The Rugby Thread

‘One of the great voices of the game’: rugby league commentator David Morrow dies aged 71

Respected rugby league caller and member of the NRL hall of fame, David Morrow, has died from brain cancer at the age of 71.

Morrow was the sound of ABC coverage of rugby league for more than three decades, and was the voice of Saturday football on television until 1996. He joined radio station 2GB in 2015.

Australia Rugby League Commission chair Peter V’landys said Morrow “has been one of the great voices of the game” and was recognised “for his wit, his insight and his knowledge”.

Vale David Morrow.

A meeting of the hall of fame committee agreed to induct the man known as “Thirsty” only last week. His accelerated elevation was due to his health, and was advocated by V’landys.

“I had the pleasure of knowing David throughout my career in sport and he was a champion in every sense of the word,” V’landys said. “I have been honoured and privileged to know him as a friend.

“In his final days, David knew how cherished he was in the rugby league community, having been informed of his induction into the hall of fame. While it is terrible that we have lost David, it is comforting to know that he and his family were aware what the game felt about his achievements.”

The rugby league community expressed their sadness on social media.

Channel Nine’s lead caller Matthew Thompson posted on X: “The world has lost a loving, caring, loyal and brilliant man. An irreplaceable hole. A man close to my heart. I’m glad he’s not suffering anymore. You’ll never be forgotten mate. Heaven has just welcomed one heck of a broadcaster.”

ABC broadcaster Quentin Hull said: “Doesn’t seem real that you are no longer with us. We’ve lost a brilliant human.”

Wide World of Sports commentator Mark Levy called Morrow “a mate, a mentor, a super bloke”.

“I am absolutely devastated to lose someone who has become like a father figure to me,” Levy posted on X. “Davey, thank you for everything you’ve taught me and thank you for the excitement you’ve given listeners over the last five decades.”

Top of Form

The Raiders would like to pass on their condolences to the family and friends of legendary Rugby League commentator David Morrow.

2GB co-host Ray Hadley informed Morrow – who also commentated eight Olympic and six Commonwealth Games – of his place in the hall of fame last week while he was in hospital.

“There’s no more versatile sports commentator than David Morrow,” Hadley said. “He will be sadly missed by everyone.”

Morrow was awarded an OAM for services to sport, sports broadcasting and the community in 2005.

His life will be celebrated at the NRL hall of fame dinner on 21 August. Eleven male players, six female player, two coaches, two referees and three other members of the rugby league community are expected to be inducted alongside a 14th Immortal, the first to be recognised with the sport’s highest honour since 2018.

THE GUARDIAN
 
Saracens sign Doncaster forward Wilson

Saracens have signed forward Harry Wilson from Championship side Doncaster Knights.

The 27-year-old, who can play at lock or across the back row, was an ever-present for Doncaster and scored four tries as they finished sixth in the Championship last season.

He has previously played for Hartpury, London Scottish and Ampthill in the second tier and is a former England Under-18 player.

“Harry is a player in his prime who we believe can have a strong impact at our club," Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall told the club website.

"We are impressed by his desire to learn and improve, and he has all of the attributes to be a success at Saracens.”


BBC
 

First starts for trio as Scotland change 10 for Chile​


Props Will Hurd and Nathan McBeth, and lock Ewan Johnson, will make their first Scotland starts against Chile on Saturday.

Gregor Townsend has made 10 changes to his starting line-up after last weekend's 42-7 victory over USA, which followed a 73-12 thrashing of Canada.

Edinburgh fly-half Ben Healy makes his first outing of the four-Test tour, while scrum-half Jamie Dobie is again deployed on the wing.

Sale Sharks pair Gus Warr and Arron Reed impressed on debut in Ottawa and return to the backline, joining Glasgow Warriors skipper Kyle Steyn, full-back Kyle Rowe and co-captain Sione Tuipulotu.

Fellow co-skipper Jamie Ritchie retains his place after earning his 50th cap in Washington DC. Bath's Josh Bayliss and Warrior Gregor Brown complete the back-row.

South Africa-born Dylan Richardson starred against the Canadians, carrying for more than 150m, and wears the number two jersey.

Patrick Harrison, 22, will deputise for Richardson from the bench and is set to win his first cap.

Hurd, McBeth and Johnson all made debuts in the tour curtain-raiser.

Leicester tight-head Hurd, 25, was selected for the wider Six Nations squad earlier this year before a foot injury curtailed his involvement.

Loose-head McBeth, 26, who represented South Africa Under-20s, recently helped Glasgow claim the URC title against the Bulls in the land of his birth.

Johnson, a 6ft 8in second row, was raised in France, where he has played all of his club rugby for Racing 92, Vannes and Oyonnax.

Chile participated at their first Rugby World Cup last year and began their July programme with home victories over Hong Kong China and Belgium.

Los Condores hosted Scotland A in a friendly match two years ago, with the visitors prevailing 45-5.

Scotland complete their Americas tour against Uruguay on Saturday, 27 July.

Scotland: Rowe; Dobie, Steyn, Tuipulotu (cc), Reed, Healy, Warr; McBeth, Richardson, Hurd, Craig, Johnson, Brown, Ritchie (cc), Bayliss.

Replacements: Harrison, Schoeman, Sebastian, Williamson, Darge, Hastings, McDowall, Currie.

Source: BBC
 
All Blacks maintain winning run with victory over Fiji

New Zealand 47 (26)

Tries:
Clarke, Ratima, Proctor, Savea, Reece, De Groot, Bell; Cons: McKenzie 6

Fiji 5 (5)

Try:
Botitu

New Zealand ran in seven tries to ease past Fiji 47-5 in their one-off Test in San Diego.

The All Blacks, who sealed a hard-fought 2-0 series win against England last week on home soil, included six debutants.

Centre Billy Proctor started in California while scrum-half Noah Hotham and forwards Wallace Sititi, Sam Darry, Pasilio Tosi and George Bell all made their debuts off the bench.

The All Blacks led 26-5 at half-time but Fiji still managed to restrict their opponents to the lowest score of their eight Test encounters.

"Fiji certainly showed up tonight in the physical areas," said winning skipper Scott Barrett. "It wasn't fully polished, we have pretty high standards in this team.

"They were able to get their hands on the ball to turn it over at times but we created enough opportunities to turn into points."

Winger Caleb Clarke and scrum-half Cortez Ratima, on his first Test start, scored converted tries inside the opening 15 minutes before Fiji struck back through Vilimoni Botitu.

Proctor scored following a half-break from McKenzie before Ardie Savea grabbed a try from a New Zealand quick tap just ahead of the interval.

New Zealand's Fiji-born winger Sevu Reece opened the second-half scoring before front-rowers Ethan de Groot and Bell went over for the last two tries, with fly-half Damian McKenzie landing six of his seven conversion attempts.

Both teams lost their scrum-halves to injury in the first half - Fiji's Frank Lomani to an apparent shoulder blow, and Ratima to a head knock.

It could add to a mounting scrum-half injury problem for the All Blacks, with leading candidate Cam Roigard out for the season and veteran TJ Perenara sidelined by a knee knock sustained against England.

Their next Test is against Argentina in Wellington on 10 August in the opening round of the Rugby Championship.

New Zealand: B. Barrett, Reece, Proctor, Liernert-Brown, Clarke, McKenzie, Ratima, Williams, Aumua, Newell, S. Barrett, Vaa'i, Jacobson, Blackadder, Savea.

Replacements: Bell, de Groot, Tosi, Darry, Sititi, Hotham, J. Barrett, Narawa.

Fiji: Botitu, Wainiqolo, Nayacalevu Vuidravuwalu, Tabuavou, Radradra, Armstrong-Ravula, Lomani, Mawi, Ikanivere, Doge, Nasilasila, Mayanavanua, L. Tagitagivalu, L. Tagitagivalu, Salawa, Mata.

Replacements: Togiatama, Hetet, Tawake, Tuisue, Canakaivata, Kuruvoli, Muntz, Maqala.

Referee: Matthew Carley (RFU)

BBC
 
Finally a win for Wales to end another turbulent year

Yes, it came in an uncapped match against a second-string Queensland Reds side by just one point and needed a final-minute try from Kieran Hardy.

Post-match celebrations between Wales head coach Warren Gatland and Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) chief executive Abi Tierney demonstrated what the win meant to the squad after eight months without victory.

In that moment you sensed how long Wales have gone without any form of success.

The Suncorp Stadium win will not mask a desperate year which has seen Wales slip to an all-time low of 11th in the world rankings, finish bottom of the Six Nations for the first time in 21 years and lose the Test series 2-0 in Australia.

Gatland's side have lost nine internationals in a row and will be hoping to avoid a record-equalling 10th loss when they are next in action against Fiji in Cardiff in November.

So regardless of what happened on an exciting final night of the season in Brisbane, Welsh rugby remains in a mess on and off the field.

Source: BBC
 
Youngs had heart surgery after collapsing

Former England scrum-half Ben Youngs says he had heart surgery this year after collapsing during an open training session with Leicester Tigers.

The 34-year-old, who is England's most-capped men's player, has been diagnosed with an irregular, external and abnormally fast, external heartbeat.

Youngs had surgery after the incident at Welford Road but says he expects to be fully fit for the start of the new Premiership season in September.

Speaking on his For The Love Of Rugby podcast, which he co-hosts with Tigers team-mate Dan Cole, Youngs said: "You know when we joked around on the pod quite a while back, and we had this open training session at Leicester, and I said I was doing fitness, and basically I collapsed.

"Well, not collapsed, but I had to stop and lay down as my heart was pounding away, and the rain was hitting me in the face, and I sort of rolled my head to the side and looked at all these admiring fans - 30 of them - that were all packed out in the main stand at Leicester.

"And I thought: 'This is it, this is how I'm gonna go'.

"I've basically had a few of these episodes and I've had it my whole life. It can just kind of spontaneously happen at any stage of your life or career. And so I have had it my whole life, unknown to me."

Youngs amassed 127 caps before retiring from international duty after the 2023 World Cup.

He added: "The club have been amazing, as they so often are with anything like this. I got checked the first time it happened, [then] a second time it happened again.

"I am on the mend, I am recovering. I'll be fine for the start of the season.

"There is a 90% success rate, so I should not suffer now. My ticker should be all good and it won't suddenly kick in and go mental."


BBC
 
Comedian Adam Hills will become the president of the Rugby Football League in 2025

The 54-year-old will succeed Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the speaker of the House of Commons, and is the first Australian to hold the honorary position.

Hills will formally be elected during the December meeting of the Rugby League Council, whose members were told of the proposal during Wednesday's annual general meeting.

“I am delighted that Adam Hills MBE has accepted our invitation to succeed Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP," RFL chief executive Tony Sutton said.

“There has been no more enthusiastic or eloquent advocate for rugby league in the media than Adam in recent years, whether as host of Channel 4’s Super League coverage, or welcoming our England Wheelchair World Cup winners as guests on The Last Leg."

Hoyle was appointed RFL president in 2022 and took over from sports broadcaster Claire Balding, who herself took over from former England football captain Tony Adams.

RFL makes smaller loss for 2023

Meanwhile, the Rugby League Council also approved the election of Julia Newton as non-executive director of the RFL's independent board.

