Charlie Morgan
@charliemorgan.bsky.social
Still more of a rugby man, still admit it
Please forgive the self-indulgent bits, because it’s been awesome to follow this guy’s career. A retirement interview with Alex Goode:
www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
My mate Alex Goode is retiring and I might just be sadder than he is
Saracens stalwart is calling time on record-breaking career almost two decades after graduating from our school team to professional game
www.telegraph.co.uk
May 31, 2025 at 5:40 AM
Please forgive the self-indulgent bits, because it’s been awesome to follow this guy’s career. A retirement interview with Alex Goode:
www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
Been fascinated by the long commutes of professional coaches for a while. Lee Blackett let me join his one on Monday morning, which got going at 3.53am. It was an absolute treat. www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
I joined England’s new coach Lee Blackett on his 4am commute
Telegraph Sport accompanied one of the brightest minds in English rugby on his daily journey to Bath’s training ground from Leicestershire
www.telegraph.co.uk
April 30, 2025 at 7:54 AM
Been fascinated by the long commutes of professional coaches for a while. Lee Blackett let me join his one on Monday morning, which got going at 3.53am. It was an absolute treat. www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
A long-read on how VAT on independent school fees could alter the landscape of English rugby union.
😡 Anger about “envy tax”
🏰 Do “life-changing” bursaries go?
🏴 “Anomaly” state school with 3 Eng U18s
🏉 ACE programme key?
💭 Future solutions
www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
😡 Anger about “envy tax”
🏰 Do “life-changing” bursaries go?
🏴 “Anomaly” state school with 3 Eng U18s
🏉 ACE programme key?
💭 Future solutions
www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
Labour’s private schools plan is an ‘existential threat’ to English rugby
Special report: Telegraph Sport spoke to those within rugby to find out how much damage the VAT law change could really inflict
www.telegraph.co.uk
February 26, 2025 at 6:19 AM
A long-read on how VAT on independent school fees could alter the landscape of English rugby union.
😡 Anger about “envy tax”
🏰 Do “life-changing” bursaries go?
🏴 “Anomaly” state school with 3 Eng U18s
🏉 ACE programme key?
💭 Future solutions
www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
😡 Anger about “envy tax”
🏰 Do “life-changing” bursaries go?
🏴 “Anomaly” state school with 3 Eng U18s
🏉 ACE programme key?
💭 Future solutions
www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
Reposted by Charlie Morgan
Response towards Bath's recruitment seems to be 'how are they doing that?'
Salary info in here (with @charliemorgan.bsky.social ) on Santi Carreras and Henry Arundell, along with how Bath are structuring their contracts. www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
Salary info in here (with @charliemorgan.bsky.social ) on Santi Carreras and Henry Arundell, along with how Bath are structuring their contracts. www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
Bath and the salary cap: How they are pulling it off
In this era of austerity, Telegraph Sport looks at how West Country club are embracing a more extravagant approach to recruitment
www.telegraph.co.uk
February 13, 2025 at 12:35 PM
Response towards Bath's recruitment seems to be 'how are they doing that?'
Salary info in here (with @charliemorgan.bsky.social ) on Santi Carreras and Henry Arundell, along with how Bath are structuring their contracts. www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
Salary info in here (with @charliemorgan.bsky.social ) on Santi Carreras and Henry Arundell, along with how Bath are structuring their contracts. www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
Interview with Kepu Tuipulotu. A very talented, very enthusiastic young man. And Wales tried to call him up for the 2024 Six Nations before he’d played a game of senior rugby union… www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
Kepu Tuipulotu: Wales invited me to train, but I think England is best for me
Teenager, who declined Warren Gatland’s advances 12 months ago, is keen to put a stamp on the hooker position at under-20 level
www.telegraph.co.uk
February 13, 2025 at 7:00 AM
Interview with Kepu Tuipulotu. A very talented, very enthusiastic young man. And Wales tried to call him up for the 2024 Six Nations before he’d played a game of senior rugby union… www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
A look at Marcus Smith’s performance. Scruffy bits and lucky escapes, but sparked England in distinctive ways and helped them win kicking battle.
Also highlighted naivety/stubbornness of France, who didn’t put a high ball on him til the 74th minute. www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
Also highlighted naivety/stubbornness of France, who didn’t put a high ball on him til the 74th minute. www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
England’s Marcus Smith full-back experiment is worth sticking with
There were scruffy moments, but he stayed in the game and helped to justify Steve Borthwick’s tactical plan
www.telegraph.co.uk
February 9, 2025 at 7:50 PM
A look at Marcus Smith’s performance. Scruffy bits and lucky escapes, but sparked England in distinctive ways and helped them win kicking battle.
