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Alex Spink

@alexspink

Sports writer, 25 years Mirror rugby & athletics correspondent. Now Planet Sport https://www.planetrugby.com/author/alex-spink

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15.11.2024
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Latest posts by Alex Spink @alexspink

Preview
Natalie Pinkham explains ‘gross’ surgery moment that removed her voice box Natalie Pinkham reveals the shocking reality of the operation that kept her away from the F1 paddock.

“When they told me what they were going to do I was like, ‘not a chance’. They were like, “Hmm, you don’t really have a choice’”

Sky F1 presenter Natalie Pinkham opens up on spinal surgery and emotional return to F1 paddock. Interview for @planetf1com.bsky.social

www.planetf1.com?p=914864

05.03.2026 18:07 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
David Croft relives Stevenage to Times Square as F1 2026 looms From standing with Lewis Hamilton in Times Square to decoding F1’s most radical rules overhaul, Crofty opens up on the sport’s next era.

📻 From hospital radio to Hollywood
⚽️The night I threw my radio against the bedroom wall
🗣️ The great commentators that inspired me
🏎️ The ‘other’ F1 boy from Stevenage

Interview with ‘Voice of F1’ David Croft #f1
@planetf1com.bsky.social

www.planetf1.com?p=914721

03.03.2026 17:45 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
Planet Rugby's top 10 players of the 2026 Six Nations thus far 👏 Planet Rugby runs the rule over the first three rounds of the Six Nations and picks out 10 performers worthy of praise. #GuinnessM6N

🇫🇷 3, 🇮🇪 2, 🇮🇹 2
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 1, 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 1, 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 1

Pick out 10 standout players in #SixNations, they said. Don’t worry, nobody will disagree 🙉
@planetrugby.bsky.social

www.planetrugby.com/news/six-nat...

02.03.2026 09:53 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
Comment: Ireland place a bookend on difficult period as broken England back to square one 🗣️ "It was an occasion to rejuvenate the Irish programme, to renew belief in what may be possible even though the squad is ageing and 20 months to the World Cup seems a long time for some of the group...

From ‘are we Irish?’ to Are We Ireland? Andy Farrell asks two tough questions, gets one 🔥 answer.

Comment piece from Twickenham. @planetrugby.bsky.social

www.planetrugby.com/news/comment...

22.02.2026 15:06 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
'This isn't rugby' - Jim Hamilton brands social media abuse 'a disgrace' 🗣️ "This isn’t rugby, right. This isn’t a rugby issue, it’s a social problem."

“It’s absolutely important for rugby to call these comments out but it shouldn’t need me or anyone else to say, ‘We shouldn’t have this in our game?’ It’s obvious”

Jim Hamilton blasts 🏉 trolls but says abuse is a snapshot of society we find ourselves in

www.planetrugby.com/news/this-is...

19.02.2026 11:45 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
Comment: 'Two Jobs' Townsend holds his nerve but Calcutta Cup showing reaffirms riddle Scotland must solve 🗣️ "The deserved acclaim for the achievement of this weekend does not change the fact that this is a riddle Townsend must solve if the criticism of him and his players is to go away." #SCOvENG #Guinne...

“What made their effort so special also condemns this group”

Scotland magnificent. But can they do it on a wet night in Stoke, as they say in football? We know the answer.
Calcutta Cup comment @planetrugby.bsky.social

www.planetrugby.com/news/comment...

16.02.2026 12:34 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
'Infectious' Henry Pollock can lead England to Calcutta Cup victory and why he is 'brilliant for the game' 🗣️ "These guys are not scarred by those defeats because they are untouched by them. They aren't fussed around the history of this fixture." #SCOvENG #GuinnessM6N

"These guys are not scarred by previous Calcutta Cup defeats because they are untouched by them"

Why 'show pony' Henry Pollock and fellow Murrayfield rookies are key to England turning tide of history in Scotland

#SCOvENG preview. @planetrugby.bsky.social

www.planetrugby.com/news/why-inf...

