Alex Lowe
@alexmlowe.bsky.social
Rugby Correspondent for The Times
SJA 🏆.
DMs open for any tips or story ideas.
@TimesSport
@alexmlowe on X and Insta
SJA 🏆.
DMs open for any tips or story ideas.
@TimesSport
@alexmlowe on X and Insta
Ireland v England.
The launch of Borthwick era 3.0 and what England can learn from the Kansas City Chiefs in their quest to turn narrow defeats into victories:
#IREvENG
Big match preview ⬇️
www.thetimes.com/article/7043...
The launch of Borthwick era 3.0 and what England can learn from the Kansas City Chiefs in their quest to turn narrow defeats into victories:
#IREvENG
Big match preview ⬇️
www.thetimes.com/article/7043...
Steve Borthwick’s plans will count for nothing if defence is a rabble
The risk with England coach’s new need-for-speed strategy is that lineout could be exposed and it puts a premium on accuracy and discipline in Dublin
www.thetimes.com
February 1, 2025 at 1:08 PM
Ireland v England.
The launch of Borthwick era 3.0 and what England can learn from the Kansas City Chiefs in their quest to turn narrow defeats into victories:
#IREvENG
Big match preview ⬇️
www.thetimes.com/article/7043...
The launch of Borthwick era 3.0 and what England can learn from the Kansas City Chiefs in their quest to turn narrow defeats into victories:
#IREvENG
Big match preview ⬇️
www.thetimes.com/article/7043...
Siya Kolisi: Hero, sinner, world-changer — an athlete like no other
Amazing interview with @owenslot.bsky.social in @timessport.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/article/4796...
Amazing interview with @owenslot.bsky.social in @timessport.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/article/4796...
Siya Kolisi: Hero, sinner, world-changer — an athlete like no other
Siya Kolisi icon tells Owen Slot why he’s tired of people celebrating his triumph over childhood struggle, benefiting from therapy and leaving Paris to ‘feel’ his homeland again
www.thetimes.com
January 16, 2025 at 7:58 PM
Siya Kolisi: Hero, sinner, world-changer — an athlete like no other
Amazing interview with @owenslot.bsky.social in @timessport.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/article/4796...
Amazing interview with @owenslot.bsky.social in @timessport.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/article/4796...
Cash-strapped RFU, which made 40+ jobs redundant, is to spend c£100k on a crisis-management firm and £50k on a governance review after the executive pay row triggered an unprecedented grass roots revolt.
Exclusive by @owenslot.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/sport/rugby-...
Exclusive by @owenslot.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/sport/rugby-...
RFU hires crisis management firm at £5k a day to fix its image
Under-fire governing body employs corporate consulting firm to help it navigate storm caused by perceived excess of the rewards of its own senior staff
www.thetimes.com
January 16, 2025 at 7:40 PM
Cash-strapped RFU, which made 40+ jobs redundant, is to spend c£100k on a crisis-management firm and £50k on a governance review after the executive pay row triggered an unprecedented grass roots revolt.
Exclusive by @owenslot.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/sport/rugby-...
Exclusive by @owenslot.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/sport/rugby-...
What the RFU has tried to dismiss as "media spin", "clickbait" and "speculation" has, at every turn since Bill Sweeney's salary was revealed, been factual reporting.
Tom Ilube resigned today with Bill Beaumont confirmed as interim chairman, as The Times reported would happen.
Tom Ilube resigned today with Bill Beaumont confirmed as interim chairman, as The Times reported would happen.
December 20, 2024 at 11:46 PM
What the RFU has tried to dismiss as "media spin", "clickbait" and "speculation" has, at every turn since Bill Sweeney's salary was revealed, been factual reporting.
Tom Ilube resigned today with Bill Beaumont confirmed as interim chairman, as The Times reported would happen.
Tom Ilube resigned today with Bill Beaumont confirmed as interim chairman, as The Times reported would happen.
Jan ‘23: “The RFU apologises for the anger and concern that’s been created among the rugby community. We got the engagement wrong and we are truly sorry."
