England

Burgess could return for last eight

South Sydney Rabbitohs star Burgess was forced off in the first half of England's 18-4 loss to holders and co-hosts Australia in Melbourne on Friday.

It was feared the 28-year-old would be ruled out for the remainder of the tournament.

But Burgess has now been examined by a knee specialist, prompting England's medical staff to forecast his return to the playing squad "earlier than anticipated". 

Bennett satisfied with England effort

England only trailed by eight points late in the match, but Josh Dugan's runaway try sealed the Kangaroos' victory with a minute to play.

"I was pretty happy with it overall actually," he said. 

Aussies edge England in Cup opener

The Kangaroos scored three tries to one but England showed they were more than capable of matching their old foe.

While the result didn't go England's way their bigger concern will be the fitness of star forward Sam Burgess, who was sidelined in the first half with a knee injury.

England prepare for World Cup with romp

Coach Wayne Bennett used all but one of his 24-man squad - St Helens fullback Jonny Lomax was the unlucky one to miss out - for a game played in four quarters at nib Stadium.

Narrow loss to Kangaroos will do: Bennett

Bennett has joined up with his players at their training camp in Perth, where they are preparing for their first group game against the defending champions in Melbourne on Friday, October 27.

England also play Lebanon and France, with three teams going through to the quarter-finals.

Captain O'Loughlin key for England

Betts, a decorated former England captain who joined Wayne Bennett's coaching group last year, says O'Loughlin's consistency and big game temperament is an example for the other squad members to follow.

"He gives you direction," Betts said. 

Billy Vunipola: Saracens and England player would take pay cut to avoid burnout

Vunipola learned on Sunday he will be out for four months after injuring a knee during Sarries' defeat of Sale.

The 24-year-old had only recently returned after a year blighted by knee and shoulder problems, the latter forcing him out of the Lions tour.

Speaking prior to his latest setback, he said "something has to change".

"I didn't enjoy being on the surgery table twice in one year and that's supposed to be deemed as normal," he told BBC Radio 5 live's Rugby Union Weekly podcast.

Princess Diana's 'traditional' memorial raises eyebrows

Chesterfield Borough Council last weekend launched a "well dressing" with a blessing service that marks the 20th anniversary of Princess Diana's death in a Paris car crash.

A well dressing involves using only natural materials, including seeds, berries, leaves and flowers to make a mural.

England confirm game with All Blacks

Eddie Jones's England will host four test matches at Twickenham, kicking off their campaign against South Africa on Nov. 3 next year.

Seven days later, England face the All Blacks for the first time since losing four matches in 2014. England's last victory over them came in 2012.

Following the clash against the All Blacks, the side will host Japan, who will play only their second test against England.

The only previous meeting between the two sides was at the inaugural World Cup in 1987 when England claimed a 60-7 win over the Brave Blossoms in Sydney.

England: Rooney right to retire

On Monday, the 31-year-old made it two in two this season and there was no little mischief in his ear-cupping reaction as he lapped up netting against Manchester City. It was his 200th goal in the top flight, the latest landmark in the incredible career of Manchester United and England's leading goalscorer.

The joy and mischief were all the more noticeable as they were qualities that fizzed from Rooney the teenage sensation, but elements that seem to have been missing entirely during the trials of recent seasons.