Rugby Internationals News
Stay up to date with all of the latest international rugby news here at RugbyPass. From live match updates and coverage to squad and player announcements, our rugby gurus are on-hand with all of the latest information. Scroll down to read the latest interviews, reports and news articles from the world of international rugby.
'Run fast' - 10.10 sec 100m sprinter 'Quadzilla' to debut in Dubai
While it's been billed as the clash of the fastest men in rugby, Australian sevens coach Tim Walsh has low-key expectations for de…
Online Editors
04 Dec, 9:49
Major stumbling block emerges as British and Irish Lions confirm tour schedule for South Africa
Exact dates and venues have been confirmed for the shortened 2021 tour to the home of the new World Cup champions, a challenge tha…
Online Editors
04 Dec, 9:25
Northampton Saints to swoop for Fiji's Mawi
Gallagher Premiership side Northampton Saints are set to sign Fiji loosehead Eroni Mawi, as they bolster their squad to compete on…
The NRL stars who could strengthen union's ongoing battle with rugby league
There has been no shortage of cross-code switches since the World Cup, but it appears as though union holds the upper hand in pull…
'I wouldn't be releasing him, that's for sure': Chris Boyd's warning for Eddie Jones
Northampton Saints head coach Chris Boyd has issued a hands-off warning to England boss Eddie Jones.
Online Editors
04 Dec, 4:38
Rugby Australia reaches settlement in legal battle with Israel Folau
Rugby Australia and Israel Folau have ended one of the biggest feuds ever seen in Australian sport.
Online Editors
04 Dec, 3:38
Brits' farewell message after 'craziest month' of his life
The veteran Springboks' story these past 18 months has warmed the hearts of rugby fans the world over, from retirement to World Cu…
Josh Raisey
03 Dec, 13:13
Tackling Leinster's defence is fitting test for Vesty and his England attack coach aspirations
With Scott Wisemantel having departed the Eddie Jones set-up, an opportunity exists for a homegrown English coach to step forward.…
Monday's marathon mediation session still yields no result for Israel Folau
Israel Folau and Rugby Australia will continue their marathon efforts over the phone to find a settlement ahead of a looming court…
Online Editors
03 Dec, 1:52
No rest for Warren Gatland as he heads to Chiefs training straight off plane from Wales
Incoming Chiefs head coach Warren Gatland isn't taking any breaks before taking up his new role with the Hamilton-based Super Rugb…
Online Editors
03 Dec, 1:14
Another mix-up for the Wallabies coaching ranks
Nathan Grey will follow Stephen Larkham from Wallabies assistant into the national high performance advisor role as new Australian…
Online Editors
02 Dec, 21:14
Preparing a side against Gatland like dating a new girlfriend still pining for a very visible, much-loved ex-boyfriend
It’s been a long time coming for Wales supporters but the Wayne Pivac era is finally up and running, and there is plenty of earl…
Owain Jones
02 Dec, 11:59
'Non-selection was the hardest...He just said, 'You're in a competitive position''
Alex Dunbar doesn’t enjoy looking back – not after the year he’s had, not after the hardship he’s endured.
All Blacks finalise home fixtures for 2020 international calendar
The new All Blacks coach will start his tenure as Steve Hansen's successor against Wales at Eden Park on July 4.
Online Editors
02 Dec, 2:30
Steve Hansen reveals new post-World Cup job
Former All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen has announced his new position after ending his long-term affiliation with New Zealand R…
Online Editors
02 Dec, 0:54
Five things we learned from Pivac's first game in charge
Wayne Pivac got his stint as Wales coach off to a winning start and matchday captain Justin Tipuric asked Leigh Halfpenny to kick …
Rhiannon Garth Jones
01 Dec, 13:57
Nigel Owens may retire at end of season
Nigel Owens is deliberating over whether or not he will retire at the end of the current season.
Ian Cameron
01 Dec, 11:44
RugbyPass November Player of the Month - Marcell Coetzee
The latest RugbyPass Player of the Month award goes to Ulster and Springbok forward Marcell Coetzee, who has lit up European rugby…
'If I didn't leave the country then and get home to my support, I wouldn't be here any more'
Former All Black Zac Guildford has opened up to Woman's Day on the suicidal thoughts that forced him back to New Zealand following…
Online Editors
01 Dec, 0:28
Israel Folau backs down on 'appallingly insensitive' comments
Former Wallabies star Israel Folau has moved to clarify comments he made earlier this month suggesting the devastating bushfires t…
Online Editors
30 Nov, 22:07
Pivac on his first Wales outing: 'It rammed home how big it is going to be'
The new Welsh coach declared himself pleased with what he saw against the Barbarians ahead of the start to the Six Nations against…
Online Editors
30 Nov, 19:37
Pivac off to winning start with Wales
With Warren Gatland coaching the opposition, a new era got underway with a team coached by his successor running in six tries in C…
Online Editors
30 Nov, 18:47
Building managers called to Wayne Pivac's son's Auckland apartment at 3.45am
Building managers were forced to knock on the door Wayne Pivac's son's Auckland apartment at 3.45 am following his dad's debut as …
Ian Cameron
30 Nov, 17:21
Chorus of boos for the Barbarians' adopted 'national anthem' in Cardiff
Saturday at the Principality Stadium was supposed to be a full-on day-long celebration of rugby but proccedings took a turn for th…
Online Editors
30 Nov, 15:52
Nigel Owens and the reason why is he uniquely being allowed to referee Wales on Saturday
Non-neutral referees are taboo on the international rugby circuit but an exception has been made for one of the sport's most popul…
Online Editors
30 Nov, 10:14
David Pocock calls out Israel Folau on latest captaincy claims
Former Wallabies loose forward David Pocock has weighed in on the latest development in the Israel Folau saga.
Online Editors
30 Nov, 4:16
Tony Brown reveals why he chose Japan over the All Blacks
Tony Brown has revealed that he had no fear in turning down a position with the All Blacks for one key reason.
Online Editors
30 Nov, 2:33
NRL star Latrell Mitchell considering shock switch to rugby union - report
Sydney Roosters star Latrell Mitchell is reportedly considering a shock move to rugby union as his future playing options in the N…
Online Editors
30 Nov, 0:40
Some England fans are questioning O'Shea over his record with Italy
There was a lot of love going around on Friday morning when the Irishman was announced as the RFU's new performance director, but …
Josh Raisey
29 Nov, 17:44
A renamed piece of the Principality Stadium will forever honour Warren Gatland
The New Zealander is saying farewell on Saturday after twelve years in charge of the Welsh and the WRU have given him an unexpecte…
Online Editors
29 Nov, 16:05
IRFU bump Aki up to a central contract to keep him in Ireland
After earning his stripes as a Test level midfielder since a November 2017 debut, the New Zealander is being bumped up to an IRFU …
Online Editors
29 Nov, 13:43
Pocock scoops a very non-rugby award
The Wallaby back row's Test career was the envy of many but he just picked up a prestigious award in Australia for very different …
Josh Raisey
29 Nov, 12:15
Jay-Z's sports management company have recruited World Cup-winning skipper Kolisi
US-based agency Roc Nation Sports has reportedly landed RWC-winning captain Siya Kolisi in what would be their first foray into ru…
'If he can blend the two styles together - Warrenball and Pivacball - it could be something special'
Wayne Pivac has big expectations to live up to as Wales coach but Shane Williams is backing the former Scarlets boss to produce a …
Online Editors
29 Nov, 10:23
Leicester assistant Mike Ford linked with role on other side of the world
The former England and Ireland assistant hasn't had longevity in a job since he was in charge at Bath and despite currently assist…
Online Editors
29 Nov, 10:04
Nigel Melville's exit sees the RFU tweak job title and appoint Conor O'Shea
With professional rugby director Nigel Melville opting to head for the exit, the RFU have tweaked the job title and handed the pos…
Online Editors
29 Nov, 9:21
'It will be a challenge for him': Why Wayne Pivac's opening match for Wales is one he can't afford to lose
Wayne Pivac goes under the white-hot scrutiny of coaching Wales when his new team takes on Warren Gatland’s Barbarians on Saturd…
Campbell Burnes
29 Nov, 4:25
Kurtley Beale emerges as prime contender to replace Bernard Foley as Waratahs' playmaker
Kurtley Beale is the frontrunner to fill the five-eighth hot seat as the NSW Waratahs prepare for life after Bernard Foley.
Online Editors
29 Nov, 4:05
Why a Wallabies player 'burst into laughter' at Israel Folau's extraordinary claim
A current Wallabies player reportedly "burst into laughter" after being told a surprising revelation about Israel Folau.
Online Editors
29 Nov, 3:33
'He'd be a very good chance to be the next head coach': Eddie Jones reveals who he's backing to become next All Blacks boss
England head coach Eddie Jones has thrown his support behind one of the prime contenders to take the vacant All Blacks job.
Online Editors
29 Nov, 2:39
Ardie Savea's intriguing rugby eligibility law change suggestion
All Blacks loose forward Ardie Savea has brought into question whether international eligibility laws should be applicable to more…
Online Editors
29 Nov, 0:57
Secret's out: how the All Blacks decide which haka to perform
All Blacks halfback Aaron Smith has revealed how the team decides which haka they will perform before each test match.
Online Editors
28 Nov, 20:08
Eben Etzebeth checks in for work at Toulon
With their World Cup celebrations now over, Eben Etzebeth is the latest European-based Springbok to check-in for the winter club d…
Josh Raisey
28 Nov, 17:29
Dylan Hartley on leading England under Eddie Jones
Former England captain Dylan Hartley has revealed the roles and responsibilities that he undertook under the watchful eye of Eddie…
'I just felt that it was not right' - Gatland's revealing Barbarians match admission
Warren Gatland has revealed how his Cardiff return as the Barbarians’ head coach was originally planned as his Wales swansong.
Online Editors
28 Nov, 16:23
The personal wealth of the average professional rugby player
The personal wealth of rugby players is widely misunderstood.
It would probably shock people to know, most Saracens players co…
Jonathan Beardmore
28 Nov, 15:47
'Really rash statement': Former Bok takes issue with doping culture allegations in SA rugby
The Springboks' recent World Cup win has been marred by some generalisations about an alleged doping culture in South African rugb…
Liam Heagney
28 Nov, 15:41
England RWC winner backs Eddie Jones for 2023 World Cup
The 59-year-old Australian is contracted to remain England head coach until 2021.
Online Editors
28 Nov, 13:38
Wayne Pivac names his first Wales team
Cardiff will be full of intrigue on Saturday as the new Wales coach tries to get one over his predecessor Warren Gatland who is co…
Online Editors
28 Nov, 11:13
Barbarians name their team to face Wales
Having coached Wales for twelve years, Warren Gatland waves goodbye to the fans in Cardiff on Saturday when he takes charge of thi…
Online Editors
28 Nov, 10:21
Woodward the latest to back Guscott's popular law change suggestion
Rugby now fields starting XVs packed with players who are not prepared to play the full 80 minutes because they know they will be …
Liam Heagney
28 Nov, 9:36
Return of the Brumby: the strategy all the top international teams will be copying
Elements of the Japanese game plan, as well as the motions of particular players, are starting to follow a style of play that's ov…
Conor Wilson
28 Nov, 3:18
South America's first professional rugby league will kick off at the end of February
The Súper Liga will kick off on February 28th and bring together teams from across the continent to vie for South American suprem…
Tom Vinicombe
28 Nov, 2:45
'Of course it was [a forward pass]' says Wayne Barnes
Wayne Barnes has revealed how his mistake in the 2007 Rugby World Cup quarter-final spurred him on to become one of rugby's top re…
Online Editors
28 Nov, 1:16
USA Rugby's 'severe budget shortfall' prompts major changes
The USA have long been touted a sleeping giant of international rugby, but it appears that off-field issues could cut the nation o…
Tom Vinicombe
28 Nov, 0:51
England U20s announce 45-man training squad for 2020 season
England U20s head coach Alan Dickens has announced his first selection in the role, with a 45-man training squad set for a three-d…
Picking a Wales XV for the Barbarians
On the one hand, the upcoming Wales fixture against the Barbarians is clear a money spinner in a Rugby World Cup year, which is to…
Rhiannon Garth Jones
27 Nov, 9:51
Why England haemorrhaging coaches won't faze Jones
England’s confirmation that attacking coach Scott Wisemantel will move on from his position may not come as a surprise to many.
'It's very difficult': Why globetrotting Sonny Bill Williams is avoiding Toronto
Sonny Bill Williams sent Toronto Wolfpack fans into a frenzy when he announced his signing with the Super League club last month, …
Online Editors
27 Nov, 4:13
'This has been one of the toughest years of my life': Nehe Milner-Skudder opens up about mental struggles throughout injury-plagued career
Former All Blacks wing Nehe Milner-Skudder has opened up about going into "dark places" in what he described as "one of the toughe…
Online Editors
27 Nov, 3:39
Israel Folau claims he was in line for 'possible captainship' and is now demanding $14 million from Rugby Australia
Israel Folau is now demanding $14 million in damages from Rugby Australia, claiming he could have been captain of the Wallabies.
