genge – I played with Ellis at college. Always a standout player and made the transition from back row to prop in our last year – look at him now! […]

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Paul Rees: This triple lock will give the British and Irish Lions longer life

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 03 Aug 2025 02:59:26 +0000

Paul Rees looks into whether the Lions should stick with visiting Australia, New Zealand and South Africa Who would have thought it, the whinging Wallabies? After all the flak sent the way of Pommy sporting teams over the years, Australia did not take the loss of the series to the Lions gracefully last weekend after […]

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I now realise how lucky I was to travel the world

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 03 Aug 2025 02:59:19 +0000

MY LIFEIN RUGBY ARCHIE WHITE THE FORMER HARLEQUINS & ENGLAND U20 FLANKER RUGBY actually came to me quite late in my upbringing, I was around 15/16. I did go-karting before that, which is quite niche, I know. My dad used to race cars, which is what sparked my interest in motorsport. George Russell was racing […]

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Ray loved the game

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 03 Aug 2025 02:59:18 +0000

RUGBY MATTERS A weekly look at the game’s other talking points BRENDAN GALLAGHER SO farewell Ray French, for many years the voice of rugby league but also a rugby union man through and through, which may sound contradictory but was entirely true. This is the man who played Union for St Helen’s and England – […]

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Charles Rylands: We need to build interest in Champ Rugby

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 03 Aug 2025 02:59:15 +0000

With the announcement this week of the Prem Cup fixtures, I was gutted to learn that teams from the second division of English rugby won’t be competing against the best sides in the country this season. It’s understandable why Champ clubs have chosen to step away. They’ve long been frustrated with receiving no share of […]

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Young Guns – Jess Taylor

Ben Jaycock — Sun, 03 Aug 2025 02:59:14 +0000

England U18s back row Jess Taylor recalls earning a pound from her father every time she tackled hard enough to make a boy cry at Huntingdon RFC. Now, 13 years later, that same hunger is driving the 18-year-old standout forward towards the top of the women’s game. Taylor told The Rugby Paper: “I started out […]

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I’m so proud of what we achieved at Northampton Saints – Matt Ferguson

Ben Jaycock — Sun, 03 Aug 2025 02:59:13 +0000

After seven years building one of the most respected packs in English rugby, Matt Ferguson parted ways with Northampton Saints this summer. Ben Jaycock caught up with the former England women’s and Saints scrum coach to talk about his surprise exit and his take on England’s scrummaging depth. Can you start by telling us about […]

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Dream Team – Harry Sloan

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 27 Jul 2025 02:59:31 +0000

Harry Sloan, the Canterbury centre and former Harlequins, Saracens, Ealing Trailfinders, London Scottish, Worthing, Agen and England U20s player, chooses the best XV he has played with or against 1. Richard Barrington - Baz has won everything there is with Saracens. He keeps the morale high in any environment and is great on socials. 2. […]

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Paul Rees: Wales need dose of harsh reality

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 27 Jul 2025 02:59:28 +0000

Paul Rees says Scotland's defence coach Steve Tandy is the right man to take over from Warren Gatland Wales' five month search for a head coach to replace Warren Gatland ended last week when Steve Tandy was appointed on a three-year contract. He became the first Welshman to take charge of the side full-time for […]

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Ian Prior – Zimbabwe World Cup qualification puts the cherry on top

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 27 Jul 2025 02:59:22 +0000

My life in rugby with Ian Prior, the former Reds, Brumbies, Western Force and now Zimbabwe half-back I have been fortunate throughout my career to play with some excellent teams in the top competitions and alongside some outstanding players, but helping my heritage nation Zimbabwe qualify for the World Cup is right up there as […]

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We strive to match power of the Boks

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 27 Jul 2025 02:59:18 +0000

Q&A ENGLAND U20s and Red Roses scrum coach Nathan Catt sat down with Ben Jaycock to reflect on each team’s progress, the nuances of modern scrummaging, and the development of England’s next generation of tight five talent. How do you reflect on the U20s’ growth across the Junior World Cup? It’s a funny one. There […]

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Charles Rylands: I just can’t wait for this new ‘Champ’

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 27 Jul 2025 02:59:17 +0000

With the new Championship season fast approaching, there’s a real sense of excitement and anticipation across the league. This year brings plenty of change — some long overdue — and as a player in the league, it finally feels like the competition is heading in the right direction. First off, we’ve got a newly branded […]

