Brad Shields’ inclusion in England’s touring squad to South Africa has reignited the ever-raging debate of overseas international selection. Advocates of selecting foreign born players or allowing players who qualify under residency rules argue that it allows high quality players to play test rugby where perhaps such opportunities would not be available to them. The […]
England Rugby
No Man Is An Island: International Rugby’s Qualification Laws
From Holyhead to Haverfordwest, scoring two tries for Wales on your debut is the kind of dream held by many youngsters – less so, perhaps, in Huntersville, New Zealand, the hometown of Wales’ newest rugby starlet Hadleigh Parkes. Yet his selection is an example of an increasingly common trend in the Home Nations – Ireland, […]
The Highs and Lows of Lancaster’s Reign
Following England’s inexplicable exit from this year’s world cup, the finger of blame was wagged profusely towards the direction of Lancaster. Questionable decision making on and off the pitch inevitably made him the scapegoat from a nation severely damaged in pride, eventually leading to his dismissal in early November. However, will the host’s horror show […]
Five things we learnt from the Rugby World Cup
The Pool Draw It was said when the draw was made in 2012 and it will be said again: Who’s foolish idea was it to draw the pools three years before the competition? Enough can happen in a year, let alone three. Yes, Wales had a horrific autumn, losing all their test matches and falling […]
England’s World Cup: What went wrong?
When the going got tough: England had no tough nuts and were easily cracked. This was clearly visible in the last 20 minutes of both the Wales and Australia games; in the former England had a ten point lead and failed to close the game out, and with Australia they threw away any chance of […]
5 talking points from England’s RWC squad
Sam Burgess Although not without his supporters, Burgess’ lack of international experience and concerns over his primary position nonetheless renders his inclusion in the squad a surprise. Swamped by media rumours ever since his move from Rugby League, it will be interesting to see how Lancaster utilises the Bath man in the pool games, with […]