Englands kicking Renaissance
One of the most misunderstood skills in Rugby is kicking, here we look at how England deploy kicking as an attacking weapon. OOn the one hand stats will tell you kicking is a strength for the best teams in the world and on the other, it’s often seen as a defensive measure for teams that can only play one way. The problem is that “the best teams kick more” statement is too often used as a reason to excuse poor kicking be it aimless or...
Talking Svns
Unlike the Men’s, the Women’s Sevens series is a much younger competition but since it’s full introduction during the 2012/13 season, the game and coaching has quickly professionalised leading to Women’s Svns unquestionably becoming an elite level sport. Australia and New Zealand who highly value Svns in their development pathway have adapted better than most, allowing them to pull away at the top of the pile and it’s no...
R360 – been there, done that.
If the idea of Rugby 360 feels familiar, it’s because the sport has been here before. Breakaway formats have been flouted since before Union opened the books. Back in 1994, there was the Kerry Packer World Rugby Corporation, which courted much publicity but ultimately failed to get off the ground (Packer Sent packing). In 2019, we had Rugby X led by Ben Ryan, a variant of Sevens, which, after its only tournament, vanished...
England’s Attacking Evolution
When Andy Farrell announced his coaching team for the British and Irish Lions tour, it’s likely very few would have seen the announcement of Richard Wigglesworth coming. Six Months ago, there were shoots starting to appear, but England’s attack never quite looked like an attack, more individual moments, and it was unclear how much any of this was really down to Wigglesworth. But the truth is, whilst defence remains a constant...
England vs New Zealand November 2024 the closest of losses.
What a series this turned out to be. Three of the tightest of games, the teams separated by a measly 10 points across all three matches. All three one-score games. The final game coming down to a missed drop goal. Actually, one penalty and a drop goal attempt but who’s counting (not me). A penalty missed by mere inches, and a drop goal missed due to composure under pressure. It’s easy to look at this as a simple mistake,...
The Anatomy of a Try: Ted Hill vs Northampton Saints – September 2024
One of the most talked about Law changes/trials in recent memory is the adjustment to Law 10 offside in open play, specifically Law 10.4C, after a kick. Affectionately known as the Dupont Law, it removes the ability for an opposition player to be put on side by the ball carrier after a kick. In rough terms it means you have to make an effort to retreat towards your goalline, removing the ability for teams to creep up the pitch by...
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