Online Editors
27 Nov, 0:09
Rugby Australia's impending financial crunch won't be the death of rugby in Australia
Those asking how would this potentially fit down the line side-by-side with Super Rugby are asking the wrong question. Wouldn't it…
Rugby Australia chief apologises for poorly behaved Wallabies
It seems that the fallout from the Wallabies' ill-fated run at the 2019 World Cup is set to continue, with Rugby Australia doing t…
Online Editors
26 Nov, 20:42
Halaholo hits back at his Welsh critics after ACL injury
It has been a difficult week for the Cardiff Blues midfielder after his criticised Welsh squad call-up was followed by his likely …
Josh Raisey
26 Nov, 16:13
Clive Woodward on how disrespected he felt when he applied to become France coach
The 2003 World Cup winner with England had even enrolled in a French-language school in London only to find that the process to re…
Liam Heagney
26 Nov, 14:18
New Wales call-up Halaholo could be out of the game for quite some time
New Zealander Willis Halaholo was all set to link up with Wayne Pivac's Wales squad to face the Barbarians next weekend only for C…
Online Editors
26 Nov, 10:45
'It is not something to be proud of and it's an area that we are constantly working on'
Fiji were crowned HSBC World Rugby Sevens champions last season but coach Gareth Baber had identified one unwanted reputation his …
Chris Jones
26 Nov, 10:29
Wallabies youngster Jack Maddocks puts international ambitions on hold in pursuit of Olympic gold
Emerging Wallaby Jack Maddocks will put his test rugby career on hold as he chases Olympic glory with the Australian Sevens team.
Online Editors
26 Nov, 1:29
England attack coach Scott Wisemantel departs as Wallabies job broadens on horizon
Eddie Jones has confirmed attack coach Scott Wisemantel has left the England set-up.
Online Editors
26 Nov, 1:11
Ex-England international: Why nobody wants 'poisoned' All Blacks job
A former England and British and Irish Lions star has compared succeeding Steve Hansen at the All Blacks to Manchester United tryi…
Online Editors
25 Nov, 21:49
RFU hire Alan Dickens as new England U20 head coach
The RFU have snapped up their second age-grade coaching hire of the month, confirming former Saints defence coach Alan Dickens as …
Tom Curry may just have found a true England rival in Ben Earl
Saracens back rower Ben Earl continues to flourish in the 2019/20 season and the loose forward is putting down serious England mar…
Eddie Jones entering tug-of-war over England attack guru
The man who masterminded England's attack at the Rugby World Cup is said to be the target of Dave Rennie and Rugby Australia.
Chris Jones
25 Nov, 11:00
Sam Warburton omits two All Blacks greats in 'best international team he's faced' XV
Sam Warburton has snubbed two All Black greats in his 'best international team he's faced' XV.
SAHRC dismiss reports they do not have the evidence to charge Etzebeth
SAHRC have insisted that they have enough evidence to go to the Equality Court over accusations that Eben Etzebeth assaulted and r…
Out-of-favour Wallabies star Karmichael Hunt signs contract extension with Waratahs
Veteran back Karmichael Hunt has signed up for a second Super Rugby campaign with the NSW Waratahs and has designs on getting back…
Online Editors
25 Nov, 4:16
'Shocked': Former Springbok admits 'unfortunate' doping issue in South African rugby
Former Springboks lock Marco Wentzel has sided with critics calling out South African rugby's "problematic" doping culture.
Online Editors
25 Nov, 3:55
Matt Toomua 'dreams' of vacant Wallabies No. 10 jersey following departures of international veterans
Matt Toomua is putting his hand up to wear the Wallabies No.10 jersey in 2020 after the departures of a swag of veteran test playm…
Online Editors
25 Nov, 2:56
Kearns spews damning indictment of Aussie rugby on NZ radio show
World Cup winner Phil Kearns has delivered a damning indictment of Australian rugby, claiming Dave Rennie, the new Wallaby coach, …
Chris Jones
24 Nov, 19:14
Scotland Women suffer narrow defeat against Japan at Scotstoun
Megan Gaffney scored two tries as Scotland suffered a last-gasp 24-20 defeat to Japan at Scotstoun.
Online Editors
24 Nov, 15:22
Rugby Australia issue statement following reports Foxtel could dump rugby union
Rugby Australia have issued a statement following reports Foxtel could dump them despite a two decade long relationship.
Here's new Ireland boss Andy Farrell's form XV after two rounds of Champions Cup
With just ten weeks left before his first Six Nations outing in charge, Joe Schmidt's successor had 72 Ireland eligible players st…
Liam Heagney
24 Nov, 9:17
Richard Kahui has no regrets but 'it would be nice to play even just one more Test'
Calling time on an international career when you’ve still got plenty of rugby left in you is a tough decision to make, but it's …
Tom Vinicombe
24 Nov, 3:43
'He will be relentless in his pursuit of excellence and expects all around him to be the same.'
New Wallaby coach Dave Rennie will be no pushover for the people who appointed the Kiwi, warns one of the men who knows him best.
Online Editors
23 Nov, 21:36
Ian Foster's impressive coaching team that could secure him the All Blacks coaching role
As contenders for the All Blacks head coaching job dwindle by the day, attention will soon turn to not just those who remain, but …
Online Editors
23 Nov, 20:58
Have the Irish finally stopped licking their bid wounds and identified a better strategy to host a World Cup?
After receiving just eight of the available 39 votes when bidding for the 2023 World Cup, the IRFU vowed never again but do commen…
Liam Heagney
23 Nov, 12:09
Covert scouting, tit-for-tat raids and loopholes: the thorny world of Welsh talent ID
The term ‘Welsh qualified player’ has had loaded connotations in recent years but for all the nay-sayers, it can't be denied t…
World Cup envy spurs Chris Ashton's desire for England recall
Sale winger Chris Ashton watched on with envy and a hint of regret as England went all the way to the final of the World Cup in Ja…
Online Editors
23 Nov, 3:28
Bulls bought out by South African billionaire businessman in a highly-anticipated deal
South African billionaire mining magnate Patrice Motsepe has bought a controlling share in the Bulls in a move which could have si…
Online Editors
23 Nov, 2:34
Team Foster vs Team Robertson: The coaching teams which could decide the next All Blacks boss
As contenders for the All Blacks head coaching job dwindle by the day, attention will soon turn to not just those who remain, but …
Online Editors
22 Nov, 21:53
Dyantyi sends message as doping hearing looms
It has been months since samples provided by the up-and-coming South African talent produced positive results, but he has revealed…
Josh Raisey
22 Nov, 13:04
Martyn Williams has become the fourth former Wales captain to join Wayne Pivac's staff
The latest Kiwi to take over as boss in Wales has done quite a job in surrounding himself with icons of the Welsh game on his staf…
Online Editors
22 Nov, 10:36
Wallabies legend's plea to Australian rugby fans: Get behind Dave Rennie
One of Australia's greats has implored Australia's doubting fans to get behind the Wallabies new Kiwi coach, declaring Dave Rennie…
Online Editors
22 Nov, 6:00
Tony Brown's rejection of All Blacks role solidifies future with Highlanders
The All Blacks' loss of Tony Brown as a potential coaching candidate has become the Highlanders' gain.
Online Editors
22 Nov, 5:14
'I've never seen an athlete with those genetics': Schoolboy sprint star impresses New Zealand Rugby officials at national sevens trial
Schoolboy sprint star Edward Osei-Nketia has left New Zealand Rugby bosses in awe during his first venture into rugby sevens at th…
Why Dave Rennie expects the Wallabies to hit the ground running despite massive talent exodus
Like success-starved Australian fans, new Wallabies coach Dave Rennie is demanding excellence and immediate results when he takes …
Online Editors
21 Nov, 23:00
Rumoured French tour to Japan should worry All Blacks and Wallabies fans but might spark good news for Pacific Islands
If rumours out of France are anything to go by, then New Zealand and Australia could be in for underwhelming Test schedules in 202…
Tom Vinicombe
21 Nov, 21:32
The worldclass Springboks XV who fell between RWC wins
With the Springboks recent Rugby World Cup victory in Japan still fresh in the memory, spare a thought for those most unlucky of S…
Ian Cameron
21 Nov, 19:27
'We have to get rid of the entire [Australian] board and start again'
A former leader in Australian media has demanded a complete cleanout of Rugby Australia, calling for Raelene Castle to follow the …
Online Editors
21 Nov, 19:21
Italy hand Franco Smith top job, for now
Italy have announced former South Africa international Franco Smith as interim head coach for the 2020 Guinness Six Nations.
Online Editors
21 Nov, 19:13
Public sentiment no longer behind Giteau's Law?
There are changes afoot in Australian rugby with new coach Dave Rennie arriving in 2020.
Josh Raisey
21 Nov, 16:26
'In an England changing room, people don't talk about salaries. It's not a known thing'
Former England captain would be “shocked” if players prioritised the battle for Premiership survival over the international to…
Online Editors
21 Nov, 15:45
Schmidt's surprise new reason for Devin Toner's RWC omission emerges, but does it make sense?
A surprising reason for Devin Toner's controversial Rugby World Cup omission has been revealed in Joe Schmidt's new autobiography.…
Ian Cameron
21 Nov, 14:25
Former Scotland captain Tom Smith fighting cancer
The 48-year-old prop, who won 61 international caps and also represented the British and Irish Lions, is tackling his health battl…
Online Editors
21 Nov, 9:11
Prospective All Blacks coaches aren't shunning New Zealand - they're just taking safer options
Warren Gatland, Dave Rennie, Jamie Joseph and, by extension, Tony Brown, have all ruled themselves out of becoming the next All Bl…
Tom Vinicombe
21 Nov, 2:23
Dave Rennie: 'With the teams I coach, it's a high-skill, high-speed type of game'
He rejected the chance to coach the All Blacks and now Dave Rennie is hoping to win over sceptical Wallabies fans with "high-octan…
Online Editors
20 Nov, 19:53
Australia to consider following South Africa's lead and allow more overseas-based players
In the midst of a self-confessed "rebuild phase", Rugby Australia will review its so-called "Giteau Law" after pledging to usher i…
Online Editors
20 Nov, 19:45
UN law quoted after Kerevi's Fijian comments spark eligibility debate
The Wallabies player wasn't too happy that the comments he made about Fiji were allegedly taken out of context, but the freedom to…
Josh Raisey
20 Nov, 18:53
Has your club produced a Lion? If yes, then read this...
Leading kit manufacturer Canterbury have launched a splendid grassroots initiative after teaming up with rugby's most famed touris…
Online Editors
20 Nov, 17:15
'Great coaches don't hang around waiting': Did Castle make a subtle Rennie dig at NZR?
Dave Rennie was thought to be among several candidates in contention for the vacant All Blacks coaching role, but by the time New …
Online Editors
20 Nov, 15:41
Springboks reveal who they will face in their first matches since RWC triumph
Eight months will have passed by the time South Africa finally get back on the Test field after winning the World Cup in Japan in …
Online Editors
20 Nov, 12:21
Coetzee targets 2021 Lions tour after frustration of RWC standby
It has been difficult for the Ulster forward to cope with the disappointment of missing a second successive World Cup, but setting…
Online Editors
20 Nov, 12:00
Gavin Henson queries residency rules after two more Kiwis become 'Welsh'
It was a long time ago when the maverick ball player won his last Wales cap - August 2011 - but he is still not shy speaking up ab…
Josh Raisey
20 Nov, 11:35
'Not winning had a knock-on effect into the community - I dealt with some of that at 3am on a Sunday as a policeman'
Having had a previous career as a policeman in New Zealand, new Wales boss Wayne Pivac admits he is well aware of the impact a rug…
Online Editors
20 Nov, 10:05
The South African sevens legend who is 'absolutely convinced' about becoming a Springbok
One of South Africa's greatest sevens players of the modern era is eyeing up a spot in the Springboks alongside the likes of Makaz…
Online Editors
20 Nov, 4:01
New Zealand Rugby release statement on Dave Rennie's appointment as Wallabies coach
New Zealand Rugby have opened up about Dave Rennie's appointment as Wallabies head coach for the first time since the announcement…
Online Editors
20 Nov, 3:08
Dave Rennie reveals why he opted for Wallabies over a chance with the All Blacks
Incoming Wallabies head coach Dave Rennie has spurned the chance to apply for the All Black role to take up a three-and-a-half yea…
Online Editors
20 Nov, 2:33
Rugby Australia appoint Dave Rennie as next Wallabies' head coach
Glasgow Warriors head coach Dave Rennie has been appointed as Australia head coach on a three-and-a-half-year deal, the Wallabies …
Online Editors
19 Nov, 23:04
20 top South African schoolboys raided by overseas clubs as World Rugby's five-year residency rule drives younger recruitment
World Rugby's change to international qualification by residency is already having an impact in South Africa with Afrikaans newspa…
Online Editors
19 Nov, 22:58
Wayne Pivac on why he won't go along with expectations for Wales 'to be throwing the ball around willy-nilly'
After announcing the squad for his first match, the November 30 meeting with the Barbarians, the New Zealander outlined what his a…
Online Editors
19 Nov, 16:46
Why Saracens players missing the Six Nations could be positive for England
The prospect of Saracens players skipping the Six Nations due to their Premiership relegation battle has caused concern, but it co…
New Wales coach Wayne Pivac names his first squad
Set to face a Barbarians team coached by his Wales predecessor Warren Gatland, the Kiwi has made his first move by including five …
Online Editors
19 Nov, 11:35
Analysis: The one area of Rieko Ioane's game that needs fixing before he can become an international centre
Everyone is aware of what Rieko Ioane can do in attack when firing, but he needs to fully develop his game to not only become a ce…
'I would hate to ever go through what we had to do in 2017': Warren Gatland's plea to the Premiership ahead of 2021 Lions tour
Warren Gatland doesn't want a repeat of what happened leading into the 2017 Lions tour of New Zealand.
