Valetini out; Wallabies set for third Test changes
The Wallabies will be without star back-rower Rob Valetini for the third and final Test against the British and Irish Lions, as coach Joe Schmidt prepares to make a shock selection at scrum-half.
Rugby Union
31st July 2025
We've wanted a child for so long - Joyce-Butchers
Jasmine Joyce-Butchers says she and wife Alisha have "wanted a baby for so long" that the timing of their pregnancy during a World Cup year is irrelevant.
France want regular Lions games - Benazzi
France want to make up for lost time with a long-term relationship with the British and Irish Lions says federation vice-president Abdel Benazzi.
Ireland's Wafer 'definitely not' out of World Cup
Ireland are "quite confident" injured back row Aoife Wafer will "play some part" in the Women's Rugby World Cup, says scrum coach Denis Fogarty.
30th July 2025
What do you remember about the Lions tour of Australia?
How much do you remember of this summer's British and Irish Lions tour of Australia? Test your knowledge with our quiz.
What was the best winning Lions tour?
The British and Irish Lions ended a 12-year wait for a Test series win after dramatically defeating Australia 29-26 Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday. Where will the Lions of 2025 rank among the past five winning tours?.
'Without AFL and NRL, the Wallabies wouldn't lose a game'
The lure of Australian Rules and rugby league in Australia means that the Wallabies will always have to fight for talent according to those on the ground down under.
Rugby Union Weekly
Jamie Roberts and Matt Dawson join Chris to rank the greatest tours in Lions history.
Many argue the ‘Superman’ try is dangerous. World Rugby say play on
The forgotten controversy from the MCG was Lions hooker Dan Sheehan’s NFL-style dive over Wallabies tacklers to score. But despite concerns about the safety consequences, there are no plans to amend the laws.
We want to be part of something very special - Itoje
British and Irish Lions captain Maro Itoje says "we want to part of something very special" as they target a third Test win against Australia on Saturday.
MacLeod enjoying being reunited with Dragons head coach Tiatia
New Dragons defence coach Dale Macleod says he "really enjoys" working with head coach Filo Tiatia, who he previously worked alongside in Super Rugby.
Joyce-Butchers to win 50th cap as Wales eye double
Jasmine Joyce-Butchers will win her 50th cap as Wales aim to do the double over Australia in Sydney.
Dragons backed to fight for future in WRU shake-up
Dragons' owners are backed to fight for the club's future as the Welsh Rugby Union ponders a cut of regions.
Warrior Itoje joins pantheon of Lions captains as McBride pays tribute
In leading his team to a series win in Australia, Lions captain Maro Itoje is congratulated by the legendary Willie John McBride.
George burns Wallaroos with beautiful grubber
The Wales star burns the Wallaroos with a beautiful grubber in the pouring rain in Brisbane.
Schmidt defends 'resilient' Tizzano
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt defends 'resilient' Carlo Tizzano after the highly controversial end to Saturday's loss to the Lions at the MCG.
British and Irish Lions vs. Australia: Where to watch third Test on TV, team news
Here is everything you need to know as the British and Irish Lions eye a clean sweep over the Wallabies in their final Test of this summer's tour.
29th July 2025
Rugby Union Weekly
Chris is in Sydney chatting to Michael Hooper and Maro Itoje ahead of the third Test.
Garry Ringrose out of third Test
British and Irish Lions centre Garry Ringrose has been ruled out of the third and final Test against Australia due to 12-day concussion protocols.
Valetini to miss third Test as Wallabies make change at halfback
The Wallabies have lost two of their powerful forwards for the final Lions Test in Sydney, but have recalled a wily veteran.
Rugby Union Weekly
What is the most memorable Lions moment? Jamie Roberts and Matt Dawson rank their top 10.
Rugby Union Weekly
What is the most memorable Lions moment? Jamie Roberts and Matt Dawson rank their top 10.
World Rugby boss rejects Schmidt's clearout claim
Alan Gilpin rejects Joe Schmidt's claim that the decision around Jac Morgan's clearout at the end of the second Test contravened the sport's player welfare drive.
Ringrose ruled out of third Lions Test
Centre Garry Ringrose is ruled out of the British and Irish Lions' third Test against Australia on Saturday as he continues to recover from a head injury.
