2 h. ago England braced for scrum battle against France as intensity ratchets up in World Cup semi

England again intend to use their set-piece strength to their advantage as they take on their closest European rivals

Events

3 h. ago England’s Kildunne and Botterman fit to face France in World Cup semi

Full-back Kildunne returns after concussionEngland make four changes to starting XVEllie Kildunne returns to the England starting XV in one of four changes for their Rugby World Cup semi-final against France on Saturday.Kildunne missed the Red Roses’ quarter-final win against Scotland as she went through concussion protocols with Helena Rowland stepping in at full-back. Continue reading...

Politics

4 h. ago Women's Rugby World Cup: England boosted as Ellie Kildunne returns for semi

The Harlequins full-back missed the Red Roses’ quarter-final win over Scotland with concussion

Politics

5 h. ago Zoe Harrison gets fly half nod as Ellie Kildunne returns for England’s Women’s World Cup semi

Harrison edges out Holly Aitchison to start at 10 against France with England given a double fitness boost

Politics

44 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

66 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

5 d. ago England turn to ‘Miss Versatility’ with Ellie Kildunne ruled out of World Cup quarter

Helena Rowland appears primed to step in at full-back against Scotland, with the versatile playmaker an option right across John Mitchell’s backline

Politics

1 week ago Women’s Rugby World Cup roundup: France blitz South Africa to set up Ireland quarter

Emilie Boulard and Joanna Grisez score two tries eachItaly score 12 tries in one-sided win over BrazilFrance enjoyed a one-sided 57-10 victory over South Africa at Franklin’s Gardens to take top spot in Women’s Rugby World Cup Pool D, scoring nine tries with two each for Emilie Boulard and Joanna Grisez. They will take on Ireland at Sandy Park in Exeter next Sunday in the last eight.The scrum-half Pauline Bourdon Sansus earned a second straight player of the match award for orchestrating France’s highest score over the Springbok Women in front of a sellout crowd of 15,000. Continue reading...

Politics

1 week ago Natasha Hunt: England will benefit from feeling pressure against Australia

The hosts overcame a difficult start to win convincingly in their World Cup pool decider.

Events

1 week ago England star Ellie Kildunne to miss Scotland World Cup showdown with head injury

The 2024 world player of the year was forced off early in the second period against Australia.

Events

2 w. ago Scotland back Gregor Townsend through 2027 World Cup as Franco Smith’s future revealed

Townsend’s deal has been extended beyond the end of the tournament, with possible successor Franco Smith also agreeing fresh terms with Glasgow

Politics

2 w. ago Liverpool handed major injury boost as Ibrahima Konate trains with France ahead of World Cup qualifiers

The centre-back was forced off during the 1-0 win over Arsenal on Sunday

Events

2 w. ago Gregor Townsend signs new contract: length of deal, World Cup implications, Franco Smith latest

Scotland keep faith with long-serving head coach

Economics

2 w. ago Jess Breach relishing competition as England try record comes into view

Breach’s hat-trick against Samoa took her to 52, nine away from Sue Day’s record, with Abby Dow and Ellie Kildunne close behind.

Politics

3 w. ago Women's Rugby World Cup 2025: Julia Schell scores six tries in dominant Canada win and France beat Italy

Day two of the Women's Rugby World Cup has served up plenty of talking points

Sport

3 w. ago Scotland start World Cup campaign in style as Francesca McGhie shines against Wales

Big win for Easson’s side in Salford

Politics

3 w. ago Ellie Kildunne believes England clicked into gear after break against USA

The Red Roses kicked off the tournament with an 11-try win.

Politics

3 w. ago England lifted intensity in second half of opening World Cup win – John Mitchell

The Red Roses kicked off the tournament in front of a record-breaking crowd of 42,723 at the Stadium of Light, scoring 11 tries.

Politics

4 w. ago The two sides of a Women’s World Cup that could transform rugby

The biggest Women’s World Cup in history could change the rugby landscape - even if some familiar challenges remain

Politics

4 w. ago Ellie Kildunne exclusive: No excuses now, England have put in the work to be crowned world champions

Red Roses looking to go one further after their Women’s Rugby World Cup final defeat three years ago

Politics