International & Club Match Highlights
The British & Irish Lions took a decisive 2–0 series lead in Australia after a tense second Test that came down to the wire. Hugo Keenan’s last-minute try secured a 29–26 win, leaving no doubt about the outcome before the final match in Sydney.
Elsewhere in the June/July internationals, England dominated Argentina with a 2–0 clean sweep, while New Zealand overpowered France 3–0. South Africa handled Italy comfortably with a 2–0 result, and Wales had a mixed series, splitting 1–1 with Japan. These matches wrapped up the mid-year tests just before the Rugby Championship kicks off in August.
In South Africa’s Currie Cup opener, Boland Kavaliers narrowly edged the Cheetahs 37–35 in a high-scoring affair. The Vodacom Bulls were ruthless against Western Province, winning 48–23, while the Fidelity ADT Lions crushed the Sharks 46–5. The Airlink Pumas also had a strong start, defeating Griquas 49–28. The next round of fixtures is scheduled for early August.
Player Transfers & Injuries
The transfer market saw several notable moves this week. George McGuigan is heading back to Newcastle Falcons, signing a one-year contract. Over at Sale Sharks, Tadgh McElroy secured another one-year deal to stay with the club. Max Green will be returning to Harlequins for the upcoming season. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors made a solid addition by signing Ottavio Tuipulotu, the brother of Scotland's Sione Tuipulotu, on a two-year deal.
Down in the Southern Hemisphere, the Western Force picked up New Zealand halfback Nathan Hastie for two years. The Crusaders, fresh off their Super Rugby title, have committed to head coach Rob Penney until 2026.
In international news, Nic White, the Wallabies scrum-half, has confirmed he’ll retire from Test rugby after the Lions series finale on August 1. At 35, he’ll bow out with his 73rd cap in what should be a fitting send-off. White plans to step away from professional rugby entirely by the end of 2025.
The Wallabies have suffered some significant injury setbacks ahead of the third Lions Test. Rob Valetini, who delivered an outstanding performance in the second Test, won't be available due to ongoing issues with his calf. Meanwhile, prop Allan Alaalatoa picked up a shoulder injury during the series that looks likely to keep him sidelined for the remainder of the season. Coach Joe Schmidt didn't mince words when discussing Alaalatoa's absence, calling it a major loss for the team.
These injuries come at a difficult time, disrupting the squad's momentum. Valetini's absence in particular leaves a noticeable gap, given how influential he was in the previous match. The team will have to adjust quickly if they hope to compete effectively in the decider.
Coaching & Management News
The Crusaders have extended Rob Penney's contract through 2026, a clear acknowledgment of his success in securing the Super Rugby Pacific title. It's a pragmatic move, rewarding proven performance rather than chasing uncertain alternatives.
Meanwhile, Joe Schmidt found himself explaining his selection choices for the Wallabies, including Nic White. These decisions always draw scrutiny, and his justifications likely won't silence all critics.
Elsewhere, coaching changes have been quiet—no significant hirings or firings made headlines, just the usual contract extensions that keep the coaching carousel turning at its usual, predictable pace.
Off-Field & Disciplinary Issues
The Lions' late try in Melbourne sparked some heated debate. Australian Rugby CEO Phil Waugh called for World Rugby to take responsibility for the refereeing call. The incident involved Lions flanker Jac Morgan's clear-out on Wallaby Carlo Tizzano—while some argued it warranted high-contact penalties, the TMO let it stand after review.
Nigel Owens, the former referee, weighed in publicly, describing the clear-out as textbook and free of foul play. World Rugby eventually sided with the officials, confirming no disciplinary action would follow.
On the disciplinary front, things have been quiet—no new suspensions or rulings in the past eight hours. Worth noting, though, is that red-card incidents from the U20 World Championship were referred to Foul Play Committees back on July 10, but those cases are from earlier in the month.
Tournament Announcements & Schedules
The 2025/26 Premiership Rugby Cup fixtures have been announced. Bath Rugby, the defending champions, will face Exeter in their opening match on September 20—a rematch of last season's final. The tournament's pool stage kicks off on September 12 with Gloucester taking on Exeter and runs through January 2026.
Meanwhile, World Rugby has unveiled the schedule for the expanded 2025 Pacific Nations Cup, set to run from August 22 to September 20. Six teams—Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Canada, Japan, and the USA—will compete in a new two-pool format, culminating in knockout finals. The tournament serves as a key stepping stone toward the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
In women’s rugby news, USA Rugby has confirmed a 40-player training camp in Maryland ahead of final squad selection for the 2025 Women’s World Cup. The official 32-player roster will be revealed at a gala event on July 17.