Rugby Union (International and Club News)
The IRFU has opted to keep its "below-sternum" tackle-height regulation for the 2025–26 season. Early findings suggest the rule has reduced injury rates, particularly head and concussion incidents. David Nucifora, the new IRFU chairman, pointed to preliminary data from the past two seasons as evidence. While World Rugby continues to assess the trial, Ireland—alongside England and Scotland—will maintain the lower tackle height in domestic competitions.
Meanwhile, Rugby Australia’s CEO Phil Waugh dismissed rumors that Australia might be excluded from future Lions tours, confirming that the Lions will return in 2037. He also announced a significant shift in selection policy, with coach Joe Schmidt now free to pick overseas-based players without restriction. The previous "Giteau Law" limitations have been abandoned, making selections purely merit-based. Still, the priority remains building a competitive Wallabies squad.
The rugby world saw some notable player movements this week. George Bridge, the former All Blacks winger, has signed a two-year contract with Australia’s Western Force, marking his return from a spell in France. He will be filling the spot left by Wallabies speedster Harry Potter. Meanwhile, in England, there was surprising news about Louis Rees-Zammit walking away from the NFL to return to rugby union—though that development falls just outside our coverage window.
On the injury and retirement front, Australian rugby took an unexpected hit. Dave Porecki, the 31-year-old veteran hooker, has called time on his career just weeks after making a comeback into Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies squad. Porecki cited family commitments as the driving force behind his decision, adding that after his brief return to Test rugby, the timing felt right to step away. It’s a quiet but significant exit for a player who had only just rejoined the fold.
Rugby Union (Club News)
Leicester Tigers have confirmed significant changes to their staff structure. On August 5, the Premiership club announced that General Manager Richard Wilks had departed after four years. CEO Andrea Pinchen acknowledged Wilks’ contributions, particularly in shaping the squad that secured championship success, though she noted his responsibilities will be reassigned rather than filled by a direct replacement.
In another development, the club appointed Dan Cole—a veteran with 121 England caps and 388 appearances for Leicester—as the new Recruitment & Retention Manager. Cole will collaborate with incoming head coach Geoff Parling to ensure cohesion between the senior squad and academy pathways. This move is part of a broader restructuring of the club’s recruitment strategy.
In a separate but notable update, Louis Rees-Zammit has decided to return to rugby union after an 18-month stint in the NFL. The Cardiff-born winger, known for his blistering pace, had been linked with a potential switch to rugby league. However, reports from Reuters on August 1 confirmed his intention to resume his union career, likely in either England or Scotland. His return will undoubtedly bolster the sport’s backline options.
Rugby League News
The NRL injury list keeps growing, and it’s not looking good for some teams. Wayde Egan, the Warriors’ starting hooker, is out for the season with a shoulder injury. That’s a massive blow for them. Over at the Broncos, Xavier Willison broke his forearm during the August 3 match and required surgery. He is facing eight weeks on the sidelines.
Then there’s Herbie Farnworth from the Dolphins. He pulled his hamstring in the same round of matches and is out for at least a month—a tough break for such a key player. On a slightly brighter note, Chanel Harris-Tavita is back for the Warriors after recovering from a calf issue.
As for the officiating drama, the Panthers have been hit with a $50,000 fine, and their trainer, Corey Bocking, was suspended for five games. He ran directly in front of Jayden Campbell while the Titans player was lining up a kick, a clear violation of the rules. The NRL called it unnecessary interference. Ivan Cleary admitted it was a mistake, but that doesn’t change the fact that it happened. Incidents like this only add to the frustration surrounding officiating this season.
The York Knights, currently leading the Championship, have made a mid-season addition to their squad. They have signed Australian half-back Harry Fraser on a short-term contract running through the end of the season.
Fraser, 22, arrives from Newcastle in Australia. The Knights’ coach expressed optimism about the signing, calling him a young player with plenty of drive. There is an expectation that he could make an impression on supporters once he gets some game time.
With York sitting at the top of the table, this move comes at an important moment. They are heading into a challenging stretch of fixtures in August that could define their season.