https://www.scmp.com/rss/312066/feed The Six Nations Championship is an annual international rugby union competition involving the top six European sides: England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Agence France-Presse,Associated Press Agence France-Presse,Associated Press Rugby chiefs on Monday officially launched the Nations Championship, a global competition featuring 12 of the strongest teams that will crown a winning nation and decide the sport’s dominant hemisphere. Organisers said that the new biennial tournament signalled a “watershed moment for rugby union, years in the making”, and would transform the two existing international playing windows, in July and November. The Nations Championship, which starts in July 2026, will replace ad hoc tours and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3333144/rugby-chiefs-unveil-watershed-nations-championship-crown-top-team-hemisphere?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3333144/rugby-chiefs-unveil-watershed-nations-championship-crown-top-team-hemisphere?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 17 Nov 2025 16:00:10 +0000 Associated Press Associated Press Eight of rugby’s most powerful nations have announced international bans for any players who join the breakaway R360 organisation, which intends to launch a multi-city series next year. England, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, France, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia have written a joint letter in which they urge men’s and women’s players to think carefully before accepting offers from the R360. Representatives of the R360 reportedly have approached leading rugby union and rugby league players... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3328216/major-rugby-nations-unite-say-they-will-ban-players-who-join-rebel-series-r360?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3328216/major-rugby-nations-unite-say-they-will-ban-players-who-join-rebel-series-r360?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 08 Oct 2025 07:23:04 +0000 Holders Real Madrid survived a missed penalty from Vinicius Junior in normal time before edging rivals Atletico Madrid 4-2 in a shoot-out for a place in the Champions League quarter-finals. Antonio Rudiger sealed the last-16 victory on Wednesday as goalkeeper Jan Oblak got his hands on the deciding penalty but could not stop it crossing the line, as Real maintained their perfect record against Atletico in six knockout ties and finals in the elite event. Oblak had saved from Lucas Vazquez in the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3302153/real-madrid-beat-atletico-champions-league-shoot-out-after-bizarre-disallowed-spot-kick?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3302153/real-madrid-beat-atletico-champions-league-shoot-out-after-bizarre-disallowed-spot-kick?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 13 Mar 2025 00:33:49 +0000 It’s another action packed weekend and we’ve got heroes and villains galore once more. The curse of Old Trafford has been lifted from another Manchester United escapee, Scotland lost the Calcutta Cup because Finn Russell left his kicking boots at home, and US athlete Shelby Houlihan, who used the infamous “burrito defence” to try and avoid a four-year doping ban, was back on the track. Here then is a glimpse at some of what happened while you were sleeping. Villans get new hero Add Marcus... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3299779/marcus-rashford-turns-hero-villans-england-get-lucky-andreeva-makes-wta-history?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3299779/marcus-rashford-turns-hero-villans-england-get-lucky-andreeva-makes-wta-history?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 23 Feb 2025 00:29:38 +0000 Liverpool slumped to a stunning 1-0 defeat against the second tier’s bottom side, Plymouth Argyle, in the FA Cup fourth round to end their Quadruple hopes. The English Premier League and Uefa Champions League league phase leaders were red-hot favourites, but fell to a second-half Ryan Hardie penalty in what has to go down as one of the biggest shocks in the modern history of the old competition. Manager Arne Slot likened his opponents’ performance to that of his side’s arch rivals in a meeting... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3298000/liverpool-stunned-fa-cup-indias-odi-win-v-england-ireland-march-six-nations?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3298000/liverpool-stunned-fa-cup-indias-odi-win-v-england-ireland-march-six-nations?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 10 Feb 2025 00:30:22 +0000 France No 8 Gregory Alldritt hailed his team’s collective performance in a seven-try 43-0 thrashing of Wales in their Six Nations opener in Paris on Friday. The French, with returning scrum-half and skipper Antoine Dupont returning in full glory after helping France to Olympic rugby sevens gold in the Paris Games last summer, raced out to a 28-0 half-time lead in a totally dominant display at the Stade de France. Wingers Theo Attissogbe and Louis Bielle-Biarrey both crossed for two tries, while... