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MOST RECENT ARTICLES FROM ALEX BYWATER
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Ben Youngs insists England's next generation of stars can WIN the World Cup in 2027... as he and fellow veterans Owen Farrell and Courtney Lawes move on from international duty
16/05/24 07:46
England's next generation of young talent has been told there is no reason why they can't lift the World Cup in Australia in 2027 by the country's most capped men's player Ben Youngs. After a promising end to this year's Six Nations, which included a win over eventual champions Ireland and a strong display in a narrow defeat by France, the next challenge for Steve Borthwick's side is a summer meeting with Japan and two Tests with New Zealand in the southern hemisphere. Former scrum-half Youngs retired from England duty after helping them finish third at last year's global showpiece. Courtney Lawes and Owen Farrell have also moved on from Tests too....read
Tom Curry will MISS Sale's play-off qualification decider at Saracens on Saturday... with renewed doubts over his prospects of taking part in England's summer tour
14/05/24 05:42He was initially expected to miss the domestic season, before a rapid recovery raised his and his club's hopes that he could be cleared for a comeback in north London.
As one of English rugby's brightest talents, Asher Opoku-Fordjour, 19, has his sights set on reaching the very top... but first has unfinished Premiership business with Sale
14/05/24 07:55ALEX BYWATER: Opoku-Fordjour is at the very start of his rugby journey, but all signs point to such progression, and he will continue that with England Under-20s side this summer.
Greg Fisilau is tipped for an England call-up after his excellent performance against Harlequins... as Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter hails his star man
12/05/24 05:00ALEX BYWATER: No 8 Fisilau, still just 20, produced an outstanding individual display in his team's 58-26 hammering of Harlequins which moved them up to fifth.
Exeter 58-26 Harlequins: Greg Fisilau inspires Chiefs to victory at Sandy Park... as Rob Baxter's side keep their play-off hopes alive to set up a thrilling final day
11/05/24 09:29ALEX BYWATER AT SANDY PARK: English rugby's top division has its flaws, but it is now set up for what will be a thrilling final day, with Rob Baxter's side still in the play-off mix.
Billy Vunipola escapes ban and fine from RFU after England and Saracens star was tasered and arrested on a club trip to Majorca
09/05/24 03:41ALEX BYWATER: The Saracens and England No 8 assaulted an officer while on a club bonding trip in the Balearics last month but wasn't punished by his club.
Ollie Chessum will MISS England's crucial clashes with New Zealand this summer after undergoing shoulder surgery
09/05/24 12:58ALEX BYWATER: Chessum's club Leicester confirmed on Thursday Chessum will miss the remainder of the 2023/24 campaign after having successful surgery to repair an 'ongoing injury.'
George Ford insists there's more to come from England despite loss of Owen Farrell as Sale playmaker targets a strong end to the season
07/05/24 07:25George Ford insists there's more to come from England in the post Owen Farrell era as the Sale No 10 plans a strong end to the season with club and country.
England flanker Tom Curry nears return from injury after Sale star used Manchester United's training centre to aid his recovery
06/05/24 07:01The England flanker hasn't played since last year's World Cup and was expected to miss the rest of this season after needing surgery to fix a serious hip problem.
Toulouse 38-26 Harlequins: Jack Walker's late sin-binning proves crucial as English rugby's great entertainers are cut down in the Red Kingdom
05/05/24 09:30Dancing along to upbeat trance music, Toulouse's fanatical support stood 10 deep to welcome Antoine Dupont and Co to this European semi-final.
EXCLUSIVE: Blues Brothers! Mosese Tuipulotu could line up alongside Sione for Scotland as Edinburgh swoop for 22-year-old centre
03/05/24 10:08Scotland could feature two brothers as their centre pairing from next season as Sione Tuipulotu's younger sibling Mosese closes in on a move to Edinburgh Rugby.
Dual code legend Martin Offiah, Exeter wing Feyi-Waboso and Harlequins Women prop Babalwa Latsha among the stars recognised as Twickenham hosts the Rugby Black List awards
02/05/24 05:00Twickenham rocked to a different beat as the home of English rugby celebrated the contribution those from the black and ethnic minority communities make to the country's game.
Bath head of rugby Johann van Graan signs a new long-term deal in a huge boost to the Premiership side's long-term planning as the South African continues his revival of historic giants
02/05/24 09:47ALEX BYWATER: His new deal will see him stay in charge until at least the end of the 2029-30 campaign. The South African's commitment is a huge boost to Bath's long-term planning.
'Arrogant' Ireland made a 'big mistake' by underestimating the All Blacks at the World Cup, says South Africa star Eben Etzebeth... with Andy Farrell's side crashing out in the quarter-finals
01/05/24 03:56South Africa's double World Cup winner Eben Etzebeth has described Ireland's players as 'arrogant' after revealing they told him they would meet his team in last year's World Cup final.
Maro Itoje avoids dangerous tackle ban and is free to play for Saracens' season run-in - with Billy Vunipola NOT facing punishment for drunken Majorca nightclub row
01/05/24 10:36ALEX BYWATER: Maro Itoje (left) has been cleared by a disciplinary panel for a dangerous tackle on Bath's Alfie Barbeary during last week's Gallagher Premiership victory.
Billy Vunipola will NOT face any punishment from his club Saracens over his drunken Majorca nightclub row where he was Tasered by police - and he will return to training today
01/05/24 08:18EXCLUSIVE BY ALEX BYWATER: Saracens' leading figures have discussed the events which led to Vunipola (pictured), being Tasered twice in a bar in Palma in the early hours of Sunday.
