The last two British & Irish Lions Tours to Australia in 2001 and 1989 produced some of the most historic moments and memorable heroes in world Rugby history and this year they're back.

There’s no doubting the performance of some of the Australian Rugby talent on show during this year’s Super Rugby tournament in the lead up to the DHL Australia 2013 Lions Tour.
 

Jonny Wilkinson has confirmed that he will be available for the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia should there be an injury to one of the two selected fly-halves, Jonathan Sexton or Owen Farrell.

Australian Rugby Union today announced DHL, the world's leading logistics company, as the naming rights partner for the highly anticipated British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia. 

The hilarious comic talents of four of world rugby’s finest raconteurs will gather for a side-splitting night of laughter when former Test players, England’s Gareth Chilcott, Scotland’s Ian Robertson, Australia’s Peter FitzSimons and Scott Quinnell from Wales take the stage in A Night of Rugby Comedy at the City Recital Hall in Sydney’s Angel Place on Friday, July 5.

Former Test prop Cam Blades will coach Combined Country against the might of the touring British & Irish Lions at Hunter Stadium in Newcastle on Tuesday, 11 June.
 

There is never a non-contentious Lions squad – unless, like Sir Clive Woodward in 2005, you pick nearly every player who played in the year’s Six Nations – and your view of it depends squarely on which team you support.

It all became slightly more real as the time came for Rugby fans on opposite sides of the world to discover which 37 men had been chosen to come together for the first Lions Tour to Australia in 12 years.

The Lions squad to face Australia for the first time in 12 years has been revealed. But this year they won’t be the only British & Irish Rugby foes stalking Aussie prey. 

Australian Rugby Union and Bond University today announced a new four-year partnership that will see the Gold Coast-based University become the Official Education Partner of the Qantas Wallabies. 

The British & Irish Lions squad for the Tour to Australia was announced this morning.  

Australian Rugby Union Chief Executive, Bill Pulver, today marked three months in office by unveiling a new structure and several key appointments to the national body’s administration.

Defending title holders Queensland have gone back-to-back, taking out this year’s National Indigenous Under 18 Championship in Sydney today.

Australia great Michael Lynagh views Paul O’Connell as the best man to lead the British and Irish Lions this summer, but predicts that Warren Gatland will opt for Sam Warburton.

It was one of the bloodiest battles in living Rugby memory. Saturday 8 July, 1989 on the hallowed turf of Ballymore in Queensland.
 

The 2013 National Indigenous Under 18s Championship will kick-off this Sunday at the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence (NCIE) in Redfern with four teams from around Australia competing in a round robin format across two days.
 

Australian Rugby Union has welcomed the Australian Sports Commission’s decision to increase Rugby’s funding in 2013/14.

Australian Rugby Union held its Annual General Meeting in Sydney today, the first under a newly adopted Constitution.

Warburton, is the firm favourite to be tour captain after bookmakers suspended betting on him on Friday.

Having earned five Test caps for the British and Irish Lions, Jason Robinson knows a thing or two about what is required to wear the famous red jersey.

It looked threatening, at least for a second. Jonny Wilkinson advanced with ball in hand looking determined to break through the Wallaby defence.
 

Queensland Reds flanker, Curtis Browning, has been appointed captain of Australia’s 28-man Under-20s squad for the IRB Junior World Championship being held in France in June.
 

James Horwill is the man fans believe should lead the Qantas Wallabies against the British & Irish Lions this year, after receiving the clear majority of votes in this week’s rugby.com.au poll.
 

Paul O'Connell inspired Munster to an 18-12 Heineken Cup quarter-final victory over Harlequins and was immediately tipped to make a big impression on the British and Irish Lions tour.
 

One of the biggest Primary aged Rugby tournaments in Australia will take place this weekend in Northern NSW as around 1000 children aged between 11 and 12 years of age make their way to The Armidale School Rugby Carnival.
 

Australian Under-20 coaches Adrian Thompson and Sean Hedger have named their squad for the final IRB Junior World Championship selection camp, which runs from today until Sunday at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra.
 

Irish stalwart Brian O’Driscoll has topped this week’s rugby.com.au poll as fans’ choice to Captain the British & Irish Lions when they Tour to Australia for the first time in twelve years this June.
 

“The gold being released from the ceiling … the Lions supporters singing Swing Low Sweet Chariot then falling silent as the Wallabies started scoring tries, the Australian supporters waving their scarves in delirious joy as we won the match.”
 

There are more questions than answers for Lions coach Warren Gatland after a pulsating but unilluminating Six Nations.

Old rivalries are synonymous with the game of Rugby. Wallabies v All Blacks, Wales v England and NSW v Queensland are just a few that come to mind.

The countdown to the highly anticipated 2013 British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia has reached 70 days and to mark the milestone ARU and IRB today announced the men who will oversee proceedings.

Chiefs recruit, Gareth Anscombe has emerged as the best buy amongst the New Zealand Super Rugby teams for the 2013 season according to fans as he prepares to take on his previous home squad, the Auckland Blues this weekend.
 

Sky Sports UK commentators Scott Quinnell and Will Greenwood have named their Lions starting XV following Wales' back-to-back Six Nations triumph.

The Cheetahs scrum half Sarel Pretorius has received a clean sweep of the votes in this week’s rugby.com.au poll which asked fans which player they thought has been the best buy amongst the South African Super Rugby teams so far this tournament.
 

Saturday's result in Cardiff looks certain to result in a squad of distinctly red hue.

 Australian Rugby Union’s Brisbane-based National Academy side battled inclement weather in a physically demanding encounter to fall 24-17 to a strong Fiji A side in the second round of the IRB Pacific Rugby Cup game on Thursday night.

The Barbarians have announced their first five world class recruits to face the British and Irish Lions in Hong Kong on June 1.

Australian Rugby Union’s Sydney and Brisbane-based National Academy squads are gearing up to face international development sides from Fiji and Samoa in the second round of the IRB Pacific Rugby Cup.
 

Injury-plagued blindside flanker Stephen Ferris has been ruled out of the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia due to ankle surgery.

The surprise early season Super Rugby form of the Blues’ has divided fans with just 1% separating fans votes of who will finish top of the New Zealand conference.
 

Lions legend Gavin Hastings reckons the RBS 6 Nations clash between Scotland and Wales will see two of the world's deadliest marksmen go boot-to-boot.
 

This week’s rugby.com.au poll results reveal that fans believe the Stormers will be top the South African Super Rugby conference ahead of last year’s Super Rugby Champions, the Sharks. 
 

Chris Robshaw is now the front-runner to be named British and Irish Lions captain after his second successive man-of-the-match performance in a 23-13 victory over France on Saturday.
 

The Wallabies’ major naming rights partner, Qantas, has today unveiled a new look Boeing 737-800 in support of the Wallabies upcoming campaign against the British & Irish Lions.
 

Federal Minister for Sport, Senator Kate Lundy has today launched the 100 Day Countdown to the highly anticipated British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia.
 

It’s been 12 years in the making and in 100 Days Perth will welcome the iconic British & Irish Lions back to Australian shores for the opening match of their highly anticipated 2013 tour.
 

As the Lions get set for their latest trip to Australia, we look back at the previous 11 tours Down Under, starting with the opening two adventures in the late 19th century.
 

As excitement continues to grow ahead of first British and Irish Lions tour in 12 years, Paul Cully takes a look at the 12 top moments from previous tours.

 

The Melbourne Rebels Super Rugby development team will become the latest Australian side to join a newly expanded IRB Pacific Rugby Cup this year.

It's a testament to the rarity of the honour that last year's Wallabies skipper Nathan Sharpe, who ended his career as the most capped Australian forward of all time, NEVER received the privilege of representing his country against the British & Irish Lions.
 