Dec ‘24: “The RFU council recognises the reputation damage that’s been done…and has called for radical changes to the way the RFU communicates”
Dec ‘24: “The RFU council recognises the reputation damage that’s been done…and has called for radical changes to the way the RFU communicates”
December 19, 2024 at 7:51 AM
Jan ‘23: “The RFU apologises for the anger and concern that’s been created among the rugby community. We got the engagement wrong and we are truly sorry."
Dec ‘24: “The RFU council recognises the reputation damage that’s been done…and has called for radical changes to the way the RFU communicates”
Dec ‘24: “The RFU council recognises the reputation damage that’s been done…and has called for radical changes to the way the RFU communicates”
Reposted by Alex Lowe
Some interesting F1 stats:
- 42% of the total fan base is under 35 years old
- 41% of the fanbase is female vs 37% in 2018
- 16-24-year-old females is the fastest growing age sector
The above is part of the reason F1 has been so attractive commercially
- 42% of the total fan base is under 35 years old
- 41% of the fanbase is female vs 37% in 2018
- 16-24-year-old females is the fastest growing age sector
The above is part of the reason F1 has been so attractive commercially
December 12, 2024 at 10:35 AM
Some interesting F1 stats:
- 42% of the total fan base is under 35 years old
- 41% of the fanbase is female vs 37% in 2018
- 16-24-year-old females is the fastest growing age sector
The above is part of the reason F1 has been so attractive commercially
- 42% of the total fan base is under 35 years old
- 41% of the fanbase is female vs 37% in 2018
- 16-24-year-old females is the fastest growing age sector
The above is part of the reason F1 has been so attractive commercially
“Under strengths you’ve put cauliflower ears”
December 10, 2024 at 10:06 PM
“Under strengths you’ve put cauliflower ears”
Reposted by Alex Lowe
It’s the anniversary of this Julian Dicks penalty in 1996.
“Panenkas? Stick ‘em up yer bollocks…”
“Panenkas? Stick ‘em up yer bollocks…”
December 8, 2024 at 8:33 AM
It’s the anniversary of this Julian Dicks penalty in 1996.
“Panenkas? Stick ‘em up yer bollocks…”
“Panenkas? Stick ‘em up yer bollocks…”
Black mambas, Bear country, mullets - and maybe an England future.
Great piece with Benhard Janse Van Rensburg by
Will Kelleher in @timessport.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/sport/rugby-...
Great piece with Benhard Janse Van Rensburg by
Will Kelleher in @timessport.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/sport/rugby-...
Mullet, mambas and growing up in the bush: baby Bok who may play for England
From shooting black mambas in family closet to fans wanting photos of just his hair, Benhard Janse van Rensburg opens up on remarkable life – and his residency wranglings
www.thetimes.com
December 6, 2024 at 12:53 PM
Black mambas, Bear country, mullets - and maybe an England future.
Great piece with Benhard Janse Van Rensburg by
Will Kelleher in @timessport.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/sport/rugby-...
Great piece with Benhard Janse Van Rensburg by
Will Kelleher in @timessport.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/sport/rugby-...
'My night with Andy Carroll watching Newcastle-Liverpool in a Bordeaux pub'
Great piece by Martin Hardy in @timessport.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/sport/footba...
Great piece by Martin Hardy in @timessport.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/sport/footba...
My night with Andy Carroll watching Newcastle-Liverpool in Bordeaux pub
Former England forward who went from most expensive British player to fourth tier of French football discusses growing up, loneliness and rediscovering love for the game
www.thetimes.com
December 6, 2024 at 12:39 PM
'My night with Andy Carroll watching Newcastle-Liverpool in a Bordeaux pub'
Great piece by Martin Hardy in @timessport.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/sport/footba...
Great piece by Martin Hardy in @timessport.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/sport/footba...
December 4, 2024 at 6:43 PM
Hit me up if The Ruck made it onto your Spotify Wrapped podcast list.
@timessport.bsky.social
#spotifywrapped
@timessport.bsky.social
#spotifywrapped
December 4, 2024 at 2:17 PM
Hit me up if The Ruck made it onto your Spotify Wrapped podcast list.
