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Contributors

Owain Jones

Owain has been writing and editing about rugby since 2004. He has edited matchday programmes for the WRU, publications for the British & Irish Lions and written for the Guinness Pro14. A regular voice on BBC Radio Wales, from 2011 to 2018, he was the editor of Rugby World Magazine. He has been writing for RugbyPass since 2019.

Progress of Ollie Lawrence sees England's overreliance on Manu Tuilagi dwindle
The Six Nations gives players a platform to rewrite their stories and the Bath centre is proving he can thrive in adversity
LONG READ
Garry Doyle   Jamie Lyall   Owain Jones
27 Feb 2023, 22:35
Sam Whitelock: 'I've never been shy about voicing my opinion'
The legendary second-row maybe entering his final season as an All Black but the Crusader is only looking forward
LONG READ
Owain Jones
25 Feb 2023, 4:39
Mike Brown proves the doubters wrong
Left on the professional scrapheap at 37, Mike Brown never gave up hope and he had his day in the sun with Leicester Tigers
LONG READ
Garry Doyle   Jamie Lyall   Owain Jones
20 Feb 2023, 21:22
The Irish eyes are smiling
Ireland showed they can walk the walk without a gamut of frontline stars in a battle for the ages against an obdurate, gifted Fren…
LONG READ
Garry Doyle   Jamie Lyall   Owain Jones
13 Feb 2023, 22:05
Van der Merwe's heroics silence the Twickenham masses
A try for the ages lights up a thrilling opening weekend of Six Nations rugby as Scotland, Ireland and France register away wins
LONG READ
Garry Doyle   Jamie Lyall   Owain Jones
06 Feb 2023, 21:48
The Borthwick era begins and a nation expects
A new era beckons at Twickenham and there is expectation in the air that Steve Borthwick can kickstart an England renaissance agai…
LONG READ
Owain Jones
04 Feb 2023, 16:04
RFU tackle-law debacle highlights rugby's existential crisis
The challenge for rugby to become a safer sport but still retain the elements that have made it a cherished sport to so many has b…
LONG READ
Garry Doyle   Jamie Lyall   Owain Jones
30 Jan 2023, 23:39
Is Welsh belief growing with the return of Warren Gatland?
The influence of the legendary Welsh coach has been seen after an upturn in fortunes for the beleaguered Welsh regions
LONG READ
Garry Doyle   Jamie Lyall   Owain Jones
23 Jan 2023, 22:41
Will Eddie have the last laugh?
The sacked England coach has gone home where he hopes to leave a legacy with the Wallabies, starting with a World Cup run in Franc…
LONG READ
Garry Doyle   Jamie Lyall   Owain Jones
16 Jan 2023, 21:23
Danny Grewcock: 'I had a fear about most people I played against. It spurred me on.'
An enforcer for Bath, England and the British and Irish Lions, the big lock is inspiring the next generation
LONG READ
Owain Jones
12 Jan 2023, 23:11
Farrell divides opinion like no other
The high-profile Saracen is in hot-water after a dubious tackle but his enduring qualities endear him to team-mates
LONG READ
Garry Doyle   Jamie Lyall   Owain Jones
09 Jan 2023, 20:18
Siya Kolisi: 'In rugby, if you show your individual side or express yourself, it's immediately frowned upon'
The Springbok captain will head to Paris after the World Cup and he is on a mission to take rugby to new frontiers
LONG READ
Owain Jones
04 Jan 2023, 17:58
Borthwick eyes English revival
The England fightback has started with the appointment of well-regarded Cumbrian and his assistant Kevin Sinfield
LONG READ
Garry Doyle   Jamie Lyall   Owain Jones
19 Dec 2022, 22:33
Watson magic gives rugby fans some festive cheer
While rugby fans froze at games, or kept themselves toasty by the fireside, they could all rejoice seeing Anthony Watson back in f…
LONG READ
Garry Doyle   Jamie Lyall   Owain Jones
12 Dec 2022, 22:50
Steven Kitshoff: 'I never felt like the best player on the pitch. I had to prove myself in other ways'
Rated as one of the best scrummaging looseheads in the world, the flame-haired Springbok has big plans for 2023
LONG READ
Owain Jones
09 Dec 2022, 17:31
Eddie Jones awaits his fate
The England head coach role could soon be vacant as the pressure mounts a year out from the World Cup in France
LONG READ
Garry Doyle   Jamie Lyall   Owain Jones
05 Dec 2022, 22:09
England feel the hurt and Eddie Jones feels the heat
The RFU is none too pleased with England's performances this Autumn, while in Wales, the crisis button is close to being pushed
LONG READ
Garry Doyle   Jamie Lyall   Owain Jones
28 Nov 2022, 21:14
Gareth Thomas: 'This game means everything. We have to leave it all out there.'
The Ospreys and Wales loosehead expects a big reaction against Australia after the chastening loss to Georgia
LONG READ
Owain Jones
26 Nov 2022, 16:26
England's stirring comeback fires up Twickenham faithful
England were on the canvas with nine minutes left to go before staging a famous 19-point recovery job to stun the All Blacks
LONG READ
Garry Doyle   Jamie Lyall   Owain Jones
21 Nov 2022, 20:06
Steward takes charge as England momentum is restored
After their shock loss to Argentina, England steady the ship to down Japan as the All Blacks juggernaut rolls into town
LONG READ
Garry Doyle   Jamie Lyall   Owain Jones
14 Nov 2022, 22:10
How Nic Gill conditions one of the world's most successful sporting teams
The All Blacks head of strength and conditioning on life on the road, the 'freaks' he works with and why he no longer chases the n…
LONG READ
Owain Jones
11 Nov 2022, 17:56
England left with more questions than answers
England were yet again left to search for positives after a narrow loss to Argentina, ramping up the pressure on Eddie Jones
LONG READ
Garry Doyle   Jamie Lyall   Owain Jones
08 Nov 2022, 1:37
Luck of the Irish runs out at Quins
Harlequins into raptures as contentious stoppage time try breaks the hearts of London Irish fans as chaos reigns at The Stoop
LONG READ
Garry Doyle   Jamie Lyall   Owain Jones
31 Oct 2022, 20:58
Marcus Smith rekindles the magic as Autumn Tests loom
The Harlequins playmaker shows his superstar worth as the Sale Sharks machine finally grinds to a halt with their first Premiershi…
LONG READ
Garry Doyle   Jamie Lyall   Owain Jones
24 Oct 2022, 17:20
Mired in crisis, yet Premiership Rugby provides a joyous spectacle
The financial crisis around English rugby is dominating headlines off the pitch, which is at odds with the glittering rugby on it
LONG READ
Garry Doyle   Jamie Lyall   Owain Jones
17 Oct 2022, 20:06
The fight for Worcester Warriors not to be forgotten
With the Warriors sunk and doubts still surrounding Wasps' short-term future as a Premiership Rugby club, rugby's financial climat…
LONG READ
Garry Doyle   Jamie Lyall   Owain Jones
10 Oct 2022, 21:39
Zoe Harrison: 'Rugby is a sport for anyone, you don't have to fit any stereotype.'
