All News

England and London Wasps lock Joe Launchbury was on Friday named England’s Man of the Series following the end-of-year internationals.

England assistant coaches Graham Rowntree and Andy Farrell are expected to be named as assistants to British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland.

The New Zealand Super Rugby franchises have named their wider training groups for the 2013 Super Rugby season.

Brumbies coach Jake White has set up a training squad for players on the fringes of selection in Canberra to increase the depth available to him.  

SA Sevens coach Paul Treu wants his team to go one better than last year in Port Elizabeth.

It was the Andy Goode show at Sixways Stadium on Thursday as the flyhalf scored all Worcester Warriors' points in a tight 22-21 win over Perpignan.

Controversial Wallaby Quade Cooper has settled his differences with the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) by signing a new two-year deal on Friday.

New Zealand can become the first team to win the same leg of the IRB Sevens World Series for a fourth consecutive time in Port Elizabeth this weekend.

Johannesburg-born Wales lock Ian Evans has been ruled out of action for up to eight weeks due to an ongoing knee injury.

Bath duo Matt Banahan and Lee Mears had their appeals against suspensions dismissed on Thursday.

London Wasps centre Lee Thomas will be sidelined for up to nine months due to a ruptured Achilles tendon.

The Waratahs’ new star signing Israel Folau impressed coach Michael Cheika in his first full training session with the franchise on Thursday.

Defending champions Leinster face the daunting task of travelling to Clermont for Euro Cup action. We look at all the Round Three drama.

The South African Rugby Union has extended its innovative Mobile Team Training System to Springbok.

SARU on Thursday announced that the body will take over the running of all Springbok Test matches from next year.

Well-respected judge Wyn Williams has been appointed as the inaugural chairman of the newly formed Welsh rugby body.

Struggling French outfit Racing Métro is chasing the signature of the Bulls' Springbok lock Juandré Kruger.

England Sevens coach Ben Ryan will reach a personal milestone in the Port Elizabeth leg of the IRB World Sevens Series this weekend.

Cecil Afrika has returned to the South African Sevens squad for this weekend's Port Elizabeth tournament.

Kenya will be without four key players for the Port Elizabeth leg of the IRB Sevens World Series this weekend due to exam commitments and injuries.

Ireland flank Stephen Ferris faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after undergoing ankle surgery on Thursday.

Two veterans, wing Akona Ndungane and hooker Willie Wepener, were the big winners at the Bulls' annual awards.

Rebels coach Damien Hill will use the pre-season matches against the Waratahs and Hurricanes to put on trial the host of new faces.

Australian coach Michael O'Connor has been cracking the whip this week as he looks to get his team in shape ahead of round three of the IRB Sevens World Series.

Mercurial Wallaby playmaker Quade Cooper and the Australian Rugby Union are expected to reveal on Friday that they have 'kissed and made up'.

Veteran hooker Keven Mealamu has become the latest player to opt for a 'sabbatical' during next year's Super Rugby competition.

Sixteen teams are hard at work for the PE leg of the IRB Sevens world series. We go behind the scenes.

Catch the definitive run down of the Port Elizabeth leg of the IRB Sevens World Series ahead of day one's pool matches on Saturday.

A new professional body created to strengthen and develop professional rugby in Wales is being established by the WRU and the four Welsh regions.

Scotland attacking coach Scott Johnson believes they can finish atop their top ahead of the Springboks at the 2015 World Cup.

Irish giants Munster have been forced to change their plans to add former South African Under-20 captain CJ Stander to their European Cup squad.

Harlequins failed to qualify for the knock-out stages of last season's European Cup and they are determined to make amends this time around.

The 2013 season holds several exciting challenges for Noord-Kaap, one of the pillars of Griqualand West high schools rugby.

The Kings have been working hard on their fitness ahead of what they know will be a gruelling debut Super Rugby season next year.

Newport Gwent Dragons back row Dan Lydiate will be leaving the region at the end of the season to take up a contract with an undisclosed European team.

Gouws Prinsloo and S'bura Sithole will share the captaincy of a talented and exciting Sharks side at the Premier League Sevens tournament in George.

Marius Jonker, one of the top referees in the world in his time, has decided that he is no longer available for international refereeing.

Heinrich Brussow has been named the toughest Cheetah for 2012.

England Rugby 2015, tournament organisers of the 2015 World Cup, has appointed Neil Snowball to the new role of Rugby Operations Director.

The Golden Lions Rugby Union revealed on Wednesday that Manie Booysen has been appointed the new Chief Executive Officer of the union.

The Reds will host three-time Super Rugby champions the Blues in their opening trial game of the year in Toowoomba on Saturday, February 2.

South Africa's star flank, Bath-based openside Francois Louw, has been cleared on a punching charge by a Rugby Football Union disciplinary hearing.

Sevens star Cecil Afrika returned to training with the Blitzbokke this week.

Leicester Tigers lock Graham Kitchener has agreed a new contract with the club.

Exeter Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter is hopeful of completing the signing of Fijian international Watisoni Votu within the next week.

Wallaby coach Robbie Deans has taken a pragmatic view of Australia’s demanding 2015 World Cup draw.

Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll has revealed that he will not take part in the 2015 World Cup in England as it is “18 months too far.”

RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie has rejected the proposal that the England-Wales World Cup match should be staged in Cardiff.

Scarlets coach Simon Easterby admits he is likely to be without a trio of Wales stars for his team's crucial European Cup matches with Exeter Chiefs.

Glasgow Warriors prop Mike Cusack has been rewarded for his fine form with a new three-year deal, which will see him stay with the Scotstoun outfit until at least May 2016.

Springbok and Bath flank Francois Louw will attend an RFU disciplinary hearing on Tuesday following his red card for punching against Leicester on Saturday.

Ulster centre Darren Cave has agreed a new two year contract with the club that will see him remain at Ravenhill until the summer of 2015.

The Ospreys have moved to strengthen their front row options with the signing of former All Black prop Campbell Johnstone.  

The November internationals provided an intriguing conclusion to Test rugby in 2012; we look back at the action and hand out some awards.

Australia face the prospect of having to play 2015 World Cup pool matches against England at Twickenham and Wales in Cardiff.

France captain Thierry Dusautoir said the three-time losing finalists were seeking "revenge" for last year's heartbreak after being drawn in a "little Six Nations" for the 2015 World Cup in England.  

High-profile former ARL international Israel Folau has signed a one-year contract to play Super Rugby for the Waratahs next season.

Lionel Da Silva of Malta will be refereeing his first Test when he heads for Paphos on the beautiful island of Cyprus for a World Cup Qualifier.

England coach Stuart Lancaster concedes his team had been dealt an unenviable hand at the 2015 World Cup draw in London on Monday.

SRU Chief Executive Mark Dodson says they will in all probability appoint an interim coach for next year’s Six Nations before settling on a permanent appointment.