Rugby fans across the country have been deliberating on which players to include in their Super Rugby Fantasy teams after the 2013 Super Rugby tournament kicked off last weekend.
 

The 2013 British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia is looming as the most attended in Australian Rugby history following the speed at which tickets were purchased in yesterday’s General Public on sale.
 

Rugby fans have rushed to secure tickets for the three Tests between the Qantas Wallabies and British & Irish Lions, with allocations for the series drained within minutes of going on General Public sale today.
 

Tickets to the highly anticipated British & Irish Lions Tour are set to go on sale tomorrow with both Lions’ matches in Brisbane expected to sell fast.

Tickets to the highly anticipated British & Irish Lions Tour are set to go on sale tomorrow with all three Lions’ matches in NSW expected to sell fast.

Australian Rugby Union has announced Adrian Thompson (head coach) and Sean Hedger (assistant coach) as the Australian Under-20 coaches for the 2013 IRB Junior World Championship being held in France in June.
 

Tickets to the highly anticipated British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia are set to go on sale next week with the Lions’ match in Newcastle expected to sell fast.
 

Australian Super Rugby fans have proven their faith lies with the Queensland Reds in this year’s Super Rugby tournament.

Warren Gatland may restrict the number of England players he includes in his Lions squad to tour Australia this summer because he feels it would put too much pressure on the team.

A side made up of Australian Rugby Union National Academy players will meet the Queensland Reds College XV in an exhibition clash at Ballymore Stadium this Thursday 13 February at 6:00pm.
 

Tickets to the highly anticipated British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia are set to go on sale next week with both Lions’ matches in Melbourne expected to sell fast.
 

Australian Rugby fans take note. Former inspirational British & Irish Lions Assistant Coach, Jim Telfer is back and this time he’s rallying British & Irish fans to do whatever it takes to make the journey to Australia to support the Lions this year.
 

Of all the players I've coached and played with in club rugby, for England and for the Lions, and of all the players I've coached and played against, there remain only two backs I consider to be the complete article - Jonny Wilkinson and Brian O'Driscoll.
 

Australian Rugby Union supports Federal Government initiatives to ensure the integrity of professional sports is rigorously protected.

Wallabies great Michael Lynagh believes it is a "miracle" he survived a stroke last year.

Young five-eighth Owen Farrell has been endorsed for a spot on the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia by skills coach Mike Catt.

<p>The final votes are in and it is officially one of the closest rugby.com.au polls yet! A meagre 6% of votes separated the Rugby public as to whether or not new HSBC Waratahs recruit Israel Falau should be selected for the Qantas Wallabies to take on the Lions.<br /> &#160;</p>

Queensland fans have rushed to buy tickets for the opening Test of the British & Irish Lions series after Australian Rugby Union launched its first major pre-sale opportunity today.
 

Everybody is picking their "current" Lions team and I certainly don't intend missing out on that fun even if the normal caveats apply - there are five months to go yet and anything can happen.
 

The 1989 Lions defied the odds to turn a 1-0 series deficit into a 2-1 series success with a nailbiting 19-18 win in the final rubber in Sydney.
 

With the RBS 6 Nations 2013 kicking off on Saturday, here we profile each of the six countries, picking out players who are set to make an impact at this year's competition.
 

Sean Maitland is set to join the ranks of Scotland's 'kilted Kiwis' in this weekend's Six Nations rugby clash away to England at Twickenham.

The 2013 British & Irish Lions will have four coaches, two analysts, a small army of medics and physiotherapists and a media team of three. The players will train and play wearing GPS technology and will want for nothing.
 

The dangling carrot of British and Irish Lions squad places provides the backdrop to this year's Six Nations championship in which England and France vie for favouritism, and Wales seek to retain their title off the back of seven successive defeats.
 

The renowned intercept in the Second Test by Wallaby great, Joe Roff has been voted as the biggest turning point of the 2001 British & Irish Lions Series during the their last Tour to Australia. A tour that is still remembered for the edge of the seat, exhilarating Rugby it produced.
 

Matt Kvesic, Ugo Monye and Mouritz Botha have all been called up to the England senior squad as Stuart Lancaster faces an anxious wait on a couple of injury concerns.
 

"I’ve changed my views on Chris - the more I watch him and the more I see the stats from the games, he’s turning into an outstanding openside"

Jonny Wilkinson has admitted that he was battling with one of the toughest decisions of his career as he ponders the right moment to retire. The Toulon fly-half, who stepped away from the international arena a year ago, revealed that he expected the matter to be resolved within a few weeks.
 

The Australian Rugby Sevens teams have completed their first Australian Youth Olympic Festival campaign successfully with the Australian women’s team becoming Gold Medal Champions and the Australian men’s side winning the silver medal at St Ignatius College Riverview on Saturday.
 

Australia’s Rugby Sevens teams have impressed on Day 1 of the Australian Youth Olympic Festival held in hot conditions at St. Ignatius College Riverview on Friday.
 

Brian O'Driscoll remains among the favourites to captain the Lions next June, despite being told yesterday he will not be leading Ireland in the RBS Six Nations Championship.
 

The potential match-up between the Qantas Wallabies’ David Pocock and Wales’ Sam Warburton during this year’s highly anticipated British & Irish Lions Tour of Australia has been voted the most mouth-watering by fans.
 

Wing Eli Walker and South Africa-born back row Andries Pretorius are among five new faces in Wales' 35-man squad for the defence of their RBS 6 Nations crown.
 

Australian Rugby Union today announced Samsung as the new Official mobile and tablet partner of the Qantas Wallabies. 

Scott Johnson's first Scotland squad as interim head coach has taken on a distinctly fresh-faced feel as he looks to reinvigorate his side ahead of the RBS 6 Nations.

But to view the next 12 months as an athletic backwater would be to ignore the considerable event that is the upcoming British and Irish Lions tour to Australia. 

Highly-regarded international business executive, Bill Pulver, has today been announced as the new Chief Executive Officer of Australian Rugby Union. 

British & Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland has called on his Australian counterpart Robbie Deans to allow his players to line-up for their Super Rugby teams against the elite tourists later this year.

Australian Rugby Union and the British and Irish Lions have warned fans to ensure they are dealing only with official travel and hospitality providers in the countdown to the highly-anticipated 2013 Lions Tour to Australia that has been 12 Years in the Making.

George Smith has won the rugby.com.au poll for the second week in a row after fans voted him as the former Wallabies player, who starred against the Lions in either 1989 or 2001, they would most like to see pull on the Gold jersey to face the Lions in 2013.

On the day that he unveiled Andy Farrell as one of his assistant coaches, Warren Gatland conceded that the credibility of the Lions was at stake if they returned from Australia without a series victory.

Australian Rugby Union and Lion Co today announced the renewal of their decade long partnership, for a further three years. 

Jonny Wilkinson has been given fresh hope about his chances of capping a glittering Test career with a third and final Lions tour next summer, but he will have to force his way past two younger English No 10s to earn a squad place. 

Final results of this week’s rugby.com.au poll show George Smith has been voted the most memorable player of the last British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia 12 years ago in 2001. 

 Wales fly-half Rhys Priestland has been ruled out for around six months and will miss the Six Nations.

Australian Rugby Union today announced another record breaking year for participation after recording more than 300,000 players for the first time in its history. 

British & Irish Lions boss Warren Gatland will turn to Rob Howley, Andy Farrell and Graham Rowntree to form his backroom staff ahead of next summer's tour, according to reports.

Australian Rugby Union has ushered in historic Constitutional changes at a General Meeting in Sydney today.

Tour boss Gatland fears home nations will lose touch with Big Three unless attitudes change.

