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Nik Simon - Mail on Sunday Rugby Correspondent

Nik joined the Mail on their graduate scheme in 2013. He became Mail on Sunday rugby corespondent in 2017 and was named SJA rugby writer of the year in 2020.

Coverage: Sport

MOST RECENT ARTICLES FROM NIK SIMON

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Rugby Australia boss Hamish McLennan backs Eddie Jones to continue as Wallaby coach for 2027 World Cup

30/09/23 10:53

Rugby Australia boss Hamish McLennan has backed Eddie Jones to continue as Wallaby coach for the Lions series and the 2027 World Cup. Jones, who was sacked by England in December, has come under heavy fire after overseeing Australia's worst World Cup campaign in history. His team are on the brink of crashing out of the pool stages but McLennan said he will stick to his five-year plan, despite the head coach being linked with Japan....read

Meet fearsome but enigmatic France star Sebastian Chabal, rugby's answer to Eric Cantona: 'We don't bulls**t, we are direct'
30/09/23 09:55
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY NIK SIMON: Chabal still has that menacing presence. His jawline has got even bigger and his beard is worthy of an ancient sketch on a cave wall.
- 2 comments
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England lock Maro Itoje calls for World Rugby to narrow gap between first and second tier nations, as Steve Borthwick's side prepare for World Cup free hit against Samoa
29/09/23 09:00
England lock Maro Itoje claims he would love to play a Test match in Samoa and has urged World Rugby to narrow the gap between first and second tier nations.
- 36 comments
- 98 shares
Jonny May reveals Joe Marler rules in England's kangaroo court with players facing fines for lateness and kit errors... and flanker Ben Earl is next in the firing line!
26/09/23 09:30
NIK SIMON IN LE TOUQUET: Jonny May revealed Marler is the fines master who oversees their kangaroo court if any players step out of line at the World Cup in France.
- 14 comments
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France captain Antoine Dupont will meet a specialist about creating a custom-made face mask to allow him to return to the Rugby World Cup after fracturing his cheekbone
25/09/23 08:50
NIK SIMON: France captain Antoine Dupont has an appointment with specialist about creating a face mask that may allow him to return for the World Cup quarter finals.
- 28 comments
- 118 shares
Chile coach Pablo Lemoine insists it's impossible for minnows to be competitive at World Cups because they aren't given more opportunities to play the world's best teams
23/09/23 09:32
Chile head coach Pablo Lemoine said it will be impossible for the minnows to compete at the World Cup unless they are given more opportunities.
- 31 comments
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SIMON SAYS: Locals request prayer over Antoine Dupont's injury, as France holds its breath over arguably the country's most globally admired athlete since Zinedine Zidane
23/09/23 09:30
NIK SIMON: The Pope is in France this weekend and the locals will be requesting a special prayer for Antoine Dupont. The mood is similar to when David Beckham broke his metatarsal in 2002.
- 1 comment
- 57 shares
England 71-0 Chile: Henry Arundell scores FIVE tries on his Rugby World Cup debut as Steve Borthwick's side complete 11-try haul, with Owen Farrell returning from his ban and Marcus Smith impressing at full-back
23/09/23 05:36
NIK SIMON AT STADE PIERRE-MAUROY: The closest anyone got to Henry Arundell last night was the security guard who man-handled a journalist away during his post-match interview.
- 151 comments
- 174 shares
Inside South Africa's Bomb Squad: Steven Kitshoff and Frans Malherbe are the 260kg fearsome giants the Springboks use to smash tired Rugby World Cup rivals as they come off the bench to f*** a man up'
21/09/23 11:00
NIK SIMON: Team-mates at club and country, Malherbe packs down on the opposite side at tight-head. Together they have become the dominant force in world rugby.
- 1 comment
- 124 shares
Marcus Smith is set to start at full back for England's Rugby World Cup clash with Chile as captain Owen Farrell returns at No 10 and Argentina hero George Ford drops to the bench
20/09/23 11:26
NIK SIMON IN LE TOUQUET: Skipper Owen Farrell is set to start at fly-half as his four-match ban comes to an end, with George Ford reduced to a role on the bench.