Owain Jones
08 Oct 2022, 2:28
Elinor Snowsill: 'There were so many times when I thought, I don't know if I can carry on'.
Owain Jones
04 Oct 2022, 22:46
Saracens lay down a marker as McFarland takes flight
Mark McCall's men exacted the perfect revenge mission on Leicester Tigers as the reigning champs were eviscerated
LONG READ
Garry Doyle   Jamie Lyall   Owain Jones
03 Oct 2022, 17:27
Rugby must not forget about Worcester Warriors
Worcester Warriors are a club that needs the support of the game in financially troubling times, and the hope is that rugby at Six…
LONG READ
Garry Doyle   Jamie Lyall   Owain Jones
26 Sep 2022, 20:22
'I'm less concerned with how the game looks and whether it's entertaining'
Dr Eanna Falvey has had two careers in sport where the main objectives are polar opposites. As a gifted heavyweight boxer, growing…
Interview
Owain Jones
16 Sep 2022, 18:24
Martin Anayi: 'As a rugby fan, I would like it all to be in one place. I can't be the only one.'
The URC has added the South African provinces and sought investment as far afield as India and Qatar, its CEO Martin Anayi says ru…
LONG READ
Owain Jones
16 Sep 2022, 15:56
Who are the Premiership stars backing to shine?
The Premiership season is about to get underway, so who are the club legends backing to turn in a big season for the fans?
LONG READ
Owain Jones
09 Sep 2022, 20:30
Queen Elizabeth II and her longstanding association with rugby
The Royal Family are mourning the sad passing of Queen Elizabeth II, at the age of 96.
Owain Jones
09 Sep 2022, 14:39
'We are going above and beyond these days to protect the players'
The improvement in concussion management has outpaced even Marika Koroibete in recent years and Dr Sharron Flahive has been at the…
Interview
Owain Jones
02 Sep 2022, 23:40
'Not every player is going to have brain health issues and not every person with early onset dementia played rugby'
When Conrad Smith hung up his battered size 11 adidas boots, he could have chosen to do pretty much anything he wanted.
Owain Jones
22 Aug 2022, 22:55
Summer Tests: Who would be picked in a World XV right now?
Rugby has been fortunate enough to feast on three weekends of sumptuous top-class Test action, where a select band of players have…
LONG READ
Jamie Lyall   Owain Jones
19 Jul 2022, 19:36
Ireland on top of the world as they humble All Blacks
The rugby world was turned on its head as Ireland defeated the All Blacks in the Series decider, leaving England to follow suit, w…
LONG READ
Garry Doyle   Jamie Lyall   Owain Jones
18 Jul 2022, 22:24
Can the Northern Hemisphere strike back?
It was advantage to the Southern Hemisphere after a 4-0 whitewash in week one of the summer Tests and the pressure is on the North…
LONG READ
Owain Jones
08 Jul 2022, 19:18
Uncertain England left looking for answers
The Southern Hemisphere are victorious as England yet again flatter to deceive, Ireland are blown away and Scotland are downed by …
LONG READ
Garry Doyle   Jamie Lyall   Owain Jones
04 Jul 2022, 19:33
Tom Wood: 'It seems to be frowned on to say, 'I just out and out like whacking people'
After an illustrious 17-year career, England and Saints legend Tom Wood took his final bow in rugby with the Barbarians
Owain Jones
30 Jun 2022, 17:09
'I went in early one morning, packed up all my stuff and left'
By early evening, after a few sangrias, and with the sun setting, Devin Toner may gift himself a few precious moments to reflect. …
Owain Jones
25 Jun 2022, 16:36
'My 13-year-old daughter asked to leave because she was terrified'
Iryna Arkhytska, the secretary general of URU, despite impeccable English, is struggling to find the right words to the fact her b…
Owain Jones
24 Jun 2022, 21:22
The Barbarians put on a show to embarrass England
Eddie Jones is humiliated as the BaaBaas cut loose, leaving England to head to Australia with renewed pressure to deliver results
LONG READ
Garry Doyle   Owain Jones
20 Jun 2022, 20:56
The rugby world mourns the loss of Phil Bennett
The world of rugby mourns the loss of the iconic Phil Bennett, Saracens and Leicester Tigers book a heavyweight clash at Twickenha…
LONG READ
Garry Doyle   Jamie Lyall   Owain Jones
13 Jun 2022, 19:55
Jack Clifford: 'I would have given up an England cap for the chance to win the Premiership with Quins'
Nearly two years on from hanging up his boots, the former Harlequins and England backrow is helping players with career-ending inj…
LONG READ
Owain Jones
11 Jun 2022, 0:45
Alex Mitchell: 'We've got it in us to win the Premiership for the first time since 2014'
The Northampton Saints scrum-half has had an outstanding season and he's hoping to inspire his side to give Chris Boyd the perfect…
LONG READ
Owain Jones
10 Jun 2022, 16:24
Premiership play-off draw adds spice to the sparkle
Saracens will face Harlequins in the first of two tasty Premiership play-off games, while Leicester Tigers host a rejuvenated Nort…
LONG READ
Garry Doyle   Jamie Lyall   Owain Jones
06 Jun 2022, 19:18
La Rochelle's fairy-tale story strikes a blow for the underdog
La Rochelle wrote themselves into the history books with a seismic Champion Cup win to further enhance the reputation of Ronan O'G…
LONG READ
Garry Doyle   Jamie Lyall   Owain Jones
30 May 2022, 20:24
Smokin' Joe lands knockout punch for Quins
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Garry Doyle   Jamie Lyall   Owain Jones
23 May 2022, 21:59
Will Collier: 'The front row at scrum time is the best place in the world'
A select member of the Quins front row forwards to have passed 200 appearances, Will Collier is playing the best rugby of his care…
LONG READ
Owain Jones
21 May 2022, 5:29
The inexorable rise of the golden oldies
By common convention, a rugby player was in decline once he hit 30, but a new wave of players are playing at the top level until t…
LONG READ
Owain Jones
18 May 2022, 19:53
Is Johnny Sexton set to become Ireland's greatest player?
