Bath's Bhatti out for months with forearm injury
New Bath signing Jamie Bhatti is out for months with a forearm injury says head of rugby Johann van Graan.
Rugby Union
25th September 2026
Alcohol in the stands would spoil football
Andy Burnham’s own goal | Investigating failure | Hedgehog-flavoured crisps | Crisp festival | Sitting prone. Before legislating to permit alcoholic drinks to be consumed in the stands at football (Report, 23 September), Andy Burnham should attend a rugby international.
Bears pair Staddon and Heward suffer ACL injuries
Bristol Bears pair Ethan Staddon and Noah Heward suffer ACL injuries while Kalaveti Ravouvou is out for 12 weeks with a knee injury.
Tigers looking to evolve - Leicester boss Parling
Head coach Geoff Parling says Leicester Tigers need to keep "evolving" in their constant pursuit of silverware.
Shaun Edwards inspired by mum’s memory as he beds in with Red Roses
Shaun Edwards has proven to the Red Roses he “wants to be there and to make the players better” rather than using the women’s game as a stepping stone, according to the England wing Jess Breach.
Ex-Welsh first minister Jones joins Scarlets board
New Scarlets board member Carwyn Jones says Welsh rugby needs four professional teams as the threat of closure looms.
Northampton lead Prem charge but history shows title defence will be no simple task
Boosted by retaining Henry Pollock, champions are eager to keep improving but a revitalised Saracens and Exeter should push them all the way. It used to be simple. Win the Prem once and people would assume it was just the beginning.
24th September 2026
McLachlan and Wills return to face Australia
Rachel McLachlan and Evie Wills return from injury to start for Scotland against Australia in their final home match of the WXV Series on Saturday.
Injury rules Graham out of Scotland's autumn Tests
Scotland's record try-scorer Darcy Graham is to miss the autumn internationals against New Zealand, Australia and Japan with a ruptured bicep.
Feaunati returns as England brace for Black Ferns onslaught
Maddie Feaunati returns to bring big-game experience and dynamism to the back row as England take on a resurgent New Zealand at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.
Harlequins duo injured but Bath's Stuart returns
Harlequins are without injured George Furbank and Marcus Smith for Friday's Prem opener but Bath's have Will Stuart back in their XV, while Newcastle start seven new signings.
From ruin to a (Red) Bull market - how Prem became hot property
Prem Rugby seemed on the brink of disaster after Worcester, Wasps and London Irish went bust, but there is renewed confidence and fresh money in the league.
Three leading Prem clubs in talks with overseas investors on eve of rugby union season
Harlequins, Northampton and Gloucester are attracting serious interest from overseas investors with Prem Rugby entering an expansionist phase before its first season as a closed league begins on Friday.
Why England are yet to reap rewards of £264m deal with Rugby World Cup only a year away
Two years on from landmark investment no one would describe Borthwick’s side as world-leading but the Prem is thriving.
The fiery history between Wallabies, Springboks
The fiery history between the Wallabies and Springboks is set to resume in Perth on Sunday.
Suaalii unleashed on Wallabies wing
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is finally set to be unleashed on the Wallabies wing against the Springboks on Sunday.
Will Saints reign again or new winners rise? - Prem Rugby club guide
BBC Sport commentators and reporters analyse how the 10 Prem Rugby clubs will fare ahead of the start of the 2026-27 season.
Leonard makes history with 50th Test
Michaela Leonard will make history as the first Wallaroos player to reach 50 Tests when she takes the field against Scotland.
How Irish provinces are shaping up for new season
With the new United Rugby Championship season starting on Friday evening, BBC Sport NI looks at the prospects for all four Irish teams in 2025-26.
Baxter targeting Prem title win with Exeter
Exeter boss Rob Baxter says his side has to target winning the Prem title this season.
‘I knew we had that belief’: How the Wallabies broke their 62-year Ellis Park curse
Playing his first Test in three years, James O’Connor was helpless as the Springboks shot out to a 22-0 lead. But the veteran playmaker knew the Wallabies were still in the match.
What are Welsh sides' chances for new URC season?
BBC Sport Wales looks at the prospects for Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets in the 2026-27 United Rugby Championship season.
Prem agrees to revamp refereeing in boost for England’s Rugby World Cup hopes
Steve Borthwick has secured a boost to his preparations for the World Cup next year, with an overhaul in the refereeing of Prem matches for the coming season designed to help England’s hopes in Australia.
Wales suffer scrum-half Lockwood blow for USA Test
Scrum-half Seren Lockwood is out of Wales' second WXV Test, against USA, after failing a head injury assessment.
23rd September 2026
No doubt Quins will be better this season - Gilmore
Harlequins head Jason Gilmore says the club will get back on track in the 2026-27 campaign.
