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Contributors

Jon Newcombe

Once editor of Rugby Times (2002-11), the UK's first weekly newspaper devoted to Rugby Union, and now owner of Heads Up Sports Media; Not the former Aussie tennis player of the same name, nor the son of well-known former rugby writer Barry Newcombe! 

870 Articles
Opinion

'Beatable' Boks not the most dominant team ever: Jeremy Guscott

The England legend believes the current Springboks crop are not on a par with the two teams that lifted the Webb Ellis Cup before …

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
09 Dec 2025, 4:27
Exclusive

Test rugby has a new team after years of campaigning ends in 'landmark win'

At Rugby Europe's 107th General Assembly, the Gibraltar Rugby Football Union has been accepted as the 49th member of Rugby Europe.

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
08 Dec 2025, 3:24

One of Test rugby's smallest players calls time on career

US Eagles utility back, Nate Augspurger, has announced his retirement, aged 35.

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
05 Dec 2025, 8:34

Stormers lock adds weight to Zimbabwe's Rugby World Cup mission

Gary Porter has made himself available to the Sables, who have been drawn in Pool F with England, Wales and Tonga at RWC 2027.

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
05 Dec 2025, 7:56
Interview

Dublin return holds no fears for League-loving Cadan Murley

The winger captains a Harlequins side missing rested England trio, Marcus Smith, Fin Baxter and Chandler Cunningham-South, for the…

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
05 Dec 2025, 6:22

Lions return; first start for Edinburgh's 'Beast' vs Toulon

Teenager Ollie Blyth-Lafferty, the potential heir to Zander Fagerson's throne as Scotland's premier tight-head, has been handed hi…

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
05 Dec 2025, 5:00

Triple boost to Northampton's backline as Mitchell reaches milestone

Alex Mitchell will play his 150th match for Northamtpon this weekend when they take on Pau in the Investec Champions Cup.

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
05 Dec 2025, 4:28

Three England stars return to Bath's starting XV for visit of Munster

Johann van Graan has brought back Will Stuart, Guy Pepper and Max Ojomoh for Saturday evening's Champions Cup clash against his fo…

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
05 Dec 2025, 4:03

100kg ex-PREM battering ram joins Worcester Warriors

Worcester Warriors have added former Exeter centre Tom Hendrickson to their squad.

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
05 Dec 2025, 3:39
Interview

Ex-All Black Craig Newby's Cambridge facing huge uphill struggle

Watch the Champ's bottom club take on Bedford this Saturday, live and for free on RugbyPass TV and Clubber TV.

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
05 Dec 2025, 0:40

'Ultimate team man' James Williams extends his stay at Bristol Bears

Centre James Williams has committed his future to the club by signing a new contract.

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
04 Dec 2025, 10:58

Cheslin Kolbe clone set for Sale Sharks debut as international duo return

New signing Gurshwin Wehr is set to make his Sale Sharks debut after being named on the bench for the Investec Champions Cup tie a…

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
04 Dec 2025, 6:32
Analysis

Bouza link adds spice to Pool C: RWC 2027 head-to-head records

With just nine rankings places between the top three teams, Pool C has a very competitive feel about it. But there's no doubt whic…

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
04 Dec 2025, 3:55

Bristol player praised for 'not milking' incident as Todaro cops two-match ban

Italian winger Edoardo Todaro will miss the opening two rounds of Northampton's Investec Champions Cup campaign after being hit wi…

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
03 Dec 2025, 8:46

Fabien Galthié envisages little change in rugby's world order

The France coach has given his backing to the draw for Rugby World Cup 2027 being held nearly two years out from the tournament.

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
03 Dec 2025, 8:14

Eddie Jones identifies key area Japan need to nail after RWC 2027 draw

The Brave Blossoms have been drawn in Pool E with France, USA and Samoa.

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
03 Dec 2025, 7:39
Analysis

Red card history as Boks face Euro mission: RWC 2027 Pool B head-to-heads

South Africa have been placed in Pool B for the third consecutive tournament, as they look to complete a historic three-peat of ti…

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
03 Dec 2025, 7:15
Analysis

Trans-Tasman clash headlines Pool A: RWC 2027 head-to-head records

The line-up for Pool A has brought together two of the greatest rivals in world rugby, host nation Australia and New Zealand.

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
03 Dec 2025, 2:32

Rugby World Cup 2027 Draw - live on RugbyPass TV today

Rugby fans from around the world will soon discover who their favourite team will be playing at RWC 2027 in Australia.

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
02 Dec 2025, 22:48

Phil Dowson expresses his one big concern over Henry Pollock

In a wide-ranging interview with former Leicester player Ben Herring, the Saints Director of Rugby talks about rugby's 'man of the…

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
02 Dec 2025, 9:45