Jonathan Davies is confident Wales can bounce back from a disappointing November with a big showing in next year's Six Nations.

All Black flyhalf Dan Carter was named the International Rugby Board Player of the Year at the IRB Awards in London on Monday.

Hosts England will have their work cut out for them when they face Australia and Wales in the toughest pool at the World Cup in 2015.

Springbok playmaker Cecil Africa is one of three players who joined the squad on Monday for the Port Elizabeth leg of the IRB Sevens World Series.

Soccer giants Kaizer Chiefs have included three Springbok wings in their squad for the inaugural Sevens Premier League tournament in George next week.

Australia's latest code-hopper, Israel Folau, is expected to be unveiled by the Waratahs at a media briefing on Tuesday.

Jacques Leitao will lead Zimbabwe at the Port Elizabeth leg of the IRB Sevens World Series this week.

November saw some interesting facial hair and plenty of quality international rugby; we salute the best of both in our Team of the Month.

The Wallabies' last-gasp win over Wales in Cardiff at the weekend rounded off an underwhelming season, but was enough to save coach Robbie Deans's job.

New Zealand pundits on Monday blamed tiredness at the end of a long season for the All Blacks' shock loss to England.

Hosts England and reigning champions New Zealand could find themselves in the same pool when the draw for the 2015 World Cup takes place on Monday.

England women beat the Black Ferns of New Zealand for the third toime in eight days.

Receiving opposite number Dan Carter's jersey completed a surreal evening for England flyhalf Owen Farrell on Saturday.

Paddy Jackson's kicking proved the difference as Ulster maintained their perfect Pro12 record with a 19-12 win over the Scarlets on Sunday.

Richard Wigglesworth's second-half try put Saracens on their way to a hard-fought 28-23 victory over an ill-disciplined Gloucester in Watford on Sunday.

Clive Woodward says England are the team to avoid in Monday’s 2015 World Cup draw following their heroics on Saturday.

Nathan Sharpe played 80 gruelling minutes of his final Test match against Wales and took the final conversion kick.

England’s extraordinary triumph over the All Blacks at Twickenham on Saturday was one of the greatest performances the game has ever seen.

Welsh fullback Leigh Halfpenny was discharged from hospital on Sunday, following scans at University Hospital Wales.

Host South Africa were placed in a tough pool for the Port Elizabeth leg of the IRB Sevens World Series.

England's record-breaking 38-21 victory over New Zealand at the weekend was only their seventh win in 35 Tests against the All Blacks.

The All Blacks' humbling 21-38 defeat against England "ruined" their European tour and took the shine off a successful season.

New Zealand captain Richie McCaw said he was facing six months worth of hurt after his final match before taking a break from the game.

B&I Lions coach Warren Gatland will travel to Australia next year buoyed by high Anglo-Irish hopes.

New Zealand coach Steve Hansen said England, as well as his own reigning champions, could win the 2015 World Cup.

Former Bulls flank CJ Stander scored two tries in his run-on debut for Munster to help the Irish province topple Glasgow Warriors 31-3 on Saturday.

Wales coach Warren Gatland was left ruing his side's lack of composure at the death, after Kurtley Beale sealed a dramatic last-minute victory for Australia.

Bath’s Springbok flank Francois Louw was one of the three players red-carded in Leicester Tigers’ 17-12 victory at Welford Road on Saturday.

England captain Chris Robshaw said the criticism the team had received spurred them on to a record-breaking 38-21 victory over New Zealand.

The All Blacks suffered an anticlimactic end to an otherwise stellar season as they slumped to a 31-18 defeat to England at Twickenham on Saturday.

Wales will be confirmed in the third band of directly qualified teams for the World Cup 2015 pool allocation draw.

Legendary record-breaking Springbok Victor Matfield is the latest in a long-line of stars to give their backing to Sevens.

A try in the corner by Australian playmaker Kurtley Beale with 20 seconds left on the clock condemned Wales to a dramatic 12-14 defeat on Saturday.

England handed New Zealand their only defeat of the year, dominating the world champions on their way to a convincing 38-21 victory at Twickenham.

England claimed one of their greatest ever victories when they secured an extraordinary 38-21 win over the All Blacks at Twickenham on Saturday.

Australian Rugby League international Israel Folau has been linked to a move to either the Waratahs or a French club.

Former All Black coach John Mitchell saw the first match in charge of Sale Sharks end in defeat.

Samoa scored a convincing 26-15 win over Pacific rivals New Zealand in the Final at the Dubai Leg of the IRB Sevens World Series on Saturday.

HSBC is offering 30% discount on the official replica Lions shirts.

Second-half tries from Richard Fussell and Morgan Allen helped the Ospreys return to winning ways.

There was no dream start for Sale Sharks' new Director of Rugby John Mitchell.

New Zealand captain Richie McCaw says his players will be fighting fit to face England on Saturday.

Wallaby captain Nathan Sharpe has admitted that hiding his emotions was proving tough ahead of his final Test.

Canada and Portugal joined the top seeds in the Cup competition at the Dubai leg of the IRB Sevens World Series.

South Africa suffered a huge blow when they lost their inspirational captain Kyle Brown with a broken ankle on Friday.

Wales lock Ian Evans has been ruled out of the clash with Australia at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

The SA Under-20 training group will assemble from 2 to 12 December 2012 at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport for a second planning camp in preparation for the defence of their IRB Junior World Championship title in France next June.

Wales were "very motivated" to break a six-match losing streak by recording a first "elusive" victory over Australia in six meetings.

We have one last dash, two more international matches of the year-end season. We bring you the drama LIVE right here!

Former British & Irish Lions captain Gavin Hastings said the abbreviated form of the game is vital to the overall growth of the sport.

Misfiring Paris pair Stade Francais and Racing-Metro will face off in the Stade de France in a Top-14 derby on Saturday.

After yet another largely depressing year-end series for the Home Nations, England and Wales have one last chance to salvage some self-respect.

Portugal put the cat among the pigeons when they beat both South Africa and England to book a place in the Cup quarterfinals in Dubai.

New Zealand may be overwhelming favourites to beat England, but coach Steve Hansen is adamant the world champions won't take their hosts lightly.

Statistics do not read well for Wales going into their last international Test match of 2012 against Australia at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

Dan Carter is back. That makes an enormous difference to New Zealand and the game against England at Twickenham on Saturday.

The pick of the games in the Pro12 Round 10 will not take place until Sunday, when second placed Scarlets welcome table-topping Ulster to Llanelli.

Table-topping Harlequins will look to return to winning ways when the welcome Worcester Warriors to Twickenham Stoop in the opening Round 10 fixture on Friday.

The Wallabies will be fired up to give captain Nathan Sharpe a fitting send-off when they close out the year with a clash with Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.

Bryan Habana’s score against New Zealand in the Rugby Championship has been named as the IRPA Try of the Year 2012.

