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Posted by: Snakebite501 1st January 2023, 06:02 PM

The 2023 thread to discuss all things rugby related such as matches, players, debates and news anything to with the world of rugby and of both codes, union and league.

Posted by: Snakebite501 1st January 2023, 06:04 PM

This season is insane. If Chiefs had 5 points less they'd be in last place and 5 points more and their in 4th...how is it this close this far into the season.

Posted by: Snakebite501 1st January 2023, 06:06 PM

Dave Ribbans advertised his wellbeing for England’s Six Nations campaign as Northampton ensured Harlequins ended a miserable festive period with another defeat by 46-17.

Posted by: Snakebite501 1st January 2023, 06:06 PM

Jarrod Evans fell agonisingly short with the last kick of the game as Ospreys clinched a dramatic win at Cardiff by 22-19.

Posted by: ukchartstatsfan 1st February 2023, 02:33 PM

Leicester Tigers have signed former England full-back Mike Brown on a short-term contract, initially as cover during the Six Nations.

The former Harlequins favourite, 37, who left for Newcastle in 2021, has been without a club since the Falcons opted not to take up the option of an extra year in his contract last summer.

Posted by: ukchartstatsfan 3rd February 2023, 04:00 PM

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) is considering introducing a restriction on the height of the tackle allowed in the community game in Wales.

A similar move announced in England last month was met with opposition and led to an apology from the Rugby Football Union (RFU).

The aim is to increase safety at community levels of the game.

The WRU says no decision has been made but that they are in discussion with the three other home Unions.

Posted by: Mack. 9th February 2023, 01:41 PM

A sad day for my local rugby team:

Worcester Warriors have withdrawn their proposal to play in the Championship next season and will rebrand as Sixways Rugby, says owners Atlas.

Warriors had been given until 14 February to meet Rugby Football Union criteria to play in the second tier.

But Jim O'Toole, who led the Atlas takeover alongside James Sandford, said they have pulled out of talks.


Sixways Rugby, do me a favour.

After 151 years, it appears Worcester Warriors is no more.

Posted by: Mack. 9th February 2023, 04:29 PM

So now Sixways (Worcester Warriors stadium) has gone from a rugby facility to a hotel complex, a medical centre and entertainment venue with a rugby stadium attached.

Posted by: Mack. 9th February 2023, 04:34 PM

I personally will step away from it all. No Worcs team in a Worcs stadium, makes zero rugby supporter sense to me. I wish them well but to me it doesn't sit right.

Posted by: Mack. 3rd March 2023, 01:42 AM

Wales' regions are braced to lose many of their biggest stars due to drastic cost-cutting measures.

Cardiff head coach Dai Young admitted the club cannot match the offers being made from elsewhere with Liam Williams, Josh Adams and Jarrod Evans targeted.

Dragons are hoping Ross Moriarty stays despite a lucrative offer from France.

Ospreys said a player has already signalled he will quit, with a regional finance deal still to be agreed with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU).

On a sobering day for Welsh rugby, in which three of the four regions held press conferences, it was left to their head coaches to spell out the impact of the expected budget cuts.

Posted by: Mack. 9th March 2023, 09:47 PM

Edinburgh are set to appoint former Sale director of rugby Steve Diamond as their new head coach until the end of this season.

Diamond will replace Mike Blair, who announced he was stepping down from the role last month.

It had been anticipated former Scotland scrum-half Blair would step aside at the end of the season, but Diamond will now take charge immediately.

Blair is expected to remain part of the coaching set-up under Diamond.

Posted by: WeekndMack 26th March 2023, 11:33 AM

Saracens won a pulsating meeting with Harlequins to secure home advantage in the Premiership semi-finals by 36-24

England's Owen Farrell kicked 11 points and Sarries ran in five tries in front of more than 55,000 fans at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Quins replied with four of their own, two from in-form Cadan Murley, but Saracens recorded a sixth straight league win over their rivals

Posted by: DrizzyMack 19th April 2023, 10:35 AM

England prop Ellis Genge has been banned for three weeks for a dangerous tackle on Tom Curry during Bristol's defeat by Sale.

Genge, 28, was sin-binned for the tackle in the second half of Friday's game, and cited after the match.

He accepted the charge before Tuesday's hearing, with mitigating factors meaning the ban was reduced by half.

If he completes a World Rugby coaching intervention programme, the suspension will be further reduced to two weeks.

Genge, who captained England for the first time during this year's Six Nations, will be unavailable for the Bears' final two matches of the Premiership season, against Exeter on 22 April and Gloucester on 6 May.

Posted by: PeteFromLeeds 20th April 2023, 08:59 PM

It seems like he is planning on doing the 'tackle school' (love the name!) - so should be available for England's first warm-up match.

Posted by: DrizzyMack 29th April 2023, 06:49 PM

Glasgow secured a first European final with a thrilling Challenge Cup semi-final win over Scarlets in Llanelli.

Posted by: Mack. 30th April 2023, 05:58 PM

Exeter Chiefs' bid to reach the Champions Cup final was ended by a ruthless semi-final display by holders La Rochelle in Bordeaux.