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3296999/dupont-stars-france-thrash-wales-villas-duran-heading-saudi-league-us79-million?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3296999/dupont-stars-france-thrash-wales-villas-duran-heading-saudi-league-us79-million?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 01 Feb 2025 00:30:08 +0000 As one of the toughest sports due to its dangerous and physical nature, rugby is not a game for the faint hearted. Nevertheless, it proudly remained an amateur sport for years, only becoming professional in 1995. This removed any restrictions on what players can earn, and prompted changes that have transformed many aspects of the game. Last October, South Africa won the Rugby World Cup for the fourth time by a single point in a nail-biting final. Viewership of the tournament reached 1.33... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/entertainment/article/3259614/5-worlds-richest-rugby-players-2024-net-worths-ranked-legends-sonny-bill-williams-jonny-wilkinson?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/entertainment/article/3259614/5-worlds-richest-rugby-players-2024-net-worths-ranked-legends-sonny-bill-williams-jonny-wilkinson?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 20 Apr 2024 20:00:17 +0000 Faye Bradley Faye Bradley J.K. Rowling is best known for creating the immensely popular Harry Potter series, but nowadays she often attracts attention for her controversial transphobic remarks. Most recently, she took to X (formerly Twitter) on Monday to call out Sky News for not highlighting that a convicted murderer was transgender. The news outlet described her as a “woman” in a post on X and mentioned her transgender status further down in its linked article. “I’m so sick of this s***. This is not a woman,” Rowling... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/entertainment/article/3253636/who-jk-rowlings-long-time-low-key-doctor-husband-neil-murray-harry-potter-author-met-her-then-future?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/entertainment/article/3253636/who-jk-rowlings-long-time-low-key-doctor-husband-neil-murray-harry-potter-author-met-her-then-future?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:00:09 +0000 By his own admission, James Doleman was “rubbish” when he first refereed a game of rugby. Fortunately it was an under-9s match in Hong Kong and he’s improved considerably since then. Now keeping things under control full time, the 31-year-old New Zealander has several Test matches under his belt and will be making his Six Nations debut next month in England’s game against Italy at Twickenham. On Saturday, though, he was in the rather more intimate surroundings of Hong Kong Football Club for the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3207774/six-nations-how-hong-kong-rugby-referee-made-journey-kings-park-twickenham?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3207774/six-nations-how-hong-kong-rugby-referee-made-journey-kings-park-twickenham?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Jan 2023 09:00:17 +0000 Springboks flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit and All Blacks lock Patrick Tuipulotu might be two of the most pragmatic players in the game today. Teammates with Japan’s Rugby League One side Toyota Verblitz, the pair said sweeping changes to the structure of the game were inevitable – including South Africa’s potential move to the Six Nations. While South Africa will continue to play in the Rugby Championship until 2025, speculation surrounding a move to the Six Nations refuses to go away. Something... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3171527/all-blacks-patrick-tuipulotu-and-springboks-pieter?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3171527/all-blacks-patrick-tuipulotu-and-springboks-pieter?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 24 Mar 2022 00:30:16 +0000 France dazzled in defeating Ireland 35-27 with a bonus point on Saturday but it wasn’t enough to prevent England from winning the much-delayed Six Nations Championship. England’s earlier 34-5 bonus-point win in Italy cranked up the pressure on trophy rivals France and Ireland, and neither could answer. Ireland would have grabbed the title with a victory by six points, while France needed to win by an unlikely 31 points with a bonus point. Neither scenario happened, and Eddie Jones’ England... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3107953/six-nations-france-dazzle-against-ireland-england?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3107953/six-nations-france-dazzle-against-ireland-england?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 01 Nov 2020 03:25:24 +0000 Former Scotland U-18s captain Euan McLaren spent his first two weeks in Hong Kong staring at the newfangled skyscrapers through a window as he counted down his days of mandatory quarantine. It was the first time the 21-year-old tight head prop, who signed for DAC Kowloon RFC ahead of the 2020-21 Saxo Markets Men’s Premiership season, has visited Asia. “This is the first time I’ve been this side of the world – it’s very different. It was pretty surreal coming here and going through the airport,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3102966/former-scotland-u-18s-captain-euan-mclaren-ready-make-his-mark-hong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3102966/former-scotland-u-18s-captain-euan-mclaren-ready-make-his-mark-hong?