The fuddy-duddy tournament organisers have stopped England's opponents from sprouting a green look for tonight's winner-take-all qualifier. Maybe the parting comment should come from the Bar-bars. . . Posted September 28, 2007 by Donna Gee
The men from South America may have bowed out of the World Cup, but they are rising stars in the global rugby landscape. It's time to give them a slot in one of the major competitions. Posted October 15, 2007 by Darren Maslin
The Wellington leg of the IRB Sevens World Series gets under way on Friday with the host nation defending a perfect record. For the fans, it all means costumes, drinking, dancing and maybe watching a little rugby. More... Posted January 30, 2008 by Hamish McBrearty
Can the International Rugby Board do as bad a job with their World Cup as the ICC are doing with theirs? Or will they learn? Posted April 12, 2007 by Lindsay Cohen
In-form South Africa look most likely to upset New Zealand come the autumn. But will they peak too early? And which other countries are in the mix? Posted May 31, 2007 by Peter Sickle
Recent test series' in the Southern Hemisphere have shown that world rugby could be facing a crisis unless a global season is agreed to. Posted June 10, 2007 by Hamish McBrearty
An IRB judicial hearing in Paris has suspended All Black Sione Lauaki for two weeks for a dangerous tackle - ruling him out until the Final. Since no one was hurt, it seems harsh punishment indeed. Posted October 02, 2007 by Hamish McBrearty
The young Serbian is the up-and-comer on the ATP circuit, but how long will it be before he splits the world's top two? Posted May 09, 2008 by James Mortimer
The World Cup is well under way in France – but the game's authorities could be doing more to ensure the sport is clean of drugs. Posted September 14, 2007 by Robin Parisotto
The result of the Group A clash between favourites Australia and South Africa may well have a crucial bearing on the final outcome. Posted March 08, 2007 by Sports Freak
The IRB Pacific Nations Cup and Churchill Cup will be the launching pads for a new generation of All Blacks. Posted May 24, 2007 by Scott Donaldson
The seeding system for the next Rugby World Cup has changed, and new boss Martin Johnson needs to make a winning start to avoid a Group of Death. Posted April 19, 2008 by James Hutchison
The Springboks have the weakest relative position amongst the top teams, so isn't it time the World Champions had a bigger say in what goes on in the game? Posted May 16, 2008 by Greg Smith
Wayne Barnes' poor performance in the New Zealand-France quarter final has highlighted the IRB's failings in choice of officials for top games. Political appointments should give way to performance. Posted October 21, 2007 by Hamish McBrearty
Rugby Union's governing body are keen to take the emphasis off defence-orientated play - but at least one coach believes 2008 is not the right time to introduce experimentation into Super 14. Posted October 23, 2007 by Hamish McBrearty
The Kiwis have become the third country after Scotland and Australia to try out the International Rugby Board's Experimental Law Variations. And the initial vibes are good. Posted May 24, 2007 by Hamish McBrearty
Football flops, Rugby World Cup agony, F1 failure – the Henman factor makes for plucky losers who invariably manage to bottle it when it comes to the ultimate prize. Posted October 24, 2007 by Craig Hackney
Along with players, umpires are being pushed to the brink to perform. And now with fear of being 'Bucknored' by the ICC, how can they ever get it right? Posted May 21, 2008 by Dr. Akshay Nair
Australia have been demolished and the world seems to be witnessing a shift in the power game. But fielding lapses and the lack of a world-class all-rounder could be the undoing of Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men. Posted November 10, 2008 by James Mortimer
The Springboks hold the mantle of World Champions – whilst New Zealand rank a close second. But with the Southern Hemisphere international season still in its infancy, where do the nations stand? Posted April 18, 2008 by James Mortimer
The pair currently ranked Nos. 2 and 3 in the world are both capable of knocking the Swiss magician off his perch. But who will it be? Posted March 24, 2008 by Abe Battjes
The Serbian ace has the talent, drive and ambition, but he has to start beating Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal regularly. Posted March 28, 2008 by gerald mclaughlin
So what can the Blue Jays, Indians, Tigers, Angels, Mariners and 'Evil Empire' Yankees do to prevent the crown returning to Fenway Park in 2008? Posted April 02, 2008 by Nathan Ichtertz
India's rebel league is generating huge sums of money and excitement, but will it really benefit the game as a whole worldwide? Posted March 11, 2008 by Craig Hackney
It's clear that there has been a changing of the guard among England's quickies. Are we saying goodbye to Steve Harmison and Matthew Hoggard? Posted March 26, 2008 by Hamish McBrearty
The Ashes-winning skipper was sorely missed by England during his injury lay-off, but his return to international cricket hasn't exactly been a revelation. Posted March 24, 2008 by Harriet Marlow
West Indies made a flying start against South Africa thanks to Chris Gayle - then faded away with a miserable display in the field. Pro 20 is definitely pro batsman, but the opposition bowlers don't have to be . . . Posted September 12, 2007 by Ejaz Khan
If all goes to form, the Rugby World Cup will be a smooth ride for Graham Henry's men, who are the overwhelming favourites. Posted September 06, 2007 by Peter Sickle
The talking is over - it's time to settle the arguments on the field as we look forward to a feast of rugby from the best in the world. Posted September 07, 2007 by Hamish McBrearty
Each of the top four have a solid core, but the destination of the Premier League title will be determined by the supporting casts. Posted January 16, 2008 by Gav K
As the draw for the 2010 tournament is made in Durban, the image of the Cameroon and Barcelona star gives hope to the continent - and to the world. Posted November 25, 2007 by Amin George Forji
FIFA's World Club Cup in Japan has got the Italian who has won everything dreaming of another trophy and the chance to avenge defeat by Argentina's kings of South American football. Posted December 07, 2007 by Rossella Marrai