Kiss finally set for Wallabies coaching coronation
The "imminent" announcement of Joe Schmidt's Wallabies replacement is finally here, with Les Kiss to be confirmed in the role on Wednesday.
Rugby Union
29th April 2025
Star cops big ban for ugly tackle
All Blacks and Auckland Blues winger Mark Tele'a was carded, and then banned for an ugly tackle against the Queensland Reds.
Flutey among Black Ferns coaches for Rugby World Cup
Former England and British and Irish Lions international Riki Flutey joins the New Zealand women's national team as a coach.
Les Kiss to be named Wallabies coach
After a drawn out negotiation, former Bears and Kangaroos winger Les Kiss is set to be revealed as the next Wallabies coach.
Premiership could be revamped by 2025-26 - Sweeney
A revolution of the structure of English rugby's top flight could be completed by the start of next season, says Rugby Football Union chief Bill Sweeney.
Exeter suspend coaches Hunter and Hepher after record loss
Exeter Chiefs suspend head coach Rob Hunter and attack coach Ali Hepher following their record Premiership loss at Gloucester.
RFU opens door to hosting Chelsea if they need temporary home
The Rugby Football Union chief executive, Bill Sweeney, has said Twickenham could host Chelsea matches if the Premier League club is seeking a temporary home – but he believes the local council would attempt to stand in the way.
Driving ban for Ireland and Lions coach Easterby
The Ireland interim boss is given a six month ban after being caught speeding on a dual carriageway.
Steve Borthwick bolsters England coaching staff for Argentina, USA tour
Steve Borthwick has added Lee Blackett and Byron McGuigan to England's coaching staff ahead of their summer tour of Argentina and the United States.
Leinster's Snyman set to be fit for Northampton semi
Leinster second row RG Snyman returns to full training before Saturday's Champions Cup semi-final against Northampton at the Aviva Stadium.
28th April 2025
A mole, a Lion and a confession - Premiership Rugby talking points
A British and Irish Lions coach was present to catch George Ford's fly-half masterclass, while Gloucester find fuel in rumoured Chiefs criticism.
Spain captain Delgado signs new Harlequins deal
Spain international captain Laura Delgado has signs a new contract with Harlequins.
Welsh trio aim to seal URC play-off spot
Positive weekends in the United Rugby Championship for Welsh professional sides are few and far between, but three of the four regions remain in play-off contention.
Exeter 'will dwell' on record-breaking Gloucester loss
Exeter head coach Rob Hunter says his side need time to reflect on their heaviest ever Premiership defeat.
England coach John Mitchell calls to increase squad sizes for World Cup
England women's rugby head coach John Mitchell has called on World Rugby to increase squad sizes to 33 players for the women's Rugby World Cup and says all the pressure is on New Zealand ahead of this year's tournament.
The contenders looking to derail England's World Cup dream
The Pacific Four Series gets under way on Saturday - a tournament involving New Zealand, Canada, Australia and the United States - so who out of that bunch will be wanting to make a World Cup statement?.
'We don't want to be like football, but...' - inside rugby's 'away end'
Harlequins' visit to Leicester was the second match in a controversial Premiership trial of dedicated areas for away fans.
Wales' imperfect 10 as Six Nations misery is complete
Played 10, lost 10 is the dismal Six Nations record of Wales' two national sides in 2025.
Mitchell puts pressure on New Zealand and maintains England’s World Cup focus
A familiar adversary lies in wait but Red Roses’ head coach demands his team first concentrate on reaching the final.
Blair Swannell: The man behind the medal
The Lions' tour will introduce the Blair Swannell medal, named after a rugby star and war major.
Winless and woeful - Wales' wooden spoon campaign
BBC Sport takes a look back at Wales' Six Nations campaign, where for the first time they lost all five matches.
Gloucester dismantle Exeter in record-breaking West Country derby victory
Premiership beatings do not come much heavier than this record-breaking West Country derby annihilation.
Gloucester thrash Exeter in record-breaking win
Gloucester score 13 tries in a club-record-breaking win over Exeter to move up to fifth in the Premiership.
27th April 2025
Wales finish bottom after record loss against Italy
Italy finish their Six Nations campaign in style, while condemning Wales to the Wooden Spoon for the second year running after a 44-12 defeat against the Azzurre.
Wales suffer record Italy loss to finish bottom
Italy finish their Six Nations campaign in style while condemning Wales to the wooden spoon for the second year running with a record 44-12 win.
Resilient England finally get test they needed
England head coach John Mitchell is glad his side got the test they needed before a home Rugby World Cup, with their 43-42 Women's Six Nations win over France to secure the Grand Slam.
