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Latest News
HSBC Canada Women's Sevens 2022
4 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Black Ferns Sevens renew riveting rivalry with Australia on HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Australia wrapped up the 2022 Series title in Langford, but the Black Ferns Sevens left Canada with plenty to celebrate as they begin a busy period.

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Tue 3 May, 2022
4 min read
Madagascar Women's Sevens
3 min read

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022: Madagascar latest team to book ticket to Cape Town

Following another intense weekend of qualifying action we now know the identity of 12 women's and 20 men's teams who will compete at RWC Sevens 2022.

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Mon 2 May, 2022
3 min read
HSBC Spain Sevens Seville 2022 - Women's
4 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe keen to drive Ireland onto Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

We spoke to the prolific Ireland star about backing up the team’s success in Seville and plotting their path to Cape Town in September.

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Tue 26 April, 2022
4 min read
Rugby World Cup Sevens San Francisco 2018 - Day Two
5 min read

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Everything you need to know about Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Your guide to RWC Sevens 2022, which will take place in Cape Town between 9-11 September this year.

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Fri 8 April, 2022
5 min read
Dubai Emirates Airline Rugby Sevens 2021 - Men's
3 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Perfection, not silverware, the focus for South Africa and Selvyn Davids

We caught up with the Blitzboks star, who has helped guide his side to the top of the men’s HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series standings as the countdown continues to their home Rugby World Cup Sevens.

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Tue 5 April, 2022
3 min read
2018 Highlights
Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018
08:29 mins

Highlights: New Zealand win big in San Francisco

New Zealand retained their Rugby World Cup Sevens title in San Francisco
Mon 23 July, 2018
08:29 mins
Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018
07:03 mins

Highlights: New Zealand women's win Rugby World Cup Sevens

Check out all the top action as New Zealand win The Rugby World Cup Sevens in San Francisco
Sun 22 July, 2018
07:03 mins
Rugby World Cup Sevens San Francisco 2018 - Day Two
06:30 mins

HIGHLIGHTS: Men's semi-finals confirmed after thrilling day two

Men's semi-finals confirmed after thrilling day two of action at Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018 #RWC7s
Sun 22 July, 2018
06:30 mins
Rugby World Cup Sevens San Francisco 2018 - Day One
06:51 mins

Highlights: Men's quarter-finals decided

Men's quarter-finals of Rugby World Cup Sevens decided after incredible first day at AT&T Park
Sat 21 July, 2018
06:51 mins
Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018
06:26 mins

Highlights: Women's semi-finals confirmed at Rugby World Cup Sevens

Championship semi-finals confirmed after thrilling day one of action
Sat 21 July, 2018
06:26 mins
Six Nations 2022
Wednesday 26 January, 2022
6 min read

Wayne Pivac: “Momentum is everything” in the Six Nations

The Wales head coach was speaking alongside his fellow coaches and senior players and captains at the Six Nations 2022 virtual launch on Wednesday as his side prepare to start their title defence in Ireland.
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In a short, intense tournament like the Six Nations, a defeat in the opening round usually signals the death-knell for a team’s chances of going on to lift the trophy.

On only three occasions has a team lost their first match yet claimed the ultimate prize – France in 2006, Wales in 2013 and England in 2020.

Wayne Pivac’s Wales kicked-off last season’s triumphant campaign with a 21-16 home win against 14-man Ireland and the two sides meet again on the first Saturday of this year’s Championship in what is bound to be another equally hard-fought encounter.

“Obviously to win the tournament last year, it was such an exciting campaign the way it built from Round 1 through to the final weekend,” said the New Zealander who is about to embark on his third Championship as Wales coach.

“Momentum is everything. If you look at last year’s competition, we got that all-important win over Ireland, a tough opponent in Round 1 and then there was the Scotland game away.

“Those two games were so important to us. We got that momentum, we got the points on the board, teams were chasing us and you grow in confidence with the time together in camp.

“You expect things to improve and last year they did. We came out playing some really, really good rugby and probably some of our best rugby in our only defeat in France.

“Time together is vital and momentum is everything in this tournament. Ireland, Dublin away needless to say is a massive occasion for us and one we’re going to prepare well for. We’ll look to play some good rugby like we did in the last campaign. Playing that way paid dividends for us and we’re going to try and build on those performances from last season.”

