61 m. 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

4 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

18 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

44 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

45 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

45 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

46 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

48 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

49 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

56 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

63 h. 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

68 h. 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

2 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

2 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

2 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 England’s coaching duo looking to orchestrate history on home soil to raise up women in rugby

Sarah Hunter and Lou Meadows pinpoint when it all clicked for Red Roses ahead of their World Cup quarter-final Earning the right to win each game may be the Red Roses’ mantra at this Rugby World Cup but making history on home soil is the goal Sarah Hunter and Lou Meadows are working to orchestrate. England’s assistant coaches describe themselves as complementary, bringing diverse experience that creates a “good blend” alongside the forwards coach, Louis Deacon, and the head coach, John Mitchell, with the Red Roses unbeaten under the New Zealander’s tenure.In a hotel meeting room on the outskirts of Bristol as England enter the business end of the tournament, Hunter and Meadows explain how the coaching setup offers “different lenses” for tactics and planning. The duo have brought a sharp, strategic edge to the hosts’ defence and attack and for 40 minutes they range over a series of topics, including picking in which game this England side have come closest to perfection. Continue rea...

Sport

3 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

3 d. ago The circumstances that give Scotland hope of springing a World Cup shock against England

Scotland will hope to cause a shock as they take on England in the last eight after a tournament defined by their togetherness amid adversity

Events

3 d. ago Your Guardian sport weekend: Women’s Rugby World Cup quarters, Manchester derby and more

Here’s how to follow along with our coverage – the finest writing and up-to-the-minute reports Continue reading...

Sport

3 d. ago England vs Scotland: Zoe Aldcroft returns to lead Red Roses in World Cup quarter

Skipper recovers from knee injury as Holly Aitchison makes first start of the tournament at fly-half

Politics