Rugby's data revolution - can Moneyball be oval?

LeBron's biggest comeback

Rugby's data revolution - can Moneyball be oval?

Alex Sanderson and Phil Dowson, directors of rugby at Sale and Northampton respectively, oversee recruitment processes that increasingly lean on data [Getty Images]

Mike Henson - BBC Sport rugby union news reporter

Thu, October 22, 2026 at 4:47 PM UTC·

Grassroots to Elite Level — How Rugby Communities Nurture the Next Generation

Declan Hurley keeps an A5 notebook. Each page has a player’s name and three columns: club, provincial academy, senior debut. He’s forty-eight, a PE teacher in Offaly, and he’s been watching junior rugby in Leinster since his son played. His son quit at seventeen. Declan carried on. He has watched 31 players go from the […] The post Grassroots to Elite Level — How Rugby Communities Nurture the Next Generation appeared first on The Rugby Paper .

App shares insight about athletic potential. What it means for parents

How are kids' bodies developing? When is their peak height velocity period? How much might they grow? AI company's seeks to inform sports parents.

No sour grapes: Venter on vintage form as he lays out Saracens vision

The head of rugby culture and wine consultant wants people to see ‘the bigger picture’ as he builds the club to win the Prem again

Fabrizio Romano confirms Liverpool working on massive deal

Liverpool are working on a massive deal according to Fabrizio Romano. There's been a lot of critical sentiments shared on social media about the way the Reds have conducted their business over the las...

The Psychology of Rugby: How Mental Strength Influences Performance on the Field

From the stands, rugby appears to revolve around physical strength, powerful tackles, and constant movement, but the psychological challenges players face are equally important. Whether a prop is preparing for a scrum, a fly-half is attempting a difficult kick, or a winger is deciding whether to chase a loose ball, every moment demands concentration and […] The post The Psychology of Rugby: How Mental Strength Influences Performance on the Field appeared first on The Rugby Paper .

Watching Ngumoha is more than just a numbers experience

Three Observations from Bayern Munich’s quirky 2-2 draw with Arsenal

FC Bayern could have done better, but it was a fine UCL night against the Gunners.

Andoni Iraola, you genius: He's found Liverpool a superstar

Liverpool handed Andoni Iraola several problems this season. The Reds' head coach has found a genius solution, however.Andoni Iraola took over Liverpool in the summer but things weren't made easy for ...

Bayern Munich News: Bayern Munich vs. Borussia Dortmund going virtual with players as Playmobil figures; Arsenal scoping Nicolò Tresoldi; and MORE!

FC Bayern vs. BVB will have a new look.

Too much Overlap? Gary Neville’s podcast empire knows no bounds

The Overlap has gone daily, with Steven Gerrard and Joe Hart among the latest additions to an ever-growing family

Exeter bring in forward Goedhals from South Africa

Exeter sign forward Andre Goedhals from South African side Pumas.

Christopher Vivell’s true feelings emerge after Sir Jim Ratcliffe picks a side as Man United’s internal turmoil rages on

From senior players calling out INEOS top officials and the coaching staff, things have taken quite a turn at Manchester United over the past week.Lisandro Martinez was the first to launch an astonish...

Johan Lange Didn't Fear For His Job This Summer

In a rare interview, Johan Lange sat down with Danish magazine Børsen Pleasure in an interview, where he confirms he didn't fear for his Spurs role this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur executive on job security, transfer strategy and Spurs' struggles

Tottenham Hotspur sporting director Johan Lange has spoken about his job security, Roberto De Zerbi's summer rebuild, and rising transfer fees making bargain signings increasingly rare

My surreal evening wine-tasting with Brendan Venter

At the centre of a large banner that hangs on the wall at the entrance to the Saracens home changing room is a huge glass of red wine below the words “Saracens Blend”.

⚗️ This is next level! What top clubs do with players' urine

In professional football, the search for a crucial performance edge extends to even the most unusual places—now including the toilet. According to sports outlet 'The Athletic', a growing number of t...

'Unai Villa 2.0 is winning hearts and minds'

Team player Harry Kane deserves Ballon d’Or says Bayern Munich coach

Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany did not hold back his support and admiration for Harry Kane to win the Ballon d’Or, praising the forward’s selfless contribution and consistency over the years. “Now that the voting is over, I don’t have to hide or be diplomatic. What made Harry happy the most in recent years is […]

Funding the Future: RYDC’s Plan to Transform Rangers Academy

Rangers academy has tried various youth development pathways, with the latest being to send those not quite ready for first-team football out on loan. Paul Nsio earned rave reviews at Raith Rovers last season, picking up a raft of player of the season awards, and has followed this up by impressing at St Mirren this …