By John Kelly Former international referee Alain Rolland feels technology in rugby has gone too far. Rolland, who refereed the 2007 World Cup final and infamously sent off Wales’ Sam Warburton in the semi-final against France four years later, is in favour of a challenge system that will be trialled in South Africa’s Varsity Cup […]
PROFESSIONAL in everything but name. Professional everywhere but pocket. Long-standing entries into the GAA vernacular but irritating and, let’s be honest, inaccurate too. While it was encouraging to see Gaelic inter-county players stand up for themselves in the wake of Stephen Hunt’s comments, they just aren’t professional. Let us rephrase that — they aren’t just […]
Andy Goode is discussing how strength has displaced skill as the foremost requirement in modern academies when he delivers a mightily depressing yet prescient snapshot of the culture within the English game. “I have played with players who have told me they are happiest if they don’t touch the ball once during a game; they […]
After Allyson M Pollock’s son suffered a spate of serious injuries playing the game, she spent a decade investigating the risks. The results were surprising and alarming. Here’s what every parent needs to know It is one of those perfect Saturday afternoons in early autumn in Edinburgh; low sun, a cool wind blows and behind […]
Packages available to see the quarter-finals Semi final and final packages still available As the World Cup approaches the half way point with the last weekend of the pool matches, rugby fever has well and truly arrived – and it’s not too late for fans to get a last minute deal to see the action. […]
Ballynahinch dominated the early exchanges driving the young Ulster side deep into their half of the field. The home pack set a strong platform for scrum half Andrew Cairns to off load to his forwards, and in the 7th minute loose head prop Chris Stevenson crashed over for the opening score just left of the […]