World Cup

Veteran Leitch: Japan can win World Cup

Japan loose forward Michael Leitch believes his team can win this year’s World Cup, claiming they have the best side the country has produced.

Foster: All Blacks relishing underdog tag

Ian Foster believes the unfamiliar underdog tag his side faces will increase their title hopes at the World Cup, despite few giving the All Blacks a chance to win this year’s event.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 17: Israel Dagg of the All Blacks tackles Christian Leali'ifano of the Wallabies during The Rugby Championship Bledisloe Cup match between the Australian Wallabies and the New Zealand All Blacks at ANZ Stadium on August 17, 2013 in Sydney, Australia.

Samoa select All Blacks, Wallabies stars

Samoa have bolstered their hopes for an excellent World Cup campaign by selecting three former All Blacks and an experienced Wallabies playmaker.

epa09819040 Italy's head coach Kieran Crowley looks on during warm-up before the Six Nations rugby union tournament match between Italy and Scotland at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Italy, 12 March 2022.

Italy sack head coach Crowley

New Zealander Kieran Crowley will step down as Italy coach after this year’s World Cup in France after the Italian rugby federation (FIR) said it would not be renewing his contract.

Kolisi back for World Cup

The Springboks have confirmed that captain Siya Kolisi is on track to return from his knee injury in time for the World Cup warm-up matches.

Gatland regrets Wales return

Warren Gatland has admitted that he would not have returned for a second stint as Wales head coach if he knew about the rugby issues in the country.

Tonga net a giant Wallaby

Former Wallabies second-rower Adam Coleman has become the latest player to switch allegiances to Tonga in a 35-man squad for the World Cup warm-up Tests.

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 20: Jonathan Sexton reacts after the Heineken Champions Cup Final between Leinster Rugby and Stade Rochelais at Aviva Stadium on May 20, 2023 in Dublin, Ireland.

Sexton in hot water

Johnny Sexton has been hit with a misconduct letter for his comments towards referee Jaco Peyper in a blow to the Ireland flyhalf’s preparation for the World Cup.

‘All Blacks’ ready to ambush Boks at World Cup

Boosted by former All Blacks and Wallabies, Tonga will target the Springboks for an upset at the 2023 World Cup in France.

Frans Steyn of South Africa during the 2022 Castle Lager Rugby Championship match between South Africa and Argentina held at Kings Park in Durban on 24 September 2022

Steyn’s World Cup dream over?

The Springboks appear to have accepted that Frans Steyn won’t recover from a knee injury in time to make the final squad that will travel to France for the World Cup.