A DOMINANT display by the Jersey forwards saw the islanders end their nine-game winless drought in style against ill-disciplined Bedford. A late try by Bath-loanee […]
By STEVE JACKSON Cambridge …….12pts Tries: M Williams 64, 80 Conversions: Benson 80 Bedford ………….22pts Tries: French 16, Adamson 41, Maisey 46, L Frost 73 […]
■By IAN ROBSON Bedford Blues .59ptsBedford Blues .59pts Cambridge ……. 19pts Tries: French 9, 67, 79; King 28, Le Bourgeois 41, Conway 48, Maisey 64, […]
By MIKE SINCLAIR Cornish P ………. 18pts Tries: Nelson 61, Dugmore 79 Conversions: Jenkins 61 Penalties: Jenkins 16, 67 Bedford B ……….20pts Tries: Day 36, […]
By BEN WHITE Ampthill…………19pts Tries: Bacon 8, Bracken 23, Morris 43 Conversions: Parks 24, 44 Bedford ………… 24pts Tries: Conway 38, Howard 63, French 76 […]
Jon Newcombe talks to the loyal Blues winger who has been granted a testimonial As a primary school teacher and long-time Championship devotee Pat Tapley […]
By BEN JAYCOCK Winging in: Sean French scores Blues Bedford Blues have turned Goldington Road into a fortress this season but Sean French believes the […]
Bedford ………………38 Ampthill ……………… 14 BEDFORD claimed the drby spoils in front of a sold-out Goldington Road to continue their unbeaten home record. Star man […]
Northampton 40 Bedford ……….26■By JACK JACOBS NORTHAMPTON Saints director of rugby Phil Dowson began his tenure with a win over Championship side Bedford Blues. It […]
Bedford ……….61 Rotherham……19 By JAMES DARWELL Bedford Blues began pre-season preparations for next season with suitable aplomb as they put Rotherham Titans to the sword […]
By JON NEWCOMBE Determined: Michael Le Bourgeois in action for Wasps PICTURE: Getty Images MICHAEL Le Bourgeois hopes to be able to follow the ageless […]
NEWS EXTRA CARDIFF Met graduate Charlie Rylands will be living his childhood dream next season having signed for his boyhood club Bedford Blues. The Bedford-born […]
email: newsdesk@therugbypaper.co.uk IT is unbelievable that Ampthill and Bedford Blues have home matches scheduled on the same day on eight occasions next season. Does anyone at […]
MY LIFE IN RUGBY THE FORMER BEDFORD, LONDON IRISH, BARBARIANS AND MIDLANDS CENTRE BEN WHETSTONE RUDI STRAEULI used to have a saying, ‘Bedford players, friends […]
RUGBY MATTERSA weekly look at the game’s other talking pointsBRENDAN GALLAGHER NEITHER Covid nor an unexpected cold snap – nor even the threat of Storm […]
By ANDREW BEAVCHAM Hartpury …………….19pts Tries: R Smith 25, Crane 28, 43 Conversions: Williams 26, 44 Bedford…………..42pts Tries: Uru 22, Marshall 35, Grayson 45, Adamson […]
By RYAN ROBINSON Bedford ……….38 Ampthill ……….35 BEDFORD Blues reclaimed local bragging rights as Will Maisey’s late penalty edged proceedings at Goldington Road. Tied at […]
■By SAM JACKSON Bedford …………21Northampton ..40NORTHAMPTON ran in six tries to see off Bedford on Friday night.An early try from Dean Adamson put Bedford ahead […]
BEDFORD Blues have bolstered their options at loosehead with the former Ireland U20s international Joey Conway. Conway, 23, was part of the Munster age-grade setup […]
BEDFORD have signed flanker Bailey Ransom from Newcastle. The 24-year-old former Millfield pupil joined Falcons’ senior academy set-up in 2019 and made one first-team appearance, […]
CORNISH Pirates are aiming to extend their Championship start to three wins out of three when Bedford Blues visit the Mennaye Field today. But they […]
Brendan Gallagher continues his series looking at rugby”s great schools BEFORE Munster started making a name for themselves, the “Red Machine” or “Red Army” – […]
BEDFORD Blues say they have been ‘given a lifeline’ by Northampton. The new partnership will see the clubs cooperate on a number of fronts, including […]
■By RYAN ROBINSON BEDFORD Blues produced their most complete performance of the season to secure a commanding bonus point victory over Doncaster Knights. A near […]
By PAUL SMITH AN outstanding defensive display saw Bedford register their fourth league win in five games. Led by skipper Sean McCarthy and back row […]
By LUKE JARMYN AN injury time try by replacement No.8 Huw Worthington sealed a nailbiting comeback for the Blues in an enthralling game at Goldington […]
By JONATHAN LANDI BEDFORD Blues’ indifferent season took a turn for the better as they showed character in adversity to deny London Scottish in west […]
Brendan Gallagher looks at the 138th Varsity match, kicking off at Twickenham on Thursday Line-out strength: James Horwill was a stalwart for Harlequins To have […]
By OLI SHAPLEY Try-double: Elijah Niko EALING Trailfinders rampaged their way to their biggest win of the season with a huge victory over Bedford Blues. […]
■By TOM CARR THE BLUESwelcomed topof- the-table Newcastle Falcons to Goldington Road in a repeat of the 2013 Championship final. In a fairly tidy opening […]
By MARK WOOD BEDFORD paid the price as their indiscipline played right into Ealing hands as they triumphed in an attritional contest at Goldington Road […]
By DAVID LAWRENCE COVENTRY claimed maximum points from this nerve-jangling clash thanks to a try in the eighth minute of added time. Replacement scrum-half Tom […]
