World Rugby has launched a new annual three-tier global women’s tournament as it seek to create more a competitive international landscape and grow the Women’s Rugby World Cup to 16 teams. WXV will start in 2023 and has initially been supported by a 6.4-million pound ($8.8 million) investment from the global governing body for the

3:42 AM BST Melbourne prop Pone Fa’amausili faced many challenges with unexpectedly being on the road last year for six months, including clothing his hulking frame. Standing 196cm and weighing 130kg, Fa’amausili was caught short when the Rebels’ dash interstate to beat border closures in mid-2020 turned into six months. As well as being part

5:07 PM BST Ireland have confirmed that James Ryan and Garry Ringrose won’t be available for their final Six Nations game against England after both picked up injuries. Ryan was taken off the pitch during Ireland’s 27-24 victory over Scotland for a HIA assessment 10 minutes from the end of the game and the Irish

5:31 PM BST Johnny Sexton steered Ireland to a 27-24 victory over Scotland at Murrayfield on Sunday, grinding down a sparkling but indisciplined home side to cap off a brilliant weekend of Six Nations rugby and send his team shooting up the standings. Tries by Robbie Henshaw and Tadhg Beirne and the unerring boot of

4:32 PM GMT Wales moved to within one step of a Six Nations Grand Slam after scoring seven tries in a 48-7 thrashing of Italy in Rome on Saturday. Wayne Pivac’s side, fresh from sealing the Triple Crown against England, made short work of the error-plagued Azzurri and will clinch a stunning Grand Slam if

6:49 PM GMT England lock Maro Itoje left it late to secure victory for England. Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images A late Maro Itoje try secured England a 23-20 victory over France in a Six Nations game full of high-speed, enterprising rugby at Twickenham on Saturday to leave the championship wide open. England were

7:48 PM BST The turning point of this wonderful match came with nine minutes left. England had a penalty in their own half, and you could make out a voice saying to George Ford: “Fordy… this is when we turn the game!” England were four points down. France, who played some wondrous rugby, were looking

2:29 PM GMT Having lost a game due to COVID-19 in Round 3, things have been less turbulent in the run up to this weekend’s batch of Six Nations matches. Wales are two matches away from a remarkable Grand Slam, while France are still in the mix for a clean sweep, but goodness knows when,

1:53 PM GMT Scotland have made four changes, including a first runout in this year’s Six Nations for centre Sam Johnson, as coach Gregor Townsend on Thursday named his side to face Ireland at Murrayfield on Sunday. In the pack, prop WP Nel comes in at tighthead while Jamie Ritchie returns at blindside flanker. –

1:53 PM GMT Jamison Gibson Park will start at scrum-half ahead of Conor Murray for Ireland’s match against Scotland in the Six Nations on Sunday. Andy Farrell has made three changes to the Ireland squad with the experienced scrum-half Murray on the bench following his return from injury. – Play ESPN’s Rugby Pick’em for FREE