Carlos Spencer fears for the future of the game in New Zealand
'The King', who lives and coaches in Dublin, reckons rugby is losing ground to other sports in terms of popularity.
Jon Newcombe
19 Nov 2025, 4:33
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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!
Exclusive
Milton Haig steps into coaching role as Tonga sense 'fantastic opportunity'
A 30-strong Tongan squad, representing 20 clubs and seven different countries, has been busy making up for lost time as they look …
Jon Newcombe
19 Nov 2025, 1:24
Scottish Rugby include most-capped captain in new coaching team
Greig Laidlaw, who has captained Scotland 39 times, more than any other male player, is to join the Scotland U20 men's coaching se…
Jon Newcombe
18 Nov 2025, 6:24
'It's weird, you just can't help yourself': Springbok rugby obsessive Handre Pollard
Handre Pollard, one of the greatest goalkickers of the professional era, has spoken to the Springboks' official ball supplier, Rhi…
Jon Newcombe
18 Nov 2025, 2:41
1
Rugby superpower still at risk of dropping out of top six World Cup seeding
The latest round of Quilter Nations Series matches was a fairly conclusive one in terms of settling some of the outstanding issues…
Jon Newcombe
17 Nov 2025, 5:12
4
Mad scramble in World Rankings in pivotal weekend for RWC 2027 draw
Two matches in particular will have a significant bearing on which bands teams will be placed into when the draw takes place in Sy…
Jon Newcombe
14 Nov 2025, 10:44
1
'Apart from the broken nose, it was a very special day': England A's Ewan Richards
The Glastonbury Tor de Force has had to bide his time for first team action at Bath in the last few years.
Jon Newcombe
14 Nov 2025, 8:23
Scotland opt for continuity with just one change to starting XV
Rory Darge has been promoted from the bench and handed his first start of the Quilter Nations Series against Argentina at Murrayfi…
Jon Newcombe
14 Nov 2025, 6:33
Northampton welcome back England duo from long-term injury
George Furbank and Ollie Sleightholme will make their first appearances of the season for Northampton Saints this Saturday.
Jon Newcombe
14 Nov 2025, 5:42
Welsh legend Stephen Jones lands PREM Rugby coaching job
The former fly-half has been released early from his Moane Pasifika contract and will head north next month.
Jon Newcombe
14 Nov 2025, 4:15
World rugby's leading points scorer drops out of Argentina's starting XV
Santiago Carreras has to settle for a place on the bench for Argentina's match against Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday, as Fel…
Jon Newcombe
14 Nov 2025, 2:31
10
Positive news out of MLR as NBA star invests in former champions
After being cut down to a six-team competition, some good news has finally come out of Major League Rugby (MLR) in America.
Jon Newcombe
14 Nov 2025, 1:19
Six additions as new era begins for World Cup debutants Hong Kong China
Hong Kong China have named their first Test matchday squad since qualification for Rugby World Cup 2027 was secured back in May.
Jon Newcombe
14 Nov 2025, 0:51
Exclusive
All Blacks legend Brad Thorn's 'dirty' admission over England rivalry
Brad Thorn’s record against England was played five, won five. It’s fair to say he enjoyed the fixture, and not just because o…
Jon Newcombe
13 Nov 2025, 22:21
5
Scottish Rugby slash post-tax losses in drive to become 'the leading Union'
Scottish Rugby say they are on course to meet targets after publishing their annual financial report for 2024/25.
Jon Newcombe
12 Nov 2025, 10:02
'I let out a sigh of relief': Will Butt on Johann van Graan hybrid call
The powerhouse centre joins the hybrid player conversation as he prepares to lead Bath for the first time in the PREM Rugby Cup at…
Jon Newcombe
12 Nov 2025, 5:45
1
Connacht stalwart earns full-time coaching role with Ireland
Cullie Tucker has been appointed as head coach of Ireland U20s and will take up the position at the end of the 2025/2026 URC seaso…
Jon Newcombe
12 Nov 2025, 2:47
Exclusive
Rugby World Cup experience runs deep in unique European family partnership
Oriol Ripol played for Spain at RWC 1999, following in the footsteps of his Swedish wife who was involved in the women's tournamen…
Jon Newcombe
11 Nov 2025, 9:48
Scotland suffer front-row blow with Lion unavailable for Pumas Test
Scotland have added two props to their squad and reveal winger Arron Reed will miss the remainder of the Quilter Nations Series.
Jon Newcombe
11 Nov 2025, 4:00
Protracted Billy Vunipola transfer saga finally comes to an end
Midi Olympique are reporting that the ex-England No.8 has agreed to a one-year extension at Montpellier.
Jon Newcombe
10 Nov 2025, 8:16
1