Robert Kitson @robkitson Twitter profile | Pikagi

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Robert Kitson

@robkitson

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1,223

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296

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The Guardian's rugby union correspondent. Author of Around the World in 80 Minutes: In Search of Rugby Greatness and Exe Men.

https://t.co/QT1dUc0xNL

Joined January 2011

Don't wanna be here? Send us removal request.

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

9 months

No dogs this time. Just my sincere thanks to all the contributors and everyone involved at @BloomsburySport & @DLuxAssociates for helping to bring this book to life. If you like your rugby, (or know someone else who does), this is for you. Thank you.

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@bork_fireforge

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

5 years

Many thanks to @kearnanmyall for his honesty. Really hope his powerful words will be heeded.

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Kearnan Myall: ‘Several England players I know dread training camp’

The former Wasps lock Kearnan Myall tells Robert Kitson of the intolerable pressure and scrutiny that took him to the brink of suicide

www.theguardian.com

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

1 year

Used to love everything about the Heineken Cup. Every point or try scored or conceded was massive, constant jeopardy, fully loaded teams. For assorted reasons, sadly, it's in real danger of losing its allure.

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Robert Kitson

5 years

So Gloucester trounce Quins, Danny Cips has a stormer and England add a third fly-half to their training squad. That'll be Marcus Smith, obviously...

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

1 year

That Woodburn decision perfectly sums up the disciplinary quicksand into which rugby has sunk. Punishment does not remotely fit the 'crime', imho.

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

3 years

They've done it! Full time: Cornish Pirates 25 Saracens 17. Thoroughly deserved and a great advert for the spirit and talent lurking in the Championship. #Properjob

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

3 years

Ha! If Eddie Jones doesn't start Dombrandt and Smith next month there'll be riots in Twickenham.

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Robert Kitson

2 years

Good to see Rassie Erasmus and SA Rugby apologising to Nic Berry and the other match officials after the withdrawal of their appeal against last week's verdicts. Mind you, it would have saved an awful lot of time and hassle if the apology had come four months ago.

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

4 years

Clubs can re-title their stadiums what they like. Just don't expect anyone with an ounce of rugby soul to call it by the sponsor's name.

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

4 years

Very generous piece in the @TheRugbyPaper but his bedroom is still a disgrace.

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

3 years

France v NZ to kick off #RWC2023 on Friday 8 Sept in Paris. Bravo!

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

3 years

Have gazed into many bookshop windows in my time but never imagined I'd ever see this. Happy Exe-mas and thanks to all at @Waterstones

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

5 years

Given the desperately sad events in Christchurch I'd say a stadium roof being open is a pretty minor concern.

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Robert Kitson

7 years

Can't understand why England, in victory, would decry their opponents' tactical ingenuity. Last time I looked it was called sport. #6nations

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Robert Kitson

3 years

And at lunch on the first day the Lions are leading 9-6...

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

4 years

Very happy to say, as per the extract in today's @ObserverUK , that EXE MEN will be published next month and is now available for pre-order via Amazon etc. It is a remarkable story and I count myself lucky to have spent the past two years researching and writing it. @ExeterChiefs

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

4 years

England's autumn Test v Argentina in mid Nov to kick off at 8pm on a Sat night at Twickenham. Once again scant consideration given to rugby fans, young and old alike, who live beyond the home counties.

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

7 years

I'm not saying it's raining hard in NZ's north island this am but at this rate we'll be watching the British & Irish Sea Lions. #LionsNZ2017

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

8 years

Spot on as ever...

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Robert Kitson

2 years

Owen Farrell injured. Nothing yet, tho, from Sue Gray on the longer term leadership implications.

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Robert Kitson

2 years

Sam Underhill's tour of Aus is over following his latest concussion. As with Maro Itoje, it is good to see players no longer being rushed back. Good luck to both of them for a swift and full recovery.

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

3 years

Heartbreaking.

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Steve Thompson: 'I can't remember winning the World Cup' | Andy Bull

In an exclusive interview the former England hooker talks about living with dementia, feeling like ‘a bit of meat’ during his career and how, if he could go back, he would not play rugby

www.theguardian.com

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

9 months

A few words on the implications of Owen Farrell's unlikely reprieve...

