Rugby Union

Rugby union faces a tough task balancing its core values of respect and sportsmanship with the increasingly cynical requirements of the professional era

Dec 10, 2009 - Stewart Mitchell

The major centres of Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch have the lion's share of matches but ten other New Zealand cities will also host Rugby World Cup 2011 matches.

Oct 30, 2009 - Stuart Duncan

The International Olympic Committee votes to re-include rugby union at the 2016 and 2020 Games.

Oct 16, 2009 - Stuart Duncan

Caldy RFC defeated Loughborough to go above them in the table in what was a scrappy game at the top of National League Two North.

Oct 10, 2009 - Edward White

Italian clubs will join the nine year old competition to provide a more competitive environment for Italian rugby union, currently the whipping boys of the Six Nations.

Oct 7, 2009 - Jeffrey Baxter

Mention sport in India and most people think of cricket or hockey. Greg Davey, however, is taking steps to improve rugby's presence on South Asia's sporting landscape.

Sep 23, 2009 - Stuart Forster

A study in the British Journal of Medicine claims that Injuries to Rugby Union players in Britain have almost doubled since the sport turned professional in 1995.

Jul 16, 2009 - Stuart Duncan

The try, worth five points, is the major form of scoring in rugby, and involves forcing the ball in the opposing team's in-goal area.

Jul 16, 2009 - Stuart Duncan

It's not well known that rugby has been on the Olympic program on four occasions- in Paris in 1900, London in 1908, Antwerp in 1920 and Paris in 1924.

Jul 16, 2009 - Stuart Duncan

Newcomers to Rugby Union often wonder about the difference between a loosehead and tighthead prop, and why the Halfback puts the ball in from the left side of the scrum.

Jul 16, 2009 - Stuart Duncan

The New Zealand rugby coach, Graham Henry and his assistants Wayne Smith and Steve Hansen will extend their involvement with the team to eight years.

Jul 16, 2009 - Stuart Duncan

New Zealand rugby fans will be relieved by the return for the 2009 Tri Nations tourney of key players, including captain Richie McCaw.

Jul 15, 2009 - Stuart Duncan

Crusaders and All black first-five Daniel Carter is to stay with his home province of Canterbury despite an offer from Auckland.

Jul 8, 2009 - Stuart Duncan

The draw for the Heineken Cup was made in Paris on 9 June 2009. The premier cup competition in Europe sees the continents top rugby union teams battle for European glory.

Jun 9, 2009 - John O'Connor

The draw for the pools section of the Rugby World Cup determines which teams will meet in the quarter finals, and is of particular importance to the less favoured teams.

May 24, 2009 - Stuart Duncan

Coin Meads, voted New Zealand's rugby player of the century, and already the recipient of the New Zealand Order of Merit, has decided to accept a Knighthood.

May 12, 2009 - Stuart Duncan

Australia, South Africa and New Zealand compete annually for the Tri Nations trophy and 2009 will see the competition as fierce as ever. Full tournament details follow.

Mar 27, 2009 - John O'Connor

The British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa is a major sporting occasion. Full details of the highly anticipated 2009 series follow below.

Mar 26, 2009 - John O'Connor

Featured below is an extensive explanation and evaluation of the Experimental Law Variations that will be introduced to worldwide Rugby Union from 1st August 2008.

Jul 10, 2008 - Luke Gray

The 2009 Six Nations fixture list has been released. Holders Wales begin against Scotland and 2009 will see the first Friday night game in the history of the tournament.

Apr 23, 2008 - John O'Connor

Wales won the 2008 Six Nations Championship and completed the Grand Slam after beating France in the final game of the tournament.

Mar 17, 2008 - John O'Connor

Scotland, Wales and France win in the latest round of Six Nations matches played on Saturday March 8th and Sunday March 9th.

Mar 9, 2008 - John O'Connor

In four tightly contested games, the Brumbies and the Force registered wins but the Reds and the Tahs went down.

Feb 28, 2008 - Paul McCann

Wales, England and Ireland win in the third round of matches played in the Rugby Union Six Nations Championship on 23 February 2008.

Feb 26, 2008 - John O'Connor

The Reds finally secure a win in Super rugby but the Force lose a tough opener in week one of the 2008 Super 14 Rugby season.

Feb 20, 2008 - Paul McCann