Also highlighted naivety/stubbornness of France, who didn’t put a high ball on him til the 74th minute. www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
Also highlighted naivety/stubbornness of France, who didn’t put a high ball on him til the 74th minute. www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
Piece on that last England try and how it encapsulated England's selection/tactics/performance
- Faith in kick-pressure with it all on the line
- Bench vindicated because line-out became a weapon
- A strike move borrowed from Saints to clinch it www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
- Faith in kick-pressure with it all on the line
- Bench vindicated because line-out became a weapon
- A strike move borrowed from Saints to clinch it www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
The Northampton move England used to bamboozle and beat France
England’s winning try originated from a tactical template that Premiership side Saints use prolifically
www.telegraph.co.uk
February 8, 2025 at 8:51 PM
Piece on that last England try and how it encapsulated England's selection/tactics/performance
- Faith in kick-pressure with it all on the line
- Bench vindicated because line-out became a weapon
- A strike move borrowed from Saints to clinch it www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
- Faith in kick-pressure with it all on the line
- Bench vindicated because line-out became a weapon
- A strike move borrowed from Saints to clinch it www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
A longish read on Fin Smith, who will have a lot of proud well-wishers today. Self-aware, unselfish, tough.
📺 A rare teenager who watched full games
⚔️ Leadership amid Worcester collapse
🏴 How it could have been Scotland
😇 How he makes others look good
www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
📺 A rare teenager who watched full games
⚔️ Leadership amid Worcester collapse
🏴 How it could have been Scotland
😇 How he makes others look good
www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
Strap yourselves in for the Fin Smith era, England fans
England’s new fly-half has shown both an exceptional skill set and ability to thrive in adversity during his rapid ascent to the top
www.telegraph.co.uk
February 8, 2025 at 7:11 AM
A longish read on Fin Smith, who will have a lot of proud well-wishers today. Self-aware, unselfish, tough.
📺 A rare teenager who watched full games
⚔️ Leadership amid Worcester collapse
🏴 How it could have been Scotland
😇 How he makes others look good
www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
📺 A rare teenager who watched full games
⚔️ Leadership amid Worcester collapse
🏴 How it could have been Scotland
😇 How he makes others look good
www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
Spoke to some referees about refereeing Maro Itoje and what sort of England captain he will be.
📊 Stats illustrating risk v reward
🥷 Properly sneaky stuff at the line-out
💬 How demeanour compares to predecessors
📏 Why new laws might temper penalties www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
📊 Stats illustrating risk v reward
🥷 Properly sneaky stuff at the line-out
💬 How demeanour compares to predecessors
📏 Why new laws might temper penalties www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
Maro Itoje will be an upgrade as England captain, according to referees
Despite a mild-mannered persona, the Saracens lock has a reputation for playing risk and reward with officials
www.telegraph.co.uk
January 31, 2025 at 8:03 AM
Spoke to some referees about refereeing Maro Itoje and what sort of England captain he will be.
📊 Stats illustrating risk v reward
🥷 Properly sneaky stuff at the line-out
💬 How demeanour compares to predecessors
📏 Why new laws might temper penalties www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
📊 Stats illustrating risk v reward
🥷 Properly sneaky stuff at the line-out
💬 How demeanour compares to predecessors
📏 Why new laws might temper penalties www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
Ben Curry and Ben Earl have taken precisely zero line-outs between them this season for their clubs.
Here's a piece on insert lifting, a tactic that is often totally missed by television coverage and might well be key to England's strategy this weekend. www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
Here's a piece on insert lifting, a tactic that is often totally missed by television coverage and might well be key to England's strategy this weekend. www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
The ‘impossible’ line-out move England can turn on against Ireland
One suspects Steve Borthwick’s side will have to be squeaky clean with this intricate tactic during Six Nations
www.telegraph.co.uk
January 31, 2025 at 8:02 AM
Ben Curry and Ben Earl have taken precisely zero line-outs between them this season for their clubs.
