Moana Pasifika are set for a big 2025 season, with star power injected into the mix in the form of reigning World Rugby Player of the Year Ardie Savea among others.
It's semi-finals Sunday at the World Rugby U20 Championship and following last Tuesday’s weather-affected schedule, the hope will be that all six matches will be played to an 80-minute conclusion unlike on match day three when there were just four and a half matches completed due to the heavy rain making pitches unplayable.
Three matches are scheduled for Athlone: Ireland-Australia (2pm local time), France-Wales (4:30pm) and South Africa-England (7pm). Over in Stellenbosch, it’s Argentina-Fiji (2pm), Georgia-Italy (4:30pm) and New Zealand-Spain (7pm).
New Zealand have sprung a surprise by naming Beauden Barrett on the bench for Saturday’s first Test against England in Dunedin.
Three matches are scheduled for Stellenbosch: Ireland vs Georgia (kick-off 2pm local), France vs New Zealand (4:30pm) and South Africa vs Argentina (7pm). Over in Athlone, Wales vs Spain is the opening match (2pm) followed by England vs Fiji (4:30pm) and Australia vs Italy (7pm).
The Blues have made a number of changes for their round 13 clash with the Highlanders at Eden Park, including two potential debuts off the bench.
Scotland have won their last eight Six Nations games against Italy, but potential pitfalls await in Rome.
All Blacks lock Patrick Tuipulotu will captain the Blues in their first pre-season clash of 2024.
The Welsh Rugby Union has announced they will be introducing three new elite development centres for young, female players to use. So, what does this mean? Credit to the WRU for noticing that women’s rugby is the area of the sport that is thriving most and treating it as a priority.
The Queensland Reds are closing in on a deal to retain James O'Connor, who wants to remain at Ballymore and be the mentor he never had access to as rugby's prodigal son.