Mouthguard data reveals Tizzano copped ‘high magnitude’ impact at MCG
World Rugby boss cited smart mouthguards as evidence of its commitment to player welfare – but the same equipment showed Wallaby accused of “diving” suffered a significant blow to the neck.
WR open to R360 dialogue; Papenhuyzen linked
Test rugby remains the pinnacle of the game and franchise leagues that do not offer players the chance to play it are unlikely to attract top talent, World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin said on Tuesday.
World Rugby chief: Franchise leagues must allow Test availability
Test rugby remains the pinnacle of the game and franchise leagues that do not offer players the chance to play it are unlikely to attract top talent, World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin said on Tuesday.
WR stands by MCG call despite Lions thriller
World Rugby boss Alan Gilpin says he has no regrets about overlooking the MCG for the 2027 RWC final, after the venue played host to an unforgettable Test between the Wallabies and British and Irish Lions last Saturday.
WR responds to Schmidt 'player welfare' comments
World Rugby will share findings of its review into the Jac Morgan clean-out with the key stakeholders, but the findings will not be made public.
Alaalatoa out; Wallabies reject 'diving' claims
The hits keep on coming for the Wallabies, with veteran prop Allan Alaalatoa to miss the third and final Test against the British and Irish Lions in Sydney on Saturday.
Sale lock Andrews signs new one-year deal
Sale Sharks lock Hyron Andrews agrees a new one-year contract to stay at the club for next season.
28th July 2025
Four scrum sleds, 53 truck journeys - logistics of a Lions tour
The British and Irish Lions are on the final stop of their tour of Australia. Keeping them in kit has been a constant juggling act for the team behind the team.
Dallavalle enjoying life after captain's armband
Hannah Dallavalle admits she was disappointed to be relieved of the Wales women captaincy, but is starting to enjoy a more relaxed role around camp.
Leatherbarrow signs new Newcastle Falcons deal
Ollie Leatherbarrow has signed a contract keeping him at Newcastle Falcons for next season.
Leatherbarrow signs new Newcastle Falcons deal
Ollie Leatherbarrow has signed a contract keeping him at Newcastle Falcons for next season.
Burke surprised by ref's quick action in Lions Test
Matt Burke, Jamie Roberts and Matt Burke analyse the series-defining call on Jac Morgan's cleanout.
Morgan produced 'perfect' clearout - Owens
Former World Cup final referee Nigel Owens says Jac Morgan performed the perfect clearout in the build-up to the British and Irish Lions series winning try against Australia.
Morgan produced 'perfect' clearout - Owens
Former World Cup final referee Nigel Owens says Jac Morgan performed the perfect clearout in the build-up to the British and Irish Lions series winning try against Australia.
Race-by-race preview and tips for rescheduled Thursday meeting at Narrandera
All the information required to make your selections for the NSW feature meeting.
Wallabies hit back after Tizzano branded a diver
The Wallabies are still reeling from a controversial defeat in Melbourne, defending Carlo Tizzano’s integrity after former England player James Haskell accused the breakaway of diving.
RA seeking 'explanation' on Lions clean-out
The Wallabies say they will have no trouble getting up for the third Test against the British and Irish Lions, as Rugby Australia seeks some clarity over the controversial Jac Morgan clean-out.
Clean-out gate: This is World Rugby's bed, the Wallabies just have to lie in it
World Rugby's crackdown on head contact, while admirable, was always going to create an incident like the one for which an all-time great Test match between the Wallabies and British and Irish Lions will now forever be remembered.
27th July 2025
'Lions need whitewash to be lauded for decades' - Dawson column
The British and Irish Lions will want a 3-0 series whitewash to be lauded as one of the most successful touring party for decades, writes Matt Dawson.
'Lions need whitewash to be lauded for decades' - Dawson column
The British and Irish Lions will want a 3-0 series whitewash to be lauded as one of the most successful touring party for decades, writes Matt Dawson.
'Finish on a high' - Russell seeks 3-0 Lions clean sweep
Outstanding Bath and Scotland fly-half Finn Russell will want to finish his greatest ever season with a Lions series clean sweep against Australia in Sydney, writes Tom English.
'Finish on a high' - Russell seeks 3-0 Lions clean sweep
Outstanding Bath and Scotland fly-half Finn Russell will want to finish his greatest ever season with a Lions series clean sweep against Australia in Sydney, writes Tom English.