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Young Guns – Joy Okechukwu

Ben Jaycock — Sun, 27 Jul 2025 02:59:16 +0000

Joy Okechukwu only began playing rugby three years ago but has already shown enough progress with Harlequins for her to be called up to the England U18 squad. The back row forward has swiftly risen through the ranks, and central to her development has been the guidance of former England international Rachael Burford, whose influence […]

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Paul Rees: England’s aim must be 2027 World Cup final

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 20 Jul 2025 02:59:25 +0000

Paul Rees says that Steve Borthwick's men must build on their series success in Argentina, and aim for glory at the next World Cup England's summer tour has created a mere ripple of interest compared to the tidal surge in Australia the Lions have been riding on, and that is the way head coach Steve […]

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Cuts are an admission of failure

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 20 Jul 2025 02:59:24 +0000

THE goings-on in Wales bring to mind the book Agatha Christie said was the one she found the most difficult to write -And Then There Were None. It is set on the Devon coast. Eight guests are invited a mansion where they find a butler and a housekeeper waiting for them, but not a host. […]

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Dream Team – Markus Burcham

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 20 Jul 2025 02:59:19 +0000

Markus Burcham, the Blackheath and former Ealing Trailfinders & England Counties centre, chooses the best XV he has played with or against 1. Lewis Brown – Played together at Ealing and he looked more like a Calvin Klein pants model than a prop. Strong as an ox and sneaky quick! A real smooth boy that […]

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I’ve shared some of my best times with Maro

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 20 Jul 2025 02:59:14 +0000

MY LIFEIN RUGBY NATHAN EARLE THE FORMER ENGLAND U20, SARACENS, HARLEQUINS, NEWCASTLE AND EALING WINGER AFTER 13 years of dodging tackles, collecting trophies, and testing the structural integrity of my joints to their very limit, I recently decided it was time to call it a day on my professional rugby career. From growing up playing […]

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Peter Winterbottom: To win a series in Argentina is huge

Ben Jaycock — Sun, 20 Jul 2025 02:59:08 +0000

Ben Jaycock catches up with legendary openside Peter Winterbottom to discuss his thoughts on England’s win over Argentina, the back row competition, the Lions series and how preparations are shaping up with his Esher side in National Two East How significant do you think England’s 2–0 series win in Argentina is, particularly with so many […]

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New guys know the step up will be tough

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 20 Jul 2025 02:59:05 +0000

Ben Jaycock catches up with three players from teams promoted to Nat 1 - Leeds Tykes, Tonbridge Juddians and Clifton NEXT season’s National 1 has the potential for two teams to earn promotion up to the Championship and, with no side relegated from the second tier, it promises to be as competitive as ever. The […]

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A question over Farrell selection

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 20 Jul 2025 02:59:04 +0000

Well, finally the wait is over and the Lions have played their first Test match in Australia with all the pre-match hype and anticipation at last being silenced by a game that finally lived up to expectations. Unlike last week’s game against Australia and New Zealand combination team (AUNZ), which was a total disappointment for […]

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YOUNG GUNS

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 20 Jul 2025 02:59:03 +0000

AJAYEDWARDS NEWCASTLE & ENGLAND U18 FULL-BACK Newcastle Falcons’ South African-born full-back Ajay Edwards is quickly making a name for himself in both club and international circles, having recently represented England U18s. Born in South Africa and raised in a rugby family, Edwards moved to the UK at a young age but still maintains close ties […]

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Dream Team – Joe Craggs

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 13 Jul 2025 02:59:21 +0000

Joe Craggs, the Darlington MP and former Newcastle Falcons and England U18s second row, chooses the best XV he has played with or against... 1. Alfie Barron – Class scrummager, mint round the park and someone who is always up for a laugh, one of the best blokes I’ve ever met. He punches well above […]

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My proudest moment was to lead England out

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 13 Jul 2025 02:59:14 +0000

MY LIFEIN RUGBY JOSH BEAUMONT THE FORMER ENGLAND XV, SALE SHARKS & FYLDE LOCK IPLAYED 196 games for Sale, and it would have been nice to get to 200. At the start of the season I thought I would but with the state of my knees, it just wasn’t possible. I made the decision to […]

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Jeff Probyn: Steve Borthwick has to rethink his England squad