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 25 Sep 2020 02:00:21 +0000 Scotland U-20s international Cameron Henderson has emerged as one of the country's pillars of future rugby – but who would have known the towering lock used to ply his trade over this side of the world. “I'm actually 6’7” (2.01m) now. I think I've finally stopped growing,” said the 20-year-old Henderson, born and raised in Hong Kong until the age of 13. “It's a funny thing when I go back to Hong Kong trying to squeeze into the MTR and stuff. It'd be funny for people trying to watch, at... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3081556/hong-kong-born-scotland-rugby-star-cameron-henderson-hone?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3081556/hong-kong-born-scotland-rugby-star-cameron-henderson-hone?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 25 Apr 2020 12:00:18 +0000 England coach Eddie Jones forecast his side would be “10 per cent better” against Wales after ending Ireland’s bid for a grand slam with a 24-12 win in the Six Nations at Twickenham on Sunday. Jones’ men were a commanding 17-0 ahead at the interval thanks to tries from fly-half George Ford and full-back Elliot Daly. Those scores were both converted by captain Owen Farrell – the son of Ireland head coach Andy Farrell – with the centre also adding a penalty in what was arguably England’s best 40... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3052038/six-nations-eddie-jones-declares-england-will-improve-against-wales?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3052038/six-nations-eddie-jones-declares-england-will-improve-against-wales?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 24 Feb 2020 03:46:28 +0000 Wales lost a Six Nations game for the first time in nearly two years as Ireland took their chances and defended stoutly to beat the defending champions 24-14 in Dublin on Saturday. First-half tries by full-back Jordan Larmour and prop Tadhg Furlong were added to by flanker Josh van der Flier’s from the back of a rolling maul to hand Ireland a 19-7 lead after 47 minutes at Lansdowne Road, the scene of Wales’ last defeat in the tournament in February 2018. The Welsh struggled to break Ireland’s... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3049711/six-nations-clinical-ireland-earn-bonus-point-convincing-win-over-wales?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3049711/six-nations-clinical-ireland-earn-bonus-point-convincing-win-over-wales?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 09 Feb 2020 06:32:37 +0000 England made less mistakes than Scotland in stormy weather at Murrayfield to finish a 13-6 winner and revive its Six Nations title hopes on Saturday. The filthy conditions had a huge impact on the match, which was played in relentless freezing rain driven by gusts of more than 80km/h. Storm Ciara, said to be the strongest to land in Britain in seven years, made the goalposts sway, flags snap, and the teams commit a ton of errors. England deservedly led 3-0 after the lowest scoring half since... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3049704/six-nations-england-handle-storm-and-scotland-revive-title-hopes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3049704/six-nations-england-handle-storm-and-scotland-revive-title-hopes?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 09 Feb 2020 05:36:34 +0000 Passion is guaranteed when Scotland play England but it may take more than raw emotion to secure a win in the latest edition of rugby union’s oldest international match. In the build-up to Saturday’s fixture at Murrayfield, the latest chapter in a 149-year-old rivalry, Scotland centre Sam Johnson declared “no one likes England”, a sentiment the Queensland-born player would have been familiar with growing up in Australia. Meanwhile England flanker Lewis Ludlam, who had never been to Scotland... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3049443/six-nations-scotland-and-england-search-calcutta-cup-revival?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3049443/six-nations-scotland-and-england-search-calcutta-cup-revival?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 07 Feb 2020 03:26:37 +0000 Maro Itoje is expected to be fit for the start of the Six Nations in February after Saracens’ director of rugby Mark McCall said the England forward does not need surgery to repair a knee injury. The 24-year-old was injured at England’s training camp in Portugal before the start of the November internationals but played in all four of their tests as well as Saracens’ Premiership and Champions Cup games. The knee issue flared up at the start of the month in a Premiership game against Wasps and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2177196/englands-maro-itoje-expected-be-fit-six-nations-start?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2177196/englands-maro-itoje-expected-be-fit-six-nations-start?