Rugby World Cup news — SportsCatch

Former Wallabies coach Laurie Fisher joins Zimbabwe staff ahead of Rugby World Cup return

Laurie Fisher, who departed the Wallabies when Les Kiss took charge in July, has joined Zimbabwe as a breakdown consultant as the Sables prepare for their first Rugby World Cup since 1991.

Rugby Oct 19

Chile stun Belgium 30-17 to claim inaugural World Rugby U20 Challenger title

Chile became the first-ever World Rugby U20 Challenger champions after defeating Belgium 30-17 in the final. Portugal secured third place by beating Romania, while Canada thrashed Brazil 61-24 to finish fifth.

Rugby Oct 18

All Blacks seize Bledisloe for 23rd straight year as Suaalii and Jorgensen expose Wallabies' backline frailties

Australia's 43-21 defeat in Sydney, following a 50-19 loss in Auckland, handed New Zealand a 23rd consecutive Bledisloe Cup. Coach Les Kiss admitted the result was 'not good enough' as centre Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and winger Max Jorgensen drew sharp criticism.

Rugby Oct 18

Barnes insists All Blacks' physical DNA will not change despite 43-21 Wallabies rout

Assistant coach Neil Barnes kept expectations measured after New Zealand's back-to-back wins over Australia, stressing that physicality at the breakdown is non-negotiable as the All Blacks build squad depth ahead of next year's Rugby World Cup.

Rugby Oct 18

Canada end England's 42-match unbeaten run as Red Roses vow to respond in Ottawa

Canada defeated England 24-21 at Toronto's BMO Field on Friday to end the Red Roses' four-year, 42-Test unbeaten streak. Captain Megan Jones and head coach Mitchell have pledged an immediate response when the sides meet again next Friday in Ottawa.

Rugby Oct 17

Nawaqanitawase refuses to rush Test allegiance call ahead of 2025 Rugby World Cup

Mark Nawaqanitawase has addressed speculation over his international future, saying he will not decide whether to represent Australia, Italy, or Fiji until next year, after first settling in Japan with Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights.

Rugby Oct 16

Tyson Beukeboom retires after 84 caps as Canada's most-capped rugby player in history

Lock forward Tyson Beukeboom has announced her immediate retirement from rugby after 13 years and 84 caps, having surpassed former men's hooker Aaron Carpenter to become Canada's most-capped player of all time.

Rugby Oct 16

All Blacks legend Marshall crowns Wallabies captain Wilson best No. 8 in the world

Justin Marshall, capped 81 times for the All Blacks, has declared Australia's Harry Wilson the best number eight in the world after the Wallabies skipper made 27 tackles and scored a try in the 50-19 Bledisloe Cup defeat at Eden Park.

Rugby Oct 16

Rugby Canada extend Kévin Rouet's contract to 2030 after World Cup final run

Rugby Canada have handed head coach Kévin Rouet a contract extension through to the end of 2030, rewarding the Frenchman for guiding the side to the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 final and building one of the world's top programmes since 2022.

Rugby Oct 15

France name four debutants as Chambon captains for Black Ferns test in Hamilton

Head coach François Ratier has handed first caps to Ylona Avril, Marion Latonnelle, Lylou Pedussaud and Charlie Gauyat for France's WXV Global Series clash with New Zealand, with Alexandra Chambon leading the side for the first time.

Rugby Oct 15

Saracens lead race to lure Kyle Sinckler back to England ahead of 2027 World Cup

Saracens are reportedly pursuing a move for tighthead Kyle Sinckler as the 33-year-old stalls on a contract renewal with Toulon. A return to the Gallagher Premiership would restore his England eligibility under Steve Borthwick ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Rugby Oct 15

Raised in a medieval castle, Seb Stephen earns Scotland debut at 21 after New Zealand detour

Glasgow Warriors hooker Seb Stephen won his first Scotland cap in the July win over Fiji, with head coach Gregor Townsend already eyeing the 21-year-old as a World Cup contender despite him going uncapped by the Scottish academy just four years ago.

Rugby Oct 15

Jake White names first Flying Fijians squad with three uncapped players for Japan Centennial Test

Jake White begins his tenure as Fiji head coach with a largely experienced 28-man squad for the Japan Centennial Test in Tokyo on October 24, with only three uncapped players — Apolosa Vuniyayawa, Kavekini Boselawa and Nacani Boginisoko — earning their first call-ups.

Rugby Oct 15

Rennie jokes about 'nil all' finish as All Blacks-Wallabies pool clash shapes RWC 2027 quarter-final path

All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie has called the Rugby World Cup 2027 draw 'crazy', with New Zealand and Australia set to meet in pool play — a result that will likely determine which side faces world-ranked number one South Africa in the quarter-finals.

Rugby Oct 15

Barrett backs NRL converts to shine as Wallabies build toward 2027 World Cup

All Blacks centre Jordie Barrett has praised the wave of NRL talent crossing to rugby union ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup on home soil, singling out Angus Crichton and Mark Nawaqanitawase as players who will be "outstanding" in the 15-man game.

Rugby Oct 13

Edwards shuts down Argentina talk to stay fully focused on Red Roses

Shaun Edwards has refused to discuss his upcoming Argentina role with England's Red Roses players, insisting he is fully committed to the squad ahead of their WXV fixtures against Canada and the USA in North America.

Rugby Oct 13

Former Exeter double-winner Ricky Pellow joins Zimbabwe ahead of 36-year Rugby World Cup return

Ricky Pellow, a two-time Premiership winner with Exeter Chiefs across 16 seasons at Sandy Park, has been appointed backs and attack coach of Zimbabwe as the Sables prepare for their first Rugby World Cup appearance since 1991.

Rugby Oct 13

Suaalii urges Wallabies to fast-track Nawaqanitawase ahead of World Cup on home soil

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has backed Mark Nawaqanitawase for an immediate Wallabies call-up, welcoming the selection rivalry the NRL grand final star will bring as Australia prepares for a home World Cup.

Rugby Oct 13

World Cup winner Renee Holmes joins Black Ferns Sevens for Australia series

Renee Holmes, who starred at fullback when New Zealand won the Women's Rugby World Cup on home soil, has been named in a 13-player Black Ferns Sevens squad for a three-match series against reigning SVNS World Championship winners Australia.

Rugby Oct 13

Rennie reveals work-rate concerns keeping Tavatavanawai out of All Blacks plans

All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie has explained why powerful Highlanders centre Timoci Tavatavanawai continues to miss out on Test selection, citing off-the-ball work rate as the key area the 28-year-old must improve to force his way into World Cup contention.

Rugby Oct 13