13.02.2026 16:54 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 2 📌 0
Preview
'Maybe that suits World Rugby' - Richard Cockerill's plea to bigwigs after failing 'two KPIs' led to Georgia dismissal 💬 "For whatever reason Georgia don't seem to be fashionable enough to be granted that opportunity."

"I could never lose to a Tier 2 country. If I did, there was three months notice. And in a calendar year, I had to beat a Tier 1 team"

EXCL Richard Cockerill's extraordinary explanation for Georgia sacking and renewed Six Nations plea
@planetrugby.bsky.social

www.planetrugby.com/news/exclusi...

12.02.2026 14:29 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0

It goes further than this and will have a knock on effect on the number of kids playing rugby; volunteers; rugby club memberships etc.
It’s not over-egging it to say that this disengagement is the most important issue facing the WRU right now because the impact could destroy the sport.

12.02.2026 13:57 👍 9 🔁 6 💬 3 📌 0
Preview
Wales legend's grave prediction as 20,000 tickets remain unsold and the 'quickest fix' they must find against France 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 "We're not attracting enough supporters or enough fans. And without fans, without supporters, the game won't exist." #WALvFRA #GuinnessM6N

“We could lose a generation of fans”

EXCL Tom Shanklin’s warning as supporters vote with feet amid three-year #SixNations losing run and rise of Welsh football. @planetrugby.bsky.social

www.planetrugby.com/news/wales-l...

12.02.2026 13:51 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 1 📌 1
Preview
What 'broken' Wales need to do against France as Jonathan Davies reveals his 'overriding emotion' after loss to England 🗣️ "I looked at the boys at Twickenham last weekend and they looked broken in the second half." #GuinnessM6N #WALvFRA

“Seeing Wales lose game after game hurts me, but I think it hurts everyone who loves the sport. A strong Wales makes for a better Six Nations"

EXCL Jonathan Davies articulates pain felt across Welsh rugby - and only way out of crisis @planetrugby.bsky.social

www.planetrugby.com/news/what-br...

11.02.2026 09:42 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
'Never done' George Ford handed ultimate complement as coach backs England fly-half for international first 🗣️ "Clearly his rugby IQ is higher than mine. It's higher than anyone's I've met." #ENGvWAL #GuinnessM6N

“His rugby IQ is higher than anyone I've met. He could be the first player-coach in international rugby”

A decade after starting every game in England’s last Grand Slam, George Ford is at it again.

Piece from Twickenham. @planetrugby.bsky.social

www.planetrugby.com/news/never-d...

08.02.2026 13:20 👍 3 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
Six Nations prediction: England to 'come up short' as Steve Borthwick's 'hunters' battle France for glory 🗣️ "Maro Itoje leads England into the Six Nations with optimism high that the Red Rose is about to end a trophy drought which dates back to the dark days of the pandemic." #GuinnessM6N

When asked about his piano-playing ability Eric Morecambe famously said, “I’m playing all the right notes, just not necessarily in the right order”.

So it has been with England selection at times. Not in last year. #6N prospects here @planetrugby.bsky.social

www.planetrugby.com/news/six-nat...

03.02.2026 08:13 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
Hostile orcas, night sweats, 17kg weight loss and learning to walk again; Ollie Phillips reveals brutal 'payback' of World's Toughest Row 🗣️ "One million per cent I will have PTSD around that cabin. I can't tell you how much it affected me."

“One million per cent I will have PTSD around that cabin. I can’t tell you how much it affected me”

EXCL: Final part of 3-piece series charting former England rugby 7s captain’s
Atlantic row, revealing brutal 'payback' of 3000m ordeal.
@planetrugby.bsky.social

www.planetrugby.com/news/hostile...

26.01.2026 15:45 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
Former England captain 'closer to space than land' as he takes part in World's Toughest Row race 🗣️ “She wants her husband and the dad of our three young kids to come home.”

