Mack Hansen will miss Ireland's defence of their Six Nations title after his club Connacht said on Monday that the winger would be out for three to four months with a dislocated shoulder. Hansen, who started every game of last year’s grand slam winning campaign and Ireland's key World Cup fixtures, suffered the injury during last week's 22-9 URC Championship win over rivals Munster. The Australia-born 25-year-old has rarely put a foot wrong since becoming coach Andy Farrell's first choice on the right wing following his debut two years ago, scoring nine tries in 21 caps.

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Reserve prop Dave Kilcoyne was also ruled out of the tournament last week following shoulder surgery. Ireland's first Six Nations match is against France in Marseille on Feb. 2.

Mack Hansen will miss Ireland's defence of their Six Nations title after his club Connacht said on Monday that the winger would be out for three to four months with a dislocated shoulder.

Mack Hansen will miss Ireland's defence of their Six Nations title after his club Connacht said on Monday that the winger would be out for three to four months with a dislocated shoulder. Hansen, who started every game of last year’s grand slam winning campaign and Ireland's key World Cup fixtures, suffered the injury during last week's 22-9 URC Championship win over rivals Munster. The Australia-born 25-year-old has rarely put a foot wrong since becoming coach Andy Farrell's first choice on the right wing following his debut two years ago, scoring nine tries in 21 caps. Also read: Carlos Alcaraz shares heartfelt message after Rafael Nadal pulls out of Australian Open 2024 Reserve prop Dave Kilcoyne was also ruled out of the tournament last week following shoulder surgery. Ireland's first Six Nations match is against France in Marseille on Feb. 2.

Rugby: Ireland wing Mark Hansen ruled out of Six Nations with dislocated shoulder

England coach Steve Borthwick has added New Zealander&nbsp;Andrew&nbsp;Strawbridge&nbsp;to his coaching team as a consultant for the first four weeks of the Six Nations championship, the RFU said on Thursday. The 59-year-old was a skills consultant with the All Blacks, helping them to the final of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, having previously coached at North Harbour and Auckland and worked with New Zealand's highly successful under-20s team and then spending three years with Waikato.

"Andrew&nbsp;is another coach with a wealth of knowledge,” Borthwick told reporters. "He has worked extensively and successfully in Super Rugby and international rugby. "He has an incredible reputation in player development and has helped a large number of players progress to be amongst the best in the world. "His work around the contact area is incredibly highly regarded, ensuring teams have the quick ball needed to launch a threatening attack."

Incoming assistant coach Felix Jones, who joins the set-up having helped South Africa to back-to-back World Cup triumphs, will now be responsible for England’s defence with Kevin Sinfield moving to coaching individual skills and the kickers.

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Richard Wigglesworth continues as attack coach and Tom Harrison remains in charge of the scrum. “I am tremendously excited to start working with Felix who is a coach with an incredible reputation and with vast experience in international rugby," Borthwick said. “With his background in Irish rugby and his wealth of knowledge operating in the southern hemisphere he will bring a different dimension to our coaching team.”

England start their Six Nations campaign away to Italy on Feb. 3 then host Wales, play away to Scotland and welcome Ireland before finishing off against France in Lyon on March 16. They finished fourth last year after managing two wins but following a dire series of warm-ups found some form to finish third in the World Cup.

England coach Steve Borthwick has added New Zealander Andrew Strawbridge to his coaching team as a consultant for the first four weeks of the Six Nations championship, the RFU said on Thursday.

England coach Steve Borthwick has added New Zealander Andrew Strawbridge to his coaching team as a consultant for the first four weeks of the Six Nations championship, the RFU said on Thursday. The 59-year-old was a skills consultant with the All Blacks, helping them to the final of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, having previously coached at North Harbour and Auckland and worked with New Zealand's highly successful under-20s team and then spending three years with Waikato. "Andrew is another coach with a wealth of knowledge,” Borthwick told reporters. "He has worked extensively and successfully in Super Rugby and international rugby. "He has an incredible reputation in player development and has helped a large number of players progress to be amongst the best in the world. "His work around the contact area is incredibly highly regarded, ensuring teams have the quick ball needed to launch a threatening attack." Incoming assistant coach Felix Jones, who joins the set-up having helped South Africa to back-to-back World Cup triumphs, will now be responsible for England’s defence with Kevin Sinfield moving to coaching individual skills and the kickers. Also read: Tennis: Rafael Nadal overpowers Jason Kubler to reach Brisbane International quarters Richard Wigglesworth continues as attack coach and Tom Harrison remains in charge of the scrum. “I am tremendously excited to start working with Felix who is a coach with an incredible reputation and with vast experience in international rugby," Borthwick said. “With his background in Irish rugby and his wealth of knowledge operating in the southern hemisphere he will bring a different dimension to our coaching team.” England start their Six Nations campaign away to Italy on Feb. 3 then host Wales, play away to Scotland and welcome Ireland before finishing off against France in Lyon on March 16. They finished fourth last year after managing two wins but following a dire series of warm-ups found some form to finish third in the World Cup.

Rugby: New Zealand's Andrew Strawbridge joins England as temporary skills coach

Former Wales and British &amp; Irish Lions captain Alun Wyn Jones said he was diagnosed with a heart condition in the final months of his near 20-year career. The 38-year-old, the most capped player in rugby after making 158 appearances for Wales and 12 for the Lions, joined French club Toulon in July on a short-term contract, which ended in November.

He had announced his retirement from international rugby in May. "I was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation," Jones told The Telegraph. "It was discovered when I underwent a full medical check, which included an ECG test, when I joined Toulon in July."

"There is a lot of talk about welfare in rugby at the minute, but does that cover everything? Is it just things that we can afford? Surely, the sport has come on to the point where players should be screened more often, especially at a time when the demands in the game are growing." Jones said he would be forever grateful to Toulon. "Had they not offered me a contract, I may never have known about the heart condition," he added. "The cardiac doctor picked it up straight away. My heartbeat was like a galloping horse with six legs. It was all over the shop."

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Jones said he took medical advice before deciding he would go ahead and play for the French side. "It might seem a selfish decision given that I have three young daughters, but I needed to take the opportunity," he added. "It was only going to be for four months, and it gave me an opportunity to experience and get perspective on my career and life."

Former Wales and British & Irish Lions captain Alun Wyn Jones said he was diagnosed with a heart condition in the final months of his near 20-year career. The 38-year-old, the most capped player in rugby after making 158 appearances for Wales and 12 for the Lions, joined French club Toulon in July on a short-term contract, which ended in November.

Former Wales and British & Irish Lions captain Alun Wyn Jones said he was diagnosed with a heart condition in the final months of his near 20-year career. The 38-year-old, the most capped player in rugby after making 158 appearances for Wales and 12 for the Lions, joined French club Toulon in July on a short-term contract, which ended in November. He had announced his retirement from international rugby in May. "I was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation," Jones told The Telegraph. "It was discovered when I underwent a full medical check, which included an ECG test, when I joined Toulon in July." "There is a lot of talk about welfare in rugby at the minute, but does that cover everything? Is it just things that we can afford? Surely, the sport has come on to the point where players should be screened more often, especially at a time when the demands in the game are growing." Jones said he would be forever grateful to Toulon. "Had they not offered me a contract, I may never have known about the heart condition," he added. "The cardiac doctor picked it up straight away. My heartbeat was like a galloping horse with six legs. It was all over the shop." Also read: Premier League: Danny Welbeck salvages draw for Brighton at Crystal Palace Jones said he took medical advice before deciding he would go ahead and play for the French side. "It might seem a selfish decision given that I have three young daughters, but I needed to take the opportunity," he added. "It was only going to be for four months, and it gave me an opportunity to experience and get perspective on my career and life."

Rugby: Former Wales skipper Alun Wyn Jones says he was diagnosed with heart issue

Former Argentina flyhalf&nbsp;Felipe&nbsp;Contepomi&nbsp;will be their new head coach, succeeding Australian Michael Cheika, the Argentine Rugby Union (UAR) said on Monday. Contepomi, who won 87 caps as a player for Argentina, served as assistant to Cheika, who leaves after less than two years in the role having led them to the semi-finals of the World Cup in October and a fourth-placed finish.

"I want to thank all the Argentines for these wonderful years together, the UAR, the staff and the players for having trusted me for this challenge," Cheika said in a statement. "I am very proud to have been the head coach of Los Pumas and it is one of the experiences I have enjoyed the most in my coaching career. "Although I was born in Australia, a big part of me will be Argentina. I am convinced that&nbsp;Felipe&nbsp;and his staff will lead the team in the best way."

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Cheika, who was appointed in March 2022, led Los Pumas in 24 test matches, recording 11 wins and 13 defeats. They reached the last four of the World Cup in France, where they suffered a heavy defeat to New Zealand before narrowly losing to England in the bronze final.

"I had the honour of working with Michael Cheika in the consolidation of a sporting project, which challenges and excites us as part of a great Argentine team,"&nbsp;Contepomi&nbsp;said. "For that reason I am grateful for the extraordinary opportunity that the UAR gives me to continue working towards the cherished goal of the 2027 World Cup in Australia."

Former Argentina flyhalf Felipe Contepomi will be their new head coach, succeeding Australian Michael Cheika, the Argentine Rugby Union (UAR) said on Monday. Contepomi, who won 87 caps as a player for Argentina, served as assistant to Cheika, who leaves after less than two years in the role having led them to the semi-finals of the World Cup in October and a fourth-placed finish.

Former Argentina flyhalf Felipe Contepomi will be their new head coach, succeeding Australian Michael Cheika, the Argentine Rugby Union (UAR) said on Monday. Contepomi, who won 87 caps as a player for Argentina, served as assistant to Cheika, who leaves after less than two years in the role having led them to the semi-finals of the World Cup in October and a fourth-placed finish. "I want to thank all the Argentines for these wonderful years together, the UAR, the staff and the players for having trusted me for this challenge," Cheika said in a statement. "I am very proud to have been the head coach of Los Pumas and it is one of the experiences I have enjoyed the most in my coaching career. "Although I was born in Australia, a big part of me will be Argentina. I am convinced that Felipe and his staff will lead the team in the best way." Also read: San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama to miss meeting with Milwaukee Bucks with sore ankle Cheika, who was appointed in March 2022, led Los Pumas in 24 test matches, recording 11 wins and 13 defeats. They reached the last four of the World Cup in France, where they suffered a heavy defeat to New Zealand before narrowly losing to England in the bronze final. "I had the honour of working with Michael Cheika in the consolidation of a sporting project, which challenges and excites us as part of a great Argentine team," Contepomi said. "For that reason I am grateful for the extraordinary opportunity that the UAR gives me to continue working towards the cherished goal of the 2027 World Cup in Australia."

Felipe Contepomi succeeds Michael Cheika to take over as Argentina rugby coach

All Blacks playmaker Beauden Barrett said Thursday that he plans to "mentally refresh" during his season-long sabbatical in Japan before returning to play for New Zealand next year.

The 32-year-old is preparing to start the new Japan Rugby League One season this weekend after signing for Toyota Verblitz along with international team-mate Aaron Smith. Barrett committed to a new World Cup cycle with the All Blacks on Monday by signing with New Zealand Rugby until the end of 2027. He previously played in Japan with Tokyo Sungoliath in 2021 and he believes another season there will make him a better player.

"There's still a strong desire to play for the All Blacks -- I've made that pretty clear so that's why I'm super grateful to be here and to mentally refresh," he said. "I do find that it's a great experience here, you learn so much as a player and I can take that back to New Zealand also."

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The two-time world player of the year has won 123 caps for the All Blacks and has played at three World Cups, winning the trophy in 2015. He and Smith both played in New Zealand's narrow loss to South Africa in this year's final in Paris.

The pair will line up alongside South Africa loose forward Pieter-Steph du Toit and Japan captain Kazuki Himeno at Verblitz, who finished last season sixth in the 12-team league. Barrett said he was looking forward to playing "with a good freedom" in Japan.

"Japanese rugby is in a great place and I think that's why you see so many international rugby players choosing to come up and play here now," he said.

Barrett and Smith are among seven All Blacks who started the World Cup final who have moved to Japan, including captain Sam Cane and world player of the year Ardie Savea.

Former All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen is Verblitz's director of rugby. Scrum-half Smith said he was looking forward to linking up with Himeno again, after the pair played together for the Highlanders in 2021.

"I've been really impressed with the skill level and the physicality," said Smith."I'm looking forward to experiencing that in a real game."

All Blacks playmaker Beauden Barrett said Thursday that he plans to "mentally refresh" during his season-long sabbatical in Japan before returning to play for New Zealand next year.

All Blacks playmaker Beauden Barrett said Thursday that he plans to "mentally refresh" during his season-long sabbatical in Japan before returning to play for New Zealand next year. The 32-year-old is preparing to start the new Japan Rugby League One season this weekend after signing for Toyota Verblitz along with international team-mate Aaron Smith. Barrett committed to a new World Cup cycle with the All Blacks on Monday by signing with New Zealand Rugby until the end of 2027. He previously played in Japan with Tokyo Sungoliath in 2021 and he believes another season there will make him a better player. "There's still a strong desire to play for the All Blacks -- I've made that pretty clear so that's why I'm super grateful to be here and to mentally refresh," he said. "I do find that it's a great experience here, you learn so much as a player and I can take that back to New Zealand also." Also Read: Rising Wallabies star winger Mark Nawaqanitawase quits for rugby league The two-time world player of the year has won 123 caps for the All Blacks and has played at three World Cups, winning the trophy in 2015. He and Smith both played in New Zealand's narrow loss to South Africa in this year's final in Paris. The pair will line up alongside South Africa loose forward Pieter-Steph du Toit and Japan captain Kazuki Himeno at Verblitz, who finished last season sixth in the 12-team league. Barrett said he was looking forward to playing "with a good freedom" in Japan. "Japanese rugby is in a great place and I think that's why you see so many international rugby players choosing to come up and play here now," he said. Barrett and Smith are among seven All Blacks who started the World Cup final who have moved to Japan, including captain Sam Cane and world player of the year Ardie Savea. Former All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen is Verblitz's director of rugby. Scrum-half Smith said he was looking forward to linking up with Himeno again, after the pair played together for the Highlanders in 2021. "I've been really impressed with the skill level and the physicality," said Smith."I'm looking forward to experiencing that in a real game."

Rugby: 'There's still a strong desire to play for the All Blacks' - Beauden Barrett

After beginning the professional era as a team of nomads, Argentina had finally found a home for their players until the Covid pandemic scattered them to the four corners of the planet. The great Argentina team that reached the semi-finals of the 2007 World Cup in France was led by the likes of Leinster fly-half Felipe Contempomi, Sale Sharks flanker Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe and Stade Francais half-backs Agustin Pichot and Juan Martin "El Mago" Hernandez.

If Argentina manage to repeat that feat by beating Wales in Saturday's quarter-final in Marseille, the country's new heroes will again be a band of exiles.

Back in 2007, Argentine players needed to find foreign clubs to play professionally, until the creation of the Jaguares Super&nbsp;Rugby&nbsp;franchise in 2016. It was a seminal moment in Argentine&nbsp;rugby.

The Buenos Aires-based team gave players the opportunity to stay at home while still paying top-level club&nbsp;rugby. Already competing in the southern hemisphere&nbsp;Rugby&nbsp;Championship since 2012, Argentina's players could now also face the best of New Zealand, Australia and South Africa at club level.

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Playing all year round together for club and country, Argentine&nbsp;rugby&nbsp;quickly progressed. The Jaguares reached the Super&nbsp;Rugby&nbsp;final in 2019, in just their fourth season, losing 19-3 to the all-conquering New Zealander Crusaders. But Covid pulled the rug from under the Jaguares as the 2020 Super&nbsp;Rugby&nbsp;season was abandoned and the teams from Australia and New Zealand created new domestic-based competitions and the South Africans joined Europe's United&nbsp;Rugby&nbsp;Championship.

Argentina's best players were once again forced to wander the earth.

"Our lives changed completely with Covid," said Juan Cruz Mallia, who has managed to land on his feet at French powerhouse Toulouse. After winning the Top 14 title twice and the European Champions Cup, utility back Mallia has signed a new contract until 2026. But he would no doubt still be playing for the Jaguares if it were not for Covid.

"They disappeared so we had to start looking for a new club to play professional&nbsp;rugby," added Mallia.

"Now we are all over the world playing in different clubs."

