Evening Standard - Rugby Union

Froch avenges Kessler defeat

Sun, 26 May 2013 08:10:09 BST

Carl Froch secured his legacy as one of British boxing's modern greats with a thrilling unanimous decision win over former conqueror Mikkel Kessler in London.

Champion Froch targets Ward rematch

Sun, 26 May 2013 08:10:08 BST

Carl Froch immediately set his sights on avenging the other blot on his record after overcoming his first conqueror Mikkel Kessler in a scintillating super-middleweight unification fight.

Robben so glad to be a winner

Sun, 26 May 2013 08:10:07 BST

Arjen Robben was delighted to rid himself of the loser's tag after his last-minute goal gave Bayern Munich their fifth Champions League.

Klopp gracious in defeat

Sun, 26 May 2013 08:10:06 BST

Jurgen Klopp was magnanimous in defeat after watching Bayern Munich forward Arjen Robben's late goal condemn Borussia Dortmund to an agonising 2-1 Champions League final loss at Wembley.

Dylan Hartley puts his Lions tour in jeopardy with sending-off as Leicester Tigers claim Premiership title

Nik Simon — Sat, 25 May 2013 17:15:15 BST

Dylan Hartley was sent off in the first half as Leicester Tigers were crowned Premiership champions with a 37-17 victory at Twickenham.

Rugby player banned for 80 weeks

Chris Jones — Fri, 24 May 2013 08:50:46 BST

A schools rugby player has been banned from playing rugby for 80 weeks for foul play.

Ben Morgan up and running in time to prove his worth

Chris Jones — Fri, 24 May 2013 07:50:08 BST

Ben Morgan will confirm his recovery from a serious ankle injury by taking on the Barbarians on Sunday.

Warren Gatland holds his breath as Lions go head to head for one last time

Chris Jones — Fri, 24 May 2013 07:50:02 BST

Warren Gatland faces one last day of injury worry as 13 of his Lions line up in the final club games of the season.

Christian aid can raise game of Wasps’ double award winner

Chris Jones — Thu, 23 May 2013 07:48:16 BST

Christian Wade, who was named the best Premiership player by his peers last night, believes new London Wasps backs coach Stephen Jones will make him an even greater force next season.

Alex Corbisiero has point to prove

Chris Jones — Wed, 22 May 2013 12:45:01 BST

Alex Corbisiero is determined to prove Brian Smith, the London Irish director of rugby was wrong to cast serious doubts over his playing future by reclaiming his England No1 jersey against the Barbarians at Twickenham on Sunday.

Lions tour chiefs take tougher stance over ‘terrible’ contract

Chris Jones — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:11:03 BST

Lions officials are attempting to end a “terrible” deal that will see Australia bank an estimated £50million from this summer’s three-Test tour while the Four Home Unions will collect just £1.5m each.

Robbie Deans: No surprise if Jonny Wilkinson joins Lions

Mon, 20 May 2013 10:26:08 BST

Wallaby coach Robbie Deans is expecting Jonny Wilkinson to join the British and Irish Lions tour party at some point in Australia for the three-match Test series this summer.

Stade win would let London Wasps sneak into Heineken Cup

Fri, 17 May 2013 09:10:04 BST

London Wasps hope Stade Francais pull of a shock win against Leinster in tonight’s Amlin Challenge Cup Final as it will give them a place in next season’s Heineken Cup.

‘Jonny Wilkinson's a winner but we’ll stop him’

Chris Jones — Fri, 17 May 2013 09:10:02 BST

Alex King today dismissed criticism of old foe Jonny Wilkinson ahead of their meeting in the Heineken Cup Final but is backing his side to stop the former England No10.

I stunned the Lions and so can Robbie Deans

Chris Jones — Thu, 16 May 2013 10:44:36 BST

Joe Roff is backing Robbie Deans to defy his many critics and lead Australia to a 2-1 Test series victory over the Lions this summer.