England made one change to their 12-man squad on the eve of the Dubai Sevens tournament.

Wales have made four changes, all in the pack, to their starting XV to play Australia in their final must-win year-end series match on Saturday.

We take a look at some interesting facts ahead of New Zealand's encounter with England.

Stuart Lancaster has become the latest coach tasked with Test rugby’s greatest challenge - solving the All Black Rubik’s Cube.

The Wales squad has a chance to rebalance the scales following last Saturday's 15-man Test loss to the All Blacks, when Paul John's side play New Zealand in their opening match of the Dubai Sevens.

Openside flank David Pocock will complete his return to on-field duties after being named to start in the Wallabies' Test against Wales.

Young New Zealand prop Pauliasi Manu's career appears to be on a fast track to nowhere, after failing a medical at the Melbourne Rebels.

Suzi, the name given to a stomach bug that flattened the 1995 All Black before the World Cup Final, has resurfaced ahead of New Zealand's final year-end Test against England in London.

The Kenya Football Rugby Union is hoping the unprecedented interest in Sevens will have a positive effect on the 15-a-side game.

Owen Farrell will start his first year-end international, when England face New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday.

Bradley Davies said he holds 'no grudge' against disgraced All Black Andrew Hore, despite the force of the hooker's cheap shot landing him in hospital.

Fiji coach Inoke Male has accused European-based players who fail to make themselves available for the Pacific islanders' national team of lacking patriotism.

James Rodwell has banked two Dubai Sevens titles and is one of three England players aiming to complete an unprecedented treble in the desert this weekend.

Owen Farrell was dramatically included Wednesday among four nominees for the IRB Player of the Year award, even though he is  England's reserve flyhalf.

Disgraced New Zealand hooker Andrew Hore apologised for his cheap shot from behind on Wales lock Bradley Davies.

All Black veterans Dan Carter and Keven Mealamu return from injury to face England at Twickenham on Saturday.

New Zealand's Black Ferns have just lost twice to England in just four days. The third match in the series will be played at Twickenham on Saturday after the men's match between England and the All Blacks.

Springbok Sevens playmaker Cecil Afrika was on Wednesday confirmed as the latest Laureus South Africa Ambassador.

The IRB on Wednesday announced that the Junior World Championship will be held in New Zealand and Italy in 2014 and 2015 respectively.

The Sharks on Wednesday announced changes to their board of directors which would take effect immediately.

All Black captain Richie McCaw is in line to win the IRB Player of the Year award for a fourth time.

Stormers coach Allister Coetzee is relishing the prospect of welcoming Springbok flyhalf Elton Jantjies into the squad.

Stormers coach Allister Coetzee faces a healthy selection poser as far as settling on a captain for the 2013 Super Rugby season is concerned.

The stage is set for the biggest and best Dubai Sevens in the tournament's 43-year history, Round Two of the 2012/13 IRB World Series.

Bulgarian Rugby Federation president Rosen Cholov has been indicted for pimping

Springbok Sevens scrumhalf Branco du Preez suffered a hamstring injury during training on Wednesday and will not play in the Dubai leg of the IRB World Series.

Disgraced All Black hooker Andrew Hore received to what amounted to no more than a slap on the wrist for his unprovoked attack on a Welsh player.

Southern Kings Director of rugby Alan Solomons has finalised his coaching team which he describes as an "English soccer management" set-up.

Australia would love to conquer Wales on Saturday and finish the year as they started - ranked second in the world behind the All Blacks.

Top-flight rugby will return to Soweto when the Bulls face the Lions in the inaugural Gauteng Cup at Orlando Stadium in February.

Australia's second row resources have been further thinned out with the news that lock Sitaleki Timani will miss this weekend's international against Wales.

Wales prop Aaron Jarvis will not play again this season, after suffering a knee ligament injury against the All Blacks.

John Mitchell, less than a week after saying he had 'unfinished business' with the Lions, has started coaching Sale Sharks.

The seven-time Super Rugby champion Crusaders have appointed two new assistant coaches for the 2013 season.

There are more dramatic ups and downs in Welsh rugby than a soap opera, according to Wales scrumhalf Mike Phillips.

Australian lock Rob Simmons had his ban for a dangerous tip-tackle during the Wallabies defeat by France this month cut from eight weeks to five weeks.

David Campese was slammed by current and former players, after a tweet questioning whether women journalists should be writing about rugby.

England centre Brad Barritt insisted his side can do what no side has done in more than a year and defeat New Zealand.

All Black star Dan Carter has been taken aback by England's inability to kick on from 2003 when he remembers them "teaching us a lesson".

Racing-Metro president Jacky Lorenzetti has strenuously denied that the Top 14 club tried to prevent Fiji players from competing in the 2011 World Cup.

Courtney Lawes was on Tuesday included in the 23-man England squad ahead of Saturday’s clash with the All Blacks at Twickenham.

Springbok lock Bakkies Botha will see out his career in France after extending his contract at Toulon until June 2015.

Bath have bolstered their pack with the signings of Pumas prop Eusebio Guinazu and Scarlets loose forward Matt Gilbert.

Sean Maitland has arrived in Glasgow and says his focus is on helping the Warriors become the first Scottish side to win a major European club competition.

England head coach Stuart Lancaster says the squad stand by captain Chris Robshaw following last weekend’s 16-15 defeat to South Africa.

Springbok flyhalf Morné Steyn says reports linking him with a move to French club Stade Francais are premature.

Patrick Lambie has praised Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer for giving him an opportunity to prove his worth at flyhalf on the year-end tour.

Wales forwards coach Robin McBryde insists that a top-eight seeding in the IRB rankings is not on the players' minds ahead of their clash with Australia.

The Lions' playing schedule for 2013 has been revealed, with the Johannesburg franchise set to play a number of international sides in a busy line-up.

New Zealand flyhalf Dan Carter expects to face England at Twickenham on Saturday in the final match of the world champions' European tour.

Zimbabwean-born Springbok prop Brian Mujati is set to leave English Premiership club Northampton Saints at the end of the season to join Racing Metro in Paris.

After a string of frustrating results against Australia towering Welsh lock Luke Charteris is confident that his team can turn things around this weekend.

Gloucester boss Nigel Davies believes that Freddie Burns is in red hot form and set to make a big impact for England.

In Week 3 of the November Tests, Jan Taljaard tells us that the ball was in play longest in the Twickenham match in the rain between England and South Africa but least in Dublin when Ireland played the Argentinians.

Leinster have been struck a blow with the news that young South African lock Quinn Roux has been sidelined for five months with a dislocated shoulder.

The Wallabies are expecting Wales to come hard at them this weekend after suffering six consecutive defeats including their three Tests in Australia in June.

The controversy surrounding All Blacks hooker Andrew Hore has taken a new twist with the suggestion that he was provoked into punching Bradley Davies.