Billy Vunipola expected to escape suspension from Saracens for drunken Majorca incident in which he was tasered and arrested... as Montpellier remain keen to sign veteran England star
30/04/24 05:45Billy Vunipola is set to return to training at Saracens today, as the club prepare to hold meetings to decide whether their veteran No 8 should face any action for his arrest in Majorca.
Saracens dealt ANOTHER heavy blow after Billy Vunipola was Tasered and arrested on boozy night in Majorca - as Maro Itoje faces potential ban for dangerous tackling
30/04/24 01:46Vunipola's (left) career was plunged into doubt on Monday as he flew home from a Saracens trip to Europe after being Tasered by police for resisting arrest and assaulting an officer.
Gloucester 17-38 Exeter: Henry Slade stars as the visitors keep their play-off hopes alive with an emphatic victory at Kingsholm
28/04/24 09:40ALEX BYWATER AT KINGSHOLM: Slade sliced through the Cherry and White defence like a hot knife through butter. He was a constant attacking threat and kicked superbly.
Bath 12-15 Saracens: Owen Farrell scores a late penalty to send visitors up to second in the race for play-offs... as England head coach Steve Borthwick watches on
26/04/24 10:56ALEX BYWATER AT THE REC: Farrell was described as 'unreal' and 'magnificent' after he served up a reminder of what Saracens and England will miss next season.
Owen Farrell to play one last international with World XV before becoming ineligible for England selection... ahead of blockbuster move to French giants Racing 92
26/04/24 02:50ALEX BYWATER: Owen Farrell (pictured) will leave his boyhood side Saracens at the end of the current season. Playing his club rugby in the TOP14 means he won't be available to England.
England's model professionals! Rugby Red Roses are determined to seal a SIXTH consecutive Six Nations title against France tomorrow - and they're thriving off the field too
26/04/24 10:34ALEX BYWATER: Ahead of this Six Nations, England's players took part in a lifestyle photoshoot with the aim of taking women's rugby to new audiences. They are certainly doing that.
Wing Abby Dow reveals how veteran attack guru Brian Ashton has sparked England try glut in Women's Six Nations as John Mitchell's team close in on sixth successive title
25/04/24 04:57Brian Ashton might be 77 but the former England men's head coach is still having a significant impact on his country's rugby success after helping the Red Roses evolve their attacking game.
FA-supported dementia study reporting there is NOT a link between the disease and heading a football is hit with 'conflict of interest' claims - as it emerges three key researchers were also part of a council tackling the issue
24/04/24 09:20EXCLUSIVE: Researchers on a study looking at the impact of head injuries on former footballers have been accused of 'marking their own homework' after their initial findings were published.
Owen Farrell is the record points scorer, Will Carling is their most successful captain in history and Jonny Wilkinson scored THAT drop goal... so, who is No 1 in our top 10 of greatest-ever England rugby players?
23/04/24 03:08As the nation celebrates St George's Day, who tops the list as the best player ever to come from England? Mail Sport's ALEX BYWATER provides his own list for that claim...
Wales' unofficial Six Nations play-off against Georgia will NOT take place this autumn due to player release issues - as the two countries look towards a summer 2025 clash
22/04/24 06:02Hopes of an autumn fixture between Wales and Georgia have been dashed due to player release issues with the countries now looking at a possible meeting in 2025.
England 88-10 Ireland: Abby Dow and Ellie Kildunne both score hat-tricks as hosts stay on course for third straight Grand Slam... but the 14-try rout in Six Nations is a worry for women's game
20/04/24 05:07ALEX BYWATER AT TWICKENHAM: England stayed on course for a third straight Grand Slam and now only France in Bordeaux next Saturday stand between them and another clean sweep
England legend Nick Easter is celebrating leading village minnows Chinnor to Championship promotion... all while coaching the USA national team!
19/04/24 09:31INTERVIEW BY ALEX BYWATER: Chinnor is an ambitious club on the up. Easter is the man in charge and is talking through his side's National One promotion success.
Exeter boss Rob Baxter says Premiership clubs should seek to sign world-class stars like Jordie Barrett by developing their own 'Fortnum and Mason' recruitment policy
17/04/24 05:19Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter wants Premiership clubs to match the spending and ambition of Irish giants Leinster by developing their own 'Fortnum and Mason' recruitment policy.
Northampton and Harlequins WON'T be rewarded financially after reaching the Champions Cup semi-finals... with all revenue set be distributed equally among rugby's top leagues
16/04/24 07:42Northampton Saints and Harlequins won't receive any additional financial revenue from European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) despite them making the Champions Cup's semi-finals.
Ospreys head coach Toby Booth heaps praise on his side for overcoming their financial constraints and embarking on a European journey... as the Welsh side take on Gloucester for a place in the Challenge Cup semi-finals
12/04/24 10:46ALEX BYWATER: From Six Nations wooden spoons to financial and contractual misery and the ongoing fallout of a sexism and misogyny scandal, Wales' national game has suffered all manner of ills.
ALEX BYWATER: Plans for a rugby World Club Cup should be welcomed - the Champions Cup isn't what is once was and the sport has an opportunity to evolve and grow
10/04/24 10:28ALEX BYWATER: New plans for a World Club Cup to begin in 2028 should be welcomed by rugby fans on the proviso it does not place further demands on the players in terms of game time and welfare.
Wales and Georgia open positive talks over autumn international after the Six Nations hopefuls laid down the gauntlet to Warren Gatland's struggling side over social media
10/04/24 09:36ALEX BYWATER: With no official play-off for promotion and relegation between the Six Nations and Rugby Europe as things stand, last month Georgia called on Wales to play them in November.
RFU resists call to lift ban on England selecting overseas-based players despite exodus of English stars to France... as chief Bill Sweeney insists the national side is 'in good shape'
09/04/24 05:05Rugby Football Union (RFU) chief executive Bill Sweeney has reiterated there will be no change to the controversial rule of not selecting England players based abroad for the men's national side.
Northampton Saints 24-14 Munster: Late brace from substitute George Hendy proves the difference in last-16 Champions Cup clash... as hosts maintain push for historic double
07/04/24 03:51ALEX BYWATER AT FRANKLIN'S GARDENS: Northampton stayed on course for Premiership and Champions Cup glory and Phil Dowson said his team's supporters could dream of a double.
My only England game came just days after a boozy trip to Magaluf! - Former Sale, Bath, and Lyon star Carl Fearns looks back on an eventful 17-year professional career in rugby
06/04/24 09:30EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY ALEX BYWATER: Fearns excelled on English club duty with Sale, Bath and Newcastle but played his best rugby with Lyon
Best player at the Six Nations and Italy's new gladiator Tommaso Menoncello explains his tattoos and speaks on the Azzurri's new era, his idol and his growing fame
05/04/24 11:09ALEX BYWATER IN TREVISO: Still just 21, Menoncello has been named the Six Nations men's player of the Championship for 2024, the award capping a remarkable comeback.
Sixty more former players join legal fight against World Rugby, the RFU and WRU over head injuries... as lawyer for claimants warns elite level in both union and league is not safe
03/04/24 03:57Rugby bosses in both codes have been warned their games are not currently safe for players after 60 more ex-union professionals joined an ongoing legal case against the sport's authorities.
Maro Itoje set to make Saracens return in crunch Champions Cup showdown with Bordeaux after recovering from knee injury
02/04/24 06:37ALEX BYWATER: Itoje missed his club's hammering of Harlequins and entertaining defeat by Northampton due to a fitness issue which came on the back of England's Six Nations campaign.
Ardie Savea sends England warning ahead of summer Test series as the revitalised New Zealand star admits playing 'bloody good footy' in Japan has put him in prime condition
02/04/24 04:00ALEX BYWATER: England have been warned they will face a revitalised and even better Ardie Savea this summer when they take on New Zealand in a mouthwatering two-Test series.
Louis Rees-Zammit rolled the dice and took a huge gamble in pursuit of his NFL dream but it has more than paid off... the fact the Kansas City Chiefs have been impressed is a testament to his ability in his new sport
01/04/24 12:00ALEX BYWATER: When Louis Rees-Zammit shocked the rugby world in January by quitting the sport he grew up playing to pursue his NFL dream, the doubters couldn't wait to raise their voices.
Bath's head of rugby Johann van Graan slams decision to allow Irne Herbst back early from the sin bin in their 40-36 Premiership defeat to Harlequins
30/03/24 10:31ALEX BYWATER: Bath head of rugby Johann van Graan hit out at the decision to allow Irne Herbst to return early from the sin bin as Harlequins held on to win 40-36 in their Premiership match.
England 46-10 Wales: Cardiff-born Megan Jones tears the Welsh defence to pieces as Red Rose run in eight tries to reclaim top spot in the Women's Six Nations
30/03/24 08:33Welsh rugby fans were left smarting earlier this year when Cardiff-born wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso opted to represent England's men's side and took to international rugby like a duck to water.
Natasha 'Mo' Hunt is taking inspiration from Danny Care and is showing the form of her career aged 35... now the England scrum-half is plotting Six Nations and World Cup glory
29/03/24 05:30ALEX BYWATER: Natasha 'Mo' Hunt is adamant age is just a number and is taking inspiration from fellow scrum-half Danny Care as she plots Six Nations and World Cup glory with the Red Roses.
Kyle Sinckler to join England exodus to France after signing for Toulon... with Bristol prop set to end his international career by following Owen Farrell and Manu Tuilagi to TOP14
29/03/24 11:49ALEX BYWATER: Kyle Sinckler will become the latest England star to bring an end to his international career after the Bristol prop's move to French giants Toulon was officially confirmed.
Fin Smith reveals ambition to become England's best fly-half as the Northampton star says he's 'desperate' to nail down starting place after being left 'hungrier' following Six Nations chance
28/03/24 07:26ALEX BYWATER: Fin Smith made his international debut for England in February's opening-round win over Italy in Rome and also appeared off the bench against Scotland.
Louis Rees-Zammit dreaming of Super Bowl glory after sealing £700,000 move to the Kansas City Chiefs to play with Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce
28/03/24 06:02EXCLUSIVE: Louis Rees-Zammit will prove his doubters wrong on Friday by signing an NFL training contract which he hopes will see him help the Kansas City Chiefs to yet another Super Bowl .
England's Red Roses hope 'genuine friendship' with men's team can bring future success as Jamie George works with women stars ahead of acid test Six Nations clash against Wales
28/03/24 04:58ALEX BYWATER: Jamie George has worked with the Red Roses hookers at their Pennyhill Park training base this week, helping them with their throwing and line-out technique.
Louis Rees-Zammit, who quit Wales to chase NFL dream, WILL sign for Super Bowl champions Kansas City Chiefs - but Saffron Barker won't be joining Taylor Swift as WAG after split
28/03/24 08:47Louis Rees-Zammit is set for a stunning move to Super Bowl champions Kansas City Chiefs as the former Wales star inches closer to his NFL dream.
