Star power missing as Anzac side miss out on world’s highest-paid player
Two weeks from the arrival of the British and Irish Lions and the AUNZ Invitational side is still without a confirmed squad as Richie Mo’unga is ruled out due to injury.
Rugby Union
16th June 2025
‘A special moment’: Russell revels in Bath glory as focus turns to Lions
Fly-half relishes end to his 10-year wait for a league title before homing in on British & Irish Lions challenge. Had Handrè Pollard done his homework he might have known what was coming – for Finn Russell has previous with intercepts when attacking Twickenham’s south stand.
15th June 2025
The Brumbies could have won the Super Rugby title. A loss in February scuttled it
The dominant Australian side for the last decade again lost in the semi-finals, and again in New Zealand. The route to success lies closer to home.
Bath’s treble win blends yesteryear charm with the recently unthinkable
First league crown ends a drought of almost three decades that the Rec Ground faithful would have scarcely believed at the dawn of the professional era. At the 29th time of asking, Bath are champions of England once more.
Leicester prop binned in final
Dan Cole is given a yellow card in Leicester's narrow loss to Bath in the Premiership Rugby final.
Leinster 'silenced a few critics' with URC title - Conan
Leinster captain Jack Conan says winning the United Rugby Championship helps his side to "silence a few critics".
United Rugby Championship final Leinster outclass Bulls to win ninth title
Three early tries helped Irish side Leinster to a comprehensive 32-7 victory over South Africa's Bulls in the United Rugby Championship final.
'Hurt but proud' - retiring Youngs on final defeat
Leicester's Ben Youngs talks about the "pride and emotion" of ending his career with Saturday's Premiership Grand Final defeat by Bath.
'Sky the limit' for treble winners Bath - Spencer
Bath captain Ben Spencer says the "sky is the limit" for the club after they ended a 29-year wait for a Premiership trophy.
Spencer 'couldn't be prouder' as Bath win Premiership
Bath captain Ben Spencer says he "couldn't be prouder" of the team after his side won their first Premiership title in 29 years with a narrow 23-21 victory against Leicester Tigers at Allianz Stadium Twickenham.
Jordie Barrett helps Leinster cruise past the Bulls and win URC final
Leinster lifted their first trophy since 2021 after a convincing 32-7 United Rugby Championship final win over the Bulls at Croke Park on Saturday.
'He's a kid from Bath' - Russell on unselfish Ojomoh pass
Finn Russell says winning a first Gallagher Premiership title is "special" and "has not sunk in" as the fly-half guides Bath to victory against Leicester Tigers.
Leinster dominate Bulls in URC final for ninth title
Leinster win the United Rugby Championship for the first time since 2021 as they produced a dominant display to beat Bulls 32-7 at Croke Park.
Leicester coach Cheika hits out at Cole yellow card after final defeat by Bath
Michael Cheika, the Leicester head coach, took issue with the officiating after his side’s playoff final defeat by Bath, describing the late yellow card shown to Dan Cole after an aerial collision with Finn Russell as “embarrassing for the game” and “hardly even a penalty”. The Australian was also less than impressed with how the scrum was refereed.
Premiership final: Bath hold off late Leicester surge to end title drought
Bath ended their 29-year English title drought when they survived a late surge by old rivals Leicester to triumph 23-21 in a gripping Premiership final.
Bath end 29-year wait for Premiership title
Bath hold off a resilient Leicester to win their first Premiership title in 29 years and also clinch a 2024-25 treble.
Russell inspires Bath to Premiership title despite late Leicester fightback
There was barely a cloud in the clear summer sky in south-west London and blue was also the primary colour on the field.
14th June 2025
Toole runs over McKenzie for 'special' try
Brumbies winger Corey Toole finds space on the left flank and then running over the top of Damian McKenzie.
Fireworks in Hamilton as tempers flare
Chiefs winger Leroy Carter took exception to a late tackle from Brumbies No.8 Tuaina Taii Tualima and Chiefs centre Quinn Tupaea got involved.
Toole scores superb Brumbies try
Brumbies veteran Jack Debreczeni provides a superb try assist for flying winger Corey Toole to gather and score.
Rugby’s great wanderer Christian Wade: ‘You don’t say no to Wigan’
Having previously swapped rugby union for NFL, Wade shares his excitement for a fresh challenge after a ‘humbling’ start to life in rugby league.
‘Another Aussie’: Even Schmidt can’t ignore elephant in Lions room
The Lions SANZAAR contingent has jumped to eight after Finlay Bealham got the call-up this week. How many is too many?.
Welcome to the Gallagher Prem: English rugby’s top flight rebrands and targets US
Premiership Rugby has rebranded England’s top division as the Gallagher Prem as part of a wide-ranging reboot that includes plans to take a fixture to the United States in the coming years and kicking off next season on a Thursday night.
