Rugby

AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) — The Auckland-based Blues produced a superb second-half performance to beat the Crusaders 26-6 in Super Rugby Pacific on Saturday, consigning the 11-time champions to their fifth consecutive defeat in 2024.

DUBLIN (AP) — Rugby might be headed toward having 20-minute red cards. The sport’s global governing body will set up a working group to explore whether a player who has been sent off can be replaced by another player after 20 minutes has elapsed.

DUBLIN (AP) — Ireland won successive Six Nations by overcoming a bold Scotland, nerves and the late withdrawal of key man Hugo Keenan to prevail 17-13 at Lansdowne Road on Saturday.

CARDIFF, Wales (AP) — Italy earned another historic win in Cardiff and left Wales with the dreaded wooden spoon for finishing last in the Six Nations on Saturday. The Azzurri comfortably won 24-21 to complete their greatest Six Nations.

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — A New Zealand professional rugby player who died last year was suffering from a brain injury likely related to repeated blows to the head.

The Manly Sea Eagles and Sydney Roosters weren't the only winners when Australia's National Rugby League kicked off its 2024 season with a Las Vegas doubleheader earlier this month Canadian Megan Pakulis was one of four participants at a NRL combine

SYDNEY (AP) — A rugby league player has been banned for eight games after using a racial slur against a rival during the Australian NRL’s season-opening round in Las Vegas.

Christiaan Esterhuizen has been appointed head coach of both the Canadian under-20 rugby team and the Pacific Pride academy.

The newly formed Vancouver Highlanders have revealed some of their first fixtures, which come with an international flavour. The invitational rugby club will host 10 matches at select venues in the Vancouver area from May through August.

PARIS (AP) — After helping France win the Los Angeles Sevens, Antoine Dupont has his sights firmly set on Olympic gold at the Paris Games .