Oops! Six Nations trophy falls apart again
Watch as the Six Nations trophy falls apart as England captain Zoe Aldcroft prepares to lift it - just as the men's trophy did for France's Gregory Alldritt.
Mitchell: France scare 'ideal' prep for World Cup
The Red Roses won their seventh consecutive Six Nations title with a narrow 43-42 win over France at the Allianz Stadium on Saturday, and John Mitchell said the scare was "ideal" for his England side ahead of the Rugby World Cup later this year.
Highlights: Sharks fight back to beat Ulster in URC
Watch highlights as Sharks fight back to beat Ulster 22-19 at Kingspan Stadium.
Ulster's play-off hopes dented with loss to Sharks
Ulster blow a 19-0 lead in a 22-19 loss against the Sharks to leave them 12th in the United Rugby Championship with two rounds left.
Narrow win ‘ideal’ for England’s World Cup preparations, says Mitchell
John Mitchell said England’s one-point win over France was the “ideal” test for his side with the Rugby World Cup on the horizon. The Red Roses won their seventh consecutive Women’s Six Nations title after holding off a late French comeback at Twickenham.
England seal Women's 6N title with France win
England clinched their seventh successive Women's Six Nations title and fourth Grand Slam with a 43-42 win over France.
England cruised to the Women's Six Nations title. Can they do it at the World Cup?
England were always expected to win the Women's Six Nations. To achieve immortality, they need to win the World Cup later this year.
Aldcroft holds nerve but England will need to raise level to go all the way at World Cup
Red Roses were one more mistake away from missing out on the grand slam to France but it should not have been so close. There’s no such thing as an easy grand slam and, in the very end, England’s turned out to be as hard-won as any of them.
Seven-try Saints dent Bristol hopes of home play-off
Northampton Saints put a further dent in Bristol Bears' home Premiership semi-final hopes with a 48-31 victory at Franklin's Gardens.
'We got it done' - England coach Mitchell on 'nervy' Grand Slam win
England coach John Mitchell admits his side's Women's Six Nations title win over France was "a bit nervy" but was pleased to "complete a goal" not done before in the modern era by claiming four Grand Slams in a row.
England captain Aldcroft 'so proud' of Grand Slam winners
England captain Zoe Aldcroft says she is "so proud" of her team after they held off a late France fightback to secure a fourth consecutive Women's Six Nations Grand Slam and a seventh straight title.
Davies hits milestone as Scarlets stun Leinster
Scarlets inflict only a second loss on Leinster in this season's United Rugby Championship.
England survive France comeback to win Grand Slam by a single point
England hold off a late France fightback to secure a fourth consecutive Women's Six Nations Grand Slam and a seventh straight title.
England hold on to claim Women’s Six Nations grand slam with one-point win over France
There was a moment after France’s Joanna Grisez scored where fans were looking left and right wondering if this would be the day England’s stranglehold on this competition would come to an end.
England beat France by a point to claim Grand Slam
England hold off a late France fightback to secure a fourth consecutive Women's Six Nations Grand Slam and a seventh straight title.
Bath thump Newcastle to seal top spot and home semi
Table-toppers Bath score eight tries in a dominant 55-19 win over bottom club Newcastle Falcons to ensure they will finish top of the Premiership and have a home play-off semi-final.
Adam Radwan runs riot as Leicester leave Quins’ playoff hopes in tatters
Could not have gone any worse for Harlequins; could not have gone much better for Leicester. Bath are the first team mathematically guaranteed a place in the playoffs after their home win over Newcastle, but Leicester take another big stride towards joining them.
Radwan scores hat-trick as Leicester thrash Quins
Adam Radwan scores a hat-trick as Leicester's wingers light up Welford Road in an incident-packed victory over Harlequins.
Dow gives England early lead at Twickenham
Abby Dow scores for England after just three minutes in their Womne's Six Nations Grand Slam decider against France at Twickenham.
Scotland beat Ireland thanks to late McGhie try
Francesca McGhie's late try snatches a dramatic 26-19 victory for Scotland against Ireland in the Women's Six Nations.
Connacht's URC play-off hopes dented by Lions
Connacht's hopes of reaching the United Rugby Championship play-offs suffered a blow with a 26-7 defeat by the Lions in South Africa.
Scotland score last-minute try to beat Ireland
Francesca McGhie scores a late-minute try to give Scotland a 26-19 win over Ireland in the Women's Six Nations at the Hive stadium, Edinburgh.
Scotland edge out Ireland with last-minute McGhie try
Francesca McGhie's late snatches a dramatic 26-19 victory for Scotland against Ireland in the Women's Six Nations.