Owen Farrell’s rescinded red card sets worrying precedent for the game | Robert Kitson

England will be delighted at their captain’s reprieve but in the long term it could have serious repercussions for player welfare

www.theguardian.com

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

1 year

Imagine the reaction if the RFU had cut a top 4 Premiership men's side - which has won 3 of its first 4 games of the current league campaign - leaving (for now) no other team north of Leicester... #justsaying

@SaleSharksWomen

Sale Sharks Women

@SaleSharksWomen

1 year

𝗖𝗟𝗨𝗕 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 🦈 Sale Sharks is disappointed to learn today that the club has been unsuccessful within its application to continue in the @Premier15s . Read more here 👉 #MoreThanJustARugbyClub #FabricOfTheNorth

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Robert Kitson

4 years

Exeter champions of Europe. I'm incapable of speech.

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Robert Kitson

3 years

Whatever your nationality that was fun... #ENGvFRA

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Robert Kitson

5 years

Eddie Jones has given semi-final week a vigorous stir...says NZ under pressure and their journos are "just fans with keyboards." Loves a wind-up does Eddie...

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

5 years

England 42 Ireland 6. Unfortunately the game's being played Lord's, not Twickenham...

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

1 year

First Freddie Steward, now Zach Mercer has his weekend red card rescinded. We can all see the vital bigger picture but, equally, rugby really needs to clarify what is and is not a sending off. For everybody's sake.

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

9 months

A new book coming out tomorrow, you say? Sure, we'll help promote it... (with apologies to @MrAndrewCotter ) @BloomsburySport #Rugby

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

4 years

So the book went to the printers today. Just want to say thanks again to all @ExeterChiefs and @Polaris_Books for helping to make it happen. It's due out on 26 Nov and is available for pre order via Amazon etc. Cheers! #EXEMEN #semperfidelis

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

4 years

Worth pausing for a moment to reflect on how far @ExeterChiefs have come in the past decade. It has reached the point where they will now be disappointed if they do not finish the job against Racing 92 next month.

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Robert Kitson

6 years

Rumour has it the rugby season has just ended. Here's wishing all players, coaches, officials, refs and journos at least a couple of hours asleep in a hammock before next season starts.

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

4 years

At this rate it will be a while before Ireland invite Bono back in again....

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Robert Kitson

6 years

Time for a quick game of Cluedo. I'm going for Michael Cheika with the lead piping in the interview room... #ENGvAUS

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

6 years

Just an incredible human being who deserves all our support.

@BBCTheOneShow

BBC The One Show

6 years

The inspirational former Scotland Rugby Union player @DoddieWeir5 shares his experience of motor neurone disease.

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Robert Kitson

2 years

Sad news...Mike Davis, England's 1980 grand slam winning coach, has passed away at the age of 80. He also won 16 England caps as a player and was a lovely, kind-hearted man. He will be much missed. RIP

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Robert Kitson

4 years

No fans in the stadium and no live terrestrial coverage either. Club rugby grows ever more invisible to the wider population.

@guardian_sport

Guardian sport

@guardian_sport

4 years

BBC unhappy as Premiership Rugby drops 'offer' to show Twickenham final. Story: @robkitson

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Robert Kitson

4 years

Only if you replace the word 'socialise' with 'have sex' is this sentence remotely realistic.

@LBC

LBC

4 years

Health Secretary Matt Hancock tells LBC he expects and urges students to socialise with a maximum of six people during Freshers Week. @NickFerrariLBC | @MattHancock

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Robert Kitson

6 years

Wonderful. Not to mention emotional.

@rugbyontnt

Rugby on TNT Sports

6 years

What a moment 👏 @DoddieWeir5 delivers the match ball with his sons as he continues to battle MND.

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Robert Kitson

6 years

Congrats to the Springboks but forget the outcome for a moment. That was a simply wonderful rugby occasion. A privilege to witness it live. #SAvENG

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

1 year

Great win by the world's top-ranked team. Going to take something special to deny them the @SixNationsRugby title now...

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

6 years

Exeter Chiefs finish top of England's regular season pile for the first time, having already won the Anglo-Welsh Cup and with the A league final next up on Monday. They remain one of the most remarkable stories anywhere in British sport.

@ExeterChiefs

Exeter Chiefs

6 years

FULL TIME: @exeterchiefs 34 @SaleSharksRugby 19 That guarantees top spot at the end of the regular season for the Chiefs Report and Reaction to follow shortly

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

3 years

Sometimes you despair of rugby officialdom. RFU Council all set for hugely significant vote today on ending Premiership relegation this season, only for PRL to request a delay late last night as they hadn't got everything sorted with their commercial partners. Shambles.

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

1 year

Leinster vs English Premiership clubs - those 2022/23 Champions Cup results in full… Leinster 57 Gloucester 0 Gloucester 14 Leinster 49 Leinster 55 Leicester 24

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

3 years

Closing stages...Pirates 18 Saracens 17. If there was a crowd the roof would already have been blown off the main stand...

