Jacob Bassford
@jacobean06.bsky.social
(He/him). Views own etc. Freelancer in sport media, bit of a nerd.
Host of the @ltwfancast.bsky.social
Host of the @ltwfancast.bsky.social
One of the very, very, very few shining lights of the Pandemic was being able to enjoy (albeit with wanton jealousy) Super Rugby Aotearoa.
I pay tribute to that competition, and the respite it offered UK-based rugby fans in my latest substack:
jacobean06.substack.com/p/an-ode-to-...
I pay tribute to that competition, and the respite it offered UK-based rugby fans in my latest substack:
jacobean06.substack.com/p/an-ode-to-...
An ode to Super Rugby Aotearoa 2020
Few people will have any resemblance of happy memories from the COVID-19 pandemic, but one rugby competition was able to give at least a little respite.
jacobean06.substack.com
September 1, 2026 at 5:32 PM
One of the very, very, very few shining lights of the Pandemic was being able to enjoy (albeit with wanton jealousy) Super Rugby Aotearoa.
I pay tribute to that competition, and the respite it offered UK-based rugby fans in my latest substack:
jacobean06.substack.com/p/an-ode-to-...
I pay tribute to that competition, and the respite it offered UK-based rugby fans in my latest substack:
jacobean06.substack.com/p/an-ode-to-...
Pretty sure this is the coolest thing I have ever seen in my life.
Ma'a Nonu (at 44) doing the haka on his own against the All Blacks. It's great stuff.
August 12, 2026 at 7:54 AM
Pretty sure this is the coolest thing I have ever seen in my life.
Creating rugby content can be incredibly isolating, but does it have to be this way?
I explore the exhausting and lonely aspects of rugby content creation in my latest substack.
Read here below:
open.substack.com/pub/jacobean...
I explore the exhausting and lonely aspects of rugby content creation in my latest substack.
Read here below:
open.substack.com/pub/jacobean...
Is rugby content creation too isolating?
A piece on how social media disincentivises collaborative content creation and how that leads to burnout
open.substack.com
August 3, 2026 at 4:20 PM
Creating rugby content can be incredibly isolating, but does it have to be this way?
I explore the exhausting and lonely aspects of rugby content creation in my latest substack.
Read here below:
open.substack.com/pub/jacobean...
I explore the exhausting and lonely aspects of rugby content creation in my latest substack.
Read here below:
open.substack.com/pub/jacobean...
Len Ikitau started for the Wallabies on Saturday after a hell of a long season dating back to last year’s Lions tour and then a fantastic stint at Exeter. So that got me thinking, who are the other iconic one-season cameos in the Premiership?
Read here below 👇
open.substack.com/pub/jacobean...
Read here below 👇
open.substack.com/pub/jacobean...
July 21, 2026 at 5:02 PM
Len Ikitau started for the Wallabies on Saturday after a hell of a long season dating back to last year’s Lions tour and then a fantastic stint at Exeter. So that got me thinking, who are the other iconic one-season cameos in the Premiership?
Read here below 👇
open.substack.com/pub/jacobean...
Read here below 👇
open.substack.com/pub/jacobean...
The Prem in England has seen some brilliant one-season cameos in the last 10 years or so, I give my top five, did I miss anyone?
Read here below: 👇👇
open.substack.com/pub/jacobean...
Read here below: 👇👇
open.substack.com/pub/jacobean...
FIVE ICONIC ONE-SEASON STINTS IN THE PREM
Here are five players who only played a solitary season in the Prem in the last decade or so but left their mark
open.substack.com
July 20, 2026 at 12:58 PM
The Prem in England has seen some brilliant one-season cameos in the last 10 years or so, I give my top five, did I miss anyone?
Read here below: 👇👇
open.substack.com/pub/jacobean...
Read here below: 👇👇
open.substack.com/pub/jacobean...
Reposted by Jacob Bassford
Reposted by Jacob Bassford
Proudest parents at Bok Women vs USA Eagles
July 5, 2026 at 1:40 PM
Proudest parents at Bok Women vs USA Eagles
George Martin has just steamrolled Jasper Wiese in a one on one for an awesome try.
Some finish.
Some finish.
July 4, 2026 at 4:30 PM
George Martin has just steamrolled Jasper Wiese in a one on one for an awesome try.
Some finish.
Some finish.
