Japan

UPDATED: Paulos replaces Matera in Argentina squad for Rugby World Cup 2023

1 year ago by Ultimate Rugby

Argentina head coach Michael Cheika has replaced injured back-row Pablo Matera with Lucas Paulos in their 33-man Rugby World Cup squad. Matera, who started three matches, tore his hamstring in Argentina's...

Ireland’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final hoodoo

1 year ago by Ultimate Rugby

Ireland have never won a World Cup knockout match. In-form Ireland face three-time champions New Zealand seeking to improve their wretched quarter-final record at the Rugby World Cup. The Irish are through...

Assistant coach Jones, Reinach, Mbonambi (RSA)

1 year ago by Ultimate Rugby

Comments from South Africa assistant coach Felix Jones, scrum-half Cobus Reinach and hooker Bongi Mbonambi at a media briefing at Roland-Garros ahead of the Springboks' match against Rugby World Cup 2023...

Stats review - what do the figures reveal about the eight quarter-finalists?

1 year ago by Ultimate Rugby

Frugal France take on the error-prone Springboks, while England and Fiji promise a clash of two styles. Can Argentina break the wall of Welsh defence, and will Ireland make history against the free-running...

England happy being cast as villains in World Cup quarter-final – Billy Vunipola

1 year ago by Ultimate Rugby

There is a desire to see a Pacific Islands nation progress deep into the World Cup given they produce some of the game’s finest players. Billy Vunipola insists England are comfortable being cast...

Japan: Rugby World Cup 2023 review

1 year ago by Ultimate Rugby

The legacy, culture and dreams will be carried on - the Brave Blossoms’ dream of “getting to the top of the Everest” continues after losing their final pool match to Argentina. Abiding...

World Rugby Hall of Fame to recognise five Rugby World Cup greats

1 year ago by Ultimate Rugby

Dan Carter (New Zealand), Thierry Dusautoir (France), George Smith (Australia), Juan Martín Hernández (Argentina) and Bryan Habana (South Africa) will become the latest legends inducted into...

Stats review - what do the figures reveal about the teams heading home?

1 year ago by Ultimate Rugby

Scotland and Australia were the two topped-rank teams to miss out on the knockout stage at Rugby World Cup 2023, but there was plenty to be positive about for teams such as Portugal, Georgia and Tonga. Pool...

Ronan Kelleher will treat ‘biggest game of career’ like any other Ireland match

1 year ago by Ultimate Rugby

Ireland hooker Ronan Kelleher admits a “do or die” Rugby World Cup quarter-final with New Zealand is the stuff of dreams but plans to treat the biggest game of his career like any other. Andy...

Marcus Smith hails Daley Thompson sprint sessions as he bids to emulate NZ duo

1 year ago by Ultimate Rugby

Marcus Smith has been completing sprint sessions with British Olympic great Daley Thompson in his effort to become one of the sport’s finest playmakers. Smith has developed into England’s...