'Scintillating break' - Costigan scores Ireland opener
Amee-Leigh Costigan scores Ireland's first try in their Women's Six Nations match against Scotland after a "scintillating break" at Hive Stadium in Edinburgh.
26th April 2025
Faletau's Cardiff future in doubt amid upheaval
Head coach Matt Sherratt is unsure whether Friday was Taulupe Faletau's last home appearance at the Arms Park.
Proctor finishes classy Canes try
Billy Proctor finishes a classy Hurricanes try against the Brumbies in Canberra.
Italy v Wales match preview, coverage & key stats
Italy and Wales go head-to-head in Parma, with both sides looking to avoid the dreaded Wooden Spoon.
Harry Potter catches Chiefs napping
The Western Force caught the Chiefs – and Sky Sport – napping with a magic try from Harry Potter in Friday night’s Super Rugby Pacific match at Bay Oval.
Lynagh double burns the Blues
A Tom Lynagh double burns the Blues as the Reds nab a crucial win at Suncorp Stadium.
How England can overcome French threats in Grand Slam decider
Which aspects of their game do England need to get right to beat France and secure a seventh successive Women's Six Nations title on Saturday?.
Ulster 'playing knockout rugby now' - Stewart
Ulster hooker Tom Stewart believes his side are playing "knockout rugby" going into their United Rugby Championship game against Sharks on Saturday.
Edinburgh snatch late draw away to Zebre
Cammy Scott makes a difficult conversion with the last kick of the game to earn Edinburgh a draw away to Zebre, which does little for their chances of reaching the United Rugby Championship play-offs .
Sale second as Ford scores try in win over Sarries
England fly-half George Ford scores his first try for Sale as the Sharks beat Saracens in a fiery match to move up to second in the Premiership.
Glasgow suffer home defeat by powerful Bulls
Glasgow Warriors' hopes of finishing second in the URC are dented by a 26-19 win for the Bulls at Scotstoun.
Cardiff beat Munster with thrilling comeback
Cardiff move up to fifth with a bonus-point win over Munster in the United Rugby Championship.
First Europe, then the world: Twickenham awaits in year of twin peaks for England
Grand slam clash is vital stepping stone in Red Roses’ quest to reclaim the World Cup crown they last held in 2014. There are two games to think about at Twickenham on Saturday, the one the Red Roses will play in, and the one they want to play in.
Code’s fortunes, as always, depend on the success of the Wallabies
Rugby Australia is right to celebrate the cash bonanza from a Lions tour and a home world cup. But it needs on-field results, too.
Reddin's vision to lift Welsh rugby from low ebb
New Welsh Rugby Union director of rugby Dave Reddin explains his vision to lift the game out of its low ebb.
'World class' Sing ready for Grand Slam decider
Head coach John Mitchell says full-back Emma Sing is "world class" and is able to replace world player of the year Ellie Kildunne for England's Grand Slam decider against France at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on Saturday.
McDermott’s compelling Test statement: Four things learnt from Reds’ triumph
These two men spent their Wallabies season last year on the bench. Has the time come for them to earn their promotions?.
Wales unveil Dave Reddin, ex-FA performance expert, as director of rugby
The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) announced Dave Reddin as its new director rugby on Friday overseeing all the men's and women's sides.
25th April 2025
England seek seventh heaven in Six Nations slam decider with France
Red Roses face toughest test against side determined to avenge years of being runners-up in Twickenham clash.
IPL-style Premiership revamp suggested by Bath owner
A new model of licensed franchises could revive the Premiership's fortunes and attract new investment says Bath owner Bruce Craig.
Ospreys hammer Dragons to keep play-off dream alive
Ospreys kept alive their slim hopes of a URC play-off place with a comprehensive nine-try bonus-point win against Dragons in Swansea.
Ilona Maher mania helps US women’s rugby set attendance records
The Eagles face Japan in LA without their star but expect bumper crowds for Canada in Kansas City and a DC doubleheader with England’s men.
Wales bolster pack to face Italy in 6N finale
Sean Lynn makes three changes to his forwards for the final match of the championship in Parma on Sunday.
England vs. France: Ellie Kildunne ruled out of Women's Six Nations decider
England's star full-back Ellie Kildunne has been ruled out of Saturday's Women's Six Nations decider with a hamstring injury.
Williamson fronts up as Bulls promise charge
Given the fighting talk from Glasgow and Bulls, the referee might be as well bring a bell as a whistle, writes Tom English.
Sports quiz of the week: Jamie Vardy, Faith Kipyegon and Ben Youngs
Have you been following the big stories in football, cricket, snooker, athletics, rugby, boxing and tennis?. Continue reading...
