Alex Spink
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alexspink.bsky.social
Alex Spink
@alexspink.bsky.social
310 followers 130 following 110 posts
Sports writer, 25 years Mirror rugby & athletics correspondent. Now Planet Sport
https://www.planetrugby.com/author/alex-spink
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alexspink.bsky.social
"These guys are not scarred by previous Calcutta Cup defeats because they are untouched by them"

Why 'show pony' Henry Pollock and fellow Murrayfield rookies are key to England turning tide of history in Scotland

#SCOvENG preview. @planetrugby.bsky.social

www.planetrugby.com/news/why-inf...
'Infectious' Henry Pollock can lead England to Calcutta Cup victory and why he is 'brilliant for the game'
🗣️ "These guys are not scarred by those defeats because they are untouched by them. They aren't fussed around the history of this fixture." #SCOvENG #GuinnessM6N
www.planetrugby.com
February 13, 2026 at 4:54 PM
alexspink.bsky.social
"I could never lose to a Tier 2 country. If I did, there was three months notice. And in a calendar year, I had to beat a Tier 1 team"

EXCL Richard Cockerill's extraordinary explanation for Georgia sacking and renewed Six Nations plea
@planetrugby.bsky.social

www.planetrugby.com/news/exclusi...
'Maybe that suits World Rugby' - Richard Cockerill's plea to bigwigs after failing 'two KPIs' led to Georgia dismissal
💬 "For whatever reason Georgia don't seem to be fashionable enough to be granted that opportunity."
www.planetrugby.com
February 12, 2026 at 2:29 PM
Reposted by Alex Spink
nicksjj.bsky.social
It goes further than this and will have a knock on effect on the number of kids playing rugby; volunteers; rugby club memberships etc.
It’s not over-egging it to say that this disengagement is the most important issue facing the WRU right now because the impact could destroy the sport.
February 12, 2026 at 1:57 PM
alexspink.bsky.social
“We could lose a generation of fans”

EXCL Tom Shanklin’s warning as supporters vote with feet amid three-year #SixNations losing run and rise of Welsh football. @planetrugby.bsky.social

www.planetrugby.com/news/wales-l...
Wales legend's grave prediction as 20,000 tickets remain unsold and the 'quickest fix' they must find against France
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 "We're not attracting enough supporters or enough fans. And without fans, without supporters, the game won't exist." #WALvFRA #GuinnessM6N
www.planetrugby.com
February 12, 2026 at 1:51 PM
alexspink.bsky.social
“Seeing Wales lose game after game hurts me, but I think it hurts everyone who loves the sport. A strong Wales makes for a better Six Nations"

EXCL Jonathan Davies articulates pain felt across Welsh rugby - and only way out of crisis @planetrugby.bsky.social

www.planetrugby.com/news/what-br...
What 'broken' Wales need to do against France as Jonathan Davies reveals his 'overriding emotion' after loss to England
🗣️ "I looked at the boys at Twickenham last weekend and they looked broken in the second half." #GuinnessM6N #WALvFRA
www.planetrugby.com
February 11, 2026 at 9:43 AM
alexspink.bsky.social
“His rugby IQ is higher than anyone I've met. He could be the first player-coach in international rugby”

A decade after starting every game in England’s last Grand Slam, George Ford is at it again.

Piece from Twickenham. @planetrugby.bsky.social

www.planetrugby.com/news/never-d...
'Never done' George Ford handed ultimate complement as coach backs England fly-half for international first
🗣️ "Clearly his rugby IQ is higher than mine. It's higher than anyone's I've met." #ENGvWAL #GuinnessM6N
www.planetrugby.com
February 8, 2026 at 1:20 PM
alexspink.bsky.social
When asked about his piano-playing ability Eric Morecambe famously said, “I’m playing all the right notes, just not necessarily in the right order”.

So it has been with England selection at times. Not in last year. #6N prospects here @planetrugby.bsky.social

www.planetrugby.com/news/six-nat...
Six Nations prediction: England to 'come up short' as Steve Borthwick's 'hunters' battle France for glory
🗣️ "Maro Itoje leads England into the Six Nations with optimism high that the Red Rose is about to end a trophy drought which dates back to the dark days of the pandemic." #GuinnessM6N
www.planetrugby.com
February 3, 2026 at 8:13 AM
alexspink.bsky.social
“One million per cent I will have PTSD around that cabin. I can’t tell you how much it affected me”

