Rugby

James Regan Nov 16, 2024, 11:50 PM Open Extended Reactions PARIS — France took the chance to send a message to their Six Nations counterparts against New Zealand on Saturday: “We’re back.” Last year’s World Cup disappointment — when they were knocked out in the quarterfinals on home soil — brought on a hangover that

Nov 12, 2024, 11:57 AM Cheslin Kolbe scored South Africa’s fourth try during the Autumn Nations Series 2024 match between England and South Africa. Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images Two irresistible tries by winger Cheslin Kolbe helped South Africa to a 29-20 victory over England at Twickenham on Saturday and though the home crowd was treated

James Regan Nov 15, 2024, 03:59 PM Open Extended Reactions The British & Irish Lions will embark on their Tour of Australia next year with coach Andy Farrell set to step away from his Ireland responsibilities in December to focus on the Lions. Players have the ongoing autumn internationals and the Six Nations, as well

Tom Hamilton, Senior WriterNov 15, 2024, 11:56 AM Close • Joined ESPN in 2011• Covered two Olympics, a pair of Rugby World Cups and two British & Irish Lions tours• Previously rugby editor, and became senior writer in 2018 Open Extended Reactions Rugby union’s stars are being targeted for a breakaway competition, with the powerbrokers aiming to launch

Nov 14, 2024, 10:55 PM Open Extended Reactions Four law trials aimed at speeding up the game, reducing time-wasting and “enhancing the fan experience” will be introduced on a global trial across all competitions that start from Jan. 1 2025, World Rugby said on Thursday after its Council approved the changes. But a decision to

Nov 14, 2024, 09:00 PM Open Extended Reactions New Zealand’s Beauden Barrett and Codie Taylor have returned to the side to face France in Paris on Saturday, having recovered after concussion forced them off against England two weeks ago. The pair have successfully completed head injury assessment protocols and were included in the team named

James Regan Nov 14, 2024, 03:57 PM Open Extended Reactions Within two matches, England’s autumn has turned from hopeful to something a little more agonising as they prepare to welcome two-time reigning World Cup champions South Africa to Twickenham on Saturday. It has been a difficult couple of weeks for Steve Borthwick’s side. They have

Tom Hamilton, Senior WriterNov 14, 2024, 05:44 PM Close • Joined ESPN in 2011• Covered two Olympics, a pair of Rugby World Cups and two British & Irish Lions tours• Previously rugby editor, and became senior writer in 2018 Open Extended Reactions England are ignoring outside pressure and talk of Saturday’s clash with South Africa being a pivotal

James Regan Nov 13, 2024, 04:19 PM Open Extended Reactions England winger Jess Breach has said the team are not getting ahead of themselves despite growing expectation that the host nation will claim the Women’s World Cup next year. The Red Roses are in strong form less than a year out from the tournament, having

Nov 12, 2024, 10:38 AM Open Extended Reactions The first full week of autumn internationals did not disappoint, with upsets, dramatic finishes and a dominant display from the southern hemisphere sides. New Zealand condemned Ireland to their first defeat at home since 2021, Australia mounted a thrilling comeback to stun England, and South Africa’s form

Tom Hamilton, Senior WriterNov 13, 2024, 08:36 AM Close • Joined ESPN in 2011• Covered two Olympics, a pair of Rugby World Cups and two British & Irish Lions tours• Previously rugby editor, and became senior writer in 2018 Open Extended Reactions South Africa coaching guru Rassie Erasmus is renowned for innovation and re-imagining rugby to keep his

Tom Hamilton, Senior WriterNov 12, 2024, 01:58 PM Close • Joined ESPN in 2011• Covered two Olympics, a pair of Rugby World Cups and two British & Irish Lions tours• Previously rugby editor, and became senior writer in 2018 Open Extended Reactions The Springboks will turn to defence coach Jerry Flannery for any inside knowledge on Marcus Smith

Tom Hamilton, Senior WriterNov 11, 2024, 01:06 PM Close • Joined ESPN in 2011• Covered two Olympics, a pair of Rugby World Cups and two British & Irish Lions tours• Previously rugby editor, and became senior writer in 2018 Open Extended Reactions It was a weekend where the southern hemisphere left their mark and bloodied the noses of

Tom Hamilton, Senior WriterNov 11, 2024, 08:28 AM Close • Joined ESPN in 2011• Covered two Olympics, a pair of Rugby World Cups and two British & Irish Lions tours• Previously rugby editor, and became senior writer in 2018 Open Extended Reactions South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus has labelled England “desperate” ahead of Saturday’s clash at Twickenham, a

Nov 10, 2024, 09:05 PM Open Extended Reactions Flanker Ted Hill and winger Tom Roebuck have been called into the England squad in place of Tom Curry and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, who both suffered concussions in Saturday’s 42-37 loss to Australia. With 35 missed tackles and 19 turnovers, England coach Steve Borthwick bemoaned his side’s appalling

Nov 10, 2024, 06:54 PM Open Extended Reactions Wales coach Warren Gatland admitted he brought on the wrong player during his side’s 24-19 defeat to Fiji at the Principality Stadium on Sunday, their 10th successive loss. Fly-half Sam Costelow played 47 minutes on the wing after Mason Grady was brought off with an ankle injury,

Nov 6, 2024, 11:40 AM Fly-half Caleb Muntz scored 19 points as Fiji pulled off a surprise 24-19 win over Wales at the Principality Stadium on Sunday to extend the hosts’ losing streak to 10 matches. Muntz scored a superb individual try, which he converted, plus put over four penalties for Fiji, who also scored

Tom Hamilton, Senior WriterNov 9, 2024, 08:02 PM Close • Joined ESPN in 2011• Covered two Olympics, a pair of Rugby World Cups and two British & Irish Lions tours• Previously rugby editor, and became senior writer in 2018 Open Extended Reactions LONDON — Joe Schmidt hailed cross-code superstar Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii’s “strong” Wallabies debut after he helped Australia