Newton, who also holds roles with GB Taekwondo and Women in Sport, joins Sandy Lindsay MBE, Dr Cherrie Daley and Simon Johnson on the RFL’s independent board, alongside Sutton - with former Leeds Rhinos, England and Great Britain forward Jamie Jones-Buchanan acting as an observer.

The council also approved the RFL's consolidated accounts for 2023, which showed a loss before tax of £53,000, down from £946,000 in 2022.

"A small profit had been budgeted (£32,000) – the accounts explain that the shortfall 'predominantly relates to write-offs and unplanned costs of wrapping up of the Rugby League World Cup 2021 which was held in Autumn 2022'," the RFL said.

The council was also informed of the impact the proposed sale of Bradford Bulls' Odsal home could have on the league's 2024 cashflow and accounts, with a final decision from the RFL Board expected to be made "in the coming days".

 
Australia to host 2026 World Cup

Australia will host the rearranged World Cup in 2026.

France was due to stage the tournament in 2025, but it withdrew last year after failing to get guaranteed backing from national and local government.

Australia will host the men's, women's and wheelchair World Cups in October and November 2026, with games also in Papua New Guinea.

Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) chairman Peter V'landys said it will be the most "culturally diverse World Cup ever staged" and will help "cement rugby league as the number one sport in the Pacific".

Last summer New Zealand said it would host the tournament in 2025, but governing body the International Rugby League (IRL) said it wanted to wait until 2026 to ensure it has the best chance of success.

IRL chairman Troy Grant said: "Rugby league has never been stronger in Australia and the Pacific, with sold-out stadiums, record television ratings and much excitement about Pacific expansion.

"The condensed format will mean every single match is competitive, while the possibility of some games being played as double- or triple-headers represents great value for fans wanting to see the best rugby league talent on the planet."

England hosted the most recent World Cup in 2022 after a 12-month postponement because of Covid-19.

The 2025 men's tournament was set to feature 16 teams, but it has been cut to 10 for 2026.

There will be eight teams in each of the women's and wheelchair tournaments.

Australia have won the men's tournament a record 12 times, including the past three editions.


BBC
 
France suspend Jaminet for 34 weeks over racist video

France full-back Melvyn Jaminet has been suspended for 34 weeks and fined 30,000 euros (£25,335) by the French Rugby Federation (FFR) after he posted a racist video on social media.

During France's summer tour of Argentina earlier this month, the 25-year-old posted the video, which included a racist comment aimed at the Arab community.

In a statement, the FFR said Jaminet had "harmed the best interests of rugby".

The Toulouse full-back can reduce his ban by eight weeks by taking part in anti-discrimination activities to "promote the values of sport".

Completion of those activities would free Jaminet to be available for selection before the start of the 2025 Six Nations.

Jaminet, who was sent home from the tour, has said he is "deeply sorry and ashamed of my comments".

In a post on Instagram, he added: "Racism, in all its forms, is unacceptable and goes against everything I believe in.

"I understand the FFR's punishment and remain at their disposition to be able to shine a light on this incident."

Jaminet's France team-mates Hugo Auradou, 20, and Oscar Jegou, 21, were also charged with the aggravated rape of a 39-year-old woman during the same tour.


BBC
 
Wilson-Hardy investigated for alleged racist message

The British Olympic Association says it is investigating an alleged racist message sent by Team GB rugby sevens player Amy Wilson-Hardy.

A screengrab of what appeared to be a WhatsApp message from the 32-year-old appeared on Instagram, with the person posting it alleging racism.

Wilson-Hardy played for Team GB in their 17-7 quarter-final defeat by the United States on Monday.

She has played 15-a-side rugby for England and played for Bristol Bears, Wasps and Ealing Trailfinders in Premiership Women's Rugby.

A BOA spokesperson said: "The British Olympic Association has been made aware of an image published on a social media platform and is investigating the matter."

Wilson-Hardy also played for Team GB at Rio 2016.


BBC
 
New Zealand retain Olympic women's rugby sevens title

New Zealand retained their women's rugby sevens Olympic crown with a 19-12 win against Canada.

Canada led 12-7 at half-time but the reigning champions fought back with tries from Michaela Blyde and Stacey Waaka.

It is the Black Ferns' third rugby sevens Olympic medal after also securing silver at Rio 2016.

The USA took bronze - their first Olympic rugby sevens medal - by beating Australia 14-12.

With Australia closing in on victory, the USA's Alex Sedrick broke away from the defence to level the scores with a try before clinching the game with a conversion.

Great Britain, who were eliminated by the USA in Monday’s quarter-finals, finished seventh after beating eighth-placed Ireland 28-12.


BBC
 
St Helens captain Lomax given three-game ban

St Helens captain Jonny Lomax has been banned for three matches and fined £750 for a high tackle in Friday's Super League game against Leigh Leopards.

Lomax had been referred to an operational rules tribunal by the Rugby Football League's match review panel following his yellow card for a tackle on Gareth O'Brien in Saints' 46-4 defeat.

The tribunal adjudged the panel's designation of a Grade E head contact charge to be correct, however his three-game penalty could have stretched to as high as six games under the grade's tariff recommendations.

As a result, Lomax will miss out-of-form Saints' next three Super League fixtures, at Hull FC on Saturday, the visit of Salford on 8 August, and the Magic Weekend match at Elland Road against Wigan Warriors on 17 August.

The 33-year-old's suspension means an already depleted Saints will head into a crucial stage of the season without the half-back.

Mark Percival also received a one-game ban following the defeat by Leigh, while Jake Wingfield, Alex Walmsley, Morgan Knowles, Joe Batchelor, Konrad Hurrell and Sione Mata'utia are all injured.

BBC
 
Hull KR stun Warrington to go top of Super League

Betfred Super League

Warrington (0) 4

Try:
Ashton

Hull KR (10) 22

Tries:
Sue, May, Lewis, Hiku Goals: Lewis, Litten 2

Hull KR produced an outstanding display to leapfrog Warrington Wolves and go top of the Super League.

They were faster out of the blocks and then showed dogged defence to inflict a first defeat in six games on the Wolves.

The result took them top on points difference ahead of champions Wigan Warriors, who have a game in hand to play against Leigh Leopards on Tuesday (20:00 BST).

Samoa pair Sauaso Sue and Tyrone May scored tries in the first half, with Mikey Lewis and Peta Hiku crossing in the second to confirm the two points for the Robins.

Warrington, for whom Matty Ashton got their only try, slipped to third with this result, having started the week in top spot.

Super League's coming forces

Heading into this match, Warrington had won five in a row, as well as having the league's best attack and most miserly defence - the perfect combination.

The feeling that something is building at the Halliwell Jones Stadium is tangible and even more so with the news that head coach Sam Burgess has extended his contract until 2026.

But the same could be said of Hull KR, who were beaten in last year's Challenge Cup final and look well placed to better their fourth-placed finish and record their best-ever Super League campaign.

Since their cup semi-final defeat in May, Willie Peters' team have won eight out of nine matches, with the only loss being in a golden-point game to Catalan Dragons.

The Robins did not seem intimidated by Warrington's big wins over St Helens and Wigan in the previous two games and they took the game to their hosts from the off.

Prop Sue drove between two defenders to crash over from a few yards out before his international team-mate May added a second score as Lewis floated up a teasing kick for his half-back partner to out-jump Wolves full-back Matt Dufty to touch down.

It could have been more as two tries were ruled out by the video referee Liam Moore.

Warrington then thought they had found a way back into the game when Josh Thewlis raced clear to score, but after a lengthy delay it was ruled that prop Luke Yates had knocked on in completing a tackle on Lewis, who had lost control of the ball.

There was further frustration after Josh Drinkwater looked to have gone over but excellent Hull KR defence stopped him from grounding the ball.

The visitors continued to repel Warrington attacks after the break, with Lewis making a try-saving tackle on centre Rodrick Tai.

But the pressure told when Ashton went over in the corner to get his team on the scoreboard after a good miss-pass from Dufty.

Yet the away side extended their lead when Lewis' kick was knocked down by Ryan Hall and the fly-half reacted fastest to the loose ball and dived over the line.

That score knocked the stuffing out of Warrington and it was left to Hiku to add late gloss to the scoreline with a classic centre’s try.

It is the first time this season that Hull KR have been top of the table, but with seven games to go, they showed that they should be considered genuine contenders for both the League Leaders’ Shield and a place in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 12 October.

Hull KR assistant coach Danny Ward told BBC Radio Humberside:

“It was an outstanding performance - really, really pleasing. Hopefully it was a good game to watch, because it was pretty nervy up here at times.

“Warrington had their say and they are a fantastic team and you have to enjoy nights like these. Seeing the Rovers fans going mental behind the sticks really is a sight.

“It was a pleasing win, we really had to dig in. They had a lot of pressure on our line, certainly in the first half, so massive rap to the boys today, they’ve been fantastic.”

Warrington Wolves head coach Sam Burgess:

“I thought Hull KR were brilliant. They controlled us everywhere, ran harder than us and tackled harder than us.

“We got away from our structure, trying to chase it a bit. That’s because of the pressure they put on us.

“Sometimes you have to give credit to the other team, but we looked a bit tired and they made us pay.

“There are loads of lessons to learn and we know our performance was nowhere near good enough for where we want to go.

“The competition is totally on. They showed us that and we have got a bit of work to do.”

Warrington: Dufty; Thewlis, Tai, Lindop, Ashton; Williams, Drinkwater; Yates, Powell, Vaughan, Nicholson, Holroyd, Currie.

Interchanges: Musgrove, Crowther, Walker, Bateman.

Hull KR: Evalds; Burgess, Hiku, Gildart, Hall; May, Lewis; Sue, Parcell, Whitbread, Hadley, Batchelor, Minchella.

Interchanges: Litten, Luckley, Tanginoa, Brown.

Referee: Jack Smith

BBC
 
Former Wales flanker Carter dies aged 59

Former Wales flanker Alun Carter has died at the age of 59.

In a playing career that took in spells at Pontypool and Newport, Carter made his Wales debut against England in 1991 and won the second of his two caps against Scotland that year.

Carter became a distinguished sport analyst and spent 12 years as part of the Welsh management, including the 1999 home World Cup and the 2005 Grand Slam success.

He worked under national coaches Kevin Bowring, Graham Henry, Steve Hansen, Mike Ruddock, Scott Johnson and Gareth Jenkins.

Carter was later reunited with Ruddock at Worcester, where he was to spend five years as team manager, also working with Richard Hill.

He also had 18 months back at his beloved Pontypool as a consultant and director of rugby until 2015.



BBC
 
New Leicester Tigers head coach Michael Cheika wants to build on the club's reputation ahead of his first season in the English Premiership

The Australian, who led Irish side Leinster to their 2009 European Champions Cup victory against the Tigers, was appointed head coach in June.

Leicester have won 11 Premiership titles - the most recent in 2022 - and two European Champions Cups during their history.

"That interests me a lot, that's one of the reasons why I'm here," Cheika told BBC Radio Leicestershire.

"What I want the lads to do is not to leave it up to the reputation of the team but to take it and make it better.

"I think that's what all the past players of the club would love to see and definitely all the fans."

