Rugby World Cup news — SportsCatch

Ox Nche calls Springboks' 3-1 All Blacks series 'the hardest four weeks' of his career

Springboks prop Ox Nche has described the four-Test Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Series against the All Blacks as the most gruelling stretch of his career, having played more than 185 minutes across the series as South Africa sealed a 3-1 victory.

Rugby Sep 25

World Rugby confirms 29 training venues across Australia for 2027 Rugby World Cup

World Rugby has revealed the 29 Outdoor Training Venues that will serve all 24 teams at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, with reigning champions South Africa attending the announcement in Perth almost exactly one year before the tournament opens.

Rugby Sep 25

Coles reveals nervy Borthwick call after earning enhanced England contract ahead of World Cup push

Northampton Saints lock Alex Coles has described the moment England head coach Steve Borthwick called him over the summer to confirm his first enhanced EPS contract, with the 27-year-old targeting a place in England's squad for the 2026 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Rugby Sep 24

Prosecutors seek 27-year sentence for man accused of murdering former Pumas star Aramburú

The murder trial of former Argentina international Federico Martín Aramburú has entered its final stage in Paris, with prosecutors requesting sentences of 27 and 20 years for the two men accused of shooting him dead in March 2022.

Rugby Sep 24

Baxter backs Feyi-Waboso to become England force at 2027 Rugby World Cup if he stays fit

Exeter Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter has tipped Immanuel Feyi-Waboso to be a standout performer at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, provided the winger can string together a consistent, injury-free season.

Rugby Sep 24

Mitchell makes three pack changes as Red Roses host Black Ferns at sold-out Allianz Stadium

England head coach John Mitchell has reshuffled his forward pack for the WXV Global Series clash against New Zealand, handing starts to props Mackenzie Carson and Sarah Bern alongside a second consecutive Test start for hooker Bryony Field.

Rugby Sep 24

LeSage inspires Canada to back-to-back wins over USA Eagles for first time in 13 years

Ben LeSage scored the opening try as Canada edged the USA 19-16 in the Pacific Nations Cup third-place playoff in Tokyo, ending a 13-year wait for consecutive victories over their North American rivals.

Rugby Sep 24

Hansen warns Erasmus that Springbok veterans may retire before 2027 Rugby World Cup

Former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has cautioned Rassie Erasmus that veterans such as Eben Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi, and Cheslin Kolbe may not have the desire to push through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup, drawing on his own experience managing ageing players ahead of 2019.

Rugby Sep 24

Black Ferns hooker Roos warns England: 'We must be prepared to go to dark places'

Maia Roos is one of only five current Black Ferns players to have beaten England in a Test match, a feat last achieved at the 2022 Women's Rugby World Cup final. With New Zealand facing a Red Roses side fresh off a shock draw with Canada, Roos says her side must match England's physicality at the set-piece.

Rugby Sep 23

Scotland lose Wassell and Philipps to injury ahead of WXV clash with Australia

Scotland interim head coach Dave Butcher faces a double injury setback as lock Emma Wassell is ruled out of all remaining WXV fixtures and centre Rachel Philipps misses Saturday's Edinburgh test against the Wallaroos through concussion protocols.

Rugby Sep 23

Ashton backs electric Bracken for England's 2027 World Cup squad despite fierce wing competition

Former England wing Chris Ashton has tipped uncapped 20-year-old Saracens flyer Jack Bracken as a surprise contender for Steve Borthwick's 2027 Rugby World Cup squad, after the son of 2003 World Cup winner Kyran Bracken scored back-to-back hat-tricks in pre-season.

Rugby Sep 23

Misdiagnosed hamstring ended Jordan Petaia's NFL dream, Wallabies back reveals

Jordan Petaia has explained how a misdiagnosed hamstring injury derailed his stint with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2025, forcing the Wallabies back to abandon his NFL ambitions just four months after signing a three-year deal.

Rugby Sep 23

Hepburn eyes Scotland RWC 2027 spot after Edinburgh move: 'It'd be naive to think it's not a big carrot'

Former England prop Alec Hepburn has joined Edinburgh hoping proximity to Gregor Townsend's setup gives him the best chance of making Scotland's 2027 Rugby World Cup squad. The 33-year-old has earned just five Scotland caps since switching allegiances in 2024.

Rugby Sep 22

Springbok Women vow to redeem themselves after heavy 50-19 defeat to Wales

South Africa's women were beaten 50-19 by Wales in their WXV Global Series 2026 opener, leaving the squad frustrated and determined to respond against Italy this weekend.

Rugby Sep 22

Manusina Samoa embrace new era at WXV Global Series Challenger with World Cup in sight

Despite back-to-back losses in the opening two rounds of the WXV Global Series Challenger, Samoa's players say team cohesion is growing under new head coach Bella Milo, with 2026 World Cup qualifiers firmly in mind.

Rugby Sep 22

Italy target Springbok Women rematch after WXV rout of Japan reignites World Cup grudge

Italy crushed Japan 55-21 in their WXV Global Series opener, setting up a charged rematch with South Africa — the side that knocked them out of Women's Rugby World Cup 2025. Sara Mannini says the squad is determined to settle the score.

Rugby Sep 22

Wallabies assistant Donnelly warns Springboks intensity will mirror 2027 World Cup pressure

Australia assistant coach Tom Donnelly has drawn a direct line between the Springboks' relentless pressure and what the Wallabies can expect at Rugby World Cup 2027, as the world champions arrive in Australia for a two-Test series.

Rugby Sep 22

Tupou warns Wallabies know exactly what Springboks will bring to Perth scrum battle

Taniela Tupou says Australia's five-match unbeaten run will face its sternest test when the world-champion Springboks arrive in Perth, with the tighthead prop flagging South Africa's set-piece dominance as the key battleground.

Rugby Sep 22

Georgia coach Worsley eyes Springboks blueprint ahead of World Cup Pool B clash

England 2003 World Cup winner Joe Worsley, part of Georgia's coaching staff for a third successive Rugby World Cup campaign, says South Africa's power-and-transition game is the template Georgia want to replicate as they prepare to face the Springboks in Pool B in Australia.

Rugby Sep 21

Wallabies target Springboks scalp on five-match unbeaten run under Kiss

Australia face two-time defending World Cup champions South Africa in Perth on Sunday, riding a five-match unbeaten run under new coach Les Kiss. The Springboks arrive without Pieter-Steph du Toit and Damian de Allende, released to spend time with family.

Rugby Sep 21