<h2>- 'Competition is everything' -</h2>

Deprived of the revenue from Super&nbsp;Rugby, or indeed any competition, the Argentine federation could not afford to maintain a fully professional team. Players like veteran hooker Agustin Creevy had left Worcester Warriors in England to join the Jaguares. Four years later he was back in England to join London Irish.&nbsp;

Former international flanker Leonardo Senatore says the loss of the Jaguares was "a big step back for&nbsp;rugby&nbsp;in Argentina". "It was a big change for our&nbsp;rugby. And we have seen that it has affected a lot the way we play because we don't have so much time together to put the pieces together," Senatore told AFP.

There was no immediate decline, though.

In 2020, just months after the Super&nbsp;Rugby&nbsp;season was abandoned, Argentina beat New Zealand for the first time before stunning the All Blacks on home soil two years later.

But under Australian Michael Cheika, the Pumas made a poor start to this World Cup, easily beaten 27-10 by 14-man England. That left Argentina with two must-win games against Samoa and Japan. Win they did, but not without a mighty struggle. And reaching the quarter-finals is always an absolute minimum requirement for Argentina.

If Argentine&nbsp;rugby&nbsp;is to grow once again, Senatore believes the new Super&nbsp;Rugby&nbsp;Americas competition is where that future development lies. It brings together teams from Uruguay, Chile, Paraguay, Brazil and the United States, alongside the Cordoba-based Dogos XV and Pampas from Buenos Aires.

Both Argentine sides are made up largely of young prospects.

"Competition is everything. If you train, train, train but don't compete with the best, you will never improve," said Senatore.

"It will take more time. It is the hard way to do it. "But I think in the future, it will be great if South America or America achieve what they want, which is to improve the competition for everyone.

"It will also be really good for world&nbsp;rugby&nbsp;'cause we need more competition in the South."

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After beginning the professional era as a team of nomads, Argentina had finally found a home for their players until the Covid pandemic scattered them to the four corners of the planet.

After beginning the professional era as a team of nomads, Argentina had finally found a home for their players until the Covid pandemic scattered them to the four corners of the planet. The great Argentina team that reached the semi-finals of the 2007 World Cup in France was led by the likes of Leinster fly-half Felipe Contempomi, Sale Sharks flanker Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe and Stade Francais half-backs Agustin Pichot and Juan Martin "El Mago" Hernandez. If Argentina manage to repeat that feat by beating Wales in Saturday's quarter-final in Marseille, the country's new heroes will again be a band of exiles. Back in 2007, Argentine players needed to find foreign clubs to play professionally, until the creation of the Jaguares Super Rugby franchise in 2016. It was a seminal moment in Argentine rugby. The Buenos Aires-based team gave players the opportunity to stay at home while still paying top-level club rugby. Already competing in the southern hemisphere Rugby Championship since 2012, Argentina's players could now also face the best of New Zealand, Australia and South Africa at club level. Also Read: Serie A: Inter Milan send warning across league with win over Napoli Playing all year round together for club and country, Argentine rugby quickly progressed. The Jaguares reached the Super Rugby final in 2019, in just their fourth season, losing 19-3 to the all-conquering New Zealander Crusaders. But Covid pulled the rug from under the Jaguares as the 2020 Super Rugby season was abandoned and the teams from Australia and New Zealand created new domestic-based competitions and the South Africans joined Europe's United Rugby Championship. Argentina's best players were once again forced to wander the earth. "Our lives changed completely with Covid," said Juan Cruz Mallia, who has managed to land on his feet at French powerhouse Toulouse. After winning the Top 14 title twice and the European Champions Cup, utility back Mallia has signed a new contract until 2026. But he would no doubt still be playing for the Jaguares if it were not for Covid. "They disappeared so we had to start looking for a new club to play professional rugby," added Mallia. "Now we are all over the world playing in different clubs." - 'Competition is everything' - Deprived of the revenue from Super Rugby, or indeed any competition, the Argentine federation could not afford to maintain a fully professional team. Players like veteran hooker Agustin Creevy had left Worcester Warriors in England to join the Jaguares. Four years later he was back in England to join London Irish. Former international flanker Leonardo Senatore says the loss of the Jaguares was "a big step back for rugby in Argentina". "It was a big change for our rugby. And we have seen that it has affected a lot the way we play because we don't have so much time together to put the pieces together," Senatore told AFP. There was no immediate decline, though. In 2020, just months after the Super Rugby season was abandoned, Argentina beat New Zealand for the first time before stunning the All Blacks on home soil two years later. But under Australian Michael Cheika, the Pumas made a poor start to this World Cup, easily beaten 27-10 by 14-man England. That left Argentina with two must-win games against Samoa and Japan. Win they did, but not without a mighty struggle. And reaching the quarter-finals is always an absolute minimum requirement for Argentina. If Argentine rugby is to grow once again, Senatore believes the new Super Rugby Americas competition is where that future development lies. It brings together teams from Uruguay, Chile, Paraguay, Brazil and the United States, alongside the Cordoba-based Dogos XV and Pampas from Buenos Aires. Both Argentine sides are made up largely of young prospects. "Competition is everything. If you train, train, train but don't compete with the best, you will never improve," said Senatore. "It will take more time. It is the hard way to do it. "But I think in the future, it will be great if South America or America achieve what they want, which is to improve the competition for everyone. "It will also be really good for world rugby 'cause we need more competition in the South." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Rugby: Loss of Jaguares franchise was 'big step back' for Argentina, says Leonardo Senatore

All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson hailed the "class" of Beauden Barrett after the playmaker committed to another World Cup cycle on Monday by signing with New Zealand Rugby until the end of 2027. The 32-year-old is currently playing for Tokyo Verblitz in Japan but will return to New Zealand next year and be available for All Blacks selection.

The two-time World Player of the Year, who has won 123 caps for his country, will return to the Auckland-based Blues in Super Rugby in 2025, a New Zealand Rugby statement said. "Beauden brings an enormous amount of class to the table," Robertson said.

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"He is the second most-capped All Black back in history for a reason and to have his knowledge and experience in our game is a reflection of his loyalty." Barrett, a key member of the All Blacks team were beaten 12-11 by South Africa in the final of the World Cup in October, said: "It's a huge privilege to put on the black jersey and one I will never take for granted."

Barrett, whose brothers Scott and Jordie also play for New Zealand, made his debut for the All Blacks in 2012. He has scored 734 points and 43 tries, and won the World Cup in 2015. The 2027 World Cup is in Australia.

All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson hailed the "class" of Beauden Barrett after the playmaker committed to another World Cup cycle on Monday by signing with New Zealand Rugby until the end of 2027.

All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson hailed the "class" of Beauden Barrett after the playmaker committed to another World Cup cycle on Monday by signing with New Zealand Rugby until the end of 2027. The 32-year-old is currently playing for Tokyo Verblitz in Japan but will return to New Zealand next year and be available for All Blacks selection. The two-time World Player of the Year, who has won 123 caps for his country, will return to the Auckland-based Blues in Super Rugby in 2025, a New Zealand Rugby statement said. "Beauden brings an enormous amount of class to the table," Robertson said. Also Read: Kylian Mbappe, Vitinha lead Paris Saint German over Le Havre after keeper shown red flag "He is the second most-capped All Black back in history for a reason and to have his knowledge and experience in our game is a reflection of his loyalty." Barrett, a key member of the All Blacks team were beaten 12-11 by South Africa in the final of the World Cup in October, said: "It's a huge privilege to put on the black jersey and one I will never take for granted." Barrett, whose brothers Scott and Jordie also play for New Zealand, made his debut for the All Blacks in 2012. He has scored 734 points and 43 tries, and won the World Cup in 2015. The 2027 World Cup is in Australia.

Rugby: Beauden Barrett commits to another All Blacks World Cup cycle, coach Scott Robertson lauds playmaker

Six state unions have demanded the immediate resignation of Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan in the wake of the failed tenure of former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones. An open letter signed by six of the eight union chairs called for an extraordinary general meeting of the RA board to oust McLennan if he ignores their call to stand down, saying they have lost "trust or faith in his leadership".

The ultimatum comes in the wake of a miserable year for the Wallabies under Jones in which they won just two of nine Tests and failed to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time. McLennan was a key driver in the January decision to replace former coach Dave Rennie with Jones, whose tumultuous tenure ended last month.

The letter, whose signatories include the heads of the powerful Queensland and ACT unions, accused McLennan of "acting outside his role as a director". The union chairs stressed their call was unrelated to a recent push by RA for reforms that would create a more centralised structure.

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"This is instead a deep concern about the performance of Mr McLennan as Chair, and the damage done to the game by his performance," the letter, released on Friday, read. "During the past 12 months, Mr McLennan has made a series of calls that have harmed the standing and reputation of our game and led us to question his judgement and his understanding of high-performance sport.

"His decisions and 'captain's picks' have directly led to an historic failure at the men's Rugby World Cup and a Wallabies international ranking at an historic low (ninth), with all of the regrettable and public fallout that came with it." The unions further accused the 57-year-old of ignoring the women's and community game.

McLennan, appointed to the role in May 2020 following a long career in the business world, vowed to fight the unions' proposal. "This will be the defining moment for the battle of rugby. It's all about money and control and we have been failing for years," he told the Sydney Morning Herald.

"This is about principles. They (unions) are actually not putting the game first and it's about self-interest and parochialism." The signatories to the letter say they didn't approach the NSW and Victorian Rugby unions due to their ongoing centralisation negotiations with RA. The sport's player union was also not approached, they said, to avoid placing players in a compromised position.

Six state unions have demanded the immediate resignation of Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan in the wake of the failed tenure of former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones.

Six state unions have demanded the immediate resignation of Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan in the wake of the failed tenure of former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones. An open letter signed by six of the eight union chairs called for an extraordinary general meeting of the RA board to oust McLennan if he ignores their call to stand down, saying they have lost "trust or faith in his leadership". The ultimatum comes in the wake of a miserable year for the Wallabies under Jones in which they won just two of nine Tests and failed to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time. McLennan was a key driver in the January decision to replace former coach Dave Rennie with Jones, whose tumultuous tenure ended last month. The letter, whose signatories include the heads of the powerful Queensland and ACT unions, accused McLennan of "acting outside his role as a director". The union chairs stressed their call was unrelated to a recent push by RA for reforms that would create a more centralised structure. Also Read: Taylor Swift, Simone Biles bring star-power to stand during Packers vs Chiefs "This is instead a deep concern about the performance of Mr McLennan as Chair, and the damage done to the game by his performance," the letter, released on Friday, read. "During the past 12 months, Mr McLennan has made a series of calls that have harmed the standing and reputation of our game and led us to question his judgement and his understanding of high-performance sport. "His decisions and 'captain's picks' have directly led to an historic failure at the men's Rugby World Cup and a Wallabies international ranking at an historic low (ninth), with all of the regrettable and public fallout that came with it." The unions further accused the 57-year-old of ignoring the women's and community game. McLennan, appointed to the role in May 2020 following a long career in the business world, vowed to fight the unions' proposal. "This will be the defining moment for the battle of rugby. It's all about money and control and we have been failing for years," he told the Sydney Morning Herald. "This is about principles. They (unions) are actually not putting the game first and it's about self-interest and parochialism." The signatories to the letter say they didn't approach the NSW and Victorian Rugby unions due to their ongoing centralisation negotiations with RA. The sport's player union was also not approached, they said, to avoid placing players in a compromised position.

Rugby: Australian chairman Hamish McLennan asked to resign by state unions

All Blacks captain Sam Cane said Tuesday (Nov 28) that he hoped "to evolve" as a player in Japan after signing a one-season deal with Tokyo Sungoliath. Cane captained New Zealand at the Rugby World Cup but was sent off in last month's final as the All Blacks lost 12-11 to South Africa.

The 31-year-old has never played for a team based outside his home country and he thinks his move to Japan will 'test' him as a rugby player. "A lot of the areas that I want to get better at in my game, speed, agility -- are all required in this league," the back-row forward told reporters in Tokyo.

"It will test me to evolve my game and I'm really looking forward to that." Cane is one of several All Blacks moving to Japan for the new domestic season, which kicks off on December 9. World Rugby player of the year Ardie Savea, fly-half Richie Mo'unga and full-back Beauden Barrett are also among the new arrivals. Eligibility rules mean players cannot represent the All Blacks while they are based at overseas clubs.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nba/news-boston-celtics-claw-out-impressive-win-against-philadelphia-76ers-despite-jayson-tatums-ejection-665350">Boston Celtics claw out impressive win against Philadelphia 76ers despite Jayson Tatum's ejection</a>

But Cane's short-term deal means he will not miss any international games and will be available for selection in June next year. He said he "had a long chat" with new All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson before leaving for Japan. "Playing for the All Blacks, you have to earn that by playing well every week," said Cane.

"I know the All Blacks coaches will be keeping an eye on some of us boys over here. "The sole focus is just to play well, try and improve as a rugby player and hopefully have the opportunity of returning to the team again." Cane has been joined at Sungoliath by South Africa winger Cheslin Kolbe, who arrives after six years in France with Toulouse and Toulon.

The jet-heeled winger scored two tries at the World Cup and he said he was looking forward to facing some of his Springbok team-mates in Japan. "That's one of the exciting things about this competition," said the 31-year-old. "You're playing against a lot of the top Japanese players and a lot of players who come from abroad."

All Blacks captain Sam Cane said Tuesday (Nov 28) that he hoped "to evolve" as a player in Japan after signing a one-season deal with Tokyo Sungoliath. Cane captained New Zealand at the Rugby World Cup but was sent off in last month's final as the All Blacks lost 12-11 to South Africa.

All Blacks captain Sam Cane said Tuesday (Nov 28) that he hoped "to evolve" as a player in Japan after signing a one-season deal with Tokyo Sungoliath. Cane captained New Zealand at the Rugby World Cup but was sent off in last month's final as the All Blacks lost 12-11 to South Africa. The 31-year-old has never played for a team based outside his home country and he thinks his move to Japan will 'test' him as a rugby player. "A lot of the areas that I want to get better at in my game, speed, agility -- are all required in this league," the back-row forward told reporters in Tokyo. "It will test me to evolve my game and I'm really looking forward to that." Cane is one of several All Blacks moving to Japan for the new domestic season, which kicks off on December 9. World Rugby player of the year Ardie Savea, fly-half Richie Mo'unga and full-back Beauden Barrett are also among the new arrivals. Eligibility rules mean players cannot represent the All Blacks while they are based at overseas clubs. Also Read: Boston Celtics claw out impressive win against Philadelphia 76ers despite Jayson Tatum's ejection But Cane's short-term deal means he will not miss any international games and will be available for selection in June next year. He said he "had a long chat" with new All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson before leaving for Japan. "Playing for the All Blacks, you have to earn that by playing well every week," said Cane. "I know the All Blacks coaches will be keeping an eye on some of us boys over here. "The sole focus is just to play well, try and improve as a rugby player and hopefully have the opportunity of returning to the team again." Cane has been joined at Sungoliath by South Africa winger Cheslin Kolbe, who arrives after six years in France with Toulouse and Toulon. The jet-heeled winger scored two tries at the World Cup and he said he was looking forward to facing some of his Springbok team-mates in Japan. "That's one of the exciting things about this competition," said the 31-year-old. "You're playing against a lot of the top Japanese players and a lot of players who come from abroad."

Rugby: Fresh off receiving red card in WC final, NZ captain Sam Cane moves to Japan to 'evolve' himself

World Rugby said Monday it had launched an official investigation into the allegation that South Africa's Bongi Mbonambi directed a racial slur at Tom Curry of England during the Springboks' victory in the Rugby World Cup semi-final. Mbonambi, 32, is alleged to have called England backrow forward Curry "you white (followed by an expletive)" in the first half of Saturday's 16-15 victory.

"World Rugby takes all allegations of discriminatory behaviour extremely seriously," the sport's governing body said in a statement on Monday, five days before South Africa face New Zealand in the World Cup final.&nbsp;"We can confirm that we are formally reviewing the allegation made by England’s Tom Curry in relation to the use of discriminatory language during the England versus South Africa Rugby World Cup 2023 semi-final on Saturday.

"World Rugby will not be making further comment until the conclusion of the process."Curry approached referee Ben O'Keeffe about half an hour into the hard-fought match in Paris to report the alleged comment and asked what he should do in response.