Rugby Australia to seek answers from World Rugby over MCG call
Rugby Australia boss Phil Waugh has backed Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt over his spray at the referee’s decision to not penalise foul play in the final minute of the second Lions Test.
Schmidt in disbelief at final call
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt disputes the referee's perspective on the important call that ended the Lions series.
The Wallabies were ‘broken’ at full-time. They say they can get up for the third Test
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt believes his wounded side have the mental resilience to bounce back in Sydney.
Former star rants over Lions controversy, says Wallaby ‘should have been red carded’— UK View
A former Lions player has passionately taken aim at the controversy surrounding Australia’s last-gasp defeat, saying Wallabies player Carlo Tizzano is the one who should have been red carded for diving.
Lions snatch series win with magic MCG moment
That was an incredible game of Test match rugby, finished with a dagger blow to the hearts of Australian rugby by Irishman Hugo Keenan.
British and Irish Lions player ratings after series-clinching win
The British & Irish Lions came back from an 18-point deficit to beat Australia 29-26 in front a mammoth crowd in Melbourne on Saturday.
'Morgan clearout was a penalty & goes against player safety push'
Australia coach Joe Schmidt says Jac Morgan's clearout in the lead-up to the British and Irish Lions' series-clinching try should have been penalised.
'Morgan clearout was a penalty & goes against player safety push'
Australia coach Joe Schmidt says Jac Morgan's clearout in the lead-up to the British and Irish Lions' series-clinching try should have been penalised.
Itoje will 'savour moment' but wants clean sweep
Captain Maro Itoje is targeting a 3-0 clean sweep of Test wins over Australia - but will first "savour the moment" of completing a series win.
Itoje will 'savour moment' but wants clean sweep
Captain Maro Itoje is targeting a 3-0 clean sweep of Test wins over Australia - but will first "savour the moment" of completing a series win.
We showed what it takes to be a Lion - Farrell
British and Irish Lions head coach Andy Farrell says his side "showed what it takes to be a Lion" as they beat Australia 29-26 in the second Test to seal a series victory.
We showed what it takes to be a Lion - Farrell
British and Irish Lions head coach Andy Farrell says his side "showed what it takes to be a Lion" as they beat Australia 29-26 in the second Test to seal a series victory.
'Doesn't support big player welfare push': Schmidt fumes over Morgan's clean-out
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt was adamant Lions replacement Jac Morgan's late clean-out, which was reviewed by the officials, was illegal and should have denied the British and Irish Lions their series-sealing try.
‘You can’t hit above the shoulders’: Wallabies coach fumes as Lions win series at MCG
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt says the decision not to penalise the Lions for a contentious clear-out in the final minute goes against rugby’s push for player safety.
British and Irish Lions: Andy Farrell eyes 3-0 sweep with series won
British and Irish Lions coach Andy Farrell has said his side will quickly turn their focus to securing a series whitewash a beating Australia 29-26 in Melbourne on Saturday.
A rugby Test for the ages - and a decision that will be debated for years
What a match! Two magnificent teams delivering 80 minutes of skill, guts and a finish full of controversy as the Wallabies go down swinging against the Lions.
Lions coach's sheepish response to decision
Andy Farrell offers no definitive opinion on the referee decision that benefited his side.
Australia 26-29 British and Irish Lions - 2nd Test match report
The British & Irish Lions stormed back from an 18-point deficit to overhaul Australia 29-26 and seal the series with a test to spare.
26th July 2025
British and Irish Lions fixtures & results for tour of Australia
Fixtures, kick-off times, results and try-scorers for the British and Irish Lions' tour of Australia.
How Lions overcame Australia first-half strength to win series
Former England wing Chris Ashton discusses the key moment when the British and Irish Lions overcome Australia's first-half strength to come from 23-5 down to beat them 29-26 and seal the series in a thrilling game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
How Lions overcame Australia first-half strength to win series
Former England wing Chris Ashton discusses the key moment when the British and Irish Lions overcome Australia's first-half strength to come from 23-5 down to beat them 29-26 and seal the series in a thrilling game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
'Glorious Lions needed this battle to reveal another side of themselves'
The British and Irish Lions win a classic second Test against Australia - and clinch the series - in the most dramatic circumstances in Melbourne.