Sam Simmonds gave Exeter an early lead but Raymond Rhule, UJ Seuteni, Gregory Aldritt and Tawera Kerr-Barlow gave the hosts a commanding 26-7 half-time lead.

Rhule and Kerr-Barlow both scored again and Pierre Bourgarit also went over as the hosts ran Exeter ragged.

Josh Iosefa-Scott, Olly Woodburn and Jack Yeandle replied for Exeter.

Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle will face Leinster - the team they beat to lift the trophy last year - in the final in Dublin on 20 May.

Posted by: Mack. 19th May 2023, 01:51 PM

Justin Tipuric has retired from international rugby with immediate effect.

The 33-year-old Ospreys flanker made the shock announcement on social media.

Tipuric, capped 93 times by Wales, had been named in Warren Gatland's extended 54-strong training squad for the World Cup later this year.

Posted by: Mack. 20th May 2023, 01:57 PM

La Rochelle head coach Ronan O'Gara insists his side will relish the "lion's den" of a sold-out Aviva Stadium in Saturday's Heineken Champions Cup final against Leinster.

La Rochelle are the holders after beating Leinster 24-21 in last year's dramatic final in Marseille.

O'Gara believes his squad are ready for a hostile atmosphere in Dublin.

"There is a certain enjoyment factor when you go into the lion's den," said the Munster and Ireland legend.

"We will either grow or shrink."

La Rochelle needed a last-gasp try to beat four-time winners Leinster last year and O'Gara is hoping they can deliver another stellar performance as they look to become the first team to retain the title since Saracens in 2017.

"We have high standards and we have ambition to do something special in these players' lives," added O'Gara.

Posted by: Mack. 20th May 2023, 04:27 PM

Penalty - Leinster 23-7 La Rochelle

Posted by: Mack. 20th May 2023, 04:28 PM

Challenge Cup holders Wigan came from 14-0 down as they stunned Leeds to reach the last eight.

Just eight days from losing 40-18 at home to a 14-man Leeds side in Super League, this time it ended 14-18.

Posted by: KäärijäMack 21st May 2023, 12:48 PM

Ronan O'Gara says he wants to coach his native Ireland after guiding La Rochelle to a second successive Heineken Champions Cup success.

The French side staged a stirring comeback to beat Leinster 27-26 after trailing 17-0 in the Dublin final.

"Yes, of course, I want to coach Ireland as well but you have got to earn that right," he said.

"Of course it will [stand him in good stead if he gets the Ireland job]. You're always getting better."

O'Gara added that that the victory ranks as his best memory from the Lansdowne Road venue at which he enjoyed huge success as a player for Ireland.

Posted by: KäärijäMack 21st May 2023, 04:30 PM

Hull FC conjured up thoughts of a first Wembley trip in six years as they scored six tries to win comfortably at Castleford by 32-8 and reach the Challenge Cup quarter-finals.

Posted by: KäärijäMack 23rd May 2023, 10:17 AM

Saracens wing Max Malins says he has "unfinished business" going into the Premiership final against Sale, which will be his last match for the club.

The 26-year-old England international, who has agreed a move to Bristol Bears, was part of the Sarries side beaten by Leicester at Twickenham last June.

"Last year was pretty hard to take," he told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"I feel like I need this for myself. I've yet to play in a Premiership final and win. It's a massive motivation."

Posted by: KäärijäMack 23rd May 2023, 01:47 PM

Exeter winger Jack Nowell says he will not make himself available for England's World Cup squad.

The 30-year-old, who is set to join La Rochelle this summer, has been to the last two World Cups and won 45 caps.

"No World Cup, I'm not doing the World Cup. I am just going to chill," Nowell told the RugbyPass Offload podcast.

"I need to get my knee sorted. Obviously, it was a bit of a hard decision not to put myself in for selection for the World Cup.

Posted by: KäärijäMack 24th May 2023, 01:12 PM

The United Rugby Championship is exploring a form of draft system to improve competitiveness across the league.

Italian side Zebre lost all 18 games this season as they finished bottom of the table in consecutive seasons.

Leinster topped the table after the regular season and only lost twice - including the semi-final to Munster.

Chief executive Martin Anayi says the URC needs to "think laterally" about improving the weaker teams' standards.

Posted by: KäärijäMack 24th May 2023, 02:43 PM

Alun Wyn Jones will captain the Barbarians against the World XV at Twickenham after announcing his international retirement.

Israel Folau starts on the wing for the World XV, who are skippered by Italy's Michele Lamaro.

Steve Hansen is coaching the World XV while ex-England coach Eddie Jones takes charge of the Barbarians.

It will be the first time Jones has returned to Twickenham since he was sacked in December.

Posted by: KäärijäMack 27th May 2023, 03:27 PM

Just Stop Oil protesters caused a brief stoppage to the Gallagher Premiership final between Saracens and Sale at Twickenham.

Two men came on to the pitch during the first half and threw orange paint powder on the playing surface.

Stewards escorted them away to cheers from the crowd before the match resumed.

Posted by: KäärijäMack 27th May 2023, 03:40 PM

Posted by: KäärijäMack 27th May 2023, 04:19 PM

Saracens clinched their sixth Premiership title and their first in four years with a 35-25 win over Sale.