"Nothing, please. I'll be on it," replied O'Keeffe.Curry was asked after the game whether Mbonambi, who also appeared to refuse to shake the England player's hand at the end of the match, had said something he had taken issue with.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nba/news-boston-celtics-claw-out-impressive-win-against-philadelphia-76ers-despite-jayson-tatums-ejection-665350">Boston Celtics claw out impressive win against Philadelphia 76ers despite Jayson Tatum's ejection</a>

"Yeah," replied the 25-year-old, before adding that "it does not need to be talked about".South Africa Rugby said on Sunday they would look into the matter."We are aware of the allegation, which we take very seriously, and are reviewing the available evidence," it said."We will engage with Bongi if anything is found to substantiate the claim."

England coach Steve Borthwick declined to comment on the matter on Sunday.Verbal abuse in rugby is rarely penalised, although England prop Joe Marler and South African Jacques Potgieter have been punished in the past. Marler received a two match-ban for remarks addressed to Wales's Samson Lee in 2016 and Potgieter was fined for an on-field homophobic slur in a Super Rugby game in 2015.The Springboks, though, will be nervously awaiting the outcome of World Rugby's investigation.

Mbonambi is the Springboks' only specialist hooker due to Malcom Marx's tournament-ending injury, although converted back row forward Deon Fourie has covered from the bench.They can therefore ill afford to be without Mbonambi, who was man of the match in the quarter-final win over hosts France, for Saturday's final against fellow three-time champions New Zealand at the Stade de France.

All Blacks defence coach Scott McLeod acknowledged as such in a press conference on Monday."If anything came of that (World Rugby process) for them, I imagine that would be a massive dent for them," said McLeod."He is a leader of their team. When Siya (Kolisi) goes off, then he becomes captain. So I imagine that would really impact them."

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World Rugby said Monday it had launched an official investigation into the allegation that South Africa's Bongi Mbonambi directed a racial slur at Tom Curry of England during the Springboks' victory in the Rugby World Cup semi-final.

World Rugby said Monday it had launched an official investigation into the allegation that South Africa's Bongi Mbonambi directed a racial slur at Tom Curry of England during the Springboks' victory in the Rugby World Cup semi-final. Mbonambi, 32, is alleged to have called England backrow forward Curry "you white (followed by an expletive)" in the first half of Saturday's 16-15 victory. "World Rugby takes all allegations of discriminatory behaviour extremely seriously," the sport's governing body said in a statement on Monday, five days before South Africa face New Zealand in the World Cup final. "We can confirm that we are formally reviewing the allegation made by England’s Tom Curry in relation to the use of discriminatory language during the England versus South Africa Rugby World Cup 2023 semi-final on Saturday. "World Rugby will not be making further comment until the conclusion of the process."Curry approached referee Ben O'Keeffe about half an hour into the hard-fought match in Paris to report the alleged comment and asked what he should do in response. "Nothing, please. I'll be on it," replied O'Keeffe.Curry was asked after the game whether Mbonambi, who also appeared to refuse to shake the England player's hand at the end of the match, had said something he had taken issue with. Also Read: Boston Celtics claw out impressive win against Philadelphia 76ers despite Jayson Tatum's ejection "Yeah," replied the 25-year-old, before adding that "it does not need to be talked about".South Africa Rugby said on Sunday they would look into the matter."We are aware of the allegation, which we take very seriously, and are reviewing the available evidence," it said."We will engage with Bongi if anything is found to substantiate the claim." England coach Steve Borthwick declined to comment on the matter on Sunday.Verbal abuse in rugby is rarely penalised, although England prop Joe Marler and South African Jacques Potgieter have been punished in the past. Marler received a two match-ban for remarks addressed to Wales's Samson Lee in 2016 and Potgieter was fined for an on-field homophobic slur in a Super Rugby game in 2015.The Springboks, though, will be nervously awaiting the outcome of World Rugby's investigation. Mbonambi is the Springboks' only specialist hooker due to Malcom Marx's tournament-ending injury, although converted back row forward Deon Fourie has covered from the bench.They can therefore ill afford to be without Mbonambi, who was man of the match in the quarter-final win over hosts France, for Saturday's final against fellow three-time champions New Zealand at the Stade de France. All Blacks defence coach Scott McLeod acknowledged as such in a press conference on Monday."If anything came of that (World Rugby process) for them, I imagine that would be a massive dent for them," said McLeod."He is a leader of their team. When Siya (Kolisi) goes off, then he becomes captain. So I imagine that would really impact them." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

World Rugby launches official investigation against Bongi Mbonnambi

The All Blacks are both "mentally and physically" ready for Saturday's Rugby World Cup final against old rivals South Africa, according to defence coach Scott McLeod. New Zealand outclassed Argentina 44-6 in the semi-finals to set up the showdown at the Stade de France against the Springboks, last-gasp 16-15 victors over England in their last-four clash.

As each side stares down the barrel of a seventh and final match in France, tagged on to a series of warm-up matches, McLeod insisted there was little sign of fatigue in the All Blacks camp."There's the bodies but looking at how we're tracking, we've got 33 fit men.

"A number of those guys have come back from injury lately so they haven't felt the full wear and tear of the whole tournament and they're actually feeling quite fresh."

Added to that, he said, was the belief garnered from not only the semi-final but also the pulsating 28-24 quarter-final victory over Ireland.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rugby-world-rugby-launches-official-investigation-against-bongi-mbonnambi-650343">Also Read:&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-nick-kyrgios-thanks-andy-murray-for-helping-him-deal-with-mental-health-issues-665148">Tennis: Nick Kyrgios thanks Andy Murray for helping him deal with mental health issues</a>

"When parts of your game works through the quarter-finals and semi-finals, you get belief out of that. It's also mental freshness. It's not something that drags you down. So both mentally and physically we're ready for this. We're quite excited already. We'll probably just have to hold the boys back a little bit."

<h2>Building belief&nbsp;</h2>

McLeod, credited with producing the defensive blueprint that helped the All Blacks snuff out then-world number one team Ireland in the quarters, added: "A lot of aspects of our game are working and that builds belief. "It's something that we've been working on quite a while and to see it work under those moments in quarters and semis, it's very pleasing and it's just about harnessing that now and making sure we go again."

The Springboks will be a tough proposition that would offer up a never-say-die attitude, as shown in the dramatic victory over England, said McLeod, capped 10 times by the All Blacks as a centre.

"It's always their mentality. They come from a country where they're very hardened and they know how to stay in the fight and to win the fight. "They've shown that over many years and showed it in the last World Cup as well. Not much of their DNA has changed.

McLeod added that the record 35-7 defeat South Africa inflicted on New Zealand in a pre-tournament warm-up at Twickenham had retained some relevance.

But it was "not so much on a motivational aspect, but more in scenarios: How do we respond? So we took a lot of learning out of that particularly when we went down to 13 men".McLeod said it would be "no secret" that both teams would be focusing on the opening quarter.

"We need to be extremely accurate show the pitches that we want to show and be able to apply pressure at the same time," he said."The Boks have always come out and wanted to start well."

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The All Blacks are both "mentally and physically" ready for Saturday's Rugby World Cup final against old rivals South Africa, according to defence coach Scott McLeod.

The All Blacks are both "mentally and physically" ready for Saturday's Rugby World Cup final against old rivals South Africa, according to defence coach Scott McLeod. New Zealand outclassed Argentina 44-6 in the semi-finals to set up the showdown at the Stade de France against the Springboks, last-gasp 16-15 victors over England in their last-four clash. As each side stares down the barrel of a seventh and final match in France, tagged on to a series of warm-up matches, McLeod insisted there was little sign of fatigue in the All Blacks camp."There's the bodies but looking at how we're tracking, we've got 33 fit men. "A number of those guys have come back from injury lately so they haven't felt the full wear and tear of the whole tournament and they're actually feeling quite fresh." Added to that, he said, was the belief garnered from not only the semi-final but also the pulsating 28-24 quarter-final victory over Ireland. Also Read: Tennis: Nick Kyrgios thanks Andy Murray for helping him deal with mental health issues "When parts of your game works through the quarter-finals and semi-finals, you get belief out of that. It's also mental freshness. It's not something that drags you down. So both mentally and physically we're ready for this. We're quite excited already. We'll probably just have to hold the boys back a little bit." Building belief McLeod, credited with producing the defensive blueprint that helped the All Blacks snuff out then-world number one team Ireland in the quarters, added: "A lot of aspects of our game are working and that builds belief. "It's something that we've been working on quite a while and to see it work under those moments in quarters and semis, it's very pleasing and it's just about harnessing that now and making sure we go again." The Springboks will be a tough proposition that would offer up a never-say-die attitude, as shown in the dramatic victory over England, said McLeod, capped 10 times by the All Blacks as a centre. "It's always their mentality. They come from a country where they're very hardened and they know how to stay in the fight and to win the fight. "They've shown that over many years and showed it in the last World Cup as well. Not much of their DNA has changed. McLeod added that the record 35-7 defeat South Africa inflicted on New Zealand in a pre-tournament warm-up at Twickenham had retained some relevance. But it was "not so much on a motivational aspect, but more in scenarios: How do we respond? So we took a lot of learning out of that particularly when we went down to 13 men".McLeod said it would be "no secret" that both teams would be focusing on the opening quarter. "We need to be extremely accurate show the pitches that we want to show and be able to apply pressure at the same time," he said."The Boks have always come out and wanted to start well." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Rugby: New Zealand all set to face South Africa in World Cup final

A slew of New Zealand greats will don the&nbsp;All&nbsp;Blacks&nbsp;jersey for the last time in the&nbsp;World&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;final against South Africa and the players left to carry on are determined they will bow out with the trophy, hooker Samisoni Taukei'aho said. Locks Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick, scrumhalf Aaron Smith and hooker Dane Coles are set to retire from test&nbsp;rugby&nbsp;after the decider, while playmaker Beauden Barrett will head to Japan and may not feature for the&nbsp;All&nbsp;Blacks&nbsp;again.

"There are a few legends of this team, it’s their last week being&nbsp;All&nbsp;Blacks," Taukei'aho told New Zealand media in Paris.

"I’m sure for them it’s&nbsp;all&nbsp;about what's best for the team this week. We'll be trying to&nbsp;send&nbsp;them&nbsp;off&nbsp;the way they deserve, which is with a victory."

Having signed a contract extension to play in New Zealand until 2027, 26-year-old Taukei'aho will continue on, likely to be a big part of Scott Robertson's plans when the new coach succeeds&nbsp;All&nbsp;Blacks&nbsp;boss Ian Foster after France.Taukei'aho's immediate focus will be on retaining his place in the&nbsp;All&nbsp;Blacks' matchday squad for Saturday's final in Paris.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-legend-rafael-nadal-announces-return-date-following-lengthy-injury-lay-off-665140">Tennis legend Rafael Nadal announces return date following lengthy injury layoff</a>

Taukei'aho ran&nbsp;off&nbsp;the bench in the 44-6 defeat of Argentina in the semi-finals, relieving starting hooker Codie Taylor.Veteran Coles was picked in the reserves to back up Taylor in the tight quarter-final&nbsp;win&nbsp;over Ireland.

Coles, who already has a&nbsp;World&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;gold medal as part of the championship-winning&nbsp;All&nbsp;Blacks&nbsp;in England in 2015, could yet deny Taukei'aho a maiden&nbsp;World&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;final appearance.However, Taukei'aho had only kind words for the battle-scarred 36-year-old who took him under his&nbsp;wing when he made his first&nbsp;All&nbsp;Blacks&nbsp;squad and helped him make it at test level.

"It was quite funny this week. At the start I was a bit emotional. I’m like, 'Ah, it’s the last week with Grandad'," he said."We'll leave the reflecting until afterwards. I’m sure we’ll have a few quiet ones and talk about how much he developed me as a player ... but not just as a&nbsp;rugby&nbsp;player, as a human being, too.

"He’s a top man. Whoever gets the nod, we back 100% to get the job done and the job of the person not in the 23 is to prepare them the best they can."Nothing changes this week."

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A slew of New Zealand greats will don the All Blacks jersey for the last time in the World Cup final against South Africa and the players left to carry on are determined they will bow out with the trophy, hooker Samisoni Taukei'aho said.

A slew of New Zealand greats will don the All Blacks jersey for the last time in the World Cup final against South Africa and the players left to carry on are determined they will bow out with the trophy, hooker Samisoni Taukei'aho said. Locks Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick, scrumhalf Aaron Smith and hooker Dane Coles are set to retire from test rugby after the decider, while playmaker Beauden Barrett will head to Japan and may not feature for the All Blacks again. "There are a few legends of this team, it’s their last week being All Blacks," Taukei'aho told New Zealand media in Paris. "I’m sure for them it’s all about what's best for the team this week. We'll be trying to send them off the way they deserve, which is with a victory." Having signed a contract extension to play in New Zealand until 2027, 26-year-old Taukei'aho will continue on, likely to be a big part of Scott Robertson's plans when the new coach succeeds All Blacks boss Ian Foster after France.Taukei'aho's immediate focus will be on retaining his place in the All Blacks' matchday squad for Saturday's final in Paris. Also Read: Tennis legend Rafael Nadal announces return date following lengthy injury layoff Taukei'aho ran off the bench in the 44-6 defeat of Argentina in the semi-finals, relieving starting hooker Codie Taylor.Veteran Coles was picked in the reserves to back up Taylor in the tight quarter-final win over Ireland. Coles, who already has a World Cup gold medal as part of the championship-winning All Blacks in England in 2015, could yet deny Taukei'aho a maiden World Cup final appearance.However, Taukei'aho had only kind words for the battle-scarred 36-year-old who took him under his wing when he made his first All Blacks squad and helped him make it at test level. "It was quite funny this week. At the start I was a bit emotional. I’m like, 'Ah, it’s the last week with Grandad'," he said."We'll leave the reflecting until afterwards. I’m sure we’ll have a few quiet ones and talk about how much he developed me as a player ... but not just as a rugby player, as a human being, too. "He’s a top man. Whoever gets the nod, we back 100% to get the job done and the job of the person not in the 23 is to prepare them the best they can."Nothing changes this week." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Rugby World Cup final: All Blacks look to send off 'legends' with win over South Africa

Rugby&nbsp;hailed the expansion of the&nbsp;World&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;and the introduction of a Nations League competition as a&nbsp;new&nbsp;dawn for the sport as it sought to widen its international reach and increase revenue and opportunity. World&nbsp;Rugby&nbsp;(WR) announced on Tuesday it had made several&nbsp;radical&nbsp;changes to the sport’s&nbsp;calendar&nbsp;that it hoped would take the game into an&nbsp;new&nbsp;era and which it said was the final step in a long-term review of the game and its future.

The changes includes an expanded&nbsp;24-team men's&nbsp;World&nbsp;Cup, a two-tier Nations League competition which would eventually offer lower-ranked sides more opportunity to play against top opposition and a&nbsp;new&nbsp;aligned international&nbsp;calendar.“If&nbsp;rugby&nbsp;is going to become a truly global sport, we simply have to make it more relevant, more accessible to more people around the&nbsp;world,” WR chairman Sir Bill Beaumont told a press conference in Paris.

"It's fitting that we finish this, the sport’s greatest celebration of togetherness, with the sport’s greatest feat of togetherness, the most significant development in the sport since the game went professional.

Promised changes to&nbsp;rugby’s traditional order have been debated for more than a decade but have routinely met with opposition from the sport’s superpowers and Beaumont admitted the&nbsp;new&nbsp;plans had dissenters. “But on the whole there was a pretty significant vote in favour of the two competitions,” he told reporters.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nations-league-england-snatch-win-against-netherlands-to-keep-paris-hopes-alive-665283">Nations League: England snatch win against Netherlands to keep Paris hopes alive</a>

The 2027&nbsp;World&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;in Australia will expand from the current 20 to&nbsp;24&nbsp;teams, split into six first-round groups containing four sides each. There will be a round of 16 added and, despite more competing sides, the tournament will be shortened from seven weeks to six.

LATER DRAW

WR said the draw for the next&nbsp;World&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;would be made in January 2026, the latest it has ever been held before a tournament. It follows criticism that the draw for the&nbsp;World&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;in France, based on rankings from the 2019 tournament partly due to COVID, was made too early and led to lopsided competition with one side of the draw packed with top-ranked&nbsp;teams.

One of the long-running issues at&nbsp;World&nbsp;Cups has been unhappiness from Tier Two nations about a lack of regular, competitive matches, with complaints about being excluded from a ‘closed shop’.

WR said they had addressed this by the introduction of a Nations League competition, with two 12-team divisions. It would start in 2026 and, although its format was not revealed, would see a top division comprising sides from the Six Nations and&nbsp;Rugby&nbsp;Championship, and reportedly Japan and Fiji, meeting every two years in the July and November international windows.

