Rugby World Cup news — SportsCatch

Jake White appointed Fiji head coach to lead Flying Fijians into 2027 Rugby World Cup

Former Springboks World Cup-winning coach Jake White has been appointed on a short-term deal to guide Fiji through their 2027 Rugby World Cup campaign in Australia, beating out more than 30 applicants including Warren Gatland for the role.

Rugby Oct 12

Paul Altier's last-gasp penalty seals stunning Hong Kong China win over Uruguay in Nations Cup

Paul Altier kicked a pressure penalty from 40 metres with no time remaining to hand Hong Kong China a dramatic victory over Uruguay in the 2026 Nations Cup, their teammates admitting they never doubted him for a second.

Rugby Oct 12

Sharks disciplinary ruling threatens Mbonambi's contract and World Cup hopes

Two-time World Cup winner Bongi Mbonambi faces a potentially career-altering disciplinary ruling at the Sharks after alleged misconduct during a pre-season camp in August. The 82-cap hooker's contract could be terminated early, and his Springbok future hangs in the balance.

Rugby Oct 12

Injury crisis hands Kirifi his All Blacks chance ahead of second Bledisloe Test

Du'Plessis Kirifi earns a call-up to the All Blacks squad for the Sydney Bledisloe Cup Test after Ethan Blackadder, Anton Segner, Asafo Aumua and Leroy Carter all picked up injuries following New Zealand's 31-point win over Australia in Auckland.

Rugby Oct 11

Shaun Edwards joins Argentina staff to coach at 2025 Rugby World Cup in Australia

Shaun Edwards has been appointed to Felipe Contepomi's Argentina coaching staff, ending speculation over a potential England role. The 59-year-old defensive specialist will join the Pumas next month and remain through the 2025 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Rugby Oct 9

Barrett returns to All Blacks starting XV as Taylor hails veteran's professionalism ahead of Bledisloe Cup Test

Beauden Barrett has been named at fullback for New Zealand's Bledisloe Cup Test at Eden Park, his first All Blacks start since the 2025 Autumn Nations Series. Captain Codie Taylor praised the 145-cap veteran's attitude despite limited opportunities this season.

Rugby Oct 9

Nel Metcalfe returns to Wales squad after knee injury kept her out since Rugby World Cup

Wales full-back Nel Metcalfe has been named in Sean Lynn's squad for the WXV Global Series tour of Japan, ending a lengthy absence caused by a knee injury that ruled her out of the 2026 Women's Six Nations. The 21-year-old last played Test rugby in Wales' 28-25 loss to Fiji at the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025.

Rugby Oct 8

Former All Blacks trio Akira Ioane, Josh Ioane and Stevenson named in Samoa's Nations Cup squad

Akira Ioane, Josh Ioane and Shaun Stevenson are among eight uncapped players selected in Samoa's 30-man squad for November's World Rugby Nations Cup fixtures against Zimbabwe, Portugal and Spain.

Rugby Oct 7

England assistant El-Abd to leave for Clermont after Rugby World Cup 2027

Joe El-Abd will depart his England assistant coaching role after next year's Rugby World Cup, the RFU have confirmed, with the former Bristol flanker set to join Clermont in France's Top 14.

Rugby Oct 7

MacGinty targets 2027 World Cup redemption after USA's heartbreaking France exit

Bristol Bears fly-half AJ MacGinty, 36, has set his sights on a third Rugby World Cup appearance with the USA in Australia in 2027, driven by the pain of missing France 2023 after Portugal's last-minute draw ended the Eagles' qualification hopes.

Rugby Oct 6

Sale Sharks vow to keep Christ Tshiunza despite Welsh regions' interest ahead of 2027 World Cup

Sale Sharks head coach Alex Sanderson has declared his intention to retain Wales international Christ Tshiunza beyond his current one-year deal, even as Welsh regions circle the 24-year-old lock and flanker with an eye on his 2027 Rugby World Cup eligibility.

Rugby Oct 6

Pollock confirms LA28 Olympic ambition but Great Britain face qualification battle

Northampton Saints flanker Henry Pollock has openly declared his desire to represent Great Britain Sevens at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, citing Antoine Dupont's Paris gold as inspiration — though GB men must first fight their way back onto the main SVNS circuit after relegation.

Rugby Oct 6

Canada's Rugby World Cup return drives Spencer Jones to Nottingham in landmark Champ deal

Nottingham have signed Canadian international centre Spencer Jones, 29, becoming the first club to recruit through a new Rugby Canada–Champ Rugby partnership designed to give players competitive minutes ahead of RWC 2027 in Australia.

Rugby Oct 6

Umaga warns All Blacks must adapt as Kiss stamps his mark on resurgent Wallabies

All Blacks defence coach Tana Umaga has acknowledged Australia's tactical evolution under Les Kiss ahead of the Bledisloe Cup opener in Auckland, warning New Zealand must adjust to a wider, more expansive Wallabies attack.

Rugby Oct 6

World Cup final heartbreak drives Shannon Frizell's All Blacks comeback ahead of Bledisloe

Shannon Frizell has returned to the All Blacks squad for the Bledisloe Cup series, motivated by the 12-11 defeat to South Africa in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final — a game in which he was yellow-carded and New Zealand played 80 per cent of the match with 14 men.

Rugby Oct 6

Springbok Women shut out Spain 20-0 to seal European tour with back-to-back wins

South Africa completed their European tour with a commanding 20-0 victory over Spain in Seville on Sunday, with tries from Catha Jacobs, Aseza Hele and Jakkie Cilliers securing the shutout — though captain Babalwa Latsha left the field with an ankle injury.

Rugby Oct 5

Ireland boss Bemand demands 50-point ruthlessness despite 43-19 rout of Japan in Cork

Scott Bemand insists Ireland should have scored 50 or even 60 points against Japan after a 43-19 win at Virgin Media Park on Saturday, warning his side must be more relentless in the scoring zone ahead of a two-Test series in South Africa.

Rugby Oct 5

All Blacks lose first-choice No.10 Ruben Love to ankle surgery for remainder of 2026

Ruben Love will miss the rest of the 2026 season after sustaining an ankle ligament injury that requires surgery, a significant blow to the All Blacks with the Rugby World Cup year approaching.

Rugby Oct 4

Sanderson backs Jibulu to force England debut after wrecking-ball display stuns Saracens

Sale director of rugby Alex Sanderson has urged England head coach Steve Borthwick to consider Nathan Jibulu for international selection after the 23-year-old hooker was named man of the match in a 21-17 Gallagher Premiership win at StoneX Stadium — with Borthwick watching from the stands.

Rugby Oct 4

Rennie explains Kirifi's All Blacks absence: discipline stats cost him his place

All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie has revealed why Du'Plessis Kirifi keeps missing selection, pointing to the Hurricanes co-captain's penalty count at the breakdown compared to rivals such as Anton Segner.

Rugby Oct 3