Reposted by Jacob Bassford
Women's rugby fans deserve better than dodgy streams and broken promises. World Rugby, USA Rugby and SA Rugby need to guarantee that next week's return fixture is available live across the globe.
July 4, 2026 at 2:06 PM
Women's rugby fans deserve better than dodgy streams and broken promises. World Rugby, USA Rugby and SA Rugby need to guarantee that next week's return fixture is available live across the globe.
Delighted to have made my Global Gainline debut on the 'A Bit of An Animal' podcast to preview South Africa vs England today in the Nations Championship!
You can watch/listen here on YouTube👇
youtu.be/p7NBKfLXDVc?...
You can watch/listen here on YouTube👇
youtu.be/p7NBKfLXDVc?...
God Save The Poms, From Us! | Springboks Vs England Preview | A Bit of An Animal
YouTube video by The Global Gainline
youtu.be
July 4, 2026 at 8:59 AM
Delighted to have made my Global Gainline debut on the 'A Bit of An Animal' podcast to preview South Africa vs England today in the Nations Championship!
You can watch/listen here on YouTube👇
youtu.be/p7NBKfLXDVc?...
You can watch/listen here on YouTube👇
youtu.be/p7NBKfLXDVc?...
Great to see Jefferson Poirot back in the test arena for France!
Feels very retro to have him and Bamba in the front row for Les Bleus.
Feels very retro to have him and Bamba in the front row for Les Bleus.
July 2, 2026 at 11:02 AM
Great to see Jefferson Poirot back in the test arena for France!
Feels very retro to have him and Bamba in the front row for Les Bleus.
Feels very retro to have him and Bamba in the front row for Les Bleus.
Len Ikitau has got me thinking...
Who are the iconic players in the Gallagher Prem that have only stayed for one season? I'm thinking George Smith at Wasps in 15-16, Kurtley Beale at Wasps in 16-17, Brad Thorn at Leicester in 14-15 and Ikitau at Chiefs this season, anyone else?
Who are the iconic players in the Gallagher Prem that have only stayed for one season? I'm thinking George Smith at Wasps in 15-16, Kurtley Beale at Wasps in 16-17, Brad Thorn at Leicester in 14-15 and Ikitau at Chiefs this season, anyone else?
June 24, 2026 at 10:59 AM
Len Ikitau has got me thinking...
Who are the iconic players in the Gallagher Prem that have only stayed for one season? I'm thinking George Smith at Wasps in 15-16, Kurtley Beale at Wasps in 16-17, Brad Thorn at Leicester in 14-15 and Ikitau at Chiefs this season, anyone else?
Who are the iconic players in the Gallagher Prem that have only stayed for one season? I'm thinking George Smith at Wasps in 15-16, Kurtley Beale at Wasps in 16-17, Brad Thorn at Leicester in 14-15 and Ikitau at Chiefs this season, anyone else?
In my latest substack, I do a BTS/background style article on my journey into professional sport media so far.
Everyone knows the world of journalism is extremely tricky at the moment, but humour can be a good coping mechanism.
This was fun to write:
open.substack.com/pub/jacobean...
Everyone knows the world of journalism is extremely tricky at the moment, but humour can be a good coping mechanism.
This was fun to write:
open.substack.com/pub/jacobean...
So, who is this muppet?
A little bit about me as I try to become a professional sport journalist
open.substack.com
June 24, 2026 at 9:54 AM
In my latest substack, I do a BTS/background style article on my journey into professional sport media so far.
Everyone knows the world of journalism is extremely tricky at the moment, but humour can be a good coping mechanism.
This was fun to write:
open.substack.com/pub/jacobean...
Everyone knows the world of journalism is extremely tricky at the moment, but humour can be a good coping mechanism.
This was fun to write:
open.substack.com/pub/jacobean...
Plugging this article again following today's rugby news:
I am struggling to see Prem Rugby's logic here, Bath are going to be rebuilding their stadium, Northampton have the fanbase to potentially expand theirs, feels like an ill-informed decision.
jacobean06.substack.com/p/wrong-side...
I am struggling to see Prem Rugby's logic here, Bath are going to be rebuilding their stadium, Northampton have the fanbase to potentially expand theirs, feels like an ill-informed decision.
jacobean06.substack.com/p/wrong-side...