There will be a second division with a further 12&nbsp;teams, which will be run by&nbsp;World&nbsp;Rugby. There will be promotion and relegation between the two divisions, but only from 2030.WR promised that in the years when the Nations League was not played there would be "a significant uplift in the number of cross-over matches between unions in the respective divisions".

There will also be a&nbsp;new, annual expanded Pacific Nations&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;competition in 2024&nbsp;featuring Canada, Fiji, Japan, Samoa, Tonga and the United States.

“We now look forward to an exciting&nbsp;new&nbsp;era for our sport commencing in 2026," Beaumont said. "An era that will bring certainty and opportunity for all. An era that will support the many, not the few, and an era that will supercharge the development of the sport beyond its traditional and often self-imposed boundaries."

There will also be a first dedicated international release window in the women’s game from 2026, with a review of the global&nbsp;calendar&nbsp;and competition structures promised in the future.

WR also said there would be a "commitment to more effectively manage player load and welfare in the fast-evolving women’s game".

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Rugby hailed the expansion of the World Cup and the introduction of a Nations League competition as a new dawn for the sport as it sought to widen its international reach and increase revenue and opportunity.

Rugby hailed the expansion of the World Cup and the introduction of a Nations League competition as a new dawn for the sport as it sought to widen its international reach and increase revenue and opportunity. World Rugby (WR) announced on Tuesday it had made several radical changes to the sport’s calendar that it hoped would take the game into an new era and which it said was the final step in a long-term review of the game and its future. The changes includes an expanded 24-team men's World Cup, a two-tier Nations League competition which would eventually offer lower-ranked sides more opportunity to play against top opposition and a new aligned international calendar.“If rugby is going to become a truly global sport, we simply have to make it more relevant, more accessible to more people around the world,” WR chairman Sir Bill Beaumont told a press conference in Paris. "It's fitting that we finish this, the sport’s greatest celebration of togetherness, with the sport’s greatest feat of togetherness, the most significant development in the sport since the game went professional. Promised changes to rugby’s traditional order have been debated for more than a decade but have routinely met with opposition from the sport’s superpowers and Beaumont admitted the new plans had dissenters. “But on the whole there was a pretty significant vote in favour of the two competitions,” he told reporters. Also Read: Nations League: England snatch win against Netherlands to keep Paris hopes alive The 2027 World Cup in Australia will expand from the current 20 to 24 teams, split into six first-round groups containing four sides each. There will be a round of 16 added and, despite more competing sides, the tournament will be shortened from seven weeks to six. LATER DRAW WR said the draw for the next World Cup would be made in January 2026, the latest it has ever been held before a tournament. It follows criticism that the draw for the World Cup in France, based on rankings from the 2019 tournament partly due to COVID, was made too early and led to lopsided competition with one side of the draw packed with top-ranked teams. One of the long-running issues at World Cups has been unhappiness from Tier Two nations about a lack of regular, competitive matches, with complaints about being excluded from a ‘closed shop’. WR said they had addressed this by the introduction of a Nations League competition, with two 12-team divisions. It would start in 2026 and, although its format was not revealed, would see a top division comprising sides from the Six Nations and Rugby Championship, and reportedly Japan and Fiji, meeting every two years in the July and November international windows. There will be a second division with a further 12 teams, which will be run by World Rugby. There will be promotion and relegation between the two divisions, but only from 2030.WR promised that in the years when the Nations League was not played there would be "a significant uplift in the number of cross-over matches between unions in the respective divisions". There will also be a new, annual expanded Pacific Nations Cup competition in 2024 featuring Canada, Fiji, Japan, Samoa, Tonga and the United States. “We now look forward to an exciting new era for our sport commencing in 2026," Beaumont said. "An era that will bring certainty and opportunity for all. An era that will support the many, not the few, and an era that will supercharge the development of the sport beyond its traditional and often self-imposed boundaries." There will also be a first dedicated international release window in the women’s game from 2026, with a review of the global calendar and competition structures promised in the future. WR also said there would be a "commitment to more effectively manage player load and welfare in the fast-evolving women’s game". WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Rugby: World Cup to comprise 24 teams amid radical new calendar

Centre Manu Tuilagi and scrum-half Ben Youngs will start Friday's Rugby World Cup third place play-off in what could be their final England appearances. Fellow veterans in prop Dan Cole and half-back Danny Care, both 36, are named on the bench for Friday's game with Argentina.

Back-rower Courtney Lawes and winger Jonny May, who have both announced they are retiring from Test rugby, are denied a chance to have a final bow with head coach Steve Borthwick omitting the pair from the matchday squad. Flanker Tom Curry will make his 50th England appearance despite being in the centre of an investigation into an allegation he was racially abused by South Africa hooker Bongi Mbonambi during last Saturday's semi-final.&nbsp;

Curry, 25, retains his position from the agonising 16-15 last four loss to the defending champions as Borthwick makes eight changes to his team.

Winger Elliot Daly, prop Joe Marler, hooker Jamie George, lock George Martin scrum-half Alex Mitchell join Lawes, May and Cole in missing out on the starting lineup. Tuilagi, 32, partners Joe Marchant in midfield and 34-year-old Youngs is at half-back alongside captain Owen Farrell.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/lionel-messi-leaves-door-open-for-2026-fifa-world-cup-intends-to-defend-copa-america-title-in-2024-665321">Lionel Messi leaves door open for 2026 FIFA World Cup; intends to defend Copa America title in 2024</a>

Farrell was serving a suspension when England opened their campaign with an impressive 27-10 victory over the Pumas, the English playing most of the match with 14 men due to Curry being sent off.&nbsp; "After the disappointment of last weekend's game against South Africa, it is important that this Friday we once again play with the determination and dedication that so nearly earned the team the result we wanted," Borthwick said in a Rugby Football Union statement on Wednesday.

"The Bronze Final gives us a great opportunity to finish the tournament on a positive note, continue to build for the future, and to give our supporters one last chance to get behind the squad out here in Paris. The players are looking forward to the challenge against what will be a strong Argentina side," he added.

<h2>England squad&nbsp;</h2>

Marcus Smith; Freddie Steward, Joe Marchant, Manu Tuilagi, Henry Arundell; Owen Farrell (capt), Ben Youngs; Ben Earl, Sam Underhill, Tom Curry; Ollie Chessum, Maro Itoje; Will Stuart, Theo Dan, Ellis Genge

Replacements: Jamie George, Bevan Rodd, Dan Cole, Dave Ribbans, Lewis Ludlam, Danny Care, George Ford, Ollie Lawrence

Coach: Steve Borthwick (ENG)&nbsp;

Centre Manu Tuilagi and scrum-half Ben Youngs will start Friday's Rugby World Cup third place play-off in what could be their final England appearances. Fellow veterans in prop Dan Cole and half-back Danny Care, both 36, are named on the bench for Friday's game with Argentina.

Centre Manu Tuilagi and scrum-half Ben Youngs will start Friday's Rugby World Cup third place play-off in what could be their final England appearances. Fellow veterans in prop Dan Cole and half-back Danny Care, both 36, are named on the bench for Friday's game with Argentina. Back-rower Courtney Lawes and winger Jonny May, who have both announced they are retiring from Test rugby, are denied a chance to have a final bow with head coach Steve Borthwick omitting the pair from the matchday squad. Flanker Tom Curry will make his 50th England appearance despite being in the centre of an investigation into an allegation he was racially abused by South Africa hooker Bongi Mbonambi during last Saturday's semi-final. Curry, 25, retains his position from the agonising 16-15 last four loss to the defending champions as Borthwick makes eight changes to his team. Winger Elliot Daly, prop Joe Marler, hooker Jamie George, lock George Martin scrum-half Alex Mitchell join Lawes, May and Cole in missing out on the starting lineup. Tuilagi, 32, partners Joe Marchant in midfield and 34-year-old Youngs is at half-back alongside captain Owen Farrell. Also Read: Lionel Messi leaves door open for 2026 FIFA World Cup; intends to defend Copa America title in 2024 Farrell was serving a suspension when England opened their campaign with an impressive 27-10 victory over the Pumas, the English playing most of the match with 14 men due to Curry being sent off. "After the disappointment of last weekend's game against South Africa, it is important that this Friday we once again play with the determination and dedication that so nearly earned the team the result we wanted," Borthwick said in a Rugby Football Union statement on Wednesday. "The Bronze Final gives us a great opportunity to finish the tournament on a positive note, continue to build for the future, and to give our supporters one last chance to get behind the squad out here in Paris. The players are looking forward to the challenge against what will be a strong Argentina side," he added. England squad Marcus Smith; Freddie Steward, Joe Marchant, Manu Tuilagi, Henry Arundell; Owen Farrell (capt), Ben Youngs; Ben Earl, Sam Underhill, Tom Curry; Ollie Chessum, Maro Itoje; Will Stuart, Theo Dan, Ellis Genge Replacements: Jamie George, Bevan Rodd, Dan Cole, Dave Ribbans, Lewis Ludlam, Danny Care, George Ford, Ollie Lawrence Coach: Steve Borthwick (ENG)

Rugby: Manu Tuilagi, Ben Youngs set for final outing in England colours in playoff match against Argentina

Australia head coach&nbsp;Eddie&nbsp;Jones&nbsp;on Tuesday ruled out a rumoured switch to Japan, pledging to stick with the Wallabies following a disastrous Rugby World Cup campaign. "I'm staying, mate. I've always been committed to Australian rugby and I want to leave it in a better place,"&nbsp;Jones&nbsp;told a press conference in Sydney amid speculation of his imminent resignation.&nbsp;

Although the pugnacious 63-year-old said he has unfinished business with Australian rugby, he could not guarantee he would see out the rest of his four-year contract. "That's not my decision," he replied when asked if he would still be in charge for the 2027 World Cup, which Australia will host.&nbsp;

"I don't control those sorts of things, all I do is coach. We've got a review going forward and we'll see what happens at the end of the review."

As the faltering Australian side stumbled through its tournament pool games in France, reports emerged that&nbsp;Jones&nbsp;had been secretly interviewing for the head coach role in Japan.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-manchester-united-star-marouane-fellaini-bids-farewell-to-shandong-taishan-665000">Former Manchester United star Marouane Fellaini bids farewell to Shandong Taishan</a>

Jones&nbsp;has warm relationships with key powerbrokers at the top of Japanese rugby, having previously coached the Brave Blossoms between 2012 and 2015.

<h2>Rumours</h2>

"I haven't been speaking to anyone, mate,"&nbsp;Jones&nbsp;assured reporters on Tuesday.

"Where the rumours come from? I don't know mate, you'll have to tell me."

Jones&nbsp;also defended his decision to stack the World Cup squad with a band of unproven rookies, leaving a host of veterans at home including 125-Test former skipper Michael Hooper.

"The results from the World Cup weren't what we hoped, but I still think I've made the right decision," he said.&nbsp;

"Everyone has got their own judgement, haven't they? My choice was to go with youth and I stand by that."

Jones&nbsp;defended the team's performances, saying his one regret was telling reporters to "give themselves an uppercut" during a testy press conference at Sydney Airport before jetting off for France.

"I need to give myself an uppercut," a smiling&nbsp;Jones&nbsp;said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Part of&nbsp;Jones's long-term pitch has been the need to blood new talent ahead of the British and Irish Lions tour in 2025, and the home World Cup two years after that.&nbsp;

<h2>People love drama</h2>

After years of financial decline, Australian rugby is banking on a much-needed cash injection from those two marquee events -- and can ill afford to continue alienating crowds with lacklustre performances.

"I think I've left the Australian team in a great position to go on to 2027,"&nbsp;Jones&nbsp;said.&nbsp;

"I didn't come back to Australia to have a holiday -- to sit down at Coogee Beach and have some fish and chips and a nice flat white," he added.

"It was always going to be a battle." Once dubbed the "Walking Headline",&nbsp;Jones&nbsp;said it was no surprise his recent travails had whipped up a media frenzy in Australia.&nbsp;

"People love to see controversy over a coach," he said.&nbsp;"Either a player getting drunk, misbehaving, or the coach getting the sack.&nbsp;

"That creates headlines and people love that sort of drama."

Jones&nbsp;was hailed as the saviour of Australian rugby when he returned to the national setup earlier this year, replacing New Zealander Dave Rennie after a string of bad results. Fresh from inking a lucrative four-year contract, he predicted the Wallabies could win the World Cup this year through a special "smash and grab" raid on rugby's greatest prize.

Instead the side were bundled out in pool play -- their worst result at the tournament -- and have now slumped to seven losses during&nbsp;Jones's nine games in charge.

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Australia head coach Eddie Jones on Tuesday ruled out a rumoured switch to Japan, pledging to stick with the Wallabies following a disastrous Rugby World Cup campaign.

Australia head coach Eddie Jones on Tuesday ruled out a rumoured switch to Japan, pledging to stick with the Wallabies following a disastrous Rugby World Cup campaign. "I'm staying, mate. I've always been committed to Australian rugby and I want to leave it in a better place," Jones told a press conference in Sydney amid speculation of his imminent resignation. Although the pugnacious 63-year-old said he has unfinished business with Australian rugby, he could not guarantee he would see out the rest of his four-year contract. "That's not my decision," he replied when asked if he would still be in charge for the 2027 World Cup, which Australia will host. "I don't control those sorts of things, all I do is coach. We've got a review going forward and we'll see what happens at the end of the review." As the faltering Australian side stumbled through its tournament pool games in France, reports emerged that Jones had been secretly interviewing for the head coach role in Japan. Also Read: Former Manchester United star Marouane Fellaini bids farewell to Shandong Taishan Jones has warm relationships with key powerbrokers at the top of Japanese rugby, having previously coached the Brave Blossoms between 2012 and 2015. Rumours "I haven't been speaking to anyone, mate," Jones assured reporters on Tuesday. "Where the rumours come from? I don't know mate, you'll have to tell me." Jones also defended his decision to stack the World Cup squad with a band of unproven rookies, leaving a host of veterans at home including 125-Test former skipper Michael Hooper. "The results from the World Cup weren't what we hoped, but I still think I've made the right decision," he said. "Everyone has got their own judgement, haven't they? My choice was to go with youth and I stand by that." Jones defended the team's performances, saying his one regret was telling reporters to "give themselves an uppercut" during a testy press conference at Sydney Airport before jetting off for France. "I need to give myself an uppercut," a smiling Jones said on Tuesday. Part of Jones's long-term pitch has been the need to blood new talent ahead of the British and Irish Lions tour in 2025, and the home World Cup two years after that. People love drama After years of financial decline, Australian rugby is banking on a much-needed cash injection from those two marquee events -- and can ill afford to continue alienating crowds with lacklustre performances. "I think I've left the Australian team in a great position to go on to 2027," Jones said. "I didn't come back to Australia to have a holiday -- to sit down at Coogee Beach and have some fish and chips and a nice flat white," he added. "It was always going to be a battle." Once dubbed the "Walking Headline", Jones said it was no surprise his recent travails had whipped up a media frenzy in Australia. "People love to see controversy over a coach," he said. "Either a player getting drunk, misbehaving, or the coach getting the sack. "That creates headlines and people love that sort of drama." Jones was hailed as the saviour of Australian rugby when he returned to the national setup earlier this year, replacing New Zealander Dave Rennie after a string of bad results. Fresh from inking a lucrative four-year contract, he predicted the Wallabies could win the World Cup this year through a special "smash and grab" raid on rugby's greatest prize. Instead the side were bundled out in pool play -- their worst result at the tournament -- and have now slumped to seven losses during Jones's nine games in charge. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Rugby: Australian head coach Eddie Jones commits to Wallabies denies rumour for Japan move

England captain Marlie Packer said Tuesday that the Red Roses would be "ready" for their showdown with hosts New Zealand in a looming repeat of last year's nail-biting women's World Cup final. Packer scored one of England's five tries last November in Auckland, but finished on the losing side as New Zealand clinched a 34-31 victory in the dying seconds. That bitter defeat ended England's 30-match winning streak dating back to 2019.

"A year on, we've got a very different squad, a new coaching staff, so it's really exciting. We can't wait to play," Packer said Tuesday in Wellington.&nbsp;England, who won a fifth straight Six Nations title last April, are back in New Zealand to take part in a new top-level women's competition.

They face Australia at Wellington's Sky Stadium on Friday to kick off "WXV1" -- a round-robin tournament played over each of the next three weekends. Hosts New Zealand, Australia and Canada -- the best teams from the Pacific Four competition -- will each play the top Six Nations teams England, France and Wales.

