Archive for November 2011
Video: Toby Booth on Martin Johnson's successor
As the search continues for another England manager, Toby Booth, has said that whoever replaces Martin Johnson will have to be extremely passionate. The London Irish boss has been named as a possible candidate himself but it seems the RFU have approached.
30 November 2011
Mike Tindall fine reduced to £15,000
England and Gloucester centre, Mike Tindall, has had his fine reduced to £15,000 from £25,000 and has been reinstated into the England squ.
28 November 2011
Aviva Premiership Week 9 Reaction

After an exciting weekend of Aviva Premiership rugby in Week 9 of the competition, the coaches and players all had something to say. Fortunately, Talking Rugby were on hand to catchup with Alan Tait and Conor O'Shea at the Twickenham Stoop and Nick Heath.
27 November 2011
Danny Cipriani reflects on Barbarians v Australia
Earlier today, the Barbarians were hung out to dry by the Wallabies, who returned from a successful World Cup campaign. Danny Cipriani made his Twickenham return for the first time in a couple of years and he spoke to Stefan Curtis from the RFU.com.
26 November 2011
Aviva Premiership: Gloucester 14-19 Leicester
Gloucester opened strongly andshowed their attacking hunger from the word go. Several strong attacks from theCherry-and-Whites were prevented due to a resilient Leicesterdefence. Leicester got their first chanceafter five minutes of play, Flood grubber.
Ben Cohen on England 'hitting rock bottom'
England World Cup winner, Ben Cohen, has spoken to Nick Heath about the current situation at the RFU and more importantly English rugby 'hitting rock bottom'. Following one of the worst weeks for the RFU, Cohen spoke about the leaked RFU reports, Johnson's.
25 November 2011
Damian's Global Rugby: Rugby in the Netherlands
I recently met up with Willem de Jong, the new president of the Netherlands Rugby Union, to talk about Dutch rugby. I quizzed him on his ambitions to make the men (and women) in Orange a force in European rugby.I started off by asking Willem about the.
24 November 2011
Preview: Barbarians v Australia
The last time these two sides met was back in 2009 when Australia dominated the invitational side by fifty-five points to seven. But as the fixture returns to Twickenham it seems the much anticipated encounter will provide a fantastic display of rugby.
Sam Tomkins interview ahead of Barbarians v Australia
Sam Tomkins is a widely recognized name in both the world of rugby league and ever more so in the world of rugby union. He is a star player for Wigan who many rugby union stars have come from.
Tomkins has been called up to represent the Barbarians as.
23 November 2011
Who will replace Martin Johnson?
Since Martin Johnson announced his resignation as England manager last week, much speculation has arisen as to who will replace the 2003 World Cup winner. Whoever comes in will have to be ruthless with the RFU in assuring that the future of the England.
22 November 2011
Heineken Cup Round 2 Reaction
After another exciting round of Heineken Cup action we have a selection of audio from Leicester v Ulster and Gloucester v Harlequins, courtesy of Talking Rugby. Click 'more' to listen to interviews with Conor O'Shea, Richard Cockerill, Brian McLaughlin,.
21 November 2011
Leicester 20-9 Ulster
Ulster travelled to Welford Road to take on the might of Leicester Tigers in Round 2 of the Heineken Cup. This seasons Heineken Cup pool stages were already looking to be very competitive after some near upsets in the first round. The first half was.
20 November 2011
Gloucester 9-28 Harlequins
Harlequins, who held an eleven game winning streak, travelled to the West-Country to face Gloucester in Round 2 of the Heineken Cup. These two sides last met in last seasons Aviva Premiership, Harlequins trounced Gloucester at the Stoop following.
Thomas Waldrom talks ahead of Leicester v Ulster
Thomas Waldrom, who narrowly missed out on an England place in the World Cup, has discussed the Heineken Cup so far and Leicester's Round 2 match with Ulster. Leicester beat Aironi in Round 1 of the competition but Waldrom understands that they will.
17 November 2011
Johnson: "I've not regretted it for a minute"
After the announcement of Martin Johnson's resignation, a press conference was held and Rob Andrew and Martin Johnson discussed the decision. Johnson said he had no regrets about his England coaching career and you can hear both Martin Johnson and Rob.
16 November 2011
Martin Johnson steps down as England boss
England manager, Martin Johnson, has stepped down from his job after a disappointing World Cup. The 41 year old led England in the Rugby World Cup but their off-field controversies reflected on a less than impressive performance on the field. Having.
Who will be England's next fly-half?
The RFU and the England coaching team face a tough task in finding the next star fly-half for England. Jonny Wilkinson is coming towards the end of his career after a less than impressive World Cup kicking display despite complaints about the balls that.
Interview with Jonny Wilkinson
Toulon and England fly half Jonny Wilkinson talking to Russell Hargreaves of the RFU.com Podcast about his new autobiography. Speaking at a book signing at Twickenham Stadium this weekend, Jonny discusses his career, the book and the many intriguing.