Online Editors
19 Nov, 1:26
'The tears kept rolling down my face': Eddie Jones opens up about Wallabies sacking and his greatest regret
Eddie Jones has revealed the moment in his career which left him tears - the day he was sacked as the Wallabies head coach.
Online Editors
19 Nov, 0:32
Warren Gatland admits All Blacks coaching ambitions despite turning down current opportunity
Warren Gatland has not ruled out the prospect of coaching the All Blacks in future despite having ruled himself out of considerati…
Online Editors
19 Nov, 0:12
Eddie Jones' fears for Saracens' England players
Eddie Jones fears Saracens' many England players could be negatively affected by the salary cap scandal that has left the club in …
Ian Cameron
18 Nov, 16:59
Samu Kerevi addresses outrage at Fiji switch reports
Wallabies centre Samu Kerevi caused quite a stir recently with comments made at a function in Fiji about switching allegiances ahe…
Josh Raisey
18 Nov, 15:38
'Unfortunately, recently, much of the focus of the media has been directed at myself' - Rugby Australia chairman falls on sword
Rugby Australia Chairman, Cameron Clyne has fallen on his sword, announcing that he will not stand for re-election at the completi…
Online Editors
18 Nov, 10:07
This is how Aussie politicians have reacted to the latest 'reprehensible' Folau comments
Scott Morrison has blasted Israel Folau's "appallingly insensitive" comments, while Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese called the …
Online Editors
18 Nov, 9:34
Down to two? Another contender drops out of All Blacks coaching race
The race to be named the next All Blacks coach has lost a major contender.
Online Editors
18 Nov, 6:10
The next generation: The Super Rugby stars the All Blacks could replace their departing veterans with
It's going to be a big ask to replace Kieran Read, Ben Smith, Sonny Bill Williams, Ryan Crotty and Matt Todd, but we've provided s…
Former All Black Rene Ranger set for the United States as Major League Rugby's newest marquee signing
Former All Blacks utility back Rene Ranger is the latest ex-international star to head to the United States to play in the Major L…
Nigel Owens backs Guscott's populist law change proposal
Arguably rugby union top's referee - Nigel Owens - has backed a radical law change proposal put forward by former England centre t…
Ian Cameron
17 Nov, 12:51
Folau makes shocking claim about bushfires that claimed six lives
Sacked rugby union star Israel Folau says the bushfires that have devastated the country and claimed six lives are God's way of pu…
Online Editors
17 Nov, 11:18
Kerevi wants to ditch Wallabies and jump ship for 2023 RWC
Wallabies vice-captain Samu Kerevi says he wants to ditch Australia and line out for Fiji at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Eddie Jones suffers Twickenham defeat as Barbarians boss
England coach Eddie Jones’ spell at the helm of the Barbarians was an unsuccessful one as his team lost 33-31 to Fiji at Twicken…
Online Editors
16 Nov, 19:57
Conor O'Shea bails out of Italian job with immediate effect
With Franco Smith contracted to take up a role in Italy in 2020, rumours had been swirling around the Irishman's position and he h…
Online Editors
16 Nov, 17:33
Eddie Jones implies he lost 'vigorous selection debate' that cost England in RWC final
England head coach Eddie Jones has further elaborated on the week leading up to the Rugby World Cup final in Yokohama, suggesting …
Ian Cameron
16 Nov, 16:40
Late Lydia Thompson try seals England victory over France
Lydia Thompson’s last-minute try saw England beat France 17-15 in Exeter on Saturday.
Online Editors
16 Nov, 15:53
Gavin Henson says he'll take lie detector test over Gatland doping comments
Former Welsh playmaker Gavin Henson says he's prepared to take a lie detector test following Warren Gatland's comments about a pot…
Online Editors
16 Nov, 12:07
'This guy is intimidating': Kieran Read reveals his toughest opponent
As he prepares for life away from the All Blacks, departing New Zealand skipper Kieran Read has opened up about the opponents he f…
Online Editors
16 Nov, 4:36
Sonny Bill Williams could feature in Hollywood film following return to rugby league
The man who secured Sonny Bill Williams' return to rugby league claims Hollywood has been in touch with the Toronto Wolfpack.
Online Editors
16 Nov, 0:48
Former Lions skipper Sam Warburton has landed a surprise new role
After a spell of TV punditry and writing his autobiography, the 2013 and 2017 Lions skipper has decided to take the plunge into co…
Online Editors
15 Nov, 17:41
Kieran Read reveals the interaction with Richie McCaw that left him 's******* himself'
Outgoing All Blacks captain Kieran Read has opened up about one of his first interactions with Richie McCaw that left him 's******…
Online Editors
15 Nov, 4:33
'Three-horse race': Leading contender ruled out as All Blacks coach
The battle for the next All Blacks head coach is down to only three contenders, according to a leading New Zealand rugby broadcast…
Online Editors
15 Nov, 3:00
Warren Gatland's shock revelation: I suspected Wales player of doping
Warren Gatland has admitted he had suspicions that a Welsh player had been using performance enhancing drugs.
Online Editors
14 Nov, 23:52
Clive Woodward left perplexed by Shaun Edwards' latest move
Twelve years after England previously missed out on the former Wasps coach, the 2003 World Cup-winning boss is bemused that France…
Josh Raisey
14 Nov, 18:20
Sonny Bill Williams is unveiled by his new Canadian side... in London
Super League newcomers Toronto Wolfpack made sure they grabbed the media spotlight in England by unveiling the former All Black at…
Josh Raisey
14 Nov, 17:14
The Gentleman's Code - Rugby Documentary
RugbyPass has the pleasure of promoting a documentary which follows the Latvian rugby club, Miesnieki, one of the oldest in the Ea…
The god-awful hospital pass Wayne Pivac just received and his likely course of treatment
The new Wales coach is presumably no fan of roller-coasters, but he must have watched the World Cup as if strapped to the mother o…
Owain Jones
14 Nov, 10:35
'The foundations for sustained Fijian performance are now in place'
Fiji general manager Geoff Webster is set to leave his role at the FRU this month, leaving quite the impressive legacy for his suc…
Eddie Jones responds to Bill Sweeney's claim that England contract extension would make sense
The RFU chief executive admitted earlier this month that it makes sense for the 59-year-old Australian to continue until the World…
Online Editors
13 Nov, 19:35
Schalk Brits has retired... and this time he insists it is for good
The retired hooker was in a bar in Ibiza when Rassie Erasmus first rang him about the comeback that has culminated in World Cup su…
Online Editors
13 Nov, 18:20
Gatland names nailed-on 2021 Lions and they're mostly Englishmen
British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland has suggested that his squad to face world champions South Africa in the 2021 Li…
Josh Raisey
13 Nov, 18:08
Eddie Jones plays spoilsport with the Bastareaud experiment
Having successfully come through a Top 14 stint playing at No8 with Lyon, hopes were high that Mathieu Bastareaud would continue t…
Online Editors
13 Nov, 17:41
Does anyone really know what to expect from Shaun Edwards' appointment?
It's finally officially confirmed that the former Wales assistant has thrown his lot in with France, but will they listen to him o…
Josh Raisey
13 Nov, 14:57
Du Preez places his Springboks hopes on 'doing a Faf' at Sale
Having seen Faf de Klerk become a national hero in South Africa, Robert du Preez is hoping a rich vein of form at Sale can force h…
Chris Jones
13 Nov, 13:11
Toulon ready to cut their losses on All Black Milner-Skudder - reports
Toulon made a big show last December after securing the signatures of Eben Etzebeth and Nehe Milner-Skudder for the 2019/2020 seas…
Online Editors
13 Nov, 11:55
RFU swoop for Pendlebury as England U18s head coach
The RFU have moved to fill the vacant England U18s head coach position, replacing the departed Jim Mallinder with Wasps academy ma…
The Kane Hames mystery: Chiefs break silence on All Black's omission
Having missed the last two years of Super Rugby due to health concerns, Kane Hames will not feature in the 2020 season.
Online Editors
13 Nov, 5:37
Crusaders coach Scott Robertson opens up on losing Tony Brown's support for top All Blacks role
Scott Robertson has spoken of his disappointment at hearing Tony Brown had decided to support Jamie Joseph in his push to be the n…
Online Editors
13 Nov, 1:36
Barbarians boss Eddie Jones has created a new position for Mathieu Bastareaud
It was only November 2 when England lost the World Cup final but Eddie Jones sounds like he has quickly rediscovered his appetite …
Josh Raisey
12 Nov, 16:07
'I've felt like I've been hungover for twelve months'
After concussion recently caused David Denton to call time on his rugby career, he has told the Rugby Journal how much it affected…
Online Editors
12 Nov, 14:11
Devastating injury prognosis for Jonathan Davies, but at least Rhys Patchell should be back sooner
Wayne Pivac isn't yet a wet week in the Wales job but his 2020 Six Nations campaign has suddenly become more difficult with confir…
Online Editors
12 Nov, 11:25
Two less-heralded Fijian players ready to light up Twickenham versus the Barbarians
Fiji will lack their usual star power against the Barbarians at Twickenham next Saturday, but there are two particularly gifted ta…
'Cancer was not in my mind... you never think it is going to be you'
Johnny Williams has given a compelling insight to the BBC on what it was like to go from scoring for England in June to getting ch…
Online Editors
12 Nov, 10:28
Why Warren Gatland believes the 2021 Lions tour of South Africa is set to have an 'extra edge'
There is a lot to look forward to for Warren Gatland when the British and Irish Lions clash with South Africa in two years' time.
Online Editors
12 Nov, 1:58
Warren Gatland's reason behind saying no to the All Blacks job
Warren Gatland reveals his reasoning behind turning down an invitation to apply for the All Blacks head coach position.
Online Editors
11 Nov, 22:24
Midfield mass: The changing weight of centres since the 1987 Rugby World Cup to present day
The centres have also seen quite an evolution over the years, and that is made no clearer than comparing the finalists in each Rug…
Josh Raisey
11 Nov, 15:38
England's other giant Pacific Island No.8 wants his jersey back
The Bristol Bears pulled off a sensational victory against the Exeter Chiefs on Sunday, fighting back from a 17-0 deficit at halft…
Josh Raisey
11 Nov, 14:11
Former Ireland lock suggests asterisk beside Springboks RWC win
Controversial Irish pundit Neil Francis has suggested putting an asterix beside the Springboks Rugby World Cup win due to the prol…
Wayne Smith's warning to New Zealand Rugby about next All Blacks coach
Former All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith has sent a warning to NZR as the race to replace Steve Hansen gets underway.
Online Editors
11 Nov, 4:09
England coach Eddie Jones eyes shock league switch 'at some point in his career'
England rugby coach Eddie Jones wants to coach in the NRL, and a Sydney newspaper has named the club he supposedly wants to take o…
Online Editors
11 Nov, 2:27
Bevan try snatches last-gasp victory for Wales over Ireland
Keira Bevan’s last-gasp try gave Wales a 15-13 victory at the UCD Bowl and denied Ireland a maiden November Test victory.
Online Editors
10 Nov, 16:52
'I couldn't have asked for a more fulfilling career with the Springboks'
Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok backrow forward, Francois Louw, has called time on his international career.
Online Editors
10 Nov, 10:35
'He has probably got more hair products than my wife does'
As skipper at Sale, Jono Ross is well-placed to have an insight on the World Cup's most talked about hairstyle... he also talks So…
Liam Heagney
10 Nov, 10:07
Munster's pursuit of Springbok stars begs questions of IRFU stance on Aki
It looks very odd that a move abroad would end Bundee Aki's Ireland career, yet the penny-pinching IRFU is planning to happily acc…
Liam Heagney
10 Nov, 9:00
Marchant move to the Blues could be just the beginning
Quins centre Joe Marchant is set for a loan move to the Blues for the 2020 Super Rugby season and the unprecedented move could pro…
Sonny Bill Williams' surprise omissions in touching 'thank you' to New Zealand rugby
There were some big names absent from Sonny Bill Williams' heartfelt farewell video to New Zealand rugby.
Online Editors
09 Nov, 3:13
Why the All Blacks job is 'not in Warren Gatland's intermediate future'
Chiefs' chief executive Michael Collins believes Warren Gatland has no interest in becoming the new All Blacks coach in his short-…
Online Editors
08 Nov, 23:19
Six major issues on Wayne Pivac's Wales to-do list
With the World Cup over, Wayne Pivac is now officially the Wales coach and his honeymoon period will be brief given the number of …
Owain Jones
08 Nov, 11:05
England set for Japanese return eight months after World Cup final loss
England made a swift retreat from Japan following their World Cup final defeat in Yokohama, but they will be back in the Far East …
Online Editors
08 Nov, 9:25
Chiefs dismiss Steve Hansen's criticism of Warren Gatland's Lions sabbatical
The Chiefs have rebuffed Steve Hansen's critique of the Super Rugby contract that will allow new coach Warren Gatland to take a se…
Online Editors
08 Nov, 2:17
26 coaches who could replace Steve Hansen in the race to become next All Blacks boss
The search for Steve Hansen's replacement as All Blacks head coach is well underway at New Zealand Rugby headquarters.
