Preview Julia Donaldson's joyful tale of love
Two devoted scarecrows plan the perfect wedding – until a rival threatens everything.
Rugby Union
26th December 2025
24th December 2025
Get ready for Guz Khan's new comedy, landing this Christmas
The Farooqi family have a chaotic Christmas in Lapland after a surprise bonus for Dad.
10th December 2025
Northampton boss Dowson & coaching duo agree new deals
Director of rugby Phil Dowson, head coach Sam Vesty and senior coach James Craig agree contract extensions with Northampton Saints.
Saints' Ramm given two-match ban for Pau red card
Northampton winger James Ramm is banned for two games after receiving a red card in their European Champions Cup win in Pau.
Bok-filled Japan Rugby League One to air on ESPN Africa
ESPN has announced that the 2025-26 season of Japan Rugby League One (JRLO) will air on their channels in Africa, as well as on Disney+ in South Africa, showcasing many world-famous Springboks.
Ulster's Stewart finding 'a bit of a groove'
Ulster hooker Tom Stewart says he is getting "into a bit of a groove" ahead of Saturday's Challenge Cup trip to Cardiff.
Gloucester's Gwynne gets ban for eye contact
Gloucester back row Deian Gwynne is banned for three weeks for making eye contact with Castres' Florent Vanverberghe.
Newcastle must build on 'buzz' from Lyon comeback
Newcastle Red Bulls head coach Alan Dickens says the win over Lyon has created a "buzz" around Kingston Park.
Wales great Halfpenny set for Cardiff playing return
Former Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny signs a new contract with Cardiff and is set to return to action this weekend.
9th December 2025
Etzebeth's eye gouge was bad... But this guy had an axe in his kit bag!
Eben Etzebeth was handed a 12-week ban for sticking his thumb into the eye of Alex Mann during South Africa's 73-0 win over Wales, but it was far from the worst ban handed out in the history of rugby union.
The parents of Alice, Elsie and Bebe on the love and legacy left behind
The parents of Alice, Elsie and Bebe on the love and legacy left behind.
Saracens sign up Leicester and England lock Martin
Saracens confirm the signing of England lock George Martin from Prem rivals Leicester Tigers.
Rugby Union Weekly
Chris, Ashy and Ugo discuss the best moments of the weekend as the Champions Cup returns.
8th December 2025
Injured Stuart a doubt for England's Six Nations campaign
Prop Will Stuart is a serious doubt for the start of England's Six Nations campaign after sustaining a suspected Achilles tendon injury on Bath duty.
Mitchell wants Saints to go 'one better' in Europe
Alex Mitchell set his sights on european glory after the disappointment of losing the Champions Cup final in May.
What did we learn from the Champions Cup's opening weekend?
With the first round of matches in the 2025-26 Champions Cup all done and dusted, we take a look at what we learned from the opening weekend's fixtures.
Exeter off to a flier as they outrun Cheetahs
Exeter Chiefs get European Challenge Cup campaign off to the perfect start with a dominant display against the Cheetahs at Sandy Park.
Aussie women claim Cape Town title
The Aussie women claim the Cape Town Sevens title as they get revenge against New Zealand in the final.
Saracens late show seals fifth straight PWR win
Saracens come from behind to beat Loughborough Lightning and extend their unbeaten run in Premiership Women’s Rugby.
Gloucester claim gutsy bonus-point win over Castres
Gloucester hold their nerve to beat Castres on their return to the Champions Cup after a two-year absence on a wild afternoon at Kingsholm.
Hopkins seals Ospreys comeback against Connacht
Ospreys fight back from 21-0 down to stun Connacht 24-21 in their European Challenge Cup opener in Bridgend.
Hendy settles absorbing contest as Saints beat Pau
George Hendy's try four minutes from time seals a dramatic win for Northampton Saints in an enthralling Champions Cup contest against Pau.
7th December 2025
What led to the tragic death of Friends star, Matthew Perry?
Documentary investigating the events in the lead-up and the woman at the centre of the case.
Rees-Zammit try helps Bristol edge Scarlets
Louis Rees-Zammit's try proves the difference as Bristol Bears defeat Scarlets 17-16 in their Champions Cup opener.
Bath see off Munster for impressive bonus-point win
Bath claim a convincing bonus-point win over Munster at a rain-lashed Recreation Ground with all but five points scored in the first half.
Six-try La Rochelle power past spirited Tigers
Two-time Champions Cup winners La Rochelle are made to work hard to secure victory against a much-changed Leicester Tigers at the Stade Marcel Deflandre.
