The Rugby Paper

2 days ago | therugbypaper.co.uk | Charlie Elliott

By Charlie ElliottThe British and Irish Lions squad was announced on Thursday, with head coach Andy Farrell announcing the 38 players who are going to tour and confirming that two extra spots will be available. Some players will have been surprised by the news that they were selected, and even those who fans saw as certainties would have known full well that it is a privilege and not a guarantee to be picked.

2 days ago | therugbypaper.co.uk | Charlie Elliott

By Charlie ElliottGeoff Parling has officially put an end to Leicester Tigers’ search for a new head coach to replace Michael Cheika next season, with the former British and Irish Lion and Tigers player being announced as Cheika’s successor today. A lock in his playing days, he already knows the club well, given that he made 93 appearances during a six-year spell in the East Midlands. Many will be familiar with Parling as a player, but as a coach, he is much more underrated.

2 days ago | therugbypaper.co.uk | Charlie Elliott

By Charlie ElliottRugby saw plenty happen over the weekend, with leagues across the world coming up with some great moments. Social media managed to keep tabs on everything that happened, offering a perspective and opinion on every moment, big or small. With the Premiership and Top 14 reaching crunch time, fans of those leagues, especially, were on the edge of their seats watching it unfold. Here, Charlie Elliott goes through the best moments of the weekend from rugby social media.

2 days ago | therugbypaper.co.uk | Charlie Elliott

By Charlie ElliottRound 16 of the Premiership saw plenty of changes to both the table and the optimism of some fans, as now the race for the top four is heating up. Leicester Tigers produced a stunning second-half performance to beat Sale Sharks 44-24 at Welford Road and all but secure their spot in the top four, with real hopes of a home semi-final. It leaves Sale on the brink, and with a huge game against Bristol Bears coming up for them, they may drop out of the top four completely.

5 days ago | therugbypaper.co.uk | Charlie Elliott

After last weekend’s European fixtures, which saw Northampton Saints overcome all odds to beat Leinster and reach the Champions Cup final and Bath overcome Edinburgh to qualify for the Challenge Cup final, the Premiership is back. Only three league games are left before the top four are decided and the play-off teams are confirmed. Every game is huge for those still fighting for the top four spots, with must-win games across the board.