Maro Itoje is nursing a minor knee injury following England's Six Nations campaign with the second row a doubt for Saracens' Premiership trip to Northampton
27/03/24 05:00ALEX BYWATER: Itoje is close to breaking that barrier on the back of his exertions at last year's World Cup where England finished third against the odds.
Louis Rees-Zammit signs with Jay-Z's Roc Nation Sports as he bids to secure a contract in the NFL... with the ex-Wales rugby wing joining star athletes Kevin De Bruyne, Vinicius Jr and Marcus Smith at the agency
26/03/24 04:45Louis Rees-Zammit has signed with Roc Nation Sports - the agency founded by American rapper Jay-Z - and been told 'the sky is the limit' for him as he looks to secure an NFL contract.
Captain Marlie Packer set to become only the seventh woman to play 100 Tests for England when she features in Six Nations clash against Italy as she reflects on how the game has grown and aims for 2025 World Cup glory at Twickenham
23/03/24 10:30Her journey to this point - via a debut in Amsterdam, juggling her playing career with her day job as a plumber, and welcoming her son Oliver to the world - has been remarkable.
Former England captain Sarah Hunter opens up on taking inspiration from the Lionesses to grow women's rugby and her transition from player to coach... as the Red Roses bid to retain their Six Nations title
22/03/24 01:37EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY ALEX BYWATER: When Hunter, 38, made her England debut in 2007, women's rugby was entirely amateur, was barely covered by media outlets
Six Nations hopefuls Georgia throw down the gauntlet to Wales - who finished bottom of the Championship this year - by challenging Warren Gatland's men to a double header
22/03/24 09:00ALEX BYWATER: Warren Gatland's Wales lost all five of their fixtures in the 2024 tournament, making them statistically the worst team in the top tier of European Test competition this year.
Captain Tomas Appleton says new-look Portugal are relishing 'massive games' against South Africa and Scotland... as the Lions target more glory at 2027 World Cup
21/03/24 11:26He's posed for pictures with Cristiano Ronaldo, led his country to a famous World Cup victory, and continues to work as a dentist and study medicine.
Newcastle chief Steve Diamond admits the Premiership side would 'definitely welcome' Saudi Arabian investment amid financial struggles, as the winless Falcons target improvement on and off the field
21/03/24 08:22Newcastle's consultant director of rugby Steve Diamond would 'definitely' welcome the Falcons becoming the first Gallagher Premiership club to receive investment from Saudi Arabia.
Former captain Courtney Lawes calls on RFU to lift the restriction on selecting overseas England stars... with France-bound forward backing Wales' 25 cap rule
20/03/24 10:14Courtney Lawes - the France-bound ex-England captain - has urged the Rugby Football Union to abandon its controversial ruling which bans players based abroad from representing their country.
World Rugby propose RADICAL new rule changes in an attempt to improve the game's appeal - with global trials in consideration for one of the options
20/03/24 04:41Earlier this month, rugby's stakeholders held a conference to discuss and propose numerous ideas in which the sport could be bettered both on and off the field.
Seven Nations? Richard Cockerill and Georgia desperate to join elite after winning seventh-straight Rugby Europe title
19/03/24 09:28ALEX BYWATER IN PARIS: Richard Cockerill was lifting silverware for the first time as Georgia head coach after tasting success on Rugby Europe's 'Super Sunday'.
England forward Ben Earl makes four-man shortlist for Six Nations Player of the Championship alongside Ireland's Bundee Aki and Duhan van der Merwe of Scotland
19/03/24 03:10ALEX BYWATER: Saracens forward Earl had an impressive tournament for Steve Borthwick 's side at No 8 as they finished third and showed positive steps forward have been taken.
Georgia seal a SEVENTH successive Rugby Europe title with 36-10 win over Portugal to once again show off their credentials for Six Nations inclusion
18/03/24 11:37GEORGIA 36-10 PORTUGAL: Georgia put their hand up for Six Nations inclusion once again after they continued their dominance of Rugby Europe by claiming a seventh straight title.
Depressing finish to a fantastic international career for injured George North as he admits 'people don't always get a fairytale ending' - with Wales at rock bottom after disastrous Six Nations campaign
17/03/24 10:30ALEX BYWATER: Given he had severely hurt his achilles with the clock in the red and won't be a part of Wales's future, North deserved immense credit for showing up.
Wales 21-24 Italy: Warren Gatland's men end miserable Six Nations campaign with the Wooden Spoon after finishing bottom for the first time in 21 YEARS
16/03/24 04:16ALEX BYWATER AT THE PRINCIPALITY STADIUM: Come the final whistle, there was absolutely nothing for Welsh supporters to laugh at as Gatland's side were consigned to a fifth defeat.
ALEX BYWATER: Josh Adams and Wales won a Six Nations Grand Slam in 2019... now, he wants his side to be ruthless against Italy as the threat of finishing BOTTOM for the first time in 21 years hangs over them
15/03/24 09:37ALEX BYWATER IN CARDIFF: Wales are on a run of four defeats in 2024 and could finish bottom of the Six Nations Championship table for the first time since 2003.
Warren Gatland is relishing Wales' Six Nations challenge as he admits his squad of underperforming stars 'understand the pressure' in avoiding bottom-placed finish against Italy
14/03/24 06:41ALEX BYWATER: In years gone by, Warren Gatland and Wales have been used to competing for the Six Nations title, but are now seeking to avoid a bottom-placed finish.
Wales Test centurion George North, 31, announces shock retirement from international rugby and will hang up his boots after making his 121st cap against Italy in Cardiff on Saturday
13/03/24 12:51ALEX BYWATER: A little over half an hour after shocking the rugby world with the decision to call time on his Test career, an emotional George North began to explain why.