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 10 Dec 2018 04:26:44 +0000 Georgia are lining up against Italy this weekend in a rugby test match that is interesting beyond the game itself. With Georgia improving year on year and Italy the perpetual Six Nations whipping boys, fans are increasingly calling for the former’s inclusion in the tournament. Suggestions include a Seven Nations tournament or a promotion-relegation system between the Six Nations and the Europe Rugby Championship, which Georgia have won eight of the last nine years. Since 2000, they have won... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2172423/georgia-vs-italy-six-nations-inclusion-not-answer-develop-world-rugby?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2172423/georgia-vs-italy-six-nations-inclusion-not-answer-develop-world-rugby?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 09 Nov 2018 03:44:26 +0000 Ireland may have achieved only their third grand slam with a clinical Six Nations win over England but head coach Joe Schmidt said there is still a long way to go to the finished article. The 52-year-old, who has masterminded a renaissance in a side that was demoralised when he took it over after the 2013 championship, said he was pleased with the blend of experience and youth that had shown few nerves and held England at bay. For Schmidt it was mission accomplished for the Six Nations – he had... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2137689/still-room-improvement-despite-grand-slam-says-victorious-ireland-boss?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2137689/still-room-improvement-despite-grand-slam-says-victorious-ireland-boss?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 18 Mar 2018 03:55:25 +0000 The eyes of the rugby union world will turn to Twickenham on Saturday as Ireland try to jump the “final hurdle” that will see them win just their third grand slam. Some 70 years since they completed their first clean sweep in the old Five Nations, Ireland will match their 1948 and 2009 predecessors if they see off England on St Patrick’s Day, having wrapped up the title with a week to spare. Deposed Six Nations champions England are reeling from their first back-to-back defeats under coach Eddie... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/2137617/st-patricks-day-six-nations-grand-slam-win-over-england-will-leave?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/2137617/st-patricks-day-six-nations-grand-slam-win-over-england-will-leave?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 17 Mar 2018 03:21:43 +0000 To Jonathan Sexton, the job isn’t over. Ireland won a third Six Nations in five years on Saturday after seeing off Scotland 28-8 at Lansdowne Road. But a grand slam beckons next weekend at Twickenham, and Sexton believes the tournament won’t be complete for the Irish unless they pull off only their third sweep ever. “It’s very muted upstairs, it’s a very strange feeling to win the championship with a game to go and so much still to play for,” Sexton said. Only Rory Best and Rob Kearney remain... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2136693/ireland-winning-six-nations-job-only-half-done-says-jonathan-sexton?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2136693/ireland-winning-six-nations-job-only-half-done-says-jonathan-sexton?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 11 Mar 2018 04:30:12 +0000 England hooker Jamie George said his team will be motivated to fix their own problems rather than stop Ireland winning the grand slam next weekend. England put in a second successive poor performance in a 22-16 defeat to France on Saturday that handed Ireland a third Six Nations title in five years. And should Joe Schmidt’s side win at Twickenham next weekend, they would complete only their second grand slam in the Six Nations era and third overall. But George said last year’s champions are more... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2136690/stopping-ireland-no-motivation-critical-england-after-france-loss-ends?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2136690/stopping-ireland-no-motivation-critical-england-after-france-loss-ends?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 11 Mar 2018 04:03:08 +0000 If Ireland are to beat Scotland on Saturday and edge to within a win of only their third Five/Six Nations Grand Slam they must not repeat the mistakes they made in last year’s match, says captain Rory Best. The 35-year-old hooker said Ireland allowed themselves to relax fatally once they had battled back from 21-5 down to lead 22-21 with the game entering the final stages only for Greig Laidlaw to convert two penalties to seal the game for the Scots. The Irish – unbeaten at home in the Six... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2136628/ireland-may-be-focused-scotlands-threats-revenge-dublin-could?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2136628/ireland-may-be-focused-scotlands-threats-revenge-dublin-could?