- 26 comments
- 89 shares
Wildcard hooker Theo Dan is living his childhood dream: From his grandad's garden in Romania to mad ride with England... and he still has posters of Jonny Wilkinson on his wall at home!
19/09/23 09:30
It was back in his grandparents' garden in Targu Jiu, south-west Romania, where Theo Dan spent the school holidays tearing around with a rugby ball.
- 5 comments
- 287 shares
England prop Joe Marler taking inspiration from Sir Clive Woodward's 2003 World Cup winners as they look to peak at the right time in France
18/09/23 09:01
NIK SIMON: England were booed by a pocket of their supporters on Sunday night, despite securing a bonus-point victory to put them in prime position for the quarter-finals.
- 33 comments
- 70 shares
ENGLAND PLAYER RATINGS: George Ford fails to back up stunning Argentina showing as most of Steve Borthwick's side struggle - with Alex Mitchell enduring a night to forget
17/09/23 10:07
NIK SIMON: England have now beaten their two strongest Pool D opponents in Argentina and Japan, though they have a long way to go if they are to be competitive at the tournament.
- 105 comments
- 85 shares
Courtney Lawes scores BIZARRE try for England after Joe Marler knocked on George Ford's pass with his HEAD against Japan... as the prop jokes he was practising his headers pre-game
17/09/23 09:00
NIK SIMON IN NICE: Steve Borthwick's side are now two wins from two in France but this was not a performance that will strike fear into their heavyweight rivals.
DYLAN HARTLEY INTERVIEW: After learning he has a traumatic brain injury from playing, the former England captain is battling to solve a looming crisis in rugby
16/09/23 09:37
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY NIK SIMON: The last time we met was in October, out in Dubai . He had just been for a brain scan - the first of his life - and was nervously waiting for the results.
- 2 comments
- 337 shares
SIMON SAYS: ITV leaving behind their sterile studio for stadium coverage is the only way to give viewers a taste of the action... and the fun police come for Rassie Erasmus once again
16/09/23 09:30
NIK SIMON: The World Cup only comes around once every four years and our TV executives are not doing the occasion justice. This would never happen in men's football.
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NIK SIMON: George Ford has the focus of Roger Federer! How watching the Swiss tennis master has helped hone the England fly-half's kicking
16/09/23 09:30
NIK SIMON - RUGBY CORRESPONDENT IN NICE: With the thump of tennis balls providing a steady beat in the background, George Ford is talking about Roger Federer.
- 3 comments
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Michael Leitch wants Japan to think big in Nice and insists that beating England would be his team's Mount Everest
16/09/23 09:30
As we continue walking towards a coffee shop, Leitch translates what they said. 'The two kids were telling me how they started playing rugby after watching the 2015 World Cup.'
- 3 comments
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Eddie Jones warns that World Rugby's safety laws have turned the game into a 'power contest' - as inconsistencies in the disciplinary process have come under fire in the World Cup's first week
15/09/23 09:31
Rugby's disciplinary process has come under heavy fire for its inconsistencies in the opening week of the World Cup, and Steve Borthwick criticised referee decision-making on Friday.
- 11 comments
- 55 shares
Australia suffer double World Cup injury blow ahead of 'do or die' Fiji clash as captain Will Skelton is a doubt, while Taniela Tupou is ruled out for Eddie Jones' side
15/09/23 09:31
Eddie Jones's best-laid plans for the World Cup have been dealt a blow after Australian heavyweights Taniela Tupou and Will Skelton suffered injuries.
- 2 comments
- 55 shares
Tonga coach Tyler Bleyendaal warns Ireland they're in for a bruishing battle as he plans for side to 'fire some shorts' at Andy Farrell's 'well-oiled machine'
15/09/23 09:30
The Pacific Islanders, ranked 15th in the world, are playing catch-up in the tournament's toughest pool after sitting out the opening weekend, with their first clash against Ireland on Saturday.