Newcastle snatch win in Lyon with late double
Late tries by Tom Christie and Oli Spencer launch Newcastle's Challenge Cup campaign with a hard-fought victory against last year's runners-up Lyon.
Leinster finish strongly to hold off Harlequins
Leinster finish strongly to hold off a spirited Harlequins and launch their latest quest for a fifth Champions Cup title with a bonus-point pool 3 win at Aviva Stadium.
Gloucester-Hartpury beat Trailfinders to remain top
Gloucester-Hartpury beat Trailfinders to continue their perfect start to the Premiership Women's Rugby season.
Saracens sweep aside Clermont for bonus-point win
Saracens run in seven tries to make the perfect start to the Champions Cup with a dominant win over Clermont Auvergne.
Cardiff overpowered by Stade Francais in Euro opener
Cardiff are beaten 38-17 by Stade Francais in the European Challenge Cup after being overpowered in the second half in Paris.
6th December 2025
Second-half surge sees Ulster thump Racing 61-7
Ulster secure a commanding bonus-point win over Racing 92 in what is their first ever pool-stage game in the Challenge Cup.
Glasgow impress with bonus-point win at Sale in Champions Cup opener
Glasgow Warriors enjoy a dream opening night in the Champions Cup with a bonus-point away win over Sale Sharks.
All the Champions Cup team news and line-ups in one place
Track the latest team news announcements and line-ups as the 2025-26 Champions Cup gets under way.
Tipuric frustrated by uncertainty over Ospreys
Justin Tipuric is frustrated by the uncertainty over the future of Ospreys under the WRU's plans for the professional game.
Crabb leaves Gloucester-Hartpury to return to Wales
Wales lock Gwen Crabb leaves Gloucester-Hartpury to play in the Celtic Challenge for Brython Thunder.
Worcester sign former Exeter centre Hendrickson
Champ side Worcester Warriors sign former Exeter Chiefs centre Tom Hendrickson who makes an immediate debut against Cornish Pirates.
5th December 2025
Curry to face no action over Contepomi tunnel 'push'
England flanker Tom Curry will escape any punishment for a tunnel tussle with Argentina coach Felipe Contepomi last month.
Wales' Grady aiming for full speed with Cardiff
Wales back Mason Grady hopes to build momentum as he starts on the wing for Cardiff at Stade Francais in the European Challenge Cup on Saturday.
Six-try Perpignan add to Dragons' miserable run
Perpignan ease to a bonus-point win against fellow league strugglers Dragons in their European Challenge Cup opener.
South Africa extend Erasmus contract to 2031 World Cup
South Africa extend head coach Rassie Erasmus' contract until the end of the 2031 Rugby World Cup.
He gave up on his Wallabies dream to represent Hong Kong. Now he’ll play against Australia instead
Lachy Doheny is one of four Australians in the Hong Kong China rugby squad, who are making their debut Rugby World Cup appearance in 2027. And this week they learned they’ll be playing both the Wallabies and the All Blacks.
Scarlets rekindle love affair with Europe's elite
Head coach Dwayne Peel says he looks forward to rekindling Scarlets' "strong tradition" of competing in Europe's top competition.
Centre Williams extends Bristol contract
Bristol Bears inside centre James Williams signs a new deal to remain at the club beyond this season.
Trailfinders sign Black Fern Kalounivale
Ealing Trailfinders women sign New Zealand international Tanya Kalounivale on a deal running to the end of March 2026.
Gloucester stalwart Ludlow signs new deal
Gloucester stalwart Lewis Ludlow signs a new contract to stay with the club into the 2026-27 season.
Welsh rugby must be 'brave' to secure future - Roberts
Former Wales and British and Irish Lions star Jamie Roberts says if there is ever a time to make a radical change in Welsh rugby, that time is now.
Etzebeth banned for 12 weeks over eye gouge
South African double World Cup winner Eben Etzebeth is banned until March following his red card for gouging Wales' Alex Mann on Saturday.
Eben Etzebeth: South Africa lock banned for 12 weeks for eye gouge
South Africa lock Eben Etzebeth has been banned for 12 weeks for his eye gouge against Wales on Saturday.
'I've never met anyone like Pollock' - George on England's 'brilliant idiot'
Jamie George says England team-mate Henry Pollock is a personality without precedent in rugby and a "genuinely fascinating" character.
Wales prop Coleman facing Dragons injury lay-off
Dragons are set to be without tight-head prop Chris Coleman for a number of weeks after he suffered an injury with Wales.