Tributes galore for the retiring Dylan Hartley... even referee Nigel Owens has wished him well
Dylan Hartley had his controversies over the years, but it is a measure of the former England and Northampton hooker that so many …
Josh Raisey
07 Nov, 20:05
Retiring Dylan Hartley explains why best day of his career wasn't with England
Dylan Hartley has enjoyed some memorable achievements with England, but the now-retired Test skipper has described a particular da…
Josh Raisey
07 Nov, 14:46
What happens now for England Rugby?
The problem is that England never took the game. Even when the momentum swung their way, England did not put their foot on the thr…
Conor Wilson
07 Nov, 13:46
Dylan Hartley retires with 'immediate effect'
Having battled with a troublesome knee injury throughout 2019, Dylan Hartley, the former England skipper, has finally admitted def…
Online Editors
07 Nov, 12:19
O'Gara: Why 'it's probably better' that Sexton doesn't captain Ireland
Former Ireland 10 Ronan O'Gara has suggested that he doesn't think Jonathan Sexton is the natural choice for the Irish captaincy.
Ian Cameron
07 Nov, 10:40
'He was cold to me' - Ronan O'Gara reveals Steven Hansen's suspicions over having an Irish Crusaders coach
O'Gara joined the Crusaders as an assistant coach in 2018, spending two seasons working under Scott Robertson before being appoint…
Online Editors
07 Nov, 3:32
'My first few games at Bath, I didn't really know how to play rugby'
Over five years ago, in his early days at the storied old Recreation Ground, a teenage Adam Hastings
felt like a little boy in a …
Jamie Lyall
06 Nov, 17:03
O'Gara: The call Eddie Jones didn't make that may have cost England RWC
Former Ireland flyhalf and current La Rochelle head coach Ronan O'Gara has suggested that Eddie Jones' refusal to bend the rules d…
Ian Cameron
06 Nov, 10:35
Wallabies set for leftovers from All Blacks head coach race
A high-octane battle to be next All Blacks coach is under way and Australian rugby could be waiting to scoop up their pick of the …
Online Editors
06 Nov, 5:37
Pete Samu extends contract with Brumbies and Rugby Australia
Wallabies back-rower Pete Samu has bounced back from missing out on the World Cup to extend his contract with Rugby Australia and …
Online Editors
06 Nov, 4:56
Manu Tuilagi reportedly targeted by Toronto Wolfpack as Canadian league club close in on Sonny Bill Williams deal
As Sonny Bill Williams prepares for life in Canada with the Toronto Wolfpack, a new report has emerged that he could be joined by …
Who's next? New Zealand Rugby invites 26 Kiwis to replace Steve Hansen for All Blacks coach
When it comes to selecting a new All Blacks head coach, he won't be an individual the selection panel will be looking at.
Online Editors
06 Nov, 0:42
Fans fear the Saracens controversy will damage Eddie Jones' England
With the Saracens squad providing so many players to Eddie Jones' England, fans fear the fall-out from the salary cap controversy …
Josh Raisey
05 Nov, 15:16
Have the Springboks found the man to replace Rassie Erasmus?
As South Africa are still revelling in their World Cup triumph, in the coming weeks Rassie Erasmus faces yet another gruelling tas…
Online Editors
05 Nov, 6:29
Rassie Erasmus was on the cusp of quitting as Springboks coach after a run of average results
South Africa's inspirational coach may not have been on board to lead the Springboks to their third-ever World Cup win if results …
Tom Vinicombe
05 Nov, 5:14
NZR's unicorn blood solution to the Chiefs coaching conundrum
It was widely considered an excellent signing when Warren Gatland was announced as the Chiefs coach for the next four years, but h…
Tom Vinicombe
05 Nov, 4:07
Beauden Barrett has seemingly taken a side in the All Blacks coaching debate
All Blacks fullback Beauden Barrett appears to have endorsed Ian Foster's bid to become the next head coach.
Online Editors
05 Nov, 1:01
Sonny Bill Williams mega-million dollar code move could see him switch allegiance at World Cup
Sonny Bill Williams' rumoured cross-code move from rugby union to rugby league could bring with it a switch of allegiance at the i…
Alex McLeod
03 Nov, 23:53
South Africa scoop top three gongs at World Rugby awards
England centre lands top award at World Rugby celebration.
Online Editors
03 Nov, 15:32
Will selecting overseas-based players become a trend after South Africa's compelling triumph?
Most leading countries have a policy of not selecting overseas-based players for their national teams, but will South Africa's ver…
Liam Heagney
03 Nov, 8:55
Scotland lock in Tests against new Rugby World Cup champions
The 2019 Test season may have ended on a dour note for Scotland, but 2020 is promising to be a big year for Gregor Townsend's side…
Tom Vinicombe
03 Nov, 8:13
England's World Cup may have ended in disappointment, but it's not been the worst - or best - part of Eddie Jones' coaching reign
Eddie Jones suffered the agony of World Cup final defeat again. It's one of the most disappointing results of Jones' tenure with E…
Online Editors
03 Nov, 4:38
Sonny Bill Williams is right - New Zealand is long overdue for a non-European coach
Sonny Bill Williams is right. We're overdue for a Pacific Island or M?ori coach of the All Blacks and not just in an assistant's o…
Online Editors
03 Nov, 0:52
What next for Eddie Jones? Four possible options
Will he look to extend his contract beyond the summer of 2021 despite the disappointment of World Cup final defeat?
Online Editors
02 Nov, 11:28
'Not sure how that is going to work to be honest' - Steve Hansen's blunt assessment of Warren Gatland's coaching plans with the Chiefs
In the wake of his victorious final clash against Warren Gatland, Steve Hansen brought into question the departing Welsh head coac…
There's been quite a reaction to the controversial omissions from the POTY shortlist
The World Rugby player of the year shortlist has been announced, and three players from this Saturday’s Rugby World Cup final ha…
Josh Raisey
01 Nov, 20:47
Major snubs in World Rugby Player of the Year nominations
World Rugby has announced the shortlist of players for the 2019 Player of the Year award and there are some major omissions.
Online Editors
01 Nov, 4:15
Dave Rennie may not be joining the Wallabies after all following another Test team approach
New Zealander Dave Rennie has been heavily linked to the vacant Wallabies job but the Glasgow coach has revealed he has been sound…
Online Editors
31 Oct, 17:43
All Blacks coaching race heats up as candidates assemble crack teams
The top two contenders for the soon-to-be-vacant All Blacks head coaching role are set for an almighty tug of war over the same as…
Online Editors
31 Oct, 6:26
No questions about passion, but New Zealand's stalwart forwards look like spent forces
New Zealand were comprehensively taken apart by an English side that played the game of their lives, but that doesn't mean the All…
Tom Vinicombe
31 Oct, 5:19
'The classic one is always, are you a hooker? That is just so out of date. Unbelievable'
Winning a World Cup for England is a life-changing experience as Rachael Burford knows only too well after her 2014 triumph with h…
Liam Heagney
30 Oct, 15:08
Sam Burgess forced to retire
Sam Burgess says he was was left with no choice but to walk away from rugby league after succumbing to a left shoulder injury.
Online Editors
30 Oct, 8:54
The 'clearly unfair' tie-break rule in new rugby variant has left fans absolutely baffled
For fans watching the RugbyX's inaugural tournament, it became quickly apparent that the tie-breaker used in the condensed format …
Online Editors
30 Oct, 1:38
Why would Eddie Jones return to Australia when he can build a dynasty with England?
A World Cup triumph with England would only motivate Eddie Jones to see out his contract and "build a dynasty" rather than return …
Online Editors
29 Oct, 8:28
South Africa left out in the cold for developing 2020 mid-year schedule
The latest 2020 July fixture rumours could spell bad news for South Africa, with the top four European sides all having fairly pac…
Tom Vinicombe
29 Oct, 7:42
The successes keep coming for South Africa with Cape Town set to host the 2022 Sevens World Cup
South Africa will host Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022 after the World Rugby Council awarded the hosting rights for the premier tourna…
Online Editors
29 Oct, 5:13
The act abolished in the seventies that could prevent another semi-final snore-fest
One for the purists', a 'test of attrition', a 'classic slog'. There are many charitable ways to describe Sunday's RWC semi-final …
Tom Vinicombe
29 Oct, 2:24
Tindall: Ali Williams explained why 'V' formation the perfect Haka foil
England’s 2003 World Cup winner Mike Tindall believes England’s semi-final win over New Zealand was their best ever performanc…
Online Editors
28 Oct, 14:35
NZR explain why they're effectively ruling out Warren Gatland as an All Blacks' coach
New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew says Wales coach Warren Gatland is unlikely to be considered to succeed Steve Hansen a…
Online Editors
28 Oct, 7:54
Can anyone stop England from scooping the player of the year award?
Next week, rugby royalty from across the globe will gather to see, amongst other awards, who has won the World Rugby Player of the…
Tom Vinicombe
28 Oct, 6:35
Who is primed to take over from Steve Hansen as All Blacks coach?
Once the dust settles from the All Blacks' 19-7 loss to England, attention will turn to finding a successor to the departing Steve…
Online Editors
27 Oct, 2:15
'It's just completely ridiculous, unfair, un-Australian'
Billionaire mining magnate Andrew Forrest has blamed the leadership of Rugby Australia for the Wallabies' failings at the recent W…
Online Editors
25 Oct, 7:16
Outgoing Springboks head coach: 'I'm seeing the future and [Gatland and I] will definitely compete again'
The ‘coaching’ part of his job title may disappear, but don’t expect Rassie Erasmus to go sit behind a desk.
Online Editors
25 Oct, 6:51
Dave Rennie and Wallabies a done deal - reports
Glasgow Warriors head coach Dave Rennie is all but confirmed as the next Wallabies head coach - according to reports coming out of…
Ian Cameron
24 Oct, 11:50
Five remarkable Eddie Jones highs and four bruising lows
England will face New Zealand on Saturday with a place in the Rugby World Cup final at stake and bragging rights on the line.
Online Editors
24 Oct, 11:22
Heinrich Brussow retires with 'immediate effect'
Heinrich Brussow has announced his retirement from professional rugby with immediate effect.
Rugby union in top 4 Aussie sports for doping violations
The number of Australian athletes asked to 'show cause' for a potential doping violation has dropped by almost 40 per cent.
Online Editors
23 Oct, 8:00
England set for two-match 2020 tour to Japan?
England will have spent almost two months in Japan by the time the World Cup comes to a close - but it sounds like they're not sic…
Tom Vinicombe
23 Oct, 5:52
Schoolboy sprint sensation Edward Osei-Nketia named in NZ sevens talent identification camp
New Zealand teenage sprint star Edward Osei-Nketia has taken a step closer to realising a potential career in rugby just weeks aft…
Joe Schmidt's coaching regrets: 'In six and a half years, I've not taken one full day off.'
Outgoing Ireland coach Joe Schmidt has expressed regret with the way he prepared his players for the World Cup, saying the team's …
Online Editors
23 Oct, 3:30
Michael Cheika linked with new coaching gig
Outgoing Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has been freshly linked with a move back to France to take over as Montpellier's director …
Online Editors
23 Oct, 3:10
Joey Carbery can lead the Ireland rejuvenation... but not at No10
Ireland have been left to rebuild following another disappointing World Cup exit and Joey Carbery can be at the heart of it, just …
All Blacks prepared for penalty shootout: 'Out of the forwards, I'd definitely back myself'
If two semifinalists can't be separated after 110 minutes of high-intensity Test rugby, it will all come down to a penalty shootou…
Tom Vinicombe
22 Oct, 7:50
Why adding Japan to an existing competition is the worst solution to World Rugby's growing problem
After an excellent performance at the 2019 World Cup, calls are growing by the day for Japan to be added to either the Six Nations…
Tom Vinicombe
22 Oct, 5:28
Cheika era needs to be buried nine feet deep and the mistakes never repeated
Early coaching credentials aside, the results have proven that Cheika is becoming as outdated as a dinosaur as the game evolves fo…
Michael Cheika confirms post-World Cup Wallabies intentions
Michael Cheika has confirmed he won't seek re-appointment as Wallabies coach following their failure at the Rugby World Cup.
Online Editors
20 Oct, 7:07
Uruguay players implicated in assault, criminal damage - reports
Two Uruguay rugby internationals face the wrath of their union after their alleged involvement in an assault and criminal damage a…
Ian Cameron
16 Oct, 19:12
'He probably squats more than me and I bench more than him.'
"He probably squats more than me and I bench more than him – call it even."
The strange death of the blindside flanker
The blindside flanker might be the least glamorous position in modern rugby, and increasingly, they aren't even on the field.
Rhiannon Garth Jones
14 Oct, 15:58
Scotland fans lament the coach that got away
After Scotland crashed out of the Rugby World Cup in the pool stages for only the second time on Sunday, there has been a fierce r…
Josh Raisey
14 Oct, 15:29
The England 23 to play Australia at the RWC: Twist or stick?
