In this issue

September 03, 2023

Halliday welcomes new-look Prem Cup

THE latest incarnation of the Premiership Cup, and the most positive because it includes Championship clubs competing against those in the top league for the first time, kicks off the first round of 11 pool stage fixtures nationwide from September 8-10, with Bath travelling to Cornish Pirates on Friday.

1 min

Dowson: Things are going to get better

PREMIERSHIP clubs get their season underway this weekend with Northampton's director of rugby Phil Dowson looking confident that the gloom that has settled in the last 12 months after the collapse of three clubs and more England woe will lift.

3 mins

Van Rensburg ready to rumble for Bristol

WHEN Benhard Janse van Rensburg became available after London Irish folded in June, Pat Lam wasted no time in getting in touch with the South African centre.

3 mins

Warburton: Ball in play time 'crucial' in France

SAM Warburton believes fitness and management of ball in play time could be the difference in this World Cup.

3 mins

Willis aiming to be the local villain

JACK Willis headed back to France on Thursday with England aiming to go from local hero to villain in his adopted country.

2 mins

Flying Fijians ready to take on the world

FIJI winger Jiuta Wainiqolo says his side are not feeling any pressure as they prepare for their critical World Cup opener against Wales on Sunday.

3 mins

Should we care about the world rankings?

THE way Clive Woodward saw it back in 2003, the International Rugby Board’s new-fangled ranking system was a many-splendored thing.

3 mins

I was rescued by trip to Sri Lanka

Jon Newcombe talks to Bath flanker Chris Cloete on how he saved his rugby career

3 mins

Mixed reviews on opening nights...

NOT long now but first comes the ubiquitous opening ceremony that most major sports events feel compelled to foist upon us.

4 mins

22 teams raring to go in new-look Cup

THE Premiership Cup returns on Friday in the new-look format involving Championship clubs for the first time.

3 mins

It was great to score all 19 points v England

I WAS a mad-keen cricketer growing up and, in March 1994, I was selected to go on a Scotland cricket tour to South Africa.

7 mins

Koroiyadi powers promoted Lions a

LEICESTER Lions have announced themselves to National 1 with a highly spirited victory over a quality Sale side.

1 min

All Blacks are still the team to beat

THIS year’s World Cup is unusual in a number of respects, not least that New Zealand do not go into it at the head of the world rankings and they are not the favourites.

4 mins

Millions set to enjoy razzmatazz all of the

RUGBY World Cups are an exciting time because they are the biggest shop-window for rugby union, and are watched by tens of millions around the world. They have a track record for producing some incredible games, and this tournament in France will be no exception.

4 mins

Islanders keen to make some noise

ARE SAMOA about to make some noise again? The islanders have a proud World Cup record of two quarter-finals and a quarter-final play-off appearance but they all came in their first three tournaments.

2 mins

Cozens: We struggle to find players in our patch

FLY-HALF Luke Cozens has stepped up to head coach of Clifton but has endured a difficult start, saying it’s harder than ever to recruit players.

2 mins

Read all stories from The Rugby Paper

The Rugby Paper Magazine Description:

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.