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Rugby News

Get the latest rugby news from the experts at RugbyPass. From match reports to in-depth tactical breakdowns and expert opinions, our rugby journalists have every angle covered.

Did NZR jump the gun with no games for the All Blacks on the horizon?
Whether they can see it or not, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) have rained on these players’ parades. They’ve taken a moment of immen…
Hamish Bidwell
06 Sep 2020, 21:41
The winners and losers from Ian Foster's first-ever All Blacks squad announcement
Some have made the All Blacks for the first time, some have revived their careers by winning re-calls, while others have regressed…
Alex McLeod
06 Sep 2020, 21:34
Rugby Wrap Up | Episode 18 | Racism in and out of rugby
There is no time like the present for candid, if awkward, conversations about racism, perceptions and the narrowing of the divides…
Rugby Wrap Up
06 Sep 2020, 20:28
Jordie Barrett set for Taranaki debut while brother Beauden in doubt as All Blacks released for Mitre 10 Cup
All Blacks star Jordie Barrett is in line for his first appearance for his home province of Taranaki in the opening round of the M…
Alex McLeod
06 Sep 2020, 19:26
New Zealand Prime Minister weighs in on possibility of hosting Rugby Championship
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has lifted the lid on discussions between the New Zealand Government and New Zealand Rugby about hos…
AAP
06 Sep 2020, 17:15
All Blacks captain Sam Cane set for injury return in star-studded match
Sam Cane's first Bay of Plenty outing in four years will headline a short-lived throwback as the freshly-named All Blacks return t…
Online Editors
06 Sep 2020, 17:02
'I totally forgot!': How Blues star Alex Hodgman missed his All Blacks call-up
After missing out on selection for the North v South game, Alex Hodgman thought it was an indication he wouldn't be named in the f…
Online Editors
06 Sep 2020, 15:51
Report: Six Nations haymaker thrower punished for mystery indiscretion by MHR
According to Midi Olympique Montpellier prop Mohamed Haouas has been given a warning for a mystery off-field indiscretion.
Online Editors
06 Sep 2020, 8:41
Sir Clive Woodward predicts severe comeuppance for 'reckless' Owen Farrell
Sir Clive Woodward predicts Saracens flyhalf Owen Farrell is facing missing the end of the Guinness Six Nations after his sending …
Online Editors
06 Sep 2020, 6:59
Owen Farrell to face disciplinary panel on Tuesday
Saracens’ Owen Farrell will appear before an online disciplinary panel on Tuesday evening. The fly-half was shown a red card by …
PA
06 Sep 2020, 6:21
'It doesn't matter who we are, we know no-one will give us a chance against Leinster'
They were already going to be the underdogs no matter how Ulster beat Edinburgh in the Guinness PRO14 semi-final at Murrayfield.
Online Editors
06 Sep 2020, 4:55
'I'm not going to make any excuses for myself because it is my fault, it starts with me'
Richard Cockerill insists European silverware will be no consolation for Edinburgh blowing the chance to get their hands on Guinne…
PA
06 Sep 2020, 3:47
Christian Wade released by the Buffalo Bills
Despite an electric start to his career in the NFL, Christian Wade has been technically released by the Buffalo Bills.
Ian Cameron
06 Sep 2020, 3:38
England captain or not, Farrell deserves a lengthy ban - Andy Goode
Whether it’s the England captain or a player making his Premiership debut in the dock, the hit that got Owen Farrell sent off sh…
Andy Goode
06 Sep 2020, 2:37
Lood de Jager suffers third serious shoulder injury
Lood de Jäger has been hit by a third serious shoulder injury and is set to miss Sale’s bid for the Gallagher Premiership title…
Chris Jones
06 Sep 2020, 2:33
The biggest transfers in rugby union history
While the game may not have had deals struck for hundreds of millions, that does not mean that there have not been some landmark m…
Josh Raisey
06 Sep 2020, 2:22
The 15 PONI players asked by Rugby Australia to stay in Sydney
PONI: Western Force trio Kyle Godwin, Feleti Kaitu'u and Brynard Stander have been asked to remain in Sydney and join a host of NS…
AAP
06 Sep 2020, 2:18
Richard Cockerill blasts Edinburgh after throwing away PRO14 final place
Richard Cockerill admits Edinburgh got what they deserved after throwing away a place in the Guinness PRO14 final.
PA
06 Sep 2020, 1:53
England trial matches? Picking four XVs from the Premiership
Could England and the Premiership ever adopt a trial format as shown by New Zealand with the North vs South rugby match? We pick o…
Alex Shaw
06 Sep 2020, 1:15
Eddie Jones says England must tighten belts in all areas amid cost of pandemic
England’s autumn begins on October 31 with a rearranged fixture against Italy, concluding their Six Nations campaign.
PA
06 Sep 2020, 0:00
'I thought a place in the play-offs was cursed': Rebels navigating brave new do-or-die world
The Melbourne Rebels will look to rearrange their travel schedule ahead of their Super Rugby AU play-off against the Queensland Re…
AAP
05 Sep 2020, 21:32
Ian Foster reveals All Blacks plans while fixtures remain uncertain
Ian Foster will know by the end of next week when he gets to unleash his new All Blacks era.
Online Editors
05 Sep 2020, 20:55
Introducing the seven new All Blacks - including three who missed the North v South battle
The All Blacks selectors, head coach Ian Foster, assistant John Plumtree and former All Black Grant Fox, have named the squad for …
Online Editors
05 Sep 2020, 16:35
Nine potential test debutants named in first All Blacks squad of Ian Foster's reign
Ian Foster has rewarded Super Rugby Aotearoa form in naming the first All Blacks squad of his tenure as coach of the New Zealand n…
Online Editors
05 Sep 2020, 16:11
Controversy mars final match: 'We were hard done by there, that's my honest opinion'
The Brumbies have urged officials to wise up to the Queensland Reds at scrum time in the Super Rugby AU finals after claiming they…
AAP
05 Sep 2020, 15:03
Reds show Brumbies that placing counts for naught with marker-laying win in final round of Super Rugby AU
The Queensland Reds will enter next weekend's Super Rugby AU preliminary final in top gear after a slick 26-7 defeat of the Brumbi…
AAP
05 Sep 2020, 14:54
The lucky men who may have sneaked their way into Ian Foster's first All Blacks squad
The All Blacks squad will be named at 11am today - and it will feature several new faces, including some of Super Rugby Aotearoa's…
Online Editors
05 Sep 2020, 14:29
Growing calls for three-match North vs South series after high quality thriller in Wellington
Speaking to media in the post-match press conference, Hurricanes flanker Ardie Savea said he wished it was a three match series wi…
Online Editors
05 Sep 2020, 14:26
Madigan the last-gasp hero as Ulster make PRO14 final
Ian Madigan’s last-gasp penalty left Edinburgh heartbroken as Ulster hit back to clinch a 22-19 win at Murrayfield and a place i…
PA
05 Sep 2020, 14:06
'He would be welcome in WWE' - Wrestling legend defends Owen Farrell
Owen Farrell has received a surprising endorsement from a former WWE superstar whose famous clotheslines left his opponents flat o…
Ian Cameron
05 Sep 2020, 12:36
'I'm sad for the board, I'm sad for the club and I'm sad for the fans'
The Quins boss admitted the 41-27 defeat by Bath was a blow to everyone connected with the first test event.
PA
05 Sep 2020, 11:08
Gloucester on verge of Champions Cup qualification after beating London Irish
The bonus-point victory for Gloucester put them twelve points clear of ninth-placed London Irish with only four games remaining in…
PA
05 Sep 2020, 11:00
Video: England prospect Ollie Thorley scores again to set Gloucester Premiership scoring record
Having gone into lockdown with four tries pre-Covid, Ollie Thorley has been on fire for Gloucester since last month's Premiership …
Online Editors
05 Sep 2020, 10:07
'I loved it... it was a different feeling not playing for Tigers' - Manu Tuilagi
Manu Tuilagi reflected on “a different feeling” of not playing for Leicester at Welford Road after he helped Sale Sharks beat …
PA
05 Sep 2020, 10:07
Tuilagi on scoresheet at Leicester as Sale strengthen play-off push
Manu Tuilagi left Leicester in July after rejecting a 25 per cent pay cut, and he bit the Tigers with a first-half try to help Sal…
PA
05 Sep 2020, 9:28
England wing inspires Bath to victory as fans return to Twickenham Stoop
Ruaridh McConnochie produced two classy finishes to ruin Harlequins’ celebrations over the temporary return of their fans as Bat…
PA
05 Sep 2020, 8:50
McCall: Owen Farrell's tackling 'has improved' despite sending off
Owen Farrell is set to miss Saracens’ Champions Cup quarter-final with Leinster but Mark McCall insists his red card is not a ha…
PA
05 Sep 2020, 8:22
Manu Tuilagi scores just 25 minutes into Welford Road return
England midfielder Manu Tuilagi has scored for Sale on his return to Welford Road just two months after he dramatically quit Leice…
Liam Heagney
05 Sep 2020, 7:53
Owen Farrell sent off as Saracens lose to Wasps
The England international could be banned for Sarries’ Champions Cup quarter-final against Leinster.
PA
05 Sep 2020, 7:37
Video: Owen Farrell red-carded for shocking tackle, faces missing Saracens' Champions Cup quarter-final
Saracens were beaten 28-18 by Wasps at Allianz Park after Owen Farrell was red-carded on the hour mark by referee Christophe Ridle…
Liam Heagney
05 Sep 2020, 7:02
'Galthie is an amazing coach but there are stories that would leave a bad taste in your mouth'
Former Scottish international Johnnie Beattie has shed light on the inner workings of French national head coach Fabien Galthie, w…
Ian Cameron
05 Sep 2020, 6:30
Sonny Bill Williams' NRL return lasts 14 minutes, booed onto the field by Raiders fans
Returning to NRL for the first time in six years, ex-All Blacks centre Sonny Bill Williams was hit hard by Dunamis Lui on his firs…
AAP
05 Sep 2020, 6:29
Springboks outcast Aphiwe Dyantyi finally has a doping offence hearing date
It was August 2019 when Springboks winger Aphiwe Dyantyi was formally charged with a doping offence for multiple anabolic steroids…
Online Editors
05 Sep 2020, 5:50
One ugly Friday night moment summed up the dull, insipid, uninspired van Graan era
Covid-era rugby at the Aviva isn't fun and the sterility extended to the pitch where Munster were again bumped off by Leinster in …
Liam Heagney
05 Sep 2020, 4:33
North v South: North player ratings vs South
The North Island couldn't seal the deal late on against the South, but that hasn't stopped some of their players from rating highl…
Finn Morton
05 Sep 2020, 3:45
Pat Lam hits out after second-half cheap shot on Bristol star player Semi Radradra
Bristol rugby director Pat Lam has lamented rugby union’s cheap shots following a second-half incident that left Semi Radradra r…
PA
05 Sep 2020, 3:24
'That decision could have gone one way or the other - it was a pretty tight call and unfortunately it went to the Rebels'
They deserved more three years ago, and they certainly deserved more in their Super Rugby AU clash with Melbourne on Saturday in N…
AAP
05 Sep 2020, 3:20
North vs South: South player ratings vs North
Inter-island rivalry was cranked up again for only the third time in 33 years with the North South match up in Wellington. Here's …
Mike Rehu
05 Sep 2020, 3:10
New Hawaii club backed by ex-All Blacks won't play in 2021 MLR
Kanaloa Hawaii, the club set-up by numerous ex-All Blacks, was launched to much fanfare but MLR now says they won't play in its 20…
Online Editors
05 Sep 2020, 2:58
Last-minute try secures dramatic South victory over the North
New Zealand and the rest of the rugby world wanted an exciting game of rugby, and the North and South Islands delivered it.
Alex McLeod
05 Sep 2020, 2:11
Sensational buzzer finish sees Rebels into Super Rugby final
Matt Toomua has booted the Melbourne Rebels into the Super Rugby AU finals with a conversion on the siren to secure a miracle 34-3…
AAP
05 Sep 2020, 1:20
Watch: North stars leave South clutching at straws as Damian McKenzie scores in offload frenzy
Much of the hype surrounding the North v South match stemmed from the exciting brand of rugby many were expecting of New Zealand's…
Online Editors
05 Sep 2020, 1:17
Pumas rugby camp hit by coronavirus cases
Rugby Australia's hopes of participating in the Rugby Championship have been dealt a blow with six Argentine players testing posit…
AAP
04 Sep 2020, 23:24
German teenager named alongside All Blacks and Super Rugby stars in strong Tasman Mitre 10 Cup squad
Tasman have named an impressive squad that features four All Blacks, 21 Super Rugby stars and a German teenager to defend their Mi…
Alex McLeod
04 Sep 2020, 22:23
Japan coach Jamie Joseph rules out return to Highlanders following Aaron Mauger exit
Japan head coach Jamie Joseph has quashed any hope of a potential move back to the Highlanders in the wake of Aaron Mauger's depar…
Online Editors
04 Sep 2020, 21:24
'You belong here': The 20-year-old Super Rugby rookie who could be the answer to Australia's lock crisis
Wallabies coach Dave Rennie may have found himself an answer to Australia's lock crisis in the form of a 20-year-old star.
Finn Morton
04 Sep 2020, 20:02
The time Hong Kong beat Joe Roff | The Aussie Rugby Show | Episode 16
This week the team share stories about all round legend, Joe Roff. They also discuss what should happen with 7s rugby, the Rugby C…
RugbyPass
04 Sep 2020, 19:59
Everything you need to know about the 81st North vs South clash
One of domestic rugby's oldest rivalries will be renewed on Saturday night with the North versus South derby match.
