Rugby

Reigning champions England arrive in Italy determined to defend their World Rugby U20 Championship title with a blend of youthful energy and seasoned leadership. One year on from their triumph in South Africa, a new-look England U20 side prepares to take on the world once again, led by head coach Mark Mapletoft and assistant Andy Titterrell. A 30-man squad has been named, featuring seven uncapped players who impressed in recent warm-up wins against Wales (47–14) and Georgia (43–14). Read more Read More
With several senior figures either recovering from injury or selected for the British & Irish Lions tour, England are set to inject a significant dose of youth and energy into their national side this summer. In preparation for the clash against France at Twickenham on 21 June, followed by a summer tour of Argentina (two Tests) and the USA, head coach Steve Borthwick has named an extended squad of 33 players. Notably, 14 of them are uncapped, underlining a clear intention to build for the future. Read more Read More
Northampton Saints are gearing up for a high-octane European quarter-final showdown with Castres Olympique this Saturday at Franklin’s Gardens. Fresh off the back of a dazzling attacking display against Clermont in the round of 16, Phil Dowson’s men will line up with an unchanged starting XV, a side brimming with confidence and bolstered by several England internationals. But their French visitors, transformed since their heavy defeat to the Saints back in December and hungry for revenge, may well have the tools to derail the ambitions of the East Midlands club. Read more Read More
From April 10th to 18th, the town of Vichy in France is playing host to the 2025 edition of the Men’s U18 Six Nations Festival. Over three matchdays, eight European nations – the traditional Six Nations sides joined by Spain and Georgia – will battle it out on the turf of Stade Louis Darragon. But more than just wins and losses are at stake: this is about shaping the future of international rugby. For unions, it’s a chance to begin identifying tomorrow’s senior internationals. For players, it’s a vital platform to impress ahead of key milestones to come. In the heart of this developmental cauldron, England’s young stars will be looking to prove their potential. Read more Read More
Friday night was nothing short of a show of strength from British clubs, as Bath, Northampton and Edinburgh all booked emphatic quarter-final berths in the Challenge Cup. With commanding wins over Pau, Clermont and South Africa’s Lions respectively, the trio sent out a strong statement as the knockout stages got underway. Here’s a look at these impressive victories that lit up the round of 16. Read more Read More