England are set to play Australia in the quarter-finals of the RWC on Saturday and we have taken a look at the possible 23 that Ed…
Rugby World Cup 2019: State of tier two rugby
A review of the tier two rugby nations' performances at the Rugby World Cup and what the future holds for them, as they head towar…
The Pacific Islands 'Lost XV' - Rugby World Cup edition
For years the Pacific Islands have provided the world with some of the best rugby players, but a problem that the nations have fac…
Siale Piutau announces retirement - but could return for certain 'special occasions'
As it currently stands, Tongan captain Siale Piatua will play his final Test match on Sunday in Osaka when Tonga go to war with th…
Tom Vinicombe
11 Oct, 7:35
Fiji set for massive clash at beginning of 2020 Test season
When the Nations Championship died, it was wrongly assumed that Fiji's chances for a bigger slice of the Test rugby pie were scupp…
Tom Vinicombe
11 Oct, 1:41
Burger poses question ahead of 2021 Lions tour
Former Namibia captain Jacques Burger has made a suggestion that the British and Irish Lions face Namibia in the upcoming tour of …
Josh Raisey
10 Oct, 15:54
Folau's latest court-lodged documents turns heat up on 2018 emails from Raelene Castle
With Israel Folau's sacking set to return to court on December 17 if mediation is unsuccessful, his latest court-lodged documents …
Online Editors
10 Oct, 10:46
A history of cancelled rugby matches, from wild weather to political impasses
World Cup matches have been cancelled for the first time in the competition's history. There are only a handful of Tests - and som…
Online Editors
10 Oct, 10:25
Wallabies divided? Recent debutant's mother infiltrated Folau's church
The mother of a World Cup Wallaby infiltrated Israel Folau's church to reveal the "truth" about its teachings.
Online Editors
10 Oct, 2:36
Leo: 'Fiji have outgrown the Pacific Nations Cup'
Former Samoa international and director of the Pacific Rugby Players Welfare Dan Leo has said that Fiji must play in either the Ru…
Josh Raisey
09 Oct, 18:30
Hawkeye on the radar as World Rugby boss tackles offside defenders
Rugby fans rejoice – the game's bosses are considering drastic action including the use of technology to sort out the offside pr…
Online Editors
08 Oct, 22:17
Name Kolbe 'World Player of the Year' and get it over with already
In light of his two-try display against Italy on Friday, calls are mounting for Cheslin Kolbe to be named World Rugby player of th…
Josh Raisey
05 Oct, 15:14
Rugby needs Japan more than Japan needs rugby
Japan have won their first three games at the Rugby World Cup and are building as a Test side. Don't make them beg for tier one in…
England player ratings vs Argentina
England player ratings from their 39-10 win over a 14-man Argentina side in Tokyo, as Eddie Jones' side wrap up their spot in the …
Second Italian cited for 'crass stupidity'
Italy replacement prop Nicola Quaglio has been cited for his involvement in a tackle on South Africa's Duane Vermeulen which led t…
Online Editors
05 Oct, 7:25
Photo of the Tuilagi bros goes viral
In a week where the All Blacks’ Barrett brothers made headlines, the world was reminded that the Tuilagi family still go down as…
Josh Raisey
04 Oct, 15:45
Petaia has opportunity to put down Wallabies marker
Jordan Petaia is set to become the youngest Wallabies player at a Rugby World Cup and can put down a marker in a back line that wi…
Japan seek to tie up Jamie Joseph extension - reports
The Japan Rugby Football Union are reportedly keen to sign coach Jamie Joseph to a contract extension post his side's historic win…
Untested England need to be battle-hardened by Argentina
England have enjoyed a fairly straightforward Rugby World Cup so far but they could do with being tested by Argentina if they're t…
Refereeing blunder blights another World Cup game
Tonga impressed against Argentina, although their chances of springing an unlikely upset were hamstrung by another Rugby World Cup…
Retro Peter Stringer tackle on Jonah Lomu goes viral after high tackle debate
High tackles are the hot topic at the 2019 World Cup and former Ireland player Peter Stringer has taken ex-England coach Clive Woo…
Josh Raisey
27 Sep, 12:11
England player ratings vs USA
England's 45-7 win over the USA in Kobe on Thursday puts them in command of Pool C after two group games... here's how Eddie Jones…
Rugby Australia make astonishing Israel Folau claim
Sacked rugby union star Israel Folau admitted five months ago his controversial Instagram posts breached the sport's code of condu…
Online Editors
25 Sep, 5:20
'Unfair advantage' - Irish rugby writer calls for All Blacks haka to be stopped
An Irish rugby writer has called for a stop to the All Blacks haka, saying it "gives New Zealand an unfair advantage".
Online Editors
24 Sep, 22:53
England's short turnaround and a team to face the USA
England triumphed versus Tonga but they now face plenty of dilemmas before they face the USA in Kobe in the second match of their …
'Limp, timid garbage' - abject Scotland save worst game for rugby's biggest occasion
In his post-match media conference, Gregor Townsend spoke with weary frustration about the horrors of what he had just witnessed, …
England player ratings versus Tonga
England player ratings from the 35-3 win over Tonga in their Rugby World Cup opener in Sapporo. Check out the individual performan…
World Rugby issue immediate change to HIA protocol
World Rugby have issued an immediate HIA clarification due to the length of time it is taking players to get to their assessments.…
Ian Cameron
22 Sep, 11:40
Recap: Ireland vs Scotland LIVE | Rugby World Cup
Sunday afternoon in Japan sees the two top-seeded sides from Pool A square off in Yokohama. Follow all the action from the game on…
New Zealand player ratings versus South Africa
Here are the RugbyPass player ratings from the All Blacks' World Cup opener where they beat South Africa 23-13 in Yokohama on Satu…
Fiji show promise and weakness in sublime and frustrating fashion
Fiji got their World Cup up and running with a frustrating loss against Australia in Sapporo that significantly showcased both the…
Wallabies star Marika Koroibete re-commits to Rugby Australia
Melbourne's World Cup winger Marika Koroibete has signed a new deal with the Melbourne Rebels and Rugby Australia.
Online Editors
20 Sep, 6:21
Pre-tournament World Cup power rankings
With the tournament set to begin on Friday, RugbyPass presents its first World Cup power rankings assessing where all 20 nations c…
Former team-mates have nothing but utmost respect for David Denton following his retirement
David Denton's issues with concussion have been well documented in recent years and his retirement from the game this week has spa…
Josh Raisey
18 Sep, 16:33
A World Cup victory may be the highest honour a player can achieve, but it's not Richard Kahui's career highlight
Richard Kahui's decorated career includes trophies for the All Blacks, Chiefs and Waikato. Despite winning a World Cup with New Ze…
Tom Vinicombe
18 Sep, 3:36
Wallabies lock Izack Rodda commits to Australian rugby
Lock Izack Rodda has bucked the trend of several of his Wallabies teammates to commit his future to Australian rugby.
Online Editors
18 Sep, 0:26
Howley will join a rogues' gallery of other sportsmen if found guilty of breaching strict gambling regulations
Sportsmen breaching strict regulations surrounding gambling is a frequent enough occurrence so Wales assistant Rob Howley won't be…
Online Editors
17 Sep, 18:39
Sports scientist highlights issue rugby is facing with drugs in wake of Dyantyi case
South Africa's reputation has taken a buffeting with Aphiwe Dyantyi's failed drugs test, but sports scientist Ross Tucker suggests…
Josh Raisey
17 Sep, 17:35
Exclusive: Richard Kahui 'had no option but to be an All Black'
There’s a long list of international rugby careers that have been curtailed due to injury, but Richard Kahui’s story is probab…
Tom Vinicombe
17 Sep, 2:10
New gay alliance for Rugby Australia
Rugby Australia says it hopes to grow the number of gay rugby players in Australia and educate people about homophobia through a n…
Online Editors
17 Sep, 0:56
'I don't want to come across as arrogant...we can beat anybody if we are at our best'
Jonny May is convinced that England have the firepower and variety in attack to sweep all before them at the World Cup.
Online Editors
16 Sep, 21:04
Joe Schmidt is yet to make up his mind on one key area
Predictable is a word that has been thrown at Ireland a lot over the past few months. It is no secret that Ireland teams tend to p…
Ciarán Kennedy
16 Sep, 15:51
Rob Kearney is Ireland's latest injury blow
Ireland's injury crisis has continued with Rob Kearney the latest player to emerge as a major doubt for Sunday's Pool A opening cl…
Online Editors
16 Sep, 13:54
England Sevens name 18-man squad for 2019/20
Head of England Sevens Simon Amor has named his 18-man squad for the 2019/20 season.
Online Editors
16 Sep, 12:50
The first 48 unmissable hours of the Rugby World Cup
The Rugby World Cup opening weekend is set to be an unmissable 48 hours of rugby, as pools could be decided in an extremely compel…
Sale Sharks to replace missing Faf de Klerk with yet another Bok - reports
Sale Sharks have recruited heavily from South Africa over the summer and there business is not yet done it seems, as they chase sc…
David Denton retires at 29
David Denton, the 42-times-capped Scotland back-row forward and former Edinburgh player, has announced his retirement from rugby.
Online Editors
16 Sep, 6:55
Foster slams 'mischievous' Sonny Bill Williams rumours
Ian Foster has criticised “mischievous” rumours suggesting Sonny Bill Williams’ World Cup could have been over before it had…
Online Editors
15 Sep, 14:47
Clive Woodward outlines his fears for England
Woodward believes England have a “real chance” of emulating the side he led to World Cup success in 2003, but has concerns ove…
Online Editors
15 Sep, 13:10
RFU to reunite Harlequins pair O'Shea and Mapletoft?
The RFU may attempt to solve its age-grade pathway issues by reuniting former Quins coaching tandem Conor O'Shea and Mark Mapletof…
Gatland: 'Down to business now'
Warren Gatland says Wales’ focus is on “competition rugby” as they continue counting down to their World Cup opener against …
Online Editors
15 Sep, 12:10
Gareth Thomas makes health revelation after blackmail attempts
Gareth Thomas, who came out as gay in 2009, is thought to have become the first British sportsman to go public about living with H…
Online Editors
14 Sep, 23:13
Michael Cheika reveals receiving fan threats during Israel Folau saga
Wallabies head coach Michael Cheika has revealed receiving personal threats from fans after he ruled out selecting controversial f…
Online Editors
14 Sep, 1:34
'Fantastic' is how Chris Farrell describes Ireland having overseas players qualifying through residency
Project players qualifying for Ireland is a touchy subject, but Chris Farrell has no problem with a system that has Bundee Aki, CJ…
Online Editors
13 Sep, 11:43
Stadiums confirmed for England's under-20s home matches in the 2020 Six Nations
Look to bounce back from a disappointing campaign in 2019, the RFU have confirmed the stadiums that will host the England under-20…
RWC will see 138 players represent countries they were not born in, but Test rugby's player eligibility rules are more good than bad
Rugby's international player eligibility criteria has been the target for much recent criticism, but Alex Shaw argues that its ben…
Six legends to be inducted into World Rugby Hall of Fame
The World Rugby Hall of Fame will have six new inductees honoured in Tokyo the day after the World Cup final.
Online Editors
13 Sep, 4:41
SA Rugby issue statement on Etzebeth investigation on same day Peter de Villiers weighs in on the row
South Africa Rugby have issued a statement regarding the Eben Etzebeth investigation on the same day former Springboks coach Peter…
Online Editors
12 Sep, 15:43
Manu Tuilagi on why ethnic diversity can help fuel England's World Cup glory bid
Manu Tuilagi is among a number of England players with overseas heritage who are looking to repeat the heroics of Martin Johnson…
Online Editors
12 Sep, 11:49
How 34 million people sitting up in the middle of the night in Japan to watch them play tells you they have passion for rugby
England's warm welcome in Japan and the release of The Brighton Miracle film has Steve Borthwick mindful what World Cup 2015 did f…
Online Editors
12 Sep, 10:17
'If you want to go into battle with anyone, it's Dan Biggar… he's an absolute trooper'
Chris Boyd used to have Beauden Barrett pulling the strings for the Super Rugby Hurricanes but he sees in Northampton's Dan Biggar…
'When the World Cup squad was announced, it was almost like I'd died'
It's nearly nine months since injury-hit Dylan Hartley last played a rugby match of any kind, but that lengthy absence hasn't less…
Online Editors
12 Sep, 8:09
'I've had enough, Mum' - Warburton details how he wanted to walk out on the British & Irish Lions tour
The highly respected Welsh flanker, now retired, said he was overwhelmed by emotional and physical pain as the match in Wellington…
Online Editors
12 Sep, 0:10
'I would have had to turn water into wine to really sway Eddie Jones'
RugbyPass was at the Gallagher Premiership launch in London where Danny Cipriani candidly peeled back the layers on his England Wo…
Liam Heagney
11 Sep, 21:15
Rugby World Cup squad analysis: Esportif Intelligence vs RugbyPass Index
With just days now left to go before the World Cup begins we take a look at how Esportif Intelligence's squad analysis compares to…
Retiring Joe Rokocoko takes to Instagram to say a fond final farewell
Fijian-born Joe Rokocoko lit up the international scene with the All Blacks before shining in the French Top 14 where he has now c…
Analysis: New kings of counter? The re-boot of England's transition game
Where the All Blacks use catch-pass to kill teams on counter-attack, England uses kick-chase off it and in 2019 have found plenty …
Thomson: They must have seen something because I'm here now
Blade Thomson thought his World Cup chance had slipped through his hands – now the Scotland forward is determined to grasp every…
Ciarán Kennedy
09 Sep, 16:28
'We go into this Rugby World Cup as the best prepared Flying Fijian team ever'
Fiji won't lack for support at the upcoming Rugby World Cup and according to the team's General Manager, they're in a good place a…
Wilson: The journey for us is only just starting
Mark Wilson was battling to establish himself in the Newcastle Falcons back row as England staged the 2015 Rugby World Cup, but fo…
Chris Jones
09 Sep, 13:45
How are Wales shaping up ahead of Japan?
