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10/10/2025

Harlequins in 'good spot' ahead of the return of World Cup stars
Harlequins head coach Ross Chisholm is confident that his PWR Cup squad has laid the groundwork to challenge the returning internationals and build momentum heading into the new season. This Saturday, the West London side will contest the final against Saracens at StoneX Stadium, and soon after will welcome back 14 players fresh from the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, including Red Roses stars Lucy Packer and Ellie Kildunne, whose contributions were pivotal in England’s third World Cup triumph. Despite the absence of these world champions, Harlequins have excelled in the Cup, with young talents like Sarah Parry thriving, fly-half Ella Cromack orchestrating play, and experienced campaigners Lagi Tuima, Connie Powell, Emma Swords, and Sara Svoboda providing crucial leadership. Chisholm highlighted the value of this performance, noting that returning internationals will face pressure from emerging stars who have shown they can step up, creating a competitive environment that benefits the entire squad. While it has been four seasons since Harlequins last secured domestic silverware, this PWR Cup final offers the perfect platform to kickstart the 2025/26 season, potentially setting the stage for a home final at Twickenham Stoop next June. Chisholm, however, is keeping his focus firmly on the task at hand, emphasizing that knockout rugby demands a distinct mentality from league play and praising his squad for embracing high-stakes competition while continuing to build on the foundations laid throughout the Cup campaign.

10/10/2025

Hulking lock Edwin Edogbo to make first Munster start in nearly 2 years
Munster are set to welcome back powerful lock Edwin Edogbo as he prepares for his long-awaited on-field return after nearly two years on the sidelines, being named among the replacements for Friday night’s URC Round 3 clash against Edinburgh at Virgin Media Park. The 22-year-old Cork native has endured a series of injury setbacks since his last senior start against Leinster in December 2023, but his inclusion signals a cautious reintroduction under new head coach Clayton McMillan. Munster’s side shows a heavily rotated XV with 10 changes from the team that defeated Cardiff last week, featuring the season debuts of last year’s Player of the Year Tom Farrell, as well as Calvin Nash, Andrew Smith, and Michael Milne in the starting lineup. Captain Diarmuid Barron returns in the front row alongside Milne and Oli Jager, while Springbok Jean Kleyn and Fineen Wycherley continue their second-row partnership, with Jack O’Donoghue, Ruadhán Quinn, and Gavin Coombes completing a dynamic back row. The backline sees Haley, Nash, and Smith forming the back three, Farrell and O’Brien in midfield, and Patterson and Hanrahan at half-back. Veteran tighthead John Ryan is also poised for his first outing of the season from the bench. With McMillan having already utilized 35 players across the opening three rounds, Edogbo’s measured return will provide Munster with fresh energy and depth, while giving the young lock a chance to make a significant impact as he gradually reintegrates into top-level rugby.

10/10/2025

Everitt to take a leaf out of Erasmus' book with debutant Richardson
Edinburgh coach Sean Everitt is eager to see Scotland international Dylan Richardson bring his “massive competitive spirit” to bear as he makes his long-awaited Edinburgh debut against Munster on Friday, almost 10 months after his last outing. The 26-year-old, who grew up playing flanker under Everitt at the Sharks, will start in the back row despite having spent most of his recent career at ho**er, a position he transitioned to six years ago before initially resisting the switch. Richardson’s international journey has seen him make his Scotland debut in 2021 as a back-row replacement, earn front-row starts on the 2023-24 Americas tour, and feature in last year’s autumn Tests, only for a shoulder injury in January to end his season prematurely. After moving to Edinburgh this summer, Richardson’s plans were delayed by a back injury, but he has now been cleared to play, with Everitt describing him as a fierce competitor and highlighting his growth from youth rugby to the professional stage. Richardson will initially ease back into action in the back row, with openside prospect Freddy Douglas ready to rotate in, while another Scotland contender, Ben Muncaster, is set for his first outing of the season from the bench after recovering from a back issue. Meanwhile, centre Matt Currie remains sidelined due to ongoing vertigo, though he continues to contribute off the field in strategy and leadership sessions. Edinburgh, having had their home game against Ulster postponed by Storm Amy, are looking to replicate their shock 34-28 win in Cork from February and will face a Munster side with a new head coach, Clayton McMillan, promising a different tactical challenge. Everitt is confident that Richardson’s blend of experience, competitive drive, and leadership, coupled with careful management of his reintegration, will be key to Edinburgh imposing themselves in what is always a challenging Cork fixture.

