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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 giddy Welsh supporters dancing to Tom Jones. On the pitch, England's trialists crashed. In the final match before Steve Borthwick names his World Cup squad, they saw their stock plummet during a Welsh demolition job. Back in June, Borthwick said there were six or seven places up for grabs. Last week, he said it was closer to two or three. On last night's evidence, few could argue if he decided to defer his final selection until later in the month to see who comes good....read
England full-back Freddie Steward backs new 'bunker system' to help Rugby World Cup matches flourish
04/08/23 05:04NIK 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.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 06:17NIK 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.Marcus Smith starts at fly-half against Wales in England's final match before naming their Rugby World Cup squad
03/08/23 11:05As 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.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 05:00NIK 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.Ollie Chessum is in contention to make England's World Cup squad just five months after breaking his ankle
02/08/23 08:03NIK 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.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 10:32EXCLUSIVE 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.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 08:02What 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.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 08:37NIK 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.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 05:49Underhill formed a destructive flanker partnership with Tom Curry under Eddie Jones in Japan that seemed destined to feature together for years on the Test sceneThe 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 09:38EXCLUSIVE 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.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 10:21NIK 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.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 07:52Giant 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.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 10:47NIK 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.Owen Farrell is named England captain for this summer's World Cup as Steve Borthwick hails fly half as 'fantastic leader'
30/06/23 10:20NIK 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.London Irish are on the BRINK after being served a winding-up petition by HMRC over an unpaid tax bill... with Premiership side still stuck in limbo between owners
02/06/23 10:05HM Revenue and Customs intervened on Friday to launch insolvency proceedings as the club finds itself in limbo between owners and Irish's hopes of survival again look on the brink.EXCLUSIVE: Racing 92 line up shock move for England fly-half Marcus Smith after the World Cup... with French giants seeking a replacement for Bath-bound Finn Russell
27/05/23 10:32EXCLUSIVE BY NIK SIMON: Smith has a year remaining on his contract at Harlequins but Racing are exploring the option of a buy-out to land him next season.EXCLUSIVE: 250 players could be out of contract if London Irish go out of business this week... with Premiership clubs limited by the salary cap and a flooded market following demise of Wasps and Worcester
27/05/23 09:30EXCLUSIVE BY NIK SIMON: The Exiles are likely to be suspended by the Premiership on Tuesday after takeover talks stalled with an American consortium.Saracens banish pain of last year's Twickenham final heartache by coming out on top in thriller against Sale as late tries from Elliot Daly and Ivan van Zyl clinch sixth Premiership title with 35-25 win
27/05/23 04:01NIK SIMON AT TWICKENHAM: The empire has struck back. Saracens got their hands on the Premiership trophy for the first time since 2019, completing their redemption story.'I'm Trinidad to the bone': Sale's Simon McIntyre has brought a Caribbean flavour to the club's title charge and is proud of his roots... but this weekend he hopes to make Manchester proud in the Gallagher Premiership final
25/05/23 03:59INTERVIEW BY CHRIS FOY: Surrounded by a gang of big South Africans in the Sale pack, Simon McIntyre has brought a Caribbean flavour to the club's title challenge.Steve Hansen says England will be 'rubbing their hands' at the prospect of an 'easy' World Cup passage... as the former All Blacks coach hits out at the lopsided tournament with the current top-five teams on the other half of the draw