Their unbeaten year-end tour gave the Springboks a win percentage of 58 percent in 2012, leaving coach Heyneke Meyer satisfied.

New Zealand assistant coach Ian Foster has warned his players not to underestimate struggling England ahead of Saturday's meeting at Twickenham.

South Africa captain Jean de Villiers will stay on as Springbok skipper after leading the team to an unbeaten end-of-year tour of Europe.

All Black flyhalf Aaron Cruden received rave reviews after guiding New Zealand to a 33-10 win over Wales at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

My Lions Rugby' app allows you to predict the British & Irish Lions squad for their tour of Australia.

England coach Stuart Lancaster revealed on Monday that flyhalf Toby Flood will be sidelined for his country's Test against New Zealand, due to a toe injury.

South Africa's Player of the Year, record-breaking Springbok wing Bryan Habana, is not going anywhere in the near future.

The Heineken Cup and the Amlin Challenge Cup are back in action for the second weekend of December, and the European Rugby Cup (ERC) has announced the referees for these matches Europe is , after all, in the middle of its season and referees need to be on their toes.

Wales' selectors have delayed announcing the team for their final year-end Test, against Australia at the Millennium Stadium this Saturday.

Argentina were the big losers after Week Three of the year-end internationals.

There are two big ones this year as the Australasian teams stay on in Europe for one last hurrah for 2012.

Ollie Marchon will make a poignant England Sevens debut in Dubai this week after a remarkable journey back into the professional game.

Australian second row forward Sitaleki Timani has been cited to appear before the International Rugby Board disciplinary commission.

Cheetahs flyer Raymond Rhule will be one of the star attractions at the inaugural Sevens Premier League tournament in George next month.

Ireland's convincing victory over Argentina caught the eye of our selectors and sees them lead the way in our Team of the Week.

Former Varsity Cup-winning defence consultant David Wessels has joined the Western Force from the Brumbies for the 2013 Super Rugby season.

Australian coach Michael O'Connor has again been forced to test the depth of Australia's Sevens ranks.

Next year's B&I Lions tour to Australia is nothing but gruelling, the 35-strong squad expected to come together in a short space of time.

The punching by All Black hooker Andrew Hore of Welshman Bradley Davies has revived an unwanted reputation for thuggish behaviour among the World Cup champions.

Waratahs scrumhalf Brendan McKibbin on Monday departed for the United Kingdom to reinforce the Wallabies squad.

Wallaby flyhalf Quade Cooper on Monday said he was putting his Rugby Union career on hold, as he prepares to make his debut in the boxing ring early next year.

England have called up Tom Biggs (Bath), Freddie Burns (Gloucester) and Nick Wood (Gloucester) to their training squad.

All Black coach Steve Hansen stood his ground, despite a second member of the squad being cited for foul play.

Andy Fenby's late try secured Scarlets' first-ever win at Musgrave Park and a first Pro12 win over Munster for five years.

London Wasps sneaked past Leicester Tigers 14-12 to maintain their 100 percent record at Adams Park this season.

New Zealand, South Africa, Australia and France will be in the top four of the IRB rankings for the 2015 World Cup draw.

Quintin van Jaarsveld highlights the good, the bad and the ugly of Heyneke Meyer’s first year in charge of the Springboks.

It has been a long 14 seasons since Dale College enjoyed such spectator support.

Veteran hooker Andrew Hore's brain explosion in the win over Wales at the weekend has forced New Zealand to call in cover.

A badly fractured kneecap will keep Italy and Racing Metro wing Mirco Bergamasco out of action for up to five months.

Steve Hansen refused to call his World Cup champion New Zealand side the best ever.

Andy Robinson has walked out on Scotland in the wake of his team's humiliating 15-21 defeat by Tonga.

South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer said his first year in charge of the Springboks had gone as well as he could have expected.

Ireland coach Declan Kidney conceded that he never believed his side would demolish Argentina with such ease.

England coach Stuart Lancaster insisted his side could give world champions New Zealand a run for their money.

Warren Gatland was left to rue three early injuries as his Welsh side went down 33-10 to the All Blacks.

It was a try. The referee awarded the try and the referee is 'the sole judge of fact and Law during a match'. But was his judgement right.

Australian coach Robbie Deans said rugby's north-south divide is shrinking.

Andy Robinson has refused to rule out quitting as Scotland supremo in the wake of his team's 15-21 defeat by Tonga.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer applauded his team’s defence, discipline and guts after South Africa edged out England 16-15 on Saturday.

Rejuvenated flyhalf Frederic Michalak scored 19 points as France twice came from behind to defeat Samoa 22-14 in their one-off Test in Paris on Saturday.

Northampton Saints returned to winning ways in the Premiership with a 23-16 victory over London Welsh at Franklin's Gardens on Saturday.

Take a bow New Zealand. Not only are you World Cup champions, Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup holders, but you set the bar so high few teams will ever reach it.

Wales started off breathing fire, but ultimate the Red Dragons were slayed in the most efficient fashion by a New Zealand team.

Scotland plunged to the most humiliating defeat in their history when they suffered a shock 15-21 loss to lowly Tonga on Saturday.

New Zealand retained their remarkable decade-long victory run on year-end tours, when they demolished Wales 33-10 in Cardiff on Saturday.

England’s six-year winless streak against South Africa continued as they were bullied by the Springboks in a 16-15 home defeat on Saturday.

Argentina were well beaten by Ireland in their final Test of 2012 - a disappointing result but a blow for their pride after being so dominated up front.

Australia held on through a spirited fightback to escape from Florence with a 22-19 win over Italy on Saturday.

South Africa retained their year-end unbeaten run with  hard-earned 16-15 win over England in a dour arm-wrestle at Twickenham on Saturday.

A dominant Ireland side racked up an impressive 46-24 win over Argentina at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday - an emphatic result for the Men from the Emerald Isle.

Ireland recorded a convincing 46-24 win over Argentina in Dublin on Saturday - a surprisingly big win for the home side who dominated exchanges up front.

It has been a long 14 seasons since Dale College enjoyed such spectator support and an enthusiasm to see “this Dale rugby team”.

The Springboks claimed a tense 16-15 win over England at Twickenham on Saturday to achieve their first Northern Hemisphere clean sweep since 2008.

England came from behind to beat the Black Ferns of New Zealand 16-13 at Esher RFC on Friday evening while France beat the USA 13-0 at Stade Marcel Garcin in Orleans on Wednesday.

The Super Rugby trophy has been marked with synthetic DNA which can be traced in 26 countries.

New Zealand's Maori team overcame a sin-binned player in each half to defeat Canada 32-19 at Oxford University on Friday.

Refereeing guru Paul Dobson takes a look at the do's and don'ts of communication on the field.

Communication has changed the world - and, in its tiny place, the way of refereeing rugby.

Ulster got out of jail for the second weekend in a row in Italy, as they edged a 16-15 win against Treviso that keeps their unbeaten start to the Pro12 season alive.