I've played for England - but getting £50,000 out of Gary Neville on Dragons' Den is the most nervous I've ever been
12/03/24 09:37EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY ALEX BYWATER: Gray is the only man to have won every domestic trophy available to a professional player in English rugby, but that barely tells even half the story of his career.
England Women's head coach John Mitchell insists there is 'so much more' to come from his 'scary' team after naming a 35-player squad for the Six Nations... as the Red Roses bid for a sixth straight title
12/03/24 09:22John Mitchell warned England's Women's Six Nations rivals his 'scary' Red Roses can get even better after he named a 35-player squad for his first campaign as head coach.
Warren Gatland and Wales face crucial clash with Italy knowing victory is required to avoid the Six Nations wooden spoon as Adam Beard admits it's a 'must win'
11/03/24 06:23In years gone by, Wales and Warren Gatland have been used to going into the final weekend of the Six Nations competing for the Championship title and a Grand Slam.
Wales 24-45 France: Pressure piles on Warren Gatland as Welsh fall apart having led 24-23 with 15 minutes to go... meaning they must beat Italy to avoid wooden spoon
10/03/24 06:12ALEX BYWATER AT THE PRINCIPALITY STADIUM: Wales, as they have all Six Nations, gave it a lash and they were in the contest to begin with as they took advantage of some awful French defence.
Warren Gatland insists it wasn't a hard decision to drop Test centurion George North and Nick Tompkins for Six Nations clash with France... as the Wales head coach explains his shock team choice
09/03/24 04:42Warren Gatland insisted it wasn't a difficult decision to drop Test centurion George North - plus fellow centre Nick Tompkins - for the crunch Six Nations clash with France.
ALEX BYWATER: Wales' decision to leave out Nick Tompkins and George North is one of their most baffling selection calls... they say they are targeting victories but their actions suggest otherwise
06/03/24 06:14ALEX BYWATER: The messaging from the Wales camp on Wednesday contravened the facts staring everyone square in the face.
'Rugby family' show their support for former Six Nations and Welsh Rugby Union commercial director Craig Maxwell after he raises £800,000 on charity walk after being diagnosed with incurable cancer
06/03/24 05:08Those within the sport are well aware of the idea of the 'rugby family' - the notion being it fosters a collective spirit and shared values between its individuals.
Andy Farrell's Ireland will be 'one of the best of the modern era' if they win back-to-back Grand Slams, says former Irish captain Rory Best
06/03/24 12:46After their Grand Slam glory of 2023 and three straight bonus-point wins over France, Italy and Wales so far this year, Ireland are on course for back-to-back clean sweeps
Ireland's Dan Sheehan is crossing the try line for fun with nine in his first 24 caps and - England beware - Andy Farrell's Grand Slam chasers have only lost TWO of 40 line-outs on his throw!
05/03/24 10:30ALEX BYWATER: 'I'm very happy to talk about Dan because at his age and with what I've seen from him, I think he's easily the best I've seen anywhere,' said Wood. Some statement.
Marcus Smith recovers from calf injury to feature in Steve Borthwick's England squad to face Ireland, with Alex Mitchell also returning after a knee issue kept him out in Scotland
03/03/24 06:12ALEX BYWATER: England head coach Steve Borthwick will be able to call on Marcus Smith for the first time in this year's Six Nations after the star No 10 completed his recovery from a calf injury.
Mullet-sporting Mackenzie Martin is an inspiration for one of Cardiff's poorest suburbs after making his Wales bow in Six Nations clash with Ireland...despite only playing NINE professional games
02/03/24 10:30Mackenzie Martin is putting Ely on the map after making his debut for Wales in last week's Six Nations clash with Ireland
Lions and Wales legend JPR Williams remembered as a 'revolutionary' rugby player, family man and doctor at his funeral service... with Welsh greats among hundreds of people at Llandaff Cathedral
01/03/24 05:01On the same day Wales celebrated its patron saint of David, the country said goodbye to one of its true rugby greats and Llandaff Cathedral was alive with song in tribute to JPR Williams.
Reducing the time taken for scrums and banning the dangerous 'crocodile roll' tackle among HUGE changes proposed by World Rugby to make the sport more attractive to viewers
01/03/24 08:51ALEX BYWATER: World Rugby - the game's governing body - gathered all its stakeholders in London this week at a 'shape of the game forum' with the aim of putting forward new ideas.
Wales ready to go 'pretty hard' early on in bid to tire out France's giant pack as coach Warren Gatland seeks to turn their fortunes around in Six Nations
29/02/24 11:54Warren Gatland reminded his Wales rookies winning is the only thing that matters in the Six Nations as he hinted at a plan to tire out a giant France side.
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Irish Wrexham star James McClean's footballer brother under investigation at his club after he was spotted at New IRA parade Derry-based parade 
Andrew Flintoff's wife admits she'd 'never seen someone so scared' after his horror crash and opens up on heartbreaking conversation with kids
Ronnie O'Sullivan says 'a massive thank you' to his psychiatrist after returning to his blistering best to beat his nemesis Ali Carter at the Crucible
AC Milan and Inter fans put rivalry aside in moving tribute to Pope Francis, as fans across Italy pay respect at games rescheduled after his death
Eni Aluko blames Joey Barton for her dramatic drop in TV punditry work after he called her a 'race card player' Had to disguise herself 
EXCLUSIVE BBC star Seema Jaswal opens up on heartbreaking moment she stepped in to hug snooker star John Higgins as he broke down in tears 
Stable boy waiting a YEAR for 'one-in-a-million' win as bookmakers refuse to pay out on bet placed He was set for a big windfall from the bet 
Carlos Alcaraz reveals he partied in Ibiza for THREE DAYS straight before winning Wimbledon in new Netflix documentary Let his hair down 
Snooker icon reveals how he has been tamed by beauty queen partner 23 YEARS his junior after gambling away millions during his heyday
Ronnie O'Sullivan and Ali Carter bitter feud takes yet another twist as fans spot off-camera gesture at the Snooker World Championship Subtle move 
Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn face-off for first time since 'egg-gate' - with security on red alert ahead of huge grudge match Explosive reunion? 