24/05/23 09:04The draw was made back in 2020 and the current top-five teams - Ireland, France, New Zealand, South Africa and Scotland - are all on the same half of the draw.Leinster 26-27 La Rochelle: Georges-Henri Colombe's late try seals stunning comeback from 17-0 down as French side retain the Champions Cup and deny Irish province a record-equalling fifth triumph
20/05/23 11:51NIK SIMON AT THE AVIVA STADIUM: It felt like a volcano erupted. An explosion of yellow and black lava that flooded the pitch to destroy what was almost a defining day in Leinster's dynasty.Sale owner Simon Orange lifts the lid on brutal reality of rugby's finances by revealing owners must put in £300MILLION just to keep the game alive... as he backs calls for a 10-team Premiership
20/05/23 09:59EXCLUSIVE BY NIK SIMON: Sale have invested heavily to drive up attendances at the AJ Bell Stadium but Orange acknowledges there is still a huge amount to do.'I've never been the loudest in the room but I will never fake who I am': Saracens' quiet man Max Malins aims to leave the club with a bang by clinching Premiership glory
20/05/23 09:30EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY NIK SIMON: He is cherishing every moment he has left in the area, with just one match remaining for Saracens before he moves his life to Bristol.Joe Launchbury is back in World Cup contention for England after discussions with Steve Borthwick following his return from Japan as Red Rose look to bounce back from disappointing Six Nations campaign
18/05/23 11:18EXCLUSIVE BY NIK SIMON: The lock has not played international rugby since 2020 and moved to Japan last year after his club Wasps went bankrupt, and England's lock is still up for debate.Sean Maitland set to earn new contract after scoring two tries to help Saracens into Premiership final... after winger was fortunate to escape first-half red card
14/05/23 09:32NIK SIMON AT THE STONEX STADIUM: Sean Maitland is set to be rewarded with a new contract after his controversial double helped Saracens book their place at Twickenham.Richie McCaw admits the King's Coronation dress code had him STUMPED as he represented New Zealand at Westminster Abbey... and World Cup-winning All Blacks captain reveals he was inundated with messages after the Royal occasion
14/05/23 08:41One of rugby's most iconic players, Richie McCaw has trained as a helicopter pilot in Christchurch since retiring from rugby. But he was back in the spotlight last weekend at the Royal coronation.Triple trouble: South Africa's Du Preez brothers - Dan, Rob and Jean-Luc - have made Sale their home and are eyeing Premiership glory with crunch semi-final clash against Leicester to come
13/05/23 09:31EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY NIK SIMON: 'At one point I was the biggest but they caught up pretty quickly,' says the eldest, Rob, sandwiched between the giant twins Dan and Jean-Luc.Saracens 38-15 Northampton: Hosts race into the Premiership final - where they will await either Sale or Leicester - but should match-winner Maitland have been sent off just 39 seconds into the clash?
13/05/23 09:31NIK SIMON AT STONEX STADIUM:There was no doubt that the better team won but this victory will be marked with a huge asterisk. the outcome was overshadowed by a major 'What if?'NIK SIMON: RFU made the right call by overturning Chris Ashton's red card but the archaic disciplinary system may still rob the Leicester winger of one final farewell in the play-offs
11/05/23 09:44NIK SIMON: Few will begrudge Chris Ashton being cleared to fight another day but the delay in reaching a decision may well rob him of his farewell opportunity.Chris Ashton is cleared to make a farewell appearance at Leicester's Gallagher Premiership play-off semi-final against Sale after his red card was rescinded for a high tackle on Harlequins wing Cadan Murley
11/05/23 09:30The winger, who retires at the end of the season, was in danger of missing the final rounds after being sent off for a high tackle on Harlequins wing Cadan Murley during Leicester's defeat last Saturday.EXCLUSIVE: 'For somebody to make a comment like that is atrocious. It feels like we're going backwards', Luther Burrell blasts ex-London Irish prop Alex Murphy for using N-word slur to Twickenham volunteer - labelling unsavoury incident as 'disheartening'
09/05/23 09:00EXCLUSIVE BY NIK SIMON AND CHRIS FOY: Burrell has condemned the 'atrocious' behaviour of a former RFU council member who has been banned from Twickenham after using racist language.Northampton will hold discussions with the Royal Navy after hooker Sam Matavesi was called up to play against the Army... as annual fixture clashes with Saturday's Premiership semi-final against Saracens
08/05/23 09:30Northampton are in talks with the Royal Navy about hooker Sam Matavesi for Saturday's Premiership semi-final at Saracens, as it clashes with the Army-Navy fixture.Fin Smith can take having the 's*******' car at Northampton as the 20-year-old is just happy to have a job after Worcester went bust... with the fly-half focused on a Premiership semi-final, England and his university exams
