France

'Bordeaux. To Lose. Tulon. Claremont.': Squidge Rugby Maps a Lions Tour of France

Squidge Rugby has waded into rugby's most controversial idea - sending the British and Irish Lions to France instead of the southern hemisphere - and put together what a 10-game itinerary could actually look like. The takeaway: Toulouse, Bordeaux, Toulon and Clermont as the marquee club fixtures, a Pro D2 invitational XV as a midweek bruiser, and three Tests likely shared between the Stade de France, Marseille and possibly the Camp Nou.

Rugby Union · 5/7/2026

'It Is Happening': Steve Hansen Confronts the All Blacks Exodus

An exodus of New Zealand-based talent to Japan, France and the English Premiership has created a difficult opening hand for incoming All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie, with former coach Sir Steve Hansen urging the union to face up to a global market that is 'a reality'.

Rugby Union · 5/6/2026

Why the New Rugby World Cup 2027 Format Could Spit Out a New Zealand–South Africa Quarterfinal

Forever Sport ran a straight-ranking simulation of the new 2027 Rugby World Cup format. The result: a New Zealand–South Africa quarterfinal, France out before the final and an unseeded knockout that critics say defeats its own purpose.

Rugby Union · 4/24/2026

'In Kate Williams We Trust': Squidge Rugby on Wales Women's Statement Defeat

Squidge Rugby's deep-dive on Wales women's narrow defeat to France was, for once, a film about optimism rather than autopsy. The hosts argued the gap between the two sides has visibly closed — and that Kate Williams has become the kind of leader Wales have been hunting for years.

Rugby Union · 4/23/2026

Where Do Tongan and Samoan Players Go After Moana Pasifika? Wasiliev Has a Theory

Australian rugby pundit Nick Wasiliev argues that the collapse of Moana Pasifika has not killed Pacific opportunities, but says the path now runs through New Zealand, France, Japan and a possible Super Rugby AU re-build.

Rugby Union · 4/17/2026

Borthwick Defiant After England's Worst-Ever Six Nations

England head coach Steve Borthwick has defended his position and insisted he remains clear on the team's direction after presiding over England's worst-ever Six Nations campaign, losing all four matches including a heartbreaking final-day defeat to champions France.

Rugby · 4/16/2026

'A Bit of a Torrid Time': Jase Ryan on the All Blacks' Turbulent Reset

All Blacks assistant coach Jase Ryan has broken silence on the coaching upheaval that has rocked New Zealand rugby at the start of 2026 — acknowledging 'a torrid time' for departing colleagues and their families, while backing the incoming head coach's 'clean sheet' message. He also called the first Test of the year, in Christchurch against France, 'a moment in time' for a city that has 'been through a bit'.

Rugby · 4/1/2026

'It Has Been Turbulent': Jase Ryan on the All Blacks Reset From Inside the Camp

All Blacks assistant coach Jase Ryan acknowledges a 'turbulent' start to 2026, pays tribute to departing coaches, praises Tana Umaga's return and predicts the first France Test in Christchurch will be 'a moment in time' for a city still recovering.

Rugby Union · 3/31/2026

'I Don't Think I Was as Effective': Schmidt Opens Up on the Les Kiss Wallabies Handover

Outgoing Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt reveals his nightly conversations with incoming boss Les Kiss and why he refuses to linger in the job past the July tests against Ireland, France and Italy.

Rugby Union · 3/26/2026

'Stick With Your On-Field Decision': Nigel Owens Breaks Down the Six Nations TMO Mess

Former Test referee Nigel Owens has delivered his verdict on the Six Nations' two most contested refereeing decisions, arguing that the TMO intervened outside protocol in England's loss to France and that Italy's try against Wales should have stood with a penalty only — while warning that advantage law consistency is becoming rugby's next grey area.

Rugby Union · 3/24/2026