Georgia's under-20 rugby team secured a historic first victory over New Zealand, winning 22-19 in Rustavi to stun the Junior All Blacks. The hosts, who face Wales in the Junior World Championship opener on Saturday, scored four tries, the last in the final minute, overturning a deficit to claim the famous win. Wales under-20s have been warned of the challenge ahead as they prepare to face Georgia, Uruguay, and South Africa in the tournament.
Rufus McLean Returns to European Rugby with Stade Francais
Disgraced Scotland international Rufus McLean has signed with French club Stade Francais, marking his return to European rugby. The 25-year-old winger, who earned three caps for Scotland, was sacked by Glasgow Warriors in 2023 after pleading guilty to domestic abuse. He subjected his partner to a two-year ordeal, controlling her movements, demanding social media passwords, and physically assaulting her, leaving her with a burst lip and black eye, according to the Daily Record. McLean had been playing in North America before securing this move.
Barbarians Name Squad for Wales Clash
The Barbarians have announced their squad for Saturday's uncapped match against Wales. Notable inclusions are Wales legend George North, who will face his own country in his final match, and Wales hooker Elliot Dee. Double World Cup winners Faf de Klerk and Vincent Koch, plus Wallabies star Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, were added earlier. The squad also features France quartet Romain Taofifenua, Jordan Joseph, Tom Spring, and Yoan Tanga, former England No. 8 Nathan Hughes, Bristol hooker Harry Thacker, Georgia's Gia Kairasvili, USA international John Iscaro, and Samoa prop Paul Alo-Emile.
All Blacks Wing Fehi Fineanganofo Considers Cancelling Newcastle Deal
Uncapped All Blacks wing Fehi Fineanganofo has cast doubt on his move to Newcastle Red Bulls after being named in Dave Rennie's first New Zealand squad for the Nations Championship. The 23-year-old, who equalled the Super Rugby Pacific try-scoring record with 17 tries, said he is waiting on his agent to clarify his contractual situation. He expressed a preference to stay in New Zealand, but added, "If not, I'll go take my contract and honour it with Newcastle." Rennie noted Fineanganofo is contracted until November and his form has been irresistible.
Premiership Play-Offs Could Move to Neutral Venues from 2029-30
The Gallagher Premiership play-offs are reportedly set to be played at neutral venues from the 2029-30 season. League bosses envision both semi-finals in the same city on consecutive days, with Liverpool and Brighton under consideration. Premiership Rugby chief executive Simon Massie-Taylor said, "The games we have just had were awesome... but I think they would sell out larger venues and neutrals would go as well." Moving to bigger stadia, like France's Top 14 does at the Stade Velodrome, could increase revenue, though clubs may resist losing home advantage.