Online Editors
04 Sep 2020, 16:37
Second-string Exeter end Northampton's play-off ambitions
Ten years ago to the day the Chiefs marked their debut in the Premiership with a win against Gloucester, Exeter proved too good fo…
PA
04 Sep 2020, 14:32
Radradra the inspiration as Bristol secure bonus-point win at Worcester
Semi Radradra inspired Bristol to a 36-13 bonus-point victory over Worcester, moving them above Sale in the chasing play-off pack …
PA
04 Sep 2020, 14:07
Unbeaten Leinster stay on course for PRO14 title hat-trick
RugbyPass were at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin where Leinster deservedly booked their spot in another Guinness PRO14 final with a w…
Liam Heagney
04 Sep 2020, 13:35
'Fraser Brown can think what he wants - he's on holiday'
Edinburgh boss Richard Cockerill has been good value in the lead-up to their first PRO14 semi-final appearance, a match they shoul…
Jamie Lyall
04 Sep 2020, 7:40
Manu Tuilagi is back at Welford Road this Saturday just two months after quitting Leicester
It only two months since Manu Tuilagi quit Leicester after a pay cut refusal, but he will make his Welford Road return with Sale t…
Online Editors
04 Sep 2020, 6:16
Jack Willis on his England dreams, injury recovery and Wasps' resurgence in the Premiership
The Rugby Pod were lucky enough to speak to Wasps flanker Jack Willis as he discusses his road to recovery after 18 months out of …
Rugby Pod
04 Sep 2020, 5:59
Alex Goode to become only the 4th player to make 300 Saracens appearances
England full-back Alex Goode will reach a rare Saracens milestone this Saturday after making his debut for the club way back in 20…
Online Editors
04 Sep 2020, 5:50
Harlequins 'privileged' to be first Premiership club to welcome back fans
It was March 8 when fans last attended a Premiership match in England and Harlequins are chuffed they will be the first to bridge …
PA
04 Sep 2020, 5:21
Exeter highlight change to Premiership refereeing since Wayne Barnes came out of quarantine
High penalty counts affected the Premiership restart but Exeter boss Rob Baxter says the now reduced figures were helped by the re…
Liam Heagney
04 Sep 2020, 4:34
Prop row has added spice to PRO14 semi-final build-up in Dublin
Leo Cullen claims Roman Salanoa told him he was staying in Dublin only for the prop to sign for Munster and leave Leinster short o…
Online Editors
04 Sep 2020, 3:39
Newcastle sign the son of an ex-Wales out-half who has recently been playing league
Iwan Stephens, the son of 1992 Wales out-half Colin, has played rugby league in recent years prior to his switch to Newcastle.
Online Editors
04 Sep 2020, 2:44
Saracens bring in Championship prop Hislop
Needing front row cover for Eroni Mawi and Ralph Adams-Hale, Saracens have visited the Championship, the league they will soon pla…
Online Editors
04 Sep 2020, 2:21
'He's got an aura about him': Around 100million set to watch SBW's first NRL game in almost 6 years
Ex-All Black Sonny Bill Williams is set to play his first NRL game since 2014 and the predicted TV audience is astronomical for th…
AAP
04 Sep 2020, 1:30
The fear stalking Northampton: 'Did we get selection strategy wrong? Time will tell'
The post-lockdown Premiership form of Northampton is joint-ninth worst, but Chris Boyd defends selection of even-strength XVs rath…
Liam Heagney
04 Sep 2020, 0:56
'Playing for the North is pretty special': North vs South stars explain New Zealand's 'unique' inter-island rivalry
As much as the All Blacks selectors have tried to downplay the glaring hints that suggest the North vs South clash is nothing more…
Alex McLeod
03 Sep 2020, 22:44
Intense atmosphere and free-flowing play expected from both ends for North v South battle
In Australia, it's state against state and mate against mate. In New Zealand, the biggest domestic sporting rivalry pits island ag…
AAP
03 Sep 2020, 20:46
'Freak of nature': Former All Blacks boss Steve Hansen reveals 'best athlete I ever coached'
Ex-All Blacks boss Steve Hansen has revealed the best athlete he ever coached in his illustrious rugby career spanning 24 years.
AAP
03 Sep 2020, 20:45
Revenge not on the agenda for Western Force despite opportunity to spoil Rebels' season
The Western Force insist revenge won't be on their mind despite having the perfect chance to inflict major heartbreak on arch riva…
AAP
03 Sep 2020, 19:53
Report: Super Rugby Aotearoa to return in 2021 - with a twist
Super Rugby Aotearoa was always intended as a one-off, stop-gap measure to fill the rugby void created due to the global coronavir…
Online Editors
03 Sep 2020, 18:57
The Reds and Brumbies stars fighting for Wallabies jerseys in top-of-the-table Super Rugby AU clash
Reds captain Liam Wright knows Wallabies jerseys are on the line as he pilots his side towards the Super Rugby AU final.
AAP
03 Sep 2020, 18:31
'I just wonder if Jamie Joseph might be on the radar'
Following Aaron Mauger's exit from the Highlanders, one of his predecessors has suggested that the best man to take over the team …
Online Editors
03 Sep 2020, 17:22
Young Waratahs star Will Harrison inks new contract to lock in long-term Super Rugby future
The Waratahs have secured the signature of young playmaker Will Harrison on a long-term contract as the prospect of a Wallabies ca…
Online Editors
03 Sep 2020, 15:25
How today's events could shape the future of Australian rugby
Brad Thorn believes trans-Tasman rugby union has a "world class" product staring it in the face as Rugby Australia (RA) accepts la…
AAP
03 Sep 2020, 15:15
From garbage man to Wallabies prospect: The Reds star who has Brad Thorn's backing for an international re-call
His rise from garbage man to Wallabies hooker was nothing short of spectacular, but Reds coach Brad Thorn believes it's time for o…
AAP
03 Sep 2020, 14:50
'It was a tough call': The biggest snub from New Zealand's North v South clash
Lachlan Boshier's cruel omission from the North squad speaks to New Zealand rugby's rich loose forward depth and the All Blacks' d…
Online Editors
03 Sep 2020, 13:39
Munster need the last laugh Friday... their sad record at Leinster has gone beyond a joke
Friday's PRO14 semi-final is must-win for Munster boss Johann van Graan, but they have just one victory at Leinster in the last 15…
Liam Heagney
03 Sep 2020, 10:50
Scarlets have allowed Ken Owens to wield even more influence at the Welsh club
Fresh from a milestone appearance last Saturday, skipper Ken Owens has been given an even great say in the future of the Scarlets.…
Online Editors
03 Sep 2020, 7:22
Marcus Smith has explained exactly why he packed down in a Harlequins scrum last weekend
Harlequins rounded off last Sunday's Premiership win over Northampton with an interesting scrum tactic that Marcus Smith has now e…
Josh Raisey
03 Sep 2020, 7:03
Top 14 2020/21 club-by-club season preview: Pau
Pau started last season's Top 14 well, but things soon got difficult and it seems they have a lot of work to do if they are to imp…
James Harrington
03 Sep 2020, 6:45
Multiple changes as Friday night's Gallagher Premiership teams named
XVs have been named for the latest round of Gallagher Premiership matches on Friday with Exeter visiting Northampton and Bristol g…
PA
03 Sep 2020, 6:18
Two grassroots players from same English club banned for anti-doping violations
The night of February 21, 2019, at Hull RUFC in England won't be forgotten in a hurry as it has resulted in RFU anti-doping bans f…
Online Editors
03 Sep 2020, 4:56
Leinster change 12, Munster just 3 as teams named for PRO14 semi-final
Leinster and Munster served up some entertaining action when rugby returned last month in Ireland and they have now named their PR…
Online Editors
03 Sep 2020, 4:24
Leinster sign ex-Munster prop Parker on short-term deal
It was May when prop Ciaran Parker said farewell to Ireland for Jersey, but the former Munster prop has reappeared at rivals Leins…
Online Editors
03 Sep 2020, 3:49
Jones and his England staff shake off 6-month Test cobwebs... by coaching a Championship club
England boss Eddie Jones and his assistants haven't coached since the March win over Wales so they have been busy at Championship …
Liam Heagney
03 Sep 2020, 2:50
'Munster have the credentials, the coaching staff and the heart'
Having won the World Cup with South Africa, Damian de Allende senses something special is brewing at Munster after just two games …
Online Editors
03 Sep 2020, 1:54
Baxter fears England will become next season's sick man of Europe
Exeter boss Rob Baxter claims English clubs won't be at full strength for 2020/21 Champions Cup pool games due to relentless Test …
Liam Heagney
03 Sep 2020, 0:45
Aaron Mauger departs Highlanders: 'Our on-field results during my tenure haven't been at the level we've all aspired to'
Head Coach Aaron Mauger’s time with the Highlanders has come to an end with the completion of his three-year contract at the clu…
Online Editors
02 Sep 2020, 22:13
What the North v South selections mean for New Zealand's halfback pecking order
If Saturday's North v South clash weren't an All Blacks trial masquerading as the great interisland battles of the past, then the …
Tom Vinicombe
02 Sep 2020, 21:43
Aotearoa Rugby Pod | Why the All Blacks can't afford to lose the Springboks
James Parsons and Bryn Hall are joined by Southland Stags captain Tony Lamborn as they discuss all the news from the week of rugby…
RugbyPass
02 Sep 2020, 21:42
The Breakdown | Episode 32 | North vs South preview and the return of the Farah Palmer Cup
The team from Sky Sports NZ talk all things North and South and look forward to round one of the Farah Palmer Cup this weekend.
RugbyPass
02 Sep 2020, 21:34
'I'm hearing a bit of razzle, they are just going to throw the kitchen sink' - South preparing for an ambush of the favoured North
Speaking on this week's Aotearoa Rugby Pod, Blues duo Tony Lamborn and James Parsons joined Crusader Bryn Hall to discuss how inte…
Online Editors
02 Sep 2020, 20:41
Dane Haylett-Petty recovers and sevens star set for Super Rugby AU debut while Force tweak their backline
Olympic Sevens hopeful Lachie Anderson is set to make his Super Rugby AU debut in Melbourne's must-win last-round clash with the W…
AAP
02 Sep 2020, 20:12
Nic White named for first Brumbies start in half a decade while Reds get injury boost
Nic White has shot back into the Brumbies' starting side for the first time in five years while Hunter Paisami will return from in…
AAP
02 Sep 2020, 19:37
Scott and Jordie Barrett set for long-awaited Taranaki debuts as Bulls name experienced squad
The Barrett brothers, Beauden, Scott and Jordie, are arguably three of the greatest ever rugby exports out of Taranaki. Finally, a…
Tom Vinicombe
02 Sep 2020, 17:42
North v South: Surprise selections in the halves as TJ Perenara starts ahead of Aaron Smith
The two teams for the eagerly-anticipated Steinlager North v South match at Sky Stadium in Wellington on Saturday 5 September have…
Online Editors
02 Sep 2020, 16:39
Two teams, two trophies: Re-emergence of long-lost cup means winning North v South side will be seeing double
Two trophies of different eras and origins will be up for grabs during the North v South match with the Te Matau a M?ui - The Fish…
Online Editors
02 Sep 2020, 15:58
Sara Cox made Premiership history this week that has been much praised
The Bank Holiday Bath vs Wasps Premiership fixture created history as Sara Cox became the first female official of a league match …
Josh Raisey
02 Sep 2020, 10:31
The mind trick Jack Willis is playing on himself to ensure his jackalling is ready for England
The career of Jack Willis suffered a severe blow in 2018 but the back row had developed a mind trick that has put him on course fo…
Liam Heagney
02 Sep 2020, 10:07
Size matters
The onus in professional rugby is based purely on brawn, but at what cost?
LONG READ
Sam Peters
02 Sep 2020, 9:41
A nation's custodian
After five years at the WRU, departing CEO Martyn Phillips reflects on a rollercoaster journey
LONG READ
Ross Harries
02 Sep 2020, 9:39
Speed of light
A leap of faith has seen Cheslin Kolbe’s renaissance as a World Cup winner
LONG READ
Gavin Mortimer
02 Sep 2020, 9:38
'It was all Mike Brown, I reckon': Chris Ashton reviews stunning try that puts him 4 short of all-time Premiership record
Chris Ashton has scored twice in three Premiership starts for Harlequins, his latest an absolute stunner sparked by Mike Brown's i…
Online Editors
02 Sep 2020, 7:59
Wasps bring in Championship hooker as injured Taylor waits on scan result
Wasps lost four players to Premiership injury inside 34 minutes on Monday and they are likely to need cover at hooker due to the T…
Chris Jones
02 Sep 2020, 6:47
'We need to win whether we're playing here or in Timbuktu'
With just one win in four restart games and without a Premiership win at Franklin's in 2020, Chris Boyd knows Northampton must bea…
Liam Heagney
02 Sep 2020, 5:55
Celebrated crowd-pleaser Tuigamala included in Most Capped Falcons XV of All Time
With Kingston Park 30 years old, Newcastle have unveiled their Most Capped XV and it includes former crowd-pleaser Inga Tuigamala.…
Online Editors
02 Sep 2020, 4:43
England to have 20,000 fans at Twickenham for Barbarians game
Rugby officials in England are hoping to accommodate a Twickenham attendance of 20,000 when Eddie Jones' team get back to action a…
Online Editors
02 Sep 2020, 3:03
Carl Fearns' debut match for Rouen has been postponed
Rouen, the new club of Carl Fearns, have joined Stade Francais in having their opening game of the new season in France postponed …
Online Editors
02 Sep 2020, 2:35
EPCR unveil major format overhaul for 2020/21 European season
EPCR have revealed radically different tournaments for 2020/21 after their board 'unanimously agreed' to introduce new Champions a…
Online Editors
02 Sep 2020, 2:01
Ticket hunt starts as online ballot opens for next year's Lions tour to South Africa
With the Lions tour to South Africa now just nine months away, the online ticket ballot for Springboks supporters has opened.
Online Editors
02 Sep 2020, 1:44
Can the British & Irish Lions realistically beat South Africa in 2021?
In 2021 the British & Irish Lions will make the journey southwards to South Africa, the home of the World Champion Springboks.
RugbyPass
02 Sep 2020, 1:40
Highlanders sign Crusaders and Maori All Blacks flanker as replacement for Dillon Hunt
The Highlanders have acted swiftly to fill the void left by departing flanker Dillon Hunt by signing three-time Super Rugby champi…
Alex McLeod
01 Sep 2020, 23:11
Son of former All Blacks great among key figures in powerful Auckland Mitre 10 Cup squad
Auckland have named a powerful 40-man squad for this season's Mitre 10 Cup as they look to clinch their second domestic title in t…
Alex McLeod
01 Sep 2020, 21:57
'Well, I am hoping 20-plus. I want to see a record' - Eddie Jones sets the bar high for the number of England players on the Lions tour
Sir Clive Woodward’s bloated Lions touring party of 2005 saw 20 Red Rose stars embark for New Zealand – a record number suppli…
PA
01 Sep 2020, 21:49
Promising North Island lock Tupou Vaa'i commits long-term future to Chiefs
Promising 20-year-old lock Tupou Vaa'i, who could feature for the North Island in this week's North vs South clash, has signed a l…
Online Editors
01 Sep 2020, 21:05
Canterbury name strong Mitre 10 Cup squad featuring 25 Super Rugby stars and nine All Blacks
Canterbury are set to again be strong contenders for the Mitre 10 Cup this year after unveiling a 37-man squad on Wednesday that o…
Alex McLeod
01 Sep 2020, 20:22
How the Melbourne Rebels can achieve their first-ever finals appearance with a win over Force
Melbourne are expecting their Super Rugby AU clash with Western Force on Saturday to have a grand final feel, with finals hopes on…
AAP
01 Sep 2020, 18:38
'It's going to be a dagger': Kiwi Super players on why New Zealand Rugby can't lose the Springboks
James Parsons and Tony Lamborn of the Blues, Bryn Hall of the Crusaders discussed on this week's Aotearoa Rugby Pod what would hap…
Online Editors
01 Sep 2020, 18:02
Blues assistant coach Tana Umaga puts pen to paper in new deal with franchise
Blues defence coach Tana Umaga has extended his stay at the franchise by signing a new deal.
