Here's a short video looking at Ireland's kick return strategy against England and how it helped create two tries in the last two games between the sides. #ENGvIRE #RugbyAnalysis

Andy Farrell talked about a 'lack of intent' in Ireland's play after their loss to France in the first round of the Six Nations. Here's a short video looking an example of that lack of intent off Ireland's 1st lineout, and what could have been better. #RugbyAnalysis

The 13-2 defence is used by nearly every team in pro rugby these days, but what is it? Using South Africa's defence as an example, here's a video explaining the system and how it works in different scenarios. #RugbyAnalysis

A short video on how the Boks manipulated France's defence for Feinberg-Mngomezulu's try. #FRAvRSA #RugbyAnalysis

Rugbycology is a new database for rugby union that makes it possible for every schools and club team around the world to measure and compare performance. youtu.be/GN14D13FekQ @squidgerugby.bsky.social @ekrugby.bsky.social @linebreakrugby.bsky.social @bloodandmud.bsky.social @rugbykino.bsky.social

My favourite team try of the year so far in test rugby. New Zealand's attacking shape seems quite simple, but guessing where the next pass is going isn't. This try illustrates it well and the 3-2 shape they play off sideline rucks from wing to wing. #RugbyAnalysis

After 6 years of EK Rugby Analysis, thought now would be a good time for a new logo. Will still be still be analysing rugby and drawing arrows - just wanted a logo that reflects that better😁

Here's a short analysis video looking back at a New Zealand lineout that was 100% last weekend. This video focuses on the art of lineout calling, and using animation to create separation when trying to win clean ball. #RugbyAnalysis #SoundOn

Had to do a breakdown on this beauty of a lineout peel from Zebre. Turn sound on 🔊 to hear how they made it happen. #URC #URCGO #RugbyAnalysis

Had to do a breakdown on this beauty of a lineout peel from Zebre. Turn sound on 🔊 to hear how they made it happen. #URC #URCGO #RugbyAnalysis

No win, but this Ireland group can be very proud of the performance they put in. A huge effort from the players to start the game as underdogs, and earn the right to finish it devastated with the loss. Massive strides made these past 4 years and more to come. #FRAvIRE #RWC2025

In the final play, France win after a knock-on at the lineout 5 metres from their own line. Heartbreak for Ireland, relief for France. It's going to take a while to calm down after this one. #FRAvIRE #RWC2025

My heart can't actually handle this... #FRAvIRE #RWC2025

Linda Djougang's engine is incredible. #FRAvIRE #RWC2025

A clever quick-tap move from France sees Escudero score. Bourgeois nails the conversion and the score is now 13-10 to Ireland. Ireland also have a player in the bin, so will be under serious pressure for the next 9 minutes. #FRAvIRE #RWC2025

It's indication of just how strong that wind is that Ireland didn't kick any of their scrum penalties to touch. #FRAvIRE #RWC2025

Ireland winning so many penalties against this French scrum is not something I expected. It's been a huge source of momentum for Ireland in this game so far. Djougang especially is causing so many problems. #FRAvIRE #RWC2025

What a defensive set from France to hold Ireland out with 14 players! It's been all Ireland for the first 40 minutes, and they lead 13-0 at half-time. Feels like France will have a wind advantage in the second 40 though. There's still a loong way to go. #FRAvIRE #RWC2025

From a scrum penalty won by Ireland, Dannah O'Brien slots a kick from 34 metres out. Ireland now lead France 13-0 with 38 minutes gone. #FRAvIRE #RWC2025

Not going to lie, I've spent the last 5 minutes looking at Aoife Wafer's knee😅. After limping for a while, it looks like she's getting back up to speed now. #FRAvIRE #RWC2025

Another try for Ireland! This time it's Stacey Flood who scores out wide. Ireland have played the majority of the game in France's half and now lead 10-0 after 25 minutes. #FRAvIRE #RWC2025

I think Aoife Wafer's knee may be okay again😄. She's been everywhere in this opening 17 minutes. #FRAvIRE #RWC2025

Linda Djougang scores for Ireland! After an earlier try was ruled out for a knock-on, Djougang drives over from a tap penalty. Ireland lead 5-0 after 6 minutes. #FRAvIRE #RWC2025