'Glorious Lions needed this battle to reveal another side of themselves'
The British and Irish Lions win a classic second Test against Australia - and clinch the series - in the most dramatic circumstances in Melbourne.
Lions legend's shock at 'dangerous' Wallabies
Martin Johnson and Michael Hooper analyse the significant improvement from the Wallabies.
Hooper tells Wallabies to 'grieve'
Michael Hooper offers his advice on how the Wallabies should move forward after the second Test loss.
Schmidt is disbelief at final call
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt disputes the referee's perspective on the important call that ended the Lions series.
Wilson: 'Not in the right emotion to speak about that'
A 'hurt' Harry Wilson is asked about the controversial call that cruelled the Wallabies.
Wallabies v British & Irish Lions: Game 2 Highlights
The Australian Wallbies take on the British & Irish Lions in the second of three games in the 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour at the MCG in Melbourne.
Turinui calls for 'please explain' from refs
Morgan Turinui issues a passionate reaction to a controversial call.
Wallabies player ratings: How the men in gold fared against the Lions
The Wallabies fell short against the Lions in a 29-26 loss in Melbourne. Here’s who stood up and those who flopped on the biggest stage.
Watch reaction to dramatic Lions win on BBC iPlayer
Former England wing Chris Ashton and BBC rugby union correspondent Chris Jones react to a dramatic Lions win in Melbourne.
Watch reaction to dramatic Lions win on BBC iPlayer
Former England wing Chris Ashton and BBC rugby union correspondent Chris Jones react to a dramatic Lions win in Melbourne.
Lions fight back to win series against Australia in classic
Hugo Keenan's last-minute try wins a classic Test match and seals a series victory for the British and Irish Lions over Australia.
Lions fight back to win series against Australia in classic
Hugo Keenan's last-minute try wins a classic Test match and seals a series victory for the British and Irish Lions over Australia.
‘Got it wrong’: Wallabies heartbreak as controversial call denies Australia against Lions
The Wallabies have been denied an upset win over the British and Irish Lions in heartbreaking and controversial fashion after the visitors scored a last-gasp try to claim a thrilling 29-26 victory.
As it happened: Lions snatch dramatic series win over Australia
Join ESPN for live updates as Australia host the British and Irish Lions at the MCG in a huge second Test with the series on the line.
Suaalii cuts open Lions to set up try
Joseph Suaalii delivers on his pay cheque by splitting open the Lions defence.
Wallabies 'warhorse' burrows under Lions defence
James Slipper muscles under the British and Irish Lions' edge defence to score.
'Devastated' Potter leaves the field
Harry Potter has to depart the second Test early with a hamstring injury.
Ref warns captains after try denied
The British and Irish Lions are denied a try but awarded a penalty with both captains receiving a talking to.
Skelton answers Schmidt's call with biff
Will Skelton brings the intensity to the Lions by sparking a melee.
Wallabies left heartbroken as Lions score controversial try to win series at MCG
The Wallabies were denied a memorable win after a last-minute try by the Lions but whether Carlo Tizzano was illegally cleared out just before it remains up for debate.
George burns Wales with beautiful grubber
Gold Coast is controversially awarded a try in Auckland with the Bunker deeming Jojo Fifita planted the ball.
Wales beat Australia to claim first win under Lynn
Wales celebrate a first win under head coach Sean Lynn with a 21-12 victory over Australia in Brisbane in the first of two Tests.
Brains and brawn: How the Wallabies can square the Lions series
Australia will be boosted by the return of Rob Valetini and Will Skelton in Melbourne. How they harness that go-forward and embrace the intensity of their First Nations and Pasifika colleagues, will be vital in the second Test.
Scotland beaten by Italy in World Cup warm-up
Scotland's difficult preparations for the Women's Rugby World Cup continues with a warm-up defeat by Italy in Parma.
Scotland beaten by Italy in World Cup warm-up
Scotland's difficult preparations for the Women's Rugby World Cup continues with a warm-up defeat by Italy in Parma.
Moorabbin to the MCG: The magical journey of Wallaby Harry Potter
The 27-year-old Wallaby made a surprise visit to the club where he played as a junior after moving to Australia from England when he was 10. .
The Wallabies were uninspiring last week. Australia deserves better
The First Nations and Pasifika team and the Waratahs were able to give the Lions a scare, now it’s time for the Wallabies to do the same.