Johnny Sexton inches up towards the top of Irish greats, Leo Cullen every inch the equal of Stuart Lancaster and Gabin Villiere ma…
LONG READ
Garry Doyle   Jamie Lyall   Owain Jones
16 May 2022, 19:13
Henry Arundell announces himself on the world stage
The London Irish wunderkind has caught the attention of Eddie Jones, while Leicester Tigers reach their ceiling against Leinster a…
LONG READ
Garry Doyle   Jamie Lyall   Owain Jones
09 May 2022, 20:04
Saracens getting in the groove for trophy hunt
The five-time Premiership Champions served notice against Exeter Chiefs that they won't rest until they get their crown back
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Garry Doyle   Jamie Lyall   Owain Jones
26 Apr 2022, 1:29
Leicester Tigers setting the pace
Freddie Steward leads the English charge as the giants of the game assemble for a no-holds barred battle to be crowned kings of Eu…
LONG READ
Garry Doyle   Jamie Lyall   Owain Jones
18 Apr 2022, 18:21
Rivals to tread Care-fully around the dangerous Quins
LONG READ
Garry Doyle   Jamie Lyall   Owain Jones
04 Apr 2022, 22:17
Ashton takes flight to write himself into the record books
The former England wing has finally drawn level with Tom Varndell as the Premiership top scorer in a weekend Leicester booked thei…
Jamie Lyall
28 Mar 2022, 18:41
The cap Fitz emerging Bear Harding
The young Bristol Bear has had a breakthrough season and he hopes his side can upset the odds with a win against Saracens
LONG READ
Owain Jones
26 Mar 2022, 17:02
Six Nations: The Italian job awaits for prop idol Dillon Lewis
The Wales tighthead packs down against Italy knowing competition is stronger than ever but that bodes well as Wayne Pivac builds d…
LONG READ
Owain Jones
19 Mar 2022, 5:51
Six Nations: Charlie Ewels pays the ultimate price to set-up classic encounter
England fade late in a compelling Six Nations clash, Wales give France a mighty fright and Saracens learn to win without their sup…
LONG READ
Garry Doyle   Jamie Lyall   Owain Jones
14 Mar 2022, 23:13
Saracens peg back Tigers in the race for the Premiership
Saracens beat the league leaders Leicester, Duhan van der Merwe's red card kicks off social media frenzy and the Welsh regions are…
LONG READ
Garry Doyle   Jamie Lyall   Owain Jones
07 Mar 2022, 19:20
England stutter to victory but are still in the Six Nations running
England get the job done after narrowly beating an improving Wales side, while Scotland lick their wounds after a French mauling a…
LONG READ
Garry Doyle   Jamie Lyall   Owain Jones
28 Feb 2022, 23:09
Six Nations: Tuilagi storms back into the Six Nations reckoning
The return of Manu Tuilagi has lifted the spirits of England fans while rugby mourns the passing of Steve Black and fans rage abou…
LONG READ
Garry Doyle   Jamie Lyall   Owain Jones
21 Feb 2022, 23:14
Seb Davies: 'England will be a great challenge but we're relishing it'
The multi-skilled Cardiff second-row has been in fine form this season and is forcing his way into the Wales squad at the right ti…
LONG READ
Owain Jones
20 Feb 2022, 16:47
Six Nations: Marcus Smith sparkles but sterner tests await
The Six Nations delivers on thrills and spills as England and Wales rebound, while only France can win the elusive Grand Slam...
LONG READ
Garry Doyle   Jamie Lyall   Owain Jones
14 Feb 2022, 23:26
Wayne Pivac: 'We owe it to ourselves and our public to put on a better display.'
Wales were humbled out in Dublin admidst disquiet at home, and Wayne Pivac has said his squad owe the Welsh fans a performance aga…
LONG READ
Owain Jones
11 Feb 2022, 16:47
Six Nations: Scotland dare to dream
LONG READ
Garry Doyle   Jamie Lyall   Owain Jones
07 Feb 2022, 23:27
Rugby shows vision to widen its congregation
Rugby returned to terrestrial TV in a boon to domestic rugby and with the Six Nations just days away, rugby is set to return to ce…
LONG READ
Garry Doyle   Jamie Lyall   Owain Jones
31 Jan 2022, 19:55
Depleted Wales left searching for positives
Wayne Pivac has a fully-loaded side and lifted the Six Nations title 12 months ago but his injury-stricken squad make a repeat unl…
LONG READ
Owain Jones
27 Jan 2022, 18:27
Is George Ford primed as a starter or support act?
