With round one of Premier Grade starting in Brisbane this weekend, we have already enjoyed a smorgasbord of top rugby from Paris to New York. France took out, back-to-back, 6 Nations at Stade de France, thanks to the boot of Thomas Ramos in injury time to defeat a spirited English side 48-46, that were coming off an 18-23 loss to Italy in Rome the week before.

Ireland won the Triple Crown by beating the home nations, after they lost to France XV, 14-36, in the first round of the 2026 6 Nations Championship. Italy were the surprise packet, knocking off Scotland 18-15 and England 23-18, also at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. Wales finally won their first 6 Nations match since 2023, overcoming Italy 31-17 at Millennium Stadium 🏟

Ahead of the 50th anniversary of the HSBC 7s in Hong Kong, the HSBC tournament moved to New York. The Blitzboks defeated Fiji 10-7 in extra time. The Kiwi women took out the Cup, 22-21, over their Southern Hemisphere nemesis, Australia. 🌏 Japan’s Sakura Sevens put in a credible showing; narrowly losing the payoff for 5th place to France 19-15.

The Super Rugby Pacific kicked off with the Aussie teams proving very competitive. The Brumbies defeated last year’s premiers, the Crusaders, in Christchurch 50-24; their first victory there since 2000. The Queensland Reds finally had a win, 21-6, over the Fijian Drua in Lautoka to register their first win in Fiji.

Premier Grade Rugby starts this weekend in Brisbane. Brothers are at home against Souths; Bond Uni plays UQ down the Coast; Easts play Wests at Bottomley Park; and Norths host Sunnybank.