- 2 comments
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South Africa's Rugby World Cup hopes are dealt huge blow as Malcolm Marx is ruled out of the tournament with knee injury... but 2019 hero Handre Pollard could earn a shock recall
14/09/23 10:58
South Africa's World Cup defence has been dealt a blow after hooker Malcolm Marx was ruled out the tournament with injury, leaving the Springboks short of options in the position
- 33 comments
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England flanker Tom Curry is given a two-match ban for his sending-off against Argentina - with the suspension reduced down from SIX weeks because of his good character
12/09/23 03:51
NIK SIMON: England flanker Tom Curry has been banned for two matches after being sent off in the World Cup opener against Argentina. He will miss Pool D games against Japan and Chile.
- 194 comments
- 1579 shares
Ellis Genge believes England can go all the way and 'win the World Cup' after defiant opening victory against Argentina in Marseille puts pre-tournament troubles behind them
10/09/23 10:10
NIK SIMON IN MARSEILLE: England were mocked and written off before they flew to France but they kicked off their campaign with a comprehensive victory over the Pumas.
- 63 comments
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NIK SIMON: South Africa continue to innovate with Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber in charge as the Bomb Squad detonate to blow Scottish hopes into smithereens
10/09/23 09:30
The Bomb Squad returned to the World Cup with a bang. Four years after lifting the Webb Ellis Cup, South Africa detonated in the second half to blow Scottish hope into smithereens.
CHESLIN KOLBE EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH DAN BIGGAR: 'My best friend was murdered just months before the last World Cup' - Springbok star reveals how he escaped the grasp of Cape Town gangs en route to rugby stardom
09/09/23 09:31
DAN BIGGAR EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: The pizza oven is fired up and ready to go. Biggar has swapped his Wales No 10 jersey for a chef's apron at his home in Toulon.
NIK SIMON: It is a great shame that Danny Cipriani never got a chance to shine on the big stage... He played in an era of safety-first, white collar coaches who didn't want to leave their fate in his hands
09/09/23 09:30
NIK SIMON: The Love Island-worthy narrative around Danny Cipriani's sex life barely challenged the news racks around Paris this week
- 30 comments
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England 27-10 Argentina: George Ford steals the show by running riot against Argentina with a 27-point masterclass for 14-man England as Owen Farrell's replacement scores ALL of his side's points in vital World Cup win
09/09/23 09:02
NIK SIMON AT STADE VELODROME: This was a show of guts, intelligence and English pride. It was a chess match where the pieces came to life as 100 kilo men. A masterclass from the fly-half, Ford.
Alex Mitchell admits his World Cup journey has been 'weird' after being included in England's squad despite initial training omission... as he gets set to achieve his childhood dream
08/09/23 09:31
NIK SIMON IN MARSEILLE: The scrum-half starts England's opener against Argentina on Saturday night despite not making the original 41-man training squad.
- 3 comments
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Get behind us! Maro Itoje calls on England fans to back their under-fire World Cup stars ahead of their opener against Argentina... as he insists 'we want to be part of something special'
08/09/23 09:31
NIK SIMON IN MARSEILLE: After a calamitous, defeat-ridden, warm-up campaign, the team are hoping to tap into the vibes created this summer by the Lionesses and Ashes cricketers.
- 77 comments
- 256 shares
England have adopted siege mentality in bid to take the Rugby World Cup by storm, insists Courtney Lawes... with public confidence in Steve Borthwick's team at all time low
07/09/23 09:03
NIK SIMON IN MARSEILLES: Public confidence in the squad has crashed to an all-time low after England's summer of woe and the team have been written off.
- 19 comments
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England hand shock start to scrum-half Alex Mitchell for World Cup opener against Argentina, as experienced prop Dan Cole also gets the nod and Tom Curry returns from injury
07/09/23 02:00
NIK SIMON IN MARSEILLE: Mitchell has previously started just one Test for his country, wearing the No9 jersey for the humiliating defeat by Fiji in the final warm-up fixture.
- 11 comments
- 158 shares
Argentina captain Julian Montoya says side are using Lionel Messi as inspiration ahead of Rugby World Cup opener against England
05/09/23 09:30
EXCLUSIVE: Argentina's error rate is low and their conversion rate in the 22 has been high. They are no longer regarded as underdogs for this weekend's match with England in Marseille.
