Author Archives: Sam Roberts

The Really Hard Rugby Quiz – Week 2

Posted on May 4, 2024 by Sam Roberts

Here’s the second episode of The Really Hard Rugby Quiz. My huge thanks to Elgan Evan Alderman (The Times) and Charles Richardson (The Telegraph) for coming on and doing battle. In truth, they were extraordinary, and this was a very … Continue reading →

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Rugby Quiz Show Podcast Pilot

Posted on April 9, 2024 by Sam Roberts

Something new that I am looking for feedback on – a big thank you to my contestants (James While and Sam Larner) for taking part in this – have a listen and let me know if you can follow it … Continue reading →

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Accepting and moving on

Posted on February 28, 2024 by Sam Roberts

So, here we are. Ten days or so out from England Rugby hosting one of the best teams in the world. Crashing out of the Rugby World Cup like Ireland did might be seen by many as falling short of … Continue reading →

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As good as it gets

Posted on September 23, 2023 by Sam Roberts

Please click this link – https://t.co/9yTBM7yAit Stack all the chairs and put away the bunting. Close all the doors and turn off the lights. Even though this Rugby World Cup tournament has just over a month to run, we should … Continue reading →

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As Latin as they come

Posted on September 22, 2023 by Sam Roberts

As Chile line up for their group game against England this Saturday, you may spy a man amongst their camp, who looks slightly incongruous. His paler skin, auburn hair and light blue eyes will set him apart from his swarthy … Continue reading →

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Magic in Marseille?

Posted on September 10, 2023 by Sam Roberts

Click here before reading to help me This was a magical night. Marseille’s air, so used to the mistral winds that whip around the Velodrome, seemed to tingle with the electricity that seeing a dear old friend can bring you. … Continue reading →

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Recovery from despair

Posted on September 8, 2023 by Sam Roberts

“Respair” means fresh hope; a recovery from despair. The Oxford English Dictionary has two words against Respair’s inclusion: rare and obsolete. It was last used in the 14th and 15th centuries and then it was let go: unneeded. It reappeared … Continue reading →

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The Bluffer’s Guide to Rugby World Cup 2023

Posted on August 27, 2023 by Sam Roberts

Is conversation in your social circles starting to turn oval shaped? Does that make things tricky? Are you a little worried that you might not be able to hold your own around the office when discussion turns to the Rugby … Continue reading →

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What now?

Posted on August 20, 2023 by Sam Roberts

Please click this link before reading – it really helps me produce stuff for free here As a coach, there are many difficult challenges in international rugby. Selecting a squad is tricky: bringing a number of different players together and … Continue reading →

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Undeservedly toxic

Posted on August 14, 2023 by Sam Roberts

Before you read, help me by clicking this link to acknowledge this piece on RUGBY PASS Just when you thought it would be safe to go back in, you watched England play rugby again this weekend, didn’t you? And like … Continue reading →

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