18 h. ago Northampton’s Fin Smith: ‘We love being written off. We’d back ourselves against anybody’

England and Lions fly-half on run to Champions Cup final, controlling his inner demons and playing junior tennis alongside Jack Draper“I was always angry,” Fin Smith remembers as he explains his transition from a volatile young tennis player into the decisively calm fly-half for Northampton, England and the Lions who is as serene as he is interesting. Smith has had a remarkable year so far but there is an understated lightness about him as he recalls playing in tennis tournaments alongside Jack Draper, the current world No 5.“As an 11-year-old tennis player I was very angry,” he says at Franklin’s Gardens, having just completed Northampton Saints’ final training session before they face Bordeaux on Saturday in the Champions Cup final. “I used to blow up and smash rackets a lot. But getting that out of my system at a young age, while facing set points and match points, can only benefit me when I’m playing rugby under pressure and really taking on an internal battle.” Continue reading...

Politics

6 d. ago Tonight's rugby news as Halfpenny announcement made and big call in Welsh match branded a 'disaster'

The latest rugby news from Wales and beyond.

Events

7 d. ago World Cup buzz grows as steely Australia upstage Ilona Maher’s USA

Charlotte Caslick brings dare and dash in 30-19 win for WallaroosVictory is crucial for Australia’s confidence ahead of World CupThe Queen is dead. Long live the Queen. So rang the cry of the Canberra crowd after American rugby star and social media “queen” Ilona Maher was upstaged by Australia’s own golden girl, the Sevens star and Olympic gold medallist Charlotte Caslick, whose speed and daring inspired a 30-19 win over the USA at GIO Stadium.This was a sweet victory for the Wallaroos – and a vital one. These sides will resume their rivalry in August via the same pool at the Rugby World Cup in England, with each nation hunting a first semi-final. Maher is crucial to the USA’s chances. Yet every time the Queen touched the ball last night she had a swarm of golden bees over her. Continue reading...

Politics

7 d. ago Nigel Owens: The truth about my rugby comeback plan for next season

The legendary referee recently came out of retirement to take charge of his first rugby match in four years

Politics

7 d. ago Coach breaks down in tears before Welsh rugby match as players ask not to train

The coach was overcome with emotion after an incredibly difficult week for his team

Sport

1 week ago Tonight's rugby news as Wales set to play match in New York and injured Welsh star flies home

The latest headlines from Wales and around the world

Events

2 w. ago Tonight's rugby news as Wales star in tears and top match called off amid tragic news

The latest headlines from Wales and around the world

Events

2 w. ago Mark Williams reduces BBC star to tears before losing World Snooker Championship final

BBC and Sky Sports reporter Abigail Davis claimed she was moved to tears as Welsh star Mark Williams battled China's Zhao Xintong in the World Snooker Championship final

Politics

2 w. ago Northampton stun Leinster with heroic victory to reach Champions Cup final

Leinster 34-37 NorthamptonSaints cling on for win following first-half blitzThis competition has seen a few remarkable results over the years but few to match this sweetest of Saints days. Maybe Leinster thought that a fourth successive Investec Champions Cup final appearance was a formality against supposedly outgunned English opposition. If so they were made to pay a heavy price as a triple whammy of tries from Tommy Freeman helped Northampton pull off one of the all-time great knockout heists.The Irish province, beaten in the final in the last three consecutive seasons, were stunned at the final whistle. But the Saints had led 27-15 at half-time and, even after Leinster had charged back to within three points the visitors came knocking again via a 62nd minute score from James Ramm. The final quarter was frantically tense, settled in contentious fashion after an aghast Leinster had a possible 79th-minute score disallowed. Continue reading...

Sport

3 w. ago The Wales players tipped to break through for the next World Cup as new head coach has big task

Warren Gatland's successor will be taking a close eye on Wales depth chart

Sport

3 w. ago Nigel Owens comes out of retirement to take charge of first rugby match in four years

The Welsh referee will be in the middle once again on Saturday after years away from the sport

Politics