- 4 comments
- 80 shares
England's Jonny May reveals how he lost his rag with Steve Borthwick and almost walked out of Rugby World Cup camp
05/09/23 09:00
INTERVIEW: Tucked away in a shady corner of England's training base in Le Touquet, Jonny May is explaining how he lost his rag with Steve Borthwick last month.
- 6 comments
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England captain Owen Farrell admits he is 'GUTTED' to be banned for the start of the World Cup... but has no arguments over red card for high tackle that sparked disciplinary chaos
04/09/23 04:31
NIK SIMON IN LE TOUQET: He will in the stands for the opening Pool C Tests against Argentina and Japan, with George Ford likely to take over at No10 for the two matches.
EXCLUSIVE: England prop Joe Marler admits he 'lost his drive' to play after 17 months out of the team before vote of confidence from Steve Borthwick gave him 'a new lease of life' ahead of the World Cup
03/09/23 07:40
NIK SIMON: For once, Joe Marler is lost for words. He runs his hand through his thinning head of hair and stares at the ground as he contemplates what it means to have another shot at a World Cup.
- 30 comments
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EXCLUSIVE: Rugby stars warned they will face disciplinary action for criticising referees on social media at the World Cup - and they could also be fined up to £10,000 for wearing items that have not been approved
02/09/23 09:31
EXCLUSIVE BY NIK SIMON: England and their Rugby World Cup rivals have been warned they face disciplinary action if they criticise referees on social media.
- 1 comment
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Welcome to the wacky world of Mack Hansen... the Irish rugby star is not your normal player - he downs Guinness, does high dives and even has head coach Andy Farrell's face tattooed on his leg!
02/09/23 09:31
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY NIK SIMON: 'You're gonna have to drop your shorts.' That is the instruction to Mack Hansen, almost 24 hours after the first pint of Guinness was poured.
SIMON SAYS: Rugby must seek press coverage not run from it... England's displays on the pitch aren't helping but the RFU must take some responsibility after an entire tier was closed for farewell match at Twickenham
02/09/23 09:31
SIMON SAYS: A few months ago, around the start of the summer, Quade Cooper stopped by our offices in High Street, Kensington, for a coffee.
- 1 comment
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Thibaud Flament has gone from sub for Loughborough's fifth team to France firsts! Forward recounts his incredible journey from English university to second row star of World Cup favourites
02/09/23 09:30
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY NIK SIMON: Flament's mind was somewhere between business lectures and his next match for Loughborough University's fifth team when his phone rang.
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NIK SIMON: As England prepare for the Rugby World Cup at the site where Ian Fleming wrote his James Bond novels, sadly they look SHAKEN not STIRRED after disastrous build-up
02/09/23 09:30
NIK SIMON: Le Casino de la Forêt, as it was once known, is used to high-stakes games. It is the place where Ian Fleming came when he was writing his series of James Bond novels in the 1950s.
- 3 comments
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Ageing England are not producing quality players, claims former head coach Eddie Jones as the Australia boss launches scathing attack on his former employer
01/09/23 09:31
NIK SIMON: Eddie Jones has blasted the RFU over the woeful performances of the England team.
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EXCLUSIVE: BERNARD LAPORTE on his corruption scandal, why France is a 'sick' country and how his homeland can win the Rugby World Cup
29/08/23 09:30
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY NIK SIMON IN PARIS: The manager of the restaurant knows who is coming. 'Bernard Laporte? OK. We open a private area for him,' says the boss.
- 2 comments
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How does first-ever defeat to Fiji in World Cup warm-up match in front of a sparse Twickenham crowd compare to England's worst losses of all time?
27/08/23 09:30
What was supposed to be a morale-boosting send-off to the World Cup ended in disaster at Twickenham. Here, Mail Sport takes a look at some of England's worst defeats of years gone by...
- 11 comments
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Eddie Jones is taking one game at a time as Australia prepare to take on France on Sunday... as the Wallabies boss insists he has 'no interest' in England who are 'just another team for him now'
26/08/23 09:40
NIK SIMON: The Wallabies are scrambling to prepare their young team for the World Cup. Australia are yet to win a game since Jones took over.