'Wrong side of Brum, Bab': Prem Rugby’s worrying moves towards more ‘neutral’ venues
Gloucester’s ill-advised decision to move their Slater Cup home fixture to Villa Park is an omen of Prem Rugby’s desire to have more of these fixtures at ‘neutral’ football grounds.
jacobean06.substack.com
June 22, 2026 at 11:38 AM
Plugging this article again following today's rugby news:
I am struggling to see Prem Rugby's logic here, Bath are going to be rebuilding their stadium, Northampton have the fanbase to potentially expand theirs, feels like an ill-informed decision.
jacobean06.substack.com/p/wrong-side...
I am struggling to see Prem Rugby's logic here, Bath are going to be rebuilding their stadium, Northampton have the fanbase to potentially expand theirs, feels like an ill-informed decision.
jacobean06.substack.com/p/wrong-side...
A LOT of tries now originate from kicking... so should there be a conversation about policing offside using assocation football technology to depower the kicking game? I discuss below:
👇👇👇
substack.com/@jacobean06/...
👇👇👇
substack.com/@jacobean06/...
We need to talk about the policing of offside in rugby union
Could a more scientific approach to offsides - like in association football - restore the balance between attack and defence in rugby?
substack.com
June 17, 2026 at 10:43 AM
A LOT of tries now originate from kicking... so should there be a conversation about policing offside using assocation football technology to depower the kicking game? I discuss below:
👇👇👇
substack.com/@jacobean06/...
👇👇👇
substack.com/@jacobean06/...
Very thankful to say that once again I was invited onto BBC Radio Leicester tonight to speak about Leicester Tigers Women’s season and where the team could be heading next.
You can listen back to the interview here on BBC Sounds 👇👇
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand...
You can listen back to the interview here on BBC Sounds 👇👇
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand...
BBC Sounds - The Women's Sports Show - Available Episodes
Listen to the latest episodes of The Women's Sports Show on BBC Sounds.
www.bbc.co.uk
June 9, 2026 at 6:02 PM
Very thankful to say that once again I was invited onto BBC Radio Leicester tonight to speak about Leicester Tigers Women’s season and where the team could be heading next.
You can listen back to the interview here on BBC Sounds 👇👇
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand...
You can listen back to the interview here on BBC Sounds 👇👇
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand...
The four unions in Britain and Ireland do not usually like cooperating, so why is it looking like a cross-border women's rugby union competition is on the cards?
I examine a drastic issue that is facing both the Celtic Challenge and PWR to explain why…
Enjoy!
open.substack.com/pub/jacobean...
I examine a drastic issue that is facing both the Celtic Challenge and PWR to explain why…
Enjoy!
open.substack.com/pub/jacobean...
Is this the reason a Women’s British and Irish League may be happening?
The four unions in Britain and Ireland do not usually like working together, so why is it looking like a cross-border women's rugby competition is genuinely on the cards?
open.substack.com
May 16, 2026 at 5:58 PM
The four unions in Britain and Ireland do not usually like cooperating, so why is it looking like a cross-border women's rugby union competition is on the cards?
I examine a drastic issue that is facing both the Celtic Challenge and PWR to explain why…
Enjoy!
open.substack.com/pub/jacobean...
I examine a drastic issue that is facing both the Celtic Challenge and PWR to explain why…
Enjoy!
open.substack.com/pub/jacobean...
A lot of my substacks have been very serious, high-brow.
This one is more light-hearted, my personal top five Nike Rugby kits of all time!
open.substack.com/pub/jacobean...
This one is more light-hearted, my personal top five Nike Rugby kits of all time!
open.substack.com/pub/jacobean...
My Top Five Nike Rugby Jerseys
A fun, subjective take on some of Nike's biggest hits from the last 30 years in rugby union.
open.substack.com
May 11, 2026 at 8:42 AM
A lot of my substacks have been very serious, high-brow.
This one is more light-hearted, my personal top five Nike Rugby kits of all time!
open.substack.com/pub/jacobean...
This one is more light-hearted, my personal top five Nike Rugby kits of all time!
open.substack.com/pub/jacobean...
