Rugby

Six Argentina players and two members of team staff have been expelled from the Rugby Championship for breaching tournament health rules by taking an unauthorised trip to Byron Bay. The tournament has been held under strict biosecurity protocols with restricted travel because of Covid-19 cases in the state of Queensland. But the players crossed into New South Wales to visit the tourist destination. The group included former Puma’s captain Pablo Matera. The Argentina rugby union (UAR) said the group also comprised Sebastian Cancelliere,

Len Ikitau and Marika Koroibete scored two tries apiece as Australia secured a second successive victory over world champions South Africa in the Rugby Championship in Brisbane. Ikitau touched down twice in the first half, although the Springboks took the lead through centre Lukhanyo Am two minutes into the second half. Koroibete struck twice in six minutes to seal a bonus-point Australia win. New Zealand reclaimed top spot in the world rankings after beating Argentina. The All Blacks are now 10 points clear

Quarterback Cam Newton has been released by the New England Patriots in a surprise move ahead of the new NFL season. Newton's omission means rookie Mac Jones is likely to be the team's starting quarterback. The 32-year-old replaced Tom Brady at the Patriots in 2020 after nine years with the Carolina Panthers and had been expected to start the campaign. Newton told his Instagram followers not to "feel sorry" for him. "I really appreciate all the love and support during the time, but I must

One season of professional rugby could be enough to see a decline in a player's blood flow to the brain and cognitive function, a new study claims. The University of South Wales research followed a professional rugby team over the course of a season, testing players pre-season, mid-season and post season. It will be published in Wednesday's September edition of the Journal of Experimental Physiology. Researchers followed a team playing in the United Rugby Championship. They say more research is needed on the

Barbarian Women are set to play South Africa at Twickenham in a double-header with the men on 27 November. It will be the first time the Barbarian's men and women's teams have played on the same day. The women will take on the Springboks after the men compete against Samoa with both teams playing for the Killik Cup. The women's team last played in November 2019 where they defeated Wales 29-15 at the Principality Stadium. "We are proud to support women's rugby globally

Second-half tries from Makazole Mapimpi and Malcolm Marx helped South Africa to a 29-10 victory over an ill-disciplined Argentina in the Rugby Championship. Fly-half Handre Pollard kicked 19 points as the Springboks dominated in Gqeberha, Mapimpi going over after Willie le Roux's pinpoint pass. Hooker Marx dotted down less than 10 minutes later but they failed to score more to get the bonus point. Pablo Matera scored the Pumas' only try in added time in a scrappy finish. Argentina saw forwards Rodrigo Bruni

Former Australian rugby player and Rugby World Cup winner Toutai Kefu and his family have been injured after being attacked in their home in Brisbane, Australia. Brisbane's Regional Crime and Intelligence Coordinator Detective Superintendent Tony Fleming confirmed in a press conference that Kefu and his family had been taken to hospital with serious injuries after a "burglary that has gone wrong." Fleming said Kefu was in surgery after suffering "very serious wounds to his abdomen." According to Fleming, his initial condition was described as "critical but expected

Wigan Warriors have suspended prop Tony Clubb while they hold an investigation into an alleged racist comment made during their win against Hull FC. Hull forward Andre Savelio said a Wigan player used a racist remark and reported it to referee James Child. Child put the incident, which occurred in the 34th minute, on report before the match continued. "Equality matters, and Wigan and Hull FC are united in this message," a joint Wigan and Hull statement said. "Both clubs have discussed the matter and

France will meet England in next weekend's Six Nations final after a thumping 56-15 victory over Ireland. Five tries in the first 40 minutes saw the visitors all-but secure the win by half-time, with only Cliodhna Moloney crossing in response for the Irish. Further scores from Caroline Boujard, Romane Menager and Cyrielle Banet saw France pass the half century of points. Ireland will meet either Scotland or Italy next Saturday in a battle for third and fourth place. France entered the game in

Two men, two matches, two moments. The first, comes in Fukuroi. Scotland are about to take on Russia in a pool game they know they will win. Finn Russell picks up three balls, one in his left hand, a second in his right, another jammed between. He drops the third ball onto his left instep, flicks it up, and strides onto the pitch, juggling the balls between his hands like a circus performer. The second comes in Yokohama. TJ Perenara utters the opening words of the haka. His