Today on the Substack I spoke with legend of the game Matt Kvesic to discuss the new demands of modern forwards in attack. Plenty in here for anyone who wants to improve their game; old or young! samlarner.substack.com/p/pros-eye-v...

Very enjoyable game in Northampton tonight. Castres started strong then pegged back by yellow cards. Saints could've scored more chances but looks like it'll be a 1pt gap in favour of the French at half time.

In today's Substack I look at how running sideways across the pitch went from something you were told not to do as kids to something powering attacks in the modern game. samlarner.substack.com/p/ahead-of-t...

Things that are bad for you to put in your ears: cotton swabs, ear candles, Sam's physical book. Thing that is good for you to put in your ears: Sam's audiobook (pure rugby analytics audio gold).

Did you know!? You can also buy Attacking the Space on both Spotify and Audible if you'd prefer to listen to it on audiobook. I can confirm, it's read absolutely brilliantly by Jot Davies. Just search "Attacking the Space" where you get your audiobooks

Thanks to @samlstandsup.bsky.social for chatting with me about his new book Whether you're a dedicated #rugby fan or tune in and out depending on the time of year this good has got something for you to help understand what's happening under the surface of the game shows.acast.com/5e5fba8e4847...

Really good video on data in Rugby (and sport more generally) from @squidgerugby.bsky.social and @samlstandsup.bsky.social. Last year I got enough game footage from Tag nationals to stat up our games- it hugely helpful as a coach. Not just from new insights - but from confirming what you knew

Delighted to be playing in my first Vets' game this Friday. The Gander Cup is in honour of the mighty Jon Gander who was the ultimate clubman. When I joined the club he was saying it was his final season and he'd be hanging up his boots. 1)

This week, I took a look at what Wales have turned around from Rounds 1 & 2 of the Six Nations to their much improved defensive improvements in 3 & 4. Lots of underlying stats which highlight just how much better things have become. samlarner.substack.com/p/things-can...

Win a signed copy of Attacking the Space!! Predict the combined 22 entries of all six teams in this round of the 6Ns. Closest wins. If you retweet you get two goes... Must be UK based!

World Rugby this week published the findings of their recent State of the Game conference, dissecting the game's laws and how to grow it. To do the same, we welcomed in rugby analyst, author and finger breaker @samlstandsup.bsky.social to have a chat... youtu.be/KiUiiKwwiWU

In today's Substack we look at the French Back Row. They don't punch massive holes, so if they don't do that do they fail in their roles as modern back rowers? samlarner.substack.com/p/hole-punch...

🚨New Pod!🚨 Epic to be joined this weekend by @samlstandsup.bsky.social Discussing everything from France's kicking game, to backrow balance and the best restaurants in Annecy! + the lowdown on Rob's trip to Lille, from Belgian beers to sneaky hospitality... 🎧👇 linktr.ee/rosbifsrugby

In today's Substack I look at why England aren't firing in the opposition 22 at this Six Nations... samlarner.substack.com/p/the-final-...

This week's Jouez: The French Rugby Dispatch A chat with Lyon prop Jérôme Rey, a beef and pig farmer, with France's annual agricultural show starting on Saturday #SIA2026 open.substack.com/pub/illtudda...

Really enjoying @samlstandsup.bsky.social book “Attacking the Space”. If you’re interested in rugby and why it’s played the way it is, it’s a must read.

Just arrived, @samlstandsup.bsky.social's masterpiece on falling in love with kicking, numbers, and all other things. PS. Chuffed to be a member of the #Bajad8ta group!

Are there reasons for optimism after another Welsh loss? Some. But they need to stop falling out of contention before the first quarter is even up and they have to think their way around their opponent's strengths, not just accept they're better. samlarner.substack.com/p/long-read-analysing-wales

The best way to enjoy Attacking the Space? Possibly. If you haven't got your copy and you want to understand what's happening under the surface of the Six Nations, this is the book for you.

Have you got your copy of Attacking the Space yet?? If not, you're missing out on being the most informed person in the pub. Understand why penalties don't matter (in some cases), why possession is overrated, and why Bielle-Biarrey wanders around the pitch.

Today's Substack looks back at last night's game and at the key moments in the first half where France ultimately won the game. Featuring impressive skill, patience, and mindnumbing penalties and brain melting missed opportunities. samlarner.substack.com/p/three-mome...

This Searle is on Fire... In today's Substack we look at how Billy Searle is so good with ball in hand and what he can teach players young and old! samlarner.substack.com/p/this-searl...

We return tonight with very special guest @samlstandsup.bsky.social - we'll discuss his new book, preview the men's Six Nations and round up the second trimester of the URC. As usual, #handsintheruck are welcome!

Highly recommended.

It is the release day for Attacking the Space!! If you haven't pre-ordered you can now pick-up a copy in your local bookshop.

This is in the shops tomorrow. I am mentioned in it. Buy it.