Did you know Neil Jenkins used sand from his favourite Porthcawl beach for his kicking tees?*

*Unconfirmed#GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/A36GfN0Ykj

— Guinness Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) January 24, 2022

NEVER SAY NEVER

Wales will begin the Six Nations missing big-name players like Alun Wyn Jones, George North and Justin Tipuric.

Jones is fighting his way back to fitness from a second shoulder operation and is facing a race against time to appear in the Six Nations and win an historic 150th cap for his country.

“I probably wouldn’t enter into the conversation if it was anyone else to be quite honest but the guy has broken so many records,” said Pivac about the second-row’s chances of a Lazarus-like return.

“I honestly say that I would never say never but it’ll be a longshot, let’s just say that, but Alun Wyn is working incredibly hard behind the scenes to get himself in the best shape possible to be as ready as quickly as he can for Ospreys or Wales.”

Dan Biggar has replaced Jones as Wales’ captain for Six Nations 2022, and England will need a new captain too, following the news that Owen Farrell has been ruled out for the duration of the Championship with an ankle injury.

Tom Curry, one of the senior leaders in the England squad, stepped forward to take on media duties in Farrell’s absence and is a contender to get the armband over the next seven weeks.

The Sale Sharks flanker said that last year’s fifth-place finish was consigned to history, with England looking to build on their Autumn Nations Cup victory against world champions South Africa.

“We are a different team from what we were a year ago – not just players but the way we play. We know what we need to do, moving forward and how we were with the Autumn Nations Series and how it’s been, it’s a different challenge this year. 

“We’re probably a bit more attacking, we’re more ‘at teams’ which is big for us and that’s when we play our best rugby. That’s the big difference, especially from what we showed in the Autumn.”

GALTHIÉ’S 20:20 VISION

Pre-tournament favourites France know they need to deliver a first Six Nations title since 2010 at some point between now and Rugby World Cup 2023, if they are to be taken seriously as contenders to lift the Webb Ellis Cup.

Head coach Fabien Galthié realises the two objectives are intertwined to a degree but insisted that the Six Nations would be their focal point in the here and the now.

“For the last two years we have, of course, been aware that Rugby World Cup 2023 will be held in France and this objective has been clearly visible on our roadmap. Our progression has been based on this key objective and it is part of the upcoming challenges and upcoming games.

“So far we have played 20 games and there are 20 more games to play until we play the opening game against New Zealand, so it is a very clear roadmap. But the goal today is to be in the here and now and now we’re completely focused on the next, upcoming tournament, which starts with the game against Italy.

“This tournament is always very difficult because every team has great potential, and every game is different and unique with different strategies and tactics,” he added.

“Our ambition is to win our games and win the competition. We finished first with the same ranking (points) as England (losing out on points difference) in 2020, and last year we finished second after Wales, but our ambition has remained the same.

“We have drawn a lot from all these experiences and drawn a lot of lessons. Our staff keep improving and the level of maturity of our players is improving every day. With this great experience that we keep nurturing through these different steps, we want to achieve that last stage of the process.”

Peter Stringer with the tap-tap-taparoo.#GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/WmJgMljr6L

— Guinness Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) January 22, 2022

SEXTON GLAD TO BE BACK

Talking of momentum, Ireland extended their winning streak to eight matches during the Autumn Nations Series, including a famous victory over the All Blacks.

With the Irish provinces doing well in the Heineken Champions Cup and evergreen fly-half Johnny Sexton back to fitness and on top of his game, confidence is high in the Emerald Isle that the men in green can do well.

“This is the start of a new competition that means a lot to all the nations and we know that we have got to keep constantly to make sure we are in with a chance,” said Sexton.

“I feel great, I have had a couple of frustrating months but thankfully I’m back on the field.

“I think we have a young squad and the guys bring great energy and I am glad to be part of it.

“We put things together in November and hope to continue down that line. We have the champions first up at home and all our focus is on that at the moment.”

As for the contrasting fortunes between the Irish provinces and the Welsh regions, Sexton does not buy into it as a barometer of how the Six Nations might pan out.

“It has no correlation,” he insisted. “I can rewind to five or six years ago to when the Irish provinces were flying and the Welsh regions were struggling and they beat us.

“They are the defending champions and were a couple of minutes away from winning a Grand Slam, and they had a great November as well.”

SCOTLAND’S BIGGEST GAME

For Scotland, it was a case of so near yet so far with a top-half of the table finish eluding them once again despite wins against England and France.

Scotland have England first up this year, and Townsend says they couldn’t have asked for a more exciting start, especially with a raucous home crowd to cheer them on.

