Alex Keay Interview: 'We needs things like the Barbarians to help people understand what rugby is truly about'
Keay's successful career has led him to the Barbarians - and both coaches and players alike have embraced the experience.
The third tier of English rugby is one of the most competitive divisions in the country. With National 1 only offering one promotion place, the race for a spot in the Championship is always an important one and with some of the players in this league having professional experience under their belts, there is no shortage of quality.
Only eight players remain from last year’s triumphant squad and while 2024’s success can act as motivation, Mark Mapletoft’s side are also out to create their own memories.
The Sale Sharks youngster, who is following in the footsteps of the likes of Asher Opoku-Fordjour, shone in the National Leagues this term and is hoping a memorable season can continue with England Under-20s.
English rugby’s second tier will be rebranded as 'Champ Rugby' from next season and will feature play-offs designed to elevate player development, club sustainability and competitive integrity.
Keay's successful career has led him to the Barbarians - and both coaches and players alike have embraced the experience.
A whole host of players from National One and National Two will wear the iconic black and white jersey as the famous touring club celebrates historic milestones in Durham and Glasgow.
Either Leicester Lions or Esher will avoid the drop, Clifton in pole position and strap yourselves in for several twists and turns.
On the penultimate weekend of the season, the fight to avoid the drop in National One and National Two North comes under the microscope.
The final month of another superb National League Rugby season is upon us, with plenty to be decided over the coming weeks.
The tension of title races and relegation battles will be on full display across National One and National Two in Round 23.
England Under-20s saw their Grand Slam dreams crumble against a determined Wales side who ran out 23-13 winners at Cardiff Arms Park.
It might be 'Super Saturday' in the Six Nations this weekend, but the same label can be applied to Round 22 in National League Rugby.
With just six games to go, Round 21 feels hugely significant for those fighting at either end of their respective tables.
As February turns into March, the penultimate month in the National League Rugby calendar is upon us and, as ever, there is still plenty left to play for.
Gaining game time in the Premiership Cup - as well as in National One for Leicester Lions - has led to the 19-year old earning a first start for England's Under-20s.
For the second season running, the National Two North promotion battle looks set to go the distance.
For those who follow National League Rugby and BUCS Super Rugby in particular, there have been a host of recognisable names cropping up in this year’s Rugby Europe Championship.
England Under-20s have two more exciting Sale props in their arsenal as they prepare to defend their Six Nations crown.
Last weekend we witnessed key wins, remarkable fightbacks and dramatic conclusions so can Round 17 follow suit?
After a disruptive return to action last weekend, all 56 clubs across levels three and four are ready to hit the ignition button in Round 16.
Freezing weather conditions across England have scuppered the return of National League Rugby.
The festive selection of derby day fixtures across National League Rugby is always a highlight.
Clubs from National One have come together to put further pressure on the governance, setup and management of rugby in England.
The halfway point of the season is here - and ambitions for the second half of the campaign can be enhanced or diminished in Round 13.
European cup competitions began at the weekend but a transcontinental connection was made in November between National One side Esher and Portuguese club GDS Cascais.
Rams’ top-of-the-table clash with National One leaders Richmond under the lights of Old Bath Road feels like the ideal way to begin a festive block of fixtures full of intrigue.
The 25-year-old sees himself as a key part of Quins’ future + he also discusses his work with National One side Richmond.
Despite the cold weather we have experienced over the last few days, the National League Rugby campaign is really starting to heat up.
Round 10 in National League Rugby offers up some big clashes at the bottom as well as a top-of-the-table contest with plenty more in between.
National League Rugby's Round 9 Preview Show. After a one-week hiatus, National League Rugby returns and Chris Heal is joined by several guests.
There are some fascinating clashes lined up across the board as we light the fuse on November's block of fixtures.
Sedgley Park's Rhys Henderson shines with a hat-trick, but Blackheath triumph 36-24 on October 26th.
A breakdown of the week's National League Rugby Preview Show. In National 1's segment, Chris Heal looks back on an excellent win for Bishop's Stortford and gives a nod towards the weekend.
National League Rugby's Round 8 Preview Show. Chris Heal is joined by Tynedale Director of Rugby Peter Southern and Club President Neil Foster to discuss the club's community feel + start to the season.
With one more round to go before the first 'rest weekend' of the season, who can enter November with a spring in their step?
Sedgley Park Tigers secured an impressive 41–26 victory over Plymouth Albion on Saturday.
National League Rugby's Round 7 Preview Show. Chris Heal is joined by Bury St Edmunds Director of Rugby Jacob Ford to discuss a summer of change at the club.
Interesting narratives and some already sizeable fixtures await us across National One and National Two.
National League Rugby's Round 6 Preview Show. Chris Heal is joined by Canterbury 1st XV Player and Head of Player Pathway Nathan Morris + Director of Rugby Taff Gwilliam to discuss one of the club's new ventures