A try straight off the training ground from New Zealand, identifying a potential weakness in South Africa's defence and then building a move to attack it. Plenty of nice little details in the design here. Will we see NZ attack the same space again? #NZLvRSA #RugbyAnalysis

This was the backs coach's dream from Argentina. The same call, two different options, two tries. #RugbyAnalysis #AUSvARG #LosPumas

Sachiko Kato's reaction after her sin bin was reversed😄 #IREvJPN #RWC2025

A little bit worrying to see Ireland continuing to kick when Japan are dropping 4 defenders to cover it every time. Need to adapt and run the ball there. Almost conceded a try of it there and Canada punished Ireland quite a bit doing the same in the warm up game. #IREvJPN

Absolutely massive intercept try from Eve Higgins. A 14-point swing right there. #IREvJPN #RWC2025

Really clever pod shape from Japan to create their first try. A flat runner targeting the edge of the ruck, 3 deeper forward options, the bullet pass option to the outside player, and a back in behind. This is a well-coached Japan side playing to their strengths. #IREvJPN #RWC2025

The lineout has been poor for Ireland in the first half, but pretty much everything else has been very good. Great to have the bonus-point try already secured. Japan have been best when they've moved Ireland around, kicked deep and pressured the lineout. #IREvJPN #RWC2025

What a tackle from Aoife Dalton💥 #IREvJPN #RWC2025

Stuck at home sick, so decided to put together a bit of analysis on the Springboks today. Something to keep an eye on this weekend is Grant Williams at 9 and the different creative ways that South Africa are bringing his speed into the game. #RSAvAUS #RugbyAnalysis #Springboks

If you're interested in watching some rugby today, the women's interpros are currently being shown on TG4's YouTube channel. The score between Leinster and Ulster is 32-21 after 54 minutes. #LEIvULS youtu.be/cositU-wpQc

Me when there's no weekend Lions game for the first time in 8 weeks

A great insight into the Irish rugby scene ahead of a couple of massive months for women's rugby

This was clever stuff from the Lions. Unfortunate not to end in a try. #Lions2025 #AUSvLIO #RugbyAnalysis

The 5 Lions forwards who have played the most minutes this season so far (club, country + Lions) 2235 - Tadhg Beirne 2217 - Maro Itoje 2019 - Jac Morgan 1963 - Ben Earl 1707 - Josh van der Flier #Lions2025

Here's a short video on the evolution of the midfield scrum setup that the Lions have been using so far. A setup with a variety of options that lead to two tries against the Queensland Reds. #Lions2025 #REDvLIO #RugbyAnalysis

Here's a short video looking at the Lions' attacking shapes in their opening game vs Argentina. Still very early days yet, but plenty of signs of structure already in their play to keep an eye on as the Tour progresses. #Lions2025 #RugbyAnalysis

Here's a short video looking at the Lions' attacking shapes in their opening game vs Argentina. Still very early days yet, but plenty of signs of structure already in their play to keep an eye on as the Tour progresses. #Lions2025 #RugbyAnalysis

Put an Ireland crest on Jannik Sinner's t-shirt and I buy it so fast

Hey Everyone! I've made the leap over to Substack. I'll still be on here, hopefully more, and writing threads but I'll be posting longer form articles here, doing some Whiteboard rugby vids, and recruitment ideas. I'd love it if you'd give me a subscribe at samlarner.substack.com

Stuart Lancaster is the new Connacht coach. This could be a match made in heaven. www.connachtrugby.ie/news/stuart-...

Ongi Etorri to the Basque (rugby) Country scene!🟢🔴 One of the richest cultural and sports environments in Europe, the Basque Country has so much to tell and offer, and I tried to find out how big rugby is for them www.rugbypass.com/plus/we-endu...

Post a banger that's not in English (so many come to mind) www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4T1...

My new favourite rugby reaction GIF

Recent form may have had fans sweating, but that's a very decent performance from Glasgow. Get Huw Jones' achilles right and they'll be in serious shape. #GLAvSTO #URC

This Saints '11' move was too good not to look at again. Here's a quick video breaking down some of the clever thinking behind it and what lead to a try. #NORvUBB #RugbyAnalysis

Without a doubt, Bordeaux's kick strategy was a big contributor to their success in the Champions Cup final. Here's a video explaining the strategy they used, the many advantages of their approach, and just how effective it was. #NORvUBB #RugbyAnalysis

- Extroverts at a party - Introverts at a party #NORvUBB