“I believe it’s the most eagerly awaited game we’ve had for a few years,” he said. “The Six Nations is a brilliant tournament, it’s a real privilege to be involved in it, and to have crowds back this year makes it even more special,” said Townsend.

“We know this is the biggest game we face, it’s such a historic fixture. We’re playing for a famous trophy and it’s 151 years old. To have it first up adds to the buzz around the Six Nations. It will focus our minds next week.”

ITALY READY FOR WHAT’S AHEAD

Italy’s main goal is to win a first Six Nations match since 2015. They will do so with a new head coach and captain at the helm in Kieran Crowley and Michele Lamaro, respectively.

“We are still a new team, so we are adapting, but we are young and have lots of energy to give,” said Lamoro.

“Most of us have played in the Guinness Six Nations before, so we have that experience this year as a group and hope to combine that with our energy.

“We have 23 players from Benetton and that group has a connection. Our form in the United Rugby Championship gives us confidence on the field but this is a different stage.

“France are in form, so the first game will be difficult. We have to bring our energy and passion.”

Read more: Six Nations memories: Roland de Marigny recalls history-making win at Murrayfield >> 

Trending News Show all
2018 Commonwealth Games women's final
3 min read

Commonwealth Games

All the build-up to rugby sevens at the Commonwealth Games 2022

Now that the line-ups are complete in both the men’s and women’s tournaments, we take a look at who has won gold in the past and the sides competing to add their names to the roll call of honour in July.

Commonwealth Games

Wed 11 May, 2022
3 min read
Madagascar qualify for rugby world cup sevens
4 min read

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Discipline and hard work at the heart of Madagascar's success on the road to Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

The Madagascar women's sevens team has achieved their historic dream of qualifying for a Rugby World Cup Sevens tournament for the first time. At the heart of this achievement lies a lot of hard work, determination and discipline.

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Wed 11 May, 2022
4 min read
HSBC Canada Women's Sevens 2022
4 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Seven women’s HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series players to watch in Toulouse

Following an exciting weekend in Langford we look at seven women’s stars who could light up Toulouse between 20-22 May.

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Thu 5 May, 2022
4 min read
HSBC Canada Women's Sevens 2022
4 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Black Ferns Sevens renew riveting rivalry with Australia on HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Australia wrapped up the 2022 Series title in Langford, but the Black Ferns Sevens left Canada with plenty to celebrate as they begin a busy period.

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Tue 3 May, 2022
4 min read
Madagascar Women's Sevens
3 min read

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022: Madagascar latest team to book ticket to Cape Town

Following another intense weekend of qualifying action we now know the identity of 12 women's and 20 men's teams who will compete at RWC Sevens 2022.

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Mon 2 May, 2022
3 min read
HSBC Canada Women's Sevens 2022
7 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Australia clinch overall 2022 series title while late Lily Dick try gives them Cup win in Langford

Hosts Canada took fifth place while Ireland flyer Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe bagged 12 tries as they won bronze in the HSBC Canada Sevens in Langford.

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Mon 2 May, 2022
7 min read
HSBC Canada Women's Sevens 2022
5 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Australia edge towards HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series glory in Langford as New Zealand provide thrills on return

Australia are closing in on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series title after a perfect start to the penultimate event of the season in Canada, while the Black Ferns came back with a bang at the Starlight Stadium.

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Sun 1 May, 2022
5 min read
HSBC Canada Women's Sevens 2022
3 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Captains on top of the world ahead of the HSBC Canada Women's Sevens in Langford

The HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series returns to the home of Rugby Canada after a 1,083 day break as Australia look to clinch their first Series title since to 2018.

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Fri 29 April, 2022
3 min read
Santiago Gómez Cora
5 min read

rugby sevens

Santiago Gómez Cora: “You have to be patient, trust a lot and do the hard work”

World Rugby caught up with Los Pumas Sevens coach about Argentina’s recent win in the HSBC Canada Sevens and what it means to him going forward.

rugby sevens

Thu 28 April, 2022
5 min read
Charlotte Caslick
3 min read

HSBC Sevens Series

Series title within Australia’s reach as the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series returns to Langford

We spoke to Australia co-captain Charlotte Caslick about her team's mindset heading into this weekend's HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series stop in Langford knowing they can wrap up the series title.

HSBC Sevens Series

Wed 27 April, 2022
3 min read
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