One of sport’s greatest rivalries, Australia v England, is as fierce as ever according to the results of the latest rugby.com.au poll. 

"The Lions is going to be a great series," said Australia coach Robbie Deans on Saturday after his weary players had pulled a notable win out of the fire in Cardiff. 

Retiring captain Nathan Sharpe hailed the Wallabies' European tour a success and a good springboard into the pivotal 2013 season highlighted by a British and Irish Lions tour.

Australia has been drawn to face host nation England and reigning Six Nations champions Wales in the pool rounds of the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Australian Rugby Union has today welcomed the latest addition to the Super Rugby playing ranks – former rugby league international Israel Folau.

Australia has successfully finished in the number three spot on the IRB World Rankings. On December 3 (UK time) the current World Rankings will determine how the 12 qualifying teams are banded for the Rugby World Cup 2015 pools when the allocation draw takes place.

Australian Rugby Union today welcomed the Australian Sports Commission’s new plan for high performance sport in this country, Australia’s Winning Edge 2012-2022.  

The clock is ticking and Wednesday this week marked 200 days to go to one of the biggest non-Test matches on next year's British & Irish Lions tour to Australia, against the NSW Waratahs.

Australia wing Nick Cummins openly admits that next summer's British and Irish Lions tour Down Under is on his mind.

Michael Hooper has won this week’s rugby.com.au weekly poll with the majority of fans voting him the most likely to be leading the polling for next year’s John Eales Medal at the conclusion of the 2012 Spring Tour. 

It continues to be a question of composure and attitude as New Zealand and Australia rule the roost in Test rugby.

The results from the second Poll on rugby.com.au, which asked fans what the Qantas Wallabies win-loss ledger would be at the conclusion of this year’s Spring Tour, suggest most believe the team will walk away with just the one loss.
 

Humblings of the home nations will force coach Warren Gatland into major rethink ahead of next year's series in Australia.

The results from the first rugby.com.au poll are in, and fans believe it would be the French who would trouble the Qantas Wallabies on the 2012 Spring Tour.
 

The opening weekend of the autumn internationals will not be remembered with any fondness by the home unions after three defeats and a solitary win.
 

Australian Rugby Fans are being encouraged to have their say on the new Law amendments on trial during the upcoming November Tests.
 

The countdown to next year's British and Irish Lions tour has well and truly begun and with the November Tests kicking off this weekend, players from the four home unions have an early opportunity to stake a claim for a Test spot. 

Rugby fans will be spoilt for choice this November and December after Network Ten today announced they would broadcast all four of the Qantas Wallabies Spring Tour Tests Live across the country.
 

The November Tests are always fiercely contested affairs but this year there’s an added incentive with victories vital in a bid to get the best possible seeding for the Rugby World Cup 2015 Pool Allocation Draw on December 3.

Upcoming Tests are an opportunity for fringe players to step forward, but the issue this time is quantity, not quality.

As the countdown to the Rugby World Cup 2015 Pool Allocation Draw continues, the spotlight will be firmly on the end of year internationals to see whether teams are able to improve their banding for the event on December 3.

Over one hundred coaches and managers gathered at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra last weekend for a two-day workshop ahead of Australian Rugby Union’s (ARU) Junior Gold Program which kicks off next week.
 

 Quade Cooper has today been found to be in breach of the ARU Code of Conduct in respect of his social media and media comments between Saturday 22 and Thursday 27 September. 

We can officially unveil the new Lions shirt for the 2013 tour to Australia. 

Australian Rugby Union today released the Strengthening the Governance of Australian Rugby (the Arbib Review), which looked into the game’s Corporate Governance structures.

Australian Rugby Union today announced the eight nominees for the 2012 National Volunteer of the Year Award as part of this year’s National Volunteer Recognition Program.

Former British & Irish Lions international John Bentley believes reputation should count for nothing when coach Warren Gatland picks his squad for next summer's tour to Australia.

Australian Rugby Union today revealed Allen Gray as the inaugural Qantas Wallabies ‘Ultimate Fan’ after he successfully accumulated the most points in the Qantas Wallabies 2012 ‘Rugby Rewards’ Facebook application.

Australian Rugby Union today welcomed Network Ten as the new Free-to-Air (FTA) broadcast rights holder for Qantas Wallabies Test matches from 2013-2015.

Qantas Wallabies forward, Scott Higginbotham, has this evening accepted a two week suspension on both counts after pleading guilty to two counts of striking All Blacks captain, Richie McCaw, with the knee and the head.

Australian Rugby Union has today considered the historic review commissioned earlier this year into the game’s Corporate Governance.

Two of Queensland’s favourite sons, Geoff ‘Bunter’ Shaw and Tony Shaw have today been announced as inductees to the Wallaby Hall of Fame.

SANZAR would like to remind all that their online viewing service, available towards the tail-end of 2012 Super Rugby and throughout The Rugby Championship, will be offering coverage in most of the same territories for the third Bledisloe Cup match.

WALES bosses Warren Gatland and Rob Howley are this morning anxiously waiting on the outcome of a medical bulletin surrounding skipper Sam Warburton.

One of the country’s most respected sports administrators, John O’Neill AO, will stand down as Australian Rugby Union Managing Director and CEO on October 31, 2012.

Australian Rugby Union today welcomed Bond University as a partner of Gold Coast Sevens Fever Pitch 2012 after the highly renowned educational institution signed an agreement with ARU.

Brian O'Driscoll has Australia very much on his mind, and not just in terms of a fourth British & Irish Lions tour next summer.

The Australian Schools finished their tour yesterday with a memorable 16-14 win over New Zealand Schools in Auckland.

Australian Rugby Union welcomes today’s admission from the International Rugby Board that match officials were at fault when they blocked a replacement by the Qantas Wallabies and left the Australians a man short for the final 14 minutes of last Saturday’s Castrol EDGE Rugby Championship match with South Africa in Pretoria.

The Australian Schools side to face New Zealand Schools in Auckland has been named, with just two changes made to the side that defeated Samoan Schools 80-7 in Hamilton on Tuesday.

A dominant 80-7 win over Samoan Schools at St. Paul’s Collegiate School in Hamilton on Tuesday has set up the Australian Schools for the final match of their tour.

The Australian Schools side has been named to face Samoan Schools in Hamilton on Tuesday 2 October 2012.

The Australian Schools have suffered their second loss on tour falling 24-5 to the New Zealand Barbarian Under-18 side at Auckland’s Sacred Heart College on Saturday 29 September.

Australian Rugby Union has today made a statement...

Australian Rugby Union is mourning the loss of former Wallabies team doctor, Dr. John Egan Moulton OAM, who passed away last Friday aged 82.

Argentina have chosen the same run-on side, which narrowly lost to the Qantas Wallabies, to play New Zealand in their Castrol EDGE Rugby Championship Test in La Plata Stadium on Saturday.

Johan Goosen will start his first Test for the Springboks when he runs out at flyhalf against Australia in The Castrol EDGE Rugby Championship at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday.

Five-eighth Dan Carter's return from injury couldn't have come at a better time, as the All Blacks look to wrap up The Castrol EDGE Rugby Championship with a win over Argentina at La Plata on Sunday.

Australian Schools rebounded from their 18-9 loss to the Fijian President’s XV with a resounding 29-12 defeat over Fijian Schools at Churchill Park, Lautoka, Fiji yesterday.

Australian Schools selectors have made significant changes to the side which fell 18-9 to the Fijian President’s XV on Saturday, with just four players retaining their starting positions for today’s clash with Fijian Schools.

Abundance of fly-half talent leaves England legend at back of pack

On a hot afternoon at Prince Charles Park, Nadi, Fiji the Australian Schools team were defeated 18-9 by a spirited Fijian President’s XV in the first match of their five-match tour on Saturday 22 September.