06/05/23 09:30EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY NIK SIMON: Paint me like one of your French girls!', says Fin Smith, perching on the bonnet of his Ford Fiesta for a quick photograph, surrounded by BMWs and Mercedes.London Irish 17-14 Exeter: Juan Martin Gonzalez scores a brace as the Exiles put off-field problems aside to secure scrappy win and claim fifth place finish in the Premiership
06/05/23 09:27London Irish coach Declan Kidney assured supporters that the club's financial future will be resolved after ending the season on a winning note.Fresh doubts over the long-term future of Worcester after new owners Atlas Group had to take a £1.15m loan - payable in 21 days - from Wasps owner Chris Holland to meet RFU deadline
05/05/23 09:31Fresh doubts have emerged over the long-term future of Worcester, despite the Atlas Group's takeover of the Warriors being completed this week.England's women seal second consecutive Six Nations Grand Slam with a 38-33 win over France... as Red Roses captain Marlie Packer vows to pack out Twickenham at the 2025 World Cup
29/04/23 07:25NIK SIMON AT TWICKENHAM: A young and vibrant crowd of 58,498 watched England establish a 33-0 lead against France at Twickenham on Saturday afternoon.EXCLUSIVE: 'Rugby left me feeling trapped. People never see the real you': Scotland's all-time try scorer Stuart Hogg reveals the true toll of elite sport, emotionally and physically, as he prepares to retire from rugby
29/04/23 05:11EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY NIK SIMON: The Scottish magician is approaching his finale. Aged 30, he knows his powers have faded, battered out of him, physically and mentally.'It wouldn't have felt right to me to leave now': England forward Courtney Lawes signs new Northampton contract until the end of next season... stemming the flow of players leaving the Premiership
29/04/23 09:30NIK SIMON: England forward Courtney Lawes has signed a new contract with Northampton to help stem the flow of players leaving the Premiership.RFU exploring the option of paying England star Anthony Watson until the end of the World Cup... with English rugby chiefs seeking to keep winger in the Premiership amid player exodus
25/04/23 09:31EXCLUSIVE BY NIK SIMON: The winger is in danger of being squeezed out of the Premiership due to salary cap constraints and recently visited Castres for talks about a potential move to France.EXCLUSIVE: Luke Cowan-Dickie's big-money move to Montpellier is in danger of COLLAPSING as French outfit prepare to withdraw their contract offer after England star missed his medical
24/04/23 08:56EXCLUSIVE: Sources have confirmed to Mail Sport that, as per reports across the Channel, the 29-year-old missed a medical which was due to have taken place in the south of France.EXCLUSIVE: New US owners of London Irish enquire about long-term groundshare with AFC Wimbledon... with fund ready to invest £7m in upgrading Plough Lane if deal is sealed'
22/04/23 09:30EXCLUSIVE BY NIK SIMON: London Irish currently share the Gtech Community Stadium with Brentford, but there are fears the rugby club could be served notice in three years.'I'd definitely be better at rugby than Ben is at tennis!': Scotland scrum-half Ben White and British tennis No 2 Jodie Burrage on the perils of being a sporting couple
22/04/23 09:30EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY NIK SIMON: 'Ben's still learning the difference between a set and a game,' says Jodie Burrage, smiling as she takes a seat with her boyfriend, Ben White.Harlequins 35-45 Bath: Visitors run in six tries to delight Twickenham crowd as hosts have Cadan Murley and Andre Esterhuizen sent to the sin bin... with Quins coach Tabai Matson left to bemoan 's***' result
22/04/23 09:14This was a marketeer's dream but a purist's nightmare. Crowd were serenaded by the Kaiser Chiefs and wowed by the odd flash of magic from Smith, but in rugby terms it counted for nothing.Exeter coach Rob Baxter calls on rugby chiefs to stop 'changing the law every five minutes' after Jack Nowell was charged for criticising a refereeing decision in a Twitter post
19/04/23 09:30Winger Nowell could be banned on Thursday morning for his tweet about Karl Dickson's decision to send off Olly Woodburn against Leicester last Sunday.England star Marcus Smith warns the Premiership must change the salary cap and fixture schedule to avoid player exodus... as Harlequins fly-half, 24, reveals his desire to play abroad in the future
19/04/23 06:55The Harlequins No 10 is out of contract in 2024 and will be high on the shopping list of Top 14 clubs after the World Cup.EXCLUSIVE: Saracens rugby hero Jacques Burger talks stepping away from the sport and embarking on his incredible new career farming in the middle of the Kalahari Desert