Warren Gatland is rocked by Brian O’Driscoll back injury

Thu, 16 May 2013 10:40:13 BST

Lions chief Warren Gatland will be seeking assurances from his medical staff that Brian O’Driscoll’s back injury will not hinder him in Australia after the centre was ruled of Leinster’s Amlin Challenge Cup Final against Stade Francais in Dublin tomorrow night.

British and Irish Lions official squad picture gets photoshopped - but can you guess which players were missing from original line-up

Wed, 15 May 2013 13:41:56 BST

The official squad photo ahead of the British and Irish Lions tour this summer cleverly features two players who weren't even present for the shoot.

Retiring Joe Ansbro will be missed by all at London Irish

Topsy Ojo — Wed, 15 May 2013 11:41:38 BST

In an Aviva Premiership season that has seen a record number of retirements, it’s sad that today a friend of mine has joined the list of players being forced to quit the game early due to injury.

Owen Farrell will bounce back from Saracens defeat, says Warren Gatland

Chris Jones — Tue, 14 May 2013 13:33:27 BST

Owen Farrell has received a timely confidence boost from Warren Gatland, the Lions head coach, in the wake of Saracens debilitating Premiership semi-final loss to Northampton.

Matt Stevens: I am more than just a support act for the Lions

Mihir Bose — Tue, 14 May 2013 09:23:14 BST

Matt Stevens laughs at the idea his selection for the Lions was due to Warren Gatland needing the prop to bring a club feel to the squad in Australia.

Saracens won’t splash out after looking a spent force

Chris Jones — Mon, 13 May 2013 11:23:13 BST

Saracens 13-27 Northampton

Saracens will not recruit more big-name players to bolster their squad despite yesterday’s crushing Aviva Premiership semi-final defeat.

Brian O’Driscoll must take weight off his feet but Warren Gatland is not worried

Chris Jones — Mon, 13 May 2013 11:20:12 BST

Brian O’Driscoll has become the Lions’ first injury worry for their summer tour after he was ordered to stay off his feet for 48 hours due to a back spasm.

Experiment in Sevens Lab left me tied up in knots

Nik Simon — Fri, 10 May 2013 10:59:31 BST

Ben Ryan likes to experiment in his approach towards coaching the England Sevens team.

McCall picks up honour

Fri, 10 May 2013 10:42:14 BST

Mark McCall received a major boost ahead of Saracens’ Aviva Premiership play-off semi-final by being named this season’s QBE Director of Rugby last night.

One Goode reason why Alex needs to be at his best

Chris Jones — Fri, 10 May 2013 10:29:49 BST

Alex Goode is relishing the opportunity to prove he remains England’s first-choice full-back by helping Saracens into another Aviva Premiership Final.

First-class Lion is anxious that he graduates with honours

Chris Jones — Thu, 09 May 2013 09:57:35 BST

Jamie Roberts hopes to turn July into a month-long celebration of the two great driving forces in his life — rugby and medicine.

Beale’s ban casts doubts on Test spot

Thu, 09 May 2013 09:54:34 BST

Kurtley Beale’s hopes of playing against the Lions are in doubt after he was suspended by Melbourne Rebels for a second breach of discipline this season.

Lancaster asks for talk time with players

Chris Jones — Thu, 09 May 2013 09:39:10 BST

Stuart Lancaster wants extra time with his England players to ensure the Grand Slam debacle against Wales does not undermine their bid for World Cup glory in 2015.

Chris Robshaw is out of tour as England rest stars

Chris Jones — Wed, 08 May 2013 14:31:33 BST

England captain Chris Robshaw was today left out of the tour party for Argentina along with Toby Flood, Brad Barritt and Chris Ashton.

Rest could be best for Chris Robshaw

Wed, 08 May 2013 07:54:17 BST

Harlequins director of rugby Conor O'Shea insists Chris Robshaw does not have to go on the England tour to remain in contention for a late British and Irish Lions call-up.

Barbarians turn to Jones and Wentzel

Tue, 07 May 2013 11:00:16 BST

London Wasps duo Marco Wentzel and Sam Jones have been selected to represent the Barbarians against England and the Lions, writes Chris Jones.

