Marcus Smith hails Daley Thompson sprint sessions as he bids to emulate NZ duo
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyMarcus Smith has been completing sprint sessions with British Olympic great Daley Thompson in his effort to become one of the sport’s finest playmakers. Smith has developed into England’s...
Tonga: Rugby World Cup 2023 review
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyThe 'Ikale Tahi brought fight, flair and famous faces to the Rugby World Cup in France but had to wait for their final Pool B game to savour victory. Abiding memory As the Tonga squad gathered...
Portugal reach record high in World Rugby Men’s Rankings
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyOs Lobos’ 24-23 victory over Fiji in Toulouse – their first win in Rugby World Cup history – rounds off the pool phase in style. Portugal have climbed three places...
Australia: Rugby World Cup 2023 review
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyA first loss to Fiji in 69 years, a record-breaking defeat by Wales and a first-ever pool-stage exit: this will go down as the most disappointing campaign to date for the two-time winners. The progress...
Rugby World Cup Review: Portugal’s delight
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyThe quarter-finals are confirmed. Fiji were the last side to qualify for the knockout phase of Rugby World Cup 2023 in the final match of the pool stage on Sunday evening, but the night was Portugal’s...
Coach Bai (FIJ) - 'We will make sure we tighten up'
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbySeremaia Bai, kicking coach On how the squad is feeling after the 24-23 defeat by Portugal: "We are pretty gutted. We are disappointed with the result but at the same time we had a goal in mind, to make...
Learning how to win ugly a sign of England’s progress – Ben Earl
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyEngland edged out Samoa to continue their unbeaten record at the World Cup. Ben Earl admits memories of August’s shock defeat by Fiji flashed through England’s minds against Samoa...
Owen Farrell relieved his shot clock blunder did not cost England victory
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyIn the 64th minute Farrell was lining up a routine penalty with the team 17-11 behind, only for the time to run out on the shot clock. Owen Farrell admitted his relief that his shot clock blunder...
FIJ 23-24 POR: Comments from Portugal captain Lima & head coach Lagisquet
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyMEDIA CONFERENCE Patrice Lagisquet, head coach On the fantastic adventure: "I don't know what to say. I am always afraid of big words but it is a fantastic moment. The players surprised me one...
FIJ 23-24 POR: Comments from Fiji head coach Raiwalui & captain Nayacavelu
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyMEDIA CONFERENCE Simon Raiwalui, head coach On his feelings about the game: "Firstly, to congratulate Portugal on their win. They played very well in the first half and with their try at the end, congratulations...