Japan has had a taste of the wet and cold conditions likely to greet teams at the World Cup and many of its players aren't impressed.
New signing Pat says he cannot wait to get stuck into action with the Exeter Chiefs, after arriving at Sandy Park on Friday.
Canterbury won their fourth successive NPC title, when they beat Waikato 12-3 in the first-ever tryless Final at the Waikato Stadium, in Hamilton, on Saturday.
Wales coach Warren Gatland is optimistic about the World Cup fitness prospects of Lions trio Gethin Jenkins, Stephen Jones and Ryan Jones.
Their opening match may be just over a week away, but Wales coach Warren Gatland wasted no time in getting the first shot in, in what is sure to be an interesting verbal stoush in the coming days.
Springbok coach Peter de Villiers, true to form, marked his arrival in New Zealand with a statement that raised the eyebrows.
South Africa coach Peter de Villiers again rated New Zealand as the favourites at the World Cup, but dismissed out of hand the notion that the Springboks are the most prone to kicking.
Sir Ian McGeechan has warned his Bath side they cannot afford to take Newcastle lightly in their Premiership opener on Saturday evening.
Ireland's forwards coach Gert Smal remains convinced they possess "something special" despite a troubled build-up the World Cup.
England defence coach Mike Ford knows the team will have to be at their best to come through what he sees as the World Cup "group of death".
The United States Men’s National Rugby Team landed in New Zealand this afternoon to take part in the 2011 Rugby World Cup (RWC) in New Zealand. The Eagles will face Ireland (Sept 11), Russia (Sept 15), Australia (Sept 23) and Italy (Sept 27) during pool play, with coverage on NBC Universal
Cardiff began the RaboDirect Pro12 season with a 38-15 win over Edinburgh for a fourth successive season to give Justin Burrell an ideal start.
All the talk at the Liberty Stadium had been about the big-name departures, but with European champions Leinster in town on Friday - Ospreys scrumhalf Rhys Webb ensured it was the new generation that hogged the headlines.
Ulster opened their RaboDirect PRO12 League campaign with a hard-fought three-try 28-14 win over Glasgow at Ravenhill.
Ospreys showed they are determined to be a force in the RaboDirect Pro12 by beating Leinster 27-3 at the Liberty Stadium.