Brad Barritt’s glad the pressure is on as he battles to make semi-final

Chris Jones — Tue, 07 May 2013 11:00:14 BST

Brad Barritt hopes one more visit to a pressure chamber will allow him to face Northampton on Sunday and power Saracens into the Aviva Premiership Final.

Chris Robshaw wrestles with big issue

Chris Jones — Fri, 03 May 2013 09:30:04 BST

Lawrence Dallaglio believes England captain Chris Robshaw faces the toughest decision of his career after being left out of the Lions squad for Australia.

From child’s play to the Lions for Mako Vunipola and Toby Faletau

Nik Simon — Fri, 03 May 2013 09:30:02 BST

Toby Faletau likes to reflect on his time as an eight-year-old spent riding a bike around Pontypool with Mako Vunipola.

Topsy Ojo: Finishing line in sight after some tough battles

Thu, 02 May 2013 16:30:21 BST

After 21 bruising rounds, the final weekend of the regular season for the Aviva Premiership is almost here. Most clubs would agree that from September through to May it almost feels like you’ve gone 12 rounds, but with the finishing line in sight and some clubs still fighting for position it should make for an exciting finale.

Stuart Lancaster loves northern adventure

Nik Simon — Thu, 02 May 2013 14:15:02 BST

Rugby’s traditionalists will baulk at the decision to stage England’s final pool fixture at the Manchester City Stadium but Stuart Lancaster believes it is an opportunity to pull the sport away from its southern roots.

Rugby World Cup 2015: Where to catch all the action

Thu, 02 May 2013 11:26:07 BST

The 13 venues that will host the Rugby World Cup in 2015.

2015 is England's greatest chance to win Rugby World Cup

Chris Jones — Thu, 02 May 2013 10:32:47 BST

England are in the best position to win the 2015 World Cup on home soil, the chief executive of the Rugby Football Union said today.

Chris Robshaw's agony over Lions snub

Chris Jones — Wed, 01 May 2013 14:30:06 BST

England captain Chris Robshaw is upset at missing out on the Lions squad but will be one of the first to be called up in the event of injury, according to coach Graham Rowntree.

British and Irish Lions 2013: It'll be brutal, say the Aussies

Chris Jones — Wed, 01 May 2013 12:23:29 BST

Australia coach Robbie Deans today predicted a “brutal and relentless” assault from the Lions in this summer’s three-Test series.

Matt Stevens: It’s a shock to be a Lion again . . . I only found out on Twitter

Chris Jones — Wed, 01 May 2013 10:49:44 BST

Matt Stevens’s selection for the Lions tour to Australia has already provoked a reaction from the locals, who have quickly pointed out the prop is a “South African busted for cocaine”.

British and Irish Lions 2013: Jonny Wilkinson putting Toulon first

Wed, 01 May 2013 07:49:32 BST

Jonny Wilkinson has confirmed he turned down a place in the British and Irish Lions squad because his "absolute priority" lies with his club Toulon.

British and Irish Lions 2013 squad: Sam Warburton is the man for Warren Gatland

Chris Jones — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 11:59:06 BST

Sam Warburton was today named Lions captain for the series with Australia but there was no place for Chris Robshaw or Jonny Wilkinson, who turned down the chance to tour.

Lions squad 2013: Player pen-pics

Profiles by Nik Simon — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 11:38:24 BST

Warren Gatland has announced his Lions squad for this summer's tour to Australia. See the full line-up and pen pics here ...

Lions squad 2013: Player pen-pics

Profiles by Nik Simon — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 11:37:24 BST

Warren Gatland has announced his Lions squad for this summer's tour to Australia. See the full line-up and pen pics here ...

Lions 2013: Sam Warburton recovers in style to lead the tour Down Under

Julian Bennetts — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 11:12:51 BST

Sam Warburton paused as he weighed up how best to describe the past 18 months of his career. “It’s been up and down to say the least,” he admitted. “But I’ve certainly learned a lot about myself, that’s for sure.”

Lions squad: Wales set to dominate Warren Gatland's line-up

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 08:09:48 BST

Wales, European rugby's dominant nation during the past 18 months, are expected to provide more than a third of this summer's British and Irish Lions tour squad.