Two tries in four minutes in the final quarter from Elliot Daly and Ivan Van Zyl sealed victory for Sarries.

Victory was sweet for Saracens, who agonisingly missed out on the title last year due to Freddie Burns' last-minute drop-goal for Leicester.

Posted by: KäärijäMack 28th May 2023, 10:39 AM

England World Cup winner and Saracens flanker Vicky Fleetwood has retired.

The 33-year-old, who made her England debut in 2011, won the World Cup in 2014 and ends her career with 82 caps.

She also featured at the 2017 World Cup, but missed out on a place at last year's tournament and a knee injury has kept her out of action since October.

"Rugby has given me so much to be thankful for and will forever hold a place in my heart," Fleetwood said.

"I can proudly say I put everything into playing for both my club and country - the blood, the sweat, the tears, the change of position from 15s to sevens and back again.

"It may not be the fairytale ending that everyone dreams of, but when you're not getting out of it what you put in, the sacrifices become harder to make and the enjoyment lessens."

Posted by: KäärijäMack 28th May 2023, 12:35 PM

Former St Helens coach Daniel Anderson says he is fortunate to be alive after being left a quadriplegic in a bodysurfing accident in Australia in December.

The 56-year-old went into cardiac arrest after the incident and had to be dragged from the water.

His life was saved by two off-duty paramedics who were on the beach in Central Coast, New South Wales.

"I'm very lucky the paramedics were there," said Australian Anderson.

"I was obviously in a bad way. If they weren't there, who knows how it would have finished up."

Posted by: KäärijäMack 28th May 2023, 01:21 PM

Two men have been charged in connection with the disruption during Saturday's rugby final at Twickenham.

Just Stop Oil protesters invaded the pitch midway through the match between Saracens and Sale, throwing orange paint powder on to the field.

The duo were then escorted out of the stadium by stewards.

Posted by: KäärijäMack 28th May 2023, 05:51 PM

Alun Wyn Jones led the Barbarians to victory over a World XV at Twickenham by 48-42 in what might be one of the last times we see Test rugby's most-capped player on the pitch.


Edit: My 50,000th poat

Posted by: Mack. 30th May 2023, 03:02 PM

London Irish are set to be granted an extra week by the Rugby Football Union to complete a takeover of the club.

Irish's owners have been in protracted talks with an American consortium over the sale of the Premiership side.

However, a deadline of 30 May had been set by the RFU, otherwise the club risked suspension from the Premiership.

But it is understood another week will be allowed, as long as the current ownership can prove that the players' salaries are paid on Wednesday.

Posted by: Mack. 31st May 2023, 01:37 AM

France prop Mohamed Haouas has been sentenced to one year in jail for domestic abuse.

He was arrested on Friday for hitting his wife when he saw her smoking - after telling him she had stopped.

The incident is likely to end any hopes Haouas had of being picked for September's World Cup in France.

France's rugby federation called his behaviour "inadmissible and incompatible with representing our country at international level".

Montpellier's Haouas will launch an appeal and therefore remains free in the meantime, or could wear an electronic tag.

Posted by: Mack. 31st May 2023, 01:52 AM

The Rugby Football Union will decide on Wednesday whether to grant London Irish an extra week to complete a takeover.

Irish's owners have been in protracted talks with an American consortium over the sale of the Premiership side.

A deadline of 30 May had been set by the RFU, otherwise the club risked suspension from the Premiership.

The RFU agreed in principle to an extension on Tuesday, with one condition that the current ownership paid salaries due on Wednesday.

Posted by: Mack. 31st May 2023, 03:39 PM

Rhys Webb has become the third Wales veteran to announce his international retirement before the 2023 World Cup.

The 34-year-old British and Irish Lions scrum-half announced his decision on social media 100 days before the tournament kicks off in France.

He has joined Ospreys Alun Wyn Jones and Justin Tipuric in ending his international career.

Webb said "an opportunity to play abroad" amid Welsh rugby's "difficulties" influenced his decision.

Posted by: Mack. 31st May 2023, 07:21 PM

The Rugby Football Union has granted a one-week extension to London Irish to complete their takeover.

Players and staff at the club requested the extension despite only receiving 50% of their May salaries.

The Exiles now have until 16:00 BST on Tuesday, 6 June to complete the takeover process or prove they can fund the club's operating costs for the entire 2023-24 season.

If they fail to do so, they risk being suspended from the Premiership.

Posted by: Mack. 15th June 2023, 03:21 PM

Australia rugby union international Kurtley Beale has pleaded not guilty to sexually assaulting a woman at a Sydney pub last year.

Beale has been charged with one count of sexual intercourse without consent and two counts of sexual touching.

The 34-year-old, who was arrested in December, was suspended from all forms of rugby by Rugby Australia.

Posted by: Mack. 16th June 2023, 12:58 PM

Hull FC boss Tony Smith says St Helens' return to form was "inevitable" as he prepares his side to take on a reinvigorated Saints in the Challenge Cup quarter-finals.

After beating NRL champions Penrith in February, Saints lost five of their first 10 matches of the season.

They have since won four straight games including their derby win over Wigan.

"They have a formula, they've got confidence, they've got know-how and very special players," Smith said.

