World Rugby

NZ Rugby welcomes new international window

World Rugby has promised more tests between top and second-tier nations and announced changes to the timing of international windows in a new global calendar to run from 2020 to 2032.

The current June international window will move to the first three weeks of July to allow the Southern Hemisphere club championship, Super Rugby, to be completed prior to the matches.

New Zealand Rugby Chief Executive Steve Tew said the 2020-2032 international schedule secured a long-coveted July window.

Fiji 7s put focus on discipline

World Rugby has brought in a tougher approach to dangerous tackling this year, with zero tolerance for reckless or accidental tackles that make contact with a players head.

Fiji coach Gareth Baber said Fijian players have grown up tackling a certain way and it can take time to make adjustments.

He said yellow cards have proved costly for them in recent World Series tournaments and it's something they've worked hard to address for this weekend's event in Las Vegas.

"When you get in the heat of battle obviously you fall back on your habit," he said.

World Rugby not changing rules yet

The Azzurri refused to engage in rucks as the home side won 36-15 at Twickenham.

taly's plan, masterminded by defence coach Brendan Venter, left no offside line after a tackle allowing the Italians to crowd the England backline.

England boss Eddie Jones criticised Italy's tactics, and said law-makers should have a "very close look at it".

A spokesperson for World Rugby told the BBC it could 'clarify' the law, rather than drastically change it.

New tackle laws 'may restrict Pacific players', says former Samoa captain Dan Leo

World Rugby introduced tough sanctions on high tackles earlier this month in a bid to improve player safety.

Leo feels the new regulations may compromise the traditional strengths of players from the Pacific Islands, who are renowned for their physicality.

"My main concern is it will eventually restrict our employment opportunities," Leo told BBC 5 live.

"There are long-term implications that these laws could have, not just on us as individuals, but on our economies long term."

World Rugby to add 12 inductees to Hall of Fame at grand opening

Four England players, three Welshmen, a Scot, an Irishman, a Japanese legend, an Australian and a Canadian will be honoured at the ceremony, which will also be attended by a host of other rugby luminaries as the Hall of Fame establishes a physical home for the very first time.

The full list of new inductees (with induction number and country) is:

World Rugby says Rio was a big boost for the game

Rugby's return to the Games after a 92-year absence could not have gone better for those promoting the sport as Fiji won their first Olympic medal with exhilarating play while Australia won a women's event widely praised for the quality on show.

Research carried out for World Rugby claimed that in six surveyed markets - France, Japan, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany and the United States - fan numbers have grown by almost 17 million as a direct result of Olympic inclusion.

Ryan to share secrets

  Ryan will be joined by former Samoan captain and current Connacht head coach Pat Lam, who led the Irish province to its first major trophy with victory in the Guinness PRO12 earlier this year.

 Former England and British and Irish Lions international Nigel Redman, who coached the England U20 team before taking up a position as Head of Performance Team Development at British Swimming in 2014, completes the Future of coaching — creating a winning culture panel.

Nominees for World Rugby Players of the Year announced

Following a stellar year for international rugby, the shortlists feature players who have excited and inspired fans around the world with their feats this year.

The nominees for World Rugby Men’s Player of the Year 2016 are: Beauden Barrett (New Zealand), Dane Coles (New Zealand), Owen Farrell (England), Jamie Heaslip (Ireland), Maro Itoje (England) and Billy Vunipola (England).

The nominees for World Rugby Women’s Player of the Year 2016 are: Fiao’o Fa’amausili (New Zealand), Sarah Hunter (England) and Gaëlle Mignot (France).

Fijian duo to ref on World Sevens Series

Kaveni Talemaivavalagi and Tevita Rokovereni have been named in a new-look panel of whistleblowers to referee on the men's circuit, which kicks off in Dubai in December.

27 year old teacher Kaveni Talemaivavalagi started refereeing while still in sixth form at Laucala Bay High School but has built up a lot of sevens experience over the past decade.

Fiji, Samoa A teams to contest Americas Pacific Challenge

The World Rugby funded tournament replaces the former Pacific Rugby Challenge and aims to boost the high-performance pathway for tier-two nations.

Samoa A have been drawn in Pool A, alongside the Argentina XV and USA Selects, with Fiji Warriors, Canada A and Uruguay A in Pool B.

Teams will play each side in their opposite pool once, with the placing determined on total points after the three rounds.

World Rugby Vice-Chairm Agustín Pichot said the tournament is part of the governing body's strategy to boost tier-two teams in a World Cup cycle.