“We’re closer to space than we are to land. Literally in the middle of nowhere. It’s mind-blowing, absolutely nuts”

EXCL: Former England rugby captain rowing into New Year somewhere in the Atlantic. His words. Remarkable stuff @planetrugby.bsky.social

www.planetrugby.com/news/shes-wo...

31.12.2025 19:17 👍 2 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
Ollie Phillips inspired by 'hero' Kevin Sinfield ahead of Atlantic Ocean challenge as race briefing brings back Jonah Lomu 'sensation' 🗣️ "I just don't think you know how you're going to react to that until you're in it."

A rugby man in a rowing boat, inspired by Kevin Sinfield, risking his life in fight against MND.

Interview with Ollie Phillips as he prepares to paddle across the Atlantic. Not a gig for the faint hearted. @planetrugby.bsky.social

www.planetrugby.com/news/ollie-p...

13.12.2025 08:44 👍 3 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
Opinion: Ollie Lawrence steps out of Manu Tuilagi's 'shadow' to down the All Blacks 13 years after his predecessor did the same 💬 "The Bath man had spent a 36-cap career likened to the wrecking ball midfielder but denied a similar billing because he lacked a standout performance." #ENGvNZL

Ollie Lawrence steps out of Manu Tuilagi’s shadow to skittle All Blacks 13 years after his predecessor did the same. Piece from Twickenham @planetrugby.bsky.social

www.planetrugby.com/news/opinion...

16.11.2025 09:11 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
The day 'the blood drained out of the faces' of Richie McCaw and Kieran Read and why 'this is England’s time' again A lot of water has run under Twickenham bridge since Tom Youngs and Tom Wood combined to beat New Zealand with England back in 2012.

The day ‘the blood drained out of the faces’ of All Blacks greats Richie McCaw and Kieran Read and history was made

How Twickenham 2012 came to pass and what England need to do if they are to repeat the result. #ENGvNZL

www.planetrugby.com/news/the-sta...

14.11.2025 13:16 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
Opinion: Forward brawn and Rassie’s brain too much to handle as ‘unbreakable’ Boks conquer France again 🗣️ "There will be no revenge for France’s World Cup quarter-final loss, no consolation for a Les Bleus team which built a platform to win the game through Damian Penaud’s two early tries, only to be k...

Forward brawn and Rassie’s brain too much to handle as ‘unbreakable’ Boks conquer France again

South Africa power to victory in another Paris classic. Comment. @planetrugbycom
www.planetrugby.com/news/opinion...

09.11.2025 18:05 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
Why five-million dollar gamble on NRL starlet was no roll of the dice by Australian rugby, says Wallaby legend George Gregan 🗣️ "People forget that now because he has proved himself to be one of Australian rugby's best investments." #ENGvAUS

Why five-million dollar gamble on NRL starlet Joseph Suaalii was no roll of the dice by Australian rugby.

Piece with Wallaby legend George Gregan ahead of England-Australia. @planetrugby.bsky.social

www.planetrugby.com/news/why-fiv...

31.10.2025 22:58 👍 2 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
The medical reason Wales legend Jamie Roberts will be cheering for a 'powerful Shane Williams' when England tackle Wallabies 🗣️ "He's unbelievable, a pocket rocket." #ENGvAUS

“Manny and Emeka [Ilione] are shining examples to young people who sometimes think ‘I can’t do both’. It’s great for others to see lads at the top of the game also working hard away from the field”

Interview with Jamie Roberts on English rugby’s medical men
www.planetrugby.com/news/the-med...

31.10.2025 22:55 👍 2 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
England legend Ben Youngs returns to rugby in 'important' battle alongside brother 🗣️ “I was done, I was so ready in my head."

“These are absolute warriors, yet the biggest battle they’ve ever faced is MND. It’s so bloody awful”

Ben Youngs’ family and club Leicester have been touched by MND. His thoughts and our chance to help the fight. Please read

www.planetrugby.com/news/england...

