International Rugby
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Contributors
Jon Newcombe
@rugbytimes
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!
863 Articles
Latest
International Rugby
Stormers lock adds weight to Zimbabwe's Rugby World Cup mission
6 hours ago
Investec Champions Cup
Dublin return holds no fears for League-loving Cadan Murley
7 hours ago
Investec Champions Cup
First start for Edinburgh's 'Beast' in clash with Toulon
9 hours ago
Investec Champions Cup
Triple boost to Northampton's backline as Mitchell reaches milestone
9 hours ago
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
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
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
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
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
04 Dec 2025, 6:32
3
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
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
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
03 Dec 2025, 8:14
1
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
03 Dec 2025, 7:39
1
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
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
03 Dec 2025, 2:32
2
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
02 Dec 2025, 22:48
1
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
02 Dec 2025, 9:45
1
Versatile Scotland international Ollie Smith commits to Glasgow
The full-back/wing/centre has signed a new contract, which runs until 2028.
Jon Newcombe
02 Dec 2025, 9:26
Sale Sharks confirm signing of South African winger
Three weeks after it was first reported in Fissler Confidential, the injury-hit Sharks have confirmed that Gurshwin Wehr has signe…
Jon Newcombe
02 Dec 2025, 3:08
PREM ringfencing blamed for CEO's shock exit call
Nick Johnston, CEO of full-time Champ Rugby outfit, Coventry, says he will be moving on at the end of the current season.
Jon Newcombe
02 Dec 2025, 2:46
1
Champ Rugby's Doncaster turn to another famous name for a boost
The Yorkshire club have brought in a new attack coach with strong rugby genes, as they attempt to improve on 10th place in the tab…
Jon Newcombe
02 Dec 2025, 2:03
Analysis
World Rugby Men's Rankings winners and losers in 2025
The World Rugby Rankings have taken on added importance this year given their role in devising the seedings for the Rugby World Cu…
Jon Newcombe
01 Dec 2025, 8:00
4
Opinion
Ireland's worst-case RWC 2027 pool draw is bruising beyond belief
Ireland are locked into band 1 for the eagerly-awaited Rugby World Cup 2027 pool draw, which is now just a matter of days away. …
Jon Newcombe
01 Dec 2025, 6:30
12
Ronan O'Gara in more trouble after La Rochelle pick up unwanted record
The former Ireland fly-half was sent off approaching the hour mark of his side's high-scoring loss to Pau in the Top 14.
Jon Newcombe
01 Dec 2025, 1:47
14