The 77-cap England fly-half is to be parachuted back into the England squad in the wake of Owen Farrell's injury with a point to p…
LONG READ
Garry Doyle   Jamie Lyall   Owain Jones
24 Jan 2022, 22:41
Eddie Jones leading the way for a New England
Eddie Jones knows he will come under scrutiny but with a sky-high win record, he can take confidence he will be leading England to…
LONG READ
Owain Jones
20 Jan 2022, 21:17
Opportunity knocks for England's shining stars
This week will be make or break for rugby stars up and down the country with squads being named for the Six Nations and a few play…
LONG READ
Garry Doyle   Jamie Lyall   Owain Jones
17 Jan 2022, 23:41
Protheroe given licence to thrill
The exciting Ospreys back three player has been excelling since returning to his home region after enduring family heartache
LONG READ
Owain Jones
15 Jan 2022, 16:36
Wasp bite downs mighty Tigers
A resurgent Wasps upset the form-book and down unbeaten Tigers as the countdown for the Six Nations continues apace
LONG READ
Garry Doyle   Jamie Lyall   Owain Jones
11 Jan 2022, 1:03
Nick Tompkins: 'Leaving Saracens gave me a renewed love for a club where I feel trusted'
Nick Tompkins has emerged from the chaos of relegation with Saracens a better player and he wants to kick for club and country
LONG READ
Owain Jones
26 Dec 2021, 16:17
Smith and Fish serve up a festive feast of rugby
Harlequins and Cardiff served up a festive delight while Leicester continued their unbeaten run as European rugby was ravaged by C…
LONG READ
Garry Doyle   Jamie Lyall   Owain Jones
20 Dec 2021, 21:44
Paul Hill: 'I'm not going to kick Eddie Jones' door down and demand I get picked because that's not going to help anyone.'
Northampton Saints tighthead prop Paul Hill struggled with the early promotion to the England squad but the No 3 is now older and …
LONG READ
Owain Jones
19 Dec 2021, 18:07
Dupont is surging towards greatness
Antoine Dupont bewitches the rugby world, Munster marvel agains Wasps and Edinburgh down the mighty Saracens
LONG READ
Garry Doyle   Jamie Lyall   Owain Jones
13 Dec 2021, 22:23
Tigers continue to bare their teeth
Leicester Tigers continue to blaze a trail in the Premiership, while Munster and Cardiff scramble to prepare for Europe after Sout…
LONG READ
Garry Doyle   Jamie Lyall   Owain Jones
06 Dec 2021, 22:55
Premiership heavyweights go toe-to-toe
Saracens come out on top in slugfest over Sale, the Samoans put on a sad show at Twickenham and the URC flies in to Covid chaos
LONG READ
Garry Doyle   Jamie Lyall   Owain Jones
29 Nov 2021, 20:07
World XV of the Autumn Series
As a breathless 2021 draws to a close, RugbyPass selects its international team of the year.
LONG READ
Jamie Lyall   Owain Jones
25 Nov 2021, 22:18
England quicken the pulse but Eddie Jones will not rest on his laurels
The rugby world had its best day since crowds returned as France won hearts, England showed elan and Ireland finally kicked off th…
LONG READ
Garry Doyle   Jamie Lyall   Owain Jones
22 Nov 2021, 22:31
Rebuilding the fortress
England continue the Wallabies poor run at Twickenham, Courtney Lawes playing the best rugby of his life, Wales searching for big …
LONG READ
Jamie Lyall   Owain Jones
16 Nov 2021, 0:21
Scotland the braves
The first full round of inter-Hemisphere tests since the 2019 World Cup kicked off with a bang.
LONG READ
Garry Doyle   Jamie Lyall   Owain Jones
09 Nov 2021, 0:59
England v Tonga: Great expectations
Eddie Jones has rich words of praise for Tom Curry, Ellis Genge and Kyle Sinckler while the public clamour for Alex Dombrandt and …
LONG READ
Owain Jones
06 Nov 2021, 5:10
Bath looking to arrest worrying downturn in form
Bath head to Leicester Tigers is a state of disarray, Worcester finally get an all important win and Will Jordan announces himself…
LONG READ
Jamie Lyall   Owain Jones
02 Nov 2021, 0:28
Depleted Wales feel the force of majestic All Blacks
The All Blacks ran in seven tries against a spirited, yet limited Wales side who were deprived of many of their star names, but th…
LONG READ
Owain Jones
31 Oct 2021, 18:28
Leicester Tigers show their muscle
Leicester Tigers underlined their notable renaissance, Worcester Warriors wilted under a Saints bombardment and Wales' omitted sta…
LONG READ
Garry Doyle   Owain Jones
25 Oct 2021, 22:41
Saracens stars show they aren't a spent force
The England squad has set tongues wagging, Saracens show they've lost nothing of their lustre and Leinster still rule all they sur…
LONG READ
Owain Jones
19 Oct 2021, 0:39
Pivac looking to keep a lid on Wales' great expectations
Wayne Pivac has selected an injury-hit 38-man squad to face New Zealand, South Africa, Fiji and Australia but planning for the 202…
LONG READ
Owain Jones
15 Oct 2021, 20:29
Harlequins prepare to build a thrilling dynasty
Harlequins are playing rugby on a higher level right now, while Saracens have lost none of their mettle in defeating the Falcons. …
LONG READ
Owain Jones
11 Oct 2021, 20:05
Jack Kenningham: 'Obviously I have a dream of playing for England'
How boyhood Harlequins fan Jack Kenningham rose from obscurity to live his dream as a Premiership champion and England squad membe…
LONG READ
Owain Jones
07 Oct 2021, 3:02
Filling the void
As a player, Calum Clark was uncompromising and made mistakes but in his new role he aims to be a force for good
LONG READ
Owain Jones
12 Sep 2021, 17:03
A different ball game
Sportable plan to revolutionise data analysis of the game - and the sky’s the limit
