Rugby news

Follow @Rugby_News_UK

• No confidence vote not an easy time - Sweeney

  02-04-2025 23:27 via bbc.com
  
  Rugby Football Union chief executive Bill Sweeney says "it has not been an easy time personally" in a letter to clubs after surviving a vote of no confidence.
  
  Read more

• Bordeaux set up Champions Cup final with Northampton after beating Toulouse

  04-05-2025 20:05
  
  Louis Bielle-Biarrey stars with two tries in 35-18 winOwen Farrell hurt in Racing 92’s Challenge Cup defeatLouis Bielle-Biarrey’s stunning first try of two highlighted Bordeaux Bègles’ 35-18 win over Top 14 rivals Toulouse as they set up a Champions Cup final meeting with Northampton. Saints stunned Leinster in Saturday’s first semi-final.Bordeaux had raced into a 10-0 lead with a try from Pete Samu and a Matthieu Jalibert penalty, but Toulouse edged 11-10 up with
  
  Read more

• Northampton give Andy Farrell much to ponder before Lions unveiling

  04-05-2025 18:01
  
  British & Irish Lions head coach must ask himself if he can afford to leave Henry Pollock out of the squad on ThursdayOne of the all-time great club knockout results could yet have big implications in the coming days. Northampton will now feel they have a genuine chance of lifting the Champions Cup for the first time in quarter of a century while Andy Farrell suddenly has much to ponder before Thursday’s British & Irish Lions squad announcement in London.Just as the Saints fully de
  
  Read more

• Saints stun Leinster and sweep into final

  04-05-2025 05:00 via therugbypaper.co.uk
  
  By ADAM HATHAWAY in Dublin NORTHAMPTON captain Fraser Dingwall hailed the spirit of his side as they pulled off one of the biggest European shocks by derailing Leinster 37-24 in Dublin yesterday. Written off by the bookies, Saints produced an astonishing five-try display to knock out the tournament favourites and march towards the Champions Cup […]
  The post Saints stun Leinster and sweep into final appeared first on The Rugby Paper.
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Northampton Saints stun Leinster in Champions Cup semi and sweep into final

  04-05-2025 05:00 via therugbypaper.co.uk
  
  By Adam Hathaway in Dublin Northampton captain Fraser Dingwall hailed the spirit of his side as they pulled off one of the biggest European shocks by derailing Leinster 37-24 in Dublin yesterday. Written off by the bookies, Saints produced an astonishing five-try display to knock out the tournament favourites and march towards the Champions Cup […]
  The post Northampton Saints stun Leinster in Champions Cup semi and sweep into final appeared first on The Rugby Paper.
  
  Read more

• You’re right, Jeff, crowd capacity is not a critical factor

  04-05-2025 04:59 via therugbypaper.co.uk
  
  JEFF Probyn says promotion to the Premiership should not depend on ground capacity. He is right. If English football adopted the same principle, Bournemouth would never have reached the top league. Yet that modest south coast club, with its tiny crowd capacity compared to Manchester United and others, has been like a breath of fresh […]
  The post You’re right, Jeff, crowd capacity is not a critical factor appeared first on The Rugby Paper.
  
  Read more

• Why did such a good side break up so quickly?

  04-05-2025 04:59 via therugbypaper.co.uk
  
  FOR the best part of two decades, Exeter Chiefs have been a textbook success story, poster boys for the professional club game, so frankly it’s been a little disturbing watching them implode this season and the knee-jerk rancour following their humiliating defeat at Gloucester last week. Ali Hepher and Rob Hunter were unceremoniously thrown under […]
  The post Why did such a good side break up so quickly? appeared first on The Rugby Paper.
  
