Ben Coles
@bencoles.bsky.social
Rugby writer. Now for @observeruk.bsky.social and freelance.
Give me your pitches and ideas: bencolessport@gmail.com
Give me your pitches and ideas: bencolessport@gmail.com
Pinned
Spent some time in Cape Town with Rassie Erasmus.
We covered a lot. How he communicates with players. His improved relationship with World Rugby. England and the Pom Squad. The next wave who will be Springboks. And... fruit.
Exclusive for @observeruk.bsky.social.
observer.co.uk/news/sport/a...
We covered a lot. How he communicates with players. His improved relationship with World Rugby. England and the Pom Squad. The next wave who will be Springboks. And... fruit.
Exclusive for @observeruk.bsky.social.
observer.co.uk/news/sport/a...
Lucas Friday, the Harlequins and England Under-20 scrum-half who looks some prospect, is known at his club as 'The Truth'. After some digging, I found out why.
For @rugbypass.bsky.social. www.rugbypass.com/plus/the-tru...
For @rugbypass.bsky.social. www.rugbypass.com/plus/the-tru...
'The Truth' about Lucas Friday, England's next scrum-half prospect
England Under-20s scrum-half mentored by Danny Care on his ACL recovery, idols growing up and practicing in the garden with father Mike
www.rugbypass.com
February 13, 2026 at 12:35 PM
Lucas Friday, the Harlequins and England Under-20 scrum-half who looks some prospect, is known at his club as 'The Truth'. After some digging, I found out why.
For @rugbypass.bsky.social. www.rugbypass.com/plus/the-tru...
For @rugbypass.bsky.social. www.rugbypass.com/plus/the-tru...
Back with @charliemorgan.bsky.social on The Rugby Bunker to preview each of the Six Nations games, with some predictions in there too. And Charlie discussing how Steve Borthwick made him squirm this week.
youtu.be/TpzmQiiW3ko
youtu.be/TpzmQiiW3ko
Predictions for round two of Six Nations 2026 - The Rugby Bunker
YouTube video by The Rugby Bunker
youtu.be
February 13, 2026 at 12:25 PM
Back with @charliemorgan.bsky.social on The Rugby Bunker to preview each of the Six Nations games, with some predictions in there too. And Charlie discussing how Steve Borthwick made him squirm this week.
youtu.be/TpzmQiiW3ko
youtu.be/TpzmQiiW3ko
Say 'Bielle-Biarrey Brau-Boirie' ten times and they'll send you a replica Six Nations trophy
February 12, 2026 at 3:21 PM
Say 'Bielle-Biarrey Brau-Boirie' ten times and they'll send you a replica Six Nations trophy
Piece from Paris on the return of Antoine Dupont, who was quietly impressive.
Olivier Magne suggested beforehand that the best approach might be for Dupont to let Jalibert run the show, then to take over if/when it goes wrong. Saw a glimpse of that. observer.co.uk/news/sport/a...
Olivier Magne suggested beforehand that the best approach might be for Dupont to let Jalibert run the show, then to take over if/when it goes wrong. Saw a glimpse of that. observer.co.uk/news/sport/a...
Antoine Dupont returns to greatness with a stronger Franc...
Antoine Dupont has reclaimed his throne and this time he’s finally part of a team strong enough to share the load, reports Ben Coles from the Stade de France
observer.co.uk
February 6, 2026 at 12:09 PM
Piece from Paris on the return of Antoine Dupont, who was quietly impressive.
Olivier Magne suggested beforehand that the best approach might be for Dupont to let Jalibert run the show, then to take over if/when it goes wrong. Saw a glimpse of that. observer.co.uk/news/sport/a...
Olivier Magne suggested beforehand that the best approach might be for Dupont to let Jalibert run the show, then to take over if/when it goes wrong. Saw a glimpse of that. observer.co.uk/news/sport/a...
