British & Lions tour 2025: Dark horses and bolters
With the British & Lions tour to Australia on the horizon, there is always a lot of discussion around the main starting fifteen - who is going to lead the squad as captain and who will marshal the troops from the ten jersey.
But one aspect that doesn’t get as much attention, yet remains a recurring theme on every Lions tour, is the emergence of ‘bolters,’ writes Sports News Blitz rugby writer Jacob Garrett
Six Nations news: Matt Sherratt a serious contender for Wales head coach role
Rugby fans are sometimes guilty of being a bit reactionary, towards players such as Marcus Smith and Finn Russell or head coaches like Steve Borthwick, and opinions often change in an instant.
The reason for mentioning this is that Wales have only had one game under interim head coach Matt Sherratt, so – by default – any opinions on him can be considered somewhat reactionary.
With that said, Sports News Blitz rugby union writer Charlie Elliott takes us through the reasons why Sherratt should be the next permanent Wales head coach.
Six Nations news: The five oldest players in Championship history
After All Blacks legend Ma’a Nonu joined Toulon earlier this week, the rugby world has been speculating about some of the greats who might come out of retirement for one last swansong.
That idea might be a little far-fetched, but it is worth remembering the players who managed to compete at the highest level late in their careers.
Sports News Blitz rugby writer Charlie Elliot takes a look at the five oldest players in Championship history.
2025 Six Nations news: Can England still win it?
England’s Six Nations campaign has already surpassed expectations, with Steve Borthwick’s side securing two wins against the tournament’s toughest opponents.
However, with two matches left, their title hopes remain uncertain and depend on a complex set of results.
Here, Sports News Blitz rugby union writer Charlie Elliott breaks down England’s path to potential Six Nations glory.
Six Nations news: The team of the Championship so far
We are over halfway through the 2025 Six Nations and round 4 is poised to be the championship decider.
Ireland go into their clash with France as favourites for both the victory and the overall title, but France and England are very much still in with a shot at glory.
In this article, Sports News Blitz rugby writer Luke Ebden pieces together a team of the tournament so far.
Six Nations icons: The leading points scorer for each team
Rugby is a simple game. To win, you must score more points than your opposition.
In the Six Nations, we have seen some of the most efficient points scorers of all time take to the field and battle it out against one another.
In general, some of the most technically gifted players in the sport’s history have graced the pitches of western Europe, helping their nations to success.
Sports News Blitz rugby union writer Charlie Elliott looks at each team's top points scorer in the Six Nations era.
British & Irish Lions news: Eight players Andy Farrell must select for Australia tour
Ahead of a much-anticipated tour to Australia, British & Irish Lions coach and chief selector Andy Farrell will no doubt have been an avid watcher of the first three rounds of the Six Nations.
Over the last month, some players have firmly put themselves in the selection frame through electric performances, while others have done quite the opposite.
Sports News Blitz writer Jacob Garrett takes a look at the men playing their way into Farrell’s thoughts.
Six Nations news: Four talking points from the third round
A brilliant weekend of Six Nations action saw Ireland claim the ‘Triple Crown’ and England finally beat Scotland to regain the Calcutta Cup after five long years.
Sports News Blitz writer Jacob Garrett takes a look at four talking points from the third round.
British & Irish Lions news: A guide to the history and cultural significance of the Lions
The British & Irish Lions are a prestigious and historic touring rugby union team that represents the four Home Nations of the British Isles, namely England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
Sports News Blitz rugby writer Charlie Elliott offers a rundown of the history and cultural significance of the Lions.
Six Nations news: Will Georgia ever compete in the Championship?
Georgia have officially challenged the worst-performing team in the Six Nations, Wales, to a play-off match in order to determine the tournament’s ‘rightful’ sixth team.
Sports New Blitz rugby writer Charlie Elliot examines Georgia’s case for Championship inclusion.
Six Nations news: England’s most memorable game against each rival
Playing the same countries each year means that storylines and memories are ever-changing in the Six Nations, with new ones being created every spring.
With teams sure to have both good and bad moments, here are some of the more positive ones from an English perspective.
Sports News Blitz writer Charlie Elliott takes a look at England’s most memorable result against each of their rivals.
Six Nations Fantasy Rugby news: Luke Ebden’s Fantasy team for Round 3
The Six Nations is well underway - Ireland top the table after two rounds, Wales are bringing up the rear, with every other team on one win.
We are back after the first fallow week - Saturday sees Wales host Ireland and Scotland visit Twickenham for the Calcutta Cup - with Sunday seeing the all-continental clash between Italy and France.
In this article, Sports News Blitz writer Luke Ebden reveals his fantasy team for Round 3 and recaps on Round 2 including an update on the mini-league.
Rugby union news: England’s five youngest debutants in history
Countless players have worn the famous Rose of England on their chest in a Test match, but only a few possess the talent to have the opportunity thrust upon them at a young age.
Sports News Blitz rugby writer Charlie Elliott takes a look at the nation's five youngest debutants in history.
BBC to broadcast Premiership Women’s Rugby matches in lead-up to home World Cup
BBC coverage of Premiership Women’s Rugby is set to increase this year, providing fans with more exposure to elite women’s rugby ahead of the Women’s Rugby World Cup.
Sports News Blitz writer Shameeka Voyiya reports on the story.
Six Nations news: England vs Scotland – Steve Borthwick’s line-up and score prediction
The Six Nations returns this weekend, with a Calcutta Cup showdown between England and Scotland at Twickenham the pick of the games.
Sports News Blitz rugby writer Jacob Garrett previews the action and offers a score prediction.
British & Irish Lions news: Charlie Elliott picks his squad for Australia tour
The Six Nations may not be over yet, but every game is having a huge impact on who Andy Farrell is likely to pick for the upcoming British & Irish Lions tour of Australia.
There is still more than enough time for players to play themselves in and out of a shirt, but as of right now, some individuals are higher up the pecking order than others.
Sports News Blitz rugby writer Charlie Elliott offers his thoughts on the best squad as things stand.
Six Nations 2025 news: What we have learnt about each team after two rounds
With two games played and the first break of the 2025 Six Nations upon us, plenty has already changed since the tournament began.
Teams that were written off have defied expectations, while a top contender has already stumbled against an unexpected opponent.
There’s still everything to play for, but here’s one key takeaway from each team so far, brought to you by Sports News Blitz writer Charlie Elliott.
British & Irish Lions news: Andy Farrell should leave Finn Russell at home, claims Nick Mallett
Former Springboks head coach Nick Mallett has called for Scotland fly-half Finn Russell not to be included in the British & Irish Lions squad for the tour of Australia this summer.
Sports News Blitz rugby writer Charlie Elliott offers his thoughts on Russell’s potential selection.
Six Nations news: Five candidates to replace Warren Gatland as Wales head coach
Warren Gatland resigned as Wales head coach earlier this week, and the appointment of his successor will be a crucial step in improving the beleaguered nation’s rugby future.
Sports News Blitz rugby writer Charlie Elliott looks at five candidates to replace the Kiwi.
Six Nations news: A complete beginner's guide to the Six Nations Championship
As the premier international rugby tournament outside of the World Cup, the annual Six Nations Championship attracts a large number of viewers new to the game of rugby.
Sports News Blitz writer Charlie Elliot takes readers through the basics of the game and the structure of the Six Nations.