The New Zealand All Blacks powered past Australia with a 50-19 victory at Eden Park, securing the Bledisloe Cup for a 23rd consecutive year. The win extended their unbeaten run at the venue to 32 years and halted a recent three‑match losing streak. Damian McKenzie contributed 15 points while seven different try‑scorers highlighted the dominant performance.
Glasgow Warriors powered through Connacht with five tries, including a rolling maul that produced three scores, to claim a 36‑19 victory at Scotstoun. The win gave them a bonus point and extended their unbeaten run in the United Rugby Championship. Connacht fought back with two tries but could not overturn Glasgow’s dominance.
Shaun Edwards, a highly experienced rugby union coach, has been appointed as the defence coach for Argentina’s national team, the Pumas, on a deal that runs until the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. He will join head coach Felipe Contepomi and forwards coach Mario Ledesma at the end of October, bringing his international expertise to the side.
Former NFL star Jason Kelce joined London amateur side Old Streetonians RFC for a 30‑minute training match against Hackney RFC, experiencing the physicality of rugby union. He was accompanied by former teammate Beau Allen and later socialised with locals in a pub, while Hackney players commented on his rapid adaptation to the game.
Australian opener Nic Maddinson, recalled to the Test side after battling testicular cancer, faced 33 balls without scoring, recording the longest duck by an Australian opener in Test history. The innings came in the first Test against South Africa in Durban, highlighting the ageing Australian batting line‑up.
Aoife Wafer, a 23‑year‑old Harlequins forward, will miss Ireland’s upcoming WXV matches in Cape Town after sustaining a minor injury in training. The Ireland squad, coached by Scott Bemand and captained by Erin King, will travel without her for the tests on 24 and 31 October.
Leeds Rhinos legend Ryan Hall has confirmed his retirement at 38 after a 20‑year career that saw him score 358 tries in 540 appearances. Hall will move into a commercial role at the club and will make a cameo appearance in a pre‑season testimonial match.
Wales number eight Taulupe Faletau returns to the Cardiff side after a shoulder injury, starting against Leinster in the URC. The team, fresh from wins over Scarlets and Zebre, make several changes and look to build on a promising start to the season.
All 14 Super League clubs will remain for the 2027 season, but London Broncos, despite a treble‑winning 2026 campaign, missed out after finishing 16th in the IMG gradings. Backed by Grant Wechsel and Darren Lockyer, the club fell behind other Championship sides such as Barrow Raiders.
England Netball announced that the country will host the 2031 Netball World Cup at Manchester’s Co-op Live arena, marking the fourth time England has staged the tournament. The decision was welcomed by officials who see the event as a platform to grow women’s sport and inspire the next generation.