Something about Schmidt for Ireland

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 14:30:34 BST

Ireland today appointed Joe Schmidt as their head coach.

Saracens 12-24 Toulon: Jonny Wilkinson steals show but it may not be enough

Chris Jones — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 10:20:37 BST

Brad Barritt, who hopes to be selected for the Lions tour tomorrow, will need a scan on his damaged ankle after becoming the only serious casualty of Jonny Wilkinson’s incredible one-man show at Twickenham.

British & Irish Lions tour 2013: players kept in the dark to prevent leaks

Chris Jones — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 10:20:10 BST

Warren Gatland is certain nobody will discover who is in his Lions squad prior to tomorrow’s official announcement in London.

British & Irish Lions tour 2013: Jonny Wilkinson plays down chances

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 08:38:23 BST

Jonny Wilkinson has urged British & Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland to look elsewhere when choosing his fly-halves for the forthcoming tour to Australia.

From next season, John Smit will have his biggest rucks in the boardroom

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:47:57 BST

Saracens hooker John Smit will make a remarkable transition from changing room to boardroom this summer after shelving plans to end his playing career at Toulon next season.

'A cool-headed, tenacious leader': Jonny Wilkinson and Owen Farrell prepare for Twickenham showdown

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:42:50 BST

Captain Steve Borthwick could be talking about Jonny Wilkinson as he lists the reasons why Owen Farrell has become critically important to Saracens’ bid to reach their first Heineken Cup Final.

London Irish lose England starlets to Bath

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:50:34 BST

London Irish have lost two more players to Bath — England Under‑20 internationals Anthony Watson and David Sisi.

Recognition for Jones after tough season

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:50:28 BST

Lyn Jones, who valiantly attempted to keep relegated London Welsh in the top flight, has been nominated for the QBE director of rugby of the season award.

Steffon Armitage is happy that he’s living on the edge

Chris Jones — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:41:14 BST

Steffon Armitage knows he could be a phone call away from being replaced in the Toulon team by one of the world’s best players.

Heineken Cup: John Smit looking to bow out on a high

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:19:12 BST

Saracens prop John Smit admits he is stepping into the unknown when he hangs up his boots and heads for the boardroom in South Africa at the end of the season.

Moment medics treat Rugby star Danny Cipriani after he is hit by bus on pub crawl

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 09:10:26 BST

Rugby player Danny Cipriani was in hospital today after being hit by a double-decker bus while on an end-of-season pub crawl with his team-mates.

London trio fighting for top honour

Chris Jones — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:17:20 BST

Three players from London clubs were today named among the nominees for the Aviva Premiership Rugby Player of the Season Award.

Warburton leads by example so I'll back him to captain Lions

Nik Simon — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:15:23 BST

Sam Warburton lost the Wales captaincy during the Six Nations but Alex Cuthbert believes the flanker is the ideal candidate to lead the Lions in Australia this summer.

Saracens should be confident and not intimidated for Toulon showdown

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 08:42:13 BST

Director of rugby Mark McCall insists Saracens should not be intimidated by Toulon's vast array of proven internationals when the sides meet at Twickenham in Sunday's Heineken Cup semi-final.

Owen Farrell can’t wait for his big date with Jonny Wilkinson

Chris Jones — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:46:15 BST

Owen Farrell has the chance to prove he really can become the next Jonny Wilkinson, when he faces the England World Cup-winning icon on Sunday.

Chris Robshaw faces tense wait for play-offs

Chris Jones — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 10:26:33 BST

Chris Robshaw will discover today if he must undergo a scan on the injured ankle that is threatening to keep him out of the Premiership play-offs.

James Haskell: We won’t throw it away in Cup battle

Chris Jones — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 11:19:25 BST

London Wasps believe victory over Exeter on Sunday is the key to qualifying for the Heineken Cup but James Haskell denies the added pressure will burden the players.

Lions set to face familiar foe George Smith

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 11:10:19 BST

George Smith, one of the best flankers in the world, is in line to face the touring Lions after being told he can remain in Australia until the end of the Super League season.

