Person: Dan Bigger

A COMPREHENSIVE SERIES OF ARTICLES ON THIS TOPIC

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Joe Schmidt now faces the biggest challenge of his coaching career

Since the advent of professionalism and the rise in the status of the Rugby World Cup after its rushed introduction in 1987 against the wishes of the four unions in Britain and Ireland, the sport at international level now tends to operate in four-year cycles.

rugby

John Cooney stands up for Ulster

Time for Ireland to turn pressure into points

rugby

Warren Gatland savouring sweetest win of his coaching career

Let’s unleash impact players earlier

Ireland v Wales: With all systems, you still need a spark

Welsh believe they have Ireland sussed

Wales have the attributes to turn an Irish strength into a potential weakness. Here are the three key areas of combat. 

Sat, 14 Mar, 2015

French stealing limelight

What we'll learn from the Heineken Cup.

Sat, 12 Oct, 2013

Lions’ pride bruised as reality bites

WARREN GATLAND knew in advance of yesterday’s meeting with the ACT Brumbies that he was dicing with death with a back line he was forced to cobble together over the last few days.

Wed, 19 Jun, 2013

Gatland has got it right

After months of speculation, the Lion is out of the bag.

Wed, 01 May, 2013

Why are we running out of steam?

I am finding it increasingly difficult to get my head around the player welfare programme and the current state of the provinces.

Wed, 03 Apr, 2013

DONAL LENIHAN: Examination of character will stand to Ireland

So much for predictions of conservative rugby to open up the Six Nations championship.

Mon, 04 Feb, 2013

The fine line between right and wrong

The Tactics

Sat, 12 Mar, 2011

Better days in Europe for French connection

EVEN at this early juncture there is a clarity of purpose about the French in Europe this season that suggests they mean business. Biarritz, Toulouse and Stade Francais are unbeaten at the summit of their respective pools while Clermont Auvergne and Perpignan are well positioned to make up ground when the tournament resumes in December. Brive, with two losses, are the only Gallic side out of the mix.

Wed, 21 Oct, 2009