The Rugby Blog

In another packed podcast, Nick Heath brings us reaction from last weekend’s European matches, a chat with London Wasps’ Tom Rees and a preview of the relegation dogfight with Newcastle Falcons’ Jeremy Manning. Click on the player below to listen or subscribe to download it for free via iTunes.

As the European cups enter the semi-final stages, we hear from Leinster’s Gordon D’Arcy, Northampton Saints’ Chris Ashton plus Harlequins man at the back, Mike Brown.  Click on the player below to listen or subscribe to download it for free via iTunes.

Nick Heath chats to Delon Armitage about Irish’s run-in, Steffon’s potential exit across the channel and his England ambitions.  Plus we hear from London Wasps’ academy player and England U20 international, Jack Wallace as the side prepare for the St George’s Day game.  Click on the player below to listen or subscribe to download it for free via iTunes.

This Saturday sees the second annual St George’s Day game taking place at Twickenham as London Wasps take on Bath Rugby.  Having lost in the fixture last year, we caught up with Richard Haughton and Dan Ward-Smith to hear their thoughts on the match and how Wasps need to improve for next season.DWS:  “You like to be able to control your own destiny.” With Bath in sixth and Wasps in eighth with five points between them, there is a lot to play for in terms of seeking out the Heineken Cup spots for next season.  “There’s going to be 30 desperate players out there. I’m sure it will be a good occasion for the spectators, but there will be 30 desperate players scrapping on the pitch. Everyone wants to play Heineken Cup next year, but there’s only a few teams that can.” Click on the player below to hear their interview with our man Nick Heath:We spoke to Richard Haughton and Dan Ward-Smith over a pint of Greene King IPA, the Official Beer of London Wasps and supporters of the St George’s Day Game at Twickenham on 23 April. For tickets to the game call 0844 225 2990 or visit www.stgeorgesdaygame.co.uk

Nick Heath spends some time with the Bath boys David Wilson and Shontayne Hape ahead of their big mid-table clash with Harlequins, plus Rob Baxter on the visit of Saracens as they look to beat the table-toppers for a second time this season.  Click on the player below to listen or subscribe to download it for free via iTunes.

We’ve a slight change of plan for the Podcast this week, with Russell Hargreaves bringing us the official Amlin Podcast, previewing the weekend’s European Rugby action. If there’s anything to get you in the mood for a great weekend of rugby, it’s this. Listen below, or download in iTunes and tune in whilst basking in the sun!It’s slightly briefer than usual due to unforseen circumstances – Nick Heath was relieved of his laptop, car and various other valuables when he was burgled yesterday. If you know anything about it, let us know and we’ll arrange a vigilante group to sort it out. Thanks to Talking Rugby and Amlin for bringing us this substitute.

The IRB have announced new measures designed to combat players declaring new citizenship with the intention of playing rugby for that country. The move comes in the wake of news last week that Thomas Waldrom ‘discovered’ an English granny and is now in contention to represent England in this year’s Rugby World Cup – a revelation that has caused some controversy around the world. In the UK, a player can claim citizenship if any parent or grandparent is a UK citizen or on ‘residency’ after living in the country for three years or more – in modern rugby, this is not a particularly long stint at a club. Whilst the rules vary by country, the IRB is set to introduce standard practice across the rugby world to ensure ‘a level playing field’ as they put it. Rather than following local government laws, each player will be able to stipulate which country they would like to represent, and will not be allowed to change their decision once made. They can, however, choose any country they wish, regardless of citizenship. An IRB source said, “We’re expecting 99% of players to state that they’d like to play for their own country, so it won’t make a huge amount of difference, but this should clear up any doubt over changes of citizenship.” Saracen’s and England’s Dave Strettle had a view on how it could affect his England colleagues: Whilst the IRB is probably right in that national pride will be the key factor in most decisions, players will need to ask themselves whether they’d like to be a small fish in a big pond, or vice versa. The draw of international rugby at any level is strong, and players could pitch themselves at whichever country they feel is at their level – or perhaps plays their preferred style of rugby. Here at The Rugby Blog HQ, we’ve been considering what movement we might see. We thought that Chris Ashton is so confident that he might elect to represent New Zealand or Australia, whilst former captain Steve Borthwick, who still harbours international ambitions, could opt for Romania or Georgia where he can dominate the European Nations Cup year after year. Rugby World’s Editor, Paul Morgan commented: Here are some other suggestions: James Simpson-Daniel: Australia, where they put less emphasis on size, and more on talent and skill James Haskell: Georgia, where the emphasis is very much on bulk, rather than talent or skill Matt Banahan: Japan, where he really would be a big fish Ugo Monye: USA, where he could live the celebrity lifestyle and still look quite good at rugby Iain Balshaw: Andorra, a stone’s throw from Biarritz where he plays at club level What are your thoughts? Can you think of other players that might consider switching to another country?

This week’s podcast focuses on West London clubs London Irish and Harlequins as Nick Heath speaks to Alex Corbisiero and Danny Care.  Click on the player below to listen or subscribe to download it for free via iTunes.

All Blacks’ and Crusaders’ Dan Carter talks to Nick Heath ahead of the history-making Super XV match raising funds at Twickenham on Sunday.  Plus Exeter’s coach Rob Baxter on their achievements this season ahead of their game at the Madesjski and Rob Andrew on his work at the RFU.  Click on the player below to listen or subscribe to download it for free via iTunes.Rob Baxter was visiting Clyst Heath Primary School as they became the 500th school in the country to take part in the Aviva Premiership Rugby Schools Programme since it launched in October of last year.