Posted by: Mack. 25th June 2023, 04:55 PM

Liam Farrell scored two tries as Wigan beat Salford to climb back into the top three of Super League.

The Warriors went into the match having won just one of their previous five league games and were up against an in-form home team.

They cracked a strong Salford defensive performance in the first half by scoring three second-half tries.

Posted by: Mack. 25th June 2023, 04:59 PM

Warren Gatland says he will not apologise for pushing his Wales players "to the limit" when the build-up to France 2023 intensifies next week.

Gatland will get his first chance to run the rule over the entire squad with just under three months to go until they begin their World Cup campaign.

Players have trained in small groups so far but all 49 are due to report to the Vale of Glamorgan base next week

Posted by: Mack. 9th July 2023, 04:11 PM

Former Scotland captain Stuart Hogg is retiring from rugby "with great sadness" at the age of 31.

The full-back had intended to stop playing after this year's World Cup.

Hogg, who joined Exeter Chiefs from Glasgow Warriors in 2019, won 100 Scotland caps and toured three times with the British and Irish Lions.

"I fought with everything I had to make the Rugby World Cup, but this time my body has not been able to do the things I wanted and needed it to do," he said.

"It is difficult where to start, but with great sadness and an enormous amount of pride, I am announcing my immediate retirement from playing rugby. We knew this day would come eventually - I just never thought it would be this soon.

Posted by: Mack. 9th July 2023, 05:58 PM

Ireland advanced to the World Rugby Under-20 Championship final for the first time since 2016 with an impressive 31-12 victory over hosts South Africa in Cape Town.

James Nicholson (2), Brian Gleeson and Sam Berman all crossed to put the Irish within one win of their first title.

Imad Khan and Coetzee Le Roux scored the hosts' two tries.

Ireland will face the winners of Sunday's second semi-final between England and France in Friday's decider.

France have won the last two editions of the tournament, beating England in the 2018 final.

Posted by: Mack. 13th July 2023, 10:28 PM

Catalans Dragons were made to battle for a narrow two-point win against St Helens to extend their lead to four points at the top of Super League by 14-12.

Posted by: Mack. 13th July 2023, 10:54 PM

Former St Helens and Hull KR full-back Lachlan Coote has said it was hard to accept having to retire early because of concussions.

The 33-year-old had previously decided to stop playing at the end of the season but retired last month after meeting with specialists.

"It was tough. I'm definitely still trying to come to terms with it," he told BBC Look North.

"After seeking advice and getting scans the right choice was to call it quits."

He added: "I tried to gather as much information as I could. My wife was concerned about everything and [Hull KR head coach] Willie Peters and the club had a lot of care around it, and he wanted to make sure my future was bright away from rugby league.

Posted by: Mack. 15th July 2023, 04:13 PM

New Zealand survived a fightback from South Africa to win their Rugby Championship match 35-20 in Auckland.

The All Blacks made a strong start, with tries from Aaron Smith and Shannon Frizell helping them into a 17-0 lead.

A Faf de Klerk penalty got the Springboks off the mark and tries from Malcolm Marx and Cheslin Kolbe reduced the deficit to 23-15

Posted by: Mack. 17th July 2023, 09:35 AM

Ireland captain Johnny Sexton has been given a three-match ban that will see him miss his country's three World Cup warm-up matches.

Sexton, 38, is not allowed to play in the fixtures against Italy, England and Samoa, but will be available for Ireland's World Cup opener against Romania on 9 September.

The punishment was given after he admitted misconduct towards match officials following Leinster's Heineken Champions Cup final defeat by La Rochelle in May.

The European Professional Club Rugby disciplinary committee found Sexton's behaviour "confrontational and aggressive towards and disrespectful of the match officials".

Posted by: Mack. 29th July 2023, 01:14 PM

New Zealand cruised past Australia to win their third Rugby Championship in a row, with Eddie Jones still yet to win a game as the new Wallaby head coach.

The All Blacks' first-half tries came from Shannon Frizell, Codie Taylor and Will Jordan, while Rob Valetini's try had given Australia an early 7-5 lead.

The visitors pulled clear in the second half in Melbourne with tries from Caleb Clarke, Mark Telea and Rieko Ioane.

The All Blacks retain the Bledisloe Cup for the 21st year in a row.

Posted by: Mack. 9th August 2023, 02:52 PM

Hooker Dewi Lake will captain a completely new Wales side to face England at Twickenham with centre Joe Roberts winning his first cap on Saturday.

Warren Gatland has made 15 changes to the team that defeated England 20-9 in Cardiff.

Lake will lead Wales for the first time after taking over the captaincy from Jac Morgan.

Taine Plumtree is handed his first start at number eight.

Posted by: Mack. 13th August 2023, 12:56 AM

England captain Owen Farrell could miss their World Cup opener against Argentina after being sent off in their warm-up win over Wales at Twickenham.

Farrell became the first England player to have a yellow card upgraded to a red by the new 'Bunker' review system, after a high tackle on Taine Basham.

Tomos Williams scored after a penalty try to hand Wales the lead with three England players in the sin bin.

Maro Itoje's try cut the deficit and George Ford kicked the winning penalty.

