Rugby

‘You can’t just implement the men’s regulations in the women’s game’: World Rugby funds landmark study into breast injuries

World Rugby is funding an Australian landmark study to investigate the cause and impact of breast injuries sustained during matches, taking the lead on how sporting codes tackle the widespread yet little-understood problem affecting women who play contact sport. Against a backdrop of a historical gender imbalance in sports science research, and as the popularity of women’s leagues soars, the study reflects a shift in how sporting codes are pushing

Breakdance with tradition as All Blacks unveil Robertson as next coach

The All Blacks coaching circus is over, with Scott Robertson appointed to lead New Zealand from 2024 after Ian Foster takes the side to this year’s World Cup. New Zealand Rugby (NZR) announced Robertson’s appointment on Tuesday, signing up the Crusaders coach to a four-year deal beginning in 2024. “To represent your country, as a coach or player, is the ultimate honour in sport and it’s humbling to be given

‘What a bloody joke’: Former England captain aghast after Freddie Steward red card

“Steward had a split second to react – after a knock on – to a man running at him,” Carling wrote on Twitter following the sending off. “Of course his instinct should be to make himself as vulnerable as possible – there was no intent – he was protecting himself – what a bloody joke. “Massive congratulations to Ireland on their grand slam, completely deserved. Hugely frustrated that we did

England players vow to rally around 'incredibly upset' Freddie Steward

England players vow to rally around ‘incredibly upset’ Freddie Steward after full-back was shown a red card during England’s Six Nations loss to Ireland, as Anthony Watson insists: ‘I have no idea what he could have done differently’ England’s rugby players have vowed to rally around ‘upset’ Freddie Steward  The full-back was shown a red card during England’s 29-16 tough loss to Ireland  Anthony Watson claimed his teammates will ‘wrap

Johnny Sexton sets sights on World Cup after achieving childhood dream

Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Thanks for signing up to the Sport email Johnny Sexton hopes the childhood dream of captaining Ireland rugby to grand slam glory in Dublin does not prove to be the pinnacle of his career as he turns his attention to

‘They rushed him’: Eels defend Matterson fine furore as 90-year title weight looms

Parramatta have defended Ryan Matterson’s decision to accept a three-match ban instead of paying a $4000 fine, which has since coincided with the club needing to defy a 90-year record unless they avenge last year’s grand final loss to Penrith on Thursday. The Eels’ 0-3 start to the season, along with a dearth of back-rowers, has put the spotlight squarely on Matterson’s return from suspension against the Panthers. The Eels

Warren Gatland hopeful Wales will deliver at World Cup despite poor Six Nations

Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Thanks for signing up to the Sport email Head coach Warren Gatland and captain Ken Owens are confident that Wales will make a World Cup impact despite an underwhelming Guinness Six Nations campaign. Wales suffered a fourth defeat in five

Broncos set up blockbuster battle of Brisbane with crushing win

Brisbane skipper Adam Reynolds has turned on a masterclass to orchestrate a stunning 40-18 comeback win over St George Illawarra and set up a blockbuster “Battle for Brisbane” showdown with the Dolphins next week. Reynolds created tries for Kotoni Staggs in both halves with slick grubbers, and landed a two-point field goal on the cusp of half-time after the Broncos trailed 16-6 at Suncorp Stadium in front of 26,612 fans.

Sheens takes another swipe at Hastings, Knights over Talau tackle

Adam Doueihi looks set to overcome a foot injury and John Bateman is firming to make his much-anticipated Wests Tigers debut, but coach Tim Sheens could not resist taking another swipe at Newcastle and Jackson Hastings on Saturday. Bateman came through the captain’s run and, provided he pulls up fine on Sunday morning, will feature against Canterbury in what will be his first NRL game in 884 days. The risk

‘Everyone shed a tear’: The cultural celebration that brought Bulldogs together

First they danced – Indigenous shake-a-legs, traditional Maori and Polynesian war cries and Lebanese dabkehs. Then they belted drums – coach Cameron Ciraldo in AC Milan colours, Viliame Kikau in a floral Fijian number and sulu. Then they cried. Sat in circles around an auditorium at St Gregory’s, Campbelltown, before they sweated up and down the fields of the famed rugby league nursery, Bulldogs players spoke, and more than a