Rugby: the main stories of 29.09.2026

Martin Johnson thinks England's worst results may help them at the World Cup next year. The 2003 World Cup-winning captain says the defeats that hurt most, from their Six Nations pain on, can prepare the side for the tournament. With a year to go, the domestic game is already shaping itself around that target. Last week the Premiership agreed a refereeing overhaul, and it was presented as a way to help England's bid. Johnson would not add to the talk around Henry Pollock and declined to comment on the flanker.

Hong Kong China's World Cup debut will come in a pool with Australia and New Zealand. Full-back Paul Altier said he and his teammates are more used to "watching it as fans". One outlet reports that the Red Roses will bring Matt Ferguson back to John Mitchell's staff for a second stint. The move has not been confirmed. If it goes ahead, it will come nine days after Shaun Edwards joined England's women on a consultancy deal. A separate single-source report asks whether Jack Willis could switch from England to Ireland. The Toulouse back rower has been voted Top 14 player of the year in each of the last 2 seasons.

• Lawrence Dallaglio, now bankrupt, has put his 2003 winner's medal and other memorabilia up for auction, according to one report.
• Fiji play New Caledonia in a friendly today.