The Veldt — Daily Digest

RNZ News

Rugby: Hurricanes star Ruben Love not getting caught up in All Blacks hype

Love put on a commanding performance for the Hurricanes, helping them secure a 47-24 victory over the Blues at Eden Park. Despite the inevitable noise about the All Blacks No 10 jersey, the Palmerston North product insists his focus is solely on the Hurricanes winning, proving that some players are far too mature to get caught up in the pre-game hype.

RNZ News

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

Touch New Zealand and New Zealand Rugby have cemented a partnership aimed at creating a stronger "year-round rugby ecosystem," linking non-contact summer Touch to winter junior and club rugby. This alliance, which recognizes Touch Rugby as the official non-contact summer form of the game, aims to increase participation numbers across all forms of the sport.

SA Rugby Magazine

SA-raised coach to help England unlock Boks

Borthwick calling a coach an "excellent addition to our coaching group" confirms that Byron McGuigan, the Namibia-born, South Africa-raised former Scotland centre, has settled into England's coaching structure. McGuigan's new permanent role overseeing collision skills, the aerial contest, and the back three suggests England is serious about depth, relying on his detailed understanding of the game and the energy he brings.

SA Rugby Magazine

Bilbao set for clash of the rugby titans

Leinster is under massive pressure to secure a fifth Investec Champions Cup title in Bilbao, needing the win to bridge the gap toward rugby immortality and Toulouse's six European trophies. This sold-out clash pits the Irish giants against Bordeaux Bègles, offering the chance for redemption for a team that has lost four finals since their last victory in the cup.

SA Rugby Magazine

SA duo eye Euro glory with Ulster

Montpellier faces a challenging assignment in the EPCR Challenge Cup final as they take on Ulster at San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao. The French side enters the game chasing a massive third title, having previously lifted the trophy in the 2015-16 and 2020-21 seasons, even as they sit second on the French Top 14 log. For Ulster, the stakes are even higher, representing a major trophy bid in 20 and marking their first European final appearance in 14 years.

SA Rugby Magazine

Rassie receives Order of Ikhamanga

Rassie Erasmus was honoured with the National Order of Ikhamanga in Gold, a massive national accolade recognizing his career impact. The award citation specifically credited his "inspirational leadership in national and international rugby that has propelled the Springboks to repeated Rugby World Cup championships," treating on-field victory as a major contributor to social cohesion. This latest national recognition cements the notion that world rugby success is viewed as a critical element of modern South African esteem.

BBC Sport

'My job is to build best team' - Borthwick on Janse van Rensburg pick

"My job is to build best team" was the defense offered by Steve Borthwick regarding the selection of South Africa-born centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg. Despite criticism, including from former England scrum-half Danny Care, Borthwick insists his mandate is simply to select the most talented English squad regardless of background. Janse van Rensburg, who previously represented the South Africa under-20s, is currently at an England training camp, working toward the residency required for a debut this July.

BBC Sport

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

England cemented their status as the global superpower with a Grand Slam-securing victory over France, achieving their 39th consecutive win in the Women's Six Nations. That incredible winning run marks a historic eight consecutive titles for the Red Roses. The tournament acknowledged the collective might of the English side, though the BBC reported standout individual performances from players wearing other colours.

The Guardian

Scott Hastings obituary

Scotland's most capped centre, Scott Hastings, cemented his legendary status as a defensive bulwark when he secured Scotland's finest-ever victory during the epic 1990 Grand Slam. His stunning tackle on Rory Underwood was a defining moment that played a key role in the country's historic win over England at Murrayfield. Hastings' name will forever be linked to that great era and his brother, Gavin.

Rugbyworld

Women’s Six Nations: Everything you need to know including 2026 results and 2027 fixtures

England secured their 22nd championship and eighth consecutive title in the Women's Six Nations, confirming their continued dominance. While France finished as runners-up once again, Ireland were best of the rest, while Scotland and Wales struggled, sharing only one victory between them.

Rugbyworld

Nations Championship 2026: Format, fixtures and all need to know about the new bi-annual global rugby competition

The new Nations Championship is packing a serious punch, stacking the field with 12 top nations including the six European teams—England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales—alongside the established Rugby Championship sides of New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and Argentina. This ambitious bi-annual tournament will kick off in July 2026, providing crucial competitive filler during the summer and autumn international calendar gaps, and promising action in both July and November.

Alesonline Co

Today's rugby news as Steve Borthwick storm erupts and verdict reached on sick accusation

Danny Care slammed the inclusion of South Africa-born Benhard Janse van Rensburg in England's summer training squad, stating the selection “doesn’t sit right.” This critique immediately throws Steve Borthwick under the spotlight, adding to the growing firestorm surrounding the England setup.

Alesonline Co

The Welsh rugby awards: Best player, worst signing and biggest mess

Carre concluded the Six Nations as Wales' top try scorer, which stands out as a notable highlight amid a severely challenging 2025/26 season for Welsh rugby. While the sport has been overshadowed by financial uncertainty and off-field turbulence across the union, the campaign still delivered moments, such as Cardiff's successful run through the United Rugby Championship play-offs. Ultimately, the league's ongoing struggle remains the central narrative, making the individual successes feel both brilliant and heartbreaking.

