Stuart Lancaster: Nothing compares to interprovincial derbies
Stuart Lancaster can look forward to big away days against the likes of Toulouse and Toulon next season but the Leinster coach says nothing compares to interprovincial derbies.
Rugby Sport News
Confident Jack Crowley could challenge Joey Carbery for 10 shirt
Munster got their season back on track in Thomond Park on Saturday evening. A win against the usually physically dominant Bulls pack would have been accepted, but to do so with a bonus point and a solid performance will please fans and coaches alike. The Bulls weren't at their best in a wet and windy Thomond Park, however we can’t pick holes in Munster’s start to the season and then not praise them when they get things right. Not everything stuck, but a lot of things came together on the night. The return of Emerging Ireland players, such as Shane Daly and Calvin Nash helped. Joey Carbery putting in a man-of-the-match performance was one of the most important aspects for their immediate future, as were the performances of new stars such as the colossal Edwin Edogbo. Jack Crowley is one of the most interesting current case studies in Munster. The pressure was on Carbery last night because Crowley’s pre-season performances and his Emerging Ireland tour have put him in the limelight. Who knows where his ceiling is, he is really only getting going. Crowley would have been frustrated going into the first few games of the season. Munster stuck to their pecking order and gave Ben Healy the benefit of the doubt. However, If you watched the pre-season friendlies, whatever they stand for, and if you have an idea of how Munster are setting up their attacking structures, Crowley is the second in command at Munster and Carbery is within his sights. Crowley plays the game with a boyish excitement, yet his game management is taking huge strides forward. Managing the Emerging Ireland gameplan will have done wonders for his self-belief.
South African sojourn a blessing in disguise for emerging Munster stars
Munster fans could have been forgiven for groaning when their brightest prospects were plucked from the province's ranks to head to Bloemfontein for the Emerging Ireland tour, but RTÉ analyst Donal Lenihan believes the trip will end up yielding rich dividends.
Ntamack named in France's Autumn squad despite ankle injury
Romain Ntamack was on Monday included in France's 42-strong squad for Autumn internationals against Australia, South Africa and Japan.
Andy Friend: Connacht players have a burning desire to put things right
Andy Friend said the Connacht players held "healthy meetings" on Monday morning as they attempt to turn their season around.
Stormers, Bok star Willemse to cash in with mega contract - report
A third-party agreement has reportedly helped make Damian Willemse one of the highest-paid rugby players in South Africa.
English rugby giants Wasps follow Worcester into administration
English rugby giants Wasps were Monday placed into administration with all the players made redundant -- the second English Premiership club to suffer the fate in just three weeks.
Rugby-Wasps players and coaches made redundant after club goes into administration
(Reuters) - Premiership club Wasps have been placed into administration, the Coventry-based side said on Monday after they were suspended by England's Rugby Football Union (RFU) last week when they were unable to find a solution to their financial woes.