Veteran prop James Slipper has reversed his international retirement to rejoin the Wallabies squad for the Nations Championship. The 37-year-old, with 151 caps, was persuaded by coach Joe Schmidt due to depth concerns. Slipper is open to playing in the 2027 Rugby World Cup if he is in form and needed.
Veteran prop James Slipper and uncapped trio Declan Meredith, Lachlan Shaw, and Miles Amatosero are in the Wallabies squad for the Nations Championship Tests in Australia. Slipper, 37, returns after retiring and could become rugby's second most-capped player. Meredith, Shaw, and Amatosero are in line for potential debuts against Ireland on July 4.
Veteran prop James Slipper and uncapped trio Declan Meredith, Lachlan Shaw, and Miles Amatosero are named in the Wallabies squad for the Nations Championship Tests in Australia. Slipper, 37, could become rugby's second most-capped player. Meredith, Shaw, and Amatosero are in line for potential debuts against Ireland on July 4.
Ireland's squad for the Nations Championship has been announced, with uncapped Connacht players Billy Bohan, Sam Illo, and Sean Jansen included. Injured fly-half Jack Crowley is out, leaving Sam Prendergast, Harry Byrne, and Ciaran Frawley to compete for the No. 10 position. Caelan Doris will captain the 36-man squad.
Scrum-half Alex Mitchell is in line for a surprise return for Northampton in the Prem final against Exeter, having recovered from a hamstring injury. His availability is a boost for club and country ahead of summer fixtures.
NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley faces a tough decision between Dylan Edwards and James Tedesco for fullback, while Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt must choose between Tom Wright, Max Jorgensen, and Jock Campbell for the same position amid Super Rugby Pacific developments.
England's head coach Steve Borthwick is considering resting senior players, including captain Maro Itoje, for upcoming Nations Championship games in July. Decisions will be finalized by June 22.
The Nations Championship, a new biennial rugby series, kicks off on 4 July with a 'Super Saturday' featuring six Tests, including New Zealand vs. France, Australia vs. Ireland, and South Africa vs. England, across staggered kick-offs.
Japan suspends head coach Eddie Jones for 4 games and cuts his salary for verbal abuse towards local officials during an Australian tour, missing the Nations Championship opener against Italy.
Japan's rugby head coach Eddie Jones, 66, suspended for 4 games and fined for verbally abusing local officials during an Under-23 tour in Australia, missing Nations Championship opener against Italy on July 4.
