Rugby Union – International
The All Blacks have unveiled their squad for the upcoming Rugby Championship. Simon Parker, a flanker from the Waikato Chiefs, has received his first call-up to the national side. On the injury front, Cam Roigard, the starting scrumhalf who played in the recent Tests against France, will not be available for the opening matches due to a stress fracture in his foot. New Zealand’s campaign begins with back-to-back fixtures against Argentina—first in Córdoba on August 16, followed by a clash in Buenos Aires a week later.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s head coach, Rassie Erasmus, has named a 37-man squad for their two Rugby Championship Tests in Australia. The selection raised a few eyebrows, with World Cup veterans Faf de Klerk, Lukhanyo Am, and Makazole Mapimpi left out entirely. Jasper Wiese, the No. 8, is also missing as he serves a suspension. Erasmus stressed the importance of depth, stating the squad was structured with three players earmarked for each position ahead of the tournament.
The Wallaroos have named their 32-player squad for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup. Charlotte Caslick, an Olympic sevens champion, made the cut despite undergoing ankle surgery just last month. There are concerns over fitness, with prop Brianna Hoy and captain Siokapesi Palu also carrying injuries but still included in the squad. Australia, currently ranked eighth, wrapped up their preparations with a convincing 36–5 victory over Wales. Their World Cup campaign kicks off on August 23 in Pool A, where they will face Samoa, the USA, and England.
Meanwhile, British & Irish Lions hooker Dan Sheehan has been handed a four-match ban, which could be reduced to three, after World Rugby ruled his dangerous “charging” hit on Australian substitute Tom Lynagh in the final Test reckless. An independent disciplinary committee classified the incident as mid-range, justifying the suspension. Sheehan accepted the decision, but the ban means he will miss four club matches—three in the United Rugby Championship and a Leinster friendly.
England’s women’s rugby team will be without Marlie Packer for their upcoming match against France on August 9. The flanker received a red card during a World Cup warm-up game against Spain after a dangerous tackle, in which she landed on an opponent’s legs.
A disciplinary panel reviewed the incident and deemed the tackle reckless, though they reduced her suspension to just one match. Packer’s absence leaves a gap in England’s lineup as they prepare to face France. These decisions always stir debate about player safety versus the physical nature of the sport.
Rugby Union – Domestic/Club News
Newcastle Falcons have made some solid additions to their forward pack ahead of the new season. They have brought in Jamie Hodgson, the 27-year-old Scottish lock, on a one-year contract. Hodgson has five international caps to his name, which should add depth to their second row.
They have also signed Freddie Clarke from Gloucester. At 32, the back-rower brings a wealth of Premiership experience, having made close to 200 appearances for his former club. It is another one-year deal, suggesting Newcastle are looking for short-term stability while they plan for the 2025/26 campaign.
Both signings make sense. Hodgson still has room to develop, while Clarke knows the league inside out. Neither move is groundbreaking, but they are the kind of pragmatic acquisitions that could pay off. The Falcons clearly want seasoned professionals who can hit the ground running.
Rugby League News
The NRL has handed down a five-game suspension to Penrith Panthers’ head trainer, Corey Bocking, along with a $50,000 fine for the club. The penalty stems from Bocking intentionally obstructing Gold Coast’s kicker during a crucial conversion attempt late in Saturday’s match. While the Panthers dismissed it as an honest misunderstanding in the heat of the game, the league ruled it a clear violation of conduct rules. The disruption proved consequential—it contributed to Penrith forcing extra time, where they eventually secured a 30–26 win.
Meanwhile, Wests Tigers players are facing scrutiny after an on-field celebration drew accusations of Islamophobia during their victory over Canterbury. Video footage shows the players making gestures that have since sparked widespread backlash, particularly given the significant Lebanese-Australian presence in the region. The NRL is reviewing whether the incident breaches its conduct policies, though the club has remained silent so far. The situation remains unresolved as the league weighs its response.