Columnist About
I am a freelance journalist who was born in NZ and raised in Northern Ireland but spent most of my working life in Australia. Former Sun-Herald sports editor, rugby tragic and current Roar and RugbyHeaven contributor. Lucky to be able to write about a subject I love.
- Member Since:
- February 2012
- Based In:
- London
- Favourite Sporting Team:
- The Crusaders
- Favourite Sports:
- Rugby,
Latest Articles
Brilliant Genia's absence brings Reds back to the pack
24 Jan 2013There are few better places to start looking for a side’s prospects in 2013 than reviews of their play last year. Another look at the tapes can challenge prejudices the viewer might nurture – or confirm opinions already held. With that in mind replays of two Reds games, against Blues and Crusaders in New Zealand, [...]
Lions schedule hands Super coaches an unpredictable task
16 Jan 2013In the first round of Super Rugby in 2001 – the most recent British and Irish Lions tour year – the three Australian provinces taking part in the then Super 12 all recorded victories ranging from handy to handsome against New Zealand opposition. The Reds beat the Hurricanes at Ballymore, the Waratahs put 42 points [...]
Five of the big questions that will be answered in 2013
9 Jan 2013Blessed is the turn of the year. With it comes the promise of fresh starts and renewal: clean pages for all after a largely disappointing year for Australian rugby in 2012. Already there is talk out of Sydney of a revival and out of Perth a relaunch. These are encouraging noises, especially when accompanied by [...]
Candid Smith offers a reminder of the Wallabies' potential
20 Dec 2012Throw out the question “what makes the world’s best side” and a heap of answers might come back your way. Some might start with an immovable tight-head prop, while others will point to the five-eighth position. But consensus is likely to be found on the formula that it requires the services of about six world-class [...]
Reds, Brumbies deserves favouritism, but Tahs make things interesting
13 Dec 2012It might have slipped through the cracks but there was a telling remark about Israel Folau last week from a purely rugby perspective. Chiefs coach Dave Rennie, speaking on New Zealand television, confirmed that he and Wayne Smith had conducted talks with Folau earlier this year. The conversation took place when the Chiefs coaches were [...]
Northern drubbings give Deans, Hansen plenty to stew on
6 Dec 2012It is a slightly cheeky exercise but add together the two standout performances from the Spring tours and you end up with a total of Northern Hemisphere heavyweights 71, Southern Hemisphere 24. The two outstanding displays of the campaign came from those clad in the blue of France and white of England. It has not [...]
THE ROAR ON