In this issue

December 27, 2020

Roberts: New Bok challenge is step up

JAMIE Roberts has warned his Dragons side and the rest of the Guinness PRO14 they must be ready for a significant step up in quality when the division officially expands further into South Africa.

3 mins

Monye and Obano put World Rugby to shame

As a year that has been like no other draws to an end, it’s timely to reflect on what needs to be done to ensure that rugby can continue to thrive.

3 mins

Mavericks like Danny must choose their battlegrounds

DANNY Cipriani is not the first maverick player to not get capped as many times as the talent they possess suggests they should, and his recent departure from Gloucester again raises the question of how to get the best from players with exceptional gifts.

5 mins

Furious Lam spurs his Bears into the mood

PAT LAM’S half-time dressing room tirade worked as Bristol picked up a bonus-point win and finished the year second in the table behind Exeter.

2 mins

Festive fun as Henson overcomes Fearns KO

An escalating class-action lawsuit over concussion, a European Champions Cup bent out of shape by the pandemic, a low-rent bunch of administrators who disappeared up their own contradictions long before arriving at their current state of paralysis: truly, the Ghost of Christmas Rubbish is having its malevolent way with us.

3 mins

Turnbull try completes Blues' late comeback

CARDIFF Blues captain Josh Turnbull praised the resilience of his side after they ground out a narrow victory over archrivals the Dragons in horrible conditions at Rodney Parade.

2 mins

Tragedy on the Andes became story of heroism

Brendan Gallagher delves into some of rugby’s most enduring images, their story and why they are still so impactful

4 mins

Exciting to see how far George can go in a year

Kyran Bracken unveils his big challenge for 2021 – to turn Wanstead scrum-half George Hardy, 28, into a professional in 12 months

4 mins

Try these hidden joys of the Championship

THERE has been plenty of flack flying about recently for rugby administrators as they struggle to find a way through the Covid maze but a hat tip to all concerned for keeping the faith and coming up with an attractive looking format for an abbreviated Championship which, touch wood, will get underway early in March, a year after the action ground to a halt.

3 mins

Ban Rush Defences To Reduce Brain Harm

Am I alone in thinking that if the professional players want to take anyone to court for a lack of duty of care, they are currently aiming at the wrong target?

4 mins

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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.