Thursday Morning Round Up
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All Blacks side to face Ireland
Ryan Crotty comes in for the injured Sonny Bill Williams, with Anton Lienert-Brown coming into the run on reserves in the 23 jersey.
All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen said: "This will be another great challenge for our squad and one that we're all really looking forward to. These are the types of Test matches that gets everyone up - it's number one versus number two - and there's a real excitement that's building as we get closer to Saturday."
Andrew Forrest explains Global Rapid Rugby
Australian businessman and philanthropist Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest talks about his new Asia-Pacific rugby tournament, Rapid Rugby, which will kick off in 2019 and have several law variations. Full Story
Castle: Cheika safe until World Cup
Rugby Australia chief Raelene Castle has reiterated the fact that under-siege Wallabies coach Michael Cheika is safe from the axe until the end of next year's Rugby World Cup despite admitting “universal frustration” at the team’s run of results. Full Story
Key Wallabies to be rested during Super Rugby season - Reports
According to Fox Sports, Rugby Australia will follow the lead of New Zealand next year, with key Wallabies being rested throughout the Super Rugby season to keep them fresh for the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Full Story
The Blues restructure their coaching set up for Super Rugby 2019
Leon MacDonald has today been appointed as the new head coach on a three-year term while retaining the attack portfolio alongside Tom Coventry as the forward's coach and Daniel Halangahu as the skills and back coach.
Tana Umaga will take up a two-year contract as an Assistant Coach responsible for defence. Full Story
Gregor Townsend: South Africa provide the biggest physical challenge
Fiji and Samoa added to World Rugby's expanded Council
World Rugby has welcomed Fiji and Samoa onto an expanded Council, while Burkina Faso and Lebanon were accepted as associate members on an historic day for the international federation. Full Story
Ireland Set for Three-Test Tour Of New Zealand
According to reports, in addition to hosting the All Blacks again in November 2021, Ireland are in line to tour New Zealand for a three-Test series in 2022. Full Story
‘I don’t think I’ll go to another referees’ meeting in my life' - Eddie Jones
Following England's one-point loss to the All Blacks, England coach Eddie Jones has suggested that he will not attend another referees meeting to discuss contentious decisions. Full Story
The RFU hits back at former CEO Francis Baron
Baron, who was RFU chief executive for 12 years before retiring in 2010, wrote a critical 50-page report analysing its financial affairs.
The Rugby Football Union has since vigorously defended its financial position and questioned Baron’s credibility in making such detailed assessments, given his time away from the organisation. Full Story
"It's a massive a challenge against the No.1 team in the World" - Keith Earls
New Zealand wins 2021 Women's Rugby World Cup bid
New Zealand will host Women’s Rugby World Cup 2021 after World Rugby awarded the hosting rights for the prestigious tournament to New Zealand Rugby. It will be the first Women’s Rugby World Cup in the southern hemisphere. Full Story
