Featured

This is where you will find all of The Rugby Paper’s Featured news, interviews, reports, opinion and other content.

Guru Braam van Straaten re-boots Alex Lozowksi’s career path

17 October 2013 0 comments

Rising Leeds star Alex Lozowski has credited a goal-kicking masterclass with club legend Braam van Straaten as one of the reasons for his fantastic start to the season.

Henry Trinder, Luther Burrell and Joel Tomkins in line for England Test debut

16 October 2013 0 comments

Henry Trinder is in line to make his England Test debut after being named in Stuart Lancaster’s England squad ahead of the QBE Autumn internationals.

Mike Brown: Quins form won’t ruin my England Test dream

16 October 2013 0 comments

Mike Brown has scotched suggestions that Harlequins are in terminal decline, claiming a misfiring backline will not harm his hopes of nailing down England’s No.15 jersey.

Wales want more cash to join new European Cup

15 October 2013 0 comments

The Anglo-French promoters of the Champions’ Cup will have to guarantee the Welsh regions a better deal if they join the new Europe.

England finish third at Gold Coast Sevens

13 October 2013 0 comments

James Rodwell, Dan Bibby and new boy Phil Burgess scored two tries each as England finished the opening round of the HSBC World Series on the Gold Coast in third position after beating South Africa 47-0 in the play-off.

Perpignan revival can help James Hook’s Wales bid

12 October 2013 0 comments

James Hook hopes Perpignan’s return to the Heineken Cup can propel him back into Wales reckoning.

Miles Mantella bounces back from pain of rejection

11 October 2013 0 comments

Being released by a Premiership club can be a devastating blow for a young player – but pace ace Miles Mantella is taking it all in his stride.

Where do you want me to play? Elliot Daly asks England

10 October 2013 0 comments

With England spoilt for choice at full-back but injury-ravaged in the centres, Elliot Daly admits he would love some clarification from the international set-up as to where his best position lies.

Dave Ewers follows David Pocock in beating pain of exile

9 October 2013 2 comments

At first glance, Exeter’s powerhouse No.8 Dave Ewers does not appear to have much in common with Australia’s David Pocock. But scratch beneath the surface and both have similar tales to tell.

Welsh get Euro Cup deadline of October 31

8 October 2013 0 comments

The four Welsh regions are being set a deadline of October 31 for joining the Anglo-French vision of the new Europe, the Champions’ Cup.

Phil Chesters is quick again after almost dying

5 October 2013 1 comment

Phil Chesters, Ealing’s indestructible try-machine, will not forget Saturday March 30, 2013, in a hurry – it was the day he almost died.

“Henry Trinder can bridge that Manu Tuilagi gap,” say James Simpson-Daniel and Nigel Davies

4 October 2013 1 comment

Gloucester duo James Simpson-Daniel and Nigel Davies are convinced Henry Trinder is the man to fill Manu Tuilagi’s massive shoes this autumn.

Superman finds he’s outmuscled by Tom Croft

3 October 2013 0 comments

Aaron Penberthy knew he was in for something special when he ended his time with the Cornish Pirates to join upwardly mobile Jersey.

Toulon in ‘illegal’ move for Leigh Halfpenny

2 October 2013 0 comments

European champions Toulon were at the centre of an illegal approach row last Saturday over a cheeky attempt to sign Leigh Halfpenny.

Nigel Wray warns the IRB a Euro Cup veto would end in court

1 October 2013 1 comment

Saracens chairman Nigel Wray has warned that any attempt by the International Rugby Board to veto the proposed Rugby Champions Cup will end up defeated in court.

Faith of Saints puts Luther Burrell on fast-track to Twickenham

27 September 2013 0 comments

Saints centre Luther Burrell believes the faith being shown in him by Northampton’s coaching staff is benefitting his game massively.

“I’d say No to England if they called,” says James Simpson-Daniel

26 September 2013 0 comments

James Simpson-Daniel believes he would turn England down if Stuart Lancaster came calling, even if the national side was ravaged by injury.

New coffee-shop owner Chris Robshaw determined not to become a has-bean

25 September 2013 3 comments

For Chris Robshaw, the coffee entrepreneur, it’s a case of better latte than never.

Welsh clubs in talks over Heineken breakaway

24 September 2013 0 comments

Two Welsh regions have declared their interest in joining the new Europe under Anglo-French direction from next season. PRL chief executive Mark McCafferty confirmed the Welsh move yesterday along with others but refused to name names.

James Haskell: I’ll never give up fight to play for England

20 September 2013 0 comments

James Haskell was quick to brush off his latest England snub and with Tom Croft now ruled out for the season, opportunity knocks for the Wasps back row again.

Andy Gomarsall: Freddie Burns can give England vital spark

19 September 2013 0 comments

Now is the time for England to let Freddie Burns off the leash, according to World Cup winner Andy Gomarsall, who says the Gloucester fly-half is Jonny Wilkinson’s heir apparent.

A red wave rolls off the Solent to remember Cliff

18 September 2013 1 comment

Towards the end of an inspirational life, Cliff Morgan found himself confronted one day by the question of mortality and his final journey.

Welsh clubs urged: Join Heineken breakaway

17 September 2013 0 comments

The four Welsh regions are being invited to break Celtic ranks and join the Anglo-French plan for a new Europe.

Conor O’Shea: Chris Robshaw will see off his England pretenders

13 September 2013 0 comments

Frustrated Quins boss Conor O’Shea has mounted a furious defence of club captain Chris Robshaw and backed him to see off all challengers by leading England into the autumn Tests.

