USA

Rugby is often referred to as a global game, implying its tentacles stretch into every continent. In fact, it is global in appeal but it is far from globally competitive.

One of the predominant goals of the International Rugby Board is to ensure the global growth of the game, with particular emphasis on emerging nations.

The USA Eagles had only recorded two victories at Rugby World Cups prior to this year's tournament but with playing numbers on the rise in the country, an increasing number of players carving out a career in some of the biggest leagues in the world and with former Irish head coach Eddie O'Sullivan at the helm, hopes were high for an impressive showing.

Adam Ashley-Cooper scored a wonderful second half hat-trick as the Wallabies withheld some early pressure to win comfortably against the USA.

The Wallabies have rung the changes with David Pocock still out and Drew Mitchell replacing James O'Connor with Adam Ashley Cooper switching from left to right wing.

In what can only be described as torrential weather conditions, the USA grabbed their first victory of the World Cup against dogged debutants Russia.

Thursday morning sees Russia make their Rugby World Cup debut. The Eastern Europeans are the only side in this year's tournament never to have made the finals in previous years

On 15th September Russia will take on USA at New Plymouth in the first "final" of this year's RWC. We all know that neither Russia nor USA will progress past the group stages

Ireland got their World Cup Campaign underway unconvincingly against a rugged USA beating them 22-10. Two tries from Tommy Bowe and Rory Best saw the Irish beat a resilient Eagles team.

Ireland will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing campaign back in 2007 when they failed to progress from what was perceived as the group of death

For my first post with Talking Rugby Union I thought I would give a quick overview of Women's Rugby in the US and beyond. But first a quick introduction to me!

Kosuke Endo is an experienced and accomplished winger for Japan. Last year he scored a remarkable 5 tries in one game in the Asian Five Nations