The third and final round of matches will be in Auckland, where the Black Ferns play England in a repeat of last year's World Cup final."That was a massive game and there was a lot of disappointment for us," said Packer, the Six Nations' top scorer this season with seven tries.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-manchester-united-star-marouane-fellaini-bids-farewell-to-shandong-taishan-665000">Former Manchester United star Marouane Fellaini bids farewell to Shandong Taishan</a>

"We can be super proud of the performance we put in," she added."We know the game is in three weeks' time, we'll make sure we are ready and prepared, but look, we're all about Australia this Friday."

New Zealand, who demolished Australia 43-3 in a warm-up game a fortnight ago, start their campaign against France in Wellington on Saturday. Black Ferns captain co-captain Kennedy Simon said they had been watching England and France closely.

New Zealand squeezed past the French 25-24 in a hard-fought World Cup semi-final last year. Simon anticipated more crunch games against the Europeans. "It brings a bit of fire, we don't get to meet them regularly."

"Our trainings have been brutal. I know England are big... but we are smart, we're calculated, and we're ready to go."

The New Zealander hoped the new competition for the world's top teams would encourage girls to take up rugby.

"I think because we'll have all the best teams in one area playing against each other, it'll spark girls playing rugby," she said.

"For the growth of women in rugby, it will be huge."

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England captain Marlie Packer said Tuesday that the Red Roses would be "ready" for their showdown with hosts New Zealand in a looming repeat of last year's nail-biting women's World Cup final.

England captain Marlie Packer said Tuesday that the Red Roses would be "ready" for their showdown with hosts New Zealand in a looming repeat of last year's nail-biting women's World Cup final. Packer scored one of England's five tries last November in Auckland, but finished on the losing side as New Zealand clinched a 34-31 victory in the dying seconds. That bitter defeat ended England's 30-match winning streak dating back to 2019. "A year on, we've got a very different squad, a new coaching staff, so it's really exciting. We can't wait to play," Packer said Tuesday in Wellington. England, who won a fifth straight Six Nations title last April, are back in New Zealand to take part in a new top-level women's competition. They face Australia at Wellington's Sky Stadium on Friday to kick off "WXV1" -- a round-robin tournament played over each of the next three weekends. Hosts New Zealand, Australia and Canada -- the best teams from the Pacific Four competition -- will each play the top Six Nations teams England, France and Wales. The third and final round of matches will be in Auckland, where the Black Ferns play England in a repeat of last year's World Cup final."That was a massive game and there was a lot of disappointment for us," said Packer, the Six Nations' top scorer this season with seven tries. Also Read: Former Manchester United star Marouane Fellaini bids farewell to Shandong Taishan "We can be super proud of the performance we put in," she added."We know the game is in three weeks' time, we'll make sure we are ready and prepared, but look, we're all about Australia this Friday." New Zealand, who demolished Australia 43-3 in a warm-up game a fortnight ago, start their campaign against France in Wellington on Saturday. Black Ferns captain co-captain Kennedy Simon said they had been watching England and France closely. New Zealand squeezed past the French 25-24 in a hard-fought World Cup semi-final last year. Simon anticipated more crunch games against the Europeans. "It brings a bit of fire, we don't get to meet them regularly." "Our trainings have been brutal. I know England are big... but we are smart, we're calculated, and we're ready to go." The New Zealander hoped the new competition for the world's top teams would encourage girls to take up rugby. "I think because we'll have all the best teams in one area playing against each other, it'll spark girls playing rugby," she said. "For the growth of women in rugby, it will be huge." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Rugby: England's Red Roses ready to face dominating Black Ferns

Rugby&nbsp;World&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;organisers&nbsp;have welcomed impressive domestic and international&nbsp;television&nbsp;audiences that far exceed previous editions as the tournament reaches the one-third point of its 48 matches. In an upbeat Paris press conference on Wednesday, when the night's Italy v Uruguay will be the 17th match to be played, Jacques Rivoal, President of France 2023, said: "There's excitement everywhere -- in the stadiums and TV screens.

"Everywhere, we're exploding the benchmarks that were set in Japan in 2019 and in England in 2015, sometimes 30 to 40% more."

An average of 11.5 million people in France watched last week's France v Uruguay match -- 60% higher than the most-watched Six Nations game this year in France. Around 15 million watched the tournament's opening game between France and New Zealand, with a peak of 17 million. Only the 2011 final between the same teams has had a higher audience.

"It's practically on a par with the&nbsp;World&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;(soccer) final in Qatar between France and Argentina," Rivoal said. "These figures are quite&nbsp;spectacular. We hadn't anticipated such figures and we can only be delighted."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/al-hilal-defeat-cristiano-ronaldos-al-nassr-in-riyadh-derby-to-remain-to-top-665375">Al-Hilal defeat Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr in Riyadh derby to remain to top</a>

Despite a "challenging kick-off time" of 1300 local (1100 GMT), Japan's opening game against Chile drew a Japanese TV audience of 13.8 million -- 15% more than watched their opening game against Russia in 2019 and higher than Japan's second game against Ireland four years ago.

Rivoal said that 3.5 million watched the opening match in Germany - more than all the&nbsp;World&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;matches in 2019 broadcast on German channels.

"There have been more than 500 million views of our official content on our social platform, which is amazing," said tournament director Michel Poussau.

On the commercial front, more France jerseys have been sold so far than Japan jerseys in the whole of 2019 -- though that might have something to do with the fact that the shelves in Tokyo's shops were virtually bare after the first week as&nbsp;organisers&nbsp;were woefully under-supplied with shirts, particularly those of the host nation.

Following the access issues in Marseille and Bordeaux that dogged the opening weekend, questions were asked about long delays faced by thousands of fans leaving the Stade de Nice, served by a single tram stop, and by cancelled media shuttle services.

Organisers&nbsp;brushed off such concerns, however, saying the Nice transport operation had "worked perfectly".

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Rugby World Cup organisers have welcomed impressive domestic and international television audiences that far exceed previous editions as the tournament reaches the one-third point of its 48 matches.

Rugby World Cup organisers have welcomed impressive domestic and international television audiences that far exceed previous editions as the tournament reaches the one-third point of its 48 matches. In an upbeat Paris press conference on Wednesday, when the night's Italy v Uruguay will be the 17th match to be played, Jacques Rivoal, President of France 2023, said: "There's excitement everywhere -- in the stadiums and TV screens. "Everywhere, we're exploding the benchmarks that were set in Japan in 2019 and in England in 2015, sometimes 30 to 40% more." An average of 11.5 million people in France watched last week's France v Uruguay match -- 60% higher than the most-watched Six Nations game this year in France. Around 15 million watched the tournament's opening game between France and New Zealand, with a peak of 17 million. Only the 2011 final between the same teams has had a higher audience. "It's practically on a par with the World Cup (soccer) final in Qatar between France and Argentina," Rivoal said. "These figures are quite spectacular. We hadn't anticipated such figures and we can only be delighted." Also Read: Al-Hilal defeat Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr in Riyadh derby to remain to top Despite a "challenging kick-off time" of 1300 local (1100 GMT), Japan's opening game against Chile drew a Japanese TV audience of 13.8 million -- 15% more than watched their opening game against Russia in 2019 and higher than Japan's second game against Ireland four years ago. Rivoal said that 3.5 million watched the opening match in Germany - more than all the World Cup matches in 2019 broadcast on German channels. "There have been more than 500 million views of our official content on our social platform, which is amazing," said tournament director Michel Poussau. On the commercial front, more France jerseys have been sold so far than Japan jerseys in the whole of 2019 -- though that might have something to do with the fact that the shelves in Tokyo's shops were virtually bare after the first week as organisers were woefully under-supplied with shirts, particularly those of the host nation. Following the access issues in Marseille and Bordeaux that dogged the opening weekend, questions were asked about long delays faced by thousands of fans leaving the Stade de Nice, served by a single tram stop, and by cancelled media shuttle services. Organisers brushed off such concerns, however, saying the Nice transport operation had "worked perfectly". WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Rugby: Jacques Rivoal hails record-breaking viewership for France vs Uruguay World Cup match

France used a watertight defence to stun world champions New Zealand 18-17 in a surprise result at the WXV1 top-tier women's rugby tournament in Wellington on Saturday. The French claimed an early lead and defended it bravely, making more than 200 tackles to snatch a first-ever win over the Black Ferns on New Zealand soil and hand the tournament hosts their first defeat against any side for two years.

The result also exacts some revenge for France's heartbreaking Rugby World Cup exit last year, when beaten by New Zealand by a single point in the semi-finals.

Captain Manae Feleu said her third-ranked French side had tackled their way to victory.

"We knew it was going to be a great battle against the Black Ferns, they are world champions," she said."We knew it was going to be hard and tough for 80 minutes and I'm just grateful we gave it 100 percent."

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Operating with less possession, France opened up a 15-7 lead at halftime through long-range tries to wingers Emilie Boulard and Cyrielle Banet. Liana Mikaele-Tu'u scored New Zealand's opening try but her team slipped further behind when Morgane Bourgeois landed penalties on either side of the interval.

New Zealand's chances diminished when replacement prop Chryss Viliko was shown a red card for an illegal cleanout with 15 minutes remaining but her team regrouped and created a try for winger Katelyn Vaha'akolo to close within one point.

Black Ferns captain Ruahei Demant said her team would need to improve for their remaining matches against Wales and England.

"We were down in their half a lot but we didn't capitalise on the pressure we were putting them under," Demant said."We know what the French bring. You can't mistake because they punish you."

It completed the first of three rounds of matches at the inaugural tournament which features the six leading women's teams. Canada beat Wales 42-22 earlier on Saturday, after top-ranked England opened with a 42-7 rout of Australia on Friday.

Goal-kicking forward Sophie de Goede scored 17 points for Canada, converting all six of their tries, including her own.

The fourth-ranked Canadians pulled clear in the second half after leading by four points at the interval.

The second round of matches is in Dunedin next week, with England facing Canada in the clash of two unbeaten sides, while New Zealand play Wales and France meet Australia. The tournament concludes in Auckland, where the highlight is expected to be a rematch of last year's World Cup final, between New Zealand and England.

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France used a watertight defence to stun world champions New Zealand 18-17 in a surprise result at the WXV1 top-tier women's rugby tournament in Wellington on Saturday.

France used a watertight defence to stun world champions New Zealand 18-17 in a surprise result at the WXV1 top-tier women's rugby tournament in Wellington on Saturday. The French claimed an early lead and defended it bravely, making more than 200 tackles to snatch a first-ever win over the Black Ferns on New Zealand soil and hand the tournament hosts their first defeat against any side for two years. The result also exacts some revenge for France's heartbreaking Rugby World Cup exit last year, when beaten by New Zealand by a single point in the semi-finals. Captain Manae Feleu said her third-ranked French side had tackled their way to victory. "We knew it was going to be a great battle against the Black Ferns, they are world champions," she said."We knew it was going to be hard and tough for 80 minutes and I'm just grateful we gave it 100 percent." Also Read: Lionel Messi leaves door open for 2026 FIFA World Cup; intends to defend Copa America title in 2024 Operating with less possession, France opened up a 15-7 lead at halftime through long-range tries to wingers Emilie Boulard and Cyrielle Banet. Liana Mikaele-Tu'u scored New Zealand's opening try but her team slipped further behind when Morgane Bourgeois landed penalties on either side of the interval. New Zealand's chances diminished when replacement prop Chryss Viliko was shown a red card for an illegal cleanout with 15 minutes remaining but her team regrouped and created a try for winger Katelyn Vaha'akolo to close within one point. Black Ferns captain Ruahei Demant said her team would need to improve for their remaining matches against Wales and England. "We were down in their half a lot but we didn't capitalise on the pressure we were putting them under," Demant said."We know what the French bring. You can't mistake because they punish you." It completed the first of three rounds of matches at the inaugural tournament which features the six leading women's teams. Canada beat Wales 42-22 earlier on Saturday, after top-ranked England opened with a 42-7 rout of Australia on Friday. Goal-kicking forward Sophie de Goede scored 17 points for Canada, converting all six of their tries, including her own. The fourth-ranked Canadians pulled clear in the second half after leading by four points at the interval. The second round of matches is in Dunedin next week, with England facing Canada in the clash of two unbeaten sides, while New Zealand play Wales and France meet Australia. The tournament concludes in Auckland, where the highlight is expected to be a rematch of last year's World Cup final, between New Zealand and England. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Rugby: France women stun defending world champions New Zealand, exact revenge for WC defeat

Newly crowned World Rugby player of the year Ardie Savea said on Friday that he wanted to "try something new" and test himself after moving to Japan's big-spending league. The All Blacks loose forward has signed for Kobe Steelers on a one-season deal that means he will not miss any games for his country.

Savea joins New Zealand team-mate Brodie Retallick at Kobe and said he was "very excited" ahead of the Japan Rugby League One opener on December 9. "There's been a lot of positive things from the boys that have been coming into the country around the competition," said the 30-year-old Savea.

"As a player that's playing in New Zealand, that excites you to come here and give it a crack and try something new. "You look at the competition and I guess the talent that's across all teams is pretty special."

Savea and Retallick are among a wave of All Blacks moving to Japan ahead of the new season, including captain Sam Cane, fly-half Richie Mo'unga and full-back Beauden Barrett. The league also features several of the South Africa team that beat New Zealand in the World Cup final in October.

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Kobe finished last season ninth in the 12-team league and Savea is determined to help them perform better this time around. "I like to challenge myself and apply myself," he said. "My aspiration here is to come to Kobe and give myself to the culture and to the club, to my team-mates and hopefully try to win a championship."

Retallick is returning for a second spell at Kobe, having played for the club from 2020 to 2021. The lock, who has won 109 caps for the All Blacks, has been named co-captain and said he was glad to be joined by the "influential" Savea.

"I think he's an inspiration to a lot of Kiwis and people from all around the world," he said.

Newly crowned World Rugby player of the year Ardie Savea said on Friday that he wanted to "try something new" and test himself after moving to Japan's big-spending league.

Newly crowned World Rugby player of the year Ardie Savea said on Friday that he wanted to "try something new" and test himself after moving to Japan's big-spending league. The All Blacks loose forward has signed for Kobe Steelers on a one-season deal that means he will not miss any games for his country. Savea joins New Zealand team-mate Brodie Retallick at Kobe and said he was "very excited" ahead of the Japan Rugby League One opener on December 9. "There's been a lot of positive things from the boys that have been coming into the country around the competition," said the 30-year-old Savea. "As a player that's playing in New Zealand, that excites you to come here and give it a crack and try something new. "You look at the competition and I guess the talent that's across all teams is pretty special." Savea and Retallick are among a wave of All Blacks moving to Japan ahead of the new season, including captain Sam Cane, fly-half Richie Mo'unga and full-back Beauden Barrett. The league also features several of the South Africa team that beat New Zealand in the World Cup final in October. Also Read: Golf: Min Woo Lee leads at Australian Open, sets eyes on successive DP World Tour titles Kobe finished last season ninth in the 12-team league and Savea is determined to help them perform better this time around. "I like to challenge myself and apply myself," he said. "My aspiration here is to come to Kobe and give myself to the culture and to the club, to my team-mates and hopefully try to win a championship." Retallick is returning for a second spell at Kobe, having played for the club from 2020 to 2021. The lock, who has won 109 caps for the All Blacks, has been named co-captain and said he was glad to be joined by the "influential" Savea. "I think he's an inspiration to a lot of Kiwis and people from all around the world," he said.

Rugby: All Blacks' Ardie Savea opens up on joining Kobe Steelers in Japan league

&nbsp;Aaron&nbsp;Smith&nbsp;will&nbsp;bow&nbsp;out&nbsp;of international rugby after the World Cup final against South Africa on Saturday, leaving a gaping hole at the heart of the All&nbsp;Blacks&nbsp;team. The 34-year-old&nbsp;scrum-half&nbsp;has well and truly cemented his place in New Zealand rugby folklore, praised across the board for his infectious passion for the oval ball game.

Smith&nbsp;made his All&nbsp;Blacks&nbsp;debut against Ireland in June 2012 and quickly established himself as the first choice halfback for the national team. He has gone on to win 124 caps and was instrumental in the New Zealand squad that won the 2015 World Cup.

"He has a special place in my heart because of his passion; the way he applies himself every single day is for the betterment of the team," said defence coach Scott McLeod. "He is an absolute professional on and off the field. He gets his body right and his mind right and he gives it nothing short of 100 percent every single time."

McLeod added: "The passion and willingness he shows is contagious. I just think the world of him, really." Smith, who two years ago became the first All Black of Maori heritage to reach the 100-cap landmark, is often the leader of the pre-match haka.