Online Editors
01 Sep 2020, 14:25
Dylan Hartley and the Test rugby statistic that looks unfavourably on player welfare in England
Former England skipper Dylan Hartley has given awareness to a Test level statistic that doesn't reflect well on the Premiership an…
Liam Heagney
01 Sep 2020, 11:42
'He still has six per cent less muscle on that leg compared to his other one'
Having had two surgeries on his patella tendon and dealt with the setback of a leg infection, Josh Beaumont has one final hurdle b…
Chris Jones
01 Sep 2020, 11:04
Some fans feel Jack Willis' supremacy at the Premiership breakdown has him primed for England call
An injury delayed the elevation of Jack Willis into the England squad in 2018 but he has been bang in form with Wasps in the 2019/…
Josh Raisey
01 Sep 2020, 9:35
Conor Gilsenan has retired with immediate effect
Conor Gilsenan has played his final rugby match, the London Irish back row being forced to retire through injury at just the age o…
Online Editors
01 Sep 2020, 8:19
Mulipola becomes latest player to sign up for Newcastle's Premiership return
Logovi'i Mulipola has been enjoying post-lockdown Premiership action at Gloucester but he will be at Newcastle for the start of th…
Online Editors
01 Sep 2020, 7:48
Bateman joins Dragons nine weeks after Leicester pay cut row
Greg Bateman was one of the 5 salary cuts rebels who opted to walk away from Leicester rather than play on with a reduced pay pack…
Online Editors
01 Sep 2020, 7:21
Schalk Brits has named the player he thinks should replace Snyman in the Springboks squad
With RG Snyman unavailable until 2021 due to injury, Schalk Brits has picked who he thinks should be the second row's Springboks s…
Chris Jones
01 Sep 2020, 5:57
New Top 14 season suffers a postponement before a ball has even been kicked
Getting rugby going again in France is a hardship encapsulated by stricken Stade Francais getting their opening 2020/21 Top 14 gam…
Online Editors
01 Sep 2020, 5:21
All 3 Irish provinces issue PRO14 semi-final injury updates, Munster confirm Snyman op date
Irish provinces have continued to dominate the Guinness PRO14 in 2019/20, securing three of the four semi-final spots for next wee…
Online Editors
01 Sep 2020, 4:43
Video: The conversation that highlighted how Wayne Barnes remains one of the best refs around
Monday's Bank Holiday Premiership fixture saw veteran referee Wayne Barnes demonstrate his years of experience by calmly reaching …
Liam Heagney
01 Sep 2020, 3:42
World Rugby unveils £1.86million Tokyo Olympics lifeline for 7s as more tournaments cancelled
With the World Rugby 7s circuit on ice since last March in Vancouver, officials have unveiled a fund to help teams get over the hu…
Online Editors
01 Sep 2020, 1:52
'I watched in 2009 and ever since I told myself I definitely want to be a part of that'
Springboks star Cheslin Kolbe has labelled next year's British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa as an "incredible" event that …
Online Editors
31 Aug 2020, 23:24
Crusaders coach Scott Robertson reveals how he intends to help the British and Irish Lions
Scott Robertson says his potential involvement in next year's British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa may come in a smaller r…
Online Editors
31 Aug 2020, 22:27
North vs South could be the crown jewel of the 2020 calendar for New Zealand Rugby the way the season is going
But actually North v South might be as good as it gets this year. And, actually, rather than being an artificial and meaningless o…
Hamish Bidwell
31 Aug 2020, 19:41
Breakout Blues star preparing for rare opportunity
Auckland Blues hooker Kurt Eklund says being locked down over the past two weeks had made for some "interesting times" but he was …
AAP
31 Aug 2020, 18:50
Waikato confirm the signings of two former Super Rugby superstars
Waikato Rugby has announced the signing of the international duo of Patrick Osborne and Adam Thomson for the upcoming Mitre 10 Cup…
Online Editors
31 Aug 2020, 15:43
The massive roadblock standing in the way of a first Super Rugby finals appearance for the Rebels
The Western Force will have the perfect chance to exact revenge over the Melbourne Rebels when the arch enemies lock horns at McDo…
AAP
31 Aug 2020, 14:59
'Everyone knows what's on the line here': The player's take on the importance of North v South
Making the All Blacks is paramount for players preparing to represent their respective islands this weekend says North hooker Ash …
Online Editors
31 Aug 2020, 14:43
It might be time for Andy Farrell to relocate Jacob Stockdale
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has quickly discovered that the list of potential heirs to the throne is not as rich as it once ap…
Ciarán Kennedy
31 Aug 2020, 11:50
'Joe Launchbury has just spoken about how that was one of the best wins of his Wasps career'
Wasps flanker Thomas Young, full-back Lima Sopoaga, hooker Tommy Taylor and Taylor’s replacement Gabriel Oghre all departed inju…
PA
31 Aug 2020, 10:39
'I'd have said a firm 'no' in his position' - Flatman applauds prop for refusing to play hooker
Former England prop David Flatman has applauded a fellow frontrow for refusing to play at hooker, despite the suggestion from his …
Ian Cameron
31 Aug 2020, 9:30
Wasps battle back to sting Bath despite losing four players to first-half injuries
The win took Wasps back into fourth place and ended Bath’s unbeaten run since the Premiership season restarted after lockdown.
PA
31 Aug 2020, 9:25
Mark McCall reveals he expected more from Saracens after win over London Irish
Saracens boss Mark McCall was unsatisfied by a 40-12 Gallagher Premiership victory over London Irish despite presiding over a six-…
PA
31 Aug 2020, 8:22
Handre Pollard breaks silence on speculation linking him to shock Bath move
South Africa’s Rugby World Cup-winning flyhalf Handre Pollard denied reports Monday linking him with a move from Montpellier to …
Online Editors
31 Aug 2020, 7:54
Saracens continue preparations for European clash by thrashing London Irish
Saracens stepped up preparations for their European quarter-final against Leinster by crushing London Irish 40-12 at Twickenham St…
PA
31 Aug 2020, 7:32
'Can we just forget about that? Honestly, the worst game I ever played in my life'
Duhan Van Der Merwe admits the prospect of international recognition and winning silverware for Edinburgh are providing him with a…
PA
31 Aug 2020, 7:12
Tigers confirm loan deal for duo, while releasing academy player to La Rochelle
Leicester Tigers have agreed two loan deals in the senior squad, while releasing a promising teenage prospect to La Rochelle.
Online Editors
31 Aug 2020, 6:31
Leinster pair could return for PRO14 semi-final after remarkable recoveries from injury
Both Ryan and Leavy have been working their way back from injury and could now be in place to return to action ahead of schedule.
Ciarán Kennedy
31 Aug 2020, 5:38
Scotland's professional players agree salary reduction package
A confidential deal had been agreed following talks designed to mitigate the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
PA
31 Aug 2020, 4:50
Former Italy lock Josh Furno pops up in France's sixth flight competition
Not so very long ago he was contesting lineouts against the likes of Paul O'Connell and Alun Wyn Jones in the Six Nations, but now…
Ian Cameron
31 Aug 2020, 4:17
Bring back Buck
30 years after Buck Shelford was dropped there are some still perplexed by the decision
LONG READ
Lynn McConnell
31 Aug 2020, 3:31
The red hot favourites to claim the PRO14
Leinster won every game of their regular Pro14 season and have now extended their winning sequence in all competitions to 23.
Online Editors
31 Aug 2020, 2:02
Monty Ioane bags brace as Benetton beat Zebre
Australian wing Monty Ioane grabbed a brace of tries as Benetton claimed a 16-9 Guinness Pro14 win at Zebre.
PA
31 Aug 2020, 1:08
'I have worked hard over lockdown on my speed and power' - England prospect Ollie Thorley hails hard work
The England hopeful produced a strong showing in Sunday’s high-scoring encounter.
PA
31 Aug 2020, 1:05
Maloney's Dark Secret Revealed | The Aussie Rugby Show | Episode 15
A ‘viewer’ question from Waratahs forward, Ned Hanigan, has led to the revelation a dark truth from the past from Sean Maloney…
RugbyPass
30 Aug 2020, 21:18
'He looks ready to go': Hype continues to grow as ex-All Blacks star Sonny Bill Williams nears NRL return
Former All Blacks star Sonny Bill Williams is expected to complete his NRL return this weekend when his Sydney Roosters take on th…
AAP
30 Aug 2020, 21:06
Five of the best: The top performers in round nine of Super Rugby AU
As the Super Rugby AU finals series begins to take shape, we assess who the five top performers were from the weekend gone by.
Finn Morton
30 Aug 2020, 20:47
Former British and Irish Lions coach: Why the Lions must reject Scott Robertson for 2021 South Africa tour
A former British and Irish Lions coach says Scott Robertson shouldn't be appointed in a coaching role for the team's tour of South…
Online Editors
30 Aug 2020, 19:18
SANZAAR deny reports Springboks in 'advanced discussions' to play in European tournament
SANZAAR CEO Andy Marinos has reportedly denied claims that South Africa are set to shun the Rugby Championship this year and play …
Online Editors
30 Aug 2020, 18:48
Confusion surrounds Rugby Championship following reports of Springboks desertion
Plans to run a makeshift Rugby Championship this year may have been thrown into disarray following reports South Africa are set to…
Online Editors
30 Aug 2020, 14:28
The South African winger on the cusp of a call-up to the Scotland squad
Duhan Van Der Merwe admits the prospect of international recognition and winning silverware for Edinburgh are providing him with a…
PA
30 Aug 2020, 14:19
Forget the openside options, it's time for England to find their Pieter-Steph du Toit on the blindside
England have no shortage of options on the openside, but how does their depth stack up at blindside and who could lock down the sp…
Alex Shaw
30 Aug 2020, 11:56
Cardiff Blues sign off season with Ospreys scalp
Cardiff Blues defeated the Ospreys 29-20 at Rodney Parade in the final game of Welsh rugby’s domestic season.
PA
30 Aug 2020, 11:52
Four-try Ollie Thorley joins elite list as Gloucester beat Leicester in thriller
Ollie Thorley became only the third player to score four first-half tries in a Gallagher Premiership game as Gloucester beat battl…
PA
30 Aug 2020, 11:43
Chiefs duo both claim try hat-tricks as Exeter thrash Worcester
Forwards Jonny Hill and Sam Simmonds both scored hat-tricks as Exeter extended their lead at the top of the Premiership table to 1…
PA
30 Aug 2020, 10:19
Double red card sees Munster thrash Connacht to book PRO14 semi-final spot
Andrew Conway scored a brace of tries as Munster took advantage of two first-half red cards for opponents Connacht to reach the Gu…
PA
30 Aug 2020, 10:02
'He can do whatever he wants' - ex-England star's controversial finishing move given the greenlight
Harlequins coach Paul Gustard is in favour of Ashton continuing his signature try celebration.
PA
30 Aug 2020, 9:45
Forgotten England contingent inspire Harlequins to victory over Northampton
The former England fullback created tries for Nathan Earle and Chris Ashton.
PA
30 Aug 2020, 8:22
'I know he's a monster... the things he'd been doing in pre-season were athletically freakish'
Seven minutes of a debut and a massive season-ending injury were not quite in the script for World Cup winner and Springbok RG Sny…
Online Editors
30 Aug 2020, 6:21
'The squad is so young and may have some inexperience in a few areas, but the lads are fighting for each other'
Ben Spencer has underlined Bath’s desire to “crack the top four” ahead of a key Gallagher Premiership clash against play-off…
PA
30 Aug 2020, 5:30
Creevy to debut in London Irish starting XV for Saracens that includes 9 products of their academy
London Irish are set to showcase their academy prowess, confirming a squad heavy with home-grown talent to host Saracens at The St…
Online Editors
30 Aug 2020, 5:00
Zach Mercer switches position as Bath make wholesale changes for visit of Wasps
England No.8 Zach Mercer switches position as Bath Rugby make 12 changes to the side as we prepare for the visit of playoff rivals…
Online Editors
30 Aug 2020, 4:31
Saracens make 12 changes to their XV for London Irish
Saracens make 12 changes to the starting XV for the trip to face London Irish at Twickenham Stoop in the Gallagher Premiership.
Online Editors
30 Aug 2020, 4:15
Wasps name team for Monday match with Bath
Wasps have named their team to take on Bath Rugby at for their Bank Holiday Monday showdown at The Rec.
Online Editors
30 Aug 2020, 4:09
England players to have match fees reduced
England’s stars will be paid a reduced match fee of £17,250 from this autumn as part of a new arrangement with the Rugby Footba…
PA
30 Aug 2020, 3:39
Video - Fijian teen faces possible life ban for brutal punch that broke referee's nose
A teenage Fijian backrow is facing into a possible life ban and criminal charges for brutally punching a referee - breaking his no…
Online Editors
30 Aug 2020, 2:35
'I've had about 6 concussions but the one at Murrayfield really knocked me around - that was the one I struggled to come back from'
Blade Thomson encountered a whole cocktail of bad things in late 2018, including concussion which delayed his Scotland debut and n…
Jamie Lyall
30 Aug 2020, 2:06
Laporte: Springboks on verge of joining Eight Nations
Six Nations vice-president Bernard Laporte has revealed that the Springboks are advanced talks to join this Autumn's Eight Nations…
Ian Cameron
30 Aug 2020, 1:38
'Drunks were trolling me... I was getting emails in the middle of the night'
28 months after the Harlequins sack, John Kingston opens up on online trolls, Richmond's bankruptcy and why he would take medals o…
Liam Heagney
30 Aug 2020, 0:57
Inconsistent yellow cards leave fans frustrated and confused: 'Imagine that shoulder at the World Cup'
Following the positive commentary that surrounded Amy Perrett's performance as the first female to referee a game of Super Rugby i…
Online Editors
29 Aug 2020, 19:56
Finals equation simple for Rebels: Beat the competition darlings
The Melbourne Rebels want more respect and plan on securing it with a historic first-time playoffs appearance after seizing charge…
AAP
29 Aug 2020, 18:51
'I'm probably the last person you expect to hear from'
Despite the pair being at the centre of a refereeing controversy that resulted in a tied series in 2017's British and Irish Lions …
Online Editors
29 Aug 2020, 16:53
'It adds a bit more fuel to the fire when you're not wanted somewhere': How Bryn Hall reignited his career
Interview: There’s more than a touch of irony to the fact that four seasons on from his departure from the Blues, Bryn Hall is a…
Tom Vinicombe
29 Aug 2020, 15:43
World Cup-winning coach casts more doubt on South African involvement in Rugby Championship
Doubt about South Africa’s participation in the Rugby Championship has raised the possibility that the Currie Cup could receive …
Online Editors
29 Aug 2020, 15:18
Leinster complete perfect regular season with victory over Ulster
The two Irish provinces were already assured of their PRO14 semi-final places next week, but unbeaten Leinster made sure they secu…
PA
29 Aug 2020, 14:37
Revitalised Sale's radical breakdown rethink
After conceding 40 penalties in Premiership losses to Harlequin and Exeter, Sale adopted a radical approach to the breakdown in th…
Chris Jones
29 Aug 2020, 12:54
Scarlets now wait on Munster as win over Dragons puts them in semi-final qualification spot
A six-try win at Dragons has lifted Scarlets into second spot in Conference B and wanting Connacht to do them a favour to seal sem…
PA
29 Aug 2020, 12:25
Six-try Sale move up to second place with thumping win over Bristol
Sale moved up to second place, two points ahead of Bristol, with a second straight victory, while their opponents have now suffere…
PA
29 Aug 2020, 9:49
Video: Ruthless Sale need just 32 minutes to secure four-try bonus point against Bristol
Having chosen an understrength XV, Bristol Bears were taken apart in the opening half-hour of their Gallagher Premiership match at…
Liam Heagney
29 Aug 2020, 8:07
Premiership finally reports 0 positives after eight weeks of coronavirus testing
Premiership officials have been testing players an staff for coronavirus since July 6 and they have at last returned a round of re…
Online Editors
29 Aug 2020, 7:39
'It feels like a loss': Waratahs win but Rebels still celebrating
Melbourne finished moral victors after Matt Toomua's 77th-minute penalty earned the Rebels a priceless bonus point that may well e…
AAP
29 Aug 2020, 6:43
Dylan Hartley sheds light on the painful daily legacy rugby is having on his body
It's 20 months since former England skipper Dylan Hartley last played a game, 9 since he retired, but his body is a painful daily …
Liam Heagney
29 Aug 2020, 6:04
Top 14 2020/21 club-by-club season preview: Agen
There's something about Agen - they have recruited and, on the whole, retained well which must mean they will do better than 13th …
James Harrington
29 Aug 2020, 5:25
Gallagher Premiership restart is finally reaching boiling point - Andy Goode
It has taken a while but the Gallagher Premiership restart finally reaches boiling point this weekend and we could have a two-tier…
Andy Goode
29 Aug 2020, 5:05
How would the top South African teams cope in the PRO14?
