England

The Rugby Football Union is aiming to use the Rugby World Cup to ensure that the tournament has a lasting legacy for the game of rugby and boosts participation in the sport.

Rugby league convert Sam Burgess has been named in England's World Cup squad.

England have omitted Danny Cipriani from their World Cup squad, TalkingRugbyUnion understands.

Graham Rowntree admits Nick Easter has done everything possible to take advantage of Ben Morgan's fitness concerns by mounting a late challenge for selection in England's World Cup squad.

England forwards coach Graham Rowntree has been in regular contact with Dylan Hartley to ensure he would be ready if needed during the World Cup.

England approach the deadline for naming their World Cup squad wounded by an abject defeat to France that drew scathing verdicts from coach and captain.

England's preparations for the home World Cup suffered a setback after they slumped to a 25-20 defeat by France that at least featured a stirring late fightback.

Luther Burrell is ready to tackle the latest hurdle in his career when he performs his final audition for a place in England's World Cup squad.

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre has picked a strong pack that is close to first choice in the hope of outmuscling England once again in Saturday's World Cup warm-up match in Paris.

England field a starting XV that is close to full strength for Saturday's showdown with France in Paris.

England head coach Stuart Lancaster insists selecting his centres for the World Cup is a decision that will go down to the wire, but appears to be closing in on his preferred quartet.

Brad Barritt is a doubt for England's clash with France on Saturday as centre continues to provide head coach Stuart Lancaster with the most challenging conundrum in selection.

Sam Burgess was satisfied with his England debut as the frustration of playing an alien code continues to give way to enjoyment.

England and France got their Rugby World Cup warm-up schedules underway on Saturday night, with England triumphing over France at Twickenham, 19-14.

Stuart Lancaster has named an experimental side to play France this weekend, clearly with an emphasis on examining the potential merits of his fringe players, rather than honing the chemistry of his 1st XV.

Martin Johnson insists England's path through what could be the toughest group in World Cup history is fraught with danger, but believes the rewards will be great if they progress as winners.

The Hawk-Eye system will make its international rugby debut during England-France on Saturday

Tom Wood has set the scene for England's clash with France at Twickenham on Saturday by warning his teammates their World Cup dream is at stake.

Sam Burgess will make his England debut against France on Saturday with Stuart Lancaster insisting he has earned his place in the team after proving himself on the training field.

England have narrowed their back three options after removing three wings including Chris Ashton from their training squad for the World Cup.