British & Irish Lions Tour vs Australia
Joe Schmidt acknowledged the loss but pointed to signs of progress under his leadership. He also confirmed that Harry Potter, their star wing, will miss the final match due to a severe hamstring injury. Meanwhile, Aidan Ross, a former All Black now eligible for Australia, has been called up to the squad for the Sydney showdown.
The Lions pulled off a remarkable comeback in Melbourne, overturning a 23-5 deficit to clinch a 29-26 victory and take a historic 2-0 series lead. The Wallabies were left frustrated by a late refereeing decision on a ruck clear-out that paved the way for Hugo Keenan’s decisive try. Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh has indicated he will seek clarification from World Rugby regarding the non-penalty call, though Nigel Owens, a former referee, described it as a textbook play.
New Zealand / All Blacks
Meanwhile, the national squad is dealing with a string of injuries just before the Rugby Championship. Noah Hotham is out for about eight weeks with a high ankle sprain, and Caleb Clarke’s ankle injury will keep him sidelined for six. Tyrel Lomax and Luke Jacobson are also out with hand and thigh issues, respectively.
Scott Barrett, Wallace Sititi, and Tamaiti Williams are working their way back from injuries, but they should be available soon. Still, with the Championship Tests against Argentina coming up, these setbacks aren’t ideal for Scott Robertson’s squad. The depth will be tested.
The All Blacks have let some of their players return to the NPC for the opening round. Players such as Anton Lienert-Brown and Ruben Love will be back with their provincial teams, which should give those sides a boost.
Rugby Championship / SANZAAR
South Africa’s head coach, Rassie Erasmus, has revealed a 37-man squad for the opening two Tests of the Castle Lager Rugby Championship against Australia. The selection, made public on July 23, features key players like captain Siya Kolisi, fly-half Handré Pollard, and winger Cheslin Kolbe. Erasmus also mentioned that the full series will include away fixtures in New Zealand later in September.
Rugby Australia has announced that Tom Donnelly, the former All Black lock with 15 Test caps for New Zealand, will be joining Joe Schmidt’s coaching team as an assistant for the 2025 Rugby Championship. Donnelly is set to take over from Geoff Parling following the Lions tour.
South Africa – Currie Cup
Ulrich Stander, the Griffons’ No. 8, delivered the decisive moment in the second period of extra time with a try that sealed a 51-44 win for the Welkom-based side. It was a tense, hard-fought contest, marking the second year in a row that the First Division final required extra time to determine a champion.
Meanwhile, the Premier Division fixtures continue without interruption.
The NovaVit Griffons pulled off a remarkable upset in South African rugby, claiming the 2025 Currie Cup First Division title. Their victory came after an exhausting battle against the Valke in Kempton Park, where the match stretched into extra time with a 37-37 deadlock at full time.
Premiership Rugby (England)
Leatherbarrow’s development has been noticeable, and the club clearly sees potential in him. At his age, there is still room to grow, and the extension suggests they believe he can become a more influential figure in the squad. Depth in the back row is always crucial, and retaining a player like him makes sense for both the short and long term.
It is a straightforward move, really—a young player showing promise gets more time to prove himself, while the club secures a hardworking option in a key position. No grand statements, just practical squad management.
Newcastle Falcons have confirmed that Ollie Leatherbarrow has extended his stay with the club for another two years. The 21-year-old flanker, who previously represented Scotland at Under-20 level, has made an impression with his relentless work ethic and ability to drive forward with the ball. Falcons officials highlighted his aggressive carrying game, describing it as a real asset. His decision to stay provides valuable reinforcement in the back row, where competition for places remains tight.