Rugby Union
World Rugby’s WXV to debut in Auckland, Dunedin and Wellington
World Rugby has announced that Auckland, Dunedin and Wellington will be the host cities when its new WXV women’s concept debuts in New Zealand later this year.
Heaselgrave leaves World Rugby after 18 months
Richard Heaselgrave has left his role as chief revenue and fan engagement officer at World Rugby just over 18 months after taking up the post, SportBusiness understands
Top 14 final a big ratings success for Canal Plus, France Télévisions
Pay-television broadcaster Canal Plus pulled in its best ratings in nearly a decade for the final of the Top 14, the top division of French rugby union, while public broadcaster France Télévisions secured a…
Grill elected as new French Rugby Federation president
The French Rugby Federation (FFR) has elected Florian Grill as its president, with the new leader calling for unity as the country prepares to host the Rugby World Cup later this year
Castore adds Bath Rugby to kit supply portfolio
UK-based sportswear brand Castore has made its latest move in rugby union by acquiring Bath Rugby’s kit supply rights.
NZME lands audio rights to Rugby World Cup
New Zealand Media and Entertainment (NZME) has acquired audio broadcasting rights for this year’s Rugby World Cup, which will take place in France.
Former Wallaby Waugh succeeds Marinos as Rugby Australia CEO
Phil Waugh has been appointed as Rugby Australia’s new CEO, becoming the first former national team player to take up the role.
UK government steps in as London Irish served with winding-up petitions
The UK government has appointed two independent advisers to help address rugby union’s financial crisis, as London Irish battles to avoid the same fate that befell former Premiership clubs Wasps and W…
Record numbers expected in France for RWC 2023
The 100-day countdown to the Rugby World Cup (RWC) 2023 is on, with the tournament on track to break attendance records, organisers have revealed
Six Nations matches shifted from Paris
The French Rugby Federation (FFR) has opted to stage its three home fixtures at next year’s Six Nations Championship away from Paris with matches held in Lille, Lyon and Marseille.
BBC retains exclusive Rugby World Cup audio rights
The BBC, the UK's public-service broadcaster, has acquired exclusive audio rights to this year's Rugby World Cup in France
Kappa to kit out URC referees in new sponsorship deal
The United Rugby Championship (URC), the cross border rugby union clubs competition, has announced a new two-year sponsorship with sportswear brand Kappa UK
World Rugby to trial smart ball tech through Sportable link-up
World Rugby will work with sports equipment manufacturer Gilbert and ball-tracking technology company Sportable to trial the use of smart ball technology in a move designed to enhance the viewing experience…
Auckland’s Mt Smart Stadium naming rights acquired by Go Media
Auckland Stadiums has sold the Mt Smart Stadium naming rights to New Zealand-based outdoor advertising solutions specialist Go Media
Shawbrook extends Saracens sponsorship, adds netball team
Saracens has announced a five-year extension to its sponsorship agreement with Shawbrook, the UK bank
Host nations announced for World Rugby’s women’s WXV series
World Rugby has announced that New Zealand and South Africa will host the inaugural WXV competition, a new three-tier 15s series for international women’s teams.
World Rugby unveils Gallagher as global women’s sponsor
Gallagher, the US insurance broker and consulting firm, has agreed a significant multi-year sponsorship deal with World Rugby to sponsor the women's game, including the showpiece Women's Rugby World Cup…
French sports doyen Lapasset dies aged 75
Bernard Lapasset, the former chairman of World Rugby, who played an integral role in getting rugby sevens onto the Olympic Games sports programme, has died at the age of 75