  Read more

• We can finish in the top two, says Sale’s Joe Carpenter

  04-05-2025 04:59 via therugbypaper.co.uk
  
  By Paul Rees Bath may have stood above the rest of the Premiership for most of the season, but Joe Carpenter has warned the leaders to watch out for Sale. The Sharks have won all four league matches since the resumption after the Six Nations and are primed to go one better than last season […]
  The post We can finish in the top two, says Sale’s Joe Carpenter appeared first on The Rugby Paper.
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• We can finish in the top two, says Carpenter

  04-05-2025 04:59 via therugbypaper.co.uk
  
  By PAUL REES Ambitious: Joe Carpenter on the attack for Sale PICTURES: Getty Images BATH may have stood above the rest of the Premiership for most of the season, but Joe Carpenter has warned the leaders to watch out for Sale. The Sharks have won all four league matches since the resumption after the Six […]
  The post We can finish in the top two, says Carpenter appeared first on The Rugby Paper.
  
  Read more

• We are delighted to make Challenge Cup final, says Johann van Graan

  04-05-2025 04:59 via therugbypaper.co.uk
  
  Bath boss Johann van Graan was delighted to secure a place in the final at Cardiff's Principality Stadium. He said: “We will watch the semi-final but it doesn’t matter who we play as they are both quality sides. “Having lost in the Premiership final last year before winning the Premiership cup, it’s effectively our third […]
  The post We are delighted to make Challenge Cup final, says Johann van Graan appeared first on The Rugby Paper.
  
  Read more

• We are delighted, says Van Graan

  04-05-2025 04:59 via therugbypaper.co.uk
  
  BATH boss Johann van Graan was delighted to secure a place in the final at Cardiff ’s Principality Stadium. He said: “We will watch the semi-final but it doesn’t matter who we play as they are both quality sides. “Having lost in the Premiership final last year before winning the Premiership cup, it’s effectively our […]
  The post We are delighted, says Van Graan appeared first on The Rugby Paper.
  
  Read more

• Wade will be a hit at Wigan – Powell

  04-05-2025 04:59 via therugbypaper.co.uk
  
  By ROSS HEPPENSTALL ANDY Powell’s time at Wigan Warriors was, by his own admission, no great success but he has backed Gloucester winger Chris Wade to prosper there. In 2013, Powell left Sale to join Wigan on a three-year deal but made just five appearances and returned to union the following year. The ex-Wales back […]
  The post Wade will be a hit at Wigan – Powell appeared first on The Rugby Paper.
  
  Read more

• Trio recalled All Black triumph one final time

  04-05-2025 04:59 via therugbypaper.co.uk
  
  PETER JACKSON THE MAN TRULY IN THE KNOW SHORTLY before Christmas, in the hometown of the Manic Street Preachers, a trio of Welsh veterans met to replay the game of their lives for what would be the last time. When the unholy trinity finished reminiscing as only they knew how, Newport had the All Blacks […]
  The post Trio recalled All Black triumph one final time appeared first on The Rugby Paper.
  
  Read more

• Title race down to the wire

  04-05-2025 04:59 via therugbypaper.co.uk
  
  PAUL REES EXAMINES THE PERMUTATIONS AS T HE PREMIERSHIP AND THE URC BOTH ENTER THE HOME STRAIGHT THE Premiership enters the home straight next weekend with three rounds to go and it may be the last not to be haunted by the spectre of relegation with what the RFU calls an expansion league being planned. […]
  The post Title race down to the wire appeared first on The Rugby Paper.
  
  Read more

• The Sheriff’s eying a move into politics

  04-05-2025 04:59 via therugbypaper.co.uk
  
  KEN Owens, aka the Sheriff of Carmarthen, is planning to plunge into the whirlpool of politics as a Labour candidate at elections to the Senedd. If his standing for the Welsh Assembly is confirmed, Wales’ most-capped hooker will hope to succeed where two fellow Lions failed. Carwyn James stood as the Plaid Cymru candidate for […]
  The post The Sheriff’s eying a move into politics appeared first on The Rugby Paper.
  
  Read more

• The best win on the road I’ve seen

  04-05-2025 04:59 via therugbypaper.co.uk
  
  BRENDAN GALLAGHER Wonder try: Henry Pollock on his way to scoring for Saints I’VE been reporting on this Heineken Cup, European Cup, Investec Champions Cup – call it what you want – since the opening round of the first-ever competition in 1995 and yesterday in Dublin was the most outstanding, not to mention astounding, win […]
  The post The best win on the road I’ve seen appeared first on The Rugby Paper.
  