08/04/23 09:30EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY NIK SIMON: He could talk rugby all afternoon. His favourite players? Josh van der Flier, Ardie Savea and Jasper Wiese. His World Cup tip? France.Slave 'joke' was the nail in the coffin. I'm happy I found the courage to talk: LUTHER BURRELL tells Sportsmail why he could no longer stay silent as eight-month investigation upholds his racism allegations
04/04/23 09:30EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY NIK SIMON: After conversations with his father, Geoff, who has roots in Jamaica, he decided to share his story. To hell with rugby's comply-or-die attitudes.Luther Burrell investigation finds racism at EVERY level of rugby as the RFU release urgent action plan and launch new whistleblowing process in bid to tackle discrimination across the game
04/04/23 09:30EXCLUSIVE BY NIK SIMON: The RFU report established that players are reluctant to call out discrimination and efforts to eradicate it from the game have been merely 'performative'.EXCLUSIVE: 'People think the South African voice is aggressive. We want to change that view': Outspoken Springboks chief Rassie Erasmus on why he's bringing ex-referee Nigel Owens to his staff... and claims his side will be UNDERDOGS at the World Cup
02/04/23 07:47EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY NIK SIMON: The most divisive figure in rugby, Erasmus received a second ban during the autumn internationals for publicly criticising referees on social media.Luther Burrell's claims of racism in rugby are set to be backed by RFU chiefs after a probe into discrimination at Newcastle Falcons... with the club urged to introduce additional training on diversity to employees
01/04/23 09:52NIK SIMON: The eight-month RFU inquiry is understood to have upheld the former England centre's allegations after almost 100 Newcastle Falcons employees, both former and present.Stormers 32-28 Harlequins: Hosts become SECOND South African outfit in Champions Cup quarter-finals after holding off late surge from Tabai Matson's side in Cape Town
01/04/23 04:25NIK SIMON: South Africa's big game hunters turned up. They chopped up Harlequins, hung them out to dry in the 22C heat and sent them back to London like a packet of vacuum-sealed biltong.Running out in front of 50,000 South Africans and facing the best? I love it! DANNY CARE on Quins' Cape Town Stormers clash, the great England No 10 debate and why he's not quite ready yet to be on I'm a Celebrity…
31/03/23 04:00INTERVIEW BY NIK SIMON: Sitting on the rooftop of a hotel overlooking Table Mountain, Care could be a million miles away from the troubled waters of English rugby.Leicester Tigers confirm England winger Ollie Hassell-Collins will join them from London Irish this summer, while veteran Mike Brown signs a contract extension to cast further doubt on Anthony Watson's future amid Castres interest
28/03/23 03:43Having made his international debut during the Six Nations, Hassell-Collins will join Leicester from London Irish from the 2023-24 season.'I grew up watching people play the game with a smile on their faces. I want to have the same effect!': After England's tough campaign in the Six Nations, their rising star Marcus Smith has big ambitions
25/03/23 08:00EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY NIK SIMON: Marcus Smith is reminiscing about the very first time he set foot on a rugby pitch back in Manila. It was on those pitches that he started his rugby philosophy.'We play a contact sport... there was NO malice in it!': Ellis Genge insists Freddie Steward should NOT have been sent off in pivotal incident of defeat to Ireland... but England prop refuses to blame loss on red card
19/03/23 12:55NIK SIMON AT THE AVIVA STADIUM: Ireland coach Andy Farrell, meanwhile, warned the rugby world that his team have 'bigger fish to fry' after clinching an historic Grand Slam.Ireland 29-16 England: Johnny Sexton leads hosts to Grand Slam glory as the Six Nations' RECORD points scorer - as ill-discipline hurts Steve Borthwick's side following Freddie Steward's red card in Dublin
18/03/23 07:11NIK SIMON AT THE AVIVA STADIUM: The party started long before the final whistle. A good couple of days, to be precise. Everybody knew how this one was going, in spite of England's best efforts.England star Owen Farrell reveals his family are torn ahead of this weekend's crunch Six Nations showdown... with coach dad Andy plotting to steer tournament favourites Ireland to Grand Slam glory in Dublin
17/03/23 11:38NIK SIMON IN DUBLIN: England captain Owen Farrell will go head to head with his dad, Andy, whose Ireland side are on track to clinch the Grand Slam in front of a home crowd.'It can NEVER happen again': England hooker Jamie George reveals players have been warned there can be NO repeat of last week's demolition by France by 'direct' head coach Steve Borthwick... as side target 'reaction' against Six Nations favourites Ireland
