Irish & International Sports News, Fixtures & Results

Fiji chairman stands down after homophobia allegations

Fiji Rugby Union chairman Francis Kean has stood down from his role on the World Rugby council following allegations of homophobia.

Rugby • 21 Apr 20

'It is a traditional thing, but we can still add a modern look to it'

World Rugby's Pichot wants Lions to tour America

World Rugby vice-chairman Agustin Pichot says he intends to turn the British and Irish Lions into a global phenomenon by making the touring side visit North and South America if he is elected the global governing body's new chairman.

Rugby • 20 Apr 20

Bill Beaumont: 'It's a balancing act that you have to do to fit everything into this jigsaw'

Beaumont not ruling out new structure for global game

World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont believes a unified approach to tackling the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic can help his sport create a new international structure.

Rugby • 18 Apr 20

Coronavirus could claim international rugby calendar

Bill Beaumont believes it is a "distinct possibility" the international rugby calendar could be scrapped this year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Rugby • 17 Apr 20

World Rugby announces €92m fund to aid national unions

World Rugby is providing a $100m (€92m) relief fund to aid national unions during the coronavirus pandemic.

Rugby • 16 Apr 20

Bill Beaumont (L) and Agustin Pichot will compete

Woodward backs Pichot as candidate rejects bailouts

Former England coach Clive Woodward is backing Agustin Pichot's bid for the top job at World Rugby, saying the Argentine can help steer the sport out of its current financial straits.

Rugby • 15 Apr 20

Woodward supports Pichot in World Rugby bid

Clive Woodward has backed Agustin Pichot's challenge against sitting World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont ahead of next month's election.

Rugby • 13 Apr 20

Agustin Pichot (R) will challenge Bill Beaumont (L)

Pichot announces bid for top job in World Rugby

Agustin Pichot will run against incumbent Bill Beaumont for the top job in World Rugby, the former Argentina international has announced.

Rugby • 12 Apr 20

EPCR deny that cup competitions are under threat

A statement from European Professional Club Rugby has hit out at media reports reports regarding a proposal for an annual Club World Cup.

Rugby • 06 Apr 20

Ireland face Australia twice Down Under in July

Fate of Ireland's July tests to be decided this month

The fate of planned mid-year rugby union internationals, including Ireland's tour fixtures in Australia, will be decided this month, officials in several countries said on Thursday.

Rugby • 02 Apr 20

It will come into force from 1 July after recommendations from a specialist breakdown working group

World Rugby issues new breakdown laws to limit jackal

World Rugby has issued guidelines for applications of laws governing the breakdown which come into force from 1 July.

Rugby • 02 Apr 20

'We are forecasting a knock-on impact into the next financial year at least'

Welsh rugby union expects to make 'substantial' loss

The Welsh Rugby Union says it expects to make a substantial financial loss this year as a result of the disruption caused by the coronavirus outbreak.

Rugby • 18 Mar 20

Wales captain Alun Wyn-Jones points at Joe Marler of England

Jones calls on World Rugby to act over Marler grab

Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones says he hopes World Rugby review a first-half incident that saw his testicles grabbed by England prop Joe Marler during a feisty Guinness Six Nations clash at Twickenham.

Six Nations • 07 Mar 20

Ireland are hoping to qualify via the repechage

Rugby sevens Tokyo 2020 test event cancelled

The Japanese Rugby Football Union has announced that next month's Asia Sevens Invitational, which doubles as a test event for rugby sevens at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, has been cancelled

Rugby • 04 Mar 20

World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont said: "There is growing recognition of the importance of autonomy of gender identity in society."

World Rugby to review policy on transgender players

World Rugby chiefs are planning a comprehensive review of the sport's policies relating to transgender players.

Rugby • 21 Feb 20

World Rugby begins trials of new laws

World Rugby has introduced a set of law amendments which will be trialled at various tournaments this year in a bid to improve player safety and reduce the risk of injuries.

Rugby • 13 Jan 20

Scottish Rugby fined over World Cup comments

The Scottish Rugby Union has been formally reprimanded and fined £70,000 for comments made by chief executive Mark Dodson during the World Cup, World Rugby has announced.

Rugby World Cup 2019 • 07 Nov 19

Typhoon Hagibis is playing havoc with the Rugby World Cup

World Rugby respond to Scottish protests over Japan tie

Scottish Rugby Union chief executive Mark Dodson says he will not allow Scotland to become the World Cup's "collateral damage", while World Rugby have said they are disappointed with the comments.

Rugby World Cup 2019 • 11 Oct 19

World Rugby's Alan Gilpin announcing the cancellation of two World Cup pool games this morning

World Rugby's 'robust' plans blown off course

World Rugby was in authoritative and confident mood when contacted earlier in the week, saying it was tracking the path of Typhoon Hagibis and had a "robust contingency programme in place in the event adverse weather looks likely to impact fixtures."

Rugby • 10 Oct 19

Romain Poite shows Motu Matu'u of Samoa a yellow card

Fresh mistakes follow World Rugby criticism of referees

World Rugby issued an extraordinary statement on Tuesday, criticising the performance of officials at the World Cup - only to immediately face a fresh storm of refereeing controversy.

Rugby World Cup 2019 • 24 Sep 19

Keith Earls is among the Irish players in Japan with injury concerns

Rugby chiefs defend World Cup squad sizes

World Rugby bosses have hit back at claims 31-man World Cup squads threaten player welfare by insisting that coaches such as Joe Schmidt left their objections too late to have any effect for the 2019 tournament in Japan.

Rugby World Cup 2019 • 17 Sep 19

Punishing high tackles a priority for World Rugby

World Rugby chief executive Brett Gosper insists red cards are a necessary price to pay to protect players, even if they risk blighting the World Cup.

Rugby World Cup • 09 Sep 19

Former Argentinian player Agustin Pichot believes Devin Toner should ask World Rugby for answers

Pichot: Toner should be asking World Rugby for answers

World Rugby vice president Agustin Pichot thinks Devin Toner should be asking the governing body "for answers" following his exclusion from Ireland's World Cup squad.

Rugby • 02 Sep 19

George North scored while England were temporarily down to 13 men

World Rugby move to tighten restart rule

World Rugby has changed a rule governing restarts in the wake of George North's contentious try for Wales in their 13-6 win over England in Cardiff on Saturday.

Rugby • 22 Aug 19

World Rugby say they 'unwavering commitment' to advancing women in rugby

World Rugby drop gender titles for the World Cup

World Rugby has announced that its flagship 15s and sevens Rugby World Cup properties will no longer include gender in their titles.

Rugby • 21 Aug 19