Premiership rebrands to become the 'Prem' from next season
The Premiership will shorten its name to become 'the Prem' as part of a new brand for the 2025-26 season.
Scotland players fear losing contracts after World Cup
More than half of Scotland women's team face being unemployed after this summer's Rugby World Cup, a squad representative has claimed.
Master motivators put 90s chart-toppers Bath and Leicester back on Premiership final stage
Rival coaches Johann van Graan and Michael Cheika have rebuilt their sides along similar lines but Bath are favourites. It has been a while but the old firm of English club rugby are finally back.
Matthews, Heard and George stay with Glos-Hartpury
England's Alex Matthews and Tatyana Heard and Wales' Lleucu George agree new deals to stay with PWR champions Gloucester-Hartpury.
'Juggernauts' Bath and Leicester rekindle rivalry in final
English rugby giants Bath and Leicester reignite an old rivalry when they meet in the Premiership final at Twickenham on Saturday.
Farrell close to Saracens return from Racing 92
Former England captain Owen Farrell is close to finalising a sensational return to Saracens.
13th June 2025
Owen Farrell to return to Saracens on five-year deal - sources
Owen left Saracens at the end of last season to join Racing 92, but sources have told ESPN he will return to his boyhood club.
SuperTed or Superman? Hill’s ‘different game’ key for Bath in Premiership final
Flanker Ted Hill has been called ‘a freak’ by his captain as the 26-year-old waits for another chance with England.
Bristol name ex-Scotland hooker Lawson as head coach
Bristol Bears Women appoint Scott Lawson as their new head coach following the departure of Dave Ward.
Owen Farrell agrees return to Saracens as player-coach on five-year deal
Owen Farrell has agreed an immediate return to Saracens after a torrid season with Racing 92. The 33-year-old former England captain will join his boyhood club as a player-coach this summer on a five-year deal.
Red Bull agree deal to buy Newcastle Falcons and keep Premiership club afloat
Red Bull has agreed a deal to buy Newcastle Falcons which includes a commitment to keep the club in the city and will ensure the Premiership remains a 10-team competition next season.
Sports quiz of the week: US Open golf, F1 and a niche world championship
Have you been paying attention to the big and small stories in football, motor racing, rugby league and cricket?. Continue reading...
Jordan 'bamboozles' Blues defence
Crusaders fullback Will Jordan 'bamboozles' the Blues defence, sparking some niggle between the fierce rivals.
Blues villain breaks Howlett's try record
Blues villain Rieko Ioane crashes through the Crusaders defence to break the club's all-time try-scoring record, previously held by Doug Howlett.
Hugh Dennis presents a tribute to the late Bill Dare
Hugh Dennis presents a tribute to the late Bill Dare.
An ugly pack and backs worth paying to watch: Bath have taken us back to the 1990s
There was a time when the team playing at the Rec were the dominant force in English club rugby and there are signs they may be on the rise once again.
Premiership Rugby Grand Final: Bath and Leicester battle for English supremacy
Memories and rivalries forged in the 1980s will re-emerge on Saturday when Bath and Leicester meet in the English Premiership final for the first time.
'Last dance' of Leicester legends spurring Tigers on
Leicester Tigers' title hunt has turned into a blockbuster "last dance" for a club about to lose a number of high-profile stars.
12th June 2025
Lions Gibson-Park, Keenan and Furlong miss Leinster's URC final
British and Irish Lions trio Jamison Gibson-Park, Tadhg Furlong and Hugo Keenan will play no part in Leinster's United Rugby Championship final against the Bulls on Saturday.
Brown-Bampoe signs Exeter contract extension
Exeter winger Paul Brown-Bampoe signs a contract extension with the Premiership club after a breakout first season.
Sale appoint ex-Italy lock Bortolami as head coach
Former Italy forward Marco Bortolami is appointed head coach of Sale Sharks, replacing Paul Deacon.
Single-day 'super' rounds for 2026 Women's Six Nations
Each round of the 2026 Women's Six Nations will consist of three matches in a single day in a new-look structure for the tournament.
Exeter make Rule PWR's first Black Ferns player
New Zealand tighthead Amy Rule will become the first Black Ferns player to move to Premiership Women's Rugby after agreeing to join Exeter.
Back to the future: Anzac team to wear a replica of 1989 strip against Lions
The jersey of the Australia-New Zealand invitational side to meet the British and Irish Lions in Adelaide was unveiled as the coach also promised to “bash” the tourists.
Owen Farrell to air views on dad Andy and the Lions on Sky for tour opener
Owen Farrell will run the rule over the first match for the British & Irish Lions, against Argentina next week, after joining Sky Sports’ punditry team. The 33-year-old will be at the Aviva Stadium next Friday to give his views on how the side, coached by his dad, Andy, fares.
