5 h. ago Berthoumieu’s ban cut to nine games and Feleu also out of Women’s Rugby World Cup

Player’s remorse for biting Wafer a factor in reductionFrance captain banned for two games after citing upheldAxelle Berthoumieu’s ban for biting Ireland’s Aoife Wafer has been reduced to nine matches but Manaé Feleu’s citing was upheld by a disciplinary committee meaning both will miss the rest of the Rugby World Cup. France play England in the semi-finals on Saturday.The pair were cited on Sunday after their 18-13 quarter-final win against Ireland. Berthoumieu was cited for biting Wafer and, while the flanker accepted the foul play, she was appealing against the length of the initial 12-match ban a disciplinary committee proposed on Monday. That had already been reduced from the starting point of 18 matches but was taken down to nine because of her clean previous disciplinary record, remorse and public apology. Continue reading...

Sport

10 h. ago Rugby's biggest ever bans as Welshman given lifetime exclusion from game twice

France star Axelle Berthoumieu has been hit with a huge ban for biting an opponent at the Women's Rugby World Cup, but the suspension pales in comparison to the game's most serious punishments

Sport

13 h. ago Scotland and Australia’s parting words show the rocky landscape beyond the Women’s World Cup

With uncertainty over the future of both programmes beyond this tournament, there are fears that successful campaigns may not be capitalised upon

Politics

16 h. ago Today's rugby news as Rugby World Cup biter gets huge ban after confession

These are the rugby stories making headlines on the morning of Tuesday, September 16.

Politics

27 h. ago Berthoumieu banned for biting Wafer in blow to France before England clash

France flanker handed 12-match suspensionManaé Feleu also banned owing to a high tackleThe France flanker Axelle Berthou­mieu has been banned for biting the ­Ireland back-row Aoife Wafer in their ­Women’s Rugby World Cup ­quarter‑final and the flanker will miss the semi‑final against England on Saturday.Manaé Feleu, the France captain, will also miss the England clash as she has been banned for a high tackle in the Ireland game. Both players are appealing against the sanctions. Continue reading...

Events

35 h. ago New World Rugby rankings as New Zealand misery complete amid a World Cup shock

Another weekend of Rugby Championship and Pacific Nations Cup action has shaken things up in the global rankings with South Africa, New Zealand and the United States among the movers

Events

52 h. ago Scotland tears after England World Cup defeat carry double meaning as cruel cut beckons

Scots suffer quarter-final defeat but team has come so far

Politics

53 h. ago England vs Scotland LIVE: Women's Rugby World Cup result, latest updates and reaction as Red Roses dominate

The Red Roses hope to book a place in the semi-finals

Politics

54 h. ago England vs Scotland live: Red Roses cruising in Women’s World Cup quarter

A place in the last four is on the line as Scotland look to upset their Six Nations rivals

Politics

54 h. ago Women's rugby star accused of biting opponent as Rugby World Cup controversy erupts

Ireland suffered heartbreak at the Rugby World Cup in a match that was shrouded in controversy

Politics

55 h. ago England vs Scotland LIVE: Women's Rugby World Cup latest score, match stream and goal updates

The Red Roses hope to book a place in the semi-finals

Sport

57 h. ago England vs Scotland live: Red Roses bid to extend record unbeaten run in Women’s World Cup quarter

A place in the last four is on the line as Scotland look to upset their Six Nations rivals

Politics

58 h. ago England vs Scotland LIVE: Women's Rugby World Cup match stream, latest team news, lineups, TV, prediction

The Red Roses hope to book a place in the semi-finals

Sport

65 h. ago How to watch England vs Scotland for FREE: TV channel and live stream for Women's Rugby World Cup today

The Red Roses look to book a place in the semi-finals

Sport

3 d. ago Red Roses legend says this year’s World Cup marks turning point in women’s rugby

Former Red Roses legend Shaunagh Brown believes women's rugby has drastically changed since her time on the pitch.

Politics

3 d. ago Sophie de Goede shines in Canada’s formidable win over Australia

Quarter-final: Canada 46-5 AustraliaCanucks will face New Zealand in semi-finalsExpansive attacking rugby? Tick. Pick and go tries? Tick. Impressive defence and holding up tries? Tick. Canada’s performance underlined why they are among the tournament favourites and had everything to set-up a tasty semi-final against the defending champions, New Zealand, on Friday.The wing Alysha Corrigan was a bright spark, scoring twice, as was Karen Paquin while the dependable Sophie de Goede had another solid outing for the side she used to captain. Continue reading...

Politics

3 d. ago New Zealand survive scare against South Africa to progress to Women’s World Cup semi

New Zealand 46-17 South Africa: The Women’s Springboks impressed in Exeter but the class of the Black Ferns eventually told

Events

3 d. ago New Zealand blitz South Africa after break to reach World Cup semi

Quarter-final: New Zealand 46-17 South AfricaBlack Ferns score six tries in second-half rompIn New Zealand rugby the female of the species is currently deadlier then the male. South Africa’s women were always going to struggle to replicate the Springboks’ record-breaking result in Wellington a few hours earlier but, after a stuttering first half, the Black Ferns raised their game significantly in the second to secure their place in next weekend’s World Cup semi-finals.The scoreboard tells only half the story of a contest often as notable for collective South African power as belated Kiwi finesse. South Africa, smartly coached and packed with forward muscle, took their opponents on physically in virtually every area and, at 10-10 at half-time, had the Black Ferns genuinely rattled. Continue reading...

Politics

3 d. ago New Zealand blitz South Africa after break to reach Women’s Rugby World Cup semis

Quarter-final: New Zealand 46-17 South AfricaBlack Ferns score six tries in second-half rompIn New Zealand rugby the female of the species is currently deadlier then the male. South Africa’s women were always going to struggle to replicate the Springboks’ record-breaking result in Wellington a few hours earlier but, after a stuttering first half, the Black Ferns raised their game significantly in the second to secure their place in next weekend’s World Cup semi-finals.The scoreboard tells only half the story of a contest often as notable for collective South African power as belated Kiwi finesse. South Africa, smartly coached and packed with forward muscle, took their opponents on physically in virtually every area and, at 10-10 at half-time, had the Black Ferns genuinely rattled. Continue reading...

Politics

3 d. ago ‘Fight like heck’: US Eagles seek World Cup spot amid MLR turmoil

Just before Sunday’s crucial qualifier against Samoa in Denver, the American domestic league lost a third team in less than two monthsThe US Eagles men can qualify for the 2027 World Cup on Sunday, by beating Samoa in the Pacific Nations Cup fifth-place play-off in Denver. Defeat will not end hopes of making it to Australia, as further play-offs await. But in another horrible week for American men’s rugby, to have one weighty challenge dealt with would be welcome indeed.On Thursday, in a move the Guardian understands caught other team owners by surprise, the Houston SaberCats became the third team to drop out of Major League Rugby this year. That reduced the competition to just seven teams from 11 last season, given the merger of San Diego and LA, announced in August as NOLA Gold and Miami Sharks also called it quits. Houston, San Diego and NOLA were founder clubs in 2018.Martin Pengelly writes on Substack at The National Maul, on rugby in the US Continue reading...

Politics