Stephen Donald won the battle of the former All Black flyhalves as he inspired Bath to a hard-fought 21-15 win over Nick Evans' Harlequins in a Premiership match.

All Black flank Adam Thomson’s suspension for stomping was on Friday extended to two weeks at an IRB appeal hearing at Twickenham.

The Wallabies have been forced to make a late change to their side for Saturday’s Test against Italy in Florence.

England assistant coach Graham Rowntree has called on his side to end their 10-Test winless streak against South Africa on Saturday.

All Black flyhalf Dan Carter has been ruled out of Saturday’s clash with Wales at the Millennium Stadium due to a leg injury.

England-based prop Brian Mujati will have to return to South Africa and play for local teams if he ever wishes to be selected for the Springboks again.

It is week three of the year-end Tests and we again bring you live coverage of the most crucial matches.

Wales insist they won’t go down wondering when they take on the All Blacks in a one-off Test at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

Scotland have been forced to draft Kyle Traynor into the team to face Tonga in Aberdeen on Saturday, after loosehead prop Ryan Grant was ruled out due to injury.

The most capped Springbok of all time, John Smit, delivered a strong message to the Springboks when he handed out the jerseys on Friday.

The GLRU announced on Friday that they have reached a new agreement with John Mitchell, which will see Johan Ackermann take over as head coach.

The ARU on Friday announced that Wallaby scrumhalf Will Genia has agreed to terms  for a further three-years.

England coach Stuart Lancaster has told his side they must win the "breakdown battle".

The former manager of Tonga's national team was jailed in Auckland on Friday.

France will be out to complete a clean sweep of wins in their year-end internationals for the first time since 2005.

Italy coach Jacques Brunel has warned his players to expect a high octane game from Australia in Florence on Saturday.

Ireland are banking on the players that narrowly lost to South Africa to do the business against Argentina.

World Cup champions New Zealand go into their Test match against Wales as overwhelming favourites.

With the completion of their postponed Round Four game against Zebre, Ulster have now pulled out a six-point lead at the top of the Pro12 table.

All Black flyhalf Dan Carter is in doubt for Saturday’s encounter against Wales in Cardiff after pulling up with a leg injury in training.

Last weekend England played No.3 in the world and lost. This week they play No.2 and next week No.1.

Juan Martin Hernandez returns in one of four changes to the Pumas starting line-up for Saturday’s crunch clash against Ireland in Dublin.

Scotland and Tonga clash at Pittodrie Stadium in Aberdeen on Saturday with the Scots desperate to salvage some Test pride.

Premiership action returns this weekend and things heat up with a host of intriguing Round Nine fixtures.

The hearing for the IRB’s appeal against All Black flank Adam Thomson’s sanction will take place in London on Friday.

Injuries to key players have forced four changes in the Samoa XV to take on France at the Stade de France on Saturday.

Italy coach Jacques Brunel has made two changes to his side for Saturday's Test against Australia in Florence.

Bok captain Jean de Villiers and coach Heyneke Meyer added lustre to the Community Cup draw.

South Africa are coming to the end of a very long season, but coach Heyneke Meyer believes the players have "one big effort" in them.

Wales have suffered a late blow ahead of Saturday's clash with New Zealand in Cardiff with wing George North forced to withdraw due to injury.

Stuart Lancaster has made no secret of the fact that he wants England to 'outmuscle' and 'out-kick' South Africa.

Ulster wing Craig Gilroy will make his Test debut for Ireland against Argentina in Dublin on Saturday.

Australian coach Robbie Deans said he is not being disrespectful towards Italy and is just "freshening up" his team.

Joe Launchbury will start his first Test for England in Saturday's third round of year-end internationals against South Africa.

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre on Thursday made three changes to his lineup for the Test match against Samoa.

Talented young Blue Bulls lock Franco Mostert tops the list of new recruits unveiled by the GLRU on Thursday.

Thirty-three-year-old Western Force scrumhalf Brett Sheehan will start his first Test match, six years after his international debut.

New Zealand Sevens coach Gordon Tietjens has turned to Maori star Kurt Baker and fellow outside back Sherwin Stowers.

Bok coach Heyneke Meyer continues to prove his doubters wrong, especially those who brand him as a dour, one-dimensional coach.

All Black coach Steve Hansen pulled out the big guns for New Zealand's encounter with Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.

Eben Etzebeth may have just turned 21, but the lock's role as an 'enforcer' will be invaluable to the Springbok cause.

Argentina tighthead Juan Figallo has been suspended for three weeks for head-butting France captain Pascal Pape.

Brett Sheehan is set to make his starting debut for the Wallabies, at age 33, against Italy in Florence on Saturday.

The IRB will appeal what it strongly believes to be an “unduly lenient" ban handed down to All Black flank Adam Thomson.

Springbok wing Bryan Habana has been shortlisted for the International Rugby Players' Association Try of the Year award.

France flyhalf Frederic Michalak is taking the praise being heaped on him with a pinch of salt and is fully focused on Saturday's game against Samoa.

England assistant coach Andy Farrell expects the team to up the ante in terms of offensive defence when they host the Springboks on Saturday.

Tongan coach Mana 'Otai has made a couple of changes to his team for 'Ikale Tahi's final test match during their current European Tour.

Scotland have made five changes for this coming Saturday's Test against Tonga in Aberdeen.

New Zealand Sevens coach Gordon Tietjens has made a pledge that his team will avenge their loss to Fiji on the Gold Coast.

Boxing promoters are trying to lure controversial Wallabies flyhalf Quade Cooper into the ring.

South Africa made three changes to their squad for the next two rounds of the IRB Sevens World Series.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer has named unchanged starting XV to play England at Twickenham on Saturday.

Mention Argentina to any of the Ireland squad and the word 'physical' will quickly come into the conversation.

The Rebels revealed that they have signed Japan and Wild Knights hooker Shota Horie for the 2013 Super Rugby competition.

The fall-out over Quade Cooper's reported plans to walk out on the Australian Rugby Union escalated on Wednesday.

This coming Saturday shapes as D-Day for several sides.

Springbok stalwart Bismarck du Plessis is not going to rush his return to the playing field.

Wales centre Jamie Roberts has urged the struggling Six Nations champions to put their best foot forward when they face New Zealand.

Racing Metro wing Benjamin Fall was named on Tuesday in France's 24-man squad for Saturday's Test against Samoa in Stade de France.

Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth has been cleared of eye-gouging allegations and will be available for Saturday’s Test against England.

Jonathan Joseph and Ben Morgan were on Tuesday included in a 24-man England squad for Saturday’s Test against the Springboks.

All Black No.8 Kieran Read says Wales remain a top side and will provide a stern challenge in Cardiff on Saturday despite their recent form.

Injury has ruled out three New Zealand Maori players for the team’s final match of their European tour against Canada this weekend.