@timessport.bsky.social
#spotifywrapped
@timessport.bsky.social
#spotifywrapped
The RFU president - who initially blamed ‘media clickbait’ for anger over the executive pay row at Twickenham - has woken up to the reality of a grassroots revolt and called an emergency council meeting without Tom Ilube and Bill Sweeney.
t.co/X6P7baoL8j
t.co/X6P7baoL8j
https://www.thetimes.com/article/068ec1f9-6e87-423f-b264-75a3133bdc38?shareToken=662149fbf8c02df07c0c530c891cc90b
t.co
December 3, 2024 at 10:38 PM
The RFU president - who initially blamed ‘media clickbait’ for anger over the executive pay row at Twickenham - has woken up to the reality of a grassroots revolt and called an emergency council meeting without Tom Ilube and Bill Sweeney.
t.co/X6P7baoL8j
t.co/X6P7baoL8j
Reposted by Alex Lowe
🎙️ Tune in to the latest episode of The Ruck as we discuss the RFU’s executive pay row and more.
Twickenham officials dismiss it as media spin and clickbait.
We call it facts and analysis.
Take a listen and decide for yourselves.
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
Twickenham officials dismiss it as media spin and clickbait.
We call it facts and analysis.
Take a listen and decide for yourselves.
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
What impact will the RFU bonuses have on the game?
Podcast Episode · The Ruck Rugby Podcast · 02/12/2024 · 1h 3m
podcasts.apple.com
December 2, 2024 at 11:59 PM
🎙️ Tune in to the latest episode of The Ruck as we discuss the RFU’s executive pay row and more.
Twickenham officials dismiss it as media spin and clickbait.
We call it facts and analysis.
Take a listen and decide for yourselves.
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
Twickenham officials dismiss it as media spin and clickbait.
We call it facts and analysis.
Take a listen and decide for yourselves.
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
🎙️ Tune in to the latest episode of The Ruck as we discuss the RFU’s executive pay row and more.
Twickenham officials dismiss it as media spin and clickbait.
We call it facts and analysis.
Take a listen and decide for yourselves.
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
Twickenham officials dismiss it as media spin and clickbait.
We call it facts and analysis.
Take a listen and decide for yourselves.
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
What impact will the RFU bonuses have on the game?
Podcast Episode · The Ruck Rugby Podcast · 02/12/2024 · 1h 3m
podcasts.apple.com
December 2, 2024 at 11:59 PM
🎙️ Tune in to the latest episode of The Ruck as we discuss the RFU’s executive pay row and more.
Twickenham officials dismiss it as media spin and clickbait.
We call it facts and analysis.
Take a listen and decide for yourselves.
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
Twickenham officials dismiss it as media spin and clickbait.
We call it facts and analysis.
Take a listen and decide for yourselves.
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
"They are hypocritical"
The RFU exec pay row continues to engulf Twickenham as England players, council members and grassroots clubs react with fury.
www.thetimes.com/sport/rugby-...
The RFU exec pay row continues to engulf Twickenham as England players, council members and grassroots clubs react with fury.
www.thetimes.com/sport/rugby-...
England players angry at bonus paid to ‘hypocritical’ Sweeney
Another senior figure says it ‘blows my mind’ that pay for key management personnel almost doubled to £4.9million despite record losses at RFU and poor results
www.thetimes.com
November 30, 2024 at 2:46 PM
"They are hypocritical"
The RFU exec pay row continues to engulf Twickenham as England players, council members and grassroots clubs react with fury.
www.thetimes.com/sport/rugby-...
The RFU exec pay row continues to engulf Twickenham as England players, council members and grassroots clubs react with fury.
www.thetimes.com/sport/rugby-...
"Andy Farrell senses Ireland have something special in the oven" - Ronan O'Gara
Sam Prendergast gets his shot today to become Ireland's long-term fly half - and put himself in the mix for the British & Irish Lions.
www.thetimes.com/sport/rugby-...
Sam Prendergast gets his shot today to become Ireland's long-term fly half - and put himself in the mix for the British & Irish Lions.
www.thetimes.com/sport/rugby-...
Sam Prendergast begins audition for Lions job against Australia
Ireland believe they ‘have something special’ in their 21-year-old fly half Sam Prendergast, who has usurped rivals to earn a starting spot against Australia
www.thetimes.com
November 30, 2024 at 2:45 PM
"Andy Farrell senses Ireland have something special in the oven" - Ronan O'Gara
Sam Prendergast gets his shot today to become Ireland's long-term fly half - and put himself in the mix for the British & Irish Lions.
www.thetimes.com/sport/rugby-...