EXCL: Final part of 3-piece series charting former England rugby 7s captain’s
Atlantic row, revealing brutal 'payback' of 3000m ordeal.
@planetrugby.bsky.social

www.planetrugby.com/news/hostile...
Hostile orcas, night sweats, 17kg weight loss and learning to walk again; Ollie Phillips reveals brutal 'payback' of World's Toughest Row
🗣️ "One million per cent I will have PTSD around that cabin. I can't tell you how much it affected me."
www.planetrugby.com
January 26, 2026 at 3:45 PM
alexspink.bsky.social
“We’re closer to space than we are to land. Literally in the middle of nowhere. It’s mind-blowing, absolutely nuts”

EXCL: Former England rugby captain rowing into New Year somewhere in the Atlantic. His words. Remarkable stuff @planetrugby.bsky.social

www.planetrugby.com/news/shes-wo...
Former England captain 'closer to space than land' as he takes part in World's Toughest Row race
🗣️ “She wants her husband and the dad of our three young kids to come home.”
www.planetrugby.com
December 31, 2025 at 7:17 PM
alexspink.bsky.social
A rugby man in a rowing boat, inspired by Kevin Sinfield, risking his life in fight against MND.

Interview with Ollie Phillips as he prepares to paddle across the Atlantic. Not a gig for the faint hearted. @planetrugby.bsky.social

www.planetrugby.com/news/ollie-p...
Ollie Phillips inspired by 'hero' Kevin Sinfield ahead of Atlantic Ocean challenge as race briefing brings back Jonah Lomu 'sensation'
🗣️ "I just don't think you know how you're going to react to that until you're in it."
www.planetrugby.com
December 13, 2025 at 8:44 AM
alexspink.bsky.social
Ollie Lawrence steps out of Manu Tuilagi’s shadow to skittle All Blacks 13 years after his predecessor did the same. Piece from Twickenham @planetrugby.bsky.social

www.planetrugby.com/news/opinion...
Opinion: Ollie Lawrence steps out of Manu Tuilagi's 'shadow' to down the All Blacks 13 years after his predecessor did the same
💬 "The Bath man had spent a 36-cap career likened to the wrecking ball midfielder but denied a similar billing because he lacked a standout performance." #ENGvNZL
www.planetrugby.com
November 16, 2025 at 9:11 AM
alexspink.bsky.social
The day ‘the blood drained out of the faces’ of All Blacks greats Richie McCaw and Kieran Read and history was made

How Twickenham 2012 came to pass and what England need to do if they are to repeat the result. #ENGvNZL

www.planetrugby.com/news/the-sta...
The day 'the blood drained out of the faces' of Richie McCaw and Kieran Read and why 'this is England’s time' again
A lot of water has run under Twickenham bridge since Tom Youngs and Tom Wood combined to beat New Zealand with England back in 2012.
www.planetrugby.com
November 14, 2025 at 1:16 PM
alexspink.bsky.social
Forward brawn and Rassie’s brain too much to handle as ‘unbreakable’ Boks conquer France again

South Africa power to victory in another Paris classic. Comment. @planetrugbycom
www.planetrugby.com/news/opinion...
Opinion: Forward brawn and Rassie’s brain too much to handle as ‘unbreakable’ Boks conquer France again
🗣️ "There will be no revenge for France’s World Cup quarter-final loss, no consolation for a Les Bleus team which built a platform to win the game through Damian Penaud’s two early tries, only to be k...
www.planetrugby.com
November 9, 2025 at 6:05 PM
alexspink.bsky.social
Why five-million dollar gamble on NRL starlet Joseph Suaalii was no roll of the dice by Australian rugby.

Piece with Wallaby legend George Gregan ahead of England-Australia. @planetrugby.bsky.social

www.planetrugby.com/news/why-fiv...
Why five-million dollar gamble on NRL starlet was no roll of the dice by Australian rugby, says Wallaby legend George Gregan
🗣️ "People forget that now because he has proved himself to be one of Australian rugby's best investments." #ENGvAUS
www.planetrugby.com
October 31, 2025 at 10:59 PM
alexspink.bsky.social
“Manny and Emeka [Ilione] are shining examples to young people who sometimes think ‘I can’t do both’. It’s great for others to see lads at the top of the game also working hard away from the field”

Interview with Jamie Roberts on English rugby’s medical men
www.planetrugby.com/news/the-med...
The medical reason Wales legend Jamie Roberts will be cheering for a 'powerful Shane Williams' when England tackle Wallabies
🗣️ "He's unbelievable, a pocket rocket." #ENGvAUS
www.planetrugby.com
October 31, 2025 at 10:55 PM
alexspink.bsky.social
“These are absolute warriors, yet the biggest battle they’ve ever faced is MND. It’s so bloody awful”

