Lions pivot Butch James should wear the Springboks No 10 jersey at the Rugby World Cup, says Joel Stransky.

New Zealand Police have contacted well-known protesters and asked them if they are planing any civil disturbances during the Rugby World Cup.

Southern Hemisphere teams will be “overcooked” at this year’s Rugby World Cup due to their Tri Nations commitments, says England No 8 Nick Easter.

Italy has suffered a major blow ahead of the Rugby World Cup, with Craig Gower set to miss the global tournament with a knee ligament injury.

Former All Blacks wing Rudi Wulf is hoping to put himself in contention for the Rugby World Cup squad with a strong showing for North Harbour in this year’s ITM Cup.

The Flying Fijians have had their fair share of issues, even before kicking a ball in anger this season, but they can be confident of a competitive squad for Rugby World Cup. BY CAMPBELL BURNES

Former Hurricanes and Crusaders No 8 Thomas Waldrom has been named in England’s preliminary Rugby World Cup squad.

Six uncapped players and 21 World Cup winners have been named in South Africa’s preliminary Rugby World Cup squad.

The All Blacks will not be allowed to use social media during the Rugby World Cup.

The world’s biggest media company has announced plans to boycott this year’s Rugby World Cup.

Gregor Townsend is thriving in his role as Scotland’s attack coach. He’s expecting big things in New Zealand later this year. BY BARRY ROSS

Bulls wing Bjorn Basson is the surprise omission from the Springboks’ pre-season planning camp.

Nili Latu and Taniela Moa appear to have burned their bridges as far as making Tonga’s Rugby World Cup squad is concerned.

The absence of Rupeni Caucaunibuca, Isa Nacewa and Filimoni Delasau will not affect Fiji’s Rugby World Cup squad, says assistant coach Shannon Fraser.

Fiji wing Rupeni Caucaunibuca has made himself unavailable for Rugby World Cup selection, as he wants to remain in France with his family.

Former New Zealand Maori, Crusaders and Hurricanes No 8 Thomas Waldrom could be on the verge of being included in England’s Rugby World Cup squad, after being named the Rugby Players’ Association Player of the Year.

It seems there is very little the International Rugby Board can do to help Fiji in its battle against the political sanctions which are threatening to impact the make-up of its Rugby World Cup squad, as it is a matter which falls outside its jurisdiction.

The Millennium Stadium will host matches at the 2015 Rugby World Cup.