The latest rugby headlines from Wales and beyond

07:33, 24 Mar 2026

Here’s your round-up of all the latest rugby news for the morning of Tuesday, March 24.

Georgia break silence after doping accusations

Georgia Rugby admits their reputation has been damaged by alleged doping violations.

World Rugby recently confirmed six players and a staff member had been charged for using recreational drugs and an organised scheme to substitute urine samples prior to the 2023 World Cup.

Five players have already been sanctioned, with appeals ongoing, and officials stressed there’s no indication their World Cup campaign was compromised.

The Georgia Rugby statement reads: “Georgia Rugby Union responds to information released by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and World Rugby, which indicates that several anti-doping rule violations involving the Georgia 15s team during an extended period of time prior to Men’s Rugby World Cup 2023 in France.

“We fully acknowledge the seriousness of these matters. In response to questions from supporters, we confirm that the individuals involved have not been members of the national team since the 2023/24 season. It should be noted that since that time no current national team player or Georgian rugby player has been identified or charged with an anti-doping rule violation.

“From the outset of the process, Georgia Rugby Union has cooperated fully and transparently with WADA and World Rugby. We were given strict instructions by these bodies to refrain from public comment and disclosure of details until the investigation could be conducted thoroughly, impartially and in accordance with the applicable procedures. It was in observance of this protocol that we withheld comment until now.

“We recognise that these events have inflicted a serious blow to the reputation of Georgian rugby. We have launched intensive work and implemented stringent measures to prevent similar incidents – we are doing everything in our power to ensure such violations do not recur in rugby.”

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All Blacks name coaching ticket

New Zealand have named their new coaching ticket, with former Edinburgh coach Mike Blair joining as attack coach under Dave Rennie.

Former Scotland captain Blair worked with Rennie at Glasgow Warriors and was recently been with him in Japan with Kobelco Kobe Steelers.

Rennie has taken the All Blacks reins after the exit of Scott Robertson.

Former Scotland and Lions scrum-half Blair said: “I’m proud and honoured to be joining the All Blacks coaching group.

“The history and expectations around this team are well known and I’m looking forward to playing my part in continuing that tradition.”

Former New Zealand skipper Tana Umaga has been named as defence coach, while Jason Ryan will continue in his role as forwards coach and Neil Barnes will be senior assistant coach.

Phil Healey joins as the new head of performance, while Tamati Ellison has been appointed Maori All Blacks head coach.

“This is a very experienced and highly skilled coaching team,” Rennie said. “Each of these men has a track record of getting the best out of the players.”

New Zealand interim CEO, Steve Lancaster, paid tribute to the outgoing coaches.

“We acknowledge that this has been an uncertain period for people and that there are some difficult farewells as part of the process,” he said.

“I want to pay tribute to the service that Scott Hansen, Tamati Ellison and Bryn Evans have given to the black jersey.

“They have each made important contributions to the team, and I know they have all got a lot more to give as world-class coaches.

“The way they have conducted themselves throughout is a testament to the outstanding professionals and good people they all are.

“I also congratulate our new group of coaches, who bring a formidable combination of experience and mana [power].

“We are confident they will complement Dave’s leadership, and we cannot wait to see them go to work with the 2026 All Blacks group.”

Booth to leave Quins

Former Ospreys head coach Toby Booth will leave his season-long consultancy role at Harlequins at the end of the season, the club has confirmed.

Booth arrived at the club back in September 2025 as part of changes to the coaching team in light of Danny Wilson’s exit.

This is his second spell with Quins, with Booth undertaking the role of forwards consultant, working closely with Adam Jones.

“Harlequins is a great club with rich history. It has strong roots and a loyal supporter base, things I have always championed and believed in. I jumped at the chance to come back, even just for a short spell,” said Booth

“Despite the recent frustrations I am sure the good times are just around the corner, I will enjoy watching the team’s progress from Hong Kong.”

Chief executive Laurie Dalrymple added: “We’d like to thank Toby for his contribution during his time at Harlequins. Stepping into the group at a late stage is never easy, but Toby brought immediate impact through his experience, professionalism and deep understanding of the club, having been here previously.

“Beyond his coaching, Toby is an outstanding person who has added real value to the environment, both on and off the field. He has been a pleasure to work with once again.

“Toby remains committed through to the end of the 2025/26 season and we will be aiming to build on the good work he has done throughout his time at Harlequins. On behalf of everyone associated with the club, we’d like to wish him well in his next chapter.”

Star to learn fate

Springboks prop Asenathi Ntalabkanye is set to discover whether he will face a lengthy ban after failing a drugs test.

Ntlabakanye featured for South Africa in the Rugby Championship opener last year, but a test by the South African Institute for Drug Free Sport (SAIDS) yielded an “adverse analytical finding”.

According to Netwerk24, he will have now face a hearing for the use of a prohibited substance this week.

Should he be banned, he could be out of action for as long as four years.

Legend elected mayor

French rugby great Serge Blanco has been elected as Mayor of Biarritz.

The 67-year-old, a former full-back for France and Biarritz Olympique, took 41.92 per cent of the vote in a three-way second-round contest, defeating incumbent Mayor Maider Arosteguy, who amassed 32.21 per cent, as well as the joint left-wing and centrist list led by Ana Ezcurra, who picked up 25.87 per cent. .

Blanco said “the people of Biarritz wanted change”, “to be spoken to from the heart” and “to be respected”.

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