The future of South Africa in Super Rugby looks set to be over as federation CEO Jurie Roux suggested they will be switching to th…
Online Editors
29 Aug 2020, 3:01
Dismayed reaction from Welsh fans as 7s set-up is scrapped
Welsh fans have responded to the revelation that their 7s team is being scrapped in the angry way that many would expect.
Tom Parker
29 Aug 2020, 1:57
Brumbies facing selection dilemma as Nic White impresses off the bench in win over Western Force
Brumbies coach Dan McKellar has a problem any coach would want with bench players like Wallabies World Cup halfback Nic White jost…
AAP
28 Aug 2020, 22:38
Report: South African Super Rugby poised to join Pro14 by early 2021
South Africa's four Super Rugby sides - the Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers - are reportedly set to join Europe's Pro14 competit…
Online Editors
28 Aug 2020, 21:53
SANZAAR boss 'very optimistic' about New Zealand's chance of hosting Rugby Championship
SANZAAR chief executive Andy Marinos has revealed he is "very optimistic" about the chances of New Zealand hosting the Rugby Champ…
Online Editors
28 Aug 2020, 20:09
Rugby Wrap Up | Episode 17 | Revolutionary David Moffett starts new code
Rugby visionary David Moffett takes no prisoners in a candid and engaging chat with Matt McCarthy on Rugby Wrap Up.
Rugby Wrap Up
28 Aug 2020, 20:01
The reason why Michael Hooper can't make the Wallabies cut - not even as a bench player
With so much talent rising through Australia's loose forward ranks, veteran star Michael Hooper may have a hard time finding his p…
Finn Morton
28 Aug 2020, 18:58
Steve Hansen's advice to make the Wallabies and Rugby Australia more competitive
Former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen believes Rugby Australia should take notes from New Zealand Rugby.
Online Editors
28 Aug 2020, 15:23
Glasgow ruin the long-awaited return of Edinburgh fans to Murrayfield
Despite Murrayfield catering for 700 home fans in UK rugby's first post-lockdown game with spectators, Edinburgh were outwitted by…
PA
28 Aug 2020, 14:15
Axed Premiership referee JP Doyle breaks his silence following RFU redundancy
One of many in English rugby recently made redundant by the cash-strapped RFU, JP Doyle, the now-former Premiership referee, has b…
Liam Heagney
28 Aug 2020, 10:09
Scrapped: Wales have binned their 7s rugby team just weeks after England shelved theirs
Financial cutbacks led to the RFU scrapping their England 7s programme earlier this month and Wales have now done likewise.
Online Editors
28 Aug 2020, 9:01
Dallaglio: Why Wasps DNA can help Cipriani and co fulfil Gloucester's potential
With Danny Cipriani having played with the new Gloucester coaching trio at Wasps, Lawrence Dallaglio predicts this DNA can bring s…
Chris Jones
28 Aug 2020, 8:32
Bizarre September 2 fight lined up between Elton Jantjies and an ex-Springboks teammate
Super Rugby's Lions and Bulls have announced that former Springboks teammates Elton Jantjies and Cornal Hendricks will have a figh…
Josh Raisey
28 Aug 2020, 7:50
Top 14 2020/21 club-by-club season preview: Bayonne
Bayonne will begin their difficult second season back in the Top 14 with lofty ambitions but could find their dreams quickly turn …
James Harrington
28 Aug 2020, 7:05
Brumbies see off Force to clinch right to host Super Rugby AU final
Brumbies moved to 28 competition points on the back of the win over Force to secure the decider, seven points clear of nearest riv…
Online Editors
28 Aug 2020, 6:35
Bristol to field their second-youngest ever Gallagher Premiership player for trip to Sale
Homegrown winger Jack Bates is one of 13 Bristol changes for their Gallagher Premiership visit to beefed-up Sale on Saturday.
Online Editors
28 Aug 2020, 5:25
Jack Nowell makes his return as Exeter and Worcester name entirely changed XVs
Jack Nowell didn't have the best of times in 2019/20 before the lockdown but he now returns for Exeter as they prepare to host Wor…
Online Editors
28 Aug 2020, 5:01
Beirne set for first Munster outing since December, Papali'i debuts for Connacht
Tadhg Beirne will play his first match in 9 months when Munster take on a much-changed Connacht XV in the Guinness PRO14 on Sunday…
Online Editors
28 Aug 2020, 4:36
Toulouse friendly cancelled after player tests positive for coronavirus
Preparations for the 2020/21 Top 14 season next weekend have suffered a setback with the coronavirus cancellation of the Toulouse …
Online Editors
28 Aug 2020, 3:50
7 South Africa teams get green light to resume full-contract training next week
Rugby has been slow to get its act together in South Africa amid Covid-19, but there is some optimism with 7 teams resuming full-c…
Online Editors
28 Aug 2020, 3:20
Will Greenwood wants draconian action taken against try-celebrating, fluorescent bib-wearing replacements
Following dead ball area incidents last week in Edinburgh and London, Will Greenwood wants action taken against try-celebrating re…
Online Editors
28 Aug 2020, 2:14
The inspiring Ian McKinley is back in rugby, taking up a coaching position in his native Ireland
The career of Ian McKinley looked over in 2011 after the loss of sight in an eye, but the Irishman remarkably became an Italy inte…
Liam Heagney
28 Aug 2020, 1:40
Report: Rugby Championship under threat as All Blacks face Bledisloe Cup fixtures abroad
In the most recent update of an ever-changing international schedule, the All Blacks may have to travel to Australia to play the f…
Online Editors
27 Aug 2020, 22:48
Canterbury score 11 tries to retain Ranfurly Shield against hapless North Otago
Canterbury have retained the Ranfurly Shield in emphatic fashion as they thumped North Otago 71-7 in their first pre-season outing…
Alex McLeod
27 Aug 2020, 21:44
How Pasifika inclusion in Super Rugby could make Samoa world-beaters once again
New Samoa coach Seilala Mapusua is crossing his fingers that talk of a Pasifika team in Super Rugby comes to fruition.
AAP
27 Aug 2020, 19:35
North vs South: Highlanders prop called into South Island squad in place of Blues standout
A long-serving Highlanders prop has been called into the South Island squad in place of an upcoming test-level prospect.
Alex McLeod
27 Aug 2020, 19:14
Wellington name impressive squad featuring 16 Hurricanes
Wellington Lions head coach, Leo Crowley, has named a 36-man squad ahead of the 2020 Mitre 10 Cup campaign.
Online Editors
27 Aug 2020, 17:09
Back-up Crusaders finally set for proper minutes - including returning All Blacks hopeful
Super Rugby Aotearoa was a huge boon for the fans. Do-or-die matches every week featuring the top players from around the country …
Online Editors
27 Aug 2020, 17:04
Blues' improving recruitment brings All Blacks flanker back to Auckland
Outstanding North Harbour loose forward Dillon Hunt will return home to Auckland to join the Blues in Super Rugby after four seaso…
Online Editors
27 Aug 2020, 14:35
They seem an incongruous old match, the pugnacious, bull-headed Englishman and the decaying Scottish pro team - but they have hit it off spectacularly
Edinburgh looked like a fix-up-and-quickly-flip chance for Richard Cockerill to re-establish his credentials rather than a club he…
Jamie Lyall
27 Aug 2020, 11:38
Fans insist Georgia are popular choice for belated 'Eight Nations' invite
Reports have emerged that Japan won't play in November's 'Eight Nations', resulting in fans calling for Georgia to now be invited.…
Josh Raisey
27 Aug 2020, 11:18
'On our day off yesterday, Lood was still here at Carrington - he's an absolute pro'
Springboks giant Lood de Jager shored up the Sale lineout in a vital midweek Premiership win over Wasps that left Sharks boss Stev…
Chris Jones
27 Aug 2020, 11:02
Saturday's PRO14 fixture in Dublin gets go-ahead despite 8 Ulster academy players testing positive for Covid
There were concerns for Saturday's PRO14 game in Dublin after a Covid-19 outbreak in the Ulster academy, but the IRFU have deliver…
Online Editors
27 Aug 2020, 9:23
Canterbury issues apology for recent Ireland jersey gaffe
Canterbury unveiled new Ireland jerseys last week but their approach to the women's game caused anger online and they have now apo…
Online Editors
27 Aug 2020, 8:58
'Eight Nations' tournament in jeopardy as Japan pull out - reports
Group 1 of the Eight Nations was reportedly to consist of England, Ireland, Fiji and Wales, with Japan set to join Scotland, Italy…
Online Editors
27 Aug 2020, 8:08
Video: The try-creating offload that has Leicester salivating over Nemani Nadolo
It was 2011 when Nemani Nadolo last featured in a Premiership match, but he needed just 24 minutes of his Leicester debut to remin…
Liam Heagney
27 Aug 2020, 7:36
Nathan Earle surprises Kyle Sinckler's grassroots club Battersea, telling them they have made the Gallagher Club of the Season shortlist
Six clubs are contesting the Gallagher Club of the Season live vote, with Nathan Earle of Harlequins telling Battersea Ironsides t…
Liam Heagney
27 Aug 2020, 6:00
Edinburgh change 10 while Fraser Brown will become Glasgow centurion in PRO14 derby rematch
With a PRO14 home semi-final already secured, Edinburgh have rung the changes for their derby rematch against Fraser Brown's Glasg…
Online Editors
27 Aug 2020, 5:06
Bristol bring in 3 players on short-term deals, including ex-Ireland international Adeolokun
Front row and wing injuries have hit Pat Lam's Bristol squad and he has responded by bringing in 3 players on short-term deals, in…
Online Editors
27 Aug 2020, 4:27
'I'm embarrassed': Paul Gustard's damning verdict after Harlequins' first-half no-show at Worcester
Brittleness on the road is undermining Harlequins in the Premiership and boss Paul Gustard was left fuming with their first-half n…
Online Editors
27 Aug 2020, 3:54
Watch: Saracens hooker Woolstencroft joins Premiership elite with second-half try hat-trick
Tom Woolstencroft had only previously scored two top-flight tries but the soon-to-be 26-year-old bagged a second-half hat-trick fo…
Liam Heagney
27 Aug 2020, 3:19
Waratahs roll midfield dice by including 112kg version of 'young Sonny Bill Williams'
Despite only playing one match this year, Waratahs coach Rob Penney is rolling the dice with league convert Tepai Moeroa at inside…
AAP
27 Aug 2020, 2:42
Video: The brave finish from Tom de Glanville that has left him sweating with a neck injury
A son of former England captain Phil, Tom de Glanville stepped up from the Bath academy in June to sign his first senior contract.…
Liam Heagney
27 Aug 2020, 1:43
Western Force rank outsiders for rematch with hungry Brumbies
The Western Force have set their sights on producing a famous underdog triumph when they take on the Brumbies in Canberra on Frida…
Online Editors
26 Aug 2020, 20:45
Under-19 player of the year and new Blues recruit set for first Canterbury start in Ranfurly Shield challenge
Canterbury is set to unleash a new crop of the region’s talent, with 14 possible debutants named in the matchday 23 to take on N…
Online Editors
26 Aug 2020, 20:00
Rebels set to target young hooker while Waratahs make shock selection in midfield
Melbourne feel the Brumbies may have revealed a road-map to Super Rugby AU success over the NSW Waratahs that they can follow in S…
AAP
26 Aug 2020, 18:54
Dan McKellar rewards Brumbies for punishing dismantling of Waratahs
Experienced scrumhalf Joe Powell has been recalled to the starting side for the Brumbies round nine Vodafone Super Rugby AU showdo…
Online Editors
26 Aug 2020, 18:42
The sabbatical deal that could see experienced Wallabies follow Michael Hooper to Japan
Either Dane Haylett-Petty or Matt To'omua could join Michael Hooper on a Japan sabbatical, but not both, in a deal worked out with…
AAP
26 Aug 2020, 18:33
'You'd almost rather miss a kick in a game than lose to Lima' - Highlanders flyhalf Josh Ioane on his competitions with Sopoaga
The flyhalf detailed his experiences with the hyper-competitive Sopoaga as a rookie joining the Highlanders camp as an injury cove…
Online Editors
26 Aug 2020, 18:28
'I was pushing as hard as I could': Ben Smith's tumultuous final season in New Zealand
Interview: On the back of an exceptional career in New Zealand, 2019 was supposed to be Ben Smith’s successful swansong. It’s …
Tom Vinicombe
26 Aug 2020, 17:23
'It went much deeper than that' - The psychological exploitation the Springboks used on Jerome Garces to help sway the World Cup final
One of the more cunning tactics was to act subservient when speaking to the referee by bending down or kneeling when talking to ma…
Online Editors
26 Aug 2020, 15:00
Finals come two weeks early for desperate Waratahs
The NSW Waratahs are pledging to fight fire with fire when their season goes on the line in Saturday night's must-win Super Rugby …
AAP
26 Aug 2020, 14:48
Travel woes and homesickness could further curtail plans for Bledisloe matches in New Zealand
New Zealand Rugby could be facing further complications in sorting an international schedule for 2020.
