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England women's players to receive 'enhanced' three-year contracts - RFU

More than 30 England women's players will receive contracts with "significant enhancements", the Rugby Football Union (RFU) announced on Thursday, with the three-year agreement covering the 2025 World Cup and running up to 2026.

Thomas backing Reffell to fill Tipuric void

Gareth Thomas is backing Tommy Reffell to fill the void left by the 'outstanding' Justin Tipuric and play a key role in Wales' World Cup charge. The emergence of flanker Reffell was one of the bright spots of Wayne Pivac's reign as Wales boss but the Leicester Tigers man started just one match during the 2023 Six Nations following Warren Gatland's return.

Burrage admits off-court issues led to Surbiton struggles

Jodie Burrage admits her long-term boyfriend's professional rugby turmoil hampered her preparation for the LTA's Lexus Surbiton Trophy after suffering a shock defeat against compatriot Lily Miyazaki. The British No.2 won the first set against her lower-ranked opponent but eventually fell to a 3-6 6-2 6-4 defeat in West London. Ad Away from the court, Burrage's partner Ben White plays for Premiership rugby club London Irish, who were suspended from the competition on Tuesday before being placed into administration hours before she took to the Surbiton grass on Wednesday.

Wales legend Shane Williams feels for discarded prop Rhys CarrÃ© but warned that with Warren Gatland, Wales players should get used that sort of ruthlessness. CarrÃ© was dumped from Welsh preparations for the upcoming World Cup, with a statement announcing that he had failed to meet individual performance targets. Ad That came after the Cardiff loosehead had initially been named in a 54-man squad in early May.