Ospreys have become the third Welsh region to sign a fresh Professional Rugby Agreement (PRA) with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU).

Andy Farrell says signing a new Ireland contract was an easy decision as he pens a four-year extension to lead the team until 2031.

Leinster head coach Leo Cullen says that coach Jacques Nienaber is "fully committed" to the province that are "lucky to have" him involved.

Farrell to remain as Ireland’s head coach until 203151-year-old says ‘best is yet to come’ for IrelandAndy Farrell has signed a new deal to remain as Ireland’s head coach until 2031, removing any chance of England luring him back to Twickenham after next year’s Rugby World Cup. Instead Farrell has opted to stay put in Dublin and will now preside over Ireland’s next two World Cup campaigns.Farrell, who led the British & Irish Lions to a series win in Australia last year, has steered Ireland to two Six Nations titles, including a grand slam in 2023, and a historic Test series win over the All Blacks in New Zealand since replacing Joe Schmidt in late 2019. His latest five-year deal ends any speculation about a possible return to English rugby in 18 months’ time. Continue reading...

Ireland men's head coach Andy Farrell signs a new contract with the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) until 2031.

Matthew Smith has privileges temporarily removed Rugby pundit Alphonsi ‘disappointed’ with outcomeA Rugby Football Union council member has had his privileges suspended for seven months after making a discriminatory comment about the England World Cup winner and pundit Maggie Alphonsi.Matthew Smith, who represents Warwickshire, made the comment on Facebook about the 42-year-old during France’s 48-46 win against England in the Six Nations earlier this year. He posted: “Can someone please explain to me WTF does Maggie Alphonsi know about men’s rugby?” Continue reading...

Chris and Ashy head to the Saracens training base for a special pod about Mark McCall.

England full-back Ellie Kildunne, a figurehead for the Red Roses' Rugby World Cup win last year, is to leave Harlequins.

Jacques Nienaber casts doubt on his Leinster future as he claims he does not feel valued by the media and fans in Ireland.

Interest in joining the English top flight is strong, but how non-professional players are treated remains a key obstacleSeveral clubs including Bath have registered their interest in joining England’s Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR). The expansion of the top flight has no concrete timeline, but the possibility of the league growing has thrown up different discussion points. How will non-professional players deal with travel if a club from another home nation is introduced? Will the expansion aid international competition? And how do players feel about it?Before those questions are answered, let’s deal with the PWR expansion plans. The expression of interest phase was just an “exploratory” process and not a formal application to join the league. The move is part of the PWR’s 10-year plan to grow a sustainable and competitive league. The top flight is widely renowned as the best women’s club rugby competition in the world with international talent such as Ireland’s Aoife Wafer, New Zealand’s Alana Borland and Canada’s Sophie de Goede involved. However, the league has just nine teams after Worcester Warriors’ demise in 2023.This is an extract from our weekly rugby union email, the Breakdown. To subscribe just visit this page and follow the instructions. Continue reading...

Ugo, Danny & Chris preview Exeter v Sarries and debate if Shaun Edwards will join England

Leinster report injury concerns over a number of players before Saturday's United Rugby Championship semi-final against the Stormers [17:30 BST].

The future of Ireland and Leinster wing James Lowe remains uncertain after his record-breaking night against the Lions in the United Rugby Championship.

Cardiff vow to grow next season after losing to Stormers in their first taste of the United Rugby Championship play-offs.