Online Editors
26 Aug 2020, 14:38
Gritty Bath make it three wins from three since the restart as Northampton fold again at home
Bath made it three straight post-lockdown wins with victory at Northampton to further enhance their Premiership play-off hopes.
PA
26 Aug 2020, 14:09
Second-half Woolstencroft hat-trick eases Saracens clear of Gloucester
Stand-in skipper Tom Woolstencroft delivered a standout performance for Saracens by dotting down three times in 20 minutes against…
PA
26 Aug 2020, 12:48
Unstoppable Worcester pack dent Harlequins' play-off hopes
Worcester forwards were in unstoppable form as three first-half tries against Harlequins came directly from driving mauls in a fir…
PA
26 Aug 2020, 12:29
Nadolo impresses on debut as Leicester Tigers bag win over Irish
Nemani Nadolo impressed as Leicester picked up their first points since the Gallagher Premiership resumption with a morale-boostin…
PA
26 Aug 2020, 12:26
Ulster Rugby issue statement following COVID-19 outbreak in academy
Ulster Rugby have issued a statement following a COVID-19 outbreak in their academy, and have identified at least one senior playe…
Online Editors
26 Aug 2020, 12:09
MyPlayers issue formal statement on BLM kneeling
South Africa’s rugby players’ organisation, MyPlayers, has released a statement regarding players decision to kneel not for BL…
Online Editors
26 Aug 2020, 11:55
Adam Hastings' love-hate Twitter relationship: 'It's not the nine good comments you remember, it's the one bad one'
Having suffered online criticism earlier in his career, Adam Hastings deleted his Twitter account when the Scotland Townsend-Russe…
Liam Heagney
26 Aug 2020, 11:19
High praise online for Exeter's 'second team'
Premiership leaders Exeter made 14 changes to their XV for the visit to second place Bristol but it didn't affect them as they sec…
Josh Raisey
26 Aug 2020, 10:19
4,000 Premiership fans set to be allowed attend an early September Harlequins match
March 8 at Bristol was the last time fans were able to attend a Gallagher Premiership match but that gap will be bridged at Harleq…
Online Editors
26 Aug 2020, 9:34
Australian lock Cummins checks in at Pau as a medical joker
Steven Cummins hasn't featured for Scarlets since last February and he has now arrived at Pau as a medical joker for the 2020/21 T…
Online Editors
26 Aug 2020, 9:00
Cockerill's extension at Edinburgh is done deal - reports
There had been speculation linking Richard Cockerill to a move elsewhere but Scottish rugby's CEO has confirmed he will remain at …
Online Editors
26 Aug 2020, 8:17
Just 1 Premiership player tests positive in latest round of virus testing
The outlook for the health of the Premiership players and staff continues to be encouraging following the latest virus testing res…
Online Editors
26 Aug 2020, 7:03
Gloucester explain why Rees-Zammit at No15 was a one-off just for now
Eyebrows were raised when wing sensation Louis Rees-Zammit was chosen as Gloucester full-back last weekend but he has now reverted…
Online Editors
26 Aug 2020, 6:40
Blow for Wales as Williams ruled out for up to four months
Tomos Williams started three of the four Six Nations games played in 2020 by Wales but he will now miss the Test restart through i…
Online Editors
26 Aug 2020, 4:49
Top 14 2020/21 club-by-club season preview: Brive
Brive were worthy returnees to the Top 14 after a single Pro D2 campaign and while recruitment has been limited, there can expect …
James Harrington
26 Aug 2020, 4:17
Hooper will take 2021 Waratahs sabbatical to play under Steve Hansen in Japan
Last April's Covid-19 pay cut arrangements by Rugby Australia allowed for stars like Michael Hooper to take a sabbatical from thei…
Online Editors
26 Aug 2020, 3:26
Video: Veteran Exeter midfielder Phil Dollman gives Semi Radradra a taste of his own explosive medicine
Fans salivated last Friday after Semi Radradra tore Gloucester asunder but the Bristol midfielder was among those fooled Tuesday b…
Liam Heagney
26 Aug 2020, 2:35
36 key events since rugby turned professional in 1995, 25 years ago to this very day
It's 25 years ago today - August 26, 1995 - when rugby decided to turn professional and allow payment to players and coaches.
PA
26 Aug 2020, 1:56
The Breakdown | Episode 31 | Kieran Read returns to the Mitre 10 Cup
The Breakdown is back this week to discuss the upcoming North v South clash, the big player movements ahead of the Mitre 10 Cup se…
RugbyPass
25 Aug 2020, 23:56
'You've left the skipper at the hotel': James Parsons reveals his rookie blunder that left All Blacks captain Richie McCaw behind
Coming into an All Blacks camp can be daunting, and James Parsons found that out quickly as his first few days in the squad didn't…
Alex McLeod
25 Aug 2020, 22:27
Confirmed: New Zealand Rugby announce venue and crowd details for North v South match
New Zealand Rugby have confirmed where the upcoming North vs South match will be held and whether a live crowd will be permitted t…
Online Editors
25 Aug 2020, 19:26
88-year North vs South secret discovered in Eden Park basement
An amateur sleuth has unlocked the mystery of what happened to the Loving Cup, the trophy awarded for the North v South game nearl…
Online Editors
25 Aug 2020, 19:16
How Rebels plan to bounce back from 'frustrating' Reds loss to secure Super Rugby AU finals berth
Melbourne playmaker Andrew Deegan says he hasn't done the maths on the Super Rugby AU finals machinations but does know he wants t…
AAP
25 Aug 2020, 17:17
Late Keast try snatches thrilling victory for Exeter over Bristol
Bristol were edged out by Exeter, favourites for this season’s Premiership title, after prop Billy Keast touched down late for t…
PA
25 Aug 2020, 14:10
It's official: The Bus has joined the Wellington Lions for the Mitre 10 Cup
Julian Savea had been playing for French club Toulon since 2018 but he made the move home in May and will now feature with Welling…
Online Editors
25 Aug 2020, 13:59
England recognition for Ben Curry only a matter of time, enthuses Steve Diamond
Ben Curry was named man of the match in front of Eddie Jones as a reward for an all-action display with Sale in their Premiership …
PA
25 Aug 2020, 13:18
Sale get Premiership title challenge back on the road with win at Wasps
After losses to Harlequins and Exeter, Sale reinforced their Premiership title challenge with a commanding display that elevated t…
PA
25 Aug 2020, 13:00
Fans have their say on PRO14 strugglers Southern Kings and it isn't pretty
Southern Kings have pulled the plug on the remainder of 2020 even though the new 2020/21 PRO14 season will start in October.
Josh Raisey
25 Aug 2020, 10:53
21 highs and lows as professional rugby gets set to celebrate its 25th birthday
Professional rugby turns 25 years old on Wednesday and it has had a chequered history since player payments became official in 199…
PA
25 Aug 2020, 9:45
Northampton agree extensions with 3 coaching staff, including Sam Vesty
Northampton have taken time out from their pursuit of a 2019/20 Premiership play-off place to secure extended deals with Sam Vesty…
Online Editors
25 Aug 2020, 9:03
PRO14 issues response 7 hours after Southern Kings pull plug on remainder of 2020
There are fears for the continued participation of South African franchises in the PRO14 following Tuesday morning's Southern King…
Online Editors
25 Aug 2020, 8:29
Professional rugby's 25th birthday warning: 'You need a blockbuster narrative to keep fans interested'
It was August 26, 1995, when rugby was declared 'open' and its 25th birthday celebration arrives with a nod to the future by World…
PA
25 Aug 2020, 7:59
North's availability for Wales' remaining Six Nations game in jeopardy after red-card ban
Wales are playing Scotland on October 31 but there is doubt over George North following his suspension for last Sunday's Ospreys r…
Online Editors
25 Aug 2020, 6:55
Snyman's serious injury sparks debate about the role of his Munster lineout lifters
RG Snyman landed awkwardly on his left leg after stealing a Leinster lineout last weekend and questions are being asked about the …
Josh Raisey
25 Aug 2020, 5:43
Northampton change entire XV for the visit of Bath, who include long-term absentee Max Clarke
Northampton boosted their Premiership play-off hopes by cutting loose at Leicester but the Wednesday visit of top-four rivals Bath…
Online Editors
25 Aug 2020, 5:17
Nadolo set for debut as Leicester name much-changed team to face London Irish
The 2019/20 Premiership restart hasn't gone well for new Leicester boss Steve Borthwick who has included Nemani Nadolo for a club …
Online Editors
25 Aug 2020, 4:33
Scarlets sign an ex-England U20s colleague of Johnny Williams
Johnny Williams won't be the only ex-England U20s player lining out for PRO14 Scarlets as ex-Bath scrum-half Will Homer has signed…
Online Editors
25 Aug 2020, 3:58
Newcastle welcome back familiar face after club starts 2020/21 Premiership training this week
Tom Penny enjoyed a mid-season switch to Harlequins last winter but he has now linked up again with promoted Newcastle ahead of th…
Online Editors
25 Aug 2020, 3:34
London Irish tackle claim that their Premiership survival should come with asterisk
The poor form of London Irish since the Premiership restart sees them heading to Leicester on Wednesday for an avoid-eleventh-plac…
PA
25 Aug 2020, 3:01
Munster's worst fears confirmed over Snyman; has knock-on effects for the Springboks
As soon as RG Snyman landed awkwardly after an Aviva Stadium lineout there were fears the Munster and Springboks lock had suffered…
Liam Heagney
25 Aug 2020, 2:10
Southern Kings' future in PRO14 in serious doubt following latest development in Port Elizabeth
The 2020/21 Guinness PRO14 has an October start date but developments in Port Elizabeth mean the Southern Kings will not be involv…
Online Editors
25 Aug 2020, 1:37
Young Waratahs star eyes Super Rugby AU finals spot as he goes head-to-head with fellow Wallabies contender
With a new Waratahs contract in his pocket and his name in the Wallabies mix, a spot in the Super Rugby AU finals is next on Tom H…
AAP
24 Aug 2020, 23:39
Revealed: All Blacks set to host 'lightweight' nations in 2021 after being snubbed by tier two minnows
The All Blacks are set to host two nations that haven't travelled to New Zealand in about a decade next July.
Online Editors
24 Aug 2020, 23:23
First major challenge of Premiership restart arrives: will Bristol or Exeter regret their approaches?
New breakdown interpretations, empty stadiums and mid-season squad changes – it’s been a massive adjustment for Gallagher Prem…
Tom Vinicombe
24 Aug 2020, 23:10
Auckland coach warns that time is running out for Julian Savea's Mitre 10 Cup aspirations
Julian Savea has been warned that time is running out if he wants to commit to play for Auckland in this season's Mitre 10 Cup.
Online Editors
24 Aug 2020, 21:06
The 31-year-old Brumbies lock on the cusp of Wallabies selection after inking new contract
Rugby Australia and the Brumbies have locked in a 31-year-old uncapped lock, who was last week named in Dave Rennie's updated play…
AAP
24 Aug 2020, 20:27
'He kept coming for me': All Blacks legend Dan Carter reveals his toughest international opponent
Ex-All Blacks great Dan Carter has named a former Springboks loose forward as the "toughest-minded" player he's ever faced.
AAP
24 Aug 2020, 18:48
'You're the ugliest guy in the world': Dane Coles lifts the lid on skirmishes with Michael Hooper and Kyle Sinckler
A month after being named New Zealand's "biggest grub", All Blacks hooker Dane Coles has opened up about some of the most notable …
Online Editors
24 Aug 2020, 18:33
'That's ideology, not science' - Renowned sports scientist steps in on transwomen in rugby debate
Sports scientist Ross Tucker has waded into the debate over the participation of transwomen in rugby and the safety concerns aroun…
Ian Cameron
24 Aug 2020, 10:48
'The more recognised names are the loudest on the pitch' - Skivington says Saracens still have 'Wolfpack mentality'
The Gloucester head coach has warned his side to prepare for a tough battle when they face Sarries at Allianz Park on Wednesday.
Chris Jones
24 Aug 2020, 9:35
Marlande Yarde reveals death threats made against teammates
Sale Sharks winger Marland Yarde has revealed that some of his teammates received death threats last week following the team’s r…
Josh Raisey
24 Aug 2020, 8:54
'He is an incredible player with ball in hand' - 6'4, 106kg Edinburgh wing is ready for Test rugby
Despite a brace of tries of his own, Edinburgh halfback Nic Groom praised his team-mate Duhan van der Merwe and said he was “goo…
Online Editors
24 Aug 2020, 8:24
'It's a little bit of a trip into the unknown' - Baxter wary ahead of Exeter's first midweek game
The Chiefs meet second-placed Bristol at Ashton Gate holding an eight-point advantage over the Bears.
PA
24 Aug 2020, 7:05
Bath sign England 7s 'emerging talent' Muir
Bath Rugby have confirmed the signing of England Sevens emerging talent Will Muir, the latest club to benefit from the termination…
Online Editors
24 Aug 2020, 6:30
Munster statement: RG Snyman prognosis remains unclear
Snyman only lasted seven minutes on his debut appearance for Munster, injuring his knee as he landed after contesting a Leinster l…
Ciarán Kennedy
24 Aug 2020, 6:26
Leinster provide update on Sexton, Healy and Van der Flier after bruising defeat of Munster
In their first game back following the rugby restart Leo Cullen's Leinster team ran out 27-25 winners against their old rivals.
Ciarán Kennedy
24 Aug 2020, 5:58
Wasps restored to full strength for midweek meeting with Sale
The quick turnaround between games means none of the 15 selected to start were part of the starting team that beat Worcester Warri…
Online Editors
24 Aug 2020, 4:46
Radradra starts again as Bristol Bears make 9 changes for Exeter Chiefs
Semi Radradra will start again in the centre for Bristol Bears as Pat Lam's side take on Exeter Chiefs.
Online Editors
24 Aug 2020, 4:32
Sharks make wholesale changes for mid-week clash with Wasps
Sale take on Wasps at the Ricoh Arena tomorrow evening and Steve Diamond has taken the opportunity to rotate his squad.
Online Editors
24 Aug 2020, 4:16
Exeter Chiefs make 14 changes to starting side for Bristol Bears
Rob Baxter says the challenge of getting his Exeter Chiefs squad primed and ready for midweek fixtures is something that is largel…
Online Editors
24 Aug 2020, 4:11
'Across the board our endeavour and skill has to change' - Diamond concerned by Sale's ill-discipline
Sale were pushing leaders Exeter hard before the lockdown but defeats by Harlequins and the Chiefs have seen Diamond’s men drop …
Chris Jones
24 Aug 2020, 3:39
Proceeding with North v South match would be a big blunder on NZR's behalf
If rugby is a business, then surely the North v South fixture is heading towards being dead on arrival.
