Rugby Union
Australia 22–12 British & Irish Lions (Third Test, Sydney): The Wallabies managed to secure a victory in the decisive Test held in Sydney, effectively halting the Lions' attempt to complete a clean sweep of the series. Dylan Pietsch got Australia on the board early, while Max Jorgensen and Tate McDermott contributed with tries in the latter half. On the Lions' side, Jac Morgan and Will Stuart were the only players to cross the line.
The game itself was far from smooth. A lightning storm and torrential rain forced a 38-minute delay, disrupting the flow of play. To make matters worse for the Lions, their captain, Maro Itoje, along with several teammates, had to leave the field due to head injuries. It was a tough outing for them, and the conditions only made things harder.
Lions – Player of the Series: Finn Russell earned the Howden Player of the Series honor during the Lions' 2025 tour. He started in all three Tests, playing a crucial role as the Lions took a 2-0 lead. The final match, however, went to Australia. His performances stood out, even in defeat.
Russell’s influence was undeniable. His decision-making and creativity kept the Lions competitive throughout. The last game didn’t go their way, but his contributions were still significant enough to secure the individual accolade.
It’s rare for a player to shine so consistently in such high-pressure matches. The award was well deserved, even if the series didn’t end perfectly.
England (Women) 97–7 Spain (WWC warm-up): The Red Roses delivered a commanding performance in their World Cup warm-up match against Spain, crossing the try line 15 times. Helena Rowland stood out with a hat-trick, showcasing her sharp finishing on the wing. However, the victory was slightly marred when captain Marlie Packer received a red card for a high tackle late in the game, leaving her to face disciplinary proceedings ahead of the World Cup. Head coach John Mitchell acknowledged the team’s strong showing but noted Packer’s clear remorse over the incident. The situation leaves some uncertainty as the squad prepares for the tournament.
Scotland (Women) 21–27 Ireland (WWC warm-up): The women’s warm-up match between Ireland and Scotland ended with Ireland securing a 27-21 victory. The game took a concerning turn when Scotland's hooker, Lana Skeldon, sustained a significant head injury in the first half. She had to be stretchered off the field following a collision. Scotland had been in control early on, leading 14-0, but Skeldon's injury seemed to shift the momentum. The incident left a noticeable impact on the flow of the match.
France Women’s RWC 2025 Squad: France has named its 32-player roster for the upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup in England next year. The team will compete in Pool D, facing Italy on August 23, Brazil on August 31, and South Africa on September 7. The selection reflects the coaching staff’s strategy as they prepare for the tournament.
The fixtures present a mix of opponents, each with distinct challenges. Italy has shown steady improvement in recent years, while Brazil and South Africa bring their own strengths to the competition. France’s squad will need to adapt quickly to secure a strong position in the group stage.
The announcement has drawn attention from fans and analysts alike, with discussions already underway about the team’s prospects. The World Cup will be a crucial test for French rugby as they aim to make an impact on the global stage.
Premiership (England) – Transfer: Newcastle Falcons have secured the services of England lock Freddie Clarke on a one-year contract. This marks their third signing in just two days as they prepare for the 2025-26 campaign. At 36, Clarke brings considerable experience to the squad, having recently played a key role in Sale Sharks' Premiership triumph. His arrival adds depth to Newcastle's forward options, though questions remain about how much he has left to offer at this stage of his career. The move feels like a short-term solution rather than a long-term investment—typical of the pragmatic approach often seen in rugby’s twilight careers.
Super Rugby Pacific – Contract: The ACT Brumbies have locked in Tevita Alatini for another two years, keeping the prop in Canberra until 2026. At 125kg, the New Zealand-born forward, who has represented Australia at the U20 level, will continue to add depth to the Brumbies' front row. It’s a solid move for the club, given his physical presence and experience. These extensions always feel like small wins in the grind of squad building.
Rugby League (NRL)
Panthers 30–26 Titans (Golden Point, Round 22): Penrith managed to scrape past Gold Coast in extra time after a tense battle. The Titans looked like they had it wrapped up late in the game, but Nathan Cleary stepped up with a clutch two-point field goal to push it into golden point. Blaize Talagi sealed the deal with the decisive try, capping off a gritty Panthers fightback.
Jayden Campbell was immense for the Titans, racking up 241 metres and breaking 11 tackles—almost single-handedly dragging his team back into contention. But in the end, Penrith just had enough to hang on. It was one of those games where momentum swung wildly, and neither side ever felt truly safe.
Dragons 18–12 Raiders (Round 22): The St George Illawarra Dragons managed to pull off what many would consider an unexpected victory against the league-leading Canberra side at WIN Stadium. Sitting near the bottom of the ladder, the Dragons played with surprising control, particularly through the middle, where experienced forward David Klemmer stood out. Canberra, previously unbeaten this season, finally met their match in a game that defied expectations.
It wasn’t a flawless performance, but the Dragons did enough to disrupt Canberra’s rhythm. Klemmer’s influence in the forward pack was noticeable, helping his team dictate the pace. For Canberra, the loss serves as a reminder that even the strongest sides can stumble. The result leaves questions about whether this was just an off night or a sign of vulnerabilities to come.
Either way, it’s the kind of win that gives a struggling team a bit of belief. And for Canberra, it’s a wake-up call.
Roosters 20–4 Sea Eagles (Round 22): Sydney ground out a hard-fought win against Manly in miserable conditions at 4 Pines Park, with rain and wind making play difficult. Sam Walker controlled the game well from halfback, his kicking proving decisive. The Roosters' defensive effort after halftime was particularly impressive, completely shutting down Manly's attack. This result keeps Sydney's finals chances alive while seriously denting Manly's playoff aspirations.
The match wasn’t pretty, but the Roosters did what they needed to do. Walker's performance stood out, and the team showed real grit when it mattered. Manly will be disappointed—they had opportunities but couldn't capitalize. Sydney just looked more composed under pressure.
Injury Updates (NRL): The Gold Coast Titans have suffered a significant blow with David Fifita sidelined for the rest of 2025 due to a persistent ankle issue. It’s a tough break for the star back-rower and his team.
Meanwhile, Manly's Haumole Olakau’atu won't be returning this season either. He recently aggravated a shoulder injury during Round 21, requiring surgery that effectively ends his campaign.
Losing key players like this late in the season is always a setback. Teams will have to adjust, but injuries are just part of the game.