England assistant coach Andy Farrell has urged the team to summon the spirit of Port Elizabeth when they face South Africa at Twickenham on Saturday.

Springbok kicking coach Louis Koen believes multi-skilled Pat Lambie’s long-term future is at flyhalf.

Ireland flyhalf Johnny Sexton has been declared fit for what manager Michael Kearney considers a ‘must-win’ match against Argentina on Saturday.

Golden Lions prop JC Janse van Rensburg will replace the injured CJ van der Linde in the Springbok squad.

Warren Gatland wasted little time in making his presence felt upon his return as Wales coach, making five changes for Saturday's clash against world champions New Zealand.  

Former Bulls flyhalf and new kicking coach Derrick Hougaard has admitted that he would still like to make a comeback for the Pretoria franchise.

South Africa's top players are coming to the end of a very long and demanding year, but there will be no 'holiday' for the Springboks this week.

Springbok lock legend Victor Matfield has been appointed as the Bulls' forwards and attack coach for Super Rugby next year.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer said he has 'a few options' he will consider as a possible replacement for the injured veteran JP Pietersen.

England Under-20 international Tom Heathcote has been called into the senior Scotland squad ahead of this weekend's international against Tonga in Aberdeen.

If Quade Cooper does walk out on Australian rugby the biggest losers will be the Reds who have already signed the controversial playmaker.

Wales assistant coach Shaun Edwards cannot wait for Warren Gatland to return as the team face the challenge of taking on the All Blacks.

Scotland centre Joe Ansbro returned to London Irish on Monday to continue his rehabilitation after suffering a career-threatening neck injury.

Scotland’s most-capped prop Allan Jacobsen on Monday announced his retirement from international rugby.

Leinster loose forward Rhys Ruddock has been drafted into the Ireland squad ahead of Saturday’s Test against Argentina.

England prop Joe Marler is set to miss Saturday’s Test against the Springboks after suffering a knee injury in last weekend’s loss to Australia.

Wales could be without three key players for the clash with New Zealand at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

South Africa lock Eben Etzebeth has been cited for making contact with the "eye or eye area" of Scotland flyhalf Greig Laidlaw.

Frederic Michalak has kicked France into a solid position on the IRB World Rankings.

The match with the most ball-in-play time this week is Italy vs New Zealand. The least was Scotland vs South Africa.

Seasoned Springbok wing JP Pietersen has a mild groin strain and is doubtful for South Africa's final tour match, against England at Twickenham on Saturday.

World Cup-winning veteran Juan Smith will make a call on his future in the next fortnight, with several options on the table.

The November Tests continue and this weekend no fewer than four South African referees will be refereeing Tests - Craig Joubert, Jaco Peyper and Lourens van der Merwe in Europe and Jason Jaftha down in Swaziland, doing just his second Test.

Wallabies flank Scott Higginbotham will not tone down his aggressive play, despite having copped a two-match suspension.

France's convincing victory over Argentina sees them claim the most places in our Team of the Week after another big weekend of Test action in Europe.

Controversial Wallaby flyhalf Quade Cooper has reportedly dropped a major bomb by walking out on Australian rugby.

Wallaby midfielder Pat McCabe will return to Australia this week after it was confirmed that he had suffered a neck fracture.

Ian Kirkpatrick, great rugby man, died suddenly at his home in Helderberg Village on Sunday.

Former Crusaders assistant coach Daryl Gibson has signed on at the Waratahs for next year's Super Rugby season.

Springbok captain Jean de Villiers may have his critics, but Bok coach Heyneke Meyer is certainly not one of them.

Former World Cup-winning coach Clive Woodward believes inadequate planning led to England’s downfall against Australia at the weekend.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer has received support from a most unlikely source.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer admitted discipline was an issue and they have to improve markedly.

The one was a towering Test rugby lock. The other is a towering WWE presence...

A classic rugby pose almost gone wrong for Bresler. An iconic movie scene by Swayze.

Pumas coach Santiago Phelan on Sunday omitted three players and included Juan Martin Hernandez in his squad for the Test against Ireland on Saturday.

In the final match of the new Tri-Nations series played at Hage-Geingob Stadium in Windhoek, Spain scored a penalty at the death to beat Namibia 38-37 and so win the tournament.

England wing Chris Ashton believes his side were the masters of their own downfall in the 14-20 loss to Australia.

The House of Davids, the moniker given to the Boland Rugby Union, is standing firm.

Toulouse's teenage centre Gael Fickou is one of four players called up to the France squad.

Pat Lambie missed his opportunity to stake a claim for the Springbok No.10 jersey at Murrayfield at the weekend, writes Quintin van Jaarsveld.

Canada ran through Russia to win 35-3 on the north Wales coast on Saturday, their third straight win over the Bears.

Tonga came from 13-5 down to beat the United States 22-13 in a Test on the north Wales coast on Saturday.  

England coach Stuart Lancaster insists his team can bounce back against the Springboks after slumping to defeat against Australia.

A second string New Zealand warmed up for arguably bigger tests against Wales and England with a 42-10 victory over Italy on Saturday.

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans insisted the win over England at Twickenham was a triumph for his players rather than a personal success.

Andy Robinson's Scotland on Saturday were once again left counting the cost of a disjointed display against South Africa which blended moments of top class rugby with periods of sterility.  

Santiago Phelan coach of Argentina was scathing about his side's performance in their 39-22 defeat at the hands of France here on Saturday.  

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre warned his side not to take their foot off the pedal following their 39-22 victory over Argentina.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer said he was happy to accept an "ugly" 21-10 win over Scotland in Saturday's Test match at Murrayfield.

Argentina conceded an early 10-point lead to suffer a 22-39 defeat against France in Lille on Saturday.

France continued their impressive year-end form with a deserving 39-22 demolition of a willing Argentina in Lille on Saturday.

France produced a dominant performance to secure a comfortable 39-22 victory over their bogey side Argentina in Lille on Saturday.

Melbourne Rebels pair Cadeyrn Neville and Mitch Inman have been drafted into the Wallaby squad for the remainder of the end-of-year tour.

The mystery surrounding John Mitchell's negotiations to return to Sale Sharks in England deepened at the weekend.

Craig Gilroy stole the spotlight as he scored three tries in Ireland's 53-0 rout of Fiji in a non-cap international at Thomond Park on Saturday.

The Wallabies probably extended Robbie Deans' stay in Australia, but their 20-14 win over England wasn't a pretty affair.

England wore odd-coloured purple-like jerseys and they played as if they were in that haze Jimmy Hendrix always sang about.

Scotland let themselves down against South Africa at Murrayfield on Saturday after showing some promise against New Zealand.

A dominant second-half display saw the All Blacks secure a comfortable 42-10 victory over Italy at the Olympic Stadium in Rome on Saturday.

Australia bounced back from last week's hammering to beat England 20-14 in a scrappy affair at Twickenham on Saturday.

