Late change no excuse for Saints defeat - Dingwall
England centre Fraser Dingwall says Northampton cannot use the pre-match loss of second row Tom Lockett as an excuse for defeat by Leicester Tigers.
Rugby Union
11th May 2026
WRU lodges interest to enter team in expanded PWR
Welsh rugby has taken its first significant step towards entering a team in England's top flight women's competition.
New Exeter investment will take time to have impact
Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter says any potential new investment in the club could take a number of years to show on the field.
Hong Kong draw Wallabies, All Blacks
Hong Kong China draw the Wallabies and All Blacks in their pool at the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Scotland’s Six Nations slump raises questions for new era under Sione Fukofuka
The Scots could collect the wooden spoon a year after their historic World Cup run.
Noah Lolesio is keen to stay in Japan. He knows it could cost him a World Cup berth
Wallabies five-eighth is loving life at his Japanese club, but acknowledged extending his stay into a second season could jeopardise his Test chances.
Reds controversially denied Uru try
The Reds are denied a Seru Uru try in a controversial moment against the Chiefs.
Not all states are equal: The secret ‘seismic’ plan to reshape rugby
Rugby Australia signed off on a plan that would explicitly back NSW and Queensland. Now Wallabies legend Phil Waugh faces a court grilling over it as the fallout from the Rebels’ collapse deepens.
Quins humiliate Newcastle in meeting of bottom two
Harlequins run in 12 tries as they humiliate Newcastle Red Bulls 76-17 in a match between The Prem's bottom two.
Bath miss chance to top Prem after defeat at Exeter
Bath reduced to 14 men for 30 minutes after Will Roux received a red card and Tom de Glanville was sin-binned.
Campbell Ridl boosts Exeter’s Prem playoff push with victory over Bath
The road to the Prem playoffs continues to be full of compelling twists and turns.
10th May 2026
Incoming Wallabies coach faces scrutiny as Reds lodge ref complaint after loss
The fallout from Queensland’s controversial loss at Suncorp Stadium, which saw the referee showered in boos, shows no sign of slowing.
Wainwright bids farewell in final Dragons home game
Wales back row Aaron Wainwright says goodbye to Rodney Parade after playing in his final home game for Dragons against Edinburgh.
Ireland still hungry to get better - Bemand
A lot has changed in the past two years for Scott Bemand and his youthful Ireland squad.
Waratahs had it all to play for. One part of their game was embarrassing
The way Matt Philip has led the Waratahs forwards has been admirable. He can’t do it all on his own.
Wales progress stalls in sluggish Ireland showing
Wales' winless Women's Six Nations run hits nine as progress is halted by a disappointing performance away to Ireland.
Connacht boost URC play-off hopes with Munster win
Connacht boost their hopes of sneaking into the United Rugby Championship play-offs with a bonus-point 26-7 win over an injury-hit Munster.
Wafer shines as Ireland enjoy home win over Wales
Ireland register their second win in the Women's Six Nations with a hard-fought 33-12 bonus-point victory over Wales at Affidea Stadium.
Four-try Packer 'doesn't go away' as England set up Grand Slam decider
Four-try veteran flanker Marlie Packer "doesn't go away" as she eyes a fitting England finale in Bordeaux's Women's Six Nations Grand Slam decider.
Saracens beat Bristol to boost top-four hopes
Saracens score six tries as they record a 10th straight win over injury-hit Bristol Bears to boost their top four hopes in the Gallagher Prem.
Leinster beat Lions to move third in URC table
Leinster boost their hopes of securing home advantage in the United Rugby Championship play-offs with a bonus-point victory the Lions at Aviva Stadium.
11-try France beat Scotland to set up England decider
France run in 11 tries to sweep Scotland aside and earn the bonus-point win that sets up a final day showdown with England next weekend.
Leicester hit Northampton for six as league leaders crumble in fiery derby
You can play all the classy rugby you want, you can be leading the table with a few matches to play, but certain elemental truths still apply. One of them is that if you find yourself overpowered up front away from home in a sold-out East Midlands derby, you will be blown away.
Leicester score six tries to beat leaders Northampton
Leicester post a record home league win over Prem leaders Northampton in a feisty East Midlands derby with hooker Jamie Blamire scoring two tries.
Marlie Packer terrorises Italy to keep England’s Six Nations defence on track
Marlie Packer made her England debut 18 years ago, but she is playing some of her best rugby, with the openside flanker once again key as the Red Roses set up a Championship decider against France next Sunday.
