SportsCatch

World Rugby strips Lakapi Samoa of high-performance control amid governance crisis

World Rugby and the Samoan government have transferred control of Samoa's high-performance rugby programme to the national Olympic committee after a governance dispute forced Lakapi Samoa to self-suspend from the World Rugby Council.

Rugby Oct 30

Former England No. 8 Nathan Hughes named in Fiji squad for November Nations Championship

Nathan Hughes, who last represented England in 2019, is in line for an international comeback after being named among four uncapped players in Fiji's squad for the November Nations Championship under new coach Jake White.

Rugby Oct 30

Fainga'anuku embraces All Blacks hybrid role after returning from broken leg

Leicester Fainga'anuku has rejoined the All Blacks squad for their end-of-year Nations Championship campaign and says he takes genuine pride in covering wing, midfield and flanker — a versatility coach Dave Rennie is keen to exploit.

Rugby Oct 30

South African journeyman Redelinghuys to captain USA against Australia XV on debut as skipper

Marno Redelinghuys, who arrived in the United States seven years ago simply seeking a rugby opportunity, will captain the USA Men against an Australia XV at New Jersey's Sports Illustrated Stadium on Friday — less than a year after making his Test debut.

Rugby Oct 30

USA Rugby sevens prospect Luisa Moala named Team USA flag bearer for Youth Olympics in Dakar

Luisa Moala, a rising star in USA Rugby's women's sevens pathway, will carry the Team USA flag at the Youth Olympic Games Opening Ceremony in Dakar, where she will also co-captain the U18 squad competing from November 1–3.

Rugby Oct 30

Sophie Ellis-Bextor headlines Perth SVNS as 2027 tournament marks 100-day countdown

The Perth SVNS has unveiled its entertainment lineup for the 2027 edition, with British pop icon Sophie Ellis-Bextor set for an Australian-exclusive performance and local act Sneaky Sound System closing the weekend on 7 February.

Rugby Oct 30

RAN Sevens moves to 23,000-capacity Hasely Crawford Stadium for 2026 Caribbean return

The Rugby Americas North Sevens tournament returns to Trinidad and Tobago on 27-28 November 2026, this time at the 23,000-capacity Hasely Crawford Stadium — a significant upgrade on the Larry Gomes Stadium that hosted the previous two editions.

Rugby Oct 30

Chile, Zimbabwe and rising nations chase Olympic dreams at SVNS 3 in Dubai

The SVNS 3 tournament returns for a second edition in Dubai in late November, with 11 confirmed teams competing for SVNS 2 promotion and a pathway toward 2028 Los Angeles Olympic qualification.

Rugby Oct 30

Five-time SVNS champion Joe Webber returns nine months after retiring from All Blacks Sevens

Joe Webber, a five-time HSBC SVNS Series champion and three-time Olympian, has been named in New Zealand's squad for the Mount Maunganui Sevens this weekend, less than nine months after retiring from international rugby.

Rugby Oct 30

McReight becomes first Queensland Reds player in 20 years to claim John Eales Medal

Fraser McReight has won the 2026 John Eales Medal, becoming the first Queensland Reds player since Chris Latham in 2006 to claim the award for the Wallabies' best and fairest player.

Rugby Oct 29

Tadhg Furlong cleared as groin-grab charge against Leinster prop dismissed for lack of evidence

Ireland and Leinster tighthead Tadhg Furlong has been cleared of foul play after an independent disciplinary committee unanimously dismissed a citing complaint stemming from the URC derby against Munster on October 24.

Rugby Oct 29

Sorensen-McGee turns 20 and draws Cullen comparisons as Black Ferns build World Cup momentum

Braxton Sorensen-McGee marked her 20th birthday with another standout performance against France in Whangarei, drawing comparisons to All Blacks great Christian Cullen as the Black Ferns sharpen their focus ahead of the next Women's Rugby World Cup.

Rugby Oct 29

Chessum signs two-year Leicester extension worth £500,000 a season to stay until 2029

Leicester Tigers captain Ollie Chessum has committed to the club until 2029 after signing a two-year contract extension worth £500,000 per season, keeping the 38-cap England lock and British and Irish Lions tourist at Welford Road.

Rugby Oct 29

Springbok Women reshuffle backline to avenge 40-27 loss against Ireland in WXV decider

South Africa's co-head coaches have made multiple backline and front-row changes for Saturday's WXV Global Series Test against Ireland at Athlone Stadium, with the Springboks seeking revenge after a 13-point defeat in the sides' previous meeting.

Rugby Oct 29

England risk slipping to third in World Rugby rankings for first time in a decade

England's six-year reign at the top of the World Rugby women's rankings is under serious threat this weekend. A defeat of 15 points or more to the USA, combined with a New Zealand win over France, would see the Red Roses drop to third behind Canada and the Black Ferns.

Rugby Oct 29

Archie McParland signs multi-year deal to stay at Northampton Saints

Scrum-half Archie McParland has committed his future to Northampton Saints on a multi-year contract extension, keeping the 21-year-old England prospect at Franklin's Gardens after more than 50 appearances for the Gallagher Premiership champions.

Rugby Oct 29

Gallagher handed full-back start as Ireland seek WXV Global Series finale win over Springboks

Ireland head coach Scott Bemand has made two backline changes for the WXV Global Series 2026 finale against the Springbok Women, with 20-year-old Niamh Gallagher starting at full-back and Aoibheann Reilly coming in at scrum-half.

Rugby Oct 29

Steward reaches 100 Premiership starts as Leicester target top spot at Bristol

Freddie Steward will become the first Leicester Tigers player to reach 100 Premiership starts when the second-placed Tigers travel to Ashton Gate on Friday, with victory enough to lift them above Gloucester and into first place.

Rugby Oct 29

Ex-Leinster wing Rob Russell handed Munster debut against Sharks at Thomond Park

Rob Russell, the former Leinster and Gloucester wing, will start for Munster in Saturday's URC home fixture against the Sharks, with academy centre Gordon Wood also earning his first provincial start.

Rugby Oct 29

Dave Butcher confirmed as Scotland Women head coach after interim spell at WXV Global Series

Scottish Rugby have appointed Dave Butcher as permanent head coach of the Scotland Women's team. The Canadian-born coach stepped up from assistant to interim head coach earlier in 2026 and now takes the role on a full-time basis.

Rugby Oct 29