Rugby Union: August 2008 - news archive

Danny Cipriani says he is hoping to return to action in October as he is making better-than-expected progress recovering from injury.

South Africa ran riot in Johannesburg thumping Australia 53-8 and undermining the Wallabies' Tri-Nations bid.

Brian O'Driscoll will partner Felipe Contepomi at centre in a strong Leinster side to take on Queensland Reds on Saturday.

The Rugby Football Union has abandoned its policy of helping to fund cross-code transfers from rugby league.

The Magners League have announced changes to the Championship for the 2009/10 season, with a play-off being introduced.

The Ospreys have tied their thirteenth player this year to a longer deal after Andrew Bishop penned a four-year contract.

South African scrum-half Michael Claassens has committed himself to Bath, signing a two-year extension at the Rec.

Sale Sharks coach Kingsley Jones believes new signing Anitelia Tuilagi will bring a new dimension to his side.

South Africa will be without star winger Bryan Habana for the final two matches of their Tri-Nations campaign.

New Zealand proved too strong for South Africa in Cape Town to increase their lead at the top of the Tri-Nations table.

Australia have expressed an interest in holding their third Rugby World Cup as they bid to host the 2015 tournament.

Ospreys and Wales hooker Richard Hibbard has had surgery on his right shoulder and will sit out the first few weeks of the season.

Former ACT Brumbies and Australia A coach Matt O'Connor has been appointed by Leicester as the new backs coach at Welford Road.

South Africa coach Peter de Villiers has hailed Percy Montgomery who is set to win his 100th cap at the weekend.

England's fly-half Danny Cipriani is making good progress in his rehabilitation from a broken ankle at the Surrey Centre for Sport.

Declan Kidney is not planning to make wholesale changes to the Ireland rugby union side after taking over from Eddie O'Sullivan.

Seven second-half tries eased South Africa to a huge 63-9 victory over poor Argentina in Johannesburg.

New Ireland coach Declan Kidney has dropped a big hint he may appoint a new captain to ease the pressure on Brian O'Driscoll.

Samoan international centre Elvis Seveali'i has become London Irish head coach Toby Booth's first signing since replacing Brian Smith.

New Zealand A scrum-half Jamie Nutbrown is on the verge of a move to Magners League outfit Ospreys.

England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson says it would be 'an honour' and 'an absolute joy' to be asked to skipper his country.

Gloucester centre Leon Lloyd says his decision to quit rugby due to injury 'hasn't quite sunk in yet'.

Natal Sharks centre Brad Barritt has signed a three-year deal with Saracens to begin after the conclusion of the Currie Cup.

Raphael Ibanez paid tribute to predecessor Lawrence Dallaglio after being named the new Wasps' captain.

South Africa have omitted Francois Steyn, Ruan Pienaar, Odwa Ndungane and Gurthro Steenkamp from the squad to face Argentina.

New Zealand gained revenge for last week's loss against Australia with a 39-10 win in the Bledisloe Cup/Tri-Nations clash at Eden Park.