Rugby News

Daryl Powell admits Castleford were motivated by Brian McDermott's bullish pre-match talk as they inflicted a seventh straight defeat on Leeds to move seven points clear at the top of Super League.

Matty Smith kicked a long-distance drop-goal after the full-time hooter to complete an amazing fightback from St Helens against his old club Salford.

New Catalans boss Steve McNamara lost his first match in charge of the Dragons as Warrington Wolves claimed a hard-earned 24-16 Super League victory to keep their top-eight hopes alive.

Taulupe Faletau has insisted the British and Irish Lions can fend off both the weight of history and New Zealand to win their Test series.

Five talking points from the British and Irish Lions' first-Test defeat to the All Blacks at Eden Park on Saturday.

All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen has taken a swipe at the British and Irish Lions' ambitions to become the world's best forward pack.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen praised captain Kieran Read's outstanding performance which guided his side to victory.

Ex-All Black Jeff Wilson questioned the Lions' decision to take off Ben Te'o during their 30-15 during their 30-15 loss to New Zealand in Saturday's first Test at Eden Park.

British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland says the three-Test series against New Zealand remains very much alive despite the disappointment of Saturday's 30-15 defeat in the opener.

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt was relieved to see his side clinch a hard-fought 35-13 victory over Japan at Ajinomoto Stadium in Tokyo.

Rieko Ioane scored two tries as the All Blacks ruthlessly beat the British and Irish Lions 30-15 in the first Test at Eden Park on Saturday.

Australia scored two late tries as they survived a fightback from Italy to win 40-27 on Saturday and avoid a second straight defeat.

Ireland signed off on their summer tour with a 35-13 victory over Japan at Ajinomoto Stadium in Tokyo.