By MARK WOOD Late try: Joe Atkinson scores Threat: Try-scorer James Cordy- Redden on the attack for Trailfinders PICTURE: Nigel Rudgard POTENT Ealing Trailfinders roasted […]
Bedford Blues..50 Cambridge……24 BEDFORD kicked off their pre-season with an impressive first-half display en route to hitting 50 against Cambridge. Sam Leeming was peerless off […]
■By MARK W00D A RAMPAGING Richmond comeback came up agonisingly short as they gained two potentially invaluable losing bonus points in their fight for Championship […]
■By MARK WOOD BRILLIANT counterattacking rugby from Bedford saw them score some wonderful tries as they romped to a convincing 32-14 victory at Goldington Road. […]
BEDFORD have begun building for next season by re-signing four of their first team players. Props Alex Penny and Sean McCarthy have both put pen-to-paper […]
■By JON NEWCOMBE Tough job: Steve Boden AS THEIR 53-52, 15-try thriller with Coventry showed, anything can happen when Bedford are in action. Recent games […]
By MARK WOOD BEDFORD snatched an incredible 53-52 derby victory thanks to Ryan Hutler’s 88th-minute winner. It was an incredible finale to a see-saw clash […]
■By ANDREW BEACHAM BEDFORD won a messy game played in atrocious conditions at the Gillman’s Ground, after Hartpury had led at the interval. But Dean […]
BEDFORD centre Jamie Elliott has joined Zebre with immediate effect. Elliot, 26, who made his Premiership debut for Northampton Saints at the age of 18, […]
Preview Cornish Pirates v Bedford Blues Today, Kick-off 2.30pm BEDFORD top try scorer Ryan Hutler returns to their starting line-up as Blues aim to close […]
News BEDFORD have claimed that the RFU failed to protect “player welfare” when refusing to postpone a match despite 21 players being out through illness […]
■ BEDFORD could be seeing more of Ben Foden after the former England full-back helped them to a comfortable victory. Playing outside centre, Foden was […]
By MATT WRIGHT FLY-HALF Max Malins took his chance to impress as Saracens eventually pulled clear of a fired-up Bedford. With Owen Farrell and Alex […]
DONCASTER Knights have signed Fiji scrum-half Henry Seniloli on a oneyear deal. He joins from Romanian side Timisoara Saracens, who won the CEK Bank SuperLiga […]
By NEALE HARVEY Premiership experience: Mark Flanagan RETURNING lock Mark Flanagan is convinced Bedford will be a “force to be reckoned with” as his side […]
BEDFORD have strengthened their back line options with the capture of local lad Jamie Elliott. Capable of playing wing and centre, Elliott, 25, has signed […]
Young Saint: Rory Hutchinson AFTER recovering from injury to star for Bedford Blues last season, Northampton centre Rory Hutchinson is aiming to make this his […]
By JONATHAN LANDY Strike One: Piers O’Conor crosses for Ealing’s opening try PICTURE: Lissy Tomlinson EALING continued their annus mirabilis by roaring into the final […]
By EMMA SMITH HARTPURY staged a remarkable comeback to head into the final three minutes 21-19 up against high-flying Bedford only to be denied victory […]
By MATT WRIGHT RICHLane’s try settled this quarter final Bedford’s way after the hosts managed to absorb everything Ulster A could throw at them at […]
Preview Nottingham v Bedford Blues Today, Kick-off 3pm BEDFORD head into the game off the back of an impressive 41-22 win over Yorkshire Carnegie which […]
MICHAEL Le Bourgeois and Howard Packman both struck twice in Bedford’s impressive win over Yorkshire Carnegie, on a day where there two sets of winners. […]
FORMER fans’ favourite Soane Tonga’uiha could be on his way back to Bedford, 12 years after he left the Blues to join Northampton. Tonga’uiha’s family […]
Bristol…68 Cardiff Blues …0 ■By MIKE NICHOLS BRISTOL ran ten tries past Cardiff Blues in a match between the pool’s two non-qualifiers. In a mismatch […]
By MATT WRIGHT Bedford …43 Ospreys …19 STAR man Elliott Clements-Hill was one of seven try-scorers as Bedford produced a stunning second-half display against Ospreys […]
By MATT WRIGHT DEANAdamson continued his prolific start to the season with another two tries as Bedford ran out comfortable winners against bottom club Rotherham […]
JAMES WILSON could join the growing clan of ex-Northampton players at Championship side Bedford. The 34-year-old wing/full-back was one of a dozen players released by […]
By MATT WRIGHT CENTRE Rich Lane is enjoying his long-awaited return to Bedford after being among the try-scorers in their entertaining victory over London Scottish […]
BEDFORD player-coach Alex Rae reckons adding grit to his side’s traditional running game will ensure Championship favourites Bristol do not have things their own way. […]
By JON NEWCOMBE NORTHAMPTON legend Lee Dickson could see out his professional career as a Bedford player in the Championship. The former England scrum-half, below, […]
By GUY WILLIAMS ROTHERHAMTitans can be extremely grateful there is no relegation from the Championship this season because on current form they look mediocre at […]
By NEALE HARVEY PREVIEW… Saracens v Leicester Today. Kick-off 4pm LEICESTER lock Harry Wells is banking on Anglo-Welsh success to provide the career boost he […]
Long-serving Bedford director of rugby Mike Rayer concedes he may have to review the club’s part-time status after enduring his worst campaign to date.
