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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! 

Interview

Cunningham-South has the mother of all motivations to silence the Shed

At Kingsholm, Cunningham-South's disarming demeanour off the pitch will be replaced with the bristling aggression for which he is …

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
26 Nov 2025, 6:00

James Ryan learns his fate after Ireland red card

Ireland international James Ryan has been ruled out of Leinster's opening match of the 2025/26 Investec Champions Cup after being …

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
26 Nov 2025, 3:25

Player of the Year trend reflects well on top Japanese league

Japan's Rugby League One is celebrating a hat-trick of World Rugby Player of the Year awards after Kubota Spears hooker Malcolm Ma…

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
26 Nov 2025, 1:18

Newcastle loan hooker from rival PREM club

Newcastle Red Bulls have signed Saracens hooker Samson Adejimi on loan until the end of the season.

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
25 Nov 2025, 6:54

RFU report 30% rise in total revenue for 2024/25

The RFU's 102-page annual report and accounts for 2024/25 has revealed a £53 million year-on-year increase in revenue.

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
25 Nov 2025, 5:29

Springboks dominate World Rugby Men's Team of the Year

Seven countries are represented in the stellar line-up, which includes six players from the world's number one team South Africa.

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
25 Nov 2025, 1:27

Toulouse reveal the extent of Jack Willis' injury

The exiled England international might have played his last game of the year, the Top 14 club have revealed.

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
25 Nov 2025, 1:01

Benhard Janse Van Rensburg extends stay with Bristol

The 28-year-old, who can operate at inside and outside centre, as well as fly-half, has been hailed as "a coach's dream" by Pat La…

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
24 Nov 2025, 10:59

Bok fans 'least hospitable, least friendly and most whinging'

TV presenter and rugby fan, Nick Knowles, won't have endeared himself to Springbok fans with his typically forthright post on X.

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
24 Nov 2025, 9:24

Argentina confirm the extent of Juan Cruz Mallía's injury

The Pumas full-back tore his ACL after being hit by Tom Curry's late tackle at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on Sunday.

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
24 Nov 2025, 8:52

Take away the positives, 36-minute blip concerns ex-Scotland fly-half

Ruaridh Jackson has reacted to Scotland's 56-0 win over Tonga in their final match of the year at Murrayfield.

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
24 Nov 2025, 7:23

The 'toughest' RWC 2027 pool if draw was made today

Based on the highest-ranked teams in each band, the Springboks could be up against fellow former winners of the Webb Ellis Cup.

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
24 Nov 2025, 4:27

England suffer fresh midfield blow on eve of Argentina Test

Fraser Dingwall has been ruled out, joining Ollie Lawrence on the sidelines, with Bath's Max Ojomoh called up in his place.

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
21 Nov 2025, 8:19

Oldest debutant in major Test history set to face Scotland

Tonga have named a team with plenty of years behind them, including one 39-year-old, for Sunday's clash at Murrayfield.

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
21 Nov 2025, 7:33

Scotland boss Gregor Townsend wields the axe for Tonga Test

Mixed news for the Fagerson brothers, while George Turner will win a 50th Scotland cap this Saturday vs Tonga.

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
21 Nov 2025, 6:11

Bath welcome back England international from injury

England loose forward Ted Hill has been named on the bench for Bath's PREM Rugby Cup clash v Sale Sharks at The Rec this Saturday.

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
21 Nov 2025, 4:09

Tributes pour in for 16-season Exeter stalwart

This weekend Ricky Pellow will coach his last game for Exeter Chiefs when the Devon club take on Bristol at Sandy Park in the PREM…

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
21 Nov 2025, 1:40

Dragons issue strongly worded statement condemning WRU plans

Nearly two weeks has passed since the Dragons met with the WRU, but key issues over the future of regional rugby remain unresolved…

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
19 Nov 2025, 9:41

Henry Slade brought back in from the cold in rejigged England backline

The Exeter centre has been given an opportunity due to the hamstring injury sustained by Ollie Lawrence in England's win over the …

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
19 Nov 2025, 6:31

Munster sign former Leinster star ahead of Champions Cup

Current Samoan international, Michael Ala’alatoa, will join the Irish province from Clermont Auvergne on 1 December.

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
19 Nov 2025, 5:31