Lewis Hamilton's vegan burger company 'shuts down' leaving '150 jobless' after recording £8MILLION in losses New report claims 
Mykhailo Mudryk doping ban update as chief confirms Chelsea could SAVE a huge chunk of his £88m transfer fee Silver lining for Blues? 
Snooker star John Higgins reveals heart-breaking reason behind breaking down in BBC interview after reaching Last-16 at the Crucible Sad scenes 
Michael Schumacher's son spotted on celebrity dating app Raya, as he wipes Miss Universe girlfriend from his recent Instagram posts
Leeds WAGs join their £110m Premier League promotion party as partners offer a peek inside champagne-soaked dressing room celebrations
Spain love triangle footballer makes red carpet debut with stunning new girlfriend as he tries to move on from the drama Moving on 
Luke Littler hints he will BOYCOTT tournaments in one country in cryptic social media post - after something he 'can't explain' happened there
Man United star Victor Lindelof's wife reveals the shocking real reason why he had to suddenly leave their Europa League win over Lyon mid-match
Watch: The moment Troy Deeney is SENT OFF on his Baller League debut - with former Watford star sparking brawl after clashing with opponent
Sheffield United star has to be held back as rival players clash during pitch invasion - after Burnley are promoted back to the Premier League
Federico Valverde scores stunning stoppage time winner as Real Madrid keep title hopes alive - while suspended Kylian Mbappe is BOOED in the stands by furious fans
Furious Max Verstappen hits out at F1's rulers and insists people 'can't handle the truth'... as a five-second penalty costs him in Saudi Arabia with rival Oscar Piastri claiming victory
Declan Rice gifted signed guitar by Ed Sheeran and challenged to 'play it next time' they meet - after the pair duetted at the England camp during Euro 2020
Ben Whittaker DENIES spitting at Liam Cameron's corner after being branded 'classless' by TV commentator for his reaction after second round victory
Tom Aspinall appears to aim a savage dig at Jon Jones over the UFC legend's doping history - as negotiations for huge heavyweight title fight drag on
Dimitri Payet's former mistress claims he 'forced her to film vile sex acts' and lifts lid on their 'fake wedding' behind wife of 20 years' back
Rory McIlroy's rumoured ex Amanda Balionis back on TV for the first time since his Masters win He became sixth man to clinch career Grand Slam 
Kobbie Mainoo posts throwback photo of himself wearing rival's kit to leave fans stunned as Man United star celebrates his 20th birthday
Cardiff place Aaron Ramsey in charge after sacking Omer Riza - with Arsenal legend given three games to save club from relegation
Nicky Butt 'is cautioned by police as he is revealed as the man who headbutted a security guard after being spotted urinating at his birthday party'
Inside the beating heart of Goodison Park as Everton fans prepare to bid farewell to the ground that has united their community for 133 years
Rory McIlroy pictured arriving in Belfast as Masters champion steps off $70million private jet after travelling with daughter Poppy
Lewis Hamilton is blasted as 'f***ing dangerous' by F1 star at Saudi Arabian GP as Ferrari driver learns fate after investigation into incident
Paul Scholes sparks concern over his appearance during TV punditry gig for Man United's win over Lyon He was on punditry duty on Thursday night 
Doting dad Cristiano Ronaldo shows his softer side as footballer playfully celebrates daughter's 3rd birthday with heartwarming Instagram post
Neymar is carted off pitch in tears after ANOTHER injury blow, as joy of 100th home game for boyhood side Santos turns to despair Sad and familiar sight 
Jude Bellingham breaks silence after Real Madrid's humbling Champions League defeat by Arsenal - following clashes with Rice and Saka
Incredible moment the third fastest woman EVER turns up to her son's sports day mums' race... and shows no mercy Olympian at play 
Harry Kane fights back tears in front of fans as England captain's career-long trophy drought stretches past 15 years with Bayern Munich's shock defeat
Serena Williams claims she would have been 'banned for TWENTY YEARS' if tennis superstar had failed doping test like world No1 Jannik Sinner
Rory McIlroy's wife Erica Stoll reacts to 'mystery blonde' who hugged him after Masters win Came after he had celebrated with family 
Myles Lewis-Skelly pokes fun at Antonio Rudiger after Real Madrid defender got away with STAMP on teenage star during Arsenal's victory
Arsenal WAGs enjoy memorable night in Madrid as Bukayo Saka's girlfriend Tolami Benson celebrates win over Real Champions League win 
Scottie Scheffler reveals the truth behind Rory McIlroy Green Jacket moment after backlash for 'classless' move World No 1's exit 
Harriet Dart's spikiest on-court moments: A cut-throat rivalry and rows with umpires - after Brit star told opponent who smelt 'really bad' to put deodorant on
Olympics gender-row boxer Imane Khelif reveals body transformation plans to fight at the next Games - with eyes on another gold medal
Sport's ultimate power couple 'in deep CRISIS': Ex-Man United star Bastian Schweinsteiger and tennis ace Ana Ivanovic 'face marriage split after nine years'
British star Harriet Dart issues apology for asking umpire to tell her opponent to put deodorant on - before French player delivers hilarious response
Watch Unai Emery's priceless reactions to Aston Villa missing two golden chances to draw level with PSG in dramatic Champions League exit
Embarrassing moment Aston Villa play EUROPA LEAGUE anthem instead of Champions League theme as players line up for crunch quarter-final 
Princes William and George are joined by the Duke and Duchess of Westminster to watch Aston Villa's thrilling Champions League battle against PSG
Speedway champion Tai Woffinden provides health update after life-threatening crash left him in a coma He was airlifted to hospital for emergency treatment after collision 
Former Man United Premier League winner, 43, looks unrecognisable as he blends in with fans on his Old Trafford return Remember him? 