17/03/23 10:50NIK SIMON IN DUBLIN: Steve Borthwick's side suffered their worst ever home defeat in a 53-point mauling by France seven days ago and now they face the world's number one side.'Why would we? We love it here': Andy Farrell insists he has no reason to move his family back home for a job in England as he waxes lyrical about Ireland's 'joined-up approach' ahead of Six Nations showdown
17/03/23 01:00NIK SIMON: Since being sacked by the RFU after the 2015 World Cup, Farrell has forged a reputation as one of the game's leading coaches, steering Ireland to No 1 in the world rankings.Ollie Chessum faces a race against time to be fit for the World Cup with England's breakthrough lock set to spend up to SIX MONTHS out after dislocating his ankle in training ahead of Six Nations clash with Ireland
16/03/23 10:57The 22-year-old started all of England's games during the Six Nations until he suffered the injury in training on Tuesday. He will undergo surgery on Monday.George Ford in contention to compete with Marcus Smith and Owen Farrell for the No 10 jersey as he is declared 'fit and ready' for England's Six Nations trip to Ireland... though Ollie Chessum has been ruled out with an ankle injury
15/03/23 06:56Having been sent back to Sale last weekend to continue his return from injury, Ford is now in contention to challenge Marcus Smith and Owen Farrell.'There's a fair bit of hatred, isn't there?' Ireland winger Mack Hansen says he can't wait to sample the Anglo-Irish rivalry but warns Steve Borthwick's men will be 'pumped' after France humiliation as his side look to land Grand Slam
13/03/23 06:43NIK SIMON: The last time Ireland beat England to win the Grand Slam, back in 2018, Mack Hansen was flitting between jobs as an electrician and a kindergarten teacher in Australia.Garry Ringrose and Iain Henderson are ruled out of Ireland's Grand Slam clash with England in Dublin this weekend as they look to hold off France in hunt for Six Nations triumph
13/03/23 04:03NIK SIMON: Both players were casualties of Ireland's victory over Scotland in Edinburgh, where Ireland lost five players to injury during the course of the match.Scotland 7-22 Ireland: Andy Farrell's men overcome injury woes to keep Grand Slam hopes alive ahead of showdown with England in Dublin next week, as Johnny Sexton becomes the joint-top points scorer in Six Nations history
12/03/23 05:02Ireland limped on to a flight back to Dublin with the Gaelic drinking vessel awarded for winning this clash in their hand luggage, but their eyes on a significantly bigger prize next week.'No one is under any illusions about what we have to do... we fell considerably short': England head coach Steve Borthwick says everyone is HURTING after suffering record-breaking 10-53 Twickenham defeat against France in the Six Nations
11/03/23 10:31NIK SIMON AT TWICKENHAM: Boos rang around the stadium after France scored a record 53 points in their first Six Nations victory here since 2005.England 10-53 France: Steve Borthwick's sorry side concede their most points EVER at Twickenham in Six Nations drubbing - as Les Bleus run in SEVEN tries in one-sided Le Crunch encounter
11/03/23 06:51NIK SIMON AT TWICKENHAM: This was a dismal day in the history of English rugby. They fell to their biggest ever defeat at Twickenham, tortured by France and tossed into a sporting dungeon.Marcus Smith has been given a licence to THRILL when England meet France in their Twickenham Six Nations showdown after Owen Farrell was sensationally DROPPED
10/03/23 10:50Marcus Smith has the chance to shine for England in Saturday's Six Nations clash with France as he was picked to start at fly-half and Owen Farrell was surprisingly relegated to the bench.England head coach Steve Borthwick calls on Marcus Smith to light up their attack against France after the shock decision to drop captain Owen Farrell for Six Nations showdown
09/03/23 10:30Smith was released to play for Harlequins last weekend but forced his way back into the England reckoning with a dazzling man-of-the-match display.England DROP captain Owen Farrell and replace him with Marcus Smith for their Six Nations showdown with France... as coach Steve Borthwick makes shock call for the must-win match at Twickenham
09/03/23 01:31NIK SIMON: Marcus Smith has been handed the No 10 jersey for England's Test against France after captain Owen Farrell was dropped for the first time in eight years.England are set to DROP captain Owen Farrell and replace him with Marcus Smith for their Six Nations showdown with France... as coach Steve Borthwick makes shock call for the must-win match at Twickenham
