James Horwill will lead the Wallabies at the Rugby World Cup next month.

All Blacks sponsor Telecom has scrapped its controversial abstinence campaign after copping a bath of criticism.

Think you got up, close and personal with the Rugby World Cup during its tour of New Zealand? Think again.

Crouch, touch, pause and don’t engage.

Wing Yoann Huget has been dropped from France’s Rugby World Cup training squad after missing three anti-doping tests.

Nili Latu has offered his side of the story yet remains out in the cold from Tonga’s Rugby World Cup squad, but there is a reprieve for Taniela Moa.

South African referee Jonathan Kaplan has been relieved of his August test duties to allow him time to recover for the Rugby World Cup after being injured in a motorcycle accident.

Russia is the only new nation to compete in these Rugby World Cup finals, and it is desperate to make a compelling case that it belongs at the top level of the game. BY MAX DE HALDEVANG

Former Hurricanes and Crusaders No 8 Thomas Waldrom’s chances of playing for England at the Rugby World Cup appear to be over after he was released from the side’s training squad.

England manager Martin Johnson is putting his players through their paces, with two of forced to leave the field on stretchers during a behind-closed-doors trial match on Thursday.

Wallabies hopeful Richard Brown's hopes of playing in the Rugby World Cup have been dashed after undergoing a shoulder reconstruction.

Rugby World Cup referee Jonathan Kaplan has been injured in a motorcycle accident.

Sir Colin Meads has questioned the All Blacks’ decision to keep the public away from their training sessions.

Flanker Stephen Ferris is set to make his from a serious injury during Ireland’s Rugby World Cup warm-up games next month.

Watching the Rugby World Cup over breakfast on the Cote d’Azur in the south of France, Carl Hayman will probably pebbledash his living room with croissant if the surprise call comes.

Russia will play the Ospreys in a Rugby World Cup warm-up game at Liberty Stadium on August 21.

Japan may just win two games at this year’s Rugby World Cup, after lifting its first Pacific Nations Cup title yesterday.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry reckons teams will play an expansive brand of football at the Rugby World Cup.