Farrell kicked three penalties in a scrappy Test match in which neither side was close to their best as England looked to avenge last week's defeat by Wales in Cardiff

Posted by: Mack. 13th August 2023, 12:58 AM

Scotland were edged out by World Cup hosts France in an enthralling contest.

Kyle Steyn crossed in the opening minutes for the Scots but Romain Ntamack's try helped the French to a 13-10 half-time lead.

Damien Penaud and Charles Ollivon went over in quick succession as Les Bleus built a commanding lead, but Duhan van der Merwe, Rory Darge and another Steyn try hauled Scotland level.

A late Thomas Ramos penalty got France over the line with a 30-27 win.

Posted by: Mack. 13th August 2023, 01:01 AM

Leigh Leopards won their first Challenge Cup title for 52 years after they edged out a valiant Hull KR on golden point in a thriller at Wembley.

Jez Litten hit back for Hull KR after Ben Reynolds' early penalty but Lachlan Lam responded with a fine solo try.

Brad Schneider's kicking levelled things up 10-10 but Tom Briscoe seemed to have won it for Leigh with his try.

Matt Parcell's late try took it to golden point, however, but Lachlan Lam kicked the winning drop-goal for Leigh to win 17-16.

Posted by: Mack. 13th August 2023, 01:54 PM

The England squad will "get around" captain Owen Farrell "whatever the outcome" of his red card against Wales, says fellow fly-half George Ford.

Farrell could potentially miss the start of the World Cup as a result of his dismissal for a high tackle on Taine Basham in the win at Twickenham.

England's first World Cup match is against Argentina on 9 September.

"He is huge for us, he is the captain and the way he drives things every day is unbelievable," said Ford.

He told Amazon Prime: "We will get around him whatever the situation and whatever the outcome is."

Posted by: Mack. 13th August 2023, 07:03 PM

St Helens weathered a late comeback from 12-man Huddersfield Giants to keep up their Super League play-off pursuit to win 32-18.

Tommy Makinson crossed twice to send Saints into an early lead before the Giants had Joe Greenwood sent off for a high elbow after 28 minutes.

Posted by: Mack. 15th August 2023, 07:29 PM

Siya Kolisi will return from injury to captain South Africa in their World Cup warm-up game against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday (15:15 BST).

Kolisi, who led the Springboks to World Cup victory in 2019, has not played since April because of a knee injury.

But the flanker, 32, starts against Wales in South Africa's penultimate match ahead of this year's tournament.

"It's nice to have him back and have him playing again," said South Africa coach Jacques Nienaber.

"He's worked hard and he really deserves it. The amount of effort and sacrifice that Siya put in to be ready now - this is probably a reward for him to get an opportunity to pla

Posted by: Mack. 19th August 2023, 09:19 AM

An appeal against the decision to overturn the red card given to England captain Owen Farrell against Wales will be heard next week.

Farrell's yellow card was upgraded to red by the new 'bunker' review system after a high tackle.

A disciplinary panel reviewing the incident on Tuesday found mitigating factors and overturned the dismissal.

World Rugby has appealed against the decision, saying "player welfare is the number one priority".

Posted by: Mack. 19th August 2023, 09:27 AM

Wigan fought back late to pip Hull on golden-point after a dramatic finish by 13-12.

The hosts went ahead when Liam Marshall waltzed over, but resolute defence and Adam Swift's finish gave Hull a slender 6-4 half-time lead.

Brad Dwyer made it 12-4, Toby King cut the lead, and after Hull lost Carlos Tuimavave to the bin, Jake Wardle levelled with three minutes left.

Posted by: Mack. 20th August 2023, 03:55 PM

Former England fly-half Danny Cipriani said English rugby was "digging its own grave" following Saturday's 29-10 defeat to Ireland.

The ex-Sale Sharks player criticised the national set-up on social media, saying it was being "led by people who do not understand the art of the game".

Cipriani, 35, said its "outdated" traditions were "shackling the game".

"If you're trained to think and not to feel you're always going to be one step behind," he wrote on Twitter.

Posted by: Mack. 21st August 2023, 03:52 PM

Wales 33-man squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup:


Forwards: Taine Basham, Adam Beard, Elliot Dee, Corey Domachowski, Ryan Elias, Taulupe Faletau, Tomas Francis, Dafydd Jenkins, Dewi Lake (co-captain), Dillon Lewis, Dan Lydiate, Jac Morgan (co-captain), Tommy Reffell, Will Rowlands, Nicky Smith, Gareth Thomas, Henry Thomas, Christ Tshiunza, Aaron Wainwright.

Backs: Josh Adams, Gareth Anscombe, Dan Biggar, Sam Costelow, Gareth Davies, Rio Dyer, Mason Grady, Leigh Halfpenny, George North, Louis Rees-Zammit, Nick Tompkins, Johnny Williams, Liam Williams, Tomos Williams.

Posted by: Mack. 27th August 2023, 01:07 PM

Warrington beat fellow play-off hopefuls Hull FC to win for the first time in nine games by 18-4 and revive their push with four rounds left.

Adam Swift swiped a loose ball to put Hull ahead before two superb tries from Wires George Williams and Matt Dufty.

The Wire kept Hull out with stubborn defence before Matty Ashton went over from a fine, looping Williams pass.

