World Cup

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.

Hawk-Eye technology is to be used at next month's Rugby World Cup.

USA 7s head coach Michael Friday feels that it is achievable for America’s XV a-side team to qualify from Pool B at this year’s World Cup if they are consistent.

Any team that enters this year’s Rugby World Cup has but one initial goal – emerge from the group stages and qualify for the quarter-finals.

While Scotland spent a week in the Pyrenees at the hands of a hostage negotiator and England decamped to Denver's Rocky Mountains, Ireland stayed at home.

Whilst Australia are in the ascendancy, the Springboks are stuttering.

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.

Wales have cut high-profile trio James Hook, Richard Hibbard and Mike Phillips from their World Cup training squad

Ulster hooker Rob Herring and Leinster centre Noel Reid have been dropped from Ireland's World Cup training squad.

Read what plans are in place for Talking Rugby Union at this year's World Cup.

Samoa have announced their 31-man World Cup squad set to take part in this year's competition.

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.

Ireland flanker Tommy O'Donnell has been ruled out of next month's World Cup after suffering a dislocated hip against opening warm-up opponents Wales two days ago.