The Veldt — Daily Digest

RNZ News

Crusaders v Chiefs rivalry rings loud as Will Jordan welcomes cowbells

Will Jordan has thrown down the gauntlet, daring Chiefs fans to arrive in Christchurch bringing as many cowbells as they can carry for what he anticipates will be a "heated" clash. The ensuing chaos was immediately amplified by Chiefs boss Simon Graafhuis, who challenged the crowd to ignore the noise ban and encouraged creative smuggles, stating, "We want to see your most creative smuggling efforts. Hidden in jackets, disguised as emotional support equipment, packed in children's lunchboxes." The rivalry has officially devolved from rugby action into an elaborate, ear-splitting performance art piece.

RNZ News

Sophie Devine fireworks not enough for White Ferns

England cruised to a seven-wicket victory over the White Ferns in the T20 international at Derby, demonstrating a gulf in class that even Sophie Devine's fireworks couldn't mask. Despite the disastrous start and Devine launching a magnificent 45 off 22 balls including four sixes, the New Zealand innings struggled to keep pace with the opposition. This defeat was sealed by Alice Capsey's unbeaten 74, which saw England reach their target with 16 balls to spare.

RNZ News

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

After delivering a commanding performance against Beauden Barrett, the Hurricanes secured a convincing 47-24 win over the Blues at Eden Park. Despite the inevitable spotlight on his playmaking role, Love has dismissed the surrounding noise, insisting that his sole focus is helping the Hurricanes win matches rather than comparing himself to rival first-fives.

SA Rugby Magazine

Junior Boks rotate for Chile

Coach Kevin Foote is undergoing a radical shakeup of the Junior Boks squad for the U20 International Series opener against Chile, meaning only eight players are continuing from the clash with New Zealand. The selection gives the leadership role to former SA Schools A captain Risima Khosa, who will anchor a side featuring props Luan van der Berg and the backs of Jade Muller and Akhahluwa Boqwana.

SA Rugby Magazine

Biggar: Sharks can’t be ‘half-pregnant’

Biggar slammed the idea that the Sharks could credibly champion the Investec Champions Cup while simultaneously fielding weakened sides abroad, pointing directly to the team's recent efforts against the Sale Sharks. While owner Masotti warned, "I will no longer fund the losses if we pull out of the Champions Cup," Biggar insisted that major investment is necessary for South African franchises to participate in the highest profile and most lucrative international competitions. The whole circus highlights the desperate financial scramble attempting to prop up a sport that needs genuine sporting commitment, not just shareholder demands.

SA Rugby Magazine

Race to repair Bok stadium

Despite the efforts to repair the damaged roof at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, full fixes are not anticipated before the Springboks clash with the Barbarians on June 20. The facility's manager, the Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA), has stated that while the structural damage is confined to one section—affecting a tarpaulin and cable on the north side—the overall structure remains sound. Workers have begun clearing the storm damage, but the timeline suggests the stadium will be operating under a cloud of technical uncertainty for the big match.

BBC Sport

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

"My job is to build the best possible England team with whichever players are eligible," stated Steve Borthwick regarding the controversial selection of Benhard Janse van Rensburg. Despite playing for South Africa's U20s, Janse van Rensburg is currently undergoing a three-day England training camp as he completes the five years of residency required for his debut this July. Critics like Danny Care are clearly calling the shots, but Borthwick is making it clear that the focus is simply on assembling the strongest squad, period.

BBC Sport

Ex-Wales and Lions centre Lewis dies aged 84

The man who formed a highly regarded center partnership with John Dawes was Arthur Lewis, a Welsh centre who made his Wales debut during the final game of the 1970 Five Nations against France. Playing for clubs including Crumlin and Ebbw Vale, Lewis notably helped Monmouthshire secure a win against the touring Springboks in 1969.

BBC Sport

Rugby Union Weekly

Steve Borthwick addressed the media following England’s disappointing Six Nations run, dedicating part of his time to justifying the selection of South African-born centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg for the upcoming three-day training camp. The head coach detailed his expectations for Janse van Rensburg, while the accompanying conversation also touched upon the statuses of players like Ollie Lawrence and Max Ojomoh.

BBC Sport

Monaghan hopes landmark day can further inspire Ireland

Sam Monaghan started for Ireland's win against Scotland in Dublin, playing in a historic Women's Six Nations match that saw a massive crowd of almost 32,000 spectators. Claiming third place in the championship, the game was highlighted as a major milestone in the growth of the women's game.

Rugbyworld

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

England closed out the Women's Six Nations 2026 by lifting their 22nd championship, marking an incredible eighth consecutive title run. France, meanwhile, were relegated to runners-up for the second year in a row after losing a decider in Bordeaux. While England dominated, Ireland secured the 'best of the rest' position, followed closely by Italy.

Therugbypaper Co

Courtney Lawes’ Prem performances to be monitored as he targets England comeback

Steve Borthwick has signaled that Courtney Lawes' future England involvement hinges entirely on his upcoming Gallagher Prem performances. Despite being eligible, the 37-year-old flanker, who wrapped up his Brive spell to target a Test return after the 2023 exit, will not be factored into the squad for the Nations' initial phase in July.