Speaking from a neutral rugby-loving sport journalist POV, so glad for Will Skelton that he’s had the test series he’s had for the Wallabies, one of my favourite players finally brought to life at international level by Schmidt, an absolute colossus
August 2, 2025 at 9:05 PM
Speaking from a neutral rugby-loving sport journalist POV, so glad for Will Skelton that he’s had the test series he’s had for the Wallabies, one of my favourite players finally brought to life at international level by Schmidt, an absolute colossus
Random thought of the day but I believe there is an alternative universe where Wales never regionalises its rugby clubs, becomes part of the English league system, and as a direct consequence Wales has a substantially better public transport network
July 23, 2025 at 9:36 AM
Random thought of the day but I believe there is an alternative universe where Wales never regionalises its rugby clubs, becomes part of the English league system, and as a direct consequence Wales has a substantially better public transport network
I had a real blast in calling the final game of Roses 2025 as UYWRUFC beat LUWRUFC 15-12, proof that even close-knit games of rugby are just as thrilling, tense and entertaining as high-scoring matches.
Apologies for tech difficulties, and please give any feedback on my commentary!
Apologies for tech difficulties, and please give any feedback on my commentary!
May 4, 2025 at 6:32 PM
I had a real blast in calling the final game of Roses 2025 as UYWRUFC beat LUWRUFC 15-12, proof that even close-knit games of rugby are just as thrilling, tense and entertaining as high-scoring matches.
Apologies for tech difficulties, and please give any feedback on my commentary!
Apologies for tech difficulties, and please give any feedback on my commentary!
Delighted to announce that I’ll be commentating the closing game of Roses 2025 this Sunday as University of York Women’s Rugby take on Lancaster University.
Watch on Roses Live on YouTube or listen live on Bailrigg FM or University Radio York from 3pm! 🔥🔥
Watch on Roses Live on YouTube or listen live on Bailrigg FM or University Radio York from 3pm! 🔥🔥
April 30, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Delighted to announce that I’ll be commentating the closing game of Roses 2025 this Sunday as University of York Women’s Rugby take on Lancaster University.
Watch on Roses Live on YouTube or listen live on Bailrigg FM or University Radio York from 3pm! 🔥🔥
Watch on Roses Live on YouTube or listen live on Bailrigg FM or University Radio York from 3pm! 🔥🔥
www.yorkvision.co.uk/sport/red-ro...
Match report from Sunday’s game, including post-game reaction from head coach John Mitchell.
Match report from Sunday’s game, including post-game reaction from head coach John Mitchell.
Red Roses Splutter in Second Half in an Otherwise Dominant Win Over Italy in York. | York Vision
A win for the Red Roses ahead of the World Cup.
www.yorkvision.co.uk
March 26, 2025 at 1:27 PM
www.yorkvision.co.uk/sport/red-ro...
Match report from Sunday’s game, including post-game reaction from head coach John Mitchell.
Match report from Sunday’s game, including post-game reaction from head coach John Mitchell.
Notes from York: Red Roses very rusty but no alarm bells (yet), Jade Shekells fantastic on debut off the bench and if you want a player for the fantasy league, Italy’s Muzzo was brilliant in defence.
Full match report to follow later via York Vision!
Full match report to follow later via York Vision!
March 23, 2025 at 5:32 PM
Notes from York: Red Roses very rusty but no alarm bells (yet), Jade Shekells fantastic on debut off the bench and if you want a player for the fantasy league, Italy’s Muzzo was brilliant in defence.
Full match report to follow later via York Vision!
Full match report to follow later via York Vision!
www.yorkvision.co.uk/sport/englan...
What a fantastic opportunity this was for York Vision to be invited alongside national press to the media conference in York.
[Included in the article is a bit about how Josh and I felt the Genge stuff was a bit overblown too]
What a fantastic opportunity this was for York Vision to be invited alongside national press to the media conference in York.
[Included in the article is a bit about how Josh and I felt the Genge stuff was a bit overblown too]
England Rugby Stars Genge and Sinfield Speak to York Vision | York Vision
We visited the training camp at York Community Stadium ahead of England's clash with Italy.
www.yorkvision.co.uk
March 7, 2025 at 7:32 PM
www.yorkvision.co.uk/sport/englan...
What a fantastic opportunity this was for York Vision to be invited alongside national press to the media conference in York.
[Included in the article is a bit about how Josh and I felt the Genge stuff was a bit overblown too]
What a fantastic opportunity this was for York Vision to be invited alongside national press to the media conference in York.
[Included in the article is a bit about how Josh and I felt the Genge stuff was a bit overblown too]