The Australian Schoolboys side to take on the Fijian President’s XV in the first match of their overseas tour has been named.

Australian Rugby Union today congratulated Australian Referee Amy Perrett on her selection on the International Rugby Board’s Female Rugby Sevens Referee Panel.

Australian Schools Rugby Union today announced Fox Sports 3HD & 3 will broadcast live the Australian Schools v New Zealand Schools Test on Saturday 6 October.

Wales skipper Sam Warburton has played down suggestions that he is nailed on for the 2013 British & Irish Lions tour and is instead focused on trying to re-find his best form.

Italy veteran lock Marco Bortolami will miss the November Tests after undergoing surgery on his shoulder at the weekend.

England fullback Ben Foden will be sidelined for several weeks after suffering an ankle injury during Northampton's victory over Bath last week.

With three years to go until Rugby World Cup 2015 kicks off in England, confidence is high that the world’s showpiece Rugby tournament will be spectacular, creating a lasting legacy both for England and the continued global development of Rugby.

It's back to the bad old days of the 1970s for England as Celts are set to dominate when Gatland's squad go Down Under.

The 2012 Australian Schools tour squad today assembled at the National Centre for Indigenous Excellence in Redfern as it prepares to tour Fiji and New Zealand over the coming weeks.

British & Irish Lions legend Willie John McBride has warned next summer's tourists to be wary of Southern Hemisphere "bully boys" that could wreck their hopes of winning the Test series.

The SANZAR Duty Judicial Officer Paul Tully has accepted a guilty plea from Dean Greyling of South Africa for contravening Law 10.4 (a) Punching or Striking after he was Cited following the match at the weekend between New Zealand and South Africa in The Castrol EDGE Rugby Championship.

Argentina insist their first Castrol EDGE Rugby Championship win is just around the corner after letting slip a golden opportunity to beat the Qantas Wallabies on Saturday.

Dropped scrum-half Aaron Smith was the hero on Saturday for New Zealand, moving off the bench to score a game-changing solo try as the All Blacks defeated South Africa 21-11 in The Castrol EDGE Rugby Championship.

Aaron Smith has broken team protocol and has been relegated to the reserves for the All Blacks' Castrol EDGE Rugby Championship Test against South Africa in Dunedin on Saturday night.

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre has sent an early warning to the Wallabies, saying victory over them in November is key to his team's 2015 World Cup seeding.

Halfback Piri Weepu will make his first Test start of the year as All Blacks coach Steve Hansen unveiled four changes to the team to face South Africa on Saturday.

The Springbok team that will face New Zealand in the fourth Test in The Castle Rugby Championship in Dunedin on Saturday shows two changes from the side that played Australia last weekend.

Argentina have made two changes to their backline for Saturday night's Castrol EDGE Rugby Championship clash with the Qantas Wallabies at Skilled Park on the Gold Coast.

Warren Gatland has revealed Jonny Wilkinson could be handed a surprise call-up to the British and Irish Lions squad for next year's tour to Australia despite having retired from international rugby.

Dan Carter has been classified as injury-prone by the All Blacks and will be given special treatment to extend a glittering rugby career.

The All Blacks overcame a committed Argentina and a power outage to beat Argentina 21-5 in their Rugby Championship Test on Saturday night played in horrendous Wellington weather.

Injury to champion five eighth Dan Carter forced coach Steve Hansen into a sixth change to the All Blacks team for an expected physical Rugby Championship clash with Argentina on Saturday.

Coach Steve Hansen reached for his scalpel in making five changes to the All Blacks side to face Argentina in Saturday's Rugby Championship Test in Wellington.

Western Province No 8 Duane Vermeulen will make his Springbok debut against Australia in Perth on Saturday, in South Africa’s third Test in The Castrol EDGE Rugby Championship for 2012.

International Rugby Board Chairman Bernard Lapasset believes that Wheelchair Rugby will capture the imagination of sports fans around the world when the Paralympic competition begins on September 5.

The Welsh Rugby Union is delighted to support the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia in 2013 by agreeing to release Warren Gatland to become Head Coach of the Squad.

The British & Irish Lions have appointed Wales’ national coach, Warren Gatland, as head coach for the 2013 tour to Australia. The tour represents the 125 year anniversary of the Lions’ proud touring heritage and traditions, and it is eagerly awaited by rugby fans across Britain and Ireland. Gatland will take up the post immediately to commence detailed tour planning in association with Tour Manager, Andy Irvine, and senior tour management personnel.

Springbok hooker Adriaan Strauss is the only injury concern at this stage as Bath flanker Francois Louw joined the team in Perth on Monday after a long flight from London via Dubai.

The global qualification process for Rugby World Cup 2015 in England is gathering pace and next month teams from across Europe will join the party.

South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer gambled on Wednesday by choosing uncapped Johan Goosen and Duane Vermeulen in his Rugby Championship squad for away Tests against Australia and New Zealand next month.

Winger Cory Jane says the All Blacks are looking to add discipline to their desire to play at a high tempo when they return to action in The Castrol EDGE Rugby Championship.

South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer admitted on Sunday he has serious back-row problems to solve before a Rugby Championship third-round clash in Australia next month.

South Africa scored 10 unanswered second-half points to snatch a lucky 16-16 draw with newcomers Argentina in Saturday's Rugby Championship match in Mendoza.

All Black Sonny Bill Williams believes Quade Cooper's past woes at Eden Park will only serve to fire up the Wallaby on his return to the ground.

Coach Steve Hansen points to a match at Eden Park 10 months ago to illustrate why the All Blacks will take nothing for granted against Australia in the second round of the Rugby Championship on Saturday.

The All Blacks have made one forced change to their side to face the Wallabies in the second Bledisloe Cup rugby Test in Auckland on Saturday night.

The Springbok team preparing for the second Castle Rugby Championship Test against Argentina in Mendoza on Saturday received a huge boost when Bryan Habana was declared fit to start on Wednesday.

England international Danny Care has extended his contract with Premiership champions Harlequins that is set to keep the scrum-half at the club until 2016, the team's director of rugby Conor O'Shea has confirmed.

Lock Luke Romano acknowledges the quality of the lineout ball given to the backs must improve when the All Blacks pursue successive Rugby Championship victories over the Wallabies on Saturday.

Injured Springbok hooker Bismarck du Plessis will undergo surgery on Tuesday to correct serious damage to ligaments in his right knee which he sustained during Saturday’s first Test against Argentina in Cape Town.

Former Qantas Wallabies winger Clyde Rathbone is looking to make a fairytale return to rugby after overcoming depression and a swag of injuries.

The inaugural Bledisloe Cup Festival has drawn to a close after a successful week of public events boasting cultural, historical, corporate and sporting overtones.

Jonny Wilkinson kicked all of Toulon's points in a 21-15 Top 14 win over 2009 champions Perpignan on Saturday as the English veteran shrugged off the hype over the return to France of Frederic Michalak.

The Springbok squad that will be travelling to Argentina was named in Cape Town on Saturday evening, with Craig Burden coming in for the injured Bismarck du Plessis at hooker.

There was no fairytale debut for Argentina in the Castrol EDGE Rugby Championship Saturday as they fell 27-6 to more creative South Africa at Newlands.

Defending champions Toulouse were indebted to Fijian winger Timoci Matanavou and giant Tongan forward Edwin Maka for sealing their French Top 14 season-opening 23-22 win over Castres on Friday.

Pre-World War II Wallaby scrum half and former NSW Rugby President, Francis Wallace Meagher, was today announced as the first inductee to the Wallaby Hall of Fame for 2012.

The inaugural Samsung Snapshot Photographic Competition has proved a hit with fans with over 350 entries depicting all levels of Rugby.