Bedford Blues….. 33pts Bristol Bears……. 54pts BRISTOL Bears ran in eight tries as they put on show at Goldington Road on Friday night. There were 13 […]
By BEN JAYCOCK Bedford Blues have made a promising start to this season’s truncated Championship but director of rugby Mike Rayer says the lengthy breaks […]
By JON NEWCOMBE Rams director of rugby Seb Reynolds has praised England U20 head coach Mark Mapletoft for his “refreshing” decision to pick George Makepeace-Cubitt […]
By BEN JAYCOCK Proud Yorkshireman Obi Ene is hungry to achieve everything there is in the game after signing a three-year contract with northern rugby’s […]
By PHIL JOSEPH Bedford Blues ……………… 21pts Tries: Day 17, Adamson 49, Lennon 75 Conversions: Maisey 18, 50, 76 Cornish Pirates ……………27pts Tries: Schwarz 25, […]
By BRIAN WILLIAMS Bedford ………….32pts Tries: Worley 8, Le Bourgeois 26, French 31, Adamson 41, Howard 61 Conversions: Grimoldby 27, 62 Penalties: Grimoldby 78 L […]
By LUKE JARMYN Ampthill…………22pts Tries: Strachan 5, Parks 35, Jackson 80 Conversions: Parks 36, Barton 80+1 Penalties: Parks 47 Bedford ………….31pts Tries: French 14, J […]
By BEN JAYCOCK Cameron Miell is South African born and bred but the Leicester prop is fully committed to England, eagerly anticipating his first opportunity […]
BY BEN JAYCOCK Under the close guidance of Will Parkin, Archie McParland has made the transition from fly-half to scrum-half and is reaping the rewards […]
Week beginning Sunday, November 26, 2023 It is advisable to check matches and kick-off times with the clubs SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26 NATIONAL LEAGUES Premiership Newcastle […]
By BEN JAYCOCK Having comfortably held their own as newcomers in the Championship last season, Caldy have set high aspirations of finishing as the highest […]
With the sudden demise of champions Jersey Reds, the race for the Championship is more open than ever, Ben Jaycock reports Many have suggested that […]
FFRIDAY, OCT 20Cornish Pirates v London ScottishSATURDAY, OCT 21Ampthill v CambridgeBedford v Ealing Trailfi ndersCaldy v NottinghamDoncaster Knights v HartpuryUniversitySATURDAY, OCT 28Cambridge v Doncaster KnightsCornish […]
Premiership team-by-team previews: Bath Bath finished last season with four consecutive victories, their best run for three years. They scored 175 points and 24 tries […]
Premiership team-by-team previews: Gloucester Gloucester started last season in the fast lane and finished it spluttering along in the hard shoulder after being decimated by […]
Premiership team-by-team previews: Northampton There was a point last season where Northampton looked as if they could qualify for the play-offs despite conceding a century […]
By ANDREW HASTINGS Newcastle……..26pts Tries: Fletcher 9, Kerr 29, De Chaves 65, Radwan 72 Conversions: Thomas 10, Johnson 66, 73 Bedford B ………. 16pts Tries: […]
Ben Jaycock reports on the problems faced by the Welsh regions as international stars and young talent head for exit Benetton IN: Andy Uren (Bristol […]
It is advisable to check matches and kick-off times with the clubs To add your club’s fixtures please email newsdesk@therugbypaper.co.uk THURSDAY, AUGUST 3 Chiswick v […]
By BEN JAYCOCK PREVIEW… Nottingham v BedfordToday. Kick-off 3pm, Lady Bay CRAIG Hammond is hoping his Nottingham team can put their ‘frustrating’ season to one […]
By BEN JAYCOCK Doncaster have taken this season’s Championship Cup by storm and, while other teams are using the competition to experiment and field second […]
Week beginning Sunday, February 12, 2023 It is advisable to check matches and kick-off times with the clubs SUNDAY FEBRUARY 12 INTERNATIONALS Six Nations England […]
By LUKE JARMYN Concern: Harvey Biljon Jersey Reds’ Harvey Biljon is calling for new restrictions to be brought in around the number of dual-registered and […]
Week beginning Sunday, January 22, 2023 It is advisable to check matches and kick-off times with the clubs SUNDAY, JANUARY 22 EUROPEAN COMPETITIONS Champions Cup […]
ON THE BLINDSIDE BY NEIL FISSLER Ealing Trailfinders are lining up a double swoop on Gloucester for former England centre Billy Twelvetrees and a return […]
MY LIFEIN RUGBYDARRYL VEENENDAAL THE FORMER BEDFORD, NOTTINGHAM AND AMPTHILL SCRUM-HALF Cheeky: Darryl Veenendaal in action PICTURE: Getty Images WHEN people comment on how good […]
Week beginning Sunday, December 11, 2022 It is advisable to check matches and kick-off times with the clubs SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11 CUP COMPETITIONS Champions Cup […]
By GABRIEL RAMSAY Barnes……………32 Bury St Ed’s…… 14 Barnes solidified their push for promotion with a fantastic result over an in-form Bury St Edmunds side, […]
NEWS EXTRABy BEN JAYCOCK SEDGLEY Park captain Matt Riley reached the incredible landmark of 400 appearances for the club yesterday and says he’s enjoying his […]
Preview Nottingham v JerseyToday. 2pm NOTTINGHAM head coach Craig Hammond is pleased with the Championship Cup being played during the season rather than at the […]
Week beginning Sunday, October 30, 2022 It is advisable to check matches and kick-off times with the clubs SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30 CUP COMPETITION Women’s World […]
