Sam Larner
@samlstandsup
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.
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...
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....
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...
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....
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!
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...
Attacking the Space is available on Amazon for just £16.38 until 4th May while stocks last! Get your copy now before they go!!
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...
In today's Substack I look at how running sideways across the pitch went from something you were told not to do as kids to something powering attacks in the modern game. samlarner.substack.com/p/ahead-of-t...
Delighted to be playing in my first Vets' game this Friday. The Gander Cup is in honour of the mighty Jon Gander who was the ultimate clubman. When I joined the club he was saying it was his final season and he'd be hanging up his boots. 1)
This week, I took a look at what Wales have turned around from Rounds 1 & 2 of the Six Nations to their much improved defensive improvements in 3 & 4. Lots of underlying stats which highlight just how much better things have become. samlarner.substack.com/p/things-can...
In today's Substack we look at the French Back Row. They don't punch massive holes, so if they don't do that do they fail in their roles as modern back rowers? samlarner.substack.com/p/hole-punch...
In today's Substack I look at why England aren't firing in the opposition 22 at this Six Nations... samlarner.substack.com/p/the-final-...
The best way to enjoy Attacking the Space? Possibly. If you haven't got your copy and you want to understand what's happening under the surface of the Six Nations, this is the book for you.
Have you got your copy of Attacking the Space yet?? If not, you're missing out on being the most informed person in the pub. Understand why penalties don't matter (in some cases), why possession is overrated, and why Bielle-Biarrey wanders around the pitch.
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...
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.
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
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??
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...
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...
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...
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.
There is much much more carrying in the women's game than in the men's. You can read about this in Attacking the Space (geni.us/AttackingThe...). But, there is not a greater productivity in the women's game than the men's. 6)
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)
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)
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...
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)