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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! 

Key players back in contention for Ulster after Six Nations duty

Ulster's latest squad update says Ireland internationals, Nick Timoney and Stuart McCloskey, have returned to training ahead of Sa…

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
24 Mar 2026, 9:09

EPCR confirm Round of 16 match officials for Champions/Challenge Cup

Referees from six different countries will be in charge of the Champions Cup Round of 16 fixtures taking place the weekend after n…

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
24 Mar 2026, 3:57

Northampton quiet man Henry Walker not daunted by hooker challenge

Saints Director of Rugby Phil Dowson is anticipating a fierce battle for the hooker spot at Franklin's Gardens after retaining the…

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
24 Mar 2026, 2:43

In-demand Nick Easter makes a decision on his future

Former England No.8 Nick Easter has rejected the chance to work elsewhere to continue in his role as Director of Rugby at ambitiou…

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
24 Mar 2026, 1:15

Harlequins announce change to senior coaching team this summer

Toby Booth's season-long consultancy deal will not be renewed beyond what has been a very disappointing season for the London club…

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
23 Mar 2026, 9:25

Newcastle Red Bulls go on north of the border raid for loan signing

Newcastle Red Bulls have announced the loan signing of Edinburgh’s Ben Healy until the end of the current season.

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
23 Mar 2026, 6:47

Bath Rugby turnover up 11% in treble-winning season

Bath Rugby's accounts for the year ending June 30, 2025 reveal the club's turnover increased by 11% from £20.8 million to £23.3 …

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
23 Mar 2026, 4:42

Two former winners included in shortlist for Six Nations award

Italy's Tommaso Menoncello and France's Louis Bielle-Biarrey are in the running to be voted Guinness Men's Six Nations Player of t…

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
20 Mar 2026, 8:09

'Full circle moment' for Tigers debutant Hamish Watson after Tommy Reffell blow

Hamish Watson will make his Leicester Tigers debut against Bristol at Mattioli Woods Welford Road on Sunday after coming straight …

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
20 Mar 2026, 7:03

Scotland's Josh Bayliss explains what made his Six Nations so special

Only one of Josh Bayliss' previous 14 caps before the start of this year's Six Nations had been in rugby's oldest championship.

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
20 Mar 2026, 3:52

Guido Petti has clear view on the mindset shift needed by Harlequins

Harlequins are currently ninth in the PREM table on 10 points, only five ahead of basement side Newcastle.

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
20 Mar 2026, 2:53

Alex Sanderson: 'He's the kind of guy you want on the bus'

Sale Sharks' Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson has paid tribute to defence coach Byron McGuigan who has left the club by mutual con…

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
20 Mar 2026, 1:25
Exclusive

Former PREM Dream Team full-back Telusa Veainu pens new deal

Veteran Tonga full-back Telusa Veainu has been awarded a new two-year deal by Champ Rugby outfit Doncaster Knights.

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
18 Mar 2026, 10:28

Billionaire Sir James Dyson buys 50% stake in Bath Rugby

Bath Rugby have today announced that Sir James Dyson has acquired a 50 per cent ownership stake in the group.

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
18 Mar 2026, 9:47

'It's great to have him back and see him smile': JvG on Henry Arundell

Johann van Graan has hailed Henry Arundell's attitude since reporting back for club duty after being dropped by England.

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
18 Mar 2026, 7:58
Interview

Ex-All Black Simon Mannix and Munster 'principles' driving Portugal forward

On Sunday, in Madrid, Portugal beat Georgia 19-17 in the final of the Rugby Europe Championship, their first title at that level s…

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
18 Mar 2026, 7:02

Argentina to launch bid to host Rugby World Cup 2035

The Argentina Rugby Union announced on Tuesday that it intends to officially bid for the hosting rights for Rugby World Cup 2035.

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
18 Mar 2026, 1:39

Ex-Scotland prop Jamie Bhatti can't wait to get started again at Bath

Former Scotland international Jamie Bhatti will return for a second spell at Bath this summer after signing a new two-year deal, a…

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
17 Mar 2026, 9:33

Ulster on the lookout for new forwards coach with Duffy set to leave

Ulster are on the lookout for a new forwards coach after it was announced today that Jimmy Duffy would be leaving the province at …

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
17 Mar 2026, 8:19

Springbok recognition for uncapped PREM heavyweight JJ van der Mescht

Giant Northampton lock JJ van der Mescht is one of two uncapped overseas players to be invited to attend a virtual alignment group…

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
17 Mar 2026, 5:43
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