In this issue

January 21, 2024

I'll protect new boys, promises Borthwick

STEVE Borthwick has vowed to protect his Six Nations rookies from the social media trolls and insists there will be time for players to let their hair down in camp.

3 mins

Skivington considers how to replace 'Zam'

GEORGE Skivington is considering whether to add to his squad after the departure of Louis Rees-Zammit, but not necessarily on the wing.

3 mins

Paver: Championship a great launchpad

ALAN Paver insists the Championship still remains the ‘perfect launchpad’ for young players and coaches to reach the very pinnacle of the modern-day game.

2 mins

Rees-Zammit: I still can't believe this is happening

LOUIS Rees-Zammit is targeting a hybrid role in the NFL, combining the running back and wide receiver positions.

2 mins

Smith chases his American dream

WALES star Louis Rees-Zammit is not the only rugby player from the English leagues set to try his luck in America.

4 mins

Beard: To get the call was a dream come true

OSCAR Beard missed the call he dared not expect. The Harlequins centre had shut himself in his room at home at the time England’s head coach Steve Borthwick was calling players to tell them they were in his squad for the Six Nations.

4 mins

England must play with the 'wow' factor

ONE of the biggest talking points of Steve Borthwick’s 2024 Six Nations squad is the selection of Jamie George as England captain. I’m not sure how innovative or game-changing it is, or whether it will prove to be great foresight.

5 mins

Lynagh lets rip with stunning try double

LOUIS Lynagh, just 23 and still with a big future, returned to form and prominence with a decisive brace of first-half tries as Quins marched into the round of 16 with a seven-try demolition of Ulster.

2 mins

Reid: We are out to finish on a high

EVEN for five-time champions Toulouse, achieving a perfect 15 points from 15 record from the first three rounds of the Champions Cup had proved beyond them until this season.

3 mins

Leicester left waiting for spot in knockouts

LEINSTER may have started slowly but their typical steely composure eventually overpowered Leicester for a third successive encounter between the teams.

2 mins

Sanderson hoping record crowd will inspire Sharks

ALEX Sanderson wants La Rochelle to feel the noise as they prepare to take on the back-to-back European champions in front of a predicted sell-out at the Salford Community Stadium.

3 mins

Tough for Falcons as Diamond gets ready

NEWCASTLE’S players will have their fourth boss in less than a year when Steve Diamond starts work as consultant director of rugby next month.

3 mins

Ben making a Kell of an impression with Bury!

BEN Kelland took over the forwards coach responsibilities alongside his work in Bury St Edmunds’ second-row and has created a formidable pack that have contributed to his side’s unbeaten home record.

2 mins

Lewis hoping to make some big headlines of his own!

DAN Lewis believes Leicester Lions have what it takes to beat the drop after their victory over Blackheath last weekend.

2 mins

Students are being taught some crucial rugby lessons

LOUGHBOROUGH are relishing the opportunity to play in National 2 West because of the experience it offers.

2 mins

Focus for Field is finding a way forward to a fantastic future

THE departure of longstanding director of rugby Gareth Lewis and the loss of key players has presented Huddersfield with a challenging first half of the season.

2 mins

Taylor happy to leave the bad times behind

FOLLOWING London Irish’s demise, Gloucester has been a safe haven for numerous redundant Exiles and promising England U20s flyhalf Rory Taylor is one of many loving life in his new surroundings.

2 mins

Llandovery edge past rivals Ebbw

LLANDOVERY clung on to beat Ebbw Vale 17-15 in the battle of the Welsh Premiership’s top two.

3 mins

Noon proud to be top of the hit parade

BECKY Noon is delighted her dirty work in the engine room is being noticed as the Leicester Tigers lock was named top tackler in the Women’s Premiership this season.

2 mins

Hutchinson glad to be back in the fold

MUCH has been made of the five backs from free-scoring North- ampton who have made the Six Nations squad, but just as deserving was the recall for Scotland centre Rory Hutchinson whose last cap came 18 months ago.

3 mins

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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.