14 November 2011
Heineken Cup Round 1 Reaction
Following a thrilling weekend of Heineken Cup action its time to see what the coaches and players had to say about it all. Talking Rugby were on hand to catch loads of post match interviews and reaction. Click read more to listen.
13 November 2011
Toulouse 21-17 Gloucester
Toulouse probably expected an easy Round 1 game against Gloucester but it was far from that. Gloucester fans both in France and at home would have been elated with 10 minutes to go as Trinder scored what looked to be the winner but a Poitrenaud try just.
Munster 23-21 Northampton
Ronan O'Gara was the hero of the hour as he sent his side to a thrilling victory late on. The game went deep into injury time and for almost half an hour play, Northampton led by no more than a point. James Downey who gave them that narrow lead would.
Leinster 16-16 Montpellier
Reigning champions of Europe's elite club competition, Leinster, travelled to Montpellier and faced the tournament newcomers at the Stade de la Mosson. Two early penalties from both sides got the scoreboard rolling with the score at 3-3.
Late in the.
12 November 2011
Fan's View: Barry Hook
I am known for posting the odd message on Bob’s brilliant ‘Shedweb’ forum. Easily the best independent rugby forum in existence and all done through Bob’s valuable time and hard work. Forum’s are are a strange existence. We all have our forum names..
RFU remove Tindall from England squad
England centre, Mike Tindall, has been removed from the England Elite squad after off-field antics made him an embarrassment to the RFU. Tindall, who currently plays for Gloucester, has also been fined £25,000 but has appealed the decision. Discussion.
11 November 2011
Heineken Cup Round 1 Preview

This weekend we will witness the first round of Heineken Cup fixtures from all across Europe. From the Stoop to Vicarage Road and Parc y Scarlets to the Liberty Stadium this first weekend of European fixtures will be an exciting one! Click read more.
10 November 2011
Video: Harlequins players talk about Movember
Movember is a cause aiming to raise awareness of prostate cancer. Many rugby players take part in the event and below are some videos of Harlequins' Danny Care, Chris Robshaw and Joe Marler. Click read more to view the videos..
9 November 2011
Exclusive interview with Nigel Owens
Welsh referee, Nigel Owens, is a well respected figure in the world of refereeing and has been involved in many rugby matches on the world stage. He became an international referee in 2005 and the first game he took control of was Ireland v Japan later.
7 November 2011
Dave's View: Western Province: Chokers or just unlucky?
The last time Western Province have won a major competition in South Africa was back in 2001 when they beat the Sharks to win the ABSA Currie Cup. The 5 years after this saw them struggle to find any sort of form or make it to the semi-finals. Since.
Heineken Cup - Five Players to Watch
As a new Heineken Cup season draws ever closer, it's time to decide who will be the ones to watch. As ever, we have a fantastic selection of players and teams from many different European countries that will impress us even more round-by-round. Click.
6 November 2011
Gloucester end away woes at Sandy Park
Gloucester ended a nine game away losing streak against Exeter at Sandy Park. The visiting side looked keen to end away woes and put in a strong performance against their west-country rivals.
The sides were fairly even in the early stages as an Exeter.
5 November 2011
London Irish make incredible comeback against Leicester
Tom Homer was the hero of the day and converted London Irish’s late try to end the game with a draw. He kicked fantastically throughout and Irish defied all odds as they trailed by 24 points to 7 on the hour mark. Leicester looked stronger than their.
SA Rugby’s 2011 Ups and Downs
As the South African rugby season comes to an end, it is time to reflect on what was. 2011 will not be remembered as one of South Africa’s finest with more down's than up’s, but as a proud rugby nation, we will rebuild and grow in 2012. Let’s look back.
An open letter to the RFU by Rich Church-Keen
Dear RFU.
I am writing to express my disgust at recent allegations/charges made about Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolo and to ask where your hard line begins.
I'll start by using the modern game as an exampl.
Martyn Thomas steps down from roles at RFU
The Rugby Football Union's acting chief executive, Martyn Thomas, is set to step down from all his current positions with the Union. The decision comes after a meeting with the RFU management board and the former chairman has also stepped down from the.
3 November 2011
Damian's Global Rugby
The way the IRB is run is a joke “If we carry on as we are, I fear the consequences. The horse trading & threats were disgusting.” The words of a delegate at the recent meeting to elect the IRB’s new chairman. According to this and other eyewitness.
Dave's View: Refereeing: A job I don't want
I have been a avid rugby fan since I can remember and try not to miss a game. I played rugby for 6 years until I sustained a rib injury that saw me having to undergo surgery to my chest and ending my rugby career at age 16. From then on in I have watched.
2 November 2011
Rugby World Cup 2015 Presentation
So the new Rugby World Cup 2015 advert has already been produced. It features Lawrence Dallaglio, Will Greenwood, Jonny Wilkinson and Ben Kay. There has been mixed reactions so far but what do you think? Click read more to view the new vide.