Australian Rugby Union today announced the Carbon Trade Exchange would become an official partner of the Gold Coast Sevens – Fever Pitch tournament in October and would also assist in offsetting the upcoming Bledisloe Cup Test in Sydney this weekend.

Luke Romano has bounced back from injury to earn an unexpected start at lock for the All Blacks in Saturday's match in Sydney.

South Africa have made six changes to the team held by England last June for the Castrol EDGE Rugby Championship first-round match against Argentina in Cape Town Saturday.

English Premiership team Sale have thrown former Qantas Wallabies utility back Cameron Shepherd a lifeline after his proposed move to Northampton collapsed on medical grounds.

Australian Schools Rugby Union has announced its squad to tour Fiji and New Zealand in September.

Northern Queensland have won the title of tournament Champions at this year’s Santos National Indigenous Under 16 Championship which wrapped up on the Gold Coast yesterday.

The Bledisloe Cup trophy is proving extremely popular with almost 8,000 people across NSW getting the opportunity to get up close to the iconic piece of trans-Tasman silverware.
 

The 2012 Santos National Indigenous Under 16 Championship starts today at Palm Beach Currumbin Rugby Union Club on the Gold Coast.  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players from state, territory and affiliate representative teams will come together to compete in the national residential Championship which runs until next Monday.

One of the most sought-after pieces of silverware is making its way through various locations around NSW as part of the first-ever Bledisloe Cup Festival ahead of the opening Test of The Castrol EDGE Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup.

Australian Rugby Union Managing Director and CEO, John O’Neill AO, was today joined by NSW Minister for Sport and Recreation, Graham Annesley, Destination NSW CEO, Sandra Chipchase, Qantas Wallabies Coach Robbie Deans and Qantas Wallabies lock, Nathan Sharpe to launch the inaugural Bledisloe Cup Festival.

This year’s Walla Rugby Week has broken all records with registration numbers up more than 50% on last year’s record breaking amount.

Australian Rugby Union today welcomed SANZAR’s decision to trial the new Pitch Side Concussion Assessment (PSCA) Protocols during the inaugural Castrol EDGE Rugby Championship.

Former Qantas Wallabies utility Cameron Shepherd's career is in limbo after English Premiership club Northampton tore up his new contract on medical advice.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen is convinced Sonny Bill Williams will return to New Zealand rugby.

Auckland prop Charlie Faumuina is the lone new cap in the All Blacks squad named to contest the inaugural Rugby Championship.

The Springbok selectors on Saturday included five uncapped players in a 30-man Springbok squad for the inaugural Rugby Championship.

The largest trophy in world Rugby touched down in Australia last night on Qantas flight 48 ahead of the inaugural Bledisloe Cup Festival and the opening Test of The Castrol EDGE Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup.

The Bledisloe Cup Festival has arrived early at the Museum of Sydney with the opening of the Rivals in Rugby Brothers in War display today.

Underscoring its commitment to enhancing player welfare practices, the International Rugby Board Executive Committee has given dispensation for Unions to trial the pitch-side concussion assessment (PSCA) protocol within their elite domestic competitions.

Keven Mealamu disputes suggestions there is a gulf in class between the two best rugby hookers in New Zealand and the rest.

The All Blacks look set to take the same selection and playing blueprint from the Ireland series into the inaugural Rugby Championship which kicks off this month.

World class outside centre Conrad Smith is unclear how long his eye injury will keep him sidelined from the All Blacks.

The midfield mystery has been resolved leaving lock as the biggest selection question mark ahead of coach Steve Hansen's All Blacks squad naming on Sunday.

Hurricanes hooker Dane Coles is the surprise inclusion in a 28-man All Blacks rugby training squad to prepare for the inaugural Castrol EDGE Rugby Championship.

Australian Rugby Union today unveiled the official logo, ticket prices for all nine matches, and the on-sale dates for next year’s long-awaited Tour by the British & Irish Lions.

Australian Rugby Union has written a new chapter in the game’s history today, announcing its first female Board appointment with the CEO of Carnival Australia, Ann Sherry AO, replacing outgoing Director Rick Lee.

Tongan Schools have wrapped up their tour of Australia with two wins and two losses, following a resounding 57-17 win over NSW Combined High Schools at Forshaw Rugby Park on Tuesday.

The Australian Schoolboys have posted an overwhelming 70-13 victory over the visiting Tongan Schools in front of a crowd of 2,000 at St. Mary’s Leagues Stadium on Saturday.

Australia’s influence at the International Rugby Board has been further bolstered by the appointment of former World Cup winning Sevens captain Cheryl Soon to one of the governing body’s most important committees.

Australia A Schools have defeated Tongan Schools 29-5 at St. Ignatius’ College, Riverview on Wednesday.

Australian Rugby Union today announced a new partnership with UN Women Australia allowing the two organisations to work closely on raising awareness about the role women play in leadership and sport.

Australian Rugby Union High Performance manager David Nucifora has today offered his thanks to Patricio Noriega, who has accepted an offer to coach in France.

Queensland’s dominant run at the Novotel Australian Schools Rugby Championships has been brought to a halt, with NSW I ensuring QLD I did not secure a seventh-straight title at the tournament final on Saturday.

Queensland will look to continue its dominance in the Novotel Australian Schools Rugby Championships when they compete for a seventh-straight title this Saturday.

The Australian Schools Presidents XV side has been named to face the Tongan Schools side at St. Ignatius’ College, Riverview on Saturday 7 July.

Novotel Australian Schools Rugby Championships - Day 2 Results

Novotel Australian Schools Rugby Championships - Day 1 Results

Two stalwarts of Australian women’s Rugby over the past decade have decided to hang up the boots after representing their country with prestige with the Wallaroos and Qantas Women’s Sevens teams.

The Novotel Australian Schools Rugby Championships will return to Sydney for the first time in three years, with 12 teams descending on St. Ignatius’ College Riverview for a week of competition.

Australian Rugby Union today announced a new two year partnership with independent international online betting monitoring company, Global Sports Integrity (GSI) – in a ground-breaking move for an Australian sport.

The Australian Under 20s have suffered another heartbreaking loss to finish eighth at the IRB Junior World Championship.

The Australian Under-20 side has been named to face England in the seventh-place playoff at the IRB Junior World Championship.

A late drop goal to French flyhalf Thomas Laranjeira has broken the Australian Under 20s hearts in their fifth-place semi-final at the IRB Junior World Championship.

The Australian Under 20s have finished third in Pool C of the IRB Junior World Championship following a shock 31-7 loss to France at Cape Town Stadium early Wednesday morning (AEST).

The Australian Under 20s have suffered their first loss of the IRB Junior World Championship, falling 15-3 to a powerful Argentinan outfit.

Australian Under-20 coaches Anthony Eddy and David Nucifora have made eight changes to their starting lineup as they prepare for their second match of the IRB Junior World Championship.

Australian Rugby Union today announced global technology brand Samsung has been welcomed on board as a new Partner until the end of 2015.

An impressive first half burst has led the Australian Under 20s to a 67-12 win over Scotland in their opening game of the IRB Junior World Championship in South Africa.

Jean de Villiers will become the 54th Springbok captain after he was named to lead the Boks in the Castle Incoming Tour against England, which starts on Saturday.

Australian Under-20 coaches Anthony Eddy and David Nucifora have named their side for their first match of the 2012 IRB Junior World Championship against Scotland.

A quick look at the World of Rugby as it's happening, around the Regions..

A 42-man England squad skippered by flanker Chris Robshaw arrived in Johannesburg on Thursday to start a five-match, three-Test tour of South Africa.

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre has left captain Thierry Dusautoir at home for Les Bleus' summer tour of Argentina next month in a host of changes announced on Thursday.

