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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! 

Connacht confirm appointment of Gerard Mullen as backs coach

Mullen replaces attack coach Rod Seib, who will leave the club for a new opportunity overseas at the end of the campaign.

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
12 May 2026, 3:16

Northampton sign former Todaro teammate with 'x-factor' athleticism

Malik Faissal will join fellow Italians, Edoardo Todaro and Danilo Fischetti, at Franklin's Gardens next season.

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
12 May 2026, 2:39

Wales include six uncapped players in extended summer training squad

Players will join up with Wales on a staggered basis depending on when their club season ends. The first group of players is due i…

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
11 May 2026, 6:56
Analysis

Wobbling champions Bath suffer new low under Johann van Graan

Exeter put a spanner in the works of the Blue, Black and White machine on Sunday by inflicting a 35-12 defeat on the reigning cham…

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
11 May 2026, 1:45

Old friends collide in dog-eat-dog world of the East Midlands derby

A clash of styles normally makes for fascinating viewing and while Leicester have expanded their attacking mindset, Saturday's gam…

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
07 May 2026, 0:33

Winning the PREM will take some heavy lifting after new trophy unveiled

The change of branding from Premiership Rugby to PREM Rugby means that a new trophy will be up for grabs in this year's final.

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
06 May 2026, 7:46

Glasgow's Adam Hastings punished for poor disciplinary record

Repeat offender Adam Hastings will sit out Glasgow Warriors' next two games after being sanctioned by the URC's judicial officer.

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
06 May 2026, 7:12

Harvey Cuckson to swap PREM for URC in move that will interest Wales

Welsh-qualified lock Harvey Cuckson has signed for the Scarlets from Bath for the 2026/27 season.

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
06 May 2026, 6:20
Analysis

The Gallagher PREM debutant team of the season so far

After 14 rounds of the 2025/26 season, 98 players have now made their PREM debuts, with Newcastle and Gloucester topping the 'new …

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
06 May 2026, 4:05

Connacht make third new prop signing ahead of next season

Tight-head prop Thomas Connolly will return to his home province Connacht ahead of next season.

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
06 May 2026, 3:34

Champions Cup finalists UBB secure the services of coaching quartet

Four key members of Yannick Bru's coaching staff at Union Bordeaux-Begles have signed new deals in the wake of the French club's 3…

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
05 May 2026, 13:46

'Leads by example'; Paul Hill pens new Edinburgh deal

The 31-year-old has been a consistent presence in the capital front-row since joining from Northampton Saints in 2024.

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
05 May 2026, 8:06

Alex Coles hands Northampton an East Midlands derby boost

His last appearance for Saints was against Sale Sharks on January 24, when he scored in the 43-29 win.

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
05 May 2026, 7:47
Exclusive

Stade Francais bring former PREM hooker into coaching setup

After hanging up his boots in 2013, Richmond has gained a wealth of experience in club and international rugby, either as a full-t…

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
05 May 2026, 7:06

RFU's Six Nations review uncovers multiple issues

Having gone into the championship as second favourites to France, England endured their worst-ever Six Nations campaign.

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
05 May 2026, 3:34

Front row 'cornerstone' to leave Connacht after 17 years

Buckley, 35, joined Connacht's academy in 2009 and made his senior debut in September 2011, coming off the bench against Benetton …

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
04 May 2026, 8:59

Worcester strengthen squad with addition of two PREM forwards

Worcester Warriors continue to strengthen their squad ahead of next season's Champ campaign with the addition of two PREM forwards…

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
04 May 2026, 6:23
Analysis

The shockingly bad stat that helps explain Bath's Champions Cup exit

Bordeaux's star-studded team can make even the best defences look slipshod yet it must be a concern for Bath how easily they were …

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
04 May 2026, 5:43

Fiji include ex-France and England duo in wider Nations Championship squad

Acting Flying Fijians head coach Senirusi Seruvakula has named a 50-man extended squad ahead of the upcoming Nations Championship …

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
04 May 2026, 2:39

English rugby attracts another new investor as Champ follows PREM lead

Investor interest has seeped into the second tier of English rugby, with Richard Wastnage, the co-founder and owner of the Pharmax…

Jon Newcombe
Jon Newcombe
01 May 2026, 23:59
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