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 10 Mar 2018 03:06:04 +0000 He’s been touted by Eddie Jones as England’s “X-factor rookie” ahead of the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan and 19-year-old Marcus Smith is drawing on his Asian roots as he rides the fast track to superstardom. Born in Manila, Smith spent the first 12 years of his life in Asia and, while he was never based in Hong Kong, his father Jeremy represented the territory while living here before the birth of his first son. Smith Snr lived in Hong Kong from 1992-97, playing for Valley and the national... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2135002/marcus-smiths-dad-played-hong-kong-and-now-manila-born-prodigy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2135002/marcus-smiths-dad-played-hong-kong-and-now-manila-born-prodigy?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 28 Feb 2018 01:34:32 +0000 A UK anti-touting body said it was “surprised” Hong Kong Sevens organisers would partner online secondary market ticket sellers Viagogo, given they were dumped as a sponsor by the Scottish Rugby Union last year. Adam Webb, spokesman for FanFair Alliance, said Viagogo had a poor reputation in the UK after authorities raided its London offices last November as part of an investigation into possible breaches of consumer law. Viagogo maintains it has not broken any laws in the UK. “I'm surprised... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2134850/ticket-touting-steroids-uk-body-surprised-hong-kong-sevens-using?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2134850/ticket-touting-steroids-uk-body-surprised-hong-kong-sevens-using?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 27 Feb 2018 03:29:24 +0000 England and Scotland will have to explain the players’ scuffle in the tunnel before their Six Nations rugby match at Murrayfield on Saturday. Television footage appears to show a clash between England centre Owen Farrell and Scotland No. 8 Ryan Wilson that ended when they were pulled apart by teammates. The incident unfolded as the players left the field and entered the tunnel after their warm-ups. Six Nations Rugby said on Sunday it would be “writing to the unions to request clarification on... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2134685/six-nations-rugby-asking-england-and-scotland-explain-pre-match-scuffle?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2134685/six-nations-rugby-asking-england-and-scotland-explain-pre-match-scuffle?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 26 Feb 2018 03:26:03 +0000 Huw Jones scored two tries as Scotland produced a huge upset to beat Six Nations champions England 25-13 at Murrayfield on Saturday. It was Scotland’s first victory over their oldest rivals in a decade and just England’s second defeat in 26 tests under Australian coach Eddie Jones, with Ireland now the only side left in this season’s Six Nations who can complete a grand slam. Scotland had not scored a try against England at Murrayfield in 14 years before Saturday’s match but, with fly-half Finn... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2134604/huw-beauty-scotland-stun-england-25-13-six-nations-claim-overdue?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2134604/huw-beauty-scotland-stun-england-25-13-six-nations-claim-overdue?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 25 Feb 2018 03:59:27 +0000 Wales coach Warren Gatland was left bemoaning a “terrible” replay ruling following a 12-6 defeat by England in the Six Nations at Twickenham. With England leading 12-0, it appeared Wales full back Gareth Anscombe, under pressure from home wing Anthony Watson, had touched down for a 24th-minute try, however experienced television match official Glenn Newman ruled Anscombe had not grounded the ball. French referee Jerome Garces awarded Wales a penalty, which Rhys Patchell kicked, for an... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2132893/you-had-one-job-warren-gatland-rues-terrible-mistake-officials?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2132893/you-had-one-job-warren-gatland-rues-terrible-mistake-officials?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 11 Feb 2018 06:06:03 +0000 England coach Eddie Jones forecast fans were in for a treat following the “wonderful rugby” played on the opening weekend of this season’s Six Nations. Jones’s men launched their bid for an unprecedented third successive outright title by rounding off the first round of fixtures with a 46-15 win away to Italy in Rome on Sunday. A crowd of more than 61,000 spectators at the Stadio Olimpico saw England run in seven tries, with an emboldened Italy scoring two of their own before fading away late... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2132003/wonderful-six-nations-excites-england-boss-eddie-jones-after-italy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2132003/wonderful-six-nations-excites-england-boss-eddie-jones-after-italy?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 05 Feb 2018 02:51:33 +0000 Wales head coach Warren Gatland insisted he “predicted victory by 20 points” and never doubted his injury-hit side would get their Six Nations campaign off to the perfect start against Scotland. Leigh Halfpenny scored 24 points to secure a bonus point 34-7 victory over Gregor Townsend’s side at the Principality Stadium. Gareth Davies got the hosts off to a flying start when he intercepted an Ali Price pass and sprinted 60 metres to score. Halfpenny then ended a five-year wait for an... