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Ulster end losing run with battling Connacht win

United Rugby Championship

Connacht (7) 7

Tries: Hansen Cons: Carty

Ulster (10) 17

Tries: O'Sullivan, Timoney Cons: Doak 2 Pens: Doak

Ulster ended a run of five straight defeats as their youngsters played a huge role in a battling 17-7 United Rugby Championship win over a misfiring Connacht in Galway.

A series of carries by impressive young number eight James McNabney helped yield Eric O'Sullivan's 11th-minute try as Ulster moved into a 7-0 lead.

Another McNabney burst soon earned Nathan Doak a second successful kick between the Connacht posts to extend Ulster's lead as the home side continued to struggle amid woeful inaccuracy.

Connacht responded with huff and puff and it took an Ulster mistake for the home side to notch their only score in the 34th minute as hesitation between Michael Lowry and debutant Rory Telfer allowed Mack Hansen to nip in to grab a chip over the top from Jack Carty and score under the posts.

With Connacht never able to find any fluency, man-of-the-match Nick Timoney's line-out maul try was the only score of the second half as Ulster's win moved them up three places to eighth in the table, while Connacht dropped to 13th.

After the late withdrawals of Alan O'Connor and Rob Herring, Ulster started with only five of the side that took to the field against Munster on 20 December, which included coach Richie Murphy handing first starts to his son Jack and wing Rory Telfer.

Fly-half Murphy's inclusion meant he was in opposition to his brother Ben, who was introduced by the home side in the second half.

Connacht coach Pete Wilkins was also forced to make late alterations as Dylan Tierney-Martin and Niall Murray replaced Dave Heffernan and Darragh Murray in the home pack.

McNabney's enterprise helped set up O'Sullivan's 11th-minute try as Ulster made pressure count, with scrum-half Doak soon slotting his second successful kick to extend the visitors' lead to 10-0.

Debutant Murphy also produced an impressive opening which included a superb 50:22 that gained his side early momentum, although the action was stop-start amid messy scrum exchanges.

After their sluggish opening quarter, Connacht finally began to make inroads into Ulster territory only for their efforts to flounder because of a combination of their lateral approach and solid opposition defence.

However out of nothing, Connacht were gifted Hansen's 34th-minute try as hesitation between Lowry and Telfer after Carty's chip allowed the Ireland wing to grab possession and run in under the posts unopposed, with the Connacht fly-half adding the extras.

Connacht butcher late chances

Ulster went into the game depleted in the backs with Stuart McCloskey ruled out for a number of weeks by a hamstring injury and Jacob Stockdale, Robert Baloucoune, Zac Ward, James Hume and Stewart Moore also missing.

It got worse for Murphy's side as wing Werner Kok was forced off early in the second half by an apparent wrist injury which led to a debut for Ulster Academy back Wilhelm de Klerk.

Try-scorer O'Sullivan also had to be replaced by Andy Warwick shortly after the break to further stretch the visitors' resources.

However, Ulster didn't panic and were back in control by the 54th minute as the decision not to kick a routine three points was vindicated by man-of-the-match Timoney's line-out maul finish following pressure created by carries from McNabney, Scott Wilson and Treadwell.

Connacht butchered opportunities to get back into the contest as their inaccuracy continued with Cathal Forde kicking the ball dead as he went for the corner from a penalty, and Hansen then dropping the ball as he seemed set to score a second try.

Two further relieving turnovers - including a huge one by Timoney near his own line - kept the visitors in control in the closing stages amid their impressive work-rate.

Connacht: O'Conor; Hansen, Forde, Aki, Cordero; Carty, Blade; Buckley, Tierney-Martin, Bealham; Murphy, N Murray; Prendergast (capt), Hurley-Langton, Boyle.

Replacements: De Buitlear, Dooley, Aungier, Dowling, Jansen, Murphy, Jennings, Oliver.

Ulster: Lowry; Kok, Carson, Postlethwaite, Telfer; Murphy, Doak; O'Sullivan, Andrew, Wilson; Treadwell, Izuchukwu; Matty Rea, Timoney (capt), McNabney.

Replacements: McCormick, Warwick, Barrett, Sheridan, McCann, Cooney, Morgan, De Klerk.

BBC
 
Saracens responded admirably to their thumping festive defeat by Bath as they held off a Bristol fightback to end the Bears' record run of wins away from home

Two tries from Tom Willis and another from Fergus Burke helped the hosts to a 15-point lead at half-time, as Harry Randall put Bristol's only score on the board.

Lucio Cinti added Saracens' bonus point try and, while Kalaveti Ravouvou and Harry Thacker tries threatened a Bears comeback, a late second from Burke put the game to bed.

Jake Heenan scored a fourth try for Bristol with the clock in red to ensure they took a bonus point away.

Defeat ends Bristol's remarkable run of 10 consecutive Premiership away wins that stretched back to November 2023, and means they continue to search for a first-ever victory at the StoneX Stadium.

Heenan's fourth try means Bristol stay second in the table, a point in front of Saracens who move up to third from sixth.

Both sides came into the game hoping to make amends after bruising defeats, with Bristol arguably coming out the other side worst.

Their 38-0 loss to Sale was the Bears' heaviest home Premiership defeat in eight years but their team has continued to be battered by injuries, with winger Gabriel Ibitoye added to the growing unavailable list this week.

Saracens' 68-10 mauling in Bath was their biggest-ever loss at the Rec and after leaving a number of big names out for that humbling, Mark McCall rang changes again with Elliot Daly, Nick Tompkins and Willis among eight brought back on what was Jamie George's 300th start for the club.

Willis opened the scoring, picking the ball from a ruck before spinning over the line. Burke made it 14-0, collecting a blind pass from Tompkins before shrugging off a tackle to run over.

Randall pulled a try back for Bristol, throwing a dummy to create a gap to go over, but the Bears could not take advantage when Maro Itoje was sent to the bin – his eighth yellow card in 21 games – for three infringements in succession.

The visitors ended the half with twice as much possession and half the number of tackles as Saracens, but having racked up seven penalties as Daly took over at the tee for a 44-metre effort to stretch the hosts' lead.

Source: BBC
 
Rebels issue demand for RFU chief Sweeney sacking

The crisis at the top of English rugby erupted on Thursday evening as grassroots rebels broke cover to demand Bill Sweeney be sacked, only for the Rugby Football Union to reject a petition for a vote on their under-fire chief executive's future.

The collective, which includes 10 second-tier Championship clubs, various refereeing bodies and lower-level clubs from across the country, had called for the RFU board to dismiss Sweeney "as soon as practicably possible".

Sweeney's £1.1m compensation package, which coincided with record financial losses for the governing body and a round of job losses, topped their list of complaints.

However, they also attacked the RFU leadership's failure to do more to save liquidated clubs such as London Irish, Wasps, Worcester and Jerseys Reds, a botched roll-out of new rules around tackle height in 2023, the money spent in paying out the contracts of fired England coaches and a "loss of confidence and trust in the leadership of the game" among "the thousands of volunteers who keep the game alive".

The rebels have the support of 152 clubs and bodies, well clear of the threshold of 100 needed to trigger a Special General Meeting and a vote on Sweeney's future.

However, the RFU swiftly dismissed the call for a summit meeting of their near 2,000-strong membership and a final confrontation over Sweeney, claiming the no-confidence motion lacked the necessary signatures.

"The letter contains a number of inaccuracies," the RFU added in a statement. "It does not comply with the relevant requirements and is therefore invalid as a requisition for an SGM."

The organisers of the motion now plan to resubmit their paperwork and insist they will force the issue to a vote.

"The RFU can play for time all it likes, but this is a mass movement by a stronger, united team," said a spokesperson for the collective.

"Splitting hairs about the rules of what is or isn't a valid complaint form is merely postponing the inevitable.

"It would surely be better for the RFU to respect the wishes of more than 150 members - so far - who seek to invoke their right under Twickenham's own regulations to hold the administrators of the game to account at a Special General Meeting."

Former chairman Tom Ilube, part of the RFU's renumeration committee who approved Sweeney's recent bonus, stepped down in December.

His departure and the launch of an independent review of the scheme that boosted the pay of Sweeney and five further executives has not quelled discontent though.

If Sweeney's critics can provide the paperwork to show the necessary support, a special general meeting would be called in the midst of the men's Six Nations.

Several club officials explained their decision to support the no-confidence motion.

"The recent decision of the RFU to award bonuses to senior staff is beyond belief," said David Morton, secretary of sixth-tier Carlisle.

"The RFU keep trumpeting community rugby as the lifeblood of the game, while at the same time seemingly treating them like paupers."

"Every club I know wants to see change at the top, new leadership and a new approach to taking English rugby forward at all levels," added Paddy McAlpine, chairman of Chichester, who are also in tier six.

However, the nine professional referees employed by the RFU distanced themselves from the motion, saying they had not been consulted by the referees' union behind it and added they "have not endorsed any statements or meetings".

BBC
 
Glasgow beat Racing to seal Champions Cup knockout spot

Champions Cup

Glasgow (22) 29

Tries: Horne, Dobie, Cancelliere, Tuipulotu, Darge Cons: Horne, Jordan

Racing 92 (7) 19

Tries: Habosi, Mazibuko, Tedder Cons: Tedder (2)

Glasgow Warriors booked their spot in the knockout stages of the Champions Cup with a clinical destruction of Racing 92 at Scotstoun.

First-half tries from George Horne, Jamie Dobie, Sebastian Cancelliere and Sione Tuipulotu put the hosts in control, with Vinaya Habosi responding for the French side.

Rory Darge crossed after the break and although substitute Lee-Marvin Mazibuko and Tristan Tedder hit back for the visitors, Glasgow closed it out for an important bonus-point win.

Warriors face English Premiership side Harlequins at the Stoop next weekend as they look to secure a higher spot in the final pool standings and ensure a more favourable draw in the next round.

They came flying out of the blocks and were over the Racing line with barely two minutes on the clock.

Tuipulotu made a magnificent break from deep and a few phases later some lovely handling allowed Josh McKay to put Horne away under the sticks and become Glasgow's record try-scorer in European competition.

Horne had to leave the field shortly after for a head injury assessment and did not reappear, but his replacement Dobie took no time to make his mark, getting on the end of a powerful burst from Matt Fagerson to dive over for the second try.