Wales finished their month of shadow-boxing the Northern Hemisphere’s finest with their most insipid 40 minutes of the summer.
Owain Jones
09 Sep, 10:36
Quinlan lashes out at 'bitter' Gatland
Former Ireland international Alan Quinlan has hit out at Warren Gatland’s ‘condescending and insulting’ comments following I…
Online Editors
09 Sep, 10:11
Stander: I've got a bit of a lashing from people outside
Ireland’s CJ Stander says he is aware of the criticism that has surrounded his performances in recent weeks, with the back row c…
Ciarán Kennedy
09 Sep, 9:18
Is this the squad that can win the World Cup for England - player-by-player analysis
England have arrived in Japan and we have a player-by-player preview of where Eddie Jones' 31-man squad are ahead of the Rugby Wor…
All Blacks' thrashing of Tonga 'concerning' for new NZR boss
The All Blacks' 92-7 thrashing of Tonga over the weekend is a point of concern for incoming New Zealand Rugby boss Mark Robinson.
Online Editors
09 Sep, 6:15
Why All Blacks legend was 'uncomfortable' about Steve Hansen's 14-man Tonga tactic
An All Blacks legend wasn't the biggest fan of Steve Hansen's decision to finish the final few minutes of their game against Tonga…
Online Editors
09 Sep, 5:02
World Rugby hit back at Steve Hansen's Pacific Island criticism
World Rugby has refuted claims by All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen that it isn't doing enough for Pacific Island nations.
Online Editors
09 Sep, 3:48
New Zealand Rugby announce former All Black Mark Robinson as new CEO
Former All Black, New Zealand Rugby director, World Rugby Councillor and businessman Mark Robinson has been appointed the new CEO …
Online Editors
09 Sep, 1:11
Typhoon delays Wallabies departure for World Cup
The Wallabies' departure to Japan for this month's World Cup has been delayed by the typhoon set to lash the country.
Online Editors
08 Sep, 22:01
Wales star's World Cup in doubt as he awaits concussion check
The fly-half’s first Test start for 15 months ended with him going off midway through the first half against Ireland.
Online Editors
08 Sep, 16:34
The winners and losers from the final round of warm-ups
The final round of warm-ups has been played and fans everywhere have a slightly clearer idea of where their team is, who is in for…
Rhiannon Garth Jones
08 Sep, 12:50
Kilcoyne: I thought we lacked hunger and physicality
Ireland climbed to the top of the world rankings for the first time with Saturday’s 19-10 victory over Wales to toast boss Joe S…
Online Editors
08 Sep, 11:18
Scotland forced to bring cover to Japan as injuries mount
Gregor Townsend has been forced to make an early change to his World Cup plans, with flanker Jamie Ritchie set to miss the squad's…
Online Editors
08 Sep, 10:22
Steve Hansen blasts World Rugby, Six Nations for lack of progress in Pacific
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has laid blame for the plight of Pacific Island rugby on the unwillingness of World Rugby to stand u…
Online Editors
08 Sep, 5:13
George Bridge runs into frame for an All Blacks start in World Cup opener
Scoring four tries is a heck of a way to make a statement. Now, George Bridge must be close to starting against the Springboks in …
Online Editors
08 Sep, 4:45
The winners and losers from the All Blacks' thumping of Tonga
The All Blacks put on a clinic as they thrashed a hapless Tonga side 92-7 in their final pre-World Cup fixture before the tourname…
NRL star Jordan Rapana poised to make switch to rugby union
New Zealand-born NRL star Jordan Rapana is reportedly deep in negotiations with to make a shock code switch to rugby union.
Online Editors
08 Sep, 0:13
Dan Biggar praised for act of sportsmanship in Welsh defeat
Wales first-five Dan Biggar has been hailed for an act of sportsmanship during Wales' 19-10 World Cup warm-up defeat to Ireland in…
Online Editors
07 Sep, 23:05
Wallabies spots still up for grabs following Samoan scare
Increasing competition for starting spots in his World Cup team is proving more of a pleasure than a headache for Wallabies coach …
Online Editors
07 Sep, 21:41
All Blacks' massive win over Tonga makes mark in record books
It was an extraordinary blowout in favour of the All Blacks this afternoon in Hamilton, but how did the All Blacks' massive 92-7 w…
Online Editors
07 Sep, 20:46
'We all know who the favourites are for the Rugby World Cup, and it's not us'
Joe Schmidt has brushed off Ireland topping the world rankings for the first time as irrelevant to the World Cup.
Online Editors
07 Sep, 19:21
Standing ovation as Schmidt signs off from Dublin with eye-watering home fortress statistics
A Joe Schmidt home game in Dublin has become quite the occasion for Irish rugby fans and he has signed off from his adopted home w…
Liam Heagney
07 Sep, 17:22
Ireland player ratings vs Wales
Ireland were on the canvas when beaten by England a fortnight ago but they have bounced back with two wins over Wales, this latest…
Liam Heagney
07 Sep, 15:55
Former rugby player the 'Scottish Hammer' set to start for the Browns in the NFL
Although Christian Wade didn't make the active roster at the Bills, rugby has another representative in the NFL. Welcome, the Scot…
World Cup injury worry for Wales as Ireland win warm-up Test
Injury concerns for Warren Gatland’s side ahead of the Japan tournament.
Online Editors
07 Sep, 15:28
Wales player ratings vs Ireland
Wales player ratings from Warren Gatland's side's last Rugby World Cup warm-up match, as they made the trip to Dublin to take on J…
Pocock proves his fitness as unconvincing Australia see off Samoa
Australia eventually ran in a half-dozen tries in their win over Samoa but they were unconvincing on a night where the return of f…
Online Editors
07 Sep, 12:27
Recap: Ireland vs Wales LIVE | Summer Series
Follow all the action from the World Cup warm-up match on the RugbyPass live blog as Ireland host Wales at Aviva Stadium in Dublin…
Warburton: 'If something isn't done, then a professional player will die during a game'
Former Wales and British and Irish Lions captain Sam Warburton has called for increased player protection, citing his fear that a …
Online Editors
07 Sep, 8:22
Pumas annihilate Sydney club side in warm-up
Winger Bautista Delguy scored four tries as Argentina romped to a 74-0 victory over Australian club Randwick on Saturday.
Online Editors
07 Sep, 7:32
Shocked Springbok squad wake to 'horrible' news of Chester Williams' death
A shocked Springbok squad awoke to the news of the passing of Chester Williams, the 1995 Rugby World Cup winner on Saturday, as th…
Online Editors
07 Sep, 6:41
All Blacks player ratings vs Tonga
Here's how the All Blacks rated in their 92-7 thrashing of Tonga at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton.
All Blacks trounce Tonga World Cup warm-up clash in Hamilton
An afternoon of free-scoring high numbers for the All Blacks against Tonga in Hamilton has finished with the hosts running out 92-…
Online Editors
07 Sep, 4:49
Recap: All Blacks v Tonga LIVE | RWC Warmup
Follow all the action from the World Cup warm-up match on the RugbyPass live blog as the All Blacks host Tonga at Waikato Stadium …
Online Editors
07 Sep, 1:42
Samoa clash last opportunity to impress for Wallabies
Recently injured and out of favour Wallabies will have the opportunity and stage to impress in Australia's final pre-World Cup hit…
Online Editors
07 Sep, 0:58
Jones: 'Mako definitely won't be ready for the start of RWC'
England's Mako Vunipola was expected to be fully fit within 10 days of getting injured against Ireland on August 24, but Eddie Jon…
Chris Jones
06 Sep, 22:31
Five World Cup injury concerns leaves Townsend counting cost of warm-up win
Scotland ran in six tries to secure a winning farewell against Georgia at Murrayfield, but their World Cup outlook has been cloude…
Online Editors
06 Sep, 21:52
England player ratings vs Italy
England player ratings from their last World Cup warm-up match, the Friday night clash with Italy at St James' Park in Newcastle.
Winning send-off for England with help from one man who will be left behind
England's sluggish first half in Newcastle left much to be desired but they upped the intensity on the resumption to leave a limit…
Online Editors
06 Sep, 20:48
Scotland see off Georgia with second-half surge
Scotland led by just a point at the interval in their second match in successive weekends versus Georgia, but they had too much in…
Online Editors
06 Sep, 20:38
Legendary Springbok Chester Williams dead at the age of 49
1995 World Cup winner Chester Williams passed away on Friday at the age of 49, becoming the fifth member of the Springboks trophy-…
Online Editors
06 Sep, 18:03
Four home unions kick radical RWC red card plan to touch
A show of unity by the four home unions has ensured that a radical conference call plan to alter red card sanctions at the World C…
Online Editors
06 Sep, 17:33
Recap: England vs Italy LIVE | Summer Series
Follow all the action from the World Cup warm-up match on the RugbyPass live blog as England host Italy at St James’ Park in New…
Recap: Scotland vs Georgia LIVE | Summer Series
Follow all the action from the World Cup warm-up match on the RugbyPass live blog as Scotland host Georgia at Murrayfield in Edinb…
Springboks fans revel in revenge win over Japan
South Africa have been living with the shame of losing to Japan at the 2015 World Cup but they have finally exorcised that ghost b…
Josh Raisey
06 Sep, 15:08
Boks bury the ghosts of Brighton with a power-packed performance in Japan
South Africa are being talked of as a title favourite for the 2019 World Cup and they rounded off preparations by laying to rest t…
Online Editors
06 Sep, 12:56
Does Wales' back row have a size problem heading to the World Cup?
Warren Gatland places a huge amount on fitness, but his back row will likely have to be the most energetic unit at the World Cup d…
Josh Raisey
06 Sep, 10:10
'It's Friday night in Newcastle - there will be some drunk Geordies and some entertaining characters'
Mark Wilson is buzzing with the prospect of Newcastle hosting Friday's RWC warm-up finale as it is rare for England to play a home…
Online Editors
06 Sep, 8:23
'It's a stupid rule' - Soon-to-be Ireland eligible James Lowe weighs in on eligibility drama
New Zealand-born Leinster wing James Lowe has branded World Rugby's eligibility laws as "stupid" and "weird", less than a year bef…
Online Editors
06 Sep, 4:08
Josh Strauss lands short-term Top 14 deal after Scotland RWC axe
With back row being a position of riches for Gregor Townsend's Scotland, Josh Strauss found himself at a loose end after failing t…
Online Editors
05 Sep, 15:34
'You don't feel that sword is hanging over your head now'
So shambolic were Ireland at Twickenham in August that even skipper Rory Best has expressed relief that he has made the 31 who wil…
Online Editors
05 Sep, 14:42
One warm-up too many for England - Andy Goode
England’s final game before the World Cup is great for the North East but it’s one warm-up too many and shows World Rugby need…
Ireland make 12 changes to their team to face Wales
Having beaten a second-string Wales in Cardiff last weekend, Joe Schmidt has rung the changes for Ireland ahead of their rematch w…
Liam Heagney
05 Sep, 13:00
'As soon as you start worrying about making the plane on Sunday, you won't play well and will probably get injured'
Ready to feature in England's last match before they fly out to the World Cup, Anthony Watson insists no player playing at St Jame…
Online Editors
05 Sep, 12:32
Wales make 15 changes to their team to face Ireland
Warren Gatland has restored a number of his big names to Wales' starting line-up to face Ireland in Dublin this Saturday a week af…
Online Editors
05 Sep, 10:06
Japanese media frenzy engulfs Siya Kolisi ahead of Brighton 2015 rematch
A media four times the size for a captain's run conference in South Africa turned up in Japan ahead of Friday's first meeting betw…
Online Editors
05 Sep, 8:58
The brutal checklist Pocock has had to tick off to make his return
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika says champion flanker David Pocock is 100 per cent fit, but unlikely to play the full match.