Packer scores four as England close in on Grand Slam
England veteran flanker Marlie Packer scores four tries to help the Red Roses thrash Italy in Parma and remain on course for an eighth straight Women's Six Nations title.
9th May 2026
Hooper leaves Swain hanging
Michael Hooper leaves Darcy Swain hanging in his handshake attempt at halftime in Canberra.
Lomax rocks MacPherson with big shot
Force winger Zac Lomax rocks Brumbies No.8 Toby MacPherson with a big shot.
Shields provides unlikely kick try assist
Hurricanes veteran Brad Shields provides an unlikely kick try assist for Kini Naholo.
Hurricanes winger snares quickfire double
Hurricanes winger Josh Moorby snares a quickfire double against Moana Pasifika.
Too little, too late as Waratahs’ season slips away in Dunedin
After a dreadful first half, a stirring second-half fightback against the Highlanders fell just short as NSW suffered a defeat which all but ends their Super Rugby finals hopes.
From cricket to 'bosh' queen - England prop Muir
England prop Maud Muir discusses her childhood cricket days and love for pottery and "boshing" defenders.
Tangitau shreds shoddy Waratahs defence
Highlanders winger Caleb Tangitau shreds some shoddy Waratahs defence.
McCloskey set to miss Challenge Cup final through injury
Ulster centre Stuart McCloskey is set to miss the European Challenge Cup final with a serious hamstring problem as the injuries mount up for Richie Murphy.
Atkinson scores two tries as Gloucester beat Sale
Gloucester fight back to beat Sale Sharks 21-15 at Kingsholm and secure their first back-to-back Prem wins of the season.
Ulster and Stormers share spoils in dramatic draw
Ulster and Stormers produce an enthralling 38-38 draw in a United Rugby Championship game that featured 11 tries and a controversial ending at the Affidea Stadium.
Coach's calm review of officiating mishap
Les Kiss weighs in on the officiating mishaps that impacted the Queensland Reds in their defeat against the Chiefs.
Glasgow beat Cardiff to move top of URC table
Glasgow Warriors cruise to a bonus-point victory over Cardiff to go top of the United Rugby Championship with one round of the regular season remaining.
Wounded Ireland seeking redemption against Wales
After a two-week break, the Women's Six Nations returns this weekend, with Ireland hosting Wales in Saturday's late kick-off.
How reading the Guardian led to a million-pound move for Cornish Pirates
Article about second-tier rugby club last December piqued interest of American private equity firm . “I think my family already thought I was crazy so this is nothing new,” says Kenn Moritz from his home office in faraway Pittsburgh. The Moritz family may have a point.
IRFU interested in joining PWR if it expands
The Irish Rugby Football Union [IRFU] confirm that Irish clubs could play in the Premiership Women's Rugby [PWR] in the future.
8th May 2026
Exeter without Feyi-Waboso as Reffell returns for Tigers
Exeter are without Immanuel Fey-Waboso who misses the visit of Bath due to a head injury while Leicester welcome back Tommy Reffell.
Sports quiz of the week: Champions League, Wu Yize, Giro and F1 winners
Have you been following the big stories in football, snooker, cycling, tennis, rugby and Formula One?. Continue reading...
TMO controversy sours Reds’ defeat, but McReight calls for player ‘ownership’
Queensland Reds skipper Fraser McReight has refused to condemn a controversial no try ruling as the reason for his side’s 31-21 defeat to the Chiefs.
Bath to take lessons from European loss - Van Graan
Bath will take lessons from their Champions Cup semi-final defeat but have no regrets says head of rugby Johann van Graan.
Anderson crosses in perfect return
Lachlan Anderson scores in the corner after a brilliant offload by Harry McLaughlin-Phillips.
Break came at right time for Northampton - Mitchell
England scrum-half Alex Mitchell believes a two-week break since Northampton's last game could prove to be ideal timing for the Prem leaders.
Lydiate to leave Dragons for full-time Wales role
Dan Lydiate to become a full-time member of Steve Tandy's coaching team with Wales when leaving Dragons this summer.
Supremacy at the Six Nations: is England’s dominance an issue for women’s rugby?
Red Roses are reaping rewards of investment prompting calls for others to follow their lead to increase jeopardy.