Warriors were cooking and some exquisite handling in the midfield carved up the Racing defence and set Cancelliere free to score.

The visitors finally showed some signs of life five minutes before the break, Antoine Gibert's crossfield kick finding Habosi to score and reduce the deficit to 10 points.

Glasgow hit back almost immediately, Tuipulotu arriving onto the ball like a battering ram to cut through the defence, skip past Henry Arundell and dive over to establish a 15-point advantage at the break.

The home side all but finished the contest when Darge peeled off the back of a rolling line-out maul to go over for try number five.

Racing then enjoyed their first period of sustained pressure in the match and were rewarded with a try from Mazibuko.

The Parisians had belatedly arrived at the party and Tedder finished off a lovely passage of play to score their third try.

It was too little too late, however, as Glasgow banked the five points to ensure their European challenge will continue into the knockout stages.


BBC
 
Itoje replaces George as England's Six Nations captain

Maro Itoje has been promoted to England captain for the Six Nations, replacing Saracens team-mate Jamie George in the role.

Itoje, 30, led England to an age-grade world title in 2014 but only stepped up to skipper Saracens this season in the wake of Owen Farrell's departure.

"I'm at a point in my career where I feel ready to give my all to serve the team and the fans with the captaincy, and also produce my best on the field," he said.

George and Bristol prop Ellis Genge will serve as vice-captains in Steve Borthwick's 36-strong squad.

In-form number eight Tom Willis is called up while Ben Spencer, who started the autumn as first-choice scrum-half, drops out of the squad to make way for Alex Mitchell's return from injury.

Leicester's Dan Cole, 37, is also left out with his clubmate Joe Heyes and Sale's Asher Opoku-Fordjour brought in as tighthead options.

Bath's Ted Hill is selected with his clubmate Sam Underhill set to have surgery on an ankle injury while Harlequins' Cadan Murley comes in to replace Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, who is recovering from a shoulder complaint.

Oscar Beard and Fraser Dingwall are the alternative midfield options to the first-choice pairing of Ollie Lawrence and Henry Slade, with no place for Alex Lozowski.

England's Six Nations squad

Forwards: Fin Baxter (Harlequins), Ollie Chessum (Leicester), Alex Coles (Northampton), Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale), Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins), Ben Curry (Sale), Tom Curry (Sale), Theo Dan (Saracens), Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins), Ben Earl (Saracens), Ellis Genge (Bristol), Jamie George (Saracens), Joe Heyes (Leicester), Ted Hill (Bath), Maro Itoje (Saracens), George Martin (Leicester), Asher Opoku-Fordjour (Sale), Bevan Rodd (Sale), Will Stuart (Bath), Tom Willis (Saracens).

Backs: Oscar Beard (Harlequins), Elliot Daly (Saracens), Fraser Dingwall (Northampton), George Ford (Sale), Tommy Freeman (Northampton), Ollie Lawrence (Bath), Alex Mitchell (Northampton), Cadan Murley (Harlequins), Harry Randall (Bristol), Tom Roebuck (Sale), Henry Slade (Exeter), Ollie Sleightholme (Northampton), Fin Smith (Northampton), Marcus Smith (Harlequins), Freddie Steward (Leicester), Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester).

BBC
 

Ulster to face Bordeaux in Champions Cup last 16​

Ulster have qualified for the last 16 of the Investec Champions Cup on points difference after Bordeaux claimed a 66-12 victory against Sharks.

Richie Murphy's side's bonus-point 52-24 win over Exeter Chiefs on Friday night moved them level with fourth-placed Sharks on five points.

On Sunday, they needed already-qualified Bordeaux to beat Sharks by 29 points to have any chance of progressing on points difference.

Sharks started brightly in France and raced into a 12-point lead before Bordeaux fought back to hold a 19-12 advantage at half-time.

Damian Penaud scored a tournament-record six tries as a blistering second-half display as 47 unanswered points saw Bordeaux power past Sharks.

The heavy defeat for Sharks meant Ulster leapfrogged them into fourth place with a better points difference of -61 compared with Sharks' -87.

The win helped Bordeaux secure top spot in Pool 1 and home advantage in the next round where they will face Ulster in the first weekend in April.

Ulster were beaten 40-19 by Bordeaux when the sides met at the Kingspan Stadium in December.

Source: BBC
 

Scotland captain Tuipulotu ruled out of Six Nations​

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu has been ruled out of the Six Nations because of the pectoral muscle injury he picked up while training with Glasgow Warriors.

The 27-year-old, one of the game's most highly rated centres, will have surgery to repair the issue.

The injury also casts doubt on Tuipulotu's chances of touring Australia with the British and Irish Lions this summer, although he is expected to return before the end of the domestic season.

Flanker Rory Darge, 24, and fly-half Finn Russell, 32, will co-captain Scotland in his absence.

Capped 30 times since his debut in 2021, Tuipulotu has scored three Scotland tries and forms a dynamic midfield partnership with Huw Jones.

Lock Scott Cummings, 28, is also likely to miss the Six Nations with the arm fracture that forced him off during Glasgow's game against Harlequins.

The withdrawals of Cummings and Tuipulotu take Gregor Townsend's squad down to 36, but no additional players will be called up at this point.

Townsend's side open their championship at home to Italy on 1 February.

www.bbc.com

Sione Tuipulotu out of Six Nations because of training injury

Influential centre Sione Tuipulotu is ruled out of the Six Nations because of the pectoral injury he picked up in training.
www.bbc.com
 
Wales to play under closed roof for next two years

Wales will play all their international fixtures at the Principality Stadium with the roof closed for the next two years.

It follows a change of protocol agreed with the Six Nations who previously required both teams to agree for the roof to be closed.

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) say being able to close the retractable roof will guarantee conditions, maintain consistency for players and improve the fan experience.

"There's no better atmosphere than a packed-out Principality Stadium roaring Wales along," said stadium manager Mark Williams.

"In the past we've always come to a mutual agreement with the visiting team on whether the roof remains open or shut, but in this historic move we're maximising one of our greatest assets and the roof will be closed for the next two years of international Welsh rugby fixtures.

"When the roof is shut, the noise is intimidating. It's fantastic for both the fans and players."

Home sell-outs

The WRU also say both home fixtures in the 2025 Six Nations will be played in front of sell-out 74,000 crowds at the Cardiff venue.

Ireland visit the Welsh capital on Saturday, 22 February (14:15 GMT) before Warren Gatland's side host England on Saturday, 15 March (16:45 GMT).

"Selling out both of our home fixtures is an achievement reflective of the excitement building ahead of another thrilling Guinness Six Nations campaign at the world renowned Principality Stadium," said WRU chief executive Abi Tierney.

"Both senior men's home fixtures have been in high demand and this is a fantastic achievement and a sign of the passion and belief that Welsh rugby fans have for this team.

"Principality Stadium is one of the most iconic sporting venues in the world and our retractable roof, one of our most distinctive features, enables us to create an amazing atmosphere with the the match day experience set to come alive during the 2025 Six Nations."

Wales begin their Six Nations campaign against France in Paris on Friday, 31 January before facing Italy in Rome eight days later.

The side, who finished bottom of the championship without a win in 2024 and have lost a record 12 internationals, also travel to Scotland on Saturday, 8 March, before the concluding home fixture against England.

BBC
 

England can beat everyone in Six Nations - Itoje​

England can confound their critics by landing a Grand Slam in the forthcoming Six Nations, says new captain Maro Itoje.

England have not finished higher than third since their most recent title in 2020 and won only five of their 12 Tests in 2024.

"If we play our stuff, if we are the team we believe we can be, we can win," Itoje told BBC Sport. "There is not a team in this tournament that we can't beat."

Itoje took over the role this week from Jamie George, who himself only became captain 12 months ago.

The 30-year-old will lead England in a testing Six Nations opener – away to defending champions Ireland – on 1 February.

England beat Ireland at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium last year and Itoje says that the scale of the occasion can bring the best from him and his team-mates again.

"We know Ireland are a great team and the Aviva is a great place to play," he said.

"It is a huge game to sink our teeth into and get excited about. I can't wait. These are the challenges that bring out the best out of myself and the team."

Itoje was part of an England team who memorably defeated defending champions and title favourites Ireland in Dublin on the opening weekend of the 2019 championship.

Eddie Jones, sacked as England coach in 2022, masterminded that victory.

The Australian, who will be a pundit for ITV Sport's coverage of this year's Six Nations, has previously doubted Itoje's leadership potential, claiming the second row was "very inward-looking" and did not "usually influence people off the field".

Itoje, who has been promoted to captain Saracens this season, believes he is right to make on-pitch performance his focus, rather than dressing-room rhetoric.

"Every leader has to be authentic," he said.

"The most powerful way is to lead through your actions. People hear your voice, but they really follow what you do and how you behave.

"That is definitely the manner in which I would like to lead.

"I also understand the importance of communicating, making sure you can get your message across and can motivate your team, so I will endeavour to do that as well."

After their opening-round meeting with Ireland, England then take on France, Scotland and Italy at home before travelling to Wales on the final day.

Source: BBC
 

Wales add Jones to coaching staff for Six Nations​

Former Wales prop Adam Jones will join Warren Gatland's coaching staff for the 2025 Six Nations as a scrum consultant.

Jones, 43, is currently part of the Harlequins backroom staff as the scrum and transition coach and has been granted a secondment by his club.

This deal is for the tournament only with Jones linking up with Wales after Harlequins play Northampton in the Gallagher Premiership on Friday, 24 January.

Jones will return to the English club after the Six Nations finale against England on 15 March in Cardiff. Wales open their campaign against France in Paris on Friday, 31 January.

Jones will aid his former Ospreys coach Jonathan Humphreys, who is the current Wales forwards coach, but will also continue to help Harlequins remotely during the tournament.

Psychology and human performance specialist Andy McCann has also been appointed to the backroom staff.

"First of all, I would like to thank Harlequins for the opportunity to join the Wales coaching setup for the Six Nations," said Jones.

"I'm looking forward to working with Gats [Warren Gatland] and Humphs [Jonathan Humphreys], who are two big influences on my career as a player.

"It's all moved quickly but I'm looking forward to it.

"It's going to be a challenge coming from the Gallagher Premiership and this is my first taste of coaching international rugby, so there will be learning process for me as well."