Safari Sevens: England rugby stars show their wild side

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 10:23:53 BST

England's rugby Sevens players have revealed their animal instincts in a stunning range of photographs.

Conor O’Shea fears Quins will face backlash after Richard Hill loses job

Chris Jones — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 09:27:21 BST

Conor O’Shea is warning his Harlequins players Saturday’s clash with Worcester has become much tougher after Richard Hill was axed as director of rugby.

Tagicakibau is back at Sarries after year away

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 13:12:36 BST

Michael Tagicakibau will rejoin Saracens this summer just a year after leaving for Championship side Bristol.

Chris Ashton is back on song but he admits criticism was hard to take

Chris Jones — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 09:40:10 BST

Timing is everything in Chris Ashton’s rugby life as Ulster can testify after his brilliant solo try put Saracens into the Heineken Cup semi-finals.

Clegg ends his four-year stay at Harlequins

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 09:40:08 BST

Fly-half Rory Clegg today agreed a two-year deal to rejoin Newcastle from Harlequins.

Six Nations: France first for England

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 14:15:08 BST

England will kick-off their 2014 Six Nations campaign in Paris.

Premiership dream cost London Welsh £4m

Chris Jones — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 12:27:42 BST

London Welsh have lost around £4million over the last two seasons.

Varndell rallying cry for Wasps' 'must-win' game

Nik Simon — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 10:57:46 BST

Leicester 35-16 Wasps

Tom Varndell is confident London Wasps will regain their winning touch in the climax of the season despite a fifth straight Premiership defeat leaving their Heineken Cup hopes in the balance.

Varndell’s a new man after leaving first love

Nik Simon — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 10:24:42 BST

Four years ago Tom Varndell was cast out of Leicester but on Sunday he returns with London Wasps in the form of his life.

London Welsh skipper will fight to end

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 07:56:11 BST

London Welsh could find themselves pushed closer to the Aviva Premiership's relegation trap-door tonight - even though they do not play until Sunday.

Saracens to hold Thatcher tribute despite fans’ criticism

Marco Giacomelli — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 13:50:30 BST

Saracens will go ahead with a minute’s silence for Baroness Thatcher at Sunday’s home match against Worcester despite opposition from their fans.

Queasy does it: England's lairy Sevens kit

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 13:44:05 BST

Members of England’s men’s and women’s Sevens teams model the colourful new kit which will be worn for the first time at the Marriott London Sevens tournament at Twickenham in May.

Burger was jealous but now he is just excited

Nik Simon — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 11:09:47 BST

Jacques Burger is Saracens’ forgotten man but on Sunday the flanker will resurface for his first start in nearly 17 months.

Gray’s Olympic dream

Nik Simon — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 12:36:57 BST

Rugby Sevens makes its Olympic debut in 2016 and Alex Gray admits the lure of Rio inflenced his decision to ditch the 15-a-side game.

Rapid rise stuns Joe Launchbury but focus is now firmly on Wasps

Chris Jones — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 08:29:31 BST

Joe Launchbury’s rugby world has undergone a dramatic change in the last 12 months but his thoughts are dominated by London Wasps’ three remaining Premiership matches.

Quins to build new £1m training centre

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 14:00:09 BST

Harlequins today announced plans to build a state-of-the-art Centre for Rugby in conjunction with the University of Surrey.

Stuart Lancaster has his eye on Wasps for summer

Nik Simon — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 11:16:35 BST

England coach Stuart Lancaster has dropped the biggest hint yet that he will include a strong contingent of young London Wasps players in this summer’s tour of Argentina.

Wasps boost as youngster Sam Jones commits to long-term deal

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 16:09:07 BST

Flanker Sam Jones has become the latest of Wasps young stars to extend his stay at the club.

Chris Ashton shows he could still make a splash for the Lions

Chris Jones — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 10:34:25 BST

The Chris Ashton ‘splash’ try celebration was back at Twickenham as the England wing proved his is still a lethal finisher in Saracens’ 27-16 Heineken Cup triumph over Ulster.

