Former England rugby international Lewis Moody, diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) last October, discusses how the condition has brought clarity and purpose to his life. Despite the challenges, Moody focuses on living in the present, prioritizing loved ones, and raising funds for MND research.
Andy Farrell has signed a new deal to stay as Ireland head coach until 2031, ruling out a possible move back to England. The extension covers two World Cup cycles and comes after a successful spell in charge.
England full-back Ellie Kildunne is leaving Harlequins at the end of the season after five years. The 26-year-old, a key figure in England's Rugby World Cup win, cited the need for an environment where she can be herself and thrive.
Jo Yapp, former England captain and current RFU women’s pathway head, appointed as the first head coach for the British & Irish Lions women’s tour to New Zealand in 2027, aiming to lead a combined team from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales against the Black Ferns in three Tests.
England's Women's rugby team secured their eighth consecutive Six Nations title, demonstrating squad depth amidst numerous injuries. This victory is seen as a crucial step towards defending their 2029 Rugby World Cup title, with the team aiming for continuous improvement and further development of new talent.
Wallabies centre Len Ikitau indicated he may return to play in England after the 2027 Rugby World Cup, highlighting Rugby Australia's challenge in retaining talent. Meanwhile, New Zealand Rugby faces scrutiny over its strict overseas player selection policy.
Hong Kong are attempting to add some strength and depth to their scrum by prising prop Charlie Walsh away from Major League Rugby (MLR) side Seattle Seawolves – although money worries may stop that happening. Meagre resources in some areas on and off the pitch are proving a major concern for officials, as the team prepares for its Rugby World Cup debut next year in Australia. Limited depth in an ageing front row has not been helped by veteran Alex Post undergoing shoulder surgery, or Faizal...
Red Roses are reaping rewards of investment with call for others to follow their lead to increase jeopardyA world record winning streak stretched to 36 matches, no defeats in the Six Nations since 2018 and none at all since the 2022 Rugby World Cup final: England’s dominance of women’s rugby is undeniable but is it bad for the game?Before addressing that question as England prepare for their penultimate 2026 Six Nations match against Italy in Parma on Saturday, another needs to be answered – why are the world champions so dominant? The simple answer is the investment made by the Rugby Football Union. Of course the big player pool and talent play a huge part but they have been able to develop professionally since full-time contracts were announced in 2018. Alongside they have invested in marketing, getting sponsorships and gradually building crowds by showcasing the team across the country. Continue reading...
Michael Hooper has backed “amazing leader of men” Dave Rennie to mould a New Zealand team that is a “real problem” for its rivals at next year’s Rugby World Cup in Australia. Appointed in March following the sacking of Scott Robertson, Rennie experienced mixed fortunes in combination with captain Hooper during three years bossing Australia before his dismissal in January 2023. Eddie Jones replaced Rennie and omitted Hooper from Australia’s 2023 World Cup squad, essentially ending the flanker’s...
England suffered four defeats in dismal Six NationsBill Sweeney says improvement not ‘one simple answer’Steve Borthwick and his coaching staff are to remain in charge of England’s men’s team despite the squad’s worst Five or Six Nations for 50 years. The Rugby Football Union has opted to back Borthwick and his lieutenants through to next year’s Rugby World Cup in Australia having completed what it described as “a detailed and robust review” of England’s latest campaign.Despite having lost four Five or Six Nations games in the same season for the first time since 1976, the RFU has chosen to keep faith with the Borthwick regime in the belief that things can only get better. The union has decided that sacking the head coach is not the optimal solution, having previously dispensed with Eddie Jones’s services nine months prior to the 2023 World Cup. Continue reading...
Premiership Women's Rugby will introduce a 10-point plan next season to increase female coaches at international level, addressing a situation where only one top-10 nation (New Zealand) is currently led by a woman. The scheme includes financial investment, training programmes, and potential minimum standards for female coaches at clubs. Research with the RFU produced a 100-page report on diversifying coaching in the women's game.
Ireland women's rugby team fell to a 10th consecutive defeat against France at Stade Marcel-Michelin, missing a golden opportunity for revenge following their Rugby World Cup quarter-final exit. Ireland had three first-half tries disallowed and a missed penalty, while France's dominant defence - making 240 tackles with 94% success rate - secured victory. The result leaves Ireland unlikely to finish higher than third in the Six Nations, nine years since their last win over France.
Rugby Australia announced a record operating surplus of A$70 million (US$50 million) driven by the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour, which drew huge crowds to nine matches including three Tests and brought tens of thousands of overseas fans. CEO Phil Waugh said the surplus would enable a sustainable future for the sport after years of losses, with a dedicated investment fund to manage the funds and an expected further A$70-A$100 million from hosting next year's Rugby World Cup.
After overcoming a debilitating injury, the Ireland captain is relishing the prospect of a grudge match against FranceTwelve months ago Erin King was not only told she may never play rugby again but faced the possibility of being unable to even run. Fast forward to now and the 22-year-old is ready to lead Ireland in their revenge mission against France this Saturday after their rivals knocked them out of last year’s Rugby World Cup in King’s absence.King, who transitioned from sevens rugby after the 2024 Olympics, had sustained a serious knee injury against England at the 2025 Six Nations which ruled her out of the global showpiece. It was a blow for Ireland’s campaign with the back row going from strength-to-strength in the 15s game. In 2024 she had been named the World Rugby breakthrough player of the year after standout performances that included scoring two tries in the team’s historic win over New Zealand at the WXV tournament.This is an extract from our weekly rugby union email, the Breakdown. To subscribe just visit this page and follow the instructions. Continue reading...