Jeff Probyn — Sun, 13 Jul 2025 02:59:07 +0000

Last week the England rugby team showed some character in their game against Argentina that has been missing in many of their recent games and managed an outstanding win for their first Test in Argentina. Head coach Steve Borthwick seems to have at last found a better balance of his playing squad with a number […]

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Young Guns: Asa Stewart-Harris

Ben Jaycock — Sun, 13 Jul 2025 02:59:06 +0000

Boyhood supporter Asa Stewart-Harris is already making waves at Saracens, with a sharp pass, a keen rugby brain, and a love for playing at pace. The 18-year-old former full-back turned scrum-half has risen quickly through the Sarries ranks, and now the teenager has his sights firmly set on England U20 honours. A product of Saracens’ […]

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Claudia Moloney-MacDonald is back in the old routine

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 13 Jul 2025 02:59:02 +0000

Claudia Moloney-MacDonald is the first to admit that she could not see a path back to an England spot in time for a home World Cup. It was in February 2024 that the Exeter Chiefs winger suffered a neck injury that left her unable to move her arms and legs. That was the second serious […]

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Ben Stevenson is the latest to leave Newcastle Falcons

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 13 Jul 2025 02:59:01 +0000

Wing Ben Stevenson is the latest player to leave Newcastle Falcons after agreeing a two-year deal at RC Vannes in France, who have just been relegated from the Top 14. Durham-born Stevenson, 26, made 98 appearances for Newcastle after coming through the ranks and making his debut in 2016. Last season, he scored 10 tries […]

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Paul Rees: Andy Farrell set to make the big calls for British and Irish Lions

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 06 Jul 2025 02:59:28 +0000

Paul Rees says the head coach's decision to select his son Owen is controversial - but could help the cause As the first Test of the Lions series looms, it is Australia who fret over preparation time. The tourists played their fourth match yesterday with all but three players having started at least one game […]

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Dream Team – Ben Cooper

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 06 Jul 2025 02:59:14 +0000

Ben Cooper, the Bury St Edmunds player-coach and former London Welsh, Cambridge and Bedford Blues prop, chooses the best XV he has played with or against... 1. Camilo Parilli-Ocampo – One of my best mates, still to this day! So, so many fond memories of Cam at Bedford, especially seeing how many of the crowd […]

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Bordeaux & Saints are set for Cup rematch

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 06 Jul 2025 02:59:10 +0000

NEWS EXTRA EUROPEAN champions Bordeaux-Begles and last season’s finalists Northampton have been drawn in Pool 4 for the 2025-26 Champions Cup. In May, Bordeaux defeated Saints 28-20 in Cardiff to lift their first Champions Cup title. Bristol, Scarlets, Pau and URC runners-up the Bulls are also in Pool 4. Three-time winners Saracens are in Pool […]

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I was very proud to be given a testimonial

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 06 Jul 2025 02:59:09 +0000

MY LIFEIN RUGBY THE NOW-RETIRED CAMBRIDGE & BEDFORD BLUES WINGER PAT TAPLEY Speedster: Pat Tapley leading the way for Bedford PICTURE: Getty Images ONE of the biggest things that I will take from my rugby career, over and above any personal milestones or accolades, is the connection that it gave me and my Dad, who […]

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Jeff Probyn: Once again, Andy Farrell puts his son first

Jeff Probyn — Sun, 06 Jul 2025 02:59:08 +0000

It seems this trip to Australia may be a prelude to the beginning of the end for the Lions in their current form. The multi-game tours of the past by individual nations seem to have faded away, being replaced by only a Test match tour with games between the two national sides. The Lions are […]

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Young Guns – Sam Winters

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 06 Jul 2025 02:59:07 +0000

Sam Winters is on a mission to break into the Bath senior squad and earn a spot in next year’s U20 Six Nations and World Cup squads. The 18-year-old England age-grade full-back is a product of Harrow School, whose alumni includes current Lions captain Maro Itoje, and hopes to make his mark in the Premiership […]

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Ma’a Nonu, 43, shows no sign of stopping

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 06 Jul 2025 02:59:03 +0000

In other surprising – but rather more straightforward – contract news from France, it seems 43-year-old Ma’a Nonu is ready to sign on for one more year at Toulon. L’Equipe reported on Friday that Nonu, who became the oldest player in Top 14 history when he came off the bench in the 28-26 loss at […]

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