Hull's loss is a huge dent to their play-off hopes, as four points now separate them from the top six.

Jake Trueman limped off five

Posted by: Mack. 27th August 2023, 04:14 PM

Huddersfield survived a second-half fightback from fellow play-off chasers Leeds to keep their hopes alive thanks to some stubborn defence.

Giants crossed through Sam Halsall, Kevin Naiqama and ex-Rhino Tui Lolohea to lead 16-12 at the break, with Luke Hooley and Ash Handley replying.

Leeds had lost James Bentley to injury in the first period but threw plenty at the hosts without reward.

Will Pryce's penalty goals and a Jake Connor drop goal saw Giants through.

The Giants moved level with Leeds and Hull FC on 20 points, although three other teams vying for the probable two spots remaining in Salford, Hull KR and Warrington are four points clear.

Posted by: Mack. 27th August 2023, 04:19 PM

Hull FC will be without stand-off Jake Trueman for a lengthy period after he ruptured his Achilles in Saturday's defeat by Warrington Wolves.

The 24-year-old has had a tough time with injuries in recent seasons, notably suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in 2022.

Trueman only returned from that absence in May, making 15 appearances and scoring three tries since then.

"We're all a bit gutted for Jake," said Hull FC head coach Tony Smith.

"As we all know he missed the start of the season coming back from a fairly significant injury and this is another one.

Posted by: Mack. 11th October 2023, 06:54 PM

England captain George Williams will miss the first two Tests against Tonga having been given an extended ban following Warrington's play-off defeat by St Helens.

Williams was initially given a one-game ban on Monday for a shoulder charge.

But having pleaded guilty to a Grade B charge, he then challenged the grading.

The independent Operational Rules Tribunal rejected the challenge and deemed it frivolous, leading to the ban being doubled to two games.

The Warrington scrum-half succeeded his former Wigan Warriors team-mate Sam Tomkins as England captain in April 2023, after Tomkins stepped down following last year's World Cup.

Posted by: Mack. 19th October 2023, 01:38 AM

Worcester Warriors Women's director of rugby Jo Yapp says everyone has been left "heartbroken" after the club's owners withdrew funding and took them out of the league and cup.

Cube International, who had agreed a 10-year sponsorship deal in May, said Tuesday's decision had been an "emotionally challenging" one.

Yapp told BBC Hereford and Worcester the news had come "out of the blue".

Saturday's scheduled trip to Bristol in the Allianz Cup has been cancelled.

Warriors had been due to host reigning champions Gloucester-Hartpury in their opening game of the new rebranded Premiership Women's Rugby on Saturday, 18 November.

Posted by: Mack. 19th October 2023, 01:46 AM

England captain George Williams will miss the first two Tests against Tonga after his appeal against his extended ban was rejected by a new three-person tribunal.

The Warrington half-back's initial one-game suspension for a shoulder charge in the play-off defeat by St Helens was doubled after a failed appeal.

Williams appealed against the ban again in the hope of having it overturned.

But the 28-year-old will now be withdrawn from the England squad.

Posted by: Mack. 20th October 2023, 02:34 PM

Hull KR half-back Mikey Lewis and Leeds centre Harry Newman are set to make their England debuts in the first Test against Tonga at St Helens on Sunday.

The duo have been included in Shaun Wane's 19-man squad, with 22-year-old Saints full-back Jack Welsby named England's youngest men's captain.

Welsby will lead the side with regular skipper George Williams suspended for the first two matches.

Posted by: Mack. 23rd October 2023, 05:56 PM

Former Premiership side Wasps are aiming to move to Kent and build a new stadium in the county.

The club went into administration a year ago and were removed from the Premiership as a result.

It would be a fifth home for Wasps, who spent most of their existence in two London locations before moves to High Wycombe in 2002 and Coventry in 2014.

The club are "actively engaged with Sevenoaks District Council to identify a suitable location".

A statement by the two-time European champions and six-time Premiership winners - who had £95m worth of debts when the club went into administration - said: "This move signifies a new chapter in the club's journey, reaffirming its commitment to professional rugby.

"Having faced significant challenges with regulation and funding, the club has persisted with its determination to revive Wasps at the highest possible level."

A Sevenoaks District Council spokesman said Wasps were considering building a multi-use stadium, training facilities and a hotel on the outskirts of Swanley.

The spokesman said members of the public would be able to have their say on the proposals when the council began its latest consultation on its local plan next month.

Posted by: Mack. 23rd October 2023, 06:01 PM

Wakefield Trinity have named former Castleford and Warrington boss Daryl Powell as head coach, after Matt Ellis completed his takeover of the club.

Trinity confirmed Ellis has overseen the necessary due diligence and resolved all legal matters to become sole owner of the Championship club.

Powell's first task will be to return Wakefield to Super League after 2023's relegation ended their 24-year stay.

"Both my own and Daryl's ambitions are aligned," owner Ellis said.

"I can assure you all that he is hungry for success. I feel this is the perfect role for Daryl, with a big rebuild, and he will thrive in the challenge.

"I know that we will see the best Daryl has to offer."

