Global Rugby News
GLOBAL RUGBY NEWS — TODAY
NORTHERN HEMISPHERE
- The Red Roses are carrying a massive winning streak, having conceded 76 points in their last two games, setting up the Six Nations Grand Slam decider in Bordeaux.
- Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald scored her 50th cap for Ireland during the opening Women's Six Nations game against England, stating that enjoying the journey "has made me play better."
- Leigh Halfpenny, the full-back for Cardiff, will make a final appearance in Wales against the Stormers in the United Rugby Championship (URC).
- Ulster needs a win against Glasgow Warriors to secure a playoff spot and Champions Cup qualification, relying on players like Wilhelm De Klerk and Bryn Ward to start the final regular season URC match.
- Billy Vunipola captured the spotlight on the state of Montpellier in the Top 14, telling Rugbyrama that "it's better if our opponents don't like us" (Tant mieux si nos adversaires ne nous aiment pas).
SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE
- The Blues are reportedly bringing an "ugly," non-nonsense "smash-and-bash footy" tactic to face the high-flying Hurricanes in Super Rugby Pacific.
- SA Rugby confirmed that all competitions involving South African teams are under review, suggesting a possible reevaluation of club participation in the Investec Champions Cup due to workload concerns.
- The Stormers and Bulls ended the league stage on a high, with the Stormers defeating Cardiff and the Bulls beating Benetton in Super Rugby Pacific.
- SA Rugby spent a quarter of its total income, or R500-million, directly on the Springboks, the Springbok Women, and other national teams in 2025.
- Exceptional precipitation struck Tahiti, with Météo France recording more than 900 litres per square metre in the Papenoo area.
Transfers & Contracts
TRANSFERS & CONTRACTS
Meryl Smith — Signs new contract with Bristol Bears Liam Belcher — Signed a new contract to remain with Cardiff John McKee — Signed for the Welsh region, replacing Marnus van der Merwe (who is joining Munster) Corey Domachowski — Leaving Cardiff (destination club unstated) Ben Donnell — Moving to Ulster Rugby Ed Byrne and Will Davies-King — Leaving Cardiff Rory Jennings — Leaving Cardiff Max Douglas — Leaving the Scarlets for a playing opportunity in Japan Tanya Kalounivale — Pausing her rugby career in New Zealand to move to Australia
Injury & Ban Tracker
INJURY & BAN TRACKER
Sadia Kabeya (England) — Returned after missing last Saturday's win over Italy due to injury Maddie Feaunati (England) — Returned after missing last Saturday's win over Italy due to injury Lilli Ives Campion (England) — Returned after missing last Saturday's win over Italy due to injury Iain Henderson (Ulster) — Suspended for three matches from the United Rugby Championship for a yellow card upgraded to a 20-minute red card (for a "croc roll on Deon Fourie") Alex Coles (Northampton) — Back from ankle damage suffered during England's Six Nations defeat against France Asenathi Ntlabakanye (Lions) — Banned for 18 months (until November 2027) for an anti-doping rule violation (testing positive for DHEA) Eddie Jones (Japan) — Suspended for six weeks and banned for four matches for verbal abuse directed at match officials
Controversy Corner
CONTROVERSY CORNER
No major citing decisions or TMO controversies today.