Rugby Union Weekly
The Grand Slam is on the line as Sara Orchard & Philippa Tuttiett preview the final round.
British & Irish Lions: Johnny Sexton named assistant coach for Australia tour
Ireland legend Johnny Sexton will serve as an assistant coach on Andy Farrell's staff for the British & Irish Lions' tour of Australia this summer, the team announced on Thursday.
Bristol back row Luatua signs new deal
Bristol back rower Steven Luatua signs a new contract with the club to stay beyond the end of this season.
Ex-Wales and Lions flanker Lydiate to retire for coaching role
Dragons flanker Dan Lydiate announces his retirement after winning 72 Wales caps and making three British and Irish Lions Test appearances.
WRU to revamp nation's top women's teams
The WRU announces it is to revamp the top level of women's rugby in Wales with its two current teams to be replaced by fresh set-ups.
Reddin unveiled as new WRU director of rugby
The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) unveils Dave Reddin as its new director of rugby and elite performance.
‘You give everything in that first scrum’: meet Asher Opoku-Fordjour, Sale and England’s killer baby Shark
The 20-year-old prop is making a name for himself with eye-catching displays but visit of Saracens is a serious test. Some of English rugby union’s biggest names will be front and centre in Salford on Friday evening.
Lynn warns Wales to respond or face World Cup axe
Wales head coach Sean Lynn is not afraid to shake up a settled squad if they do not respond to their latest loss.
Sing replaces injured Kildunne for Grand Slam game
Gloucester-Hartpury's Emma Sing starts at full-back in place of Ellie Kildunne for England Women's Six Nations Grand Slam decider against France on Saturday.
England play down World Cup fears as Kildunne ruled out of France decider
England remain confident Ellie Kildunne will be fit for this summer’s Rugby World Cup buildup after the joint-top try scorer in this year’s women’s Six Nations was ruled out of Saturday’s grand slam decider due to a hamstring injury.
24th April 2025
Ireland without injured Wafer against Scotland
Ireland name two uncapped players in the matchday squad for their Women's Six Nations game with Scotland on Saturday, but Aoife Wafer is out through injury.
Scotland aim to 'finish on high' against Ireland
Scotland add Leah Bartlett and welcome back Rachel Malcolm and Leia Brebner-Holden as they end the Six Nations at home to Ireland.
Jacob Umaga and the English rugby players driving Benetton to success
Five players raised in England have swapped the Premiership for life in the beautiful Italian city of Treviso. By No Helmets Required The weather starts to warm up nicely in Treviso at this time of year and so does the race for playoff places in the United Rugby Championship.
Long-serving Yeandle agrees new Exeter deal
Exeter Chiefs club captain Jack Yeandle signs a new contract to stay with the Premiership side.
Wassell 'has so much to fight for' after tumour scare
Emma Wassell tells Tom English about her recovery from a tumour and how there is "no sweeter" goal than returning for Scotland at the World Cup.
Lion, Wallaby and Gallipoli hero: Why the ‘extraordinary life’ of Blair Swannell is finally being recognised
He was a madcap adventurer and one of only two men to play for both the British Lions and the Wallabies – before dying on the first day at Gallipoli. After a long campaign, he is finally being recognised.
Saints' Pollock on Champions Cup award shortlist
Northampton tyro Henry Pollock is named on an eight-strong shortlist for the best player in this season's Champions Cup.
World Rugby 'proactive' in protecting World Cup family
World Rugby says it is extending an online protection scheme for all players, coaches and officials at the upcoming 2025 Women's World Cup after already detecting more than 2,000 accounts posting hate.
Ireland 'have lost element of surprise' - Dalton
Centre Aoife Dalton says Ireland have "lost that element of surprise now" with their run of good form, ahead of Saturday's Six Nations game in Scotland.
Rogers fumes over 'unfair' changes
Dual-code international Mat Rogers shares his view on Australian women's sevens players transferring to the 15-a-side format.
‘Set up to fail’: Levi’s World Cup bid in jeopardy as agent raises issue of ‘animosity’ among players
Dual international Mat Rogers believes his client, Maddison Levi, shouldn’t be playing for the Wallaroos at this year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup. Here’s why.
How Ikitau’s new Wallabies contract delivers the best of both worlds
Len Ikitau was snubbed by Eddie Jones at the last World Cup in 2023. Now he’s locked away with Australian rugby until a home World Cup in 2027.
Five matches that made Ben Youngs
Ben Youngs has racked up nearly 500 matches in his career. As he nears retirement, BBC Sport pick out five that have defined the England and Leicester star.
