URC champions Leinster are edged out 27-26 by the Lions in their season opener despite Fintan Gunne's first-half hat-trick of tries.

James Pater and Tommy Freeman score hat-tricks as Northampton kick off their title defence with a 59-26 win over Newcastle.

A terrific try from full-back Santiago Carreras is the highlight of Bath's Prem opening night bonus-point victory over Harlequins.

Dragons draw their United Rugby Championship opener against Wayne Pivac's Benetton after Elliot Dee's late try.

Connacht fall to an opening-night defeat in the United Rugby Championship in Galway as the Stormers' power wore them down in the second half.

Ulster's thrilling second-half comeback comes up short as Edinburgh leave Belfast with a 34-29 win in the opening game of the United Rugby Championship.

England scrum-half Natasha Hunt says it is no longer possible to satisfy fans' post-match requests for selfies and autographs, given the Red Roses' success and growth.

Prem Rugby seemed on the brink of disaster after Worcester, Wasps and London Irish went bust, but there is renewed confidence and fresh money in the league.

The company behind R360, the controversial all-star rugby start-up, has been ordered to publish overdue accounts or face being dissolved.

BBC Sport commentators and reporters analyse how the 10 Prem Rugby clubs will fare ahead of the start of the 2026-27 season.

Wales and USA will both be looking to back up impressive WXV opening round victories when they go head-to-head at Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday.

Ireland back row Aoife Wafer is ruled out of the WXV Global Series encounter against Japan on Sunday because of injury.