It was not meant to be like this. After so many great days at the StoneX Stadium, Owen Farrell had hoped for one more chance to play at his home ground before heading for pastures new in France. So too the departing Mako and Billy Vunipola and Sean Maitland, who had announced his intention to retire last week, only to suffer a cruel injury in the warm-up.]]>
Toulouse resisted a thrilling fightback from Harlequins to book a blockbuster Champions Cup decider against Leinster later this month in north London.]]>
For all the colourful entertainment provided by the Premiership this season after the trauma of losing three clubs last campaign, Northampton Saints showed there is a steely resolve behind the fanfare.]]>
This was a Twickenham training session for England, who delivered a ruthless performance at the home of English rugby with a 14-try thumping of Ireland. They will go to Bordeaux next week where only their French neighbours will be able to thwart their hopes of landing a sixth consecutive Six Nations title. Given the way this team is playing, that looks unlikely.]]>
