Licence to thrill

As sporting insults go it was up there with the best.

Mon, 05 Mar, 2001 - 10:19
Frank Malley

As sporting insults go it was up there with the best.

“If Iain Balshaw is an international full back,” maintained former Scottish rugby coach Finlay Calder, “then I’m Mel Gibson”.

You have reached your article limit. Already a subscriber? Sign in

Save €40 on an Annual Subscription.​

Continue reading within unlimited digital access and exclusive subscriber benefits.

Cancel anytime

CONNECT WITH US TODAY

Whatsapp logo

WHATSAPP

Newsletter logo

NEWSLETTERS

Notification logo

NOTIFICATIONS

Be the first to know the latest news and updates

More in this section

A view of a scrum 22/11/2025 Springbok scrum looms but Ireland focusing on themselves in the set piece
Stuart McCloskey 9/11/2026 Ireland ready to be creative as more injuries ask tougher questions of them
Wales v Japan - Nations Championship - Principality Stadium Jamie George says England will be ready for Eddie Jones mind games
CourtsRugby: ExaminerPlace: TwickenhamPlace: BritainPlace: EnglandPlace: MurrayfieldPlace: IrelandPerson: Iain BalshawPerson: Finlay CalderPerson: Mel GibsonPerson: CalderPerson: GibsonPerson: BalshawPerson: Clive WoodwardPerson: Phil VickeryPerson: Danny GrewcockPerson: Jason LeonardPerson: HollandPerson: WoodwardPerson: Matt PerryPerson: Matt DawsonPerson: PerryPerson: DawsonPerson: Ben CohenPerson: Austin HealeyPerson: Dan LugerPerson: RobinsonPerson: Will GreenwoodEvent: Grand SlamOrganisation: EnglandOrganisation: ScotlandOrganisation: BlackburnOrganisation: WalesOrganisation: ItalyOrganisation: FerrariOrganisation: Bath
<p>There has been a long power struggle between World Rugby and the unions over the Nations Championship. Pic: ©INPHO/Ben Brady</p>

Six Nations and Sanzaar face new battle with World Rugby in bid to scrap relegation

READ NOW

Sport

Newsletter

Sign up to our daily sports bulletin, delivered straight to your inbox at 5pm. Subscribers also receive an exclusive email from our sports desk editors every Friday evening looking forward to the weekend's sporting action.

Latest

Sport

Newsletter

Sign up to our daily sports bulletin, delivered straight to your inbox at 5pm. Subscribers also receive an exclusive email from our sports desk editors every Friday evening looking forward to the weekend's sporting action.

Donal Lenihan
Donal Lenihan

Inside rugby

Most Read

Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited