Match Updates
The domestic NPC competition in New Zealand, sponsored by Bunnings, saw some clear outcomes on August 10. Taranaki delivered a heavy defeat to Tasman, finishing 49–17. Meanwhile, Manawatū managed a narrow victory over Canterbury with a scoreline of 19–15. Bay of Plenty had a solid win against Counties Manukau at 39–22, and Hawke’s Bay secured a tight 27–21 result over Otago.
Over in South Africa’s Currie Cup, Round 3 brought a few surprises. The Pumas dominated the Blue Bulls with a convincing 41–7 win. The Free State Cheetahs scraped past the Sharks in a low-scoring 7–5 affair, while the Boland Kavaliers comfortably beat the Golden Lions 29–10.
Team and Player News
Bath Rugby have made some significant additions to their squad for the 2025–26 season, bringing in five players who should strengthen the team considerably. The club emphasized that these signings bring both quality and international experience, though only time will tell how they adapt.
Over in Newcastle, Jamie Hodgson, the 27-year-old Scottish lock, has signed a one-year deal with the Falcons. His background in European and international rugby could prove useful for a Premiership side looking to solidify their pack.
In other news, Dave Porecki, the Australian hooker known for his time with the Wallabies and Waratahs, has decided to retire. It’s always a tough moment when a player steps away, especially one with his level of experience.
On the flip side, Nic White has reversed his short-lived retirement to rejoin Australia’s Rugby Championship squad. With Jake Gordon sidelined due to injury, coach Joe Schmidt clearly saw White as the right man to step back in. It’s an interesting turn for a player who had only just called time on his career.
The Wallabies have taken a hit with Tom Lynagh ruled out of the South Africa tour after picking up a head injury during the Lions series. Tane Edmed, who hasn’t yet earned a cap, received a surprise call-up to fill the gap.
Over in England’s women’s side, Marlie Packer is sitting out the next match following a dangerous tackle in their warm-up win against Spain. They had a strong showing against France, winning 40–6 on August 9, and are set to face them again in Paris soon.
As for other updates, Brian O’Driscoll’s earlier remarks about Steve Borthwick’s coaching approach made waves, but there hasn’t been anything fresh on that front in the past eight hours.
Tournament Updates
The squads for the 2025 Rugby Championship have been confirmed, with the tournament set to kick off in mid-August. Nic White has been included in the Wallabies' lineup, while both Australia and New Zealand have selected strong squads for their upcoming Tests in South Africa. No matches have taken place yet, so expectations remain open-ended.
Over in Asia, Hong Kong secured their place in the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup after clinching the Asia Rugby Championship in July. The United Arab Emirates, meanwhile, still have a shot through the play-offs. In the Americas, Chile edged past Brazil in June, moving them closer to a final qualifying match against a CONMEBOL side for a chance at the World Cup.
The off-season grind continues across domestic leagues. England’s women are gearing up to face France following their convincing 40–6 victory on August 9. Over in the Southern Hemisphere, Super Rugby Pacific has wrapped up its season, while European club competitions have also reached their conclusion. Most squads are now deep into pre-season preparations, working through drills and fitness sessions as they build toward next year’s campaigns.
The transition period always feels a bit disjointed—some teams are still playing friendlies, while others are already in full training mode. There’s no real rhythm to it, just the slow, methodical work of getting ready for what comes next.
Off-Field Developments
Rugby Australia has made a significant policy shift by abandoning "Giteau’s Law," effectively lifting the ban on selecting overseas-based players for the national team. This move grants selectors unrestricted access to Australia’s top talent, irrespective of their club affiliations abroad.
In a separate development, World Rugby publicly denounced the racial abuse targeting England’s squad during their recent Test match in Argentina. The governing body is collaborating with Argentine rugby officials to implement educational initiatives aimed at curbing such incidents. No additional disciplinary actions have been reported at this stage.
On the commercial front, World Rugby secured a major sponsorship agreement with Unilever, spanning the next three World Cup cycles. Meanwhile, Asahi Super Dry reaffirmed its commitment as a tournament partner through 2029. Both partnerships were formally announced earlier this year.