Rugby News

Mako Vunipola has targeted a massive improvement ahead of Saturday's opening Test at Suncorp Stadium, live on Sky Sports, and admitted England's scrum was given a "hiding" by Australia at the World Cup last autumn.

Widnes coach Denis Betts joins Jon Wells at the touchscreen to analyse his side's 38-28 victory over the Tigers.

Head coach Eddie Jones says he thinks Harlequins wing Marland Yarde could be a 'really special player' for England.

Sean Fitzpatrick says the All Blacks will survive the loss of big players thanks to development driven by Steve Hansen.

Scotland wing Tommy Seymour believes new call-up Huw Jones is doing the right thing saving his talking for the pitch.

Barrie McDermott and Terry O'Connor discuss the pressure on St Helens coach Keiron Cunningham, the impact of overseas signings and preview round 18 of Super League in this week's Rugby League Podcast.

Alister Coetzee and Joe Schmidt have named the South Africa and Ireland line-ups for the first test of the series this weekend

Rob Burrow returns from injury for Leeds against Salford on Friday as the Rhinos attempt to snap a 10-game losing streak.

Lions scrum-half Faf de Klerk will make his South Africa debut against Ireland in Cape Town on Saturday.

Sky Sports' rugby presenter Alex Payne assesses the form ahead of this weekend's Tests and thinks England can topple Australia in Brisbane.

Steffon Armitage has ended speculation over his club future by signing a three-year deal with Pau, effectively ending hope of an England recall.

Ireland coach Joe Schmidt has named Paddy Jackson at fly-half for Saturday's first Test against South Africa at Newlands.

Widnes have handed back-row forward Macgraff Leuluai a two-year contract extension.

England forward Mike Cooper is to cut short his stay in the NRL to return to his hometown club Warrington.

Hull coach Lee Radford has singled out Warrington's Kurt Gidley as the main threat ahead of their Super League clash, live on Sky Sports.

Owen Farrell has deposed George Ford as England's fly-half in Eddie Jones' starting XV for England's first Test against Australia on Saturday.

Sale Sharks have confirmed the club has been acquired from Brian Kennedy by new owners CorpAcq Ltd, led by Simon Orange, brother of ex-Take That member Jason.

Gloucester have signed centre Andy Symons as they strengthen their squad for next season.

Eddie Jones has named the England squad that will take on Australia in the first test of the summer, in Brisbane this Saturday

Michael Cheika has named three debutants in his Australia team to take on England in their first test of the summer

Wales boss Warren Gatland insists he will not focus on a breakdown battle against a New Zealand side without Richie McCaw after making four changes to his pack for Saturday's first Test in Auckland.

Six Nations champions England have vowed a confrontational "Bodyline" brand of rugby in a bid to upset Australia in their Test series opener in Brisbane on Saturday.