Here's a piece on insert lifting, a tactic that is often totally missed by television coverage and might well be key to England's strategy this weekend. www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
Here's a piece on insert lifting, a tactic that is often totally missed by television coverage and might well be key to England's strategy this weekend. www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
It's a year, in terms of Test fixtures, since Courtney Lawes retired from internationals. England haven't settled on a succession plan, seemingly. That's not a massive surprise, because Lawes was/is a freak-show. But they do have options... www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
Steve Borthwick’s choice of blindside flanker could make or break the Six Nations for England
A year since Courtney Lawes bowed out of Test matches, England are still striving to nail down a succession plan
www.telegraph.co.uk
January 22, 2025 at 1:54 PM
It's a year, in terms of Test fixtures, since Courtney Lawes retired from internationals. England haven't settled on a succession plan, seemingly. That's not a massive surprise, because Lawes was/is a freak-show. But they do have options... www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
A look at the domestic and Champions Cup form of each player in the England squad. Some heading into the Six Nations hot, others in a tricky patch. Form never the only factor in Test selection, but still interesting. www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
Who’s hot and who’s not: England player-by-player form guide ahead of Six Nations
Several England regulars have suffered a dip in form while those on the outskirts are starting to shine
www.telegraph.co.uk
January 21, 2025 at 6:30 AM
A look at the domestic and Champions Cup form of each player in the England squad. Some heading into the Six Nations hot, others in a tricky patch. Form never the only factor in Test selection, but still interesting. www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
Understand that Fergus Burke is “definitely in the mix” for a maiden Scotland call-up. Final decision at the beginning of next week. www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
England-qualified Kiwi Fergus Burke in mix for Scotland call-up
Gregor Townsend likely to call up Saracens’ triply eligible fly-half as back-up to Finn Russell after Adam Hastings suffered jaw injury
www.telegraph.co.uk
January 8, 2025 at 6:54 AM
Understand that Fergus Burke is “definitely in the mix” for a maiden Scotland call-up. Final decision at the beginning of next week. www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
Harry Byrne imitated AJ MacGinty in Leinster training the week before his team played Bristol. A fortnight later, when Bristol needed a fly-half on loan, he told Pat Lam that he’d carved up Leinster using Bristol’s plays. A piece on a fascinating signing: www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
Harry Byrne deal can save Bristol’s season – and be huge boost to Ireland
Irish fly-half made immediate impression on debut as he looks to fill the big shoes of AJ MacGinty
www.telegraph.co.uk
January 8, 2025 at 6:49 AM
Harry Byrne imitated AJ MacGinty in Leinster training the week before his team played Bristol. A fortnight later, when Bristol needed a fly-half on loan, he told Pat Lam that he’d carved up Leinster using Bristol’s plays. A piece on a fascinating signing: www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
Closer look at Tom Willis’ monster performance against Bristol Bears, specifically how Saracens used him and Ben Earl together. Really interesting to see how England balance their back five. www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
Ben Earl has No 8 shirt, but Tom Willis is too good for England to ignore
Earl has 16 consecutive starts for England, but his Saracens team-mate is making a strong case for Six Nations involvement
www.telegraph.co.uk
January 6, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Closer look at Tom Willis’ monster performance against Bristol Bears, specifically how Saracens used him and Ben Earl together. Really interesting to see how England balance their back five. www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
Was at the StoneX yesterday for Saracens-Bristol and Tom Willis *surely* smashed down the England door. Report: www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
‘Outstanding’ Tom Willis a must-pick for England after Saracens bounce back to beat Bristol
Cold nights in early January call for steely resolve and Tom Willis inspired resurgent Saracens to a vital victory over Bristol Bears, powerfully reinforcing his international credentials in the proce...
www.telegraph.co.uk
January 5, 2025 at 8:31 AM
Was at the StoneX yesterday for Saracens-Bristol and Tom Willis *surely* smashed down the England door. Report: www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
Learned this week that Kepu Tuipulotu was invited into the England senior camp over the autumn for a “taster”. He’ll make his Premiership debut on Sunday off a seven-one Bath bench. All very exciting. www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
Introducing England’s next big things: 6ft 9in Saracens lock and explosive Bath hooker
Two of English rugby’s brightest young talents look set to get their first chance to impress in the Premiership this weekend
www.telegraph.co.uk
January 4, 2025 at 7:04 AM
Learned this week that Kepu Tuipulotu was invited into the England senior camp over the autumn for a “taster”. He’ll make his Premiership debut on Sunday off a seven-one Bath bench. All very exciting. www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
Seemingly fourth choice 18 months ago, Alex Mitchell is now arguably England’s MVP. Here’s a piece on that, with a focus on his performance in Pretoria. Shout-outs for loads of other Saints as well. www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
Alex Mitchell is back and proving why he is England’s most important player
Saints scrum-half was missed over the autumn internationals and Steve Borthwick will be pleased to see his assured return to action
www.telegraph.co.uk
December 17, 2024 at 7:01 AM
Seemingly fourth choice 18 months ago, Alex Mitchell is now arguably England’s MVP. Here’s a piece on that, with a focus on his performance in Pretoria. Shout-outs for loads of other Saints as well. www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
Nine years ago, England were a team that relied upon 6.5s. A decade on, they’re striving to fit in as many as three 7s.
This contains theories, charts, quotes and clips. And lots of Aussies. www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
This contains theories, charts, quotes and clips. And lots of Aussies. www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
Why England are producing so many opensides
No 7 was once a problem position but now the options available to Steve Borthwick and his eventual successor are plentiful
www.telegraph.co.uk
December 12, 2024 at 8:50 PM
Nine years ago, England were a team that relied upon 6.5s. A decade on, they’re striving to fit in as many as three 7s.
