Big changes are happening in rugby right now, and Wales just made a major move by bringing in Steve Tandy as their new head coach. He’s taking over from Warren Gatland, which feels like the start of something fresh for Welsh rugby. It’s not just Wales making waves either—Jono Gibbes just landed the top job with the Chiefs over in Super Rugby Pacific. Seems like everyone’s shaking things up these days.
The Welsh Rugby Union just announced that Tandy will be leading Wales into the 2027 World Cup in Australia. He starts on September 1st. The 45-year-old was part of Gatland’s coaching staff during the British & Irish Lions tour a few years back. Now he’s got his work cut out for him, trying to turn things around after Wales finally snapped that brutal 18-game losing streak.
WRU boss Abi Tierney said Tandy was the clear choice after they went through all the candidates. She called it a big deal for their long-term plans. Tandy seems pretty stoked about it too, saying it’s a huge honor. He’s especially excited about working with the younger players coming through the system. The hope is that he can bring fresh energy to the team.
Over in Super Rugby Pacific, the Chiefs just named Jono Gibbes as their new head coach starting in 2026. The former All Black has serious rugby credentials, having coached across Europe with teams like Leinster and Clermont. He’s already been working as an assistant with the Chiefs, so he knows the squad well.
Gibbes is taking over from Clayton McMillan, who’s heading to Ireland to coach Munster. At 48, Gibbes brings plenty of experience and is hungry to deliver a championship with the Chiefs—something McMillan couldn’t quite manage. It’s a logical move: promoting from within, while also drawing on Gibbes’ overseas perspective.
Meanwhile, the British & Irish Lions tour in Australia is heating up. Owen Farrell has been named captain for the next match against the First Nations and Pasifika XV. It’s his first time leading the Lions, and he’ll start at inside center. Coach Andy Farrell said this game is another chance for players to prove they deserve a spot in the last two Tests against the Wallabies. Speaking of the Wallabies, they could get a boost with Will Skelton and Rob Valetini possibly returning from injury before the second Test.
Off the field, World Rugby just called out racist abuse directed at England’s players. They backed up England’s complaint about fans hurling abuse during the match against Argentina in San Juan on July 12th. After reviewing footage and speaking to witnesses, they confirmed the incidents happened but couldn’t identify the culprits. The Argentine Rugby Union says it’s rolling out new measures to improve security and fan education. President Gabriel Travaglini admitted they tried hard to find the individuals responsible, but it was just a handful of troublemakers in the crowd.
In age-grade rugby, the Junior Springboks were crowned world champions after a gritty 23–15 win over New Zealand in Italy. It’s their first title in 13 years, and just like back then, they beat New Zealand in the final. South Africa’s trademark defense proved the difference as they held off relentless pressure. Coach Kevin Foote praised his players for their resilience and for making history.
Player movement continues to shake things up. Uzair Cassiem, the South African number eight, just signed a one-year deal with Oyonnax in France’s Pro D2. Interestingly, he was initially linked with a move to Nice in the Nationale league, but that fell through. Meanwhile, a quirky swap is taking place between Benetton in the URC and the Queensland Reds: four Australians are heading to Treviso for short stints. The biggest name is Josh Flook, who’s off to Italy for three months.
Injury concerns are also grabbing headlines. The All Blacks are anxiously waiting on updates about several key players. In Australia’s NRL, the Rabbitohs suffered a major blow with Keaon Koloamatangi ruled out for the season after ankle surgery.
In England’s Premiership, Leicester’s Adam Radwan claimed the “Try of the Season” award for his incredible effort against Sale Sharks. Out of 729 tries scored this season, his cross-field catch-and-finish stood above the rest.
And in the United States, the New England Free Jacks’ Paula Balekana was named MLR Player of the Year. He racked up 15 tries in 14 games and played a huge role in helping the Free Jacks secure the title.