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REVEALED: Canan Moodie, the 20-year-old who is rugby's new superstar, grew up two doors from a drugs den and had to walk 10 miles to training with his brother
26/08/23 09:31
After his display of devastating elegance in the World Cup warm-up game against New Zealand, Canan Moodie thanked his big brother, Keanu. He described him as his sporting idol.
- 20 comments
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England 22-30 Fiji: Steve Borthwick's side lose to Pacific Islanders for the first time ever as disastrous World Cup preparations continue
26/08/23 04:26
NIK SIMON AT TWICKENHAM: The old order was blown apart. England, one of the heavyweights of the sport, suffered their first defeat to Fiji in a game that rocked world rugby
- 756 comments
- 187 shares
Kyle Sinckler injury adds to Steve Borthwick's World Cup crisis as he becomes England's latest absentee after being ruled out of Fiji clash
25/08/23 06:59
NIK SIMON: The prop is understood to be struggling with a pectoral injury and will the game along with the suspended pair of Owen Farrell and Billy Vunipola.
- 33 comments
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England second row Courtney Lawes reveals an Eddie Jones 'ultimatum pushed' him to improve as a player' and believes Steve Borthwick's side are 'giving absolutely everything' ahead of the Rugby World Cup
25/08/23 05:00
NIK SIMON: Fast forward to 2023 and he has developed into England's unflappable leader . His body gives up on him at times but he always comes back for more.
- 23 comments
- 93 shares
Steve Borthwick suffers yet another blow as Anthony Watson is ruled out of the World Cup through injury, with Elliot Daly also joining England's mounting injury list
24/08/23 09:30
NIK SIMON: England's World Cup preparations suffered yet another blow on Thursday as winger Anthony Watson was ruled out of the tournament following bans for Owen Farrell and Billy Vunipola.
- 27 comments
- 144 shares
Steve Borthwick tries to put on a brave face as his best-laid plans go awry... but nothing can mask England's calamitous build-up to the World Cup
24/08/23 09:30
NIK SIMON: There was a brief moment at the start of Steve Borthwick's press conference when it felt like England's World Cup preparations were not burning around him.
- 14 comments
- 337 shares
England to hand Ben Earl a first Test start at No 8 in final World Cup warm-up against Fiji after Billy Vunipola was suspended for a dangerous high tackle
24/08/23 11:45
Steve Borthwick's plans have been rocked by suspensions for Vunipola and captain Owen Farrell , with both senior players banned for the start of the campaign.
- 35 comments
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England No 8 Billy Vunipola is BANNED from the start of the Rugby World Cup over his dangerous high tackle, hours after Owen Farrell's suspension was confirmed
23/08/23 08:07
NIK SIMON: Barely 12 hours after captain Owen Farrell was suspended for four matches, the giant No8 has also been suspended for a dangerous high tackle.
- 164 comments
- 133 shares
NIK SIMON: England have the world's worst attack! If they're not dropping the ball they're kicking it away... how Steve Borthwick's boys went backwards
21/08/23 09:30
NIK SIMON: The numbers are damning. England have fallen well behind the pack. They're approaching crisis mode as their attack falters. Their stalwarts fail to deliver & discipline unravels.
- 55 comments
- 120 shares
Billy Vunipola to face hearing on Tuesday for red card against Ireland - immediately after Owen Farrell - leaving Steve Borthwick with a potential World Cup headache
21/08/23 10:16
Skipper Farrell faces an appeal hearing in the morning, in relation to his red card against Wales, while No8 Vunipola will appear in front of a panel in the evening after his red card against Ireland.
- 12 comments
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NIK SIMON: Welcome to England's summer from hell. Billy Vunipola's red card copy of Owen Farrell's dismissal in the 29-10 defeat by Ireland is a shambles... these are the worst World Cup preparations we have EVER seen
19/08/23 06:28
NIK SIMON AT THE AVIVA STADIUM: Another week, another red card. Were no lessons learnt? Billy Vunipola will join Owen Farrell in the dock this week as England hit the self-destruct button again.
- 319 comments
- 488 shares
Stand-in skipper Courtney Lawes believes Owen Farrell controversy can fire up England's World Cup bid... with under-fire fly-half joining up with the squad in Dublin despite being left out of Ireland clash
18/08/23 05:00
Owen Farrell was with the rest of the squad at Friday's captain's run in Dublin, despite being left out of the team to face Ireland as the saga continues around his overturned red card.