An independent review was held into Welsh rugby after a winless autumn campaign that extended Wales' losing international streak to a record 12 games.

Following the findings which included anonymous feedback from current players, Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) chief executive Abi Tierney stated Gatland would keep his job for the Six Nations but his backroom staff would be bolstered.

"I'm delighted that Adam and Andy will be joining us for the Six Nations and I'd like to thank Harlequins for allowing Adam to take up this opportunity," said Gatland.

"With less than two weeks to our first game against France in Paris, we will be working hard as a group to maximise our preparation and start our campaign on a high."

Source: BBC
 

Six Nations to use 20-minute red cards for first time​

This year's Six Nations will use 20-minute red cards for the first time.

The trial was in place for the Autumn Nations Cup in November and has been extended to this year's men's, women's and Under-20s Championships.

Lawmakers say the 20-minute red card is designed to "punish the player and not the team", with sides able to replace a dismissed player after 20 minutes.

The men's Six Nations starts on Friday, 31 January with France hosting Wales in Paris.

While referees are still able to award a full and permanent red card for "deliberate and dangerous acts of foul play", the 20-minute red card constitutes a major change to rugby union's disciplinary process.

A crackdown on head contact has been in place since January 2017, with a number of the sport's biggest recent matches affected by red cards.

The losing side in the past two Rugby World Cup finals - England's women against New Zealand in 2022 and the All Blacks against South Africa in the 2023 men's showpiece - played the majority of the match with 14 players, as did Bath when beaten by Northampton in last year's Premiership final.

"Across the game, everyone is working together to ensure we are exploring new and innovative ways to make the game as safe as possible, alongside ambitions to enhance the spectacle for fans, and the experience for players," said Six Nations chief of rugby Julie Paterson.

There are two global law trials which will also come in during the 2025 Championship, with scrum-halves being given more protection at the base of rucks, mauls and scrums, while throws that aren't straight when the line-out is uncontested will not be penalised.

Reduction in the time allowed for conversions as well as quicker formation of scrums and line-outs - introduced in the autumn - will also continue into all three championships, as will referees broadcasting key decisions over the public address system for the benefit of fans in the stadium.

www.bbc.com

Six Nations to use 20-minute red cards for first time

This year's Six Nations will use 20-minute red cards for the first time.
www.bbc.com
 
Bill Sweeney insists he will fight on as RFU chief amid calls for dismissal

Bill Sweeney has vowed to fight on as the Rugby Football Union chief executive despite facing calls for his dismissal over a pay and bonuses scandal. Sweeney has also said he wanted to defer the controversial bonus payment that has led to demands for his removal.

The RFU has agreed to hold a special general meeting, at which Sweeney may be pressured to end his tenure, after the Six Nations. A total of 141 signatories are included on a letter that was sent to the RFU on 9 January, easily exceeding the 100 member clubs needed to trigger an SGM under the governing body’s rules.

Annual accounts published in November revealed Sweeney received pay of £1.1m for the 2023‑24 financial year, comprising an increased salary of £742,000 and a bonus of £358,000. Further bonuses totalling almost £1m were paid to five other executives even though the RFU reported a record operating loss of £37.9m and made 42 members of staff redundant.

Speaking to The Good, The Bad and The Rugby podcast, Sweeney said: “I have definitely got the energy [to carry on]. I mean, the easiest thing to do now would be [to] walk away. The easiest thing to do now would be to say: ‘Right, I’ve had enough of this stuff. I’ve had enough of this political crap that goes on. It’s worse than Succession. I’ve had enough of all that stuff. Why bother?’

“I can’t do that. I wouldn’t do that. It’s just unbearable to think I would just take that easy option out. We have got some great stuff that we’ve developed and we’re just starting to land into the game. I know what’s going on behind the scenes. I know who is involved in it. So I am not just going to walk away from those characters either. So I’m going to stick it out.

If the board tells me to go, that’s fine. If they don’t tell me to go and they believe I’m doing a good job – and I do believe I’m doing a good job – then I’ll stay. And if that means taking a load more stick and flak, then OK, I’ll stay.”

Sweeney said he had been unable to push back his long-term incentive payment. “I knew it was going be a major problem, quite a way before it was done. I wanted to defer it, so I said: ‘Why are we paying this in 23-24? Why don’t we defer to 25 or 27?’

“The problem is, once you’ve declared an incentive programme like this, it’s stated in your annual reports, and it was done previously, you accrue for it year after year. Even if it has been paid later, it still has to be announced and it still has to be taken in that year, so that wouldn’t have changed.”

Sweeney swept aside any suggestion that he should have rejected the bonus or offered it to charity. “It’s a contracted commitment. You don’t have to take it … it’s contractually available,” he said. “We didn’t request an LTIP [Long-Term Incentive Plan], we had no say in the quantum of it, no say in what the amount should be. Giving it all to charity as a justification for why you’ve accepted the LTIP … I’m not sure that’s the right message.”

Sweeney did not hide away from the gravity of the scrutiny on his organisation, but suggested the organisation’s problems may run even deeper. Asked if he felt the RFU was fit for purpose, Sweeney said: “I do think it is, but I do think there are changes necessary. I don’t think applying the same structures we have in the RFU now that existed when the game went professional in 95 and prior to that [works].

“I suppose the question would be is the RFU fit for purpose or is rugby fit for purpose? If you look at the various stakeholders are they all working together in the right way? That’s another bigger question.”

SOURCE: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2...rfu-chief-dismissal-bonus-scandal-rugby-union
 
BouncerGuy said:
Bill Sweeney insists he will fight on as RFU chief amid calls for dismissal

Bill Sweeney has vowed to fight on as the Rugby Football Union chief executive despite facing calls for his dismissal over a pay and bonuses scandal. Sweeney has also said he wanted to defer the controversial bonus payment that has led to demands for his removal.

The RFU has agreed to hold a special general meeting, at which Sweeney may be pressured to end his tenure, after the Six Nations. A total of 141 signatories are included on a letter that was sent to the RFU on 9 January, easily exceeding the 100 member clubs needed to trigger an SGM under the governing body’s rules.

Annual accounts published in November revealed Sweeney received pay of £1.1m for the 2023‑24 financial year, comprising an increased salary of £742,000 and a bonus of £358,000. Further bonuses totalling almost £1m were paid to five other executives even though the RFU reported a record operating loss of £37.9m and made 42 members of staff redundant.

Speaking to The Good, The Bad and The Rugby podcast, Sweeney said: “I have definitely got the energy [to carry on]. I mean, the easiest thing to do now would be [to] walk away. The easiest thing to do now would be to say: ‘Right, I’ve had enough of this stuff. I’ve had enough of this political crap that goes on. It’s worse than Succession. I’ve had enough of all that stuff. Why bother?’

“I can’t do that. I wouldn’t do that. It’s just unbearable to think I would just take that easy option out. We have got some great stuff that we’ve developed and we’re just starting to land into the game. I know what’s going on behind the scenes. I know who is involved in it. So I am not just going to walk away from those characters either. So I’m going to stick it out.

If the board tells me to go, that’s fine. If they don’t tell me to go and they believe I’m doing a good job – and I do believe I’m doing a good job – then I’ll stay. And if that means taking a load more stick and flak, then OK, I’ll stay.”

Sweeney said he had been unable to push back his long-term incentive payment. “I knew it was going be a major problem, quite a way before it was done. I wanted to defer it, so I said: ‘Why are we paying this in 23-24? Why don’t we defer to 25 or 27?’

“The problem is, once you’ve declared an incentive programme like this, it’s stated in your annual reports, and it was done previously, you accrue for it year after year. Even if it has been paid later, it still has to be announced and it still has to be taken in that year, so that wouldn’t have changed.”

Sweeney swept aside any suggestion that he should have rejected the bonus or offered it to charity. “It’s a contracted commitment. You don’t have to take it … it’s contractually available,” he said. “We didn’t request an LTIP [Long-Term Incentive Plan], we had no say in the quantum of it, no say in what the amount should be. Giving it all to charity as a justification for why you’ve accepted the LTIP … I’m not sure that’s the right message.”

Sweeney did not hide away from the gravity of the scrutiny on his organisation, but suggested the organisation’s problems may run even deeper. Asked if he felt the RFU was fit for purpose, Sweeney said: “I do think it is, but I do think there are changes necessary. I don’t think applying the same structures we have in the RFU now that existed when the game went professional in 95 and prior to that [works].

“I suppose the question would be is the RFU fit for purpose or is rugby fit for purpose? If you look at the various stakeholders are they all working together in the right way? That’s another bigger question.”

SOURCE: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2...rfu-chief-dismissal-bonus-scandal-rugby-union
Click to expand...

Embattled Rugby Football Union chief executive Bill Sweeney says that he has never contemplated resigning, saying it would be "the cowardly way out".

Sweeney will face a vote of no confidence in a showdown meeting between the RFU hierarchy and its critics on 27 March.

BBC
 

Wales replace King with Howley for Six Nations​

Alex King will not be part of Warren Gatland's 2025 Six Nations backroom team with Rob Howley taking over the attack coach role for the tournament.

King, 50, was appointed by Wales head coach Warren Gatland in December 2022 after Stephen Jones departed.

King has been in his position for two Six Nations campaigns and a 2023 World Cup when Wales reached the quarter-finals.

He will not be involved in the coaching team for this tournament with no official reason given by the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) for King's absence as former Wales attack coach Howley takes over his previous role.

Gatland's coaching team has been revamped with scrum specialist Adam Jones joining Wales' backroom staff on a secondment from Harlequins.

Psychology and human performance specialist Andy McCann has also been appointed for the tournament, while Mike Forshaw and Neil Jenkins will continue in their defence and skills roles.

Source: BBC
 
Glasgow grind out narrow URC win over Connacht

Glasgow strengthened their grip on second place in the United Rugby Championship table by grinding out victory over a resolute Connacht at Scotstoun.

The Irish side crossed the whitewash first through David Hawkshaw, but Warriors hit back with tries from Sebastian Cancelliere and Ben Ashfar to lead 17-5 at the break.

Hawkshaw and Cancelliere exchanged further scores in the second half and although Piers O'Conor crossed late on for the visitors, Glasgow held firm to secure the victory.

