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.
This Searle is on Fire...
In today's Substack we look at how Billy Searle is so good with ball in hand and what he can teach players young and old!
samlarner.substack.com/p/this-searl...
In today's Substack we look at how Billy Searle is so good with ball in hand and what he can teach players young and old!
samlarner.substack.com/p/this-searl...
February 4, 2026 at 10:55 AM
This Searle is on Fire...
In today's Substack we look at how Billy Searle is so good with ball in hand and what he can teach players young and old!
samlarner.substack.com/p/this-searl...
In today's Substack we look at how Billy Searle is so good with ball in hand and what he can teach players young and old!
samlarner.substack.com/p/this-searl...
Reposted by Sam Larner
We return tonight with very special guest @samlstandsup.bsky.social - we'll discuss his new book, preview the men's Six Nations and round up the second trimester of the URC. As usual, #handsintheruck are welcome!
January 29, 2026 at 5:03 PM
We return tonight with very special guest @samlstandsup.bsky.social - we'll discuss his new book, preview the men's Six Nations and round up the second trimester of the URC. As usual, #handsintheruck are welcome!
Reposted by Sam Larner
Highly recommended.
It is the release day for Attacking the Space!!
If you haven't pre-ordered you can now pick-up a copy in your local bookshop.
If you haven't pre-ordered you can now pick-up a copy in your local bookshop.
January 29, 2026 at 9:44 AM
Highly recommended.
It is the release day for Attacking the Space!!
If you haven't pre-ordered you can now pick-up a copy in your local bookshop.
If you haven't pre-ordered you can now pick-up a copy in your local bookshop.
January 29, 2026 at 9:43 AM
It is the release day for Attacking the Space!!
If you haven't pre-ordered you can now pick-up a copy in your local bookshop.
If you haven't pre-ordered you can now pick-up a copy in your local bookshop.
Reposted by Sam Larner
This is in the shops tomorrow.
I am mentioned in it.
Buy it.
I am mentioned in it.
Buy it.
This Thursday (29th Jan) is launch day for Attacking the Space!!
Wondering if it's for you? It's been described as:
'Well written, insightful and thought-provoking' by the Guardian
'an invaluable book - a brilliant resources for anyone interested in rugby' by Bernard Jackman
Wondering if it's for you? It's been described as:
'Well written, insightful and thought-provoking' by the Guardian
'an invaluable book - a brilliant resources for anyone interested in rugby' by Bernard Jackman
January 28, 2026 at 4:52 PM
This is in the shops tomorrow.
I am mentioned in it.
Buy it.
I am mentioned in it.
Buy it.
This Thursday (29th Jan) is launch day for Attacking the Space!!
Wondering if it's for you? It's been described as:
'Well written, insightful and thought-provoking' by the Guardian
'an invaluable book - a brilliant resources for anyone interested in rugby' by Bernard Jackman
Wondering if it's for you? It's been described as:
'Well written, insightful and thought-provoking' by the Guardian
'an invaluable book - a brilliant resources for anyone interested in rugby' by Bernard Jackman
January 26, 2026 at 4:52 PM
This Thursday (29th Jan) is launch day for Attacking the Space!!
Wondering if it's for you? It's been described as:
'Well written, insightful and thought-provoking' by the Guardian
'an invaluable book - a brilliant resources for anyone interested in rugby' by Bernard Jackman
Wondering if it's for you? It's been described as:
'Well written, insightful and thought-provoking' by the Guardian
'an invaluable book - a brilliant resources for anyone interested in rugby' by Bernard Jackman
Reposted by Sam Larner
Current reading.
Hope to write a bit about @samlstandsup.bsky.social's new book soon on The East Terrace. #booksky 📚
Hope to write a bit about @samlstandsup.bsky.social's new book soon on The East Terrace. #booksky 📚
January 22, 2026 at 12:44 PM
Current reading.
Hope to write a bit about @samlstandsup.bsky.social's new book soon on The East Terrace. #booksky 📚
Hope to write a bit about @samlstandsup.bsky.social's new book soon on The East Terrace. #booksky 📚
An absolute joy to do this episode! Really really enjoyable to just chat about the last 25 or so years playing/coaching and how that's informed Attacking the Space and the process of writing it!
Still available to pre-order wherever you get your books and it's out in 10 days.
Still available to pre-order wherever you get your books and it's out in 10 days.
Had a lovely chat with @samlstandsup.bsky.social about his time in the game and his outstanding new book..
A Rugby Life - Sam Larner | Blood & Mud
Get more from Blood & Mud on Patreon
www.patreon.com
January 19, 2026 at 9:20 AM
An absolute joy to do this episode! Really really enjoyable to just chat about the last 25 or so years playing/coaching and how that's informed Attacking the Space and the process of writing it!
Still available to pre-order wherever you get your books and it's out in 10 days.
Still available to pre-order wherever you get your books and it's out in 10 days.
A first look inside Attacking the Space! In this chapter I explain how teams gave their wingers freedom and why Juan Imhoff is the crown prince of not sticking to his wing.
Any tips on taking arty pics including coffee??
Any tips on taking arty pics including coffee??
