Will the music go on?

European rugby fans have always been able to provide a decent atmosphere during matches, but it would seem that this year, the owners of the stadiums hosting Betfair Six Nations 2012 action have taken a leaf out of the rule-book of North American sports such as ice hockey and basketball by playing deafening music during the small breaks that occur throughout a typical game, rather than allowing the crowd to fill the inevitable gaps with their own noise.

Many fans have been left wondering...

rugbyblogger

New-look England secure win

A new-look England side got their Six Nations campaign off to a winning start with a 13-6 triumph over Scotland in Stuart Lancaster's first game in charge.

A second-half Charlie Hodgson try and eight points from the boot of debutant Owen Farrell gave England their first victory at Murrayfield in eight years.

Scotland dominated large parts of the game and pushed hard in the closing stages, but couldn't find any way past England's stubborn defensive line. A lack of cutting...

rugbyblogger

Ford named as skipper

Scotland have named Edinburgh hooker Ross Ford as their captain for their opening Six Nations clash against England of February 4th.
Ford, who toured with the British Lions in 2009 has been capped 53 times by his country and has been given the job by coach Andy Robinson as he seen as the 'man who will step up and lead from the front'.

Robinson says that he originally intended to give the armband to Saracens’ flanker Kelly Brown but the 29-year-old has been ruled out of the...

rugbyblogger

Wales confident of success

Wales attack coach Rob Howley believes that his side’s youngsters have the ability to light up the upcoming Six Nations and possibly claim the Grand Slam.

After investing his faith in youth at the recent World Cup where Wales finished fourth, head coach warren Gatland has once again selected a young squad for the championship which starts in February.

Wales begin their campaign in Dublin against Ireland and go into the tournament as one of the favourites to win the...

rugbyblogger

Will a no tolerance approach to discipline restore English pride?

The All Blacks' World Cup winning coach Graham Henry may well be a man with a wealth of experience in the game (after all, you have to be fairly good at coaching to win a World Cup!) but his decision to undermine the current approach of England coach Stuart Lancaster, who has instigated a zero tolerance approach towards ill discipline in the England squad, seems to be based on a pure lack of knowledge of the English game.

Other countries may well be able to apply a more relaxed, cheerful,...

rugbyblogger