It was a weekend that underlined rugby’s capacity for drama, with headlines coming thick and fast across the globe. Records were broken, shocks delivered, and major stories unfolded both on and off the pitch.
From a landmark triumph in Buenos Aires to upsets in the Pacific Nations Cup, the Women’s Rugby World Cup ignited with a statement performance, and transfer rumours swirling in France, there was no shortage of talking points for the online community to get involved with.
Add to that the retirement of one of Australia‘s greats, and it was a few days that captured the full sweep of rugby’s past, present and future. Here are some of the biggest social media moments that set the sport buzzing.
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Los Pumas Make History
Argentina made history in Buenos Aires, defeating New Zealand 29-23 to claim their first-ever home victory over the All Blacks at the 16th attempt.
Los Pumas, who had lost all 15 previous meetings on Argentine soil, combined discipline, intensity and sharp game management to overturn the odds.
Juan Martín Gonzalez and Gonzalo Garcia crossed for tries, while replacement fly-half Santiago Carreras kept the scoreboard ticking with a flawless kicking display that punished New Zealand’s repeated infringements.
The All Blacks, who scored through Billy Proctor, Fletcher Newell and Samisoni Taukei’aho, were undone by three yellow cards, including two in quick succession before half-time.
Damian McKenzie’s late penalty salvaged a bonus point, but this was Argentina’s night, a landmark triumph 40 years in the making.
PNC Brings Shocks
The opening round of the Pacific Nations Cup delivered two major upsets, with Canada and Tonga scoring impressive wins.
In Calgary, loose forward Tyler Ardron marked his return to Test rugby after four years with a stunning four-try performance, leading Canada to a 34-20 victory over the United States. Ardron, who captained Canada at the 2015 and 2019 World Cups, returned under new head coach Steve Meehan to earn his 39th cap and spark Canada’s push toward 2027 World Cup qualification.
The win was especially significant as Canada had lost 14 of their last 15 Tests against the U.S.
Later, in Nuku’alofa, Tonga’s forwards dominated as they defeated Samoa 30-16, building on a 20-6 halftime lead to solidify their chances of qualifying for the World Cup directly from the PNC, instead of having to go through a play-off with the losers of Chile and Uruguay.
Red Roses Statement Victory
England‘s Red Roses made a powerful statement in their Rugby World Cup opener, storming to a 69-7 win over the United States in front of a record 42,723 crowd in Sunderland.
The victory, built on 11 tries and relentless set-piece dominance, showcased both England’s depth and intent as tournament favourites.
Fullback Ellie Kildunne and wing Jess Breach led the charge with doubles, while England’s impact off the bench ensured the Eagles, ranked 10th in the world, faded after a competitive start.
Despite the emphatic scoreline, England sit second in Pool A behind Australia, who crushed Samoa 73-0.
With both teams unbeaten, the pool stage finale between England and Australia in two weeks is shaping as a decisive clash for top spot and knockout momentum.
Ardie Savea Rumours Swirl
Racing 92 are reportedly preparing one of rugby’s boldest transfer moves, launching a bid to lure Ardie Savea after the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
The All Blacks star, currently contracted to New Zealand Rugby through the tournament, is said to be targeted as Racing’s next marquee signing, with reports suggesting they are willing to make him the highest-paid player in rugby history, surpassing deals once held by Dan Carter and Matt Giteau.
The Parisian club have already attracted big names like Siya Kolisi and Owen Farrell, though both left after brief stints that saw limited success.
Savea, who will be 34 post-World Cup, remains central to the All Blacks and was named World Rugby Player of the Year in 2023.
Will Genia Retires
Will Genia, one of Australia’s greatest scrum-halves, has announced his retirement at 37. A Wallabies centurion, Genia earned 110 caps across a decade-long international career, making him the seventh-most capped Australian of all time.
He captained his country, featured in three Rugby World Cups, and was shortlisted for the IRB Player of the Year in 2011 after starring in Australia’s run to the semi-finals.
Genia became just the 10th Wallaby to reach 100 appearances when he faced England at Twickenham in 2018, with his final Test coming in 2019.
After leaving Super Rugby’s Melbourne Rebels, he enjoyed stints in France with Stade Francais and in Japan with Kintetsu Liners.
His career stands as one of the most decorated in Australian rugby history.
By Charlie Elliott
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