Mike Henson

England have awarded first full-time contracts to Gloucester-Hartpury wing Mia Venner and Exeter scrum-half Flo Robinson as part of a 32-player squad for the 2026-27 season. Lilli Ives Campion also receives her first full-time deal, while six players, including teenager Demelza Short, receive transition contracts. The squad includes players returning to or continuing their careers around childbirth, including Zoe Stratford, Abbie Ward, Rosie Galligan and Lark Atkin-Davies. England will play Australia, Canada and New Zealand in September, followed by autumn Tests in North America, before beginning their bid for a ninth consecutive Six Nations title against Wales in April.

England’s rugby team relocated to a hotel near Buenos Aires airport to avoid potential disruptions from expected celebrations if Argentina defeat Spain in the football World Cup final. Following sleepless nights caused by large gatherings and fireworks near their initial hotel at Plaza de la República, the team opted for a quieter location before flying home. Coach Steve Borthwick described the festive scenes as a unique experience, while defending Henry Pollock after footage showed the flanker taunting local fans from the team bus. England named an unchanged lineup to face Argentina, whose squad includes several England-based players.

England Under-20 flanker Seb Kelly was sent off for a headbutt during a semi-final loss to South Africa in Tbilisi, reducing his team to 14 players and contributing to a 53-37 defeat. A foul play committee will assess the incident and determine potential sanctions, with comparisons drawn to previous bans for similar offences. England had led 20-12 at half-time before conceding five second-half tries. The team will face New Zealand in the third-place play-off, while South Africa meet France in the final.

England rugby prospects Henry Pollock and Noah Caluori aim for starting roles after scoring in a dominant win over Fiji. Pollock’s hat-trick and growing form at Northampton have increased calls for him to start despite strong competition in the back row. Caluori impressed on debut and seeks to rise above established wing options, expressing ambition to become England’s best-ever wing. Both players showcased distinct celebrations as England prepared for their upcoming match against Argentina, noting the Pumas’ strong record at the Estadio Unico Madre de Ciudades.

Henry Pollock’s hat-trick in England’s 73-8 win over Fiji intensified debate over whether he should start for Steve Borthwick’s side. His speed, instinct and scoring efficiency again stood out, though the lopsided match offered limited insight into England’s overall balance. Chris Ashton argued Pollock must start, while Borthwick remained noncommittal. Other debutants also impressed, but Pollock drew the most attention as England prepare to face Argentina next.

England ended a five-match losing streak with a record 73-8 win over a disjointed Fiji side reduced to 14 men after Simione Kuruvoli’s red card. Henry Pollock scored a second-half hat-trick as England capitalised on Fiji’s defensive issues and set-piece struggles. Strong attacking play from Marcus and Fin Smith, along with debuts tries from Benhard Janse van Rensburg and Noah Caluori, contributed to the emphatic result. Fiji managed a single second-half try, but England controlled the match throughout and now look ahead to Argentina with renewed confidence.

Virimi Vakatawa prepares for a possible Fiji debut against England after a heart condition ended his France career in 2022. Cleared to play outside France, he competed for Bristol and later joined Fijian Drua, earning a national team call-up following Semi Radradra’s injury. Eligible under World Rugby’s birthright rule, Vakatawa describes his surprise and pride at the opportunity. He remains unconcerned by differing medical opinions and may face former teammate Benhard Janse van Rensburg, newly eligible for England. England seek to halt a five-match losing streak ahead of their summer fixtures.

Virimi Vakatawa prepares for a potential Fiji debut against England after believing his international career had ended when a heart condition barred him from playing in France in 2022. Cleared to compete abroad, he played for Bristol and later joined Fijian Drua before being called up to replace injured Semi Radradra. Eligible under World Rugby's birthright rule, he says he feels healthy despite differing medical opinions. Vakatawa may face former Bristol teammate Benhard Janse van Rensburg, who becomes eligible for England this weekend, as England seek to halt a five-match losing streak.

Damian Willemse’s standout performance in South Africa’s win over England was overshadowed when a communication error led broadcaster Supersport to award the player of the match honour to team‑mate Damian de Allende. Despite the mix-up, the Springboks celebrated Willemse’s 50th Test appearance, with both players posing together afterward. Willemse is set to start at inside centre against Scotland as De Allende rests, while Supersport has been asked for comment on the mistake.

South Africa dominated England 45-21 in Johannesburg with a powerful, incisive performance that exposed a major gap between the sides. Despite several key Springbok injuries, early tries from Thomas du Toit, Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse set the tone as England’s defence collapsed under intense physical pressure. England briefly rallied through tries by Ellis Genge and George Martin but lost momentum through repeated penalties and two late yellow cards. Questions now turn to whether England can recover against Fiji and Argentina, with mounting scrutiny on Steve Borthwick amid a five-match losing streak.

South Africa overwhelmed England with a seven‑try performance at Ellis Park, racing to an early 17‑point lead and maintaining control throughout. England briefly rallied with tries from Ellis Genge and George Martin before halftime, but the Springboks reasserted dominance after the break to secure a fourth consecutive win over their rivals. The result shapes the Nations Championship standings as England prepares to face Fiji next, followed by Argentina.

ITV will pause its in-play scrum advertisements during the July Nations Championship Tests due to advertisers reallocating budgets amid a busy schedule dominated by the football World Cup. The ads, first used during the Six Nations and criticized by some viewers as intrusive, are expected to return for the November Tests and the next Six Nations. Six Nations chief executive Tom Harrison acknowledged viewer discomfort but noted their role in keeping rugby free-to-air. ITV continues to invest heavily in Test rugby, securing rights for future Nations Championship tournaments and remaining a longstanding broadcaster of Rugby World Cups.