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.
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)
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)
November 14, 2025 at 2:31 PM
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)
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...
I'm not so sure but I walk through the pros and cons here.
open.substack.com/pub/samlarne...
November 9, 2025 at 10:27 AM
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...
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.
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.
November 8, 2025 at 11:17 AM
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.
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)
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)
November 7, 2025 at 12:46 PM
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)
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
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
November 6, 2025 at 11:21 AM
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
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.
The Mark Telea role.
November 1, 2025 at 9:02 PM
Interesting to see James Lowe being used as a sort of roving second scrum half.
The Mark Telea role.
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.
November 1, 2025 at 8:33 PM
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.
Busy couple of weeks, but the Substack is back with an analytical deep dive into uncapped Scot Alex Masibaka who has come up through Pro D2
With stats from @Oval_Insights
Link: open.substack.com/pub/samlarne...
With stats from @Oval_Insights
Link: open.substack.com/pub/samlarne...
October 31, 2025 at 5:33 PM
Busy couple of weeks, but the Substack is back with an analytical deep dive into uncapped Scot Alex Masibaka who has come up through Pro D2
With stats from @Oval_Insights
Link: open.substack.com/pub/samlarne...
With stats from @Oval_Insights
Link: open.substack.com/pub/samlarne...
Do you want to pre-order Attacking the Space? The book that made the best pundit in rugby say this
👇👇👇👇👇👇👇
Then you can find the link here - geni.us/AttackingThe...
👇👇👇👇👇👇👇
Then you can find the link here - geni.us/AttackingThe...
October 29, 2025 at 12:29 PM
Do you want to pre-order Attacking the Space? The book that made the best pundit in rugby say this
👇👇👇👇👇👇👇
Then you can find the link here - geni.us/AttackingThe...
👇👇👇👇👇👇👇
Then you can find the link here - geni.us/AttackingThe...
Saracens start to the season has been extraordinary. They have scored 168pts through the first four games. Since 2000 only three teams in URC, Top 14, Pro D2, and Prem have scored more:
Clermont (18-19) - 176pts
Ospreys (16-17) - 174pts
Cheetahs (19-20) - 173pts
1)
Clermont (18-19) - 176pts
Ospreys (16-17) - 174pts
Cheetahs (19-20) - 173pts
1)
October 20, 2025 at 10:33 AM
Saracens start to the season has been extraordinary. They have scored 168pts through the first four games. Since 2000 only three teams in URC, Top 14, Pro D2, and Prem have scored more:
Clermont (18-19) - 176pts
Ospreys (16-17) - 174pts
Cheetahs (19-20) - 173pts
1)
Clermont (18-19) - 176pts
Ospreys (16-17) - 174pts
Cheetahs (19-20) - 173pts
1)
If people have a smart take on why R360 is a good idea then fine. I could disagree but it's fair to have that opinion.
However, this is total bollocks.
However, this is total bollocks.
Matt Williams: Rugby is going down a bad road. R360 might be the jolt it needs
Matt Williams: Rugby is going down a bad road. R360 might be the jolt it needs
Lack of player welfare and constant stoppages during games has created an environment where a disrupter is needed
www.irishtimes.com
October 17, 2025 at 12:03 PM
If people have a smart take on why R360 is a good idea then fine. I could disagree but it's fair to have that opinion.
However, this is total bollocks.
However, this is total bollocks.
This season really is looking up for the Chiefs. Such a strong team who, if they can steer clear of injury crisis, can make the playoffs.
October 17, 2025 at 12:01 PM
This season really is looking up for the Chiefs. Such a strong team who, if they can steer clear of injury crisis, can make the playoffs.
Do you want to know more about the two growing tactics which are impacting lineouts? This article has you covered!
open.substack.com/pub/samlarne...
open.substack.com/pub/samlarne...
October 13, 2025 at 11:04 AM
Do you want to know more about the two growing tactics which are impacting lineouts? This article has you covered!
open.substack.com/pub/samlarne...
open.substack.com/pub/samlarne...
Very enjoyable game in Cardiff. Delayed now by the fact the referees can't hear each other.
But, first half was really entertaining.
But, first half was really entertaining.
October 11, 2025 at 7:52 PM
Very enjoyable game in Cardiff. Delayed now by the fact the referees can't hear each other.
But, first half was really entertaining.
But, first half was really entertaining.
Big problem for Newcastle is that they got the cash too late to compete this season but it is a very very long season and if they're this bad for the whole season then you can sense the joy will ebb away.
Remember, they have lost Blamire, Chick, and Radwan from last season.
Remember, they have lost Blamire, Chick, and Radwan from last season.
October 10, 2025 at 8:10 PM
Big problem for Newcastle is that they got the cash too late to compete this season but it is a very very long season and if they're this bad for the whole season then you can sense the joy will ebb away.
Remember, they have lost Blamire, Chick, and Radwan from last season.
Remember, they have lost Blamire, Chick, and Radwan from last season.
Newcastle Red Bull sinking without a trace here. They are still a building team and have had to make a lot of late signings. It probably will get better but dear me, this is really tough going at the moment.
October 10, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Newcastle Red Bull sinking without a trace here. They are still a building team and have had to make a lot of late signings. It probably will get better but dear me, this is really tough going at the moment.