The Substack is out, with extras from interviewing Rassie Erasmus that didn't make the Observer article on Tony Brown, his dark horse for the Six Nations, players potentially playing their final Test in 2026.
Read: theofffieldreview.substack.com/p/extras-fro...
Plus, Six Nations predictions.
Read: theofffieldreview.substack.com/p/extras-fro...
Plus, Six Nations predictions.
February 2, 2026 at 9:26 AM
The Substack is out, with extras from interviewing Rassie Erasmus that didn't make the Observer article on Tony Brown, his dark horse for the Six Nations, players potentially playing their final Test in 2026.
Read: theofffieldreview.substack.com/p/extras-fro...
Plus, Six Nations predictions.
Read: theofffieldreview.substack.com/p/extras-fro...
Plus, Six Nations predictions.
Spent some time in Cape Town with Rassie Erasmus.
We covered a lot. How he communicates with players. His improved relationship with World Rugby. England and the Pom Squad. The next wave who will be Springboks. And... fruit.
Exclusive for @observeruk.bsky.social.
observer.co.uk/news/sport/a...
We covered a lot. How he communicates with players. His improved relationship with World Rugby. England and the Pom Squad. The next wave who will be Springboks. And... fruit.
Exclusive for @observeruk.bsky.social.
observer.co.uk/news/sport/a...
January 31, 2026 at 11:23 AM
Spent some time in Cape Town with Rassie Erasmus.
We covered a lot. How he communicates with players. His improved relationship with World Rugby. England and the Pom Squad. The next wave who will be Springboks. And... fruit.
Exclusive for @observeruk.bsky.social.
observer.co.uk/news/sport/a...
We covered a lot. How he communicates with players. His improved relationship with World Rugby. England and the Pom Squad. The next wave who will be Springboks. And... fruit.
Exclusive for @observeruk.bsky.social.
observer.co.uk/news/sport/a...
A belated post for this week's Substack, picking an England team for Wales while addressing how enjoyably calm their build-up feels to the Six Nations (when others are floundering).
theofffieldreview.substack.com/p/calm-and-c...
theofffieldreview.substack.com/p/calm-and-c...
Calm and confident England - this feels different. Picking a 23 for Wales
Inside centre, full-back and tighthead prop need addressing but when you look at their title rivals, this time England are not the side in crisis
theofffieldreview.substack.com
January 26, 2026 at 1:45 PM
A belated post for this week's Substack, picking an England team for Wales while addressing how enjoyably calm their build-up feels to the Six Nations (when others are floundering).
theofffieldreview.substack.com/p/calm-and-c...
theofffieldreview.substack.com/p/calm-and-c...
ALSO, we (@charliemorgan.bsky.social and myself) have a latest episode out of The Rugby Bunker breaking down the Six Nations squads and Scott Robertson's All Blacks exit.
Creeping up to 1k subscriptions, and we'd love your help.
youtu.be/jp74iWRmTKo
Creeping up to 1k subscriptions, and we'd love your help.
youtu.be/jp74iWRmTKo
Penaud and the latest Six Nations squads plus Razor's All Blacks exit | The Rugby Bunker
YouTube video by The Rugby Bunker
youtu.be
January 25, 2026 at 7:52 PM
ALSO, we (@charliemorgan.bsky.social and myself) have a latest episode out of The Rugby Bunker breaking down the Six Nations squads and Scott Robertson's All Blacks exit.
Creeping up to 1k subscriptions, and we'd love your help.
youtu.be/jp74iWRmTKo
Creeping up to 1k subscriptions, and we'd love your help.
youtu.be/jp74iWRmTKo
Sorry Bluesky, I've neglected you for so long that I need to tell you about the Substack column which drops every Monday morning (and is currently being written) which you can sign up to here: theofffieldreview.substack.com
It's a nice long-read every Monday for your morning commute/coffee.
It's a nice long-read every Monday for your morning commute/coffee.
