The Veldt — Daily Digest

RNZ News

Crusaders v Chiefs rivalry rings loud as Will Jordan welcomes cowbells

Will Jordan is gearing up for a "heated" confrontation with the Chiefs, openly daring the opposing fans to bring as many cowbells as they can manage for the renewed rivalry clash in Christchurch. Chiefs boss Simon Graafhuis added fuel to the fire by encouraging supporters to ignore the ban on noise-making instruments, even offering prizes for creative smuggling attempts.

SA Rugby Magazine

Foote hails Junior Boks’ maturity

After hammering Chile 97-0 and scoring 15 tries, Junior Boks coach Kevin Foote shifted the conversation away from the massive scoreline, insisting the real achievement was the group's maturity. Foote praised the squad's discipline, stating, “In a game like that, your plan can perhaps get a little loose, but I thought the players managed it well.” For a group that came together late, that level of composure suggests this generation has serious underlying character.

SA Rugby Magazine

Junior Boks simply way too hot for Chile

The Junior Boks delivered an absolute clinic against Chile in Cape Town, racking up a brutal 97-0 scoreline in the U20 International Series encounter. It was a masterclass in attack, featuring 15 tries and a commanding 52-0 lead at the break. The sheer depth of their attacking threat was evident when fullbacks Alzeadon Felix and left wing Lindsey Jansen initiated a devastating counter that saw Jayden Brits cross the line.

SA Rugby Magazine

Lions could miss out on Champions Cup

The Lions' seventh-place finish on the Vodacom URC log means nothing if the EPCR Challenge Cup winner takes a berth in the Champions Cup. According to EPCR regulations, the Challenge Cup champion automatically qualifies for next season's premier European competition, regardless of their domestic standing. This bureaucratic loophole means the winner of the second-tier tournament removes one of the domestic league's eight allotted spots, creating an unexpected threat to the squad coach Ivan van Rooyen is managing.

SA Rugby Magazine

Rassie: Boks have spread the net

Rassie Erasmus stated that the Boks’ recent alignment camps ensured "everyone received a fair start" ahead of the 2026 season. With over 60 players attending the final in-person camp in Cape Town, the primary goal was clear: integrate young players and those unfamiliar with the system. This careful development process, featuring strategy sessions and gym work, suggests the coaching staff is building a truly comprehensive squad, not just prepping favorites.

SA Rugby Magazine

Ulster drop Saffa star for Challenge Cup final

Werner Kok, despite scoring a hat-trick and starting Ulster's final URC game, has been dropped from the Challenge Cup final against Montpellier, making way for Robert Baloucoune's first start for the club. The move is a shock given Kok's late fine form, but Ulster are heading to Bilbao for the final on Friday night.

BBC Sport

Freeman nominated for Prem and England men's awards

Tommy Freeman is locked in for major hardware, receiving nominations for the Prem and England men's player of the season awards. The 25-year-old Northampton Saints star has racked up 17 tries in 16 games, putting him in the running for the England award alongside Ollie Chessum, Joe Heyes, and Ben Earl.

BBC Sport

'More appetite' to invest in Prem rugby says Gloucester owner

St Quinton claims there is "more appetite" to invest in the Prem now that relegation has been officially scrapped, suggesting structural stability might finally inject the capital rugby needs. The abolition of promotion and relegation from the 2026-27 season means clubs will now have to apply to join the league, fundamentally changing the operational landscape. This shift is already evident, as Bath secured major investment from Sir James Dyson and Exeter Chiefs approved a takeover by Black Knight.

BBC Sport

Balogun's journey to England debut after cancer diagnosis

On November 4, 2022, Christiana Balogun ran out for the England Red Roses during the Women's Six Nations win against Italy, marking her international debut on the day she finished her final round of chemotherapy after being diagnosed with burkitt lymphoma. Balogun stated to BBC Points West that "The IV chemo was the biggest thing... after that finished I was like, 'OK let's go, we're on the home straight now'," showcasing the sheer resilience required to return to elite sport.

BBC Sport

Leinster's complicated history with Champions Cup

Leinster's drought extends to four consecutive losses in the Champions Cup final, a dubious streak that includes three straight defeats from 2022-2024. They are back in Bilbao, the site of their 2018 triumph, hoping to break the pattern against a star-studded Bordeaux side.

BBC Sport

Tuima to leave Quins after seven years

After seven seasons of service, Lagi Tuima is leaving Harlequins, a career run that saw her accumulate 107 appearances and score 381 points for the club. She was instrumental to the 2021 Premier 15s title, kicking the four penalties needed to beat Saracens at Kingsholm. Head coach Ross Chisholm stated that "Lagi is a player who will forever be remembered at Harlequins."

BBC Sport

Bedford Blues 'ripe for investment' - Rayer

According to Blues stalwart Mike Rayer, Bedford Blues are "ripe for investment," suggesting the club's potential far outstrips its current status as the last remaining part-time operation in rugby union's Champ play-offs. Rayer stated to BBC Look East that the board would welcome significant investment and effort to push the club forward. The Blue heartlands will be hosting Coventry in the semi-finals on Friday night, 19:45 BST, fighting for a spot in the final on May 31.

Rugbyworld

The 12 greatest players in European Champions Cup rugby history, according to Rugby World

Leinster and Bordeaux Bègles face it all again on Saturday, May 23, in Bilbao for the European Champions Cup final. It’s wild to think this premier club competition has come a long way since it began on October 31, 1995, when just 3,000 spectators witnessed Toulouse beat Romania’s Farul Constanţa 54-10. The sheer scale of growth, from those early days to today's spectacle, speaks volumes about the quality of European club rugby.