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

6 years

A great honour to be sworn in as chairman of the Rugby Union Writers' Club...and apologies in advance to those hoping the committee would unearth someone even half as capable as my outstanding predecessor @heelsonhalfway

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

6 years

English struggling to make headway on continental Europe with major Irish issue threatening to derail everything... In other news the rugby's also proving problematic... #6Nations

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

5 years

Whatever your nationality, watching Henry Slade play like this is a joy. #ENGvSCO

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

6 years

Trying - and failing - to recall a better Welsh club #rugby performance on English soil than the Scarlets delivered this evening. Wonderful, daring & clever stuff. #ChampionsCup

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

4 years

Farewell to the irrepressible Terry Cooper, doyen of the English rugby press pack, who passed away this morning. Terry must have filed more words on rugby & cricket than almost anyone. Love to Vivian and his family from all his many friends in the Rugby Union Writers' Club. RIP.

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

2 years

All change at no 10 yet again. Still it's only the autumn, let's hope Finn Russell is back for the 6 Nations...

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

3 years

Let's just say Sam Simmonds looks an international-class player to me...

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

5 years

Just had a left field idea. Has anyone ever considered playing top-class European #rugby on a nice dry surface in bright sunshine?

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

3 years

Once again Olympic rugby sevens has been a joy to watch. So much uplifting talent and emotion.

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

3 years

Lockdown reading sorted....👀 @Polaris_Books @ExeterChiefs #EXEMEN

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

6 years

Danny Cipriani listed under 'full-backs' in England squad to face Baa-Baas having played all season for Wasps at 10....nice of Eddie J to make him feel so instantly welcome.

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

6 years

RIP Zinzan. Forever my favourite All Black...

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

3 years

Truly humbled by all the lovely messages. A sincere thank you to everyone, not least the players and staff @ExeterChiefs who did the real hard yards and @Polaris_Books for making it happen. Big love, too, to @RUWCOfficial and thanks again to @sportsbookaward for a great evening.

@sportsbookaward

The Charles Tyrwhitt Sports Book Awards

@sportsbookaward

3 years

Congratulations to multi-nominated @robkitson and publisher @Polaris_Books on winning @ArbuthnotLatham and Rugby Union Writers' Club, Rugby Book of the Year 2021 for Exe Men #SBA21 #ReadingForSport

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Robert Kitson

5 years

Last RWC without any female match officials? Let's hope so.

@rugbyworldcup

Rugby World Cup

5 years

You've met the 20 teams who make up the pools at #RWC2019 , now meet #Team21 - the match officials who will oversee all 48 fixtures in Japan.

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Robert Kitson

3 years

Shadows lengthening, plenty of happy Pirates....

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

5 years

Great, sunny sporting days like this are a time to count your blessings and remember the people who first introduced us to rugby. It would have been Dad's 88th birthday today...we miss you still.

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Robert Kitson

3 years

A treat to be there and a scoreline which should give the whole of English rugby much to ponder...

@guardian_sport

Guardian sport

@guardian_sport

3 years

Star-studded Saracens shipwrecked by Cornish Pirates' set-piece power | By @robkitson

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

5 years

The clearest case of vowel play you will ever see...

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

5 years

Fair play to England's coaches and players. That was as convincing a win as anyone has managed in Dublin for a long, long time. #IREvENG

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

6 years

I absolutely support the need to reduce head high hits but I'm not sure red-carding slightly-built out-halves bracing themselves for a collision is the solution.

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

6 years

Never much danger of Owen Farrell being cited. Red card threshold had to apply but that doesn't mean a penalty shouldn't have been awarded. If Bruce Craig was in charge of SA rugby he'd be calling for a rematch ;)

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Robert Kitson

2 years

Sorry, but how many times have we seen a player taking an age over a kick at goal to run down the clock? With no sanction. How many minutes are wasted re-setting scrums? A massive can of time-keeping worms has been opened. Players will be screaming at the ref every week now.

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

6 years

Chariots of dire... #FRAvENG

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

7 years

First All Black to be sent off since 1967...

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Robert Kitson

5 years

A stunning outcome, both for rugby and Japan. Truly a game changer.

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Robert Kitson

4 years

Feels like an appropriate moment to thank all at @guardian_sport for giving rugby union a good show this weekend, both in print and online. Lovely pix from @ppauk and Dave Rogers and glad people also seem to be enjoying the words.

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

3 years

If England v Australia is half as good as @billybragg live in Bristol last night we're all in for a treat.

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

3 years

Um, good old Jaco Johan doesn't seem quite as keen to highlight refereeing calls that went South Africa's way, does he?