LONG READ
Owain Jones
09 Sep 2021, 23:44
The star-spangled Banners
Popular Bath, Gloucester and England wing leaves the game with no regrets
LONG READ
Owain Jones
05 Sep 2021, 6:08
An Englishman abroad
When Geoff Parling left the UK for Japan in 2017, he had no idea he'd end up in Australia building a burgeoning reputation as a co…
LONG READ
Owain Jones
22 Aug 2021, 16:22
Lions crushed by a sense of regret
The Lions lost the Test Series by the narrowest of margins leaving them proud of their efforts but left hollow from what could hav…
LONG READ
Owain Jones
08 Aug 2021, 20:25
The final push for the Lions
Warren Gatland's belief must not waver as they seek to rock the Springboks and win the first Series since 1997 on South African so…
LONG READ
Owain Jones
07 Aug 2021, 15:47
Now or never for the Lions
Alun Wyn Jones will have to rally a bedraggled Lions squad for one final push after they were taught a lesson in Cape Town
LONG READ
Owain Jones
01 Aug 2021, 18:28
The race for Lions selection
Warren Gatland has never been afraid to take the tough calls in the pursuit of victory
LONG READ
Owain Jones
28 Jul 2021, 17:49
Why Gatland has rolled the dice
Eyebrows were raised when the Lions unveiled their squad for the first Test but every eventuality has been covered
LONG READ
Owain Jones
22 Jul 2021, 4:16
Don't give up the fight
At 33, Josh Turnbull had a Wales call-up after three years in the wilderness. It is just reward for hard graft
LONG READ
Owain Jones
10 Jul 2021, 2:10
Gatland's Lions attempt to climb their Everest
The Lions tour starts in Edinburgh today but their toughest opponent will surely be a pandemic that has brought the world to its k…
LONG READ
Owain Jones
26 Jun 2021, 16:09
Bear necessities
In the past Bristol were rudderless and lacking in confidence but with the right backing, brighter times lie ahead
LONG READ
Owain Jones
19 Jun 2021, 5:49
The unsung hero
Uncompromising on the field and a gentleman off it, Jake Ball leaves Wales having gained the respect of a nation
LONG READ
Owain Jones
29 May 2021, 1:46
On an upward curve
Ben Loader is one of a clutch of London Irish players tearing up the Premiership this season
LONG READ
Owain Jones
23 May 2021, 17:17
Taking the next step
Alex Dombrandt has hit every marker required to showcase his sumptuous talents at the highest level
LONG READ
Owain Jones
15 May 2021, 6:25
The problem position
Unlike previous tours, the No 9 spot is wide open so we spoke to Mike Phillips and Rory Lawson for their thoughts
LONG READ
Owain Jones
05 May 2021, 19:51
The prodigal son
Simon Zebo may have a happy-go-lucky nature but the returning Munster star doesn't shy away from the sport's biggest issue.
LONG READ
Owain Jones
14 Apr 2021, 23:25
The great entertainer
Tom O'Flaherty has been pulling up trees down in Devon and the wing is thriving in esteemed company
LONG READ
Owain Jones
03 Apr 2021, 17:23
The hard yards
The community game has faced an unprecedented year of hardship but now there is finally a chink of light
LONG READ
Owain Jones
27 Mar 2021, 17:26
Risky business
The announcement that the 2021 Lions tour will take place in South Africa has rugby fans hoping for the best
LONG READ
Owain Jones
24 Mar 2021, 18:37
The comeback kids
Wales have an ageing, unfancied team but they may yet have the last laugh on a gifted French side
LONG READ
Owain Jones
18 Mar 2021, 19:34
Life at the coalface
Andrew Sheridan was one of the game's strongest men and the giant England prop is still a mighty force
LONG READ
Owain Jones
07 Mar 2021, 17:08
Under the radar
Wyn Jones has emerged from the shadows to be one of Wales' consistent performers in the Six Nations
LONG READ
Owain Jones
22 Feb 2021, 16:21
The renaissance man
After a false start with England on their 2018 tour to South Africa, Jonny Hill is making up for lost time
LONG READ
Owain Jones
13 Feb 2021, 6:10
Six Nations preview: France
France have gone from pretenders to contenders in 12 months but can they back up the expectation of a nation?
LONG READ
Owain Jones
06 Feb 2021, 2:26
Six Nations preview: Wales
After a hugely successful period under Warren Gatland, Wales enter the 2021 Six Nations as underdogs
LONG READ
Owain Jones
05 Feb 2021, 1:55
Six Nations preview: England
Eddie Jones has asked England to entertain a nation, but is winning a Grand Slam paramount?
LONG READ
Owain Jones
04 Feb 2021, 19:55
Easing the burden
Tom Youngs has reached 200 appearances for Leicester and, at 34, feels as good as ever
LONG READ
Owain Jones
29 Jan 2021, 7:29
The odd couple
Mark Durden-Smith and David Flatman make a classic TV double act but what do they make of each other?
LONG READ
Owain Jones
21 Jan 2021, 23:50
Short circuit
Why Premiership Rugby's egregious circuit-break reeks of inflexibility, short-sightedness and politicking.
LONG READ
Owain Jones
12 Jan 2021, 18:33
Teenage kicks
Just 19, Ioan Lloyd has had a breakthrough year and 2021 promises to be even better
LONG READ
Owain Jones
31 Dec 2020, 16:43
Brave new world
World Rugby's Mark Egan talks about a year of upheaval and the future of the game
LONG READ
Owain Jones
22 Dec 2020, 1:42
Big Red
Wales prop Rhys Carré is set to continue his rugby education in the Autumn Nations Cup
LONG READ
Owain Jones
13 Nov 2020, 1:15
Wales player ratings vs Scotland - Six Nations Super Sunday
Wales player ratings: Wales and Scotland played out a dour denouement to the truncated, pandemic afflicted 2020 Six Nations.
