Irish & International Sports News, Fixtures & Results

Fourie banned for four weeks

Springbok Jaque Fourie has been banned for four weeks for a dangerous tackle in Saturday's 30-13 defeat to Australia, dealing another blow to South Africa's calamitous defence of their Tri-Nations title.

Rugby • 25 Jul 10

De Villiers withdraws criticism of Irish referees

South Africa coach Peter de Villiers today backed down from his claim that Irish referees Alan Lewis and Alain Rolland had favoured the All Blacks in the opening two matches of the Tri Nations.

Rugby • 23 Jul 10

O'Connor relishing South Africa clash

James O'Connor's move from full-back to the wing for Australia's Tri Nations opener against South Africa may be seen as a gamble by some, but the young Wallabies star is relishing the chance to match up with star Springbok Bryan Habana.

Rugby • 21 Jul 10

CJ van der Linde is named as a replacement

South Africa boss makes changes

South Africa coach Peter de Villiers has rung the changes ahead of Saturday's Tri Nations clash with Australia at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium.

Rugby • 20 Jul 10

Alan Lewis - criticised by New Zealand media

Smith critical of referees' fitness levels

New Zealand assistant coach Wayne Smith has demanded that referees improve their fitness levels in the wake of Alan Lewis’ performance in the All Blacks Tri-Nations opener against South Africa.

Rugby • 14 Jul 10

Bakkies Botha's headbutt wasn't seen by match referee Alan Lewis

Bakkies Botha banned for headbutting

South Africa lock Bakkies Botha will miss the rest of the Tri-Nations after being suspended for nine weeks for headbutting All Blacks scrumhalf Jimmy Cowan.

Rugby • 11 Jul 10

The All Blacks have opened their campaign in style proving way too strong for South Africa

New Zealand 32-12 South Africa

New Zealand opened the Tri Nations with a dominant bonus-point victory over reigning champions South Africa at Eden Park.

Rugby • 13 Jul 10

Victor Matfield looks to Kiwi line-out

Lock Victor Matfield believes South Africa can re-open old New Zealand wounds by targeting the line-out in the first game of the 2010 Tri Nations on Saturday.

Rugby • 08 Jul 10

George Smith signs for Toulon

Toulon have signed former Australia flanker George Smith for the 2010/11 season.

Rugby • 03 Jun 10

New Zealand injury problems mount

A hip injury has ruled New Zealand utility back Isaia Toeava out of the All Blacks' Tri-Nations campaign.

Rugby • 24 May 10

A Four Nations championship could only be good for Argentina's standing in the world game

Argentina edge nearer Four Nations berth

Argentina have moved a step closer to competing in an expanded Four Nations with Australia, New Zealand and Australia after the International Rugby Board changed a regulation on player availability.

Rugby • 12 May 10

New Zealand deal hailed as a vote of confidence

New All Blacks broadcast deal announced

New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew has hailed SANZAR's new broadcast rights agreement for competitions across Australia, South Africa and New Zealand as a major vote of confidence in southern hemisphere rugby.

Rugby • 22 Apr 10

Peter De Villiers - early season matches are crucial

De Villiers says early Tests are 'critical'

Peter de Villiers has described South Africa's early-season international fixtures as being of 'critical interest' to him ahead of next year's World Cup.

Rugby • 22 Apr 10

John Eales won the Webb Ellis trophy in 1999

Eales joins board of Australian Rugby Union

Australian Rugby World Cup winning captain John Eales has been appointed to the board of the Australian Rugby Union.

Rugby • 15 Apr 10

Argentina a step closer to Tri Nations entry

The International Rugby Board's Executive Committee have ratified a financial package that moves Argentina a step closer to joining an expended Tri Nations competition from 2012.

Rugby • 29 Mar 10

SARU play down De Villiers report

The South African Rugby Union (SARU) has played down a weekend report that Peter de Villiers is part of a company that has acquired shares in a local rugby union - a move that could affect the future of the Springbok coach.

Rugby • 29 Mar 10

Argentina and Ireland have built up a healthy rivalry throughout the years

Argentina to join Tri-Nations in 2012

Argentina is set to join the Tri Nations in 2012 after International Rugby Board (IRB) chairman Bernard Lapasset confirmed the body would provide a crucial funding package for the project.

Rugby • 09 Mar 10

Robbie Deans - happy with emergence of new group of players

Australia on track for 2011, says Deans

Australia coach Robbie Deans is confident his side remains on track to make an impact at the 2011 World Cup despite mixed fortunes on their tour of Europe.

Rugby • 01 Dec 09

Peter De Villiers - four defeats from five on SA tour of Europe

De Villiers concerned at player workload

Peter de Villiers is concerned by the growing workload of South African players and will hold talks with his bosses to try plotting the way forward in the face of a tough 2010 season ahead of the 2011 World Cup.

Rugby • 02 Dec 09

Rocky Elsom will lead Australia against New Zealand

All Blacks braced for Aussie onslaught

New Zealand are bracing themselves for an attacking onslaught from Australia in the final Bledisloe Cup showdown of the year in Tokyo tomorrow despite the Wallabies losing one of their key playmakers.

Rugby • 31 Oct 09

Graham Henry will take over the forwards coaching with New Zealand

NZ team switch coaching roles

The New Zealand coaches will be taking on new roles on their end of season tour to Japan and Europe.

Rugby • 18 Oct 09

Dan Carter scored four penalties and three conversion at the Westpac Stadium

New Zealand 33-6 Australia

New Zealand ended their Tri-Nations campaign with a flourish in Wellington with a comprehensive 33-6 win against Australia.

Rugby • 19 Sep 09

Argentina have secured a berth in the Tri-Nations

Pumas to join Tri-Nations

Tri-Nations giants Australia, New Zealand and South Africa have invited Argentina to join them in a new Four Nations championship from 2012.

Rugby • 15 Sep 09

Ma'a Nonu (above) was the victim of Jaque Fourie's reckless tackle

Springboks centre Fourie is suspended

South Africa's Tri-Nations triumph has been tempered slightly with the suspension of centre Jaque Fourie for a dangerous tackle during Saturday's tense 32-29 win against New Zealand.

Rugby • 13 Sep 09

Morne Steyn's contribution from the boot was crucial as the World Champions kept the All-Blacks at bay

New Zealand 29-32 South Africa

The dominant Springboks held off a late All Blacks charge for a 32-29 victory here Saturday to secure the Tri-Nations rugby crown for the first time in five years.