Alesonline Co

What Wales' team to face Fiji should look like after Barbarians experiment

Forget the fluff of the Barbarians experiment; the real calculus for Wales' squad depth arrives with the clash against Fiji. The Test at Cardiff City Stadium, which kicks off the inaugural Nations Cup, provides Steve Tandy with his first clear opportunity to name his strongest available matchday 23. All eyes will be on how he transitions from the pre-build-up fixtures to select the personnel necessary for the massive confrontation with the Pacific islanders.

Alesonline Co

Rugby star's devastating video after MND diagnosis at 30 as legend bursts into tears

Former South Sydney Rabbitohs forward Jai Arrow announced his immediate retirement following the diagnosis of motor neurone disease (MND) at the age of 30. Having last featured in the NRL since September, the emotional revelation marks the sudden end to a professional career.

Alesonline Co

Shane Williams and James Hook to play together again as Wales star becomes coach

The former Wales internationals Shane Williams and James Hook will reunite this summer for a charity match alongside Andy Powell, kitting out at Llanidloes, Powys, on July 2. The trio, who have accumulated over 190 Wales caps and 22 appearances for the British and Irish Lions, are slated to kick off the Heart of Wales 7s series finals weekend. The special fixture is being played to raise money for the Tough Enough To Care mental health charity.

Alesonline Co

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

The national team’s preparation for Fiji’s visit to Cardiff hints at a major strategic pivot, suggesting that the playmaking option which has defined the midfield for the last year is ripe for change. After 17 months marked by "self-immolation and uncertainty," Wales appears to be finally finding a path toward improvement. The shift away from current midfield tactics suggests the management recognizes that systemic structural fixes are necessary to stabilize the state of the game.

Alesonline Co

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

The U14s squad from Ysgol Glantaf have had a monumental run, securing the British Cup, the Welsh Cup, and the Urdd 7s title while also making it to the British rugby league cup final. These achievements provide a needed injection of hope for Welsh rugby, proving the importance of the Welsh-medium high which has successfully trained legends like Nicky Robinson, Rhys Patchell, and Jamie Roberts.

Rugbyrama

UBB - Leinster - Technique. Les raisons pour lesquelles le jeu au sol sera crucial dans la quête de doublé de Bordeaux-Bègles face au Leinster en finale de Champions Cup

Christophe Laussucq's defense has reportedly evolved into "poison" since Yannick Bru took charge, making the tactical struggle between Bordeaux-Bègles and Leinster in the Champions Cup final highly anticipated. For UBB to clinch the coveted double, the article stresses that ground play will be absolutely critical, relying on players like Arthur Retière and Yoram Moefana to execute the crucial ball-carrying skills. Whoever dictates the pace at the breakdown will undoubtedly steal the show in this massive final showdown.

Rugbyrama

UBB - Leinster. "Je remercie les gens qui m’ont insulté" : Lucu évoque ce qu’il a vécu sur ses saisons passées

Heading into the Investec Champions Cup clash with Leinster, UBB captain Maxime Lucu offered a defiant reflection, stating, "Je remercie les gens qui m’ont insulté," or "I thank the people who insulted me." The Basque veteran openly acknowledged the difficult periods he navigated while playing for both UBB and the French squad, framing his past struggles as necessary fuel for his current run.

BBC Sport

Ospreys and Scarlets yet to sign WRU deal

Ospreys — yet to sign the WRU's new Professional Rugby Agreement (PRA) deal, an agreement meant to guarantee their survival until at least 2028.

BBC Sport

Monaghan signs new Gloucester-Hartpury deal

Sam Monaghan — signs new contract with Gloucester-Hartpury to extend her stay into the 2026-27 Premiership Women's Rugby campaign

Alesonline Co

Current Wales international to coach Gavin Henson as new role announced

Sam Costelow — joined Pencoed RFC coaching staff ahead of next season

Alesonline Co

Ospreys chief issues update on Welsh rugby deal as agreement status revealed

Ospreys — yet to sign the latest Professional Rugby Agreement (PRA 25) with the Welsh Rugby Union.

Alesonline Co

English club move for Gatland's surprise call-up and Welsh rugby favourite retires

Lloyd Williams — retires from professional rugby at the end of the season after a career spanning almost two decades.

Alesonline Co

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

Ere Enari — from Hurricanes to the Dragons

Rugbyrama

Info Midol. Transferts – Un international fidjien de rugby à 7 s’est engagé avec Toulon

Apete Narogo — signed with Toulon for several seasons

Rugbyrama

Transferts / Top 14 - Le Stade toulousain poursuit sa vague de prolongations avec Paul Mallez

Paul Mallez — renewed contract with Stade Toulousain until 2029.

BBC Sport

Ex-Wales prop held heart in his hands after life-saving surgery

Rhys Thomas (None) — Suffered heart problems since a minor heart attack in 2006, leading to a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) after a more serious attack in 2012.

Alesonline Co

Banned Eddie Jones defended after footage published and Wales international wins award

Eddie Jones (N/A) — banned for six weeks for verbally abusing match officials during Japan U23's recent tour of Australia

RNZ News

Super Rugby preview: Jordan returns, Cowbell-gate gets a sequel, Aussies scrap for sixth

Will Jordan (Crusaders) — returns from an injury layoff

SA Rugby Magazine

Fit-again duo bolster Blitzboks

Christie Grobbelaar (Blitzboks) — calf injury, Nabo Sokoyi (Blitzboks) — shoulder injury, Zander Reynders (Blitzboks) — shoulder injury