Owain Jones
01 Nov 2020, 1:19
As Goode as it gets
The England full-back opens up on the toughest month of his career and life in Japan
LONG READ
Owain Jones
31 Oct 2020, 16:21
When forwards go rogue
It’s pretty easy...scrum, lineout, ruck. Yet some forwards have shown they can’t follow that simple brief
LONG READ
Owain Jones
25 Sep 2020, 1:23
RugbyPass launch new subscription service - 'The XV'
Neil Martin, CEO of RugbyPass, has announced that the company - bought by Sky New Zealand in August 2019 - have launched a new sub…
Owain Jones
18 Sep 2020, 18:00
Five PRO14 stars who did their international ambitions no harm on rugby's return
Waiting for rugby to restart in the Pro14 must have, at times, felt like being the Shawshank Redemption’s Andy Dufresne, chippin…
Owain Jones
24 Aug 2020, 1:02
Mentality monster
Maligned for a perceived lack of flair, Dan Biggar is proud to be dependable
LONG READ
Owain Jones
20 Aug 2020, 22:52
No Regrets
Mike Brown isn't everyone’s cup of tea, but the long-serving fullback makes no apologies
LONG READ
Owain Jones
18 Aug 2020, 20:39
Six England backrow contenders to threaten the established order
The established order in the England backrow seems unruffled. A settled trio. At the base of the scrum is the guv’nor, Billy Vun…
Owain Jones
08 Aug 2020, 18:00
What the Scarlets best XV might look like next season
The Scarlets are the best funded of the Welsh regions and in recent years, the most successful, with a Pro12 title banked in 2017 …
Owain Jones
07 Aug 2020, 0:01
'The beautiful game is replaced by hard rugby, by the taste of blood in the mouth.'
It’s a well-worn cliché from British rugby fans that the Les Bleus are a little, well, crazy, their Latin temperaments on occas…
Owain Jones
19 Jul 2020, 17:09
'At training, I'd think, 'I'm s****ing my pants a bit here'. It was so intense. I didn't want to hurt my teammates'
Nick Williams has had twelve years as a professional rugby player in Europe, an odyssey the Cardiff back row traces back to a toug…
Owain Jones
12 Jul 2020, 18:00
What the Cardiff Blues XV might look like next season...
The Cardiff Blues have quietly gone about their transfer business in the last two close-seasons by making a series of shrewd signi…
Owain Jones
03 Jul 2020, 3:13
'I can see him making it at the top level. He's got the world at his feet' - Nick Kennedy on Scarlets target Johnny Williams
When Hadleigh Parkes and Owen Williams were confirmed as heading for Japanese Top League, there was a collective sigh in Wales, fo…
Owain Jones
26 Jun 2020, 20:16
Where are they now? The All Blacks team 25 years after their 1995 World Cup final defeat
The all-conquering All Blacks headed to Jo'burg confident of a win over the Springboks but on a fateful World Cup day in 1995, the…
Owain Jones
25 Jun 2020, 2:00
Where are they now? The last Scotland team of the amateur era 25 years after their exit from the 1995 World Cup
June 11 marks the 25th anniversary of when the last Scotland team of the old amateur era faced Jonah Lomu’s New Zealand in the W…
Owain Jones
12 Jun 2020, 1:37
Where are they now? The last Australia team of the amateur era 25 years after their exit from the 1995 World Cup
Reigning World Cup champions Australia lost to England in the 1995 quarter-finals, Rob Andrew's late drop-goal eliminating them.
Owain Jones
11 Jun 2020, 17:25
Scrum-halves in their 30s don't usually start at a World Cup, so jockeying for No9 has started in Wales for France 2023
The average age of a starting Wales scrum-half at a World Cup is 26 years and 4 months, which suggests Webb and Davies are up agai…
Owain Jones
06 Jun 2020, 2:32
Where are they now? The last Wales team of the amateur era 25 years after their 1995 World Cup exit
June 4 is the 25th anniversary of the last Wales amateur era team… RugbyPass looks at how their players coped with professionali…
Owain Jones
05 Jun 2020, 2:52
'When our coaches mentioned they had seen a load of champers going into the Bristol changing room, we were absolutely raging'
Phil Dollman and Tom Johnson reflect on the pre-game motivation 10 years ago that helped promote Exeter and turn them into a Premi…
Owain Jones
27 May 2020, 3:08
'I'm not the most genetically gifted, but I've got a good enough understanding to excel defensively'
Admired as a thought and deed leader, the influence of young Fraser Dingwall at Northampton Saints has quickly thrust him into a p…
Owain Jones
21 May 2020, 3:01
The obsessive coming to Scarlets: 'He just eats mince and rice in a cubby hole in his locker room'
The appointment of Ben Franks as Scarlets scrum coach ruffled some Welsh feathers but Tom Wood insists the region is getting a qua…
Owain Jones
20 May 2020, 2:49
'I've matured… I'm no longer the 23-year-old who likes just going out for a drink with the boys'
Sam Davies faced a career-defining decision a year ago after the Ospreys unveiled Gareth Anscombe…the out-half left for Dragons …
Owain Jones
17 May 2020, 16:12
'You're not a hardman… it's not like you're down a dark alley, shirts off, going at it knuckle to knuckle'
From red cards to a tragic car accident involving a fatality, England World Cup winner Julian White was a rumbustious tighthead wh…
Owain Jones
08 May 2020, 0:52
Is Bill Beaumont really the man to change rugby?
It was no surprise to see Sir Bill Beaumont had been anointed World Rugby chairman for a second term.