Ben Youngs’ family and club Leicester have been touched by MND. His thoughts and our chance to help the fight. Please read

www.planetrugby.com/news/england...
England legend Ben Youngs returns to rugby in 'important' battle alongside brother
🗣️ “I was done, I was so ready in my head."
www.planetrugby.com
October 22, 2025 at 2:28 PM
alexspink.bsky.social
EXCL: England legend Emily Scarratt challenges women’s rugby to up its ambition still further by taking PWR Final to Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium and selling out the place
www.planetrugby.com/news/england...
England's 'greatest player' challenges the game to 'not undersell' itself with a showing of 'unbelievable growth'
💬 “I genuinely believe we can do anything now in our game.”
www.planetrugby.com
October 22, 2025 at 2:19 PM
alexspink.bsky.social
“These are absolute warriors, yet the biggest battle they’ve ever faced is MND. It’s so bloody awful”

Ben Youngs’ family and club Leicester Tigers have been touched by MND. His thoughts and our chance to help the fight. Please read

planetrugby.com/news/england-l…
October 21, 2025 at 4:57 PM
alexspink.bsky.social
“He wants to play in a starting shirt. He’s said to me he feels a different player as a result of his experience with the Lions”

Marcus Smith determined to shed jack-of-all-trades tag and fight for keys to No10 @planetrugby.bsky.social

www.planetrugby.com/news/harlequ...
Harlequins coach reveals what 'unbelievable talent' Marcus Smith's goal is as he makes long awaited return to PREM Rugby
🗣️ "Marcus is an unbelievable talent and his talent has got him a long way. He's very passionate about Quins and also his country, and he wants to play in a starting shirt." #PremRugby
www.planetrugby.com
October 10, 2025 at 4:16 PM
alexspink.bsky.social
“George Ford could be the first player to be a head coach whilst wearing the number 10 jersey”

EXCL: Fin Smith, Ford or Marcus Smith? Panel of experts weigh up England’s biggest selection call. @planetrugby.bsky.social

www.planetrugby.com/news/fin-smi...
Fin Smith, George Ford or Marcus Smith? Panel of experts weigh up Steve Borthwick's 'biggest selection decision'
🗣️ "He has a major selection headache likely to be keeping him awake at night. That of who starts at fly-half."
www.planetrugby.com
October 9, 2025 at 11:21 AM
alexspink.bsky.social
“Six years after conquering the world in Yokohama they show absolutely no sign they are about to abdicate their throne”

Comment piece on day South Africa won yet another major trophy. @planetrugby.bsky.social
www.planetrugby.com/news/comment...
Comment: Springboks show why they are the game's 'dominant force' with second successive Rugby Championship triumph
🗣️ "Six years after conquering the world in Yokohama they show absolutely no sign they are about to abdicate their throne." #ARGvRSA #RugbyChampionship
www.planetrugby.com
October 5, 2025 at 8:00 AM
alexspink.bsky.social
“The Springboks are the absolute benchmark. The squad depth Erasmus has developed is such I would not back against them winning three [World Cups] on the spin”

Dan Biggar on tomorrow’s Twickenham Rugby Championship finale and beyond. @planetrugby.bsky.social
www.planetrugby.com/news/full-pa...
'Full package' Springboks on course for World Cup hat-trick as Wales legend hails 'box-office' Rassie Erasmus
🗣️ "The Springboks, at the minute, are the absolute benchmark."
www.planetrugby.com
October 3, 2025 at 9:05 PM
alexspink.bsky.social
"English sporting success is rarely appreciated beyond the boundaries of the country itself. This one should be. It promises to accelerate the growth of women’s rugby everywhere"

Comment piece on the day England won the Rugby World Cup @planetrugby.bsky.social

www.planetrugby.com/news/rugby-w...
Rugby World Cup hosts England 'finally get job done' with 'brakes slammed' on Canada 'fast show'
🏆 “England saved their best for last.”
www.planetrugby.com
September 27, 2025 at 7:46 PM
alexspink.bsky.social
“I can see this nation winning the Women's World Cup in the not too distant future"

EXCL: South Africa, four-time world champions in men's rugby, warn their time is coming in women's game.

Piece for @planetrugby.bsky.social ahead of Saturday's #RWC2025 final
www.planetrugby.com/news/springb...
Springbok Women's coach sounds 'sky is the limit' warning to Rugby World Cup superpower nations whose 'distinct advantage' now a thing of the past
🗣️ "The sky is the limit." #RWC2025
www.planetrugby.com
September 24, 2025 at 8:45 AM
alexspink.bsky.social
Oh, Canada! The night the have-nots took it all at the Women’s Rugby World Cup. Piece for @planetrugby.bsky.social

www.planetrugby.com/news/comment...
Comment: Canada's 'remarkable story' gets final chapter as crowdfunded team dumps out six-time World Cup-winning Black Ferns
🗣️ "We haven't gone and done it yet, we've one job left to do." #NZLvCAN #RWC2025
www.planetrugby.com
September 19, 2025 at 10:05 PM