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.

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

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.

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.

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

Veteran forward Courtney Lawes makes his debut for Sale Sharks, while England prop Will Stuart returns for Bath.

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