Known for his outstanding technical nous, with an unmatched passing game and an effective kicking arsenal,&nbsp;Smith&nbsp;remains a danger around the base of the ruck and in open play. He was outstanding in last week's 44-6 semi-final thumping of Argentina, the&nbsp;scrum-half&nbsp;darting over for one of the New Zealanders' seven tries.

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<h2>Shoulders of giants&nbsp;</h2>

All&nbsp;Blacks&nbsp;scrum coach Jason Ryan said the ultra-competitive&nbsp;Smith&nbsp;would leave a "pretty special" legacy behind. "He has been right up there as the best half-back in the world for a long time," Ryan said. "He's a phenomenal man. I've always had so much respect for 'Nug' and the way he played the game from when I was involved in Super Rugby.

"Just his energy and the way he challenges and barks at his forward pack is good, he keeps everyone honest." Ryan added: "He leaves not only a great legacy. He is a great New Zealander, to be fair." For&nbsp;Smith, it was more a question of focusing on Saturday's final at the Stade de France than dwelling on the past.

"This is the dream, to be in the dance, to make the final and give ourselves an opportunity," he said. "We've got a chance of winning the World Cup and that's what you dream of as a rugby player."

Smith&nbsp;said their opening pool loss to France had been but one step en route to the final. "We knew the World Cup wouldn't be won on that night. It was just the first game and it was about us positioning ourselves to make a quarter-final. The last two steps have been really important," he said.

Flanker Dalton Papali'i said the squad were hell-bent on producing their best for the exiting All&nbsp;Blacks, with&nbsp;Smith&nbsp;to be joined by locks Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock in bowing&nbsp;out&nbsp;of the international scene. "For a lot of the leaders it is like their last rodeo," Papali'i said.

"We want to do it for ourselves but also for those boys who have led the way. We are standing on the back of their history and we want to send them off on a high note. "There are a few leaders in the team, it's going to be their last game in the jersey so it's a big game for us.

"We are standing on the shoulders of giants."

Aaron Smith will bow out of international rugby after the World Cup final against South Africa on Saturday, leaving a gaping hole at the heart of the All Blacks team.

Aaron Smith will bow out of international rugby after the World Cup final against South Africa on Saturday, leaving a gaping hole at the heart of the All Blacks team. The 34-year-old scrum-half has well and truly cemented his place in New Zealand rugby folklore, praised across the board for his infectious passion for the oval ball game. Smith made his All Blacks debut against Ireland in June 2012 and quickly established himself as the first choice halfback for the national team. He has gone on to win 124 caps and was instrumental in the New Zealand squad that won the 2015 World Cup. "He has a special place in my heart because of his passion; the way he applies himself every single day is for the betterment of the team," said defence coach Scott McLeod. "He is an absolute professional on and off the field. He gets his body right and his mind right and he gives it nothing short of 100 percent every single time." McLeod added: "The passion and willingness he shows is contagious. I just think the world of him, really." Smith, who two years ago became the first All Black of Maori heritage to reach the 100-cap landmark, is often the leader of the pre-match haka. Known for his outstanding technical nous, with an unmatched passing game and an effective kicking arsenal, Smith remains a danger around the base of the ruck and in open play. He was outstanding in last week's 44-6 semi-final thumping of Argentina, the scrum-half darting over for one of the New Zealanders' seven tries. Also Read: LeBron James' elder son Bronny James set to return to college basketball activities after cardiac arrest Shoulders of giants All Blacks scrum coach Jason Ryan said the ultra-competitive Smith would leave a "pretty special" legacy behind. "He has been right up there as the best half-back in the world for a long time," Ryan said. "He's a phenomenal man. I've always had so much respect for 'Nug' and the way he played the game from when I was involved in Super Rugby. "Just his energy and the way he challenges and barks at his forward pack is good, he keeps everyone honest." Ryan added: "He leaves not only a great legacy. He is a great New Zealander, to be fair." For Smith, it was more a question of focusing on Saturday's final at the Stade de France than dwelling on the past. "This is the dream, to be in the dance, to make the final and give ourselves an opportunity," he said. "We've got a chance of winning the World Cup and that's what you dream of as a rugby player." Smith said their opening pool loss to France had been but one step en route to the final. "We knew the World Cup wouldn't be won on that night. It was just the first game and it was about us positioning ourselves to make a quarter-final. The last two steps have been really important," he said. Flanker Dalton Papali'i said the squad were hell-bent on producing their best for the exiting All Blacks, with Smith to be joined by locks Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock in bowing out of the international scene. "For a lot of the leaders it is like their last rodeo," Papali'i said. "We want to do it for ourselves but also for those boys who have led the way. We are standing on the back of their history and we want to send them off on a high note. "There are a few leaders in the team, it's going to be their last game in the jersey so it's a big game for us. "We are standing on the shoulders of giants."

Rugby: All Black Aaron Smith to retire after World Cup Final against South Africa

Bhutan on Wednesday said it had given about 60 per cent of its entire population the first jab against Covid-19 since the Himalayan kingdom started an ambitious vaccination drive nine days ago.

The tiny nation wedged between India and China told AFP that 470,000 people out of 770,000 in total had been administered the first shot of a two-dose regime of the Covishield vaccine (Oxford Astrazeneca) donated by India.

Its rapid rollout puts Bhutan far ahead of other leading nations in reaching the 60-per cent mark, including Seychelles, Israel and the United Arab Emirates, according to AFP analysis.

When Bhutan's campaign launched on March 27, it set the speedy target of vaccinating 533,000 adults -- having excluded pregnant women, new mothers, people with certain health conditions and seriously ill patients -- in just one week.

However, the nation, famous for measuring gross national happiness, extended its deadline by several weeks.

A health ministry spokeswoman said that healthcare officers were now focusing on vaccinating those above 70 as well as disabled residents.&nbsp;

The country has recorded 896 Covid-19 infections and one death so far.

Israel has set the world's leading pace per capita for vaccinations in a two-dose regime, having already given both shots of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to more than half of its population.

Bhutan on Wednesday said it had given about 60 per cent of its entire population the first jab against Covid-19 since the Himalayan kingdom started an ambitious vaccination drive nine days ago.

Bhutan on Wednesday said it had given about 60 per cent of its entire population the first jab against Covid-19 since the Himalayan kingdom started an ambitious vaccination drive nine days ago. The tiny nation wedged between India and China told AFP that 470,000 people out of 770,000 in total had been administered the first shot of a two-dose regime of the Covishield vaccine (Oxford Astrazeneca) donated by India. Its rapid rollout puts Bhutan far ahead of other leading nations in reaching the 60-per cent mark, including Seychelles, Israel and the United Arab Emirates, according to AFP analysis. When Bhutan's campaign launched on March 27, it set the speedy target of vaccinating 533,000 adults -- having excluded pregnant women, new mothers, people with certain health conditions and seriously ill patients -- in just one week. However, the nation, famous for measuring gross national happiness, extended its deadline by several weeks. A health ministry spokeswoman said that healthcare officers were now focusing on vaccinating those above 70 as well as disabled residents. The country has recorded 896 Covid-19 infections and one death so far. Israel has set the world's leading pace per capita for vaccinations in a two-dose regime, having already given both shots of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to more than half of its population.

Rugby: South Africa's Bongi Mbonambi cleared to play in World Cup final versus New Zealand

A Canberra court has dismissed charges against Australian rugby league internationals Latrell Mitchell and Jack Wighton who were arrested for fighting with each other at a nightclub in February. Police had charged both players with fighting in a public place, while charging Wighton with ignoring an exclusion order and his cousin Mitchell with affray and resisting police.

Wighton was celebrating his 30th birthday when police removed him from the nightclub and ordered him to leave the city area. The case was dismissed on Wednesday, a day after a senior police officer admitted evidence he had given in court about Wighton's behaviour was inaccurate.

The police officer told the court on Monday that Wighton had "pushed and shoved" a man at the nightclub and appeared aggressive but on Tuesday conceded his evidence did not match CCTV and police body-camera footage. "Sorry Jack, if that's what happened. I thought I saw something different," Australian media quoted the police officer as saying to Wighton in court on Tuesday.

Australia Capital Territory (ACT) Magistrates Court judge Jane Campbell dismissed the case, triggering criticism of police and prosecutors. The arrests were prominently reported by national broadcasters, with video showing four police officers pinning Aboriginal Australian Mitchell face-down to the ground.

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Mitchell was heard screaming "my shoulders" and bystanders were heard telling the police the pair had done nothing wrong. "I hope everyone knows and understands the seriousness of what's gone on," South Sydney fullback Mitchell told reporters outside the court.

"Through the last 10 months it's been very hard for myself - not only myself but my family and what they've had to read and endure. A traumatic experience that I've had of Canberra." Mitchell's team mate Wighton thanked his former club Canberra Raiders and his family for their support. Raiders CEO Don Furner called the case "an extraordinary waste" of the court's time and taxpayers' money, while Mitchell's lawyer called for a review.

ACT Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury described the case as "obviously really concerning". ACT Policing said they would work with prosecutors to review the proceedings.

A Canberra court has dismissed charges against Australian rugby league internationals Latrell Mitchell and Jack Wighton who were arrested for fighting with each other at a nightclub in February.

A Canberra court has dismissed charges against Australian rugby league internationals Latrell Mitchell and Jack Wighton who were arrested for fighting with each other at a nightclub in February. Police had charged both players with fighting in a public place, while charging Wighton with ignoring an exclusion order and his cousin Mitchell with affray and resisting police. Wighton was celebrating his 30th birthday when police removed him from the nightclub and ordered him to leave the city area. The case was dismissed on Wednesday, a day after a senior police officer admitted evidence he had given in court about Wighton's behaviour was inaccurate. The police officer told the court on Monday that Wighton had "pushed and shoved" a man at the nightclub and appeared aggressive but on Tuesday conceded his evidence did not match CCTV and police body-camera footage. "Sorry Jack, if that's what happened. I thought I saw something different," Australian media quoted the police officer as saying to Wighton in court on Tuesday. Australia Capital Territory (ACT) Magistrates Court judge Jane Campbell dismissed the case, triggering criticism of police and prosecutors. The arrests were prominently reported by national broadcasters, with video showing four police officers pinning Aboriginal Australian Mitchell face-down to the ground. Also Read: Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz shines in Mexico City as fans get glimpse of world class tennis Mitchell was heard screaming "my shoulders" and bystanders were heard telling the police the pair had done nothing wrong. "I hope everyone knows and understands the seriousness of what's gone on," South Sydney fullback Mitchell told reporters outside the court. "Through the last 10 months it's been very hard for myself - not only myself but my family and what they've had to read and endure. A traumatic experience that I've had of Canberra." Mitchell's team mate Wighton thanked his former club Canberra Raiders and his family for their support. Raiders CEO Don Furner called the case "an extraordinary waste" of the court's time and taxpayers' money, while Mitchell's lawyer called for a review. ACT Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury described the case as "obviously really concerning". ACT Policing said they would work with prosecutors to review the proceedings.

Rugby: Canberra court dismisses charges against Latrell Mitchell, Jack Wighton

All Blacks hooker&nbsp;Codie&nbsp;Taylor&nbsp;will only play the tail end of the 2024 Super Rugby season because of an extended post-World Cup break, defending champions Canterbury Crusaders said Thursday as they unveiled their squad. Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny and former All Blacks centre Ryan Crotty are key additions for the Crusaders when the new campaign begins in February.

But the 32-year-old&nbsp;Taylor, who started the World Cup final when New Zealand lost 12-11 to South Africa last month, has opted to take a non-playing sabbatical.&nbsp;After a decade with the Crusaders, the veteran forward is only expected to return from round 10 of the competition in late April. "Codie&nbsp;has been here a long time. For his longevity, it's important for him to have a wee break and he's earned that right," said Crusaders coach Rob Penney.&nbsp;

"He's due back about three weeks before the play-offs."&nbsp; The Christchurch-based Crusaders are chasing an eighth straight Super Rugby title and will do so under Penney, who replaces All Blacks-bound Scott Robertson as head coach. Crotty, 35, returns to the Crusaders on a one-year contract after four years in Japan. Former British &amp; Irish Lions star Halfpenny joins having retired from international rugby following his final appearance for Wales last weekend in a win over the Barbarians.

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&nbsp;"It's a very exciting addition to our group. Leigh has been world class for a number of years," Penney said. Scott Barrett captains the Crusaders, who have lost the experience of his All Blacks team-mates Sam Whitelock, Richie Mo'unga and Leicester Fainga'anuku after they signed for overseas clubs.

<h2>&nbsp;Ta’avao rejoins Blues</h2>

All 12 Super Rugby Pacific teams announced their squads on Thursday. Among the New Zealand sides, All Blacks prop Angus Ta’avao has rejoined the Auckland Blues, where he started his Super Rugby career in 2012, from the Waikato Chiefs.

Former Wales fly-half Rhys Patchell will join the Otago Highlanders and Argentina fullback Martin Bogado returns for his second season with the Dunedin-based team. New Zealand-born England loose forward Brad Shields has returned to the Wellington Hurricanes after a spell in Europe with Wasps, then Perpignan.&nbsp;

Shields made 104 appearances for the Hurricanes from 2012 until 2018, before moving to England, where he played nine Tests for the national side. At the Hurricanes he will fill in for All Blacks loose forward Ardie Savea, who is spending the 2024 Super Rugby season in Japan.&nbsp;"Brad's presence in the team will be crucial," said the Hurricanes' Scottish head coach Clark Laidlaw. "We already know his qualities as a player, so we are delighted to have him back."

Among the Australian clubs, Wallabies prop Taniela Tupou has joined the Melbourne Rebels from Queensland Reds. Western Force have lured half-backs Nic White from the ACT Brumbies and Ben Donaldson from the New South Wales Waratahs. Queensland Reds have turned to youth with 10 rookies in their squad.

All Blacks hooker Codie Taylor will only play the tail end of the 2024 Super Rugby season because of an extended post-World Cup break, defending champions Canterbury Crusaders said Thursday as they unveiled their squad.

All Blacks hooker Codie Taylor will only play the tail end of the 2024 Super Rugby season because of an extended post-World Cup break, defending champions Canterbury Crusaders said Thursday as they unveiled their squad. Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny and former All Blacks centre Ryan Crotty are key additions for the Crusaders when the new campaign begins in February. But the 32-year-old Taylor, who started the World Cup final when New Zealand lost 12-11 to South Africa last month, has opted to take a non-playing sabbatical. After a decade with the Crusaders, the veteran forward is only expected to return from round 10 of the competition in late April. "Codie has been here a long time. For his longevity, it's important for him to have a wee break and he's earned that right," said Crusaders coach Rob Penney. "He's due back about three weeks before the play-offs." The Christchurch-based Crusaders are chasing an eighth straight Super Rugby title and will do so under Penney, who replaces All Blacks-bound Scott Robertson as head coach. Crotty, 35, returns to the Crusaders on a one-year contract after four years in Japan. Former British & Irish Lions star Halfpenny joins having retired from international rugby following his final appearance for Wales last weekend in a win over the Barbarians. Also Read: 'India has a big passion for football': Tottenham Hotspur legend Ledley King "It's a very exciting addition to our group. Leigh has been world class for a number of years," Penney said. Scott Barrett captains the Crusaders, who have lost the experience of his All Blacks team-mates Sam Whitelock, Richie Mo'unga and Leicester Fainga'anuku after they signed for overseas clubs. Ta’avao rejoins Blues All 12 Super Rugby Pacific teams announced their squads on Thursday. Among the New Zealand sides, All Blacks prop Angus Ta’avao has rejoined the Auckland Blues, where he started his Super Rugby career in 2012, from the Waikato Chiefs. Former Wales fly-half Rhys Patchell will join the Otago Highlanders and Argentina fullback Martin Bogado returns for his second season with the Dunedin-based team. New Zealand-born England loose forward Brad Shields has returned to the Wellington Hurricanes after a spell in Europe with Wasps, then Perpignan. Shields made 104 appearances for the Hurricanes from 2012 until 2018, before moving to England, where he played nine Tests for the national side. At the Hurricanes he will fill in for All Blacks loose forward Ardie Savea, who is spending the 2024 Super Rugby season in Japan. "Brad's presence in the team will be crucial," said the Hurricanes' Scottish head coach Clark Laidlaw. "We already know his qualities as a player, so we are delighted to have him back." Among the Australian clubs, Wallabies prop Taniela Tupou has joined the Melbourne Rebels from Queensland Reds. Western Force have lured half-backs Nic White from the ACT Brumbies and Ben Donaldson from the New South Wales Waratahs. Queensland Reds have turned to youth with 10 rookies in their squad.

