Global Rugby News
GLOBAL RUGBY NEWS — TODAY
NORTHERN HEMISPHERE - Noah Caluori is targeting a Test debut with England this summer after having racked up an impressive 18 tries in the Premiership this campaign. The 19-year-old believes he is ready for the step up, stating he would be happy to go on the summer Test. - Ruby Tui is campaigning for France to stop England's Red Roses' historic winning streak, declaring "I’m going for France – the game needs someone to stop England." - Cardiff lock Josh McNally is sidelined for the URC final regular league game against Stormers due to his commitment to the Royal Air Force. The 35-year-old continued his career thanks to the RAF's elite athlete program. - The Welsh national game is set to see all international fixtures broadcast on free-to-air for three years. S4C will exclusively show Wales' match against the Barbarians, meaning the Welsh language channel is taking over the international rights. - Glasgow Warriors might be forced to host the United Rugby Championship final in Belfast. They are considering Belfast's Affidea Stadium because no suitable venues in Scotland, including Scotstoun Stadium, will be available for the final.
SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE - The PNG Chiefs are actively targeting the talented Pritchard brothers, with 19-year-old Treyvon Pritchard and 21-year-old Kadin Pritchard. The new club met with the brothers in Brisbane to pitch a package deal for the inaugural 2028 roster. - The Blues women are hungry to secure a historic three-peat after winning the Super Rugby Aupiki finals in both 2024 and 2025. Captain Maia Roos said that while "everyone's gunning for the win this year," they must start fresh and avoid complacency. - The Lions are reportedly ignoring the mathematical playoff permutations and are laser-focused on a single goal: beating Munster on Saturday. Captain Francke Horn stated, “Our goal has always been to make the top eight,” making the approach "as straightforward as that." - At the 2027 Rugby World Cup pool stage, Hong Kong China managed the unexpected feat of drawing both the Wallabies and the All Blacks. - Apolosi Ranawai proved his dedication to the sport, revealing how a friendship with former Wallaby Matt Dunning helped him get back on track. He debuted for the Waratahs after a long road that saw him struggle with personal setbacks.
Transfers & Contracts
TRANSFERS & CONTRACTS
Evie Gallagher — Signed a new contract with Bristol Bears
Jamie Ritchie — Left Usap (Perpignan) to return home to Scotland
Christopher Tolofua — Extended contract with Le MHR until 2029
Injury & Ban Tracker
INJURY & BAN TRACKER
Merab Sharikadze (Georgia) — banned for 11 years for role in urine-swapping rugby doping scandal
Tomos Williams (Wales) — shoulder injury
Controversy Corner
CONTROVERSY CORNER
No major citing decisions or TMO controversies today.