Alesonline Co

Steve Tandy drops big clue as selection hints at a complete change

Steve Tandy suggests the national team is at a tipping point, claiming that despite recent self-immolation and uncertainty, "the fortunes of the national team... do appear to be on the cusp of improving." This hints at a significant shift in the squad, possibly signaling a departure from the established playmaking option in midfield that Wales has relied on for the last year and a half.

Alesonline Co

The all-conquering Welsh school beating English sides in rugby union and league

Ysgol Glantaf has swept up silverware, bagging the British Cup, Welsh Cup, and Urdd 7s, while also reaching the British rugby league cup final. Their dominant season stands out as a vibrant counterpoint to the current state of Welsh rugby, offering a much-needed boost of optimism.

Alesonline Co

Lawrence Dallaglio's plight continues and luckless Wales star suffers fresh blow

The spectacle of Lawrence Dallaglio's downfall continues, as the former England captain has seen his bankruptcy extended for yet another three months. The 2003 Rugby World Cup winner now faces a new insolvency hearing in August, continuing his struggle with debts owed in the hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Alesonline Co

The big Welsh rugby survey: Have your say on all the big issues and what must happen now

With Richard Collier-Keywood set to depart later this year, the Welsh rugby establishment is drowning in uncertainty, ensuring the sport's future is far from clear. While four professional teams will remain for the moment, the Welsh Rugby Union still keeps a radical structural reduction on the agenda, floating options that could see the game move down to three or even two professional teams. The constant corporate churn suggests that stability remains an ambition yet to be achieved.

Alesonline Co

Wales and Lions great Arthur Lewis dies as tributes pour in

Arthur Lewis, the Wales centre who finished his career with 11 caps and a remarkable red jersey record, has died at the age of 84. Having debuted during a Five Nations victory over France in 1970, Lewis spent years forming a powerful centre partnership with John Dawes and scoring his sole country try against England in 1973. He leaves behind a legacy as a true club legend, having helped his side secure nine victories while only suffering two losses.

Alesonline Co

WRU make announcement as former BBC man appointed in new role

Ashok Ahir, formerly BBC Wales' head of politics, has secured the newly-created post of director of corporate affairs for the Welsh Rugby Union. This move sees Ahir joining the WRU after previous roles including director of communications for the Wales Office and deputy director of communications with the UK Cabinet Office.

Alesonline Co

Devastated rugby star forced to retire at 30 after MND diagnosis

Jai Arrow has been forced into immediate retirement from rugby following a motor neurone disease (MND) diagnosis. The 30-year-old forward, who last played in the National (NRL) back in September, also represented the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Brisbane Broncos, and Gold Coast Titans during his decade-long career.

Rugbyrama

Pro D2 - Les pronos pour les barrages : match indécis entre Provence Rugby et Brive, Oyonnax favori ?

The Pro D2 final phase kicks off Thursday evening with a playoff between Oyonnax and Romans. While Oyonnax are tipped as favorites, the source mentions a 'match indécis' (undecided match) between Provence Rugby and Brive.

The Guardian

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

Maro Itoje — call delayed until final England squad announced in June

Alesonline Co

Welsh team make statement signing as All Blacks legend's nephew joins from Super Rugby giants

Ere Enari — joined Dragons from Hurricanes

Alesonline Co

Wales international signs deal and rising Welshman grabs three awards

Shane Lewis-Hughes — signed a new deal with the Dragons

Alesonline Co

The inside track on Welsh rugby as power struggles, stalled deals and financial uncertainty deepen

Welsh Rugby Union — confirmed professional game remains a four-region model for at least the next two seasons, with long-term ambition to reduce to three professional sides.

Rugbyrama

Transferts. Top 14. Toulouse : Thomas Ramos, Anthony Jelonch, Emmanuel Meafou… Toulouse va poursuivre les discussions avec les cadres de son vestiaire

Thomas Ramos, Anthony Jelonch, Emmanuel Meafou — Toulouse to continue discussions with key players on contracts expiring in June 2027.

Rugbyrama

Transferts. Top 14. Wame Naituvi (Racing 92) prolonge son bail jusqu’en 2028

Wame Naituvi — remains at Racing 92 until 2028

Rugbyrama

Transferts. Top 14/Pro D2 - Hayam El Bibouji prêté une saison de plus à Vannes

Hayam El Bibouji — loan extended for next season between Section paloise and RCV Vannes

RNZ News

Injury rules Catherine Hall out of ANZ Premiership, Commonwealth Games in doubt

Catherine Hall — ruled out of the rest of the ANZ Premiership season due to injury, with Commonwealth Games prospects in serious doubt

RNZ News

Sevens star Michaela Brake to make Black Ferns return

Michaela Brake — signed a new contract with New Zealand Rugby to the end of 2027.

RNZ News

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

Cowbell ban (Crusaders) — Following the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific final, Crusaders chief executive Colin Mansbridge imposed a ban on the prop, stating, "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

JK: All Blacks will fake injury to pick Richie

Richie Mo’unga (N/A) — Currently ruled out of the Nations Championship matches in July and Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour in August and September because he must first play NPC rugby for Canterbury before becoming eligible again.