Rugby Union News
England, France and Scotland can still lift Six Nations trophy with Gregor Townsend’s men harbouring some regrets
Only sad old men in pubs indulge in “coulda, shoulda” talk, but we are legion among Six Nations followers, so why not? Dublin coulda, shoulda been a grand-slam decider.
As it is, we will almost certainly witness Ireland’s procession towards a second consecutive Six Nations title. Even if they lose.
Continue reading...Gregor Townsend admits Scotland will have to “do something special” in Dublin as he challenged them to score at least 20 points against Ireland and give themselves a fighting chance of a first triple crown since 1990.
Scotland are heading to the Irish capital looking to save face after a shock defeat in Italy last weekend all but ended their hopes of winning the championship and left them staring at the possibility of finishing fifth if results go against them on Saturday.
Continue reading...The Sydney Roosters have denied they have offered rugby starlet Max Jorgensen a big-money offer to move to the NRL – but remain interest in poaching the 19-year-old talent at some point.
From Le Garrec’s mega pass to the mesmerising Menoncello and the mighty Martin, a new wave of impressive young talent is making its mark
There is still one final round of the 2024 Six Nations remaining but a striking trend is already apparent. Look across all the teams and a new wave of impressive young talent is announcing itself. While there will always be a place for cauliflower-eared experience at the highest level, it is rare for as many fresh faces to be making such a concerted impact on the grand old tournament.
Front and centre for France in Cardiff on Sunday was the 21-year-old l’homme du match Nolann Le Garrec, whose outrageous reverse Hail Mary long pass has rightly been delighting social media users from beyond rugby’s traditional audiences. Then there is Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, also 21, who was outstanding on his first start for England having missed training the week before to sit a medical exam. If his bedside manner is anything like his attacking instinct, the future of the National Health Service is in safe hands.
Continue reading...Wales play their part in eight-try show, but France’s power game proves too much as Gatland’s charges remain rooted to the bottom of the table.
Elliot Dee leads the team out on his 50th appearance. Applause for Lewis Jones, the former Wales and British & Irish Lion, who passed away this week. Some love too for Barry John, JPR Williams, Phil Bennett and John Dawes.
Minutes away. Both groups look tense. They know what’s on offer today. Redemption is maybe too strong a word, but yesterday proved that any side can win if their opponents aren’t on it.
Continue reading...Winning is always important but when you are literally playing for your future and even when success doesn’t guarantee the doors will stay open resilience can sometimes overwrite skill to get the job done.
Scans have cleared Wallabies and Waratahs centre Lalakai Foketi of major spinal damage but he’s not yet “out of the woods” after suffering a neck injury at training on Thursday.
Rugby Australia boss Phil Waugh isn’t putting a line through the future of the debt-ridden Melbourne Rebels beyond 2024, but concedes the conversation needs to be “accelerated” to given players and coaches certainty.
The future of the Melbourne Rebels has taken a dark turn with five staff including CEO Baden Stephenson sacked, and all remaining staff including coaches put on four-month deals to cover the 2024 Super Rugby season.
Wallabies star Kurtley Beale has been found not guilty of allegations he sexually assaulted a woman in the bathroom of a Bondi bar after a gruelling two-week trial.
New Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt will start his “reset” of the national team against Wales and a historic clash against Georgia after confirmation of the six-Test home schedule for 2024.
A high-profile lawyer representing Wallabies star Kurtley Beale has slammed his accuser as being “manipulative” and a “very good actress” after sexual assault allegations.
A jury has been urged to accept a woman’s “defiant” and “forthright” evidence as Wallabies star Kurtley Beale’s gruelling two-week sexual assault trial nears an end.
Only an hour after he was confronted with accusations of a sexual assault, Wallabies star Kurtley Beale told a player manager he had “messed up”, a court has heard.
Tevita Pangai Junior has left the door open for a return to the NRL and has reportedly had preliminary talks with the Broncos about a short-term deal.