48 h. ago Wallabies recall veteran James O’Connor at No 10 for South Africa showdown

Return for 35-year-old after three-year absenceBlow as Ben Donaldson ruled out of Johannesburg clashVeteran James O’Connor has been called on to take on the playmaking duties as the Wallabies seek to build on the impetus of their third Test win over the Lions with a rare victory in South Africa at the start of the Rugby Championship.But a plan for the 35-year-old O’Connor, back in the green and gold after three years, to share the No 10 role has had to be shelved after Ben Donaldson went down injured in training on Thursday. Continue reading...

Politics

3 w. ago Jac Morgan handed Lions start as Owen Farrell to captain final midweek match

Andy Farrell has named his team to face the First Nations and Pasifika XV in Melbourne on Tuesday

Politics

4 w. ago Lions hold off Australia fightback in worrying start to series

Australia 19-27 British and Irish Lions: The Lions survived a second-half stumble to go 1-0 against an at-times overmatched Australia

Politics

4 w. ago Australia v Lions live: Tom Curry overpowers the Wallabies as tourists make perfect start to series

The Lions have never lost in Brisbane and they notched another victory in the first Test of the 2025 series

Society

4 w. ago Australia v Lions live: Latest score as tourists make dream start to first Test showdown in Brisbane

The Lions have never lost in Brisbane – and are already on course for another victory in the first Test of the 2025 series

Society

4 w. ago Lions v Australia Live: Score updates, team news and start time

Live updates as the Lions take on the Wallabies in the first Test that kicks off at 11am

Politics

4 w. ago Lions desperate for fast start in Test that will set the tone for Australia series

Talk is of a possible clean sweep for tourists but the onus is on Australia to make one or two Lions eat their confident wordsWhatever unfolds over the next three Saturdays this British & Irish Lions series will resonate more than its predecessor. Simply to see visiting fans in red jerseys wandering down Queen Street in central Brisbane is to be thankful the whole enterprise has a beating heart once again, in contrast to South Africa four years ago when a Covid-disrupted, spectator-free experience sapped everyone’s spirits.Because a Lions tour is nothing without a human element, enticed back every four years by the fabled steepness of the challenge. “This is our Everest, boys,” growled Jim Telfer back in 1997 and, as usual, the master coach was right. On only three occasions in the past 50 years has a Lions squad returned home triumphant and, for now, a series win remains the holy grail for the professional egg chasers of England, Ireland, Scotland and, if selected, Wa...

Politics

4 w. ago Johnny Sexton backs ‘flash’ Finn Russell to produce his best on first Lions start

Assistant coach says No 10 has matured as a player‘He’s won a few trophies and carried that form here’The British & Irish Lions assistant coach Johnny Sexton has insisted that Finn Russell is still “flash” but believes the Scotland playmaker has the temperament to shine on his first Test start for the tourists against Australia on Saturday.Sexton described Russell as a “media darling” and as “flashy” before he was named as one of Andy Farrell’s assistant coaches, making for a potentially awkward reunion with Russell upon his appointment. Continue reading...

Politics

4 w. ago Johnny Sexton says Lions playmaker Finn Russell is no flash in the pan

The fly-half will be needed defensively in the first Test against Australia in Brisbane on Saturday.

Politics

4 w. ago England v Sweden live: Sweden score two quick goals in nightmare start for Lionesses in Women’s Euro 2025 quarter

England face a rematch with Sweden in a bid to reach the Euro 2025 semi-finals

Politics

last month Lions team vs Australia: Tom Curry and Sione Tuipulotu picked to start First Test as Owen Farrell misses out

All-Scottish centre partnership outside Finn Russell as Bundee Aki and Marcus Smith named on bench

Politics

last month Who is Tom Lynagh? Son of Australian great Michael given surprise start for Wallabies against British and Irish Lions

The 22-year-old fly half has been handed the first Test reins by Joe Schmidt in a shock selection call

Politics