Week beginning Sunday, October 23, 2022 It is advisable to check matches and kick-off times with the clubs SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23 CUP COMPETITION Women’s World […]
Ethan Grayson is hoping to follow in his brother’s and father’s footsteps and break into the Northampton Saints first team. Ethan, 20, is the younger […]
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 NATIONAL LEAGUES Premiership (3pm kick-off) Gloucester v Wasps Sale v Northampton WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 INTERNATIONALS Women’s England v Wales (7.30pm) THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER […]
Director of Rugby: Pat Lam Captain: Steven Luatua Ground: Ashton Gate Capacity: 27,000 PREDICTED FINISH: 8TH Pat Lam’s glass is always half full. Even after […]
Head coach: Lee Blackett Captain: Joe Launchbury Ground: Coventry Building Society Arena Capacity: 32,753 PREDICTED FINISH: 10TH Recruitment was put on hold for a few […]
Record six-time Championship Dream Team inductee and former Leeds legend Ryan Burrows casts his eye over this season’s contenders and fears for the future of […]
AMPTHILL Captain: Charlie Beckett Head coach: Paul Turner Squad: Syd Blackmore, Matt Gallagher, Aleki Lutui, Jake Elwood, Dom Hardman, Griff Phillipson, Joe Sproston, Charlie Beckett, […]
SHANE WILLIAMS WALES AND LIONS LEGEND With the United Rugby Championship season fast approaching I’ve been having a good look at the recruitment each side […]
Alex Woolford, The Bedford Blues and former Northampton, Moseley, London Welsh & Coventry second row, chooses the best XV he has played with or against […]
■By BEN JAYCOCK Champions: Ealing Trailfinders celebrate winning the league last season PICTURE: PRiME Media Images THE top two in last season’s Championship do battle […]
RUGBY SHORTS MICHAEL Le Bourgeois has rejoined Championship club Bedford Blues in a player-coach role after being released by Wasps. The 31-year-old returns to Bedford […]
Now that the Championship season has run its course, Jon Newcombe canvassed the views of the league’s directors of rugby and head coaches to compile […]
By BEN JAYCOCK CORNISH Pirates co-head coach Gavin Cattle claims the Championship Cup does not financially work and that it desperately needs sponsors and funding.The […]
Northampton Saints have confirmed the signing Doncaster Knights captain Sam Graham and Newcastle Falcons’ Robbie Smith. The pair will move to Franklin’s Gardens ahead of […]
By BEN JAYCOCK Thriller: Hartpury on the attack against Nottingham THE Championship returns next Saturday with a full round of fixtures as the pressure mounts […]
By LUKE JARMYN BEDFORD Blues skipper Richard Lane believes this year’s Championship promotion battle is one of the tightest in years and deserves full TV […]
It is advisable to check matches and kick-off times with the clubs SUNDAY, DEC 26 NATIONAL LEAGUESPremiership(3pm kick-off unless stated) Bath v Gloucester (4.30pm) Bristol […]
Bedford Blues v Jersey RedsBoxing Day, Kick-off 3pmJERSEY travel to Bedford to take on Mike Rayer’s Blues in a soldout Goldington Road Boxing Day encounter.With […]
NEWS EXTRA It is advisable to check matches and kick-off times with the clubsSUNDAY, DEC 19 CUP COMPETITIONSEuropean Champions CupPOOL B Leicester v Connacht (1pm) […]
Head of Rugby: Steve Borthwick Captain: Ellis Genge Ground: Welford Road Capacity: 25,849The Tigers are getting their bite back under Steve Borthwick. They may not […]
Head of Rugby: Dean Richards Captain: Mark Wilson Ground: Kingston Park Capacity: 10,200It has been a while since Newcastle were regarded as title contenders, back […]
Head of Rugby: Chris Boyd Captain: Lewis Ludlam Ground: Franklin’s Gardens Capacity: 15,250The Saints have become like the Curate’s Egg: appetising one week, unpalatable the […]
Head of Rugby: Mark McCall Captain: Owen Farrell Ground: StoneX Stadium Capacity: 10,500The Premiership’s dominant side in the 2010s is back, chastened and stirred. While […]
Head of Rugby: Ben Ward Captain: Rayn Smid Ground: Vallis Way Capacity: 3,000 Even without any additions to their squad, they’d have still had enough […]
Head of Rugby: Steve Hill Captain: Cameron Mitchell Ground: Richmond Athletic Gd Capacity: 4,500A lot depends on what Steve Hill’s selection policy is. He stuck […]
14 AugustSale FC v Sedgley Park (2.30pm) Blackheath v Carmarthen Quins (3pm)Fylde v Preston GH (3pm)Penrith v Preston GH (3pm)Rosslyn Park v Old Albanians (3pm)Darlington […]
Brendan Gallagher looks at how the Premiership squads are shaping up for the new season What with pandemic considerations – not least the financial implications […]
Leader: Ealing’s Craig HampsonTHE prospect of at least two years battling the big boys in the Premiership adds more spice to the Championship next season […]
ON THE BLIND SIDEBY NEIL FISSLER Nous: Mouritz BothaFORMER England lock Mouritz Botha has been named the new forwards’ coach of National League One outfit […]
ENGLAND captain Owen Farrell’s return to action for Saracens has been delayed after he sustained a minor strain.The 29-year-old, who was named Sarries skipper this […]
Probyn: There’s more skill in the women’s gameBy LUKE JARMYN LIFE on the road is proving a tough slog for Championship side Jersey Reds, who travelled […]
■By STEFFAN THOMAS SCOTT Murray is confident Scotland will have their highest British & Irish Lions representation for a generation this summer.The country’s former lock […]
