Rugby Union

British and Irish Lions great Martin Johnson urged Andy Farrell’s side to nail the basics in order to seal the series win as he addressed the side for Saturday’s second Test against Australia in Melbourne. Johnson became the first man to captain the Lions on consecutive tours when he skippered …

Bern, who won her first England cap in 2016, cited American centre Ilona Maher’s spell at Bristol Bears earlier this year with helping her see the value in using her profile online. Maher is the most followed rugby player in the world on social media with more than 8.5 million …

Hunt is one of four world champions in the Red Roses’ World Cup squad from their triumph 11 years ago. Emily Scarratt, Marlie Packer and Alex Matthews will also look to make it a double on 27 September when the final is staged at Twickenham Stadium. “It is massive [to …

Ugo Monye, John Barclay and Chris Jones react to Andy Farrell’s team for the second Test. BBC News

Scotland: Lucia Scott; Rhona Lloyd, Evie Wills, Lisa Thomson, Coreen Grant; Helen Nelson, Leia Brebner-Holden; Leah Bartlett, Lana Skeldon, Elliann Clarke, Emma Wassell, Adelle Ferrie, Rachel Malcolm (capt), Rachel McLachlan, Evie Gallagher. Replacements: Eis Martin, Molly Wright, Lisa Cockburn, Eva Donaldson, Alex Stewart, Caity Mattinson, Hannah Ramsay, Chloe Rollie. BBC …

Scarratt is one of four squad members included from the group that beat Canada 11 years ago. Marlie Packer, Alex Matthews and Natasha Hunt all played that day and have been key players for Mitchell over the past two seasons. Packer, 35, captained England during that time and lifted back-to-back …

There has been increased focus on concussion since a group of former players launched legal action against rugby authorities, claiming they were not sufficiently protected from and informed about potential brain injuries. Barclay said he played in the 2017 autumn internationals, unsure whether he had fully recovered from a concussion …

United States prop Hope Rogers has signed a new contract with Exeter for the forthcoming Premiership Women’s Rugby season. Rogers, 32, became the USA’s most-capped player earlier this summer and was Exeter’s top try-scorer last season. Her 10 tries helped her be named in the league’s Dream Team, while she …

Head coach Andy Farrell and Lions captain Maro Itoje say they are “gutted” that Garry Ringrose has had to withdraw from the Lions team ahead of the second Test, after a head-related injury in training. Ringrose was replaced at outside centre by Scotland’s Huw Jones in a late rejig of …

Captain Rachel Malcolm says the Scotland players have been put in an “unfair position” by a “very disruptive” build-up to this summer’s Rugby World Cup. Last month a source from the Scotland camp told the BBC players were “suffering with their mental and emotional health” as more than half the …

Australia: Wright; Jorgensen, Suaalii, Ikitau, Potter; Lynagh, Gordon; Slipper, Porecki, Alaalatoa, Frost, Skelton, Valetini, McReight, Wilson (capt). Replacements: Pollard, Bell, Robertson, Williams, Gleeson, Tizzano, McDermott, Donaldson. British and Irish Lions: Keenan; Freeman, Jones, Aki, Lowe; Russell, Gibson-Park; Porter, Sheehan, Furlong, Itoje (capt), Chessum, Beirne, Curry, Conan. Replacements: Kelleher, Genge, Stuart, …

Forwards: Zoe Aldcroft (Gloucester-Hartpury, captain), Lark Atkin-Davies (Bristol Bears), Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears), Hannah Botterman (Bristol Bears), Abi Burton (Trailfinders), May Campbell (Saracens), Mackenzie Carson (Gloucester-Hartpury), Kelsey Clifford (Saracens), Amy Cokayne (Sale Sharks), Maddie Feaunati (Exeter Chiefs), Rosie Galligan (Saracens), Lilli Ives Campion (Loughborough Lightning), Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning), Alex …

Australia: Wright, Jorgensen, Suaalii, Ikitau, Potter, Lynagh, Gordon; Slipper, Porecki, Alaalatoa, Frost, Skelton, Valetini, McReight, Wilson. Replacements: Pollard, Bell, Robertson, Williams, Gleeson, Tizzano, McDermott, Donaldson. British & Irish Lions: Keenan, Freeman, Jones, Aki, Lowe, Russell, Gibson-Park; Porter, Sheehan, Furlong, Itoje, Chessum, Beirne, Curry, Conan. Replacements: Kelleher, Genge, Stuart, Ryan, Morgan, …

Australia: Wright, Jorgensen, Suaalii, Ikitau, Potter, Lynagh, Gordon; Slipper, Porecki, Alaalatoa, Frost, Skelton, Valetini, McReight, Wilson Replacements: Pollard, Bell, Robertson, Williams, Gleeson, Tizzano, McDermott, Donaldson British & Irish LIon: Keenan, Freeman, Jones, Aki, Lowe, Russell, Gibson-Park; Porter, Sheehan, Furlong, Itoje, Chessum, Beirne, Curry, Conan Replacements: Kelleher, Genge, Stuart, Ryan, Morgan, …

Potter was born in London and grew up in Bristol before moving to Melbourne aged 10. He moved to England in 2020 to play for Leicester Tigers, scoring 20 tries in 67 appearances and winning the 2022 Premiership title, and returning to Australia with the Western Force. As a 15-year-old, …

Valetini used to go to The ‘G to watch his side St Kilda in the AFL; a rite of passage for everyone from the area. The state of Victoria is Aussie Rules heartland, where rugby union barely gets a look in. At the school where the Lions are based in …

Tom English, Lauren Jenkins and Chris Jones look ahead to the second Test between Australia and the Lions at the MCG. BBC News

Georgia Evans says she and her Wales team-mates are the fittest they have ever been after being pushed to their limits in pre-season. Head coach Sean Lynn said a lack of strength and conditioning was a concern after Wales finished bottom of the 2025 Women’s Six Nations, his first campaign …

Morgan is no stranger to a fierce contest for the seven shirt in a red jersey and has approached a similar battle on this tour with hard work and drive. The 25-year-old has been unfazed by any selection debates and headlines that arose last week when the first Test side …

Sixteen teams will play in the World Cup, up from 12 in the previous tournament back in 2021. England, France, Canada and New Zealand secured direct qualification after finishing in the top four at the 2021 World Cup. Australia, Scotland, Italy and Wales secured their spot through their finishing positions …