If you missed my big announcement last month, I have a book out in January.
Jimmy Gopperth described it as:
'A must-read. Sam's detail and understanding of the game will open your eyes'
A pre-order makes a massive difference and you can do it here:
geni.us/AttackingThe...
Jimmy Gopperth described it as:
'A must-read. Sam's detail and understanding of the game will open your eyes'
A pre-order makes a massive difference and you can do it here:
geni.us/AttackingThe...
October 6, 2025 at 5:17 PM
If you missed my big announcement last month, I have a book out in January.
Jimmy Gopperth described it as:
'A must-read. Sam's detail and understanding of the game will open your eyes'
A pre-order makes a massive difference and you can do it here:
geni.us/AttackingThe...
Jimmy Gopperth described it as:
'A must-read. Sam's detail and understanding of the game will open your eyes'
A pre-order makes a massive difference and you can do it here:
geni.us/AttackingThe...
Reposted by Sam Larner
In today's Substack (samlarner.substack.com) I've gone in-depth on this try and how Exeter counter attacked so well from this kick.
But, more importantly, how they simplified the game down and what we can learn from it.
1)
But, more importantly, how they simplified the game down and what we can learn from it.
1)
October 3, 2025 at 5:50 PM
In today's Substack (samlarner.substack.com) I've gone in-depth on this try and how Exeter counter attacked so well from this kick.
But, more importantly, how they simplified the game down and what we can learn from it.
1)
But, more importantly, how they simplified the game down and what we can learn from it.
1)
In today's Substack (samlarner.substack.com) I've gone in-depth on this try and how Exeter counter attacked so well from this kick.
But, more importantly, how they simplified the game down and what we can learn from it.
1)
But, more importantly, how they simplified the game down and what we can learn from it.
1)
October 3, 2025 at 5:50 PM
In today's Substack (samlarner.substack.com) I've gone in-depth on this try and how Exeter counter attacked so well from this kick.
But, more importantly, how they simplified the game down and what we can learn from it.
1)
But, more importantly, how they simplified the game down and what we can learn from it.
1)
Before tonight's kick-off, have a look at my article looking at last night's performance from both Gloucester and Sale and how they played with depth which resulted in both positive and negative outcomes.
open.substack.com/pub/samlarne...
open.substack.com/pub/samlarne...
September 26, 2025 at 6:36 PM
Before tonight's kick-off, have a look at my article looking at last night's performance from both Gloucester and Sale and how they played with depth which resulted in both positive and negative outcomes.
open.substack.com/pub/samlarne...
open.substack.com/pub/samlarne...
Sale Sharks kicked to touch for that second try (not awarded). Felt it was an odd choice
Last year they kicked at goal 83% of the time in the first half and 77% overall in situations like that. I think we will see kicks at goal start to die this year!
Data @Oval_Insights
Last year they kicked at goal 83% of the time in the first half and 77% overall in situations like that. I think we will see kicks at goal start to die this year!
Data @Oval_Insights
September 25, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Sale Sharks kicked to touch for that second try (not awarded). Felt it was an odd choice
Last year they kicked at goal 83% of the time in the first half and 77% overall in situations like that. I think we will see kicks at goal start to die this year!
Data @Oval_Insights
Last year they kicked at goal 83% of the time in the first half and 77% overall in situations like that. I think we will see kicks at goal start to die this year!
Data @Oval_Insights
I created a Breakout XV for this season. I looked to pick a team for the season who played a combined fewer than 5,000 minutes in the Premiership last year. How did I do?
samlarner.substack.com/p/the-breako...
samlarner.substack.com/p/the-breako...
September 23, 2025 at 3:33 PM
I created a Breakout XV for this season. I looked to pick a team for the season who played a combined fewer than 5,000 minutes in the Premiership last year. How did I do?
samlarner.substack.com/p/the-breako...
samlarner.substack.com/p/the-breako...
Delighted to be sponsoring my team
Didsbury Old Bedians via the book this year. I've always wanted to sponsor a grassroots team and now the opportunity has arisen!
If you want to buy the book ahead of our launch in January. You can get it here:
geni.us/AttackingThe...
Didsbury Old Bedians via the book this year. I've always wanted to sponsor a grassroots team and now the opportunity has arisen!
If you want to buy the book ahead of our launch in January. You can get it here:
geni.us/AttackingThe...
September 22, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Delighted to be sponsoring my team
Didsbury Old Bedians via the book this year. I've always wanted to sponsor a grassroots team and now the opportunity has arisen!
If you want to buy the book ahead of our launch in January. You can get it here:
geni.us/AttackingThe...
Didsbury Old Bedians via the book this year. I've always wanted to sponsor a grassroots team and now the opportunity has arisen!
If you want to buy the book ahead of our launch in January. You can get it here:
geni.us/AttackingThe...
I think I'd rather try and stop a wardrobe fall down a set of stairs than tackle de Goede.
September 19, 2025 at 7:57 PM
I think I'd rather try and stop a wardrobe fall down a set of stairs than tackle de Goede.
That's that for Canada! De Goede Be Bestey tonight but the whole of the Canadian team were unreal.
September 19, 2025 at 7:46 PM
That's that for Canada! De Goede Be Bestey tonight but the whole of the Canadian team were unreal.