After what felt like the longest rugby season in history, we decided to take a well-deserved breather. The past 13 months were an exhilarating rollercoaster, kicking off with the World Cup training camps and barreling all the way through to the final whistle of the Premiership season. And boy, what a ride it was! We didn’t just cover the action; we lived and breathed it, bringing you non-stop coverage that racked up over 240 million views on our content. The rugby community grew with us, and we couldn't be more grateful for your support.
But as any good rugby player knows, a bit of rest is crucial for coming back stronger. And that’s exactly what we’ve done. We’re back, refreshed, and ready to dive into what promises to be one of the most exciting years in rugby.
First up, there’s the new Premiership season just around the corner. New signings, one of the world's best Head Coaches in Michael Cheika arriving and a competition nearly impossible to call will make this season as exciting as ever.
Despite improving performances, England are yet again in turmoil after the departure of two key staff members in fitness guru Aled Walters and second-in-command Felix Jones leaving Borthwick's coaching team. Key questions have to be answered. All eyes will be on who is brought in to replace Jones and how the squad adjusts to their methods.
And let's not forget the mounting anticipation for the Lions tour to Australia. Yes, Andy Farrell's men will go into the tour as heavy favourites, but that's exactly how new Australian Head Coach Joe Schmidt will want it. Backs against the wall, underdogs, pressure off. Don’t write them off just yet.
It’s a year that’s shaping up to be full of surprises and drama, both on and off the field.
Speaking of drama, the English domestic leagues are about to get a lot more intense with the return of promotion and relegation. Steve Diamond's Newcastle Falcons will face the battle of their lives to stay up in the Premiership, although based on recent performances, Gloucester might have half an eye over their shoulders too. On the other side, Ealing Trailfinders, Coventry, Cornish Pirates and Joe Ford and Sir Ian McGeechan-coached Doncaster Knights have all invested in their squads in the off season and will be looking to get into the promotion-relegation playoff at the end of the season.
Unfortunately, not everything is rosy, however. Financial troubles continue to cast a shadow over the game. English rugby will have to adapt with the exodus of English legends such as Owen Farrell and Courtney Lawes joining the likes of Jack Willis, Joe Marchant and Henry Arundell in heading to France, making them ineligible to play for England. The Professional Game Partnership (PGP) has been announced, but how will it work in practice? And how will fans respond to the TV rights moving across many different competitions?
All in all, this season promises to be full of ups and downs, with more drama than ever before.
To make sure we keep you on the cutting edge of everything rugby, we’re thrilled to announce that Tom May is joining the RugbyInsideLine team! Tom, with his 10th-highest appearance record in Premiership history, knows the game inside out. He’s played for Northampton Saints, Newcastle Falcons, London Welsh, and Toulon, and now, he’s bringing that wealth of experience to you. Expect expert analysis every week, as Tom dives into the intricacies of the game, shares his opinions, and gives you a glimpse into the life of a professional rugby player.
So, if you thought our coverage was comprehensive before, wait until you see what we’ve got lined up. Make sure you’re following us on X, Instagram, and right here on our website for the most up-to-date news, analysis, and opinion pieces on all things rugby.
We may have taken a couple of months off, but we’re raring to go. The rugby season is about to kick off again, and we’re back—bigger, better, and more passionate than ever. Let’s get stuck in!
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