10/10/2025

Landmark result comes at a cost for Dragons as Paea goes under knife
Dragons centre Fetuli Paea faces a period on the sidelines after fracturing his arm during round two of the United Rugby Championship against the Sharks. The 31-year-old Tonga international was a standout in the Dragons’ 17-17 draw at Rodney Parade, helping end an 18-match losing streak with strong carries, tenacious defence, and a key assist for Angus O’Brien’s first-half try. Paea, who joined the Dragons from Zebre over the summer, underwent successful surgery on Wednesday, though no definitive timeline has been set for his return, with defence coach Dale MacLeod emphasizing a patient approach to his recovery. MacLeod praised Paea’s immediate impact at the club, noting his seamless integration and strong performances, and confirmed that he will have the full support of the medical and strength & conditioning teams throughout his rehabilitation. The Dragons also provided updates on Wales internationals Thomas Young and Elliot Dee, with Young progressing well from a leg injury and Elliot in rehab, both seen as vital sources of experience and leadership for a squad with many young players. Their gradual return is being carefully managed to ensure long-term fitness, underlining the club’s focus on combining recovery, performance, and squad depth as they continue their URC campaign.

10/10/2025

Fabien Galthie's shock Antoine Dupont training camp update
Antoine Dupont is set to join France’s training squad next month, even as he continues his recovery from the knee injury that cut short his Six Nations campaign in March. The Toulouse scrum-half and national captain, who ruptured his cruciate ligament against Ireland in Dublin, will not participate in the autumn Tests against South Africa, Fiji, or Australia, but his presence at Marcoussis will provide vital leadership and experience for the squad. Fabien Galthié emphasized that Dupont will train with restraint, focusing on finishing his rehabilitation and gradually preparing for his return to play, while Toulouse coach Ugo Mola noted that the 28-year-old could be back on the field by late November, potentially facing Montauban on the 22nd or Racing 92 a week later. Dupont has steadily progressed in his recovery, including a period at the Aspetar clinic in Doha, and has recently returned to light rugby work with Toulouse, integrating conditioning exercises such as foot-tennis before resuming solo training. His return to the national squad environment ahead of the November Tests ensures that France can benefit from his leadership off the pitch, while setting the stage for a meaningful milestone: his 60th cap could come in February against Ireland at the Stade de France, the very fixture where he sustained his injury a year earlier, marking a symbolic and emotional moment in his career.

10/10/2025

Two PREM clubs let centres join Cardiff on short-term deals
Cardiff have moved quickly to address a midfield injury crisis by securing the short-term loan signings of centre Will Rigg and Wales U20 prospect Osian Roberts. Rigg, 25, returns from Exeter Chiefs to the Welsh capital, where he previously played for Cardiff Met before moving to Coventry and then Sandy Park in 2024, having accumulated 23 appearances and nine tries with Exeter. Meanwhile, Roberts, 20, comes back to his hometown club from the Sale Sharks academy, adding youthful energy and versatility to a Cardiff midfield depleted by the absences of Mason Grady, Harri Millard, Rory Jennings, and Elijah Evans. Grady, who had only recently returned from a ten-month knee layoff during a preseason fixture against Richmond, suffered an AC joint injury that required surgery, keeping him sidelined until after the autumn Test window. Exeter Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter welcomed the move, highlighting that it provides Rigg with high-level game time to regain match fitness and form while allowing Cardiff to fill crucial gaps in their squad during a critical early phase of the season. These strategic loan deals offer both clubs flexibility and competitive readiness, ensuring players remain sharp and teams can navigate the early weeks of the Premiership effectively while planning for squad rotations in the coming months.