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

3 years

Hmm, perhaps some of you busily debating Exeter Chiefs on Twitter would - ahem - enjoy a book on the subject? 👀🙏

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

5 years

Not saying it's a lovely day in Dublin but Leinster have won the toss and opted to bat first... #ChampionsCup

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

5 years

So many messages from people touched by Kearnan's story, so many of them humbling and inspiring. Thank you again. It would seem his testimony is already making a difference...

@guardian_sport

Guardian sport

@guardian_sport

5 years

Players’ union urges action on mental health after Kearnan Myall speaks out. @robkitson

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Robert Kitson

4 years

Covid the Barbarian. There could be a movie in this...

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

4 years

So, by popular demand, the final cover of EXE MEN will look like this...due out on 26 Nov but pre-order available. Thanks!

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

3 years

I've never seen a Premiership final quite like that. Staggering. Huge congrats to the mighty Quins, commiserations to the almost as mighty Exeter.

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

2 years

Still can't quite believe it. A small tribute to Eddie. RIP.

@guardian_sport

Guardian sport

@guardian_sport

2 years

To bask in the reflected glow of Eddie Butler’s talents was enough for us. By @robkitson

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Robert Kitson

2 years

There's empathy and integrity and then there's shameless...

@ITVCentral

ITV News Central

2 years

Worcester Warriors owners apologise for 'emotional distress' caused

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

5 years

En route to the airport at the end of a memorable tournament. Many thanks to all in Japan for their unfailing friendliness and desire to help total strangers. An example to us all.

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

2 years

Three gripping, breathless Gallagher Premiership games. This club rugby thing could catch on if the off-field sums ever add up...

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

1 year

Worst day for the BBC since *checks notes* yesterday.

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

2 years

Guy Porter's hearing verdict sets a major precedent. A three week ban (reduced from a possible six) for an accidental collision when neither player had the ball? Yet to meet any back who would bump into Fritz Lee on purpose...

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

8 years

The "forgotten men" of the English #rugby Championship and why they need help...with massive thanks to @benhooper87

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Robert Kitson

4 years

10-week suspension for Joe Marler. Free to resume competitive ball-touching on Mon 8 June.

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

7 years

We all know rugby's a tough sport. The number of players already sidelined less than a month into the season, however, is a serious worry.

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

2 years

Man of the match? Shaun Edwards.

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Robert Kitson

4 years

Plenty of questions still to be answered re Saracens. Absolutely nil chance of closure unless Premiership Rugby make the judgement public.

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

2 years

Don't want to interrupt your Eurovision viewing pleasure but there's a properly good game of rugby going on in Toulon.

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

7 years

Suspect that'll make Sir Ian McGeechan feel better.... #LionsNZ2017

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

5 years

Well done, Greg! And many thanks to @tauntonrfc for giving him his first league start..

@tauntonrfc

Taunton Rugby Club

5 years

Man of the match - Greg Kitson. Excellent performance from the young man and still available to sponsor....

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Robert Kitson

5 years

Not sure many other countries would be in a position to stage major rugby matches within hours of a storm of that magnitude. Updated @guardian story on a wild night here..

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Rugby World Cup: Scotland v Japan to go ahead but Namibia v Canada off

Scotland’s must-win match against Japan will go ahead after tournament organisers inspected stadium in wake of Typhoon Hagibis

www.theguardian.com

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

2 years

Proper game of rugby. No quarter asked or given and, on the balance of play, a fair outcome. #EXESAR

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

4 years

Congratulations, once again, to the new European champions @ExeterChiefs . And if you fancy reading more about their incredible story it just so happens I can help...

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@robkitson

Robert Kitson

2 years

The player who made so many of us fall in love with rugby union. What a sidestep and, above all else, what a wonderful man. Thoughts with Phil's friends and family. RIP.

@scarlets_rugby

Scarlets Rugby

@scarlets_rugby

2 years

It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the passing of club legend, former captain and Scarlets President Phil Bennett. Phil passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday evening surrounded by his close family.

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Robert Kitson

2 years

Thoughts with all involved at Worcester. A dark day for the whole of English club rugby.

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Robert Kitson

5 years

The highs and lows of a sporting life...with thanks to @jackmaunder and @dombess99 .

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Maunder and Bess offer cautionary tale but could yet triumph in sequel | Robert Kitson

Devon school friends Jack Maunder and Dom Bess played rugby union and cricket respectively for England before turning 21 but they are now not even regular starters for their clubs Exeter and Somerset

www.theguardian.com

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Robert Kitson

6 years

Incredible finish. Incredible comeback. England deserve much credit for their heart and resilience, tho Owen Farrell might want to buy the ref a beer tonight...

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