Test Rugby

Savea: Bok World Cup win ‘still stings’

Ardie Savea is determined to channel the hurt of New Zealand losing the final at France 2023 to the Springboks against their arch-rivals in the Rugby Championship this year.

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 20: Joe Marler and Kyle Sinckler of England celebrate victory following the Autumn Nations Series match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on November 20, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Duo to end England careers with French move

England forwards Kyle Sinckler and Lewis Ludlam will join Toulon on three-year deals next season, the French club’s president Bernard Lemaitre has revealed.

Mathieu Raynal referee during round 2 of the Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship 2023 between New Zealand and South Africa at Go Media Stadium Auckland, Saturday 15th July 2023. Copyright

Retiring Raynal snuffs out Bok Bomb Squad

French international referee Mathieu Raynal said he would like to see a time limit imposed on scrums and fewer replacements as he announced his retirement from rugby.

England's scrum-half Danny Care (C) scores a try during the France 2023 Rugby World Cup Pool D match between England and Samoa at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, near Lille, northern France on October 7, 2023.

England centurion announces retirement

Scrumhalf Danny Care said playing for England “meant an awful lot” to him after announcing his retirement from Test rugby.

Georgia challenge Wales to Test clash

Georgia have challenged Wales to a Test in Tbilisi later this year, just days after Warren Gatland’s charges finished bottom of the Six Nations.

Portugal's loosehead prop Francisco Fernandes (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring a try during the France 2023 Rugby World Cup Pool C match between Fiji and Portugal at the Stade de Toulouse in Toulouse, southwestern France on October 8, 2023.

Boks Test ‘crucial’ for Portugal

Captain Tomas Appleton says a new-look Portugal is relishing a “massive” first-ever Test against the Springboks in Bloemfontein in July.

Paris , France - 15 October 2023; Kwagga Smith of South Africa is tackled by Damien Penaud of France during the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final match between France and South Africa at the Stade de France in Paris, France. (Photo By Harry Murphy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

France coach fires a shot at Kwagga

Fabien Galthie has singled out Springbok forward Kwagga Smith’s role in France’s 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final loss while questioning the officiating of Ben O’Keeffe.

PARIS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 28: Samuel Whitelock of New Zealand looks on during the Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and South Africa at Stade de France on October 28, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Whitelock to battle Boks one last time?

New Zealand coach Scott Robertson has reportedly approached retired Test centurion Sam Whitelock about playing for the All Blacks again this season.

Owen and Andy Farrell, after a Six Nations match between England and Ireland

Farrell open to Test return

Owen Farrell has left open the possibility of returning to international rugby, be it with England or the 2025 British & Irish Lions, after calling a halt to his Test career.

Owens calls for red card clarification

Former Test referee Nigel Owens says World Rugby’s plan to introduce a 20-minute red card is a “kneejerk reaction” and doesn’t solve the issue of what constitutes a sending off.