Rugby Blogs & Rugby News Live From The Players

Chiefs Getting National Recognition

When players get picked for national duty, they often say that their success is not just for them, it’s for the team.

Well, in the case of scrum-half Haydn Thomas and flanker Tom Johnson, I will say it for them.

I am delighted that both of them have been selected in the England squad* for the upcoming game against the Barbarians.

They are great lads and have been on superb form all season.

read more | 0 comments

Off-Season Operation

The end of the season does not mean a rest for me.

I’ve got an operation coming up to have my appendix removed – and I’ve got three university exams.

I had appendicitis in January, but there were complications that meant it could not be removed then.

read more | 0 comments

Living With McGeechan

It is the end of the season and Sir Ian McGeechan has left the coaching staff at the club.

He started at Bath at the same time as me. I remember it well because we were housemates!
Yes, little old me was sharing an eight-bedroomed mansion with none other than the man who has guided the British & Irish Lions to a tour victory.

read more | 0 comments

Mental Battle Already Started

There’s a mental battle to be won before a game like our semi-final with Saracens this weekend.

Because of the nature of such a big fixture, you are desperate to make sure that everything you do with your own game is spot on.

In the lineout, that means trying to make sure your calls and your moves are fool-proof.

read more | 0 comments

Aviva Premiership Semi-Final Weekend

Leicester v Saracens (Saturday 12th KO 5:30pm ESPN)

There is only one place to start this weekend and that is at Welford Road for the battle between the sides who have played in the last two finals, Leicester and Saracens...

Harlequins v Northampton (Saturday 12th May KO 2:45pm, Sky Sports1)

Home advantage will play a big part here. The Saints are generally good on their own patch but not so good away from home...

read more | 0 comments

Breakfast Eat Off

What started off as an innocent tweet has now turned into a macho flexing of manly muscles.

Well....jaw muscles to be precise.

Capital FM breakfast presenters Dino and Pete will be challenging myself and two Nottingham players with big mouths and even bigger bellies to an eating contest of mammoth proportions.

read more | 0 comments