Russia coach Nikolai Nerush has unveiled his 30-man squad for their World Cup debut in New Zealand next month, and singled out their opening clash with the USA as pivotal to their campaign.
The PRO12, rugby's premier professional club competition in Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales, was formally launched in Dublin's Conrad Hotel where the glittering new trophy was unveiled on Tuesday.
There is only one change to the starting line-up of the Blue Bulls for their Currie Cup clash against the Leopards at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Friday, with Fudge Mabeta taking over at lock from injured Juandré Kruger.
Waikato have bounced back to keep their NPC finals hopes alive with a hard fought 31-27 victory over the Wellington Lions at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton on Tuesday.
Toulon rugby director Philippe Saint-Andre looks set to succeed Marc Lievremont as France coach after the upcoming World Cup.
Luke Narraway has been confirmed as Gloucester's captain for the forgcoming Premiership season.
For the first time this year South Africa won a Tri-Nations match, to the relief of millions of South Africans. We give some stats from the match and include some comparisons with the other four rounds.
PUK flank Siya Mdaka will make his debut for the Leopards when they take on the Blue Bulls in a Currie Cup encounter in Rustenburg on Friday.
The Springboks victory over the All Blacks last Saturday threw open World Cup predictions as the Kiwis attack philosophy failed against the traditional defence-based World Cup winning formula of the Boks.
Leicester number eight Jordan Crane has been ruled out for entire Aviva Premiership season after surgery on a knee injury.
The head of the Tonga Rugby Union has quit in a row over whether former captain Nili Latu should have been included in the World Cup squad and against a background of parliamentary interference.
Australia have named Anthony Fainga'a in their backline for Saturday's Tri-Nations decider against New Zealand.
Tonga coach Isitolo Maka has named brother Finau as captain in his 30-man squad for the Rugby World Cup.
The withdrawal of discarded Wallaby utility back Matt Giteau is one of three changes to the Australian Barbarians side that will face Canada at Skilled Park on the Gold Coast.
Blue Bulls lock Juandré Kruger will not be considered for selection when his side take on the Leopards in Rustenburg on the weekend.
