Australia

Albornoz Banned Four Matches for Intimidating Angus Gardner

World Rugby has suspended Argentina fly-half Tomas Albornoz for four matches after he admitted intimidatory conduct towards referee Angus Gardner following the Pumas' 31-24 Nations Championship defeat by England. He misses Saturday's Springboks Test and both Australia fixtures.

Rugby Union · 8/5/2026

Wallabies Sweat on Kiss Debut as Osaka Heat Meets Eddie Jones

Les Kiss takes charge of the Wallabies for the first time in Osaka on Saturday, in a heatwave, with a typhoon offshore and Eddie Jones plotting to run Australia off their feet.

Rugby Union · 8/4/2026

I Never Retired: Cooper Joins Wallabies Veteran World Cup Rush

Quade Cooper says he never retired and is open to a 2027 home World Cup return at 38, joining Bernard Foley and James O'Connor in a veteran rush back to Australian rugby. New coach Les Kiss is not biting — he has three flyhalves for Japan and no interest in a fourth.

Rugby Union · 8/1/2026

Japan Sell Out Hanazono as Wallabies Gap Narrows Under Jones

Japan and Australia meet at a near sold-out Hanazono on 8 August, with Eddie Jones fielding a young Brave Blossoms side and Les Kiss taking charge of the Wallabies for the first time.

Rugby Union · 7/31/2026

Contepomi Bloods 10 Uncapped Pumas as Boks Come to Buenos Aires

Felipe Contepomi has picked 10 uncapped players in a 34-man Argentina squad for August Tests against South Africa and Australia, with Julian Montoya and Tomas Albornoz both banned after the England fallout.

Rugby Union · 7/31/2026

Rugby Lands $90m Government Boost as Wallaroo Warns It Is Only a Start

The Albanese government has committed $90 million to Australia back-to-back Rugby World Cups, with $30 million ring-fenced for legacy programs in Australia and the Pacific. Rugby Australia hailed a generational opportunity, but Wallaroos lock Tiarah Minns warned the money will not stop players leaving for league unless the Super Rugby Women season grows.

Rugby Union · 7/29/2026

O'Connor explains Sharks U-turn as Boks greats query the fit

James O'Connor has explained why a genuine move to the Sharks fell through, with impending fatherhood keeping him in Australia — as Springbok greats Jean de Villiers and Schalk Burger argue the Durban side's problems run deeper than the No. 10 jersey.

Rugby Union · 7/24/2026

Jamie George Sets 2027 Retirement, Eyes One Last World Cup

Saracens and England hooker Jamie George will retire at the end of the 2026/27 season, hoping a final campaign carries him to a fourth Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Rugby Union · 7/23/2026

Schmidt Exits With No Regrets as Kiss Inherits Wallabies Rebuild

Joe Schmidt leaves the Wallabies with 12 wins from 31 Tests and the worst losing rate in 55 years, but insists the foundations are stronger. Critics say Rugby Australia, not Schmidt, should answer for the botched transition to Les Kiss.

Rugby Union · 7/20/2026

Schmidt Signs Off With 57-10 Rout of Italy in Wallabies Farewell

Joe Schmidt bowed out as Wallabies coach with a 57-10 rout of Italy in Perth, ending a six-Test losing run. Lock Josh Canham scored a hat-trick as Australia claimed their biggest win in 12 years.

Rugby Union · 7/18/2026