10/10/2025

Louise McMillan: 'It was probably one of the toughest moments.'
Captaining Saracens to the PWR Cup final has been a deeply meaningful chapter for Louise McMillan, offering a sense of purpose and joy after the abrupt end of her international career with Scotland earlier this year. The 28-year-old Glaswegian forward, who was omitted from the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup training squad, has spent the past five months navigating the disappointment with the steadfast support of her club, a support that has transformed what could have been a period of heartbreak into one of personal growth and resilience. Being named captain for Saracens’ early-season tournament has allowed McMillan to channel her experience and leadership into a squad blending seasoned internationals like Poppy and Bryony Cleall, Liz Crake, Ella Wyrwas, Sydney Gregson, and Sarah McKenna with promising young talent including Joia Bennett, Amelia MacDougall, and Tori Sellors. She describes the club as a true family, where encouragement from teammates and coaches, particularly forwards coach Mo Botha, helped her rebuild confidence and focus on her contributions on the field. Beyond rugby, McMillan has embraced a professional career as an operations analyst in the City, integrating her work with training at StoneX Stadium, a balance that has aided her recovery from the emotional toll of leaving international rugby. This new chapter has reframed her perspective, allowing rugby to become a joyful pursuit once again and creating space for her to relish leading Saracens in the PWR Cup, an opportunity she describes as a huge honor for both herself and her proud rugby family. With the club aiming to regain the English league title for the first time in three years, McMillan emphasizes the importance of early-season performance, squad depth, and instilling a “killer mentality” across the team so that every player is ready to seize big moments, a philosophy that underpins Saracens’ enduring culture of excellence and competitiveness even in the absence of their World Cup stars.

10/09/2025

Another surgery booked as Bristol give Louis Rees-Zammit injury update
Bristol Bears have received a small but welcome boost amid a challenging start to the Gallagher Premiership season, as wing Louis Rees-Zammit is expected to be sidelined for only a matter of weeks following a foot injury sustained against Saracens last weekend. The Wales international limped off the StoneX pitch after a tackle and is now under close observation by Bristol’s medical team, offering some relief to fans who have seen their squad plagued by injuries in the opening rounds. However, the short-term setback does cast some doubt over Rees-Zammit’s availability for Wales in the upcoming Autumn Nations Series against Argentina, Japan, New Zealand, and South Africa. In contrast, centre Joe Jenkins faces a longer road to recovery after suffering a proximal hamstring rupture, an injury that will require surgery and sidelines the 21-year-old until 2026. Jenkins’ situation adds to the growing list of Bears players who have recently undergone operations, including AJ MacGinty, Harry Randall, and Gabriel Ibitoye, highlighting the depth challenges Bristol are currently navigating. To bolster their backline, the club has signed former Argentina international Matias Moroni, providing experienced cover in a squad depleted by injuries to key players including MacGinty, Ibitoye, James Williams, Noah Heward, Rich Lane, and Rees-Zammit, as well as academy prospects Joe Jenkins and Toby Baker. Director of rugby Pat Lam emphasized the importance of Moroni’s experience and versatility in helping the Bears navigate the next few weeks, with the team now preparing to host Exeter Chiefs on Saturday in the PREM Derby Weekend, aiming to combine resilience, tactical acumen, and fresh talent in what promises to be a competitive fixture.

10/09/2025

Newcastle Red Bulls name debutant fresh from Rugby Championship
Newcastle Red Bulls are gearing up for an intriguing Gallagher Premiership clash against Sale Sharks on Friday night, with summer recruit Simon Benítez Cruz set to make his debut off the bench just six days after representing Argentina against South Africa in the Rugby Championship. The 26-year-old Pumas centre played 70 minutes in a narrow 29-27 loss to the Springboks at Twickenham before agreeing a move from Tarucas to Kingston Park, and now he is ready to bring his international experience to the Red Bulls in the first match of the league’s Derby Weekend. Head coach Alan Dickens has opted for six changes to the starting XV in a bid to secure Newcastle’s first win of the season, handing Boeta Chamberlain his first start at fly-half and Fergus Lee-Warner a starting debut after impressing from the bench last week. Ethan Grayson shifts from inside centre to full-back, Max Clark slots into No.12, and Elliott Obatoyinbo takes the right wing, while the pack sees an almost entirely new front row with Adam Brocklebank and Richard Palframan stepping in. Dickens emphasized the importance of the rivalry, the focus on set-piece ex*****on, physicality, and contact work, while praising the senior players, led by captain George McGuigan, for setting the tone during preparation. With energy, determination, and a mix of fresh talent and experienced heads, Newcastle will look to challenge Sale Sharks on their home turf and make a statement in the north of England.

