European newcomers primed for debut Test against world record holders
Gibraltar will make their competitive debut on Saturday with a home fixture against Cyprus in Rugby Europe's Conference division.
Jon Newcombe
16 Oct 2026, 0:47
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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!
Pau put on red alert after Geoff Parling injury update
Tigers' club captain Ollie Chessum hasn't played for the club since last season's play-off defeat to Northampton due to a foot inj…
Jon Newcombe
14 Oct 2026, 8:51
1
What the future holds with Premier Sports' EPCR deal entering its final year
In what could be their final season as rights holders, the broadcaster's coverage of the Champions Cup kicks off on Friday night a…
Jon Newcombe
14 Oct 2026, 4:20
Leicester bolster depleted hooker stocks with new Samoan signing
Samoan international hooker Richie Asiata has signed for Leicester Tigers with immediate effect, to help fill the gap left by Finn…
Jon Newcombe
13 Oct 2026, 10:52
Johann van Graan faces a big selection call for Bath's clash with Montpellier
Bath boss Johann van Graan says he will make a late call on whether Ben Spencer will lead the team out against Montpellier at The …
Jon Newcombe
13 Oct 2026, 9:56
Rugby World Cup outsiders hire Exeter legend ahead of tournament return
Former Exeter skills coach Ricky Pellow has been appointed as backs and attack coach of Rugby World Cup outsiders Zimbabwe.
Jon Newcombe
13 Oct 2026, 1:04
1
Interview
Bath attack coach Mike Prendergast: 'I've a very strong relationship with Finn'
Most coaches would count themselves fortunate to work with a generational talent like Finn Russell once in their career in club ru…
Jon Newcombe
07 Oct 2026, 4:39
England confirm coaching change after Rugby World Cup 2027
England assistant coach Joe El-Abd will return to club coaching in France following next year's World Cup, the RFU have confirmed.
Jon Newcombe
07 Oct 2026, 3:35
2
Leicester further depleted at hooker after young gun forced to retire
Leicester Tigers have confirmed the sad news that Finn Theobald-Thomas has been forced to retire from rugby with immediate effect …
Jon Newcombe
07 Oct 2026, 1:46
Archie van der Flier remains with Leicester for the 'foreseeable future'
The 24-year-old prop made his Tigers debut in October 2023 and has gone on to make 27 first team appearances so far.
Jon Newcombe
07 Oct 2026, 0:43
Sale Sharks enforcer Jacques Vermeulen learns his fate after red card
The South African has been ruled out for the remainder of October after being hit with a four-match ban.
Jon Newcombe
06 Oct 2026, 8:57
Talks taking place over Glasgow Warriors' future at Scotstoun
Glasgow Warriors are hoping to secure their future at Scotstoun until at least 2032, with talks about extending their current leas…
Jon Newcombe
06 Oct 2026, 5:53
Sudamérica Rugby gives Rugby World Cup 2035 bid update
South America's top rugby-playing countries, led by Argentina, have released a statement saying they have officially submitted all…
Jon Newcombe
06 Oct 2026, 0:41
9
New partnership delivers first Rugby World Cup hopeful to Champ club
Spencer Jones, a 29-year-old centre, has joined the Archers, who are in the lower reaches of the embryonic league table, having wo…
Jon Newcombe
06 Oct 2026, 0:26
Interview
'Gloucester deserves a top rugby team playing at the top of the league'
Winless after their first two games last season, and sat eighth in the table, Gloucester have flipped the script this term and bre…
Jon Newcombe
05 Oct 2026, 7:38
1
World's oldest rugby club ends 27-year wait vs Dean Richards' Doncaster
Blackheath FC's 33-26 victory over Doncaster Knights in the Elior Champ was their first at Level 2 in the English league system si…
Jon Newcombe
05 Oct 2026, 1:59
Simon Zebo bullish about Munster's chances heading into crucial period
Munster legend Simon Zebo believes Munster will travel to Belfast full of confidence next weekend after they defied their injury p…
Jon Newcombe
04 Oct 2026, 3:29
Recalled loan player goes straight into Leicester's matchday 23
With Finn Carnduff picking up an injury in last weekend's home defeat to Saracens, Leicester head coach Geoff Parling has recalled…
Jon Newcombe
02 Oct 2026, 4:56
New role for hat-trick man Tommy Freeman as Saints visit Bear country
Northampton, who are without a win at Ashton Gate in their last five outings there, have made two changes to their starting XV vs …
Jon Newcombe
02 Oct 2026, 4:26
3
Report: Early TV viewing figures for PREM add to upbeat mood
Across four metered televised matches, the cumulative audience on TNT Sports was more than double that of 2025/26: over 795,000, c…
Jon Newcombe
02 Oct 2026, 1:50