Tennis fans blast 'disrespectful' British star Harriet Dart after she asked umpire to tell her opponent to put DEODORANT on in mid-match complaint
Snooker star reveals he almost died from being spiked with KETAMINE on a night out as he thanks manager for saving his life
Rory McIlroy's chef reveals what could be on the menu for his Champions Dinner after Master win - and it's not Irish stew! Food for thought 
Inside the lavish $22m mansion that Rory McIlroy shares with wife Erica Stoll and daughter Poppy - as Masters champion returns home after Augusta triumph 
World Cup winner reveals rare genetic condition that leaves doctors wondering 'how he can WALK' - and reveals what he should have done sooner
Cristiano Ronaldo's girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez shows off her huge 'engagement ring', weeks after he gave a savage reason for why he hasn't married her
Henry blasts Man United player for doing something he's 'never seen before' - as Carragher compares them to under-FIVES for goal conceded at Newcastle 
Bizarre error sees the WRONG Fulham player subbed off - with fuming boss Marco Silva told the decision can't be reversed after five-minute delay
EXCLUSIVE Rory McIlroy in line to be awarded freedom of his hometown after thrilling Masters victory completed career Grand Slam
Jack Grealish 'racks up £5,000 bar bill and copies Wolf of Wall Street gesture as Man City star parties in swanky London nightclub' 
Chelsea's toxic atmosphere is laid bare in new Stamford Bridge footage after Enzo Maresca appeared to go to war with his own fans after Ipswich draw
Football fans left perplexed and confused as Real Madrid legend Luka Modric, 39, becomes minority owner at mid-table Championship club
Barcelona women's star who touched an opponent's genitals and asked 'do you have a d***' during a match is BANNED for 'inappropriate touching'
Newcastle star Dan Burn hailed as a 'legend' after being filmed pushing a stranger's broken-down car to safety Video goes viral 
Heartbreak for Tom Brady as Birmingham City lose EFL Trophy final after NFL legend jets in for Wembley clash Beaten by Peterborough 
Kylian Mbappe sent off for 'disgusting' horror challenge - just days before Real Madrid's crucial Champions League clash against Arsenal
EXCLUSIVE Michael Schumacher signs Jackie Stewart crash helmet - with the aid of his wife - for charity auction... 12 years after horror skiing accident
Conor McGregor puts $500,000 bet on UFC 314 showdown between Michael Chandler and Paddy Pimblett after teasing potential comeback fight
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe admitted to hospital and will miss Magpies' clash with Man United Howe had felt unwell earlier in week 
Tammy Abraham starts PRAYING after horrendous head clash knocked out AC Milan team-mate The sickening collision left Abraham concerned 
Shocking moment Masters star Max Homa smashes shot into helpless caddie... before screaming at him US star had a moment to forget 
Mohamed Salah SIGNS new £380,000-per-week Liverpool deal as club's owners break their own golden rule to keep 'The Egyptian King'
Andre Onana could be DROPPED for Man United's trip to Newcastle after Lyon horror show - as Ruben Amorim prepares to wield the axe
You can afford a couple more of those now, Mo! Salah shows off £725,000 watch at his Liverpool new £50m contract signing presentation
Football's podcast war: Gary Lineker sticks the knife into rival Gary Neville's pod for 'languishing miles behind' while he rakes in £1.4m profit
Manchester United supporters accuse French police of tear-gassing them after being kept behind in the stadium following 2-2 draw in Lyon
Paul Scholes blasts Andre Onana for his two blunders in Man United's 2-2 draw against Lyon - as goalkeeper endures nightmare evening
Luke Littler upstaged by hometown hero Nathan Aspinall in Manchester - as 'The Asp' claims Premier League Darts win in front of Wayne Rooney
Conor McGregor posts training clip - teasing comeback and declares which UFC 314 fight he is 'interested' in Will we see a return? 
Prince William goes through emotional rollercoaster watching his beloved Aston Villa in Paris as he relishes 'making really important memories' with George
Rory McIlroy's daughter Poppy upstages her dad with astonishing putt at iconic Masters Par-3 contest Poppy lit up Augusta 
Jude Bellingham's dismissive reaction to manager Carlo Ancelotti caught in new footage from Arsenal loss - with Real Madrid boss 'mortally wounded'
Injured Gabriel is glued to his seat under a blanket as his wife goes wild at Arsenal's Champions League win over Real Madrid Warm celebrations 
Meet the owners of 1,900-square-foot house next to Masters golf course who have turned down MILLIONS to sell to Augusta National owners
Fans hail 'humble' Rice for his brilliant interview with Arsenal legend Henry after scoring TWO free-kicks in Champions League win over Real Madrid
Three Real stars called out for 'no sign of life' in Spanish press after loss at Arsenal: 'Tragedy in London'... 'A shipwreck'... 'Humiliation'
Fans joke Micah Richards could be SACKED for 'crude' on-air gag that left Jamie Carragher in stitches Remark saw Carragher burst out laughing 
Kylian Mbappe's priceless reaction to Declan Rice scoring TWO incredible free-kicks in 12 minutes as Arsenal secure dominant Champions League win
Jockey who was banned after riding tragic Celebre d'Allen at Grand National DELETES his social media following backlash from Aintree
Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn Live: Start time, undercard, scorecard and round-by-round updates as Benn...