‘Don’t drop it’: Gleeson silences inner critic with Lions dream in sight
After being uninvited to Wallabies camp and with a move to France on the horizon, Gleeson’s breakout season could still force the No.8 onto the Lions series squad.
Saunas, cuddly toys and new bonds - inside the Lions' Algarve den
Even without the 15 players involved in domestic finals, British and Irish Lions preparations continue apace at their training camp in Portugal.
‘Freak of nature’: Why Wallabies teammates aren’t among the Tupou doubters
Once impossible to imagine, the question whether Taniela Tupou will play for the Wallabies against the Lions is now a live one. But teammates have firm opinions.
Insane Crusaders record goes on line
An insane Crusaders home record of 30-0 in finals games goes on the line when they host the Blues on Friday in Christchurch.
Gordon tipped as shock new captain
Jake Gordon has been tipped as the shock new Wallabies captain against the British and Irish Lions.
Rugby player fakes injury, proposes to team physio
A New Zealand club rugby captain faked an injury to ask the team’s physio for her hand in marriage.
Fears Cheika could be lost to NRL
There are fears that Michael Cheika could be lost to the NRL as he struggles to find a home in Australian rugby.
Rugby Union Weekly
Chris goes inside the Lions training camp in Portugal to meet Ellis Genge and Jac Morgan.
Sale head coach Deacon departs club
Sale Sharks have parted company with head coach Paul Deacon after their Premiership semi-final defeat by Leicester.
Argentina Tests can be making of young England - Ben Curry
A two-Test series against a powerful Argentina side in hostile conditions will harden England's new generation of talent, says Ben Curry.
British & Irish Lions calm fears over Tadhg Furlong’s fitness for Australia tour
The British & Irish Lions have insisted they have no fitness concerns over the veteran tighthead prop Tadhg Furlong and have revealed he and other Premiership and URC finalists will be considered for their opening match against Argentina in Dublin next Friday.
'I'll be fully fit' - Suaalii relishing Lions arrival
Australia starJoseph-Aukuso Suaalii says he is close to full fitness after a jaw operation raised doubts over whether he would be available to face the Lions this summer.
11th June 2025
Data, downloads and detective work - chasing rugby's salary cheats
Each Premiership team is restricted on what they can spend on wages. How do those in charge check big-money owners aren't making secret payments to get round the cap?.
Gloucester sign versatile Leinster back Russell
Gloucester sign back Rob Russell from Leinster Rugby for the 2025-26 season.
Exeter back Wyatt suffers fresh knee injury blow
Highly-rated Exeter back Tommy Wyatt will not play until 2026 after suffering a serious knee injury.
Henry Arundell called up by England after Top 14 stint finishes
England have called up Bath-bound winger Henry Arundell ahead of the summer internationals.
Bath-bound Arundell returns to England set-up
Bath-bound winger Henry Arundell is drafted straight back into the England training squad after playing his final game for French side Racing 92.
Russell hopes Bath go 'one step further' in final
Bath fly-half Finn Russell says the team can hopefully go "one step further" in the Premiership final on Saturday against Leicester.
How Brian Ashton led Bath to double in 1995-96 while teaching full-time
Team featuring Jeremy Guscott and Mike Catt won Bath’s most recent title before professional era changed the game. It doesn’t take long to realise that one of England’s greatest attacking minds is still as sharp as ever.
SRP Finals W2: Tupaea returns for Chiefs, Brumbies unchanged
Welcome to the playoffs. Two teams have been eliminated and there was a shock result in Hamilton, while just one Australian side remains. But now there's no more second chances, it's win or you're out.
Suaalii ready to face the Lions
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is ready to face the Lions after recovering from a broken jaw.
Appetite for destruction: How mum’s kitchen put Suaalii back on track to tame Lions
When Joseph Aukuso-Suaalii broke his jaw last month, there was fear he’d miss the Wallabies-Lions series. Step forward his mum, Salina.
Fagerson will 'come back stronger' from Lions blow
Zander Fagerson will "come back stronger" from his British and Irish Lions heartache, Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend believes.
Centre McGillivray signs new Exeter contract
Exeter centre Nancy McGillivray agrees a deal to stay at the Premiership Women's Rugby side for the 2025-26 season.
Tigers defy 'doubters' with 'self-belief' - Cheika
Boss Michael Cheika says Leicester will use "self-belief" to combat those who doubt their chances in Saturday's Premiership Grand Final against Bath.
10th June 2025
Turner recalled for Scotland's summer Pacific Tour
Hooker George Turner is recalled by Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend for their summer Pacific Tour after a year out while playing in Japan.
