Rugby’s Moments of the Week: Ellie Kildunne takes Red Roses to World Cup final

This week in rugby has been nothing short of thrilling, with big moments unfolding around the world.

From intense World Cup semi-finals filled with passion and surprise results to standout performances in international tournaments, the action has kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Off the pitch, fresh coaching appointments and exciting new signings reveal the ambitions driving teams forward.

With so much happening, the build-up to upcoming finals and key matches feels more electric than ever, promising plenty of drama and unforgettable rugby moments ahead.

Here are some of the key moments from this weekend in rugby.

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Red Roses reach final

Ellie Kildunne marked her return with two electric tries as England battled past a resilient France to reach their seventh straight Women’s Rugby World Cup final.

Back from concussion, Kildunne struck early and again just after the break, her sharp footwork and pace cutting through the French defence.

Despite England’s strong start, France pushed hard, capitalising on errors to stay in the fight and trailing only 7-5 at halftime.

After the break, England turned to their trusty maul for a try from Amy Cokayne, followed by a close-range finish from Abbie Ward.

Kildunne’s second try gave England breathing space, though France’s Nassira Konde responded.

But Meg Jones’ late score sealed a 35-17 win. A roaring Twickenham crowd awaits on Saturday, as England face Canada in the final.

Canada stun Black Ferns

Canada stunned defending champions New Zealand with a powerful, fearless performance to reach their first Women’s Rugby World Cup final in over a decade. ‘

Facing a team unbeaten in World Cup play for 11 years, the Canadians came out flying, scoring three tries in the opening 25 minutes to take a commanding 24-7 lead at halftime.

Lock Sophie de Goede led by example, with a try, conversion, and tireless work on both sides of the ball. Justine Pelletier’s sharp breaks and Alex Tessier’s vision and kicking carved up the Black Ferns.

Despite a strong second-half push from New Zealand, Canada held firm.

Backed by a grassroots fundraising campaign and fuelled by belief, they’ve defied the odds.

Fiji win PNC

Fiji claimed back-to-back Pacific Nations Cup titles with a thrilling 33–27 win over Japan in a pulsating final at America First Field in Utah.

The Flying Fijians dazzled early, storming to a 26–10 halftime lead through brilliant offloads, explosive line breaks, and standout tries from Mesake Vocevoce, Tevita Ikanivere, and Joji Nasova.

Japan started strong, with hooker Hayate Era scoring early and captain Warner Dearns leading by example.

But Fiji’s pace and creativity proved decisive. Nasova grabbed his second try early in the second half, stretching the lead.

Japan fought back bravely, capitalising on two Fijian yellow cards and scoring twice more, with Era grabbing a deserved double.

In the final minutes, Fiji held possession and their nerve to seal the win and lift the 2025 Pacific Nations Cup.

Griquas secure Currie Cup

Griquas ended a 55-year Currie Cup drought with a dramatic 27–25 win over the Lions at Ellis Park, clinching South Africa‘s premier domestic title in stunning fashion.

In a tense repeat of last year’s heartbreak for the Lions, it was George Whitehead who delivered the killer blow—a pressure-filled penalty after the final whistle to seal victory.

The match swung back and forth, with early tries from Cameron Hufke and Lourens Oosthuizen setting the tone.

The Lions responded through Kelly Mpeku, Richard Kriel and Henco van Wyk, but missed opportunities and costly errors kept Griquas in the fight.

Mnombo Zwelendaba’s late try gave Griquas the lead, only for the Lions to edge ahead again.

But Whitehead, calm under pressure, wrote Griquas into history with the final kick.

Liam Williams signs for Red Bulls

Newcastle Red Bulls have added experienced Welsh full-back Liam Williams to their squad on a one-year deal, marking their latest signing in the Red Bull era.

The 34-year-old, capped 93 times by Wales and a five-time British & Irish Lion, had been without a club since leaving Saracens and recovering from a knee injury sustained in the Six Nations.

Williams said the move offers “a good opportunity to experience something new” and was impressed by director of rugby Steve Diamond’s vision for the club.

He becomes Newcastle’s 14th signing since Red Bull’s involvement, bringing added depth and leadership to the backline.

With hopes of still reaching 100 caps for Wales, Williams is eager to return to action, starting with Newcastle’s league opener against Saracens this Friday.

Harlequins coaching shakeup

Harlequins have appointed Jason Gilmore as their new senior coach, with former Ospreys boss Toby Booth returning to the club as forwards consultant.

The changes come after Danny Wilson’s departure to join Wales’ coaching staff under Steve Tandy.

Booth, who led the Ospreys to the URC play-offs in 2024, brings valuable experience from past roles with London Irish, Bath, and a previous stint at Quins.

Gilmore, who joined the club last season as defence coach, will now step into a broader leadership role while continuing to oversee defensive duties.

He’s supported by an experienced team including Nick Evans (attack), Adam Jones (scrum), and Gerard Mullen (skills).

Quins CEO Laurie Dalrymple praised both appointments, calling it a key moment for the club ahead of their Premiership opener against Bath.

READ MORE: Ellie Kildunne takes control to fire England into World Cup final