World Cup blow for England as injury scuppers NRL star England have suffered a blow to their rugby league World Cup hopes after Canberra forward Morgan Smithies suffered a tournament-ending injury. AAP · Oct 14
'All love': the All Blacks inspiring NZ's league aces The All Blacks have ditched the cross-code rivalry to throw their support behind New Zealand's rugby league World Cup side ahead of a showdown with Australia. AAP · Oct 14
Women’s Rugby League World Cup shapes as tightest yet as gap closes on hosts Australia The three-time world champion Jillaroos maintain a strong edge but their title defence may be under threat from New Zealand and England The Guardian - AU · Oct 14
The Rugby League World Cup is a mess – but offers a vital opportunity RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP: After two hosts pulled out, rugby league has turned to its land of plenty as Australia hosts four tournaments – Harry Latham-Coyle explains why it could prove a pivotal period for the sport The Independent UK · Oct 14
'So many teams can win': closest league World Cup yet New Zealand coach Stacey Jones believes up to five teams, including England, Samoa and Tonga, can challenge Australia for rugby league World Cup glory. AAP · Oct 14
Domestic violence is a national crisis in PNG. The Chiefs NRL team must do more to support women In 2028, the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Chiefs will make their highly anticipated National Rugby League (NRL) debut after unprecedented Australian federal government investment, a flurry of big-name singings, lucrative tax breaks and seemingly infinite commercial deals. The Conversation · Oct 14
Louis Rees-Zammit calls for ban on artificial pitches: ‘Someone do something’ Rees-Zammit’s legs suffered severe friction burns during Bristol’s defeat to Saracens The Independent UK · Oct 13
Australian success is not guaranteed but who can stop the Rugby League World Cup hosts? A handful of increasingly competitive teams are expected to at least provide intrigue in what is likely to be the best tournament the sport has witnessed The Guardian - AU · Oct 13
Prince Harry's Brand Reportedly Looks 'Quite Tainted' Following Recent Booing Incident in the UK Prince Harry was booed by some spectators at a Leicester rugby match, prompting commentary about his public image and commercial appeal, although broader reputational damage remains unproven. International Business Times UK · Oct 13
Champions Cup has a jeopardy problem: can anyone stop the Top 14 giants? A seventh consecutive French title looks likely with lopsided odds again favouring Toulouse and Bordeaux-Bègles The Guardian - UK · Oct 13
Mikey Lewis left out of England side for Rugby League World Cup opener Lewis was chosen ahead of Jake Connor in Brian McDermott’s squad for the tournament The Independent UK · Oct 13
Men’s Rugby League World Cup 2026: group-by-group preview Australia and New Zealand are the main contenders on home soil while the pressure is on England straight away in new format The Guardian - UK · Oct 13
'Will be great for us': Suaalii welcomes Nawaqanitawase He looms as a rival for a Wallabies backline spot but Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii cannot wait to have fellow code-hopping superstar Mark Nawaqanitawase back in rugby. AAP · Oct 13
World Cup-winning coach to lead Fiji at 2027 tournament Former South Africa coach Jake White has beaten a strong field to be named as Fiji coach ahead of next year's Rugby World Cup in Australia. AAP · Oct 13
AAP · Oct 13 How NRL's Super League bid could revive a fallen giant Trent Robinson is the architect of France's quest for international rugby league relevance and believes the NRL can play a major role in its renaissance.
The Guardian - UK · Oct 12 ‘I want to show you can rise above the hate’: Junior Nsemba on racism and his Rugby League World Cup dream The Wigan forward, one of England’s brightest hopes for the World Cup, wants to ‘inspire young black people’, he tells Aaron Bower
AAP · Oct 12 'It's been real': Wallabies star's no-fuss retirement Andrew Kellaway won't get the chance to reach 50 caps for the Wallabies after announcing his rugby retirement one Test short of the milestone.
The Conversation · Oct 12 What’s in a name? Enough to ensnare Australia, NZ and PNG in a legal battle over the rugby team name ‘Chiefs’ Last week, New Zealand Rugby began legal action in the High Court of New Zealand to protect the club name “Chiefs” against its use by the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC).
AAP · Oct 11 Gagai eyes second World Cup title, with his second team Nine years after winning the Rugby League World Cup with Australia, Dane Gagai is chasing a second title but this time wearing New Zealand's black and white.
The Guardian - AU · Oct 10 New Zealand 50-19 Australia: Bledisloe Cup rugby union international – as it happened The Wallabies suffer a 12th straight defeat to the All Blacks as the home side extend their unbeaten streak at Eden Park to 54 Tests
AAP · Oct 10 Paulo to use past heartbreak to fuel World Cup charge Samoa's co-captain Junior Paulo has offered a helping hand to four Newcastle players ahead of the Rugby League World Cup.
AAP · Oct 10 'Pioneers': Fiji women set to inspire at World Cup Fiji are looking to make a splash at the upcoming Women's Rugby League World Cup but also want to keep building pathway programs in the Pacific nation.
Evening Standard · Oct 9 Harry spotted in stands at rugby union match Leicester Tigers claimed a 38-31 victory over Gloucester during Friday’s match.
The Guardian - UK · Oct 9 The Spurs of Prem Rugby: how Harlequins lost their swagger Marcus Smith’s return from injury offers hope but Quins appear a fragile side beset by entrenched problems