#Henry Slade

The rugby boot has come a long way. From the game's genesis in the mid-19 century through to the 1970s, rugby and football players shared heavy boots made of leather and metal. As both games evolved, so did the level of research and quality of materials used to construct footwear for optimum performance. But unlike association football, rugby union…

With Steve Borthwick set to announce his chosen 36-man squad on Monday morning, former England number eight and ex-Worcester Warriors defence coach Nick Easter spends a morning playing selector, with balance and Premiership form at the top of his thinking. "Borthwick's first England side is obviously a key selection," Easter said. "The simple truth…

Joe Carbery is back in the Munster team to face Northampton Free rugby tips, best bets and analysis for Saturday's European Champions Cup games. Gloucester+17 1pm 1pt 4-5 Betfair, Paddy Power Munster to win by 11 to 20 points 3.15pm 1pt 12-5 bet365 Bulls -5 5.30pm 2pts 10-11 Coral, Ladbrokes Paddy Power are giving away free bets to new and existing…

The RFU are set to give head coach Steve Borthwick the go-ahead to name a New England captain for the 2023 Six Nations. The new boss spent seven years as predecessor Eddie Jones' right-hand man for both Japan and England before becoming director of rugby at Leicester Tigers. He prefers to keep a low profile, which could make some aspects of the…

England face their day with destiny as they take on South Africa with the title of being world champions on the line England are the bookmakers' favourites heading into the Rugby World Cup Final. South Africa stand in England's way of their second-ever world title - and already have a victory over the Red Rose in this fixture. Back in 2007, they…

Exeter Chiefs are looking to make it three wins on the bounce when they head to Wasps Rugby on Saturday in Round Five of the 2021/22 Gallagher Premiership. Wasps' three games so far in Gallagher Premiership Rugby have all been won by the home side on the day. Wasps have lost just one of their last five matches played at Coventry Building Society…

Ireland travel to Rome to face Italy in the Six Nations this weekend. This year's tournament has not gone to plan so far for Andy Farrell, with his side losing their opening two games against Wales and France. They face an Italian side who are also winless in the competition after defeats to France and England. Farrell has made seven changes to the…

Facing a formidable foe in No. 3 England, Canada will be looking for small victories Saturday at Twickenham. Coach Kingsley Jones is hoping to see the 23rd-ranked Canadian men make inroads at scrums, lineouts and other parts of the rugby test match. "We know the odds are stacked against us. We have to look for those small wins," he said Friday.…

Both teams are in superb form but Jake White's decision to field a second-string outfit once again this weekend may be a risk too many. The Chiefs are a very strong side, particularly on home soil. I feel, given the Bulls selection, that the Chiefs will cover the -17 handicap. Exeter Chiefs vs Bulls Predictions Head to Head Exeter Chiefs…

Now that the 2022 international season has been wrapped up, we delve into the state of affairs in each of the competing nations. Next up, England. To find the right adjective to describe England's 2022 Autumn Nations Series campaign is hard. Dismal would be at one extreme, underwhelming might be somewhat kinder, but one thing is for sure - rather…

England head coach Eddie Jones has selected his England team to play Japan in the Autumn Nations Series on Saturday. The Aussies' side lost 30-29 to Argentina last Sunday, a sixth defeat in ten matches this year. "We've worked hard this week to improve on last week's performance. We've taken a good look at our preparation and we are happy with our…

Next weekend, the 2022 edition of European rugby's treasured showpiece begins and there is huge expectation of a classic Six Nations campaign. Sportsmail's panel of experts - columnists Sir Clive Woodward, Danny Cipriani and Andy Nicol, along with former Wales coach and captain Rob Howley and former Ireland full back Geordan Murphy - debate the…

Rugby's Greatest Championship returns this Saturday and will feature what is set to be a titanic clash between two fierce rivals at Twickenham. It will be the first home match of the tournament for Eddie Jones' side who are looking to build on their 33-0 demolition job in Rome while Wales are riding a wave of confidence following a 20-17 victory…

South Africa's Autumn International Series 27-13 demolition of England on Saturday at Twickenham was a brutal reality check for English rugby. England were completely dominated in every department. To further compound what was one of the worst displays by an England rugby team in many a year, the Springboks were down to 14 men going into the final…

Japan came close to besting the All Blacks, and now they face another world powerhouse in England in a litmus test of their improvement. Join The Roar for live scores and rolling coverage from 2:15am (AEDT). England coach Eddie Jones made five changes from the team beaten by Argentina last week. Leicester's Guy Porter, formerly of Sydney Uni, comes…

England are out to put their disappointing defeat to Argentina behind them when they host Japan on Saturday. Having lost 30-29 to the Pumas last weekend, they'll need to show a significant reaction after a below-par performance from many of Eddie Jones' key performers, and will need to be very wary about the threat posed by his former side. Japan's…

With each of the 15 players that make up a rugby team playing a vital part, we take a look at the roles they all play during a match ahead of Rugby's Greatest Championship getting underway. Loosehead prop Wears the No.1 jersey, stands to the left of the hooker at the scrum Plays a key role in helping a team get on top at scrum time Often involved…

Marcus Smith will make his first appearance of the season for Quins at Exeter Free rugby tips, best bets and analysis for Exeter Chiefs v Harlequins in the Premiership on Sunday. BT Sport 1, 3pm Sunday Harlequins+8 1pt 10-11 Boyles, Hills The big guns are back for Exeter and Harlequins this weekend for a clash between two sides who may be more…

The 2022 Six Nations looms in four weeks time. Six storylines are apparent. Five are about the rugby. Take your pick. Parity is the new rarity Five of the teams are capable of winning the tournament. Three (France, England, and Ireland) seem able to win a Grand Slam. Whilst France is the clear favourite of the bookmakers, courtesy of a dream draw…

When is Montpellier vs Exeter Chiefs taking place? Montpellier vs Exeter Chiefs will take place on Sunday 23rd January, 2022 at 17:30 (UK) Where is Montpellier vs Exeter Chiefs taking place? Montpellier vs Exeter Chiefs will take place at GGL Stadium in Montpellier Where can I get tickets for Montpellier vs Exeter Chiefs? Visit each club's official…

Exeter Chiefs celebrate against Glasgow Warriors Free rugby tips, best bets and analysis for Sunday's European Champions Cup games. BT Sport 2, 1pm Sunday Sale -20 1pt 10-11 bet365, Paddy Power Ospreys have been holding their own in the United Rugby Championship this season but they have endured a much tougher time of things in Europe. Defeats in…

Free rugby tips, best bets and analysis for Scotland v England in the Six Nations on Saturday. BBC One, 4.45pm Saturday Scotland to win by one to 12 points 1pt 2-1 Betfred Scotland penalty first scoring play 2pts 8-5 bet365 England coach Eddie Jones has claimed that Scotland are "red-hot favourites" for this Calcutta Cup clash and while he may be…

Bottom of the pile last season but with Johann van Graan's arrival comes a degree of optimism that things will improve. At the very least supporters can expect more commitment than was shown in the humiliating defeat by Gloucester in April and in Chris Cloete, Dave Attwood and Quinn Roux, the South African coach has added some heft to his forwards.…