World Rugby set to overhaul sevens structure next year World Rugby will introduce a new sevens structure in 2026 which will have a three-division regular season and an increased number of events in a bid to make it cost-effective and more competitive, the sport's governing body said on Thursday. Rugby • 01 May
World Rugby set to overhaul sevens structure next year World Rugby will introduce a new sevens structure in 2026 which will have a three-division regular season and an increased number of events in a bid to make it cost-effective and more competitive, the sport's governing body said on Thursday. Rugby • 01 May
World Rugby adds new trials to speed up game Four law trials aimed at speeding up the game, reducing time-wasting and "enhancing the fan experience" will be introduced on a global trial from 1 January, 2025, World Rugby said. Rugby • 14 Nov 24
World Rugby adds new trials to speed up game Four law trials aimed at speeding up the game, reducing time-wasting and "enhancing the fan experience" will be introduced on a global trial from 1 January, 2025, World Rugby said. Rugby • 14 Nov 24
Robinson elected as new chair of World Rugby Australia's Dr Brett Robinson has been elected as the new chair of World Rugby, while former Ireland full-back Rob Kearney has been appointed to the executive board. Rugby • 14 Nov 24
Robinson elected as new chair of World Rugby Australia's Dr Brett Robinson has been elected as the new chair of World Rugby, while former Ireland full-back Rob Kearney has been appointed to the executive board. Rugby • 14 Nov 24
Tweak to 20-minute red card trial doesn't go far enough Rather than simplifying the game, the introduction of a 20-minute red card in the Autumn Nations Series is further complicating the disciplinary process, writes Neil Treacy. Rugby • 19 Oct 24
Tweak to 20-minute red card trial doesn't go far enough Rather than simplifying the game, the introduction of a 20-minute red card in the Autumn Nations Series is further complicating the disciplinary process, writes Neil Treacy. Rugby • 19 Oct 24
World Rugby makes changes as 'Dupont Law' axed World Rugby has confirmed three new law changes which will be effective from 1 July, with the controversial 'Dupont Law' among those to be changed. Rugby • 09 May 24
World Rugby makes changes as 'Dupont Law' axed World Rugby has confirmed three new law changes which will be effective from 1 July, with the controversial 'Dupont Law' among those to be changed. Rugby • 09 May 24
Australian fan prosecuted for online abuse of Irish TMO A rugby fan has faced an Australian magistrates court for abusing an Irish match official on social media during a World Cup match last year, in a decision that has been welcomed by the game's global governing body. Rugby • 09 Apr 24
Australian fan prosecuted for online abuse of Irish TMO A rugby fan has faced an Australian magistrates court for abusing an Irish match official on social media during a World Cup match last year, in a decision that has been welcomed by the game's global governing body. Rugby • 09 Apr 24
World Rugby to explore recommendations to speed up game World Rugby will explore a series of recommendations in a bid to speed up the game and enhance fan experience. Rugby • 29 Feb 24
World Rugby to explore recommendations to speed up game World Rugby will explore a series of recommendations in a bid to speed up the game and enhance fan experience. Rugby • 29 Feb 24
NZ police investigate threats to refs during World Cup New Zealand Police said they are investigating alleged death threats and online abuse against referees at last year's Rugby World Cup. Rugby • 02 Feb 24
NZ police investigate threats to refs during World Cup New Zealand Police said they are investigating alleged death threats and online abuse against referees at last year's Rugby World Cup. Rugby • 02 Feb 24
World Rugby: Legal action being taken over online abuse World Rugby has revealed legal action is being taken after match officials and players suffered online abuse during the 2023 World Cup. Rugby • 31 Jan 24
World Rugby: Legal action being taken over online abuse World Rugby has revealed legal action is being taken after match officials and players suffered online abuse during the 2023 World Cup. Rugby • 31 Jan 24
World Rugby confirms 2023 RWC most watched of all time The 2023 Rugby World Cup was the most watched rugby event of all time, with a 19% jump in viewership from 2019, World Rugby said. Rugby • 30 Jan 24
World Rugby confirms 2023 RWC most watched of all time The 2023 Rugby World Cup was the most watched rugby event of all time, with a 19% jump in viewership from 2019, World Rugby said. Rugby • 30 Jan 24
Good technique reduces head impacts in grassroots rugby The majority of high-force head impacts in community rugby occur as a result of poor tackle technique or at the breakdown, a study has found. Rugby • 06 Nov 23
Good technique reduces head impacts in grassroots rugby The majority of high-force head impacts in community rugby occur as a result of poor tackle technique or at the breakdown, a study has found. Rugby • 06 Nov 23
World Rugby introduce smart mouthguard technology World Rugby have introduced smart mouthguard technology as part of the Head Injury Assessment (HIA), which will make it's debut in the WXV women's competition in October. Rugby • 09 Oct 23
World Rugby introduce smart mouthguard technology World Rugby have introduced smart mouthguard technology as part of the Head Injury Assessment (HIA), which will make it's debut in the WXV women's competition in October. Rugby • 09 Oct 23
Organisers back bunker review consistency at RWC Rugby World Cup organisers are confident that their bunker card reviews are bringing more consistency to the game despite some debatable calls in this year's tournament. Rugby • 27 Sep 23