Crusaders' Codie Taylor to miss major part of 2024 Super Rugby season due to extended post-World Cup break

Ireland wing Andrew Conway has retired from professional rugby at the age of 32 due to a knee injury, his club Munster said on Thursday. Conway earned 30 Ireland caps and scored 15 tries, including two in last year's Six Nations as they won the Triple Crown and finished runners-up to France. He also played 150 games for Munster, scoring 50 tries.

"Unfortunately, I have been advised to retire from professional rugby because of a knee injury," Conway said in a statement, adding that an "incredible amount of work" had been put in by medical staff to try to get him back to full fitness.

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"Playing for Ireland was my dream come true. Singing the national anthem with my team mates, watched on by family and friends was the proudest I’ve ever been."

Ireland wing Andrew Conway has retired from professional rugby at the age of 32 due to a knee injury, his club Munster said on Thursday. Conway earned 30 Ireland caps and scored 15 tries, including two in last year's Six Nations as they won the Triple Crown and finished runners-up to France.

Ireland wing Andrew Conway has retired from professional rugby at the age of 32 due to a knee injury, his club Munster said on Thursday. Conway earned 30 Ireland caps and scored 15 tries, including two in last year's Six Nations as they won the Triple Crown and finished runners-up to France. He also played 150 games for Munster, scoring 50 tries. "Unfortunately, I have been advised to retire from professional rugby because of a knee injury," Conway said in a statement, adding that an "incredible amount of work" had been put in by medical staff to try to get him back to full fitness. Also read: VAR inconsistencies prompt call for overhaul in Premier League "Playing for Ireland was my dream come true. Singing the national anthem with my team mates, watched on by family and friends was the proudest I’ve ever been."

Rugby: Ireland wing Andrew Conway retires at 32 due to knee injury

Former New Zealand coach Ian Foster revealed Tuesday that his wife and daughter were threatened by a man wielding a knife in Paris during the Rugby World Cup.

His wife Leigh and daughter Michaela were accosted near the All Blacks' hotel in the French capital around the time of New Zealand's opening game against hosts France in September, he said.&nbsp;

Foster had not mentioned the incident during the tournament won by South Africa, who beat New Zealand 12-11 in the final.

"There was an incident involving my wife and one of my daughters in Paris during the opening week of the Rugby World Cup," said Foster, who was replaced as All Blacks boss by Scott Robertson following the tournament.

"Leigh and Michaela were walking to our team hotel from a nearby train station in the early evening when they were confronted by a young man with a knife," he said in a statement.

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"The man appeared to be under the influence of something."

Foster said his family were able to defuse the situation "calmly but firmly and the man left".

The All Blacks' security team and the local authorities were later informed, he added.

"As a family we would like to reiterate that this did not in any way take away from our time in France which was positive overall," Foster said.

His daughter was in France supporting her father after playing for the New Zealand women's football team at the FIFA World Cup on home soil.

Former New Zealand coach Ian Foster revealed Tuesday that his wife and daughter were threatened by a man wielding a knife in Paris during the Rugby World Cup. His wife Leigh and daughter Michaela were accosted near the All Blacks' hotel in the French capital around the time of New Zealand's opening game against hosts France in September, he said.

Former New Zealand coach Ian Foster revealed Tuesday that his wife and daughter were threatened by a man wielding a knife in Paris during the Rugby World Cup. His wife Leigh and daughter Michaela were accosted near the All Blacks' hotel in the French capital around the time of New Zealand's opening game against hosts France in September, he said. Foster had not mentioned the incident during the tournament won by South Africa, who beat New Zealand 12-11 in the final. "There was an incident involving my wife and one of my daughters in Paris during the opening week of the Rugby World Cup," said Foster, who was replaced as All Blacks boss by Scott Robertson following the tournament. "Leigh and Michaela were walking to our team hotel from a nearby train station in the early evening when they were confronted by a young man with a knife," he said in a statement. ALSO READ | CWC 2023: Sri Lanka, Bangladesh players REFUSE to shake hands after Mathews 'timed out' controversy "The man appeared to be under the influence of something." Foster said his family were able to defuse the situation "calmly but firmly and the man left". The All Blacks' security team and the local authorities were later informed, he added. "As a family we would like to reiterate that this did not in any way take away from our time in France which was positive overall," Foster said. His daughter was in France supporting her father after playing for the New Zealand women's football team at the FIFA World Cup on home soil.

Rugby: Ex-All Blacks boss Ian Foster says family threatened with knife in Paris

New Zealand's incoming prime minister joined his countrymen in heaping praise on an All Blacks side that has exceeded national expectations by reaching the Rugby World Cup final.

The three-time champions were regarded as outside hopes to clinch the silverware by many in the rugby-mad country after going into the tournament in mixed form and emphatically losing their opening pool game to hosts France.

However, last week's desperate 28-24 quarter-final defeat of top-ranked Ireland reset expectations, and Saturday's 44-6 semi-final dismantling of Argentina had headline writers searching for superlatives.

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Christopher Luxon, whose centre-right National Party was elected into power in last week's general election, took a break from negotiating the make-up of his new parliament to post a supportive message on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"The All Blacks -- what a team!" he wrote.

"They've been incredible this tournament -- fighting hard when it counted and proved the pundits wrong to reach rugby's greatest showpiece -- the Rugby World Cup final. One more mountain to climb."

The New Zealand Herald focused on the improvements made under head coach Ian Foster since the "chaos" of his team's first-ever defeat on home soil to Argentina little more than a year ago.

Foster has one week remaining in the role, after New Zealand Rugby chose seven months ago to promote successful domestic coach Scott Robertson to the All Blacks top job next year.

"Foster is now 80 minutes away from writing one of the greatest redemption stories in rugby history," the NZ Herald said.

"The Pumas, bless them, just aren't a great team, but the All Blacks, with the sort of withdrawn efficiency of a surgeon on his fourth in-grown toenail operation of the day, pulled them apart in such a manner as to make them look worse than they really are."

Former World Cup-winning All Black Israel Dagg said Foster had delivered the perfect response to his critics.

"Let's be honest, there's a lot of people out there who had a lot of doubt potentially with what's gone on. Mixed results, mixed selection, and thoughts about are we good enough. Now we are going to a World Cup final," former fullback Dagg told Sky Sport.

"Fozzy will be chuffed. Everyone has bet against him. He has stayed true to who he is and what he's about and potentially could leave on a winning note."

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New Zealand's incoming prime minister joined his countrymen in heaping praise on an All Blacks side that has exceeded national expectations by reaching the Rugby World Cup final.

New Zealand's incoming prime minister joined his countrymen in heaping praise on an All Blacks side that has exceeded national expectations by reaching the Rugby World Cup final. The three-time champions were regarded as outside hopes to clinch the silverware by many in the rugby-mad country after going into the tournament in mixed form and emphatically losing their opening pool game to hosts France. However, last week's desperate 28-24 quarter-final defeat of top-ranked Ireland reset expectations, and Saturday's 44-6 semi-final dismantling of Argentina had headline writers searching for superlatives. Also Read: Pep Guardiola reveals who he'd like to win Ballon d'Or out of Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland Christopher Luxon, whose centre-right National Party was elected into power in last week's general election, took a break from negotiating the make-up of his new parliament to post a supportive message on X, formerly known as Twitter. "The All Blacks -- what a team!" he wrote. "They've been incredible this tournament -- fighting hard when it counted and proved the pundits wrong to reach rugby's greatest showpiece -- the Rugby World Cup final. One more mountain to climb." The New Zealand Herald focused on the improvements made under head coach Ian Foster since the "chaos" of his team's first-ever defeat on home soil to Argentina little more than a year ago. Foster has one week remaining in the role, after New Zealand Rugby chose seven months ago to promote successful domestic coach Scott Robertson to the All Blacks top job next year. "Foster is now 80 minutes away from writing one of the greatest redemption stories in rugby history," the NZ Herald said. "The Pumas, bless them, just aren't a great team, but the All Blacks, with the sort of withdrawn efficiency of a surgeon on his fourth in-grown toenail operation of the day, pulled them apart in such a manner as to make them look worse than they really are." Former World Cup-winning All Black Israel Dagg said Foster had delivered the perfect response to his critics. "Let's be honest, there's a lot of people out there who had a lot of doubt potentially with what's gone on. Mixed results, mixed selection, and thoughts about are we good enough. Now we are going to a World Cup final," former fullback Dagg told Sky Sport. "Fozzy will be chuffed. Everyone has bet against him. He has stayed true to who he is and what he's about and potentially could leave on a winning note." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Rugby World Cup: All Blacks reach final against all odds after beating Argentina in semis

Eddie Jones said on Tuesday he is committed to coaching Australia for the long haul and stood by his ill-fated youth policy that saw the Wallabies crash to their earliest World Cup exit. The 63-year-old Australian, whose mother and wife are Japanese, has been linked with the Japan head coach job since Australian media reported he had interviewed for it a couple of days before the Wallabies' final World Cup warm-up.

In his first public appearance since returning to Australia, Jones said he had not spoken to "anyone" about the Japan role and had no idea where the reports had come from. "I’ve always been committed to Australian rugby and I want to leave it in a better place, and that’s still the job," he told reporters in Sydney.

After being sacked by England last December, Jones returned home in January on a five-year deal, his second stint as Australia coach after leading the Wallabies to the 2003 World Cup final in the first. Jones immediately said Australia would claim a third World Cup triumph in France, an assertion that looked laughable after the Wallabies lost all five of their test matches in the run-up to the tournament.

With Rugby Australia to conduct a review of the World Cup, the coach conceded his future was not entirely in his hands. "It’s not absolutely my decision, is it? We’ve got a review going forward and we’ll see what happens at the end of the review,” he said.

His inexperienced Wallabies squad exited the World Cup in France after a campaign that included back-to-back losses to Fiji and Wales.

Jones stood by his decision to go with youth and leave behind seasoned campaigners like Quade Cooper and Michael Hooper. "I think we have left Australian rugby in a better position,” he said. "I came into the Wallabies (with) short preparation time, I had to make a quick decision on what we do. "I made a decision we’ve got to go with youth. That’s the best (decision) for Australia moving forward, and I still think I made the right decision there.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rugby-world-cup-we-did-everything-we-could-says-france-coach-fabien-galthie-after-sa-defeat-647601">Rugby World Cup: We did everything we could, says France coach Fabien Galthie after SA defeat</a>

"I think those players, we’ve got a lot of good young players there who are going to benefit from that experience at a World Cup ... and go onto the 2027 World Cup."

Rugby Australia's long-term appointment of Jones was made with the home 2027 World Cup in mind, and the governing body has kicked off a reform process to better align state federations in service to national teams.

Jones said the "system" needed to be fixed to ensure future success for the Wallabies. "(We need) everyone working together form the grassroots with little kids down at Randwick, all the way to Super Rugby teams and Wallabies teams where we all work together to put together the most powerful rugby national team we can put together,” he added.

"If we can do that now then we’ve got a rosy future because we’ve got great support here and we need to generate more support with better results."

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Eddie Jones said on Tuesday he is committed to coaching Australia for the long haul and stood by his ill-fated youth policy that saw the Wallabies crash to their earliest World Cup exit.

Eddie Jones said on Tuesday he is committed to coaching Australia for the long haul and stood by his ill-fated youth policy that saw the Wallabies crash to their earliest World Cup exit. The 63-year-old Australian, whose mother and wife are Japanese, has been linked with the Japan head coach job since Australian media reported he had interviewed for it a couple of days before the Wallabies' final World Cup warm-up. In his first public appearance since returning to Australia, Jones said he had not spoken to "anyone" about the Japan role and had no idea where the reports had come from. "I’ve always been committed to Australian rugby and I want to leave it in a better place, and that’s still the job," he told reporters in Sydney. After being sacked by England last December, Jones returned home in January on a five-year deal, his second stint as Australia coach after leading the Wallabies to the 2003 World Cup final in the first. Jones immediately said Australia would claim a third World Cup triumph in France, an assertion that looked laughable after the Wallabies lost all five of their test matches in the run-up to the tournament. With Rugby Australia to conduct a review of the World Cup, the coach conceded his future was not entirely in his hands. "It’s not absolutely my decision, is it? We’ve got a review going forward and we’ll see what happens at the end of the review,” he said. His inexperienced Wallabies squad exited the World Cup in France after a campaign that included back-to-back losses to Fiji and Wales. Jones stood by his decision to go with youth and leave behind seasoned campaigners like Quade Cooper and Michael Hooper. "I think we have left Australian rugby in a better position,” he said. "I came into the Wallabies (with) short preparation time, I had to make a quick decision on what we do. "I made a decision we’ve got to go with youth. That’s the best (decision) for Australia moving forward, and I still think I made the right decision there. Also read: Rugby World Cup: We did everything we could, says France coach Fabien Galthie after SA defeat "I think those players, we’ve got a lot of good young players there who are going to benefit from that experience at a World Cup ... and go onto the 2027 World Cup." Rugby Australia's long-term appointment of Jones was made with the home 2027 World Cup in mind, and the governing body has kicked off a reform process to better align state federations in service to national teams. Jones said the "system" needed to be fixed to ensure future success for the Wallabies. "(We need) everyone working together form the grassroots with little kids down at Randwick, all the way to Super Rugby teams and Wallabies teams where we all work together to put together the most powerful rugby national team we can put together,” he added. "If we can do that now then we’ve got a rosy future because we’ve got great support here and we need to generate more support with better results." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Eddie Jones says committed to Australia, stands by youth push after Rugby World Cup debacle

When Fabien Galthie took over as France head coach in December 2019 the&nbsp;Rugby&nbsp;World Cup on home soil was firmly in his mind but losing to South Africa in the quarter-finals on Sunday was far from what he expected. Over the past four years, former France skipper Galthie has planned things to the smallest details.

The 54-year-old had reassembled a well-balanced staff including former Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards, given gametime to talented players likes Antoine Dupont and Gregory Alldritt and organised Test weeks meticulously. Those moves came thanks to his experience as a Test player, a club coach and a television pundit. Those ingredients had bore fruit with an impressive record.

They lost just once at home before the Springboks defeat, they claimed the 2022's Six Nations, a first title in a decade, and secured statement-making wins over the likes of New Zealand and Australia. Closer to the competition, France's pre-tournament preparation took them to Monaco and the Atlantic coast over the summer with open training sessions held in front of thousands of expectant French fans.

"No regrets," Galthie said after the Springboks' defeat. "We did everything we could to make the most of our potential. "We made the best of everything that has happened over the last 15 weeks," he added.

<h2>- 'Learn from it' -</h2>

Captain, scrum-half and 2021's World&nbsp;Rugby&nbsp;player of the year, Dupont epitomises another desire from Galthie. Thick-rimmed spectacle-wearing Galthie was aiming for his players to have an average age of 26 and at least 40 caps by the time the World Cup started.

Dupont turns 27 in November and reached the half-century mark of Test appearances in the World Cup opener against New Zealand. The abrasive half-back may have won tight domestic and continental finals with his Toulouse club, as have a core of France's squad from La Rochelle such as No. 8 Alldritt but their lack of experience in win-or-bust Test matches proved costly.

"It's hard to say," Dupont said. "It was our first knock-out game. It ends up that we didn't tick the box.&nbsp; "We will definitely gain experience from it, it's sure we'll learn from this type of match," he added.

France won the right to host this World Cup with then French&nbsp;Rugby&nbsp;President Bernard Laporte eyeing up redemption for when he coached the side in 2007's tournament, also on home soil, having lost in the semi-final to Argentina.

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Galthie's generation played in front of sold-out stadiums across the country in the build-up to this edition and broke television audience records. "It's the competition of a lifetime, a World Cup in France," flanker Francois Cros said. "We won't have another one, it's a shame to finish like that," he added.

Galthie, Dupont and Cros will stay on for a run at the 2027 World Cup in Australia. It is the opposite for mammoth prop Uini Atonio and giant lock Romain Taofifenua who will be in their late 30s by then. Centre Jonathan Danty could join them but Galthie, thanks to France's efficient youth system, has plenty of options to replace him including Yoram Moefana, Arthur Vincent and Emilien Gailleton.

Back-rower Alldritt, aged 26 like Dupont, will remain a cornerstone of the team, and turned his mind to next year's Six Nations during the aftermath of the Springboks fall-out. "We have to digest this," he told reporters post-match in the depths of the Stade de France. "We're lucky to have the Six Nations in three months.&nbsp; "It will help us to digest, move on and we'll start a cycle again.&nbsp; "Those who will still be here will do the maximum to be present again and be at a quarter-final once more," he added.