January 15, 2026 at 2:08 PM
A first look inside Attacking the Space! In this chapter I explain how teams gave their wingers freedom and why Juan Imhoff is the crown prince of not sticking to his wing.
Any tips on taking arty pics including coffee??
Any tips on taking arty pics including coffee??
Are you interested in rugby, analysis, rugby analysis, and books? Can you also make it to central London for 18.30 on Monday the 2nd of February??
If so, I have 10 free tickets to give away for the launch of Attacking the Space.
If you're keen, just DM me and I'll send deets
If so, I have 10 free tickets to give away for the launch of Attacking the Space.
If you're keen, just DM me and I'll send deets
January 13, 2026 at 5:55 PM
Are you interested in rugby, analysis, rugby analysis, and books? Can you also make it to central London for 18.30 on Monday the 2nd of February??
If so, I have 10 free tickets to give away for the launch of Attacking the Space.
If you're keen, just DM me and I'll send deets
If so, I have 10 free tickets to give away for the launch of Attacking the Space.
If you're keen, just DM me and I'll send deets
Reposted by Sam Larner
Finished copies are in for @samlstandsup.bsky.social’s spectacular book Attacking the Space, Rugby’s answer to Moneyball .
With rave reviews from Eddie Jones, For the Love of Rugby’s Ben Youngs and Bernard Jackman, it’s a must-read for all rugby fans.
Out 29th Jan: geni.us/AttackingTheSp…
With rave reviews from Eddie Jones, For the Love of Rugby’s Ben Youngs and Bernard Jackman, it’s a must-read for all rugby fans.
Out 29th Jan: geni.us/AttackingTheSp…
January 12, 2026 at 9:09 AM
Finished copies are in for @samlstandsup.bsky.social’s spectacular book Attacking the Space, Rugby’s answer to Moneyball .
With rave reviews from Eddie Jones, For the Love of Rugby’s Ben Youngs and Bernard Jackman, it’s a must-read for all rugby fans.
Out 29th Jan: geni.us/AttackingTheSp…
With rave reviews from Eddie Jones, For the Love of Rugby’s Ben Youngs and Bernard Jackman, it’s a must-read for all rugby fans.
Out 29th Jan: geni.us/AttackingTheSp…
Absolutely delighted to be in the latest Love of Rugby podcast!! Give it a listen if you want to hear my impassioned defence of kicking
youtu.be/PqwpP2Ob-5Q?...
youtu.be/PqwpP2Ob-5Q?...
Inside Rugby’s Tactical Revolution
YouTube video by For The Love Of Rugby
youtu.be
December 29, 2025 at 4:46 PM
Absolutely delighted to be in the latest Love of Rugby podcast!! Give it a listen if you want to hear my impassioned defence of kicking
youtu.be/PqwpP2Ob-5Q?...
youtu.be/PqwpP2Ob-5Q?...
Delighted that England's most capped male rugby player had this to say about Attacking the Space.
We're a month away from the release date, so if you have a rugby fan in your life, pre-order them Attacking the Space!
Link: geni.us/AttackingThe...
We're a month away from the release date, so if you have a rugby fan in your life, pre-order them Attacking the Space!
Link: geni.us/AttackingThe...
December 22, 2025 at 10:13 AM
Delighted that England's most capped male rugby player had this to say about Attacking the Space.
We're a month away from the release date, so if you have a rugby fan in your life, pre-order them Attacking the Space!
Link: geni.us/AttackingThe...
We're a month away from the release date, so if you have a rugby fan in your life, pre-order them Attacking the Space!
Link: geni.us/AttackingThe...
Did you know? The % of tries coming from goaline or 22m restarts have increased by 70% since 2021-22 according to
@Oval_Insights
But why?
I investigate in the latest Substack:
samlarner.substack.com/p/planning-t...
@Oval_Insights
But why?
I investigate in the latest Substack:
samlarner.substack.com/p/planning-t...
December 12, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Did you know? The % of tries coming from goaline or 22m restarts have increased by 70% since 2021-22 according to
@Oval_Insights
But why?
I investigate in the latest Substack:
samlarner.substack.com/p/planning-t...
@Oval_Insights
But why?
I investigate in the latest Substack:
samlarner.substack.com/p/planning-t...
How do you defend midfield scrums?
With 50/22s forcing defences to cover the backfield but expansive teams looking to attack from anywhere, how do you defend them?
I discuss that on today's Substack
samlarner.substack.com/p/tactics-de...
With 50/22s forcing defences to cover the backfield but expansive teams looking to attack from anywhere, how do you defend them?
I discuss that on today's Substack
samlarner.substack.com/p/tactics-de...
December 9, 2025 at 1:22 PM
How do you defend midfield scrums?
With 50/22s forcing defences to cover the backfield but expansive teams looking to attack from anywhere, how do you defend them?
I discuss that on today's Substack
samlarner.substack.com/p/tactics-de...
With 50/22s forcing defences to cover the backfield but expansive teams looking to attack from anywhere, how do you defend them?
I discuss that on today's Substack
samlarner.substack.com/p/tactics-de...
