Reuters: Rugby News

Rugby-All Blacks delay naming team to gauge flyhalves' fitness

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 07:20:43 +0100

WELLINGTON, July 13 (Reuters) - New Zealand has postponed naming its team to face Australia in the first Tri-Nations test in Auckland on Saturday to assess the fitness of flyhalves Luke McAlister and Stephen Donald.

Rugby-Canada beat United States to qualify for World Cup

Sun, 12 Jul 2009 11:33:50 +0100

LONDON, July 12 (Reuters) - Canada became the first nation to get through the qualifying process and confirm their place at the 2011 World Cup when they beat the United States 41-18 in the second leg of their playoff in Edmonton on Saturday.

Rugby-Healthy Lomu looks forward to playing in Marseille

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 21:45:16 +0100

MARSEILLE, July 10 (Reuters) - Former New Zealand wing Jonah Lomu has recovered from his health problems and is ready to start playing with French third division semi-professional club Marseille-Vitrolles Rugby, the player said on Friday.

CORRECTED - CORRECTED-Rugby-McCaw return lifts All Blacks ahead of Tri-Natio

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 09:24:18 +0100

WELLINGTON, July 9 (Reuters) - The return of captain Richie McCaw from injury has given New Zealand a much-needed lift ahead of their Tri-Nations series opener against Australia on July 18.

Rugby-SANZAR calls for nominations for Super 15 team

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 02:41:34 +0100

SYDNEY, July 9 (Reuters) - Expressions of interest from South Africa, New Zealand and Australia for a potential team wishing to join an expanded Super 15 competition from 2011 have been called for by SANZAR, the competition's governing body.

UPDATE 1-Rugby-All Blacks coaching staff reappointed to 2011

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:40:22 +0100

WELLINGTON, July 9 (Reuters) - New Zealand have reappointed head coach Graham Henry and his two assistants Wayne Smith and Steve Hansen until the end of the 2011 World Cup.

BRIEF-Rugby-Wilkinson free to join England training - Toulon

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 10:19:31 +0100

PARIS, July 8 (Reuters) - Flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson will be allowed to participate in England's elite squad training camp in August despite its proximity to the start of the French season, his Toulon club confirmed on Wednesday.

Rugby-Players union investigates Tuqiri sacking

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 08:11:31 +0100

SYDNEY, July 8 (Reuters) - The Rugby Union Players Association (RUPA) has launched an investigation into the sacking of Australia winger Lote Tuqiri after his team mates expressed concern about the case.

Rugby-Welsh great Bleddyn Williams dies at 86

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:14:55 +0100

LONDON, July 7 (Reuters) - Bleddyn Williams, the last man to lead Wales to victory over the All Blacks, has died after a short illness. He was 86.

Rugby-Wilkinson back in England squad but no room for Goode

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 12:41:38 +0100

LONDON, July 7 (Reuters) - England manager Martin Johnson has sent a clear message that players who move to play club rugby in France are putting their international careers in jeopardy when he named his 32-man elite squad for the season.