Sam Larner
@samlstandsup.bsky.social
Rugby analyst, journalist, coach, but mostly just a fan! Lover of flags and addicted to French rugby, specifically the ProD2. I write for Rugby Pass and Rugby World and dabble in presenting.
Reminder, you have until tomorrow at 15.05 to get your guesses in for the total number of 22-entries we'll see this weekend in the Prem. Closest wins a signed copy of Attacking the Space!
Sam Larner@samlstandsup.bsky.social · 4d agoGet your guesses in before the first game on Saturday at 15.05! Free signed copy of Attacking the Space to be won
Get your guesses in before the first game on Saturday at 15.05! Free signed copy of Attacking the Space to be won
Sam Larner@samlstandsup.bsky.social · 6d agoBeen waiting to get your hands on a signed copy of Attacking the Space like these two? Now is your chance. Simply reply with how many 22-Entries there will be in the Prem this weekend. Closest wins - comment below and retweet and you can have two guesses. T&C to follow 1)
Been waiting to get your hands on a signed copy of Attacking the Space like these two? Now is your chance. Simply reply with how many 22-Entries there will be in the Prem this weekend. Closest wins - comment below and retweet and you can have two guesses. T&C to follow 1)
Delighted to be back on duty with the i! As the new Prem season begins I looked at the big questions from each club. Can Saints keep up this run without a solid defence? Will Venter's return come with more brilliant tactical creations? inews.co.uk/sport/rugby-...
11 things we learned from the first weekend of Prem rugby
Including: Bath's plan B, Harlequins' identity crisis and is this Gloucester's year?
inews.co.uk
With the new season upon us, a reminder that you can get your copy of Attacking the Space online at Amazon or Waterstones or in all good bookshops. If there's anything you ever wanted to know about rugby, chances are it's covered in here!
In the second part of my Champ recruitment post I look at who is looking strong with the season just over a month away. Plus, who needs to make some signings in this last five weeks. samlarner.substack.com/p/ranking-ch...
Ranking Champ Recruitment Part 2
From Doncaster to Worcester
samlarner.substack.com
In today's Substack I looked at how recruitment has gone for seven of the Champ Rugby teams (the rest will follow next week). The Champ is growing and is exclusively available on Clubber rugby. Have a look at the new arrivals to get set for the season. samlarner.substack.com/p/ranking-ch...
Ranking Champ Recruitment Part 1
From Ampthill to Coventry
samlarner.substack.com
For today's Substack I asked whether Pollock is really worth £1 million and the mechanism for how we might get paid that amount. samlarner.substack.com/p/is-pollock...
I can't believe it's taken me this long to get around to buying this. Very excited. @samlstandsup.bsky.social
Crazy to see this! Attacking the Space was chosen as one of the books of the summer by non other than @simonkuper.bsky.social whose book Soccernomics was one of the most important things I've ever read. If you haven't got your copy of AtS yet then you can find it at your local bookshop.
Crazy to see this! Attacking the Space was chosen as one of the books of the summer by non other than @simonkuper.bsky.social whose book Soccernomics was one of the most important things I've ever read. If you haven't got your copy of AtS yet then you can find it at your local bookshop.
Surreal day to finally get a copy of the French version of Attacking the Space. Should give me the impetus to learn French now....
Have a look at my latest article for @TheiPaperSport where I look at how England got lighter and quicker but still won the physical battle against Fiji. Is this a blueprint they can use against bigger and better sides? inews.co.uk/sport/rugby-...
The simple tweak that has transformed England's attack
Trying and failing to beat bigger, more powerful teams at their own game has been a theme for much of Steve Borthwick's reign as England coach - until now
inews.co.uk
If you haven't seen the latest Substack, I have written about how consistent players are at producing output versus who falls back a year later. Plus, at what age do people fall back? samlarner.substack.com/p/how-the-el...
England's issue is they can't win when they're not physically dominant at the moment. With that in mind, are some of their selections luxuries they can't afford? inews.co.uk/sport/rugby-...
The unpopular choice who can make England win again
The Springboks exposed the Smiths. It's time for England to bring back Freddie Steward
inews.co.uk
Catch me and a host of guests at Gibraltar 7s only on YouTube over the next three days starting in 10 Minutes!! www.youtube.com/live/p-Dce_4...
Flutter Gibraltar 7s Rugby Festival 2026 - Day 1
YouTube video by Gibraltar Rugby
youtube.com
In the i this week I look at the axis of creativity at the heart of the Saints attack and the 80 actions which unbuttoned the Chiefs' defence. Just my second article for a major paper so likes and shares greatly received! inews.co.uk/sport/rugby-...
The three chaotic minutes that won Northampton Saints the Prem title
Our rugby analyst breaks down how Phil Dowson delivered another tactical masterclass
inews.co.uk
For all my French fans....it's finally here!! Get your copy in all good book shops and online. Pour tous mes fans français… le voici enfin ! Procurez-vous votre exemplaire dans toutes les bonnes librairies et en ligne.
Father's day ahoy! If you have a rugby loving dad, what better gift than Attacking the Space? Available in the UK, Ireland, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand. Plus it looks beautiful....
I made my i Paper debut today!! Have a look at my article where I explain why, despite all the recent success they've experienced, England are right not to play entirely like Northampton Saints... inews.co.uk/sport/rugby-...
Why can't England play exciting rugby like Northampton?
Steve Borthwick has shackled the Saints' attacking talents but there's good reason for it
inews.co.uk
A reminder that you can still get Attacking the Space wherever you buy your books!! In the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. If you've already brought it and you feel it's worth 5 Stars, it would mean an enormous amount if you'd leave a review on Amazon!
On Saturday I'll be on commentary for the massive @Champrugby play-off game between @WorcsWarriors and @ChinnorRFCThame. I'll be speaking with a member of the Warriors' S&C team about the demands of the game and asking listener questions. So what have you always wanted to know?
In this week's Substack I looked at whether the presence of Promotion/Relegation impacted the number of Blowout results we see at this stage of the season... samlarner.substack.com/p/promotion-...
Promotion or Bust
Does a lack of relegation lead to more blowout results?
samlarner.substack.com
This week's Substack takes a data deep dive into why the Chiefs and Saints have improved from last year while Gloucester and Quins have slid in the other direction samlarner.substack.com/p/the-only-w...
Just because it's not shortlisted, make sure you don't miss out! In all good bookshops.
Charles Tyrwhitt Sports Book Awards@sportsbookawards.bsky.social · 6mo agoStories from across the game. The Charles Tyrwhitt Rugby Book of the Year, in association with the Rugby Union Writers’ Club shortlist is here #CTSBA26 #ReadingForSport
Attacking the Space is available on Amazon for just £16.38 until 4th May while stocks last! Get your copy now before they go!!
Anyone want a copy of @samlstandsup.bsky.social excellent book?
Big Green Books@biggreenbooks.bsky.social · 6mo agoHere's the second rugby related #buyastrangerabook day offer! @annasels.bsky.social will buy one lucky rugby aficionado a copy of "Attacking the Space: Inside Rugby's Tactical and Data Revolution" by Sam Larner. If you'd like it, just get in touch. UK only
In today's Substack I look at how Henry Pollock is used by England and how it differs to how Northampton use him. Then I look at whether one side uses him better than the other..... samlarner.substack.com/p/the-two-fa...
The Two Faces of Pollock
How Henry Pollock is used for England and how does it compare with Northampton?
samlarner.substack.com
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...
