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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! 

1239 Articles
Opinion

'Prince of Centres' Jeremy Guscott dumbfounded by 'odd' England omission

Jeremy Guscott, arguably England's greatest centre, is mystified by Steve Borthwick's decision to leave Max Ojomoh out of his late…

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
19 May 2026, 3:15

Rugby World Cup 2027 ticket application window now open

Fans can apply for tickets to the tournament in Australia during a two-week window from now until 18:00 AEST (09:00 GMT) Tuesday, …

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
18 May 2026, 23:01

Cardiff attack coach search continues after target secures new role

Former England winger Matt Banahan has landed a job as backs/attack coach of Championship outfit Hartpury RFC.

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
18 May 2026, 7:45
Analysis

World Rankings: Italy the big winners after Women's Six Nations

We take a look at how the World Rugby Women's Rankings have been affected by the last six weeks of action in the Guinness Women's …

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
18 May 2026, 6:10

How the PREM table would look under the French bonus point system

The winning team gets the try bonus point in the Top 14 if they score three or more tries than their opponents, while the losing t…

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
18 May 2026, 5:09

Former World 7s Player of the Year and Wallaby among Ulster leavers

South African former World 7s Player of the Year Werner Kok and Wallaby prop Angus Bell headline the list of 11 senior players lea…

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
15 May 2026, 7:42

Milestone man Joe Heyes to join select group vs Sale this Sunday

Joe Heyes will make his 100th first team start for Leicester against Sale Sharks in Salford this Sunday, to become the first prop …

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
15 May 2026, 5:24

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso is back to boost Exeter's play-off push

Deadly England winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso has been declared fit and returns to the Exeter matchday 23 for the Big Summer clash ag…

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
15 May 2026, 4:53

Scarlets legend Gareth Davies happy to remain a 'One-Club Man'

Scarlets legend Gareth Davies, 35, has signed a new deal that will see him enter into a 19th season with the region in 2026/27.

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
15 May 2026, 4:33

Ollie Lawrence missing, as Ewels hits milestone vs Newcastle

Johann van Graan has made 10 changes to the XV that lost 35-12 at Exeter, as well as a positional switch for Ted Hill.

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
15 May 2026, 4:02

Ollie Hassell-Collins: 'I don't sit there hating on them'

Hassell-Collins has played a lot of rugby this season - 25 games if you include his outing for England A.

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
15 May 2026, 3:04

Exeter scrum-half Will Becconsall completes permanent move to the Champ

The 23-year-old Cornishman will be playing in his native county next season after signing for the Pirates.

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
15 May 2026, 2:36

'East End Yobbo' Dick Best still pained by brutal Harlequins exit

Nearly three decades have passed since Dick Best was unceremoniously dumped by Harlequins, yet the scars remain to this day.

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
15 May 2026, 0:57

Leicester lose Izaia Perese for crunch games in PREM run-in

The centre was shown a 20-minute red card for a dangerous tackle on George Furbank in the 75th minute of the 41-17 victory over No…

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
13 May 2026, 10:05

Billy Twelvetrees extends playing career into 19th season

Twelvetrees, who turns 38 in November, has made 12 appearances for the Warriors this season, as a 10/12, scoring three tries and 2…

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
13 May 2026, 9:25

Lineout guru Geoff Parling welcomes new law in key area of the game

It is applicable for new competitions from 1 June 2026, so won't affect the end of the PREM/URC/Top 14 seasons.

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
13 May 2026, 8:03
Interview

South African Michael Poppmeier unveiled as Germany's new head coach

Once part of Jake White's Junior Springbok squad, Poppmeier captained Germany and won 48 caps for his adopted country.

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
13 May 2026, 6:27

Callum Hunter-Hill: 'I know I haven't hit the heights I'm capable of yet'

Lock Callum Hunter-Hill has extended his contract with Edinburgh, adding a further year to his existing deal to keep him at Hive S…

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
13 May 2026, 5:00

Northampton announce ground-breaking fixture vs Campese-led Lions

Gallagher PREM leaders Northampton Saints have announced that they will play a pre-season fixture against an all-star Asian and Pa…

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
13 May 2026, 2:52

Bans totalling 35-plus years for Georgians found guilty of anti-doping violations

Following the most extensive anti-doping investigation ever undertaken in rugby, World Rugby has confirmed that six former Georgia…

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
12 May 2026, 6:38
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