- 19 comments
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England captain Owen Farrell is DROPPED for World Cup warm-up clash with Ireland as uncertainty around his ban continues… as head coach Steve Borthwick reveals fly-half was due to play in Dublin
17/08/23 03:00
NIK SIMON: England coach Steve Borthwick has revealed that he left Owen Farrell out of this his team to face Ireland because of the disruption caused by the uncertainty around his ban.
- 51 comments
- 113 shares
REVEALED: World Rugby are preparing to APPEAL against Owen Farrell's shock reprieve… and the England captain could be left out of Saturday's clash against Ireland
16/08/23 05:00
Owen Farrell may be left out of England's team to play Ireland in Dublin on Saturday, as World Rugby consider whether to appeal against his shock reprieve by a judicial panel.
- 208 comments
- 195 shares
Owen Farrell is CLEARED completely after his red card for a dangerous high tackle against Wales with the England captain avoiding any ban and free to play at the World Cup
15/08/23 12:41
NIK SIMON: England captain Owen Farrell is free to play at the World Cup after a disciplinary panel made a shock decision to rescind his red card. He was sent off for a high tackle.
- 640 comments
- 761 shares
Owen Farrell's red card is a disaster for England as talisman is likely to miss World Cup curtain-raiser against Argentina
12/08/23 10:14
England's preparations for the World Cup suffered a calamitous blow after skipper Owen Farrell was shown a red card in yesterday's narrow victory over Wales.
- 99 comments
- 46 shares
England 19-17 Wales: Owen Farrell's World Cup hopes in jeopardy after being sent off as Twickenham win soon turns to calamity for Steve Borthwick
12/08/23 06:34
NIK SIMON AT TWICKENHAM: It is an image that will give Steve Borthwick nightmares: Owen Farrell trudging down the tunnel, hands on hips, with his World Cup hopes in jeopardy.
- 319 comments
- 12 shares
Billy Vunipola will win his first cap under Steve Borthwick in England's World Cup warm-up against Wales, as head coach names side aiming to bounce back after losing 20-9 to the same opposition last Saturday
10/08/23 11:00
NIK SIMON: Billy Vunipola will make his first appearance of the Steve Borthwick era in England's World Cup warm-up match against Wales on Saturday afternoon.
- 31 comments
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England have themselves a midfield muddle just one month out from the World Cup in France... Steve Borthwick still doesn't know his best combination, but three former Red Rose stars believe they have the answer
08/08/23 09:25
There are 31 days to go until England kick off their World Cup campaign against Argentina but the debate about Steve Borthwick's midfield remains wide open.
- 11 comments
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Captain Owen Farrell vows England will use Rugby World Cup underdogs tag 'to our advantage'... as coach Steve Borthwick insists his 33-man squad has 'a lot of belief' despite four defeats in six games
07/08/23 05:00
NIK SIMON: England have vowed to use their underdog status as a weapon at the World Cup. Steve Borthwick's men are 10-1 outsiders to win the tournament, after losing four of their last six games.
- 32 comments
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Wales 20-9 England: Steve Borthwick's men make limp start to World Cup preparations as they are put to the sword by old rivals at Principality Stadium after dour second-half performance
05/08/23 06:31
NIK SIMON AT THE PRINCIPALITY: Perhaps the happiest England players were those sat in the stands, watching in their tracksuits, surrounding by Welsh fans dancing to Tom Jones.
- 290 comments
- 136 shares
England full-back Freddie Steward backs new 'bunker system' to help Rugby World Cup matches flourish
04/08/23 05:04
NIK SIMON: If the on-field referee is unable to determine whether an incident warrants a red card after two replays, they have the option to show a yellow card.
- 11 comments
- 117 shares
England's rugby stars handed boost ahead of their World Cup campaign - as Gareth Southgate pays them a visit to share his experience of Qatar
03/08/23 06:17
NIK SIMON: England's rugby players have been picking the brains of Gareth Southgate to boost their World Cup preparations ahead of next month's tournament.