• IRB Chairman emphasises value of JWC
• Tournament set to leave lasting legacy
• South Africa will host wonderful celebration of Junior Rugby

English Premiership club Leicester have rubbished reports claiming Australian head coach Matt O'Connor could quit to take charge of Super Rugby outfit Western Force.

The Emirates Western Force and a South Australian invitational side will go head to head in a mid-season match on Friday 22 June at Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide.

The Australian Under-20 squad today departed for South Africa, ahead of the IRB Junior World Championship being held 4-22 June.

England rugby union captain Chris Robshaw completed the first leg of what he hopes will be a perfect personal summer double by leading Harlequins to a first English title on Saturday with a 30-23 win over Leicester in the final.

The International Rugby Board has inducted brothers Ian and Donald Campbell, pioneers and giants of Chilean Rugby, into the IRB Hall of Fame.

Rob Kearney (Leinster Rugby) has been named ERC European Player of the Year 2012.

Putting a line under the World Cup triumph and moving forward will be one of the aims of the All Blacks coaching team as they have their first training camp of 2012.

Brad Thorn has always been a "big dreamer" but even he was struggling to grasp the enormity of his sporting career following Leinster's European Cup triumph.

The IRB Council has approved the application from the American Samoa Rugby Football Union (ASRFU) to become a full member after it successfully fulfilled the criteria to be upgraded from associate membership.

Brad Thorn, enough already.

On behalf of Australian Rugby Union I want to personally reaffirm and extend the games gratitude and praise to the more than 35,000 volunteers that keep Rugby running in Australia.

A 28-man Australian Under-20 squad will assemble at the Sydney Academy of Sport in Narrabeen this Friday, as final preparations begin for the 2012 IRB Junior World Championship in South Africa in June.

Australian Rugby Union has praised the International Rugby Board for building a new and fairer financial model around the next Rugby World Cup in 2015.

The International Rugby Board and its Member Unions have sanctioned a global trial of five aspects of Law amendments following an extensive process of consultation and evaluation.

Rugby World Cup 2015 in England will kick off in 1,221 days time after the IRB Council approved September 18 as the start date for Rugby’s showcase event.

A 1,000 voice choir has been recruited by the WRU to envelop the Millennium Stadium in song when Wales face the Barbarians on Saturday, 2 June (kick-off 2.00pm).

Biarritz Olympique – the 2006 and 2010 Heineken Cup finalists – hope it is third time lucky in their pursuit of a European title when they clash with Toulon in the Amlin Challenge Cup final at the Twickenham Stoop on Friday night (8.00pm).

The Irish invasion of Twickenham Stadium is fast approaching – and defending champions Leinster Rugby will have a number of Heineken Cup landmarks in their sights when they clash with Ulster Rugby in the first all-Irish tournament final on Saturday (5.00 pm).

Six players from the Junior World Championship-winning New Zealand Under 20s team have been named in a 35-strong All Black training group ahead of the three-match rugby Test series against Ireland.

England rugby coach Stuart Lancaster has told banned hooker Dylan Hartley he can forget about resuming his Test career in the cauldron of South Africa if he can't be trusted on the field.

Scotland have suffered a triple setback ahead of their tour of Australia, Fiji and Samoa after David Denton and wing Lee Jones were ruled out through injury on Thursday while lock Jim Hamilton was banned.

England recalled scrum-half Danny Care for their tour of South Africa when coach Stuart Lancaster named a 42-man squad on Thursday.

Chris Paterson, the ultimate sporting role model, is to take on a new, exciting role with Scottish Rugby.

Qantas Wallabies and Western Force openside flanker Matt Hodgson has returned from a weekend in Alice Springs having shared his own Rugby experiences with the next generation.

Former Sydney Roosters centre Setaimata Sa will cross codes and join London Irish at the end of the season.

A 28-man squad with a good mix of experience across multiple Rugby platforms has been named to represent Australia at the IRB Junior World Championship being held in South Africa in June.

New Zealand's Wayne Smith has rejected an approach to join England's backroom staff, citing "personal reasons".

Former Wales prop Rhys Thomas has retired from rugby with immediate effect after suffering a heart attack in January, it was confirmed on Friday.

Former All Black captain and coach Sir Fred "the Needle" Allen died on Saturday aged 92, rugby officials said.

Australian Rugby Union today announced ARU Board Member, General Peter Cosgrove AC MC and former Senator, Assistant Treasurer and Sports Minister, Mark Arbib, will conduct a review into ARU’s corporate governance.

Rugby World Cup-winning All Blacks coach Graham Henry has poked fun at the England rugby team, describing players in tongue-in-cheek comments as "a shambles" who should "self-destruct and start again."

Rumours that South African rugby legend Victor Matfield will come out of retirement and lead his country in a three-Test June home series against England are refusing to go away.

All Blacks halfback Jimmy Cowan will leave New Zealand to join English club Gloucester later this year.

Former Springbok flanker Johan 'Rassie' Erasmus was named general manager: high performance teams on Sunday by the South African Rugby Union (SARU).

England captain Chris Robshaw got on the scoresheet as Harlequins wrapped up their place in the Premiership play-off semi-finals with a 33-17 win over Wasps on Saturday.

Australian coach for Stade Francais Michael Cheika says his side can still make the French Top 14 finals despite suffering a 25-9 loss to Clermont.

Top 14 leaders Toulouse suffered a surprise 25-10 defeat to Perpignan on Friday, piling on the misery for the French giants who crashed out of the European Cup last weekend.

New Zealand's Wayne Smith on Friday claimed he has yet to be contacted by the Rugby Football Union (RFU) about filling the vacant England backs coaching job.

Former All Blacks halfback Byron Kelleher confirmed on Thursday that he has quit French Top 14 rugby side Stade Francais.

Andy Farrell has turned down the opportunity to join new England rugby union coach Stuart Lancaster's backroom staff.

Welsh rugby coach Warren Gatland has fractured both his feet falling off a ladder at his family beach house at Waihi Beach in New Zealand.

The second of two Australian Under-20 selection camps will be held at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra next week as coaches Anthony Eddy and David Nucifora look to secure their squad for the IRB Junior World Championship.

Ulster stunned two-time winners Munster 22-16 in their European Cup rugby quarter-final on Sunday, the hosts' first home defeat in any quarter-final in all competitions.

Edinburgh became the first Scottish club to reach the European Cup semi-finals on Saturday with a stunning 19-14 upset of four-time winners Toulouse while defending champions Leinster cruised past Cardiff 34-3.

Riki Flutey has decided to leave London Wasps at the end of the season and play in Japan, signalling the end of his international rugby career with England.

Wales centre Gavin Henson's chances of returning to international rugby could be over after he was fired on Monday by club side Cardiff Blues for his drunken behaviour on a post-match flight.

Wales centre Gavin Henson has been suspended by his rugby club Cardiff Blues over an incident on a return flight to the Welsh capital following a Celtic League game against Glasgow Warriors.

A world record attendance for club rugby saw Harlequins underline their Premiership title credentials with a gritty 24-19 win over Saracens at Wembley on Saturday.

Saracens chief executive Ed Griffiths has called on English Rugby chiefs to bring a quick conclusion to talks over the future of the club's head coach Andy Farrell.

England hopeful Calum Clark's rugby career is on hold after he was made to pay a hefty price for foul play during a showpiece cup final.

Scotland rugby coach Andy Robinson is to continue in the job despite a disastrous Six Nations campaign which ended in a humiliating whitewash.

Stuart Lancaster has been confirmed as the head coach of England following his team's successful Six Nations campaign, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) announced on Thursday.

Shane Horgan, a member of Ireland's so-called "golden generation", has retired with immediate effect due to a long-standing knee injury, his provincial side, Leinster, says.