This contains theories, charts, quotes and clips. And lots of Aussies. www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
This contains theories, charts, quotes and clips. And lots of Aussies. www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
Reposted by Charlie Morgan
Some thoughts on 'Rugged Rugby: Conquer or Die'.
Once you get past the title (or Die!) and dubbed American voices ("no more of that crap" from one referee to a player is a highlight), this is all very silly and also a great way to sell the sport. www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
Once you get past the title (or Die!) and dubbed American voices ("no more of that crap" from one referee to a player is a highlight), this is all very silly and also a great way to sell the sport. www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
This Korean rugby reality show is bonkers
Worth watching for the voice-overs and captions alone, the show is occasionally theatrical and regularly absurd
www.telegraph.co.uk
December 12, 2024 at 8:03 PM
Some thoughts on 'Rugged Rugby: Conquer or Die'.
Once you get past the title (or Die!) and dubbed American voices ("no more of that crap" from one referee to a player is a highlight), this is all very silly and also a great way to sell the sport. www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
Once you get past the title (or Die!) and dubbed American voices ("no more of that crap" from one referee to a player is a highlight), this is all very silly and also a great way to sell the sport. www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
Reposted by Charlie Morgan
Fairly sobering chat with Ben Cohen about life after rugby and the importance of the Champions 2003 charity.
“It meant everything, winning a World Cup... but it’s not like it’s a degree.” www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
“It meant everything, winning a World Cup... but it’s not like it’s a degree.” www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
Ben Cohen: I would swap winning World Cup with England for a degree and career
One of the heroes of 2003 likens retirement to leaving the services – and says he lacked skills needed for life on ‘civvy street’
www.telegraph.co.uk
December 9, 2024 at 3:16 PM
Fairly sobering chat with Ben Cohen about life after rugby and the importance of the Champions 2003 charity.
“It meant everything, winning a World Cup... but it’s not like it’s a degree.” www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
“It meant everything, winning a World Cup... but it’s not like it’s a degree.” www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
Reposted by Charlie Morgan
A formal apology to Bristol Bears (and some Champions Cup predictions with @crichardsontel.bsky.social and @charliemorgan.bsky.social) www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
Champions Cup predictions... and how Bristol proved our expert wrong
Ahead of the European competition’s big kick-off, who are the likely winners, dark horses and potential breakout stars?
www.telegraph.co.uk
December 6, 2024 at 8:52 AM
A formal apology to Bristol Bears (and some Champions Cup predictions with @crichardsontel.bsky.social and @charliemorgan.bsky.social) www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
Interview with Henry Pollock. Swaggering and spiky (as well as seriously skilful) on the pitch. Found him open, polite and pretty funny off it. www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
Henry Pollock interview: ‘I love aggressive side of rugby – I’m at my best when I’m on edge’
Exclusive: His swagger and spikiness has led to surging expectations but the Northampton Saints flanker is taking it all in his stride
www.telegraph.co.uk
December 5, 2024 at 9:45 PM
Interview with Henry Pollock. Swaggering and spiky (as well as seriously skilful) on the pitch. Found him open, polite and pretty funny off it. www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
Statty deepish dive into Premiership EQPs, with a positional breakdown (sort of). Think there are more (and better) EQPs than many fear
📈 Club by club figures
🇮🇪 EQPs that aren’t EQPs
🤷♂️ Fair system?
🏴 Ten tighthead starts last week!
😬 New ‘problem positions’? www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
📈 Club by club figures
🇮🇪 EQPs that aren’t EQPs
🤷♂️ Fair system?
🏴 Ten tighthead starts last week!
😬 New ‘problem positions’? www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
The proof Premiership clubs are not to blame for England’s struggles
New rules mandating numbers of England-qualified players appearing in Premiership will continue to bolster international selection pool
www.telegraph.co.uk
December 4, 2024 at 11:30 AM
Statty deepish dive into Premiership EQPs, with a positional breakdown (sort of). Think there are more (and better) EQPs than many fear
📈 Club by club figures
🇮🇪 EQPs that aren’t EQPs
🤷♂️ Fair system?
🏴 Ten tighthead starts last week!
😬 New ‘problem positions’? www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
📈 Club by club figures
🇮🇪 EQPs that aren’t EQPs
🤷♂️ Fair system?
🏴 Ten tighthead starts last week!
😬 New ‘problem positions’? www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
A piece on Premiership recruitment and why Argentines remain so attractive even as other overseas stars have diminished. ‘Hot Rod’ – best nickname in the league. www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...
How Argentines became the must-have signings in the Premiership
Emerging from a culture where flair is encouraged rather than stunted, players from Argentina are flourishing in England’s top flight
www.telegraph.co.uk
November 28, 2024 at 11:56 AM
A piece on Premiership recruitment and why Argentines remain so attractive even as other overseas stars have diminished. ‘Hot Rod’ – best nickname in the league. www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/...