RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie refused to press the panic button despite England’s disastrous 33-13 defeat to Australia dumping Stuart Lancaster’s men of the World Cup last night at Twickenham.​

Rugby union organisers simply would not put their game up against a football game with such magnitude, so why do they feel they can do it against the biggest game in English rugby league?

Blackley youngster Nathan Davis-Garbutt admits he will never forget his moment in the spotlight after getting the chance to run out as one of Land Rover’s Rugby World Cup 2015 official mascots.

Rarely could a player with such overwhelmingly admirable qualities have faced such a difficult time endearing himself to his nation as Chris Robshaw.

Stockport youngster Ethan Hofton admits he will never forget his moment in the spotlight after getting the chance to run out as one of Land Rover’s Rugby World Cup 2015 official mascots.

Ahead of the Pool A grudge match between England and Wales, MM casts an eye back at some of the most memorable encounters between the two sides over the years.

The England scrum has been much-maligned in the aftermath of Friday night’s victory over Fiji but hooker Tom Youngs is adamant there is nothing to panic about as they build towards Saturday’s crunch clash with Wales.

England backs coach Andy Farrell admits centre Jonathan Joseph is struggling for fitness ahead of their second Rugby World Cup encounter this weekend.

On a weekend crammed full of memorable sporting occasions, football let itself down once again.

Kieran Brookes knows there is room for improvement after England’s opening Rugby World Cup victory over Fiji but the prop is adamant that successfully securing a bonus-point triumph means it was mission accomplished.

They may not yet hold a candle to the legendary centre partnership of old but Gordon D’Arcy believes Robbie Henshaw and Jared Payne have earned their stripes in an Ireland shirt.