22.10.2025 14:28 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
England's 'greatest player' challenges the game to 'not undersell' itself with a showing of 'unbelievable growth' 💬 “I genuinely believe we can do anything now in our game.”

EXCL: England legend Emily Scarratt challenges women’s rugby to up its ambition still further by taking PWR Final to Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium and selling out the place
www.planetrugby.com/news/england...

22.10.2025 14:19 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Post image

“These are absolute warriors, yet the biggest battle they’ve ever faced is MND. It’s so bloody awful”

Ben Youngs’ family and club Leicester Tigers have been touched by MND. His thoughts and our chance to help the fight. Please read

planetrugby.com/news/england-l…

21.10.2025 16:57 👍 0 🔁 2 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
Harlequins coach reveals what 'unbelievable talent' Marcus Smith's goal is as he makes long awaited return to PREM Rugby 🗣️ "Marcus is an unbelievable talent and his talent has got him a long way. He's very passionate about Quins and also his country, and he wants to play in a starting shirt." #PremRugby

“He wants to play in a starting shirt. He’s said to me he feels a different player as a result of his experience with the Lions”

Marcus Smith determined to shed jack-of-all-trades tag and fight for keys to No10 @planetrugby.bsky.social

www.planetrugby.com/news/harlequ...

10.10.2025 16:16 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
Fin Smith, George Ford or Marcus Smith? Panel of experts weigh up Steve Borthwick's 'biggest selection decision' 🗣️ "He has a major selection headache likely to be keeping him awake at night. That of who starts at fly-half."

“George Ford could be the first player to be a head coach whilst wearing the number 10 jersey”

EXCL: Fin Smith, Ford or Marcus Smith? Panel of experts weigh up England’s biggest selection call. @planetrugby.bsky.social

www.planetrugby.com/news/fin-smi...

09.10.2025 11:21 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
Comment: Springboks show why they are the game's 'dominant force' with second successive Rugby Championship triumph 🗣️ "Six years after conquering the world in Yokohama they show absolutely no sign they are about to abdicate their throne." #ARGvRSA #RugbyChampionship

“Six years after conquering the world in Yokohama they show absolutely no sign they are about to abdicate their throne”

Comment piece on day South Africa won yet another major trophy. @planetrugby.bsky.social
www.planetrugby.com/news/comment...

05.10.2025 08:00 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
'Full package' Springboks on course for World Cup hat-trick as Wales legend hails 'box-office' Rassie Erasmus 🗣️ "The Springboks, at the minute, are the absolute benchmark."

“The Springboks are the absolute benchmark. The squad depth Erasmus has developed is such I would not back against them winning three [World Cups] on the spin”

Dan Biggar on tomorrow’s Twickenham Rugby Championship finale and beyond. @planetrugby.bsky.social
www.planetrugby.com/news/full-pa...

03.10.2025 21:05 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
Rugby World Cup hosts England 'finally get job done' with 'brakes slammed' on Canada 'fast show' 🏆 “England saved their best for last.”

"English sporting success is rarely appreciated beyond the boundaries of the country itself. This one should be. It promises to accelerate the growth of women’s rugby everywhere"

Comment piece on the day England won the Rugby World Cup @planetrugby.bsky.social

www.planetrugby.com/news/rugby-w...

27.09.2025 19:46 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
Springbok Women's coach sounds 'sky is the limit' warning to Rugby World Cup superpower nations whose 'distinct advantage' now a thing of the past 🗣️ "The sky is the limit." #RWC2025

“I can see this nation winning the Women's World Cup in the not too distant future"

EXCL: South Africa, four-time world champions in men's rugby, warn their time is coming in women's game.

Piece for @planetrugby.bsky.social ahead of Saturday's #RWC2025 final
www.planetrugby.com/news/springb...

24.09.2025 08:45 👍 4 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0