It has been a whirlwind six weeks for 57-year-old Cheika who was living in Paris, where he was based as head coach of Argentina, before coming to the East Midlands.

The former Wallabies player and coach replaced fellow Australian Dan McKellar at Welford Road, who guided Leicester to eighth last season in the league.

Cheika said he had been planning to move back to Australia with his family but the Tigers job was too much to turn down.

"With coaching, it's very three dimensional. You've got to be the right person, for the right team at the right time," said Cheika.

"Even though it was a quick decision that had to be made, it was one I wanted to make because at different times throughout my history, I've had some contact with Leicester.

"The timing's never worked out but this time the timing's worked out nicely. I saw a really good opportunity and jumped on it," he added.

Cheika's first match in charge will be next month away to Exeter Chiefs on the Gallagher Premiership's opening weekend.

"From a personal point of view, I'm still settling in," Cheika said.

"I'm trying to come to terms with a new environment. I haven't lived in the UK before. I'm immensely looking forward to it."

Source: BBC
 

Walters leaves England to take up Ireland role​


Aled Walters has left his role as England's head of strength and conditioning to take up a position as head of athletic performance with Ireland.

Walters joined England from Leicester Tigers before the Rugby World Cup in 2023, having worked in rugby for 18 years including roles with Munster and South Africa.

The highly-rated Welshman, who was head of athletic performance for the 2019 Springboks' Rugby World Cup-winning squad, replaces Jason Cowman in the role.

Walters began his association with Irish rugby when he was Munster's head of athletic performance for almost six seasons and was Leicester's head of physical performance between 2020 and 2023.

He has also held senior performance roles with the Brumbies and Taranaki Rugby Football Union.

 
South Africa crush Australia in Championship opener

2024 Rugby Championship

Australia (0) 7

Try:
Paisami Con: Lynagh

South Africa (21) 33

Tries:
Kolisi, du Toit, Arendse (2), Smith Cons: Mngomezulu (4)

World champions South Africa scored five tries as they dismantled hosts Australia 33-7 in the opening game of this year's Rugby Championship.

Kurt-Lee Arendse scored two tries in Brisbane as South Africa equalled their biggest win against the Wallabies on Australian soil - a 38-12 victory in the same city in 2013.

Tries from Siya Kolisi, Thomas du Toit and Arendse gave South Africa a 21-0 lead at half-time, with the hosts reduced to 14 men for 10 minutes during the first period when Andrew Kellaway was yellow carded for a dangerous tackle.

The Springboks extended their lead in the second half when winger Arendse grabbed his second try while Kwagga Smith added South Africa's fifth two minutes later.

The Wallabies improved after the break but their attack made too many errors and that relieved any pressure they managed to exert on the visitors.

Centre Hunter Paisami crossed for the hosts three minutes from the end after South Africa were reduced to 13 men because of yellow cards for hooker Malcolm Marx and flanker Marco van Staden.

"We said as a group this is a big game for us to win, I am proud of the boys," said Springboks captain Kolisi.

"When you are on top you have to make sure you take your opportunities and we lost a few line-outs in key areas. That is an area we need to improve."

Captain Allan Alaalatoa said the defeat was a sobering one for Australia, who host the British and Irish Lions next summer.

"You have to credit South Africa, they showed up and put us under pressure. We did not have the ball for most of the first half," Alaalatoa said.

"It is a tough learning for our group but we have to regather and go again in Perth next week."

The teams meet again in Perth on 17 August.

BBC
 
Four-try Argentina stun New Zealand in Wellington

2024 Rugby Championship

New Zealand (20) 30

Tries
: Darry, Lienert-Brown, Telea Cons: McKenzie (3) Pens: McKenzie (3)

Argentina (15) 38

Tries:
Cinti, Carreras, Molina, Creevy Cons: Carreras (3) Pens: Carreras (4)

Veteran hooker Agustin Creevy scored the decisive try as Argentina stunned New Zealand in Wellington as the All Blacks began their Rugby Championship title defence with a shock defeat.

It is the South Americans' third win against New Zealand - following victories in Sydney in 2020 and Christchurch in 2022 - and their 38-point tally is the most the All Blacks have conceded at home.

Former Sale forward Creevy, 39, crossed the line 10 minutes from time to give the visitors a five-point lead and Santiago Carreras made sure of a famous victory with a late penalty.

New Zealand started brightly and Damian McKenzie kicked the first of his 15 points with an early penalty before setting up lock Sam Darry to score on his Test debut with a superb chip-and-chase.

The Pumas responded with a try through centre Lucio Cinti before McKenzie restored the advantage for new coach Scott Robertson's side by setting up centre Anton Lienert-Brown to score.

Winger Mateo Carreras brought Felipe Contepomi's Argentina to within five points at half-time when he pounced on a defensive error to touch down.

The Pumas moved into the lead for the first time two minutes into the second half when lock Franco Molina scored his first Test try by powering over following a line-out.

Wing Mark Telea restored the All Blacks' five-point lead but fly-half Carreras' penalty moved the Pumas to within two points.

Iconic forward Creevy, capped 109 times by his country, then burrowed over and Carreras converted to put the visitors five points ahead.

The three-time world champions scrambled for a response but they made too many errors and Carreras' late penalty put Argentina out of sight.

The teams meet again in Auckland on 17 August.

BBC
 
Exeter's Jenkins to miss Premiership start after surgery

Wales lock Dafydd Jenkins will miss the start of the 2024-25 Premiership season for Exeter Chiefs after having surgery on his knee and shoulder.

The 21-year-old Exeter captain picked up the knee injury while on international duty with Wales this summer in Australia and has been suffering from a sore shoulder rotator cuff injury.

Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter said the timescale for his skipper's return is "a little bit fluid".

"We’ve got to see in the early initial period of his rehab where he’ll get to," Baxter said.

"Both the club and Wales feel now is the right time to have them both addressed."

Jenkins played 20 games for Exeter last season as well as seven appearances for Wales this year.

"He’s a young man who has played a lot of rugby for both Chiefs and Wales, so it’s important that he gets them sorted properly now so that he has that extended period of rehab to get himself back fit and ready for what everyone knows is going to be a very good career," Baxter said., external

Jenkins joins England centre Henry Slade on the unavailable list for Exeter when the new season begins, after he also underwent shoulder surgery.

The Chiefs start their Premiership campaign at home to Leicester Tigers on Saturday, 21 September.


BBC
 
All Blacks thrash Argentina to avenge first-Test loss

2024 Rugby Championship

New Zealand (35) 42

Tries:
McKenzie, Savea, Clarke, Jordan 2, B Barrett Cons: McKenzie 6

Argentina (3) 10

Try:
Mallia Con: Albornoz Pen: Carreras

New Zealand thrashed Argentina 42-10 to avenge the defeat by the Pumas in their opening match of the 2024 Rugby Championship.

The All Blacks, beaten 38-30 by Argentina a week earlier, scored five first-half tries to take a 35-3 lead in Auckland.

Damian McKenzie ran on to a Jordie Barrett chip to touch down before further tries from All Blacks captain Ardie Savea, Caleb Clarke, Will Jordan and Beauden Barrett before the break.

New Zealand quickly stretched their advantage early in the second half when Jordan added his second try for his 33rd in 33 internationals, while McKenzie converted each of his side's tries.

"Very happy to get the win and respond the way we did," said Savea.

"We're the All Blacks, we've got to bring that every week and not rely on a loss to get that response from us."

Argentina scored a late consolation try through Juan Cruz Mallia but the All Blacks extended their 30-year unbeaten run at Eden Park to 50 Tests.

"We weren't good enough this week, we need to be more consistent, week in, week out," said Argentina captain Julian Montoya.

"I'm proud of team that we went to look for the game until the last minute. But against this team, you can't give them one half."

BBC
 
Hull KR go top after thrashing Dragons

Betfred Super League

Catalans Dragons (4) 4

Tries: Sironen

Hull KR (12) 36

Tries: Minchella 2, Hiku, Hall 2, Tanginoa 2, Evalds Goals: Lewis 2


Hull KR climbed to the top of the Super League with a comfortable victory over Catalans Dragons on day two of the Magic Weekend at Elland Road.

The Robins, who confirmed a play-off spot, scored at key moments and defended well at times, with their quick passing and breakaways themes in a strong performance.

Catalans should have been put to the sword much earlier, but Mikey Lewis only kicked two of eight conversion opportunities.

The Dragons remain in a strong position in the play-off race, sitting fifth, but face Leeds next week needing to get back on track.

Hull took the lead just shy of 14 minutes in, with Elliot Minchella forcing his way over from close range after patient build-up play. Jai Whitbread's offload was perfectly timed, but Lewis somehow hit the post with his conversion.

Bayley Sironen restored parity in the left corner eight minutes later. Arthur Mourgue, like Lewis, could only strike the post with his conversion from the angle.

Peta Hiku's 15th try of the season restored Hull's lead almost instantly. He wriggled through after a superbly swift switch of play, turning Arthur Romano inside out. Lewis again failed to convert.

Hull extended their lead before the interval when Ryan Hall crossed from the tightest of angles. Yet more superb interplay left him very little room, but he made the most of it, before Lewis hit the post with his conversion for the third time.

Lewis' poor kicking was keeping Catalans in the game, but Minchella added a fourth try just minutes into the second half. He capitalised on an error from the Dragons defence and powered through to score. Lewis got off the mark with the conversion.

The fifth try was not far behind. Hull were ruthless in punishing a loss of Catalans possession, again quickly passing the ball wide and this time it was Kelepi Tanginoa who benefited. Lewis again missed, keeping feint Dragons hopes alive.

The contest was more or less ended on the hour. Jez Litten broke through before finding Dean Hadley, whose audacious offload found Hall, ready to cross for his second try of the game. Lewis missed his kick again, but the floodgates opened.

Tanginoa crossed after exploiting a gap in the Dragons defence to make it 30-4, but Lewis hit the post for a fourth time.

Niall Evalds collected a clever kick from Tyrone May to wrap the game up three minutes from time, and Lewis finally secured a second successful kick.


BBC
 

Injured Hunter Paisami ruled out of Argentina tour as Wallabies call up uncapped trio​

Australia centre Hunter Paisami has been ruled out of the Wallabies’ Argentina tour due to injury in another blow for Joe Schmidt’s side following back-to-back losses to South Africa in the Rugby Championship.

Paisami suffered an apparent knee injury and came off the field early in the Wallabies’ 30-12 loss to the Springboks in Perth at the weekend. He was omitted from the 35-man squad named on Tuesday for the two-Test series against the Pumas starting in La Plata on 31 August, joining a long injury list that includes winger Filipo Daugunu and loose forwards Fraser McReight and Liam Wright.

Stewart was also called up.

“It’s been a challenging couple of weeks but as a coaching group we are keen to continue trying to help a mostly consistent group go forward,” Schmidt said. “The Pumas have a talented and robust squad, which, along with the travel, will require further improvement from our squad.”

Prop Tom Robertson has been recalled, while New South Wales Waratahs loose forward Langi Gleeson returns to the squad after recovering from an ankle injury.

