Rugby News Roundup
International Rugby
This past weekend saw a Women’s Rugby World Cup warm-up match in Belfast, where Canada secured a 47–26 victory over Ireland. The Canadians managed to cross the try line seven times, giving them a decent boost ahead of their campaign in England.
Meanwhile, South Africa revealed their 32-player squad for the tournament, with Nolusindiso Booi leading as captain. Fiji also announced their 32-player Fijiana squad, captained by Alfreda Maria. Both teams are set to depart for the World Cup shortly.
In other news, World Rugby has finalized the schedule for the 2025 Rugby Championship. The tournament will begin on August 16, with South Africa taking on Australia and Argentina facing New Zealand in the opening fixtures.
Domestic Rugby
The Airlink Pumas delivered a stunning performance at Loftus Versfeld, overpowering the Vodacom Bulls with a decisive 41–7 victory. Ross Braude, the Pumas' scrumhalf, played a pivotal role in dismantling the Bulls, who had been unbeaten until then. Six tries to one told the story of a match that few saw coming.
Meanwhile, in Potchefstroom, the Free State Cheetahs scraped past the Sharks XV in a tight, defense-heavy contest that ended 7–5. The result halted the Sharks' early momentum and gave the Cheetahs a much-needed boost in the standings.
Over in New Zealand, Tasman Mako dominated Manawatu with a 49–17 win in Nelson. Leicester Fainga’anuku, the All Black, crossed the line twice in the first half, helping his side build a commanding 28–0 lead by halftime. Manawatu managed three tries after the break, but it was never enough to threaten Tasman’s control. The Mako remain unbeaten, while Manawatu will need to reassess before their next outing.
Major League Rugby (MLR) in the U.S. faces ongoing challenges. The league took another hit when San Diego Legion and the Los Angeles team merged operations in early August. Around the same time, New Orleans Gold folded entirely.
Now the Utah Warriors and the newly formed Miami Sharks are scrambling to secure additional funding. Without it, the league could shrink even further. Commissioner Nic Benson suggested that a seven-team MLR might be sustainable if the remaining franchises are financially stable.
It’s a tough situation, especially since both Miami and Utah managed playoff runs this season despite their shaky financial footing. The league’s future remains uncertain, and further contraction seems possible.
Tournament News
World Rugby has announced the schedule for the 2025 Rugby Championship, featuring South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina. The tournament kicks off on August 16, with matches hosted in South Africa and Argentina. These early rounds will mark the beginning of the southern hemisphere's test season.
Meanwhile, France and England have secured their spots in the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup. Qualifying tournaments are still underway in Oceania, Europe, and the Americas to determine the remaining participants.
Player Transfers
The Newcastle Falcons have made some interesting additions to their squad. Jamie Hodgson, the Scottish lock, has signed a one-year deal for the 2025/26 season. They’ve also brought in Amanaki Mafi, the Japanese back-row player, on a similar short-term contract.
There’s talk of another potential signing—Tom Christie, the New Zealand flanker currently with the Crusaders. Rumors suggest this could be part of a larger shift if the speculated Red Bull takeover goes through.
It looks like the Falcons are pushing hard to strengthen their roster before next season kicks off. Whether these moves pay off remains to be seen, but they’re certainly making waves in the recruitment scene.
Injury Updates
The All Blacks have taken a significant hit ahead of the Rugby Championship. Captain and halfback Cam Roigard will not be available for the opening matches due to a stress fracture in his foot—a tough blow for the squad.
Adding to their woes, young halfback Noah Hotham is also likely to miss most, if not all, of the tournament. Injuries at this level always disrupt plans, and the coaching staff will have to rethink their strategy.
With these key players sidelined, opportunities arise for others. Cortez Ratima, among others, could see more minutes in the black jersey. It's a chance for new faces to step up, but losing experienced leaders is never ideal. The depth of New Zealand rugby will be tested early.
Law and Rule Trials
World Rugby and national unions are introducing several experimental law changes for the 2025/26 season. Among the adjustments being tested are faster conversion-kick protocols and a 30-second time limit for setting up lineouts. Officials will also take a firmer stance on breakdown infringements.
Interestingly, the governing body has opted to maintain the current tackle-height rule, keeping it at sternum level rather than lowering it further. Another notable tweak involves uncontested lineouts—teams won’t need to throw straight, and play will continue without resetting.
These modifications are part of broader efforts to streamline match flow and enhance player welfare, particularly in domestic leagues. Some unions may implement additional local trials, though specifics remain under review. The changes reflect an ongoing balancing act between pace and safety in the sport.