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Friday, Jun 26

13

England’s Marcus Smith opens up on ‘sleepless nights’ as he embraces changing role

Marcus Smith reflects on his England career, the “sleepless nights” caused by mistakes and adapting to a changing role under Steve Borthwick.

Saracens’ Totoa Auvaa avoids sanction for nightclub incident involving England cricketers

Saracens academy player Totoa Auvaa has avoided formal sanctions over the nightclub incident involving England cricketers Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson.

Thursday, Jun 25

17

New Rugby Paper Roundup: PWR final special! Saracens v Trailfinders preview ft Bluebell Nicholls

In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup, Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by She’s The Champ podcast host and The Rugby Paper writer Bluebell Nicholls to preview a fascinating showdown between the competition’s established…

15

Leo Cullen’s Leinster legacy ‘unmatchable’ as end of era approaches

Chris Collyer on Leo Cullen’s unmatchable Leinster legacy as the Champions Cup-winning coach prepares to depart after a trophy-laden reign.

Monday, Jun 22

18

Maro Itoje rested for England’s summer tour as Jamie George takes captaincy

Maro Itoje has been rested for England’s summer tour, with Jamie George named as captain for the Tests against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina.

13

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso details Bath fan altercation after Exeter Chiefs reached Prem final

Exeter Chiefs wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso has confirmed he was involved in an altercation with a Bath fan at the end of the Premiership semi-final at the Recreation Ground after a drink was thrown at him.

Sunday, Jun 21

19

2026 Super Rugby Americas – Final summary: Pampas end Dogos hoodoo to lift maiden title

Pampas overcame the odds to claim their first Super Rugby Americas title with an impressive 26-17 victory over bitter rivals Dogos.

06

Northampton Saints crowned champions as George Furbank signs off with Prem glory

George Furbank admitted he felt drained of emotion after enjoying the perfect farewell to his Northampton Saints career by hoisting up the Prem trophy at a sold-out Twickenham.

Northampton Saints put on a show of desire and discipline as Henry Pollock stars in Prem final

Paul Rees analyses Northampton Saints’ Prem final victory over Exeter Chiefs, with George Furbank’s farewell and Henry Pollock’s standout display defining a tense contest.

Jeremy Guscott: England should give Maro Itoje a break – and no argument

Jeremy Guscott argues England should end the uncertainty and give Maro Itoje a summer rest after a demanding year for club and country.

Northampton Saints 26-17 Exeter Chiefs: George Hendy’s double powers Phil Dowson’s side to the title

Henry Pollock ensured George Furbank got the leaving party he deserved as Northampton Saints claimed their second Prem title in three years with victory over Exeter Chiefs in the final.

Peter Jackson: It was a fitting end to James Lowe’s Ireland odyssey

Peter Jackson reflects on James Lowe’s emotional Leinster farewell, the contract dispute that ended his Ireland career and the challenge of replacing one of the nation’s great wings.

Nick Cain: England still making the same mistakes

Nick Cain says England’s drab defeat to France exposed the same flaws that derailed their Six Nations campaign, leaving Steve Borthwick with major questions to answer.

05

Exeter Chiefs centre Henry Slade catches England boss Steve Borthwick’s eye

Steve Borthwick has been monitoring the progress of Rob Baxter’s Exeter Chiefs all season and their resurgence could be good news for Henry Slade.

George Furbank: Leaving Northampton Saints will feel weird

George Furbank today starts his life after Northampton Saints having spent 11 years at Franklin’s Gardens and admits it will feel weird.

North to line up for Barbarians

GEORGE North will finish his career with a first appearance for the Barbarians against Wales at Twickenham on Saturday. The 34-year-old said: “It’s always been a dream of mine to play for the Barbarians so to be invited now, for a game at…

Adam Radwan back in England contention after Leicester Tigers revival

Adam Radwan has put himself back in England contention after an impressive season for Leicester Tigers reignited hopes of adding to his two caps.

George Ford: England players must take responsibility

George Ford has got back on the international horse after a challenging season at Sale Sharks and set about doing a repair job on England.

Calf injury puts Assiratti out of Wales squad

KEIRON Assiratti has been ruled out of Wales’ summer matches because of a calf injury sustained during Cardiff ’s URC quarter-final defeat against Stormers at the end of May. Head coach Steve Tandy is also without Tomas Francis, who is…

Blow for Ireland as Caelan Doris forced to miss Nations Championship tour

Ireland captain Caelan Doris will miss July’s Nations Championship matches with Australia, Japan and New Zealand with a foot injury.

Furbank enjoys ‘an incredible finish’

that means so much to you. It’s been a hell of a journey. I owe a lot to a lot of people at this club for that journey. I’ve loved my time here and to finish this way is incredibly special.” Northampton’s director of rugby Phil Dowson was…

Exeter Chiefs boss Rob Baxter proud of his side’s achievements despite Prem final defeat

Rob Baxter hailed his Exeter Chiefs side’s unrivalled resilience after falling nine points short in a Prem final just a year after finishing ninth.

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Leinster 36-7 Bulls: Sam Prendergast stars as the Dubliners retain their URC crown

Sam Prendergast shone as Leinster retained their URC crown in emphatic fashion with a dominant victory over the Bulls at Croke Park.

Injured Doris glad to see team-mates ‘turn the page’

LEINSTER captain Caelan Doris, forced off after just six minutes with a foot injury which has ruled him out of this summer’s Nations Championship, said after Friday’s game: “I’m unbelievably proud of the team’s performance, but very…

France XV 35-19 England XV: Steve Borthwick’s side still lack that final flourish

England’s second string weren’t lacking for endeavour at the end of a long season when they lost to their French counterparts in Vannes but, with one or two exceptions, they lacked finesse and precision.

Bristol the perfect club, says Kildunne

NEWS EXTRA ENGLAND full-back Ellie Kildunne has signed for Bristol Bears following her departure from Harlequins. Kildunne – who scored 52 tries for Quins and was named World Player of the Year during her time at The Stoop – had previously…

Van der Merwe ignites try frenzy

■By SAM JACKSON SOUTH Africa delivered a spectacular 12-try masterclass to dismantle the Barbarians 80-31 at Gqeberha’s Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. The hosts ignited the scoring frenzy just four minutes in when Edwill van der Merwe crossed…

Joe Launchbury to lead academy at Worcester Warriors following retirement

Champ Rugby winners Worcester Warriors have appointed Joe Launchbury as their new head of academy.

Sorry Macc, but Redruth travel furthest

I THINK everyone will be desperately sorry for Macclesfield who find themselves relegated because they cannot afford the costs of travelling in National Two West, and there is no doubt that the administrators have not covered themselves in…