The second row's call up to the France squad following Paul Willemse's injury has sparked an outcry in France
James Harrington
Who is Michael Cheika: Ten things you should know about Argentina coach
Michael Cheika’s playing career took in stints in Australia, France and Italy, and his coaching career is just as travelled. He started out in Italy, courtesy of a Wallaby legend,…
Who is Joe Schmidt: Ten things you should know about All Blacks’ assistant
All Blacks’ assistant coach Joe Schmidt has enjoyed a storied career as a coach. He’s taken Leinster to the top of the European rugby tree, and guided Ireland to previously…
Watch: Ronan O’Gara in touchline scuffle with Clermont’s Benjamin Urdapilleta
La Rochelle are to demand that disciplinary officials take action after their head coach Ronan O’Gara was involved in a touchline scuffle with Clermont’s Argentinian fly-half Benjamin Urdapilleta in a…
England face Rugby World Cup travel chaos amid strike
A planned walkout by French air traffic controllers could create Rugby World Cup travel chaos for several nations and their fans – including England and Wales. The SNCTA, the country’s…
Rugby World Cup power rankings after warm-up games
With the long-awaited Rugby World Cup finally upon us, the question is who’s hot and who’s not in unofficial power rankings now the warm-up matches are done and dusted? While…
Rugby World Cup bonus points explained
Bonus points have been part of the Rugby World Cup ecosystem since Australia 2003. For longer-term fans, they are now part of the tournament furniture, but for anyone relatively new…
Rugby World Cup fantasy game – how to play
If the Rugby World Cup is not enough, fans can now add to the interest and excitement by taking part in the official – and free – Rugby World Cup…
Why the All Blacks should fear France’s Dupont-Jalibert axis
France are bedding in an unwanted and crucial change to their World Cup plans, with Antoine Dupont and Matthieu Jalibert in a race against time to clutch, declutch their skills…
Why All Black Scott Barrett escaped ban after red card
Scott Barrett is available for New Zealand’s Rugby World Cup opener against France on September 8 after avoiding a ban following his red card against South Africa. The second row received…