Clarey signs new Saracens deal but Ainsley move off
Saracens prop Alec Clarey has signs a new contract with the north London club.
Blues five-eighth lands on his head in dangerous contest
Kurtis MacDonald is given a yellow card, which was late upgraded to red, after his challenge on Stephen Perofeta.
Blues kicker misses shot clock
Blues five-eighth Stephen Perofeta runs out of time to make a conversion.
Exeter approve takeover by AFC Bournemouth owners
A takeover of Exeter Chiefs by the owners of Premier League football side AFC Bournemouth has been approved by the Prem rugby club.
Bemand notes 'mindset shift' in Irish women's game
Ireland head coach Scott Bemand says he can see a notable "mindset shift" across all levels of the women's game in the country.
Stormers match is our immediate priority - Murphy
The immediate priority for Ulster is Friday's penultimate URC regular-season game against the Stormers, according to head coach Richie Murphy.
Are Scotland suffering from a World Cup hangover?
After the highs of a run to the quarter-finals at the World Cup last year, Scotland are facing a major rebuild, writes Andy Burke.
Lomax luck spearheading Force’s form: Swain
Since Zac Lomax took to the field in April, the Perth-based team’s fortunes have flipped, winning two in a row against the Waratahs and fifth-placed Crusaders to inch themselves closer to the top six.
Who needs what in URC final week to make play-offs?
BBC Sport looks at what is at stake in the final round and how other results could impact Champions Cup qualification.
From Bledisloe biff to BFFs: How shared NRL threat changed trans-Tasman rugby relations
New Zealand Rugby’s new leadership has agreed to play an Anzac Day Test for an even split of at least $8 million with Rugby Australia.
Experts pick their Wallabies backlines
The Rugby Heaven experts pick their Wallabies backlines for the opening 2026 Test against Ireland in Sydney.
Exeter Chiefs members vote in favour of sale to AFC Bournemouth’s American owners
Exeter’s members have voted in favour of selling the club to the American owners of AFC Bournemouth.
Jones excited by Newcastle's 'wonderful challenge'
Interim head coach Stephen Jones is looking forward to being put of Newcastle Red Bulls' revamped coaching team in 2026-27.
Morgan set for 'emotional' last Ospreys home game
Gloucester-bound Wales captain Jac Morgan says he is "pretty nervous" as he prepares for his final home game for Ospreys on Saturday.
How Wainwright became Dragons great before Parade goodbye
Wales number eight Aaron Wainwright aims to finish with a flourish for Dragons in the United Rugby Championship before moving to Leicester.
7th May 2026
Scotland make seven changes for visit of France
Holland Bogan and Rachel Phillips make their first Scotland starts as head coach Sione Fukofuka makes seven changes for Saturday's Six Nations meeting with France in Edinburgh.
Long-serving Yeandle extends Exeter contract
Exeter Chiefs club captain Jack Yeandle signs a one-year contract extension at Sandy Park.
Balogun signs new Bristol Bears contract
Back-row forward Christiana Balogun signs a new contract with Premiership Women's Rugby side Bristol.
Bell back for Ulster's URC game against Stormers
Australian prop Angus Bell returns in one of five changes made by Richie Murphy for Ulster's United Rugby Championship game against the table-topping Stormers at Affidea Stadium on Friday (19:45 BST).
Higgins returns for Ireland to face Wales
Ireland head coach Scott Bemand makes one change to his starting XV for Saturday's Women's Six Nations home game against Wales.
Gloucester benefit from keeping things simple
Freddie Thomas says Gloucester have simplified their gameplan which played more to the players' strengths.
Three changes in Wales starting XV to face Ireland
Carys Cox and Hannah Dallavalle return to Wales' backline for the Six Nations trip to Ireland, while Georgia Evans makes her first start of the campaign.
Cornish Pirates secure 'landmark' US investment
Cornish Pirates announce new investment from American firm Stonewood Capital Management, described as a "landmark" move by the club.
Dalton feared for Ireland future after first Six Nations
Ireland centre Aoife Dalton admits she feared her international career would be cut short after a difficult Six Nations debut campaign in 2023.
Cornish Pirates boosted by ‘milestone’ seven-figure deal with US private equity firm
Cornish Pirates have stolen a march on some bigger sides in the Prem by becoming the first English rugby union club to complete a significant deal with wealthy American-based backers.