Sam Prendergast gets his shot today to become Ireland's long-term fly half - and put himself in the mix for the British & Irish Lions.
www.thetimes.com/sport/rugby-...
RFU council members are furious at the latest revelations, buried deep in the annual report, that six execs shared a bonus payout of £1.3m in a year of record losses and redundancies.
Bill Sweeney got £358k. The others an average of £180k each. Based on three-year performance targets.
Bill Sweeney got £358k. The others an average of £180k each. Based on three-year performance targets.
November 28, 2024 at 8:01 AM
RFU council members are furious at the latest revelations, buried deep in the annual report, that six execs shared a bonus payout of £1.3m in a year of record losses and redundancies.
Bill Sweeney got £358k. The others an average of £180k each. Based on three-year performance targets.
Bill Sweeney got £358k. The others an average of £180k each. Based on three-year performance targets.
The RFU’s blended ratio strikes again.
In 2021 the RFU was caught double counting England men's games to boost its win percentage.
Now the results of England men and women have been blended to unlock Bill Sweeney’s bonus (in a year of redundancies it’s equivalent to six £60k jobs) 1/2
In 2021 the RFU was caught double counting England men's games to boost its win percentage.
Now the results of England men and women have been blended to unlock Bill Sweeney’s bonus (in a year of redundancies it’s equivalent to six £60k jobs) 1/2
November 27, 2024 at 8:48 AM
The RFU’s blended ratio strikes again.
In 2021 the RFU was caught double counting England men's games to boost its win percentage.
Now the results of England men and women have been blended to unlock Bill Sweeney’s bonus (in a year of redundancies it’s equivalent to six £60k jobs) 1/2
In 2021 the RFU was caught double counting England men's games to boost its win percentage.
Now the results of England men and women have been blended to unlock Bill Sweeney’s bonus (in a year of redundancies it’s equivalent to six £60k jobs) 1/2
Bill Sweeney should resign after disgraceful bonus, say ex-RFU leaders
✍️ @willgkelleher
www.thetimes.com/article/0eaf...
✍️ @willgkelleher
www.thetimes.com/article/0eaf...
Bill Sweeney should resign after disgraceful bonus, say ex-RFU leaders
Bill Sweeney was paid £1.1m despite overseeing record losses of £34.4m, leading former RFU chiefs to call for chief executive and chairman Tom Ilube to resign
www.thetimes.com
November 27, 2024 at 8:19 AM
Bill Sweeney should resign after disgraceful bonus, say ex-RFU leaders
✍️ @willgkelleher
www.thetimes.com/article/0eaf...
✍️ @willgkelleher
www.thetimes.com/article/0eaf...
The RFU will pay Bill Sweeney £1.1million this year — a record for a chief executive at a British sports governing body — at a time when Twickenham is braced for record losses and redundancies
www.thetimes.com/sport/rugby-...
www.thetimes.com/sport/rugby-...
Bill Sweeney: Cash-strapped RFU pays chief executive record £1.1m
The amount is a record for a CEO at a British sporting governing body, at a time when the union is cutting jobs and reducing costs
www.thetimes.com
November 25, 2024 at 3:54 PM
The RFU will pay Bill Sweeney £1.1million this year — a record for a chief executive at a British sports governing body — at a time when Twickenham is braced for record losses and redundancies
www.thetimes.com/sport/rugby-...
www.thetimes.com/sport/rugby-...
England feast on nine tries against Japan but what does it really mean?
Little to learn in attack - but alarm bells sound again over England’s defence.
www.thetimes.com/article/daec...
Little to learn in attack - but alarm bells sound again over England’s defence.
www.thetimes.com/article/daec...
Attacking feast undermined by England’s woeful defence
England 59 Japan 14: Lots of points, lots of tries but few important questions answered before the Six Nations, including whether Steve Borthwick should stick with the blitz
www.thetimes.com
November 24, 2024 at 10:25 PM
England feast on nine tries against Japan but what does it really mean?
Little to learn in attack - but alarm bells sound again over England’s defence.
www.thetimes.com/article/daec...
Little to learn in attack - but alarm bells sound again over England’s defence.
www.thetimes.com/article/daec...