Franco Smith's side now lead third-placed Bulls by seven points having played two games more than the South African outfit.

With both teams shorn of a raft of internationals before the Six Nations kicking off next weekend, a lack of cohesion was evident for large spells of what was a scrappy contest in difficult conditions.

Having first joined the club back in 2010, Duncan Weir was leading the Glasgow side as captain for the first time and the fly-half banged over a penalty to get Warriors up and running.

Connacht were dominating the exchanges in the opening quarter however, and got their reward when Hawkshaw charged down Ollie Smith's attempted clearance kick before gathering to score.

Henco Venter got Glasgow back on the front foot with a powerful burst and when the ball was whipped wide Cancelliere darted through a gap to go over for Glasgow's first try.

The game was bobbing along without much happening until a majestic show-and-go from prop Fin Richardson saw him slip through the Connacht defence, before offloading to Alex Samuel who sent Ashfar sprinting free to the try line.

Glasgow led by 12 at the break but it was Connacht who struck early in the second half, some neat handling sending Hawkshaw away for his second try of the match.

Having played into a strong breeze in the first half, the Irish side now had the wind at their backs and had an opportunity to reduce the deficit to two points, only for JJ Hanrahan's penalty attempt to come back off the upright.

Warriors gave themselves some breathing space with their third try. Strong carries from Smith and Jack Mann took Glasgow to the brink of the Connacht line before Cancelliere found himself in the right place at the right time again to dot down.

The visitors were not done yet and O'Conor raced over two minutes from time to set up a nervy finish, but Glasgow managed the final moments well to see it out for the win.


BBC
 
History beckons as Curry twins' dream comes true

Men's Six Nations: Ireland v England

Venue: Aviva Stadium Date: Saturday, 1 February Kick-off: 16:45 GMT

Coverage: Listen live on BBC Radio 5 Live; text commentary and highlights on BBC Sport website and app; watch on ITV1.

The career arc of twins Tom and Ben Curry started as they both appear – identical.

Both played at flanker, broke into the Sale team in 2016-17, won the Under-20 Six Nations, and were selected by Eddie Jones for England's summer tour of Argentina at the end of their first season of professional rugby.

Still only 18, it was not just their appearance that made knowing who was who difficult, but their performances on the pitch.

"It is not a joke - I just tell the coaches to bring me one of those Curries," former Sale head coach Steve Diamond said in 2017. "He then tells us who he is."

Injury prevented Ben, who captained Tom at under-20 level earlier that year and is the older brother by 90 minutes, from making his England debut that summer.

Tom stole the march on his brother to become the youngest England starter in more than 90 years against Argentina, after being named player of the match against the Barbarians – a game that Ben had been picked to start before giving up his spot to Tom because of a back injury.

Back then, it felt a matter of time before both would play together for their country.

Eight years later, in their ninth season of professional rugby together, they are finally set to make history as the first twin brothers to start a Test match together for England.

Both have been named in the starting line-up for England's Six Nations opener against Ireland on Saturday.

'We don't cook or eat together'

Growing up, the brothers competed in all types of sports, including rugby, athletics, cricket and football.

But it was at indoor bowls where Tom first got the upper hand on Ben, something he still reminds his identical twin about.

"In primary school, we had indoor bowls and I weirdly turned out to be really good at it," he told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast.

"I was champion within my school. It was one of my favourite trophies, it was massive."

Sport is in the Curry blood. Their mother is a PE teacher, their father played rugby for Rosslyn Park when they were in England's top flight and coached the twins from the age of four, while their uncle John Olver was a Northampton Saints and England hooker.

And they are not the only internationals in the family, as their sister Charlotte represented Great Britain Under-17s at frisbee.

At one stage, the twins had dreams of a professional football career for Manchester City but Tom says they ended when he headed the ball past his own goalkeeper during a game.

In their early years of playing rugby, the brothers found themselves lining up in the backline together.

"It was Ben at 12 and I was at 10. I was a crash-ball 10 so the ball didn't get out," joked Tom.

"Tom then moved into the forwards first and somehow I got dragged in," added Ben.

Having grown up together, they decided against going their separate ways at the first opportunity, and continue to live under the same roof at the age of 26.

Not that they live identical lives around the house.

"When we go home it is every man for himself," Tom added. "We don't cook or eat together. We just do our own thing."

'I was thinking Tom has screwed this up'

Despite combining effectively at club level together, there was more bad luck when it came to aligning at international level.

Following a speedy rise, Tom played in a World Cup final in 2019 at the age of 21, which his brother was allowed to watch after a social media campaign #GetBenToJapan helped him pluck up the courage to ask if he could miss Sale's game against Bristol to travel to Japan.

Tom's combination with fellow flanker Sam Underhill was a revelation during the tournament and resulted in Jones nicknaming the pair the "kamikaze kids".

Strong Sale form led to Ben's first cap against the United States in 2021, while Tom was away playing three Tests in South Africa for the British and Irish Lions.

Regular appearances in the 2023 Six Nations followed for Ben, who was enjoying a run in the England squad after his brother required hip surgery.

When last November came round, the opportunity to play together arrived again, only for Ben to replace Tom in the closing stages of England's defeat by New Zealand.

"Steve [Borthwick] came up to us before the game and said he wants to play us together. So I was thinking, class," Ben added.

"I see Tom 15 minutes in with his head down and he is trudging. I was thinking: He has screwed this up."

Like in 2017, the brothers were made to wait, with Ben not featuring in the other three Autumn Nations Series games for England.

This Saturday, with Underhill injured and Ollie Chessum perhaps lacking match fitness after knee surgery, Ben gets another shot to nail down England's number seven shirt.

"We have well-rounded skill sets that complement each other. It is not throwing out two people who are the same player," Tom added.

"We know each other and what we are about. That helps, but the ability to work off each other and do different roles like at six and seven, we are technically doing different things."

Given how long they both had to wait, nothing will be taken for granted until the match kicks off in Dublin and history is made.

BBC
 
Sydney to host 2027 Men's Rugby World Cup final

The 2027 Men's Rugby World Cup will take place across seven cities in Australia with Sydney's Accor Stadium hosting the final.

The 83,000-seat venue hosted the nail-biting 2003 final, when Jonny Wilkinson's last-gasp drop-goal gave England their only men's World Cup win.

Sydney will also host two quarter-finals, the two semi-finals and the bronze final in the 24-team competition.

The other matches are spread across the country's major cities including Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Newcastle and Townsville.

"The Rugby World Cup is among the planet's biggest sporting events and Australia is incredibly excited to welcome the world to the 2027 edition," said Australia chief executive Phil Waugh.

"Taking the field for the final in 2003 was among the greatest honours of my career and I am delighted this generation of Wallabies will have the privilege of experiencing the emotion, excitement and joy of pulling on the gold jersey before our passionate fans at a World Cup in own backyard."

The tournament is set to start on 1 October 2027 with the final taking place on 13 November.

South Africa are the defending champions after beating New Zealand in the 2023 final.

It will be the third time Australia has hosted or co-hosted the event, which is projected to inject more than 2 billion Australian dollars (£999 million) into the local economy.

BBC
 

England can deliver Six Nations 'shock' - Care​

England can "shock" Ireland and set themselves up for a run at the Six Nations title, says three-time winner Danny Care.

Steve Borthwick's team begin the tournament on Saturday by visiting an Ireland side aiming to become the first ever nation to win the competition outright three times in a row.

Harlequins scrum-half Care won more than 100 caps in an England career spanning 16 years and believes the Red Rose can get a victory in Dublin that could set them on course to win the trophy for the first time since 2020.

"If you go to Dublin and [just] try and stay in the game you could get blown away - but if England really go after Ireland and put their game on the park, I think they could cause them some trouble," the 39-year-old told BBC Sport London.

"Steve [Borthwick] will be saying 'let's shock a few people, let's get out of the blocks fast' and momentum is massive in this tournament, like no other. If you can get going and start building momentum, something just happens.

"I found it in the three years I've managed to get my hands on the trophy. If England can get off to a good one then watch this space."

'England will learn from autumn

Source: BBC
 
Champions Ireland host England in blockbuster opener

Men's Six Nations: Ireland v England

Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin Date: Saturday, 1 February Kick-off: 16:45 GMT

Coverage: Listen live on BBC Radio 5 Live & BBC Sounds; text commentary and highlights on BBC Sport website and app; watch on ITV1

As a fixture, this one is usually the good thing that comes to those who wait. Not this year.

Only twice have Ireland and England locked horns on the opening weekend in the Six Nations era, with England winning both times, in 2000 and 2019.

It is often kept for the tournament's pressure-packed latter stages, so when organisers released the 2025 schedule in the hours leading up to last year's match at Twickenham, eyes were immediately drawn to 1 February: Ireland v England.

Now, with 10 months having flown by, the rugby world braces itself for the latest chapter in a rivalry that began 150 years ago.

When they met last March, the stakes were sky-high. With seconds left, Marcus Smith's drop-goal sent Twickenham crazy. Ireland's hopes of back-to-back Grand Slams were crushed and suddenly all was fine in England's world.

This weekend, it's all about setting tones, settling scores, laying down markers and capturing that early jolt of momentum that can shape a championship.

To England first. The pressure on head coach Steve Borthwick is intense. That Twickenham win promised a new dawn. What followed, however, was a defeat in France and summer and autumn campaigns filled with agony.

New Zealand on three occasions, Australia, South Africa. Southern hemisphere scalps kept slipping through England's grasp.

Those results were, of course, bookended by a couple of thumping wins over Japan, but there is no escaping the sense that English rugby needs a lift, the ongoing tumult in its corridors of power having served only to darken the mood lately.

Speaking of lifts, the aerial battle has been a point of discussion since the teams were announced. Borthwick has created history by starting Curry twins Ben and Tom either side of Ben Earl, who was outstanding against Ireland last year.

And while that trio offers speed, mobility and breakdown menace, the selection may give Ireland - for whom the 6ft 6in Ryan Baird is a surprise inclusion - the edge at the line-out.

Maro Itoje, England's new captain, was quick to assuage such fears this week.

"We have enough line-out jumpers. The line-out is a massive part of the game and we have a well-oiled machine," said the lock, who has replaced Saracens team-mate Jamie George as England's skipper.