Du Preez at fly-half as Ford misses Sale opener
George Ford is missing because of injury, so Rob du Preez will start at fly-half for Sale in their Champions Cup opener against Glasgow.
4th December 2025
Canada star Hogan-Rochester signs for Sale
Sale Sharks women announce the signing of Canada wing Asia Hogan-Rochester from 1 January.
'It's hard to take... it hurts' - Fin Smith on losing England place
Fin Smith admits he has found slipping down England's fly-half pecking order tough to take, with George Ford the first-choice 10 during the autumn Tests.
Bell set to make Ulster debut in European opener
Australia prop Angus Bell is set to make his Ulster debut off the bench in Friday's Challenge Cup opener against Racing 92 at Affidea Stadium.
Quins must be brave in Champions Cup opener - Murley
Harlequins wing Cadan Murley says his side must play with bravery as they head to Leinster in their Champions Cup opener.
Ioane starts shock Leinster spell after Sexton spat
As Rieko Ioane prepares for his Leinster debut, BBC Sport NI looks at his shock move and his spat with Ireland legend Johnny Sexton.
Exeter ready for European selection 'juggling act'
Exeter boss Rob Baxter says he will face a selection "juggling act" in their forthcoming European Challenge Cup matches.
Ireland must improve 'all areas' before World Cup
Ireland captain Caelan Doris admits his side's journey to the 2027 Rugby World Cup must feature improvements "across all areas" after a mixed autumn campaign.
Robbie Savage takes on his first football manager job
Robbie Savage takes on his first football manager job, but will he regret it? .
Can regions lift Wales with European success?
As European rugby returns, Scarlets are hunting Champions Cup upsets while Cardiff, Dragons and Ospreys look to progress in the Challenge Cup.
Rugby official accused of misusing $380,000 to feed gambling problem
A state rugby union official has been charged after allegedly defrauding the NSW Country Rugby Union.
All Blacks legend backs Wallabies’ forgotten man to solve World Cup problem
Dan Carter believes injured playmaker Noah Lolesio is still the man to steer Australia during the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Wales can be team to avoid at World Cup - Tandy
Wales boss Steve Tandy is confident his side will grow to be a team that others want to avoid at the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Scotland must beat Ireland before World Cup - Townsend
Scotland have been drawn against Ireland, Uruguay and Portugal in Rugby World Cup 2027.
Northampton wing Todaro given two-match ban
Wing Edoardo Todaro will miss Northampton's first two Champions Cup games after being suspended for a dangerous aerial tackle against Bristol Bears.
Wales boss Tandy excited to face England
Wales head coach Steve Tandy says he is excited by the prospect of facing England at the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Farrell will not 'second guess' World Cup draw
Head coach Andy Farrell is not being drawn on suggestions that Ireland have been handed a favourable draw for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
England prop Opoku-Fordjour out with elbow injury
Sale Sharks and England prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour is set to miss the next six weeks with an elbow injury.
Favourable 2027 Rugby World Cup draw provides few potholes for England
Signs are encouraging for an improving squad to invoke the glory of 2003 with rivals facing trickier routes in Australia . As the Ashes have reminded us, it never pays to get too excited in advance about winning in Australia.
Wallabies must improve as World Cup draw delivers daunting All Blacks clash
After a winless European tour, Australia aim to regain winning habit before home tournament in October 2027. If the Wallabies are to fight their way to a World Cup triumph in front of their home crowds in 2027 they must first face off with arch-rivals New Zealand in the pool stages.
Rugby Union Weekly
Chris, Tom English and Gareth Rhys Owen dissect the draw for the 2027 World Cup draw.
A draw with a winner? The routes to northern glory at 2027 World Cup
Has the 2027 World Cup draw handed an advantage to northern hemisphere sides chasing glory?.
Ill-health sees ex-Wales star Thomas leave Swansea
Former Wales back row Jonathan Thomas leaves his role as Swansea RFC head coach due to ongoing health concerns.
3rd December 2025
Rugby World Cup 2027: Wallabies drawn with All Blacks; are Australia better off losing?
So the Wallabies and All Blacks have been drawn alongside each other in Pool A for Rugby World Cup 2027. Extrapolating the format out, that might not be a bad game for Australia to lose.
Black Fern Sae out of PWR campaign with ACL injury
New Zealand and Harlequins forward Layla Sae will miss the rest of the PWR campaign after suffering an ACL injury.
R360 delay 'positive' for Prem - Exeter boss Baxter
Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter says the postponement of global franchise league R360 is positive for the Prem.