I absolutely love France and French rugby so I am delighted to share that Attacking the Space will have a French release and a French publisher.
The English version will be out at the end of NEXT month! Have a look on Waterstones for Attacking the Space to pre-order or go into your local bookshop.
The English version will be out at the end of NEXT month! Have a look on Waterstones for Attacking the Space to pre-order or go into your local bookshop.
December 2, 2025 at 8:47 PM
I absolutely love France and French rugby so I am delighted to share that Attacking the Space will have a French release and a French publisher.
The English version will be out at the end of NEXT month! Have a look on Waterstones for Attacking the Space to pre-order or go into your local bookshop.
The English version will be out at the end of NEXT month! Have a look on Waterstones for Attacking the Space to pre-order or go into your local bookshop.
"He's not that kind of player" - well...he is. He did it.
November 29, 2025 at 11:12 PM
"He's not that kind of player" - well...he is. He did it.
It is a little tedious listening to Austin Healey when he's like this. Just unrelenting moaning - it's a bit like sitting next to the worst possible person in a pub.
November 28, 2025 at 8:18 PM
It is a little tedious listening to Austin Healey when he's like this. Just unrelenting moaning - it's a bit like sitting next to the worst possible person in a pub.
Thread: Points of Order
Since 2021-22 there has been a 12.8% increase in the number of points scored per match. But how has that happened?
@Oval_Insights will show us the way!
1)
Since 2021-22 there has been a 12.8% increase in the number of points scored per match. But how has that happened?
@Oval_Insights will show us the way!
1)
November 28, 2025 at 6:27 PM
Thread: Points of Order
Since 2021-22 there has been a 12.8% increase in the number of points scored per match. But how has that happened?
@Oval_Insights will show us the way!
1)
Since 2021-22 there has been a 12.8% increase in the number of points scored per match. But how has that happened?
@Oval_Insights will show us the way!
1)
Reposted by Sam Larner
So hey, I wrote a book!
So Rugby, What's That? is a grand adventure through all things rugby- From the great game's origins over a thousand years ago, to Ilona's USA and Siya's Springboks, stopping off at Jonah, Johnny, and the endless joy along the way!
Pre-Order NOW at sorugbywhatsthat.co.uk
So Rugby, What's That? is a grand adventure through all things rugby- From the great game's origins over a thousand years ago, to Ilona's USA and Siya's Springboks, stopping off at Jonah, Johnny, and the endless joy along the way!
Pre-Order NOW at sorugbywhatsthat.co.uk
November 25, 2025 at 5:00 PM
So hey, I wrote a book!
So Rugby, What's That? is a grand adventure through all things rugby- From the great game's origins over a thousand years ago, to Ilona's USA and Siya's Springboks, stopping off at Jonah, Johnny, and the endless joy along the way!
Pre-Order NOW at sorugbywhatsthat.co.uk
So Rugby, What's That? is a grand adventure through all things rugby- From the great game's origins over a thousand years ago, to Ilona's USA and Siya's Springboks, stopping off at Jonah, Johnny, and the endless joy along the way!
Pre-Order NOW at sorugbywhatsthat.co.uk
Reposted by Sam Larner
Mayo with that?
Perry Mayo is leading the way in the Pro D2 with 8 tries for @usonneversrugby. But those are just the headline stats, dig a little deeper and it's even more impressive.
samlarner.substack.com/p/mayo-with-...
Perry Mayo is leading the way in the Pro D2 with 8 tries for @usonneversrugby. But those are just the headline stats, dig a little deeper and it's even more impressive.
samlarner.substack.com/p/mayo-with-...
Mayo with that?
Who is Perry Mayo and why you should take notice of him?
samlarner.substack.com
November 24, 2025 at 11:23 AM
Mayo with that?
Perry Mayo is leading the way in the Pro D2 with 8 tries for @usonneversrugby. But those are just the headline stats, dig a little deeper and it's even more impressive.
samlarner.substack.com/p/mayo-with-...
Perry Mayo is leading the way in the Pro D2 with 8 tries for @usonneversrugby. But those are just the headline stats, dig a little deeper and it's even more impressive.
samlarner.substack.com/p/mayo-with-...
Mayo with that?
Perry Mayo is leading the way in the Pro D2 with 8 tries for @usonneversrugby. But those are just the headline stats, dig a little deeper and it's even more impressive.
samlarner.substack.com/p/mayo-with-...
Perry Mayo is leading the way in the Pro D2 with 8 tries for @usonneversrugby. But those are just the headline stats, dig a little deeper and it's even more impressive.
samlarner.substack.com/p/mayo-with-...
Mayo with that?
Who is Perry Mayo and why you should take notice of him?
samlarner.substack.com
November 24, 2025 at 11:23 AM
Mayo with that?
Perry Mayo is leading the way in the Pro D2 with 8 tries for @usonneversrugby. But those are just the headline stats, dig a little deeper and it's even more impressive.
samlarner.substack.com/p/mayo-with-...
Perry Mayo is leading the way in the Pro D2 with 8 tries for @usonneversrugby. But those are just the headline stats, dig a little deeper and it's even more impressive.
samlarner.substack.com/p/mayo-with-...
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.