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When Fabien Galthie took over as France head coach in December 2019 the Rugby World Cup on home soil was firmly in his mind but losing to South Africa in the quarter-finals on Sunday was far from what he expected.

When Fabien Galthie took over as France head coach in December 2019 the Rugby World Cup on home soil was firmly in his mind but losing to South Africa in the quarter-finals on Sunday was far from what he expected. Over the past four years, former France skipper Galthie has planned things to the smallest details. The 54-year-old had reassembled a well-balanced staff including former Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards, given gametime to talented players likes Antoine Dupont and Gregory Alldritt and organised Test weeks meticulously. Those moves came thanks to his experience as a Test player, a club coach and a television pundit. Those ingredients had bore fruit with an impressive record. They lost just once at home before the Springboks defeat, they claimed the 2022's Six Nations, a first title in a decade, and secured statement-making wins over the likes of New Zealand and Australia. Closer to the competition, France's pre-tournament preparation took them to Monaco and the Atlantic coast over the summer with open training sessions held in front of thousands of expectant French fans. "No regrets," Galthie said after the Springboks' defeat. "We did everything we could to make the most of our potential. "We made the best of everything that has happened over the last 15 weeks," he added. - 'Learn from it' - Captain, scrum-half and 2021's World Rugby player of the year, Dupont epitomises another desire from Galthie. Thick-rimmed spectacle-wearing Galthie was aiming for his players to have an average age of 26 and at least 40 caps by the time the World Cup started. Dupont turns 27 in November and reached the half-century mark of Test appearances in the World Cup opener against New Zealand. The abrasive half-back may have won tight domestic and continental finals with his Toulouse club, as have a core of France's squad from La Rochelle such as No. 8 Alldritt but their lack of experience in win-or-bust Test matches proved costly. "It's hard to say," Dupont said. "It was our first knock-out game. It ends up that we didn't tick the box. "We will definitely gain experience from it, it's sure we'll learn from this type of match," he added. France won the right to host this World Cup with then French Rugby President Bernard Laporte eyeing up redemption for when he coached the side in 2007's tournament, also on home soil, having lost in the semi-final to Argentina. Also read: Golf: Tom Kim wins second consecutive PGA Shriners Children's Open in final round Galthie's generation played in front of sold-out stadiums across the country in the build-up to this edition and broke television audience records. "It's the competition of a lifetime, a World Cup in France," flanker Francois Cros said. "We won't have another one, it's a shame to finish like that," he added. Galthie, Dupont and Cros will stay on for a run at the 2027 World Cup in Australia. It is the opposite for mammoth prop Uini Atonio and giant lock Romain Taofifenua who will be in their late 30s by then. Centre Jonathan Danty could join them but Galthie, thanks to France's efficient youth system, has plenty of options to replace him including Yoram Moefana, Arthur Vincent and Emilien Gailleton. Back-rower Alldritt, aged 26 like Dupont, will remain a cornerstone of the team, and turned his mind to next year's Six Nations during the aftermath of the Springboks fall-out. "We have to digest this," he told reporters post-match in the depths of the Stade de France. "We're lucky to have the Six Nations in three months. "It will help us to digest, move on and we'll start a cycle again. "Those who will still be here will do the maximum to be present again and be at a quarter-final once more," he added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Rugby World Cup: We did everything we could, says France coach Fabien Galthie after SA defeat

Fiji&nbsp;expect hooker Sam Matavesi to play in Sunday's World Cup&nbsp;quarter-final against&nbsp;England&nbsp;after he travelled back to England, where he lives and plays in the Premiership, after the death of his father, Sireli, earlier this week. Sireli Matavesi moved to Cornwall after touring there in 1987. He had three sons who became&nbsp;rugby&nbsp;professionals.

"It is with heavy hearts that The Fiji&nbsp;Rugby&nbsp;Union, The Flying Fijians Team and Head Coach Simon Raiwalui share the news of our hooker Sam Matavesi and former Flying Fijian Josh Matavesi, who have lost their beloved father, the late Sireli Matavesi," the union said in a statement on Wednesday. "Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the Matavesi family during this incredibly difficult time. We keep Sam, Josh and their families in our thoughts and prayers."

Sam Matavesi travelled to Cornwall to spend time with his family but the Fiji camp say he is expected to be able to play in Marseille on Sunday. It is the second family bereavement to hit the Fijians during the tournament after the death of Josua Tuisova’s seven-year-old son Tito following a long illness.&nbsp;Tuisova missed his son’s funeral&nbsp;in order to stay in France.

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After Tuisova played in last Sunday's final pool game, captain Waisea Nayacalevu said: "I don’t know if I could do what he is doing. I'm proud of him and proud of the sacrifice he has made for the team. He has stuck with us. Words can’t express how thankful I am to him for doing that for the team."

Fiji are in the quarter-finals for the third time but first since 2007 as they again try to become the first Tier Two team to make the semis. Raiwalui has called up Apisalome Ratuniyarawa as an injury replacement for second-row Temo Mayanavanua.

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Fiji expect hooker Sam Matavesi to play in Sunday's World Cup quarter-final against England after he travelled back to England, where he lives and plays in the Premiership, after the death of his father, Sireli, earlier this week.

Fiji expect hooker Sam Matavesi to play in Sunday's World Cup quarter-final against England after he travelled back to England, where he lives and plays in the Premiership, after the death of his father, Sireli, earlier this week. Sireli Matavesi moved to Cornwall after touring there in 1987. He had three sons who became rugby professionals. "It is with heavy hearts that The Fiji Rugby Union, The Flying Fijians Team and Head Coach Simon Raiwalui share the news of our hooker Sam Matavesi and former Flying Fijian Josh Matavesi, who have lost their beloved father, the late Sireli Matavesi," the union said in a statement on Wednesday. "Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the Matavesi family during this incredibly difficult time. We keep Sam, Josh and their families in our thoughts and prayers." Sam Matavesi travelled to Cornwall to spend time with his family but the Fiji camp say he is expected to be able to play in Marseille on Sunday. It is the second family bereavement to hit the Fijians during the tournament after the death of Josua Tuisova’s seven-year-old son Tito following a long illness. Tuisova missed his son’s funeral in order to stay in France. Also read: Former NFL player Sergio Brown arrested in connection with his mother's death After Tuisova played in last Sunday's final pool game, captain Waisea Nayacalevu said: "I don’t know if I could do what he is doing. I'm proud of him and proud of the sacrifice he has made for the team. He has stuck with us. Words can’t express how thankful I am to him for doing that for the team." Fiji are in the quarter-finals for the third time but first since 2007 as they again try to become the first Tier Two team to make the semis. Raiwalui has called up Apisalome Ratuniyarawa as an injury replacement for second-row Temo Mayanavanua. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Rugby World Cup: Fiji expect hooker Sam Matavesi to face England after father's death

France's hopes that captain Antoine Dupont will be fit to face South Africa in the World Cup quarter-final were boosted on Wednesday when the scrum-half trained for the second day wearing a headguard. Dupont, 26, was given the green light to return to full contact sessions earlier this week after undergoing surgery on a fractured cheekbone he suffered during the pool match against Namibia on September 21.

Dupont is now in line to feature for the hosts against the Springboks on Saturday after first trying out the protection during Tuesday's session. "Antoine, is someone who is intelligent, sensible," France No. 8 Gregory Alldritt told reporters on Wednesday. "If he says he can play again, it means that he's fully able to do so," he added.

Dupont spent a few days at home following surgery before returning to France's set-up last week to participate in some running and bike exercises. "He's doing well," said France scrum coach William Servat.&nbsp; "He's always been involved, even during his rest period.

"Now he's even more involved. He's back with us, he is taking part in a very active way."&nbsp; Les Bleus will name their team to face the World Cup holders on Friday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nfl/news-nfl-minnesota-vikings-receiver-justin-jefferson-likely-to-miss-four-games-with-hamstring-injury-645480">NFL: Minnesota Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson likely to miss four games with hamstring injury</a>

France assistant coach Laurent Labit opined on the clash vs SA and said: "We know what we're up against and who we're up against. We have a lot of respect for this team and what they've done. They're an inspiration to us in terms of what they've achieved."

Labit added that France would maybe be more ambitious than they were 11 months ago. "When we played them last November we decided to close down the game and try to take as few risks as possible," he explained.

"We had opportunities to play but we were so stuck in the pattern that we lacked ambition. We took that into account. In a World Cup quarter-final will the space be there or not? The priority will be to contain this team and find the space." In their only World Cup meeting, in the 1995 semi-finals, France played with ambition against the Springboks but were denied victory after having three tries ruled out.

"We were denied three tries. I don't see why those tries weren't valid," former France winger Emile Ntamack told RMC Sport. "But it was decided otherwise. We still have a bitter taste in our mouths because we feel robbed."

(Inputs from Agencies)

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France's hopes that captain Antoine Dupont will be fit to face South Africa in the World Cup quarter-final were boosted on Wednesday when the scrum-half trained for the second day wearing a headguard.

France's hopes that captain Antoine Dupont will be fit to face South Africa in the World Cup quarter-final were boosted on Wednesday when the scrum-half trained for the second day wearing a headguard. Dupont, 26, was given the green light to return to full contact sessions earlier this week after undergoing surgery on a fractured cheekbone he suffered during the pool match against Namibia on September 21. Dupont is now in line to feature for the hosts against the Springboks on Saturday after first trying out the protection during Tuesday's session. "Antoine, is someone who is intelligent, sensible," France No. 8 Gregory Alldritt told reporters on Wednesday. "If he says he can play again, it means that he's fully able to do so," he added. Dupont spent a few days at home following surgery before returning to France's set-up last week to participate in some running and bike exercises. "He's doing well," said France scrum coach William Servat. "He's always been involved, even during his rest period. "Now he's even more involved. He's back with us, he is taking part in a very active way." Les Bleus will name their team to face the World Cup holders on Friday. Also read: NFL: Minnesota Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson likely to miss four games with hamstring injury France assistant coach Laurent Labit opined on the clash vs SA and said: "We know what we're up against and who we're up against. We have a lot of respect for this team and what they've done. They're an inspiration to us in terms of what they've achieved." Labit added that France would maybe be more ambitious than they were 11 months ago. "When we played them last November we decided to close down the game and try to take as few risks as possible," he explained. "We had opportunities to play but we were so stuck in the pattern that we lacked ambition. We took that into account. In a World Cup quarter-final will the space be there or not? The priority will be to contain this team and find the space." In their only World Cup meeting, in the 1995 semi-finals, France played with ambition against the Springboks but were denied victory after having three tries ruled out. "We were denied three tries. I don't see why those tries weren't valid," former France winger Emile Ntamack told RMC Sport. "But it was decided otherwise. We still have a bitter taste in our mouths because we feel robbed." (Inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Rugby WC: France captain Antoine Dupont trains with headguard before quarter-final tie vs South Africa

South Africa's Rugby World Cup success in 2019 was littered with iconic images from during and after the tournament win. Captain Siya Kolisi lifting the Webb Ellis trophy to wild celebrations across the country are two examples, but memories of the Springboks' simple, clinical, well-executed gameplan also stick in the mind.

Rassie Erasmus had only been head coach for 18 months and told his side to do the basics, including a well-functioning rolling maul, as they lifted the title for a third time. They even used the tactic unusually in open play during the final in Japan. "When you play rugby it's all about using your opportunity, territory, good defence, good set-piece," Springboks assistant coach Deon Davids told reporters on Monday.

"Over the past few years we said to ourselves that we have to evolve our game. "Mauling will always be a part of the Springboks," he added, before Sunday's World Cup quarter-final with hosts France.

Erasmus has moved up to the director of rugby role with Jacques Nienaber replacing him as head coach. Their strategy has become more expansive and less dependent on things such as box kicks from scrum-half Faf de Klerk.

"I think it's a good blend that we've brought into our game," De Klerk said. "In 2019 we were basically just mauling, scrummaging and kicking and backing our defence to do the work.&nbsp; "This last year we've worked really hard on getting other aspects into our game. "It's been fun to see how the guys have evolved the skillset," he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rugby-world-cup-frances-antoine-dupont-cleared-to-resume-playing-ahead-of-south-africa-clash-644525">Rugby World Cup: France's Antoine Dupont cleared to resume playing ahead of South Africa clash</a>

<h2>- 'Good balance' -</h2>

This weekend, Stade de France will be full of blue shirts, with the home side riding a wave of popularity rarely seen throughout the country in recent years. Les Bleus play in front of vocal, expectant supporters and have broken television viewing records since former captain Fabien Galthie took over as head coach in December 2019.

"I don't think the crowd will be silenced, from what we've seen so far this World Cup," Springboks lock RG Snyman said. "The support has been incredible. "We will draw energy from each other and keep our focus tight so we can do our jobs out there," he added.

One major selection headache for Erasmus, Davids and Nienaber to discuss this week will be whether to start livewire Manie Libbok or 2019 World Cup winner Handre Pollard at fly-half.

Libbok has been inconsistent with his goal-kicking but has been crucial to the change in mentality on the field. The more conservative Pollard, 29, has played just 50 minutes during the tournament after recovering from a calf issue.

"It's great to have Handre Pollard back. He's part of the furniture," De Klerk said.&nbsp; "I think his calm demeanour on the field in big pressure situations is really something that can help us a lot in play-off games.&nbsp; "Then you have Manie, who is playing unbelievably well. His organisation is great and he allows us to score great tries.&nbsp;

"There's a good balance between the two of them.&nbsp; "Anyone of them can get the nod, I'm very fortunate to be able to pass the ball to them," he added.

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South Africa's Rugby World Cup success in 2019 was littered with iconic images from during and after the tournament win. Captain Siya Kolisi lifting the Webb Ellis trophy to wild celebrations across the country are two examples, but memories of the Springboks' simple, clinical, well-executed gameplan also stick in the mind.

South Africa's Rugby World Cup success in 2019 was littered with iconic images from during and after the tournament win. Captain Siya Kolisi lifting the Webb Ellis trophy to wild celebrations across the country are two examples, but memories of the Springboks' simple, clinical, well-executed gameplan also stick in the mind. Rassie Erasmus had only been head coach for 18 months and told his side to do the basics, including a well-functioning rolling maul, as they lifted the title for a third time. They even used the tactic unusually in open play during the final in Japan. "When you play rugby it's all about using your opportunity, territory, good defence, good set-piece," Springboks assistant coach Deon Davids told reporters on Monday. "Over the past few years we said to ourselves that we have to evolve our game. "Mauling will always be a part of the Springboks," he added, before Sunday's World Cup quarter-final with hosts France. Erasmus has moved up to the director of rugby role with Jacques Nienaber replacing him as head coach. Their strategy has become more expansive and less dependent on things such as box kicks from scrum-half Faf de Klerk. "I think it's a good blend that we've brought into our game," De Klerk said. "In 2019 we were basically just mauling, scrummaging and kicking and backing our defence to do the work. "This last year we've worked really hard on getting other aspects into our game. "It's been fun to see how the guys have evolved the skillset," he added. Also read: Rugby World Cup: France's Antoine Dupont cleared to resume playing ahead of South Africa clash - 'Good balance' - This weekend, Stade de France will be full of blue shirts, with the home side riding a wave of popularity rarely seen throughout the country in recent years. Les Bleus play in front of vocal, expectant supporters and have broken television viewing records since former captain Fabien Galthie took over as head coach in December 2019. "I don't think the crowd will be silenced, from what we've seen so far this World Cup," Springboks lock RG Snyman said. "The support has been incredible. "We will draw energy from each other and keep our focus tight so we can do our jobs out there," he added. One major selection headache for Erasmus, Davids and Nienaber to discuss this week will be whether to start livewire Manie Libbok or 2019 World Cup winner Handre Pollard at fly-half. Libbok has been inconsistent with his goal-kicking but has been crucial to the change in mentality on the field. The more conservative Pollard, 29, has played just 50 minutes during the tournament after recovering from a calf issue. "It's great to have Handre Pollard back. He's part of the furniture," De Klerk said. "I think his calm demeanour on the field in big pressure situations is really something that can help us a lot in play-off games. "Then you have Manie, who is playing unbelievably well. His organisation is great and he allows us to score great tries. "There's a good balance between the two of them. "Anyone of them can get the nod, I'm very fortunate to be able to pass the ball to them," he added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Gameplan evolution takes South Africa back to Rugby World Cup quarter-finals

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