Australia squad
Forwards - Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell, Angus Blyth, Josh Canham, Matt Faessler, Nick Frost, Langi Gleeson, Tom Hooper, Isaac Kailea, Josh Nasser, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Tom Robertson, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, James Slipper, Carlo Tizzano, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson.

Backs - Ben Donaldson, David Feliuai, Josh Flook, Jake Gordon, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway, Marika Koroibete, Noah Lolesio, Tom Lynagh, Tate McDermott, Dylan Pietsch, Hamish Stewart, Corey Toole, Nic White, Tom Wright.

Source: The Guardian
 
Australia end losing run with last-gasp win in Argentina

2024 Rugby Championship

Argentina 19 (13)

Try:
Gonzalez Con: Carreras Pens: Carreras (3), Albornoz

Australia 20 (7)

Tries:
Gordon, Valetini Cons: Lolesio (2) Pens: Lolesio, Donaldson

Australia ended their eight-match Rugby Championship losing streak as Ben Donaldson's late penalty earned the Wallabies a dramatic win against Argentina in La Plata.

Donaldson, 25, slotted over from close range with the last play of the game to give the Wallabies their first Rugby Championship win since 2022.

The Pumas were penalised with the time on 78:48 but play was not stopped until 79:12 and the clock had passed 80 minutes when Donaldson kicked the penalty.

Argentina's players surrounded the referee, who appeared to suggest before the kick that there would be a restart but blew for full-time when it was converted.

The Wallabies trailed by 10-0 and 16-7 at Estadio Jorge Luis Hirschi but rallied in pouring rain in the coastal city of La Plata to earn their first Rugby Championship win since beating South Africa two years ago.

"I'm really proud," said Australia head coach Joe Schmidt.

"We made a few things hard for ourselves, giving them a big start at home, a big crowd and difficult conditions.

"We put ourselves straight back under pressure by dropping restarts, but we fought, scored tries and created some other chances that would have been great."

Juan Martinez Gonzalez scored Argentina's only try early in the first half and penalties from Gloucester's Santiago Carreras gave the Pumas a healthy lead going into the latter stages.

Jake Gordon and Rob Valetini both crossed for Australia, with Noah Lolesio adding a penalty and two conversions.

It left the game on a knife-edge heading into the final minutes and replacement fly-half Donaldson was presented with a simple penalty kick to give the Wallabies a welcome victory.

Despite the win, Australia - who host the British and Irish Lions next year - remain rooted to the bottom of the standings behind Argentina, New Zealand and runaway leaders South Africa.

Australia, who were thumped twice at home by the Springboks in August, face Argentina in Sante Fe in a rematch on 7 September.

BBC
 
England gain more control over stars in £264m deal

England head coach Steve Borthwick has been handed more control over his elite players by a landmark new agreement between the powerbrokers of the men's game.

As part of the eight-year deal, up to 25 England players will be given "enhanced contracts", with Borthwick getting the "final say on all sports science and medical matters".

The Rugby Football Union will pay the Premiership clubs £33m per season as the Professional Game Partnership aims "to create world-leading English teams and thriving professional leagues".

"This will reshape the rugby landscape and reset the professional game," said RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney.

As part of the deal, each elite England player will be given a programme to help them peak for big international games.

While the new system stops short of a New Zealand or Irish-style centrally-contracted model, it nonetheless means Borthwick will have more control than any other England head coach before him.

While selection decisions for club rugby will stay with the club directors of rugby, Borthwick will have unprecedented influence over his key players' fitness and conditioning.


BBC
 
RFU concerned by England exits but gives Steve Borthwick 100% backing

The Rugby Football Union has given its 100% backing to Steve Borthwick after the sudden resignations of Felix Jones and Aled Walters with the chief executive, Bill Sweeney, refuting suggestions of an “unstable working environment”.

Confirming publicly Jones’s decision to quit after just eight months, Sweeney admitted he was blindsided by the defence coach’s resignation as well as Walters’s departure to Ireland and, evidently happy to make his views clear, described the double blow as “deeply disappointing”.

Both resignations will be felt keenly, Walters is a popular figure with the players and Jones introduced a blitz defence that has already reaped rewards. The latter was said to have reservations over the environment Borthwick had cultivated at England, but Sweeney was adamant that the head coach has the players’ full backing and insisted the current upheaval was markedly different to the regular turnover of assistants under Eddie Jones.

“I don’t think it is an unstable environment,” Sweeney said. “It’s not correct to compare this situation with the previous regime. I don’t believe the circumstances are the same. It’s a completely different situation. It’s a valid question, and of course we should be concerned, are concerned and get involved in it, but it’s not right to compare the two situations.

“It [Jones’s resignation] came out of the blue. It was totally unexpected. What I can say, though, is that Steve has absolute 100% support from us – from me personally and of the RFU. I can also say categorically he has the full support, 100%, of the squad.

“If you talk to the players, they were quite keen to deliver a message that they’ve got a really enjoyable camp. They seem to genuinely enjoy being in camp and they want to ensure we’ve got coaches coming in who are passionate about our journey, will buy into this new structure, and are committed to working for England.

“We are deeply disappointed that this has taken place with no indication that this was going to happen. I think the fact that a number of players have publicly said that they have had their own internal meetings and said they couldn’t see this coming and the environment is fine. It is very disappointing. I feel for Steve. Steve has made some choices and has brought some people in and I feel for him at the moment.”

Unlike Walters, Jones does not appear to have a job lined up and, though Sweeney would not speculate on the reasons behind his departure, he confirmed the Irishman has a 12-month notice period. It is unclear whether he will see it out in its entirety, but replacing Walters is the No 1 priority for Borthwick with Sweeney insisting England can still secure world‑class coaches despite the recent turmoil.

“We can absolutely attract the best possible talent to come into the England setup,” he said.

Meanwhile Kevin Sinfield, who served as defence coach up until the World Cup last year before continuing as skills coach, is close to agreeing to new deal. It was said he had planned to stand down after the tournament in France but is now expected to remain on a consultancy basis. “I expect him to be through with us to the next World Cup,” the RFU director of performance, Conor O’Shea said.

THE GUARDIAN
 

Earl 'disappointed' by England coaching departures​

Number eight Ben Earl says he is "sad and disappointed" by the unexpected departures of England coaches Felix Jones and Aled Walters

In August, former England defence coach Jones handed in his notice just seven months after taking over the role from Kevin Sinfield.

Strength and conditioning coach Walters also left last month to take up a position as head of athletic performance with Ireland.

"They both have done unbelievably good work in the time they've been with the team," 26-year-old Earl told BBC 5 Live's Rugby Union Weekly.

"You can see the growth in that team over the last 18 months to two years."

Former England coach Eddie Jones was criticised for his high turnover of assistant coaches, something Earl does not believe will be a problem with current head coach Steve Borthwick.

"There's been some negativity about that [Borthwick's management] in the media," Earl said.

"He almost always seems like he's got a crystal ball, he knows these things are going to happen.

"He's got a plan in place to take the team forward and the way he has spoken to us as a group since the news has come out has been really positive, and I'm really looking forward to seeing where that team goes next.

"I can't wait to get back [playing for England] when the time comes and I know that we will have a great autumn."

Asked about possibly receiving one of the newly announced 'enhanced contracts', Earl said he remains desperate to play for his club side Saracens whenever possible.

Such contracts will give 25 elite England players a programme to help them peak for big international games.

This will give Borthwick more control over key players' fitness and conditioning.

"I have been with Saracens since I was 14-years-old. If there is any conversation about being managed, I still want to play for Saracens every week if I can," he added.

Source: BBC
 
A revival of long-haul tours between South Africa and New Zealand could result in the Rugby Championship only being held every other year

The South African Rugby Union has announced a plan to host the All Blacks for eight matches, external - featuring games against provincial and South Africa A sides and a three-Test series - in 2026.

The Springboks would travel to New Zealand on a similar itinerary in 2030 in a concept being tagged as 'The Greatest Rugby Rivalry'.

"[Rugby Championship organisers] Sanzaar haven't finalised any of that, but I think that you'd be focusing more on series trophies rather than a Rugby Championship trophy," Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh told The Roar , externalwhen asked what the plans meant for the Wallabies.

He added that he expected the Rugby Championship to take place in 2027 and 2029, but not in 2026, 2028 and 2030, with Australia instead hoping to host their own stand-alone tours in those years.

The Rugby Championship, usually held between early August and late September or early October, began in 1996. It was expanded to include Argentina in 2012

It has previously been played in a shortened format because of Rugby World Cup scheduling and pandemic restrictions, but has never been fully removed from the annual fixture list.

As well as the launch of New Zealand and South Africa's throwback tours, 2026 will mark the start of the Rugby Nations Championship - a new competition pitting the best of the northern and southern hemisphere against each other - as part of a global shake-up of the international calendar.

South Africa and New Zealand have won seven of the 10 Rugby World Cups between them, including the last five.

The last time either embarked on a large-scale tour of the other was in 1996, when a New Zealand touring party including the likes of Jonah Lomu and Christian Cullen won a test series in South Africa 2-1.

New Zealand coach Scott Robertson has described the potential return of such trips as "awesome".

"A bit of an old-school tour, you've got a group of 60-odd, midweek and Tests," he said.

"That's a genuine tour, two biggest rivals. It's a throwback in time and it's what you need right now in world rugby."

Source: BBC
 
Argentina condemn Australia to biggest Test defeat

2024 Rugby Championship

Argentina (17) 67

Tries:
M Carreras, Montoya, Gonzalez, Matera, Oviedo 2, Mallia 2, Cinti Cons: Albornoz 6, S Carreras 2 Pens: Albornoz 2

Australia (20) 27

Tries:
Tizzano, Kellaway, McDermott Cons: Donaldson 2, Lynagh Pens: Donaldson 2

Argentina overturned a 17-point deficit to condemn Australia to their heaviest Test defeat with a thumping victory in the Rugby Championship.

The Pumas' 40-point winning margin surpasses the Wallabies' previous 61-22 record defeat by South Africa in 1997.

Australia, who ended their eight-game losing run in the competition with a last-gasp penalty in Argentina last Saturday, were leading 20-3 this time before the hosts rallied.

Argentina amassed another 64 points in Santa Fe to ruthlessly expose their visitors, who were limited to a single Tate McDermott consolation try in the second-half.

The Pumas, who also beat New Zealand in Wellington on 10 August, climb to second in the table.

The Wallabies, meanwhile, prop up the table after three defeats and just the one win.

Wallabies lose control as Pumas steal the show

Australia were hoping to use last week's late win as a springboard for the remainder of the Rugby Championship, and were in control for the opening 30 minutes.

Both sides exchanged early penalties before Carlo Tizzano and Andrew Kellaway scored tries to hand Australia the advantage.

Argentina had Marcos Kremer's score chalked off after Tomas Lavanini was penalised in the build-up, but they were not to be deterred as Mateo Carreras scored their opening try after a clever offload by Pablo Matera.

Julian Montoya marked his 100th cap with a powerful finish from close range to reduce the deficit to three points and set the precedent for what was to come after the interval.

The Argentine onslaught was relentless, and Juan Martin Gonzalez burrowed his way over the line to hand the hosts the lead for the first time in the match.