"If you were to look at our statistics over the last autumn, it's an area that we're pretty strong at in terms of ball winning."

Last year, England attacked Ireland from the outset and stopped the green machine clicking into gear. Key to that was Alex Mitchell, who is reinstalled at scrum-half after missing the autumn matches through injury.

Mitchell will start alongside Marcus Smith instead of Northampton team-mate Fin Smith.

In addition to delivering the killer blow against Ireland last year, Marcus Smith stood out during a difficult autumn campaign. The rekindling of that half-back partnership could breathe new life into an England attack that features wing Cadan Murley, who makes his debut.

Next week, England host France. Suffice to say, these first two weekends could decide not only England's fate this year, but Borthwick's future too.

Ireland strong despite missing forwards

Ireland may be chasing an unprecedented third title in a row, but they do not approach this year's tournament without trepidation.

With head coach Andy Farrell deep in British and Irish Lions prep, his assistant Simon Easterby has stepped up to lead a team who huffed and puffed their way through November.

They were well beaten by the All Blacks - their first home reverse since the 2021 Six Nations - and laboured to wins over Argentina, Fiji and Australia.

That series exposed some alarming frailties, with 13 penalties shipped against both New Zealand and Argentina, 23 turnovers conceded against Australia, and 49 handling errors combined in the All Blacks and Wallabies games. And the line-out, like at the World Cup, faltered at key times.

Ireland have not shied away from their underwhelming displays in November, and given how the England game ended last year, Easterby's side need not look far for motivation.

Like England, Ireland are missing some key operators. Tadhg Furlong is a world-class tight-head prop while Joe McCarthy started every Test in 2024 having enjoyed a breakthrough Six Nations. Both are absent.

It is, however, still a formidable pack, with Josh van der Flier and captain Caelan Doris among those to have found form with Leinster prior to entering Ireland camp.

No doubt Farrell will be keeping a close eye on Doris and his England counterpart Itoje as the battle to be named Lions captain intensifies.

Easterby has been able to field a settled backline, although handing a Six Nations debut to fly-half Sam Prendergast is a big call, leading former England winger Chris Ashton to suggest England will target the 21-year-old's inexperience.

As ever, the respective benches could have a big say and Ireland can call upon 509 caps worth of experience. Easterby will emphasise the importance of a fast start against an England side who won three Six Nations games last year despite trailing in all five at half-time.

Ireland's back-to-back title wins were built on strong starts. They swatted Wales aside in Cardiff in 2023 and crushed 14-man France in Marseille last year.

If they produce another stirring performance on Saturday and claim a 26th win in 30 Six Nations home matches stretching back to 2013, few will doubt their title credentials.

Line-ups

Ireland: Keenan; Hansen, Ringrose, Aki, Lowe; Prendergast, Gibson-Park; Porter, Kelleher, Bealham, Ryan, Beirne, Baird, Van der Flier, Doris (capt).

Replacements: Sheehan, Healy, Clarkson, Henderson, Conan, Murray, Crowley, Henshaw.

England: Steward; Freeman, Lawrence, Slade, Murley; M Smith, Mitchell; Genge, Cowan-Dickie, Stuart, Itoje, Martin, T Curry, B Curry, Earl.

Replacements: Dan, Baxter, Heyes, Chessum, Cunningham-South, Willis, Randall, F Smith.

Referee: Ben O'Keeffe (New Zealand)

BBC
 

Holders Ireland seal bonus-point win over England​

Ireland scored three tries in a dominant second-half display as they launched their bid for an unprecedented third successive Six Nations title with a bonus-point victory over England in Dublin.

With the hosts struggling out of the blocks, an early score from England debutant Cadan Murley helped the visitors lead deservedly at the break.

A well-worked Jamison Gibson-Park try was the champions' only score in the opening 40 minutes, but second-half tries from Bundee Aki, Tadhg Beirne and returning hooker Dan Sheehan sealed a win for Simon Easterby in his first game as Ireland interim head coach.

It is, however, a sixth defeat in seven matches for England boss Steve Borthwick and a loss for Maro Itoje in his first Test since replacing Jamie George as captain.

Having impressed early on, England had to settle for late consolation scores from Tom Curry and Tommy Freeman and must regroup before hosting France next week, with Ireland visiting Scotland in their second match.

Source: BBC
 
Ireland get into the groove as England suffer

It took just one game of their 2025 Six Nations campaign for Ireland to rediscover a quality that had eluded them through all of last autumn - the ability to work themselves into a rhythm.

After stumbling out of the blocks in their November opener, a sobering defeat to the All Blacks that cast a long shadow over the remainder of the month, there was a sense that Ireland never found their groove even in subsequent victories against Argentina, Fiji and Australia.

Mistakes felt contagious as the harder Andy Farrell's side tried to turn things around, the more they seemed to struggle.

In their 27-22 victory over England on Saturday, in contrast, the most pleasing aspect of a marked turnaround by the home side was their ability to problem-solve in real time.

Handed a blockbuster fixture to kick off their championship, Ireland started and finished poorly.

Yet the team led by interim head coach Simon Easterby were so superior in between that there was a feeling the five-point margin flattered the visitors.

In the opening quarter of the Test match, Easterby's side had struggled to get to grips with an English plan designed to slow their ball and knock them from their attacking rhythm.

Few at that stage would have predicted they would hold a 17-point lead going into the closing stages.

"We kicked on," said Easterby, who has stepped in while Andy Farrell spends much of the year on British and Irish Lions duty.

He was referring to the 35-minute stretch directly after half-time that yielded 22 unanswered Irish points.

"We were a bit smarter in the way we played early in the second half," Easterby said, "and that continued for a good chunk of that second half, resulting in a lot of the scores off the back of that."

Switching to the national side from playing for Leinster, as 11 of Ireland's starting side do in their provincial careers, has perhaps not required such a change in style since before Joe Schmidt first pitched up in Dublin 15 years ago.

Initially at least, it looked as if going from blue to green was again producing something of a shock to the system.

Before his short-term promotion, Easterby served as Ireland's defensive specialist. He cannot have been pleased to see such gaps appearing across the Aviva Stadium pitch through the period that saw Cadan Murley's debut try give the Red Rose a deserved lead.

That is not to dismiss England's contribution to Ireland's early struggles.

Steve Borthwick's tactic of deploying three fetchers in his back row wreaked havoc on the hosts' breakdown, and England's line speed in defence contributed to the errors that brought several promising attacks to abrupt conclusions.

"The first half felt like the first round of a Six Nations, which is always tough," said Easterby, whose side trailed 10-5 at the break.

"There's so much at stake. Everyone has a lot of energy and enthusiasm.

"It was tough going, because we felt at times we didn't make the most of the opportunities that we had. They defended well at times and stopped us getting momentum."

Bench sparks turnaround for hosts

Rather than allow mistake to beget mistake, as they so often did across the autumn, Ireland moved slowly through the gears before finally reaching cruising speed.

Aided by Marcus Smith's yellow card, the men in green were showing signs of getting to grips with proceedings before the turn, but it was only in the second half that they truly looked like two-time reigning champions of this competition.

England's Borthwick said it was "hard to quantify" how much the effort expended in negating Ireland in the first half had left his side fatigued but, as their challenge faded, Ireland's energy levels only seemed to rise.

England got little from their six-two bench as Ireland's replacements turned the game in the home team's favour.

Benefiting from forward depth that meant last year's skipper Peter O'Mahony did not even make the Irish 23, Easterby was able to call upon two players who missed the autumn through injury in hooker Dan Sheehan and back row Jack Conan.

Both were superb after coming on in the 50th minute to highlight a quality bench effort across the board.

"I thought the guys that started laid a really strong foundation and it wasn't easy going. It was tough at times," said Easterby.

"The guys that came off the bench benefited from the work that had been done in the first 50, 55 minutes.

"To be fair, the guys that came off the bench were brilliant, they really impacted the game."

The two late tries conceded to allow England a losing bonus point will be a source of consternation for Easterby.

As will the injury to Finlay Bealham that means, with Tadhg Furlong already struggling with a calf complaint and Tom O'Toole suspended, Ireland could be going to Murrayfield next week with their fourth and fifth choice tight-heads.

Of course, Ireland are currently enjoying a 10-game winning run against Scotland, and when they last visited Edinburgh two years ago they needed flanker Josh van der Flier to throw into the line-outs with prop Cian Healy scrummaging at hooker and still managed to come out on top.

The Six Nations is often said to be a tournament where momentum is paramount.

Having struggled to find it all autumn long, after such an emphatic second half on Saturday, it suddenly feels Ireland have plenty once again.

BBC
 
Lozowski replaces injured Murley in England squad

Men's Six Nations: England v France

Date: Saturday, 8 February Kick-off: 16:45 GMT Venue: Allianz Stadium, Twickenham

Coverage: Live on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds, with live text commentary on the BBC Sport website

Saracens centre Alex Lozowski has replaced the injured Cadan Murley in the England squad for Saturday's Six Nations match with France at Twickenham.

Harlequins wing Murley, who scored a try on his debut against Ireland on Saturday, missed training on Monday with a foot injury which required a scan.

The 25-year-old could return to the England camp later in the tournament.

Lozowski, 31, won the last of his five international caps under former head coach Eddie Jones in 2018.

He was part of Steve Borthwick's 36-man squad for last year's autumn internationals, but did not feature.

Borthwick's side suffered a seventh defeat in nine matches on Saturday, despite leading by five points at the interval, with a dominant second-half display from the hosts securing a 27-22 win.

England squad for France

Forwards

Fin Baxter (Harlequins), Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers), Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks), Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins), Ben Curry (Sale Sharks), Tom Curry (Sale Sharks), Theo Dan (Saracens), Ben Earl (Saracens), Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears), Jamie George (Saracens), Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers), Ted Hill (Bath Rugby), Maro Itoje (Saracens), Curtis Langdon (Northampton Saints), George Martin (Leicester Tigers), Asher Opoku-Fordjour (Sale Sharks), Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks), Will Stuart (Bath Rugby), Tom Willis (Saracens).

