Thomas Jones

Journalist: FT The Sunday Times, talkSPORT & Talking Rugby Union

The Sunday Times •

Rusi Tuima making instant impact with Exeter Chiefs

Blessed with the genetics of a Fijian rugby dynasty and with a sister who has played for the Red Roses, Exeter Chiefs’ Rusi Tuima is handling the pressure of making his own impact in the sport well. He has made a barnstorming start to the Premiership season, playing a key role in the club sitting top of the Gallagher Premiership table going into this weekend, and emerging as a potential answer to England’s lack of heavyweight second row options.

The 23-year-old’s uncle is Akapusi Qera, the Fiji
talkSPORT •

Borthwick failing to call up England star is like Southgate snubbing Bellingham

England boss Steve Borthwick failing to call up Zach Mercer is like Gareth Southgate snubbing Jude Bellingham

Gloucester star Zach Mercer is too good not to play for England and it's a travesty Steve Borthwick has left him out.

That is the view of 2003 World Cup winner Lawrence Dallaglio, who cannot understand how the 26-year-old remains out of the Red Rose side.

Mercer, who hans't played for England since 2018, spearheaded Gloucester into the Premiership Cup final by putting in a man-of-the-
talkSPORT •

England stars dropped for playing in Europe - that'd never happen in football

Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham would never be dropped for playing in Europe – but that’s what’s happening to England Rugby’s brightest stars

It would be impossible to fathom the idea of Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham being banished from Gareth Southgate’s national side just because they are playing club football in Europe, but that is exactly what has happened to some of English rugby's brightest stars.

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) operates with a controversial and self-defeating, outdated a
talkSPORT •

Twickenham wants to be fortress again rather than the 'world's biggest pub'

Twickenham wants to be a fortress again and not corporate day out for England fans at ‘world’s biggest pub’

The last time England played at Twickenham they were shamefully booed off the pitch, having lost to Fiji in front of a far from sell out crowd to highlight the worrying disconnect between the fans and the team.

In a bid to win back support at the home of English rugby, the England players have put forward suggestions which the Rugby Football Union will put in place to hopefully turn the
talkSPORT •

Show pony or match-winning talent – the Marcus Smith conundrum

England’s Six Nations squad conundrum – Can talented Marcus Smith fill Owen Farrell’s boots or is show pony star too big a risk?

Is Marcus Smith a show pony who cannot be trusted, or could he actually be the man to help end England’s dreadful run in the Six Nations?

There is no doubting Smith’s rugby talent, who can get fans out of their seats with his incredible vision, outstanding kicking and penchant for the spectacular.

But his critics are adamant the Harlequins star cannot deliver the co
Talking Rugby Union •

Zach Kerr Exclusive: I try not to look at comments - I just block certain accounts and key words so Im not seeing that stuff

Zach Kerr Exclusive: I try not to look at comments - I just block certain accounts and key words so I'm not seeing that stuff

Winning the hearts and minds of your supporters can be fiendishly difficult, especially when you have lost your first six Gallagher Premiership matches in a row.

This is the situation Newcastle Falcons find themselves in ahead of their clash against third-placed Exeter Chiefs at Kingston Park this weekend.

Currently bottom of the Premiership table, Newcastle are lookin
Talking Rugby Union •

George Breese: Meet the pacy ex-Scotland U20s prop straight out of Malton and off to New Zealand

George Breese: Meet the 'pacy' ex-Scotland U20s prop straight out of Malton and off to New Zealand

George Breese is the latest international prop produced by Malton & Norton RUFC, the Yorkshire market town club that launched the career of Tomas Francis, the 77 timed-capped Wales tighthead.

Breese played for Scotland U20s for two seasons and recently his scrum dominance helped Stirling Wolves win the expanded FOSROC Super6 Series at Murrayfield with the loosehead delivering more evidence of the
talkSPORT •

The fantasy league picks to ensure Six Nations bragging rights in round 1

From Finn Russell to Damian Penaud – the Six Nations Fantasy League game changers for Round One

Rugby’s oldest international tournament is back and what a game to kick off with.

In Marseille we have a colossal Six Nations opener as favourites France host a suffocating, ambitious and talented Ireland side, who will be looking to make a huge statement away from home as defending champions.

With the start of the Six Nations comes the return of the Fantasy League and while rugby icons like Owen F
Talking Rugby Union •

Sam Olver Exclusive: The cousin of the Curry twins hoping to shine in Premiership Rugby Cup

Sam Olver Exclusive: The cousin of the Curry twins hoping to shine in Premiership Rugby Cup

Doncaster Knights' Sam Olver is expecting one of the club's biggest crowds at Castle Park on Friday night to watch their Premiership Rugby Cup clash against top-flight side Bristol Bears.

And it should also be a big couple of weekends for the 28-year-old.

Olver has recovered from a groin injury in time for Doncaster's meeting with Bristol and the Knights also face Premiership opposition in the form of
Talking Rugby Union •

Five emerging talents who could get their opportunity in the Six Nations

Five emerging talents who could get their opportunity in the Six Nations

A new World Cup cycle has opened the door for seriously talented young players across Europe to catch the attention of national selectors this season.

And with Six Nations squads being announced in less than a week, TRU's Tom Jones has identified five youngsters who could burst onto the scene at this year’s tournament.

Son of arguably the most physical and feared player of the modern era, Henry Tuilagi, and a member of o