The scrum began to overpower the Wallabies and set a platform from which to attack as Matera surged over the line for another try.

Argentina then took charge of the breakdown and a smart turnover set them on their way for Joaquin Oviedo to swan dive under the posts.

Australia were stunned but remained in striking distance. They first threatened through Marika Koroibete, who was hauled into touch just short of the line, before McDermott did get over after sensing an opportunity from a quick tap.

But Argentina were quickly back in the ascendancy as Juan Cruz Mallia opened his account with a finish out wide.

The full-back doubled his tally from the same channel as the Pumas moved the ball with intent before Oviedo inflicted further damage to the tiring gold shirts with arguably the pick of the nine tries after a flowing team move.

Lucio Cinti's deft pick-up off his toes ensured it would be the most points ever conceded by the Wallabies, before Santiago Carreras' conversion secured their

BBC
 
The new United Rugby Championship season kicks off this weekend with Glasgow Warriors looking to defend the title they won in stunning style in June, while Edinburgh are aiming to bounce back after a disappointing campaign in which they missed the play-offs.

Both sides have tough opening assignments as Edinburgh host Leinster on Friday and Glasgow travel to Ulster the following day.
 
Ruthless Leinster overcome injuries to beat Edinburgh

United Rugby Championship

Edinburgh (12) 31

Tries: Schoeman, Van der Merwe 2, Cherry, Scott Cons: Thompson 2, Healy

Leinster (12) 33

Tries: O'Brien, Tector, Larmour, Gibson-Park, Conan Cons: Prendergast 4

Edinburgh began their URC season with a disappointing defeat at home to an understrength, but more ruthless, Leinster at Hive Stadium.

Sean Everitt's team secured a losing bonus point in the last play when Matt Scott crossed following a yellow card for visiting fly-half Ross Byrne.

Edinburgh also landed a four-try bonus point with earlier scores from Pierre Schoeman, Dave Cherry and two from Duhan van der Merwe.

All of that wasn't enough to see off Leinster, who scored five tries of their own.

With home advantage and playing an opponent missing more than a dozen Irish internationals, the heat was on Edinburgh. On opening night, they came up short.


BBC
 
New Zealand survive late scare to beat Australia in thriller

2024 Rugby Championship

Australia (14) 28

Tries:
Mcreight, Faessler, Paisami, Wright Cons: Lolesio 4

New Zealand (28) 31

Tries:
Jordan, Ioane, Clarke, Savea Cons: McKenzie 4 Pens: McKenzie

New Zealand survived a late rally to beat Australia 31-28 in the Rugby Championship in Sydney and retain the Bledisloe Cup.

The All Blacks opened up a 14-point lead at the break but were restricted to just one penalty in the second half and lost two players to the sin-bin.

Late tries from Hunter Paisami and Tom Wright moved Australia to within a score of a remarkable victory, but New Zealand held on.

It is New Zealand's eighth successive win over their trans-Tasman rivals and means they retain the Bledisloe Cup for the 22nd year in a row.

"It's a bit of a relief, to be honest," said New Zealand captain Scott Barrett.

"In the last 15 [minutes], we found ourselves in a bit of a hole, but we hung on with a bit of scrambled defence.

"It's the nature of the Aussies, they certainly don't lie down."

The win moves Scott Robertson's side above Argentina into second place before the Pumas' match against South Africa later on Saturday, though they cannot overhaul the Springboks in top spot.

World champions South Africa can secure a first Rugby Championship title since 2019 with a victory in Santiago.

Australia have taken just five points from their five games and are on course to finish bottom for the second Championship in a row.

Joe Schmidt's side have lost nine of their past 10 games in the competition, including a record 67-27 defeat by Argentina earlier this month.

New Zealand hold on in thriller

New Zealand were looking to bounce back from successive defeats by South Africa that ended their hopes of winning the Rugby Championship title.

They raced into a 21-0 lead thanks to tries from Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane and Caleb Clarke, before Fraser McReight dived over from Nic White's offload to reduce the deficit

Ardie Savea's score and Damian McKenzie's conversion moved the All Blacks 28-7 ahead, but Matt Faessler's try right on the hooter kept Australia in the match.

McKenzie's penalty extended the lead shortly after the restart, before the All Blacks had a length-of-the-field try called back for a knock-on.

Australia then began to work their way back into the game and Paisami went over in the 65th minute

Anton Lienert-Brown was sent to the sin-bin for an infringement in the lead-up to Paisami's try and Clarke followed six minutes later to leave New Zealand with 13 men.

Australia had a try of their own ruled out for a knock-on before Wright's late score a minute from time set up a grandstand finish.

"We're obviously gutted to not get the result," said Australia captain Harry Wilson.

"Giving a 21-0 head start to the All Blacks was always going to make it tough for us, but I am super proud of the effort and the way we fought back.

"We just didn't want to give up and played for each other."

Wallabies prop James Slipper was a second-half substitute to win his 140th cap, breaking the record held by former captain George Gregan.

The two sides face each other next weekend in the second Bledisloe Cup game in Wellington on New Zealand's north island.

BBC
 
Argentina beat SA to keep Rugby Championship alive

2024 Rugby Championship

Argentina (26) 29

Tries: Carreras, Matera, Sclavi, Albornoz Cons: Albornoz (3) Pens: Albornoz

South Africa (22) 28

Tries: Fassi, Kriel, Reinach Cons: Pollard (2) Pens: Pollard (2), Libbok

Argentina secured a dramatic 29-28 win against South Africa to stop the world champions from winning the Rugby Championship title with a game to spare in Santiago.

The Springboks, who would have secured this year's crown with a victory, raced into the lead with tries from Aphelele Fassi and Jesse Kriel before the hosts responded in impressive fashion.

Mateo Carreras, Pablo Matera, Joel Sclavi and Tomas Albornoz each went over the line to put the Pumas ahead in hot and humid conditions.

Cobus Reinach scored a try just before half-time to reduce Argentina's advantage to 26-22 at the break.

Penalties from Handre Pollard and Manie Libbok lifted the visitors in front again, only for an Albornoz penalty to put the home side 29-28 up.

Libbok had a late penalty chance to restore his side's lead, but sent his effort wide before Argentina held on for a famous win.

The defeat was South Africa's first in five games in this year's Rugby Championship, which also includes New Zealand and Australia, but they remain top of the table on 19 points.

They are aiming to secure a first title win in the competition since 2019 and host second-placed Argentina, who have 14 points, in the final game for both teams next Saturday, 28 September.

Earlier on Saturday, New Zealand beat Australia 31-28 in Sydney.

BBC
 
El-Abd close to deal to become England defence coach

Joe El-Abd is close to finalising a deal to become the new England defence coach.

The former flanker, currently head coach of French side Oyonnax, is expected to be in place for the upcoming November internationals.

El-Abd, 44, has been the favourite for the role following the shock resignation of Felix Jones last month.

England's next Test is against New Zealand at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium on 2 November.

El-Abd played over 100 times for Bristol in the 2000s, along with stints with Caerphilly in the Welsh top flight and in France with Toulon and Oyonnax.


BBC
 
South Africa are aiming to win their first Rugby Championship since 2019 on Saturday when they face Argentina, who can also still win the title, in Nelspruit

The Springboks are five points clear at the top of the table after failing to clinch the title last weekend following a one-point defeat by Argentina.

That result gave the second-placed Pumas an outside chance of winning their first ever championship, although victory or even a bonus point - achieved by scoring four tries or finishing within seven points of their opponents - will be enough for South Africa.

However, if Argentina win the match with a bonus point and South Africa fail to pick up a bonus point, Felipe Contepomi's side will triumph based on their two victories over Rassie Erasmus' men.

The Pumas have also beaten New Zealand and Australia in this season's competition.

Etzebeth set to break appearance record
Lock Eben Etzebeth is set to become South Africa's most-capped player after being named to play his 128th game on Saturday

The 32-year-old will overtake 2007 World Cup winner Victor Matfield, who retired in 2015.

"If we can win the title and finish the competition off with a victory it would be a massive occasion for the team and Eben as an individual," said Erasmus.

The Boks coach rested several of his key players for the 29-28 loss last weekend and makes nine changes in total for the rematch against Argentina.

Six double World Cup winners from 2019 and 2023 return to the starting XV, including captain Siya Kolisi and influential backs Cheslin Kolbe and Damian de Allende.

Despite missing a kick with seconds left to win the Rugby Championship, fly-half Manie Libbok gets a starting spot, with Handre Pollard dropping to the bench.

Kolbe, who could also take goal kicks if needed, said: "We have played in a few finals, but one can never bank on what happened in the past. This is going to be a big game against a determined team.

"Argentina are a phenomenal side and have many players with an X-factor, while many of them come from a sevens rugby background. Some of the guys who played last week gave me advice, so I know what to expect."

Argentina have made seven changes to their winning starting XV as Gloucester's Santiago Carreras comes in at full-back and could kick goals after fly-half Tomas Albornoz missed with three attempts last weekend.

Other changes include sevens star Rodrigo Isgro being named on the wing, while flanker Juan Martin Gonzalez is a surprise inclusion ahead of Pablo Matera, who is on the bench despite a try in the last game.

South Africa XV: Fassi, Kolbe, Kriel, De Allende, Arendse; Libbok, Hendrikse; Nche, Mbonambi, Malherbe, Etzebeth, Nortje, Kolisi (capt), Du Toit, Wiese.

Replacements: Marx, Steenekamp, Koch, Louw, Smith, Reinach, Pollard, Am.

Argentina XV: Carreras; Isgro, Moroni, Chocobares, Carreras; Albornoz, Garcia; Gallo, Montoya (capt), Sclavi, Rubiolo, Lavanini, Gonzalez, Grondona, Oviedo.

Replacements: Ruiz, Calles, Delgado, Molina, Matera, Bazan Velez, Cinti, Cruz Mallia.

Source: BBC
 

'Rugby will die without new plan' - World Rugby candidate Benazzi​


Former France international Abdelatif Benazzi says rugby union faces an existential crisis if it fails to find new markets and bring more cash into the game.

The 56-year-old is running to lead World Rugby when Bill Beaumont steps down as chairman in November.

"Since the pandemic, it is the first time we have seen all the federations, even the historic ones, in trouble with their revenues," he told BBC Sport.

"Rugby is in trouble around the world. We will die if everyone stays on his own side. We have to think collectively."

Benazzi said the income generated by rugby's showpiece events does not match the scale of their impact.

"You could see the paradox at the last Rugby World Cup," he added. "You could see in the crowds and how it is broadcast around the world – it is maybe third in the world behind the soccer World Cup and the Olympics, or at the sevens," he added.

"But we must do more. We saw 1.5bn watching, but there is scope to increase the sponsorship and the partnerships. The income is not enough for such a popular sport."

World Rugby says the 2023 tournament in France registered 1.33bn viewing hours,, external up 30% on England 2015 and 19% on Japan 2019.

Source: BBC
 

New Zealand beat Australia in Rugby Championship​

New Zealand ended their Rugby Championship campaign on a high, with a comfortable 33-13 victory over a much-improved Australia in Wellington.

The Wallabies started fast with flanker Fraser McReight going over for the opening try after sustained pressure.

