‘New-look’ England risk familiar Six Nations failings

‘New-look’ England risk familiar Six Nations failings

For all the talk of a post-World Cup reset, England face the prospect of yet more Six Nations stagnation after a stark wake-up call against Scotland. If Steve Borthwick's men lose against champions Ireland next month and fall to France, they would end up with two wins and three defeats in the tournament for the fourth year in a row. England finished third at last year's World Cup, […]

February 27, 2024 3

Sport

Pumas claw New Zealand to seal Canada Sevens three-peat

Holders Argentina came from behind to defeat New Zealand 36-12 to win their third straight Canada Sevens crown in Vancouver on Sunday, tightening their grip on the eight-leg World Rugby SVNS Series. The Pumas, fresh from victories at the Cape Town and Perth tournaments, once again signalled they are the form team of seven-a-side rugby with a scintillating performance to overwhelm their opponents. New Zealand, which had knocked […]

February 26, 2024 6

Sport

Rugby Union: Six Nations fixtures and standings

Fixtures, standings and results in the Six Nations ahead of this weekend's third-round matches (all kick-offs GMT): Playing Saturday: At Dublin: Ireland v Wales (1415) At Edinburgh: Scotland v England (1645) Playing Sunday: At Lille: France v Italy (1500) Standings (played, won, drawn, lost, points for, points against, bonus points, total points): Ireland 2 2 0 0 74 17 2 10 England 2 2 0 0 43 38 0 […]

February 23, 2024 2

Sport

Wallabies centre Foketi cleared of major spinal damage

Australia centre Lalakai Foketi was cleared of major spinal damage Friday after suffering a neck injury in training, but the long-term implications for his career remain unclear. The 29-year-old, part of the Wallabies' 2023 World Cup squad, was rushed to hospital on Thursday after hurting himself in a ruck during a NSW Waratahs training session in Sydney. Waratahs coach Darren Coleman said a CT scan was "positive that there won't […]

February 23, 2024 5

Sport

Australia’s Foketi hospitalised after suffering neck injury in training

Australia centre Lalakai Foketi was rushed to hospital on Thursday after suffering a neck injury at a NSW Waratahs training session ahead of the Super Rugby season. The 29-year-old, part of the Wallabies' 2023 World Cup squad, was treated by paramedics on the sidelines after hurting himself in a ruck, before being taken away by ambulance. Waratahs coach Darren Coleman told local media that Foketi had feelings in […]

February 22, 2024 5

Sport

Costelow returns for Wales Six Nations clash against Ireland

Fly-half Sam Costelow has been recalled to the Wales starting line-up for Saturday's Six Nations clash against Ireland in Dublin. The Scarlets number 10 went off because of a neck problem he suffered when Wales were beaten 27-26 by opening tournament opponents Scotland. He was replaced by Ioan Lloyd, who started at fly-half in the Twickenham defeat against England, but Costelow now returns as a solitary change from […]

February 20, 2024 6

Sport

Goren named USA Rugby’s new chief executive

Bill Goren, the deputy commissioner of Major League Rugby for the past four years, has been appointed USA Rugby chief executive officer by the national governing body's board of directors. The move, announced Sunday night, becomes official on March 18, giving time for a transitional period with USA Rugby chief executive Ross Young, who has spent six years in the post. Goren handled marketing and business operations for the […]

February 20, 2024 8

Sport

Crusaders blow as All Blacks try machine Jordan out for six months

All Blacks try machine Will Jordan will be out for six months because of shoulder surgery, the Canterbury Crusaders announced Tuesday, a blow to the defending Super Rugby champions on the eve of the new season. Jordan, 25, who was the top try-scorer at last year's World Cup, needs an operation on a pre-existing injury and will miss the entire Super Rugby campaign that kicks off this week. The […]

February 20, 2024 6

Sport

Rebels cash woes affecting Super Rugby preparations: Leota

Melbourne Rebels captain Rob Leota said Wednesday that the financial uncertainty around the club was a distraction ahead of the Super Rugby season but pledged his team would "keep rolling". The debt-laden Rebels went into voluntary administration last month and Rugby Australia said it would work to ensure both Melbourne's men's and women's teams would be able to field sides in 2024. However the future of the Rebels could […]

February 14, 2024 5