England stars such as Brad Barritt warned there will be a price to pay for rugby’s culture of big hits

Big hitter: England centre Brad Barritt sustained a heavy blow to the head in a collision with Quade Cooper Photo: PA Injuries during autumn series underline problem as a former IRB doctor warns that commercial incentives means players are under pressure to play A sharp intake of breath reverberated around Twickenham immediately after that dull […]

UK Anti-Doping chief Andy Parkinson warns of growing culture of internet drug-taking among aspiring rugby players

Grave warning: UK Anti-Doping chief Andy Parkinson is concerned about the availability of drugs online Photo: GETTY IMAGES Britain’s outgoing anti-doping tsar claims the biggest risk to sport is the use of performance-enhancing substances by those looking to secure their first professional contract The availability of drugs on the internet is fuelling a growing culture […]

Irish rugby star Brian O’Driscoll receives honorary degree from Queen’s University

Brian O’Driscoll is the latest sports personality to be honoured by Queen’s University Belfast One of Ireland’s greatest ever rugby players has received an honorary degree from Queen’s University Belfast. Former Ireland, and British and Irish Lions captain Brian O’Driscoll was given an honorary doctorate for services to sport. O’Driscoll was capped 133 times for […]