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2131908/warren-gatland-say-he-predicted-six-nations-victory-20-points?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2131908/warren-gatland-say-he-predicted-six-nations-victory-20-points?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 04 Feb 2018 04:45:47 +0000 Defending Six Nations champions England will be without prop Joe Marler for at least the opening two matches of the tournament after he was banned for six weeks. The 27-year-old – whose career has been bedevilled by disciplinary issues – was handed the suspension by an independent Rugby Football Union (RFU) disciplinary panel after being sent off at the weekend in his club Harlequins’ 30-29 Premiership defeat by Sale. Marler will definitely miss the games against Italy on February 4 in Rome and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2127585/bad-boy-joe-marler-deals-england-six-nations-blow-latest-ban?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2127585/bad-boy-joe-marler-deals-england-six-nations-blow-latest-ban?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 Jan 2018 03:12:10 +0000 England coach Eddie Jones challenged his side to achieve “greatness” by completing back-to-back Grand Slams after they retained their Six Nations title with a round to spare following a 61-21 thrashing of Scotland at Twickenham on Saturday. Jonathan Joseph scored a hat-trick as England ran in seven tries, with Owen Farrell overcoming a leg injury to kick 26 points as they overpowered Scotland in posting a record score in the 135th edition of rugby union’s oldest international fixture. Victory... https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/2078172/seize-moment-greatness-eddie-jones-message-victorious-england?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/2078172/seize-moment-greatness-eddie-jones-message-victorious-england?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Mar 2017 04:00:30 +0000 The idea of a new world club championship inched closer to becoming a reality as part of a new rugby union calendar, according to reports in the British media. According to The Times, the Premiership, Pro 12, and the French Top 14 leagues are likely to finish in June, aligning with the Super Rugby season, enabling the best European clubs and their southern hemisphere counterparts to face off once every four years. The Six Nations will not be moved from its traditional February to March slot, the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2019374/global-vision-rugby-world-club-cup-nearing-possibility-european-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2019374/global-vision-rugby-world-club-cup-nearing-possibility-european-and?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 14 Sep 2016 11:30:45 +0000 The French team have soul and spirit despite a disastrous Six Nations campaign that saw them land the wooden spoon for the first time since 1999, claims a defiant France coach Philippe Saint-Andre. The French took the unwanted prize despite beating Scotland 23-16 at the Stade de France, their first win of the campaign, to end the tournament with three points. They finished bottom of the table, equal on points with Ireland but with a worse points difference. Saint-Andre, who replaced the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1193091/bottom-placed-france-have-will-fight-says-philippe-saint-andre?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1193091/bottom-placed-france-have-will-fight-says-philippe-saint-andre?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 17 Mar 2013 16:00:00 +0000 France will bid to erase a woeful Six Nations campaign by beating Scotland at the Stade de France and hope other results go their way so they avoid their first wooden spoon since 1999. Then they landed the unwanted title thanks to a home defeat by the Scots, which was the last time they won in Paris. France coach Philippe Saint-Andre has told his players they owe their fans a big performance. "I have told the players they must battle for 80 minutes and take the game by the scruff of the neck,"... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1191722/time-finish-high-saint-andre-tells-french-squad?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1191722/time-finish-high-saint-andre-tells-french-squad?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 15 Mar 2013 16:00:00 +0000 History awaits the winners of today's climax to the Six Nations as Wales and grand slam-seeking England battle for northern hemisphere supremacy. A tournament blighted by the weather and that has delivered few highlights at least got the finale it so needed and desired. England are unbeaten after four rounds and a fifth success would see Stuart Lancaster deliver his country's first grand slam in a decade. However Lancaster, in only his second year in charge, is well aware what awaits him at the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1191724/fitting-climax-england-and-wales-fight-glory?