The Laws of the Game in rugby can be confusing when reviewing them in the comfort of your home so Rugby Rugby shows how the Laws of the Game are applied to games from around the globe. Did the referee make the right call? Visit the World Rugby Shop for all your rugby gear needs.
2011 is fading fast away and the New Year is upon us with all the hope we always have. Let's hope that it is a splendid year for all referees and those who work with them - no controversies, no complaints.
The European Cup, organisers of the Heineken Cup and the Amlin Challenge Cup, have announced the referees appointed to Rounds 5
There is always something new in rugby. You may have thought you have seen it all when something new crops up - this time a red card for a player that left his side playing with 15 men.
The world mostly takes a break at this time. Even rugby does and for the most part referees are allowed to celebrate the happy feast of Christmas. The day itself is free but there will be some club action around about.
There is some talk about changing laws, including those dealing with the scrummage. The nearest we have to a suggestion is a change to the referee's cadence at the setting of the scrum. But surely the messy problem goes well beyond the cadence.
At the risk of being labelled nitpickers and spoilsports and killjoys, we shall look at the mark and getting the kick wrong. But it is not clear why the law should be applied, for in these cases there is no excuse as there is with the skew feed at the scrum and foot-up, because at the mark there are no other things to look for.
Last week they were at one home, this week at the other. The same teams at difference venues ad spice to the two European competitions.
In a pool match in the IRB Sevens in Port Elizabeth, Lucas Hammond of Canada darts ahead and is stopped five metres by Cecil Africa and Branco du Preez of South Africa.
If somebody said that scrums were a mess, would you contradict him? Paddy O'Brien, the IRB's refereeing manager, agrees.
Christmas is close now but this week we have another burst of European rugby and, in Port Elizabeth, the third in the IRB's Sevens series. Then in Dubai there is a brand new competition - the Emirate Airlines Cup of Nations, the brainchild of Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates.
Retired Springbok lock Victor Matfield believes too many modern players are 'robotic' and simply don't understand the game.
At the request of the Australian Rugby Union the International Rugby Board, the game's legislative body, has clarified on three aspects of law. These clarifications, which used to be called rulings, were issued on 23 November 2011 and have the force of law.
Lachie Turner of Australia scores a try against the Barbarians at Twickenham and James O'Connor prepares to take the conversion. He does his ritualistic things and suddenly Peter Stringer arrives and makes off with the ball. The referee gives his stamp of approval and blows the whistle for half-time.
As December closes in, Test matches close down but we have this week the Oceania Cup in Port Moresby and then the exciting prospect of the match between Wales and Australia at Millennium Stadium. Jonathan Kaplan is the referee for that match, his 68th Test match - far and away the biggest number in refereeing history.
The IRB's Sevens get going this weekend and the Wallabies wander into Europe but for the rest club rugby resumes in the north, rest and recreation in the south.
Gilbert has released a new line of rugby cleats. The Gilbert Virtuo 8S is part of the exciting new product. Check it out.
The Barbarians are one of the top invitational rugby sides with a long history and classic rugby jersey.
The Nike Tiempo is a solid rugby cleat and one of few styles still made from full-grain natural leather.
The Lions get ready for their matches with this green training jersey. It's what the players wear. Get in the Gear!
A cool looking all black rugby cleat with the high performance adidas is known for. Get in the Gear!
Wear the crest of the British and Irish Lions on your t-shirt. A great look for the summer.
$29.99
The Lions are ready to get their Australia tour underway. They arrive in Perth on Monday.
The New Zealand All Blacks training jersey for 2013/14. Get in the Gear!
The USA Rugby Pro Alternate rugby jersey is perfect for any fan of the Eagles. Get yours to wear during the summer Test matches.
The NEW All Blacks 2013/14 jersey has arrived at World Rugby Shop. Dare to wear the colors of the All Blacks.
