New assistant coach Lee Blackett says he had licence to remould England's attack during this summer's successful audition for a permanent role.

France back row Axelle Berthoumieu has her 12-match ban for biting Ireland's Aoife Wafer reduced to nine - but will miss Saturday's semi-final against England.

Joseph Dewba can use his time at Exeter to force his way back into the South Africa squad, says Chiefs boss Rob Baxter.

Scrum-half Caity Mattinson becomes the third member of the Scotland squad to retire after Sunday's Women's Rugby World Cup quarter-final defeat by England.

Ireland full-back will miss Ireland's November schedule having had hip surgery following the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia.

Scotland may have enjoyed their best Women's World Cup since 2002, but the buzz evaporated soon after the loss to England, writes Andrew Petrie.

Cramp cocktails and apps are just some of the ways women's' rugby teams have been trying to ensure their players are able to perform at the highest level throughout their menstrual cycle.

England score six tries on their way to an impressive 40-8 win over Scotland to set up a semi-final against France at the Women's Rugby World Cup.

Two unanswered second-half tries help France produce a thrilling second-half comeback to beat Ireland 18-13 in the quarter-finals of the Women's Rugby World Cup at Sandy Park in Exeter.

France back-row Axelle Berthoumieu has been banned for 12 matches for biting Ireland's Aoife Wafer in Sunday's World Cup quarter-final.

England head coach John Mitchell praises the pressure his side were able to put on Scotland in "challenging" weather conditions, but believes they have another gear they can go to following the Red Roses' 40-8 win Scotland in the quarter-finals of the Women's Rugby World Cup.