Japan

Rugby World Cup rookies in the spotlight

1 year ago by Ultimate Rugby

No player ever forgets their first cap for their country, let alone when it comes on the game’s greatest stage – at a Rugby World Cup. For those rookies fortunate enough to get picked for...

Jack Dempsey ready for ‘epic’ World Cup as Scotland mainstay

1 year ago by Ultimate Rugby

Scotland back-rower Jack Dempsey cannot wait to land in France this weekend and start “soaking in” what he believes will be a spectacular Rugby World Cup. The Sydney-born 29-year-old went...

Mike Tindall wants Alex Mitchell or Danny Care to pace England attack

1 year ago by Ultimate Rugby

Mike Tindall has urged England to pick Alex Mitchell or Danny Care for their critical World Cup opener against Argentina in the hope it will ignite their misfiring attack. A dire build-up to the tournament...

World Cup draw gives England glimmer of hope after poor form, injuries and bans

1 year ago by Ultimate Rugby

England enter the World Cup at their lowest ebb yet because of the most lopsided draw in the tournament’s history they still have hope of reaching the quarter-finals. A disastrous build-up has seen...

Rankings suggest Ireland or France can land a first World Cup

1 year ago by Ultimate Rugby

There is a neat statistical symmetry that suggests the 2023 Rugby World Cup might be won by Ireland or France. Since the sport’s world rankings were launched 20 years ago, all five subsequent world...

Scotland heading to Rugby World Cup with no fear and bags of belief

1 year ago by Ultimate Rugby

Given their form and their flair, Gregor Townsend’s swashbuckling Scotland side are heading to the Rugby World Cup in France with no fear and bags of belief. The confidence within the squad is just...

Switching sides: Who's found a new nationality for the World Cup

1 year ago by Ultimate Rugby

The Springboks may have voted against the law change, but they have taken advantage by turning their South African-born lock Jean Kleyn from a five-time Irish international who played twice at the last...

No point turning up if we don’t believe we can win World Cup – Andy Farrell

1 year ago by Ultimate Rugby

Ireland have never progressed beyond the quarter-final stage of the sport’s premier competition. Ireland head coach Andy Farrell insists there is “no point turning up” to the Rugby World...

Talking points ahead of 2023 Rugby World Cup in France

1 year ago by Ultimate Rugby

One of the most eagerly-awaited tournaments in Rugby World Cup history will unfold in France during September and October. It takes place across nine host cities – Paris, Toulouse, Marseille, Bordeaux,...

Queensland Rugby announce 2024 Reds coaching staff

1 year ago by Ultimate Rugby

Queensland Reds head coach Les Kiss has confirmed his coaching staff ahead of the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season. Kiss will work alongside former London Irish colleagues Brad Davis and Jonathan Fisher,...