Bedford …………21 Ampthill ……….36■ By RYAN ROBINSON AMPTHILL exacted revenge for last weekend’s defeat with a commanding victory at Bedford Blues.In a game which highlighted […]
A weekly look at the game’s other talking points Try these hidden joys of the Championship BRENDAN GALLAGHER What a cracker: Nottingham wing Jack Spittle […]
SARACENS’ England internationals will not play a competitive game before the Six Nations after the new Championship season was delayed until March 6. Owen Farrell, […]
FORMER Bath and Worcester back row Alafoti Fa’osiliva has gone back to grassroots and is training with South West One outfit Trowbridge. Fa’osiliva, who has […]
Offer: De Carpenter FORMER England Sevens international Richard de Carpenter looks set to be offered a career lifeline with a short term contract at Quins. […]
MY LIFEIN RUGBY MOURITZ BOTHA THE FORMER ENGLAND, SARACENS, NEWCASTLE, SHARKS AND BEDFORD LOCK Athletic: Mouritz Botha on the charge for England against Wales at […]
BY NEILFISSLER Follow me on Twitter: @neilfissler Packman chasing a Prem return DONCASTER Knights winger Howard Packman is keen to secure himself a move to […]
BATH Director of rugby: Stuart Hooper Captain: Charlie Ewels Stadium: The Recreation Ground Current position: 6th Form guide last 5 games: WWWLLL All to play […]
Doubts: Cobus Wiese SARACENS’ move for Sharks youngster Cobus Wiese is in doubt following their relegation to the Championship next season. We reported in December […]
NOTTINGHAM winger Jack Spittle has won the Greene King IPA Championship’s try of the season.Spittle, 24, scored five tries against Yorkshire Carnegie on January 31, and […]
RICH LANETHE BEDFORD BLUES WINGER/FULL-BACK TAKES US THROUGH HIS PET HATES FROM THE WORLD OF RUGBY AND BEYOND1. Covid-19A very obvious and topical choice. Whoever […]
By OLI SHAPLEY EALING Trailfinders braved Storm Dennis and did so in impressive style to register a six-try victory over Bedford Blues. Pat Howard, Reon […]
Current team in brackets *dual reg Ampthill Karl Garside (Northampton Saints), Ben Earl* (Saracens), Nick Isiekwe* (Saracens), Ralph Adams-Hale* (Saracens), Samson Ma’asi* (Northampton Saints), Jon […]
Preview Cornish Pirates v Bedford Blues Today, Kick-off 2.30pm CORNISH Pirates joint head coach Alan Paver is expecting another ‘ding dong’ affair when Bedford Blues […]
Off: Matt Gallagher SARACENS’ desperate mass clear-out as they scramble to slash their wage bill is likely to see full-back Matt Gallagher move to Munster. […]
By SAM JACKSON Preview Cornish Pitares v Nottingham Today, Kick-off 2.30pm FLY-HALF Will Cargill captains the Pirates in his 100th appearance for the club. Pirates […]
Preview Nottingham v Bedford Blues Today, Kick-off 3pm NEIL FOWKES knows it’s too early to judge Nottingham’s prospects for the rest of the season, as […]
Preview Yorkshire Carnegie v Coventry Today, Kick-off 3pm YORKSHIRE Carnegie’s off-season upheaval has not stopped Coventry from putting in the hours in preparation of their […]
Week beginning Sunday, 15th, 2019 It is advisable to check matches and kick-off times with the clubs SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 NATIONAL LEAGUES National League 2 […]
Premiership pedigree: Rosslyn Park lock signing Sam Twomey SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 7 Scarlets v Jersey Reds, 3pm Ulster v Glasgow Warriors, 1.30pm THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 12 Northampton […]
TUESDAY AUGUST 13 Morpeth v Tynedale, 7pm Leicester Lions v Nuneaton, 7pm THURSDAY AUGUST 15 Castres v Bristol Bears, 6pm FRIDAY AUGUST 16 Bridgend Ravens […]
After starring for Carnegie despite their off-the-field problems last season, flanker Daniel Temm reflects on what next for the Championship club and the medical bills sent to some players
The new season brings improved budgets for some National One clubs, discovers Adam Ellis Hard edge: Ofisa Treviranus is bound for Chinnor Chinnor have sent […]
EXCLUSIVE By JON NEWCOMBE Stepping down: Geoff Irvine LONG-STANDING Championship boss Geoff Irvine will stand down from his role at the end of next season […]
JON NEWCOMBE reveals another big signing as Coventry aim to mount challenge Ampthill IN: Kwaku Asiedu (Coventry), Dave Ward (Harlequins), Darryl Veenendaal (Nottingham) OUT: Karl […]
THE OSPREYS are close to agreeing a deal that will see them sign former England U20 centre Tom Griffiths. The 23-year-old, who hails from Gloucester, […]
Inspiration: Billy Johnson on the ball for Ampthill Captain marvel: Billy Johnson with the Rugby Journal’s Alex Meade AMPTHILL are ready for the Greene King […]
MY LIFEIN RUGBY NICK WALSHE THE FORMER ENGLAND, BATH, SALE, SARACENS, HARLEQUINS AND BEDFORD SCRUM-HALF Reaching the top: Nick Walshe in action for England against […]
By ADAM ELLIS Finisher: Charlie Walker HARLEQUINS winger Charlie Walker will swap the Premiership for the PRO14 and join Zebre this summer. In the land […]
JON NEWCOMBE canvasses opinion for The Rugby Paper’s Championship Dream XV Making his mark: Richmond prop Will Goodrick-Clarke London Irish may have been clear winners […]
By MARK WOOD FREE-SCORINGBedford Blues blew away Nottingham as Storm Hannah battered Goldington Road on Saturday. Victory secured the Blues back-to-back third place Championship finishes […]