Michael Pulman
24 Aug 2020, 1:39
'The focus for us is do-or-die' - Waratahs braced for must-win clash with Rebels
The Waratahs have a final round bye in Super Rugby AU, leaving them just the one match against the Rebels to earn points.
AAP
24 Aug 2020, 1:38
The 'eye-opening' difference between playing 5 and 6 at Test level
Now a seasoned 5.5, England forward Courtney Lawes has revealed one of the 'eye-opening' differences between playing second row an…
Ian Cameron
24 Aug 2020, 1:29
Farrell demands Championship-bound Saracens finish season 'properly'
The England captain made his 200th appearance for Saracens in Saturday's victory over Harlequins having recovered from a minor thi…
PA
24 Aug 2020, 0:54
Argentina star excluded from Pumas training camp after testing positive for COVID-19
A Los Pumas star has been excluded from the national side's Rugby Championship training squad after testing positive for COVID-19.
Online Editors
23 Aug 2020, 22:38
Fresh doubts over North vs South match as New Zealand Government announce lockdown extension
Wellington and Dunedin have become possible host cities for the North vs South match as an extension on Auckland's lockdown has ca…
Online Editors
23 Aug 2020, 21:53
'I'm just going to keep doing it': Dane Coles responds to player poll that saw him voted the 'biggest grub' in New Zealand
All Blacks and Hurricanes hooker Dane Coles isn't planning on changing the way he plays rugby despite being voted the "biggest gru…
Online Editors
23 Aug 2020, 21:03
Aotearoa Rugby Pod | Finding a seat on the All Blacks bus
This week on the Aotearoa Rugby Pod, Blues hooker James Parsons and Highlanders first-five Josh Ioane join Ross Karl to discuss th…
RugbyPass
23 Aug 2020, 21:00
Five of the best: top performers in round eight of Super Rugby AU
The match pitted the then two worst defensive sides against each other, but it was the Force’s defensive woes which continued. T…
Finn Morton
23 Aug 2020, 16:32
Scott Robertson's only point left to prove is NZR got it wrong
He can’t sit and wait for Foster to fail with the All Blacks or wish a similar fate upon international coaches elsewhere. He nee…
Hamish Bidwell
23 Aug 2020, 16:15
Former All Blacks captain Kieran Read returns to Mitre 10 Cup for 2020
Former All Blacks captain Kieran Read has confirmed he will return to the Mitre 10 Cup this year, and could take to the field with…
Online Editors
23 Aug 2020, 14:51
Rebuilding Dan Leavy
The Leinster back row is a princely asset to Ireland and his return is timely
LONG READ
Gavin Cummiskey
23 Aug 2020, 13:33
Bundee Aki hits beast mode on 100th cap as Connacht prove too strong for Ulster
Aki marked his 100th Connacht appearance with a try in their impressive 26-20 bonus point victory over Guinness Pro14 semi-finalis…
PA
23 Aug 2020, 11:17
'He did ride him pretty hard... he doesn't really get on me like that' - Lawes admits teammate got the 'brunt' of England boss
Courtney Lawes has conceded that former Northampton Saints teammate Dylan Hartley had a very different relationship with England h…
Ian Cameron
23 Aug 2020, 10:29
Five PRO14 stars who did their international ambitions no harm on rugby's return
Waiting for rugby to restart in the Pro14 must have, at times, felt like being the Shawshank Redemption’s Andy Dufresne, chippin…
Owain Jones
23 Aug 2020, 10:02
Clermont become latest French club to confirm positive COVID test just two weeks out from Top 14 return
The club stated that while the individual in question had not been present on the training ground, he had attended a meeting with …
Online Editors
23 Aug 2020, 9:36
Lawes: 'There are certain subjects that people now can't talk about and can't express their opinion on'
Courtney Lawes says he believes those in the 'middle' need to find their voice in order to combat the increasingly divisive agenda…
Ian Cameron
23 Aug 2020, 9:10
Mixed fortunes for George North as Ashton Hewitt rescues late draw for Dragons at Ospreys
George North scored the opening try of the Ospreys’ first game in 184 days, but seven minutes later saw red in the 20-20 draw wi…
PA
23 Aug 2020, 8:55
The Top 14's radically different approach to social distancing
Images shared on social media from a pre-season friendly between La Rochelle and Toulouse show supporters sitting in groups along …
Online Editors
23 Aug 2020, 7:16
George North red carded just 6 minutes after scoring impressive opening try for Ospreys
Ospreys wing George North took just seven minutes to barge is way over for his side's opening try in their PRO14 derby clash with …
Ian Cameron
23 Aug 2020, 6:58
Cockerill could field a very different team against Glasgow next weekend
Edinburgh head coach Richard Cockerill has the luxury of “managing his squad” for Friday’s Guinness PRO14 clash with Glasgow…
PA
23 Aug 2020, 3:03
Who were the England 'winners' on Eddie Jones' watchlist this weekend?
With the remaining Six Nations fixtures looming for England, not to mention the autumn’s ‘Eight Nations’ tournament, Eddie J…
Alex Shaw
23 Aug 2020, 2:32
'We picked the side as a coaching group together, and we were in agreement'
Leicester Tigers Director of Rugby Geordan Murphy has defended the selection of an experienced side that was thumped at home by Ba…
PA
23 Aug 2020, 1:51
The All Blacks stars that are still without Super Rugby contracts for next season
While New Zealand Rugby have been hard at work re-contracting players for the coming seasons, there are still a number of All Blac…
Online Editors
22 Aug 2020, 22:03
Brumbies have all but locked in a Super Rugby AU home final while the Rebels and Waratahs will duke it out for the final knockout spot
While the Brumbies have all but locked in a home Super Rugby AU final, the NSW Waratahs' season is now on the line in a must-win m…
AAP
22 Aug 2020, 20:30
Julian Savea has eyes firmly set on midfield role in the Mitre 10 Cup
Julian Savea returned to NZ earlier this year following a two-season stint in France and was promptly drafted into the Hurricanes …
Online Editors
22 Aug 2020, 20:15
Barrett-less Blues must avoid going backwards in 2021
2020 was a great year for the Blues, particularly during Super Rugby Aotearoa, but great years have come and gone for the team and…
Tom Vinicombe
22 Aug 2020, 16:45
Leinster hang on to edge thrilling victory over Munster
Almost six months on from their last game due to the suspension of the 2019/20 season, Leinster made it 20 games unbeaten with a w…
PA
22 Aug 2020, 16:02
RG Snyman's debut for Munster lasted just seven minutes in Dublin
Lock RG Snyman, who arrived in Ireland after spending the early part of 2020 in Japan, had been chosen for his first appearance wi…
Liam Heagney
22 Aug 2020, 13:00
Edinburgh beat Glasgow by double scores to secure semi-final qualification
The Edinburgh victory at Murrayfield over Glasgow strengthened their position at the top of PRO14 Conference B and sealed qualific…
PA
22 Aug 2020, 11:51
Bath make Leicester pay heavy price for fielding one of their youngest ever XVs
Bath showed no mercy, posting a record Premiership win at Leicester at the start of a hectic period where all clubs play three gam…
PA
22 Aug 2020, 11:11
Video: Bath replacement Matavesi catches out Leicester with outrageous try-creating dummy
With the score 31-6 in favour of Bath, Josh Matavesi caught the ball in his own half from a Harry Potter clearance and then embark…
Liam Heagney
22 Aug 2020, 10:47
Scarlets thump Cardiff as rugby returns to Wales after 169-day break
it was business as usual for the Scarlets as they completed a Guinness PRO14 double over Cardiff Blues at Parc y Scarlets, winning…
PA
22 Aug 2020, 9:52
Video - Northampton winger Tuala skins London Irish cover for last-gasp bonus-point try
Less than 20 seconds remained when the ball emerged from the back of a Northampton scrum with much work left to do when the ball r…
Online Editors
22 Aug 2020, 9:30
Northampton pack dominate Irish after forgettable first-half at The Stoop
It was 3-3 at the interval but the Northampton forwards dominated proceedings thereafter to pick up a deserved victory over London…
PA
22 Aug 2020, 8:49
Owen Farrell's display in his 200th Saracens appearance had his coach in raptures
Owen Farrell marked his 200th appearance for Saracens by making his comeback from a tight quad that forced him to miss the restart…
PA
22 Aug 2020, 8:16
Saracens secure London bragging rights after withstanding late Harlequins fightback
Saracens will play in the Championship in the 2020/21 season but they signed off from their Premiership rivalry with Harlequins wi…
PA
22 Aug 2020, 7:43
Ex-Australia international Matt Giteau's posts tongue-in-cheek quip after local Canberra comeback
It was 2006 when Australia great Matt Giteau last played in a local first-grade Canberra event but the soon-to-be 38-year-old made…
Online Editors
22 Aug 2020, 7:07
Bristol tweet containing 'disturbing' Radradra video goes viral
Bristol have celebrated how box-office centre Semi Radradra scored a try and made two others during a first-half onslaught at Glou…
Liam Heagney
22 Aug 2020, 5:54
Brumbies regain AU top spot with statement win over Waratahs
The Reds surged ahead on the table with their big win over Western Force but it was short-lived as the Brumbies were too good for …
AAP
22 Aug 2020, 5:10
After excessive penalty counts in NZ and England, Nigel Owens sizes up refereeing the PRO14 restart
Rugby in New Zealand and England had excessive breakdown penalties in its restart games and Nigel Owens is asking for patience wit…
Online Editors
22 Aug 2020, 4:37
The endless Zoom calls that one Wales player doesn't ever want to repeat
Lockdown was no fun for Josh Turnbull, a Wales players association representative who was involved in seemingly endless Zoom salar…
Online Editors
22 Aug 2020, 3:17
'Six months ago we would have lost in similar circumstances'
Wasps are on a Gallagher Premiership roll under new boss Lee Blackett, Friday night's win over Worcester their fifth successive bo…
PA
22 Aug 2020, 3:03
There are reservations about some Cockerill methods, but this is Edinburgh's chance to turn PRO14 promise into substance
Richard Cockerill inherited a disparate and unreliable squad with little discernible culture but winning PRO14 derbies will see Ed…
Jamie Lyall
22 Aug 2020, 2:22
'He's pretty special, isn't he? There were two or three showings of what he's made of'
Semi Radradra ran the show on Friday, the box-office Fijian centre scoring a try and making two others as Bristol beat Gloucester …
PA
22 Aug 2020, 1:46
Rugby Wrap Up | Episode 16 | Is the end of the World Sevens Series upon us?
Is the end of the HSBC Sevens World Series upon us? All-time World Rugby Sevens try leader Dan Norton of England and Seattle S…
Rugby Wrap Up
21 Aug 2020, 23:09
Ian Foster reveals the game the All Blacks wanted to play instead of the North v South match
Head coach Ian Foster has revealed multiple teams turned down invitations to take on the All Blacks.
Online Editors
21 Aug 2020, 21:52
After an understated display in his Bristol debut last weekend, Semi Radradra has reminded the world what he's capable of
While Semi Radradra had few opportunities to shine in his Gallagher Premiership debut last weekend, the flying Fijian has reaffirm…
Online Editors
21 Aug 2020, 20:23
Waratahs expecting no surprises from Brumbies - mauls are incoming
The NSW Waratahs are expecting the same old game plan from the new-look Brumbies in their Super Rugby AU crunch match in Canberra …
AAP
21 Aug 2020, 19:10
Jack Goodhue parts ways with hallowed hairdo
In a Super Rugby season where the Blues made pink hair and frosted tips cool again, nothing quite came close to stealing the spotl…
Online Editors
21 Aug 2020, 17:37
James O'Connor's red hot performance the springboard to a Wallaby legacy
Queensland Reds coach Brad Thorn hopes flyhalf James O'Connor will be remembered as a great Wallaby by the time his playing career…
AAP
21 Aug 2020, 16:48
Crowdless Eden Park could cede North v South match to Wellington
Wellington is in the box seat to host the North versus South match after the Government denied exemptions for Auckland-based playe…
Online Editors
21 Aug 2020, 16:36
Rampaging Semi Radradra announces himself to the Premiership as Bristol punish Gloucester
Bristol boss Pat Lam is ready for “a huge challenge” when his Gallagher Premiership title hopefuls tackle league leaders Exete…
PA
21 Aug 2020, 16:31
Wasps come from behind to inflict an eighth successive loss on Worcester
Worcester crumbled to an eighth consecutive defeat as Wasps overcame an 11-point deficit to win the Gallagher Premiership contest …
PA
21 Aug 2020, 16:26
'Sale helped us in a scary way because they brought the best out of us'
Exeter trailed Sale 17-10 early in the second half but they turned the game on its head with three tries in a devastating 13 minut…
PA
21 Aug 2020, 13:21
Sale's Manu Tuilagi has changed tack, taking a knee a week after he remained standing at Harlequins
Manu Tuilagi last week joined Sale's 8-strong South African contingent in not taking a knee prior to a Premiership match but he ha…
Online Editors
21 Aug 2020, 10:54
Haskell distances himself from Billy Vunipola's views on religion
Billy Vunipola was a guest on a podcast co-hosted by James Haskell who has taken to Twitter to issue a disclaimer regarding some r…
Josh Raisey
21 Aug 2020, 10:09
Murrayfield has stolen a march on the Premiership and will allow some fans attend PRO14 next weekend
No fans will be at Murrayfield for this weekend's PRO14 restart but the green light has been given for some fans to attend next we…
Online Editors
21 Aug 2020, 9:43
1 Premiership player self-isolating after testing positive for coronavirus
With the 2019/20 Gallagher Premiership back up and running since last weekend, the latest round of results for coronavirus testing…
Online Editors
21 Aug 2020, 8:49
Cash-strapped RFU have done the unthinkable, refusing to cut expenses budget of 55-member council
The cash-strapped RFU have recently made severe cuts, but its council have failed to take one for the team by not agreeing to cut …
Josh Raisey
21 Aug 2020, 8:21
Saracens' Owen Farrell poised to make milestone appearance versus a nearly unchanged Harlequins
Owen Farrell made his Saracens debut at the age of 17 in 2008 and he will reach a club milestone when he appears against Harlequin…
Online Editors
21 Aug 2020, 5:58
All 12 team line-ups for this weekend's Guinness PRO14 restart fixtures
Matches haven't been played in the Guinness PRO14 since March 1 but it roars back into action with six games this weekend... here …
Online Editors
21 Aug 2020, 5:31
8-try Reds romp to record win over Western Force
Brad Thorn's Reds took a rampant step towards winning the Super Rugby AU title with a record win over outclassed Western Force.
