World Cup draw gives England glimmer of hope after poor form, injuries and bans
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyEngland enter the World Cup at their lowest ebb yet because of the most lopsided draw in the tournament’s history they still have hope of reaching the quarter-finals. A disastrous build-up has seen...
Rankings suggest Ireland or France can land a first World Cup
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyThere is a neat statistical symmetry that suggests the 2023 Rugby World Cup might be won by Ireland or France. Since the sport’s world rankings were launched 20 years ago, all five subsequent world...
Talking points ahead of 2023 Rugby World Cup in France
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyOne of the most eagerly-awaited tournaments in Rugby World Cup history will unfold in France during September and October. It takes place across nine host cities – Paris, Toulouse, Marseille, Bordeaux,...
Borthwick confirms his 33 to go to France
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyJonny May (Gloucester Rugby) and Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints) are included in the squad replacing Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers) and Anthony Watson. ENGLAND’S OFFICIAL 2023...
5 main talking points as Ireland complete World Cup preparations against Samoa
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyIreland complete their World Cup warm-up fixtures on Saturday by taking on Samoa in Bayonne. Head coach Andy Farrell is due to reveal his final 33-man squad for the tournament on Sunday afternoon. Here,...
Preview: England v Fiji
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyEngland will look to finish their Summer Nations Series on a high when they welcome a dangerous Fiji side to Twickenham on Saturday. Steve Borthwick has been forced to deal with a blow this week with...
Steve Borthwick has work to do – England v Fiji talking points
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyEngland face Fiji at Twickenham on Saturday in a send-off for the World Cup that is fraught with danger given the Islanders have toppled Tonga, Japan and Samoa in recent weeks. Here the PA news...
Owen Farrell to miss key World Cup fixtures after being hit with suspension
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyOwen Farrell will miss the start of the World Cup after the England captain was banned for four matches by an appeal committee for his dangerous tackle against Wales. Farrell will be unavailable...
England will learn fate of Billy Vunipola and Owen Farrell on Tuesday
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyEngland will learn on Tuesday the consequences for their World Cup group campaign caused by Billy Vunipola and Owen Farrell being summoned to face rugby’s judiciary. Six Nations, the organisers...
Discipline key for Ireland coach Andy Farrell with ‘cards everywhere’
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyIreland benefited from the dismissal of England number eight Billy Vunipola on Saturday evening.Andy Farrell expects World Cup referees to be “red-hot” on foul play and says Ireland are striving...