Codie Taylor will captain a 34-strong All Blacks squad for the two-Test Bledisloe Cup series against the Wallabies. The squad was named on 29 September.
Lochner disciplinary decision confirmed
World Rugby has confirmed the disciplinary decision in respect of Danelle Lochner (South Africa) following a red card issued during the WXV Global Series 2026. The full details of the sanction were not included in the report.
Wales name squad for Nations Championship
Steve Tandy has confirmed a 39-player squad as Wales return home for the November window of the inaugural Nations Championship. Wales played three away matches in July.
Doris faces extended absence
Leinster and Ireland have suffered another setback, with captain Caelan Doris expected to remain sidelined until at least the new year. Complications have delayed his recovery from surgery.
URC referees appointed
The match officials for the Vodacom United Rugby Championship Round One fixtures have been confirmed.
Weekend results
Harlequins thrashed RC Vannes 57-19 at Twickenham Stoop, while Pau beat Leicester Tigers 41-17 at Stade du Hameau. Northampton Saints defeated Cardiff Rugby 28-12 at cinch Stadium at Franklins Gardens, and Toulouse edged Exeter Chiefs 43-40 at Stadium de Toulouse.
Elsewhere, Richmond FC lost 29-14 to Rotherham Titans, Castres Olympique beat Benetton Rugby 18-9, and Bayonne narrowly beat the Cheetahs 29-27 at Stade Jean Dauger. In New Zealand, Canterbury defeated Taranaki 38-28 at One New Zealand Stadium.
Upcoming fixtures
Cardiff Rugby host the Sharks at Cardiff Arms Park on Friday 23 October, kicking off at 19:45. Japan meet Fiji at Prince Chichibu Memorial Ground on Saturday 24 October at 14:50, while the USA face Australia A at Geodis Park the same day at 20:00. The USA and Australia A meet again at Sports Illustrated Stadium Harrison on Friday 30 October.
England A face Argentina XV at The Recreation Ground on Friday 6 November at 19:45. The France XV v Fijian Drua fixture at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium has a time to be confirmed.
Premiership and URC previews
Gloucester Rugby host Bath Rugby and Newcastle Red Bulls face Sale Sharks in the Premiership’s Round Four. In the URC, the Sharks have named their team to face Cardiff, while Gibson-Park returns and Sheehan moves to eight for Munster’s clash. The Ospreys have also announced their team to face the Dragons in a historic first home game at St Helen’s.