Ireland

Ireland have received a much-needed boost ahead of their Rugby World Cup opener against Scotland in Yokohama this weekend after Rob Kearney and Keith Earls declared fit for the key encounter.

Ireland fullback Rob Kearney is set to miss World Cup opening encounter against Scotland following a calf injury according to reports.

Scotland back-row Jamie Ritchie will miss Rugby World Cup opening game against Ireland in Yokohama next weekend following a broken cheekbone.

Ireland are likely to miss the services of Robbie Henshaw for the World Cup tournament opener against Scotland next weekend following a hamstring injury.

Former Olympic gold medal-winning Fiji sevens coach Ben Ryan is ready for his next venture as the Technical Director of RugbyX - a new format of the game which will take place at the O2 Arena next month.

Ireland have claimed the top position in the World Rugby Rankings for the first time in history following their 19-10 win over Wales in their encounter at Aviva Stadium last weekend.

Ireland have received a boost ahead of their World Cup campaign with Munster winger Keith Earls declared fit despite his latest injury setback.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland is expecting fly-half Rhys Patchell to be available for the World Cup campaign in Japan despite another concussion scare.

Ireland have climbed to the top position in the World Rugby Rankings after they went on to edge out Wales 19-10 at Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

Ireland playmaker Johnny Sexton will make his first appearance at international level since March after he was named in the starting line-up for the return clash against Wales at Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland has made several changes to the starting line-up for the clash against Ireland to be played this weekend at Aviva Stadium.

With World Cup squads announced and the final warm-up games looming, Joe Harvey reflects on Ireland's recent win in Cardiff.

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has left out experienced second row Devin Toner from the 31-man World Cup squad.

Saracens for Willemse, Te'o extension, Toner Omission and Back-row Brits

Jacob Stockdale scored a double as Ireland edged out Wales 17-22 in their encounter at Principality Stadium on Saturday.

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt described the appointment of Felix Jones in the backroom staff of South Africa ahead of the World Cup campaign as an 'awkward' situation.

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has named Jack Carty at fly-half for the upcoming World Cup warm-up game against Wales at Millennium Stadium this weekend.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland has named Cardiff Blues flanker Josh Navidi as the skipper for the upcoming World Cup warm-up game against Ireland to be played at Millennium Stadium on 31st August.

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt reckons playmaker Johnny Sexton will return to action before the World Cup after his injury setback.

In their penultimate World Cup warm-up match, England showed their clinical side at Twickenham as they brushed Ireland aside. Joe Harvey delivers his verdict.