  Read more

• Surely the buck stops with Baxter

  04-05-2025 04:59 via therugbypaper.co.uk
  
  AS an Exeter fan I am sorry to see our recent demise and also sorry to see that Rob Hunter has left the club and Ali Hepher has been suspended – both have been great servants over the years. Whilst I accept something needs to happen, I see director of rugby Rob Baxter has temporarily […]
  The post Surely the buck stops with Baxter appeared first on The Rugby Paper.
  
  Read more

• Rob Hunter leaves Exeter Chiefs after record defeat

  04-05-2025 04:59 via therugbypaper.co.uk
  
  Exeter head coach Rob Hunter has left the club by mutual consent. He and attack coach Ali Hepher were suspended following Chiefs’ club-record 79-17 loss at Gloucester. Hunter had only had four games as head coach, having been promoted to the role following Hepher’s demotion in March. It brings to an end a 13-year spell […]
  The post Rob Hunter leaves Exeter Chiefs after record defeat appeared first on The Rugby Paper.
  
  Read more

• Review calls for RFU Council to be axed

  04-05-2025 04:59 via therugbypaper.co.uk
  
  THE RFU is facing a structural revolution as an independent review has recommended abolishing the RFU Council. The proposed changes could strip the Council of its power and replace it with a more streamlined advisory group. The 63-member body includes representatives from England’s counties, the military and Oxbridge, as well as figures representing referees, players, […]
  The post Review calls for RFU Council to be axed appeared first on The Rugby Paper.
  
  Read more

• Radwan: I have got to win the fans over

  04-05-2025 04:59 via therugbypaper.co.uk
  
  By GARY FITZGERALD Eye on the title: Adam Radwan on the attack for Leicester Tigers PICTURES: Getty Images ADAM Radwan claims there is an “infectious” title bug in the air at Welford Road which has caught even him by surprise. The wing insists he is “loving” his new rugby life in the East Midlands under […]
  The post Radwan: I have got to win the fans over appeared first on The Rugby Paper.
  
  Read more

• Pursglove leads the record-breakers

  04-05-2025 04:59 via therugbypaper.co.uk
  
  By RICHARD ASHTON Army Women ..96pts Navy Women ..... 0pts TWO-TRY Army full-back Courtney Pursglove was delighted after her side demolished the Royal Navy in a record-breaking triumph. It was one-way traffic throughout and last year’s record of 95-0 was broken with the final play as scrum-half replacement Fern Scobie scooted over down the right. […]
  The post Pursglove leads the record-breakers appeared first on The Rugby Paper.
  
  Read more

• Pollock’s energy could give Lions that extra boost

  04-05-2025 04:59 via therugbypaper.co.uk
  
  THE likelihood of any uncapped young “bolters”, that were a feature of Lions squad announcements in the amateur era, has diminished in the pro game to the extent that none were expected in the 37-man 2025 Lions tour party to Australia to be revealed on Thursday. That changed with Henry Pollock’s supercharged display in Northampton’s […]
  The post Pollock’s energy could give Lions that extra boost appeared first on The Rugby Paper.
  
  Read more

• Pirates hold firm to do double over Cov

  04-05-2025 04:59 via therugbypaper.co.uk
  
  By DAVID LAWRENCE Coventry ...........14pts Tries: Hutler 38, Green 50 Conversions: Mathews 39, 51 C Pirates ...........21pts Tries: Relton 15, Pritchard 35, Forsythe 58 Conversions: Houston 16, 36, 59 CORNISH Pirates dug deep to complete the double over Coventry this season with a hard-fought victory at Butts Park Arena. Arthur Relton and Matt Pritchard both […]
  The post Pirates hold firm to do double over Cov appeared first on The Rugby Paper.
  
