HEINEKEN CUP: THE LAST EIGHT
The interviews, the stats, the head to heads: we’ve got everything you need to know about the last eight of this season’s Heineken Cup, including a preview of the clash between Munster and the Ospreys.
The meeting brings together the leading contenders for the lions captaincy in Paul O’Connell and Ryan Jones for whom it could be the last chance to press their claims before Ian McGeechan announces his squad.
FRENCH FANCY: HAS THE EXODUS BEGUN?
Have James Haskell and Co sparked a mass migration to France? In a special report, we talk to leading experts on both sides of the channel.
With Haskell, Tom Palmer and Riki Flutey all heading across the channel for big pay days in the Top 14, concerns have been raised that more could follow as the salary cap limits the earning potential of the biggest stars in the Guinness Premiership.
We ask Lawrence Dallglio, Damian Hopley, Ewen McKenzie and more what they think the implications could be.
JAMIE HEASLIP: I AM WHAT I AM
Leinster No.8 Jamie Heaslip says a European quarter-final with Harlequins at the Stoop holds no fears but also hits out at the critics of his flamboyant nature.
“If people have a problem with the fact that I celebrate when I score a try or that I wore white boots or coloured boots that’s their problem, not mine,” he tells us.
SPIES, TRIES AND VIDEOTAPE
Uncovering the clandestine tactics some teams have used to get the edge over their rivals, we delve into the world of rugby espionage!
From hidden cameras to undercover agents, rugby coaches have gone to some extraordinary lengths to scupper the opposition.
LIONS WATCH: FRONT ROW
We weigh up the contenders in the front row aiming for a chance to take on the Springbok pack.
OLD FOES
Who will come out on top in this European clash of England’s most decorated clubs? Sky’s Stuart Barnes looks at the age old Leicester v Bath rivalry.
CLASH OF THE TITANS
When Lions captaincy contenders Paul O’Connell and Ryan Jones go head to head, Thomond Park will be shaken to its new foundations.
SPIN BALL WIZARD
French giants Toulouse travel to Cardiff with their fiery Kiwi scrum-half Byron Kelleher hell bent on Heineken Cup glory.
WHEN HAMBO MET MAD DOG
Lewis Moody defies the red rose army’s many critics and insists England are getting better.
SMAL BEGINNINGS
Meet the man who was at Jake White’s shoulder in the 2007 World Cup and is now helping Declan Kidney transform Ireland’s fortunes.
THOUGHTS OF HOME
England’s exiled Sevens star Ben Gollings admits he still dreams of another crack at the 15-a-side game back home.
WALES IN SEVENS HEAVEN
Can the men who made their mark in Dubai go on to become stars of the 15-a-side game? Wizard of OZ Meet Adam Ashley-Cooper, Australia’s jack of all trades who is carving out a major name for himself.
