SharePlusSharePlus
More ▼

Tag: Rugby Union

Sportsother-sports

Slade misses last-gasp kick as Toulouse deny Exeter famous win

Toulouse secured a thrilling 43-40 victory against Exeter Chiefs in the Champions Cup, overcoming a red card to prop Rodrigue Neti in the first half. Despite playing with 14 men for a significant portion of the match, the French powerhouse fought back in a classic encounter. Exeter came agonizingly close to sealing a historic win on foreign soil, spearheaded by a brilliant hat-trick of tries from Zack Wimbush. However, a late penalty miss by Henry Slade denied the English visitors a deserved draw.

Sportsother-sports

Quins secure emphatic Challenge Cup win over Vannes

Harlequins put their domestic struggles aside to secure a commanding 57-19 victory over French side Vannes in their European Challenge Cup opener. England fly-half Marcus Smith starred with 22 points as the English club ran in nine tries to kickstart their European campaign. The morale-boosting win provides much-needed relief for Quins, who currently sit at the bottom of the Premiership after losing their opening three matches. Meanwhile, Vannes also face domestic difficulties as they occupy the bottom spot in France's Top 14. Despite a yellow card to Smith in the first half that allowed Vannes to claw back into the contest, Harlequins dominated the second period. Their forwards proved unstoppable, laying the groundwork for a comprehensive bonus-point triumph ahead of a crucial derby against Saracens.

Sportsother-sports

Bristol beaten by Stormers in Champions Cup opener

Bristol Bears suffered a heavy defeat in their opening match of the Investec Champions Cup, losing 49-12 to the South African side Stormers. Jonathan Roche and Leolin Zas each scored two tries as the hosts dominated the encounter. Despite periods of numerical advantage following a red card and a yellow card for the Stormers, Bristol struggled to capitalize effectively. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu maintained a flawless kicking record, converting all seven tries for the victorious side.

Sportsother-sports

Seven-try Leinster too strong for Clermont in Champions Cup

Leinster began their campaign for a fifth European title with a resounding 48-23 bonus-point victory over Clermont at Stade Marcel-Michelin. Despite trailing at halftime, the Irish province dominated the second half. Fly-half Sam Prendergast starred with a 16-point haul, including a brilliant individual try, while Dan Sheehan crossed twice to seal a comprehensive opening win in pool one.

Sportsother-sports

Bath lose at home to Montpellier in Champions Cup

Bath suffered a disappointing 32-14 home defeat against Montpellier on the opening weekend of the Investec Champions Cup. Despite leading 14-10 at halftime, the English club failed to capitalize on their early opportunities. Montpellier dominated the second half, scoring 22 unanswered points to seal an impressive victory. Tries from Donovan Taofifenua and Alex Becognee ensured a tough start for English teams in the competition.

Sportsother-sports

Bath loss rounds off tough day for Prem clubs in Champions Cup

Montpellier secured an impressive 32-14 victory against Bath at The Rec, completing a difficult opening weekend for English clubs in the Champions Cup. The French side scored 22 unanswered points in the second half to turn the game around. Despite holding a lead early in the match following tries from Ollie Lawrence and Arthur Green, Bath failed to capitalize on key opportunities. Missed chances and a disallowed try proved costly as Montpellier took control after the interval.

Sportsother-sports

Ex-England hooker Singleton joins Glasgow after cardiac event

Former England hooker Jack Singleton has signed a short-term deal with Glasgow Warriors, marking his return to professional rugby 13 months after suffering a cardiac event in training. The 30-year-old underwent surgeries to have stents and balloons fitted for a previously undiagnosed hereditary heart condition. After extensive recovery, he is ready to resume his career.

Sportsother-sports

Wales and Ospreys suffer lengthy Kieran Hardy injury blow

Ospreys and Wales scrum-half Kieran Hardy faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after sustaining a serious knee injury during a United Rugby Championship match against the Dragons. The 30-year-old player will undergo surgery, ruling him out of the upcoming November international tests and potentially threatening his participation in the upcoming Six Nations tournament.

