Debuts from heaven and hell: All the newcomers to Test rugby in 2025
Rugby World Cup 2027 qualified teams handed debuts to well over 200 players this year, with varying degrees of success.
Jon Newcombe
24 Dec 2025, 4:30
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Giant 148kg Bath rookie among 36-man Italy Quilter Nations Series squad
Italy head coach Gonzalo Quesada has named a 36-man squad for the upcoming Quilter Nations Series, with three potential debutants …
Ian Cameron
26 Oct 2025, 10:00
Leinster young guns bag heavy but messy win over Zebre
Josh Kenny and Alex Soroka scored first-half doubles as Leinster notched their second United Rugby Championship win of the season …
PA
25 Oct 2025, 13:43
Opinion
URC season preview: How will the Scottish and Italian sides fare?
Will Edinburgh hit their top-four target? Can Glasgow regain their title? Will Benetton fulfil their promise and can Zebre escape …
Bryn Palmer
25 Sep 2025, 9:35
Italy captain Giacomo Nicotera ruled out of second Springboks Test
Italy hooker Giacomo Nicotera has been ruled out of their Test with South Africa on Saturday in Gqeberha with a rib injury.
Josh Raisey
07 Jul 2025, 6:07
Zebre Parma sign Italy qualified fly-half Martin Roger Farias
Zebre Parma have confirmed the signing of Martin Roger Farias on a one-year deal ahead of the 2025/26 United Rugby Championship se…
Ian Cameron
04 Jul 2025, 5:19
Paolo Odogwu set for Italy return against Namibia with three debutants
Paolo Odogwu is set to make his first appearance for Italy since the 2023 World Cup on Friday when Gonzalo Quesada's side take on …
Josh Raisey
26 Jun 2025, 9:30
Paolo Odogwu earns long-awaited Italy recall for Springbok series
Paolo Odogwu has earned his first call-up to the Italy squad under head coach Gonzalo Quesada ahead of their series with the world…
Josh Raisey
21 May 2025, 9:00
Italy dealt double injury blow but receive ban boost
Italy will be without winger Monty Ioane and lock Dino Lamb for their camp ahead of their Guinness Six Nations round three fixture…
Josh Raisey
13 Feb 2025, 10:30
Analysis
World Rugby U20 Championship match day four semi-final guide
It's semi-finals Sunday at the World Rugby U20 Championship and following last Tuesday’s weather-affected schedule, the hope wil…
Liam Heagney
13 Jul 2024, 22:52
Analysis
World Rugby U20 Championship match day three game-by-game guide
Three matches are scheduled for Athlone: Ireland-Australia (2pm local time), France-Wales (4:30pm) and South Africa-England (7pm).…
Liam Heagney
08 Jul 2024, 7:35
Analysis
World Rugby U20 Championship match day two game by game guide
Three matches are scheduled for Stellenbosch: Ireland vs Georgia (kick-off 2pm local), France vs New Zealand (4:30pm) and South Af…
Liam Heagney
03 Jul 2024, 2:03
Analysis
World Rugby U20 Championship: Pool B team by team guide
Australia felt hard done by in their round two loss to Ireland in Paarl because in the aftermath of their 10-30 defeat, Irish back…
Liam Heagney
28 Jun 2024, 1:24
Analysis
Munster prospects aim to drive Ireland U20s to world glory
Back-rower Brian Gleeson and captain Evan O’Connell are among those aiming to go one better than last year in South Africa.
Pat McCarry
27 Jun 2024, 1:44
