A little over a year ago Red Rugby published this post previewing the 2013/2014 season. Looking back on it, I’m amazed by how optimistic we were. The piece was littered with phrases like, “this season [looks set to be] a real belter”, “you can expect a greater fight from the Welsh regions” and (perhaps worst…
Peace in our time. After almost two years of political wrangling, it was announced yesterday (Thursday 10th April 2014) that agreement has been reached on the format, revenue distribution and shared TV rights for, what will be called, the European Rugby Champions Cup. The new 20-team tournament, which will start in October this year, will…
And so it would seem that European rugby’s very own version of an Entente Cordiale is almost signed, bringing to an end months (nay years) of political bickering, bargaining and bemoaning. The TV rights have been agreed on, the format has been ratified and the revenue split has been approved. Bar a couple of (what…
On Monday of this week, Red Rugby received this text from a friend of the blog: “For my rugby two pence worth I reckon England’s weak link has been their wings: too lightweight and have been left wanting. For the Wales game I think we should learn from the Welsh (i.e. Mr North) and put…
You could see it coming. Many had predicted a tight contest in Dublin between two equally-matched sides. Some (including this sheepish blogger) had even predicted a Welsh win, albeit by a small margin. But given the opening weekend’s results, the predicted Lions fatigue and Ireland’s impressive recent run of form, a trouncing was not out…
Red Rugby 