SportsCatch

Franco Smith backs Dan Lancaster to start URC quarter-final against his father's Connacht

Glasgow head coach Franco Smith has dismissed concerns about inside information, naming Dan Lancaster at fly-half for Friday's United Rugby Championship quarter-final against Connacht, the side coached by the 25-year-old's father Stuart Lancaster.

Rugby May 28

Alex Codling leaves Munster to join Toulon after one season at Thomond Park

Munster forwards coach Alex Codling will depart at the end of the season to join French Top 14 club Toulon, filling the vacancy left by Sergio Parisse. The 52-year-old spent one full-time season at Thomond Park after initially arriving as a consultant in November 2024.

Rugby May 28

Segner labelled 'non-negotiable' All Blacks pick after Blues sweep four awards

Anton Segner strengthened his All Blacks case by winning all four individual honours at the Blues Awards night, with former Super Rugby champion Bryn Hall declaring the flanker a 'non-negotiable' selection for the national side.

Rugby May 28

Reds hand teen Treyvon Pritchard first Super Rugby start at fullback against Fijian Drua

Queensland's Treyvon Pritchard, 19, will make his first Super Rugby Pacific start at fullback when the Reds host Fijian Drua at Suncorp Stadium on Friday, replacing the rested Jock Campbell with the Reds chasing a top-four finish.

Rugby May 28

Chiefs lock in prop Jared Proffit on two-year deal through 2028

The Chiefs have re-signed front-row forward Jared Proffit until 2028, rewarding the 32-year-old Maori All Black for a career-best 2026 Super Rugby season in which he has already surpassed his previous starts tallies combined.

Rugby May 28

Hutchison targets finals breakthrough as Australia head to Valladolid with renewed belief

Australia's sevens captain Henry Hutchison has acknowledged his side's persistent struggle to convert strong pool performances into deep finals runs, as the Wallabies Sevens prepare for the HSBC SVNS World Championship leg in Valladolid.

Rugby May 28

Jordie Barrett hints at Leinster return to pursue elusive Champions Cup title

New Zealand midfielder Jordie Barrett has opened the door to a second stint at Leinster, saying he "might have to try to go back and win one" after watching his former club lose the Champions Cup final 41-19 to Bordeaux.

Rugby May 28

Kenya make two squad changes ahead of World Series promotion push in Spain and France

Kenya have named a reshuffled squad for the SVNS 2 legs in Valladolid and Bordeaux, with Victor Odhiambo Mola earning his first senior call-up and Chrissant Onjwang returning from injury as the Shujaa chase promotion to the 2026-27 HSBC SVNS World Series.

Rugby May 27

Lions assistant Redelinghuys defends Nienaber as Leinster face URC quarter-final scrutiny

Lions assistant coach Julian Redelinghuys has publicly backed Leinster defence coach Jacques Nienaber ahead of their URC quarter-final meeting, saying the South African is being unfairly blamed for Leinster's 41-19 European final defeat to Bordeaux.

Rugby May 27

Stormers sweat on Willemse and Zas after training collision ahead of Cardiff quarter-final

Springbok centre Damian Willemse and wing Leolin Zas were sent for hospital scans after colliding at full speed during a Stormers training session, casting doubt over their availability for Saturday's URC quarter-final against Cardiff.

Rugby May 27

MacGinty and Luatua both sign extensions to stay at Bristol Bears

Bristol Bears have secured two of their most important players, with fly-half AJ MacGinty agreeing a deal through to 2026/27 and captain Steven Luatua committing to a tenth season at Ashton Gate.

Rugby May 27

Hann Humphreys made USA Women's XVs debut after two years away from the format

Hann Humphreys played 234 of 240 possible minutes across the Pacific Four Series despite it being their first cap for the USA Women's Eagles XV side, having spent the previous two years exclusively in the Sevens programme.

Rugby May 27

Springbok Women name three debutants for Rugby Africa Women's Cup clash with Uganda

South Africa have confirmed their squad for Saturday's Rugby Africa Women's Cup Round 2 match against Uganda in Nairobi, with debutants Shaunique Alexander, Zethu Gcaza, and Abigail Smit all named after a 64-5 opening win over Madagascar.

Rugby May 27

Sarah Beckett leaves Gloucester Hartpury for Sale Sharks in search of fresh challenge

Sale Sharks have signed England international Sarah Beckett from Gloucester Hartpury, making her the third Red Roses forward to join the club this summer. The 35-cap forward, who has won four Premiership Women's Rugby titles across two clubs, cited a desire for a new environment after stepping out of the England set-up.

Rugby May 27

Western Force eliminated from Super Rugby Pacific finals despite win over Drua

Western Force beat Fijian Drua 19-15 in Perth on Saturday but were eliminated from the Super Rugby Pacific finals race after Queensland's late win over Moana Pasifika ended their season with one round remaining.

Rugby May 27

Scott Hansen set to replace Rob Penney as Crusaders head coach in 2027

Former All Blacks assistant Scott Hansen has reportedly been appointed as the next Crusaders head coach, succeeding Rob Penney at the end of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season. Hansen was relieved of his All Blacks duties in March 2026 and beat out fellow candidate Brad Mooar for the role.

Rugby May 27

Pat Lam confirms Louis Rees-Zammit's permanent return to the wing at Bristol Bears

Bristol Bears head coach Pat Lam says Louis Rees-Zammit will play as a winger going forward after the Wales international requested the positional switch himself. The 25-year-old has scored tries every time he has lined up on the wing for the Bears this season.

Rugby May 27

All 10 Gallagher Premiership clubs pass salary cap audit as fly-halves top earnings

Every Gallagher Premiership club complied with the 2024-25 salary cap, which rose from £5m to £6.4m. Five clubs — Bristol, Exeter, Gloucester, Newcastle and Northampton — spent below the allowance, while average senior player income climbed 10% to £165,181.

Rugby May 27

Aoife Wafer commits to Harlequins for another season after standout PWR campaign

Ireland No.8 Aoife Wafer has signed a contract extension with Harlequins after a debut season in which she scored seven tries, won 15 turnovers, and earned a second consecutive Women's Six Nations Player of the Championship nomination.

Rugby May 27

Kienan Higgins returns to Edinburgh on one-year deal after Major League Rugby stint

Centre Kienan Higgins has rejoined Edinburgh from New England Free Jacks on a one-year contract ahead of the 2026/27 season, reuniting at Hive Stadium with his younger brother Riley, who signed a three-year deal in April.

Rugby May 27