Edwards' Red Roses move inspired by late mother
England back row Marlie Packer says defence coach Shaun Edwards' surprise move into the Red Roses set-up was partly inspired by his late mother Phyllis.
'Rather rugby boots than gumboots' - Moli's fresh start at Leicester
Tonga hooker Samiuela Moli reflects on the path - via vineyards, building sites and the collapse of his former club - that has led him to a fresh start at Leicester Tigers.
Feyi-Waboso could be star at World Cup - Baxter
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso could be one of England's stars at next summer's World Cup if he can keep fit this season, says Exeter boss Rob Baxter.
'Start-up' Newcastle tapping into Red Bulls spirit
Head coach Dan McFarland is excited to have the backing of Newcastle Red Bulls' owners as he tries to fuse a new team together in the Prem this season.
Prem Rugby 2026-27: the essential club-by-club guide to the new season
Bath have a point to prove, Newcastle are shy of an A-lister and Aaron Wainwright could prove the signing of the summer at Welford Road. The 2025 champions go into the new campaign with a point to prove after they were humbled on home turf by Exeter in last season’s semi-finals.
Suaalii shifted to wing as Kiss rolls dice for Boks
Wallabies coach Les Kiss has pulled the trigger on a positional change for highly paid star Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii.
The Wales captains looking to conquer England
Wales captains Dewi Lake and Jac Morgan prepare to make their Prem debuts for Gloucester after moving from Ospreys.
Scarlets ready to 'come out fighting' with future at stake
Scarlets director of rugby Nigel Davies says talk about the organisation's long-term future has galvanised his squad before the new season starts this weekend.
22nd September 2026
Pollock left money on table to stay at Saints - Hearn
Henry Pollock turned down rival offers worth much more than his Northampton extension, which will earn him over £400,000 a year, says adviser Eddie Hearn.
The Breakdown
English club rugby enters its fourth decade determined to meet its challenges with more high-profile investment deals and expansion. It has taken a while but the penny finally seems to be dropping with those in charge of English club rugby.
Henry Pollock triples salary after signing ‘multi-year’ deal to stay at Northampton
Henry Pollock has signed a new Northampton contract worth in excess of £400,000 a year, ensuring he will remain available for England beyond the 2027 World Cup.
Pollock signs new Northampton deal in excess of £400K
Henry Pollock has brought an end to his contract stand-off with Northampton, saying it was ultimately "a very easy decision" to sign an extension.
‘We know what’s coming’: Wallabies brace for physical examination against Springboks
Despite a rotated South Africa team, the Wallabies expect the same formidable scrum and maul when the world champions arrive in Perth.
‘He’s made it look easy’: Springboks rival blown away by Suaalii’s rugby transition
Double World Cup winner Jesse Kriel says he can’t understand the criticism “world-class” Wallabies opponent Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has received since switching from league.
New Zealand to consider walking away from Super Rugby at major summit
A bombshell proposal for the Kiwis to exit the 30-year-old competition and start a 10-team national competition instead is one of the proposals contained in a secret document.
Lions tour a 'top goal' for Wales prop Tuipulotu
Wales prop Sisilia Tuipulotu says selection for next year's inaugural British and Irish Lions women's tour is among her top rugby priorities.
21st September 2026
Shaun Edwards finally lands England coaching role after joining Red Roses
The defence guru Shaun Edwards has joined the Red Roses coaching setup in a consultancy role until the end of the WXV Global Series.
Edwards signs short-term deal with Red Roses
Shaun Edwards has started a short-term coaching consultancy role with England women.
Cornish Pirates impress in opening day Doncaster win
Cornish Pirates get their Champ season off to an excellent start as they beat Doncaster Knights 45-19 at the Mennaye Field.
Tiatia in talks over new Dragons deal
Dragons aim to secure new contract with head coach Filo Tiatia as he prepares for a second full season in charge at Rodney Parade.
USA loss a game Ireland 'should have won' - Bemand
Ireland head coach Scott Bemand says their defeat against USA in the WXV Global Series opener at Tallaght Stadium was "a game we should have won".
USA stun Ireland with comeback WXV win in Dublin
The United States stage a remarkable second-half comeback to beat Ireland 40-36 in their WXV Global Series opener at Tallaght Stadium.
20th September 2026
Welsh rugby's key signings ahead of new season
Four summer signings are tipped to make a big impact at Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets in the 2026-27 United Rugby Championship.
Jordan Petaia lived the dream as an LA Charger for four months. He believes it will make him a better Wallaby
The 26-year-old left rugby in 2024 to pursue a lifelong ambition to play in the NFL. He narrowly missed out, but Petaia is now back with Wallabies and has no regrets.
