New Ireland coach Declan Kidney has dropped the first hint that he might axe Brian O’Driscoll as captain. O’Driscoll has experienced mixed fortunes since taking the captaincy in 2004. winning three triple crowns but failing to lead the side to any success in the World Cup. Kidney believes that O’Driscoll could benefit from dropping the [...]
Ospreys ready to swoop for NZ scrum-half
Ospreys have stepped up their preparations for the new season by entering into formal negotiations to bring New Zealand A scrum-half Jamie Nutbrown to the club. However, if Ospreys are to sign the 27-year-old he would need to be released a year early from his New Zealand Rugby Union contract. Ospreys elite performance director, Andrew [...]
Gloucester star calls it a day
Leon Lloyd has decided to call time on his career after failing to fully recover from a serious knee injury. Lloyd, 30, only managed 8 appearances for Gloucester last season and the former England man is devastated to be ending his playing career in this manner. He commented, “I am distraught. It was only yesterday [...]
Rugby Forum launched
Rugby Union Shirt is happy to announce the launch of its all new Rugby Forum. Everyone is free to use the forum and discuss any of the issues surrounding the game. The RUS team is hoping this feature will really take off and allow us to create a complete rugby community. With that in mind, [...]
Bundy and Burgess join England set up
Martin Johnson has bolstered his backroom staff by recruiting Mike Bundy and Rob Burgess. Bundy joins as team doctor after successful spells with the Saxons team and UK Athletics, while Burgess is the new operations manager, a role he undertook in his time with Gloucester. And Martin Johnson is delighted with his two recruits, commenting [...]
Saracens snap up Barritt
Brad Barritt has signed a three-year deal with Saracens but won’t join up with the squad until November, as he is due to play in the Currie Cup. Barritt arrives from Durban Sharks and Eddie Jones, the director of Rugby at Saracens believes the club have pulled off a major coup. “Bradley’s an exciting player [...]
New Ireland squad announced
New Ireland coach Declan Kidney has named his first squad for a training meet-up and the 45 players named are all familiar faces. Every player that traveled to New Zealand and Australia for the recent tour is included, as are those that played in the Churchill Cup. The full squad reads: Neil Best, Rory Best, [...]
Ibanez named Wasps skipper
Wasps have stepped up their preparations for the new season by naming Raphael Ibanez as their captain. Ibanez takes over from Lawrence Dallaglio and the 35-year-old is under no illusions about the challenge that lies ahead. He commented, “We have a fantastic squad and I’m very proud to lead this group of players. My first [...]
New Zealand storm back to beat Aussies
The All Blacks recovered from two straight defeats to crush Australia 39-10 and secure a bonus point in the process. Tony Woodcock and Ma’a Nonu scored the all important tries to relieve the pressure on New Zealand coach Graham Henry. The All Blacks made a number of tactical changes to their side and Henry was [...]
Barkley looking forward to season
New Gloucester signing Olly Barkley says he is looking forward to the new season and the prospect of teaming up again with Mike Tindall. The two played together at Bath and Barkley believe they can form a good partnership at Gloucester. He commented, “It’ll be nice to get a run of games with Tinds. Anthony [...]