Backs

Oscar Beard (Harlequins), Elliot Daly (Saracens), Fraser Dingwall (Northampton Saints), George Ford (Sale Sharks), Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints), Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby), Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints), Alex Lozowski (Saracens), Harry Randall (Bristol Bears), Tom Roebuck (Sale Sharks), Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs), Ollie Sleightholme (Northampton Saints), Fin Smith (Northampton Saints), Marcus Smith (Harlequins), Ben Spencer (Bath Rugby), Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers).

BBC
 
Mapimpi banned over eye incident against Cardiff

South Africa wing Makazole Mapimpi has been banned for three games after admitting he made contact "with the eye or eye area" of a Cardiff opponent during a United Rugby Championship (URC) game in January.

Mapimpi, a member of two World Cup winning squads, was involved in a scuffle with Cardiff hooker Efan Daniel during Sharks' 42-22 win win at Cardiff Arms Park on 25 January.

He was not punished during the game, but was cited and at a disciplinary hearing Mapimpi admitted committing a red card offence.

Mapimpi will miss Sharks' URC matches at fellow South African side Bulls on Saturday, 15 February and back-to-back games against Lions.

Disciplinary officials took into account a previous incident of a similar nature in settling on Mapimpi's ban. He was banned for two weeks after being found guilty of making contact with the eye area of Bordeaux-Bègles scrum-half Maxime Lucu in a European Champions Cup game in January 2023.


BBC
 
Smith set to start at fly-half for England

Marcus Smith is set to start at full-back and Fin Smith at fly-half for England in Saturday's Six Nations match with France at Allianz Stadium.

If confirmed, it will be a first Test start for Northampton's Fin Smith, 22, after winning his previous seven caps from the bench.

It means Marcus Smith is poised to switch to his more unfamiliar position of full-back, having started England's last eight games at number 10.

England will confirm their starting XV and replacements on Thursday.

France travel to Twickenham having thrashed Wales in round one, buoyed by a 53-10 victory in this fixture two years ago.

Meanwhile England were beaten by Ireland in Dublin, a result which leaves Steve Borthwick's side on a record seven-match losing run against tier one nations.

"We are the England rugby team and we want to win and we know the expectations that come with it," senior coach Richard Wigglesworth told the Rugby Union Weekly podcast.

"I have no problem with people wanting to see more wins because that is what I want and what we are all working towards.

"The outcome that we want is to win, so we are not avoiding that."

England are also set to make changes in the back row and in the back three, with Tom Willis understood to be in line for a first Test start at number eight.

Wigglesworth says the coaches need to weigh up consistent selection with picking the right team to beat France.

"What England did for many, many years was chop and change the team, so you end up with low levels of cohesion and low levels of trust in the coaches," he said.

"And that didn't work for a long time.

"We know what hasn't worked in the past and we don't want to be panicked into making the same mistake.

"But we have to weigh up all those things and get the right team on the field."

SOURCE: https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/articles/cpvmx03n9ngo
 
France's Ntamack to miss England game after red card

Romain Ntamack will miss France's Six Nations match against England at Allianz Stadium on Saturday through suspension.

The fly-half was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Ben Thomas in the closing stages of France's 43-0 win over Wales in Paris on 31 January.

At a disciplinary hearing on Wednesday, Ntamack received a ban of three weeks/matches. However, that sanction may be reduced to two weeks/matches if the 25-year-old completes World Rugby's Coaching Intervention Programme.

Details of when Ntamack can return to action will be confirmed in due course.

The Toulouse player was initially shown a yellow card after making shoulder-to-head contact with Thomas, but that punishment was upgraded following an off-field review.


www.bbc.com

Six Nations 2025: Romain Ntamack banned and will miss England-France game

Fly-half Romain Ntamack will miss France's Six Nations game against England on Saturday after his red card against Wales.
www.bbc.com
 

Cool heads and bloody minds combine as England pluck victory from chaos​


"Make some noise for your England!"

The pitchside hype man needn't have worried.

The 81,000 inside Allianz Stadium had been doing exactly that for the final rounds of an epic, see-sawing contest and weren't about to stop as Maro Itoje, Tom Curry and their battle-battered team-mates used their last drop of energy to salute the stands.

There was jubilation, vindication and a fair bit of relief in the decibels.


England fans are used to their teams putting them through the wringer.

Three tries in the final 10 minutes? The lead swapping hands faster than an ambidextrous dog-walker? This is standard fare in the wild, wild south-west of London nowadays.

The last Six Nations match here was a victory over Ireland settled by a Marcus Smith drop-goal at the death.

In the autumn, George Ford was the width of a post from doing the same to New Zealand.

A week later against Australia, the Wallabies won a 79-point, 10-try rafter-ripper on the final play.

Some of the Twickenham scripts would have been shredded as too outlandish by a telenovela writers' room.

But, after six defeats in their past seven Tests, an England victory was the oh-so welcome twist this time around.

Finally, England have the salve of victory to ease some tired bodies and minds.

The hosts' effort and commitment has been evident through that rotten run. Perspiration has come by the gallon. Inspiration coming in far shorter measures has been the problem.

This wasn't loads in this performance either.

France, who carried further and made more line breaks, were the more consistently dangerous.

They were also criminally - and crucially - casual in their handling. Louis Bielle-Biarrey, scorer of two tries, butchered another with a nonchalant pass slung over the top of Peato Mauvaka.

Damian Penaud juggled and spilled a dolly.

Even in the build-up to their opening try, Mauvaka carelessly dropped the ball out his back pocket.

Source: BBC
 
Ruthless Ireland reinforce dominance over Scotland

Ireland kept their Six Nations Grand Slam hopes firmly on track with an 11th victory in a row over a disappointing Scotland at Murrayfield.

The visitors blew away their hosts when speeding into a 17-0 lead with tries from Calvin Nash and captain Caelan Doris, both converted by Sam Prendergast, who also added a penalty.

Scotland's nightmare was made worse when Finn Russell and Darcy Graham collided early in the second quarter and both were removed from the contest, the wing being stretchered off after lengthy treatment on the pitch.

Duhan van der Merwe's spectacular finish at the end of the opening half gave Scotland some respite, and hopes grew when Blair Kinghorn added two penalties early in the second half.

Ireland were ruthless from there, though. They were utterly dominant. James Lowe and Jack Conan scored within seven minutes of each other approaching the hour.

The excellent, and stress-free, Prendergast added another three-pointer before Ben White scored a consolation, which was no consolation at all to the overwhelmed Scots.


BBC
 
New Zealand Rugby begins legal action against Ineos

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) says it has launched legal action against Ineos for alleged breach of contract, claiming the British petrochemicals company has walked away three years early from its sponsorship deal.

In 2021 Manchester United co-owner Ineos, which is chaired by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, agreed to become performance partner of NZR from 2022-27.

The deal included Ineos branding on the back of playing shorts and on the front of training jerseys for the nation's teams, including three-time World Cup winners the All Blacks and six-time women's world champions the Black Ferns.

In a statement on Tuesday, NZR said Ineos had "failed to pay the first instalment of the 2025 sponsorship fee, confirming its decision to exit our six-year agreement".

It added: "Having learned of Ineos' decision to walk away three years early, we have moved to protect the interests of New Zealand Rugby and the wider game.

"We have been left with no option but to launch legal proceedings to protect our commercial position.

"NZR is actively pursuing new commercial opportunities and global interest in the All Blacks and other teams in black remains high."

BBC Sport has contacted Ineos for comment.

Last month, Ineos parted ways with four-time Olympic champion Ben Ainslie, having backed the Britannia America's Cup sailing team since 2018.

Ineos said in a statement it could "not find agreement" with Ainslie on "terms to move forward" after last year's event in Barcelona, which was won by New Zealand.

Ineos plans to compete in the next America's Cup under the Britannia name.

Ainslie's team said in response they were "astounded" by Ineos' future plans for the America's Cup and that the decision "raises significant legal and practical obstacles for them".

The company has a large sports portfolio, including owning Swiss football team FC Lausanne-Sport and French side Nice. It is also a co-owner of F1 team Mercedes and runs the Ineos Grenadiers cycling team.

In 2021, Ineos' director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford hailed the partnership with NZR.

"The integration of the Ineos brand on this iconic kit symbolises our partnership to share best practice and collaborate on performance innovation," he said.

"I am looking forward to integrating the players and team at New Zealand Rugby into Ineos to support their ambitious performance goals and apply the knowledge and expertise found across all of our teams."

BBC
 
Wigan, the people’s club, keep their doors wide open in pursuit of perfection

It is Tuesday morning and there are just 48 hours to go until Wigan begin their Super League title defence against Leigh, not that you would know that when you walk into their Robin Park training complex.

To suggest the mood is relaxed would be an understatement. Some players are taking part in a cricket match on the indoor athletics track, while others are chatting to members of the public and upstairs, their head coach, Matt Peet, is relaxing with a coffee. “If someone said describe a high-performance environment, I don’t think this would be the first place you’d think of,” their former captain and assistant coach, Sean O’Loughlin, smiles.

But this is the culture and atmosphere that Peet has instilled during his three years in charge and is at the heart of Wigan’s success. A little-known academy coach when he was appointed in late 2022, Peet has gone on to win seven major trophies in just 100 games, including the quadruple last year.

It was only the fifth time in rugby league’s 129-year history a team has won every trophy on offer. For the man who appointed Peet, it was further justification that his instinct during the Covid-19 lockdown that he had a future coaching great among his developmental staff was the right one.

“I was getting abused,” Wigan’s chief executive, Kris Radlinski, says. “We would go on walks in lockdown and I’d realise he could take this club forward in a way I’d never really seen before. We had a fans’ forum and someone stood up and said if the rumours of Matt being appointed were true, he’d never watch Wigan again. He’s missed some good times.”

Peet has transformed Wigan, making them arguably the world’s best club side, leading to recognition at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards. Off the field he has been instrumental in making the Warriors feel different and has ensured enormous backing from the local community.

That is evident from just one morning spent watching Wigan’s final preparations for the new Super League season. Robin Park doubles up as a community hub as well as the club’s unique spin on a high-performance training complex. There is a strict open-door policy, with anyone allowed in to interact with players.

Of course, there are moments when it is strictly business, which comes later in the day. But when the doors are open, so too are Wigan’s. The result, Radlinski and O’Loughlin – two proud Wiganers – believe, is an energy around the town they have never seen, underlined by a surge in attendances since Peet took charge.