Online Editors
05 Sep, 8:29
The prop stat that Ireland fans are lapping up
Joe Schmidt and Ireland fans had a lot of positives to take from their victory over Wales at the weekend, particularly a week afte…
Analysis: How Manu Tuilagi did his damage at set-piece against Ireland
England’s use of Manu Tuilagi and Joe Cokanasinga off set-piece harkens back to Eddie Jones' days and philosophies as technical …
Conor Wilson
05 Sep, 6:03
Former Wallaby reinstated on wing for Tonga's All Blacks challenge
Well-travelled former Wallaby Cooper Vuna has been restored to Tonga's wing for their final Rugby World Cup warmup Test against th…
Online Editors
05 Sep, 4:09
Samoa's 37-year-old flyhalf Pisi returns to chase second upset win over Wallabies
Evergreen five-eighth Pisi is the only Manu Samoa survivor from the team who stunned a largely second-string Wallabies team 32-23 …
Online Editors
05 Sep, 2:32
Mo'unga injury forces shelving of 'duel playmaker' model as Barrett moves back to 10
Injury to Richie Mo'unga has restored Beauden Barrett to his familiar role at five-eighth and prompted a recall for veteran fullba…
Online Editors
05 Sep, 0:32
Eleven lesser known tier two players are poised to light up the World Cup
With the World Cup a valuable platform for emerging tier two stars to gain global recognition, RugbyPass takes a look at 11 player…
The Missing Scotland RWC XV
Such has been the growth in recent times in the depth of talent available to Scotland that a very capable XV of players has not be…
Rhiannon Garth Jones
04 Sep, 17:57
Italy make 11 changes to their team to face England
Having been beaten by France in Paris in their last outing, Conor O'Shea has reshuffled his Italy team to face England in Newcastl…
Online Editors
04 Sep, 17:27
England fans exasperated by Vunipola's status as the only player to start all four warm-up games
No England player has been busier than Billy Vunipola during the warm-up schedule for the World Cup, but fans are concerned that h…
Josh Raisey
04 Sep, 16:32
Scotland make 12 changes to team for rematch with Georgia
Having named his 31 for the World Cup on Tuesday, Gregor Townsend had his selection hat on again on Wednesday as he confirmed the …
Online Editors
04 Sep, 13:42
Matt Kvesic's 11th-hour bench call-up has confused England fans
Eddie Jones is taking no chances with his official 31-strong squad, calling up three players - including Matt Kvesic - from outsid…
Josh Raisey
04 Sep, 12:17
Steve Borthwick issues fitness update on missing England duo Henry Slade and Jonathan Joseph
England haven't been shy turning to players outside their official World Cup 31 to help them through Friday night's final warm-up …
Online Editors
04 Sep, 11:10
Forget the tedious unveiling ceremony... Scotland's RWC squad was their most fiercely contested selection of the professional era
Ignore Tuesday's tedious unveiling ceremony in the Edinburgh rain... the job Gregor Townsend had in deciding Scotland's World Cup …
Jamie Lyall
04 Sep, 10:12
The Missing Ireland World Cup XV
Picking a 31 for the 2019 World Cup has proven challenging for Joe Schmidt, just as it did in 2015... here is an XV of the players…
Rhiannon Garth Jones
04 Sep, 9:10
David Pocock to make his much-awaited return against Samoa - and take the captain's armband
Champion Wallabies flanker David Pocock will captain Australia in his first Test of the year with Michael Cheika naming a mixed t…
Online Editors
04 Sep, 7:37
Japan name side tasked with keeping their 100 per cent win record over South Africa alive
Japan has named a strong squad for their pre-Rugby World Cup Test with South Africa, with coach Jamie Joseph placing the tournamen…
Online Editors
04 Sep, 7:32
Tatafu Polota-Nau to make Wallabies swansong against Samoa
Veteran hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau is set to bring the curtain down on his Wallabies career in Saturday's World Cup warm-up Test aga…
Online Editors
04 Sep, 6:39
Eddie Jones names untested midfield for clash with Italy
England men’s head coach Eddie Jones has named his side to play Italy on Friday at St James’ Park in Newcastle.
Online Editors
04 Sep, 6:36
Exclusion of Hutchinson and co is evidence of genuine Scottish strength in depth
Gregor Townsend's decision to omit a number of popular players from his World Cup squad is viewed by Scotland fans as evidence of …
Josh Raisey
03 Sep, 19:30
Christian Wade's fledgling American football career given fresh hope after weekend blow
Christian Wade's NFL dream appeared to have died at the weekend when he failed to make the Bills' 53-man roster, but the ex-Englan…
Josh Raisey
03 Sep, 19:02
'If I was Devin Toner I'd be feeling very sorry for myself' - Brian O'Driscoll on the World Cup controversy that has Ireland talking
Devin Toner had been a favourite of Joe Schmidt throughout the New Zealander's time in charge of Ireland, but that situation had n…
Online Editors
03 Sep, 17:42
'The momentum is rolling, they are peaking...' - Wilkinson backs England for World Cup glory
With the World Cup about to get underway, Eddie Jones' England have received a ringing endorsement from Jonny Wilkinson, the out-h…
Online Editors
03 Sep, 16:43
Joe Schmidt hits back at Agustin Pichot in row over Devin Toner's RWC omission
Fire-fighting has become a regular activity for Joe Schmidt during an underwhelming 2019 as Ireland boss and Agustin Pichot is the…
Online Editors
03 Sep, 16:12
Gregor Townsend names Scotland's RWC squad
With all their Six Nations rivals having confirmed their World Cup squads, Scotland finally joined the party on Tuesday as Gregor …
Online Editors
03 Sep, 13:53
It's not looking good for Henry Slade's hopes of getting some pre-RWC game time
Eddie Jones would have wanted all 31 picks for Japan to play some rugby before the World Cup, but Henry Slade might not feature ag…
Online Editors
03 Sep, 13:39
'It would be a nightmare to defend against Schalk if he picks the ball up off the base of the scrum and uses his footwork'
A squad of 31 players will force teams to improvise at the World Cup and Jacques Burger believes South Africa can benefit from the…
Chris Jones
03 Sep, 12:01
Italian fixture can provide England with key last-minute RWC learnings
Friday's final warm-up against Italy in Newcastle can provide Eddie Jones' England squad with some key last-minute learnings ahead…
Matt Toomua: 'There are five or six guys with Samoan heritage in the Wallabies squad and my dad will be torn'
After RWC preparations in Noumea that have been a routine of get up early, train, eat, sleep, repeat, Australia's Matt Toomua now …
Online Editors
03 Sep, 9:31
South Africa make 18 changes to the 23 that beat Argentina to face Japan
Famously ambushed by the Japanese at the 2015 World Cup, South Africa are taking no chances in Friday's rematch as Rassie Erasmus …
Online Editors
03 Sep, 8:46
Josh Ioane to start for the All Blacks this weekend?
Josh Ioane could make his long-awaited test debut this weekend after being re-called into the All Blacks squad ahead of their fina…
Cheika calls up reinforcements from outside his RWC squad
The Wallabies have moved to bring in reinforcements ahead of their game against Samoa on Saturday, adding Rob Valetini and Jack Ma…
'It's a waste of time': Steven Hansen responds to All Blacks 'cheat' claims
With the World Cup under three weeks away, Steve Hansen has brushed aside claims from the United Kingdom that the All Blacks are '…
Online Editors
03 Sep, 1:30
Stacked squads unveiled for showcase match between NZ Barbarians Legends and Pacific Legends
As a precursor to the New Zealand v Tonga game in Hamilton, the New Zealand Barbarians Legends and Pacific Legends will face off i…
Tom Vinicombe
02 Sep, 23:56
England wing Jack Nowell given World Cup backing despite recent appendix op
England will not be deterred from taking Jack Nowell to the World Cup despite the latest setback that forced the Exeter wing to un…
Online Editors
02 Sep, 23:36
'Moment against silence' to be observed during All Blacks v Tonga match
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) is encouraging fans to take a stand against silence as part of a new campaign launched today, to support t…
Online Editors
02 Sep, 22:07
Schmidt explains decision to exclude Toner
Joe Schmidt has explained the thinking behind some the biggest calls in his final World Cup squad, including the surprise decision…
Ciarán Kennedy
02 Sep, 16:57
The Missing Wales World Cup XV
Such is the strength in depth that Warren Gatland has developed that Wales could field an impressive XV players from those that ha…
Rhiannon Garth Jones
02 Sep, 16:49
Jack Nowell suffers appendicitis blow ahead of World Cup
Jack Nowell’s build-up to the World Cup has suffered another setback after he was forced to have his appendix removed at England…
Online Editors
02 Sep, 16:12
'Toner should be asking World Rugby for answers' - Gus Pichot
Agustin Pichot has taken to Twitter to outline his anger at the circumstances surrounding Devin Toner's exclusion from Ireland's W…
Online Editors
02 Sep, 14:56
Welsh fans react to Rob Evans' World Cup snub
Warren Gatland’s decision to overlook Grand Slam-winning prop Rob Evans in favour of one-cap Rhys Carré has shocked Wales fans …
Online Editors
02 Sep, 14:28
Analysis - Owain Jones breaks down the Welsh Rugby World Cup squad
Sport doesn’t always get the scripts it deserves. If it did, Don Bradman would have got off the mark in his final Test innings t…
Owain Jones
02 Sep, 14:18
Jones and Strauss amongst big names set to miss out on Scotland World Cup squad
Huw Jones looks set to be the big casualty in Scotland's World Cup squad, along with several other big names.
Online Editors
02 Sep, 11:20
Toner among big name omissions from Ireland World Cup squad
Devin Toner looks likely to be the headline omission from Ireland's World Cup squad.
Online Editors
02 Sep, 9:42
What's going on with Rieko Ioane?
The amount of talent and overpowering potential that sensational All Blacks wing Rieko Ioane possesses is no secret to anyone. So,…
Wallabies centurion Sekope Kepu makes retirement announcement
Wallabies veteran Sekope Kepu has today announced he will retire from international rugby at the end of 2019 following the Rugby W…
Online Editors
02 Sep, 6:14
Winners and losers from this weekend's World Cup warm-ups
Rhiannon Garth Jones looks at the key winners and losers from the weekend's matches between Ireland and Wales, and Scotland and Ge…
Rhiannon Garth Jones
01 Sep, 23:45
'A skilled sailor was never made in smooth waters' Sonny Bill opens up on his battle with injuries ahead of third World Cup
Sonny Bill Williams believes he has the fitness and improved maturity to play a pivotal role in New Zealand's hunt for a fourth Ru…
Online Editors
01 Sep, 23:32
'It's not the lowest point because you're representing your country at a World Cup' - Tom Wood on England 2015, Lewis Ludlum and his born-again Saints
Lewis Ludlam fast-track emergence was a reminder to Tom Wood that rugby is becoming a young man's sport, but the 32-year-old belie…
Liam Heagney
01 Sep, 14:02
Gatland takes risk on Cory Hill, while omitting Lee and Williams
The Dragons lock could be unavailable until halfway through the pool schedule in Japan.
Online Editors
01 Sep, 13:58
Over 2,000 Japanese supporters turn out for first Springbok training session
The Springboks completed their first training session in front of more than 2 000 excited local supporters on Sunday, within a few…
Online Editors
01 Sep, 13:37
Wales announce Rugby World Cup squad
Wales have finalised their squad for the Rugby World Cup in Japan.
Online Editors
01 Sep, 13:02
Conway and Co. face nervous Sunday as they await Schmidt's call
The Munster wing expects a nervous wait on Sunday.
