Australia

Whilst nations all around the world search for an openside flanker capable of dominating the breakdown for them, Michael Cheika is in the enviable position of picking from three or four genuinely world class options at the position.

Australia set up a Rugby Championship showdown against New Zealand as they routed Argentina 34-9 in a bonus point victory in Mendoza.

Kane Douglas could challenge for a place in Australia's World Cup squad after being released from his Leinster contract with immediate effect.

New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Argentina began their preparations for the Rugby World Cup in serious fashion this weekend as a condensed Rugby Championship got underway.

The Rugby Championship kicked off this weekend, with Australia and South Africa stealing the show thanks to their dramatic clash at Suncorp in Brisbane.

Tevita Kuridrani scored a stoppage-time try to complete a stunning comeback victory for Australia as they defeated South Africa 24-20 in their opening Rugby Championship match in Brisbane.

Ahead of the opening weekend of the Rugby Championship, Talking Rugby Union previews Round One’s encounters.

We won’t find out until October 31st who is the best international team on the planet, but the Rugby Championship, which begins this weekend, will give us a slight indication at how well the Southern Hemisphere teams are shaping up.

Stephen Moore has been named captain of Australia for the Rugby World Cup and the rest of the 2015 international season.

Wasps were unaware George Smith could be involved in the World Cup when signing the Australian great, but would make no attempt to persuade him to reject a call-up.

ASICS, the True Sport Performance brand has unveiled the Qantas Wallabies jersey for the Rugby World Cup 2015, the most technically innovative Rugby Union jersey developed by ASICS to date.

The Brumbies moved to the top of the Australian conference in Super Rugby with a 33-20 bonus-point win over the Western Force on an emotional night in Perth.

Wasps have announced the signing of former Australia flanker George Smith for next season.

The Queensland Reds put poor Super 15 form behind them this season to stage a stunning second-half display in a 46-29 triumph over the Rebels in Brisbane.

Matt Giteau has hailed the "very exciting" player rule change that could see him revive his Australia Test career at the age of 32 and be a potential World Cup thorn in England's side.

The Australian Rugby Union has announced a major change to its Test squad selection policy five months before the Rugby World Cup.

Benedict Chanakira took the opportunity to chat to Melbourne Rebels and Australia rugby star Scott Higginbotham.

Perhaps the greatest strength of southern hemisphere rugby is that its flagship teams come into Rugby World Cup years with settled and complimentary XVs.

Defending champions Waratahs picked up their first Super Rugby victory of the season as they edged to a hard-fought 38-28 bonus-point victory against the Rebels in Melbourne on Friday.

As we enter a World Cup year Mike Stanton continues to look at some of the best young players that could feature at the 2015 Rugby World Cup.