The IRB's popular coaching website www.irbcoaching.com has received a massive boost with the announcement that HSBC has partnered with the innovative resource to ensure that more men, women and children around the world are able to experience and enjoy Rugby by being coached the best-possible techniques.

England hooker Dylan Hartley has been banned for eight weeks after being found guilty of biting.

Mexico’s reward for overwhelming Jamaica 68-14 in the opening Rugby World Cup 2015 qualification match at La Ibero Santa Fe in Mexico City on Saturday is a one-place climb to 70th in the latest IRB World Rankings.

As part of its ongoing review process and commitment to ensuring consistency and that the best referees are selected on form to officiate in the biggest matches in the run up to Rugby World Cup 2015, the IRB has announced a restructured and more streamlined selection process overseen by a vastly experienced committee.

England and Harlequins scrum-half Danny Care has been questioned about a sexual assault on a woman.

England hooker Dylan Hartley will face a disciplinary hearing in London on March 27 over allegations he bit Ireland flanker Stephen Ferris.

The Wales Assistant Coach Robin McBryde has agreed a contract extension to remain with the WRU until the end of the 2015 Rugby World Cup. His decision to commit his immediate future to Wales means the entire senior Wales coaching team will now remain in place for the next four years.

Rugby World Cup 2011 looks set to deliver a significant boost to the ongoing development of Rugby worldwide after tournament owners Rugby World Cup Limited today announced strong initial financial results for the showcase event.

Former All Black star Jonah Lomu is claiming more than 550,000 euros ($A695,000) in backpay and damages from his one-time French club Stade Phoceen, his lawyer has told the labour relations board.

The International Rugby Board welcomes the appointment by the Rugby Football Union of Andrew Coslett as Chairman of England Rugby 2015 (ER 2015), the tournament organising company that will deliver Rugby World Cup 2015 in England. Cosslett, the former Chief Executive Officer of InterContinental Hotels Group plc, who has held the post of Interim Chairman, takes up the role in April 2012.

Ireland hooker Jerry Flannery has announced his retirement from rugby union with immediate effect because of injury.

Wales flanker Dan Lydiate has been named as the RBS Six Nations Player of the Championship for 2012 following his impressive displays for the grand slam champions.

Forty-five national talent scouts made their way to Sydney from across the country last weekend for ARU’s annual scout workshop.

Danny Cipriani's return home has been welcomed by Stuart Lancaster but the interim England coach has warned the fly-half he will face a tough fight to regain his Test place.

Japan's new head coach Eddie Jones vowed on Monday to play "very attacking" rugby as he unveiled a young, mostly homegrown 30-strong squad aiming for a fifth straight Asian Five Nations title.

Australian Rugby Union Chairman Peter McGrath today thanked former Wallabies forward Mark Connors for his valuable and long standing contribution as a director on the ARU Board.

Wales clinched a third Grand Slam in eight years on Saturday thanks to a 16-9 win over France which also gave them a measure of revenge for their heart-breaking World Cup semi-final defeat last year.

England finished second in the Six Nations and boosted the chances of interim coach Stuart Lancaster becoming their permanent boss with a convincing 30-9 victory over Ireland at Twickenham on Saturday.

Scotland finished the 2012 Six Nations with the wooden spoon as Italy beat them 13-6 in Rome on Saturday.

Stuart Lancaster has insisted his focus is solely on Ireland as the debate over whether he should become England's full-time rugby union coach intensifies.

Former Rugby World Cup winner Lawrence Dallaglio and England Rugby 2015 ambassador will accompany the Webb Ellis Cup to the opening RWC 2015 qualification match between Mexico and Jamaica in Mexico City on March 24.

Sam Warburton returns to lead Wales’ assault on the RBS 6 Nations Championship title against France at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday (2.45pm) in the only change to the side which beat Italy last weekend to keep dreams of a 2012 clean sweep alive.

England have recalled wing David Strettle into their starting side for the Six Nations international against Ireland at Twickenham on Saturday.

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre has announced six changes, one positional, in naming his side to play Wales in Cardiff on Saturday on the final day of the Six Nations tournament.

All Blacks, Hurricanes and Wellington fullback and wing Cory Jane is the latest high-profile player to re-sign with New Zealand rugby.

Leicester Tigers tight-head prop Martin Castrogiovanni returns to the Italy side for this weekend's crucial Six Nations finale against Scotland at the Stadio Olimpico.

Scotland recalled centre Nick de Luca ahead of their Six Nations wooden spoon decider away to Italy in Rome.

Agreement has been reached on a recovery package which aims to put the Otago Rugby Football Union (ORFU) on a sustainable long term footing, the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) announced today.

Leinster flanker Sean O'Brien has been given the all-clear for Ireland's Six Nations finale against England on St Patrick's Day.

England number eight Phil Dowson is still in the running for this weekend's Six Nations clash against Ireland despite being knocked out in the closing stages of last weekend's 24-22 victory over France.

On behalf of the family, it is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jock Hobbs this afternoon.

Gethin Jenkins has thrown his weight behind red-hot favourite Warren Gatland to take charge of the British and Irish Lions in Australia next year.

A knee injury has put paid to the Rugby career of Wasps and England flanker Tom Rees, the player's club announced on Monday.

England stunned hosts France with a thrilling 24-22 victory on Sunday to erase any hopes the French had of winning the Six Nations title.

Jake White has demanded talk move on from his future at the Brumbies to what his charges are achieving "under the radar" just two FxPro Super Rugby games into his four-year contract as coach.

Jamie Roberts propelled Wales to a 24-3 Six Nations victory over Italy on Saturday to keep their hopes of a third grand slam in eight years alive.

Ireland extended Scotland's winless streak with a 32-14 Six Nations victory at Lansdowne Road in Dublin on Saturday.

France will seek to keep their Six Nations rugby title hopes alive by beating old foes England at the Stade de France on Sunday.

Wales coach Warren Gatland must somehow keep a lid on simmering expectation ahead of the Six Nations clash against Italy at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

Veteran French centre Aurelien Rougerie says he needs to shine against England in their Six Nations clash on Sunday after two successive poor performances put his place in the side in danger.

Ireland will get a glimpse of their future when they face Scotland without Brian O'Driscoll and Paul O'Connell at Lansdowne Road on Saturday.

To celebrate International Women’s Day Australian Rugby Union today officially launched a new Women’s Sevens video aimed at encouraging young women to take up the fast, fun and exciting Olympic Sport.

Australian-born Italy five-eighth Kris Burton believes Wales have had things too easy in their three-game winning start to this season's Six Nations competition.

Further to recent media speculation, Brumbies Head Coach, Jake White, today advised Brumbies Rugby Chief Executive Andrew Fagan that he has been sounded out by the RFU (England) as a candidate for its vacant coaching role and has declared interest in exploring his options.

Former All Blacks and Crusaders lock Brad Thorn has signed a three-month contract with European champions Leinster.

World Cup-winning coach Graham Henry will return to international rugby as adviser to Argentina in its first season of competition against powerhouses New Zealand, South Africa and Australia.

Wales captain Sam Warburton will miss the Grand Slam-chasers' Six Nations match against Italy at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday with a knee injury.

Former England captain Lewis Moody confirmed on Tuesday that he is retiring from rugby with immediate effect.

Australian Rugby Union today thanked outgoing Minister for Sport, Senator Mark Arbib, and welcomed Senator Kate Lundy to the portfolio after she was officially sworn in this morning.

France has shrugged off a poor first-half performance to draw 17-17 at home to Ireland in Six Nations rugby.

Forty players from across the country will descend on the Australian Institute of Sport Monday for the first of two four-day Australian Under-20 selection camps, in the lead up to the all-important IRB Junior World Championship in June.