■By NEALE HARVEY Loyal: Will Welch makes a break against Saracens PICTURE: Getty Images DEFIANT Newcastle captain Will Welch is determined to end his career […]
RIVAL Championship clubs are poised to raid Yorkshire Carnegie’s squad while budgets at Headingley for the 2019/20 season remain unknown. In what appears to be […]
By TOM INNES JERSEY, having fallen behind to Nottingham in the first quarter, roared back into the game and finished convincing winners in their first […]
By ALBERT JAMES Senior cap: Worcester Warriors flanker Ted Hill PICTURES: Getty Images Coach: Steve Bates TED HILL, who made his England senior debut in […]
By ADAM ELLIS Preview Cornish Pirates v Hartpury College Today, Kick-off 2.30pm CORNISH Pirates and Hartpury have both recalled first-team starters for today’s match at […]
Week beginning Sunday, November 25th, 2018 It is advisable to check matches and kick-off times with the clubs SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 25 NATIONAL LEAGUES Premiership Leicester […]
Preview London Irish v Cornish Pirates Today, Kick-off 3pm SCRUM-HALF Scott Steele starts for London Irish on his 100th appearance for the Exiles in their […]
Preview Cornish Pirates v Bedford Blues Today, Kick-off 2.30pm TOM DUNCAN is on a revenge mission when the Cornish Pirates get their Cup campaign underway […]
By JON NEWCOMBE to shuffle the deck GEORGE Watkins, one of the few bright sparks in Yorkshire Carnegie’s disappointing start to the campaign, is hoping […]
By COLIN NEWBOULT THESE victories certainly don’t come around very often for Wasps. Since 2010, they have endured disappointment at Sale, even when the Sharks […]
Director of Rugby: Mark McCall Captain: Brad Barritt Ground: Allianz Park Capacity: 10,000 Saracens are the Prem superpower.With almost 20 current internationals, five of them […]
Director of Rugby: Dai Young Captain: Joe Launchbury Ground: Ricoh Arena Capacity: 32,609 This summer’s big spenders will be looking for a return on their […]
Former Nottingham boss Ian Costello, now Wasps attack coach, runs the rule over this season’s Championship clubs Livewire: Doncaster’s Fijian scrum-half Henry Seniloli Ireally enjoyed […]
BRENDAN GALLAGHER talks to Wasps centre Michael Le Bourgeois about the challenge ahead WASPS have earned the reputation in recent years for their spectacular forays […]
JEREMY GUSCOTT Bath IN: Jackson Willison (Worcester Warriors), Lucas Noguera Paz (Jaguares), Victor Delmas (Colomiers), Darren Atkins (promoted Academy), Ruaridh McConnochie (England Sevens), Jamie Roberts […]
Brendan Gallagher visits the Channel Islands to find two rugby clubs enjoying fresh success Reds on the rampage: Augustin Slowik scores his hat-trick try against […]
By JON NEWCOMBE ROTHERHAM have vowed to bounce straight back up after their relegation to National One was confirmed. Last Saturday’s 38-16 defeat to Jersey […]
By JON NEWCOMBE BEDFORD Blues fly-half Will Hooley’s call-up to the US Eagles squad for the upcoming Americas Rugby Championship (ARC) is a story that’s […]
Cornish Pirates v Bedford Blues Preview Today. Kick-off 2.30pm. Mennaye Field PIRATES coach Alan Paver knows it will come down to fine margins again today […]
Preview York’ Carnegie v Bedford Blues Today, Kick-off 3pm, Headingley CARNEGIE prop Marc Thomas says his side must cut Bedford off at source if they […]
LONDON Irish have bolstered their front row options with the signing of former England U20 hooker Tom Woolstencroft. A World Rugby U20 Championship winner with […]
Wanted: Auterac HARLEQUINS are believed to be heading a queue of clubs interested in signing loose-head prop Nick Auterac from Bath when his contract runs […]
Preview Nottingham v Bedford Blues Sunday, Kick-off 3pm, Lady Bay NOTTINGHAM head coach Ian Costello has retained just four of his line-up from last week’s […]
By TOM BRADSHAW TODDBlackadder says Bath have “no complaints” after Freddie Burns was red-carded for a tip-tackle on his full debut for his hometown club. […]
Ealing T’finders v London Scottish Preview Today. Kick-off 3pm PETER Lydon is relishing the opportunity of facing his former club as Ealing Trailfinders host London […]
Director of Rugby: Rob Baxter Captain: Jack Yeandle Ground: Sandy Park Capacity: 12,600 Having won the crown for the first time in May, Chiefs rugby […]
Director of Rugby: David Humphreys Captain: Willi Heinz Ground: Kingsholm Capacity: 16,500 The arrival of tightheads Fraser Balmain and Gareth Denman and loose-head Val Rapava- […]
Director of Rugby: Jim Mallinder Captain: Dylan Hartley Ground: Franklin’s Gardens Capacity: 15,500 Saints rugby director Jim Mallinder will be hoping that some cherry-picking from […]
Director of Rugby: Dai Young Captain: Joe Launchbury Ground: Ricoh Arena Capacity: 32,600 Regular crowds of up to 25,000 at the Ricoh are testament to […]
It is advisable to check matches and kick-off times with the clubs Thursday August 17 Northampton v Nottingham Ulster v Wasps Friday August 18/19/20 Ospreys […]
It is advisable to check matches and kick-off times with the clubs Thursday August 10 USA Islanders vs Saracens Friday August 11 Ospreys v Leicester […]
Nick Verdier assesses the Championship squads after another summer of high activity Exiled: Ben Mosses left Bristol for London Scottish this summer Jonas Mikalcius Most […]
