#luke cowan dickie

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…

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 have promised to'fight like dogs' as they begin the quest to salvage their season. Having been knocked out of the Champions Cup last week, the 2020 European and Premiership champions are now in a battle to reach the domestic play-offs. They are in a race for fourth place with Gloucester and Northampton, but No 8 Jacques Vermeulen believes…

Sam Simmonds is back in the Exeter team to face Northampton Free rugby tips, best bets and analysis for Newcastle v Leicester and Exeter Chiefs v Northampton in the Premiership on Saturday. Newcastle v Leicester BT Sport 2, 2pm Saturday Exeter v Northampton BT Sport 2, 4.30pm Saturday Newcastle+3 2pm 1pt 10-11 general Exeter -3 first half handicap…

Bath Rugby tighthead prop Will Stuart will start his fourth consecutive Test for England as the club's only representative in the matchday 23 to face Australia in the series decider at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday. Bath's giant wing Joe Cokanasiga misses out on selection while Northampton captain Lewis Ludlam replaces the concussed Sam…

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…

I used to really like refereeing at Twickenham - although England versus Wales, of course, was always out of bounds for me. Obviously.. Although I'd have refereed it just like any other game, I really would have. I've said this previously, but one of the greatest compliments I was given during my career came after a Twickenham match when, whilst…

After succumbing to a highly disappointing opening day defeat to France in their Six Nations opener last year, Eddie Jones' England bounced back to claim the prestigious championships in an all-action final day consumed by drama. It marked an end to a tournament like no other, which lasted over nine months after the outbreak of the coronavirus…

Given the short timescale England have to turn around their Barbarian mauling into lessons learned for both selection and tactics, Eddie Jones is likely to go with a team of tried and trusted but with a little seasoning from a couple of the more effective players from last weekend's match. Courtney Lawes is his biggest headache; Lawes professes he…

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…

England are considering RFU director of performance Conor O'Shea as an interim coaching option with Warren Gatland also in the frame as Eddie Jones' future looks increasingly uncertain. RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney, alongside O'Shea, is holding a review into the performance of their current head coach Jones after England's worst year in terms…

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…

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…

Since the Scotland show now moves to Wales, it might be appropriate to mention Sam Warburton at this point. The great man has been saying some interesting things about the Scots of late. The former Wales and British and Irish Lions captain is a fan of this team and thinks there might just be something special in them. He reckons they are on a…

The Champions Cup gets under way this weekend, with the competition continuing with the format it adopted last year due to Covid. In this format, there are 24 teams in the competition split into two pools. Each team plays two sides, home and away, from their side of the draw. The top 16 sides, eight from each pool, will progress into the round of…

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…

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…

We were treated to a stunning spectacle of rugby last weekend which saw all four Southern Hemisphere nations take the chocolates, while France was the only team from up north to collect a win. With several series on the line can England, Ireland or Wales fight their way to victory in Game 2? Read on for all the line-ups and key team news as it…

There was a lost to take in during game week one where we got plenty of questions answered but a few new ones opened up. What next for England after their defeat? Can Scotland challenge for the title? Will anybody be able to stop France this year? Here are six talking points from the opening weekend of the 2022 Six Nations Championship: Paolo…