The All Blacks have identified the area they need to improve on if the team are to respond to their disappointing end to the 2021 campaign.Following defeats to France and Ireland, New Zealand now have a long break before their next international matches.Ian Foster’s men take on Ireland in a three-Test series in July and Will Jordan admits that the squad must do better if they are to defeat Andy Farrell’s charges next year.

Rugby Union

All Blacks

France

Planet Rugby

All Blacks seek improvements ahead of revenge mission

Duane Vermeulen still hasn't trained with Ulster and it's not clear whether he will feature for their Champions Cup clash in Clermont.

Springbok

RTÉ

Ulster coy on Vermeulen availability

Leicester set for European challenges after outstanding start to domestic campaign

Sports

The Independent

Ellis Genge hails job done by ‘relentless’ Steve Borthwick at Leicester

The South African clubs continue to bear the brunt of the ongoing player exodus to the northern hemisphere, writes Jon Cardinelli.There’s been a lot of talk in South Africa this past week about Trevor Nyakane’s decision to leave the Bulls and join Racing 92. According to reports, the French club has paid a large transfer fee to the Bulls in order to secure the immediate release of the Springbok prop.

Bulls

Exodus continues to hurt South African sides

All Blacks, Chiefs and Bay of Plenty flanker Sam Cane has inked a contract extension with New Zealand Rugby, locking the player in with the trio until 2025.Cane, 29, made his bow for the Chiefs in 2010 before earning his first international cap two years later, with the back-row currently the All Blacks captain.

Bay Of Plenty

Sam Cane re-signs with New Zealand Rugby until 2025

European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) has once again insisted that there would be no postponement of any of the weekend’s European ties, despite concerns growing over the safety of some of the players.The Scarlets, Cardiff Rugby and Munster will all be without huge numbers of players as a result of Covid infections in the squad and quarantine rules for international travel.

Safety concerns for Covid-hit teams

Harlequins head coach Tabai Matson lamented his side’s inability to take their chances as they lost 16-14 to Premiership leaders Leicester Tigers on Sunday.Harry Potter’s converted try and three penalties from the boot of George Ford helped the Tigers to an amazing ninth successive win in the league this season.

Quins rue missed opportunities as Tigers march on

France has claimed a try double at the 2021 World Rugby Awards, with Damian Penaud and Emilie Boulard winning the men’s and women’s categories respectively.

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