However, the All Blacks, who last won in Wellington in 2018, responded through a try each from their back three of Sevu Reece, Will Jordan and Caleb Clarke.

Prop Tamaiti Williams then powered over in the second period before winger Clarke sealed the win.

The hosts had already retained the Bledisloe Cup for the 22nd year in a row following a 31-28 victory in Sydney last weekend.

Victory also moves Scott Robertson's side up to second in the championship - a position they will finish in if South Africa defeat Argentina in a title decider later on Saturday in Nelspruit.

Two defeats by the Springboks and one by Argentina meant New Zealand were unable to reclaim the Rugby Championship for the first time since 2019 in Robertson's first tournament as head coach.

Joe Schmidt's first championship in charge of Australia finishes with just one victory over the Pumas, with his side bottom of the table for the second year running.

Source: BBC
 

South Africa win first Rugby Championship since 2019​

South Africa hammered Argentina in Nelspruit to win the Rugby Championship for the first time since 2019.

The Springboks scored four first-half tries, with Aphelele Fassi grabbing two before assisting Cheslin Kolbe.

Player of the match Pieter-Steph du Toit also claimed the first of his two tries, while Argentina's score came through fly-half Tomas Albornoz.

The turning point in the second half came when Pumas replacement Pablo Matera had a yellow card upgraded to a 20-minute red for making head contact when trying to clear out Vincent Koch.

With full-back Santiago Carreras joining Matera in the sin-bin for a deliberate knock-on, Malcolm Marx took advantage from the back of a maul.

Du Toit scored again before centre Jesse Kriel got on the end of Handre Pollard's dinked kick to score the final try of a ruthless display.

Victory means the Springboks also avenged last weekend's one-point defeat in Argentina, which had denied them the title a week early.

"It has been a journey and a half. After last week the way we stood up says a lot about our team," Springboks skipper Siya Kolisi told Sky Sports.

A shortened format in 2019 because of the Rugby World Cup means victory is the Springboks' first in a full tournament since 2009 - prior to Argentina's involvement in the competition.

The wins adds to Rassie Erasmus' glittering coaching CV that now includes two World Cups, two Rugby Championships and a British and Irish Lions tour win.

Despite defeat, this was the first time the Pumas had beaten all three teams in the Rugby Championship to head into the final round still with an outside chance of the title.

They finished the championship in third place after New Zealand beat Australia earlier on Saturday to take the runners-up spot.

 
England begin WXV1 defence with nine-try win over USA

WXV - United States v England

United States (7) 21

Tries: Kelter 2, Zackary Cons: Hawkins 3

England (28) 61

Tries: Atkin-Davies, Kildunne 2, Brock, Matthews, Westcombe-Evans, Talling, Breach, Wyrwas Cons: Harrison 8

Bo Westcombe-Evans scored on her debut as England started their WXV1 defence with a nine-try victory over the United States in Canada.

Despite a slow start the Red Roses still managed four first-half tries, including a sensational solo effort from full-back Ellie Kildunne, who scored twice.

The victory also extends John Mitchell's side's winning run to 18 games as they look to build maximum momentum going into next summer's home World Cup.

Hooker Lark Atkin-Davies opened the scoring and Kildunne touched down her wonder try before Alev Kelter responded for the USA.

On her first Red Roses start, flanker Georgia Brock grabbed the Red Roses' third try, with Alex Matthews, in her first game as England captain, scoring the fourth.

At the start of the second half Kelter got her second, but young winger Westcombe-Evans' sharp finish in the corner put breathing space between the sides.

The United States refused to go away as captain Kate Zackary went over for her side's third try.

But Mitchell's side finished strongly with scores for Morwenna Talling, Jess Breach, Kildunne and replacement Ella Wyrwas.

Inside centre Phoebe Murray - like Westcombe-Evans - performed "extremely well" on her debut, according to Mitchell.

"They both [Murray and Westcombe-Evans] just need to continue backing themselves, it is hard coming into a team and having a sense of belonging straight away," Mitchell said.

"Georgia Brock as well in her first start had 22 tackles and 15 carries. Outstanding performance."

England’s second game in WXV1 comes against New Zealand, who they defeated earlier this month at Allianz Stadium, next Sunday at 21:00 BST.


BBC
 
Ireland Sevens star Zac Ward is one of three Ulster players named in the Emerging Ireland starting team to face the Pumas on Wednesday in the first game of their three-match tour to South Africa

Harry Sheridan is selected in the second row and Cormac Izuchukwu in the back row for the encounter with the Currie Cup side in Bloemfontein.

Backs Jack Murphy and Jude Postlethwaite are named among the replacements for the match which has a 15:00 BST kick-off time.

Ward has impressed for Ireland's Sevens team and was one of the stand out players at the Paris Olympics.

The 25-year-old wing has been on trial with Ulster as he transitions back into the 15s game.

Captain and flanker Alex Kendellen is one of three former Ireland Under-20 skippers named in the squad, along with his Munster colleague Evan O'Connell and Leinster's Gus McCarthy, who are both on the bench.

Ben O'Connor is chosen at full-back, with Rob Russell and Ward on the wings and Sean O'Brien and Hugh Gavin in midfield.

Sam Prendergast and Matthew Devine make up the half-back partnership.

The front row comprises Mark Donnelly, Stephen Smyth and Jack Aungier, with Sheridan joined by Darragh Murray in the second row.

Leinster's James Culhane completes the back row.

Source: BBC
 
Leicester Tigers head coach Michael Cheika has been suspended by the Rugby Football Union (RFU) for "disrespecting" a match-day doctor in his first game in charge of the Premiership side

The 57-year-old Australian was charged with a breach of rule 5.12, which covers actions "prejudicial to the interests of the game", for his conduct towards the doctor after Leicester's narrow opening-day win at Exeter Chiefs.

The former Australia and Argentina head coach was hit with a two-week ban, with one suspended until the end of the season, after an independent disciplinary panel heard the case on Tuesday night.

Tigers were critical of decision and have come out to express their "dissatisfaction" that Cheika was deemed to be "disrespectful".

The details of Cheika's issues with the match doctor and the circumstances around the incident are not known with the full judgement yet to be released by the RFU.

He will miss Saturday's Premiership match away to Newcastle Falcons as a result.

"The panel found that Michael Cheika disrespected the Independent match day doctor in challenging the decision he had made that a player was subject to an IPR (Immediate Permanent Removal)," said Richard Whittam, who chaired the panel.

"Although it was an unusual case because there was a lack of clarity about the decisions made about the head injuries, the decisions of the Independent Match Day Doctor must be respected.

"In this particular case, the appropriate sanction was one of two weeks. The panel mitigated this by suspending one week until the end of the season."

In response, Tigers' executive chairman Peter Tom said they will consider an appeal once they receive written reasons for the judgement, and stressed they "would never question the World Rugby HIA [head injury assessment] process, when correctly implemented" and are "rigorously committed to the safety, wellbeing and health of our players".

Tom added: "Whilst the panel have yet to provide reasons for its decision, the club is particularly disappointed with the disrespectful finding given that multiple witnesses gave evidence at the disciplinary hearing supporting Michael's version of events.

Source: BBC
 
Really disappointing

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United Rugby Championship: Cardiff v Glasgow Warriors

Cardiff (12) 36

Tries: D Thomas, Winnett, Byrne, Martin, Donnell Cons: B Thomas, De Beer 3 Pen: De Beer

Glasgow (33) 52

Tries: Dobbie, Rowe 2, Jordan 2, Tuipulotu, Jones, Fagerson Cons: Jordan 5, Weir

Glasgow Warriors ended Cardiff's perfect start to the season in a remarkable 13-try thriller at the Arms Park.

The defending champions stunned the Arms Park as Jamie Dobie, Kyle Rowe, Tom Jordan, Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones crossed in the first half.

Against all odds, Ed Byrne, Mackenzie Martin and Ben Donnell twice hauled the hosts back into contention after the break - even when down to 14 men - following Dan Thomas and Cam Winnett's earlier scores.

But Matt Fagerson, Tuipulotu and Jordan - who scored 20 points - settled a remarkable match that will leave both defence coaches fuming.

The win lifts Glasgow top of the United Rugby Championship on points difference ahead of Saturday's fixtures.

But how this basketball game of a rugby match twice became a four-point contest will baffle Warriors head coach Franco Smith after they led 33-12 at the break with a bonus in the bag.


BBC
 
More I see Rugby more i think it might be the toughest team sport out there, soccer looks like a joke compared to what happens in Rugby.
 
England cut loose in ruthless win over New Zealand

New Zealand (12) 31

Tries: Olsen-Baker, Leti-l'iga, Ponsonby, Roos, Vaipulu Cons: Holmes, King 2

England (22) 49

Tries: Dow 2, Breach 3, Kildunne 2, Hunt, Harrison Cons: Rowland 2

England produced a clinical attacking display in a nine-try win over New Zealand to move closer to retaining their WXV1 title in Canada.

Wing Jess Breach scored a hat-trick, with her back three team-mates Abby Dow and Ellie Kildunne grabbing two tries each in British Columbia.

The victory extends John Mitchell's side's winning run to 19 games and records a third straight victory over the world champions in less than 12 months, with next year's home World Cup around the corner.

The Black Ferns scored first through number eight Kaipo Olsen-Baker, but could not contain England's ruthless attack from the off.

Following a try each from the Red Roses back three, wing Ayesha Leti-l'iga crossed in response.

Scrum-half Natasha Hunt scored after a charge-down early in the second half, while tries by Georgia Ponsonby, Maia Roos and Maama Vaipulu managed to add some respectability to the scoreline for New Zealand.

England's last defeat came against the Black Ferns in a dramatic World Cup final in 2022, a match before which they had gone unbeaten for a record 30 Tests.

Mitchell's side face undefeated hosts Canada next Sunday (03:00 BST) in a decider for the WXV1 title.

Following a shock defeat against Ireland last weekend it is New Zealand's third straight loss, with a difficult game against France to come on Saturday.


BBC
 
Hull KR's Lewis named 2024 Man of Steel

Hull KR and England half-back Mikey Lewis has been named the 2024 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel.

The 23-year-old helped Hull KR to second in the Super League table during a transformative season for the club which saw them reach their first Super League Grand Final this Saturday.

Lewis, who scored 19 tries for the team this season, has become the first Hull KR player since Gavin Miller in 1986 to win the award.

He was presented with the trophy during a ceremony at the Royal Armouries in Leeds on Tuesday night.

The award, which was named after the late Steve Prescott in 2014, has been running since 1977 when Leeds hooker David Ward received the inaugural trophy.

York Valkyrie's Georgie Hetherington won the Woman of Steel award for the first time, after a standout season that saw her side retain their Women's Super League crown in the Grand Final last Saturday.

BBC
 

Rocky Elsom: International arrest warrant issued for former Australia rugby captain, reports say​


An international arrest warrant has been issued for former Australia rugby union captain Rocky Elsom, according to reports.

The warrant is related to his conduct as president of French club Narbonne in 2015 and 2016, media in France said.

The 41-year-old was found guilty of forgery and misuse of corporate assets by a court in Narbonne on Friday, according to news agency AFP, French sports daily L'Equipe and other media.