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1191724/fitting-climax-england-and-wales-fight-glory?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 15 Mar 2013 16:00:00 +0000 Italy coach Jacques Brunel said he will not count on injury-hit Ireland lying down and rolling over when the sides meet in their final Six Nations clash at Rome's Olympic Stadium today. Italy currently sit second from bottom of the table ahead of France, whom they beat in their opener last month, and one point behind third placed Ireland. But despite the mouth-watering prospect of a respectable finish, Brunel says he will not take the Irish lightly. "We have the utmost respect for Ireland.... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1191721/italy-coach-wary-injury-hit-ireland?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1191721/italy-coach-wary-injury-hit-ireland?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 15 Mar 2013 16:00:00 +0000 Pocock ruled out of Lions series with injury The Wallabies suffered a major blow for this year's home series against the British and Irish Lions with confirmation that star forward David Pocock has been ruled out for six months. Scans showed that breakdown ace Pocock suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament playing for the ACT Brumbies in their 35-6 Super Rugby victory over the NSW Waratahs. "To hurt my knee so early in the season is obviously disappointing, particularly considering how well... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/1187760/sports-digest-march-11-2013?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/1187760/sports-digest-march-11-2013?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 10 Mar 2013 16:00:00 +0000 Ireland would be contending for the Six Nations title if they had taken their chances during the tournament, says coach Declan Kidney after the 13-13 draw with France on Saturday. The 53-year-old, who was named world coach of the year in 2009 after guiding Ireland to a rare grand slam, may have taken solace from a gutsy performance by the team, but it is unlikely to end the speculation surrounding his own future. Kidney, whose contract is up at the end of the campaign, has had to cope with a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1187706/kidney-rues-irelands-missed-chances-draw-france?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1187706/kidney-rues-irelands-missed-chances-draw-france?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 10 Mar 2013 16:00:00 +0000 France hope to ease fears of a first "wooden spoon" since 1957 with their first victory of the Six Nations today against an Ireland side who are also in danger of ending up with the unwanted "prize". A campaign that opened with plenty of optimism after a successful November series of three test wins has descended into deep depression and a desperate France coach Philippe Saint-Andre saying he would settle even for a 3-0 win. Defeats by Italy in Rome, at home to a Wales side that had lost their... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1186496/france-and-ireland-fight-wooden-spoon?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1186496/france-and-ireland-fight-wooden-spoon?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 08 Mar 2013 16:00:00 +0000 England have never lost any of their 18 tests against Italy, and a heavy victory over the Azzurri at Twickenham tomorrow could all but assure Stuart Lancaster's grand-slam chasers of the title. Logic suggests England, who were to name their team late yesterday, ought to win well and move closer to a first grand slam since their World Cup-winning year of 2003. However, logic would not have put pre-tournament favourites France at the bottom of the table and facing the prospect of their first... https://www.scmp.com/article/1186493/england-wary-underestimating-italy-threat-battle-six-nations-crown?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1186493/england-wary-underestimating-italy-threat-battle-six-nations-crown?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 08 Mar 2013 16:00:00 +0000 An outspoken Australian and a former England number eight on temporary contracts have overseen a transformation in a Scotland rugby side who now have a chance of winning the Six Nations championship for the first time. Scott Johnson, a coaching nomad who has worked in his native Australia and with Wales and the United States, was appointed interim head coach in succession to Andy Robinson after a humiliating loss to Tonga in November. He subsequently combined forces with Dean Ryan, who has taken... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1182420/temporary-coaches-oversee-transformed-scotland?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1182420/temporary-coaches-oversee-transformed-scotland?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 06 Mar 2013 03:58:46 +0000 Maxime Medard is set to make his first appearance for France in over a year in Dublin on Saturday but the exciting back says people must not expect miracles from him in the Six Nations clash with Ireland. The 26-year-old Toulouse star admits he still carries the effects of the ruptured cruciate ligaments he suffered in the opening Six Nations match with Scotland last year. However, he has earned his recall to the squad at the expense of wing Benjamin Fall because of the attacking possibilities... