International Rugby (Rugby Championship & Laws)
South Africa announced their Rugby Championship squad on August 11, with Manie Libbok taking the fly-half position. Captain Siya Kolisi has been moved to No. 8, while Jesse Kriel slots in at outside centre. Injuries have ruled out Damian de Allende, and Cheslin Kolbe is being rested as a precautionary measure.
The Springboks will open their campaign against Australia at Ellis Park on August 16, aiming for a fifth consecutive victory over the Wallabies. Meanwhile, the Championship kicks off the same day with Argentina hosting New Zealand.
In other squad news, Australia has recalled veteran Nic White from retirement to cover for injured hooker Jake Gordon, as previously reported.
World Rugby has given the green light to test a 20-minute red-card rule in elite competitions, effective from August 1. Under this experimental law, a player sent off for foul play—provided it wasn’t intentional—can be replaced after 20 minutes, allowing the team to return to full strength. However, deliberate foul play will still result in a permanent red card, with no substitution permitted. The trial will be implemented across top-tier competitions, including the Women’s World Cup in England later this year.
The change aims to balance disciplinary measures with competitive fairness, though opinions on its impact remain divided. Some argue it softens the consequences of serious fouls, while others see it as a pragmatic adjustment for the modern game. Either way, the trial period will offer real-world data on whether the rule enhances or disrupts the flow of play.
Women’s Rugby World Cup (2025)
The buildup to the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup has seen teams finalizing their rosters while grappling with last-minute setbacks. Australia faced a significant blow with Charlotte Caslick’s ankle fracture ruling the Olympic sevens standout out of contention. Her replacement, Manu’a Moleka, comes in without prior test experience.
Italy revealed a 32-woman squad featuring considerable experience, with eleven players boasting fifty or more international appearances. Elisa Giordano retains the captaincy. Meanwhile, Wales also opted for a 32-player group, led by co-captains Alex Callender and Kate Williams. Their campaign kicks off against Scotland on August 23, with Branwen Metcalfe, an uncapped 18-year-old centre, among the notable inclusions.
Ireland’s selection features a blend of seasoned players and just one newcomer, hooker Beth Buttimer. Co-captained by Edel McMahon and Sam Monaghan, they open their Pool C fixtures against Japan on August 24. The absence of multiple uncapped players suggests a preference for continuity in their approach. Injuries and squad announcements have already begun shaping the tournament’s narrative.
Premiership / England Rugby
Steve Borthwick, England’s head coach, has selected 25 players for Elite Player Squad contracts as part of the new RFU–Premiership deal. Among them is Henry Pollock, the 20-year-old Northampton flanker, who secured his spot following an impressive season that marked his arrival on the big stage. The list also features the Curry brothers, Ben and Tom, alongside Sale’s Tom Roebuck and back-row forward Tom Willis.
One notable absence is Owen Farrell, the former England captain, who didn’t receive an EPS contract this time around. These contracts ensure financial compensation and central management of sports science and medical support for a core group of players. The selection reflects both emerging talent and established names, though not without some surprises.
Super Rugby Pacific and Club News
The Crusaders, New Zealand’s renowned rugby franchise, have revealed their intention to inaugurate the new Christchurch stadium with a distinctive “Super Round” event scheduled for April 2026. The One New Zealand Stadium, a 25,000-seat venue with a roof, was constructed to replace Lancaster Park, which suffered damage in the earthquakes. This facility will welcome all Pacific teams during the Anzac Day weekend as part of the Super Rugby Pacific competition, marking the return of the single-city “Super Round” format.
In unrelated club developments, the Western Force, an Australian Super Rugby team, have reportedly secured former All Black winger George Bridge for the 2026 season. This signing, however, was confirmed earlier in August.
Currie Cup (South Africa)
The weekend delivered some surprising results in Round 3. Suzuki Griquas dominated Western Province with a convincing 47–17 victory in Kimberley, leaving Province still searching for their first win. Over in Pretoria, the Airlink Pumas pulled off a major upset, overpowering the Vodacom Bulls 41–7. Down in Durban, it was a tight affair as the Toyota Cheetahs narrowly edged the Sharks XV 7–5. Meanwhile, Boland Kavaliers handed the Lions a 29–10 defeat on home turf, halting their strong start to the season.
The standings now see the Pumas, Cheetahs, and Boland tied at 11 points each, all with two wins and a bonus point—separation comes down to points difference. The Griquas sit just behind on 10 points, level with the Bulls and Lions. The Sharks XV managed to get their first point of the campaign, while Western Province remain at the bottom, still winless.
Bunnings NPC (New Zealand)
The second round of matches on August 9–10 saw Bay of Plenty maintain their strong early form with a 39–22 victory over Counties Manukau. Hawke’s Bay edged out Otago in a tight contest, finishing 27–21. Elsewhere, Wellington secured a 35–24 win against Waikato, while Taranaki dominated North Harbour 46–24. Tasman Mako put in a convincing performance, defeating Manawatu 49–17. Canterbury narrowly overcame Auckland in a low-scoring affair, 19–15. These results are already shaping the early standings in New Zealand’s provincial championship.
Women’s International Matches
The recent women’s test matches saw some decisive outcomes. Canada managed to edge out Ireland with a 47–26 victory, while Fiji secured a comfortable 31–12 win against Samoa. Over in Europe, Italy handled Japan with a 33–15 result, and England delivered a dominant performance against France, finishing 40–6. These matches served as preparation ahead of the upcoming World Cup.
The games varied in intensity, with some teams clearly asserting their dominance early on. England’s lopsided win over France stood out, though Italy and Canada also showed strong form. Fiji’s performance against Samoa was solid, if not as flashy. These warm-ups gave a glimpse of what to expect when the tournament kicks off.