Rugby

PARIS (AP) — French authorities are joining forces with players to oppose plans by World Rugby to introduce a 20-minute red card , claiming it poses a health risk.

VANCOUVER — Canada's women's rugby team appeared poised to do the impossible Saturday — beat England. Midway through the second half of their WXV matchup, Canada's Alex Tessier slipped through England's line, darted up the field and slid in to touch.

NARBONNE, France (AP) — An international arrest warrant has been issued for former Australia captain Rocky Elsom after a French court found him guilty of misusing corporate assets while he was president of French rugby club Narbonne.

It is a mouth-watering finale to the WXV women's rugby tournament — No. 2 Canada against No. 1 England. The matchup of two unbeaten sides will decide the championship of the six-team round-robin tournament.

SYDNEY (AP) — The Penrith Panthers claimed their fourth straight premiership with a 14-6 win over the Melbourne Storm in Australia's National Rugby League grand final on Sunday.

LANGLEY, B.C. — The Canadian women's rugby team started quickly and then dug in defensively to beat Ireland 21-8 in WXV international tournament play on Saturday at Langley Events Centre.

Fresh from a comprehensive 46-24 victory over France to open the WXV women's rugby tournament, Canada faces an Irish side riding high after upsetting reigning World Cup champion New Zealand 29-27.

VANCOUVER — Sitting on the sidelines hasn't been easy for Sophie de Goede.

Canada has climbed into second place in World Rugby's women's rankings, thanks to its 46-24 weekend win over No. 4 France at the WXV tournament.

VANCOUVER — Canada's women's rugby team has its sights firmly set on the future, even as it gets the rare opportunity to compete on home soil.