England call up Bracken & Porter for pre-tour camp
Scrum-halves Charlie Bracken and Will Porter are called up for an England training camp while George Furbank will continue his rehabilitation at the get-together.
The Breakdown
While financial instability and welfare dominate discussions, Premiership attendances are firmly on the up. The final week of every domestic season is always an indicator of rugby’s underlying health.
Samoa call up one-cap England back Umaga
Former Wasps fly-half Jacob Umaga, who was capped by England back in 2021, is called up by Samoa for the first time.
Does it pass the pub test? Super Rugby finals system to be reviewed
Super Rugby Pacific’s boss says the competition will consider changes to a new play-offs structure that has drawn criticism for being unfair.
Exploring the disappearance of over 100,000 Syrians
A look inside one of the most brutal campaigns of state repression in modern history.
R360 rebel circuit is flawed - Premiership boss
The breakaway R360 event, which aims to sign top stars, does not have a clear route to reality say Premiership Rugby bosses.
Rugby Union Weekly
Can Bath win a first Premiership since 1996? Plus, Andy Farrell calls in reinforcements.
Rugby’s breakaway R360 league labelled ‘delusional’ by leading TV sport executive
A leading executive at TNT Sports has dismissed the proposed R360 breakaway league as “delusional” while Premiership executives have played down the rebels’ threat, insisting rugby “doesn’t need pop-ups”. Confirming that R360 has not approached TNT Sports about its plans for a globetrotting league that targets the world’s best players on lucrative contracts, Andrew Georgiou – president and managing director of WBD Sports Europe – joined Premiership Rugby in questioning the commercial and economic viability of the breakaway league.
9th June 2025
Lam to be at Bears for 'foreseeable' - Tainton
Director of rugby Pat Lam will be at Bristol Bears for the "foreseeable" says club chief operating officer Tom Tainton.
Leinster quartet injury doubts for URC final
Tadhg Furlong, Garry Ringrose, Hugo Keenan and Josh van der Flier are injury doubts for Leinster's United Rugby Championship final against the Bulls.
Injured Fagerson replaced by Bealham in Lions squad
Injured Scotland prop Zander Fagerson is ruled out of the British and Irish Lions' tour to Australia, with Ireland's Finlay Bealham called up to the squad in his place.
Injury crisis brewing for British & Irish Lions with Zander Fagerson out of tour
The British & Irish Lions are facing mounting injury problems at tighthead prop after Zander Fagerson was ruled out of the tour of Australia with a calf injury, amid serious question marks over Tadhg Furlong’s fitness.
Sale's Opoku-Fordjour called up to Lions training squad
Sale Sharks tight-head prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour is called up to the British and Irish Lions training squad.
The Waratahs missed the finals. Now a Wallaby of theirs is off to the Brumbies
Wanting a fresh start, five-eighth Tane Edmed has agreed to move to Canberra to play under Stephen Larkham.
Alexander Armstrong explores Rome's underground treasures
Alexander uncovers a world that helped build and run the world's first metropolis and its empire.
8th June 2025
Why the Brumbies have been dudded by new Super Rugby playoffs system
The Brumbies won a hard-fought qualifying final on Saturday. Their reward? Travelling to New Zealand for a semi-final at the home ground of a team who lost.
Will Smith stay as coach after Warriors' Dublin drubbing?
As rumours swirl about his future, and Glasgow are well beaten in the URC semi-finals, will Franco Smith remain at the Scotstoun helm?.
Glasgow's title defence over as Leinster surge into URC final
Watch the best of the action as Leinster defeat defending champions Glasgow Warriors to secure a place in the United Rugby Championship final.
Leicester hold off Sale to reach Premiership final
Leicester Tigers reach the Premiership final for the second time in four seasons as they edge Sale Sharks 21-16 in a pulsating play-off semi-final.
Inspired Perese try edges Leicester past Sale and into Premiership final
And so it is the two grand old clubs of English rugby. Leicester will face off against Bath in the Premiership final at Twickenham next Saturday – and the rest of us will have to check which century we are in.
Leinster beat holders Glasgow to book URC final with Bulls
Leinster overpower Glasgow Warriors to oust the reigning champions and ease into the United Rugby Championship final.
7th June 2025
Wright slices open Hurricanes for 'genius' try
Brumbies fullback Tom Wright sliced open the Hurricanes for a special try after Rob Valetini threw an inside ball that Morgan Turinui described as "genius.".
Pollard powers over for double
Once again it's their trademark rolling maul that does the damage as hooker Billy Pollard powers over for his second try of the night.
Tommy Steele's rise to fame as a rock 'n' roll teen idol
Dramatisation of Tommy Steele's rise to fame as a rock 'n' roll teen idol in the 1950s.
Love carves up the Brumbies
Hurricanes fullback Ruben Love carves up the Brumbies to score the opening try of the match.