They have also been handed a remit from the owner, Mike Danson, about what success looks like in 2025 after such a historic campaign. “Mike told us that winning trophies is great, but you’ll be judged next year on the impact around the town and the things we can do in people’s lives,” Radlinski says. “To hear from your boss that winning trophies isn’t as important as the impact you can have on people shows the emphasis we’re putting on it. We want to really try to address some of the inequalities in the town. We’re in this tricky position of trying to change the world by going to Las Vegas [for their home fixture against Warrington] but staying true to our roots. But we’ll never forget that.”

On any Tuesday, Wigan’s afternoon schedule is blocked out. They sacrifice a training session to go into the community and give something back. “Matt has had a huge push on us connecting with the community,” O’Loughlin says. “We have started to notice the good feel around Wigan. People are just enjoying supporting Wigan; I think they’re proud to be Wiganers.”

Wigan, alongside Leigh, hope to raise £1m for local charities on Thursday in front of the biggest opening-night crowd in Super League history. But mid-morning here, the relaxed mood shifts when it’s time to head over the road to the Brick Community Stadium for Wigan’s last on-field hour before the game.

Peet breaks his training days down into three: learn, practice and sharpen. Learning days involve the players studying their own footage and reporting back to the coaching staff, such is the trust he has in his squad. Long gone are the days of being cramped into a room and watching an entire game back with screaming and shouting inside Robin Park.

But this is categorically a sharpen day. “It’s a different experience to when I played,” Radlinski admits. “I had a military existence of ‘turn up at this time, do this, eat this’. But Matt trusts everyone and he lets the leadership group decide how our programme should be shaped. It’s relaxed without doubt, but when it’s time to work, we work.”

And Wigan do work. There is an immediate shift in intensity as the final touches – not led by Peet, but by O’Loughlin and fellow assistant Tommy Leuluai in another sign of trust – are applied. Wigan’s academy coach, Matty Smith, gives an approving nod from the touchline when they score a try as if to imply this group are ready to start their pursuit of history all over again.

There is a lot to come over the next couple of months, including the historic trip to Las Vegas. Radlinski is acutely aware that showcase for the game in the US matters immensely for the whole sport, but he is also keen to ensure the local community, who perhaps cannot afford to make that trip, are part of the occasion. Thursday’s opener will start to address that.

The question will be asked a lot of Wigan this year: how do you improve on perfection? “I think it’s just the start,” offers Radlinski. “They’re ordinary, hard-working people so they’re so humble, I think they can go on to achieve even greater things. And at the heart of it all, they know they’re doing it for the town. The people of Wigan. That’s what drives us.”

SOURCE: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2...heir-doors-wide-open-in-pursuit-of-perfection
 
Leinster edge Ospreys to maintain unbeaten run

United Rugby Championship

Ospreys (7) 19

Tries: Deaves, Lewis, Jones Cons: Williams, Walsh

Leinster (15) 22

Tries: McGrath, Tector, Slimani Cons: Fawley, Byrne Pen: Frawley

Leinster edged a spirited Ospreys side to remain unbeaten in this season's United Rugby Championship.

Visiting skipper Jack Walsh opened the scoring before Harri Deaves and Charlie Tector exchanged tries just before the break.

Ethan Lewis got Ospreys back to within a score before Rabah Slimani crossed for Leinster.

A late Cameron Jones effort set up a grandstand finish and while Ospreys could not complete the comeback, they did bag a deserved losing bonus-point.

It was a first Ospreys defeat under head coach Mark Jones since he took over in December.

Ospreys had made two starting changes from their last outing, including Sam Parry who was released from Wales' Six Nations squad, but the hooker was a late withdrawal through illness.

The visitors, meanwhile, had to make nine changes having supplied 18 players to Ireland's Six Nations squad who visit Cardiff next weekend.

Leinster threatened the Ospreys try line in their first attack of the game, but Morgan Morris came up with a crucial turnover under the posts.

The visitors were not to be denied on 13 minutes when some slick passing saw the ball shipped out to Jimmy O'Brien on the wing, who then fed inside for Max Deegan who put Walsh in on the support line.

Ciaran Frawley missed the conversion, but redeemed himself with what would prove a crucial penalty a few minutes later.

The game then ventured into a scrum fest, with moments of quality few and far between, while Ospreys were forced to change scrum-half with Kieran Hardy coming on for a drowsy looking Reuben Morgan-Williams.

Both sides, and the 3,500 Swansea crowd, were in desperate need of a spark on a cold February night and the game came roaring back to life five minutes before the break.

Justin Tipuric took clean lineout ball and Leinster could do little to stop the Ospreys pack driving Deaves over the line.

Leinster responded almost immediately, with Tector crashing through the defence after some patient build-up play from the forwards.

Crawley's conversion put an end to a frantic finish as Leinster headed down the tunnel with two score lead.

Ospreys were forced into another half-back reshuffle after the break with Owen Williams failing a head injury assessment.

They also lost Jack Walsh and Keelan Giles, but they were passed fit to return.

The disruption did not deter from Ospreys' confidence and when kickable points were on offer they rightly backed their driving lineout with Lewis crossing for a try.

Leinster then began to assert some dominance, but the bitter cold meant even they were victim to some handling errors.

They eventually crossed for their third try with World Cup winning Springbok RG Synman showing his class by drawing in two defenders before offloading for Slimani to score.

But a dogged Ospreys continued to put Leinster under pressure from the lineout.

Some explosive forward carrying got them to within inches of the line and it was the young prop Jones who took his opportunity with a pick and go.

Ospreys pushed for a winner with just three points separating the sides, but a missed touch finder meant Leinster saw out the game to make it 11 wins from 11.

They are top of the URC table, while Ospreys are ninth.

Ospreys head coach Mark Jones said: "When you play a top of the table team, you just want to be within a chance of winning. Obviously a three point game and a couple of minutes to go, you always think you can, unfortunately on this occasion we couldn't.

"It was really down to our accuracy in the first half, that's why we were left with a 15-7 margin at half-time, it was just a little bit too much to climb at the end.

"But as always the effort was never in question."

Leinster head coach Leo Cullen said: "When you're 8-0 in front you probably had some opportunities to push on from that stage and we don't and Ospreys come back into the game.

"I think everyone was probably just thinking it's going to click into gear and it doesn't quite.

"Ospreys were unbelievably dogged throughout, right to the very end, so we were pretty fortunate that they didn't find touch otherwise it would have been a nervy last few minutes."

Ospreys: Jack Walsh; Daniel Kasende, Evardi Boshoff, Keiran Williams, Keelan Giles; Owen Williams, Reuben Morgan-Williams; Garyn Phillips, Ethan Lewis, Tom Botha, James Ratti, James Fender, Harri Deaves, Justin Tipuric (capt), Morgan Morris.

Replacements: Will Austin, Cam Jones, Ben Warren, Will Spencer, Morgan Morse, Kieran Hardy, Tom Florence, Iestyn Hopkins

Leinster: Jamie Osborne; Tommy O'Brien, Hugh Cooney, Charlie Tector, Jimmy O'Brien; Ciarán Frawley, Luke McGrath (capt); Jack Boyle, Gus McCarthy, Rabah Slimani, Diarmuid Mangany, Brian Deeny, Max Deegan, Scott Penny, James Culhane.

Replacements: John McKee, Paddy McCarthy, Rory McGuire, RG Snyman, Alex Soroka, Fintan Gunne, Ross Byrne, Andrew Osborne.

Referee: Filipo Russo (FIR)

Assistant referees: Ben Whitehouse & Adam Jones (WRU)

TMO: Matteo Liperini (FIR)

BBC
 

Ireland clinch Triple Crown against resurgent Wales​

Ireland clinched their 14th Triple Crown and remain on course for a record third successive Six Nations title after beating a resurgent Wales in a thrilling game in Cardiff.

Ireland centre Garry Ringrose was shown a 20-minute red card in the 34th minute for a high tackle on Wales' Ben Thomas.

The visitors shrugged this off and recovered from an 18-10 deficit, scoring tries through Jack Conan and Jamie Osborne, with fly-half Sam Prendergast kicking 17 points.

Wales produced an outstanding performance under new interim coach Matt Sherratt with tries from inspirational captain Jac Morgan and Tom Rogers and eight points from recalled Gareth Anscombe.

Ireland will hope to complete a Grand Slam as they host France before finishing the tournament in Italy against Rome, while Wales will hope to avoid a Wooden Spoon when they face Scotland and England in their final two games.

Wales' losing international sequence has reached 15 games and this was a record ninth successive tournament loss.

But this occasion will be remembered as an inspirational performance to help restore some much-needed faith in Welsh rugby.

The team were unrecognisable from the side that lost against France and Italy, which led to the departure of head coach Warren Gatland.

Sherratt has taken over and transformed the side despite having only four sessions and less than a week to prepare against the tournament's defending champions.

He made multiple changes, recalling individuals Gatland had discarded such as Anscombe and Max Llewellyn and picked others players in their regular positions, including Thomas at 12 instead of fly-half.

It resulted in a much more cohesive attacking performance despite Wales being written off as 25-1 no-hopers by some bookmakers, with most observers expecting a comfortable Irish victory.

Wales' impassioned performance proved what they can achieve with some structure and belief, while Ireland once again displayed their impressive resolve to remain on course for the Grand Slam.

Source: BBC
 

England regain Calcutta Cup after Scotland miss last-gasp kick​

England edged towards the business end of the Six Nations in contention for the title as Finn Russell missed a 79th-minute conversion and Scotland's Calcutta Cup winning streak ended at Allianz Stadium.

Tries from Ben White and Huw Jones gave the dominant visitors a three-point half-time lead, but England hung in the fight and got the better of the breakdown after the break.

A pair of penalties from Marcus Smith and a booming kick from halfway from Fin Smith put England 16-10 clear going into the final nine minutes.

Yet Scotland shot back with wing Duhan van der Merwe going over in the corner after replacement Stafford McDowall had cantered through the heart of England's defence.

But, as Allianz Stadium held its breath, Russell, who had missed two previous shots off the tee, pushed a potentially match-winning conversion inches wide of the left upright.

Ultimately Scotland were ambushed by the sort of steely rearguard action they used to unleash on their auld rivals, as England claimed the Calcutta Cup for the first time in five years.