  Read more

• Phil Dowson: Henry Pollock is buzzing for every chance he gets

  04-05-2025 04:59 via therugbypaper.co.uk
  
  By Adam Hathaway Henry Pollock has been smashing it out of the ballpark this season, and that has led to calls for the 20-year-old to make the British & Irish Lions tour this summer. The back row is one of four Northampton Saints with wing Tommy Freeman, fly-half Fin Smith and scrum-half Alex Mitchell, who […]
  The post Phil Dowson: Henry Pollock is buzzing for every chance he gets appeared first on The Rugby Paper.
  
  Read more

• Nottingham blown away by Chinnor comeback

  04-05-2025 04:59 via therugbypaper.co.uk
  
  By JOHN VAUGHAN Chinnor .............41pts Tries: Carter 52, 68; Hughes 56, 61; Chamberlain 71 Conversions: Chamberlain 47, 55, 57, 61, 67 Penalties: Chamberlain 18, 40 Nottingham .....22pts Tries: Clayton 12, Williams 40, Olowofela 44, Manz 74 Conversion: Arden 40 CHINNOR produced a blistering second half display to come from behind to seal a bonus point […]
  The post Nottingham blown away by Chinnor comeback appeared first on The Rugby Paper.
  
  Read more

• Nick Cain: Bakcing of franchise rugby is myopic, hypocritical and self-serving …

  04-05-2025 04:59 via therugbypaper.co.uk
  
  The parallel universe which some of the main movers and shakers in the RFU/ Premiership currently inhabit has revealed itself in several chaotic snapshots of English rugby union over the past 10 days. This has been illustrated best by their attempt to stampede the English club game towards accepting a closed-shop franchise system at the […]
  The post Nick Cain: Bakcing of franchise rugby is myopic, hypocritical and self-serving … appeared first on The Rugby Paper.
  
  Read more

• Myopic, hypocritical and self-serving …

  04-05-2025 04:59 via therugbypaper.co.uk
  
  THE parallel universe which some of the main movers and shakers in the RFU/ Premiership currently inhabit has revealed itself in several chaotic snapshots of English rugby union over the past 10 days. This has been illustrated best by their attempt to stampede the English club game towards accepting a closed-shop franchise system at the […]
  The post Myopic, hypocritical and self-serving … appeared first on The Rugby Paper.
  
  Read more

• Murphy to take over at Gloucester-Hartpury

  04-05-2025 04:59 via therugbypaper.co.uk
  
  THREE-TIME Premiership Women’s Rugby champions Gloucester-Hartpury have appointed Dan Murphy as their head of rugby for the 2025-26 season. Murphy has worked as scrum coach at the club for the past four seasons and steps up following Sean Lynn’s departure this spring for the Wales head coach role. Former prop Murphy made 91 appearances for […]
  The post Murphy to take over at Gloucester-Hartpury appeared first on The Rugby Paper.
  
  Read more

• Mulder looking to push Cardiff in South Africa double header

  04-05-2025 04:59 via therugbypaper.co.uk
  
  By SIMON THOMAS Home for home: Cardiff scrum-half Johan Mulder JOHAN Mulder heads back home to South Africa this week having exceeded all expectations with play-off chasing Cardiff. The scrum-half started the season as third choice after arriving at the Arms Park amid little fanfare last summer. But he is ending it as first choice […]
  The post Mulder looking to push Cardiff in South Africa double header appeared first on The Rugby Paper.
  
  Read more

• Matavesi hails an incredible triumph

  04-05-2025 04:59 via therugbypaper.co.uk
  
  By RICHARD ASHTON Army Men .........33pts Navy Men .........37pts STAR player Sam Matavesi hailed his Royal Navy side’s ‘incredible’ victory after they beat the British Army at Twickenham to secure the Inter-Services title. Cameron McDonald’s try pulled the Army within four heading into the final play but they were unable to repeat last year’s incredible […]
  The post Matavesi hails an incredible triumph appeared first on The Rugby Paper.
  
  Read more

Follow @Rugby_News_UK on Twitter!