South African rugby coach tied to Sharks, Currie Cup and URC
The Carolina Panthers have altered their offensive line plans as injuries force reshuffles ahead of the season. Ickey Ekwonu remains out with a ruptured patellar tendon, and Taylor Moton has a blood clot in the lung, prompting veteran Rasheed Walker and early first‑round pick Monroe Freeling to start. The team is banking on depth and mentorship to bridge early gaps.
Northern Ireland midfielder Shea Charles has joined Fulham for £30m, becoming the country’s most expensive player. Former international Stuart Dallas backs Charles and teammate Ethan Galbraith for Premier League success, while NI boss Michael O’Neill has built the side around him.
Scottish Rugby has dismissed chief executive Alex Williamson after an independent investigation found his conduct to fall significantly below the organisation’s standards. Williamson, appointed in 2024, was on extended leave since May. The board says an interim chief executive will be appointed as Murrayfield begins the search for a permanent replacement. The organisation faces a crucial autumn and 2027 Rugby World Cup.
The edited set of interviews and comments from Sue Gray and related sources show a culture of leaks and briefings in No 10 amid leadership changes. Gray says the atmosphere was unbearable and that actions from Keir Starmer’s team were insufficient to curb negative briefings.
Edinburgh Rugby has appointed former Ireland youth coach and ex-Dallas Jackals coach Tim Hodge to join Sean Everitt’s backroom team on a two-year deal, with the URC season set to begin on September 25. The club has also retained Stevie Lawrie and added Tim Sampson and Brad Davis to reshape the attack and defence units.
The Scottish FA has appointed Tony Docherty as Under-21 head coach with Steven Naismith as his assistant. The move aligns the youth pathway with the senior team as Sebastien Pocognoli takes charge of the senior squad. The pair will lead the Under-21s initially, with plans to rotate coaches across age groups and support club growth and Talent ID initiatives.