He is accused of embezzling an estimated €700,000 (£586,000) before exiting the club, L'Equipe reported.

The former flanker was reportedly given a five-year sentence in absentia on Friday.

Elsom played 75 tests for Australia and captained the Wallabies from 2009 until just before the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

He also enjoyed a successful career with Irish club Leinster.

In an interview with The Times published on 6 October, Elsom said he worked a rugby coach in Dublin for private secondary school Catholic University School.

 
Wales scrum-half Davies retires from internationals

Wales scrum-half Gareth Davies has announced his retirement from the international stage at the age of 34.

The Scarlets half-back won 77 Wales caps and toured twice with the British and Irish Lions in a Test career that began in 2014 in South Africa.

He helped Wales win a Six Nations Grand Slam in 2019 and the title in 2021 and scored a memorable winning try against England at Twickenham in the 2015 World Cup that contributed to the hosts exiting the tournament at the group stage.

Davies has announced his decision four days before Wales boss Warren Gatland is due to name his squad for the nation's 2024 home autumn Tests against Fiji, Australia and South Africa.


BBC
 
Australia call up league convert Suaalii

Big-money rugby league convert Joseph Suaalii has been named in Australia's 34-man squad to travel to the northern hemisphere next month.

The 21-year-old former Sydney Roosters wing or centre is yet to play a professional rugby union game after a switch from league reportedly worth more than 5m Australian dollars (£2.6m).

Uncapped former Leicester wing Harry Potter, now with Western Force, has also been named in Joe Schmidt's squad for their tour of the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Schmidt said that Suaalii - who he will use at centre, wing or full-back - needed to be brought in now in preparation for Australia's home series against the British and Irish Lions next year.

"I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't conscious of the big deal that he's on and the profile that he has, because you can’t not be aware of that," said Schmidt.

"As much as we think maybe it might have been better to come through [the second string Australia XV], part of it is that we play the Lions next year.

"So if he doesn't debut on this tour, then there's very little window. There may be one opportunity to play before the Lions next year, and that would be it. So for us, we feel a little bit of pressure to be able to fast-track him."

Waratahs fly-half Tane Edmed, 21, is the third uncapped player called up, while last year's World Cup captain Will Skelton is named.

The 32-year-old lock missed the Wallabies' summer Tests and the Rugby Championship because of commitments to French club La Rochelle.

"He's [Skelton's] keen as mustard," added Schmidt. "He didn't need any convincing to play for the Wallabies. He's a really positive character and he has real gravitas in the group."

Centre Samu Kerevi also returns to international rugby for the first time this year - but the 31-year-old, who plays his club rugby in Japan, and Skelton will be unavailable to face Ireland in Dublin on 30 November as the game falls outside the international window.

Australia first face England at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium on 9 November before playing Wales in Cardiff on 17 November and Scotland at Murrayfield on 24 November.

The Wallabies - who finished bottom of the Rugby Championship after recording only one victory, over Argentina - also named a 30-player Australia XV squad to travel to the UK for matches against Bristol on 8 November and England A at Twickenham Stoop on 17 November.

Australia squad

Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell, Matt Faessler, Nick Frost, Langi Gleeson, Isaac Kailea, Fraser McReight, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Billy Pollard, Tom Robertson, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Will Skelton, James Slipper, Carlo Tizzano, Taniela Tupou, Seru Uru, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson.

Backs: Ben Donaldson, Tane Edmed, Jake Gordon, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway, Samu Kerevi, Noah Lolesio, Tate McDermott, Hunter Paisami, Dylan Pietsch, Harry Potter, Joseph Suaalii, Nic White, Tom Wright.

BBC
 

Doris to captain Ireland in autumn internationals​


Caelan Doris will captain Ireland in next month's autumn series with regular skipper Peter O'Mahony not yet back to full fitness.

Leinster back row Doris, 26, previously stood in as captain for Ireland's Six Nations win over Italy in February and the epic summer tour victory over South Africa in Durban.

Flanker O'Mahony, 35, is currently out with a hamstring injury he picked up in Munster's win over Ospreys on 5 October but has been named in the 35-man Ireland squad.

“It is an enormous honour to be named Ireland captain and I am excited about leading the squad into battle over the coming weeks," said Doris.

"I am very fortunate to have had so much support from my family and friends and many others along the way from Mayo to Blackrock and on to Leinster and Ireland.

"I am extremely proud to lead this squad and I know that there’s an experienced group of leaders who will work hard to achieve success in the weeks ahead."

Ireland face New Zealand in a rematch of their World Cup quarter-final encounter on 8 November at the Aviva Stadium before hosting Argentina, Fiji and Australia in Dublin.

With first-choice hooker Dan Sheehan out until the new year, head coach Andy Farrell has included Connacht's Dave Heffernan in the squad.

Hookers Ronan Kelleher and Rob Herring have also been selected despite their recent injury troubles while Leinster's uncapped Gus McCarthy is one of five training panellists along with Thomas Clarkson, Alex Kendellen, Shayne Bolton and Jack Boyle.

Ciaran Frawley has also been included after having injured his ankle in Leinster's win over Connacht last weekend.

Frawley is expected to challenge Munster's Jack Crowley for the starting fly-half berth after his starring role in Ireland's win over South Africa in Durban when he came off the bench to kick two drop-goals and seal a famous win.

After missing the Six Nations and South Africa summer Tests, Connacht wing Mack Hansen returns to the squad as one of four wingers with James Lowe, Jacob Stockdale and Calvin Nash.

Leinster scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park also returns as expected after a hamstring injury forced him to miss the South Africa series.

Farrell has included the uncapped duo of Ulster forward Cormac Izuchukwu and Leinster fly-half Sam Prendergast, both of whom were part of the recent Emerging Ireland series in South Africa.

This will be Farrell's last window as Ireland coach before he takes his sabbatical to lead the British and Irish Lions in next summer's tour to Australia.

"There is a blend of youth and experience, but all of the players are selected on merit carried from their form in recent months from the summer tour, the early rounds of the URC [United Rugby Championship] and at the Emerging Ireland Tour," said Farrell.

“While some of the players have been sidelined of late, collectively they are making positive strides on the injury front and we are hopeful that they will come into the selection frame over the course of the coming weeks as they ramp up their respective rehab programmes.

“The Emerging Ireland Tours have presented a crop of less experienced players with the opportunity to impress and it was great to see a number of them take their chance."

Ireland squad

Forwards (19): Ryan Baird (Leinster), Finlay Bealham (Connacht), Tadhg Beirne (Munster), Caelan Doris (Leinste, capt) Tadhg Furlong (Leinster), Cian Healy (Leinster), Dave Heffernan (Connacht), Iain Henderson (Ulster), Rob Herring (Ulster), Cormac Izuchukwu (Ulster), Ronan Kelleher (Leinster), Joe McCarthy (Leinster), Peter O’Mahony (Munster), Tom O’Toole (Ulster), Andrew Porter (Leinster), Cian Prendergast (Connacht), James Ryan (Leinster), Nick Timoney (Ulster), Josh van der Flier (Leinster)

Backs (16): Bundee Aki (Connacht), Craig Casey (Munster), Jack Crowley (Munster), Ciaran Frawley (Leinster), Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster), Mack Hansen (Connacht), Robbie Henshaw (Leinster), Hugo Keenan (Leinster), James Lowe (Leinster), Stuart McCloskey (Ulster), Conor Murray (Munster), Calvin Nash (Munster), Jamie Osborne (Leinster), Sam Prendergast (Lansdowne/Leinster), Garry Ringrose (Leinster), Jacob Stockdale (Ulster)

Training panellists: Thomas Clarkson (Leinster), Alex Kendellen (Munster), Shayne Bolton (Connacht), Jack Boyle (Leinster), Gus McCarthy (Leinster)

 
Slade to prove England fitness with Exeter before NZ game

England centre Henry Slade will play for Exeter this weekend in a bid to prove his fitness ahead of the autumn opener against New Zealand on 2 November.

The 31-year-old had shoulder surgery over the summer and has yet to feature for his club this season.

But he will fly back early from England's training camp in Girona to prepare to face Harlequins in the Premiership on Sunday.

"He wanted some rugby, we wanted him to get some rugby, so he's going to get some rugby," said senior England assistant Richard Wigglesworth.

Slade, who has been capped 65 times, established himself as one of Steve Borthwick's key players over the past year, having been a shock omission from the Rugby World Cup squad.

He has started all of England's eight Test matches in 2024, partnering Ollie Lawrence in midfield for the last six.

That centre combination now looks likely to face the All Blacks provided Slade is able to pick up some match sharpness with the Chiefs.

"We'll see what he looks like in training today [Wednesday], does he get through everything and is he really happy," Wigglesworth told BBC Sport.

"Same the next couple of days for Exeter, then he plays and we will make a decision Monday or Tuesday.

"It's missing one training session for us versus going and playing some minutes for Exeter.”

Meanwhile, Sale fly-half George Ford is nearing a return to full training after a quad injury and remains in contention for next weekend.

"George is at the last stage of his rehabilitation," Wigglesworth added. "He is probably ahead of schedule and is in a fair bit of rugby this week."


 
Australia beat NZ in double-header to seal final spots

Australia's men and women booked Pacific Cup final places by beating New Zealand in a double-header in Christchurch.

Zac Lomax scored two tries for the Kangaroos in a 22-10 win over an understrength New Zealand at Apollo Projects Stadium, their first meeting since the Kiwis' 30-0 triumph in last year's final.

In the women's match, the Jillaroos became the first team to prevent the Kiwi Ferns from scoring, a fine try by full-back Tamika Upton the highlight of a 14-0 victory.

Australia's men and women are guaranteed to finish top of their three-team groups and will contest the finals on 10 November against the runners-up.

For the men, that will be New Zealand or Tonga, who meet on Saturday.

The women will take on New Zealand or Papua New Guinea, who play on 3 November.

Meninga's men avenge record defeat

Pacific Cup: Men

New Zealand (6) 10

Tries:
Isaako, Warbrick Goal: Isaako

Australia (12) 22

Tries:
Collins, Lomax 2, Moses Goals: Lomax 3

Australia's defeat in last year's final was their heaviest in 115 years of men's Test rugby league.

On Sunday Angus Crichton failed to take an early try chance for Mal Meninga's side when losing the ball in the process of grounding without a defender near him.

Lindsay Collins surged 40 metres to open the scoring, but New Zealand responded with a superb try, Jamayne Isaako diving over in the corner after Keano Kini helped the ball on with an improvised basketball-style push.

Lomax scored either side of half-time - first set up by a Tom Trbojevic burst, then forcing his way over in the corner.

Will Warbrick reduced New Zealand's deficit, gathering Shaun Johnson's crossfield kick and losing Lomax with a clever spin to score in the corner.

But Dylan Edwards powered through the middle to send Mitch Moses clear for his first Australia try.

Upton stars for Jillaroos

Pacific Cup: Women

New Zealand (0) 0

Australia (4) 14

Tries:
Penitani, Upton, Sergis Goal: Aiken

Upton capped an impressive attacking display with a second-half try as Australia's women - beaten 12-6 by New Zealand in last year's final - won convincingly.