Hooker and vice-captain Adriaan Strauss scored two tries as South Africa beat Scotland 21-10 in a dour arm-wrestle at Murrayfield on Saturday.

The Springboks made it two from two on their end-of-year tour with a 21-10 win over a spirited Scotland side at Murrayfield on Saturday.

After each side has beaten Zimbabwe, the final match of the Tri-Nations being played in Windhoek will decide whether Spain or Namibia will be the winner of this new tournament.

Springbok prop Tendai Mtawarira is recovering from a successful minor medical procedure to correct an intermittent irregular heart rhythm he experienced last weekend.  

Wales interim coach Rob Howley insists the prospect of facing world champions New Zealand can lift his team after their loss to Samoa.

Samoa scored another upset in Cardiff, beating Wales 26-19 in a thrilling encounter at the Millennium Stadium on Friday.

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre called on his team to reproduce the same performance against Argentina as the one in the 33-6 win over Australia.

Argentina were focused solely on playing France in Lille on Saturday in the second of their November Tests.

Scotland forward Alasdair Strokosch will miss his side's Test match with South Africa on Saturday due to a calf strain.

Australian utility back Adam Ashley-Cooper has warned his teammates to pay close attention to England's "mongrel" wing Chris Ashton.

Perpignan president Paul Goze was on Friday elected as head of the French national league (LNR), which oversees the professional 15-a-side game in France.

Juan de Jongh has all the attributes to be a really good Springbok centre, according to his captain and midfield partner Jean de Villiers.

It is the second weekend of the Novembers Tests and we are set for another round of high drama.

Maleli Kunavore, the former Fiji international wing who played his club rugby for Toulouse in France, has died in hospital in the capital Suva at age 29.

A revamped Ireland team will be determined to show what they are capable of when they take on Fiji at Thomond Park on Saturday.  

All Blacks legend Bob Scott, hailed as "the complete fullback", died in his North Island home early Friday aged 91, the New Zealand Rugby Union said.

Wallabies playmaker Kurtley Beale will face court next year on an assault charge relating to an incident involving a bouncer at a Brisbane hotel in June.  

Scotland skipper Kelly Brown believes that his side have the game to once again sink South Africa in Saturday's Test match at Murrayfield.

New Zealand have made sweeping changes to the team to face Italy, but it is not a charitable move.

The Wallabies will feel that they have something to prove when they take on England in their Cook Cup clash at Twickenham on Saturday.

Scotland matches against South Africa always stir up memories of the famous Murrayfield massacre.

France will be determined to show coach Philippe Saint-Andre against bogey team Argentina that they can e consistent.

Current President of the BBRU, Louis Nel, was on Thursday re-elected for another two-year stint at the helm of the union.

Ryan Jones will captain Wales for a record 29th time as they bid to bounce back against Samoa at Millennium Stadium on Friday night.

England coach Stuart Lancaster is not concerned about wing Chris Ashton’s discipline heading into Saturday’s match against Australia at Twickenham.

Ospreys second row forward Alun-Wyn Jones looks set to miss the start of Wales' defence of their Six Nations title.

Juan Imhoff has been described as a 'little phenomenon' by Racing-Metro teammate Dimitri Szarzewski.

Italy coach Jacques Brunel has made eight changes to the side that beat Tonga 28-23 last week ahead of Saturday's test against New Zealand.

Scotland attack coach Gregor Townsend is confident an improving Scottish side will defeat South Africa at Murrayfield on Saturday.

The Ireland XV to play Fiji at Thomond Park in Saturday's non-cap international has three uncapped players.

Wallaby legend George Gregan named his Aussie starting XV to face the 2013 B&I Lions.

Ex-Wallaby wing David Campese has launched a stunning attack on Australian coach Robbie Deans and has called for him to be sacked. 

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer wants to take South Africa's players out of their comfort zone to ensure they win more regularly on the road.

World Cup-winning Springbok lock Mark Andrews believes Eben Etzebeth is being set up for disappointment by the South African coaching staff.

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre made one change from the team that beat Australia, bringing in second row Yoann Maestri for the Test against Argentina.

Robbie Kempson, a former Springbok prop, has escaped facing 'assault' charges in Bermuda - after he was arrested by police.

Chris Ashton's recall is the only change to the England starting line-up for Saturday's international against Australia at Twickenham.

Wallaby coach Robbie Deans has made four changes to his team to play England in the Cook Cup Test in London on Saturday.

Scotland feel that if they 'front up physically' to South Africa they will be able to beat a Springbok team that plays a very 'simple and direct' game.

Kieran Read will captain the All Blacks for the first time in Saturday's Test against Italy - a radically revamped team.

The IRB promised a revision of its disciplinary system after a one-week ban given to New Zealand's Adam Thomson for stamping.

It may be a cliche, but it is also a home truth - Heyneke Meyer is in the process of rebuilding the Springbok brand.

The last time Toby Flood faced Australia he kicked 25 points but he knows this weekend’s Cook Cup clash will be a huge challenge.

All Black flank Adam Thomson will miss Saturday’s Test against Italy after receiving a one-week suspension for stamping.

Australia lock Rob Simmons will miss the rest of the Wallabies' tour of Europe after being handed an eight-week ban for a tip-tackle on Yannick Nyanga.

Ireland forwards coach Gert Smal says there is a 'positive energy' in the Irish camp at present as a number of young players embark on their international careers.

Veteran Springbok prop Jannie du Plessis may not be able to train at all this week, but he will be 'fit' to face Scotland on Saturday.

Samoa have recalled their big-name players for the Test against Six Nations champions Wales at the Millennium Stadium on Friday.

Argentina were dealt a blow with news that veteran Felipe Contepomi has been ruled out for up to four months with a knee ligament injury.

Scotland have made two changes to their starting XV and a further four alterations to their bench for Saturday's Test against South Africa.

With the World Cup 2015 draw due next month, the only certainty is that New Zealand will finish No.1. For the rest it remains a mad scramble.

Ryan Jones will lead Wales against Samoa this weekend after Sam Warburton was dropped to the bench in one of eight changes to Rob Howley's side.

Robbie Kempson, a former Springbok prop, was arrested by police in Bermuda over an incident in a match at the World Rugby Classic.

We take a look at the stats and facts ahead of South Africa's Test against Scotland on Saturday.

The All Blacks may be forced to shelve plans to give their new midfield pairing an extended run on the year-end tour.

Chiefs prop Ben Tameifuna will face up to a New Zealand Rugby Union misconduct hearing after yet another driving misdemeanour.

The Springbok team to face Scotland on Saturday has two changes from the one that beat Ireland last weekend.

English Premiership club Gloucester came from 18-0 down after 33 minutes to beat Fiji 31-29 at Kingsholm Stadium on Tuesday.

Leicester handed the New Zealand Maori their first defeat in five years by prevailing 32-24 at Welford Road on Tuesday.

