Rugby

11/15/2024 |  France and All Blacks clash in tip-top shape before second-rate 2025 tour (Associated Press (AP)) France against New Zealand before a sold-out Stade de France under lights on Saturday could be the last competitive rugby test between them for a while.
The French are set for a three-test tour of New Zealand next July but have already decided they’re sending a second-string squad. It’s not a surprise. France deliberately dispatched weakened squads to Argentina this year, Japan in 2022, and Australia in 2021. It won only the Japan series.

10/30/2024 |  England prop Marler restores X account after haka post furore (Reuters Sports) Oct 30 (Reuters) - England's Joe Marler reactivated his X account on Wednesday after the prop received backlash for his post saying the All Blacks' iconic haka is 'ridiculous' and must be binned ahead of their match against New Zealand.

10/30/2024 |  French federation bans alcohol, proposes drug tests to improve discipline (Reuters Sports) Oct 30 (Reuters) - The French Rugby Federation (FFR) has banned players from drinking alcohol during national team gatherings as part of efforts to improve discipline following a series of controversies off the field this year.
Among the 20 steps announced by the FFR on Tuesday is a proposal to introduce drug and alcohol testing, while consumption of alcohol is banned at the national rugby centre in Marcoussis, stadiums and changing rooms.

10/29/2024 |  State of the nations ahead of Autumn International series (Reuters Sports) LONDON, Oct 29 (Reuters) - Ahead of the Autumn International Series we look at the form of rugby's major nations a year on from the 2023 World Cup.
(In order of world ranking)
IRELAND
As world number one, Six Nations champions and fresh from a 1-1 drawn series in South Africa, it was no surprise Ireland coach Andy Farrell has stayed true to his established squad before stepping away temporarily next year to lead the British & Irish Lions.

10/25/2024 |  French rugby bosses to turn the page after horror summer (Reuters Sports) PARIS, Oct 25 (Reuters) - French rugby has had a terrible year off the field, and the sport's national authorities are prepared to improve discipline as Les Bleus prepare for their autumn series, which will culminate next month with a clash against New Zealand.