‘Bring it on’: Wallabies welcome first-ever pool battle with All Blacks at home World Cup
The draw for the pools of the 2027 Rugby World Cup has been completed. Find out who got the easiest run, and who has the toughest.
Pool-by-pool analysis as All Blacks-Wallabies headlines
The 2027 Rugby World Cup draw took place on Wednesday. Here's how it impacts, England, Australia, New Zealand and much more.
Hosts Australia to face New Zealand in Rugby World Cup pool as England draw Wales
The host nation Australia will face their traditional rivals New Zealand at the men’s Rugby World Cup in 2027. The Wallabies, hosting a second men’s tournament, were guaranteed to face a top-ranked nation in Pool A due to their world ranking of seventh and the renewal of their fierce rivalry with the All Blacks is perhaps the most appetising possible outcome from the draw made in Sydney on Wednesday.
Rugby World Cup draw: England to face Wales, Australia vs. New Zealand - as it happened
Follow ESPN's live updates of the draw for the 2027 Rugby World Cup and discover who the likes of England, Ireland, South Africa and New Zealand will face in Pool play.
Wallabies book home Rugby World Cup blockbuster with All Blacks as England lies in wait
The Wallabies will face the All Blacks in the pool stage of a Men’s Rugby World Cup for the first time, in a potential blockbuster opener to the 2027 tournament in Australia.
Wallabies to meet All Blacks at World Cup
The Wallabies will face the might of the All Blacks along with minnows Chile and Hong Kong in pool play at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
England and Wales in same 2027 World Cup group
England and Wales are paired up in the pool stages at the 2027 Rugby World Cup, with Scotland and Ireland also drawn together.
Rugby World Cup draw: England to face Wales in 2027 pool stage
England and Wales will meet in the 2027 Rugby World Cup pool stage, with Tonga and Zimbabwe making up the remainder of Group F.
WRU to ask regions to let players train with Wales
The Welsh Rugby Union will ask the four professional regions to release players for Wales training periods before next year's Six Nations.
Augustus braced for 'physical' Racing 92 test
Ulster back row Juarno Augustus says that his side are preparing to face a "physical" Racing 92 side in Friday's Challenge Cup opener.
Ireland's Hansen a Six Nations doubt after surgery
Ireland back Mack Hansen is a doubt for the Six Nations as he suffers another injury setback with his latest foot injury requiring surgery.
Newcastle out to make most of European experience
Newcastle Red Bulls enter Europe's Challenge Cup hoping to build confidence and momentum before The Prem resumes later this month.
Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027: how the draw will work and the new format explained
Path to victory in Australia will become clearer in Sydney on Wednesday when the draw for the tournament is made. Continue reading...
ITV to show every England Test from 2026 after agreeing new £80m deal
ITV has won the rights to broadcast every England rugby union Test from next year after submitting a successful £80m bid for the inaugural Nations Championship.
WRU chair on why drastic change is needed
Chair Richard Collier-Keywood outlines how the Welsh Rugby Union intends to make dramatic changes to the professional men's game.
Rogers gives Scarlets Champions Cup fitness boost
Wales' hat-trick hero Tom Rogers gives Scarlets a fitness boost as they prepare to make a return to Europe's top competition.
England league-union hybrid-rules match proposed
The Rugby Football League is approached about staging an exhibition cross-code match combining league and union rules.
2027 Rugby World Cup draw: How to watch, time
The Rugby World Cup draw is set to take place on Wednesday. Here's how to follow along.
2nd December 2025
The Breakdown
Bloodgate, the ‘Hand of Back’ and a drop goal off ‘someone’s arse’ are among the tournament’s delightful eccentricities. On the eve of a new Champions Cup season it is worth remembering when and where it all began.
Sale sign wing Wehr on short-term deal to February
Sale Sharks sign South African winger Gurshwin Wehr on a short-term deal until February 2026.
'Stoppages, TMOs, referees' hurting rugby 'badly'
Former Ireland full-back Rob Kearney tells the BBC's Ireland Rugby Social podcast that he believes changes are coming to improve rugby union as a spectacle.
Why NFL boss Roger Goodell could lock Wallabies out of MCG during Rugby World Cup
A clause in the deal between the Victorian government and the NFL to host games at the MCG could stop Australia playing at the iconic venue in the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
‘A standout athlete’: Western Force praise Lomax after Perth tour
The demise of R360 hasn’t dampened the enthusiasm of Zac Lomax to make a switch to rugby.