England’s miserable tour of New Zealand has ended with a second heavy defeat after the All Blacks ran out convincing 44-12 winners. The hosts had the game wrapped up by half-time, heading in with a 20-0 lead after a lackluster first period from England in which they failed to offer any kind of threat. Danny [...]
England skipper claims team are focused
England captain Steve Borthwick claims his side are focused solely on rugby, despite police investigating four players over a sexual assault. The team head in to the second test against New Zealand with a serious black cloud hanging over the camp, but Borthwick believes the side are fully prepared for the match. He commented, “I [...]
England four investigated over sexual assault
Four England rugby players are being investigated by New Zealand police over an alleged sexual assault case, but have not been questioned or arrested. Auckland police say that a woman has made a ‘serious sexual assault allegation’ but the players involved have refused to answer any questions at this stage in the investigation. A spokesperson [...]
Munster name McGahan as new coach
Australian Tony McGahan will succeed Declan Kidney as their director of coaching. McGahan, who was defence coach under Kidney, will take up the appointment on 1 July when he returns from holiday. McGahan said havng been with the club for the past three seasons he was well aware of the expectations of the supporters were. [...]
Barkley furious at being dropped
Olly Barkley has been dropped for Jamie Noon for the second Test between England and the All Blacks. Barkley reacted angrily after being dropped to the bench for Saturday’s second Test in Christchurch. Barkley said “I was very annoyed. It wasn’t an easy day for anyone,” New Zealand caused all kinds of porblems for the [...]
France and Wales in mass brawl fiasco
The Welsh and French U20 teams have been handed £50,000 fines suspended for two years after a mass brawl broke out. The encouter which saw Wales come back to win 23-19 after coming back from 19-9 down with three minutes remaining was marred by violent scens at the end of the match. Both teams were [...]
England stars face probe in New Zealand
An incident at a New Zealand hotel involving England team members is to come under serious investigation by police. It was said to have occurred in a private room at the Hilton Hotel in Auckland early on Sunday after the defeat to New Zealand’s All Blacks. The Rugby Football Union (RFU) confirmed it was fully [...]
Six Nations supporters rugby shirt
Six Nations Rugby Shirt – £49.99 This Six Nations supporters rugby shirt is always worth having in your locker for when the Six Nations tournament comes along. Whether you support England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France or Italy this shirt has universal appeal. Manufactured with a Harlequins-style design with 100% cotton, this is a very traditional [...]
Euro elite awaiting Heineken draw
A new format will be in place when the Heineken Cup draw takes place which will see teams seeded for the first time. The 24 teams are split into four tiers based on performance over the past four seasons in the Heineken Cup and the knock-out stages of the Challenge Cup. Teams from the same [...]
First start for England’s Care
England have rung in the changes for the second Test against the All Blacks on Saturday in Christchurch. After a losing 37-20 in the first Test England have decided to make six changes, one of which is Harlequins scrum-half Danny Care who will make his International Test debut. Toby Flood replaces Charlie Hodgson at fly-half, [...]
Gatland has faith in Welsh team
Wales coach Warren Gatland believes his Welsh side still have a lot to offer after their 2-0 series defeat to World Champions South Africa. Gatland pointed to improved performances over the two matches against the Springboks as reason enough to hope for better things in the future. He commented, “The guys realise that with some [...]
England face further injury problems
Andrew Sheridan is out of the second test against New Zealand, after suffering a serious cut under his eye in the defeat on Saturday. The injury needed 12 stitches and it has since been revealed that the prop won’t be risked in the second match, as England look to rebuild. Sheridan commented, “I’m obviously very [...]
England supporters shirt reduced
England Supporters Top – £40.00 This classy England supporters shirt has now been reduced down to £40 and could represent better value than shelling out more for the replica top. Fans of a more traditional rugby shirt will definitely appreciate the material and detailing.
Free mug with every order over £30
Kitbag are currently offering customers a free England mug with every order of England merchandise over £30. So if you’ve been thinking about getting the new home and away shirts or some training gear, get over there now and take advantage. Get Your Free Mug Here
Tonga star signs for Falcons
Newcastle Falcons have beaten off competition from Bristol and London Irish to sign Tonga centre Tane Tu’ipulotu on a three year deal. The 27 year old arrives from Wellington Hurricanes and Newcastle director Steve Bates is in no doubts about his pedigree. He commented, “Tane represents an out-and-out quality signing. He is in absolutely fantastic [...]
Montgomery expects tougher test
South Africa full back Percy Montgomery expects a stern examination of his World Cup winning side when they face Wales on Saturday in Pretoria. The last time this fixture was played at Loftus Versfeld, South Africa crushed Wales 96-13 with Montgomery himself getting 31 points. He commented, “Wales have raised their game so much since, [...]
Ospreys put faith in Holley
Ospreys are set to go into the 2008/09 season with assistant coach Sean Holley taking control of the side. Lyn Jones left the role at the end of last season, with many names being mentioned as possible replacements including Jonathan Humphries and Todd Blackadder. However, despite the speculation Ospreys are understood to be keen on [...]
New Zealand face injury problems
With the England team to face New Zealand expected to be much changed from recent selections, the All Blacks also have to contend with injury problems it has been revealed. Mils Muliaina, the inspirational full back is struggling to be fit for the test after injuring his hamstring in training and will be assessed on [...]
Japan Pro Rugby Shirt
If you want to really stand out from the crowd on the rugby field this summer then how about this Japan home rugby shirt? There’s an offer on it at the moment as they’re selling off the ones that have the Rugby World Cup badge on them from last year. Rugby Union Shirt reckons the [...]
Tindall says England must attack
Mike Tindall says England must not play conservatively against New Zealand if they’re to achieve success and the team have no intention of doing so. Tindall returns to the side after a serious injury against Wales in the Six Nations and has faith in the much changed England side. He commented, “We’re starting afresh and [...]
Flood leaves Falcons for Tigers
England back Toby Flood has left Newcastle Falcons to join Leicester Tigers. The Newcastle born player said it was hard to leave his hometown club but he needed a new challenge. He commented, “This is an exciting challenge and it is one that I could not turn down. I am looking forward to getting stuck [...]
Stringer set for return
Peter Stringer will start against Australia for Ireland on Saturday as they look to change their fortunes following the defeat to New Zealand. Stringer came on against New Zealand along with Rory Best and both players are set to be promoted off the bench for the Wallabies clash. Coach Michael Bradley commented, “Rory deserves a [...]
Winger will get debut against NZ
Topsy Ojo is set to make his England debut in the first test against New Zealand in a much changed side that could see as many as 11 changes. The London Irish winger is set to start in a back three with England hoping he can replicate the form he has shown this season. Despite [...]
England tour an Ultimate Challenge
England manager Rob Andrew has commented that the two tests against New Zealand represent one of the ‘ultimate challenges’ he has faced in his career. The tour has become even more tricky for the England side after key figures were ruled out meaning many players will have to be moved around. Andrew commented, “It’s one [...]
Easter out of NZ tests
England’s Nick Easter will miss out on the two matches against New Zealand after it was revealed an injury he picked up against the Barbarians won’t heal in time. The Harlequins man fractured his hand in the win over the Barbarians, a game in which he captained his country. He commented, “The chances to tour [...]