The four tests the Wallabies must pass to beat the Springboks
The back-to-back world champions will provide Les Kiss’ toughest test since he took charge of the Wallabies.
Wallaroos give up big lead as France make miracle comeback in match delayed by burning bus
Australia’s Wallaroos have been left frustrated after a potentially huge Test win got away as an undisciplined France escaped with a miraculous comeback, having been 19 points down and reduced to just 11 players at one stage.
French player sent off for eye gouge
France's Cloé Correa got a straight red for eye-gouging during the game against the Wallaroos.
Mitchell predicts 'greater things' for England as winning streak ends
Head coach John Mitchell says England's thrilling draw with Canada will inspire "greater things to come" from the world champions despite the result ending their record-breaking winning streak.
New Zealand cruise to victory over Scotland in WXV
Scotland suffer a second successive defeat in the WXV Global Series as New Zealand run out comfortable winners at Hive Stadium.
England’s historic winning streak ends after Red Roses draw with Canada
Still unbeaten, yes, but for England this was anything but business as usual. The Red Roses remain undefeated in 40 Tests, but, for once, there were no victory speeches afterwards.
Canada end England's 39-game winning run with frenetic draw
England's remarkable winning run comes to an end as they are held to a nail-biting 26-26 draw by Canada at Sandy Park.
19th September 2026
Wales deliver performance of serious promise
Wales have set themselves a new standard after clocking up a half-century of points in their WXV opener against South Africa.
Forget the romance. Rugby Australia and NZ Rugby are locked in a marriage of necessity
Behind the recent rapprochement between the trans-Tasman rivals lie huge financial challenges for the game on either side of the ditch that are better tackled together than individually.
Inspired Wales seal stunning win over South Africa
Wales return to winning ways in emphatic fashion with an eight-try victory over South Africa at Cardiff Arms Park.
‘In almost every French game, there’s theatre’: Dean Richards on bringing joie de vivre back to English rugby
Doncaster Knights’ new director of rugby is passionate about the Champ, who Steve Borthwick should pick from overseas and getting players to have a bit of fun.
18th September 2026
Saints better prepared for Prem title defence - Dowson
Northampton director of rugby Phil Dowson tells the BBC's Saints Show that the club has better chance of defending their title.
Adams Verling handed Ireland debut for WXV opener
Connacht back row Jemima Adams Verling is handed her senior Ireland debut in Sunday's WXV Global Series opener against the United States in Dublin.
Canada captain still loses sleep over final loss to England
Canada captain Sophie de Goede says she still loses sleep over their World Cup final loss to England last year.
Saints drop plan for memorial wall for fans' ashes
The club says there has not been enough demand for the project.
Rassie Erasmus says Springboks ‘arrogance’ led to Wallabies humbling. He’s learned his lesson
The Springboks have just finished a bruising, four-Test series against the All Blacks, but they won’t be easing up against the Wallabies in Perth next week.
Exeter Chiefs and Bournemouth share expertise after takeover
Exeter boss Rob Baxter says the Prem club has been sharing knowledge with Premier League side AFC Bournemouth.
'Weird and cool' - Blair relishing All Blacks adventure
Former Scotland scrum-half Mike Blair reveals his excitement after teaming up with Dave Rennie as New Zealand attack coach and the prospect of facing up against his home country.
WXV series about 'turning the page' for Ireland
Ireland head coach Scott Bemand says the forthcoming WXV series represents an opportunity to start bringing on new talent with the 2029 World Cup in mind.
2025 and all that: Red Roses ready to reignite Canada rivalry after World Cup win
One year on from the epic final women’s rugby is flourishing in both nations while England are aiming to take their successive win total to 40 games. Train like you have never won, play like you don’t know how to lose.
‘Words cannot express’: Family speaks after Wallabies legend’s son tragically dies
The rugby world is in mourning following the tragic passing of Jack Waugh, the eldest son of Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh.
Rugby community in mourning after death of Phil Waugh’s son
Jack Waugh, the eldest child of former Wallaby and Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh, passed away at the age of 21.
New-look Wales target statement South Africa win
History favours Wales, but a slump in form leaves their WXV opener against South Africa finely poised.
Anscombe happy to play Scarlets supporting role
Wales fly-half Gareth Anscombe is still hungry for action despite signing up for a supporting role with Scarlets in United Rugby Championship.
Wallabies coach Les Kiss: ‘Take your eye off us, we’ll come back and bite you’
As Australia prepare for a monumental clash with the world No 1 Springboks the coach is taking heart from this side’s belief and resilience. Top dogs at Rugby Australia HQ are generally suited and booted but Les Kiss, with his goatee and spectacles, gets about in jeans, sneakers and baseball cap.
