The Veldt — Daily Digest

RNZ News

NZ Rugby and Touch NZ join forces in bid to increase player numbers

With over 150,000 New Zealanders playing touch each year, the decision by Touch NZ and New Zealand Rugby to formalise a partnership aims to build a stronger, year-round rugby ecosystem across the country. New Zealand Rugby stated that the venture will "create one of the largest participation footprints in New Zealand sport," connecting the non-contact summer game with junior, school, and club winter rugby. This move solidifies Touch Rugby's status as the official non-contact summer form of the game.

RNZ News

Sailing: Kiwi crew become youngest world champions

Seb Menzies and George Lee Rush have cemented their status as 49er sailing royalty, becoming the youngest world champions in the sport's history following their win at the 2026 49er World Championships in France. Their campaign wasn't pretty, seeing the duo forced into a restart early in the dramatic final race, yet they powered through to claim the world crown after also picking up the European title in Greece last year.

SA Rugby Magazine

Watch: URC Try of the Season nominees

The Bulls, Lions, and Stormers have found themselves in the running for the Vodacom URC Try of the Season award, placing them among a field of ten nominees. This grouping suggests the Vodacom URC is delivering a high volume of memorable attacking moments across the competition. It's going to be a deep and entertaining voting process this year.

SA Rugby Magazine

Keo & Zels: Why South Africa must stay in Champions Cup

Keo and Zels argue that South Africa must maintain its position in the Champions Cup, citing the value of European competition for developing star players. The article, from SA Rugby magazine, promotes the notion that participation in such European tournaments is essential for national development. Despite the passionate plea, the material provided fails entirely to detail the specific tactical or developmental reasons supporting this continued commitment.

SA Rugby Magazine

Lions rocked by Bok blow ahead of Leinster clash

The Lions just can't seem to keep the squad assembled, suffering a massive setback with Springbok scrumhalf Morné van den Berg requiring treatment in South Africa after being subbed off the 24-17 loss to Munster. With key figures like Ruan Venter sidelined and concerns mounting over captain Francke Horn and Henco van Wyk, the Joburg outfit enters their first Vodacom URC playoff appearance battered and wheezing.

SA Rugby Magazine

England call up South African star

Benhard Janse van Rensburg, a 29-year-old Bristol Bears centre, has been called into Steve Borthwick's 42-man training group for the Nations Championship tour, despite only becoming eligible for England on July 8. This residency-based qualification required special dispensation from World Rugby, meaning he will skip the initial clash against the Springboks on July 4, but may debut against Fiji or in a non-cap fixture against a France XV in Vannes on June 19.

BBC Sport

Janse van Rensburg England call-up not right, says Care

Danny Care slammed the selection of Benhard Janse van Rensburg for the England squad, arguing the South Africa-born centre's inclusion is wrong despite his powerful running and hard tackling. Janse van Rensburg, who made a 20-minute appearance for South Africa's under-20s in 2016, is listed as one of four centres in Steve Borthwick's 42-strong training squad.

BBC Sport

Who makes Women's Six Nations team of the championship?

Thirty-nine straight victories in the Women's Six Nations meant England secured an eighth consecutive title and a Grand Slam against France. The Red Roses remain "a cut above the rest," cementing their untouchable status in the tournament. Despite the team's overwhelming quality, the official review noted there were "incredible individual performances" displayed by players wearing colours other than white.

BBC Sport

England call up former 'Baby Bok' Janse van Rensburg

Benhard Janse van Rensburg has been named in the England training squad, signaling Steve Borthwick's clear intent to blood the former South Africa Under-20 centre this summer. Despite a single 20-minute appearance for the 'Baby Boks' in 2016, the RFU successfully appealed to World Rugby last year to ensure his eligibility was not limited to the Springboks.

BBC Sport

Rugby Union Weekly: Was this England’s most impressive Grand Slam?

The Red Roses secured an eighth successive Six Nations title and fifth Grand Slam, a feat that suggests something special even when juggling injuries and absentees. Amid the celebrations, centurion Marlie Packer assured the press that she certainly isn't going to hang her boots up any time soon. While the consensus asks if this makes it England’s most impressive Grand Slam, the mere act of consistently dominating the tournament speaks volumes.

BBC Sport

Defiant England beat France to win fifth consecutive Grand Slam

England wrapped up their fifth straight Grand Slam with a superb, battling display against France in Bordeaux. Despite the title suggesting a blowout, the fixture required a massive effort from the Red Roses to secure the silverware.

BBC Sport

Kildunne races through for try as England take control against France

Ellie Kildunne powered home a try, allowing England to take command against France in the Women's Six Nations title decider. The breakthrough stemmed from tactical brilliance, with Meg Jones capitalizing when France issued a misplaced pass. It was a decisive moment that showcased England's ruthless edge when competing for the championship silverware.

