France maul Ireland to kick start Six Nations title defence

Ruthless France inflicted more pain on Ireland as the Six Nations holders opened their title defence with a bonus-point victory at a buoyant Stade de France. Having crushed Ireland’s title hopes in emphatic fashion in Dublin last year, Les Bleus – with returning captain Antoine Dupont pulling the strings – roared into a 22-0 half-time lead following a one-sided first half. Ireland improved in the second but were well and truly outclassed by Les Belus.

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New Zealand sack head coach Scott Robertson

Scott Robertson has been sacked as head coach of New Zealand after two years in charge. Robertson, 51, replaced Ian Foster after the World Cup in 2023 and led the All Blacks to 10 wins out of 13 Tests in the 2025 season. But the former Canterbury Crusaders coach came under pressure following an away defeat by Argentina and a record 43-10 loss to South Africa in the Rugby Championship in Wellington.

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