Head coach Raiwalui, captain Nayacalevu talk after team announcement
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbySimon Raiwalui, head coach On the general mood and confidence levels going in to the game: "The boys have trained well this week, had a good session this morning, so they have prepared well. We are looking...
Marcus Smith given full-back role for England’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyFreddie Steward has missed out on the 23-player matchday squad. England have rolled the dice for Sunday’s World Cup quarter-final against Fiji by naming Marcus Smith at full-back in place of the...
Former England star Ashton - 'It would be good to see all-northern hemisphere semi-finals'
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyComments from former England winger Chris Ashton on Friday ahead of England's quarter-final against Fiji at Stade de Marseille on Sunday, 15 October. On what he reads into England’s struggles...
Smith starts at full-back - England name team to play Fiji in RWC quarter-final
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyEngland men’s head coach Steve Borthwick has named his team to play Fiji in the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup 2023 at Stade de Marseille. Owen Farrell will captain a starting XV with...
Scrum coach Harrison, George, Daly - 'We had open and honest review after poor performance against Samoa'
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyComments from England scrum coach Tom Harrison, hooker Jamie George and winger Elliot Daly at a media briefing on Wednesday, 11 October. Tom Harrison, assistant coach On Owen Farrell being seen...
England happy being cast as villains in World Cup quarter-final – Billy Vunipola
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyThere is a desire to see a Pacific Islands nation progress deep into the World Cup given they produce some of the game’s finest players. Billy Vunipola insists England are comfortable being cast...
Marcus Smith hails Daley Thompson sprint sessions as he bids to emulate NZ duo
2 years 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...
I had to make crucial tackle after doing Alan Shearer celebration – Danny Care
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyDanny Care saved England from disaster against Samoa on Saturday after realising he had to back up his Alan Shearer-style try-scoring celebration. Care stepped off the bench at Stade Pierre-Mauroy to...
Learning how to win ugly a sign of England’s progress – Ben Earl
2 years 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
2 years 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...
