The Top 14 returns this weekend and Talking Rugby Union begins a new regular look across the Channel; not simply at results, but at the players, trends and ideas shaping arguably the strongest domestic rugby competition in the world.
With Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry locked at 1–1, Mark Ashcroft looks beyond the team sheets ahead of Saturday’s third Test at FNB Stadium.
![Pro D2 Round Two: What to Watch on Thursday and Friday [3rd & 4th September]](/images/e-042912/001.jpg)
Mark Ashcroft previews Pro D2 Round Two as Provence, Grenoble, Montauban, Narbonne and Nissa face important early tests in the promotion race.
Pro D2 is drawing record crowds, major investment and growing British and Irish talent as France’s second tier becomes a rugby competition in its own right.
Rassie Erasmus could make late Springbok changes against the All Blacks at FNB Stadium if wet Johannesburg conditions affect his plans.
With the National League Rugby season just 10 days away, Mark Ashcroft weighs up his opening-day options and the stories waiting to unfold.
Former Northampton and Ealing winger on swapping the top levels of the English game for National Two.
Rotherham Titans’ return to tier two reshapes the Champ’s rugby map, creating new Yorkshire dynamics with Doncaster and renewing focus on travel, rivalry and survival.
National League Rugby clubs have returned to pre-season training, with squads rebuilding fitness, systems and belief.
A sharp look at National League rugby pre-season, from bleep tests and hill reps to smarter training, contact conditioning and injury prevention.
Tarleton RUFC’s 2026/27 fixtures offer a reminder of what makes grassroots rugby special.
After relegation from National One, Sedgley Park reset for another promotion push with continuity, experience and history on their side.
Lancashire captain Chris Johnson reflects on their return to the Bill Beaumont County Championship Division 1 final as well as Heath's historic promotion to National Two North.
Calling all Harlequins fans, here’s your chance to win the ultimate rugby experience - two matches, hospitality at the home of rugby and a full day’s entertainment.
Chance to win two hospitality tickets, signed Quins merchandise, plus meet a legend*
.jpg "John Mitchell says the new size 4.5 women’s rugby ball could increase contestable kicking")
.jpg "John Mitchell names a 40-player Red Roses squad as England begin preparations for the WXV Global Series.")