AAP
21 Aug 2020, 5:03
Munster give debuts to their two South African World Cup winners, Conan fit for Leinster
The Guinness PRO14 returns with a bang this weekend in Dublin as unbeaten Leinster host Munster and their World Cup-winning signin…
Online Editors
21 Aug 2020, 4:40
Leicester make 13 changes as they prepare to host Bath on Saturday
Beaten by Exeter last weekend in his first Premiership game, new Leicester boss Steve Borthwick has massively shaken up selection …
Online Editors
21 Aug 2020, 4:17
Online campaign ignites to get redundant RFU referee Doyle into the Guinness PRO14
Long-serving referee JP Doyle has been made redundant by the RFU, leading to calls for the Guinness PRO14 to snap up the Irish off…
Josh Raisey
21 Aug 2020, 3:17
The mystery of Borthwick's Leicester: 'We don't want to have to tell you how we are going to play'
Leicester are one game into the Borthwick era but rather than tell people what playing style they want, Geordan Murphy wants trait…
Liam Heagney
21 Aug 2020, 2:57
PRO14 issues statement outlining how it will handle its rugby against racism message in this weekend's restart
PRO14 rugby returns this weekend and organisers have issued a statement amid the fallout from the Premiership's Rugby Against Raci…
Online Editors
21 Aug 2020, 2:27
22 tries in 4 straight bonus-point wins... but rookie Wasps boss Blackett isn't milking the credit
Wasps looked destined for Premiership mediocrity when Dai Young left in February but Lee Blackett has transformed them despite his…
Liam Heagney
21 Aug 2020, 1:41
Report: Australian billionaire behind proposal for a sixth New Zealand Super Rugby franchise
While all the talk has focussed on a Pacific Island team based in New Zealand joining Super Rugby's replacement next year, it appe…
Online Editors
20 Aug 2020, 22:52
North v South match postponed, New Zealand Rugby confirm
The Steinlager North v South match is to be postponed for a week, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has announced.
Online Editors
20 Aug 2020, 20:00
Dave Rennie rewards Waratahs' sudden rise in form in latest national 'squad'
Dave Rennie's latest national watchlist includes a slew of new Waratahs players, reflecting the New South Wales team's rapid rise …
Online Editors
20 Aug 2020, 16:56
All Blacks flanker Dillon Hunt named captain of North Harbour squad powered by 12 Super Rugby players
The North Harbour Mitre 10 Cup side is bucking the trend once again by selecting a squad with home-grown roots and plenty of histo…
Online Editors
20 Aug 2020, 16:00
'I was living out of my mate's garage': Dan Carter's All Blacks revelation
Dan Carter has revealed that he was living in his friends' garage when he got his first call-up for the All Blacks.
Online Editors
20 Aug 2020, 15:10
Scott Robertson wants in on Warren Gatland's British and Irish Lions tour
Scott Robertson has revealed that he approached Warren Gatland about joining him on the British and Irish Lions tour of South Afri…
Online Editors
20 Aug 2020, 14:37
The Sale 'no knee' discussion has taken another fresh twist in South Africa
The sight of most Sale players not taking a knee before the start of last weekend's Premiership match has stoked heated debate in …
Josh Raisey
20 Aug 2020, 11:51
Green light for the PRO14 return in Ireland following latest round of virus testing
Wit the PRO14 set to return in Ireland this weekend, the IRFU have issued the results from its latest round of coronavirus testing…
Online Editors
20 Aug 2020, 10:56
'I was going from 3 Tramadol pills a day to 9 a day, within a week'
Having grown up seeing his father battle heroin addiction, Grayson Hart is now in the painkilling CBD business which is popular wi…
Jamie Lyall
20 Aug 2020, 10:21
Joe Cokanasiga nearing Bath return after 11-month injury lay-off
Bath winger Joe Cokanasiga has not played since scoring two tries in England's World Cup pool match against the USA in September 2…
PA
20 Aug 2020, 9:18
Marler and Robshaw lead the tributes to the retiring Jack Clifford
There was genuine sadness among the rugby circle in England in midweek when Harlequins flanker Jack Clifford revealed his retireme…
Josh Raisey
20 Aug 2020, 9:00
All the new signings as the Irish provinces prepare for Guinness PRO14 return
Ahead of the weekend's restart derbies in the Guinness PRO14, we run through the new arrivals and the departures at each Irish pro…
Ciarán Kennedy
20 Aug 2020, 8:50
Top 14 2020/21 club-by-club season preview: Castres Olympique
Castres Olympique threw out the old after a forgettable coronavirus-curtailed season and head into the 2020/21 campaign with a new…
James Harrington
20 Aug 2020, 7:58
Mentality monster
Maligned for a perceived lack of flair, Dan Biggar is proud to be dependable
LONG READ
Owain Jones
20 Aug 2020, 7:52
James Roberts provides update on his health as Welsh derbies to proceed as planned
New Dragons signing Jamie Roberts was ruled out of involvement in this weekend's PRO14 restart when he tested positive for coronav…
Josh Raisey
20 Aug 2020, 7:25
Worcester change entire XV for Wasps, handing 3 youngsters their Premiership debuts
Beaten comprehensively by Gloucester when the Premiership restarted last weekend, Worcester have altered their entire XV for Frida…
Online Editors
20 Aug 2020, 5:36
Sale and Exeter name teams for top-table clash featuring first start for Cuthbert since November
Ex-Wales winger Alex Cuthbert is set to make a first Exeter start since November against a Sale matchday squad showing just one ch…
Online Editors
20 Aug 2020, 5:06
Jonny May will start for Gloucester six days after his failed HIA at Worcester
Jonny May lasted just 18 minutes of his second Gloucester debut before getting mowed down in a red-carded collision that resulted …
Online Editors
20 Aug 2020, 4:32
Sale the latest Premiership club to consider fly-on-the-wall documentary series
A four-minute trailer has already been produced to illustrate the Sale story, with Steve Diamond featuring prominently in the Prem…
Jack Zorab
20 Aug 2020, 4:02
Referee JP Doyle reportedly made redundant by cost-cutting RFU
JP Doyle has been a full-time employee at the RFU since 2010 but the high profile Premiership referee has reportedly been made red…
Online Editors
20 Aug 2020, 3:16
Bristol name team for Gloucester, hand starts to trio of new arrivals
Fresh from their restart win over champions Saracens, Bristol have named their team for Friday night's Premiership trip to derby r…
Online Editors
20 Aug 2020, 1:25
Revealed: The contingency plans for New Zealand's North v South showcase
A change of date rather than a change of venue is now the more likely fate of the proposed North Island versus South Island match.
Online Editors
20 Aug 2020, 0:55
Don't mess with the Samo - The Aussie Rugby Show - Episode 14
This week Sean Maloney tells what it’s like to play against a rampaging Radike Samo at club level. It doesn’t end well...
RugbyPass
19 Aug 2020, 22:00
Hurricanes lock in Jackson Garden-Bachop
The Hurricanes and New Zealand Rugby can confirm the re-signing of Jackson Garden-Bachop until the end of 2021.
Online Editors
19 Aug 2020, 21:11
24-year-old Jacobson set for sixth season with Waikato following Japanese stint
Waikato Mooloo Mitch Jacobson bleeds red, yellow and red blood and has been a part of their Mitre 10 Cup squad since 2015.
Online Editors
19 Aug 2020, 20:11
130 kilogram prop extends stay with Melbourne Rebels
Rampaging Melbourne prop Pone Fa'amausili has signed a new deal that will see him remain a Rebel for the next two years.
AAP
19 Aug 2020, 19:51
Rob Penney swaps impacts subs for starters as Waratahs chase rare Brumbies win
The NSW Waratahs are on the road again in Round 8 of Super Rugby AU, as they travel to the nation's capital to take on the Brumbie…
Online Editors
19 Aug 2020, 19:04
Western Force stay consistent for showdown with Reds
Head Coach Tim Sampson has made two changes to the starting line-up as the Western Force prepare to take on the Queensland Reds at…
Online Editors
19 Aug 2020, 17:33
Brad Thorn hands starting debut to 19-year-old Australian schoolboys captain
The Reds have made one change to their starting XV for tomorrow’s Vodafone Super Rugby AU clash against the Force on the Gold Co…
Online Editors
19 Aug 2020, 17:29
Nic White returns as Brumbies ring changes for Waratahs following consecutive lackluster performances
Brumbies coach Dan McKellar has made nine changes to the starting XV for Saturday night's round eight Super Rugby AU blockbuster a…
Online Editors
19 Aug 2020, 17:17
The key recruitments that could help the Chiefs bounce back from their horror season
Despite a promising start, 2020 was a dud year for the Chiefs and new coach Warren Gatland. The team still has a great backbone fr…
Tom Vinicombe
19 Aug 2020, 16:46
Chiefs bid sayonara to two Hawke's Bay talents
The Chiefs will bid farewell to the 2.00m tall lock Michael Allardice and utility back Tiaan Falcon as they head offshore to Japan…
Online Editors
19 Aug 2020, 14:48
'Lung lesions' the latest issue as Stade Francais players struggle to shake off coronavirus
It was August 6 when it first emerged that Stade Francais had a coronavirus issue with their squad and the Top 14 club is still st…
Online Editors
19 Aug 2020, 10:58
Ex-Lions prop fears union going down the league route to solve scrummaging 'mess'
Former Lions prop Dai Young, who earned international Test caps at both union and league, fears for the set-piece in the 15-a-side…
Chris Jones
19 Aug 2020, 10:19
'I don't see him being overly dirty, he just got that one slightly wrong'
Wasps midfielder Malakai Fekitoa attended a virtual disciplinary hearing on Tuesday after a third foul play yellow card of the 201…
Liam Heagney
19 Aug 2020, 9:39
Red-carded Nanai suspended until September for tackle that concussed Jonny May
Melani Nanai got it all wrong in the tackle last Saturday at Sixways, the Worcester full-back getting red-carded and leaving Jonny…
Online Editors
19 Aug 2020, 9:04
Malakai Fekitoa has received a ban after his third yellow card of 2019/20 Premiership season
Malachi Fekitoa was called to a disciplinary hearing after his third foul play yellow card of the 2019/20 Premiership season for W…
Online Editors
19 Aug 2020, 8:32
'If Cockers signs, that will be the longest a coach has been at Edinburgh for a long time'
Ex-Leicester boss Richard Cockerill has called the shots at improving Edinburgh since 2017 and Hamish Watson wants that to continu…
PA
19 Aug 2020, 7:55
'That movement [BLM] wasn't aligned with what I believe in. They were burning churches and Bibles. I can't support that'
One of the numerous players who didn't take the knee during last weekend's Premiership restart, Billy Vunipola has explained his B…
PA
19 Aug 2020, 6:01
Ex-Harlequins forward scolds South African minister over Sale 'no knee' criticism
Amid the no knee fallout Sale boss Steve Diamond dismissed as a “storm in a teacup”, Renaldo Bothma has posted a response to S…
Josh Raisey
19 Aug 2020, 5:21
Top 14 2020/21 club-by-club season preview: Lyon
Some of the new recruits at Lyon this season may be a little long in the tooth but make no mistake, the club is building for the l…
James Harrington
19 Aug 2020, 4:15
'I've had two players come to me in the last two days saying they want to play every game'
Player welfare guidelines for the rest of the 2019/20 Premiership have been published but a request to Exeter boss Rob Baxter illu…
PA
19 Aug 2020, 3:45
Harlequins' Jack Clifford forced to retire with immediate effect
Jack Clifford burst on the Test scene with England in the early part of the Eddie Jones era but the Harlequins flanker has retired…
Online Editors
19 Aug 2020, 3:22
Cancellation fears growing about the Lions' tour to South Africa
Ticket details for the 2021 Lions tour were confirmed this week by South Africa, but fears are growing that the trip might not yet…
PA
19 Aug 2020, 2:25
The 132kg scrummaging beast who has Brad Thorn drooling
Back in the Super Rugby AU title race following last weekend's riposte, Reds boss Brad Thorn has outlined what can get them over t…
AAP
19 Aug 2020, 1:43
The Breakdown | Episode 30 | All Blacks coach Ian Foster, North Island captain Patrick Tuipulotu and more
With Covid-19 throwing another curve ball to the New Zealand rugby season, The Breakdown continues via zoom this week with all the…
RugbyPass
19 Aug 2020, 0:05
The Best of the Best: The RugbyPass Super Rugby Aotearoa 2020 Awards
Who was Super Rugby Aotearoa's MVP? What about rookie, coach, try and match of the year? And who are our experts backing to win ne…
Online Editors
18 Aug 2020, 23:39
Blue-less: What the North Island team could look like if the Blues can't leave Auckland
As anticipation heightens for next week's North vs South clash, the prospect of Blues players taking part in the match remains unc…
Alex McLeod
18 Aug 2020, 22:13
New Zealand locks in new date for provincial competition following lockdown delay
The 2020 Farah Palmer Cup (FPC) has been rescheduled to kick off on Saturday, 5 September, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) confirmed today…
Online Editors
18 Aug 2020, 20:47
Covid headaches: New Zealand Rugby reveals ambitious plans for All Blacks tests in 2020
New Zealand Rugby is confident of securing All Blacks tests this year despite the re-emergence of Covid-19 in the country.
Online Editors
18 Aug 2020, 19:44
No exemptions given for Auckland players to travel to Wellington for North vs South match
Players based in Auckland might not be able to take part in the North vs South clash as they haven't yet been given exemption to l…
Online Editors
18 Aug 2020, 16:18
Inter-island match shows New Zealand's lock stocks are being seriously tested by injury
Coaches often talk about depth charts. In an ideal world the All Blacks like to have four, sometimes five, players in each positio…
Online Editors
18 Aug 2020, 15:32
'How do you not pick Aaron Smith?!' - Official Super Rugby team of the season blasted by fans for leaving out two of the best players
The official team had no place for current All Black halfback Aaron Smith, who is widely regarded as being in the form of his life…
Online Editors
18 Aug 2020, 15:21
Brumbies aim to extinguish light of reinvigorated Waratahs
The Brumbies say the NSW Waratahs are the "shining light" of Super Rugby AU that they are aiming to extinguish in their Saturday n…
AAP
18 Aug 2020, 15:12
Rugby Australia confirm 'Super Saturday' to sign off regular season of Super Rugby AU
The final round of Super Rugby AU has been dubbed "Super Saturday" with back-to-back matches now set to decide which teams will ad…
AAP
18 Aug 2020, 14:54
Waratahs lock dismisses call for rival team to be booted out of Super Rugby
Waratahs lock Tom Staniforth says he can't imagine Super Rugby without the Brumbies, dismissing a call for them to be one of two A…
AAP
18 Aug 2020, 14:48
Jamie Roberts has reportedly tested positive for coronavirus days before PRO14 season restart
The Guinness PRO14 is ready to resume this weekend but Wales veteran Jamie Roberts reportedly won't be making his Dragons debut.
Online Editors
18 Aug 2020, 14:41
'What King Herod was to babysitting, scrums are to entertainment in rugby - it's absolutely boring!'