Fin Smith sets England autumn ultimatum to hit form
England fly-half Fin Smith says an under-par autumn would trigger fundamental questions about the team's direction.
Moloney-MacDonald says smaller ball 'challenging'
Ireland hooker Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald admits she has found the smaller ball being trialled in women's rugby "challenging" in the build-up to Sunday's game against the United States.
Rees-Zammit to return to wing for new season
Wales and Bristol back Louis Rees-Zammit says he will be a winger who can play full-back this season for club and country.
Injured Exeter winger Ridl to miss most of season
Exeter winger Campbell Ridl is set to miss much of the season after suffering a knee ligament injury.
17th September 2026
Ainsworth makes first Scotland start as Bonar returns on bench
Scrum-half Ceitidh Ainsworth will make her first start for Scotland Women, while lock Sarah Bonar makes the match-day squad for the first time since the 2025 Rugby World Cup, for Saturday's visit by New Zealand.
Field to make first England start in World Cup final rematch with Canada
Hooker Bryony Field will make her first start for England as the Red Roses take on Canada, who they beat in last year's World Cup final, in the WXV Global Series.
‘You can’t be shy’: Joe Marchant on French lessons, England ambitions and his new famous father-in-law
Centre is back in the Prem with Sale after three years in Paris where he says he learned a lot more than the language and is ready to play for England again. Joe Marchant admits he has been a disappointment.
Marchant set on England comeback after Sale arrival
Joe Marchant is determined to convince England head coach Steve Borthwick of his Test credentials and convert his famous father-in-law to Sale's cause.
IRFU await news of 'massive opportunity' to join PWR
Lynne Cantwell, head of women's strategy for the IRFU, believes the potential of Irish sides forming part of a future British and Irish League represents a major opportunity.
Ospreylia: How Welsh club turned to a land down under
Ospreys could field a side that is a third Australian after a summer recruitment drive that brought in four players from the southern hemisphere.
No more ‘Mark doing freaky things’ as Nawaqanitawase’s NRL farewell looms
The much-loved winger has an ‘unbelievable’ Roosters highlights reel but will soon cross codes again for the next rugby union chapter in Japan.
Leicester fly-half Searle agrees new contract
Leicester Tigers and England A fly-half Billy Searle signs a new contract with the Prem club.
16th September 2026
Bevan in fly-half switch for Wales' WXV opener
Keira Bevan is to switch half-back roles after being selected to play at 10 for Wales' WXV opener against South Africa in Cardiff on Friday.
Carre and Keight win top Welsh rugby awards
Rhys Carre and Courtney Keight are given the top accolades by the Welsh Rugby Writers' Association.
England winger Freeman signs new Northampton deal
Northampton Saints and England winger Tommy Freeman agrees a contract extension with the reigning Prem champions.
Waratahs’ firebrand could become a Springbok-style asset, says coach
Miles Amatosero was sent off in only his second Test for the Wallabies but he has been urged to not tone down his naturally aggressive game.
Sky closes in on broadcast rights for first women’s British & Irish Lions tour
The inaugural women’s British & Irish Lions tour of New Zealand next year is expected to be broadcast live on Sky Sports in a significant boost for the women’s game.
'He's an idiot, but he's our idiot' - Saints fans on Pollock contract stand-off
How has a drawn-out and public contract negotiation affected the relationship between Henry Pollock and Northampton Saints fans?.
Private owners circle Cheika-led Waratahs as Hoiles locks in as deputy
The buzz around Michael Cheika’s return to the Waratahs has even extended to private investors expressing interest in buying the franchise from Rugby Australia.
‘Crazy couple of years’: How freakish Warriors flyer ended up playing rugby for the Reds
As the Warriors plot to keep their NRL season alive, one of the most enigmatic try-scorers in their history will launch a new chapter in a rival code.
Wallaroos lick wounds after England loss
The Wallaroos lick their wounds after the side's 48-15 loss to England in Salford.
15th September 2026
Wales lose injured Powell for entire WXV campaign
Wales have been dealt another injury blow ahead of their WXV Global Series with Kayleigh Powell ruled out of the entire campaign.
The Breakdown
The Red Roses captain says nobody should have to choose between their career and having a family.
Why Super Rugby clubs are set to lose 60 Test stars in the middle of 2027 season
Next season’s Super Rugby Pacific draw has dropped, with extra Sunday games, a re-jigged finals system and an Origin-style impact that will test clubs’ depth to the limit.
Kiss names squad for Springboks
Wallabies coach Les Kiss names his squad to play against the Springboks in Perth.
Pollock denies signing Northampton deal and is ‘open to every opportunity’
Henry Pollock insists he has not yet re‑signed for Northampton and is “open to every opportunity” including playing abroad and trying out other sports.
