Transfers
Trailfinders Women in England have secured the signing of Georgia Ponsonby, the New Zealand hooker who was part of the Black Ferns' 2022 World Cup-winning squad. She will join them for the 2025–26 season.
In the NRL, Josh Kerr, the Indigenous All Stars forward, is set to rejoin the St. George Illawarra Dragons on a two-year contract starting in 2026. Meanwhile, Bulldogs prop Harry Hayes has extended his stay with a new deal running through 2029. The Rabbitohs have also made a move, bringing in Warriors winger Ed Kosi on a two-year agreement for 2026–27.
Injuries
Taniela Tupou, the Wallabies' tighthead prop, picked up a toe injury during the recent Lions Test. It looks like he will be out for Australia's first Rugby Championship game. Meanwhile, Allan Alaalatoa is still recovering from neck surgery. The veteran prop is aiming to come back later in the tournament, but for now he is not an option. The Wallabies' front-row depth is being tested early in the competition.
Disciplinary Actions
Dan Sheehan, the British & Irish Lions hooker, received a four-Test suspension for a dangerous tackle on Australia's Tom Lynagh during the Lions tour. The ban could be reduced to three matches.
Meanwhile, in the NRL, the Wests Tigers received a formal warning after three of their players were involved in on-field misconduct during Round 22. Separately, winger Brent Naden was handed a breach notice for his behavior after the match on August 3.
Other News
The state of Major League Rugby in the US continues to look uncertain. The Miami Sharks have pulled out, reducing the league to just eight teams following recent exits and mergers. Alan Gilpin, World Rugby's chief executive, has emphasized the importance of a stable professional league in the US, especially with the 2031 Men’s World Cup on the horizon.
Meanwhile, the NRL has released the schedule for the 2025 Pacific Championships, set to take place from October to November. The men’s competition will see Samoa, Tonga, and New Zealand face off, starting with Samoa vs. Tonga in Brisbane on October 26. The finals will be held at Sydney’s Accor Stadium on November 9. On the women’s side, Australia’s Jillaroos will play Samoa on October 26 before taking on New Zealand’s Kiwi Ferns a week later.