This Thursday (29th Jan) is launch day for Attacking the Space!! Wondering if it's for you? It's been described as: 'Well written, insightful and thought-provoking' by the Guardian 'an invaluable book - a brilliant resources for anyone interested in rugby' by Bernard Jackman

Current reading. Hope to write a bit about @samlstandsup.bsky.social's new book soon on The East Terrace. #booksky 📚

An absolute joy to do this episode! Really really enjoyable to just chat about the last 25 or so years playing/coaching and how that's informed Attacking the Space and the process of writing it! Still available to pre-order wherever you get your books and it's out in 10 days.

A first look inside Attacking the Space! In this chapter I explain how teams gave their wingers freedom and why Juan Imhoff is the crown prince of not sticking to his wing. Any tips on taking arty pics including coffee??

Are you interested in rugby, analysis, rugby analysis, and books? Can you also make it to central London for 18.30 on Monday the 2nd of February?? If so, I have 10 free tickets to give away for the launch of Attacking the Space. If you're keen, just DM me and I'll send deets

Finished copies are in for @samlstandsup.bsky.social’s spectacular book Attacking the Space, Rugby’s answer to Moneyball . With rave reviews from Eddie Jones, For the Love of Rugby’s Ben Youngs and Bernard Jackman, it’s a must-read for all rugby fans. Out 29th Jan: geni.us/AttackingTheSp…

Absolutely delighted to be in the latest Love of Rugby podcast!! Give it a listen if you want to hear my impassioned defence of kicking youtu.be/PqwpP2Ob-5Q?...

Delighted that England's most capped male rugby player had this to say about Attacking the Space. We're a month away from the release date, so if you have a rugby fan in your life, pre-order them Attacking the Space! Link: geni.us/AttackingThe...

Did you know? The % of tries coming from goaline or 22m restarts have increased by 70% since 2021-22 according to @Oval_Insights But why? I investigate in the latest Substack: samlarner.substack.com/p/planning-t...

How do you defend midfield scrums? With 50/22s forcing defences to cover the backfield but expansive teams looking to attack from anywhere, how do you defend them? I discuss that on today's Substack samlarner.substack.com/p/tactics-de...

I absolutely love France and French rugby so I am delighted to share that Attacking the Space will have a French release and a French publisher. The English version will be out at the end of NEXT month! Have a look on Waterstones for Attacking the Space to pre-order or go into your local bookshop.

"He's not that kind of player" - well...he is. He did it.

It is a little tedious listening to Austin Healey when he's like this. Just unrelenting moaning - it's a bit like sitting next to the worst possible person in a pub.

Thread: Points of Order Since 2021-22 there has been a 12.8% increase in the number of points scored per match. But how has that happened? @Oval_Insights will show us the way! 1)

So hey, I wrote a book! So Rugby, What's That? is a grand adventure through all things rugby- From the great game's origins over a thousand years ago, to Ilona's USA and Siya's Springboks, stopping off at Jonah, Johnny, and the endless joy along the way! Pre-Order NOW at sorugbywhatsthat.co.uk

Mayo with that? Perry Mayo is leading the way in the Pro D2 with 8 tries for @usonneversrugby. But those are just the headline stats, dig a little deeper and it's even more impressive. samlarner.substack.com/p/mayo-with-...

Mayo with that? Perry Mayo is leading the way in the Pro D2 with 8 tries for @usonneversrugby. But those are just the headline stats, dig a little deeper and it's even more impressive. samlarner.substack.com/p/mayo-with-...

On the eve of the big game, a quote for Attacking the Space from a great Kiwi! It was an absolute pleasure working with Jimmy Gopperth over in Marseille at the 2023 Rugby World Cup and it was a delight to get this quote back. Pre-orders: geni.us/AttackingThe... 1)

On today's Substack, is it a good idea to move forwards into the backs on a permanent basis? I'm not so sure but I walk through the pros and cons here. open.substack.com/pub/samlarne...

Per Oval_Insights data: Last season in the URC and Prem 18.5% of matches featured at least a 6-2 bench split. So far this season it is up to 30% Just one 7-1 this season in these leagues though.

Delighted to announce that when you buy your copy of Attacking the Space you will get a foreword from Mike Prendergast. Mike has been the person I've learnt most about rugby from and I am delighted that you'll get to see his thoughts about the development of the game. 1)

Something different for today! I spoke with Ben Stevenson of Vannes to breakdown the game for a winger. Why wingers come off their wings, defensive decision making, Ben's worldie of a try against Provence & in this clip we talk pendulums! samlarner.substack.com/p/pros-eye-view-ben-stevenson

Interesting to see James Lowe being used as a sort of roving second scrum half. The Mark Telea role.

Not sure what's going on with this game but the sound, pitch, atmosphere are all a bit rubbish. Was really looking forward to this and got some non rugby watching mates to watch it and I'm struggling to keep them engaged.