Rugbyrama

Champions Cup - En statistiques, pourquoi l'UBB est la grandissime favorite de la finale face au Leinster

Leinster faces a massive mountain of expectation in the Champions Cup final, having lost four consecutive times in the tournament's biggest match. Statistical analysis suggests that UBB, captained by Maxime Lucu, is currently in an unstoppable run, dominating nearly every sector of play. While Leinster seeks redemption, Bordeaux-Bègles boasts an irresistible momentum that opponents will struggle to overcome.

Rugbyrama

Champions Cup - "Je l’ai toujours trouvé meilleur au centre qu’à l'aile" : Damian Penaud, ce treize porte-bonheur

Damian Penaud returned to his preferred position, the 13, after Nicolas Depoortere’s injury, a spot where he previously won a Top 14 final with Clermont in 2017. He stated, "Je l’ai toujours trouvé meilleur au centre qu’à l'aile" (I have always found him better at centre than at wing), praising the impact of this specific number on the squad.

Rugbyrama

Champions Cup - "C'est leur stratégie contre notre créativité", estime Matthieu Jalibert avant la finale de Champions Cup entre l'UBB et le Leinster à Bilbao

The Champions Cup final showdown between UBB and Leinster in Bilbao is shaped by pre-game tension, with opener Matthieu Jalibert suggesting the fixture will be a battle of styles, stating, "It is their strategy against our creativity." The French skipper clearly sees Leinster's rigid plan as the primary threat, contrasting it with Bordeaux-Bègles' inherent flair, setting up a high-stakes clash of tactics for the big day.

Rugbyrama

"Je ne sais pas si je reviendrai dans le rugby, Didier Retière, nouveau directeur technique de la fédération de tennis, un homme entre deux mondes

“I don't know if I will return to rugby,” qui stated Didier Retière, a former pillar associated with Racing 92, highlighting the surreal nature of his career shift. The rugby warrior has seemingly hung up the boots and traded the pitch for the tennis court, accepting the post of national technical director for the French Tennis Federation. It's a wildly improbable transition for a man known for his toughness, showing the sports world that retirement isn't the end of the line—just a bizarre change of sport.

Rugbyrama

Champions Cup - UBB : Louis Bielle-Biarrey s'est entraîné, optimisme pour Adam Coleman

Adam Coleman, who was seen limping after the UBB victory against Perpignan, managed to attend the Ceva Campus for an individualized program despite his injury status. While pillar Matis Perchaud's participation in the Champions Cup final against Leinster remains in question, international winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey was at least back on the training pitch Tuesday. The squad's status is a messy story, but the effort to keep the key international players fit speaks volumes.

Rugbyrama

XV de France - Impressionnant en Top 14, Alldritt va-t-il retrouver l’équipe de France ?

Grégory Alldritt, previously a mainstay in Fabien Galthié’s system, is currently putting in a dominant performance for La Rochelle in the Top 14. His powerful return to form suggests that the expectation for the fly-half to reintegrate with the French national team has rapidly shifted from speculative theory to inevitable reality.

Rugbyrama

Champions Cup - Matis Perchaud forfait pour la finale et pour la fin de la saison en raison d’une blessure au genou

Left prop Matis Perchaud is sidelined for the rest of the season and the Champions Cup final after sustaining a serious knee injury against Perpignan. This crippling setback is a devastating blow for Union Bordeaux-Bègles, stripping the Girondins of critical depth just days before their clash with Leinster. The injury fundamentally changes the narrative for the squad, raising serious questions about their chances in the final whistle.

The Guardian

Borthwick delays call on resting Itoje until final England squad announced in June

Maro Itoje — possibly rested for parts of England's summer Nations Championship squad until the final England squad is announced in June

Alesonline Co

Wales star released in mass exodus and Lions legend dumbfounded by decision

WillGriff John — released by Sale Sharks

Alesonline Co

32 players leave Welsh regions after raft of announcements

32 players — leaving Welsh regions at the end of the current campaign

Alesonline Co

Sequel to beloved Welsh rugby movie Grand Slam announced

Mike Bubbins — set to write a sequel to the beloved Welsh rugby film The Grand Slam alongside Steve Speirs

Rugbyrama

Transfert. Top 14 - Thibaud Flament prolonge à son tour au Stade toulousain

Thibaud Flament — Extended contract at Stade toulousain for three seasons

Sydney Morning Herald

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

Tom Lynagh (Queensland Reds) — battled concussion and hamstring issues since last Test appearance against Argentina; recovering from reoccurring calf tear, uncertain of comeback timeline.

RNZ News

Super Rugby: Cowbell wars re-ignite ahead of Crusaders-Chiefs clash

Crusaders (Clubs) — Ban imposed by chief executive Colin Mansbridge, who stated, "There ain't no room to swing a bloody big cowbell and take out the person sitting in the seat beside you."

SA Rugby Magazine

Watch: ‘We’ve missed him a lot’

Two key players (Stormers) — returning before the Vodacom URC quarter-final against Cardiff.

SA Rugby Magazine

Returning stars boost Junior Boks

Vusi Moyo (Sharks) — returned after Vodacom URC debut Luan Giliomee (Sharks) — missed Rugby Championship through injury Siphosethu Mnebelele (Bulls) — missed Rugby Championship through injury Kai Pratt (Sharks) — recovered from injury Vuyo Gwiji (Lions) — recovered from injury Pieter van der Merwe (Bulls) — recovered from injury Christian Vorster (Bulls) — recovered from injury