Rugby News - Southern Hemisphere

Rugby Rugby's news office in the southern hemisphere produces and distribute this rugby news feed. The news feed has all the best of the global game but with a southern hemisphere slant. Keep up on the latest from our Northern Hemisphere feed as well. Visit the World Rugby Shop for official rugby gear from around the globe.

  • Tuesday, 6. September, 2011

    O'Connor left out of Wallabies opener

    James O'Connor paid the price on Tuesday for missing an official team function when he failed to regain his starting place for the Wallabies' World Cup opener against Italy this weekend.

  • Tuesday, 6. September, 2011

    Fresh injury scare for All Blacks

    The All Blacks suffered a fresh injury scare Tuesday with loosehead prop Tony Woodcock becoming the third member of the squad to be sidelined before the World Cup begins.

  • Monday, 5. September, 2011

    France to play 'basketball' rugby?

    On the eve of the team announcement for their opening World Cup match against Japan on Saturday, September 10 at North Harbour Stadium, France's players unwinded by playing basketball.

  • Monday, 5. September, 2011

    Fearless Wales to face Boks?

    Wales team manager Alan Phillips has declared that while his team respects South Africa the Springboks hold no fear for them as opponents.

  • Monday, 5. September, 2011

    England to reduce Tuilagi hype

    England has moved to reduce the World Cup hype surrounding centre Manu Tuilagi, a 20-year-old newcomer to the Test arena, who has been compared with New Zealand great Jonah Lomu.

  • Monday, 5. September, 2011

    Auckland embraces fiery Tongans

    Thousands of people from Auckland's sizeable Pacific island community blocked streets and gave a hero's welcome to the Tongan rugby team when they arrived in the city for the World Cup.

  • Monday, 5. September, 2011

    'Hungry' Wallabies pumped up

    Australian coach Robbie Deans said Monday he was confident the team will go far at the World Cup, declaring the Wallabies up for the challenge.

  • Monday, 5. September, 2011

    Injury woes for Dragons

    Dragons centre Ashley Smith will undergo further examinations after coming off the field with a hamstring strain during the region's opening match of the season against Munster.

  • Monday, 5. September, 2011

    Have these Boks regressed?

    Columnist Grant Ball questions how many of the Bok starting XV has improved over the last four years.

  • Monday, 5. September, 2011

    The cream of the crop; no Bull

    There is a fairly even spread of teams represented in our Team of the Week, however there is no space for even one player from the stable of traditional powers the Blue Bulls.

  • Monday, 5. September, 2011

    Japan don't fear the French

    Japan hope to uncork the champagne and make history by beating France in their World Cup 2011 opener at North Harbour Stadium on September 10.

  • Monday, 5. September, 2011

    NZ prop willing to take one for the team

    All Blacks prop Ben Franks said Monday he was willing to take a punch in the face for the good of the team if it meant an opposing player was sent off.

  • Monday, 5. September, 2011

    Referees to 11 September 2011

    It's here. The 2011 Rugby World Cup is starting as the whole world watches tensely on. These are exciting times, including for referees, especially George Clancy who will blow the whistle to get it started.

  • Monday, 5. September, 2011

    Troncon happy with No.9 heirs

    When scrumhalf Alessandro Troncon was chaired off the pitch at the end of his 101st and final match for Italy one of the big questions facing the Azzurri was who would take over the No.9 jersey.

  • Monday, 5. September, 2011

    All Blacks confront 'chokers' tag

    Four days before the start of the World Cup, the All Blacks insist they can overcome their reputation as chokers in the sport's biggest event.