Head coach Brad Donald could be pleased with his side's defensive resolve and the way they took their chances, although Kezie Apps and Olivia Higgins suffered injuries.

They went ahead when Tiana Penitani took Ali Brigginshaw's short pass to cross.

Upton showed a turn of speed to race away from Georgia Hale and Ash Quinlan to score, then set up the third try for Jess Sergis.

Higgins was injured when tackling Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa - Donald said she may have dislocated a wrist - while Apps injured her left foot but returned with it strapped up.

BBC
 
England's time to win tight games is now – Earl

Autumn Nations Series: England v New Zealand

Venue: Allianz Stadium, Twickenham Date: Saturday 2 November Kick-off: 15:10 GMT

Coverage: Listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds and follow live text commentary on the BBC Sport website and app.

England have gone through "some heartache" and now it is time to "get over the line" in close Test matches against the world's best sides, says number eight Ben Earl.

Steve Borthwick's side welcome New Zealand to Twickenham's Allianz Stadium on Saturday having narrowly lost two summer Tests against the All Blacks, despite leading for large parts of both games.

They were also beaten by two points by France in their final match of the Six Nations, and Earl feels Saturday's opening game of their Autumn Nations Series is the perfect time to put things right.

"We are growing as a team and it was so close [in the summer against New Zealand]," Earl told BBC Sport.

"But you don't win tight Test matches by being close, so I think the lessons we have learned are valuable ones - how to finish games and keep your discipline in the last quarter, how you always need to be alive and concentrating against a team like the All Blacks.

"It is something that doesn't just happen, you have to go through some heartache to then win a couple. We feel we've done that now.

"We have looked at each other over the last couple of weeks and thought the time is now.

"We can't say we are an inexperienced group now and have had continuity around selection for 18 months or so.

"I think it is time now to get over the line in close games."

Since his move to number eight before last autumn's World Cup, the 26-year-old has shone as one of England's most important players, producing a number of eye-catching performances.

New Zealand number eight and world player of the year Ardie Savea has taken notice, and said Earl was "on fire" after elevating his game over the last two years.

"What struck me most after the games [in New Zealand] was how humble Ardie was," the Saracens back rower added.

"We talked about what we see in each others games and what we enjoyed.

"It is not validation as I don't think I am near a player of Ardie's quality at the moment, but it is something I am striving towards."

'Twickenham will be a different beast'

Savea played in both of New Zealand's victories in the summer Tests, but believes Twickenham will be "a different beast" on Saturday.

The All Blacks' last game at Twickenham was a 25-25 draw two years ago, while their most recent victory at the home of English rugby came in 2018.

"We know it is going to be different," said Savea.

"We expect physicality - their forward pack is very decent. We have got to front up physically.

"Twickenham is one of the great stadiums. We've a few boys who haven't played there or haven't experienced the atmosphere. It is going to be special, but at the same time we have to be ready.

"There will be times when England gets momentum but we will expect that and hopefully when it does come, we will breathe and nail our next big moment."

England last defeated New Zealand in the semi-finals of the 2019 World Cup, which was their first victory over the three-time world champions since a win at Twickenham in 2012.

BBC
 

Marler deletes post saying haka 'needs binning'​


England prop Joe Marler has deactivated his X account after posting that the haka "needs binning" before Saturday's match against New Zealand.

Marler, 34, will not feature in the Autumn Nations Series opener at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium after breaking his foot during the first Test against the All Blacks in July.

In rugby union, regulations prevent opposing teams crossing the halfway line while New Zealand are performing the Maori war dance.

"The haka needs binning. It's ridiculous," Marler posted on X.

In 2019, England were fined £2,000 for crossing the halfway line as they lined up in a V formation to face the haka before their Rugby World Cup semi-final match against New Zealand.

Marler has been criticised by cultural advisers for his comment. Mana Epiha said Marler was obviously "a little bit lost", external, while Dr Karaitiana Taiuru said he lacked cultural appreciation.

"Calling for it to be binned with no reasoning shows a lack of appreciation for traditions which is a contradiction for any rugby player - cultural appreciation and lack of open mindedness," Taiuru added.

The rule about not crossing the halfway line does not apply in rugby league, with responses and face-offs more common.

When Samoa's rugby league team performed a traditional war dance, the Siva Tau, before their first Test against England last Sunday, the players became involved in an intense standoff.

"It's only any good when teams actually front it with some sort of reply. Like the league boys did last week," Marler later added, before subsequently deleting his X account.

Marler's comments prompted a mixed response online, with one X user adding: "Have a bit of respect for other cultures."

However, another user said: "I'm a Kiwi and I'm over it. I think they should only do it at home Tests. Yes it should be challenged."

 

Marler deletes post saying haka 'needs binning'​


England prop Joe Marler has deactivated his X account after posting that the haka "needs binning" before Saturday's match against New Zealand.

Marler, 34, will not feature in the Autumn Nations Series opener at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium after breaking his foot during the first Test against the All Blacks in July.

In rugby union, regulations prevent opposing teams crossing the halfway line while New Zealand are performing the Maori war dance.

"The haka needs binning. It's ridiculous," Marler posted on X.

In 2019, England were fined £2,000 for crossing the halfway line as they lined up in a V formation to face the haka before their Rugby World Cup semi-final match against New Zealand.

Marler has been criticised by cultural advisers for his comment. Mana Epiha said Marler was obviously "a little bit lost", external, while Dr Karaitiana Taiuru said he lacked cultural appreciation.

"Calling for it to be binned with no reasoning shows a lack of appreciation for traditions which is a contradiction for any rugby player - cultural appreciation and lack of open mindedness," Taiuru added.

The rule about not crossing the halfway line does not apply in rugby league, with responses and face-offs more common.

When Samoa's rugby league team performed a traditional war dance, the Siva Tau, before their first Test against England last Sunday, the players became involved in an intense standoff.

"It's only any good when teams actually front it with some sort of reply. Like the league boys did last week," Marler later added, before subsequently deleting his X account.

Marler's comments prompted a mixed response online, with one X user adding: "Have a bit of respect for other cultures."

However, another user said: "I'm a Kiwi and I'm over it. I think they should only do it at home Tests. Yes it should be challenged."

All Blacks coach hits back at Marler's haka jibe​


New Zealand coach Scott Robertson says England prop Joe Marler could have chosen his words better when he called for the All Blacks' haka to be "binned".

Marler, 34, called the haka – a pre-match ritual challenge - "ridiculous" in a post on X, before deactivating his account, reactivating it and claiming he was "just having a bit of fun trying to spark interest in a mega rugby fixture".

"I know Joe," said Robertson.

"I wonder if he wished he could have articulated himself a little bit better on that.

“The haka for us is a custom. It is part of who we are, it's our DNA. It is not just about the All Blacks, it is about us as a country. It means a lot to us."

Robertson admitted Marler's post was discussed among his players.

"The boys are aware of it," he added.

"We don't use it as such to say, 'this is what has been said and it's disrespectful'. Especially in this regard, because it has happened before. But we will discuss it and decide how we deal with it respectfully."

Marler's initial comments also drew criticism from various political and cultural figures in New Zealand and added to the attention around a tour that will include the latest instalment of the All Blacks' recent and occasionally heated rivalry with Ireland.

England have history with the haka.

Before a Test at Old Trafford in 1997, home hooker Richard Cockerill stood nose-to-nose with opposite number Norm Hewitt, while England formed an arrowhead shape to receive the haka before beating the All Blacks in the 2019 Rugby World Cup semi-final.

In 2005, British and Irish Lions captain Brian O'Driscoll tore up some grass, throwing the blades in the air in response to the haka in the first Test. Wales also stared down the haka in 2008, refusing to turn first and causing a stand-off.

While both the Lions and Wales were well beaten, France's advance on the haka preceded a famous 20-18 quarter-final win at the 2007 Rugby World Cup.

Rules are now in place preventing either team advancing close to the other. However, it has not stopped the controversy.

South Africa apologised earlier this year after the haka was interrupted by fireworks, music and a pre-match fly-past, saying it was the result of human error on timings rather than a deliberate slight.

Robertson described England's 2019 response as "awesome".

"It is the respect thing isn't it," he said.

"There was a clear meaning behind it and was respectfully done. That's great. That's what we are all about."

 
New Zealand captain Scott Barrett says England prop Joe Marler has "loaded the gun" after his controversial call for the All Blacks haka to be scrapped

Marler, 34, has since apologised for calling the iconic pre-match ritual "ridiculous" and saying it should be "binned" in a post on X on Tuesday.

The Harlequins veteran will miss England's autumn opener at Allianz Stadium on Saturday for personal reasons, but All Blacks second row Barrett said the damage had been done.

"He has probably loaded the gun hasn't he?" Barrett said on Friday in response to the row.

"I guess there are always opinions about the haka and its place. It's hugely important to us and has been to the All Blacks for a long time - we get a lot from it.

"It's been a huge part of the All Blacks. It's bigger than rugby in a sense. You speak to people from America and lesser-known rugby nations and they know rugby in New Zealand for the haka, so it is huge for us and unites us."

England are considering how they might respond to the haka in Saturday's encounter, but Barrett said his side "do not need any extra motivation".

"In those moments, whatever the team brings and you end up facing, you love it," added the 30-year-old.

"If they walk forward it means they are up for the first whistle. If that happens, we know we are in for a good Test match.

"We don't need any extra motivation heading to Twickenham against a team that would desperately love to beat us, so we have got to respect what is coming."

England prop Ellis Genge, meanwhile, said he "loves" the haka and believes it still has a place in Test rugby.

"I'm on board with it, I love the haka," said the 29-year-old.

"We'll chat about it later on, we've got a meeting and we'll see what the craic is.

"We're not going to start climbing on each other's shoulders, but we'll sit there respectfully and watch it.

"I've only faced it once [in 2022]. It's massive in the history of the game. Most people who aren't necessarily too interested in rugby still know what the haka is.

"I know some people are divided on it but I quite like it. It's bit of a challenge. I'm a big fan of it and I don't think we should get rid of it.

"You should be able to respond, but everyone is respectful when they do that."

Source: BBC
 
Flanagan leaves Dragons by mutual agreement

Dragons have parted company with head coach Dai Flanagan by mutual agreement with assistant Filo Tiatia taking over on an interim basis.

The Newport-based region said the departure was with immediate effect.

Dragons added: "The decision has been mutually agreed by all parties following extensive discussions regarding the club’s performance and future direction."

Flanagan, 39, leaves with Dragons the lowest-placed of Wales' United Rugby Championship (URC) teams.

They are 15th in the table with only Zebre below them, having won once and lost five times this season.

In a statement Dragons said: "We thank Dai for his contribution, professionalism, and dedication to Dragons RFC throughout his time at the club and wish him and his family well for the future."

Tiatia, who has been named interim head coach, will be "supported by the current coaching staff".

Flanagan left his role as Scarlets backs coach to become Dragons head coach in June 2022, when Dean Ryan was director of rugby.

During Ryan's protracted departure, which was finalised in January 2023, Flanagan took charge and remained in place from that point on.

Despite continued expressions of optimism that Dragons would become more competitive - and occasional wins to savour - they remain the least successful of the four professional sides.

BBC
 
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