World Cup

Wales' World Cup captain Sam Warburton has revealed he "thought the worst" after suffering a shoulder injury during training earlier this month.

Andrew Trimble has been omitted from Ireland's World Cup squad.

Defending champions New Zealand have announced their 31-man squad for the upcoming Rugby World Cup, with Waisake Naholo included but Israel Dagg and Cory Jane among those to miss out.

Wales flanker Dan Lydiate believes that Saturday's Dublin appointment with reigning RBS 6 Nations champions Ireland is "brilliant preparation" for the World Cup.

Scotland wing Sean Lamont is refusing to contemplate reaching his century of caps at the World Cup - because he fears he may not even make Vern Cotter's squad.

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.

When it comes to predicting who will lift the Webb Ellis trophy, it is always hard to look past New Zealand. The All Blacks have long dominated the sport and are always tipped to go the distance on the biggest stage.

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

Sam Warburton has underlined Wales' burning desire to go "one step further" than four years ago when he leads his country on a World Cup mission next month that is fraught with danger.

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.

Leigh Halfpenny believes that his fellow Wales star George North's looming return to Test rugby will provide a major pre-World Cup boost.

Seven Scotland players have been told their World Cup dream is over after head coach Vern Cotter released them from his extended training squad ahead of next month's tournament .

Duncan Weir's last-gasp drop goal against Italy last year was the highlight of his career so far - but the Scotland stand-off is determined it will not be his only moment to remember.

Australia flanker Michael Hooper will share the vice-captain's armband with Adam Ashley-Cooper as he makes his first appearance at a Rugby World Cup.

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.

Rugby World Cup bosses are "unlikely" to disqualify teams for breaching concussion protocols but could impose fines should competitors flout head-injury safety guidelines.

Ian Madigan hopes reiterating his ability to boss a Test match backline in Saturday's 28-22 victory over Scotland can boost his World Cup selection claims.