Barcelona vs Real Madrid - Copa Del Rey Final: Live score, team news and updates as Mbappe free-kick brings...
Chris Eubank breaks his silence on his shock arrival for son Jr's showdown with Conor Benn and reveals that...
Inside Wrexham's historic promotion: Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's spine-tingling speeches, expletive...
Crystal Palace 3-0 Aston Villa: Oliver Glasner's side reach FA Cup final after stunning goals from Eberechi...
Crystal Palace 3-0 Aston Villa - PLAYER RATINGS: Which Eagles star put on a performance they will never...
Maya Jama joins Marcus Rashford and Declan Rice ringside for Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn clash - as...
Eberechi Eze is Crystal Palace's FA Cup semi-final winning star forged in 'Concrete Catalonia' and being...
Chris Eubank Jr's weight cut has turned this fight on its head - from physicality to temperament, here's...
Ian Wright REJECTS Eni Aluko's apology, as he breaks silence on her accusing him of 'blocking' opportunities...
Ipswich RELEGATED from the Premier League after 3-0 loss at Newcastle - as Eddie Howe makes dugout return...
Where IS Cole Palmer going? Fans mock Chelsea star's BIZARRE sprint away from Stamford Bridge after beating...
Matheus Cunha has Man United fans licking their lips as irrepressible Red Devils' target inspires Wolves to...
'I just want to give him a hug': Mail Sport sits down with David 'Bumble' Lloyd to watch the harrowing...
Wrexham's Hollywood fairy-tale continues as Ryan Reynolds and wife Blake Lively celebrate famous win over...
PLAY TEAMSHEET: Can YOU name the Fulham team from their 2-2 draw with Chelsea back in 2006? Or pick YOUR...
GRAEME SOUNESS: Morgan Gibbs-White is a super talent, up there with the best. But there's one area he can...
Bruno Fernandes has gone from unsuitable Man United captain to their 'glue' and 'social connector'... he...
Inside Leeds United's return to 'The Promised Land' - and what they will do next: Four summer signing...
Fans blast 'appalling' ring conditions ahead of Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn's showdown as fighters slip...
- Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn Live: Start time, undercard, scorecard and round-by-round updates as Benn wobbles bitter rival early in close fight
- Ian Wright REJECTS Eni Aluko's apology, as he breaks silence on her accusing him of 'blocking' opportunities for women in football
- Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively jet in as Wrexham close in on promotion to the Championship - as Deadpool star pours pints and parties with fans ahead of crunch Charlton clash
- Copa del Rey final thrown into chaos as Real Madrid withdraw from pre-match activities and match official breaks down CRYING in response to critical video shared by Los Blancos' in-house TV channel
- Chris Eubank Jr MAKES the weight for grudge showdown with Conor Benn on Saturday night - coming in 0.6lbs under 170lbs limit
- White men 'blocked' from applying for jobs at Premier League clubs including Man United and Liverpool, as they advertise 'only to women and ethnic minority candidates'
- The Eubanks are REUNITED: Father and son bury the hatchet as Chris Eubank Sr walks side-by-side with Jr on night old family feud is settled against Conor Benn
- Inside Chris Eubank Sr's fractured relationship with son Jr after fighter ignored boxing legend father's desperate pleas to abandon 'illegal' fight with Conor Benn
- Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa - FA Cup RECAP: Eagles blow Unai Emery's sorry side away to reach final
- Dimitri Payet insists relationship with former mistress was 'consensual' in new testimony after ex-girlfriend accused ex-West Ham star of 'forcing her to film bizarre sex acts' and 'drink her own urine'
- Humiliating NFL Draft moment as Shedeur Sanders' dreams are crushed by brutal prank call
- Wayne Rooney's son leaves fans in stitches with hilarious drawing of Man United legend
- Chris Eubank Sr launches fresh attack on son ahead of crunch Conor Benn showdown - claiming he 'has never understood what boxing is about'
- How to train like Conor Benn: 156-pound fighter details hour-by-hour plan he is using to beat Chris Eubank Jr
- Chelsea vs Everton - Premier League RECAP: Nicolas Jackson breaks his barren spell with his first goal of 2025 as Blues boost their hopes of securing Champions League football
- PREMIER LEAGUE RECAP: Brighton and Fulham net dramatic late winners as Newcastle send Ipswich back to the Championship
- Shedeur Sanders' NFL Draft nightmare continues as humiliated QB plummets out of third round in worst slide in history... despite Trump's demand
- Maya Jama joins Marcus Rashford and Declan Rice ringside for Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn clash - as other stars including Idris Elba and KSI also settle in for grudge bout
- Boxing's most bitter fight night: Chris Eubank Jr takes on Conor Benn, son of his famous father's greatest rival, but Chris Sr refuses to attend amid a failed drugs test, 'egg-gate' - and a promoter who's dating the opposition's sister
- Darwin Nunez appears to aim DIG at Liverpool in now-deleted tweet amid speculation over his future
- MOST READ IN DETAIL