With fans wanting high-tempo action now the Gallagher Premiership is back, Sale boss Steve Diamond has delivered a colourful verdi…
PA
18 Aug 2020, 14:01
Lions tour match tickets going on sale for as little as £4 in South Africa
SA Rugby have unveiled ticket prices for next year's Lions tour with the emphasis very much on value for money to tempt South Afri…
Online Editors
18 Aug 2020, 13:17
'Am I concerned that Danny knows my pack inside out? No, not really'
Richard Cockerill brushed off fears that Glasgow coach Danny Wilson holds all his pack secrets – insisting there are no mysterie…
PA
18 Aug 2020, 11:37
Why the North is tipped by fans to win the all-New Zealand bragging rights
The die has been cast ahead of the novel inter-island derby at the end of August in New Zealand with fans tipping the North after …
Josh Raisey
18 Aug 2020, 9:05
Jonny May still in the Gloucester selection mix for Friday despite last's Saturday's failed HIA
His return to the Gloucester colours lasted 18 or so minutes last weekend but a failed HIA has yet to rule Jonny May out of their …
PA
18 Aug 2020, 8:26
Pat Lam's clearly a Cipriani fan judging by what he has said ahead of Bristol's trip to Gloucester
Having defeated 2019 champions Saracens in their Premiership restart match, Danny Cipriani and Gloucester is the next hurdle facin…
PA
18 Aug 2020, 8:05
Gallagher Premiership welfare initiatives agreed; includes no player starting three games in a week
The advent of midweek fixtures to finish the 2019/20 Gallagher Premiership season had caused player welfare concerns throughout th…
Online Editors
18 Aug 2020, 7:44
No Regrets
Mike Brown isn't everyone’s cup of tea, but the long-serving fullback makes no apologies
LONG READ
Owain Jones
18 Aug 2020, 5:39
Top 14 club-by-club 2020/21 season preview: La Rochelle
La Rochelle were fifth when the 2019/20 Top 14 season was called off early, so why are we wondering about what might have been for…
James Harrington
18 Aug 2020, 5:05
Latest Munster injury update confirms luckless Joe Carbery won't make return anytime soon
Joey Carbery hasn't played a match for Munster since January 3 and the latest update on his injured ankle will see him spend even …
Online Editors
18 Aug 2020, 4:20
Diamond dismisses Sale race row over South African players not taking the knee
Sale boss Steve Diamond has responded after the pre-match stance of his South African players prior to last Friday's Premiership m…
Chris Jones
18 Aug 2020, 3:53
European regulation change will see players like Radradra line out with new clubs in 2019/20 finale
There were concerns the extended 2019/20 European rugby season could see teams unable to field new signings but quarter-final regu…
Online Editors
18 Aug 2020, 3:29
Leone Nakarawa still in Fiji as PRO14 restarts but Glasgow insist it isn't the Racing situation repeated
.Leone Nakarawa was sacked last December by Racing after his late return from the World Cup, but Glasgow say his latest unavailabi…
PA
18 Aug 2020, 1:59
Row brewing over Sale's South Africans not taking the knee
The Premiership restarted last Friday with South Africans at Sale opting not to take the knee, a decision that has been queried ba…
Chris Jones
18 Aug 2020, 1:48
How one of the chief architects of SANZAAR is now trying to revolutionise modern rugby and return it to its roots
With rugby as a sport becoming more "complicated" and "boring" as the years have passed, an ambitious former administrator has his…
Tom Vinicombe
17 Aug 2020, 22:41
The missing stars: The players who won't line up for North-South match
While Ian Foster is hopeful All Blacks captain Sam Cane isn't far from an injury return, there isn't such good news for some of hi…
Online Editors
17 Aug 2020, 22:14
'What a pickle': All Blacks duo weigh in on Beauden Barrett vs Richie Mo'unga debate
As fans across New Zealand argue about who should line up at first-five for the All Blacks out of Richie Mo'unga and Beauden Barre…
Alex McLeod
17 Aug 2020, 21:45
'There's a couple areas to his game that the others don't offer' - The bull case for Lachlan Boshier to get an All Black call up
Boshier ended Super Rugby Aotearoa with the third most total turnovers and third most at the breakdown, behind Highlanders duo Dil…
Online Editors
17 Aug 2020, 20:40
Former NRL, SANZAAR and Wales boss launches his vision for a radical new version of rugby
Former rugby administrator David Moffett and ex-Wallabies and Argentina international Enrique Rodriguez have today launched a new …
Online Editors
17 Aug 2020, 19:09
Super Rugby Aotearoa team grades: Crusaders are still the benchmark
Whether you call it a fourth Super Rugby title in a row - or just a maiden Aotearoa one - there’s no doubting that the Crusaders…
Hamish Bidwell
17 Aug 2020, 18:30
Mix of international experience and uncapped talent included as North vs South squads named
A raft of seasoned All Blacks will join forces with promising uncapped youngsters to do battle in next week's North vs South clash…
Online Editors
17 Aug 2020, 17:14
'Complete and utter bulls***' - Liam Williams blasts report claiming he could be set to leave Scarlets
Wales star Liam Williams has blasted a report claiming he could be set leave Welsh PRO14 region, the Scarlets, over an impending r…
Online Editors
17 Aug 2020, 12:34
'They make you feel like you're part of something, but at the end of the day, it's just a business'
Playing for Glasgow Warriors meant more to Rory Hughes than a job – it was about representing the city of his birth.
Gavin Harper
17 Aug 2020, 11:30
London Irish sign Sevens superstar Dan Norton
Norton has scored over 350 times whilst wearing the England 7s jersey, firmly placing his name in the history books of the 7s game…
Online Editors
17 Aug 2020, 10:21
Wasps lock Flament to exit club, opening Ricoh door for hulking Montpellier foward
Wasps have lost the services of highly-rated lock Thibaud Flament, who will join Stade Toulousain at the end of October on a three…
Ian Cameron
17 Aug 2020, 10:15
ProD2 side Colomiers draft former All Black Elliott
Colomiers have secured the services of 34-year-old former All Blacks hooker Hika Elliott, who has been drafted as a medical joker.
Online Editors
17 Aug 2020, 9:40
Munster issue promising update after player tested positive for Covid-19
Munster are due to resume their suspended Pro14 campaign this Saturday when they play Leinster at the Aviva Stadium.
Online Editors
17 Aug 2020, 9:37
Wasps fail in 'best efforts to keep' Flament as highly-rated lock agrees to join Toulouse
The highly-rated lock played 16 times for Wasps having joined the senior academy for the 2019/20 season from Loughborough Students…
Online Editors
17 Aug 2020, 9:21
Fresh injury setback could signal end of McFadden's Leinster career
A squad update issued by Leinster today announced that McFadden will be unavailable for up to six weeks after suffering a calf in…
Ciarán Kennedy
17 Aug 2020, 7:38
Virtual disciplinary panel will decide Nanai's fate after red card tackle on May
Nanai was dismissed by referee Christophe Ridley for a dangerous tackle on Jonny May during Worcester's 44-15 defeat to Gloucester…
Online Editors
17 Aug 2020, 6:55
World Cup winner backs Willis to force change in Eddie Jones' back row thinking
Head coach Jones has tinkered with his back row combinations and at last year’s World Cup opted to play with two recognised open…
Chris Jones
17 Aug 2020, 6:49
Glasgow coach Wilson announces new co-captain arrangement
Wilson, 31, made his Glasgow debut against Leinster in 2010 and has gone on to make 168 appearances for the club to date.
Online Editors
17 Aug 2020, 5:35
The freakish stats of NZ prodigy dubbed All Blacks 15 elect
It is only a matter of time before Crusaders’ young star Will Jordan puts on an All Black jersey. The 22-year-old outside back h…
Online Editors
17 Aug 2020, 5:21
Picking an England form XV as the Gallagher Premiership returns
The Gallagher Premiership made its long-awaited return on Friday night, as Harlequins hosted Sale Sharks at the Stoop and upset th…
Alex Shaw
17 Aug 2020, 4:46
First silverware of the English domestic season to be decided next month
Premiership Rugby have confirmed that the 2019-20 Premiership Rugby Cup Final between Sale Sharks and Harlequins will take place o…
Online Editors
17 Aug 2020, 4:16
Bristol hit back after introducing 'system players'
Bench players have undergone some interesting name changes in recent years, most famously when given the title ‘finishers’ by …
Josh Raisey
17 Aug 2020, 2:24
Top 14 2020/21 club-by-club season preview: Bordeaux
Expect Bordeaux to take the frustration of last season out on their opponents this time around, but how well will they handle the …
James Harrington
17 Aug 2020, 0:47
How the Waratahs plan on taking down the 'benchmark of Australian rugby'
The NSW Waratahs will be aiming to inflict some long-overdue revenge on the Brumbies when they lock horns in Saturday night's Supe…
AAP
17 Aug 2020, 0:43
New Zealand Rugby issue update on North vs South match amid COVID-19 concerns
New Zealand Rugby has announced it is working on contingency plans for next week's highly-anticipated North vs South clash.
Online Editors
16 Aug 2020, 22:20
'It's a no-brainer': Former Wallaby hits out at Michael Hooper's captaincy critics
An ex-Wallaby has fired back at critics of Michael Hooper's captaincy credentials, labelling the veteran flanker as “probably th…
Online Editors
16 Aug 2020, 21:53
Aotearoa Rugby Pod | Who makes the Super Rugby Aotearoa form All Blacks XV?
This week on the Aotearoa Rugby Pod, Blues hooker James Parsons and Chiefs halfback Bryn Hall join Ross Karl to discuss who makes…
RugbyPass
16 Aug 2020, 21:26
Six of the toughest selection headaches that could define the North vs South clash
As New Zealand Rugby continues its pursuit to stage the North vs South match in spite of a COVID-19 resurgence, there are some sel…
Online Editors
16 Aug 2020, 20:08
The potentially match-winning kick that Australia's returning flyhalf would love to forget
Western Force flyhalf Jono Lance says he's still annoyed at himself for the penalty miss that cost his side victory against the Me…
AAP
16 Aug 2020, 19:54
Bay of Plenty Steamers sign Blues first five
Whanau has played a major part in Otere Black signing with the Bay Steamers for this year’s Mitre 10 Cup.
Online Editors
16 Aug 2020, 16:35
Five of the best: the top performers of round seven of Super Rugby AU
With Super Rugby AU nearing its business end, all teams came into round seven with plenty to play for against confident opposition…
Finn Morton
16 Aug 2020, 14:52
The simple name check that gave Ian Madigan a 'serious' boost
Ulster Rugby's new flyhalf signing Ian Madigan says he was boosted by a recent name check by Ireland head coach Andy Farrell, desp…
Ian Cameron
16 Aug 2020, 12:05
'It's Eddie's decision' - Wasps coach Blackett backs England bolter to break into backrow
Wasps head coach Lee Blackett expects Jack Willis to play a role in England’s autumn campaign after watching him star in a resou…
PA
16 Aug 2020, 10:28
Jack Willis impresses in front of Eddie Jones as Wasps edge Northampton
Jack Willis shone in front of England boss Eddie Jones as the Gallagher Premiership restart finally burst into life when Wasps ove…
PA
16 Aug 2020, 9:46
'He doesn't appear bothered' - Wardrobe malfunction sees giant prop flaunt pink underwear
Rebels prop Cabous Eloff might well be a case in point. The 125kg, 6'4 forward had his shorts brutally ripped from his body.
Online Editors
16 Aug 2020, 7:51
Every country in the world where you can be paid to play rugby
There are plenty of countries where the game is growing, with professional competitions in all four corners of the world.
Josh Raisey
16 Aug 2020, 6:06
REPORT: South Africa shelve World Cup 2027 and 2031 bids
The Rainbow Nation of South Africa will not be witnessing a World Cup on home soil in the near future. The South African Rugby Uni…
Online Editors
16 Aug 2020, 4:21
Rennie's Wallabies swoop for scrum guru Du Plessis
Departing Glasgow Warriors coach Petrus du Plessis capture by Dave Rennie's Wallabies is all but a done deal it appears, with the …
Ian Cameron
16 Aug 2020, 3:59
Top 14 club-by-club 2020/21 season preview: Stade Francais
A new coach and some restrained, highly targeted, work in the transfer market could work wonders for Stade Francais in the Top 14
James Harrington
16 Aug 2020, 3:03
Scrumhalf's messages to frustrated fans: 'It's hard to sit here and promise you stuff'
Tate McDermott knows they must frustrate their fans but hopes the Queensland Reds' latest effort resonates as they shoot back into…
AAP
16 Aug 2020, 2:37
Melani Nanai apologises to Jonny May on Twitter
Worcester Warriors Melani Nanai has apologised to Gloucester winger Jonny May on Twitter for the red card tackle that saw the Engl…
Online Editors
16 Aug 2020, 1:50
'I am a bit worried, to be fair...There just aren't the numbers now in terms of boys actually playing'
Eight months ago, Darcy Graham ripped Glasgow apart, his searing double at Murrayfield ensuring Edinburgh seized an 1872 Cup victo…
Jamie Lyall
16 Aug 2020, 1:27
'There is a sub-section of fan sites and people who have never played who revel in calling people s***'
Despite lockdown putting his MMA on ice, James Haskell tells RugbyPass he has crammed so much into life in the 15 months since ret…
Liam Heagney
16 Aug 2020, 1:18
Leicester fans give their verdict on new head coach Steve Borthwick after first game
The club has been on a downward spiral in recent years running through coaches Aaron Mauger, Matt O'Connor and Geordan Murphy over…
Online Editors
16 Aug 2020, 1:00
The five best performers from the final round of Super Rugby Aotearoa
Super Rugby Aotearoa came to a close on Saturday when the Highlanders and Hurricanes played out an entertaining clash in Dunedin. …
Alex McLeod
15 Aug 2020, 23:31
Highlanders co-captain Ash Dixon reveals 'bizarre' experience of playing milestone match in front of no fans
Highlanders co-captain Ash Dixon admits it was a weird feeling playing his 100th Super Rugby game in front of an empty Forsyth Bar…
Alex McLeod
15 Aug 2020, 21:10
Bristol's defending delights Pat Lam in battling win over Saracens
Late penalty try edges Bristol to victory at Ashton Gate.
PA
15 Aug 2020, 19:09
'Proved a lot of people wrong': How Aaron Mauger and the Highlanders silenced their doubters
Few people expected the Highlanders to enjoy much success in Super Rugby Aotearoa, but a post-lockdown resurgence saw Aaron Mauger…
Alex McLeod
15 Aug 2020, 18:41
Melbourne Rebels star Matt Toomua cleared of potentially serious neck injury
Scans have cleared Melbourne Rebels playmaker Matt Toomua of a neck injury after his side's costly 19-3 loss to Queensland Reds.
AAP
15 Aug 2020, 17:40
Frustration over Radradra and Tuilagi being starved of the ball for their new clubs
Both Tuilagi and Radradra were limited in their involvement with the ball, with fans frustrated at the lack of impetus to use two …
Online Editors
15 Aug 2020, 15:31

Whether you’re a fan of the All Blacks, a follower of the women’s game or someone who watches every phase of play in the Premiership, our rugby features and news pieces will provide you with all of the information and stats that you need to know.

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