Matthew Emery runs an eye over the big names joining the Premiership action this season Bath Underhill IN: Sam Underhill (Ospreys), Freddie Burns (Leicester Tigers), […]
BRISTOL return to the competition after their short stay in the Premiership and face debutants Hartpury College in the opening round of next season’s Championship […]
By JON NEWCOMBE LONDON SCOTTISH have lined up Loughborough Students’ Dave Morris as the man to replace Peter Richards as head coach for next season. […]
TRANSFER WRAP By STEVE RIGBY NORTHAMPTON Saints have signed Auckland Blues’ highly-rated playmaker Piers Francis for next season. Francis, 26, originally from Gravesend in Kent, […]
Week beginning Sunday, March 19, 2017 It is advisable to check matches and kick-off times with the clubs SUNDAY, MARCH 19 NATIONAL LEAGUES Anglo-Welsh Cup […]
It is advisable to check matches and kick-off times with the clubs SUNDAY, MARCH 5 NATIONAL LEAGUES Aviva Premiership Newcastle v Saracens (14:00) Worcester v […]
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26 INTERNATIONALS Six Nations England v Italy (15:00) NATIONAL LEAGUES Aviva Premiership Bristol v Bath (13:00) Wasps v Gloucester (13:00) The Championship Cornish […]
By JON NEWCOMBE SCORING a ten-minute hat-trick for Nottingham has clearly done wonders for Antonio ‘TJ’ Harris’ profile as the Nottingham hooker has earned himself […]
My Life in Rugby with Marcus Rose – the former England, Cambridge University, Leicester, Coventry, Harlequins and Barbarians full-back looks back on his career in […]
By JON NEWCOMBE Coventry head coach Alex Rae has launched a staunch defence of the Championship in the wake of Bill Sweeney’s disparaging comments about […]
By BEN JAYCOCK PREVIEW… Bedford vCoventry January 1. Kick-off 3pm, Goldington Road BEDFORD are chomping at the bit after winning their last five as they […]
The former Western Province, Stormers, Saracens, Bedford & Bristol back row People might not be aware but former Springbok player and coach Nick Mallett is […]
Week beginning Sunday, September 18, 2022 It is advisable to check matches and kick-off times with the clubs SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 NATIONAL LEAGUES Premiership Worcester […]
PREVIEW…By BEN JAYCOCK Nottingham v BedfordToday. Kick-off 3pm, Lady Bay@therugbypaperCRAIG Hammond’s Nottingham are looking to build on their upturn in form that has brought back-to-back […]
By TOM CARR Bedford …………..12pts Tries: Bird-Tulloch 22, Lane 43 Conversions: Grimoldby 44 C Pirates …………20pts Tries: Kiri Kiri 72, Tucker 80 Conversions: Robson 73, […]
MY LIFE IN RUGBYTHE BRISTOL BEARS RECRUITMENT MANAGER AND FORMER NORTHAMPTON FLY-HALF AND SAINTS AND BEDFORD COACHPAUL LARKIN Saints life: Paul Larkin, left, playing for […]
Jon Newcombe previews the new Championship season, a voyage into the unknown for all, including the RFU Final chance? Ealing lost the play-off to Saracens […]
It is advisable to check matches and kick-off times with the clubs Weekend beginning Friday September 10, 2021FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 MIDLANDS DIVISIONMidlands 1 EastWest Bridgford […]
By KEVIN MILLER Ampthill ……….40Bedford …………38AMPTHILL recovered from a first quarter bashing to clinch this keenly contested derby between Bedfordshire’s Championship sides in front of […]
MY LIFEIN RUGBYTHE FORMER WORCESTER, NORTHAMPTON, HARLEQUINS, GRENOBLE AND ENGLAND U21S SECOND ROWJAMES PERCIVAL MY experiences in rugby changed me as a person, sometimes for the best, and […]
Brendan Gallagher continues his series looking at rugby’s great schools TONBRIDGE are rightly hailed as one of English cricket’s great nurseries having produced countless England […]
BRENDAN GALLAGHER RUGBY MATTERS A weekly look at the game’s other talking points Entertainers: Bob Demming, left, and Ralph Knibbs OCTOBER has been designated Black […]
JERSEY Reds have signed Namibia international wing Lesley Klim ahead of the 2020-21 Championship season. Klim, 25, played twice at the 2019 World Cup and […]
RUGBY MATTERS BRENDAN GALLAGHER A weekly look at the game’s other talking points Uprise: Edward Colston’s statue is ripped down in Bristol last week Rugby, […]
Different eras: Bill Beaumont, and Agustin Pichot in their playing days PICTURE: Gettty Images As everybody in sport, and in particular athletics, knows exchanging the […]
By LUKE JARMYN Full stretch: Micky Young scores Falcons’ second try PICTURES: Chris Lishman NEWCASTLE replacement Tim Swiel scored with his first touch to round […]
By ANDREW BEACHAM FIRST half supremacy proved crucial for Bedford in an entertaining game, staged in close to perfect conditions, between two teams who wanted […]
By WARREN KAY AMPTHILL head coach Paul Turner hailed his benchmen as a dramatic late Billy Johnson try clinched victory over near rivals Bedford. Turner […]
Elegance at No.10: Richard Sharp playing against Wales As Oxford gather for a 150th anniversary dinner at the Hurlingham club on Wednesday night, Brendan Gallagher […]
■By GUY WILLIAMS DONCASTER fly-half Sam Olver secured a vital win for the Knights with five penalties and a conversion to restore his team’s confidence […]
NEWS EXTRA ARGENTINAcentre Bautista Ezcurra is keen to stay on British shores after he tours England and Wales with the Barbarians this November. The Jaguares […]