Posted by: Mack. 25th October 2023, 02:13 AM

World Rugby has announced a new competition starting in 2026 as part of a "significant overhaul" of the men's international calendar.

The tournament will be made up of 24 teams, split into two divisions with 12 teams in each, with promotion and relegation starting from 2030.

The top division will include the 10 sides from the Six Nations and Rugby Championship, plus two unnamed others.

The World Cup will also be expanded to 24 teams from 2027.

Although there will be four additional nations taking part in Australia and a round of 16 will be created, the adjustments mean the next World Cup will last six weeks rather than seven, while the draw will be made in January 2026.

Posted by: Mack. 12th November 2023, 04:26 PM

Dan Sheehan inspired Leinster to a 13th win in a row over gutsy Dragons, who saw Taine Basham sent off for foul play.

First-time captain Sheehan scored Leinster's first try and had a hand in further scores for Thomas Clarkson and Ciaran Frawley.

Dragons centre Aneurin Owen capped a promising display with a try.

However Charlie Ngatai and Scot Penny crossed either side of Basham's red card in a bonus-point win.

The Wales flanker was banished for a petulant elbow into the head of Ross Byrne.

It was a needless offence that left his side, already trailing 26-10, down to 14 men for the final 18 minutes.

A third win in four saw Leinster move back to second place in the United Rugby Championship, behind leaders Bulls on points difference.

Posted by: PeteFromLeeds 29th November 2023, 10:09 PM

Just been reading that England captain Owen Farrell is pulling himself out of international rugby for six months to prioritise his mental health. Fair enough - life is more important than sport even if I'm sure he'll be missed.

Posted by: Mack'sXmasSack 4th December 2023, 04:14 PM

England and Bristol prop Kyle Sinckler says more players may follow Owen Farrell's lead and take a break from international rugby.

Farrell announced he would miss the 2024 Six Nations to "prioritise his and his family's mental wellbeing".

And Sinckler, who has 68 caps, has called for more support from the game's authorities to help players cope with the pressures of playing for England.

"If I'm being honest it's only the beginning," he told BBC 5 live.

"If you look at the workload the players go through, especially the international players... Guys have been in [World Cup] camp for five months, get a week's rest, and then come back in and are playing week-in and week-out.

"I wouldn't be surprised to be honest [if more players did the same]."

Posted by: Mack'sXmasSack 4th December 2023, 04:16 PM

Wales centre George North has confirmed he will join French second division club Provence next season.

The 31-year-old is out of contract with Ospreys at the end of 2023-24.

Ospreys admitted they would struggle to keep the British & Irish Lion due to financial constraints.

North said: "I want to say how excited myself and my family are about joining Provence next season and I look forward to starting an amazing journey together."

Provence head coach, former Argentina prop Mauricio Reggiardo, earmarked North as his marquee signing as the club bids to reach the Top 14.

Posted by: Mack'sXmasSack 4th December 2023, 04:18 PM

Referee Tom Foley will take a break from international rugby because of the "torrent of criticism and abuse" he received after the World Cup final.

The Briton was the television match official (TMO) for South Africa's victory over New Zealand in October.

New Zealand captain Sam Cane's yellow card for a high tackle on Jesse Kriel was upgraded to a red card following a TMO 'bunker' review.

Foley will continue to officiate in the Premiership.

"Having reached the pinnacle in officiating at the Rugby World Cup final, now feels the right time to take a break from the international game," said Foley.

"The pressure and scrutiny I came under after the Rugby World Cup final, along with a torrent of criticism and abuse online, has helped to reaffirm that this is the right decision for me at this point in my life.

Posted by: Mack'sXmasSack 4th December 2023, 04:26 PM

Exeter boss Rob Baxter has called for more leadership from his senior players after their 41-24 defeat at Bath.

Exeter conceded 13 penalties as they conceded 29 second-half points and dropped to sixth in the Premiership.

"[Scoring] 24 points away from home is pretty good, but there's just too many things that we're letting happen," Baxter told BBC Radio Devon.

"I'm not saying we're doing it deliberately and I'm not saying it's not happening because of pressure.

"The big thing I said to the players is we need to dig deep into the performances, to see if there's something more we need to be doing or something more we can guide you with, so that those penalties don't happen.

"But at the same time I'm sitting here going 'the first penalty of the game was Jack Yeandle, one of our senior payers, the yellow card is Stu Townsend, one of our senior players, a standing offside penalty was Jacques Vermeulen, one of our players'.

Posted by: Mack'sXmasSack 4th December 2023, 04:29 PM

Northampton Saints centre Tommy Freeman believes their growing maturity will stand them in good stead in Europe.

Saints have lost their last 10 Champions Cup matches since reaching the quarter-finals in 2019-20.

They start a new campaign away to Glasgow Warriors on Friday after beating Saracens in the Premiership.

"If we put our game on the pitch and come out with energy and intent like that, we can put a lot of teams away," Freeman told BBC Radio Northampton.

"We've got the skills to do it. There was that immaturity previously with us, but if we can keep backing up our defensive performance (against Sarries) and bringing loads of energy, I think the results will come.

"Training's not going to change, we're going to go after all the same things and hopefully come out with some good results in Europe as well."

