Rugby Union

Argentina international Matias Orlando has been released from his Newcastle Falcons contract early. The 32-year-old has been allowed to leave Kingston Park before the end of the season “to pursue a new playing opportunity” according to a club statement. Centre Orlando has made 45 appearances in four seasons with the …

Danny Wilson’s side are aiming to become the competition’s first new finalists since Exeter Chiefs in 2020, but face a tough challenge – they were hammered by Toulouse at home in December during the pool stage. However, in their quarter-final against Bordeaux, they also went in as heavy underdogs and …

Leigh Halfpenny is to make his long-awaited Super Rugby debut for Crusaders against Queensland Reds on Saturday. The 35-year-old feared his first season in New Zealand could be wiped out after tearing a pectoral muscle in a pre-season friendly at Munster in February. But the former Wales full-back has recovered …

Italy scrum-half Stephen Varney hopes he can be a “good asset” for Gloucester on Saturday when they face Benetton in their European Challenge Cup semi-final. Varney, 22, has been capped 29 times by the Azzurri since making his international debut in 2020 and will face many of his Azzurri team-mates …

Versatile back Harri Millard has signed a new contract to stay at Cardiff for 2024-25. The 27-year-old was initially let go at the end of the 2022-23 campaign, but then secured another season. Cardiff have not specified the duration of Millard’s new deal. “I have said previously that I was …

Bristol Bears scrum-half Sam Wolstenholme has extended his contract at the Premiership club. The 24-year-old former Wasps and Leicester player has made four appearances since moving to the club last summer. “He has been an excellent addition to our scrum-half ranks on and off the field and we’re delighted with …

Five-time winners Toulouse are the most successful club in the history of the Champions Cup and booked their place in the last four as they saw off a spirited Exeter side in the quarter-finals. Willis has won 14 England caps but is ineligible for Test selection because of a Rugby …

Northampton Saints’ attack and defence coaches Sam Vesty and Lee Radford speak to BBC Sport about the methods they have instilled in the team, as they prepare for their Champions Cup semi-final against Leinster at Croke Park. “The higher pressure you live under the better you’re going to be,” said …

Leicester-born Vesty was a utility back for hometown club Tigers as a player, but has since crossed the East Midlands divide as a coach. The 42-year-old, who won two England caps in 2009, is keen to learn the lessons from his own career. “As a player, I had coaches who …

Ireland will face Australia in Belfast in a one-off Test match on 14 September as part of Irish Rugby’s 150th anniversary celebrations. Scott Bemand’s side will use the Kingspan Stadium encounter to prepare for the WXV competition in Canada with Ireland having been promoted to the top tier after finishing …

For centre Van Breda, who is also a former Worcester player, the plan was to always stay in Jersey, just not give up professional rugby when he had to. “Things happen for a reason, I’ve found a way to make it work for me,” he tells BBC Channel Islands. “I’ve …

“We want to host and play against the best sides in the world before the 2025 Rugby World Cup,” said England captain Marlie Packer. “Our last two games at Twickenham have resulted in the best two crowds ever recorded in women’s rugby, we want more. “Playing the Black Ferns at …

Harlequins number eight Alex Dombrandt says his side are in “the biggest week in the club’s history” as they prepare to face Toulouse in their Champions Cup semi-final on Sunday. Quins, who are set for their first semi-final appearance in the competition, are taking on the record five-time winners in …

Saracens have warned England forward Billy Vunipola about his future conduct after he was arrested in in Majorca on Sunday. BBC Sport understands the 31-year-old was Tasered by police in the early hours of Sunday morning in Palma, the capital of the Spanish island, and subsequently charged with “resisting the …

Northampton Saints fly-half Fin Smith says his side have had an “eye-opening history lesson” about Croke Park before they face Leinster in Saturday’s Champions Cup semi-final. Saints will be the first English club to play at The Gaelic Athletic Association’s (GAA) headquarters. On Bloody Sunday on 21 November 1920, 14 …

Wales wing Owen Lane will leave Cardiff at the end of the 2023-24 season to join French second-tier club Valance Romans. Lane, 26, has won five Wales caps, scoring two tries. His move away from Wales means he is no longer eligible for Wales selection under the Welsh Rugby Union’s …

Northampton Saints have signed a trio of youngsters – flanker Archie Benson, second row Fyn Brown and tighthead prop Luke Green – ahead of next season. Benson, 23, joins from Luctonians, where he was ever-present and helped the Leominster club to finish runners-up in National League Two West. Brown, 21, …

Launched in 2022, the Celtic Challenge doubled in size this season, from three to six teams, which included the introduction of teams from Scotland. Brython Thunder and Gwalia Lightning represent Wales. Ireland have Irish Wolfhounds and Clovers with Scotland fielding Edinburgh and Glasgow Warriors. This year’s tournament was won by …

Saracens lock Maro Itoje will be available for the Premiership run-in after having his citing for a dangerous tackle against Bath dismissed at a tribunal. The England star is free to play “with immediate effect” and will be available for selection away to Bristol Bears on Saturday, 11 May. The …

Exeter scrum-half Niall Armstrong has extended his contract at the Premiership club. The 24-year-old Irishman has made 11 appearances for the Chiefs this season after making his debut in September. A former Ulster youth player, he came to Sandy Park via the Chiefs’ association with Exeter University. Exeter have not …