10/09/2025

Scarlets get Bok back for Stormers but lose Wales international
Scarlets are set for an exciting URC Round 3 clash against the DHL Stormers at Parc y Scarlets on Friday night, welcoming back Springbok ho**er Marnus van der Merwe from international duty to strengthen their starting XV. The team shows just two changes from last weekend’s postponed fixture against Connacht, though Wales international Jake Ball will miss out after a head knock in training, with Tristan Davies stepping into the second row alongside Max Douglas, while former Scarlet Steve Cummins joins on loan from the Dragons as bench cover. Leadership will be in safe hands as Wales centre Johnny Williams captains the side for the first time, linking up with Joe Roberts in midfield, while the back three of Blair Murray, Ellis Mee, and Tom Rogers promises experience and international quality. Joe Hawkins, starting at flyhalf for only the fourth time in his career, pairs with Gareth Davies at half-back, complemented by Sam Costelow among the replacements after returning to full fitness this week. Up front, Van der Merwe forms a solid front row with Alec Hepburn and Henry Thomas, while Jarrod Taylor, Dan Davis, and Taine Plumtree combine in a dynamic back row. Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel highlighted the challenge ahead, acknowledging the Stormers’ threat in broken field and transition play, but emphasized the chance for younger players to shine despite a smaller squad and ongoing injury challenges. The match-day 23 also sees the return of prop Archer Holz and a potential debut for Ben Williams, while Osian Williams remains sidelined due to an ankle injury. With determination, depth, and a mix of experience and youth, the Scarlets are set to put on a competitive and thrilling performance against a formidable Stormers side.

10/09/2025

Storm give R360 target early release to 'consider other opportunities' as Sharks re-sign stalwart
Melbourne Storm have announced a major change to their roster, as powerhouse front-rower Nelson Asofa-Solomona has been granted a release from the final two years of his contract, giving him the freedom to explore new opportunities and allowing the club to free up significant salary-cap space. Since making his debut in 2015, Asofa-Solomona has been a central figure in Melbourne’s forward pack, playing 215 games and contributing to premiership victories in 2017 and 2020, and his presence has been sorely missed in the past two grand finals. The 29-year-old, who had been on a contract worth nearly $850,000 per season, expressed gratitude for his decade-long journey with the Storm, highlighting the support of teammates, coaches, and staff, while also confirming his excitement to explore new challenges, including potential interest from the breakaway R360 competition. Meanwhile, Cronulla fullback Will Kennedy has resolved his contract situation by agreeing to a reduced salary for 2026, ensuring he stays at the Sharks after being a free agent throughout 2025, and allowing him to remain close to family with his partner expecting their second child. Kennedy, who led the Dally M count at one stage and played every game in Cronulla’s run to consecutive preliminary finals, emphasized his loyalty to the club where he began in the under-18s SG Ball squad, looking forward to the next stage with a strong team as the NRL expands with Perth in 2027 and Papua New Guinea in 2028, opening dozens of new roster spots. In other movements, Penrith have confirmed the return of Jack Cogger on a three-year deal after his release from Newcastle, bolstering the Panthers’ utility and back-up half options, while Brad Schneider heads to the Dolphins and Sean O’Sullivan is expected to join Canterbury as clubs continue to strategically adjust their rosters ahead of the upcoming seasons.

10/09/2025

RA secure scrum doctor for development role after Wallabies departure
In a move that marks both the end of an era and the beginning of exciting new opportunities, Mike Cron, beloved for his insightful halftime interviews on Stan Sport and his meticulous work with the Wallabies’ forwards, is stepping away from the national team to take on a pivotal development role with Rugby Australia. While fans will undoubtedly miss seeing Cron on the sidelines, the 70-year-old Kiwi isn’t leaving Australian rugby behind; instead, he will focus on nurturing the next generation of talent, mentoring emerging coaches, and working closely with young forwards, particularly those in the tight five, ensuring that his vast knowledge continues to shape the game for years to come. Rugby Australia’s Director of High Performance, Peter Horne, praised Cron’s immense contributions since his appointment in 2024, highlighting his dedication, expertise, and the respect he commands across the rugby community. Stepping into Cron’s role for the end-of-season Tests against Japan, England, Italy, Ireland, and France is ACT Brumbies assistant John Ulugia, a highly accomplished former player with 50 Super Rugby caps and over 150 Top 14 appearances. Ulugia’s appointment is seen as a fantastic opportunity for him to gain invaluable experience at the highest level, supported wholeheartedly by the Brumbies, while continuing the Wallabies’ tradition of excellence. This transition not only reinforces the strength and depth of Australian rugby’s coaching pipeline but also promises an exciting chapter for both emerging players and coaches alike.

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