Rugby

Wales losing streak up to 18 tests after losing to Japan in boiling Kitakyushu

KITAKYUSHU, Japan (AP) — Wales lost again. The longest losing streak by a major test rugby team in the professional era was extended to 18 matches when Wales lost to Japan 24-19 on Saturday.

Jul 5, 2025 2:03 AM Read more >

Scotland holds on to beat the New Zealand Maori 29-26 in a thrilling start to its Pacific tour

WHANGAREI, New Zealand (AP) — Scotland conceded a try after only 40 seconds but rallied to score four tries including a double to scrumhalf George Horne to hold out the New Zealand Maori 29-26 Saturday in the opening match of its South Pacific tour.

Jul 5, 2025 12:51 AM Read more >

Fiji coach Byrne will reconnect with rugby's youngest new star Sua'ali'i in Wallabies test

NEWCASTLE, Australia (AP) — Rugby's newest star, 21-year-old Joseph-Aukuso Sua'ali'i, is well-known to Fiji coach Mick Byrne.

Jul 4, 2025 6:31 PM Read more >

Owen Farrell's 'aura' and 'serious quality' will help Lions in Australia, teammates say

SYDNEY (AP) — Owen Farrell's curveball call-up by the British and Irish Lions was welcomed by his new teammates Friday, with the former England captain praised for his high standards and leadership qualities as he heads to Australia for his fourth to

Jul 4, 2025 8:13 AM Read more >

Harry Wilson to captain Australia in rugby test against Fiji on Sunday

NEWCASTLE, Australia (AP) — Loose forward Harry Wilson will captain the Wallabies while Tate McDermott and Noah Lolesio will form the halfback pairing for Sunday's test match against Fiji in Newcastle north of Sydney.

Jul 4, 2025 1:40 AM Read more >

Stafford McDowall named to captain Scotland against the New Zealand Maori

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Center Stafford McDowall will captain Scotland in Saturday’s match against the New Zealand Maori in Whangarei, New Zealand, the first match of Scotland’s Pacific tour.

Jul 3, 2025 7:30 PM Read more >

France's weak lineup for the first rugby test against New Zealand raises questions

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — France’s selection of eight uncapped players among a team of unknowns for the first test against New Zealand on Saturday highlights again rugby’s failure to develop an integrated international calendar.

Jul 3, 2025 7:14 PM Read more >

Canada names starting lineup for opening rugby test against Springboks women

It took two extra days to get there, thanks to a flight cancellation in Montreal, but the Canadian women's rugby team made it to South Africa for Saturday's opening rugby test against the Springbok women.

Jul 3, 2025 1:00 PM Read more >

Scott Robertson names 4 new caps in the All Blacks lineup to play inexperienced France in 1st test

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has named four new caps including Netherlands-born lock Fabian Holland in his team to play France in the first rugby test at Dunedin on Saturday.

Jul 3, 2025 7:34 AM Read more >

Owen Farrell summoned by Lions after Elliot Daly ruled out of tour by broken arm

SYDNEY (AP) — Former England captain Owen Farrell was summoned by the British and Irish Lions to replace Elliot Daly on the tour of Australia on Thursday. Daly broke his left forearm on Wednesday in the 52-12 win over the Queensland Reds in Brisbane.

Jul 3, 2025 5:33 AM Read more >