What’s in The Rugby Paper: 26/11/23

Following a consequential round of derby action in the Premiership, the league continues with four more reports and a preview in The Rugby Paper this Sunday.

After five exciting local clashes last weekend the two geographically most distant sides will feature in that preview, as Paul Rees speaks to Kiran McDonald whose Newcastle Falcons side await their first win this season and face high flying Exeter Chiefs on Sunday.

That game comes after Northampton Saints host Harlequins and leaders Sale take on Bath on Friday night, and Leicester Tigers travel to Gloucester on Saturday before Saracens and Bristol face off.

Quins’ turnover machine Will Evans reflects on an injury hit few years but knows his fine form could result in him playing his way into England‘s Six Nations squad, while his fellow back row from the same club, Lucas Schmid, is our Young Gun.

And finally from the English top flight, Lawrence Dallaglio calls for clarity and leadership from the RFU and Premiership Rugby ahead of the proposed Prem 1 and Prem 2.

It has been a miserable start for Welsh clubs in the 16-team United Rugby Championship, with all four sitting outside the top ten and behind both Italian clubs in the division. There should be improved fortunes this weekend though, as Dragons travel to bottom club Sharks looking to capitalise on last week’s win against Ospreys, whose Sunday clash against local rivals Scarlets will be previewed in the paper.

Turning to international matters, England and Saracens flyer Jess Breach reflects on a near-perfect WXV tour and how she’s adjusted back to life in the club game with title hunting Sarries in our Red Roses feature, while Australian legend David Campese as the Wallabies legend shares his frustration at the usage levels of the TMO.

From our Columnists, Chris Hewitt analyses Antoine Dupont’s decision to represent France at the Olympics rather than playing in the 2024 Six Nations and Brendan Gallagher takes a look at rugby’s problems with brain damage and how the dangers to players need answering.

Our new increased coverage of the Women’s Premiership Rugby continues this week too, with a report on Saturday’s West London derby between Ealing Trailfinders and Saracens among other matches, alongside a preview for Sunday’s West Country derby between Exeter Chiefs and Bristol Bears. That double-page will be accompanied by spreads on the Championship and National Leagues One, Two North, Two East and Two West.

And Coventry’s Matt Kvesic selects his Dream Team from the best players he has played with or against, while former Northampton player and team manager Lennie Newman looks back on his career in My Life in Rugby.

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