In this issue

May 23, 2021

England system is OK, just pick right players!

In his column last week, Jeff Probyn bemoaned the deals struck by the RFU and the Premiership to allow the national side to have access to the best England-qualified players around.

3 mins

Record man Sam reminds me of my old pal ‘Backy'

WHAT Sam Simmonds did this week in breaking the Premiership try-scoring record for a season is pretty exceptional.

4 mins

Watch out world, game in Japan will sky rocket

WHEN I moved to Japan in 2012 to play for Mitsubishi Dynaboars, I was one of the first northern hemisphere players to try their luck in the Far East.

3 mins

Lam helps launch the dazzling rise of Samoa

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

4 mins

They're only human...just far stronger and fitter!

DANIEL GALLAN finds out what it’s like facing the mighty Saracens as a semi-professional

6 mins

Wigan gave Union their wake-up call

It’s 25 years ago this Tuesday that a curious triptych of cross-code rugby encounters came to an end when Bath, playing Union laws, defeated Wigan Warriors 42-19 in front of 42,000 fans at Twickenham.

4 mins

Gavin fires the dream for Wood's Raiders

If he so wished, Aaron Wood could put one hand on his heart, the other on the bible, and solemnly swear that he runs a record-breaking footy outfit.

5 mins

Fans finally back to feed Bears frenzy

BRISTOL have been running onto the pitch to the sound of The Greatest Showman this season. In truth, the Bears have been playing like lion tamers for months, but all to an empty amphitheater. Like all the best showmen, however, an audience is what’s needed to truly stir the blood.

2 mins

So good to be back with the fans at Twickenham

At last, we had a meaningful weekend of rugby with two European Cup finals held back to back. Friday evening I watched the final of the European Challenge Cup, then yesterday we had the main show, the European Champions Cup, both held at Twickenham, the home of rugby.

4 mins

Australian quarantine puts clamp on Galthie

Seven weeks after France’s Six Nations’ campaign ended with that late, late loss to Scotland at Stade de France, Les Bleus’ coaching team reunited for the first time at Marcoussis.

4 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.