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1180199/medard-warns-expecting-too-much?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1180199/medard-warns-expecting-too-much?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Mar 2013 16:00:00 +0000 Scotland's Australian interim head coach Scott Johnson jokingly compared his side to boxing great Muhammad Ali after they came from behind to see off Ireland 12-8 in the Six Nations at Murrayfield. Ireland had more than 70 per cent territory and possession in Sunday's match and led 8-0 early in the second half after wing Craig Gilroy scored the only try of the game. But from then on, Scotland eventually made their scrum superiority and forward dominance count, providing a platform for fly-half... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1158460/scotland-comeback-against-ireland-pleases-coach?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1158460/scotland-comeback-against-ireland-pleases-coach?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 25 Feb 2013 16:00:00 +0000 Wales interim coach Rob Howley hailed the flexibility of his players as the Six Nations champions maintained their title defence hopes with a 26-9 win over Italy. Despite a 16-6 win over France last time out, Wales came into their third game of the series with question marks hovering - mainly because that win brought an end to seven straight defeats. For the sizeable Welsh support in Rome it was a nervous day at a rain-soaked Olympic Stadium after the visitors went in at half-time leading only... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1157678/wales-keep-title-hopes-alive-win-over-italy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1157678/wales-keep-title-hopes-alive-win-over-italy?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 24 Feb 2013 16:00:00 +0000 England coach Stuart Lancaster said there was more to come from his youthful side after they moved closer to a Six Nations grand slam with a 23-13 victory over World Cup finalists France at Twickenham. "Our players know they have been through a very tough 80 minutes. France brought their 'A' game and put us under a lot of pressure," said Lancaster. "It shows a great level of maturity for a young side, average age of 24, 200-odd caps, that's it, and playing a side that's been to a World Cup final... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1157676/england-youngsters-grind-down-france?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1157676/england-youngsters-grind-down-france?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 24 Feb 2013 16:00:00 +0000 England took a giant stride toward the Six Nations title by battling past France on Saturday, but defending champion Wales could push its old rival all the way after beating Italy to maintain its resurgence. The Grand Slam is still on for England thanks to a 23-13 win at Twickenham, with Manu Tuilagi’s fortunate 54th-minute try helping to turn the tide after the winless French went into halftime 10-9 ahead. Wales looks like the only team able to stop the English juggernaut from a first clean... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1157481/england-stay-course-six-nations-grand-slam?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1157481/england-stay-course-six-nations-grand-slam?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 24 Feb 2013 06:13:58 +0000 Rarely can France have been in such need of a win at Twickenham as they will be when they try to salvage a flagging season by stopping England's bid for a Six Nations grand slam in its tracks today. Pre-tournament favourites France, arguably just one refereeing decision away from winning the 2011 World Cup final, are now bottom of the Six Nations table after defeats by Italy and Wales. Yet for all it is a cliché, no side in world rugby has the capacity to go from the supine to sublime in the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1156444/france-seek-end-englands-bid-grand-slam?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1156444/france-seek-end-englands-bid-grand-slam?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 22 Feb 2013 16:00:00 +0000 Broner stops Rees in fifth to retain WBC belt Adrien Broner had little trouble remaining undefeated as the WBC lightweight champion, overcoming Gavin Rees' aggressiveness and determination by stopping the Welshman in the fifth round before a roaring crowd of 4,812 in Atlantic City. "I knew he was coming to fight," Broner said. "He's a world-class fighter. I had to see how much gas was left in that Toyota. He kept coming and threw every shot like it was his best shot. I knew he would be tough.... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/1152542/short-sport-february-18-2013?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/1152542/short-sport-february-18-2013?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 17 Feb 2013 16:00:00 +0000