Jonny Wilkinson and Owen Farrell can turn Twickenham into boot camp

Chris Jones — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 10:30:51 BST

Having eclipsed one England fly-half, Jonny Wilkinson has been handed a Twickenham stage to try to prove he is still the master against the current No10 Owen Farrell when Toulon face Saracens in the Heineken Cup semi-finals.

Jamie Heaslip has a point to prove and that’s bad news for Wasps

Nik Simon — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 10:23:44 BST

Lawrence Dallaglio was a fearsome No8 and he believes Wasps must keep a close guard on back-row Jamie Heaslip when they face Leinster in tonight’s Amlin Challenge Cup quarter-final.

Harlequins' Nick Evans out to make Europe take notice in Heineken Cup quarter-finals

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 10:19:29 BST

Harlequins and Saracens will attempt to prove they are ready to rule European rugby when they face Munster and Ulster respectively in titanic Heineken Cup quarter-finals.

Discipline vital for Leinster cup clash, says Wasps' David Young

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 16:12:45 BST

Wasps boss David Young has underlined a need for watertight discipline in tomorrow night's Amlin Challenge Cup quarter-final showdown with Irish heavyweights Leinster.

Twickenham’s home comforts give Brad Barritt the chance to think big

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 11:44:44 BST

Brad Barritt believes the ‘Twickenham factor’ can help take Saracens into the Heineken Cup semi-finals on Saturday.

Capital's duo snub Ireland

Chris Jones — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 11:43:01 BST

Harlequins chief Conor O’Shea and Saracens head coach Mark McCall were today ruled out of the running to replace Declan Kidney as Ireland coach.

Lawrence Dallaglio: Cup can act as a stepping stone

Nik Simon — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 11:30:04 BST

London Wasps were in turmoil last season but Lawrence Dallaglio believes Friday’s Amlin Challenge Cup quarter‑final against Leinster could act as a springboard for future success.

Declan Kidney stands down as Ireland coach

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 16:11:28 BST

Declan Kidney has been relieved of his role as Ireland coach with immediate effect.

Quins slide but O’Shea tips ‘dangerous team’ to hit back

Chris Jones — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 11:43:02 BST

Conor O’Shea today warned Heineken Cup opponents Munster that Harlequins remain a “dangerous team” despite the worst run of league defeats during his time in charge of the club.

Chris Robshaw gets the night off as Harlequins aim to bounce back

Chris Jones — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 12:02:07 GMT

Chris Robshaw, who put in a heroic series of performances as England captain, sits out Harlequins crucial Premiership clash with Gloucester tomorrow night.

Gavin Henson targeted as Exiles’ hopes hang in the balance

Nik Simon — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 10:41:30 GMT

Gavin Henson has been approached by a number of French and Premiership clubs about a potential move away from London Welsh this summer.

MP calls for probe into why the Exiles are Premiership paupers

Chris Jones — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 11:31:17 GMT

An MP has called for the funding of Premiership rugby to be investigated after claiming London Welsh will receive £2million less than rival clubs this season.

Dai Young reflects on life as Sarries' poor relations

Chris Jones — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 11:05:42 GMT

Dai Young, the London Wasps director of rugby, watched his players train in Acton yesterday as Saracens enjoyed a three-day break in Verbier, tobogganing and ice kart racing in preparation for Saturday’s Premiership clash between the clubs at Adams Park.

Stuart Lancaster delighted to land new coaching pair

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 07:46:26 GMT

Stuart Lancaster is confident Rob Baxter and Paul Gustard are the ideal coaches to help England ensure their "hugely significant" tour of Argentina this summer is also a successful one.

London Welsh brand appeal decision unfair

Chris Jones — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 15:24:15 GMT

London Welsh today expressed their anger at losing an appeal against a five-point deduction that could consign them to relegation from the Aviva Premiership.

Relegation fear as London Welsh lose appeal

Chris Jones — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 12:09:01 GMT

London Welsh today lost their appeal against a five-point deduction that pushes them to brink of relegation from the Premiership.