RAF Spitfires Rugby 7s commemorate Dambusters 70th anniversary

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The RAF Spitfires Rugby 7s team have visited the iconic Derwent Valley Reservoirs and Dam to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the famous Dambusters story.

The rugby 7s team, who take their name from the iconic Royal Air Force Spitfire aircraft used in World War II, made a special stop at the Derwent Valley reservoirs and dam as part of a gruelling 500mile charity cycle.

The team rode from Glasgow to Twickenham, to coincide with the final two legs of the IRB World Sevens Series, and planned the visit to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Dambusters’ Operation Chastise, on Thursday 16th May.

Lions 2013: Graham Rowntree explains some of the selections

Former Lion and now forwards coach Graham Rowntree discusses how some of the selections came to pass.



Credit: Nick Heath/Rugby Media

Lions 2013: Croft gets British & Irish Lions call

England and Leicester Tigers flanker Tom Croft on the thrill of being selected for the British & Irish Lions squad, and the difficulties facing the tourists in Australia this summer.

Welsh players on the move

By Issy Ronald

After the recent transfer of George North to Northampton Saints, questions have been raised about the ability of the WRU to keep key players in Wales. Many would argue that Northampton signing North shows that it isn’t just the French who the Welsh can’t compete with but also the English clubs.

This is a huge blow for the WRU and caused the recent argument with the regions. This public argument exposed the non-existent relationship between the two unions and once again reinforced the fact that the regions don’t work.

Lions Halfback Pairing

By Rowan Birch

With the Lions squad announcement on the horizon, one of the main talking points and competitive areas are the halfbacks. The tour will be won or lost in these two positions, and Warren Gatland must have 100% confidence in whatever pairing he selects for the Barbarians game.

Will Greenwood on the JP Morgan 7s

World Cup winner Will Greenwood, an ambassador for the JP Morgan Premiership Rugby Sevens Series, looks ahead to the 2013 competition.

Exclusive: #rugbyunited is bigger and better than ever

The last time we gave you an update on the fast-moving world of #rugbyunited was back in August. Five months later, the quickly developing brand is getting bigger and bigger and they’ve got exciting plans for the future.

The strong link between Scrum Five and #rugbyunited was once again tightened as our editor caught up with Trevor Large, the founder of #rugbyunited, for an hour and a half discussion about what’s ahead for the brand. So, without further ado, here’s what unfolded…

Breakthrough nominees Wallace and Trayfoot preview Semis

Harlequins back rowers Luke Wallace and Joe Trayfoot have each been nominated for the 2012/13 LV=Breakthrough Player Award. Nick Heath spoke to them in the lead up to their LV=Cup semi-final against Bath on March 9th.



Credit: Rugby Media/Nick Heath

Italy are victims as Welsh Dragon breathes fire again

By Morgan Cerrone

It was always going to be a difficult day for Italy facing Wales in the Stadio Olympico without Sergio Parisse, but it would be the scrum that proved to be the Achilles’ heel of the home side, allowing Wales to continue to build their confidence after winning in Paris. After a promising start to the Six Nations beating France, Italy will need to regroup after two defeats on the bounce while Wales will be playing with the knowledge that the hope of defending their title is still very much alive.

Early on in the game Italy looked to defend well, keeping a good number of players back to counter the Halfpenny threat as due to conditions the bombs were sure to rain down all afternoon and the kicking game to be as vital as ever. However it would be Italy’s own indiscipline that would gift Wales their first 3 points. Italy were never really in the game yet a poor Welsh scrum allowed Italy to level up when Jenkins was penalised for pulling down the scrum.