08/03/23 04:37NIK SIMON: In a shock twist, Steve Borthwick is primed to select Smith as fly-half for the Twickenham showdown, with Farrell reduced to a role on the bench.Marcus Smith is set to feature for England in crunch Six Nations clash with France after George Ford was RELEASED from training squad ahead of 'Le Crunch' at Twickenham... with vice-captain Courtney Lawes also out
07/03/23 04:06Smith, 24, was sent back to Harlequins last weekend but played his way back into Steve Borthwick's plans with an emphatic man-of-the-match display.EXCLUSIVE: Zach Mercer reveals he was asked to stay in France and eventually represent Les Blues... but as a return to England with Gloucester looms the 25-year-old is ready to fight for a place in Steve Borthwick's side
04/03/23 10:30EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY NIK SIMON: Mercer's days here are almost up. He is joining Gloucester this summer, relocating back in the UK before the birth of his first child.'My try was exactly how I pictured it': Anthony Watson reveals listening to pre-recorded commentary of himself scoring against Wales as visualisation training ahead of his first England start for two years
03/03/23 10:00By the time Anthony Watson stretched out to score in the left corner at the Principality Stadium last Saturday, he had already played the moment over several times in his head.England coach Steve Borthwick wants Marcus Smith to improve his 'match sharpness' and 'boss a game' for Harlequins this weekend... as he explains his shock call to omit the fly-half from his Six Nations training camp
01/03/23 06:28NIK SIMON: Smith has been reduced to a bench role in England's last two Tests and was omitted from this week's training camp to get more game time. George Ford has been called up instead.England recall George Ford to their Six Nations training camp with Marcus Smith DROPPED - but Harlequins fly-half is likely to return to squad ahead of 'Le Crunch' against France
28/02/23 11:28The No 10 has been named on the bench for England's last two Tests and will return to Harlequins for their Premiership game against Exeter.Wales 10-20 England: Visitors clinch HUGE Six Nations win as Ollie Lawrence scores vital try late on in tense clash in Cardiff... after a tough week for Welsh rugby following strike threat that plunged the match into doubt
25/02/23 06:34NIK SIMON AT THE PRINCIPALITY STADIUM: It was Freddie Steward's day. As high balls rained down, he delivered a nerveless performance.Owen Farrell says England are relishing the prospect of a hostile Cardiff atmosphere as Steve Borthwick's side seek to lay down pre-World Cup marker against Wales in crunch Six Nations clash
24/02/23 10:33NIK SIMON: England have not played in front of a crowd at the Principality Stadium since 2019 and the atmosphere is likely to simmer in today's Six Nations clash.'I made a HUGE mistake but I've served my time. I was gutted when the board said no': Rob Howley recalls the pain of his blocked Wales comeback after serving a betting ban... as ex-captain explains how he would solve their rugby crisis
24/02/23 10:30EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY NIK SIMON: Having been banished from Welsh rugby for betting in 2019, Howley finds himself coaching the Arrows in Major League Rugby.Anthony Watson will make his first England start in almost TWO YEARS after being picked to face Wales in Six Nations clash - with fit-again Courtney Lawes among replacements
23/02/23 12:30NIK SIMON: As revealed by Sportsmail, Watson is the only change to the starting XV that beat Italy at Twickenham in round-two as he comes in to replace Ollie Hassell-Collins in the No 11 jersey.
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- EXCLUSIVEBill Belichick and girlfriend Jordon Hudson, 23, are heading for marriage Dallas Cowboys want to hire the iconic coach if they make a change
- Snake invades the Dodgers dugout during Mets game as New York levels up NLCS with 7-3 win in Los Angeles All square in the playoffs after two games
- Amon-Ra St. Brown exposes bitter X-rated message from rival Jourdan Lewis a The exchange played out online after the Lions blew out the Cowboys
- Moment John Harbaugh is pulled from Ravens press conference after brother Jim suffered sideline health scare But is Jim okay?
- Fury as Titans QB Will Levis steamrolls sideline worker The collision left the worker writing in agony without checking if he's okay
- Jerry Jones snaps back at reporter as he addresses Cowboys head coach's fate Jones says McCarthy is safe before revealing he wouldn't admit otherwise
- Jets star Haason Reddick hires NFL's 'most ruthless' agent to end ugly contract dispute But will that be enough to get him a long-term deal?
- Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel reveals huge Tua Tagovailoa update Will the latest concussion scare be the last for the battered quarterback?
- JD Vance and Donald Trump Jr. hang with NASCAR royalty during unofficial campaign stop in North Carolina Kamala Harris was also in the Tar Heel state
- Olivia Dunne looks unrecognizable in new magazine shoot LSU gymnast reveals the most frustrating thing about being a social media star
- Man filming Jason Kelce downing beer falls through RV's roof and drops his camera at Eagles game Disaster struck ahead of the game in Philadelphia
- Nick Sirianni screams at Eagles fans after they called for him to be fired during Philadelphia's win over Cleveland The spotlight has been on him since last season
- Jim Harbaugh reveals he suffered a heart scare and needed help from paramedics before Chargers game Said he experienced an 'atrial flutter' in Denver
- Democrats fly several anti-Donald Trump messages over NFL stadiums Stunts were organized by the Democratic National Committee
- Jason Kelce left shocked as couple get engaged next to him at Eagles game Romance was in the air at Philadelphia's win over the Cleveland Browns
- Finland 1-3 England PLAYER RATINGS: Which Three Lions stalwart feels like he's on the decline? Who scored just 5/10? CRAIG HOPE
- Man United 'was rejected by highly-rated Bundesliga boss as they weighed up replacing Erik ten Hag in the summer' Kept the Dutchman
- Conor McGregor's fiancee steps in after UFC star dances closely with a woman At a Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship after-party in Marbella
- Jannik Sinner's former physio breaks silence after being forced out in tennis doping scandal Sheds new light on saga involving world No 1
- North Carolina wideout Tylee Craft dies at 23: 'This young man fought so hard' Coach Mack Brown revealed the sad news on Saturday
- Mauricio Pochettino WINS his USA coaching debut Americans earn 2-0 friendly victory over Panama as Pochettino gets his first victory
- Miami Dolphins star's wife is called a 'white, snowflake, gold-digger' Devon Mostert says she's facing racist backlash from liberals after defending Ron DeSantis.
- Oregon player tossed for SPITTING on Ohio State rival The Ducks would go on to beat the Buckeyes without the ejected wideout
- NFL owners set to rule on Tom Brady's Raiders investment One insider has described the upcoming vote as a mere 'formality' according to a report
- Guardians blow by Tigers, 7-3, in series-clinching Game 5 And their reward is an ALCS matchup with Aaron Judge, Juan Soto and the Yankees
- Sydney Sweeney issues hilarious response to viral College GameDay sign The actress and heartthrob had a witty comeback to an overeager mascot
- Jets doctors rule on Aaron Rodgers' status against rival Bills New York is heading into Monday night's game against the divisional-rival Buffalo Bills
- Rob Gronkowski reveals incredible fact about actor playing him in Aaron Hernandez series Let's just say they know each other
- Penn State's 'flag football' trick play stuns USC in Big Ten clash Penn State tight end Tyler Warren scored a touchdown in the win over the Trojans
- Penn State coach James Franklin scolds gloating players for planting flag on USC's 50-yard line after win Franklin was victorious, but refused to gloat
- Angel Reese sends three-word response to Taylor Swift fans amid backlash over Kayla Nicole interview After inviting Travis Kelce's ex onto podcast
- Travis Kelce brutally mocked over 'Ron Burgundy' look While on double date with Taylor Swift, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds in New York City
- Hollywood royalty Jack Nicholson, Billy Crystal and Spike Lee set to be inducted into Basketball Hall of Fame As LA Lakers, Clippers and New York Knicks fans
- Dodgers' Kike Hernandez has explicit moment on TV After homer in a 2-0 win over the rival Padres, Hernandez didn't hold back
- Why new USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino is 'worried' about Christian Pulisic However, he does consider him among the best in the world
- Conor McGregor breaks up wild brawl at Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship weigh-in It may have taken awhile, but he finally found his way into a fight
- Robert Kraft breaks silence on Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers' arrest Billionaire owner says Peppers is 'gone' if the allegations are true
- Disgraced ex-Raiders head coach Jon Gruden gets major win in legal battle with NFL Can Gruden now prove the NFL leaked his racist emails?
