Rugby desperately needs an injection of joy – this World Cup can deliver it
Greatest stage set as hosts prepare for romance and quasi-religious fervour – and England hope to leave calamitous preparations behind them
![Owen Farrell of England poses for a photograph – Rugby desperately needs an injection of joy – this World Cup can deliver it](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/rugby-union/2023/09/06/TELEMMGLPICT000347731198_16939995897720_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqbcPZFhTuiYDKuFgYZGhYfksuko_Sl2R1XXxeQrJIyR4.jpeg?imwidth=350)
Greatest stage set as hosts prepare for romance and quasi-religious fervour – and England hope to leave calamitous preparations behind them
A sense is growing that Jones’ abrasive treatment of players is suffering diminishing returns
With the balance of power in Rome more finely poised than ever, Donald can ill afford to be taking anybody along for the jollity and japes
Central problem with England lies not in their inability to attack, or defend but their struggle to generate passionate emotions of any kind
Sarina Wiegman’s side held their nerve in a cauldron-like atmosphere in Sydney to set up the nation's biggest match since 1966
With a mounting crisis over brain injuries, the overturning of England captain's red card seems like an unforgivable dereliction of duty
Kane's low-key profile may be at odds with his celebrity predecessor but he can become a huge hit abroad
If the striker opts to remain in north London he risks becoming the finest player of his generation never to win a trophy
Cyclists in the men’s world championship road race was forced to wait for nearly an hour after protesters glued themselves to the road
Interview: Lineker on being moved to tears by his Match of the Day colleagues – and why woke is a compliment not an insult
British Rowing's decision comes after 80 per cent of its members called for a change in approach
A new documentary shows the depressive side of the sprinter, but he insists that he has life in his legs yet
Plus, Stuart Broad set for Ashes farewell at the Oval after announcing his retirement
Hosts did not finish the series by lifting the urn but they surely won the argument as well as hearts and minds
Where England have embodied enterprise and pluck, the tourists have offered only suffocating rigidity
There was an end-of-term feel to the action at the Oval with the hosts once again unable to do anything other than hit and hope