Saints lifted what was then called the Heineken Cup in 2000 but their most recent trophy success in Europe came in the Challenge Cup in 2013-14, when they beat Bath 30-16 in the final.

Posted by: Mack'sXmasSack 5th December 2023, 01:09 PM

A Barbarians rugby player has admitted sexually assaulting three women in a Cardiff city centre bar.

Api Ratuniyarawa, 37, pleaded guilty to two counts of assault by penetration and one of sexual assault at Revolution between October 31 and 1 November.

The Fiji international was named in the Barbarians' squad to play against Wales at the Principality Stadium last month.

Ratuniyarawa, of The Orchard, Kislingbury, Northamptonshire, entered the pleas at Cardiff Crown Court.

Posted by: Mack'sXmasSack 5th December 2023, 01:32 PM

Salford Red Devils have released winger Ken Sio on compassionate grounds after five years with the Super League club.

The 33-year-old joined the Red Devils from NRL side Newcastle Knights in 2018 and has gone on to score 78 tries in 104 appearances for the club.

Sio was part of the side that reached 2019's Grand Final and was twice named in the Super League Dream Team.

"It was difficult to hear that Ken will not be returning to Salford," head coach Paul Rowley said.

Posted by: Mack'sXmasSack 6th December 2023, 03:06 PM

Scotland fly-half Finn Russell has given players "more confidence", says Bath scrum-half Ben Spencer.

The fly-half joined the Premiership side from Racing 92 after Scotland's exit from the Rugby World Cup.

Russell, 31, who is set to face Ulster on Saturday in Bath's return to the Investec Champions Cup, has helped his side rise to second in the Premiership.

Posted by: Mack'sXmasSack 6th December 2023, 03:32 PM

England half-back Harry Smith has extended his deal with Wigan Warriors until the end of the 2027 season.

The 23-year-old was ever-present for the Warriors in 2023 as they won the League Leaders' Shield and Grand Final.

"Last year's achievements have given me a real appetite for more," he told the club website.

Posted by: Mack'sXmasSack 7th December 2023, 03:17 PM

The British and Irish Lions will play in Ireland for the first time in 2025 when they face Argentina in Dublin ahead of their tour to Australia.

The match will be played at Aviva Stadium on 20 June 2025 and will be broadcast on terrestrial television.

The Lions played Japan in Edinburgh before their 2021 tour to South Africa, winning 28-10 on that occasion.

The last meeting between the Lions and Argentina in Cardiff in 2005 ended in a 25-25 draw.

Posted by: Mack'sXmasSack 7th December 2023, 03:40 PM

Ospreys full-back Max Nagy is facing an extended period out after having surgery on a dislocated ankle.

Nagy, 27, sustained the injury during last Saturday's 18-13 United Rugby Championship defeat at Benetton.

Four minutes after scoring a try, he was carried off on a stretcher after an awkward fall going for a high ball.

"Max has an operation this afternoon, which is really sad because he's been one of our form players of the year," said Ospreys head coach Toby Booth.

"It's a dislocated ankle so until you open that up and see what it is… there's no bone injury as far as we can see, it's a ligament job.

Posted by: Mack'sXmasSack 8th December 2023, 02:38 PM

Tackling above the armpit will be outlawed at all levels of rugby league in England from 2025 to reduce the risk of head contact.

The current laws allow tackles from shoulder height.

The change will come into effect at grassroots, academy and reserve levels from the 2024 season and then elite rugby the year after.

Posted by: Mack'sXmasSack 8th December 2023, 02:41 PM

England and Bristol prop Ellis Genge is set to miss a number of weeks because of a hamstring injury.

The 28-year-old picked up the injury in training but a Bears statement said he was expected to return "ahead of England's 2024 Six Nations campaign".

He has scored tries in the last two Premiership outings for Bristol since returning from the World Cup.

Genge, who has won 58 England caps, also captained his country for the first time earlier this year.

Posted by: Mack'sXmasSack 8th December 2023, 02:42 PM

Manu Tuilagi has got a "few more years in him", says head coach Alex Sanderson as Sale Sharks prepare for their opening Investec Champions Cup match.

The England centre has been passed fit to face Stade Francais on Sunday and is now fully recovered after breaking a hand during the Rugby World Cup.

Tuilagi, 32, is aiming to secure another one-year contract extension.

Posted by: Mack'sXmasSack 10th December 2023, 03:47 PM

Sale Sharks started their Investec Champions Cup campaign with an impressive 28-5 win over Stade Francais.

Stade scored the only try of the first half through Jeremy Ward but two penalties by George Ford put the Sharks ahead at half-time.

Tries from Tom O'Flaherty, Jonny Hill and Sam Dugdale in the second period ensured Sale ran out comfortable winners in their Pool 4 opener.

However, Alex Sanderson's side missed out on a fourth score and bonus point.

Sale next face a difficult away trip to 2023 runners-up Leinster on Saturday, while Stade welcome Leicester Tigers to Paris.

Posted by: Mack'sXmasSack 10th December 2023, 05:14 PM

Billy Vunipola was sent off as Saracens started their Investec Champions Cup campaign with an away 27-16 defeat by Bulls.

The number eight made direct head contact in the second half while attempting to clear out a Bulls player.