- 40 comments
- 945 shares
Marcus Smith starts at fly-half against Wales in England's final match before naming their Rugby World Cup squad
03/08/23 11:05
As head coach Steve Borthwick prepares to cut his squad from 41 to 33 ahead of the Rugby World Cup in France, he has loaded his team with 'hopefuls' for the game against Wales.
- 27 comments
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Danny Care's time with England seemed to be over after he was left out of Steve Borthwick's initial plans - now, the scrum-half is thrilled to be back in contention ahead of the World Cup
02/08/23 05:00
NIK SIMON: Pulling up a seat at England's training base to take questions from the press, Danny Care could barely contain his smile. 'I thought I'd be sat where you lads are,' joked the veteran.
- 20 comments
- 290 shares
Ollie Chessum is in contention to make England's World Cup squad just five months after breaking his ankle
02/08/23 08:03
NIK SIMON: Medics feared the worst when the Leicester man broke his ankle in March, but he was back in training yesterday, scrummaging with the team as they prepare to face Wales.
- 6 comments
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Montpellier coach Richard Cockerill explains how Steve Borthwick is preparing England's outsiders for the World Cup: 'None of the referees liked us… we had to change.'
29/07/23 10:32
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY NIK SIMON: Sitting in a vineyard on the outskirts of Montpellier, there is not one part of Richard Cockerill that wishes he was back in England.
- 4 comments
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George Ford has his sights set on coaching when he hangs up his boots... and his tactical acumen is being put to use as England attempt to fast-track their World Cup plans
21/07/23 08:02
What do Ivan Lendl, Pep Guardiola and George Ford have in common? They were all earmarked for a career in coaching long before they retired from playing.
- 7 comments
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WORLD OF SPORT: England Rugby impose a self-policed cake ban ahead of the World Cup as Steve Borthwick's side leave no stone unturned in selection bid
20/07/23 08:37
NIK SIMON - WORLD OF SPORT: England's players have imposed a self-policed cake ban as they get in shape for the World Cup. Steve Borthwick is preparing to trim his squad down to 33 next month.
- 3 comments
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England's Sam Underhill is released from the squad by Steve Borthwick as destructive partnership with Tom Curry from the 2019 World Cup is separated
17/07/23 05:49
Underhill formed a destructive flanker partnership with Tom Curry under Eddie Jones in Japan that seemed destined to feature together for years on the Test scene
- 15 comments
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The Secrets of the man behind one of the world's hottest trainers: Stan Smith, 76, is the Wimbledon champion namechecked by Jay Z in lyrics and has sold more than 100 million pairs globally... and he even supplies the Royals with the footwear!
15/07/23 09:38
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY NIK SIMON: Moving gracefully between the courts of the All England Club, his face hidden beneath a Panama hat, he blends in with the other patrons.
- 115 comments
- 209 shares
Holger Rune's mother left the Danish star's breathless Wimbledon match to smoke a pack of cigarettes... as parent-turned-agent refused to watch son's dramatic Court Three comeback
08/07/23 10:21
NIK SIMON: Aneke, who double's up as the agent of the Danish 20-year-old, walked out of Court Three at the end of the third set, with her son trailing 2-1 to Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.
- 1 comment
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Giant winger Joe Cokanasiga insists he's prepared for the pressure of playing for England after becoming 'more mature' following early comparisons to Jonah Lomu
04/07/23 07:52
Giant winger Joe Cokanasiga insists he is now prepared for the pressure of the England jersey after struggling to deal with early comparisons to Jonah Lomu.
- 12 comments
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England winger Cadan Murley reveals how studying footage of 'incredible' Man City striker Erling Haaland has been helping his finishing ahead of the World Cup
03/07/23 10:47
NIK SIMON: Murley was the Premiership's leading try-scorer last season, scoring 15 tries in 18 games for Harlequins, but faces stiff competition to break into Steve Borthwick's team.
- 3 comments
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Owen Farrell is named England captain for this summer's World Cup as Steve Borthwick hails fly half as 'fantastic leader'
30/06/23 10:20
NIK SIMON: Ellis Genge and Courtney Lawes have also been named vice captains, as the team step up preparations for a series of warm-up fixtures in August.
- 49 comments
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