The Off-Field Review | Ben Coles | Substack
Insights and opinion from Ben Coles, a rugby journalist now with The Observer and elsewhere. Click to read The Off-Field Review, by Ben Coles, a Substack publication with hundreds of subscribers.
theofffieldreview.substack.com
January 25, 2026 at 7:50 PM
Sorry Bluesky, I've neglected you for so long that I need to tell you about the Substack column which drops every Monday morning (and is currently being written) which you can sign up to here: theofffieldreview.substack.com
It's a nice long-read every Monday for your morning commute/coffee.
It's a nice long-read every Monday for your morning commute/coffee.
Reposted by Ben Coles
New “cooling cap” rugby study will look at whether lowering the brain’s temperature quickly after a concussion can improve recovery. (By @bencoles.bsky.social for @observeruk.bsky.social)
observer.co.uk/news/sport/a...
observer.co.uk/news/sport/a...
New ‘cooling cap’ that could be concussion game changer
Two-year trial to study technology that has cut symptoms and return-to-play times in ice hockey
observer.co.uk
October 19, 2025 at 2:45 PM
New “cooling cap” rugby study will look at whether lowering the brain’s temperature quickly after a concussion can improve recovery. (By @bencoles.bsky.social for @observeruk.bsky.social)
observer.co.uk/news/sport/a...
observer.co.uk/news/sport/a...
Reposted by Ben Coles
Had a good chat re all things Springboks with @bencoles.bsky.social on the Rugby Bunker.
Been a great year for Rassie's men, but there's still room to grow in the lead-up to 2027.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOAy...
Been a great year for Rassie's men, but there's still room to grow in the lead-up to 2027.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOAy...
How the Springboks can win a third straight Rugby World Cup | The Rugby Bunker
YouTube video by The Rugby Bunker
www.youtube.com
November 28, 2025 at 8:48 AM
Had a good chat re all things Springboks with @bencoles.bsky.social on the Rugby Bunker.
Been a great year for Rassie's men, but there's still room to grow in the lead-up to 2027.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOAy...
Been a great year for Rassie's men, but there's still room to grow in the lead-up to 2027.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOAy...
Farewell to two excellent old-timers. observer.co.uk/news/sport/a...
Farewell Cole and Youngs: Leicester Tigers will miss two ...
For Leicester stalwarts Dan Cole and Ben Youngs, it now feels like the best time to say goodbye
observer.co.uk
June 16, 2025 at 8:09 AM
Farewell to two excellent old-timers. observer.co.uk/news/sport/a...
Many thanks to all the Bath fans who wrote in for this. Enjoyed collating them together. observer.co.uk/news/sport/a...
Bath fans hope to end 29 year wait for glory | The Observer
Bath fans write in about their hopes for Saturday’s Premiership final
observer.co.uk
June 13, 2025 at 5:43 PM
Many thanks to all the Bath fans who wrote in for this. Enjoyed collating them together. observer.co.uk/news/sport/a...
Hi, Bath fans. Keen to hear from you all about what it would mean to win on Saturday after so long, how long you have been following the club and who you'll be thinking about on the day.
Please reply, DM or email bencolessport@gmail.com. Thanks!
Please reply, DM or email bencolessport@gmail.com. Thanks!
June 11, 2025 at 1:41 PM
Hi, Bath fans. Keen to hear from you all about what it would mean to win on Saturday after so long, how long you have been following the club and who you'll be thinking about on the day.
Please reply, DM or email bencolessport@gmail.com. Thanks!
Please reply, DM or email bencolessport@gmail.com. Thanks!
Remember leaving the press box with @charliemorgan.bsky.social after last year’s Premiership final and saying “well, Bath will definitely win it next year”.
Johann van Graan often says “dream big”. Bath right now can achieve anything they want to. observer.co.uk/news/sport/a...
Johann van Graan often says “dream big”. Bath right now can achieve anything they want to. observer.co.uk/news/sport/a...
Bath looking hot as they tackle the Tigers for final rede...
