Tag Archives: england

The Ultimate Care Package

Posted on May 18, 2025 by Sam Roberts

Rugby doesn’t do sympathy. In many ways, it is a sport as cutthroat as any. The physical load carried by bodies on a week-by-week basis means that if you’re still standing at the end of each season, you’ve probably earned … Continue reading →

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On their side – Fred Tuilagi

Posted on April 27, 2025 by Sam Roberts

Before you read this article, please do me a favour and click the following link on the RUGBY PASS website. https://www.rugbypass.com/news/fred-tuilagi-i-fell-out-with-rugby-after-what-happened-to-me-at-leicester/ Fred Tuilagi wears the expression of a man who has learnt a few things. We talk one evening, via … Continue reading →

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New – The Whiteboard Rugby Podcast

Posted on August 27, 2024 by Sam Roberts

I’m delighted to tell you that I’ve begun a new rugby podcast series with Sam Larner. Sam Larner is a brilliant analyst and student of the game and teaming up with him, we are determined to create a podcast that … 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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The Rugby Inheritance Podcast

Posted on March 11, 2023 by Sam Roberts

I’m really pleased to tell you about a new podcast that I’ve been working on; it is downloadable from all good podcast providers. Ed Slater and I worked together for a few years on the Official Gloucester Rugby Podcast, while … Continue reading →

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