In this issue

April 23, 2023

Williams: Give more to the Championship

BRISTOL centre James Williams believes the Championship is overlooked by Premiership clubs and deserves more funding from the RFU.

2 mins

Atkinson enjoying life at Gloucester

SEB Atkinson is ending the season on a high having feared his career might be over just as it had started following the collapse of Worcester last September.

3 mins

I'm quicker, stronger and better, says Lynagh

LOUIS Lynagh claims he has returned from his injury nightmare “quicker, stronger and better than ever”.

2 mins

Sanderson backs his 'squadfather'

ALEX Sanderson says Sale will be a different proposition in the Premiership play-offs than they were two years ago in his first campaign in charge when they lost at Exeter in the semi-final.

2 mins

Whitten keen to finish on a high

EXETER may be the underdogs in next Sunday’s Champions Cup semi-final against holders La Rochelle in Bordeaux, but Ian Whitten says recent history suggests the Chiefs should not be written off.

3 mins

100 reasons why Ashton is one of England's best

WHEN Chris Ashton first came on the scene after leaving Wigan and rugby league for Northampton, they were in the Championship.

4 mins

Lawrence on fire as Bath find their mojo

BATH hinted at much better times ahead with this barnstorming win, their third Premiership victory on the hoof, which showcased their many fine talents in front of an appreciative crowd at Twickenham.

2 mins

Simmonds lands late winner to stun Bears

JOE Simmonds stunned Bristol with a last-gasp penalty as Chiefs finished their home Premiership campaign on a high, and lifted confidence heading into their crunch European battle next weekend.

2 mins

Sale take hard route to land a home semi

BEN Curry led the way as Sale booked their first booked their first home Premiership semi-final since the glory days of Jason Robinson and co in 2006.

3 mins

Sounds like Lam putting someone else's money in his mouth

PRECISELY none of the owner-investors who finance professional club rugby in England are in obvious need of a tin of beans from the local food bank, which may explain their inability to embrace the spirit of togetherness in securing a sustainable future for a domestic game on the breadline.

3 mins

Collins double keeps Saints in the running

TOM Collins’ deadly first-half double kept Northampton’s play-off challenge alive as they destroyed Newcastle with a 10-try blitz.

2 mins

Irish must be sharp, says Van Rensburg

PUTTING a kitchen accident to one side, Benhard Janse van Rensburg has always put his best foot forward for London Irish this season and the South African intends to do so again against Saracens.

3 mins

Red Roses stay on course for Grand Slam

ENGLAND stayed on track for the Grand Slam with an eighttry victory over a resilient Ireland side.

3 mins

Cardiff show their class to overcome problems

CARDIFF overcame a month of turmoil with a superb performance by destroying Ospreys to pick up the Welsh Shield and with it European Champions Cup rugby next season.

2 mins

Powerful Park show champion qualities

SUPER Sedgley Park Tigers finished off their season with another bonus-point win, although they didn’t have it all their own way.

2 mins

Students sign off in best way possible

A BUMPER crowd filled the stands for the second half of Loughborough’s double header, following on from the Lightning (women’s) side fixture with Harlequins earlier in the day.

2 mins

More money needs to go to the grassroots

AS THE Premiership, Champions Cup and Women’s Six Nations hog the headlines, the crisis of the Championship and grassroots game seems to have been forgotten.

3 mins

Chiefs hit 50 ahead of Crusaders showdown

THE Chiefs’ unbeaten streak continues as they secured another bonus point victory to strengthen their grip on top spot and extend their franchise record start to eight wins on the bounce.

2 mins

Read all stories from The Rugby Paper

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The Rugby Paper, the UK's number 1 selling rugby title, brings you exclusive stories, reports and features on your device, published in exceptional clarity. It contains renowned journalists such as Nick Cain and Peter Jackson, and famous former players as columnists including Jeremy Guscott and Jeff Probyn. Published every Sunday, The Rugby Paper covers Rugby Union from national teams and Premiership / Rabo Direct down to grass roots.