Lions’ classless act had the hallmark of imperialists touring their convict colony
Stance on Pete Samu and unwillingness to give back to host nation makes touring party unpopular with locals
Matt Williams: Charmless Lions have put on a masterclass in how not to win friends since landing in Australia
Lions are overwhelming favourites to win test series, but a nation is willing them to fail
Matt Williams: Owen Farrell could prove a clever pick for the Lions
Australia must try something abominable against Andy Farrell’s team
Matt Williams: Lions’ insulting attitude is nicely stoking Australian pride
There’s been a whiff of rugby imperialism from the so-called home nations. Joe Schmidt may yet teach them a lesson
Matt Williams: It’s vital for Australia that the Lions play with style
It’s galling that some commentators portray the British and Irish Lions as brave underdogs
Matt Williams: Lions can’t afford to be infected by Irish rugby’s sense of entitlement against resurgent Australia
Wallabies have made significant progress since the disaster of World Cup 2023
Matt Williams: Bulls have a simple, winning game plan, and Leinster must simply smash it
Like Genghis Khan, the South African game is not very likeable, but bloody effective. Leinster need to hit hard and put the pressure back on the Bulls
Matt Williams: Unless Leinster’s defence wake up they will be left dreaming of what might have been
Deeper commitment to physical processes of defending is needed if they are to lift this year’s URC title
Matt Williams: Irish rugby should value the URC above the faltering Champions Cup
Many cling to memories of an era that has now passed, wrongly obsessed with the bisected remains of a once-great competition
Matt Williams: Decision to abandon men’s Sevens programme has shattered the dreams of generations of players
Irish rugby administrators wasted years resisting the eyecatching format and now they have dashed the hopes of another generation
Matt Williams: Lions would do well to remember that in rugby, as in war, past difficulties often repeat themselves
Andy Farrell’s men will have their work cut out in Australia
Ugly sense of entitlement has seeped into Irish rugby fan culture
Leinster’s Champions Cup exit has led to mob-like criticism of the team and their coach
Matt Williams: Leinster can get past Northampton if they have planned for a new and improved opponent
Leo Cullen’s men face into Champions Cup semi-final against a team driven by brawn and attacking skill
Matt Williams: Although Leinster continue to defy the odds, Irish professional rugby appears to be in decline
We need more coaches with professional team experience and deep technical knowledge
Matt Williams: Munster have a sniff as the Champions Cup gets blooming great
EPCR’s handling of the tournament is misguided, but the quarter-finals promise to be thrillers