“I had to quit Irish to stay in the picture with England” – Jonathan Joseph

12 September 2013 0 comments

Jonathan Joseph believes any hopes he had of cementing his England spot were on a hiding to nothing as long as he stayed at London Irish.

Leigh Halfpenny told: Move to France will hurt career

11 September 2013 0 comments

Leigh Halfpenny has been warned about paying ‘a massive price’ for moving to France, even it makes him the highest paid player in Europe.

Referees in quit threat over RFU’s ‘Big Brother’ plan

10 September 2013 0 comments

Premiership Rugby’s desire to exert increasing influence over referees was behind Ed Morrison’s shock decision to quit his post as head of elite refereeing on the eve of the new season, The Rugby Paper can reveal.

Nick Scott backs Justin Burnell to put London Welsh back on top

6 September 2013 0 comments

Justin Burnell’s instant impact as London Welsh rugby director has impressed winger Nick Scott so much that he believes the Exiles can get back into the Premiership at the first attempt.

Henry Thomas got his shot in the dark now he’s ready to shine for Sale

5 September 2013 1 comment

Henry Thomas, as one of the few beacons of light in a dark season for Sale, has been forced to learn his trade on the job – but England’s latest prop idol would have it no other way.

“I want your Test spot,” Matt Kvesic tells Chris Robshaw

4 September 2013 1 comment

Kvesic excelled on England’s summer tour of Argentina in the openside berth while captain Robshaw was rested – and the 21-year-old says he is hungry for more international honours.

“… and I’m after your club shirt,” warns Luke Wallace

4 September 2013 0 comments

Luke Wallace has promised to repay Stuart Lancaster‘s faith in him – by ousting England captain Chris Robshaw from the Harlequins No.7 shirt. Despite missing […]

Injured Ollie Phillips turns tide on a round the world quest

3 September 2013 0 comments

Sevens star Ollie Phillips starts his road to Rio today by sailing the Seven Seas – it’s far to say his Olympic odyssey will be […]

England have found their new Billy Whizz in Christian Wade says Andy Robinson

30 August 2013 0 comments

Former national head coach Andy Robinson believes England have finally unearthed Jason Robinson’s successor in Christian Wade. Andy Robinson’s ill-fated reign began England’s post-2003 slump […]

Ambitious Nick Kennedy has Stooped to conquer

29 August 2013 3 comments

Turning your back on the superstar lifestyle at galactico-laden Toulon might appear to be mad. But Nick Kennedy insists he is comfortable with his decision […]

Craig Mitchell: Shame of my ‘Lions’ punch-up

28 August 2013 0 comments

Craig Mitchell has spoken candidly about the horrific long-haul flight home from Australia in June when he feared his rugby career might be over. The […]

Nigel Melville in talks over US-based Premiership games

27 August 2013 0 comments

England‘s Premiership clubs are to hold imminent talks with American power-brokers aimed at ‘opening up’ the trans-Atlantic market. USA Rugby‘s top man, former England scrum-half […]

Josh Lewsey goes all-Cornish in Pirates’ masterplan

23 August 2013 3 comments

Galvanising support throughout the whole of Cornwall is key to the success of Cornish Pirates says CEO and performance director, Josh Lewsey. The former Wasps […]

Shane Geraghty: London Irish can confound runaways and bid for Top6

22 August 2013 2 comments

Shane Geraghty admits to understanding why a string of top players opted to quit London Irish. But the bullish Exiles playmaker is convinced the club […]

Alex King hopes to turn his new Northampton Saints into kings

21 August 2013 0 comments

George North‘s unveiling at Northampton was close to rock star status – but the man who could prove to be Saints’ most significant signing of […]

No U-turn on Europe promises Premiership boss Mark McCafferty

20 August 2013 4 comments

England‘s Premiership clubs are adamant there will be no u-turn on their crusade for a new European Cup, promising it will increase annual revenue by […]

Mike Blair keen to make his mark in Premiership

16 August 2013 1 comment

Mike Blair is counting down the days until he samples Premiership rugby at first hand for the first time with Newcastle. Unlike his brother David, […]

No frills as Dave Attwood batters his way back

15 August 2013 1 comment

Stuart Lancaster is regarded as a coach of considerable subtlety, but his advice to the recalled Dave Attwood has no frills: “Bash holes in people.” […]

Nine or ten? Northampton Saints can count on me, says Kahn Fotuali’i

14 August 2013 1 comment

Northampton new boy Kahn Fotuali’i admits he will not be the fly-half that Saints fans have craved ever since Carlos Spencer’s departure – but that […]

French giants can lure Adam Jones with £350k

13 August 2013 0 comments

Toulouse and Clermont will head the queue in response to Adam Jones declaring his interest in moving to France at the end of the coming […]

Mike Forshaw talks tough to Danny Cipriani and Co

9 August 2013 0 comments

As a Rugby League international as well as former Iron Man competitor, Sale’s new defence coach Mike Forshaw is clearly not to be messed with. […]

Alex Corbisiero: I had to leave London Irish to achieve my goals

8 August 2013 1 comment

George North will light up the Premiership with Northampton Saints this season, according to Lions colleague Alex Corbisiero. The pair clock on for duty at […]

Tim Stimpson rates the new Matthew Tait No.1 at 15

7 August 2013 0 comments

He’s back in the England fold after a three-year absence and it should be just a matter of time before Mathew Tait is back in […]

Premiership clubs link up with USA giants of grid-iron

6 August 2013 0 comments

England’s Premiership clubs have opened talks with four American football franchises over a ground-breaking trans- Atlantic venture. In an ambitious attempt to push back the […]