Organisers back bunker review consistency at RWC Rugby World Cup organisers are confident that their bunker card reviews are bringing more consistency to the game despite some debatable calls in this year's tournament. Rugby • 27 Sep 23
Rugby chief confident no confusion around discipline World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin has expressed confidence that there would be no confusion surrounding any disciplinary issues at the Rugby World Cup. Rugby • 04 Sep 23
Rugby chief confident no confusion around discipline World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin has expressed confidence that there would be no confusion surrounding any disciplinary issues at the Rugby World Cup. Rugby • 04 Sep 23
Discipline key to World Cup progress, says Farrell Andy Farrell says he hopes that rugby bosses provide more clarity around dangerous challenges and the disciplinary processes so that players, coaches and referees are on the same hymn sheet. Rugby • 18 Aug 23
Discipline key to World Cup progress, says Farrell Andy Farrell says he hopes that rugby bosses provide more clarity around dangerous challenges and the disciplinary processes so that players, coaches and referees are on the same hymn sheet. Rugby • 18 Aug 23
World Rugby urged to intervene over Farrell card World Rugby has come under pressure to act after Owen Farrell's red card against Wales was overturned in a decision that has caused uproar across the game. Rugby • 16 Aug 23
World Rugby urged to intervene over Farrell card World Rugby has come under pressure to act after Owen Farrell's red card against Wales was overturned in a decision that has caused uproar across the game. Rugby • 16 Aug 23
Murphy names settled side for U20 World Cup opener Ireland head coach Richie Murphy has named a largely settled side for Saturday's opening game of the World Rugby U20 Championship in South Africa against England. Rugby • 22 Jun 23
Murphy names settled side for U20 World Cup opener Ireland head coach Richie Murphy has named a largely settled side for Saturday's opening game of the World Rugby U20 Championship in South Africa against England. Rugby • 22 Jun 23
Ireland confirmed for third tier of inaugural WXV Ireland's participation in the third tier of World Rugby's inaugural WXV tournament has been confirmed, with fixtures set for October. Rugby • 05 May 23
Ireland confirmed for third tier of inaugural WXV Ireland's participation in the third tier of World Rugby's inaugural WXV tournament has been confirmed, with fixtures set for October. Rugby • 05 May 23
World Rugby targets boost in female participation World Rugby has set a target of having 25% per cent of all coaching and performance roles with the 16 teams at the 2025 World Cup filled by women. Rugby • 04 May 23
World Rugby targets boost in female participation World Rugby has set a target of having 25% per cent of all coaching and performance roles with the 16 teams at the 2025 World Cup filled by women. Rugby • 04 May 23
'Orange cards' being considered for Rugby World Cup World Rugby is considering adopting 'orange cards' for the World Cup, according to the governing body's head of match officials. Rugby • 12 Apr 23
'Orange cards' being considered for Rugby World Cup World Rugby is considering adopting 'orange cards' for the World Cup, according to the governing body's head of match officials. Rugby • 12 Apr 23
World Rugby need to take stand on Atonio tackle Ireland-France was a test match for the ages but it was marred by a refereeing decision that has been influenced by a framework that is not fit for purpose Rugby • 14 Feb 23
World Rugby need to take stand on Atonio tackle Ireland-France was a test match for the ages but it was marred by a refereeing decision that has been influenced by a framework that is not fit for purpose Rugby • 14 Feb 23
French rugby in turmoil as Laporte resigns as president French rugby has been thrown into further turmoil just over seven months before the World Cup as Bernard Laporte resigned as president of the French rugby federation (FFR). Rugby • 27 Jan 23
French rugby in turmoil as Laporte resigns as president French rugby has been thrown into further turmoil just over seven months before the World Cup as Bernard Laporte resigned as president of the French rugby federation (FFR). Rugby • 27 Jan 23
Amateur players launch lawsuit over brain injuries A letter of claim has been sent to World Rugby, the Rugby Football Union and the Welsh Rugby Union by more than 55 amateur rugby players over a potential brain injury lawsuit. Rugby • 19 Jan 23
Amateur players launch lawsuit over brain injuries A letter of claim has been sent to World Rugby, the Rugby Football Union and the Welsh Rugby Union by more than 55 amateur rugby players over a potential brain injury lawsuit. Rugby • 19 Jan 23
World Rugby calls for shot clock to help speed up rugby World Rugby will encourage elite competitions to have a shot clock for penalties and conversions from 1 January, with sanctions to be issued for time-wasting as part of plans to speed up the game. Rugby • 22 Dec 22
World Rugby calls for shot clock to help speed up rugby World Rugby will encourage elite competitions to have a shot clock for penalties and conversions from 1 January, with sanctions to be issued for time-wasting as part of plans to speed up the game. Rugby • 22 Dec 22
WR refers Laporte case to independent ethics officer World Rugby has referred Bernard Laporte's decision to suspend himself from duty to its independent ethics officer for review after the governing body's vice-chairman was handed a two-year suspended prison sentence on corruption charges. Rugby • 14 Dec 22
WR refers Laporte case to independent ethics officer World Rugby has referred Bernard Laporte's decision to suspend himself from duty to its independent ethics officer for review after the governing body's vice-chairman was handed a two-year suspended prison sentence on corruption charges. Rugby • 14 Dec 22