Tag Archives: england

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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Where you want to go

Posted on February 23, 2023 by Sam Roberts

This is an extract. The full interview appears in this month’s (March 2023) issue of the Rugby Journal – get your hands on a copy by ordering it at http://www.therugbyjournal.com Back in 2011, Mark Atkinson was sat in a changing … Continue reading →

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Caldy’s kids and the RFU

Posted on January 8, 2023 by Sam Roberts

Me writing for Rugby Pass. Please click the following link to read about the governing body’s most important decision in 2023. https://t.co/W9mDVzZPYG

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Why not?

Posted on November 19, 2022 by Sam Roberts

63 minutes and 47 seconds on the clock; Marcus Smith beats the floor with his fist. He has knocked the ball on attempting to keep a move alive. A move that had swept towards the All Blacks’ try line like … Continue reading →

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