Owain Jones
03 May 2020, 18:56
'Henson was different, a true professional… plus his tan was unreal'
Having turned 20th last November, Taine Basham has a hugely promising back row career in front of him… but a now-retired fancy-d…
Owain Jones
28 Apr 2020, 23:39
What Adam Jones looks for in a tighthead
Now for those of you who know your rugby onions, that, of course, is the birthplace of Wales’ greatest tighthead of the professi…
Owain Jones
20 Apr 2020, 3:58
'I didn't say a farewell to Gatland... the last time I spoke to him was after I got injured in November 2018'
Despite not being seen in the red of Wales the past 17 months, the blindside hasn’t given up hopes of an international recall de…
Owain Jones
18 Apr 2020, 19:54
Forget his critics - Cory Hill should be a hero for anyone who's ever held a tackle bag
Now no one is suggesting such a poisonous reception is awaiting Cory Hill when he next trots out to face the Dragons at Rodney Par…
Owain Jones
09 Apr 2020, 22:07
'No one has died from the virus yet. But the worry is we will not have the medical resources to fight it'
Gareth Baber until a matter of days ago was planning to guide Fiji to back-to-back Olympic gold medals before Covid-19 brought the…
Owain Jones
03 Apr 2020, 2:49
The uncomfortable rugby truth exposed by the global pandemic
Rugby has always been inclined to puff out its chest and tell you just how much it’s growing. In a report by Nielsen Sports in 2…
Owain Jones
26 Mar 2020, 17:25
Eight Welsh 'Golden Generation' players and their chances of making the 2023 World Cup
When New Zealand won the 2015 World Cup amidst scenes of unbridled triumph, if you looked around the squad, arms held aloft, six m…
Owain Jones
20 Mar 2020, 19:55
History will be made in London, yes, but there's subplots at every turn
No sporting rivalry will come close to surpassing Tottenham v Arsenal in N17 but bragging rights will be no less vociferous at the…
Owain Jones
13 Mar 2020, 17:21
Go easy on Wayne Pivac. He's got a massive decision to make
The shy and retiring Eddie Jones made an interesting point in his post-match missives. He laid out a staunch defence of Wayne Piva…
Owain Jones
08 Mar 2020, 19:13
Pob lwc, Wales... England can scare the living bejesus out any pack showing the merest hint of fragility
The odds favour Eddie Jones’ men, so there will be puffed out chests in West car park before kick-off. As for Welsh support, it …
Owain Jones
06 Mar 2020, 22:43
'It's a brutal sport. Look at Fats, Henry Fraser and Hambo... Jono Gibbes is struggling to walk'
For those of a certain age, there was once a popular American TV series called The Littlest Hobo. It last aired in 1986, coinciden…
Owain Jones
02 Mar 2020, 1:28
Wales slump to another defeat but perspective needed in analysing start of the Pivac era
It's now two losses on the bounce and a first home defeat for Wales in the Six Nations since 2017, but all hope is not lost.
Owain Jones
24 Feb 2020, 22:27
Use of the 'C' word has ignited an already simmering RWC rivalry
With a French onslaught guaranteed three rounds into the Six Nations, new Wales coach Wayne Pivac needs all his gumption to stick …
Owain Jones
21 Feb 2020, 19:52
The French Enigma - Part 2: Galthie has cool glasses, wears white trainers with suits and already has a media profile
With Les Bleus due in Cardiff next Saturday, their coach has been accused of arrogance but the feeling in his homeland is that at …
Owain Jones
20 Feb 2020, 1:40
The French Enigma - Part 1: Real deal or another false dawn after near-decade of malaise?
With Les Bleus set to face Wales next Saturday in Cardiff, RugbyPass has gathered expert opinion for a two-part series on whether …
Owain Jones
19 Feb 2020, 4:05
North's increasingly regular anonymity and 5 Wales take-aways from Dublin
Wales came to Dublin with their tails up. Grand Slam winners, World Cup semi-finalists and two wins full of enterprise had given t…
Owain Jones
09 Feb 2020, 18:34
Why Wales fans should be confident as they chase first win in Dublin since 2012
In the post-match wrap-up of Saturday's win against Italy, the Welsh management felt the positives outweighed the negatives.
Owain Jones
03 Feb 2020, 19:49
Pivac's honeymoon period will be shorter than Ed Griffiths' return to Saracens if Wales fluff their lines
Bonhomie and heartfelt platitudes have been the order of the day in this Six Nations build-up for Wayne Pivac, but he is about to …
Owain Jones
31 Jan 2020, 22:22
We need to talk about Rhys Webb
We need to talk about Rhys Webb. The 31-cap Wales and Lions scrum-half is reported to have bid a final adieu to Toulon after a cha…
Owain Jones
25 Jan 2020, 18:25
The message is writ-large: cherish Alun Wyn Jones before he unlaces his size 15s for the last time
A post-AWJ future is an unpalatable prospect for Welsh fans, but time won't wait for the talisman who is in his 15th year of Test …
Owain Jones
22 Jan 2020, 3:27
Wales' cross-border reconnaissance would have made the Viet Cong proud
RugbyPass have joined the melee to offer a considered view on the 38-man squad primed to defend Wales’ Six Nations title.
Owain Jones
17 Jan 2020, 1:19
Frontrunners, likely-lads and bolters: The 12 players vying for Wales' back three
When Pivac and Stephen Jones burn the metaphorical midnight oil on Tuesday night, ahead of the Six Nations squad announcement, bea…
Owain Jones
12 Jan 2020, 16:59
'Ultimately, I'm a son, a brother, a father, a husband, that's my identity. Rugby doesn't define me'
Lyrics from Nineties pop-philosophers KWS - 'Please don’t go, please don’t go, I’m begging you to stay' - perfectly encapsul…
Owain Jones
07 Jan 2020, 17:40
The nine sublime moments that stand out most in a decade for Wales to remember
All Wales' giddy success during the 2010s means cherry-picking a highlights reel to do it justice isn’t easy, but RugbyPass have…
Owain Jones
31 Dec 2019, 23:21
Embarrassingly 'nilled' by rivals Scarlets, Ospreys are in dire need of a head coach with vision and gravitas
If the shellacking dished out by their rivals across the Loughor was nightmarish, there is no easy respite for a region lacking in…
Owain Jones
28 Dec 2019, 0:11
'He's explosive, dynamic... has X-factor' - the man of few words who could be Wales' next scrumhalf star - Tomos Williams
The Blues scrum-half is rather tongue-tied when it comes to talking about himself but Richie Rees believes he is someone who will …
Owain Jones
21 Dec 2019, 18:45
Forget the schadenfreude, Howley's gambling woes are nothing to laugh about
The news that Rob Howley has been hit with an 18-month ban from professional rugby for betting on rugby union has been met with a …
Owain Jones
17 Dec 2019, 2:07
John Devereux on where to next for Wales' production line of Rolls-Royce midfield pairings
From Bateman-Gibbs to Henson-Shanklin and on to Roberts-Davies, a ready supply of fabulously combative midfield partnerships have …
Owain Jones
12 Dec 2019, 23:17
Preparing a side against Gatland like dating a new girlfriend still pining for a very visible, much-loved ex-boyfriend
It’s been a long time coming for Wales supporters but the Wayne Pivac era is finally up and running, and there is plenty of earl…
Owain Jones
02 Dec 2019, 19:59
Have the little-fancied Dragons the best back row options in Wales?