Flank Yannick Nyanga's return to the French team after a five-year break was an emotional one, and he does not intend giving up his spot without a fight.

Former France and Toulouse hooker William Servat will come out of retirement for the second time this season and captain the French Barbarians against Japan.

Stirling Mortlock believes Wallabies coach Robbie Deans is safe from the axe because it would be too hard to replace him before the British Lions tour.

Australia's Michael Hooper has insisted he won't have any concerns about split loyalties when Australia play England at Twickenham on Saturday.

Scotland have welcomed the change of pace the Springboks’ conservative gameplan will provide on Saturday after being routed by the All Blacks.

Chris Ashton has been named in England coach Stuart Lancaster's 23-man training squad ahead of Saturday's Test against Australia at Twickenham.

The Springboks plan to employ a smarter, forwards-driven approach in their second end-of-year Test against Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday.

Italy are not worried about whether Richie McCaw plays them or not, they know they face a massive task this weekend regardless.

Injuries have forced Argentina coach Santiago Phelan to tweak his backline for Saturday's Test match against France in Lille.

Wales have suffered a double blow up front with the news that forwards Alun Wyn Jones and Josh Turnbull have been ruled out of the rest of their year-end Tests.

Although he will be sidelined for the next few months, veteran Pumas inside back Felipe Contepomi has no intention on calling time on his career.

SARU have confirmed the 20-team field for the inaugural Community Cup for South Africa's top club rugby teams which kicks off in February.

There were 10 new faces when a Cheetahs training squad of 50 players began Super Rugby preparations in Bloemfontein on Monday.  

Thanks to the magic of Jan Taljaard, we have the time for ball in play during eight Tests at the start of November's rugby fiesta.

Lions coach John Mitchell is back with the Lions after a four-month absence and wants to lay foundations for the team to "move forward".

The Wallabies will be without star flank David Pocock and lock Kane Douglas in their clash with England at Twickenham on Saturday.

Italy coach Jacques Brunel has acknowledged that his team face a tough task up against the world champion All Blacks in Rome this weekend.

Australia flyer Digby Ioane is looking forward to launching his Test comeback against England's "pretty wingers" at Twickenham this coming Saturday.

All Blacks centre Sonny Bill Williams has confirmed his return to Rugby League by agreeing a one-year deal with the Sydney Roosters in Australia's NRL.

New Zealand's Adam Thomson and Australia's Rob Simmons could both miss the rest of their countries' European Test tours after being cited.

The Springboks could blood a new captain in their second end-of-year Test against Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday.

Wallaby lock Rob Simmons could miss Saturday’s Test against England at Twickenham after being cited for a dangerous tackle.

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre has named an unchanged 24-man squad for the Test against Argentina in Lille on Saturday.

Scotland were left battered and bruised following their 51-22 drubbing by New Zealand in Edinburgh last Sunday.

Junior Springbok coach Dawie Theron has left no stone unturned in the preparations for his team's defence of their Junior World championship title next year.

South Africa and France were the big movers after the first round of November Test matches.

Wales face a tense wait to see which of their crocked players will recover from injury in time for their clash with Samoa on Friday.  

Jason Jaftha of South Africa will be refereeing his very first Test when Spain play Zimbabwe in Windhoek. The rugby world will be wishing the 28-year-old well.

Fullback Israel Dagg is the only injury concern for the All Blacks ahead of their clash with Italy this weekend

Argentina prop Marcos Ayerza is looking forward to "massive" games against France and Ireland buoyed by the Pumas' "huge achievement" in defeating Wales.

The licences for the Crusaders and Hurricanes Super Rugby franchises will be partially sold-off to private investors, the NZRU said Monday.

No quarter was given when the year-end Tests kicked off on Armistice weekend, which is reflected by the spread of countries in our selection.

Bok prop Tendai Mtawarira will return to South Africa, following a decision that it would be in his best interests not to continue with SA's year-end tour.

Lock Kane Douglas played in the Wallabies' loss to France at the weekend while his mother was in an induced coma in a London hospital.

Australian pundits on Monday rounded on the Wallabies and under-fire coach Robbie Deans after the "infuriating predictability" of their loss to France in Paris.

Wales prop Gethin Jenkins has told his teammates the Six Nations Grand Slam champions must "play in the right territory" against Samoa on Friday.

England coach Stuart Lancaster is expecting an Australia backlash when his side face the Wallabies at Twickenham this weekend.

World Cup finalists France carried the flag for the Northern Hemisphere at the weekend.

Anxious All Black coach Steve Hansen will discover Monday if flank Adam Thomson will be ruled out of the rest of their European tour.

Namibia led Zimbabwe 34-18 in the second half but the Sables came back and ended just four points behind at 37-33.

Springbok captain Jean de Villiers pointed to his team's defence as the key to their first away victory of the year against Ireland in Dublin.

Scotland became the first team to score three tries against the All Blacks this year but it was not enough as the world champions cruised to victory.

Biarritz centre Marcelo Bosch and Montpellier fullback Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino have been included in the Argentina squad to face France on Saturday in Lille.

The All Blacks turned on the style in their six-try drubbing of Scotland at Murrayfield on Sunday, with Dan Carter running the show.

The All Blacks ran in six tries on their way to a 51-22 victory over a determined Scotland side at Murrayfield on Sunday.

Saturday’s come-from-behind win over Ireland was the most significant result of the season for the Springboks, writes Quintin van Jaarsveld.

Scrumhalf Tavis Knoyle believes Wales must stay positive following their 12-26 defeat to Argentina in Cardiff at the weekend.

Irish captain Jamie Heaslip has put his hand up and took the blame for his team's second-half capitulation against South Africa.

Samoa may be sweating on the fitness of skipper David Lemi, but they have unearthed another wing wonder.

Italy skipper Sergio Parisse has warned his side could be punished by the All Blacks.

Wales are sweating on the fitness of two of their marquee players, centre Jamie Roberts and lock Alun Wyn Jones.

England coach Stuart Lancaster has told his side they will need to sharpen up their act when they face the world's best sides over the coming weeks.

Fiji coach Inoke Male accused European clubs of weakening his side and ridding the Pacific Islanders of their natural flair.

Australian coach Robbie Deans was left shell-shocked and searching for answers after seeing his team convincingly put to the sword by France.

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre, known as a dazzling wing, has instilled a steely level of defensive nous in his team.

Coach Heyneke Meyer admitted he delivered a few choice words at half-time to turn South Africa's 'unacceptable' performance into victory.

The Wallabies were outplayed in just about all departments as they slumped to a demoralising 33-6 defeat to France in Paris on Saturday.

France delivered a quality all-round performance to defeat the Wallabies 33-6 in Paris - their first victory over Australia since 2005.

Frederic Michalak scored 15 points as he steered France to a convincing 33-6 victory over Australia on Saturday,.