Today's rugby news headlines as Gatland heads to England and Finn Russell gets engaged

Former Wales boss Warren Gatland has emerged as a leading candidate to take on the role of Director of Rugby at Newcastle Red Bulls, RUCK understands.

The ambitious Premiership outfit are on the hunt for a “world-class” operator to spearhead their new Red Bull era, with the role set to be filled ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Earlier this summer, it was widely reported in Japan that Gatland was poised to join Urayasu D-Rocks, replacing ex-Scotland scrum-half Greig Laidlaw as head coach in Rugby League One. However, in a surprise twist, former England prop Graham Rowntree has instead been unveiled as their new boss.

That decision has now left Gatland free — and firmly back in the frame for Newcastle.

Scotland playmaker Finn Russell is officially off the market after finally proposing to his long-term partner, Emma Canning.

The couple, who have been together since 2017, have had their ups and downs – including a brief split in 2021 – but are now stronger than ever, sharing two daughters, Charlie (3) and Skye (1).

Announcing the big news on Instagram, Emma posted:
“mum + dad are getting married!!!”

Rugby fans have been left stunned after former England and Harlequins prop Joe Marler revealed his new look following retirement — with the 33-year-old reportedly losing over 10kg since leaving the game.

The tighthead, who hung up his boots in November 2024, has slimmed down noticeably and fans say he looks “like a different man” compared to his days anchoring the England scrum.

? One supporter joked: “Marler’s gone from scrummaging machine to padel machine.”
? Another added: “He looks younger now than when he was still playing!”

Since stepping away from rugby, Marler has thrown himself into padel, the fast-growing racket sport he first discovered during the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

The Rugby Championship takes a break this weekend after the first two rounds of action, before New Zealand host South Africa across back-to-back weekends. The All Blacks first take on the Springboks in their Auckland fortress of Eden Park on Saturday 6th September, before then hosting Rassie Erasamus’ side down Sky Stadium, for a capital city clash in Wellington.

The upcoming fifth round of the Bunnings NPC will give fans a rare chance to see some of the All Blacks’ stars mixing it with local talent. Here’s the players to look out for across the upcoming round of action, as the NPC returns to heat up New Zealand’s North and South Islands.