Irish & International Sports News, Fixtures & Results

An independent review ruled Nic White should not have been allowed return to the pitch against Ireland

'Discrepancies' meant White wrongly played on after HIA

World Rugby has concluded "discrepancies around process and communication" led to Nic White wrongly being allowed to continue playing after suffering a head injury during Australia's defeat to Ireland.

Rugby • 29 Nov 22

Might clocks in the game be going in the other direction soon?

World Rugby considering timers to speed up games

World Rugby is considering introducing a countdown timer on scrums, line-outs and kicks at goal to increase the speed of the game, according to the BBC.

Rugby • 28 Nov 22

Former Ireland and Munster flanker David Corkery is among those to sue the IRFU

Ex-Irish rugby players to sue IRFU in concussion case

Three former Irish rugby players, two of them ex-internationals, have lodged High Court proceedings against the IRFU, World Rugby and their respective former provinces.

Rugby • 29 Sep 22

A number of former Irish players are taking a case against the governing body

Former players to take legal proceedings against IRFU

An undisclosed number of former players are taking a case against the Irish Rugby Football Union in relation to serious brain injuries sustained during their playing careers.

Rugby • 29 Jul 22

Jonathan Sexton leaves the field with an injury during the clash against New Zealand at Eden Park

World Rugby offers clarity on concussion sit-out period

World Rugby have said that a player who has been advised to leave the field after a suspected concussion does not have to follow the updated Graduated Return to Play (GRTP) protocols if follow-up tests are negative.

Rugby • 07 Jul 22

'No player will return earlier than the seventh day after injury,' World Rugby said

World Rugby to increase concussion stand-down period

Players will face an increased minimum stand-down period of 12 days in a significant concussion protocol change announced by World Rugby.

Rugby • 20 Jun 22

Fans are growing frustrated at the number of and duration of TMO consultations

New TMO 'sweeper' system aiming to speed up rugby

Ireland's tour of New Zealand will be one of the first rugby series to trial a new television match official 'sweeper' protocol aimed at speeding up the game.

Rugby • 16 Jun 22

The governing body has also tightened its law relating to latching

World Rugby to make five new laws permanent

The World Rugby Council has voted unanimously to adopt five welfare-driven global trials into full law from July and those will feature in the men's and women's World Cups.

Rugby • 12 May 22

A new international rugby format is on the cards

'Something has to change' - Lenihan backs new format

Donal Lenihan has given his stamp of approval to a proposed Nations Championship that would establish a more aligned season between the two hemispheres.

Rugby • 11 May 22

A dismissed player in Super Rugby can be replaced by a substitute after 20 minutes

Global trial of 20-minute red card being considered

World Rugby will consider introducing the 20-minute red card as a global law trial despite concerns that it could diminish the deterrent effect.

Rugby • 12 Apr 22

Australia set to host Women's Rugby World Cup in 2029

World Rugby has announced Australia as the preferred candidate to host the 2029 Women's World Cup.

Rugby • 04 Apr 22

St Petersburg lost the rights to host the Champions League final

Updated Sanctions on Russian sporting bodies grow

Russian and Belarusian athletes have been banned from World Athletics series events for the foreseeable future, as more sports bodies follow the lead of FIFA and UEFA

Soccer • 01 Mar 22

Nika Amashukeli explains to Italy captain Michele Lamaro that he has to play with 13

World Rugby has no plans to review scrum law

World Rugby has no plans to change its law that saw Italy having to play almost an hour with 13 players against Ireland yesterday.

Rugby • 28 Feb 22

'I'm glad they're putting in measures to try and fix it now' - Kelleher

Kelleher welcomes new scrum law trial for Six Nations

Ronan Kelleher says the new scrum law being trialled during this year's Six Nations is a welcome development.

Rugby • 03 Feb 22

The Rugby Football League has extended return-to-play protocols to 11 days

World Rugby urged to follow RFL's lead on concussion

World Rugby has been urged to follow the lead of rugby league in the fight to reduce the effect of repeated head knocks.

Rugby • 10 Jan 22

Antoine Dupont and Zoe Aldcroft have taken the top honours this year

Dupont and Aldcroft win World Rugby Players of the Year

France scrum-half Antoine Dupont has been named World Rugby Men's Player of the Year, while England forward Zoe Aldcroft was named women's Player of the Year for 2021.

Rugby • 10 Dec 21

Tadhg Furlong makes World Rugby's Team of the Year

Tadhg Furlong has been named on World Rugby's 'Dream Team of the Year'.

Rugby • 08 Dec 21

Simon Middleton has won World Rugby Coach of the Year

Middleton first women's coach named Coach of the Year

England's Simon Middleton has become the first coach of a women's team to win World Rugby Coach of the Year, the sport's governing body announced on Tuesday.

Rugby • 07 Dec 21

Tonga's players perform the Sipi Tau prior to their defeat to England at Twickenham last month

Player power, Piutau and rugby's eligibility change

Those familiar with the workings of GAA Congress would have been able to empathise with the frustrations of Daniel Leo and his colleagues at the Pacific Rugby Players Welfare group last month.

Rugby • 05 Dec 21

Erasmus says sorry and withdraws misconduct appeal

Springboks director of rugby Rassie Erasmus has apologised to referee Nic Berry and withdrawn his appeal against his suspension for misconduct.

Rugby • 25 Nov 21

Former Ulster and All Blacks full-back Charles Piutau is expected to represent Tonga next year

Players can switch nations after rule change

World Rugby has approved a groundbreaking motion that will allow players switch national allegiance during their careers.

Rugby • 24 Nov 21

Rassie Erasmus (left) has been suspended for his conduct surrounding referee Nic Berry (right)

Toxic fallout of Erasmus report damages all involved

As each of the 80 pages get turned in the full written judgement into Rassie Erasmus's misconduct hearing, the only thing that's clear is that there are no winners in this toxic mess.

Rugby • 18 Nov 21

Leinster Rugby have already been taking part in the World Rugby trial

World Rugby extend new mouthguard trial

England and New Zealand will wear special mouthguards which measure the impact of collisions in their upcoming women's Test matches, World Rugby has announced.

Rugby • 29 Oct 21