RFU Championship Fixtures & Upcoming Games

Monday, 30 Mar 2026

21:00

Chinnor RFCCambridge RUFC

18:30

Hartpury RFCLondon Scottish

19:00

Ampthill RUFCDoncaster Knights

19:00

Bedford BluesCornish Pirates

19:00

CoventryCaldy RFC

19:00

EalingNottingham

19:00

RichmondWorcester Warriors

23:30

Doncaster KnightsRichmond

23:45

NottinghamCoventry

18:30

Cornish PiratesChinnor RFC

19:00

Caldy RFCHartpury RFC

19:00

Cambridge RUFCEaling

19:00

London ScottishAmpthill RUFC

19:00

Worcester WarriorsBedford Blues

News

All Blacks heavy sidelined after shock hospitalisation

One of the All Blacks’ scrumming powerhouses has been ruled out for the remainder of the Super Rugby season after being hospitalised with a serious back infection. This is a major blow for both the Crusaders and the All Blacks. Tamaiti Williams has been diagnosed with discitis, an infection in one of the discs in his spine, and remains under medical care. He will stay in hospital until he is stable enough to return home, with his recovery timeline to be guided strictly by medical advice. MORE: Lights go out on Super Rugby It means Williams will play no further part in the current Super Rugby campaign, which runs through to mid-June. His availability for the international season – with New Zealand set to host France in July – will depend on his rehabilitation progress. Despite the setback, Williams struck a resilient tone. “I’m feeling gutted, but I’m also grateful that the news isn’t as bad as what it could be,” he said. “Being in hospital you see a lot and it makes you appreciate that this place is here to save us. “I’ve been told I’m going to make a 100 percent recovery, so I’m thankful for that.” KEO & ZELS: Boks beware, the real All Blacks are coming The powerful loosehead, who has already earned 26 Test caps, now faces a period on the sidelines as he focuses on a full recovery. The loss of Williams at a crucial stage of the season, with the defending champions currently sitting sixth on the log after seven rounds – still firmly in the play-off hunt, but now without one of their frontline forwards. – AFP The post All Blacks heavy sidelined after shock hospitalisation appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

6 minutes ago

Dobbo: I love Boogie as a player

John Dobson has praised long-standing fullback Warrick Gelant’s value and influence as the Stormers push for glory on two fronts. LINDIZ VAN ZILLA reports. Gelant played a starring role for the Stormers as they overcame Edinburgh 33-14 in a Vodacom URC encounter at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday night. In dewy and difficult conditions, Gelant was secure in backfield and his game-breaking abilities came to the fore. First he was crucial in setting up a try for wing Leolin Zas to get the Stormers’ noses in front just after half-time. Then he delivered two brilliantly-timed passes to put prop Ntuthuko Mchunu and No 8 Evan Roos away for further scores to seal victory. Started it. Finished it. In the chase for Glasgow Warriors… this matters @Vodacom #URC | #STOvEDI pic.twitter.com/bSUbL1Kagu — Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial_RSA) March 28, 2026 The win saw the Stormers maintain second position on the URC log and focus now shifts to Toulon in the Investec Champions Cup last 16 on Saturday. DOBBO: Stormers going ‘full-out’ to beat Toulon Dobson, for one, believes Gelant’s contribution often goes unnoticed amidst the occasional high-profile mistake. “We take a lot of heat about Boogie [Gelant],” Dobson said. “If you really understand what he brings, it’s one of the best rugby brains around. “We see Warrick’s mistakes, don’t we? But his positional play, his bravery and his input into the game, that’s the stuff that really matters.” The Stormers coach highlighted Gelant’s composure and organisation in the backfield, especially in an Edinburgh match dominated by contestable kicking. “I’d say 80% of what he brings is unseen,” Dobson explained. “He’s controlling things in the backfield, making decisions, putting people in the right places. “I thought he was really good tonight in tricky conditions. The way he worked with Damian [Willemse] and Zasi [Zas] in dealing with those contestables was excellent.” DOBBO: Stormers got job done Dobson admitted frustration at the relentless criticism Gelant receives from outside. “I don’t understand the dislike of Warrick at all,” he said. “It’s almost like a hatred at times, and I don’t think that’s fair on a player who gives so much.” Gelant was a member of the 2019 World Cup-winning Springbok team and has seven Test caps. He also has 70 Stormers appearances and Dobson stressed that Gelant’s experience is crucial in a squad built around cohesion. “It’s so important for us to have players of that level,” Dobson said. “Guys like Warrick, Ruhan [Nel], Sinatra [Seabelo Senatla], Evan, Neetles [Neethling Fouché] are international-class players and you build your team around them. “Boogie is out there every week, playing big minutes. That counts for a lot, especially in a season like this. “Hopefully people will give him a bit of breathing space now. I love him as a player.” Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images The post Dobbo: I love Boogie as a player appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

46 minutes ago