- TIM HOWARD: Of course the Jets spoke to Aaron Rodgers before firing Robert Saleh But it can be dangerous to listen to star players
- Patriots scandals through the years: From deflategate to playing with murderers After safety Jabrill Peppers' arrest for 'strangling girlfriend'
- WNBA makes major change for next season to capitalize on Caitlin Clark's impact After rookie triggered most successful regular season in league's history
- Stephen A. Smith claims it's 'nonsense' that Aaron Rodgers was unaware of plans to fire Robert Saleh After head coach's exit this week
- EXCLUSIVEMike Tyson reveals what caused the ulcer that forced him to delay controversial Jake Paul fight Ahead of rescheduled bout in November
- San Francisco 49ers stars leap into stands to celebrate a touchdown with their wives in Seattle Seahawks win Incredible scenes in NFL Thursday night game
- Inside Tom Brady's trophy cabinet as the legendary QB shares mementos from Cristiano Ronaldo and, Floyd Mayweather Incredible mementos
- NBA star Anthony Edwards 'takes woman to court' over paternity testing and child support Gold medal winner takes action
- UFC chief Dana White launches blistering Kamala Harris attack after Colbert Show appearance He is close friends with Donald Trump
- Travis Kelce's ex-girlfriend slams 'crazy' Taylor Swift fans as she reveals all about her relationship Speaks out on Angel Reese's podcast
- Seinfeld sparks controversy with pro-Israel message to fan while at Mets game Gave very direct message to fan watching from Gaza border
- Portnoy reveals he's been brutally snubbed by Swift for Eras Tour tickets Barstool Sports boss won't be heading to the Hard Rock dates
- ESPN host and retired NBA star slammed for offering 'predatory loans' to college and high school athletes New twist in world of NIL
- NFL star Montgomery reveals online abuse from fantasy football managers left him contemplating suicide Huge struggles during his rookie year
- Buccaneers' Raymond James Stadium left flooded by Hurricane Milton after team fled Tampa Bay Thankfully just cosmetic damage to the stadium
- Hurricane Milton rips through the roof of Tropicana Field - home of MLB team Tampa Bay Rays - as deadly storm hits Florida Devastating sight
- Weather Channel reporter makes crass Super Bowl joke in grim warning about Hurricane Milton Cracked a joke about Super Bowl LI
- Jake Paul issues $5million challenge to Mike Tyson ahead of much-anticipated Netflix showdown Due to face off at AT&T Stadium in November
- Patrick Mahomes attends Royals-Yankees game despite claiming it could cause 'feud' with Brittany QB made it to Game 3 against the Yankees
- George Baldock dead aged 31: Former Premier League defender found in the pool of home in Greece Joined Panathinaikos in the summer
- Aaron Rodgers pays tribute to 'family man' and 'damn good coach' Robert Saleh after Jets fired him Quarterback breaks his silence
- John Daly flees Tampa as Hurricane Milton approaches - days after Helene destroyed his home Emotional message on social media
- Fans all say the same thing as Taylor Swift poses with pregnant Brittany Mahomes and Lyndsay Bell Photo taken at the latest Chiefs game
- Inside Michael Jordan's stunning new $70m private jet - complete with $500k custom-made paint job Ultimate NBA icon has spent big
- Donna Kelce tight-lipped on Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's secret Halloween plans But their fans begin to suspect that something big is brewing
- EXCLUSIVETardy Travis Kelce keeps Taylor Swift waiting on the runway for nearly an hour in Kansas City Heading for the East Coast, eventually
- Taylor Swift poses next to Travis Kelce picture as Chiefs WAGs share new party snaps after Saints win Celebrating another Chiefs victory
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- Serena Williams has cyst removed from her neck as tennis legend, 43, shares update from hospital bed
- NFL team's $1.4billion stadium renovation plans unanimously approved by rival owners
- Former NFL player who interviewed Donald Trump issues disgusting rebuttal to Washington Post question
- Travis Kelce's ex Kayla Nicole bursts into tears over Angel Reese podcast backlash
- LSU cheerleader slammed after appearing to push Ole Miss football player after touchdown
- Travis Kelce predicts Taylor Swift NFL criticism will 'f***ing rain down' later in the Chiefs season
- NFL quarterback breaks silence on social media after shock decision to drop him for Sunday showdown
- Travis Kelce ripped by brother Jason over controversial shirt on Taylor Swift double date
- Brandon McManus is given deal with new NFL team - just days after he was cleared in sexual assault case
- Aussie motor sport legend, 76, is mourned after dying in horror motorbike accident
- Molly Qerim absent from ESPN's First Take for the sixth straight time... as fans begin to worry about her disappearance
- Davante Adams given crude nickname on Jason Whitlock show following Jets trade
- Steelers star sparks outrage with Osama bin Laden and Mike Tomlin meme ahead of New York clash
- Why Travis Kelce had 'mixed feelings' over Taylor Swift date night at Yankees-Guardians game
- Revealed: The restrictions that will be placed on Tom Brady at the Raiders after he was approved as a co-owner
- Taylor Swift bakes with Patrick and Brittany Mahomes' daughter Sterling on wholesome trips to Kansas City
- Fans give their verdict on Travis Kelce's hosting debut as 'Are You Smarter Than A Celebrity?' premieres
- NFL fans all say the same thing about Tom Brady's $375m Fox deal after he was approved as Raiders co-owner
- USA soccer fans go into meltdown as Mauricio Pochettino is handed ugly first loss against bitter rival Mexico
- Angel Reese sent warning by rapper Joe Budden amid off-court controversy and Caitlin Clark rivalry
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