"Georgia snubbed" - Expanded Six Nations tournament set to include America
Rugby NewsTuesday, 19 August 2025 at 20:18
According to
Telegraph Sport
, the United Rugby Championship (URC) could soon stretch its borders to include teams from the United States.The league, which currently includes sides from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Italy, and South Africa, is reportedly exploring the possibility of adding the US as a sixth nation with two East Coast American franchises to its line-up.
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The move comes amid uncertainty in Wales, where the Welsh Rugby Union is considering reducing its regional teams from four to just two. URC bosses are said to be working on contingency plans to maintain team numbers – and America is firmly on the radar.
With the USA set to host the Men’s and Women’s Rugby World Cups in 2031 and 2033 respectively, interest in rugby across the Atlantic is expected to spike. Even if Wales keeps its four teams, the URC could still look to tap into the growing North American market.
URC CEO Martin Anayi discussed expansion earlier this summer, saying:
“As the URC, we have always had expansion in DNA. We have been the Celtic League, and we moved, and we have tried to grow each time. And we have done that. I think we have genuinely made it a better league."
He added:
“I think it is important that we continue to look outwards. But also, the bar is very high... you have logistics... and we want it to be as competitive as ever.”
Citing the URC’s current format – which limits fixtures during international windows and avoids a full home-and-away schedule – Anayi stressed any expansion must be carefully managed:
“If we do expand... we don’t fall into the traps of those who have done it in the past, and it hasn’t been successful.”
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Six most hates rugby player, list includes Springboks
With legends like Johnny Sexton and Dan Biggar now retired, a new (and familiar) cast of characters dominates the “most hated” rankings, as voted by fans. Two Springboks feature — and one of them tops the list.
#6. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa/Sharks)
Position: Lock
Caps: 131 (as of 2025)
Major Honours: ? 2x Rugby World Cup winner (2019, 2023)
Caps: 131 (as of 2025)
Major Honours: ? 2x Rugby World Cup winner (2019, 2023)
A walking menace on the field, Etzebeth is the definition of a player you love on your team and loathe on the opposition. Brutal in the tackle, master of the dark arts in the ruck, and never far from an off-the-ball scrap. His sheer physical dominance and fiery temperament make him a nightmare for rivals.
That being said, many fans admire his old-school enforcer mentality — just as long as he's not slamming your favourite player into next week.
RUCK Verdict:
“One of the game’s last true hard men — and one of the most divisive.”
“One of the game’s last true hard men — and one of the most divisive.”
#5. Owen Farrell (England/Racing 92)
Position: Fly-Half/Centre
Caps: 112
Major Honours: ? England captain, 3x Six Nations titles, 3x Lions tours
Caps: 112
Major Honours: ? England captain, 3x Six Nations titles, 3x Lions tours
Once the undisputed No.1 on this list, Farrell has seen the hate ease up a bit since stepping away from England duty in 2024. But don’t be fooled — his infamous “shoulder-first” tackling style, fiery competitiveness, and snarling leadership still rile up fans and pundits alike.
Farrell's critics point to repeated high tackles and lenient disciplinary treatment, while supporters admire his elite mentality and unwavering loyalty.
RUCK Verdict:
“Still England’s pantomime villain — unless he’s your guy. Then he walks on water.”
“Still England’s pantomime villain — unless he’s your guy. Then he walks on water.”
#4. Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Position: Full-Back
Caps: 100
Major Honours: ? British & Irish Lions (2013, 2017, 2021), 2x Six Nations Player of the Championship
Caps: 100
Major Honours: ? British & Irish Lions (2013, 2017, 2021), 2x Six Nations Player of the Championship
Hogg's fall from grace has been swift and sad. Once a beloved figure in Scottish rugby and known for his attacking brilliance, recent headlines have painted a darker picture. Legal issues and personal controversies have led to widespread public criticism.
Despite his stunning career on the pitch, it’s his off-field actions — including pleading guilty to prolonged domestic abuse — that have landed him on this list.
RUCK Verdict:
“A tragic descent from fan favourite to tabloid target.”
“A tragic descent from fan favourite to tabloid target.”
#3. Tomás Lavanini (Argentina)
Position: Lock
Caps: 86
Major Honours: ? Key figure in Pumas’ historic wins over All Blacks and England
Caps: 86
Major Honours: ? Key figure in Pumas’ historic wins over All Blacks and England
When you think of disciplinary records, you think Lavanini. The towering Argentine has earned a reputation as rugby’s ultimate red card magnet. Reckless tackles, repeated bans, and a total disregard for subtlety define his chaotic playing style.
He’s cleaned up his act — somewhat — in recent years, but the image of him flying into a ruck like a missile is hard to forget.
RUCK Verdict:
“A walking yellow card — and somehow still box office.”
“A walking yellow card — and somehow still box office.”
#2. Israel Folau (Australia & Tonga)
Position: Full-Back/Wing
Caps: 73 (Australia), 6 (Tonga)
Major Honours: ? Waratahs Super Rugby Champion, dual international (NRL & rugby union)
Caps: 73 (Australia), 6 (Tonga)
Major Honours: ? Waratahs Super Rugby Champion, dual international (NRL & rugby union)
Once a generational talent and one of the most exciting backs in world rugby, Folau’s downfall was fast and public. In 2019, he was sacked by Rugby Australia after posting a series of homophobic social media messages — citing his religious beliefs.
He took legal action for unfair dismissal, resulting in a confidential settlement. Folau later switched allegiance to represent Tonga under World Rugby’s eligibility changes. His return has sparked both support and outrage — no middle ground here.
RUCK Verdict:
“A career undone by controversy. From electric to exiled — and back again.”
“A career undone by controversy. From electric to exiled — and back again.”
#1. Jaden Hendrikse (South Africa/Sharks)
Position: Scrum-Half
Caps: 20
Major Honours: ? Rugby World Cup winner (2023)
Caps: 20
Major Honours: ? Rugby World Cup winner (2023)
The latest entry, and a surprising one at that. Hendrikse earned fans’ ire after his antics in the URC quarter-final vs Munster, where he appeared to fake cramp and delay a crucial kick — before winking at Jack Crowley on the turf. Yes, really.
The mind games might have worked, but it struck many as unsportsmanlike, especially on such a big stage. His place at the top of this list shows how quickly reputations can sour — even for a young World Cup winner.
RUCK Verdict:
“New kid on the block — and already public enemy number one.”
“New kid on the block — and already public enemy number one.”
Can You Name Every 2021 British & Irish Lions Player?
Think you remember the 2021 Lions tour of South Africa? It’s been a few years since that brutal, bruising, and controversial Test series — but true rugby heads never forget.
RUCK’s Lions content is powered by ISUZU.
- 42 players were named in Warren Gatland’s final squad
- The Lions won the First Test 22-17, but the Springboks hit back to win the series 2-1
- The decider? A gritty 19-16 Springbok victory that still stings for many fans
Now it's time to test your memory.
- How many of those 42 Lions can you name?
- No hints. No positions. Just rugby IQ.
- You’ve got 5 minutes.
Take the quiz, scroll down, and start typing.
Let’s see what you’re made of.
Let’s see what you’re made of.
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