Rugby Union: July 2008 - news archive

New Ireland coach Declan Kidney has included fit-again trio Gordon D'Arcy, Andrew Trimble and Leo Cullen in his first squad.

New Zealand have revealed that Richard Kahui, usually an outside centre, will play on the wing for Saturday's clash with Australia.

New Zealand have been dealt another major blow as Leon MacDonald will be missing from their Tri-Nations match with Australia.

Leeds Carnegie have confirmed the capture of Bristol fly-half Jason Strange on a two-year deal.

Australia coach Robbie Deans felt his side's strong defence was the difference between the sides as they beat New Zealand on Saturday.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry knows he must act fast to arrest the declining fortunes of his side after Saturday's defeat to Australia.

Australia continued their unbeaten run under coach Robbie Deans with a sensational 34-19 Tri-Nations win over New Zealand.

New Zealand have made five changes to the side that suffered a first home defeat in five years when they take on Australia in Sydney.

Newcastle Falcons have completed the cross-code deal to sign Leeds Rhinos and England winger Danny Williams.

Cardiff Blues skipper Xavier Rush is set to to sidelined out for the remainder of the year with his knee injury.

New Zealand captain Richie McCaw and Australia skipper Stirling Mortlock will both miss Saturday's Tri Nations game in Sydney.

Captain and talisman Richie McCaw has a "50/50" chance of making an unexpected return for the All Blacks against Australia.

Wales centre Gavin Henson has promised "an exciting time" for Ospreys fans after signing a new three-year contract.

Australia started their Tri-Nations campaign with a hard-fought 16-9 victory over South Africa in Perth.

Sale Sharks and former England winger Steve Hanley has been forced to retire after failing to recover from a back injury.

Edinburgh's Chris Paterson says the type of rugby in the Magners League is more open and attractive than in England's Premiership.

Ex-All Black scrum-half Justin Marshall has left the Ospreys and joined French club Montpellier on a one-year deal.

Mike Brown has vowed to win back his England place after being found guilty of misconduct on the ill-fated New Zealand summer tour.

Scrum-half Julien Dupuy has joined Leicester Tigers from French Top 14 club Biarritz on a two-year deal.

The northern hemisphere countries are being urged to adopt the Experimental Law Variations for the sake of the sport.

New Zealand's Mils Muliaina says he believes this year's Tri-Nations will be the closest ever after their defeat by South Africa.

South Africa hooker Bismarck du Plessis has been handed a three-week ban following a disciplinary hearing in Dunedin.

Argentina scrum half Agustin Pichot has announced he has retired from international rugby with immediate effect.

Ricky Januarie's late try meant South Africa ended their 10-year duck in New Zealand as they secured a dramatic 30-28 win.

St Helens have been granted planning permission for their new stadium without the need for a public inquiry.

England and Wales are pondering a joint bid for the right to host the Rugby World Cup in 2015.

Crocked England star Danny Cipriani has turned to Ieuan Evans to help in his rehabilitation from a serious ankle injury.

England fly-half Danny Cipriani has been receiving advice from ex-Wales captain Ieuan Evans in his battle to overcome an ankle injury.

England and Gloucester centre Mike Tindall has pleaded guilty to a charge of drink driving in Berkshire on March 15.

New Zealand lock Brad Thorn will miss next weeks match in the Tri-Nations against South Africa after being banned for a week.

Australia turned in a devastating performance to thump France 40-10 in Brisbane with Matt Giteau finishing with 20 points.

New Zealand started their Tri-Nations campaign with a bruising 19-8 win over the reigning world champions South Africa.

The Guinness Premiership play-off final will now be held two weeks before the British and Irish Lions' opener in South Africa in 2009.

Danny Cipriani is tipping Wasps team-mate Riki Flutey to provide the spark in attack and become a "massive asset" to England.

Argentina are in negotiations with South Africa, New Zealand and Australia's unions about expanding the Tri-Nations competition.

New England coach Martin Johnson has said he is prepared to be judged by the same criteria as every other manager.

Rob Andrew has confirmed talks aimed at appointing a new England attack coach - thought to be Brian Smith - are ongoing.

Wales international Gavin Henson will miss the start of the new season, his club Ospreys have confirmed.

New team manager Martin Johnson has dropped World Cup winners Mike Tindall and Ben Kay from his first England elite squad.