Premiership top dogs could bounce back from heartbreak last season... and end a 29-year drought
observer.co.uk
June 7, 2025 at 8:30 PM
Remember leaving the press box with @charliemorgan.bsky.social after last year’s Premiership final and saying “well, Bath will definitely win it next year”.
Johann van Graan often says “dream big”. Bath right now can achieve anything they want to. observer.co.uk/news/sport/a...
Johann van Graan often says “dream big”. Bath right now can achieve anything they want to. observer.co.uk/news/sport/a...
Can I see why RUNIT and Run It Straight have become so popular? Absolutely. Have I also been watching through my fingers while participants with bad technique are being knocked out? Again, absolutely.
Latest for @observeruk.bsky.social. observer.co.uk/news/sport/a...
Latest for @observeruk.bsky.social. observer.co.uk/news/sport/a...
Run It Straight: This is not rugby, it’s a recipe for dis...
The new craze on a collision course with credulity and a ‘don’t try this at home’ health warning
observer.co.uk
June 4, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Can I see why RUNIT and Run It Straight have become so popular? Absolutely. Have I also been watching through my fingers while participants with bad technique are being knocked out? Again, absolutely.
Latest for @observeruk.bsky.social. observer.co.uk/news/sport/a...
Latest for @observeruk.bsky.social. observer.co.uk/news/sport/a...
Northampton in a Champions Cup final for the first time in 14 years, in the same stadium where they lost in 2011? Love those coincidences.
Coaches have bigger things to worry about than fate, but the rest of us can hypothesise about the stars aligning. observer.co.uk/news/sport/a...
Coaches have bigger things to worry about than fate, but the rest of us can hypothesise about the stars aligning. observer.co.uk/news/sport/a...
Phil Dowson hopes Northampton Saints can exorcise some demons of the past | The Observer
As the Saints make their first Champions Cup final appearance in more than a decade, there is ample opportunity to settle a score
observer.co.uk
May 23, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Northampton in a Champions Cup final for the first time in 14 years, in the same stadium where they lost in 2011? Love those coincidences.
Coaches have bigger things to worry about than fate, but the rest of us can hypothesise about the stars aligning. observer.co.uk/news/sport/a...
Coaches have bigger things to worry about than fate, but the rest of us can hypothesise about the stars aligning. observer.co.uk/news/sport/a...
Reposted by Ben Coles
Bravely writing about this now so we can try to avoid a summer of 'Finn Smith'. observer.co.uk/news/sport/a...
Finn vs Fin: it’s not just in the name that Lions face tight selection battle | The Observer
The debate rages on as to whether it will be Finn Russell or Fin Smith starting in the British and Irish Lions No 10 shirt this summer
observer.co.uk
May 18, 2025 at 8:12 AM
Bravely writing about this now so we can try to avoid a summer of 'Finn Smith'. observer.co.uk/news/sport/a...
Bravely writing about this now so we can try to avoid a summer of 'Finn Smith'. observer.co.uk/news/sport/a...
Finn vs Fin: it’s not just in the name that Lions face tight selection battle | The Observer
The debate rages on as to whether it will be Finn Russell or Fin Smith starting in the British and Irish Lions No 10 shirt this summer
observer.co.uk
May 18, 2025 at 8:12 AM
Bravely writing about this now so we can try to avoid a summer of 'Finn Smith'. observer.co.uk/news/sport/a...
Obviously, this isn't for @telegraphnews.bsky.social. Very grateful for the last eight years working alongside some of the best.
Have a pitch or an idea? Send to bencolessport@gmail.com
Have a pitch or an idea? Send to bencolessport@gmail.com
Maro Itoje being named Lions captain isn't a shock. The only surprise is that it took this long. Piece for @observeruk.bsky.social. observer.co.uk/news/sport/a...
