Test Rugby

Watch: Calls to end ‘Dupont Law’

The thrilling opening round of the Six Nations exposed a kink in rugby’s lawbook which encourages kicking tennis between two teams, first exploited by Antoine Dupont.

Photo: David Davies/PA/BackpagePix Scotland's Richie Gray during a team run at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff. Picture date: Friday February 2, 2024.

Scotland suffer double injury blow

Lock Richie Gray and loose forward Luke Crosbie will miss the rest of Scotland’s Six Nations campaign after injuries in Saturday’s opening win over Wales.

Wales mourn ‘King of Rugby’ John

Barry John, known as the “King” of Welsh rugby during a golden era and arguably the sport’s first superstar, has died. He was 79.

Photo: Andrew Matthews/ PA/BackpagePix France's Paul Willemse is shown a red card after receiving a second yellow during the Guinness Six Nations match at the Orange Velodrome in Marseille, France. Picture date: Friday February 2, 2024.

France look ‘feeble, fragile’ after Bok loss

Based on Ireland’s thrashing of France on Friday, Les Bleus’ 2023 World Cup quarter-final defeat against South Africa is a “bleeding” wound they’re unlikely to recover from soon, writes MARK KEOHANE.

Photo: Adam Davy/PA/BackpagePix England's Alex Mitchell scores his sides second try during the Guinness Six Nations match at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Italy. Picture date: Saturday February 3, 2024.

Ford boots England to victory in Rome

George Ford scored 17 points as England survived a late fightback from Italy to kick off their Six Nations campaign with a come-from-behind win at Stadio Olimpico on Saturday.

Scotland survive Wales comeback

Follow the live action as Wales host Scotland at the Principality Stadium. #GuinnessM6N #WALvSCO

epa11121998 Posolo Tuilagi (C) of France in action against James Ryan (R-down) of Ireland during the Six Nations rugby match between France and Ireland at Stade Velodrome in Marseille, southern France, 02 February 2024. EPA/Guillaume Horcajuelo

‘Baby’ Tuilagi lives up to blockbuster legacy

The latest Tuilagi wrecking ball was unleashed on Friday, teenage lock Posolo making his debut for France in a defeat by Ireland, and quickly maintaining the family’s fearsome reputation.

Farrell chuffed with ‘ruthless’ Six Nations start

Head coach Andy Farrell said Ireland’s thrashing of France gave them invaluable momentum in their bid to defend their Six Nations title.

Willemse sees red as Ireland hammer France

France lock Paul Willemse was sent off in the first half of the Six Nations opener against Ireland in Marseille, and the defending champions took full advantage to run in five tries.

epa10945937 Will Jordan (top) of New Zealand tackles Handre Pollard of South Africa during the Rugby World Cup 2023 final between New Zealand and South Africa in Saint-Denis, France, 28 October 2023. EPA/YOAN VALAT

Nothing beats Boks vs All Blacks in SA

South Africa to host New Zealand in the 2024 Rugby Championship is more appealing than Friday’s Six Nations opener between France and Ireland, writes MARK KEOHANE.