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To play in two World Cups was a dream

RUGBY started quite late for me.

Call time on this pantomime ploy

THIS 60-second shot clock twaddle. If we must continue to plough down this blind alley it needs to apply from the moment the referee awards the penalty. If the authorities are going to put some stick about at least do it properly and with conviction.

Coetzee's pulling his weight again

WHETHER he starts or comes off the bench, Jaco Coetzee is just happy to be contributing fully to Bath’s revival after an injury-hit start to his career in blue, black and white.

Murray's on a wing - and a prayer ...

BLAIR Murray began the week ‘in a state of shock’ at having gone from nowhere on one side of the world to the starting grid for the autumn Tests on the other.

We need to kick on after winning at last

Paul Rees talks to Ethan Grayson who heard from two rugby legends after he helped Newcastle end their 25-match losing run

Bath's 'bomb squad' needs to be defused

CLOSE your eyes and imagine batting on a fiery Caribbean track in the 1980s, when West Indian fast bowlers ruled the world.

Tuima: We've tightened up a few screws

IF Exeter were to pick a team to travel to Sandy Park as they looked to end their worst start to a Premiership campaign, Harlequins would not be bottom of the list.

Two off as Bath put Sale on the rack

BATH’S third home victory over Sale victory over Sale this year was far less stressful than the first two as the Sharks showed a generosity in defence that left their director of rugby Alex Sanderson lost for words.

Freeman can push England to victory

ANY analysis of England’s chances of beating New Zealand starts with the forwards.

Pearson enjoys 'Dragons' Den'

TOM Pearson will not let missing out on the England squad for the autumn internationals drag him down as he looks to build on a strong start to the season.

Baxter: Time for the talking to stop

ROB Baxter has told his Exeter players that the time for talking has stopped as they go into today’s clash against Harlequins at Sandy Park looking for their first win of the season.

Daly calls for another All Black demolition

ELLIOT Daly has not had a crack at the All Blacks in five years but has urged England to revisit the masterplan that toppled them in 2019.

Daley-McLean backs Harrison

KATY Daley-McLean is backing Zoe Harrison over Holly Aitchison in John Mitchell’s fly-half conundrum due to the Saracens 10’s formidable goal kicking, which she feels will give England an edge during tight knockout matches in next year’s World Cup.

Diamond still has faith as Falcons battle on

THE Premiership’s bottom two sides, Newcastle and Exeter, faced each other at Kingston Park on Friday night – a match which ended in victory for the Falcons – with talk of relegation back on the Premiership menu.

Batley sets sights on reaching top

JOE Batley has two remaining targets in a career that started at Gloucester 10 years ago – help Bristol win the Premiership for the first time and gain international recognition.

Confused path to rules of combat

TRYING to obtain an even rough timetable over the class action being taken by players claiming negligence over concussion and brain injuries has been difficult to say the least but I have been busy on your behalf ringing around various interested parties.

Life with Welsh was such a roller coaster

To play professional rugby was such a privilege and something I never expected to happen once I left the south-east to go and do a master’s in chemistry at Bath University.

Watts wins it for Leeds with last-gasp goal kick

WHEN these two teams met last season, both games were high-scoring affairs that were in the balance right until the end.

At last! Falcons end record losing streak

NEWCASTLE finally put an end to their 25game losing streak in spectacular fashion on Friday night at Kingston Park.

YOUNG GUNS

Max Clein is enjoying learning from his childhood hero Sean Cronin at Munster and hopes to emulate the Ireland legend’s career.

Saracens go top in last-minute drama

THERE is a reason why Saracens have been serial winners down the years – they never know when they are beaten.

All Blacks will have to be at their best

IN some ways the New Zealand system means that they are not at full strength between World Cups. You can see it in the way fly-half Richie Mo’unga, blindside Shannon Frizell, and veteran lock Brodie Retallick, who are all in Japan, are ruled out by taking up overseas contracts, despite being number one picks before they went.

Lawrence happy to move in at No.12

A PLAY called The Fear of 13 opened in London to five-star reviews last week, but it is a number that holds no qualms for Ollie Lawrence as he pushes to retain his place in the England side and put himself in contention for the Lions.

Ibitoye can go to the next level, says Lam

BRISTOL director of rugby Pat Lam believes in-form winger Gabriel Ibitoye is capable of playing at the next level.

Isiekwe finds sense of direction

NICK Isiekwe insists the new spirit of co-operation between club and country can help him take the next step to being an England regular.

Scarlets on fire to send the Bulls to first defeat

WALES wing contenders Tom Rogers and Blair Murray scored superb solo tries as the Scarlets consigned the Bulls to their first URC defeat of the season on a dramatic night in Llanelli.

No rest for Tigers as Cheika puts foot down

LEICESTER boss Michael Cheika has shelved thoughts of resting players early on in his first Premiership season in charge – despite new restrictive game limits.

I'm calmer than I've ever been Obano

BENO Obano has credited the calming influence of Bath head of rugby Johann van Graan for one of his most consistent runs of form in a Bath jersey.

Falcons end losing run

NEWCASTLE Falcons finally brought their 25-match losing run to an end with a victory in their battle of the basement against Exeter on Friday night.

Rivals driving me on - Reffell

TOMMY Reffell says he is being driven on by the competition for the Wales No.7 jersey with Jac Morgan back on the scene.