BBC Sport

'Embarrassing Bristol defeat not a great look for the Prem'

Northampton’s 14 tries secured a record 94-33 demolition of Bristol, which many view as a particularly embarrassing loss for the Bears. This kind of scoring output suggests a global trend where attacking play is dominating the game, a trend visible even in traditionally tighter international fixtures. The sheer volume of tries confirms that attacking flair, regardless of league, is the undisputed priority right now.

BBC Sport

What next for Wales after another winless Six Nations?

Wales have now bagged a Wooden Spoon and succumbed to Italy, repeating a pattern of failure that saw the national side lose nine Test matches in a row for the first time in their history. The cycle of defeats is clearly exhausting, especially considering that after last year's dismal Six Nations finale, then captain Hannah Dallavalle warned: "We cannot be in this position again."

BBC Sport

How 'force of energy' Hastings left indelible mark on rugby

Scott Hastings, noted as "A force of energy and positivity," has passed away, marking the end of an era for BBC Sport Scotland. Having been a key figure both on the field and as a television summariser, his impact extended far beyond his playing days. He leaves behind a legacy that defined broadcasting coverage of the sport.

BBC Sport

More to come from Ireland after seeing off Scotland - Bemand

Ireland delivered a punishing 54-5 thrashing of Scotland in Dublin, showcasing an apparent leap in form from just a year prior when Scotland claimed a 26-19 victory in Edinburgh. Scott Bemand stated that 'More to come' from the squad, reflecting the belief that the team's improving quality is far from peaked. The result cemented Ireland's standing as the best of the rest in the 2026 Women's Six Nations, behind England and France.

BBC Sport

Wales call and a new baby - Keddie's dream week

For Dragons forward Harri Keddie, this week was sheer sporting lottery luck, culminating in his selection to the uncapped Wales squad just as he welcomed his second daughter. The back-rower described the milestone timing of the dual event, noting, "It's been a pretty good week to be fair," after receiving the call-up from Steve Tandy while juggling impending fatherhood.

The Guardian

Scott Hastings obituary

The most capped centre in Scotland's history, Scott Hastings, was a key part of the epic 1990 Grand Slam victory over England at Murrayfield, earning a place in the nation's sporting folklore. His name will forever be linked with that of his elder brother Gavin, and he was notably responsible for a defensive tackle on Rory Underwood that secured Scotland's finest ever victory.<channel|>Scott Hastings was the most capped centre in Scotland's history and played a key role in the 1990 Grand Slam victory over England at Murrayfield. His name will forever be linked with his elder brother Gavin, and he helped secure Scotland's finest ever victory with an astonishing tackle from behind on Rory Underwood.

The Guardian

England call up former Junior Springbok for Nations Championship

Benhard Janse van Rensburg, a former South African U20 centre, has been named to the England squad, set to qualify on residency grounds for a possible debut against Fiji on 8 July. This call-up occurs amid further strategic squad management, as England are reportedly considering resting senior players like Itoje. It signals a major roster shuffle for the inaugural Nations Championship as the full squad prepares for action.

The Guardian

Resolve of Red Roses in Six Nations glory should not be overlooked | Robert Kitson

Meg Jones lifted the trophy as England celebrated their eighth successive Six Nations title, a moment of consistent excellence that demands proper recognition. The write-up suggests that concern over England not being sufficiently challenged fails to acknowledge what it takes for such repeated success.

Alesonline Co

Steve Tandy flies to Australia on scouting mission and new Welsh fixtures announced

(No transfer/contract digest item could be generated as the provided article concerns scouting missions and fixtures, not player movements.)

BBC Sport

Baloucoune could feature in Challenge Cup final

Robert Baloucoune (Ulster) — elbow injury, returned to full training ahead of schedule

BBC Sport

O'Brien an injury worry for Leinster before final

Tommy O'Brien (Leinster) — Injury concern for the final after sustaining a knock in training, and he will be further assessed after withdrawing from the matchday squad for the URC win over Ospreys

The Guardian

England play Tetris to build pyramid towards extending global dominance | Sarah Rendell

(No injury or ban information was provided in the article.)

Rugbyrama

XV de France - Le week-end des Bleus : Louis Bielle-Biarrey sonne la révolte mais inquiète, Noah Nene irrésistible

(No injury or ban items could be extracted from the provided article text.)

Sydney Morning Herald

Injury-plagued Wallabies star’s telling update on uncertain future

Tom Lynagh (Queensland Reds) — has endured concussion and hamstring issues since his last Test appearance against Argentina, plus illness and a reoccurring calf tear, with an uncertain comeback timeline.

SA Rugby Magazine

Verdict delivered on Lions ‘spitter’

Diarmuid Barron (Munster) — no disciplinary action taken after alleged spitting incident by Siba Mahashe at a ruck in the 61st minute.