Week beginning Sunday, September 8, 2019 It is advisable to check matches and kick-off times with the clubs FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 LONDON & SE DIVISIONS […]
Indestructible Tongan back row Ma’ama Molitika tells NEALE HARVEY about his remarkable career Top table: Ma’ama Molitika playing for Cardiff Blues against Stade Francais in […]
After coaching stints at Sale, Bedford, Harlequins, Dragons and Wasps, former Wales, Newbridge, Newport and Sale flyhalf Paul Turner tells NEALE HARVEY why leading underdogs […]
MY LIFEIN RUGBY JAMES PRITCHARD CANADA’S ALL-TIME RECORD POINTS SCORER AND FORMER BEDFORD, NORTHAMPTON, PERPIGNAN, PLYMOUTH, COVENTRY AND AMPTHILL FULL-BACK Bedford legend: James Pritchard playing […]
CORNISH Pirates have signed Yorkshire Carnegie lock Cian Romaine on a two-year deal. Having spent four years in the Connacht academy, Romaine represented Ireland U20s […]
By LUKE JARMYN Thwarted: Robin Hislop halts Jacob Fields Sharp shooter: Wing Dougie Flockhart makes a break for Doncaster PICTURE: Simon Hall OMHRugbyPics DONCASTER’s ferocious […]
By SAM ROBERTS Fightback: Brendan Macken notches the first try for Irish PICTURE: Nigel Rudgard Through: Lewis Robling makes a break to sc A RETURN […]
WHILE Ireland fly-half Johnny Sexton deservedly claimed the big prize at the 2019 Rugby Writers Dinner, the Pat Marshall Award for the Personality of the […]
■By SAM ROBERTS BEDFORDkept their Cup qualification on course with a tough win against Cornish Pirates. Bedford need a win against Hartpury in the next […]
By MARK WOOD Breakout: Alex Penny attacks for Bedford SMALL changes made a big difference for London Irish as they scored 26 unanswered second half […]
FORMER COVENTRY, PLYMOUTH, CORNISH PIRATES, WORCESTER AND BEDFORD LOCK BEN GULLIVER AS soon as I joined Coventry I got beaten up. People said I was […]
By MATT WRIGHT A LAST-GASP penalty try gave Bedford a dramatic victory over Jersey and ensured their forward dominance did not go unrewarded. That makes […]
Director of Rugby: Pat Lam Captain: Jordan Crane Ground: Ashton Gate Capacity: 27,000 Newly promoted clubs have a habit of going straight back down, as […]
Plymouth ……21 Bedford ……….19 Big match: Fraser Honey PLYMOUTH Albion kicked off their pre-season campaign with an intense battle against Bedford at Brickfields on Friday […]
August 17 Edinburgh v Bath 7.45pm Cornish Pirates v Exeter 7.30pm Benetton v Leicester 7.30pm Dragons v Northampton (TBC) Leinster v Newcastle (TBC) Munster v […]
NICK CAIN ANALYSES THE WASPS SET-UP AND HIGHLIGHTS KEY AREAS THEY MUST IMPROVE TO BECOME CHAMPIONS AGAIN Key signing: former England prop Kieran Brookes will […]
FIJI back rower Nemani Nagusa has become Newcastle’s latest signing. The 30-year-old helped Fiji win their fourth consecutive Pacific Nations Cup title last weekend and […]
THE FORMER BEDFORD, PLYMOUTH AND DONCASTER FLANKER ADAM KETTLE My parents are fullfledged Scousers and my uncle Brian played a handful of first-team games at […]
By JON NEWCOMBE WASPS have raided the Championship to bolster the strength in depth of their thinly-stretched squad. Having enjoyed success in the past with […]
By JON NEWCOMBE FIJI international prop Campese Ma’Afu will be the next Premiership player to head to Ealing Trailfinders at the end of the season. […]
THE FORMER BEDFORD, CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY AND ENGLAND LOCK BOB WILKINSON Iwent to Wales versus Scotland with a friend last Saturday – only the second time […]
WHAT is the Anglo-Welsh Cup good for? Absolutely nothing in terms of a comprehensible competitive format for Premiership clubs and Welsh regions alike, and it […]
By MATT WRIGHT LLEWELYNJones’ late try completed a remarkable comeback from Ealing as they edged a thriller against a fired-up Bedford to further consolidate second […]
By MATT WRIGHT Bedford …………12 Munster A…….16 THREE penalties by Bill Johnston helped Munster A put themselves back in contention in their pool with a […]
By MATT WRIGHT CHRISCzekaj had a Friday night to remember as the former Wales international full-back scored a hat-trick in Bedford’s comprehensive win over Nottingham […]
By MATT WRIGHT VETERAN hooker Schalk Brits grabbed a hat-trick as Saracens eventually showed their class against a dogged Bedford side that never threw in […]
DON ARMAND (Exeter Chiefs, flanker – 59 appearances, 8 tries) Man-of-the-match in the 2017 Premiership Final and an England tourist to Argentina. Armand joined the […]
Week beginning Sunday, March 26th, 2017 It is advisable to check matches and kick-off times with the clubs SUNDAY, MARCH 26 NATIONAL LEAGUES Aviva Premiership […]
By JON NEWCOMBE JERSEY’S pack continues to provide rich pickings for Premiership predators with hard-working flanker Gary Graham the latest to land a deal. The […]
DON BARRELL FORMER SARACENS AND BEDFORD FLANKER & CURRENT SARACENS ACADEMY COACH I had to get permission from school before I could make my Premiership […]
SCOTT MORGAN THE FORMER WALES, BARBARIANS, BRISTOL, SCARLETS, LEEDS, CARDIFF BLUES, DRAGONS AND COVENTRY PLAYER Each and every time I pulled on a club jersey […]
Justin Burnell’s instant impact as London Welsh rugby director has impressed winger Nick Scott so much that he believes the Exiles can get back into the Premiership at the first attempt.