Sportsother-sports

Seven-try Connacht beat Saracens in Champions Cup

Connacht delivered a stellar attacking performance to defeat Saracens 45-36 in their opening Investec Champions Cup pool game at Dexcom Stadium. Despite a shaky start, the hosts crossed the try line seven times to overcome the three-time tournament champions. Captain Cian Prendergast and Ciaran Frawley each scored two tries, inspiring Connacht's remarkable comeback after initially falling behind 12-0. Saracens fought hard with tries from players like Sione Vaenuku and Owen Farrell, but missed conversions ultimately proved costly.

Sportsother-sports

Ulster secure bonus-point win against Zebre in Challenge Cup

Ulster kicked off their European Challenge Cup campaign with a dominant 40-21 victory over Zebre Parma in Italy. Academy graduate Henry Walker stood out with two tries on his first competitive start, helping Ulster secure an important bonus point. Despite a spirited second-half comeback from the hosts, Ulster's early lead and strong finish ensured a successful start to the tournament.

Sportsother-sports

Australia Defeats Scotland in WXV Global Series

Scotland suffered a heavy 56-12 defeat against Australia in their WXV Global Series match in Sydney, marking their eighth consecutive loss. Despite an early lead with a try from Katie Buchanan, Australia bounced back strongly, scoring eight tries in total. Players like Brittany Merlo, Maya Stewart, and Desiree Miller dominated the match for the hosts, extending their commanding lead through the second half. This victory secures Australia's second win in the competition, further deepening Scotland's struggles.

Sportsother-sports

Canada Ends England's 41-Match Unbeaten Run with Thrilling Win

England's historic 41-match unbeaten streak in women's rugby union came to a dramatic conclusion as Canada secured a thrilling 24-21 victory in Toronto. Shoshanah Seumanutafa scored a decisive late try to seal the comeback win in front of a record-breaking crowd. The defeat is England's first since the 2022 World Cup final against New Zealand, and their first loss to Canada on Canadian soil. A record 18,621 spectators watched the Red Roses fall just short in the intense WXV Global Series fixture.

Sportsother-sports

Canada stuns England with late try to end Red Roses' unbeaten run

Canada secured a dramatic 24-21 victory over England in Toronto during the opening match of the WXV Global Series. The thrilling encounter was decided in the dying moments of the game. Shoshanah Seumanutafa scored a crucial try in the 77th minute to seal the comeback. This defeat brings an end to the Red Roses' impressive unbeaten streak, which stretched back to the 2022 Rugby World Cup final.

Sportsother-sports

Gloucester and Holders Bordeaux Draw in Champions Cup Thriller

Gloucester and defending champions Bordeaux-Bègles kicked off the new Investec Champions Cup season with an exhilarating 36-36 draw at Kingsholm. The match featured a total of ten tries, showcasing high-intensity attacking rugby from both sides. Bordeaux, aiming for a third consecutive title, found themselves trailing at halftime and later by seven points in the second half. However, a crucial late try by France winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey secured a hard-fought draw for the visitors.

Sportsother-sports

Gloucester and Holders Bordeaux Play Out Thrilling Draw

Gloucester and reigning champions Bordeaux Begles kicked off their Champions Cup campaign with a dramatic 36-36 draw at Kingsholm. Bordeaux, aiming for a third consecutive title, faced a major scare after trailing at halftime and falling behind late in the second half. A gripping finale saw both teams secure five tries apiece, capped by a late equalizer from France winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey.

Sportsother-sports

Louis Rees-Zammit Calls for Ban on Artificial Pitches in Rugby

Wales and Bristol rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit has publicly urged authorities to ban artificial playing surfaces in top-flight rugby. Following a match at Saracens' StoneX Stadium, Rees-Zammit shared an image of his heavily scarred leg on social media, sparking renewed debate over player safety on synthetic turfs. Concerns are growing as research indicates knee injuries are significantly more likely on artificial pitches. Several clubs, including Bristol, have even rested key players specifically to protect them from the risks associated with these surfaces.

Sportsother-sports

Munster to remember 'special' Foley 10 years after his death

Munster Rugby is preparing to honour their former captain and head coach, Anthony Foley, on the tenth anniversary of his sudden passing. Current players and staff, including Denis Leamy, Tadhg Beirne, and Peter O'Mahony, have shared heartfelt reflections on his immense legacy. Foley tragically died in Paris in October 2016 at the age of 42. As Munster prepares to face Racing 92 in the Champions Cup, special tributes are planned, including commemorative jackets worn by the team.