Bristol sign Davies as cover for hooker Oghre
Bristol hooker Garbiel Oghre will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury, with Doncaster's Fred Davies joining on a temporary deal.
Ireland must be 'more clinical' in final two games
Assistant coach Alan O'Connor admits Ireland must be "more clinical" as they attempt to turn the page on last month's Women's Six Nations loss to France.
'It's like Boca v River' - how Argentine Moro was sold East Midlands derby
Leicester's Argentine flanker Joaquin Moro says their East Midlands derby meeting with Northampton Saints has been compared to the Superclasico between River Plate and Boca Juniors.
6th May 2026
New investment could boost Exeter squad - Baxter
Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter says fresh investment in the club could allow some new players to join this summer.
Rugby union’s Pacific heartlands threatened by NRL spree after Moana Pasifika’s collapse
It is feared soft-power politics and a $240m war-chest could leave Samoa and Tonga uniquely vulnerable. There’s a new war in the Pacific brewing, with the Super Rugby side Moana Pasifika collapsing and rugby league on a new signing spree in union’s traditional heartlands.
Waratahs vow to throw off shackles in must-win clash
As their hopes of making the playoffs go on the line in New Zealand, NSW say they will return to the attacking mentality that shone early in the year.
The problem with RFU’s handling of Six Nations review is that England fans aren’t stupid
If supporters want transparency, they won’t find it in the rubber-stamping of Steve Borthwick’s coaching team. There has been a lot of fuss in recent days about French TV directors not giving rugby fans the full picture.
Smaller balls for women's rugby 'worst decision ever'
England fly-half Zoe Harrison says the introduction of smaller balls for this autumn's WXV Global Series is "the worst decision someone has ever made".
Lomax nailing code switch
The Between Two Posts crew reckon Zac Lomax is nailing his code switch so far.
Waratahs urged to shift Suaalii
The Waratahs are urged to shift Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii to fullback after a quiet performance against the Force.
Anzac Bledisloe finally set for green light after crucial Rennie support
Over three years after the proposed clash was first floated, the Wallabies and All Blacks are set to clash on Anzac Day in 2027.
'No ego, no noise, just consistent excellence' - humble Halfpenny retires
Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny will leave a lasting legacy after announcing he will hang up his boots at the end of the season.
New four-year contract for Sale forward Bamber
Sale Sharks tie down lock forward Ben Bamber to a long-term contract running until 2030.
Wales great Halfpenny to retire from rugby
Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny announces he will retire at the end of the season.
Bristol duo Oghre and Grondona out for rest of season
Bristol's Gabriel Oghre and Benjamin Grondona will miss the rest of the season due to injuries as Fred Davies is signed on loan from Doncaster.
5th May 2026
Sing returns as Red Roses rejig back three against Italy
Emma Sing, Ellie Kildunne and Mia Venner comprise a new-look back-three combination for England's Women's Six Nations game against Italy on Saturday.
Scotland centre Harris to rejoin Newcastle
Scotland centre Chris Harris will return to Newcastle Red Bulls next season, the club where he started his professional career.
South Africa forward Lochner signs new Quins deal
South African international forward Danelle Lochner signs a new contract with Premiership Women's Rugby side Harlequins.
RFU backs Borthwick but flags multiple Six Nations failings
The Rugby Football Union demands improvement from England head coach Steve Borthwick after their worst-ever Six Nations campaign.
RFU backs Steve Borthwick to lead England for 2027 World Cup after Six Nations review
Steve Borthwick and his coaching staff will remain in charge of England’s men despite the team’s worst Five or Six Nations for 50 years.
French broadcaster hits back at Bath's TMO criticism
French television broadcaster says the "video referee is the master of what he wants to see" in response to Bath boss Johann van Graan's TMO criticism.
The Breakdown
Game is in danger of losing its integrity by howling about referees’ decisions and unedifying actions on the field under the notional banner of player welfare. It felt like a proper occasion in Bordeaux on Sunday.
Prem rugby 2026-27 season to begin on 25 September
The 2026-27 season of Prem rugby will start on Friday, 25 September with the final held on 19 June 2027.
Scotland's Ritchie to join Glasgow Warriors
Jamie Ritchie will return to Scotland this summer after agreeing to join Glasgow Warriors from Perpignan.
Tom Lynagh has played 18 minutes this season. RA have offered him a new deal
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has urged injury-plagued five-eighth Tom Lynagh to not be swayed by the allure of an overseas move.