The Newport-based region have been ridiculed for years, but progress is being made under latest boss Dean Ryan who is going to hav…
Owain Jones
29 Nov 2019, 23:23
Covert scouting, tit-for-tat raids and loopholes: the thorny world of Welsh talent ID
The term ‘Welsh qualified player’ has had loaded connotations in recent years but for all the nay-sayers, it can't be denied t…
Owain Jones
23 Nov 2019, 16:18
The god-awful hospital pass Wayne Pivac just received and his likely course of treatment
The new Wales coach is presumably no fan of roller-coasters, but he must have watched the World Cup as if strapped to the mother o…
Owain Jones
14 Nov 2019, 18:35
Six major issues on Wayne Pivac's Wales to-do list
With the World Cup over, Wayne Pivac is now officially the Wales coach and his honeymoon period will be brief given the number of …
Owain Jones
08 Nov 2019, 19:05
Wales' World Cup - Owain Jones' alternative awards
As they ready themselves to head home, here are some decidedly unofficial gongs to hand out…
Owain Jones
03 Nov 2019, 19:24
There's been a long-held creativity void within the Welsh set-up
At the final whistle, Welsh players stood tall, transfixed to the turf, looking for something to fixate their glassy eyes on. They…
Owain Jones
29 Oct 2019, 1:05
Forget his physique, Justin Tipuric must be considered Springbok enemy No.1
Justin Tipuric doesn’t do self-promotion. The most outlandish part of his persona is his bright blue scrum cap, which conver…
Owain Jones
23 Oct 2019, 22:57
'I've been speaking to a few boys in France' - Lee Byrne's late warning to Wales on eve of quarter-final
Putting his French contacts to good use, Lee Byrne dismisses claims of rancour in the French camp and warns that Wales must be swi…
Owain Jones
19 Oct 2019, 22:05
'Whatever transpires from now on, this has tainted the tournament'
Never work with animals, small babies and 1400km-wide biblically-sized typhoons. That old adage routinely does the rounds in live …
Owain Jones
11 Oct 2019, 1:20
Radradra, ref chat and AWJ - 7 things we learned from Wales versus Fiji
Six tries, four disallowed tries, four yellow cards, six players leaving the field through injury and a human wrecking ball by the…
Owain Jones
10 Oct 2019, 19:52
Why history tells us Wales need to treat Fiji with immense respect
Warren Gatland's squad have impressed in Japan but Wales won't need to be reminded of the pain inflicted by the Pacific Island nat…
Owain Jones
07 Oct 2019, 20:41
Analysis: How Wales successfully negotiated agonising final minutes v Australia
Having learned the hard way, Wales showed superb game management to hold out against the Wallabies and claim a hugely valuable win…
Owain Jones
01 Oct 2019, 0:12
'Warren said he was looking for that someone who had a point of difference, that little something extra'
Aaron Wainwright was playing as a student with Cardiff Met only 23 months ago before his immense work rate started getting him not…
Owain Jones
28 Sep 2019, 21:49
How Wales veered from attacking verve to loss of focus following a tumultuous week
All roads now lead to Tokyo for Wales following a curate's egg performance in Toyota where some clinical attacking was followed by…
Owain Jones
25 Sep 2019, 2:10
'I'm never going to be the finished article...' - Jonathan Davies on injuries, Cubby Tours and how Wales can win the World Cup
Jonathan Davies was distraught that injury sidelined him from the 2015 World Cup, but he is now back in harness and ready for the …
Owain Jones
21 Sep 2019, 0:23
It might be hard to believe just now but there is a silver lining to Howley's shock Wales exit
It looks a mess, losing Rob Howley to betting allegations just days before the World Cup, but Wales have a habit of shining in adv…
Owain Jones
18 Sep 2019, 21:03
'If you want to go into battle with anyone, it's Dan Biggar… he's an absolute trooper'
Chris Boyd used to have Beauden Barrett pulling the strings for the Super Rugby Hurricanes but he sees in Northampton's Dan Biggar…
Owain Jones
12 Sep 2019, 17:47
How are Wales shaping up ahead of Japan?
Wales finished their month of shadow-boxing the Northern Hemisphere’s finest with their most insipid 40 minutes of the summer.
Owain Jones
09 Sep 2019, 18:36
Analysis - Owain Jones breaks down the Welsh Rugby World Cup squad
Sport doesn’t always get the scripts it deserves. If it did, Don Bradman would have got off the mark in his final Test innings t…
Owain Jones
02 Sep 2019, 22:18
What Wales are potentially missing to be genuine World Cup contenders
Let’s get the platitudes out of the way from the off. Warren Gatland, to the surprise of no one, is Wales’ greatest coach, not…
Owain Jones
26 Aug 2019, 19:26
The Gorseinon boy who smashed Itoje and made a Welsh legend choke on his words
English players aren’t known for winning the popularity stakes within the pulsating, partisan tiers of the Principality Stadium.
Owain Jones
18 Aug 2019, 22:32
Overrated unbeaten runs, different agendas and anxious waits... the fall-out from England vs Wales
Twickenham on Sunday provided a compelling pre-World Cup ding-dong between two sides who daren’t fail, for risk of acute Japanes…
Owain Jones
12 Aug 2019, 16:27
The end of the routing era at Twickenham
Wales have won only three Tests at Twickenham in the 24 years since professionalism, but under Warren Gatland, routs have been rep…
Owain Jones
05 Aug 2019, 0:11