iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Sam Larner @samlstandsup.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

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-...

inews.co.uk

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?

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Sam Larner @samlstandsup.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

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!

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Sam Larner @samlstandsup.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

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...

samlarner.substack.com

Ranking Champ Recruitment Part 2

From Doncaster to Worcester

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Sam Larner @samlstandsup.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

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...

samlarner.substack.com

Ranking Champ Recruitment Part 1

From Ampthill to Coventry

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Sam Larner @samlstandsup.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

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...

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Jimmy 🐏🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 @gimjee94.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

I can't believe it's taken me this long to get around to buying this. Very excited. @samlstandsup.bsky.social

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Sam Larner @samlstandsup.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

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.

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Sam Larner @samlstandsup.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

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Sam Larner @samlstandsup.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

Surreal day to finally get a copy of the French version of Attacking the Space. Should give me the impetus to learn French now....

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Sam Larner @samlstandsup.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

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-...

inews.co.uk

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

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Sam Larner @samlstandsup.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

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...

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Sam Larner @samlstandsup.bsky.social · 05/07/2026

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-...

inews.co.uk

The Springboks exposed the Smiths. It's time for England to bring back Freddie Steward

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Sam Larner @samlstandsup.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

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...

youtube.com

Flutter Gibraltar 7s Rugby Festival 2026 - Day 1

YouTube video by Gibraltar Rugby

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Sam Larner @samlstandsup.bsky.social · 21/06/2026

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-...

inews.co.uk

The three chaotic minutes that won Northampton Saints the Prem title

Our rugby analyst breaks down how Phil Dowson delivered another tactical masterclass

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Sam Larner @samlstandsup.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

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.

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Sam Larner @samlstandsup.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

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....

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Sam Larner @samlstandsup.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

This was a joy!! Love doing this podcast with Brett.

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Sam Larner @samlstandsup.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

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-...

inews.co.uk

Why can't England play exciting rugby like Northampton?

Steve Borthwick has shackled the Saints' attacking talents but there's good reason for it

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Sam Larner @samlstandsup.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

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!

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Sam Larner @samlstandsup.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

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?

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Sam Larner @samlstandsup.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

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-...

samlarner.substack.com

Promotion or Bust

Does a lack of relegation lead to more blowout results?

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Sam Larner @samlstandsup.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

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...

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Cian Ó Muilleoir @rugbykino.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

Just because it's not shortlisted, make sure you don't miss out! In all good bookshops.

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Sam Larner @samlstandsup.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

Attacking the Space is available on Amazon for just £16.38 until 4th May while stocks last! Get your copy now before they go!!

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Anna @annasels.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

Anyone want a copy of @samlstandsup.bsky.social excellent book?

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Sam Larner @samlstandsup.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

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...

samlarner.substack.com

The Two Faces of Pollock

How Henry Pollock is used for England and how does it compare with Northampton?

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Sam Larner @samlstandsup.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

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...

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Sam Larner @samlstandsup.bsky.social · 03/04/2026

Very enjoyable game in Northampton tonight. Castres started strong then pegged back by yellow cards. Saints could've scored more chances but looks like it'll be a 1pt gap in favour of the French at half time.

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Sam Larner @samlstandsup.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

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...

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Cian Ó Muilleoir @rugbykino.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

Things that are bad for you to put in your ears: cotton swabs, ear candles, Sam's physical book. Thing that is good for you to put in your ears: Sam's audiobook (pure rugby analytics audio gold).

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Sam Larner @samlstandsup.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

Did you know!? You can also buy Attacking the Space on both Spotify and Audible if you'd prefer to listen to it on audiobook. I can confirm, it's read absolutely brilliantly by Jot Davies. Just search "Attacking the Space" where you get your audiobooks

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Danny O Brien @dannyedobrien.bsky.social · 28/03/2026

Thanks to @samlstandsup.bsky.social for chatting with me about his new book Whether you're a dedicated #rugby fan or tune in and out depending on the time of year this good has got something for you to help understand what's happening under the surface of the game shows.acast.com/5e5fba8e4847...

shows.acast.com

Attacking the Space: Inside Rugby's Tactical and Data Revolution | What's The Score

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Sam Larner @samlstandsup.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

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)

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Sam Larner @samlstandsup.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

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...

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Sam Larner @samlstandsup.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Win a signed copy of Attacking the Space!! Predict the combined 22 entries of all six teams in this round of the 6Ns. Closest wins. If you retweet you get two goes... Must be UK based!

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Squidge Rugby @squidgerugby.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

World Rugby this week published the findings of their recent State of the Game conference, dissecting the game's laws and how to grow it. To do the same, we welcomed in rugby analyst, author and finger breaker @samlstandsup.bsky.social to have a chat... youtu.be/KiUiiKwwiWU

youtu.be

So are rugby's laws working right now? (w/ Sam Larner)

YouTube video by More Squidge Rugby

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Sam Larner @samlstandsup.bsky.social · 03/03/2026

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...

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Rosbifs Rugby @rosbifsrugby.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

🚨New Pod!🚨 Epic to be joined this weekend by @samlstandsup.bsky.social Discussing everything from France's kicking game, to backrow balance and the best restaurants in Annecy! + the lowdown on Rob's trip to Lille, from Belgian beers to sneaky hospitality... 🎧👇 linktr.ee/rosbifsrugby

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Sam Larner @samlstandsup.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

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-...

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Illtud Dafydd @illtuddafydd.bsky.social · 20/02/2026

This week's Jouez: The French Rugby Dispatch A chat with Lyon prop Jérôme Rey, a beef and pig farmer, with France's annual agricultural show starting on Saturday #SIA2026 open.substack.com/pub/illtudda...

open.substack.com

Jérôme Rey: The Top 14's farmer

The Lyon prop talks about the cows and pigs he rears near the Alps

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Wil Rockall @cyber-wil.bsky.social · 20/02/2026

Really enjoying @samlstandsup.bsky.social book “Attacking the Space”. If you’re interested in rugby and why it’s played the way it is, it’s a must read.

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J52Wallusch @j52wallusch.bsky.social · 19/02/2026

Just arrived, @samlstandsup.bsky.social's masterpiece on falling in love with kicking, numbers, and all other things. PS. Chuffed to be a member of the #Bajad8ta group!

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Sam Larner @samlstandsup.bsky.social · 17/02/2026

Are there reasons for optimism after another Welsh loss? Some. But they need to stop falling out of contention before the first quarter is even up and they have to think their way around their opponent's strengths, not just accept they're better. samlarner.substack.com/p/long-read-analysing-wales

samlarner.substack.com

Long Read: Analysing Wales

Are there reasons for optimism?

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Sam Larner @samlstandsup.bsky.social · 16/02/2026

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.

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Sam Larner @samlstandsup.bsky.social · 09/02/2026

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.

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Sam Larner @samlstandsup.bsky.social · 06/02/2026

Today's Substack looks back at last night's game and at the key moments in the first half where France ultimately won the game. Featuring impressive skill, patience, and mindnumbing penalties and brain melting missed opportunities. samlarner.substack.com/p/three-mome...

samlarner.substack.com

Three Moments from France v Ireland

"Without the ball, I thought we lost that battle in the first half." Andy Farrell

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Sam Larner @samlstandsup.bsky.social · 04/02/2026

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...

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Scottish Rugby Podcast @scotrugbypod.bsky.social · 29/01/2026

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!

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James Stafford @jpstafford.bsky.social · 29/01/2026

Highly recommended.

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