England trail defending champions Ireland by four points in the Six Nations standings, but a dangerous France will travel to Dublin in the next round with a point to prove and their own title aspirations potentially on the line.

Steve Borthwick's side take on Italy and Wales, who finished fifth and sixth in last year's championship, in their final two games.

Scotland are facing another mid-table finish as, once again, expectation fades to frustration and time ticks down on a golden generation of talent.

Since taking charge midway through 2017, coach Gregor Townsend's best return from seven previous Six Nations campaigns is a pair of third-place finishes.

Source: BBC
 

France thrash Italy to keep Six Nations hopes alive​

France scored 11 tries to thrash Italy in a high-scoring contest to set up a potential Six Nations decider with Grand Slam-chasing Ireland.

The game, with 14 tries, broke the previous championship record of 12 tries in a match, and it was also France's highest score in the Six Nations.

In a thrilling 52-point first half, Italy opened the scoring through Tommaso Menoncello, but France scored three answered tries to regain control.

Lock Mickael Guillard, hooker Peato Mauvaka and captain Antoine Dupont crossed, before a try by Ignacio Brex gave the hosts hope.

Flanker Paul Boudehent grabbed France's bonus-point try, with full-back Leo Barre scoring to extend the visitors' lead.

Fabien Galthie's side refused to let up in the second period and scored again through Gregory Alldritt, Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Dupont.

Paolo Garbisi scored the hosts' third try, but a ruthless France finished strong as Barre, Theo Attissogbe and Pierre-Louis Barassi all scored.

Source: BBC
 
Ireland's O'Mahony, Murray and Healy to retire

Ireland's Peter O'Mahony, Conor Murray and Cian Healy will retire from international rugby at the end of this year's Six Nations.

The Irish Rugby Football Union [IRFU] confirmed that Ireland's former captain O'Mahony and most-capped player Healy will retire from rugby at the end of the season, while Murray will "pursue a playing opportunity abroad" when his Munster deal concludes this summer.

All three players are five-time Six Nations winners and have earned over 100 caps for Ireland.

"Since joining the Ireland coaching team back in 2014 it has been a privilege to work with Peter, Cian and Conor," said Ireland interim head coach Simon Easterby.

"They have each played a huge role in the success of Irish rugby over the course of their careers and they continue to inspire their teammates around them.

"Watching how openly they engage with players in their own position and continue to add value around the set-up is testament to their collective character and they are also adding real value on the pitch.

"Knowing each of the guys, they will be focused on achieving even more success this season and we are determined as a group to end their careers with Ireland on a high over these last two rounds."

O'Mahony, 35, has won 112 Ireland caps since making his international debut against Italy in 2012. Last year, he took over as captain following Johnny Sexton's retirement and led the side to the Six Nations title.

He was replaced as captain by Caelan Doris ahead of the November internationals, and while he was not in the squad for the opening Six Nations win over England, he started the defeats of Scotland and Wales.

The flanker has also won two league titles for Munster having made his debut in 2010. He was the province's captain for 10 years before stepping down in late 2023.

O'Mahony featured in three World Cups for Ireland and toured with the British and Irish Lions in 2017, captaining the side in the first Test against New Zealand.

O'Mahony's Munster team-mate Murray has won 124 Ireland caps since making his debut against France in 2011.

Sexton's long-time half-back partner, 35-year-old Murray is a three-time Lions tourist (2013, 2017 and 2021) and has made 199 appearances for Munster.

Like O'Mahony, Murray made his Munster debut in 2010, but while O'Mahony will hang up his boots after this season, the scrum-half will continue his career outside of Ireland, with details of his move not yet disclosed.

Healy to retire as Ireland's most-capped player

Healy will retire with the distinction of being Ireland's most-capped player, having surpassed former captain Brian O'Driscoll's mark when he came off the bench for his 134th appearance against Australia in November.

The 37-year-old prop has since added two more caps to his haul in this year's Six Nations. With 66, he has more Six Nations caps than any other Irish player.

A 2013 Lions tourist, Healy also tops Leinster's appearance list. In a club career spanning 18 years, he has won seven league titles and four European Cups.

"It is always a sad time when a player decides to move on, but I would like to pay tribute to all three players and thank them for their outstanding contribution to Irish rugby over many years," said IRFU performance director David Humphreys.

"It goes without saying that Peter, Cian and Conor are legends of not just Irish rugby, but Irish sport, and have each made a significant contribution to the success of Irish rugby for more than 15 years.

"There is still so much to play for with Ireland and their provinces and we will mark their careers at an appropriate time in the near future. Knowing each of them, their focus will be on finishing the season on a high, but their influence will endure for many years to come."

BBC
 
Former Australia captain Elsom gets two-year jail sentence

Former Australia rugby union captain Rocky Elsom has received a two-year prison sentence after being found guilty of misusing corporate assets while president of French club Narbonne.

The 42-year-old, who was also fined 100,000 euros (£84,141) by the French court - with half of that sum suspended - was convicted in absentia on Friday.

An international warrant has been issued for his arrest, with his whereabouts unknown.

Elsom, who made 75 appearances for his country and also won the Heineken Cup with Leinster in 2009, took charge of the club in the south of France in 2015-16 and has previously denied any wrongdoing.

He received an initial five-year prison term in October 2024, but was retried following an appeal.

At the October 2024 trial, which he also did not attend, Elsom was found guilty of forgery, use of forgery and misuse of corporate assets.

The forgery charges were dropped from the 2025 trial, but the former has to pay compensation of 219,760 euros (£184,904) to the club's liquidator.

The public prosecutor had requested three years' imprisonment and a 630,000 euros (£529,411) fine for Elsom.

Narbonne have won the French rugby championship twice and finished runner-up three times. But the club went into liquidation in 2018 and now competes in the third-tier Federale league.

Blindside flanker Elsom captained the Wallabies from 2009 until 2011, having made his debut in 2005.

He was also named man of the match when he helped Dublin-based club Leinster win the 2009 Heineken Cup alongside Ireland greats Johnny Sexton and Brian O'Driscoll.

Elsom had been living in Ireland since August 2024, but fled the country after an arrest warrant was issued against him last year.


www.bbc.com

Rocky Elsom: Former Australia captain handed two-year prison sentence

Former Australia rugby union captain Rocky Elsom receives a two-year prison sentence as he is found guilty of misusing corporate assets while president of French club Narbonne.
www.bbc.com
 
Considering how BCCI has taken over cricket, I am thinking of following rugby. At least no Indian politics in that sport. :inti

I see South Africa are not chokers in rugby. They have won the rugby World Cup 4 times (highest for any team).
 

Ten-try England rout Wales to keep title dream alive​


England are poised to profit on any slip-up by title favourites France after scoring 10 tries in a record Six Nations win over woeful Wales at the Principality Stadium.

If France fail to beat Scotland in Saturday's final match (20:00 GMT kick-off) then England will lift the trophy for the first time since 2020.

The visitors' selection gambles - bringing Tommy Freeman into midfield and picking six forwards on the bench - paid off as their power overwhelmed the hosts and nudged them within sight of the tournament jackpot.

Wales had little to cling to as a 17th successive defeat was all-but assured by half-time and a thrashing confirmed by the end.

Despite the initial air of optimism injected by Matt Sherratt's three-game spell as interim head coach, Wales finish bottom of the table again, 'retaining' the Wooden Spoon from last year.

This defeat surpassed the 50-10 Six Nations loss Wales suffered at Twickenham back in March 2002. Only a 62-5 Rugby World Cup warm-up defeat in 2007 stands as a worse result for Wales in the fixture's 144-year history.

Steve Borthwick's side will watch France v Scotland at their team hotel, and return to an empty Principality Stadium for a potential trophy presentation if a win for the visitors appears to be in the offing at half-time in Paris.

Source: BBC
 
James O’Connor in frame to make shock Wallabies return for Lions series

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has cleared the path for a shock international return for pivot James O’Connor as he looks for more experience in the upcoming series against the British & Irish Lions.

The former Reds fly-half last played for the Wallabies in 2022, and moved to the Crusaders in New Zealand ahead of this year’s Super Rugby Pacific season.

The 34-year-old has mostly come off the bench for the Christchurch-based club, who sit second on the ladder. But his contribution, including a match-winning penalty goal against the Blues two weeks ago, has been noticed by Schmidt.

“He would bring experience back into the group, a little bit of versatility – he’s played 12 in his career as well,” Schmidt said in Melbourne on a visit to the training facilities of AFL club the Western Bulldogs.

“It’s a very inexperienced group, and James would would bring that experience. It’s part of the conundrum for us, and we’ll be working hard trying to get the best balance.”

Despite O’Connor’s solid form, he was dropped from the Crusaders’ bench for their last match against the Highlanders for local fly half Rivez Reihana. But the Australian is likely to see more action in the remaining four rounds, after starting No 10 Taha Kemara injured his knee.

Schmidt said he spoke to O’Connor – who has 64 Wallabies caps – only last week. “We’ve had a really good chat, and with James, he’s still playing in our local comp. He’s not based currently in Australia, but I don’t think that precludes him.”

Given the ongoing allure of overseas contracts, Rugby Australia has a practice of picking players for the Wallabies who commit their future to local Super Rugby clubs to help improve local standards.

But Schmidt said O’Connor’s circumstances – in the competition but now based in New Zealand – will not be held against him.

“He’s a little bit closer to home, and to continue to challenge himself he took the Crusaders opportunity,” Schmidt said.

The coach, who will hand over the Wallabies reins to Les Kiss in the middle of next year, said he anticipates the Australian team for the Lions tour – which starts next month – will be heavily scrutinised.

Some prominent Australian Super Rugby players such as Rob Leota, Langi Gleeson and Tom Hooper have signed deals with European clubs. Schmidt said he hasn’t “precluded anyone” but will favour locally-contracted players.

“We want to be as strong as we can be for a pinnacle event, and I know there’ll be lots of commentary around where the selections are right, but we will put a lot of effort into trying to get them right,” he said.

“We just know that if there are close calls, we’re going to favour the guys who have committed their future to Rugby Australia.”

www.theguardian.com

James O’Connor in frame to make shock Wallabies return for Lions series

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has cleared the path for a shock return for pivot James O’Connor as he looks for more experience for the Lions series
www.theguardian.com www.theguardian.com
 
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