Australian Rugby Union Managing Director and CEO, John O’Neill AO, has earned a prized appointment to the Board of Directors of Rugby World Cup Ltd.

Rory Lamont is set to be sidelined for up to four months with a broken leg, the Scottish Rugby Union says.

Australia’s FxPro Super Rugby development squads have hit the ground running in the opening round of the Pacific Rugby Cup, with two of the three local sides claiming victory over the weekend.

Italy coach Jacques Brunel on Monday recalled prop Martin Castrogiovanni, one of four changes to his squad for the remaining Six Nations games against Wales and Scotland.

Former Qantas Wallabies coach Eddie Jones vowed on Monday to bring his attacking style of rugby to Japan's national team, the day after after piloting Suntory Sungoliath to the country's top club title.

World Cup finalists France overcame a 10-point deficit to beat Scotland 23-17 at Murrayfield in Edinburgh on Sunday and keep their hopes of a Six Nations Grand Slam alive.

Wales snatched a dramatic 19-12 win over England to win the Triple Crown and keep their hopes of a Six Nations Grand Slam alive at Twickenham on Saturday.

Ireland overcame a slow start Saturday to run in five tries against Italy and get their Six Nations campaign up and running with a 42-10 win in Dublin.

More than 200 under-15 to under-18 players will gather in Parramatta on Sunday for Australian Rugby Union's Junior Gold Program Position Specific Skills Day.

Three of Australia's FxPro Super Rugby sides are preparing their A Teams sides for a significant schedule of international Rugby, as the second annual Pacific Rugby Cup gets underway this weekend.

Queensland Rugby has today officially unveiled its new junior Rugby program, Rookies2Reds, which is designed to introduce primary school-aged boys and girls and their families to the fun of Rugby, in a safe and enjoyable environment.

Australian Rugby Union today officially unveiled the new 2012 referees’ uniforms ahead of the opening round of the FxPro Super Rugby competition.

National Academy players will be out to impress not only national coaches, but Australian FxPro Super Rugby coaches and scouts in Sydney this Saturday as members of ARU’s Sydney and Brisbane-based academy squads face off against each other in an intra-Academy trial match.

Australian Rugby Union today announced participation numbers had grown for a fourth consecutive year delivering Rugby a record number of players to clubs and schools across the country in 2011.

Northampton director of rugby Jim Mallinder on Thursday ruled himself out of the running to become the next permanent England coach.

Former All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith ruled himself out of the running as England manager on Thursday, saying the job sounded more suited to a public relations manager than a rugby mentor.

Head coach Sean Holley and Australian director of coaching Scott Johnson have both quit the Ospreys with immediate effect, the Welsh regional rugby side says.

Australian Rugby Union and Australia’s five FxPro Super Rugby Franchises are joining forces to give fans across the country a chance to meet their Rugby heroes.

French rugby veteran Sebastien Chabal is set to play in Australia with Sydney suburban club Balmain.

Australian Rugby Union today farewelled former one time Wallaby, Neill Latimer, after he passed away last Thursday aged 81.

2011 Rugby World Cup–winning coach Sir Graham Henry has a new job in New Zealand rugby – coaching the coaches.

Australian Rugby Union today announced it was joining forces with Australia’s five FxPro Super Rugby teams to launch the code’s first National Registration Day on Saturday, February 18.

IRB Chief Financial Officer Robert Brophy has been appointed acting Chief Executive of Rugby’s global governing body and acting Managing Director of Rugby World Cup Limited.

Australian Rugby Union today congratulated former Qantas Wallabies Stirling Mortlock and George Smith on being appointed Members of the Order of Australia (AM).

Rugbyworldcup.com, the official website of Rugby World Cup 2015 in England, has launched today, underlining the commitment of the Tournament Organisers to deliver an innovative digital offering for Rugby’s showcase event.

New Zealand-born United States winger James Paterson has been confirmed as the player who failed a drugs test during the Rugby World Cup.

IRB CEO and Rugby World Cup Limited Managing Director Mike Miller is to step down from his roles at the end of January.

England's Six Nations preparations suffered a blow on Thursday after flanker Tom Wood -- regarded as a candidate for the captaincy -- was ruled out of the opening two games through injury.

Wales has recalled Gavin Henson for the Six Nations, handing the centre what could be a last chance to re-establish himself at international level.

Ireland has relied entirely on last year's Rugby World Cup squad for its initial 24-man squad for the Six Nations.

The Fiji Rugby Union has named former Fiji backrower Inoke Male as its new national coach, appointing him to a four-year term.

Frenchman Jacques Brunel wasted no time in stamping his mark on his new role as Italy coach when he named his first squad on Monday ahead of the 2012 Six Nations.

Defending champions Leinster joined rival Irish province Munster in qualifying for the quarter-finals of the European Cup after notching up a hard-fought 23-16 victory over Glasgow on Sunday.

Two-time European Cup champions Munster reached the quarter-finals for the 13th time on Saturday with a battling 26-10 win over Castres to clinch a fifth victory in five Pool One matches this season.

South African star Ruan Pienaar kicked 21 points as Ulster routed former double champions Leicester 41-7 on Friday, putting his side on the brink of European Cup quarter-final qualification.

The International Rugby Board has been requested by the Scottish Rugby Union and Welsh Rugby Union to clarify the eligibility status of Steven Shingler.

GFI, a leading brokerage service provider, has signed a new three-year contract as title sponsor of the HKFC Tens rugby tournament, kicking off with the 2012 edition from March 21-22.

All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw says his recovery from foot surgery is on track, but it's a case of wait-and-see as to when he's back on the rugby field.

Interim England Head Coach Stuart Lancaster has announced the January 2012 Senior and England Saxons Elite Player Squads.

Failed All Blacks coach candidate Vern Cotter has been named as a frontrunner for the top job for England, a British newspaper reports.

The International Rugby Board have hinted that they may allow Wales to play some of their 2015 World Cup matches at the Millennium Stadium.

Planning and preparation for England’s hosting of Rugby World Cup 2015 has entered a new phase today with the formal opening of the England Rugby 2015 (ER 2015) offices in Twickenham and the appointment of key personnel with Tournament Organisers focused on delivering an outstanding sporting event.

Saracens owner Nigel Wray has said the "southern hemisphere must be laughing their heads off" at the timing of the Six Nations.

Five-time French champions Biarritz moved out of the Top 14 relegation zone on Friday with a 15-6 win at Agen.

Northampton breathed life into the English Premiership title race on Friday after defeating leaders Harlequins 24-3 at Franklin's Gardens.

The International Rugby Board said Friday they would review the eligibility of Steven Shingler after a row between Scotland and Wales over the Swansea-born player's decision to play for Scotland.

Leicester Tigers coach Richard Cockerill says five-eighth Toby Flood is likely to miss the start of England's defence of the Six Nations because of injury.

Scotland rugby coach Andy Robinson named six uncapped players in a 36-man squad on Thursday for the opening rounds of the Six Nations Championship.

New France coach Philippe Saint-Andre has kept faith with 22 members of the squad that reached the Rugby World Cup final in naming a 30-strong squad to prepare for the Six Nations tournament.

England halfback Danny Care has been left out of their Six Nations training squad after being arrested for drink driving, the Rugby Football Union said on Wednesday.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry, who guided New Zealand to their Rugby World Cup win in October, was rewarded with a knighthood in the nation's New Year's honours list.

Argentina will play their home matches in next year's inaugural Rugby Championship at Mendoza, La Plata and Rosario, the Argentine Rugby Union (UAR) announced on Thursday.

Former Australian halfback Josh Valentine has signed for Narbonne on a six-month contract starting from January 1, the French second-tier club announced on Thursday.