Maro Itoje proves Eddie Jones wrong to become British & Irish Lions captain
The England captain, once written off by Jones, has been named as captain of the 2025 British & Irish Lions squad ahead of the full squad announcement today
observer.co.uk
May 8, 2025 at 10:44 AM
Obviously, this isn't for @telegraphnews.bsky.social. Very grateful for the last eight years working alongside some of the best.
Have a pitch or an idea? Send to bencolessport@gmail.com
Have a pitch or an idea? Send to bencolessport@gmail.com
Maro Itoje being named Lions captain isn't a shock. The only surprise is that it took this long. Piece for @observeruk.bsky.social. observer.co.uk/news/sport/a...
Maro Itoje proves Eddie Jones wrong to become British & Irish Lions captain
The England captain, once written off by Jones, has been named as captain of the 2025 British & Irish Lions squad ahead of the full squad announcement today
observer.co.uk
May 8, 2025 at 10:37 AM
Maro Itoje being named Lions captain isn't a shock. The only surprise is that it took this long. Piece for @observeruk.bsky.social. observer.co.uk/news/sport/a...
When was the last time you saw post, crossbar, post, crossbar, miss?
April 21, 2025 at 2:06 PM
When was the last time you saw post, crossbar, post, crossbar, miss?
Reposted by Ben Coles
Have always been fascinated by Rupeni Caucaunibuca, one of rugby’s greatest talents. And yet the way his career panned out feels like a tragedy.
With thanks to Wayne Pivac, Doug Howlett, Jonny Wilkinson, Colin Yukes, Yannick Nyanga, and Caucau himself. www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
With thanks to Wayne Pivac, Doug Howlett, Jonny Wilkinson, Colin Yukes, Yannick Nyanga, and Caucau himself. www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
Rupeni Caucau could have been rugby’s greatest – and we tracked him down
Closest thing the sport has seen to Jonah Lomu with the potential even to surpass him – wasted talent of Fijian who had world at his feet
www.telegraph.co.uk
April 16, 2025 at 7:17 AM
Have always been fascinated by Rupeni Caucaunibuca, one of rugby’s greatest talents. And yet the way his career panned out feels like a tragedy.
With thanks to Wayne Pivac, Doug Howlett, Jonny Wilkinson, Colin Yukes, Yannick Nyanga, and Caucau himself. www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
With thanks to Wayne Pivac, Doug Howlett, Jonny Wilkinson, Colin Yukes, Yannick Nyanga, and Caucau himself. www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
Have always been fascinated by Rupeni Caucaunibuca, one of rugby’s greatest talents. And yet the way his career panned out feels like a tragedy.
With thanks to Wayne Pivac, Doug Howlett, Jonny Wilkinson, Colin Yukes, Yannick Nyanga, and Caucau himself. www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
With thanks to Wayne Pivac, Doug Howlett, Jonny Wilkinson, Colin Yukes, Yannick Nyanga, and Caucau himself. www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
Rupeni Caucau could have been rugby’s greatest – and we tracked him down
Closest thing the sport has seen to Jonah Lomu with the potential even to surpass him – wasted talent of Fijian who had world at his feet
www.telegraph.co.uk
April 16, 2025 at 7:17 AM
Have always been fascinated by Rupeni Caucaunibuca, one of rugby’s greatest talents. And yet the way his career panned out feels like a tragedy.
With thanks to Wayne Pivac, Doug Howlett, Jonny Wilkinson, Colin Yukes, Yannick Nyanga, and Caucau himself. www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
With thanks to Wayne Pivac, Doug Howlett, Jonny Wilkinson, Colin Yukes, Yannick Nyanga, and Caucau himself. www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
Celebrations are hot right now. We should give Tommy Freeman’s lawnmower more love. Also revisited some classics. www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
Henry Pollock leading rugby’s new ‘celly’ trend
From Saints flanker’s free-throw to Chandler Cunningham-South’s nod to Cole Palmer, the game could do with more players showing personality
www.telegraph.co.uk
April 15, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Celebrations are hot right now. We should give Tommy Freeman’s lawnmower more love. Also revisited some classics. www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...