Fresh rugby stories from around the global game.

01

Prem team of the season: from teen with a sky-high ceiling to a stat-topping No 8

The league has been a launchpad for players such as Noah Caluori while showcasing the best English rugby has to offer The final round of the regular Prem season is nigh, with the playoffs yet to come. Here is the Guardian’s 2025-26 team of the season with players needing to have appeared in at least nine league fixtures to get the nod. Continue reading...

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02

RFU council member punished for Maggie Alphonsi comment on Facebook

Matthew Smith has privileges temporarily removed Rugby pundit Alphonsi ‘disappointed’ with outcome A Rugby Football Union council member has had his privileges suspended for seven months after making a discriminatory comment about the England World Cup winner and pundit Maggie Alphonsi. Matthew Smith, who represents Warwickshire, made the comment on Facebook about the 42-year-old during France’s 48-46 win against England in the Six Nations earlier this year. He posted: “Can someone please explain to me WTF does Maggie Alphonsi know about men’s rugby?” Continue reading...

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03

Ainsley Saracens move falls through for personal reasons

Oliver Ainsley's expected Saracens move falling through for personal reasons changes a piece of front-row planning before the next squad cycle. The rugby impact depends on how quickly Saracens adjust their depth chart and whether the player now stays in his current environment or explores another route. For a club built on set-piece pressure and forward reliability, even a blocked recruitment move can matter when injuries and rotation start to stack up.

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09

Hurricanes injury setback lands before Super Rugby playoffs

The Hurricanes have taken an untimely injury hit before the Super Rugby Pacific playoff push, adding selection pressure at exactly the wrong point of the campaign. The rugby impact depends on whether their depth can cover the missing All Blacks-level quality without changing the way they attack space and manage tempo. In a tight playoff race, one absence can affect not only the matchday side but also bench balance and tactical risk.

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