Australia

McKenzie Questions Wallabies' Schmidt-to-Kiss Handover Timing

Former Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie has questioned the timing of the Schmidt-to-Kiss handover, reigniting debate over Australia World Cup preparation.

Rugby Union · 6/22/2026

Penaud Recalled as France Name Provisional Tour Squad

Fabien Galthié has recalled record try-scorer Damian Penaud in a 39-man provisional France squad for the Nations Championship tour of New Zealand, Australia and Japan, with Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Antoine Dupont and Thomas Ramos set to be rested.

Rugby Union · 6/21/2026

Hurricanes Snubbed as Aussies Rule Super Rugby Team of Year

The table-topping Hurricanes landed just one player in SANZAAR's inaugural Super Rugby Pacific Team of the Year, while Australian clubs beaten in the finals' first week dominated the side, and the pundits cried foul.

Rugby Union · 6/19/2026

Tupaea Pips Tavatavanawai to Super Rugby Player of the Year

Chiefs centre Quinn Tupaea wins the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year on a tiebreaker over Timoci Tavatavanawai, while the official Team of the Year, packed with seven Australians, draws a sharp backlash.

Rugby Union · 6/18/2026

Slipper Unretires and Eyes Record Fifth World Cup at 37

James Slipper, 37, has reversed his Test retirement to answer a Wallabies SOS and is no longer ruling out a record fifth World Cup in 2027 — though Justin Harrison calls the recall an indictment on Australia depth.

Rugby Union · 6/17/2026

Ulugia Stays, Fisher Joins as Kiss Locks In Wallabies Staff

Rugby Australia has confirmed the coaching team for incoming head coach Les Kiss, with John Ulugia extending as scrum coach through 2028 and Jonny Fisher joining after the July Nations Championship Tests that mark Joe Schmidt's farewell.

Rugby Union · 6/16/2026

Junior World Championship Returns to Georgia With 16 Teams

World Rugby has rebranded its flagship age-grade event as the Junior World Championship and expanded it to 16 teams, with Australia, the All Blacks and defending champions South Africa all in action in Georgia from 27 June.

Rugby Union · 6/15/2026

Schmidt to Join Australia A as Wallabies Exit Becomes Staged Goodbye

Joe Schmidt's Wallabies exit won't be a clean break: the outgoing coach is set to join Australia A's October tour of the United States under Stephen Larkham, keeping a foot in the Australian set-up before a likely return ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

Rugby Union · 6/11/2026

France Pick Shadow Squad for July Tour, Drawing 'Development' Jibe

France will leave stars Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Matthieu Jalibert at home for July's southern tour under Fabien Galthie's minutes caps — prompting a 'development team' jibe in New Zealand and reassurance in Australia.

Rugby Union · 6/10/2026

Schmidt Lures Slipper Out of Test Retirement Amid Prop Crisis

James Slipper, Australia's most-capped Test player, is set to come out of international retirement for July's Nations Championship after a front-row injury crisis prompted Joe Schmidt to make the call.

Rugby Union · 6/10/2026