Online Editors
01 Sep, 11:56
'How they seem to be playing down the importance of the backstop is just incredulous...' - Brian O'Driscoll on Brexit fears, Ireland's form and Japan hosting RWC
Brian O'Driscoll is a 40-year-old with recollections of police checks and border controls dividing the island of Ireland and he fe…
Liam Heagney
01 Sep, 7:05
Sonny Bill Williams opens up on injuries and World Cup selection
SBW has spoken of the high emotions in his household at the news he would be attending his third Rugby World Cup and how he never …
Online Editors
01 Sep, 2:58
Three reasons why the All Blacks might not get the three-peat
New Zealand will enter the World Cup as favourites to take out the competition for the third time in a row. All Blacks fans would …
Tom Vinicombe
01 Sep, 2:35
'They were big animals. Buck Shelford, you didn't see men like him. Michael Jones, the Whetton brothers, they were f***ing ferocious'
Scotland's Alan Tait recalls how very different the World Cup was when launched in 1987: 'Your team room in the hotel had two frid…
Jamie Lyall
31 Aug, 19:45
Finn Russell steals the show in first visit to Georgia by a tier one country
Georgia's stadium in Tbilisi was packed to the rafters for the first-ever visit by a tier one country, but the ambush they hoped f…
Online Editors
31 Aug, 19:00
Schmidt braced for 'horrible couple of days' selecting his RWC squad
Joe Schmidt has confirmed he will submit a list of 31 names to World Rugby on Monday that he then hopes to keeps secret before an …
Online Editors
31 Aug, 18:33
Warren Gatland has revealed what his big RWC squad selection discussion will be
Warren Gatland is sitting down on Saturday night to settle on the names of the 31 he will bring to Japan and he has revealed what …
Online Editors
31 Aug, 18:08
Ireland player ratings vs Wales
Humiliated in London the previous weekend, a middle strength Ireland XV regained some lost ground by deservedly getting the better…
Liam Heagney
31 Aug, 17:11
Wales player ratings vs Ireland
Here is how the Wales players rated on a disappointing Saturday afternoon at Principality Stadium where they fell to a first home …
Ireland withstand late Welsh surge to move on from their Twickenham disaster
Ireland were left bloodied and battered by a rampant England last weekend but their mixed strength XV had enough to bounce off the…
Online Editors
31 Aug, 15:50
Recap: Wales vs Ireland LIVE | Summer Series
Follow all the action from the World Cup warm-up match on the RugbyPass live blog as Wales host Ireland at Principality Stadium in…
Fiji get one over Tonga in feisty Pasifika Challenge
Much is expected from Fiji at the World Cup in Japan and they gave their morale a boost with a derby win over Tonga, their Pacific…
Online Editors
31 Aug, 9:28
Danny Care won't be an emergency RWC call-up as he faces an operation at Harlequins
Danny Care might have been a player Eddie Jones could have turned to if a World Cup emergency arises in Japan, but that can no lon…
Online Editors
31 Aug, 8:24
Snubbed in 1991 by the All Blacks, Gatland feels for his Wales players who won't make RWC
Warren Gatland announces Wales' 2019 World Cup squad on Sunday knowing from his 1991 New Zealand experience how terrible it is not…
Online Editors
31 Aug, 7:53
France cruise past Italy in their final warm-up match before the World Cup
France concluded their preparations for the World Cup with a comfortable 47-19 victory over Italy in their final warm-up match in …
Online Editors
31 Aug, 0:47
'I'm not really disappointed... I'm positive' - Taqele Naiyaravoro on RWC misfortune, his Fijian heritage and life at Northampton
Taqele Naiyaravoro isn't wasting time dwelling on missing out on another World Cup, his focus instead being on a new Premiership s…
Liam Heagney
30 Aug, 16:29
Dyantyi's positive B sample result is dividing opinion
Springbok rugby has found itself mired in two big controversies this week and the situation concerning Aphiwe Dyantyi and his fail…
Josh Raisey
30 Aug, 15:41
Another week, another law tweak by World Rugby
With their biggest ever World Cup on the horizon, World Rugby is tweaking laws in the run-up and its latest change concerns the us…
Liam Heagney
30 Aug, 15:10
Springbok Aphiwe Dyantyi insisted he hasn't cheated... but B sample result hasn't backed him up
Aphiwe Dyantyi protested his innocence last weekend when a urine sample tested positive, but his hopes that a B sample would exone…
Liam Heagney
30 Aug, 13:05
'There is a large element of fear involved...' - James Haskell on his switch from rugby to MMA
Rocky and Mike Tyson were among the names dropped into the mix by James Haskell during his first MMA media conference, but he also…
Liam Heagney
30 Aug, 12:20
World rankings ridiculed again as struggling Ireland handed opportunity to take No1 this weekend
World Rugby's rankings system has long been the butt of many jokes and the comedy is continuing as Ireland, fresh from record defe…
Commission twist in Eben Etzebeth saga
Eben Etzebeth has been at the epicentre of a firestorm since last weekend's allegations and there was further drama before the Spr…
Online Editors
30 Aug, 8:39
Brodie Retallick on the injury complication that left him fearing for his World Cup spot
Brodie Retallick's recovery from his shoulder injury has been a process slowed down by a complication that left the All Blacks loc…
Online Editors
30 Aug, 8:10
Alan Jones claims Kiwi coaches are second-rate
Today, in his column for The Australian, shock jock Alan Jones hit out at a number of top Kiwi sports administrators and coaches, …
Online Editors
30 Aug, 1:59
Fiji to unleash Semi Radradra in grudge match with Tonga
Former NRL star Semi Radradra has been included in a full-strength Fiji team for their final Test hit-out before facing Australia …
Online Editors
29 Aug, 23:36
Bill Ellis Podcast - Episode 5 - How the All Blacks' RWC squad shapes up against biggest rivals
This week on the Bill Ellis Podcast: McOnie, Mils, & Bates take a deep dive into the All Blacks' RWC squad and how it shapes up ag…
'I feel I need to earn the right to pull on the Black jersey again'
Liam Squire has opened up on why he turned down the All Blacks, saying he didn't feel "physically or mentally" ready for the press…
Online Editors
29 Aug, 21:34
New Zealand Heartland side named to taken on Samoa
New Zealand Heartland XV Coach Mark Rutene has named his side to face Manu Samoa in their historic clash at Eden Park this weekend…
Online Editors
29 Aug, 20:13
Heaslip keeping the faith: 'This team since the last World Cup is probably the best Irish squad ever assembled'
Jamie Heaslip is heading to Japan in October and while numerous fans are concerned with the form of Joe Schmidt's squad, the forme…
Liam Heagney
29 Aug, 17:59
Welsh supporters respond to Agustin Pichot's world rankings comments
Welsh fans haven't been slow in tackling Agustin Pichot's claim that it is ridiculous how Wales climbed to No1 in the world rankin…
Josh Raisey
29 Aug, 17:17
'The people who really launched the criticism at him, some of it is unfair'
Veteran Ireland skipper Rory Best has been in the eye of a storm since last Saturday's record loss at Twickenham, but Joe Schmidt …
Online Editors
29 Aug, 15:49
England fans question whether Vunipola was rushed back too soon
The sight of Mako Vunipola coming off injured against Ireland is something some England fans are querying, suggesting his comeback…
Josh Raisey
29 Aug, 13:38
Ireland make 11 changes to their team to face Wales
Trounced by England at Twickenham last Saturday, Joe Schmidt has taken action ahead of Ireland's trip to Wales by making 11 change…
Liam Heagney
29 Aug, 12:57
Scotland make 10 changes to their team to face Georgia
Having squared their warm-up series with France, Scotland are now off to Georgia on their next step towards the World Cup and they…
Online Editors
29 Aug, 11:41
Wales' team to face Ireland includes two new caps
Warren Gatland has decided to take an experimental approach to Wales' latest World Cup warm-up by naming two uncapped players in t…
Online Editors
29 Aug, 10:08
Israel Folau launches circuit court battle with Rugby Australia by lodging a 26-page statement
It was May when Rugby Australia terminated Isreal Folau's contract but the former Wallabies star isn't going quietly as his legal …
Online Editors
29 Aug, 8:56
'I didn't know it was coming... my first reaction was to scream' - John Cooney on his Ireland axe
John Cooney was watching Gaelic football on TV when his Sunday afternoon was ruined by Joe Schmidt phoning to tell him he was bein…
Liam Heagney
29 Aug, 8:33
'It's ridiculous' - World Rugby vice president Agustin Pichot slams world rankings
World Rugby vice president Agustin Pichot has joined the chorus of criticism surrounding the world rankings system after Wales ove…
Online Editors
29 Aug, 5:18
Trendy Rugby - 29 August 2019 - Ngani Laumape hard done by
Hi, I'm Sam Smith, and here I am again with the very latest trends in rugby. Today we learn that Etzebeth has been cleared for Jap…
Zinzan Brooke: Brodie Retallick's delayed influence can mirror England's Richard Hill in 2003
Zinzan Brooke has no trouble with Steve Hansen picking an injured Brodie Retallick, claiming the second row's eventual comeback ca…
Chris Jones
28 Aug, 17:53
World Rugby claims its multi-million investment has transformed Pacific Islands rugby
With Auckland ready to host a pre-World Cup celebration of Pasifika rugby this Saturday, World Rugby claims its four-year investme…
Online Editors
28 Aug, 17:38
Ireland tipped to make 11 changes for Wales and hand Peter O'Mahony a different back row role
Optimism surrounding Ireland's World Cup chances nose-dived with a record defeat at Twickenham and Joe Schmidt is now likely to ch…
Liam Heagney
28 Aug, 15:31
Outlook not great for Jack Nowell, but latest prognosis is better for Mako Vunipola
Jack Nowell's race against time to be fit for the World Cup has apparently got more difficult but there was a silver lining on Wed…
Gabrillagues' appeal result not a good look for World Rugby
France were left incredulous by the six-week ban handed down to Paul Gabrillagues which threatened his World Cup participation, bu…
Online Editors
28 Aug, 10:24
Rob Kearney's late hit on Tom Curry still has fans bemused that it went unpunished
World Rugby is determined to make rugby safer, but some tackles that have passed in recent weeks without punishment have left fans…
Springboks tie up de Bruin loose end with Irish appointment for World Cup
Swys de Bruin's decision to quit the Springboks left Rassie Erasmus with a vacancy to quickly fill for the World Cup and his exper…
Rugby Australia committed to promoting from within
Rugby Australia chief executive Raelene Castle insists her organisation is committed to developing and promoting local coaches des…
Online Editors
27 Aug, 22:02
Scotland fans astonished Richie Gray has been overlooked after Sam Skinner's injury
Scotland supporters had assumed the Top 14-winning Richie Gray would be the next man up in the event of an injury at lock, but he …
Josh Raisey
27 Aug, 17:43
Ireland tackle speculation that Rory Best's captaincy is under threat
Rory Best's Ireland captaincy has come in for stern criticism in the wake of last weekend's humiliating loss to England but talk h…
Online Editors
27 Aug, 17:36
Skelton's contract extension highlights how Saracens are still the team to beat
Speculation that Will Skelton was an Australian World Cup squad target didn't amount to anything other than his club Saracens offe…
Josh Raisey
27 Aug, 16:18
Scotland explain precisely why Richie Gray hasn't replaced Sam Skinner in their squad
There is bemusement in Scotland that Richie Gray isn't involved in their World Cup preparations, but Scottish management have prov…
Online Editors
27 Aug, 14:15
Brian O'Driscoll has a World Cup remedy to fix Joe Schmidt's struggling Ireland midfield
Ireland's midfield was like a turnstile at Twickenham, failing to stem a rampant English attack, and it has left the legendary Bri…
Liam Heagney
27 Aug, 13:47
Scotland call-up replacement after Sam Skinner is ruled out of World Cup
The worst was feared for Sam Skinner after he was injured in last Saturday's win over France and Scotland have now confirmed the E…
Online Editors
27 Aug, 11:37
RA insists it 'always wants Australian talent' when it comes to filling its big coaching posts
Amid speculation that a host of New Zealand coaches could occupy plum jobs in Australia next year, Rugby Australia have insisted t…
Online Editors
27 Aug, 10:58
Has Schmidt made the same mistake as a Man United legend?
Here are two coaches at the top of their game making an early announcement to leave at the end of a season and then watching their…
Ciarán Kennedy
27 Aug, 9:31
'It would be irresponsible for Rugby Australia not to review the Giteau rule'
Rugby Australia are considering tweaking the Giteau rule to see if current RWC squad members such as Japan-bound Samu Kerevi and E…
Online Editors
27 Aug, 8:49
Rassie Erasmus has found an attack coach to replace Swys de Bruin at the Springboks
With the Springboks attack coach, Swys de Bruin, withdrawing from the South African management team just weeks before the World Cu…
Tom Vinicombe
27 Aug, 2:22
Kiwi coaching invasion: All Blacks bungled by letting Wallaby target Dave Rennie go
Rob Penney is tipped to take over as the Waratahs coach in what is being described as a Kiwi coaching invasion.
Online Editors
27 Aug, 0:24
Maitland: We went to a few dark places
Scotland's Sean Maitland believes that turning the tables on France was a crucial step in building some momentum ahead of the Worl…
Online Editors
26 Aug, 16:33
Playing two fiercely competitive No7's can be highly effective
Tom Curry’s all-consuming desire to become England’s first-choice No6 at the Rugby World Cup allowed him to shrug off a high s…
Chris Jones
26 Aug, 14:18
What Wales are potentially missing to be genuine World Cup contenders
Let’s get the platitudes out of the way from the off. Warren Gatland, to the surprise of no one, is Wales’ greatest coach, not…
Owain Jones
26 Aug, 11:26
SA Rugby address Etzebeth allegations
The South African Rugby Union has issued a response to allegations surrounding second-row Eben Etzebeth.
Ciarán Kennedy
26 Aug, 10:25
Saracens and Wallabies star confirms his future
Saracens have received a major boost ahead of the new season with the reigning European Champions Cup holders signing up one of th…
Ciarán Kennedy
26 Aug, 9:57
New Zealand's Prime Minister gives permission for Kiwis to drink during World Cup
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced on Monday that the matter had come before Cabinet, with changes set to hit Par…
Online Editors
26 Aug, 6:56
Former Irish international's claim: Billy Vunipola 'better than Kieran Read'
Blockbusting English loose forward Billy Vunipola is "better than Kieran Read" and is now the world's best No. 8, according for a …
Online Editors
26 Aug, 6:25
Eben Etzebeth issues statement following assault accusations
Eben Etzebeth has issued a statement following an accusation that he assaulted a man in the Langebaan.
Online Editors
25 Aug, 22:38
Schmidt dished out some 'hard words' in the post-match dressing-room, Aki reveals
Ireland leaked eight tries en route to their heaviest-ever defeat by England in Saturday’s 57-15 thumping at Twickenham.
Online Editors
25 Aug, 15:58
George Ford: 'Manu's going to be unbelievable for us at the RWC'
Not since South Africa in June 2018 had George Ford started at No10 for England with Owen Farrell at No12, but their partnership c…
We can take teams to a place where they're not comfortable - Vunipola
Billy Vunipola has urged England to stay humble as expectations over their World Cup prospects heightened with Saturday’s 57-15 …
Online Editors
25 Aug, 13:40
Sexton and Henshaw amongst changes for Wales v Ireland clash
The pair’s return would hand Ireland a pre-World Cup boost.
Online Editors
25 Aug, 11:47
Five winners and five losers from Saturday's World Cup warm-ups
The warm-up games are well and truly in the swing of things now, with each match affording fans and coaches glimpses of the big pi…
Rhiannon Garth Jones
25 Aug, 9:56
Itoje and Tuilagi rise to fore in England's bid for RWC success
Few players caught the eye as much as Maro Itoje and Manu Tuilagi did in England's win over Ireland on Saturday, as the pair moved…
'I can't tell you what I'm going to be doing post this World Cup from 8-to-5 as a job... nothing is set in stone'
The transition from rugby player to a different career can be full of pitfalls and while Bryan Habana is feeling fortunate so far,…
Liam Heagney
25 Aug, 7:39
Steve Hansen's impeccable legacy due one last hurrah
If All Blacks coach Steve Hansen, the former policeman and current racehorse owner and enthusiast, sometimes sounds like he has se…
Online Editors
25 Aug, 1:58
Farrell warns England can still get better after hammering Ireland
Eddie Jones’ men scored eight tries in a 57-15 rout.
Online Editors
24 Aug, 21:01
Elliot Daly on why England's victory didn't completely feel like a record-breaking performance
England swaggered to a record-breaking win over Ireland in the London heat but Elliot Daly says that for a time in the first half …
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